In February of 2009, singer/songwriter Jesse LaMonaca was about to play a solo set at a club in downtown San Diego. Before going on, he invited the house band to join him on stage for a song…. Otis Redding's " Dock of the Bay". They did and they haven't stopped playing together since.
In June of 2010, Jesse LaMonaca and The Dime Novels released their debut album, "Until The Stars Came Out", showcasing their unique Americana soul sound in a powerful collection of songwriting, melody and performance that was nominated for Best Americana Album for the 2010 San Diego Music Awards.
In November of 2010, Jesse traveled Down Under for the first time on "The Left Coast Sunshine Tour…. a solo journey to Australia.
The idea of Jesse going on a solo tour to Australia had been floating around for some time and, at a Sunday afternoon BBQ last August with some Aussie friends, this idea suddenly got a heartbeat. In just six short weeks, all the pieces fell into place and a solo tour took shape…..10 shows in Sydney, Fremantle, Margaret River and Melbourne.
"You have to go on the journey to tell your story."
These words became the theme of the tour; a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for an unsigned artist to share his music on the other side of the world. Family, friends, fans and 11 sponsors made this tour possible, reaching out with an incredible amount of support and generosity and helping Jesse with everything from booking shows, places to sleep; even the round-trip plane ticket from Los Angeles to Sydney.
Using a Canon T2i, an out-stretched arm and the helping hands of friends, Jesse documented the tour, and then spent months editing the footage with Aaron Browning at Flicker Fusion Video. The story is told in three short episodes, with a bonus video of a live performance by JL and The DN at Lost Ark Studio recording a song that Jesse wrote while on the tour, a song called "Other Side Of The World".
Watch "The Left Coast Sunshine Tour- a solo journey to Australia"
JL and The DN are currently working on their new album at Lost Ark Studio in San Diego, California. They will be recording throughout the summer and plan to release the yet-to be-titled album this fall. The much anticipated follow-up to their SDMA nominated debut album "Until The Stars Came Out" will feature new favorites like "Maggie Don't You Run," "The Well Has Run Dry," and "Cryin' Over You."
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