In the ever-evolving landscape of Los Angeles, few venues have managed to carve such a distinctive niche in the cultural consciousness as The Satellite, previously known as Spaceland. This iconic nightclub, located in the vibrant neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park, served as a sanctuary for music lovers and a launching pad for burgeoning talents. Once graced by performances from the likes of Lady Gaga and the Foo Fighters, The Satellite not only hosted live music but also created intimate connections among artists, fans, and the local community. However, as with many cultural spaces, its closure in 2020 due to the pandemic has led to a palpable void, prompting introspection about the venues that have shaped the city’s music scene.
In a bid to encapsulate the essence of The Satellite and the cultural shifts associated with its closure, band member Ben Golomb of Modern Time Machines devised an intricate video project. Driven by a profound sense of nostalgia and a mission to honor the beloved venue, Golomb committed to sourcing archival photographs and footage to craft a visual narrative. “I’m an LA native,” Golomb mentions, “it always puts a smile on my face to discover before/after images of familiar, local haunts in my hometown.” His endeavor resembles an emotional excavation, akin to unearthing cherished mementos that carry stories of a bygone era.
The initial inspiration sparked during late 2019, a poignant time marked by the imminent closure of iconic local spots like Amoeba Music. Golomb recognized the urgency to document these beloved venues before they faded from memory. “I had to quickly jump into action to film sequences for the video, making repeated trips to locations right as they were in the process of being razed,” he explained. This urgency underscored the fleeting nature of cultural landmarks and the importance of remembering them through art.
The project not only highlights the loss but also embraces the concept of time travel—a fitting metaphor for both Golomb’s love for vintage aesthetics and the band’s name itself. The meticulous effort put into the video, along with the practical effects used to create time progression shots, transformed it into a labor of love. Golomb mentions that reusing footage from as far back as 2014 with a DeLorean further connected the past and present, unintentionally intertwining a decade of his creative journey into the final product.
Becoming a local historian as he researched The Satellite’s past, Golomb delved into its rich history that predates its identity as a nightclub. Once a restaurant in the 1950s, it had various incarnations before emerging as a music venue. The emotional resonance of the venue’s closure is echoed by many in the local music community who liken The Satellite to “Cheers”—a home away from home. “Most local folks I know still get a tad emotional when driving by the closed-down, boarded-up version of what it once was,” he stated, capturing both the nostalgia and the community’s sorrow in the wake of change.
The accompanying music for the video, “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand),” serves as the heart of this project, thematically weaving through the notions of memory and the ephemerality of existence. Collaboratively produced with fellow band members and friends, the composition invites listeners into a reflective space, contemplating loss and the passage of time. This musical homage perfectly dovetails with the visual memories, solidifying the narrative of longing and remembrance.
Moreover, featuring local talents and familiar faces in the video enhances the authenticity of this homage. Their involvement adds depth to the storytelling, showcasing the intertwined fates of the artists and the venues that fostered their growth. As the footage captures the spirit of a place that was fundamental to the local music scene, it reignites cherished memories—timeless moments that resonate even through the distance of absence.
In a world where change is constant and cultural landmarks can fade into obscurity, projects like this remind us of the power of community and the importance of preserving our shared histories. The Satellite may have closed its doors, but through the diligent efforts of artists like Ben Golomb and Modern Time Machines, its spirit endures—captured forever in video and song. This creative tribute not only honors the past but also invites future generations to recognize and appreciate the vibrant legacy of Los Angeles’ nightlife.
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