The Sounds Of Los Angeles

Kommunity FK was one of the first, and definitely the most talented of what became known as the "goth rock" movement that swept Los Angeles in the early 80's. Their lead singer, Patrick Mata, besides having an incredible voice and range, was also a bit of a cult figure in town for many years. He and I got off on the wrong foot at the beginning (he was 2 hours late for a show that my band was the closing act, and so just when we started our set, he basically kicked us off stage), but as the years went by we became friends.

I don't know why this band never rose above their mid level recognition, but they should of. To put his music in a historical perspective, Patrick started this band in 1978. The top hits of that year were "Staying Alive"-the Bee Gees and "You Light Up My Life-Debby Boone. Patrick was way ahead of his time, the term "goth rock" had yet to be invented.

This clip is from a reformed version of Kommunity FK, with Patrick Mata, performing in 1997. The song is "Something Inside Me Has Died", their first underground "hit".

Yea, the gothy shtick may look dated now, but beyond that, Patrick was/is a great songwriter and performer. Wherever you are Patrick, here's to you!

Kommunity FK