Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” On Friday August 29, 2025, after a long week of arduous work and doing things not related to music photography, I needed to get out of the house and find something new and different to see and watch and hear and capture moments of musicians with my camera since I was itching so bad to get out and shoot. My life on that day could have been a mistake and a total disaster if it wasn’t for the fact that there were these three musicians who happened to be performing on this night at a music venue near me called Harvard & Stone. And the best part is, I have been wanting to see each one of them for quite some time since I followed them on Instagram and I wanted to see their musicianship on stage. And just so you know, they all performed above and beyond my expectations. These 3 artists (along with their bandmates) are true to their art and their craft.
Written by Don Marcelo
The 3 artists I’m talking about are POP CAUTIOUS, WENDY WANG, and SOPHIE KAISER. Although there was another artist on this bill, life got in the way once again and I had to leave after Pop Cautious’ set was done.
I had a chance to talk to these artists and I asked them to briefly tell me a little bit about themselves as an artist and their music. Let’s work our way backwards starting from the last performer I saw to the first one.
POP CAUTIOUS:
Pop Cautious is the indie rock project led by Tyler Porterfield, founder of Pop Cautious Records. Tyler has been in the LA Music scene for quite some time and has been, and still is, a performer and a label owner. He recently ventured out and launched his work as a promoter and is now booking shows at venues like Harvard & Stone. Tyler has worked at other popular venues such as The Whisky A Go Go and Hotel Cafe. Pop Cautious just released a new single called “Smilodon” which they performed on this night. Pop Cautious is also currently working on their debut full-length LP. Check out this dynamic and progressive Indie Rock Band who likes to think out of the box when it comes to creating music and writing songs. I mean, after all, there’s even a trumpet player in his Indie Rock Band. How cool is that?
Also, Tyler is curating compilation albums and has shows coming up in September 2025 and beyond both as a performer and promoter.
Pop Cautious consists of the following amazing artists:
- Tyler Porterfield – Lead Vocals/Singer and Guitar
- Jack Kleinman – Bass
- Joel Schnaper – Trumpet
- Press Kampe – Drums
- Ini Dminstrel Uko – Keyboard
Pop Cautious links
WENDY WANG:
Wendy Wang caught my attention sometime in 2024 on Instagram and instantly became fascinated about this artist. A Chinese American with with a few body art imprinted everywhere on her skin portraying a rebel but with a cause…and that cause is her mission to spread goodness and love through her warm and ethereal music and thought provoking and profound lyrics .
On this night, Wendy showcased the release of her debut album. The house of Harvard & Stone was packed during her set. Friends and family from all over came out to support Wendy and the release of her debut album. Wendy said, “Forever High, my debut album, is about the craving to stay endlessly high—whether through drugs, love, or pure imagination. It’s my escape from reality, from heartbreak, and from the weight of mental struggles. This project dives deep into the darkest lows and rises to the most euphoric highs.” Her performance on this night was truly exciting to watch and hear. Her stage presence is dynamic and fearless, one moment she’s standing and singing and strumming this massive acoustic guitar, next moment she’s on her knees belting out high notes like a banshee wanting to be heard. Truly remarkable. I had the honor and privilege to have been there and captured moments of her epic performance. And to quote Wendy, “I had so much fun…my biggest crowd ever ahhh.”
Wendy Wang is supported by her amazing band that consists of the following great artists:
- Ivan – Lead Guitar
- Riley Conway – Drums
- Esther – Bass
- And of course Wendy Wang – Lead Singer/Vocalist and Rhythm Guitar.
Wendy Wang links
SOPHIE KAISER
Although I have known and met Sophie several times in the past because of her best friend Zoe Jade, whom I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her Live Set several times in the past, including her very first performance at The World Famous Whisky A Go Go, I have never seen Sophie perform live on stage nor have I heard her style of music. Thinking that her style would be the same as her friend Zoe Jade’s style, wild and often unpredictable on stage with her energizer-bunny presence that speaks hard and loud and fierce where her guitar straps would often break, I was completely wrong. Sophie is more subdued. A lot more subdued. The total opposite of her best friend. A true Ying and Yang. Where Zoe has that hard rock fierce and angry rock voice which I love of course, Sophie has more of a soft melodic voice like an angel that just melts in your ears when she sings, as if she is serenading you. Almost like a Sarah Mclachlan style of singing.
On this night Sophie also released her new single called “Tether” which is out now on all your streaming platforms. Check out Sophie Kaiser and give her a follow on all her socials.
Sophie Kaiser is supported by the wonderful talents of her bandmates:
- Ilan – Guitar
- Jacob Cole – Bass
- Anthony Mosca – Drums
- And of course Sophie Kaiser on Lead Vocals/Singer and Rhythm Guitar
Sophie Kaiser links
Overall, it was a great Friday evening where music was alive and well and that kickstarted my energy for the rest of the weekend. Follow all the artists mentioned above on all their socials for more great music
Photography by Don Marcelo Photography 2025
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