For Diego, creator of Loud in LA, it started by going to shows with friends and bringing a camera along for the ride. Less than a year later, he’s photographing bands, conducting interviews, promoting artists, organizing shows, and creating opportunities for musicians throughout Los Angeles, CA What began as a passion project quickly evolved, and it’s snowballing. Keep reading to learn more about Loud in LA.
Watch the full interview below:
One Camera, One Show, and a Big Idea
Diego’s journey into music media wasn’t carefully planned.
After attending local shows with friends, Thing of Twins, and helping out with gear, merch, and whatever else was needed, he began taking photos at concerts. Shortly after, other bands started asking him to shoot their sets.
At first, he considered himself an amateur photographer. He wasn’t charging for photos and was still learning how to work with lighting, positioning, and live music environments, but with every show, he improved.
The turning point was when he realized a year ago, there wasn’t a single place where fans could quickly discover local bands, learn who they were, and get a snapshot of their live performance and sound. That gap inspired him to create Loud in LA.
Fun fact: the name “Loud in LA” was chosen just an hour before the project’s first show after a quick vote among friends. Diego created the Instagram account and logo on the spot using Canva.
Learning By Doing
One of the most relatable parts of Diego’s story is how he keeps it 100% real about being new to many aspects of the industry. He admits that his earliest photos weren’t great and that every show became a learning experience. Instead of waiting until he felt “ready,” he kept showing up, improving one event at a time.
His advice for anyone interested in documenting music? Start now.
You don’t need expensive gear or years of experience. Diego encourages aspiring photographers and creators to pick up a phone, get out to shows, and begin learning through practice.
More Than Photography
Today, Loud in LA is evolving beyond photography and band features.
Diego has started conducting interviews, helping bands promote new releases, assisting with event promotion, and even organizing his own shows. His goal is to actively contribute to the local music scene.
Rather than becoming a promoter focused solely on filling venues, he wants to create meaningful opportunities for artists and help connect musicians with one another.
If two bands meet through Loud in LA and eventually tour together or collaborate, Diego considers that a success.
As I put it, he’s like “the glue” that helps bring people together.
Supporting Artists Instead of Critiquing Them
One thing that stands out about Loud in LA is Diego’s philosophy toward music coverage.
He’s not interested in tearing bands down. He’s not there to shit on anyone and we respect that.
Having played in a band himself years ago, he understands the vulnerability that comes with stepping on stage. He knows how much work musicians put into rehearsals, songwriting, and performances. Due to that, he focuses on highlighting artists rather than criticizing them.
For Diego, music media should help artists grow and gain exposure instead of discouraging them.
That positive approach has helped him build strong relationships throughout the scene and made Loud in LA a trusted presence at local shows.
Building Toward the Future
While Loud in LA hasn’t even reached its first anniversary, Diego already has ambitious plans.
He’s expanding into interviews, continuing to organize events, launching Loud in LA Fest, and developing future content for YouTube and TikTok.
Diego’s focused on creating a recognizable Loud in LA experience, where artists and fans know they’ll find genuine support, community, and opportunities to connect.
For someone who started with a single camera and an idea, that’s an impressive foundation.
If the past year is any indication, Loud in LA is only getting louder.
TLDR with Loud in LA’s Diego
How long has Loud in LA been around?
Less than a year. The project officially began after Diego started attending local shows and documenting bands.
What inspired Loud in LA?
A desire to create a platform where fans could discover local bands and get a snapshot of who they are and how they perform live.
What’s next?
Interviews, show promotion, Loud in LA Fest from July 10-12, and continued support for Southern California’s independent music scene.
Follow Loud in LA
📸 Instagram: @loudinla and @loudinlafest
About C² (Christy + Chris)
Concert lovers turned creators. Highlighting creators, bands, stories, sounds, and places you need to know.
Disarray Magazine is an independent media platform established in 2009, spotlighting punk, hardcore, alternative culture, live music, food, nightlife, and the chaos in between. Created by journalist Christy Buena, C² exists to document the bands, people, and moments shaping the scene.
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