Elegant Trash - Building a Community
Interview By: Patricia Rodriguez
Things began to change for Elegant Trash in the Spring of 2023. After various lineups through the years, Lee Austin Hoffman has finally connected with his current musical partners. Jesse Dienner, Mark Peña, and Craig Campbell, along with Lee’s wife Nathalie Hoffman, comprise the new version of Elegant Trash.
With an upcoming residency at the East Bay’s Ivy Room starting this month, a new double album set for release, and Lee’s pet project Solar Van Saturdays still going strong twice a month, they look unstoppable.
“Our new double album is one of the best albums I’ve ever made and I have released 16 albums since I came to California,” says lead vocalist Lee. “I get so pumped up listening to all the songs on it because the chemistry in our current lineup is so amazing”. ”We actually knocked out 12 songs in the studio in one day” adds guitarist/bassist/soundman Craig. Lee continued, “After listening to the finished album, Jesse said to me “I guess we’re the Beatles now”. “This album is all killer, no filler and I feel like we have the potential to keep cranking out great songs too”. All the band members write and the flow of new material is plentiful. “I often write 4 songs in a day and Jesse has a bunch of songs too,” says Craig. “Helping write and arrange the songs for our new album, then working on them together, has been fluid and fun,” says guitarist/bassist/vocalist Jesse.
As for the Ivy Room residency (also known as Bang the Bay – Every First Wednesday) which begins on December 6th, drummer/vocalist Mark sums it up best; “this residency is a testament to Lee’s drive and perseverance as a performer and, more importantly, as a supporter and advocate of the local music scene”.
Lee, who is an extremely hard-working musician as well as the owner of Hella Rad Hair Salon and the father of twin toddlers, who is constantly seeking creative ways to produce shows and enrich the music community. It was his idea to start an early evening, affordable, multi-act show at one of the most beloved small venues in the East Bay. Fortunately, the Ivy Room liked the idea and decided to give Lee a shot. “For me, the Ivy Room residency is a remarkable privilege,” says Mark. Lee agrees. “I feel blessed to have a residency at one of the best venues in the Bay Area. The owner and the whole staff are complete sweethearts and it feels great to support them”. Lee’s wife Nathalie, vocalist/accordionist/merch Goddess and badass Mom agrees. “I love the idea of evening shows on a weekday. Now, people with families have the opportunity to enjoy our shows at the Ivy Room and still manage their busy schedules”
The ever popular Solar Van Saturdays shows on the beach in Berkeley, which run strictly on donations, have showcased over 200 local and touring bands since its inception 2 years ago. “One of the coolest things about Solar Van Saturdays is that it provides an incredible platform for independent bands to perform before our local community,” says Mark. “Solar Van Saturdays is one of the world’s great equalizers – it brings music to the people for free! I think of Lee and Bang the Bay as the Bill Graham and the Bill Graham Presents of the new generation” explains Jesse. “Plus, we have multiple opportunities to learn and perform out there and we get better each time we play together,” says Craig. “It has been my most rewarding experience,” adds Lee. “Providing live music from my favorite bands on the beach for everyone to enjoy and bringing people together from all walks of life, I truly believe, is the best form of community service there is. It’s a magical experience”.
