Since 1998, The Smell has been a community-oriented art and music space open to people of all ages who are interested in participating in and supporting an environment of creativity and artistic innovation and freedom.
Throughout its more than 25 year history, The Smell has been dedicated to the principle of D.I.Y. We are completely not-for-profit and volunteer-run. The community of individuals who call The Smell their home, whether it be the musicians who play here, the artists whose work hangs on our walls, or the dedicated supporters who attend our events week in and week out, are the same individuals who book the shows, run the front door, provide quality sound engineering services, staff the vegan snack bar, and help with cleaning and general upkeep.
In the interest of these principles, and in keeping with our commitment to creating and maintaining a space that is dedicated first and foremost to the art and the music, and to complete artistic freedom and innovation, The Smell is open to people of all ages and is alcohol free. We are also dedicated to keeping our events affordable, and most of our events are a low $5-$15 admission.
We appreciate your continued support and participation, and hope that you will continue to consider The Smell your home and to provide your invaluable input to our community.
As a celebration of 19 years in downtown LA in 2017, The Smell’s virtual reality tour was released on YouTube!
Directed by Smell alumni Gil Kenan (Monster House, Poltergeist) and Vice Cooler (Feist/ Mastodon’s html5 video and Deerhoof’s “Exit Only” with Michael Shannon) in collaboration with Butcher Bird Studios, this video was made by generations of the venues volunteers with the intent of capturing and preserving the venue as it truly is - direct, raw and inspiring. Additionally this piece was shot with a custom 360 video camera rig, built from Lumix GH4s.
Experience the downtown all ages club in this groundbreaking 360 degree video, with performances by Alpha MC + VerBS, David Scott Stone, Celebrity Crush, Clit Kat, and No Age. The tour takes us through the legendary LA venue, creating an environmental snapshot of a scene, its artists, and the music at the center of it all.
FAQs
Have a question that’s not answered here?
Email thesmellinfo@gmail.com and we will reply to you as soon as we can!
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Bands and promoters can email The Smell for booking at thesmellbooking@gmail.com
To be considered for booking, please let us know what The Smell and/or the local scene means to you.
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No alcohol or drugs of any kind are allowed at The Smell as an all ages venue.
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Not indoors. Please smoke outside in the alley away from the entrance.
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Don’t worry! This means that your order was received. Once you arrive at The Smell for the show, let the door attendants know that you purchased online and give them your name. You will then receive your entry wristband!
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The Smell has a vegan snack bar as well as water, tea, and coffee ranging from $1-$2
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There are two pay parking lots on either side of The Smell, as well as a parking garage across the alley. For your safety, please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.