L.A. Witch speak about DOGGOD, their third album recorded in Paris and released April 4, 2025 via Suicide Squeeze

Transmission 184: Interview with L.A. Witch

L.A. Witch is a garage-rock trio from Los Angeles, formed in 2011 by Sade Sanchez (guitar, vocals) and Irita Pai (bass), with Ellie English later joining on drums. Emerging from Southern California’s underground circuits, the band developed a slow, narcotic sound rooted in lo-fi blues, acid psych, and stripped-back punk minimalism.

Title: DOGGOD
Artist: L.A. Witch
Genres: Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Label: Suicide Squeeze
Description: Interview with L.A. Witch on DOGGOD, Giallo cinema, recording in Paris, and memories of the Echo Park underground scene.

Their third album DOGGOD was released on April 4, 2025, via Suicide Squeeze. Recorded in Paris at Motorbass Studio, the record shifts both location and tone, introducing broader arrangements and a colder, more spacious production without abandoning the tension and repetition that underpin their earlier work. The band’s next North American tour begins on April 19, 2025, in Sacramento and continues through late June, with support from DAIISTAR and Chokecherry on selected dates.

Featured image by Marco Hernandez

What kind of music surrounded you growing up? 

ELLIE: My dad plays in a lot of bands so I grew up with a lot of live music. Mostly rock, art rock or prog rock and blues. My mom is a huge Beatles fan so I listened to them as well. The Help album was on constant rotation in the minivan.

What first pulled you toward making music?

ELLIE: For me I’d say my dad and old sister playing in bands was a big influence.

What do you remember about the early days of playing together?

ELLIE: I loved our old rehearsal space at Bedrock Studios in Echo Park. A lot of bands used to rehearse there and it was fun running into friends. The parking lot was crazy and you’d have to leave your phone number on the windshield because everyone would have to block everyone in. No one would ever hear their phone ring because the music was so loud, haha. It was a funny time. They are closed now, RIP.

How did the early Southern California scene feel to you at the time?

IRITA: I was living in Echo Park at the time. There were so many musicians and bands that all the venues there had residency nights on Mondays. You could go see a great show for free, go support your friends’ shows, it wasn’t about money or selling tickets. It was a great community of creatives and we met so many great people that we’re still friends with to this day. Really cool to see everyone go from playing free house shows to headlining tours.

How did the Paris recording environment affect the creative atmosphere? Were there any challenges or surprises that came with working outside of your usual setting?

IRITA: Being away from the distractions at home really forced us to focus on the album. It was hard for me not to have my support system there and it was hard to get in touch because of the time difference. But we relied on each other and I think we learned a lot in the process. You can’t help but be inspired in Paris, it’s truly one of the most beautiful and macabre cities in the world.

Were there any specific influences—whether musical, cultural, or personal—that shaped DOGGOD in ways you hadn’t expected?

IRITA: I know Giallo movies have been a big inspiration on this specific album – Ellie watched Suspiria for the first time and she usually never watches scary movies, so I was really proud of her. And just being in Paris, surrounded by gothic architecture and beaux arts cemeteries. It felt like the setting of a movie we were writing the soundtrack to.

What’s already in motion after DOGGOD—are you planning more tours, recordings, or collaborations?

IRITA: After a month-long US tour, we’ll be heading to Europe in the Fall. And as always, keep making music and getting inspired by all the places we’ll be going.

Photos courtesy of L.A. Witch

Matteo Damiani

Matteo Damiani is an Italian photographer and author. Curator of the sites Retrofuturista.com; weirditaly.com; china-underground.com and others