Amoeba Music's "What's In My Bag?" Video Series
"What's In My Bag?" is Amoeba Music's long-running weekly video series on YouTube featuring musicians, composers, actors, filmmakers, and other artists going shopping at our record stores in Hollywood, San Francisco, and Berkeley, CA.
One of the things we love most about the series is getting to see and hear what our favorite artists are passionate about and the music discovery that comes from those recommendations. "What's In My Bag?" caught the eye (and ear) of The Washington Post, which published an article about the series in January 2023 talking about the power of humans sharing music with one other in the age of the algorithm.
In April 2023, we posted our 800th episode with the one-and-only Seal! Throughout the year we were privileged to take a peek inside the musical hearts and minds of Built To Spill, Hannibal Buress, Santigold, Rufus Wainwright, Alvvays and so many more. We just kicked off our 17th season in January 2024 with episodes from Wolfgang Van Halen and Dogstar, featuring bass player and, yes, actor Keanu Reeves.
Below are some of our recent favorite episodes. Check out our full collection of 830+ episodes on our YouTube channel or view the gallery on Amoeba.com.
Danny Elfman
Our most viewed episode of 2023 was a truly special one. When Danny Elfman visited Amoeba Hollywood, the iconic film composer, singer & songwriter took us on a journey through his creative and musical influences. Starting with The Beatles' string arrangements, moving on to Igor Stravinsky, Prokoviev & Kurt Weill, recounting how Madness and XTC made him want to start a band, and ending with David Bowie and Nine Inch Nails, Danny Elfman walked us through the landmark musical moments of his life.
"Not only did he show off his picks but he broke them all down with how they all connect back to him. Seriously amazing." - @Funkyfanfare-py4uh
"This is possibly the best What’s in my Bag ever done. His passion is so palpable and contagious. Hats off to the video editing too. Brilliant job." - @hammerman2006
"It’s so cool hearing where he got his influences from - and when you hear his music, you can pick up so much. What an amazing talent Danny is." - @synister281
"This dude is so freakin cool. Fantastic picks and the stories behind them are wonderful. Guy is a legend....plain and simple. He didn't learn how to play his first instrument until he was 18!? Did I hear that correctly? If so, I love Danny even more. Truly inspirational stuff!" - @schmidt640
Seal
Our 800th episode featured the British singer/songwriter Seal talking about being influenced by CSNY, Marvin Gaye's exquisite tone, what separated Alice in Chains from other bands in the grunge era, and the album that had the most profound impact on his life. Seal's passion for music was immediately evident through his choices and how he described each one.
"A true music nerd. Love the way he speaks with such eloquence about the music that he loves and is inspired by. Such passion and knowledge." - @chantoya17
But what also struck people was that Seal was an Alice in Chains fan:
"Seal being a diehard Alice in Chains fan is literally the coolest thing ever." - @Thyst
"Hearing Seal talk about Alice In Chains was everything I needed today." - @wiseguy100
"When you write a song as good as 'Kiss From A Rose' you’re already a legend, but his love for AIC really seals the deal. Great video!" - @RockFeed
Dave Lombardo
For hard rock and metal fans, there are few drummers with as much impact as Dave Lombardo, the drummer for Slayer, Mr. Bungle, Misfits & more. It was a true pleasure to get to talk with Dave at Amoeba Hollywood about being inspired by early Pink Floyd, how punk music fueled Slayer's evolution, and one of his favorite 20th century composers.
"As if I didn’t love and admire the man enough, now it’s amplified. Such an open minded musician with a wide range of taste in music. Dave is such a talented man and a great dude." -- @tmex9588
"One of the most influential drummers of his era. Dave Lombardo is king of kings." -- @Rottedhead666
DOMi & JD Beck
The virtuosic jazz duo DOMi & JD Beck are one of the most talked-about new artists today who have already earned a GRAMMY nomination for their debut album. They went record shopping at Amoeba Hollywood before playing Coachella and blew everyone away with their taste and depth of knowledge, which is especially notable for how relatively young they are. How many other twenty-somethings can say their favorite artists are Deerhoof, Weather Report, McCoy Tyner, Led Zeppelin, and Keith Jarrett?
"Wow this is one of the best what's in my bag I've seen. Absolutely love their choices, and it's pretty cool to see the diversity of what they're into beyond jazz. Look forward to future albums." - @SirCommoner
"How did I just learn so much new old music from these kids???????? Mad respect." - @MariellaThayn
"Pretty incredible to see how down to earth and in touch these two are. It's surprising to hear what inspires them, and has just added a touch of humanity to what has otherwise always seemed other-worldly." - @berezy9931
Rick Springfield
We are fortunate to talk with a lot of musicians in this series, but when Rick Springfield visited we were all a little awestruck. The GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author went shopping at Amoeba Hollywood and talked about being inspired by David Bowie & T. Rex, some of his favorite Aussie bands, and the English guitarist who influenced how the tremolo arm was used. Rick Springfield is also a huge Beatles collector and told us the story behind an incredibly rare Beatles record in his collection.
"His background stories on each of the albums in his bag proves he's more than just a pop singer from the 80's. He's a rocker period!" - @notofthisworld65
"I love hearing his passion for all music. His geeky heart shows with the way he appreciates the contributions of so many varied artists. Thanks for this showcase of awesome music through Rick's eyes. Rick is an awesome performer, writer, actor and all around great artist!" - @beckyj-g3752
Meshell Ndegeocello
Multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello went shopping at Amoeba Hollywood for some of her favorite albums by Neil Young, Outkast, Flying Lotus, Jeff Buckley & Archie Shepp, and recommends a film for existential crises or self-absorbed young people. Along the way, she shares her deep musical knowledge and drops some wisdom ("We're all in some sort of ship -- friendship, relationship -- you just gotta make sure it doesn't sink.").
"This was an absolute joy and treat. I ADORE Meshell Ndegeocello. What I wouldn’t give to have a long lunch with her, just shooting the breeze. Thank you so much for this, Amoeba!" - @markcunningham6936
"She got tears in her eyes when pulling Jeff Buckley's album out! She is just AMAZING WOMAN! THANK YOU Meshell! LOVE!" - @pacofernandez4591
"I’ve watched this entire series and this is my favorite episode. I love this woman. She has many great albums, but if you have not heard Ventriloquism go listen to it right now. She is a true genius and so humble." - @IrnBruNYC
Knocked Loose
Bryan Garris, the vocalist for hardcore band Knocked Loose, went shopping at Amoeba Hollywood and talked about fellow Kentucky artist Tyler Childers, hardcore straight edge band JUDGE, the difficulty of writing simple lyrics, and music that provokes an extreme emotion. This was an episode that highlighted the difference between an artist's music and on-stage energy versus their personality off-stage. Commenters put it this way:
"He's so chill and cool, while having one of the most psychologically devastating records in hardcore under his belt. That's neat." - @darkcheaker
"Bryan Garris: Singing the most piercing vocal chords ever in a history of hardcore bands that makes the crowd goes nuts. Also Bryan Garris: Looks like my dad wearing knitwear cardigan while shopping CDs. I love this dude." - @Bilsuburbians
Black Country, New Road
English art rock band Black Country, New Road went on an impressive and eclectic dig at Amoeba Hollywood, picking up folk, jazz, rock, classical, prog, world music and more. It was clear to fans that the eclecticism in the band's music comes from the diversity of their personal tastes in music.
"This is why this band is so good. They bring together all these disparate influences and tastes, and they all seem to really enjoy each other." - @trapezoidmon
"I absolutely adore them. all of their interests were on full display with this too, which is a nice window into the music they make." - @dillpi8866
"This episode truly is the finest of british engineering." - @josemaria8177
Greta Van Fleet
When the rock band Greta Van Fleet goes record shopping at Amoeba Hollywood, it naturally causes a stir. The band visited us just before their third album, Starcatcher, was released and talked with us about some of their favorite music by Joni Mitchell, John Lee Hooker, Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Smith, Buffalo Springfield & lots more.
"Melanie, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Fairport Convention, Hendrix?!?!? Thought I couldn’t love these guys any more than I already did but here we are." - @lillybisset1645
"This sure took me back to the 60s and 70s when I grew up! This is why Greta Van Fleet felt like going home again, and their new music still does! I love their deep intelligence and appreciation for the music itself." - @gayle8153
black midi
The experimental English rock band explored nearly every corner of Amoeba San Francisco, picking up an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, Argentine tango, classical, soul, and country records. Viewers appreciated the band's deep musical choices, leaving comments like "Amazing. They take the term 'music nerd' to a different level. To have that much knowledge and appreciation of all those artists. You see why they are so great." - @bradmoxon1061
Fans also noted how their off-stage demeaner compared to their on-stage presence:
"It’s so jarring to see Geordie geeking out about music like a nervous kid when you think about his stage presence lol. Love him!" - @alexgdsu7785
"Morgan is quite possibly the greatest drummer on the planet as well as being an overall chill as hell guy." - @bevloy7517
Wolfgang Van Halen
Our first episode of 2024 was with none other than Wolfgang Van Halen. Born to rock royalty, Wolf began his musical career as a drummer, eventually learning guitar and bass, and ultimately took over bass duties in Van Halen for several years. He has recently released two albums of original music under the name Mammoth WVH, playing all the instruments on the albums himself. An ardent music fan, Wolf's musical knowledge and passion for record collecting was immediately evident from his first pick.
"Wolfie seems like an incredibly sweet and sensitive soul, who also has impeccable reasons for loving the music that he chooses." -- @saintsataniko2116
"So much talent, but so down to earth. Love this guy. Also, describing Meshuggah as 'dinosaurs fighting' might be the best description of the band I have ever heard. Especially while 'I Am That Thirst' is playing in the background." -- @hauntedhotdog
Dogstar
Most people know Keanu Reeves from his acting career, but in 2023 he got back together with his old band Dogstar and they released their first new album in 20 years. We had the chance to speak to Bret Domrose, Rob Mailhouse & Keanu Reeves before they performed at Amoeba Hollywood and they gave us a glimpse into some of the artists who influenced them the most, including Squeeze, Tom Petty, Lenny Bruce & lots more.
"Keanu is like a golden retriever in this. He really loves music." -- @omerbakrac
"One of the best episodes I've seen. Really cool picks from all the Dogstar guys." -- @scottnixon9367
"I absolutely LOVE this channel. I have found SO many amazing bands I would have NEVER heard of if it wasn't for the personal choices of these amazing artists. The whole 'word of mouth' thing is a goldmine." -- @mattwood
Sleater-Kinney
Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker from indie rock band Sleater-Kinney went record shopping at Amoeba Hollywood for albums by fellow Pacific Northwest bands Dead Moon and Heatmiser, plus classics from Whitney Houston and Bad Brains. Friends and bandmates for years, the duo had us all laughing while they discussed the merits of The Replacements' new Tim: Let It Bleed Edition, debated which Dead Moon song is their most well known, and recounted stories of being young music fans.
"The bit where Corin tells Carrie that her "Tim" LP was remixed is priceless." - @SirHatchporch
"I wanted another 3 hours of this." - @biffhaus
