Topanga

Story of recording 'Think Of Others' from Vincent & The Memories
Los Angeles, Topanga, California, U.S.A. | September 2025

In January 2025, while sitting at the edge of a swimming pool in Morocco, Germaine Dunes called me to share the story of her evacuation from the expanding Palisades fires, which had reached Topanga Canyon, the region where she and her spouse, Buck Meek, live. With the car packed with their dog, some essentials, and a few guitars, they were unsure if they would ever see their beloved log cabin again, as the surrounding hills were being consumed by the rapidly spreading fire.

Assuming all would be fine, I fantasised about visiting Topanga and recording some music later in the year. Fortunately, by chance, Topanga was saved from the fires at the last minute, and the canyon survived. The local community has been gradually continuing life as best as possible, but the imminent danger of fire remains tangible, since the cause of the fire is intrinsically linked to the very beauty of the landscape: its nature. Topanga State Park is one of the largest wildland parks within Los Angeles city limits, offering many miles of hiking trails, wildlife, and scenic views. All fine and dandy, we planned a visit and made a plan to record the songs that still had to be written.

Topanga itself has long been a haven for artists, musicians, writers, and others seeking a laid-back, creative environment. It has a reputation for being counter-cultural, with a strong sense of individuality and connection to nature. My all-time favourite artist, Neil Young, lived here in the late 1960s, writing the albums After the Gold Rush and Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere.

In September 2025, we planned recordings at Rob Shelton's Altamira Sound, a studio in Alhambra, Los Angeles, and at the Ringo Bingo Recording Studio at the log cabin in Topanga. Over five recording days, we used vintage analogue equipment to lay the foundation for the Think of Others EP.

The release date for Think of Others will be in late 2025 on music platforms.

Vincent & The Memories, as a band, consists of a variety of band members depending on location and project. This setup allows musicians to connect and play in the moment without any strings attached. Over time, the list of “The Memories” will hopefully grow, creating unique musical moments both live and on recording projects.