Best of L.A. 2024: Meet Allison Hagendorf

“I like to celebrate the ordinary within the extraordinary, the human behind the art and the stories behind the music,” shares Allison Hagendorf, former global head of rock for Spotify, about her popular YouTube program, The Allison Hagendorf Show. She asks the tough questions but she also serves as somewhat of a therapist and a "rock whisperer" too, providing a haven for artists to share their truth.

Just in its second season, the show has already boasted big names like Ringo Starr, Nile Rodgers, Paul Stanley of Kiss, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, Motley Crue, Incubus and more. Her conversations have already created some water cooler moments too, such as her chat with Sambora who spoke out the Bon Jovi documentary, Thank You: Good Night: The Bon Jovi Story , soon after it aired. Her sit down with "living legend" Starr is also a must-see.

For Los Angeles' Best of L.A. 2024 "Meet the Maker" series, we spoke with the music expert about the show and her favorite L.A. things.

You've had quite a season with Richie Sambora and all those scoops and Ringo Starr. Did you expect Richie to get that candid?

I knew that he was only going to do one interview, and I was very fortunate that he chose to do it with me. I knew that we were going to do a deep dive, and I'm so grateful that he felt comfortable enough to open up. It was as real as it gets. He wanted an opportunity to tell his side of the story.

As a tastemaker in L.A., what new bands do you recommend?

Artist discovery has always been my passion, and there are a lot of amazing bands out of L.A. right now: Return to Dust ; Liily ; Scowl ; Dead Poet Society ; Fever 333 ; Militaire Gun .

Favorite clubs?

I still love the spirit of the Sunset Strip: The Viper Room , the Roxy and the Troubadour , The Hollywood Bowl is a gift. And the Forum is always amazing.

As a former East Coaster, where is a good place to acclimate to L.A.?

West Hollywood, to me, was the greatest transition from New York. That’s where you get the electricity. I can just walk to the Roxy and grab some food at Night [+] Market . We used to love going to Catch ; I would always bring bands there. If I’m going Downtown: Bestia .

Where do you go to stay in shape?

It’s all about the outdoors: the beach in Malibu, Summit to Summit hike in Calabasas in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s all about taking advantage of the gorgeous topography and just taking in all the views.


Discover all of our 2024 Best of L.A. here .