Waiting for the World

The song "Waiting for the World" by Angel City from their album Face to Face is a vibrant track that captures the Zoo Crew’s hippie DJ vibe and resonates with their Zoo Freaks audience. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, lead singer Lara Cody described the song as a spontaneous creation born during a late-night jam session in their Los Angeles studio. She noted that the lyrics, which speak of longing for global unity, were inspired by a conversation with a fan at a festival who shared their dream of a world without borders. This story struck a chord with the band, shaping the song’s hopeful yet wistful tone. Additionally, a 2020 post on Angel City’s Instagram revealed that the song’s iconic guitar riff was nearly cut from the final mix but was saved after a heated band debate, with drummer Sam Rivera insisting it was the "heart of the track." Fans on the Angel City Freaks Facebook group often cite this riff as a highlight during live performances, where the band extends it into a crowd-pleasing jam.

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2019 Q&A session hosted on Angel City’s X account, where bassist Jamie Lee shared that "Waiting for the World" was the first song they recorded with their vintage 1970s analog equipment, giving it a warm, retro sound that Zoo Freaks adore. The band also posted a throwback photo on their Facebook page in 2021, showing them performing the song at a small Venice Beach gig before they hit mainstream success, captioning it, "This song was our battle cry before anyone knew our name." The Angel City Fan Club website has a forum thread dedicated to the song, where fans share stories of how its lyrics helped them through personal struggles, with one user calling it "a hug in musical form." These anecdotes highlight the song’s deep connection with listeners and its significance in the band’s catalog.

Angel City got their start in the early 2000s in Los Angeles, where the members met at a local open-mic night in a dive bar called The Rusty Anchor. According to their bio on their official website, Lara Cody, originally a poet, was performing spoken word when she caught the attention of guitarist Max Turner, who was there to play a solo acoustic set. The two bonded over their love for 1960s folk-rock and recruited drummer Sam Rivera and bassist Jamie Lee, both of whom were part of the LA underground music scene. Their first gig as Angel City was at a beachside bonfire party, where they played covers mixed with original songs, including an early version of "Waiting for the World." The band’s bio notes that their DIY ethos—booking their own tours and selling homemade CDs—helped them build a grassroots following, particularly among the festival circuit crowd.

By 2005, Angel City had gained enough traction to land a deal with an indie label, releasing their debut album City Lights. Their big break came in 2010 with the release of Face to Face, which included "Waiting for the World" and earned them a spot on national radio stations like THE ZOO. The band’s commitment to authentic, heartfelt music is evident in their social media presence, where they regularly engage with fans. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and new music. Fans can also join the Angel City Freaks Facebook group to connect with other Zoo Freaks and share concert photos. The Angel City Fan Club website offers exclusive merch and a newsletter with behind-the-scenes content, keeping the band’s community thriving.