BUZZ BANDS

Surviving DIY

Marvel all you want at those musical multitaskers who commit their art to history in home studios erected in spaces most folks reserve for relaxation. Singer-guitarist Jim Schwartz of Innaway sounds as if he’s had enough of the do-it-yourself bit after one album.

“It got ugly in there sometimes ... all of us almost broke up with our girlfriends,” Schwartz says of the almost yearlong process it took to record “Innaway” (due June 14) in bassist Darrick Rasmussen’s studio. “You write it, you play it, you practice it, you produce it, you engineer it -- there were times I wish we had a producer.”

The Long Beach/Orange County quintet did end up getting some help with their debut -- noted producer-engineer John McEntire (Tortoise, the Sea and Cake) was given the album to mix. “On a couple of songs he probably should have gotten producing credit,” Schwartz said of the touches he put on Innaway’s melodic, methodical psychedelia.

The band, which includes guitarist Barry Fader, keyboardist Reid Black and drummer Gabe Palmer, nurses a sprawling, spaced-out sound that recalls the days of black-light posters. “Maybe it’s good that this kind of music is not what’s happening right now,” says Schwartz, whose band plays every Monday this month at the Silverlake Lounge. “Maybe people will be open to it.”

Fast forward

This weekend kicks off a manic month of club shows, starting with Out Hud tonight at Spaceland. Having outgrown its dance-punk tag, the band this spring released its sophomore effort “Let Us Never Speak of It Again!” ... Also tonight, two of rock’s leading ladies take the stage. 50 Foot Wave, fronted by ex-Throwing Muse Kristin Hersh, sends you running for your earplugs (but in a good way) at the Knitting Factory. And Michelle Shocked celebrates the June 14 release of three new albums with two shows at the Mint. By the way, fans can avoid heavy lifting by buying “Threesome,” a package containing all the new music.... Soul singer Chris Pierce, a Claremont native, takes a break from opening for Seal to perform tonight at Genghis Cohen.... The theatrical art-pop outfit Of Montreal plays the Vanguard Theatre on Friday in a show originally scheduled for the Ex Plex (the space beneath the Echo).... Expect a heavy turnout this month on Mondays at Spaceland, where the residents are Foreign Born, a quartet that, thanks to Matt Popieluch’s pipes, reminds you how powerful vocals can elevate a rock band.... Across town, Dirty Little Secret (the band that Ariel Rechtshaid and Garrett Ray quit to form Foreign Born) will be holding forth on Wednesday nights at Club Moscow at Boardner’s, where guests will include the estimable Giant Drag and the Icarus Line, among others.

-- Kevin Bronson