I grew up in Sydney, Australia, and became friends with my partner in Family, Sammy Harkham, in high school. Our other partner is Sammy's wife, Tahli, who also went to the same school. We all started going to all-ages shows together, discovered the same books, followed the same artists. Because we were under age, we could only see a lot of our favorite bands at record stores for in-store shows. I think that's why we have so many in-store shows at Family, because when we were growing up, that's what the stores we liked did. Plus, when you're a teenager, walking into a record store or book shop was potentially a revelatory experience. You could discover something that'd dramatically change your perception. Even though I only had around $10 and could afford a 7" and a comic book, I'd listen to those two songs all week, and carry the comic around school all week. In many ways Family is a tribute to our teen selves.

David Kramer is a co-founder of both Family Books and Hope Gallery, two spots at the heart of Los Angeles's thriving art scene. Here, among other things, David talks about the secret of his success (Hint: It's just hard work.).

Photographed by:
Sarah Soquel Morhaim