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Mongolia Rockers The Hu make final US stop at The Fonda Theatre 12/10
Mongolia Rockers The Hu make final US stop at The Fonda Theatre 12/10
Heavy rock phenomenon THE HU are about to conclude their first headlining US tour. They have crossed global borders through their music videos (hitting 45 million views). Their debut album The Gereg was released on September 13th. The album hit #24 on Active Rock charts. As a result, bringing renewed interest in THE HU’s viral video for “Yuve Yuve Yu“, featuring Danny Case (Ashes To New). The…
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Hilltop Hoods Tour The Great Expanse
Hilltop Hoods Tour The Great Expanse
Hilltop Hoods are arguably one of the top Hip-Hop acts in Australia. This trio (Suffa, Pressure, DJ Debris) has been creating sounds for 25 years, tour endlessly, and now have eight studio albums under their belts. They have paid their dues and continue to keep up a level of excellence in their recordings and performances. Hilltop Hoods records have sold upward of one million copies, with over…
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Yoke Lore returns with "Dead Ringer" *released alongside remix by Young & Sick*
Yoke Lore returns with “Dead Ringer” *released alongside remix by Young & Sick*
Alternative/indie artist Adrian Galvin performing under the moniker Yorke Lore release a new single “Dead Ringer, with a remix cut (Young & Sick), ahead of their headlining tour that includes a stop in LA at the El Rey on October 2nd with supporting act Bad Bad Hats
Check the track HERE
Of the track, Adrian explains, “‘Dead Ringer’ is about pace. I like to move fast because I believe in…
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KCRW had their annual masquerade ball at one of the beautiful historic theaters scattered among Broadway Boulevard in Downtown L.A. Built in 1931 The Los Angeles Theater stands as a reminder of a time of opulence. The French Baroque architecture is a thing of exquisite grandeur and is a perfect setting for an extravagant night out.
Bands White Denim, Cherry Glazerr, Wajatta, and Shannon Shaw were mixed in-between the DJ sets on the main stage.
KCRW DJs Anthony Valadez, Chris Douridas, Dan Wilcox, Jose Galvan, Liza Richardson, Marion Hodges, Raul Campos, and Travis Holcombe played dance sets on both the main stage (Ballroom Magnifique) and the smaller room they called the Dime Museum. Other DJ sets were played by The Flaming Lips drumming duo under the moniker Brothers Griiin, Santigold, and DāM-FunK.
The lower floor the Lurid Lounge had a small stage sponsored by Lucent Dossier a performance group in the same vein as Circ Du Soleil. The lounge had dancers, acrobatics and contortionists. No Halloween party would be complete with about a bit of fear and fright; The Nursery dedicated to bringing out the spooky with spirits and dark tales. Another themed room was Chamber of Luminescence a light installation by LightRiders. Perfect for the selfie obsesses (isn’t that all of us these days?) the small cavernous space filled with hanging tubes of lights programmed with color and strobing effects. Unfortunately, it was pretty hot in there and at times overcrowded.
All Hallows Eve has grown into one of the biggest American holidays and probably rivals New Year’s Eve for the club and party scenes. The sold-out evening was a great place to see and be seen. The venue was filled with guests in costumes from the stunning to the surreal and the satirical. Some store-bought or perhaps rented, and some custom works of art. A few that made us do double-takes were Sonny and Cher, Dr. Doolittle with Mr. Rogers, a girl in cinema quality Wizard of Oz Flying Monkey, and the best team costumes Prince’s “When Doves Cry”. For balance, there were dozens of Waldos and Mario Brothers in the crowd.
Lasers and projections decorated the main room adding to the atmosphere without distracting from the original decor. Large dancing skeletons were projected on to each side wall. Above the stage was a projection of an animated monster with enormous moving googly-eyes. The Halloween projections were more cute than scary, but at the high ceiling was a slightly disturbing newer addition to the theater’s architecture. Nestled in alcoves along either side of the tall walls were haunting life-sized female figures (where cherubs once were). The female statues had a very sinister quality to them and almost looked alive.
KCRW is known for its genre-crossing musical program you can catch everything from progressive-pop to trip-hop, electronica, Latin and soul. The sounds of the evening reflected their diverse style.
Shannon Shaw and her band took the main stage early. Just after the first DJ set. Shaw, best known as the singer for Shannon and the Clams released her first solo album Shannon in Nashville this summer and is doing shows with her backup band. The group dressed mostly in black all wore cat ears as their costume. The band played a short set, but Shaw and band were delightful and retro in all the right ways. Shaw has a beautiful vocal inflection and delivery to her vintage style torch songs reminiscent in feel to female balladeers of old like Patsy Cline or Tammy Wynette. More stylistically, than vocally Shaw has more buttery undertones to her voice. There is also an air of Nancy Sinatra perhaps in her tone more than style.
For the next live band, Cherry Glazerr aka Clementine Creevy played a set of captivating and wistful indie rock. Creevy dressed as an angel, along with her drummer Tabor Allen dressed as a skeleton, and bassist Devin O’Brien who was in some sort of exotic island or plant theme. The three-piece headed by Clementine is art-pop/noise-rock meets grunge. There is an ease with which they perform the songs that level a much larger sonic footprint that you’d imagine capable of a three-piece. Pleasing to watch, Creevy’s costume of choice was made more angelic from the stark light and haze clinging to the air surrounding her as she played.
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Cherry Glazarr
The most notable act of the evening was the four-piece prog-rock band White Denim, from Austin, Texas. The four dressed in bright suits (kind of flashy kind of comical), White Denim created a strong wall of sound built on astounding musicianship and strong song composition. The songs showed the bands formidable dexterity and fluidity of sound going from almost smooth R&B in feel to more groovy, fat, sludgy funk-metal or fuzz-rock, and even touches of punk. Once you’re already sold on this band Frontman James Petralli blows the vibe wide open with a progressive rock, psychedelic guitar solo, that is awe inspiring.
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – White Denim
Santigold‘s DJ set
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Santigold
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Santigold
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Santigold
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Santigold
Wajatta was the final live act to perform after the last KCRW DJ played. Wajatta is the musical partnership of comedian, improvisational musician, bandleader Reggie Watts, and techno superstar John Tejada join their strengths constructing a dynamic mix of electronic-funk. The duo came on with equipment on a table and without costumes. Both wore a pair of glasses with lights used to see their boards. Tejada remained all business on his side of the table while Watts took the occasional dance break that was cheered on by the crowd.
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball – Wajatta
Looking at the crowed venue this year’s event was a great success. There are a couple of things that may have made it better. Though this evening seems more catered towards DJ’s and dance music it would be nice to have the bands get a little more time in their sets. During the middle of the evening, it was nearly impossible to get a drink from any of the bars in the theater. The outside area where the food trucks were parked wasn’t well appointed or thought out which made it hard to navigate and also difficult for people to enjoy their food. Probably most important, there seemed to be a major hurdle in keeping the venue a comfortable temperature.
Overall these are small complaints and the first one is more a matter of taste. And it’s of little consequence when the crowd was having a really good time at the event. Wonder what the station will do next year.
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball KCRW had their annual masquerade ball at one of the beautiful historic theaters scattered among Broadway Boulevard in Downtown L.A.
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Cover Song Day
So, yeah, it’s Cover Song Day. We all can appreciate a cover song from time to time. Especially when it’s one of your favorite bands, it’s an off-genre surprise, or the group just totally kills it making it their own. On occasion, a band’s take on a song is so unusual; the track lives a double life as almost an entirely different song. The recently departed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin did…
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The Marías at Skirball Sunset Concerts
The Marías at Skirball Sunset Concerts
The L.A.-based The Marías is getting a lot of buzz. The band is enjoying rising popularity on the music scene locally and nationally. Fronted by the band’s namesake Puerto Rican-born Maria, she is attractive and stylish. Maria offered a smart and sophisticated presence. Maria wore a black halter/backless blouse with billowy, wide-legged pinstriped pants. She is engaging and charismatic performer…
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Goldilox Releases New Disco-Inspired Album Very Best
Goldilox Releases New Disco-Inspired Album Very Best
Canadian-born DJ, songwriter, & electro-pop artist Goldilox has released her new album Very Best, available for streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. The album has received rave reviews from sources like Billboard, Ladygunn, Ones to Watch, Celebmix, Atwood Magazine, and many others. Inspired by the timeless disco era, Very Best is all about people claiming back their freedom…
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Pop-Punks Post Season release their self titled LP
Pop-Punks Post Season release their self titled LP
Pennsylvania quintet (Dan Tippery, Chuck Bernard, Conor Mcnamara, Bryan Thanh and Canyon Gargon) Post Season recently released their self-titled LP on Know Hope Records. The band worked with producer/engineered Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Senses Fail, The Dangerous Summer, Have Mercy) and just announced some East Coast record release show.
Forming in 2012 the band released both an EP Restless…
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Reel Big Fish Announce The Tickle My Tiki TOURch with Support from Ballyhoo! and We Are The Union
Band Also Scheduled to Play Select Scallywag! Fest Dates with Bad Religion, Pennywise, Less Than Jake and The Interrupters This Fall
Reel Big Fish wrap their summer-long stint on the final cross-country Vans Warped Tour this week, but fans can catch the long-running Southern California ska-punk act…
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Interview with Whitney Fenimore from The Voice Season 13
Interview with Whitney Fenimore from The Voice Season 13
Whitney Fenimore is not new to the music scene. In addition to being a published songwriter, she has had a few recordings under her belt. If she seems familiar, you might recall her from Season 13 of the Emmy Award-winning show The Voice where she captured the attention of two of the judges with her unique vocals, pleasing pitch, and range.
Mid-May, Fenimore released her latest EP Battle Within
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Photo courtesy of Movi Inc for World of Wonder // Getty Images
RuPaul has taken the drag crown and turned it into cross-over brand and media empire built on the throne of the award-winning long-running VH1/Logo show RuPaul’s Drag Race. The 4th Annual RuPaul’s DragCon LA showed the power and influence behind the drag maven and beloved reality show.
Photo courtesy of Movi Inc for World of Wonder // Getty Images
The South Hall of the Convention Center, utilizing some 340,000 square-feet, hosted fifty thousand gorgeous humans in spectacular levels of self-expression. All dressed up with somewhere to go, this was indeed prime people-watching paradise. The attendees came to see and be seen, and basque in the glory of some of their Drag icons.
The three days of festivities at the Los Angeles Convention Center were well planned and executed. An event of this scale is a delicate clock-work with millions of moving parts. But, event producers RuPaul and World of Wonder Productions along with the site operators (AEG), had their timing perfected to bring a cohesive and easy-to-navigate convention experience.
The enormous playground offered many ways for fans to experience the show. On first sight, the massive event was overwhelming. They had live performances with audience participation, fashion shows, and contests on the Main Runway — including “Lipsync For Your Life,” “Sissy That Walk,” and a performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 winner, Trixie Mattel.
With over 350 exhibitor booths, the showroom floor was packed with row after row of merchandise. Goods ranged from beauty products, drag and cosplay fashions to pop-culture goodies, artworks and books. Scattered among the booths were some non-profits, and other services (vegan cooking tips, AARP, voter registration, Human Rights Campaign), and other socially-conscious topics. In case all of that isn’t enough to make your head spin, the venue was filled with over 30 Instagrammable photo-opp spots throughout, including the actual Werkroom from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10. Some were interactive booths like the “Glitterizer,” and the VH1 video booth. Not to be out-classed, the real main attraction disbursed throughout the great hall was the drag superstars hosting meet & greets with their fans. Many of the stars boasted outrageous lines of fans who were eager to get a moment of time in their presence.
Alaska 5000, Sharon Needles, Jinkx Monsoon, Trixie Mattel, and Bebe Zahara Benet Photo courtesy of Movi Inc for World of Wonder // Getty Images
The talent on location were, of course, several of the Drag Race winners such as Sasha Velour (season 9), Sharon Needles (season 4), Kim Chi (season 8), and Bianca Del Rio (season 6) along with many of the show favorites from all the seasons (including the infamous Miss Vanjie from season 10).
On two separate floors were three days of discussion panels involving not only subjects about the art form of drag, but also socio-political topics, social media, comedy and related subcultures like horror, gaming and cosplay.
DragCon LA partnered with Billy Eichner and Funny Or Die to bring their “Glam Up the Midterms” initiative to the convention, with HeadCount on site to register voters. Billy was joined by Alaska 5000 and Peppermint for a panel on the importance of activism.
Fenton Bailey, Billy Eichner and Randy Barbato (World of Wonder co-founders Bailey and Barbato) -Photo courtesy of Movi Inc for World of Wonder // Getty Images
As with anything, there were one or two things that needed more thought put into them. On a whole, the failure quotation of this convention was no higher than 20%. The most notable lapse in planning was the decision to have food trucks this year. Only a few trucks were on hand, and some of them could not meet the demands of the crowd. One truck that had an over 45-minute wait to get food after standing in a long line to order. A smaller detail: The convention could offer a few more places to allow people to get off their feet for a moment.
In a house full of QUEENS who reign from reality TV, there was, of course, some drama here or there. The biggest bit of drama being the banning of season two winner, Tyra Sanchez, from the festivities. Sanchez had made comments that seemed like veiled threats of violence, putting the promoters, who feel you can’t be too careful these days, on alert.
The mother of drag has developed a crossover appeal that brought people and families out from all walks of life. Obviously, the weekend was heavily attended by the LBGTQIA family. But, the talent and craft of the drag artists are not lost on anyone with an open mind and heart.
The event had an air of ease that is not always found in today’s angst-ridden and judgmental social environments. Everyone was there just to play and be whoever they wanted to be in those moments. I found it an escape from a world that currently tries to shame and chide people for being who they were born to be or for just expressing themselves in ways that may not be understood. And, although the crowd expanded beyond a single community, there was an overall sense of belonging.
RuPaul ended the events with a keynote speech musing on topics such as the season 10 cast, Drag Kings and the ever-present political elephant in the room.
“Here we are in a time when it seems like the world’s gone backwards….politically and everything, the pendulum has swung all the way…it’s up to us and how we see ourselves on an emotional and personal level to push the conversation forward,” RuPaul said.
This was our first year covering the events, and I’m still trapped in sweet gossamer dreams from the sights and delights of the weekend. Our verdict on this lifestyle convention — it’s an extraordinary confection of silk spun dreams crusted in candy glitter and tasting of just enough sin.
“In this time of chaos and lies, for three days tens of thousands of big-hearted, super-creative, and sensitive souls peacefully gathered to celebrate their truth at RuPaul’s DragCon. Seeing all the young people and families and queens has filled my heart with gratitude and hope. The future is going to be fierce.” –RuPaul
Tickets for RuPaul’s DragCon NYC, taking place September 28-30, 2018, go on sale May 14
Tune in Thursdays at 8 pm ET to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on VH1
Images by Caren Spitler, with additional photography provided by Movi Inc for World of Wonder // Getty Images (as listed)
Fifty Thousand Come Out to Play in RuPaul’s Drag Wonderland RuPaul has taken the drag crown and turned it into cross-over brand and media empire built on the throne of the award-winning long-running VH1/Logo show…
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Interview with guitarist Ryan Phillips of Story of the Year
Interview with guitarist Ryan Phillips of Story of the Year
Alternative rock back Story of the Year is currently on the road in support of their fifth studio effort Wolves. This record echoes of the SOTY sound yet has the maturity and solid craftsmanship of a band that’s forged their way through time and change. They mixed it up a bit while placing some importance on their EMO roots. We did a Q&A with Ryan Phillips about the record and where the band is…
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Interview with Eric Marshall of SecondSkin Tattoo Aftercare at Musink 2018
Interview with Eric Marshall of SecondSkin Tattoo Aftercare at Musink 2018
A lot of care needs to go into tattoos to keep them safe and looking good for years to come — from picking the right artist, to aiding the healing process, to making appointments for touch-ups. We spoke with Eric Marshall, owner of SecondSkin — a company that offers innovative, certified vegan, tattoo aftercare products to both tattoo-ers and tattoo-ees. Musink 2018 Atmosphere EM: So the product…
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Interview with Tattoo artist Courtney Raimondi at Musink 2018
Interview with Tattoo artist Courtney Raimondi at Musink 2018
New York-based tattoo artist Courtney Raimondi creates tattoo works that are as fresh, lovely and colorful as the artist herself. She works in pretty palettes of soft colors. Her work incorporates contemporary culture often in feminine themes or cute characters. Her work and persona are joyful and vibrant. We meet the artist at Musink and got her opinion on the convention and festival. Musink…
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18-YEAR OLD MACKENZIE NICOLE TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM
DEBUT ALBUM THE EDGE ON APRIL 13 VIA STRANGE MAIN A NEW MUSIC DIVISION FROM STRANGE MUSIC Tour with labelmate Tech N9ne kicks off on April 21 A rafter-reaching voice, classically trained chops, literate lyricism, and a sassy spark enable Mackenzie Nicole to quietly rewrite the rulebook for pop with her debut album The Edge set for release on April 13 on Strange Main a division of Strange Music.…
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CALPURNIA DEBUT SINGLE "CITY BOY" OUT NOW
CALPURNIA DEBUT SINGLE “CITY BOY” OUT NOW
CALPURNIA ANNOUNCE JUNE 23 SHOW AT THE FONDA THEATRE DEBUT SINGLE “CITY BOY” OUT NOW NEW EP TO BE RELEASED THIS SPRING ON ROYAL MOUNTAIN Calpurnia have today announced an all ages show at Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre on Saturday, June 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 30 at 10am PDT and will be available HERE. A full rundown of upcoming dates can be found below. Upcoming Tour Dates: 5.20.18…
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Interview with tattoo artist Justin Demartino at Musink 2018
Interview with tattoo artist Justin Demartino at Musink 2018
Justin DeMartino United By Ink Tattoo 1971 N. Tustin Blvd. Orange, CA Prior this year’s Musink festival we checked out a handful of the profiles of the 100+ artist, beforehand. We happened to cacth up with one of these artist in person at the festival and tattoo convention. DeMartino is an artist currently working and residing in Orange County originally by way of Fairbanks, Alaska. We spoke a…
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