*Get up close & personal with recording artist McClain Sullivan
*Pacific Jungle maintains d&b in the middle of the ocean.
*Q&A with Dutch producer Lenzman
*Weekend event reviews and much much much more..
so glad to be back, thanks for all the support this week !
see you cats Monday !
Friday, August 28, 2009
SMOG CELEBRATES 3 YEARS OF BEATS & BASS
Our friends over at Smog are gearing up for their massive 3 year anniversary party!!
Los Angeles based dubstep crew SMOG have since risen to become one of the most highly respected dubstep crews on Earth. Bringing in world-class talent for their events on a consistant basis, functioning as an extremely sucessful record label, Smog have pushed the boundries of dubstep stateside contributing to the creation of an entire culture and movement.
Be there this Saturday as they celebrate 3 years of sonic creation, love and most importantly, BASS.
Welcome to the Smog.
SMOG 3 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
los angeles dubstep celebration
PLASTICIAN
RINSE FM, TERRORRHYTHM, DUBSTEP LA, LONDON UK
It's been a year since Plastician's last visit to LA - and if you were there to witness his performance at the Smog 2 Year anniversary, it was nothing short of legendary! Since then, Plastician has had an album drop, a Rinse FM mix cd released, and has smashed up countless festivals across the globe. With all the love that this man has shown for SMOG, its only fitting to have him return for our third birthday party!
BABYLON SYSTEM
ARGON, HOLLOW POINT, SF
First time ever performing in LA - Babylon System is Roommate and No Thing
12th PLANET
SMOG, ARGON, MEDIA CONTENDER, LA
EMU
SMOG, BASSHEAD, LA
DLX
SMOG, BRAINFEEDER, LA
PAWN
SMOG, REDLINE, LA
DJ EVOL
MONSTER MUSICK, SMOG, LA
UNIT
SMOG, THE STORYTELLERS, LA
KNYPHY
SMOG, SUB.FM, LA
PABLO HASSAN
SMOG, PURE FILTH, LA
STEADY
SMOG, DUBTROIT, LA
KEMST
SMOG, LA
TURBOSOUND BY:
MOBIUS
VISUALS BY:
MEKANIX
PHOTOBOOTH BY:
THE KONSPIRACY THEORY
LIVE URBAN ART BY SPECTRUMEGA MEDIA:
YO PEACE!, MEAR ONE, CONTRA
GROW YOUR OWN MEDIA, XOCHI, SPECTR
PATIO LOUNGE DJ'S:
APX-1 (Ghetto Life)
TONY K (More on the Floor)
JASON GAME (Rude Sound)
CHRISTIAN ALVA (Jam On It - Storytellers)
9pm-4am // 21+ // $15 PRESALE // $20
LIVE INTERNET VIDEO BROADCAST BY:
DNBTV.COM
located:
LOT 613
613 IMPERIAL ST.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90021
FOR MORE INFO:
www.smogla.com
TICKETS:
http://fla.vor.us/wafform.aspx?_act=eventview&_pky=63487
Los Angeles based dubstep crew SMOG have since risen to become one of the most highly respected dubstep crews on Earth. Bringing in world-class talent for their events on a consistant basis, functioning as an extremely sucessful record label, Smog have pushed the boundries of dubstep stateside contributing to the creation of an entire culture and movement.
Be there this Saturday as they celebrate 3 years of sonic creation, love and most importantly, BASS.
Welcome to the Smog.
SMOG 3 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
los angeles dubstep celebration
PLASTICIAN
RINSE FM, TERRORRHYTHM, DUBSTEP LA, LONDON UK
It's been a year since Plastician's last visit to LA - and if you were there to witness his performance at the Smog 2 Year anniversary, it was nothing short of legendary! Since then, Plastician has had an album drop, a Rinse FM mix cd released, and has smashed up countless festivals across the globe. With all the love that this man has shown for SMOG, its only fitting to have him return for our third birthday party!
BABYLON SYSTEM
ARGON, HOLLOW POINT, SF
First time ever performing in LA - Babylon System is Roommate and No Thing
12th PLANET
SMOG, ARGON, MEDIA CONTENDER, LA
EMU
SMOG, BASSHEAD, LA
DLX
SMOG, BRAINFEEDER, LA
PAWN
SMOG, REDLINE, LA
DJ EVOL
MONSTER MUSICK, SMOG, LA
UNIT
SMOG, THE STORYTELLERS, LA
KNYPHY
SMOG, SUB.FM, LA
PABLO HASSAN
SMOG, PURE FILTH, LA
STEADY
SMOG, DUBTROIT, LA
KEMST
SMOG, LA
TURBOSOUND BY:
MOBIUS
VISUALS BY:
MEKANIX
PHOTOBOOTH BY:
THE KONSPIRACY THEORY
LIVE URBAN ART BY SPECTRUMEGA MEDIA:
YO PEACE!, MEAR ONE, CONTRA
GROW YOUR OWN MEDIA, XOCHI, SPECTR
PATIO LOUNGE DJ'S:
APX-1 (Ghetto Life)
TONY K (More on the Floor)
JASON GAME (Rude Sound)
CHRISTIAN ALVA (Jam On It - Storytellers)
9pm-4am // 21+ // $15 PRESALE // $20
LIVE INTERNET VIDEO BROADCAST BY:
DNBTV.COM
located:
LOT 613
613 IMPERIAL ST.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90021
FOR MORE INFO:
www.smogla.com
TICKETS:
http://fla.vor.us/wafform.aspx?_act=eventview&_pky=63487
SECRET M.I.A REVIEW by Lara Kelly
For those who don't know, Lara Kelly is awesome. Continuing on, she's also an incredible writer and she's done a super fresh review for MTV.com about the secret M.I.A show that took place here in LA earlier this week! ...
Photo: Jeff Tovar/www.mediacontender.com
M.I.A. Plays Secret L.A. Show, Holds Back On New Songs
On Wednesday night, 500 fans were treated to rapper's big hits and mere hints of something new.
By Lara Kelley
LOS ANGELES — She might not be nominated for any VMAs this year, but M.I.A. is still one of the hardest-working female artists in the music biz. After her swaggering performance with Jay-Z, Kanye, Lil Wayne and T.I. at the Grammy Awards in February, M.I.A. has since had a baby boy, headlined the massive Coachella Music Festival, broke her first signed artist, Rye Rye, into the scene on her brand-new indie label, N.E.E.T., and is also rumored to be writing tracks for Christina Aguilera's upcoming album.
And as if it weren't enough to headline two major West Coast festivals this week — Street Scene in San Diego and Outside Lands in San Francisco — M.I.A. somehow found time to do a semi-secret show at a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday night for 500 eager fans who scurried to buy tickets only days prior.
Local promoters' last-minute Facebook and Twitter blasts were the only advance notice fans received about the show, yet tickets still sold out within three hours of going on sale Monday. As showtime neared, the line wrapped around the block of the venue, but fans waited patiently to see their favorite Sri Lankan rapper up close and personal.
M.I.A. came out as stylish as ever, with her signature sunglasses and a white, one-piece leotard with a huge smiley face painted across the butt. She ran through popular songs off both her albums, including "Boyz," "10 Dolla" and of course, last year's summer jam, "Paper Planes." In between songs, her DJ would throw in new bass-thumping beats, but M.I.A. merely teased the audience with hints of new tracks.
"I was gonna play a new song, but I decided not to," M.I.A. called out toward the end of her set. The crowd did not seem to mind, though, as they jumped and pumped fists to each of her popular anthems.
"I really just want to throw out money and buy everyone a drink," she said as she finished her set. Cash never actually made it to the crowd and no rounds were bought, but the show ended with happy fans just satisfied to see her in a small, intimate venue versus the large festivals she has most recently been conquering. But the question remains whether she'll break out a new track or two at one of this weekend's huge gigs.
SINISTARR TELLS ALL
..HIS NAME IS SINISTARR, AND HES F*CKING HOT RIGHT NOW...
1. Sinistarr, you've been climbing the ranks my man, tell us about your current projects and label signings?
Thanks man... Currently it seems as if it's remix season! I've got some remixes I'm doing for Digilab records, Touched by records, Mutt, and a special one for Detroit label Exchange Bureau Music... I've also signed yet another track to Creative Source called "your obsession", and a 12" for Phunkfiction - The Blip/I'm Not Done
2. Are you DJing out much right now? Any tours in the works?
Thanks to the AMAZING work of my agent, Dave Shichman @ Driven AM, I've been getting more and more gigs as the year is coming to an end. I'm playing in Austin, TX and there are tentative shows lined up for Vermont and Miami, more to come on a stateside tour!
3. Whats your opinion of electronic music in America right now?
Couldn't be a better time for the music, I'd say. with the rise of dubstep blurring the lines of dnb with techno and house (more than before, or ever in that case), it becomes easier to blend new or current styles into your work, making it something unique - like it's always been, but taking it to a higher plateau.
4. Theres been a whole wave of new d&b producers in the states who've emerged in the past couple years. Guys like stunna, mixmaster doc, calculon, submorphics who are gaining fans who've never even heard of d&b before, do you feel theres a responsibility that comes with that? And if so, how are you as a producer going to educate the young masses about d&b? Or does it even matter?
I feel it's like this: If you are a producer and a dj looking to get on some good labels and rep where you are from, especially if you are from the states, there's definitely some responsibility involved, that means staying current with everything that's going on - i.e. dogsonacid.com, checking your record stores, the list goes on...
As a producer, I strive to have a fresh, young sound that captivates a lot of what is going on in Detroit in terms of non-dnb music, house, hip hop, techno - you name it, I'm listening to it ! I think I've caught more of the "older or come of age" crowd in terms of my music, and the younger crowd follows suit cause of the support given- so to answer the question (LOL) - it doesn't matter, I make music for everyone!
5. Are you strictly drum and bass? It seems these days most producers are expanding to multi-genre production, are you?
I'm so spuratic when it comes to other genres, it's ridiculous. I have been working on some tech house and broken beat/downtempo hip hop tracks... really want to go into doing some work for commercials, so I've been getting my productions skills up for doing that.
6. Enough about music, what are your favorite movies?
Guy Ritchie films (Snatch, Lock Stock, Revolver), Judd Apatow films or films with his entourage in it (Superbad, Adventureland, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), and anything Clive Barker - freaks me the hell out, but I love it!
7. One word to describe 2009?
Blessing.
8. Blondes or Brunettes?
Both.
9. serato, vinyl or cds?
All three - 4 x serato - how I rizz-oll.
10. Any shoutouts or last words?
Thank you to everyone who supported me this past year, and the years before - waaaay too many to name. here's to 2010!
SINISTARR - VANITY LOGO MPFREE DOWNLOAD THIS NOW
VISIT SINISTARR ON MYSPACE
For DJ bookings in North America, please send an email to
DrivenAM@gmail.COM / AIM @ drivenamNYC
Thursday, August 27, 2009
RESPECT [LosAngeles] TAKE TO THE DIGI-AIRWAVES!
Los Angeles staple DJ's Junglist Platoon crew (Responsible for RESPECT, LA's longest running weekly event) are at it again with a fresh radio show via http://kunninmindz.com/.
Showcasing fresh local talent & out of town legends, Machete & crew have taken the next logical step in Respect progress.. broadcasting worldwide. Streaming live every Wednesday from 8p-10p (Pacific Time), Respect radio provides all you hungry junglists with essential tunes and flawless mixes.
If you're in the mood for something more interactive, Check out RESPECT @ the Dragonfly Lounge @ Hollywood, California every Thursday!
RESPECT Drum and Bass Radio Hosted by: DJ MACHETE and JUNGLIST PLATOON LIVE
Every Wednesday 8PM-10PM PST on KUNNINMINDZ
24/7 DnB INTERNET RADIO!!!!
Listen Here: http://kunninmindz.com/livefiles/live.pls
Direct Website Link (Browse or Register User Name To Join Chat Room): http://kunninmindz.com/
For Bookings, Comments, or Chat...Windows Live! MSN: machete@respectdrumandbass.com
SEPTEMBER 2009 @ RESPECT
RESPECT Thursdays
21+
Cover: $10 (*excluding Special Events)
Doors: 10PM-2AM
Located @ The Dragonfly
6510 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood CA 90038
http://thedragonfly.com
BASSLINE: 310.281.9595
NIGHTLIFE! "SOUL GOOD [LA]" ..A Monthly Affair...
SOUL GOOD
"a night of soulful electronica"
"a night of soulful electronica"
Blasting everything from deep house to sexy drum and bass, Soul Good's name defines the night. It's soul, and its good. Featuring resident DJ's Atlantic Connection, DankOne, Keith Remington, David Dyer and lyrical compliment by MC's XYZ, Kemst & Julz the huntress, this Los Angeles monthly focuses around one thing, keeping the sexy in electronic music. Occuring the 3rd Wednesday of every month, SoulGood promises superb guest DJ's, giveaways and of course, the sexiest crowd around.
If you live in LA, you should be there and If you don't you may want to consider a short vacation....
SOUL*GOOD [ LA ] on Facebook
REVIEW! MOSUS & HZL - "FLURO / NEXUS 7" - LIQUID V
V Records solider is back with some serious business for Liquid V. Mosus, no stranger to the game has teamed up with producer HZL to compose "Fluro" & "Nexus 7" two stompin minimal grooves sure to set every dancefloor a-blaze! "Fluro" kicks off with spacey atmospheres, bleepy bleeps and steppin drums that slowly grow to beastly proportions of snarling bass and dangerous rhythm. This tune takes me back to the early days when trends were ignored and it was purely about how deep one can take a track.
On the flipside "Nexus 7" is no less of a beast. Punching drum work kicks off this track chased by insincere pads that pretense an ever progressing bassline. When you make it to the 1st break an automated voice comes over the loudspeakers giving a series of unidentifiable number sequences that lead straight into dangerous, dangerous territory.
If you're into unchartted minimal vibes, this 12" is a must have.
Promos available now on Liquid V Recordings!
COP DIS ISH.
MOSUS+HZL "FLURO / NEXUS 7" - LIQUID V RECORDINGS
VENEZUELA & THE STATE OF DRUM AND BASS W/ ZARDONIC.
A regular fixture in the Venezuelan drum and bass scene, Zardonic has helped to put d&b on the map in this equatorial country. An intimate and in depth interview, Zardonic divulges everything you've ever wanted to know about d&b in Venezuela, who's hot, who's not and whats next...
1. So, who are you and where are you from?
1. So, who are you and where are you from?
Federico Agreda, aka Zardonic from Venezuela
2. Tell us about the d&b scene in Venezuela, how are the events, who are the big artists coming out of Venezuela?
There's a lot of variety in Venezuelan drum & bass parties since certain places have been run by certain crews with different styles, tons of DJs pioneering the sound since the nineties when it was still something very unorthodox and experimental. Events also vary, sometimes a party with only locals could pull 600 people, and certain crews pull up to 1200, rarely but it happens.
A common drum & bass party always has around 200 peeps. Eventually, some DJs keep the sound more updated than others, while some prefer to just keep playing and playing the same shit, which personally bores me, but each to their own. As far as drum & bass artists go, myself aside I could name two great producers from the scene which are Carl Matthes and Turtled. Although they're on a vibe that's a bit different from my style since I'm on a heavier tip, but those two are probably the only drum & bass producers in the country worth mentioning. Proper business!
3. Sounds good man, So tell us more about your role in the scene there? What do you do?
Well, basically I produce tunes and always try to aim for the highest quality, and DJ in parties, I also try to keep a certain image around the DJ act so people won't only go and see a DJ spinning, but more like a true artist. Not trying to be mean, but that's something I believe certain people are lacking, image, and it is one of the most important things about any artist.
You take for example Dieselboy, Pendulum or The Panacea, all these guys have always had a certain image built around their art. Specially The Panacea who is fucking insane haha, big fan here, that's the kinda show I'm going after.
I've been behind a couple events as well as promoter but never as the main guy because I unfortunately never had the money to bring it up, but something should be happening in the future since I'm trying to keep the scene alive and change certain things by taking a leading role behind events like some friends have done. And well, nothing more satisfactory than representing my country in the world map of dark drum & bass. I always hold high the banner of my nation as I'm very proud of being venezuelan. That is part of what I've built around my image.
4.) Tell us about these compilations you do, are they on your label? How do you choose your artists? Where can people find these compilations?
Well, Zardonic Recordings is a free net label so basically you just go on http://www.zardonicrecs.ve.tc/ and download them. Maybe you ask yourself 'why a free net label?'. To be totally honest, it all started back then when I was dying for some attention and my tunes sounded like shit haha.
I guess everyone has been there at some point, but then I also realized that there was a TON of unsigned artists with really good tunes that just wouldn't fit labels, or just grew old because they were good but people slept on them, same old story. So I decided that I had to do something for these people and push them by building a new fan base with a new label, so the best way I found to make a label considering I had no money for this, nor I would find it reliable, was a to make a free net label. And with time, I realized I got thousands of downloads, some releases even got more than 30.000 downloads.
And at this point I can proudly say that some of those artists I released are now getting attention from bigger names, such as CJ Weaver, Switch Technique, Kid Kryptic, Lucio De Rimanez, Soul Delay, 2R, Gasmask 71, dude some of the releases got played massively by tons of DJs. As of now I've eventually tightened up the quality control, but still keeping it a free product. One of the things I've always thought, a thesis that Blu Mar Ten helped me confirm, is that music is an infinite product. You can't really sell music. You don't sell music. You sell CDs, Vinyls, Merchandising, Gig tickets.
That's what you sell, but the music is not what you sell, is the media that contains it. Hence why I believe that giving out some tracks for free is something helpful before harmful for any artist. Helps for promotion, and people who like a certain artist will eventually come closer and buy merchandising, such as Vinyl releases. I know there's ton of people leaking stuff on the Internet that is already released on a commercial label, but I also get messages from people saying "Hey man, love you Zardonic Recordings releases, I just also bought your 12" with Policia". So it does help from my point of view.
Stylewise there's a lot to find. Most people believe Zardonic Recordings is only about Skullstep or Dark beats, because I know my image is related to that, but honestly I believe music is universal, reason why I put out these compilations called Rare Grooves with atmospheric and experimental stuff, not for dancefloors, but more for the listener.
4. So moving on from music, tell us about life in Venezuela? What are some favorite local dishes? Where are the coolest places in the country to visit?
If you come to Venezuela you NEED to go to La Gran Sabana, that's where the Roraima is (and, in case someone doesn't know what it is, google it, or watch the movie UP hahaha). Also Mérida would be a good place to go, it's a mountain town with a very cool climate, and most definitively the island of Margarita. Best beaches ever. The favorite food to me would be arepas, empanadas and pabellón. Make sure to ask for that. Venezuela's life has its pros and cons. As bad as the economy goes, life is still super cheap here, people just eventually find the way to eat everyday and have a beer at night haha, we're hard working people but we just can't live without partying. Oh, and almost forget to mention we have the hottest girls in the planet haha.
You take for example Dieselboy, Pendulum or The Panacea, all these guys have always had a certain image built around their art. Specially The Panacea who is fucking insane haha, big fan here, that's the kinda show I'm going after.
I've been behind a couple events as well as promoter but never as the main guy because I unfortunately never had the money to bring it up, but something should be happening in the future since I'm trying to keep the scene alive and change certain things by taking a leading role behind events like some friends have done. And well, nothing more satisfactory than representing my country in the world map of dark drum & bass. I always hold high the banner of my nation as I'm very proud of being venezuelan. That is part of what I've built around my image.
4.) Tell us about these compilations you do, are they on your label? How do you choose your artists? Where can people find these compilations?
Well, Zardonic Recordings is a free net label so basically you just go on http://www.zardonicrecs.ve.tc/ and download them. Maybe you ask yourself 'why a free net label?'. To be totally honest, it all started back then when I was dying for some attention and my tunes sounded like shit haha.
I guess everyone has been there at some point, but then I also realized that there was a TON of unsigned artists with really good tunes that just wouldn't fit labels, or just grew old because they were good but people slept on them, same old story. So I decided that I had to do something for these people and push them by building a new fan base with a new label, so the best way I found to make a label considering I had no money for this, nor I would find it reliable, was a to make a free net label. And with time, I realized I got thousands of downloads, some releases even got more than 30.000 downloads.
And at this point I can proudly say that some of those artists I released are now getting attention from bigger names, such as CJ Weaver, Switch Technique, Kid Kryptic, Lucio De Rimanez, Soul Delay, 2R, Gasmask 71, dude some of the releases got played massively by tons of DJs. As of now I've eventually tightened up the quality control, but still keeping it a free product. One of the things I've always thought, a thesis that Blu Mar Ten helped me confirm, is that music is an infinite product. You can't really sell music. You don't sell music. You sell CDs, Vinyls, Merchandising, Gig tickets.
That's what you sell, but the music is not what you sell, is the media that contains it. Hence why I believe that giving out some tracks for free is something helpful before harmful for any artist. Helps for promotion, and people who like a certain artist will eventually come closer and buy merchandising, such as Vinyl releases. I know there's ton of people leaking stuff on the Internet that is already released on a commercial label, but I also get messages from people saying "Hey man, love you Zardonic Recordings releases, I just also bought your 12" with Policia". So it does help from my point of view.
Stylewise there's a lot to find. Most people believe Zardonic Recordings is only about Skullstep or Dark beats, because I know my image is related to that, but honestly I believe music is universal, reason why I put out these compilations called Rare Grooves with atmospheric and experimental stuff, not for dancefloors, but more for the listener.
4. So moving on from music, tell us about life in Venezuela? What are some favorite local dishes? Where are the coolest places in the country to visit?
If you come to Venezuela you NEED to go to La Gran Sabana, that's where the Roraima is (and, in case someone doesn't know what it is, google it, or watch the movie UP hahaha). Also Mérida would be a good place to go, it's a mountain town with a very cool climate, and most definitively the island of Margarita. Best beaches ever. The favorite food to me would be arepas, empanadas and pabellón. Make sure to ask for that. Venezuela's life has its pros and cons. As bad as the economy goes, life is still super cheap here, people just eventually find the way to eat everyday and have a beer at night haha, we're hard working people but we just can't live without partying. Oh, and almost forget to mention we have the hottest girls in the planet haha.
5. Any last words or shout outs?
Sure man, to yourself for this opportunity, glad to be in the Westbay blogs. You guys are doing it proper. Also shouts to all the people who have supported me and helped me build a good reputation in the scene: Dieselboy, AK1200, John B for playing that NIN remix for the first time which just basically threw me out there, and also shouts to all the haters for fueling my will to keep going and fighting for what I love the most, music! Much love from Venezuela.
So there you have it.. and we're not finished.. below is an exclusive mp3 taken from "Those Who Know The Truth" EP, ZRD019EP
THE WESTBAY BLOGS ARE BACK!
We've got the hot hot hot poppin off,
keep ya ears to the streets.
we're comin back shortly!
keep ya ears to the streets.
we're comin back shortly!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
ADAM F LIVE TONIGHT AT RESPECT LA !
THURSDAY. MAY 8th, 2008:
RESPECT presents,
ADAM F w/ MC MC
*18+ SPECIAL EVENT*
@ ECHOPLEX
1154 GLENDALE BLVD.
LOS ANGELES 90026
ALONGSIDE:
NOFACE[Junglist Platoon, Respect]
-Opening Back2Back Set By-
BLUNTTUNES & D DUB[Respect]
*********
RESPECT :Drum and BassTHURSDAY @ ECHOPLEX
154 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90026
18+/$15 - 21+/$10 All Nite
Doors: 10pm-2am2
Full Bars w/ID +Outdoor Smoking Lounge
INFOLINES: 310.281.9595/323.969.5993
http://respectdrumandbass.com
http://myspace.com/respectclub
RESPECT presents,
ADAM F w/ MC MC
*18+ SPECIAL EVENT*@ ECHOPLEX
1154 GLENDALE BLVD.
LOS ANGELES 90026
ALONGSIDE:
NOFACE[Junglist Platoon, Respect]
-Opening Back2Back Set By-
BLUNTTUNES & D DUB[Respect]
*********
RESPECT :Drum and BassTHURSDAY @ ECHOPLEX
154 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90026
18+/$15 - 21+/$10 All Nite
Doors: 10pm-2am2
Full Bars w/ID +Outdoor Smoking Lounge
INFOLINES: 310.281.9595/323.969.5993
http://respectdrumandbass.com
http://myspace.com/respectclub
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