Category: Watch & Listen

The Development of CRAFT

The Development of CRAFT

MI located on Hollywood Boulevard with The Hollywood Walk of Fame stars at the front door step.

Los Angeles can be described as musician’s paradise. After all, loads of amazing musicians from Michael Jackson to Ray Charles packed up and moved to Los Angeles once they made it big, even The Beatles have recorded here. One place that’s helping musicians learn about the art and business of music is the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music located in the heart of Hollywood right near Hollywood and Highland.

At the Musicians Institute, students have the opportunity to earn degrees Performance Programs in bass, drums, guitar, keyboards and vocals or Industry Programs including audio engineering, independent artist, guitar craft, music business, and film. The goal of MI is to prepare musicians for a long and prosperous career in music. Their reputation is stellar and students come from all over the world for the experience. One of the highlights of the school is their very successful Artist & Career Services Department.

Todd Berhorst runs the Artists & Career Services Department. He connects the students with real opportunities to meet with managers, agents, labels — major and independent ­—  and industry professionals who need talent. The department prepares students for these meetings and guides them into the industry. The proximity to “the industry” is a huge advantage for the school and it’s students.

Another fabulous program the school offers is guest clinics when professional musicians come in for one session to teach a course and offer question and answer opportunities to the students. The evening that we visited the school, there was a clinic with Death Cab for Cutie drummer Jason McGerr. Jason isn’t an alumni of MI but prior to joining DCFC he taught drums for a decade. He feels that those years of teaching and learning help him when he’s grinding out 200 shows a year, dealing with long hours, being away from home on tour and working with the team dynamics of a successful band. While he appreciates all the lessons of a formal education, he notes that students need to put down the books and join the band to fully develop.

We spoke with a bass student from Brazil and asked how he managed to get to MI all the way from Sao Paulo. He trained as a dentist but felt that his heart was in music. He had been taking lessons for years from a MI alum who influenced him to look into MI. He is thrilled to be following his passion and after hearing him belt out a tune in his Intro to Voice class; I can attest that he’s got talent and charisma.

If you’ve already finished your education and gone down your career path but still have the music bug then you should consider their Summer Shot Program. It’s just for a week but offers students programs in performance, recording, song writing and guitar building. The program includes private lessons and jam sessions and you’ll even go home with a DVD of your show! Sounds like the perfect way to keep the creative juices flowing.

Sep 04, 2011 | 1 comment | View Post
RedOne

RedOne

Things are going great right now for super producer RedOne who has recently celebrated the launch of his music label 2101 Records.  RedOne is originally from Morocco but moved to Sweden when he was 19 when he left to chase his dream of producing music.  While he found moderate success in Europe, RedOne struggled and was about to throw in the towel when he suddenly skyrocketed to success with the popularity of Lady Gaga.  RedOne produced and wrote several songs on the chart topping album, The Fame.  He’s incredibly thankful for Gaga and feels like she is a “living legend” and a musical genius.  They began working together, clicked and created some very interesting music.

Since Gaga, RedOne has finished producing Nicole Scherzinger’s new album and he says it’s going to be better than her DWTS performances!  RedOne’s first artist on his new 2101 label is Mohombi who is young, up-and-coming and thoroughly gorgeous!  Imagine a tall, fit, beautiful in the face, young man with a basketball player’s body who can sing and dance like Justin Timberlake.  This sexy songster is more than model hot as he sings his infectious melodies.  He’s had a turbulent start to life as he and his family had to flee war torn Congo in search of safer surroundings in Sweden.  He then chased his dream to Los Angeles where he met up with fellow pseudo-Swede, RedOne.  His first single “Bumpy Ride” pays homage to his turbulent assent and has a Caribbean sound and beat.  The video was shot in Miami and could easily be mistaken for Cayman or Jamaica.  RedOne says that Mohombi is getting an incredible reaction from his music, his style of dance, and his performances and says, “he’s a superstar in the making, very charming, smart and an incredible entertainer”.

Outside of work, RedOne is focused on his family who is currently in Morocco.  He splits his time between Los Angeles, Morocco and Holland and considers himself a global citizen. He loves L.A. for the creativity and the weather but everything about him is global.  His favorite foods are sushi and traditional Moroccan food.  He goes to Nobu a lot but has yet to find a Moroccan restaurant  in Los Angeles that compares to his wife’s cooking at home.  However, when he’s in New York, he likes Le Souk.

This is Why He’s Hot
•RedOne’s credits include producing and co-writing 7 songs and 5 back to back hit singles on Lady Gaga’s The Fame album, which to date has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
•RedOne earned five #1 songs in 12 months for “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Love Game,” “Bad Romance” and “We Are the World 25 for Haiti.”
•RedOne earned two 2010 Grammy Awards for Best Dance Recording (“Poker Face”), Best Electronic/Dance Album (The Fame, Lady Gaga)
•RedOne was personally requested by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie to produce a contemporary version of the iconic philanthropic anthem, “We Are The World,”  with more than 80 of the world’s biggest stars.
•RedOne receives more accolades for more than 10 million album sales and 25 million singles downloaded with Lady Gaga.

RedOne

Click the link above to view video of RedOne talking about his dreams as a youth.

Oct 03, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post
Catching Up with Johnny

Catching Up with Johnny

The Goo Goo Dolls

Guess who is back on the airwaves? The Goo Goo Dolls have returned with a new album and are dominating the playlists of pop radio stations worldwide. It has been a long four years since Johnny Rzeznik (lead guitarist, vocalist), Robby Takac (bassist) and Mike Malinin (drummer) have released a new album. Of course you remember their previous titles. Who could forget the hit song “Iris” which originally appeared on the “City Of Angels” soundtrack and spent almost a year on the Billboard charts, including a phenomenal 18 weeks at #1.  “Iris” was also nominated record and song of the year by the 1998 Grammy Awards.  The tracks “Slide”, “Black Balloon” and “Broadway,” were all top ten hits on the Billboard charts.

And now, with no further delay, “Something for the Rest of Us” is here! It was written mostly by Johnny himself, and recorded over the last two years. “The theme of the album unfolded to me” says Johnny, “I wanted to address those who have been deeply effected by these tough economic conditions, those who are filled with fear and uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring. So many people are really hurting and with two wars that seem to have no end in sight. Those are the people I wrote about, from their perspective.”

Turning words and intention into action, the Goo Goo Dolls proactively chose to lower the cost of their concert tickets to make a night-out-on-the-town more affordable to the average fan. They also ask concert-goers to support USA Harvest by bringing canned goods and non-perishable food items to the concert. All the food that is collected goes to local shelters. “On average, we deliver two to three thousand cans each night we play!” says Johnny proudly. The concept is a very simple one: Move food from people who have too much, to those who have much too little!  A little effort and planning by each concert-goer makes a big difference to local communities.

If history repeats itself, as it so often does, the accomplishment of previous ballads predict the bright success of newly released love songs on this new album. Curious to know if being romantic comes easy for someone like Johnny who writes deep lyrics such as ‘…I’d give up forever to touch you…You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be…’, Johnny answered “I have to work at it like all men do. I think all men try to be romantic although most women say we don’t. I love my girlfriend and since I am away from her a lot, I send her little love notes to let her know I am thinking about her.” Wow, that is really sweet. Take note fellas, this is super simple and it works!  Ladies, didn’t you melt just a little?

So what kind of music does Johnny listen too these days? “Hmm, well let me flip through my recently played list on my computer… The Flaming Lips (Transmissions From the Satellite Heart), Regina Spektor, The Killers, The Hold Steady, and The Black Keys…all I love!”

As an artist who is familiar with creative blocks, Johnny offers these words of wisdom for any artists who’s struggling: “Don’t chase a trend. Speak your mind. Do good work. Dig down inside until it scares you. THEN you found something special.”

After touring as long as the Goo Goo Dolls have, traveling for leisure is not high on Johnny’s list. “Home, in my own bed, is a vacation to me. All I want to do is relax and spend time under my own roof. I want to fix everything that is broken!” laughs Johnny. When pressed to imagine leisure time away from home, Johnny replies, “My next trip I think will be to Italy and Rome to really check it out… eventually.” A quick review of cities and dates of the current “Something for the Rest of Us Tour” and it is easy to see why a “stay-cation” is high on Johnny’s list of priorities.

Sep 12, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
Gavin B. Keilly: Gifting Guru GBK’s Gift Lounge at the 2010 Golden Globe

Gavin B. Keilly: Gifting Guru GBK’s Gift Lounge at the 2010 Golden Globe

Heading to West Hollywood from Pacific Palisades is always a roll of the dice, I never know how much traffic I am going to encounter and what the parking situation is going to be. I drive up to the Mondrian at 9:50am with 10 minutes to spare. The shiny cars pull up with trendy, young, up-and-coming crews, piling out of their cars, wishing in the well for fame and fortune. The vibe is similar to being in a nightclub with low lights and pumping music, reminding me of my younger days when frequenting the Mondrian was a weekend norm. The elevator door opens to the 10th floor and the floor is alive, the crowds are racing around between vendors, media, celebrity and entourage alike. Gavin Keily, the gift guru, comes around the corner and we are whisked away to a room to hold our interview. Gavin, although handsome in photos, is much better looking in person, his blue eyes sparkle and dance as we sit on modern furniture in a room where in a few hours will be in full swing catering to the stars of the Golden Globes. Gavin is very comfortable in his skin and his confidence settles as we sit back in our chairs to talk about him and how he came to where he is today.

Starting his professional life in the consulting world of finance, Gavin matured his natural god-given gift of precise attention to detail and adding a fine touch that would later give him respect and a high reputation. Gavin was searching for his niche in life and wanted to give back to the world he was living in and his community. His search landed him as the director of development at the City of Hope where he assisted with the special events and fundraising for non-profit industries. After a few years of working with their team, Gavin learned he could do this on his own and actually make money. He conducted a ROI for potential vendors to show how much profit they could margin in marketing and having their product lines at his events and his business took off. To make sure the media coverage is there, he always has his photographers on hand to capture celebrities using his vendor’ products. He prefers to have one photographer for every three vendors, compared to the average one photographer for every 10 vendors, he never misses a photo!

From make-up to Pet pigs to t-shirts, GBK brings the best of its kind to the tables for gifts. This years Golden Globes gift list included products like, hand-painted bottles of one-of-a-kind Italian vodka from 2Night Vodka and 2005 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Silver Oak Wines for the wine enthusiast, On the health and beauty front, gifting included items such as RevitaLash gifted their well known eyelash conditioner which is a conditioner that gives you visibly fuller hair and CellCeuticals Biomedical Skin Treatments known to give you visibly younger skin in just two weeks. A number of fashion offerings included exclusive designer shirts for men and women from Arnold Zimberg, fine timepieces from Croton Watch, and Okobos’ unique footwear that enables people to express individual style and personal conviction while providing a way to give back easily through their charity connection. Luxurious travel destinations to top resorts with meals and multiple spa treatments a day included. GBK does not go without honoring the charities of their preference to give back to the community.GBK chose City of Hope, GLAAD, Donate Life and A Source of Joy Theatricals to support their 2010 missions.

Although these gifts are only given to the award nominees, people like you and I can easily get a hold of Gavin’s latest gift-list and hunt down the products that hold the most interest. He knows what’s best for the celebs, I am sure these products will also be great for the common folks. Keep your eye open to find him the next time you see a red carpet!

Jun 16, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post
THE GIFTING LOUNGE

THE GIFTING LOUNGE

Lionel Richie at the 2010 GRAMMY Gifting Lounge

The stars love their loot and many enjoy visiting the gifting lounge. Clockwise from below: Lionel Richie signs the cat poster for Fancy Feast that was auctioned off with proceeds benefiting MusiCares, Justin Beiber picks his Palm, Apl.de.Ap from BEP represents L.A. with his kicks from L.A. Tech, Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum grabs some cat treats from Fancy Feast, as does Taboo from BEP, ya mon — Rhianna bonds with a fellow Caribbeanite from Marley Coffee.

The GRAMMY Gift Lounge presented by Moroccanoil allowed presenters and performers to have the opportunity to scoop up tens of thousands of dollars worth of amazing gifts including an exclusive Moroccanoil signature sports bag filled with argan oil-infused Moroccanoil Treatment. The Lounge featured iPod docking stations from Harman International, and talent visiting the Lounge was treated to designer eyewear from Solstice Sunglass Boutique’s spring collections, Reverse Flying V guitar from Gibson USA, LA Gear LA Lights sneakers, Misis sterling silver jewelry, Soy Delicious Moisturizing Candles, spa services and deluxe spa robes courtesy of Dr. Lancer, Twinklist ultimate foot care packages from MTG Co., the gorgeous new Palm Pixi/ Palm Pixi Plus, Orgasense exclusive skincare and Agapara handbags from J. Holly International, cashmere sweaters from Hardcore Elegance, Fancy Feast ultimate pet packages, leather goods from Cape Cod Leather, Vivitar cameras, VIP club cases from Rock-n-Roll Gourmet, the Icing 30 Carat Revolutionary At-Home Teeth Whitening System and cosmetic dentistry package courtesy of Bling Dental and rocker chic clothing from Royal Underground. For the second year, Waste Management will sponsor a “green corner” within the Lounge where they will highlight their new “Recycling Rocks” campaign by giving a messenger bag made of recycled materials filled with eco-friendly goodies.

This years gifting lounge was done by distinctive assets (http://www.distinctiveassets.com/).

Jun 16, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
What’s so Special About Being A GRAMMY Award Winning Artist Anyway?

What’s so Special About Being A GRAMMY Award Winning Artist Anyway?

The Dave Matthews Band released an incredible album last year called Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. The album was nominated for two 2010 Grammy Awards: Best Rock Album and Album of the Year

The musical gala of the year is undoubtedly The GRAMMY Awards. A week of celebrations put on by The Recording Academy to honor the year’s best work. The tradition has been around for 52 years and it’s a huge deal. The GRAMMY Awards are more than just glitz, glamour and today’s number one hit, it’s also about education, technology, community and history. While we love film and television there’s really nothing better than music.

The week is full of events including the P&E (Producers & Engineers) Wing Event where they honored the music of Island Records. It was a big celebration in honor of music producer, Chris Blackwell. Chris is the founder of Island Records, which is an incredibly successful record label that has spanned the decades. Chris has been responsible for working with such artist as Bob Marley, U2 and Melissa Etheridge. Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow told us that Chris is the type of music producer who’s in it for the art and does it from the heart.

Neil Portnow is an important man, as he is the one responsible for bringing us Britney — that alone makes him a noted character in musical history. Originally from the east coast, Neil moved west to head up the west coast division of Jive Records during the start of the Britney era. His pet project or favorite part of his job is not deciding what songs to put on the annual GRAMMY Album, nor is it dressing up and hanging out with Béyonce — Neil’s great love is giving back. He’s the head of MusiCares, which is the charitable arm of the Recording Academy who offers assistance and support to musicians who are down on their luck.

One of the biggest events of the week was celebrating Neil Young’s 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year award. We met the band Everest at the event. Everest is a bit of a protégé to Neil Young and they have toured with Neil and Wilco and they have an album out under Vapor Records, which is Neil Young’s record label. The band is made up of four established Los Angeles based musicians who have been in a slew of different bands. They have come together and have a sound that is very Neil Youngish.

The reason winning a GRAMMY is so important is because it comes from the music community. Each member of the Recording Academy votes on the best musicians. It’s the ultimate validation that your music is good. After all, every musician aspires to be the next Neil Young.

Everest

Ke$ha

Roberta Flack at the 2010 GRAMMY Gifting Lounge

Gossip — from our eyes to your ears..GRAMMY week was full of stars and we’ve got the scoop. LMFAO were super sweet, Rhianna is tiny and crazy beautiful, Ke$ha really does hang out in glitter, the guys from The Frey are too cool for school, Nicole Kidman looks like a robot doll, in true intellectual fashion when asked to do an interview with LAX Magazine, Matthew McConaughey responded with “nah, I’m just going to pose for photos”. Jason Swarzman was lost in the parking garage but gave us a hug when we told him that we watched his show. The guys from Black Eyed Peas have great spirits and Taboo is super sexy.

Jason Mraz

We had the chance to chat with Jason Mraz, who we have to say is incredibly down-to-earth and charming considering the recent acclaim his music career has had. When we asked him what his after-Grammy plans included, he told us that he was looking forward to writing music and working on his farm (yes, he has a farm!). He and Colbie Caillat earned a Grammy this year for their collaboration on their duet “Lucky”, which is a very sweet love song where their voices blend beautifully! When we asked him how they decided to work together, he told us a pretty funny story. Apparently, he emailed Caillat telling her that he had a song written that he would like for her to record with him. When she said that she’d love to collaborate, he said he then had to scramble to start writing the song. Thankfully it all worked out in his favor. When we asked her what she thought about that story, she laughed and said that she was actually just learning that fact now.

Jun 16, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
B.B. King and T Bone Burnett at The Village. Photo courtesy of The Village

The Village Recording Studio

Photo courtesy of The Village

The Village recording studio in West Los Angeles is a famous historic landmark, it’s iconic in the music industry, and most importantly, it’s where some of our favorite music has been created.

A top-notch facility with the best equipment for catching that elusive, magical moment where history is made and powerful music is captured.  Artists have a very specific moment in time when they are at their creative peak, and it’s the recording studio’s job to record that very special moment for us all to hear and enjoy.  That’s why it’s so important to work in a studio that has the best in sound and technology. The Village has state of the art technology and more.  It’s a familial place where you are provided with support and a genuine commitment to the music.  The 1920’s masonic temple sets the mood for recording with lighted candles and calming décor.  When an artist books out the studio they are truly catered to by the staff.  They are so good at what they do that several notable artists and GRAMMY winners have set up permanent studios in which to create.

The building was erected by the Freemasons in the 1920s, and still maintains the Masonic Temple style.  The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used the building in the 60s where he operated the U.S. center for Transcendental Meditation, which was important for helping to encourage The Beatles and played an inspirational role in creating The White Album.   In 1968, Geordie Hormel, who was a musician as well as an heir to the Hormel Food Corporation, bought the building.  He founded The Village Recorder, and put it on the map with the brilliant recordings of artists like Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson of The Band, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and The Rolling Stones.  Geordie retired and the establishment was put into the hands of his daughter Julie who sought out the help of current CEO, Jeff Greenberg.  Jeff and his team took over in 1995 and led a complete redesign, with a new wiring and re-equiping of the control rooms.  The result is a completely renovated building,with state of the art studios while maintaining the historic presence and feel.

Perhaps it’s the emotion created by all of the musicians that created a real love story that spawned a future GRAMMY winning baby.  GRAMMY darling, Colbie Caillat’s father, Ken Caillat still keeps his permanent studio at The Village and he was also there thirty some years ago when he recoreded the album, Tusk with Fleetwood Mac.  While recording that album, there was a beautiful blonde working the front desk of The Village and she started going out with Ken, which led to marriage and baby Colbie.

Today you’ll find the likes of John Mayer and Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges walking the halls.  The Village has had immense success recording movie soundtracks, including Almost Famous, The Bodyguard and most recently, Crazy Heart.  Jeff Greenberg mentions what a thrill and an honor it has been to record music with the likes of T Bone Burnett and Thomas Newman.  It’s also the studio used when you hear live music on popular radio show KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic.

With their success has come the desire and ability to give back, and Jeff and his team are eager to do their part and have been involved in a number of charitable pursuits, including helping to build a state of the art recording studio at the Los Angeles Youth Opportunity Movement in Boyle Heights.  They are also involved with Summer Night Lights, an anti-gang initiative supported by Mayor Villaraigosa to help reduce gang violence during the summer months.  The Village will be helping with a mobile recording studio to aid in the education of troubled youth,  presenting opportunities within the music industry that take the engineering route rather than talking trash and wearing bling.

Whether they are helping to record the next GRAMMY or Academy Award winning soundtrack, or helping troubled youth, the fantastic team at The Village are working to keep their prominent place in Los Angeles’s vibrant music scene.

Inside The Village where great music is made:
Jimmy Jam, Janet Jackson and Ian Cross; Mark Hudson with a childrens choir; Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams; Melissa Ethridge

Photo courtesy of The Village

Photo courtesy of The Village

Photo courtesy of The Village

Photo courtesy of The Village

Win a chance to tour The Village recording studio and have breakfast with CEO Jeff Greenberg. Visit www.lax-magazine.com/jeff to enter to win!!

Jun 16, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
DJ Hapa

Spin Cycle

America’s Corporate Embrace of Hip Hop

DJ Hapa

Well, it’s not like we didn’t see this one coming….Best Buy has stared selling DJ equipment. So now that square-looking business man sitting next to you with the Bluetooth in his ear can impress the ladies and fellas with a dj set-up in his living room. It’s actually pretty cool and exciting. Spinning music is an art and making it available to the masses can only breed new talent. Plus it makes business sense for Best Buy to ride the wave of hip-hop popularity. Spinning, or being able to spin, is cool and will definitely impress. Everybody loves the DJ — more so if the music is amazing, well selected, and well mixed.

Best Buy has a long history with music — selling instruments and actual CD’s. Obviously the CD market has tumbled with more people opting for the instant gratification of downloading music from the internet. But the music education market is holding steady or growing with more and more people wanting to learn how to play like their musical idols. Best Buy will sell you a guitar and sell you lessons and now they’ll sell you everything you need to get the party started with your incredible spinning skills — oh, but you’ll need to spend some time getting to know how to manipulate the music.

Best Buy partnered up with DJ Hapa to help teach people how to spin. DJ Hapa is a world renowned DJ, and heck of a nice guy. He says that he loves the experience of watching people react to music and creating a vibe. He founded the Scratch DJ Academy — L.A. in 2004 and serves as both the Executive Director and Head Instructor of the L.A. location. Scratch DJ Academy is THE place to learn how to spin music or to continue your scratching and mixing education. Everybody who’s anybody in the DJ world is affiliated with the organization, which operates in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. The institute offers affordable ($50 – $300) lessons in spinning — everything from Introduction to DJing (Mixing & Scratching) for the beginners to Club & Performance Mixing for those more advanced.

Between the teams at Best Buy and Scratch DJ Academy and all this affordable and accessible equipment and lessons, soon everyone will be showing off their spinning skills. We hope they get the beat right!

Jun 16, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
2010 Music Issue — Who’s doing what now

2010 Music Issue — Who’s doing what now

We had a great time celebrating the GRAMMY Awards this year and met some brilliant musicians and cool people. The GRAMMY Awards set the stage for our Music Issue where we explore where we are with music right now, which, of course is influenced by where we have been in the past. The GRAMMY Awards are an interesting juxtaposition between old school and new, with it being such a long-standing and influential organization and event. One thing is for sure and that’s every artist aspires for that little statuette and all the prestige that comes with it.

Mick Fleetwood
We chatted with Mick Fleetwood of legendary band Fleetwood Mac. He’s now working with a blues band called The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band. It’s not common knowledge but before Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac was a blues band and Mick is going back to his roots with his latest creative venture. The new stuff is similar to the old stuff they played back in the 60’s as Fleetwood Mac.

Mick is a very sweet, older man who has a fatherly presence, he’s super mellow and seems wise. He lives in Hawaii, Maui to be exact, and he’s been happily touring in the last year with his blues band and musical legends such as Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and the great Boz Scaggs. The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album for Blue Again. We had to ask about the old gang from the glory days of Fleetwood Mac and he said that they all still keep in touch and that everybody is happy and healthy.

Jason Derulo
Have to admit that when we got a chance to sit down with Jason Derulo we had no idea who he was, of course, since meeting him we are far more aware of his music, plus he has exploded onto the music scene with loads of radio play, top ten hits and an American Idol performance. Jason is handsome, young, eager and polite. He’s anticipated his success for years as he’s been in performing arts schools since age 5. The son of Haitian immigrants, he grew up in Miami and was quick to point out that he didn’t “grow up poor”. He did grow up with a large family as his grandmother had 15 kids. He must have gotten those delightful manners and joy of life from his big, happy family. His star keeps rising in part due to his ability to write his own music — a common theme among successful artists — gone are the days of having a lengthy career without being able to pen your own hits. Jason says that his newfound stardom is “awesome” and that he’s totally in love with his fans, whom he loves more than anything!

LMFAO
Contrary to Mr. Derulo we were very aware of LMFAO and didn’t anticipate them to be so likable based on their trashy party boy lyrics. We expected to encounter trashy party boy attitudes and we were truly impressed by their down to earth, likable personalities. Yes, they look odd, or at least they look like hipsters who want to be noticed. There is nothing subtle about their appearance or their delivery but if you are lucky enough to get them one on one then you will find them to be quite agreeable.

While not quite as irritating as their on stage personalities, in real life interaction they do maintain a sense of swagger as they say that their newfound success is all part of their “master plan”. They’re excited and say that stardom feels natural to them however they are quick to point out that two and half years ago they couldn’t get into clubs in Los Angeles and that the late DJ AM was very cool to them as he encouraged and inspired them to keep at it. They credit DJ AM as a major inspiration, not only for his encouragement but for the way he would merge hip hop and rock while spinning. While the boys are quick to point out that they were “nobodies” several years ago, they are both related, one a direct descendent, to Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records. Not sure how they can ever be considered outsiders but perhaps that’s why they are laughing so hard.

Pat Monahan of Train
After a several year hiatus, Train is back and we’re sure you’ve caught yourself humming along to their hit song “Hey, Soul Sister” which has had huge success with radio play and high scores on the billboard charts. We caught up with Pat who was funny and full of self-depreciation. He told us that he doesn’t bet on anything except golf and then he bets on Tiger Woods having a new girlfriend — yes, humorous indeed. He says that Train’s latest album, Save Me, San Francisco, feels a bit like their first album, Drops of Jupiter, which really put them on the map and allowed them to tour the world. The new album has put them on the road again and gets back to their roots before becoming a “big pop band”.

While on his break from the group, Pat moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He did get some work on “CSI: NY” but found making his way as an actor extremely hard and has the utmost respect for working actors. He’s now back up in Seattle with his family who are enjoying their own creative pursuits with success. His son is a photographer who’s been shooting the band on a few shows. He must be good because he’s been published in Rolling Stone.

Pat is a huge Lady Gaga fan (who isn’t?) and was really looking forward to seeing Roberta Flack.

Jackson Browne
Super sweetheart, Jackson Browne, came around to chat with us and he was such a doll! He let us gush on for a bit about what an amazing musician he is and how our dads and brothers had introduced us to his music, we were gushing so much that his PR guy, Michael, had to interject with “Ladies, do you have any questions?”. Sorry, Mike, we were just a little bit overwhelmed with meeting the guy who did “Running on Empty”, for goodness sakes, could there be a better song…“people need some reason to believe”! Yes we do, Jackson Browne.

Mr. Browne is up to some new stuff these days including a new album and tour. He’s releasing an album called Love Is Strange, which is a 2-CD live set that was recorded in Spain while he was touring with his good buddy and music partner, David Lindley. You may be familiar with David’s guitar riffs in “Running on Empty”. He’s also a bit of a recluse but Jackson has found that playing in countries where David doesn’t speak the language is the key to getting him to hang out with the gang. “Why had I not thought of this before? Take him where he doesn’t speak the language and he will HAVE TO leave the gig and come with you to the restaurant, or to the club,” says Browne. “This was an unexpected strategy breakthrough in a pursuit that for a legion of friends, disciples and admirers has become known as ‘stalking the wild Lindley.’”

You can catch Jackson and David performing together this summer, check out the Jackson Browne website for tour dates and information.

Jun 16, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
ICE At Santa Monica

ICE At Santa Monica

ICE At Santa Monica

Location: 1324 Fifth Street, Santa Monica, CA

Make this holiday season a special one for the whole family. Come to Downtown

 

Santa Monica and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Downtown offers an array of shopping and dining, movie theatres and unique entertainment venues, including the world famous Third Street Promenade. And returning this year is the amazing ice skating rink — just a snowball’s throw from the Promenade!

Nov 12, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
San Diego Street Scene

San Diego Street Scene

SAN DIEGO – STREET SCENE

One of our favorite events every summer is the San Diego Street Scene. This past year marked the return of Street Scene to the downtown area of San Diego and the triumphant return of The Black Eyed Peas — who did not disappoint. While we were sad to miss the Beastie Boys (Get well soon, MCA!), we were thoroughly entertained by MIA and Busta Rhymes. BEP really know how to put on a show and Fergie is HOT!  You can tell this woman works out. MIA and her crew brought energy to their performance and dance routines with her main dancer wearing a tribute to MJ. Make this musicfest your yearly habit and get on down.

Nov 10, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
Bobby Valentino: The Atlanta Crooner

Bobby Valentino: The Atlanta Crooner

Bobby Valentino: The Atlanta Crooner
Rick Florino

Soul never felt so sexy

Staring out a floor-to-ceiling window in the famous Capitol Building, Atlanta neo soul crooner Bobby Valentino is just about ready to pack his bags and move to Los Angeles for good. “I really want to get myself a spot out here,” exclaims the Atlanta native. “I came here with a jacket on, and now I’m just rockin’ a white t-shirt and jeans!I love L.A.”

Well, Bobby Valentino spreads some of that love on his brand new album, The Rebirth.The record sees Valentino examining faith, relationships and much more with a new maturity and the same sense of booty-shakin’ bounciness. He channels classic soul music and R&B with a modern twist. “People can identify with my songs,” he says. “The new songs capture hip hop, R&B and soul with no tricks. A lot of soul is taken away in today’s music because of the vocoder. You end up sounding like everybody else when you use one of those. It’s all me.”

The Rebirth’s first single “Beep” has already lit up the charts, alongside Bobby’s other recent smash hit, “Mrs. Officer” with Lil Wayne. Even though his celebrity keeps rising, he’s got other plans than hitting up red carpet parties while in L.A. “I love that little spot by UCLA, where they make the fresh cookies and ice cream, Diddy Riese.Every time I come here, I’ve got to get a macadamia nut cookie with some kind of ice cream. I love Melrose too because you get some of that great antique vintage shopping, and there are some awesome shoe spots.Everywhere in L.A. is lovely.”

He also finds the town inspiring creatively.“When you come out here, it makes you want to make more money. First of all, it’s extra expensive. You see these houses in the Hills, and that’s everybody’s dream to be able to live up there. There’s so much that goes into this. It’s a real job. I’m always trying to work harder. I love being an artist. It is fun.It’s way easier to get the girls when you’re a singer; you don’t really have to say much.” Especially in tinsel town.

Mar 27, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
New Hip Hop – Novel

New Hip Hop – Novel

New Hip Hop – Novel

There’s typically a time and a person for any revolution. That person is Los Angeles singer and rapper Novel, and his time is now. On his debut album, Audiobiography (Due out June 31), Novel doesn’t take hip hop to another level; he takes it to another dimension. He forges intelligent, passionate rhymes to airtight instrumentals spanning the spectrum from classic soul to alternative rock.“It’s alternative hip hop,” the MC says with a big smile.“There’s a subtle rock background to the songs, and it’s just enough to ease people in.”

In terms of fi nding inspiration, the producer and artist didn’t have to look very far. He explains, “I tried to write something that was real instead of just conjuring verses out of thin air. I think I can always get better, and I’m learning more each day. This is the closest that I’ve been to fi nding myself as an artist. If I don’t I feel it, then I won’t write it.”

The people will defi nitely feel it once the album drops. Novel isn’t new to the game either. He’s already produced and worked on tracks for everyone from India Arie and Lauryn Hill to Talib Kweli and Alicia Keys. Novel’s got a lot to say on his own tracks though. “I’m trying get something across in my music if I can,” Novel continues. “I like to party too though [Laughs]. There’s a time and a place for everything. I don’t want to come off too preachy. I just want people to know that I have something to say. When you’re an artist and you’re in a certain position to infl uence people when you say things, you should. It’s important to put some substance. This is about fi nding some love and peace of mind because life is so short.” Welcome to the future of hip hop. Welcome to Novel.

Mar 27, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
Featured Artist: Rachael Yamagata

Featured Artist: Rachael Yamagata

Featured Artist: Rachael Yamagata

Rachael Yamagata is for lovers — well the brokenhearted kind.

Her new album, Elephants…Teeth Seeking Into Heart is a pastiche of heartbreak woven together with soft, pained melodies and soaring vocal hooks. She explains, “Relationships certainly inspire me. I’m also inspired by any kind of sociology behind human behavior — the motivation behind all of our actions. I concentrate a lot on love relationships. I think it’s because the stakes are so high. You’re at your most vulnerable, and there’s a great potential to be crushed when things don’t work out. Lyrically, the album is about things I’ve gone through personally or things I connect to in the world.” At the same time though, she’s telling some very intriguing stories over the course of the record. “I always gravitate towards cinematic things. Elephants has a film score vibe to it, intentionally. When I describe the music, I say the rock songs have a ‘Pulp Fiction surf guitar element.’ It’s dark and edgy in a way.”

Some of the characters that Rachael explores certainly wouldn’t be out of place hanging out with Jules Winfield and Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino’s backyard. However, Rachael goes even a little bit deeper in terms of her literary sensibility.

“I do read a lot,” she says. “My book preference is just as wide and diverse as my musical taste is. I’ve gotten really into novels like Revolutionary Road — long before the movie. I also dig Toni Morrison. I’ll read that stuff along with Suzie Orman’s How to Save Your Money and metaphysical books about psychic protection. I’ve been reading something about the cat’s mind to try and understand my cat better [Laughs].”
- Rick Florino

Mar 27, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
Grammy’s 2009

Grammy’s 2009

Grammy Gifts: Inside the gifting lounges

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…No, we’re not talking about Christmas.
Los Angeles doesn’t take December 25th off, remember? We’re talking about Award Season, and if there’s one thing that Award Season has going for it’s the tradition of gifting suites. Gifting suite connaisseur and author of the book, Fabulous, Lash Fary (www.distinctiveassets.com), combines top designers and manufacturers to showcase their latest and greatest products to the bright and beautiful people at the awards ceremonies. The hope is that someone on the A-List will fall in love with said products. Now, LAX was cordially invited to a couple gifting suites, and that whole experience was nothing short of jolly. From getting hair and make-up done professionally to gorging ourselves on Chipotles tacos to finding new favorite shoes and jeans — it’s honestly a great way to spend a day. Here we present some of our latest favorites, BEFORE the superstars tell you they’re cool…

Däv rainwear

It never rains in California……except during the recent 51st Annual Grammy Awards festivities.Complete downpours sent the stars scrambling for dry digs and straight into StyleWest’s däv rainwear at the Grammy Talent Gift Lounge.
Www.davrain.com DL1961

Kate Somerville HydraKate Line Release™ Face Serum
Your answer to ageless beauty! A blend of peptides and collagen builders help to improve skin texture and tone.
Www.katesomerville.com

GUNNAR optiks Digital
Performance Eyewear: optics specifically designed to increase visual performance, prevent Digital Eye Fatique and protect against Computer Vision Syndrome.
Www.gunnars.com

Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting Primer
Flawless skin starts at the base. The light, oilfree formula of the HD Microperfecting Primer acts as a preparation product that creates a protective film on the skin’s surface and operates as a shield, preventing the foundation from penetrating the skin.
Www.makeupforever.com

DL1961
Introducing DL1961 the first collection of premium denim exclusively featuring XFIT LYCRA®. DL1961 combines revolutionary fit, a proprietary soft hand finish and many exclusive washes from very light to super dark.
Www.dl1961.com

Mar 27, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
Next Page »