A few weeks back a friend of mine and I fulfilled a promise we’d made when we were 15–that if the Kooks came to California we’d go. We were fortunate enough to get tickets to the sold out show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. An intimate venue, it was among the most fun concerts I’ve ever been to. Sweaty and bouncing off of every surface of the stage, I also don’t think I’ve ever seen an artist so cracked out. Regardless, they were completely on top of their game; I would go as far to say they are better live than they are in the studio. I hardly expected much from their new material, but I have to admit it’s pretty good. I’ve been waiting for them to release a single to actually write about it, and their upcoming album’s title track, Junk Of the Heart, was released just the other day. I’ll definitely be looking forward to the release of the remainder of the album. Download it below, the 15 year old version of myself insists you do.
Electric Daisy Carnival made the switch to sin city this year after being stationed in Los Angeles for it’s first 14 years. Judging by how it went, I don’t think it will ever be going back. I had a different perspective of the whole thing since I was a volunteer, but the event went off without a hitch. The usual first day complications ensued: miscommunications with security guards and inevitable long antsy waits to get in. Once inside, everyone was welcomed with the largest EDM playground in North America with only more room to expand in the future. Six jam packed stages (Neon Garden, Cosmic Meadow, Circuit Grounds, BassPod, Kinetic Field), 20+ legit carnival rides that I didn’t go on for some reason, and 100s of the world’s best DJs. It all almost sounded too good to be true.
I don’t know why, but I went in with really low expectations this year…I just didn’t want to fork over another $200 on a festival mainly filled with DJs I’ve seen already. The event would have been worth every penny had I made the commitment. For the most part, everyone brought out a fresh tracklist to throw down. The up-and-comers (Zedd, Porter, Feed Me, Bird Peterson, Drop the Lime, Them Jeans, LA Riots) strategically put together the set of their lives. One minor qualm I had was that it was hard to go through the sets without hearing songs repeated. It seemed that the songs of the weekend included, but weren’t limited to: Brap, Bass Canon, Space Junk, Turbulence, In For the Kill, and remixes of that stupid Party Rock Anthem song or whatever.
Overall…it was one of the most fun and well put together events I’ve ever gone to. The production couldn’t have been more on point. The towering stages were lined with light screens, strobe lights, fog machines, and shit I’ve never even seen before. The performers on stage were either really trippy or really entertaining. So that whole aspect made each set special in their own right. On top of everything else, each night’s peak (circa 2-3AM) had its own 15 minute firework show. It wasn’t as elaborate as it was just large scale. Never seen that many fireworks. My whole concept of time was fucked. 3AM just meant “3 more hours,” and 5AM meant “SUNRISE SET!” It was so crazy seeing them perform as the sun creeped up behind the desert mountains. Bottom line, Insomniac really knows how to throw an event. They’re always in the know about DJs to pick up, but I feel like they should dive deeper and pick up some people that we aren’t as familiar with. That being said, I’m counting down til next year. Here are my picks for the weekend.
My Top 10
I tried to get videos for as many as I could, but I was working at the water station for a lot of them. So lucky my station was right in front of the Neon Garden Stage. If you saw the lineup you’d know what I mean (especially Day 2). And also sorry about the bass…my little flip couldn’t handle all the bass when I got too close. Just make sure to view the videos in HD.
I’ve seen Laidback Luke a few times now and he just gets better every time. When he performs he plays the widest range of songs compared to most DJs. He has those sing along songs, his original productions, rock, hip hop, and relentless bass filled, wobbly dub. I’m going to go far enough to say that he’s one of the top DJs in the world right now, and he’s only getting better. Watch out!!
Bassnectar is always such a pleasure to see. He plays an infusion of the fattest, hardest, most distorted dubstep and hip hop, and yet he’s such a positively light hearted dude. It’s hard to choose which one of the times that I’ve seen him is the best, because every set is different and amazing in its own way. He’s never started or ended two sets the same. Always staying up to date with new songs that come out and playing his own tweaked out remixes of songs we all know. Definitely one of my top pics for live DJs.
I hardly ever have anything bad to say about Jack Beats. Again they fill an hour and a half with wobbly bangers and hard hitting remixes, and my friend and I were front and center for the occasion. You wouldn’t find me anywhere else for these guys. It was pretty cool at the beginning, because Skrillex and AC Slater came out to introduce them to the crowd. As if they need an introduction…Jack Beats are gods.
After Jack Beats came the prince of dubstep. I had seen Skrillex a couple times so I wanted to see what all the hype was with Above & Beyond. Being front and center already, we decided to stay. I got hella love for Skrillex and his production abilities. He’s changed the game and opened so many doors for electronic, and there’s no denying that. One thing I can do without is the crowd Skrillex brings: douche central straight up. Fools don’t even know how to get down to dubstep. Another thing that’s pretty funny is when Skrillex talks on the mic. Hahah always gets me. Speaking of mic, Afrojack came out in the middle of the set and grabbed the mic to let us know that there were more people there than the main stage and that he couldn’t believe it. Massive set and it looks like I’ll be seeing him again for HARD Summer.
Favorite sunrise set of the weekend. The sun would start creepin’ up around 5, be blasting the DJs at Neon Garden at 5:30. It seems like I’ll got months without hearing anything from MSTRKRFT, and then they play a local show or I’ll catch them at a festival, reminding me that these veterans are very much still alive and very much still bosses in the game. Such a fun dancy set. I just want another album already!
This kid knows how to jam. You can always tell how stoked he is to be performing, and he doesn’t get caught up in it. He hypes everyone up so much and throws down consistently bass heavy tracks that everyone loses their minds to. Still can’t believe he just graduate at high school. I try to refrain from saying “age is just a number” to keep from sounding rapy, but clearly it hasn’t kept him from producing some of the hardest tracks of today.
This set was the biggest surprise to me. I knew he was good, and I’ve heard a lot of his tracks, but I wasn’t expecting to be as blown away as I was. Such dutchy track selection had me going for the whole set. His song “Brap” was a DJ favorite for the event, so it was cool to seem him drop it.
Left Skrillex early to catch these guys. I thought I was going to be late but it looked like they had some technical difficulties, starting almost 15 minutes after they were supposed to. Their sound is definitely not for everyone. More on the wobbly side like Jack Beats, but sharper and more distorted. They definitely exceeded my already high expectations. Went mental for the whole set.
The Swedes capped out on the last sunrise set of the weekend. We trucked over with all the remaining energy we had, and their set was enough to keep me dancing for the final moments of EDC. They get so into it, and make it hard for you not to join. The usual blow up champagne and banana toys made their way through the crowd. It was cool because they took up everyone that was dressed like a banana. You can see in the video.
Not too much to say about Zedd other than I can’t to see what else he brings in the future. He just finished touring with Porter and Skrillex, so that should be enough to prove that he’s worthy. His productions have been hitting the blogs more consistently than most DJs. Zedd’s video game influenced style really makes his tracks distinguishable and easy to remember. His set was one of the few that were recorded, so I’ma give that one a go asap.
Delightful Mention
Avicii
Feed Me
Bloody Beetroots
Major Lazer
LA Riots
Drop the Lime
Them Jeans
Who I Wish I Saw
Had I been able to clone myself, I would have seen all of these guys:
Above & Beyond
Tiesto
ATB
Doctor P
All of Swedish House Mafia
Chuckie
Bingo Players
Skream & Benga
Electric Daisy Carnival made the switch to sin city this year after being stationed in Los Angeles for it’s first 14 years. Judging by how it went, I don’t think it will ever be going back. I had a different perspective of the whole thing since I was a volunteer, but the event went off without a hitch. The usual first day complications ensued: miscommunications with security guards and inevitable long antsy waits to get in. Once inside, everyone was welcomed with the largest EDM playground in North America with only more room to expand in the future. Six jam packed stages (Neon Garden, Cosmic Meadow, Circuit Grounds, BassPod, Kinetic Field), 20+ legit carnival rides that I didn’t go on for some reason, and 100s of the world’s best DJs. It all almost sounded too good to be true.
I don’t know why, but I went in with really low expectations this year…I just didn’t want to fork over another $200 on a festival mainly filled with DJs I’ve seen already. The event would have been worth every penny had I made the commitment. For the most part, everyone brought out a fresh tracklist to throw down. The up-and-comers (Zedd, Porter, Feed Me, Bird Peterson, Drop the Lime, Them Jeans, LA Riots) strategically put together the set of their lives. One minor qualm I had was that it was hard to go through the sets without hearing songs repeated. It seemed that the songs of the weekend included, but weren’t limited to: Brap, Bass Canon, Space Junk, Turbulence, In For the Kill, and remixes of that stupid Party Rock Anthem song or whatever.
Overall…it was one of the most fun and well put together events I’ve ever gone to. The production couldn’t have been more on point. The towering stages were lined with light screens, strobe lights, fog machines, and shit I’ve never even seen before. The performers on stage were either really trippy or really entertaining. So that whole aspect made each set special in their own right. On top of everything else, each night’s peak (circa 2-3AM) had its own 15 minute firework show. It wasn’t as elaborate as it was just large scale. Never seen that many fireworks. My whole concept of time was fucked. 3AM just meant “3 more hours,” and 5AM meant “SUNRISE SET!” It was so crazy seeing them perform as the sun creeped up behind the desert mountains. Bottom line, Insomniac really knows how to throw an event. They’re always in the know about DJs to pick up, but I feel like they should dive deeper and pick up some people that we aren’t as familiar with. That being said, I’m counting down til next year. Here are my picks for the weekend.
My Top 10
I tried to get videos for as many as I could, but I was working at the water station for a lot of them. So lucky my station was right in front of the Neon Garden Stage. If you saw the lineup you’d know what I mean (especially Day 2). And also sorry about the bass…my little flip couldn’t handle all the bass when I got too close. Just make sure to view the videos in HD.
I’ve seen Laidback Luke a few times now and he just gets better every time. When he performs he plays the widest range of songs compared to most DJs. He has those sing along songs, his original productions, rock, hip hop, and relentless bass filled, wobbly dub. I’m going to go far enough to say that he’s one of the top DJs in the world right now, and he’s only getting better. Watch out!!
Bassnectar is always such a pleasure to see. He plays an infusion of the fattest, hardest, most distorted dubstep and hip hop, and yet he’s such a positively light hearted dude. It’s hard to choose which one of the times that I’ve seen him is the best, because every set is different and amazing in its own way. He’s never started or ended two sets the same. Always staying up to date with new songs that come out and playing his own tweaked out remixes of songs we all know. Definitely one of my top pics for live DJs.
I hardly ever have anything bad to say about Jack Beats. Again they fill an hour and a half with wobbly bangers and hard hitting remixes, and my friend and I were front and center for the occasion. You wouldn’t find me anywhere else for these guys. It was pretty cool at the beginning, because Skrillex and AC Slater came out to introduce them to the crowd. As if they need an introduction…Jack Beats are gods.
After Jack Beats came the prince of dubstep. I had seen Skrillex a couple times so I wanted to see what all the hype was with Above & Beyond. Being front and center already, we decided to stay. I got hella love for Skrillex and his production abilities. He’s changed the game and opened so many doors for electronic, and there’s no denying that. One thing I can do without is the crowd Skrillex brings: douche central straight up. Fools don’t even know how to get down to dubstep. Another thing that’s pretty funny is when Skrillex talks on the mic. Hahah always gets me. Speaking of mic, Afrojack came out in the middle of the set and grabbed the mic to let us know that there were more people there than the main stage and that he couldn’t believe it. Massive set and it looks like I’ll be seeing him again for HARD Summer.
Favorite sunrise set of the weekend. The sun would start creepin’ up around 5, be blasting the DJs at Neon Garden at 5:30. It seems like I’ll got months without hearing anything from MSTRKRFT, and then they play a local show or I’ll catch them at a festival, reminding me that these veterans are very much still alive and very much still bosses in the game. Such a fun dancy set. I just want another album already!
This kid knows how to jam. You can always tell how stoked he is to be performing, and he doesn’t get caught up in it. He hypes everyone up so much and throws down consistently bass heavy tracks that everyone loses their minds to. Still can’t believe he just graduate at high school. I try to refrain from saying “age is just a number” to keep from sounding rapy, but clearly it hasn’t kept him from producing some of the hardest tracks of today.
This set was the biggest surprise to me. I knew he was good, and I’ve heard a lot of his tracks, but I wasn’t expecting to be as blown away as I was. Such dutchy track selection had me going for the whole set. His song “Brap” was a DJ favorite for the event, so it was cool to seem him drop it.
Left Skrillex early to catch these guys. I thought I was going to be late but it looked like they had some technical difficulties, starting almost 15 minutes after they were supposed to. Their sound is definitely not for everyone. More on the wobbly side like Jack Beats, but sharper and more distorted. They definitely exceeded my already high expectations. Went mental for the whole set.
The Swedes capped out on the last sunrise set of the weekend. We trucked over with all the remaining energy we had, and their set was enough to keep me dancing for the final moments of EDC. They get so into it, and make it hard for you not to join. The usual blow up champagne and banana toys made their way through the crowd. It was cool because they took up everyone that was dressed like a banana. You can see in the video.
Not too much to say about Zedd other than I can’t to see what else he brings in the future. He just finished touring with Porter and Skrillex, so that should be enough to prove that he’s worthy. His productions have been hitting the blogs more consistently than most DJs. Zedd’s video game influenced style really makes his tracks distinguishable and easy to remember. His set was one of the few that were recorded, so I’ma give that one a go asap.
Delightful Mention
Avicii
Feed Me
Bloody Beetroots
Major Lazer
LA Riots
Drop the Lime
Them Jeans
Who I Wish I Saw
Had I been able to clone myself, I would have seen all of these guys:
Above & Beyond
Tiesto
ATB
Doctor P
All of Swedish House Mafia
Chuckie
Bingo Players
Skream & Benga
Two sold out LA dates in July along with making the bill of massive music festivals world wide had the line for this free show at Amoeba Records in Hollywood down the building and around the block. After getting through bullshit LA traffic and making it to Amoeba 2 hours prior to Foster the People‘s set at 6:30, I just had my hopes set on getting in. They began to slowly let in the seemingly endless line around 5:30. Filled with fans of much anticipation to see the biggest thing to hit KROQ since Audioslave’s “Like A Stone.” Hahah I’m not entirely sure about that, but I haven’t been tuning in recently. As they filled in the aisles of the store, the excitement began setting in. Foster’s equipment was up and ready to go, and they placed us dead center a few rows back. It was only a matter of time before the sound of banter would be substituted with tracks I’d been itching to hear live off Foster’s latest album Torches, which had just been released the day before.
I had never been to Amoeba for one of these free shows. The whole experience was very fresh, and I just sat back and observed, waiting as the clock ticked towards 6:30, and the aisles got closed one after another. So many different people. Hipsters, teens, bros, greasers, hispanics, babies, blacks. It just goes to show how approachable these guys’ music is and how it can bring everyone together. While in line earlier, Amoeba reps had everyone sign off all their info to enter for a chance to win gift certificates, a huge poster of the new album cover, and the opportunity to meet the band. At 6:25 the announcer yelled out my friend’s and my name as the winner, and let me tell you, there is no better way to start a show with knowing that you’ll be able to thank the band for everything afterwards.
After being 30 minutes late at their Coachella debut only to be booed through their intro, one can only assume they’d do everything to avoid that from happening again. The boys strutted on stage right as the clock struck 6:30 and were greeted with the utmost satisfaction from all in attendance. They went straight into their set, starting off with “Warrant,” the closing track on Torches. I love this track and I think it’s a great opener if you’re familiar, but they should have started with “Houdini” or “Helena Beat” just to get Amoeba going. Of course, saving “Pumped Up Kicks” for the middle or last song. Needless to say my crew and I were already tearing up the aisle as Foster went through various new tracks off the album. I took time in between recording videos to admire their live recreations of tracks I got so used to hearing. And inevitable dance breaks with my friends ensued, despite a less than energetic Amoeba. The multi-instrumentalist band performed with 5 members, yet only consists of the three main guys. They needed that whole team otherwise there’s no way they’d get that same live sound. Everyone switched between keys, synths, guitars, singing, and banging on drums. One of the guys got down with the cowbell and I’m pretty sure that’s about the time Amoeba put their dancing shoes on,a and I can’t blame them! The highlight of the day was “Pumped Up Kicks.” I know how overplayed that song is, but it still just doesn’t seem to do any wrong. At the middle chorus Foster stopped playing and singing as all of Amoeba chanted together:
“All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better run, better run, faster than my bullet!”
Seriously awesome all around. They played a full and complete set for us for free. I wanted to start an encore chant but I knew it was asking for too much. After it all was said and done, my friend and I went to collect our respective prizes and got to meet the band for a signing. Real stand up dudes and I couldn’t stress how happy for them I was. We’ll meet again at Outside Lands. No way Witler and I are gonna miss them there. I got videos of two of my favorite new songs from their album that you can scope after the jump. Be sure to support them the next opportunity you have! They deserve it.
Two sold out LA dates in July along with making the bill of massive music festivals world wide had the line for this free show at Amoeba Records in Hollywood down the building and around the block. After getting through bullshit LA traffic and making it to Amoeba 2 hours prior to Foster the People‘s set at 6:30, I just had my hopes set on getting in. They began to slowly let in the seemingly endless line around 5:30. Filled with fans of much anticipation to see the biggest thing to hit KROQ since Audioslave’s “Like A Stone.” Hahah I’m not entirely sure about that, but I haven’t been tuning in recently. As they filled in the aisles of the store, the excitement began setting in. Foster’s equipment was up and ready to go, and they placed us dead center a few rows back. It was only a matter of time before the sound of banter would be substituted with tracks I’d been itching to hear live off Foster’s latest album Torches, which had just been released the day before.
I had never been to Amoeba for one of these free shows. The whole experience was very fresh, and I just sat back and observed, waiting as the clock ticked towards 6:30, and the aisles got closed one after another. So many different people. Hipsters, teens, bros, greasers, hispanics, babies, blacks. It just goes to show how approachable these guys’ music is and how it can bring everyone together. While in line earlier, Amoeba reps had everyone sign off all their info to enter for a chance to win gift certificates, a huge poster of the new album cover, and the opportunity to meet the band. At 6:25 the announcer yelled out my friend’s and my name as the winner, and let me tell you, there is no better way to start a show with knowing that you’ll be able to thank the band for everything afterwards.
After being 30 minutes late at their Coachella debut only to be booed through their intro, one can only assume they’d do everything to avoid that from happening again. The boys strutted on stage right as the clock struck 6:30 and were greeted with the utmost satisfaction from all in attendance. They went straight into their set, starting off with “Warrant,” the closing track on Torches. I love this track and I think it’s a great opener if you’re familiar, but they should have started with “Houdini” or “Helena Beat” just to get Amoeba going. Of course, saving “Pumped Up Kicks” for the middle or last song. Needless to say my crew and I were already tearing up the aisle as Foster went through various new tracks off the album. I took time in between recording videos to admire their live recreations of tracks I got so used to hearing. And inevitable dance breaks with my friends ensued, despite a less than energetic Amoeba. The multi-instrumentalist band performed with 5 members, yet only consists of the three main guys. They needed that whole team otherwise there’s no way they’d get that same live sound. Everyone switched between keys, synths, guitars, singing, and banging on drums. One of the guys got down with the cowbell and I’m pretty sure that’s about the time Amoeba put their dancing shoes on,a and I can’t blame them! The highlight of the day was “Pumped Up Kicks.” I know how overplayed that song is, but it still just doesn’t seem to do any wrong. At the middle chorus Foster stopped playing and singing as all of Amoeba chanted together:
“All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better run, better run, faster than my bullet!”
Seriously awesome all around. They played a full and complete set for us for free. I wanted to start an encore chant but I knew it was asking for too much. After it all was said and done, my friend and I went to collect our respective prizes and got to meet the band for a signing. Real stand up dudes and I couldn’t stress how happy for them I was. We’ll meet again at Outside Lands. No way Witler and I are gonna miss them there. I got videos of two of my favorite new songs from their album that you can scope after the jump. Be sure to support them the next opportunity you have! They deserve it.
It’s been quite the week for free concerts…got to see some acts that I had to miss out on from Coachella. Nosaj Thing and Diplo played a show at UCLA that was restricted for students, but thanks to some strings being pulled by homie Yama Nawabi I got in hassle free. First of all, damn you UCLA kids for not packing that ballroom! Spoiled kids don’t know what they have. Definitely not bitter from being rejected or anything. (Edit: Turns out the fire marshall capped at 1500…so that’s why it wasn’t packed. aaawwwWWWWKKKWWWwwwwaaarrddd) Anyway Nosaj was an interesting addition to the lineup of electro DJs. He’s not rage material, as most of the kids were prepared to do. Needless to say, I was front and center. Witness to Nosaj throwing down on the decks, and getting crafty as fuck with the drum machines. Though a man of few words, he played a steezed out set filled with Quest, Fog, Aquarium, and all the goodies. All the while with crazy ass visuals being projected on him and his table. Diplo…Diplo is always a party. With his main focus on swag, the kids got rowdy as hell as he packed a moombahton set with nasty dub and heavy electro. Diplo is definitely one of the more entertaining DJs to see and he got mad support from the crowd. Good times all around.
I was most excited to see Yelle at the Music Box last night. Not only did I have to deal with all my friends rubbing in my face how good she was at Coachella, it was her last stop of the North American tour and I knew they weren’t going to hold anything back for LA. Definitely one of the most fun shows I’ve been to. I was drenched with the positive vibes that were leaking from the ceiling. Everyone was stoked on life and super friendly while we all dance partied from start to finish. “Merci beaucoup Los Angeleeez!!!” Yelle is such a performer and her backing band couldn’t have been more entertaining. They played a near flawless set while squeezing in some laughs and love. And to top it all off, I got another drum stick to add to my collection! Thanks to the fucking awesome security guard that made it happen. I’ll never forget it. Make a point to see her next time she’s around. It’s worth every penny! But thanks to Gotta Dance Dirty, I got to attend free of charge. More love and respect to those guys for hooking it up.
People have been saying lately that they wish I went back to longer lists, but I feel like for the most part it’s too much to take in if it’s more than 5 or so tracks. I want the least amount of songs to be skipped over by you guys. Keep the feedback coming friends, it really means a lot. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure these lists’ awesome levels are optimized for everyone. Give everything a go…YOLO!
It’s been quite the week for free concerts…got to see some acts that I had to miss out on from Coachella. Nosaj Thing and Diplo played a show at UCLA that was restricted for students, but thanks to some strings being pulled by homie Yama Nawabi I got in hassle free. First of all, damn you UCLA kids for not packing that ballroom! Spoiled kids don’t know what they have. Definitely not bitter from being rejected or anything. (Edit: Turns out the fire marshall capped at 1500…so that’s why it wasn’t packed. aaawwwWWWWKKKWWWwwwwaaarrddd) Anyway Nosaj was an interesting addition to the lineup of electro DJs. He’s not rage material, as most of the kids were prepared to do. Needless to say, I was front and center. Witness to Nosaj throwing down on the decks, and getting crafty as fuck with the drum machines. Though a man of few words, he played a steezed out set filled with Quest, Fog, Aquarium, and all the goodies. All the while with crazy ass visuals being projected on him and his table. Diplo…Diplo is always a party. With his main focus on swag, the kids got rowdy as hell as he packed a moombahton set with nasty dub and heavy electro. Diplo is definitely one of the more entertaining DJs to see and he got mad support from the crowd. Good times all around.
I was most excited to see Yelle at the Music Box last night. Not only did I have to deal with all my friends rubbing in my face how good she was at Coachella, it was her last stop of the North American tour and I knew they weren’t going to hold anything back for LA. Definitely one of the most fun shows I’ve been to. I was drenched with the positive vibes that were leaking from the ceiling. Everyone was stoked on life and super friendly while we all dance partied from start to finish. “Merci beaucoup Los Angeleeez!!!” Yelle is such a performer and her backing band couldn’t have been more entertaining. They played a near flawless set while squeezing in some laughs and love. And to top it all off, I got another drum stick to add to my collection! Thanks to the fucking awesome security guard that made it happen. I’ll never forget it. Make a point to see her next time she’s around. It’s worth every penny! But thanks to Gotta Dance Dirty, I got to attend free of charge. More love and respect to those guys for hooking it up.
People have been saying lately that they wish I went back to longer lists, but I feel like for the most part it’s too much to take in if it’s more than 5 or so tracks. I want the least amount of songs to be skipped over by you guys. Keep the feedback coming friends, it really means a lot. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure these lists’ awesome levels are optimized for everyone. Give everything a go…YOLO!
Got there a little later than we had planned, so we unfortunately missed Casey Veggies and Dom Kennedy, among others (although Dom is performing in LA and the OC on back to back nights this week so I got over that pretty quickly). We made it in time to catch Black Hippy, the group consisting of Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q. The four had the crowd up, each performing some solo stuff before coming together as a group. Kendrick Lamar had a special buzz going after performing “Pussy and Patron” and “Michael Jordan.” Look for him to have a bigger spot in the show if he returns next year.
Asher Roth and Nottz, as Rawth, delivered my favorite performance of the night as it started getting dark. The thirty minute set was all you could’ve wanted from the two. Asher played some old and new and guided a quick tour through the game-changing work Nottz has accomplished, w/ DJ Recognize showing how a hip-hop DJ can get a crowd hyped in between songs.
The Grindtime Now stage had MCs battling and performing inside a UFC cage, the “hip-hoptagon.” The novelty was pretty cool at first but it was just in the way after a little while. Slaughterhouse headlined, showing up late but bringing the heat once they made their way to the stage. Unfortunately missed MURS due to set times being switched around, but caught him covering Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” at the end, which was dope. Natural entertainer, MURS has never disappointed with his live act. Immortal Technique killed his set, bringing his inspiring revolutionary message with him. One of the homies cracked some joke about “Che Technique.” Mos Def and Talib Kweli’s re-union as Black Star was the main headliner. I’m a big fan but as a headliner I think they could’ve played more of their popular shit, especially with all the anticipation. Mos Def’s red old school microphone was full of swag though. Sorry for the lack of media, my phone’s been dropped too many times to take clear pictures or videos with clear sound… working on getting that fixed.
Another solid Paid Dues, especially considering the ticket included the price of second-hand smoke. My only complaint (I can’t be the only one who thinks this) is the over-use of the hype man in so many acts. I’d rather hear the artist performing the track than have someone yelling random lines. It’s like when you don’t know all the lyrics to a song and you’re trying to sing along. Sounds so much better without it. Got some good shows comin’ up in the next month, check the Upcoming Events to see where you’ll find us!
+Jangbar
BONUS
Asher dropped the video for “Gotta Get Up” today, pretty interesting visuals… we’ve all been there.
FULL POST
Headed out deep into the 909 yesterday to check out the 6th Annual Paid Dues Festival, put together again by MURS and the folks at Guerilla Union. The festival has continued to grow since its beginning in ‘06, expanding from its independent hip-hop roots by bringing together artists with different styles from all over. There’s few things better than everyone coming together to enjoy the sunshine, thumping bass, and good vibes so I knew it was gonna be a good day.
Got there a little later than we had planned, so we unfortunately missed Casey Veggies and Dom Kennedy, among others (although Dom is performing in LA and the OC on back to back nights this week so I got over that pretty quickly). We made it in time to catch Black Hippy, the group consisting of Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q. The four had the crowd up, each performing some solo stuff before coming together as a group. Kendrick Lamar had a special buzz going after performing “Pussy and Patron” and “Michael Jordan.” Look for him to have a bigger spot in the show if he returns next year.
Asher Roth and Nottz, as Rawth, delivered my favorite performance of the night as it started getting dark. The thirty minute set was all you could’ve wanted from the two. Asher played some old and new and guided a quick tour through the game-changing work Nottz has accomplished, w/ DJ Recognize showing how a hip-hop DJ can get a crowd hyped in between songs.
The Grindtime Now stage had MCs battling and performing inside a UFC cage, the “hip-hoptagon.” The novelty was pretty cool at first but it was just in the way after a little while. Slaughterhouse headlined, showing up late but bringing the heat once they made their way to the stage. Unfortunately missed MURS due to set times being switched around, but caught him covering Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” at the end, which was dope. Natural entertainer, MURS has never disappointed with his live act. Immortal Technique killed his set, bringing his inspiring revolutionary message with him. One of the homies cracked some joke about “Che Technique.” Mos Def and Talib Kweli’s re-union as Black Star was the main headliner. I’m a big fan but as a headliner I think they could’ve played more of their popular shit, especially with all the anticipation. Mos Def’s red old school microphone was full of swag though. Sorry for the lack of media, my phone’s been dropped too many times to take clear pictures or videos with clear sound… working on getting that fixed.
Another solid Paid Dues, especially considering the ticket included the price of second-hand smoke. My only complaint (I can’t be the only one who thinks this) is the over-use of the hype man in so many acts. I’d rather hear the artist performing the track than have someone yelling random lines. It’s like when you don’t know all the lyrics to a song and you’re trying to sing along. Sounds so much better without it. Got some good shows comin’ up in the next month, check the Upcoming Events to see where you’ll find us!
+Jangbar
BONUS
Asher dropped the video for “Gotta Get Up” today, pretty interesting visuals… we’ve all been there.
We got there relatively early, but for a sold out show, I was surprised to be able to just walk right into the venue. Small place with a balcony added for multiple options, but we went straight to the pit. All the opening DJs pulled out their best tricks, but I was ready to see what the deal was with Felix. I had no idea what to expect, but he delivered some of the grimiest and twisted, electro house that had me going hard for his whole set. Saving energy wasn’t an option through the constant ravey synths and bass that I just love to hear live.
Wolfgang’s set was scheduled for 12-145, and he peaked out with his gear around 11:59. He was greeted with the third “WOLFGANG” chant of the night, this one being the loudest by far. As soon as he took on the tables he slammed us with heavy bass and blasted the lights of his crazy ass live setup. He played everything we wanted to hear: Illmerica, Space Junk, Mornin After Dark Remix, and ended with Fire Power. There’s something about the way that Space Junk drops that sends a tingle down your spine when the synths hit. I was happy to hear a LOT of songs I’ve never heard that clearly had his sound, and I can say with confidence that his album is going to be monumental when it comes out.
1:45 rolled around and Wolfgang had to close shop among a house full of fans that were turned down of their encore requests and hungered for more. I gotta give the MVDJ award to Wolfgang, but he was followed closely by Felix. Wolfgang’s geometric set up with the lights and everything really changed it all, but Felix didn’t fuck around. I’m starting my search of his stuff now so help me if you know of good stuff! If you haven’t seen Wolfgang make more of an effort to do so. You’ll see a DJ set done right.
It’s a different feeling when you go to a show that you know is going to be worth every penny of the ticket. I’ve seen Wolfgang Gartner at Coachella, EDC, and TAO, so I knew he could rock the hell out of a festival. I was just curious to see how he’d bring it at a smaller, more intimate venue. Plus, I’ve heard only good things about Felix Cartal, and I was just as amped for his set.
We got there relatively early, but for a sold out show, I was surprised to be able to just walk right into the venue. Small place with a balcony added for multiple options, but we went straight to the pit. All the opening DJs pulled out their best tricks, but I was ready to see what the deal was with Felix. I had no idea what to expect, but he delivered some of the grimiest and twisted, electro house that had me going hard for his whole set. Saving energy wasn’t an option through the constant ravey synths and bass that I just love to hear live.
Wolfgang’s set was scheduled for 12-145, and he peaked out with his gear around 11:59. He was greeted with the third “WOLFGANG” chant of the night, this one being the loudest by far. As soon as he took on the tables he slammed us with heavy bass and blasted the lights of his crazy ass live setup. He played everything we wanted to hear: Illmerica, Space Junk, Mornin After Dark Remix, and ended with Fire Power. There’s something about the way that Space Junk drops that sends a tingle down your spine when the synths hit. I was happy to hear a LOT of songs I’ve never heard that clearly had his sound, and I can say with confidence that his album is going to be monumental when it comes out.
1:45 rolled around and Wolfgang had to close shop among a house full of fans that were turned down of their encore requests and hungered for more. I gotta give the MVDJ award to Wolfgang, but he was followed closely by Felix. Wolfgang’s geometric set up with the lights and everything really changed it all, but Felix didn’t fuck around. I’m starting my search of his stuff now so help me if you know of good stuff! If you haven’t seen Wolfgang make more of an effort to do so. You’ll see a DJ set done right.
