Review: Drumz's I Like It Dirty: It Was Dirty, and I Did Like It

Well, the highly anticipated I Like It Dirty from Drumz and Elev8 has been in the can for almost a month now, but it's still in the annals of my favourite parties in recent memory.

Spin nightclub on Hancock Street, when fully open and the security in a good mood, is a really fun venue.  There are 3 levels of party, multiple rooms and types of rooms, a rooftop deck, and really great systems in the performance rooms.  The main room has a sunken dancefloor, and best of all, the club is part of an elite few in the county which are able to stay open until 4am.  Not too shabby, and I'm glad Drumz worked with Elev8 on this one so we could dirty it up!

The lineup for this event was insane.  The main draw was of course Gigantor from Evol Intent, as well as Dysphemic and Miss Eliza, and RAW/6BLOCC in the main room.  There was also a huge gallery of local talent, including Havok Mega, Beatkillerz, MK Ultra, Peacemaker, Peligro, Gum-B, Lockjah, and Uncut.  There were even more djs smashed into that night, which is a testament to the greatness of Spin's 4am closure clause.  Spectr also contributed to the rad vibe with some classic art pieces, which always give me a little flitter of nostalgia in my heart remembering the epic Drumz parties back in my heyday.  I see a Spectr piece on the wall, and I know it's going to be a good night.

Justifiably, all of the DnB legends were slotted for the main room, and all or most of the local talent was lined up in the smaller upstairs room, to the side of one of the outdoor smoking areas.  An interesting phenomenon to this party became clear as soon as I walked in, the whole party was crammed into this smaller, local talent room.  The fact that everyone smokes was certainly a contributing factor, but really it was because this was a local crowd, here to see all their local favourites.  It was really great to watch, and a testament to Havok's ability to put together a lineup as well as how many people in San Diego county are down to support the local scene.  Pretty incredible.

These guys in the "Anti-Whack Audio Survival Room" did not disappoint, either.  Every dj who stepped up to the decks brought hard, chest-rattling sets.  It was almost like a polite, continuous 2x4, with each dj trying to bring better and harder beats.  It was great to see that spirit again at a show.  Beatkillerz was one of the highlights per usual, and the crowd was really into it even though they were on at the same time as Gigantor downstairs.  The big surprise of the night for me was DJ Kechup.  I really hadn't heard of him before and he also played dubstep, which most of my readers by now should know I will not usually stay for more than about 15 minutes to listen to, but this guy's set was really out of control.  By the end, you couldn't move in this tiny room because it was just packed with people stomping to the bass.  I literally was shocked at how much energy this dj crammed into a dubstep set, as well as speed and smooth mixes.  Just brilliant.  I will look for him again.

I'm not discounting the main room and the great performances put on by the headlining djs.  Gigantor/Evol Intent was of course mindblowing, and the crowd definitely shifted when he was on the decks.  Another surprise, just because I didn't really know them, were Dysphemic & Miss Eliza.  Really hadn't heard of them before either and didn't look them up before the show, so imagine my surprise to walk into the main room to see a dude on the decks with a girl playing an electrified violin, playing classical music!  This act somehow coordinated sick DnB beats with classical violin, and it absolutely blew me away.  I wish I hadn't been crammed into the local room for most of their set, and I will pretty much be stalking these two for the rest of my life  I love creativity like that, and it's proof positive that if there's beauty and truth in two types of music, you can marry them to make a completely unique creation that exposes its parts in a totally new way.  I'm very grateful to Havok Mega for booking these people, and exposing San Diego heads to something we never would have seen otherwise.

Clearly this was a great event, crowd-balancing awkwardness notwithstanding, and anyone who missed it should be regretful.  Drumz's next event is hot on the heels of this review, as the next installment of Dirty Birdy hits Taste & Thirst on June 7, and this time it's Hip Hop vs Glitch Hop.  I kind of don't know what that entails, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's not to miss a Drumz party.  There will always be something going on that you didn't expect.

Peligro on the decks lookin evil

MC CSD framed by a sick classic Spectr painting with extremely fast-moving left hand.

Peacemaker looking like he's listening to the actual record.

Havok Mega with the Beatkillerz about to yell some shit.

Dudes posing drunkenly including Gigantor, Eraser and RFX.

Review: Heroes in a Halfshell: Art Inspired by TMNT by Thumbprint Gallery

On Tuesday, April 30, Thumbprint Gallery staged a unique show featuring pieces by local and SoCal artists which were inspired by the cult classic TV show, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  As a fervent devotee to this show, I of course had to go see it, though it meant once again braving the weird throngs who showed up at Basic Pizza Kitchen and whatever wacky performance art was happening. 

I have to say, these joint shows at Basic can be a little tedious.  I'm sure the joint efforts are as such because this is the way the space can be rented and the events can be better promoted to larger crowds, etc., but if you're there only to see one element, it can be a bit difficult.  That being said, I would happily put up with much in the meantime to see my beloved turtles.

Let's be clear: the live action movie of TMNT was crap.  The various and sundry re-makes of the original cartoon are crap.  OG TMNT or GTFO!  Was my battlecry.  That's one thing that I can say the artists stuck to, but there were still many creative interpretations of the characters and themes of the original show.  NOMAD did 4 pieces, each containing a turtle fused with a renaissance portrait of his corresponding artist  There were numerous paintings done on skate decks with action turtles, sexy April, and my personal favourite, Krang.  Krang was also featured in my favourite overall piece, which was by Linda Halsey and featured Honey Booboo's mom with Krang in her stomach.  "Here Comes Honey BooBoo" was definitely original, and really married the two pop culture phenomena in a great way.  I think all the Krang pieces were my favourites though the Bebop pieces were equally fun.

The Thumbprint Gallery shows at Basic are always worth a look, as the art is always good and interesting, and I applaud the efforts of these guys, getting pieces and themes seen in San Diego that would not be otherwise.  If you'd like to check out the gallery or take a look at what shows are coming up soon, please look at their website or Facebook page.

PS: Something I just learned, if you want so see the gallery full-screen, press F11.

Brewery Artwalk Spring Session 2013 - Makes SD Artwalk Look Like a Pile of Puke

A month after my excursion to the LA Brewery for their bi-annual Brewery Artwalk show, I've finally been able to get my thoughts (and a rad photo album, below) together about what I saw.  As expected, Brewery Artwalk isn't like your standard art festivals in the street, sponsored by banks and restaurants, etc.  There are no tents and awnings, no watercolors or silly crafts.  No fenced-off beer gardens regulated by security, and no tourists in bunched up pastel shorts and fanny packs could be found at this Artwalk, and thank God for that.  What wasn't expected was the incredible scope of talent, the personal feel, and sheer magnitude of this event and of the LA Brewery.  I just hope I can do it justice.

LA Brewery is largely considered to be the largest artist colony in the world, and has been in this location since 1982. The colony covers 23 acres and was originally built in 1903 as an Edison steam-powered electric plant.  It spent most of its heyday as a Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery, so really, artist colony or not, it was only a matter of time before hipsters would be visiting it in droves in the 21st century.  At least this way it's for a good cause and something genuine.  The Brewery is now divided up into live/work spaces for the artists, and houses about 600 of them, everything ranging from professional architecture and photo studios to amateur/hobby artists who are more collectors than they are professionals. 

As I said in my preview article on this event, I've been driving by the Brewery for years on various treks to and through Los Angeles.  It's located on the west side of the 5 freeway, just above the 10 before you get to Hollywood, and it's almost impossible to miss due to its size. I was sure the Brewery was abandoned. Call me part amateur archaeologist, part fallen raver, but I have a strange penchant for creepy old abandoned buildings and warehouses, and I fantasized about breaking in with my friends and running around snapping photos, looking for ghosts and scaring myself by crawling into a fermentation vat or something.  Unfortunately in this day and age you can't really get away with B&E as easily as you used to, so I'm more than content with the bi-annual Brewery Artwalk, which allows visitors almost full access to the grounds and buildings of this amazing place.  When I found out about it, needless to say I was thrilled.

The Spring 2013 Brewery Artwalk took place over a full weekend in April, during which time the grounds and  large number of the buildings and studios were open from 11am-6pm and access was free.  About 100 of the 600 artists were showing, but most of the buildings were covered in that cross-section.  I got there rather late on Saturday, but I had been in contact with Kristine Schomaker, one of the resident artists and the person who does all of LA Brewery's press and social media beforehand, so I somewhat knew where I was going.  Kristine is a fascinating person with a really interesting and modern twist on her art, combining it with social media and second life, and I felt she warranted a separate article which will be published in early June.

Though I didn't have much time on Saturday, I spent a good deal of the day there on Sunday and  I was able to see quite a few of the exhibits, and the format of these was what was so extraordinary.  Rather than having an aisle or two of party rental tents with the artists' wares on display, the artists actually opened up their live/work spaces to the public, and visitors could just wander into their house-cum-studio spaces to not only see their art, but kitchens, living rooms, cats, and children.  Many of the artists had prepared food or had pizza and drinks for guests, and friends and fans lounged and talked together on furniture or out in the garden.  These spaces were truly open to anyone, and it really added to the fun and authenticity of the event.  In one of the studios I actually saw someone go into the guy's fridge and eat some grapes.  It was so charming.

If you didn't find enough food while you were picking through the artists' kitchens, there was one party rental tent which served homemade food and sangria as well as craft beer and wine.  As this is really a fully-functioning small town, there was also a bar/pub which also sold food.  But really who could think about food!  There was so much to see and take in.

For my own part, I spent my time at the brewery torn between taking pictures of the incredible architecture and soaking up the history, taking pictures of the random street art and stickers everywhere on the grounds, and actually doing my job by talking to artists and taking pictures to feature their art.  I hope the slideshow above strikes a balance.  You can see a full list of the artists and links to their work on The Brewery's website, but some of the notable artists from my perspective were as follows:

Copyright Coop

Coop!  Graphic street artist and notable art toy collector actually has his main studio right inside the LA Brewery!  To me that was the find of the weekend.  I had no idea.  Coop is very well known for his iconic Devil street bombs, and he had the original metal stencils on display in his studio.  It was really cool to see those stencils just hanging out next to his toys, and I managed to get a few shots of some of his new pieces, but unfortunately many of them didn't come out.  There was a series of heavy-set naked witches that was especially cute.  Check out his website for more new stuff!

Copyright Pease22 Studios

Yoshi Hashimoto/Peace22 Studio - Yoshi Hashimoto was definitely the individual photorapher with my favourite body of work.  He had very clean prints, some modified with color, and a commercial style which was also very unique and inspiring.  As his little girl ran around our knees at his studio, he mentioned that he had been thinking about doing the San Diego Artwalk, which was taking place the same weekend.  I said "don't bother."  He's too good.

Copyright Kristine Schomaker

Kristine Schomaker - As I said before, Kristine's art blends her involvement in Second Life/RPG and real life creative arts.  I don't want to give away too much yet, but check out her website to take a look at her cool concept pieces.

Copyright Two-Bit Circus

Two Bit Circus - This was definitely one of the more creative exhibits I saw.  Two Bit Circus is an interactive multimedia art experience, where the collaborators have put together a number of games and interactive tests which feature art and tricks of the eye.  Think Banksy's street bomb video games but way more elaborate and large-scale.  This was also one of the biggest studios I saw, and while I took many pictures of the games, they didn't really come out because there were lazers shooting through the shots and other light problems, but I also had a hard time not photographing the cool old building to death.  Check out their site, it's super-fun.

Copyright C B N C

C B N C - This ended up being a clothing/lifestyle line, but I was just really interested in the art on their walls.  Apparently the biker is one of the symbols for this innovative line, which combines fun street art images with wearable and usable products.  There's definitely a bike tinge to it.   Yes, those are boobs on the typewriter.

Copyright Oscar Magallanes

Oscar Magallanes - Some of Oscar's art can be said to look a little Shepard Fairey-esque, but it really is a whole different thing.  All the paintings are done on wood board, and Magallanes' material is much less media/pop related and more focused on Mexican-American lore and animism.  Once you look at the pieces, you'll quickly see that the only similarity is some of the colors.  His pieces are soulful and eerie.

The only problem I had with the show was there was not enough time to see it all, much as I tried, and it's impossible to fully explain the magic and amazement of this colony, its buildings, the artists and the people.  You'll just have to go and experience it for yourself.  The dates for the next Artwalk haven't been fully nailed down, but it should be sometime in October.  Do yourself a favor and go.  It's one of those experiences which is unlike anything else you'll see or do.  GO.

Cool Socal Events This Weekend 5/17-18

I don't plan to make this a pattern, but there is just too much good stuff happening this Saturday in both art and music, and it being Friday afternoon, I've decided to cram them all into one resource for you to schedule your weekend of coolness accordingly.  Try not to miss anything, as your cool points will increase with every awesome thing you attend!

Music

Junglist Fridays at the Kava Lounge.  LA heavy hitter RAW will be at this this first installment of this monthly massive, and if you miss it you are a fool.  Check the link above of the Junglist Fridays event page for more info. 5/17 starting at 9pm, tickets are only $5.!

The DoLab Presents: if you're in LA this Friday 5/17, this looks like the place to be.  The DoLab will be presenting some huge names including MartyParty, Noah D, Trill Murray, and Alexander DCD.  Located at King King Hollywood, tix are $20 for this massive lineup!

Switch Radio show Saturday, 5/18 11am-2pm.  You don't even have to leave your house for this!  Just wake up, and tune in to hear Rawtee, Dino, Senneca, and Jahz.  Start your Saturday off hard!  Tune in online at www.drumnbasstv.com

HOME3ASS Presents RAW, APX-1, Clutch, Camo UFOs, and XYZ.  If you were in LA on Friday but still want to see your favorite local legends, don't fret.  RAW and APX-1 will be back at HOME3ASS on Saturday at Los Globos.  Get your hard, dark ragga no matter where you are in Socal this weekend!

SD Union Presents Hybris and The American Jungle Live Fliming Party!  This one is so huge, it has its own post.  Just click the link above for all the info.  5/18 at the Ruby Room in San Diego.

Art

Warehouse 1425 Group Art Show in East Village, San Diego.  This show features some of the biggest and best street artists in San Diego, and is to benefit a good cause: the resurgence of the East Village art community.  Check the link for all the info.  Tonight, 5/17 from 6-10pm.

Power Animals III: Spirit Guides this is an opening party for a group show, sponsored by Thumbprint Gallery and taking place at The Spot in Barrio Logan.  This is a free event going from 5-10pm on Saturday, 5/18.  Featuring work from Ali Bautista, Mr. Dvice, and Sumo1.  Great, theme, great gallery!

North Park Festival of the Arts.  5/18, features art from all over the country and especially local artists.  Many different varieties.  I believe this event is free, but there are areas that you can get tickets for such as the Beer Block and the Upper Glass Whiskey Tasting.  This is a classic North Park Block party with tons of art, music, performance art and BOOZE!

Subtext Open Hours: Cognitive Dissonance, the Works of Kelly McKernan  I missed the opening for this show, but its still going on and Subtext will be open tomorrow, 5/18 from 12-3pm so anyone can go in and look at Kelly McKernan's amazing selections.  I know I'll be there hastily snapping pictures for my review that I should have done two weeks ago.  Click on the links for more details and directions to Subtext.

Herb Turner: Realist/Idealist at Oma Gallery.  This is closing this weekend, so if you're in Escondido, it's worth trying to catch it.  Click the link for details.

James Chronister at LUX Art Institute, Encinitas.  You'd swear these paintings are photographs.  This show is also closing this weekend, so if you're in Encinitas, I highly recommend you check it out. 

Jessica Lange at MOPA: Photography Show Closing 5/19.  MOPA can be a little pretentious, but I think this show is well worth it.  Catch it while you can!

Art Museum Day and International Museum Day: Participating Museums in San Diego are MCASD and SDMA.  MCASD has two locations, both showing interesting exhibits right now.  Art Museum Day means you can visit both of these museums for free on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. 
___________________________________________________________________________________

Now do you see why I've put all of these events in one article?  It's just too much!  Get out this weekend, hit as many of these as you can, and expand your lexicon of coolness. 

SD Union Tomorrow, Saturday 5/18: Hybris and The American Jungle Filming!

This month's SD Union at the Ruby Room is just huge.  Technical Support TV is doing it big with Metalheadz's Hybris, and if that isn't enough, The American Jungle, a documentary about stateside Jungle and DnB, will be filming and talking to people about the San Diego scene.  It's great to be a part of this momentous film, and it really speaks to San Diego's influence on the current DnB climate that we've been chosen to represent in the documentary.  This is not only going to be a sick party, but an opportunity to show the whole country and probably the world that we hold it down!

If you don't know Hybris, I don't know what to say to you.  Check the Bio:

"Hybris is Evan Vischi. After years of being a studio recluse, Evan surfaced in the DC scene and released collaborations and solo projects under the name Robot Death Squad. He then moved to the Czech Republic to focus on advancing his own sound and began releasing under the name Hybris. Towards the end of 2009 his tunes were spotted and picked up by Kasra, and his debut single was released on Critical: Modulations (The Cleaner/ Raindance) in June of 2010. Not long after, a trip to Groningen and a collaboration with Noisia resulted in Crystalline, and in February 2011, the Hybris EP on Noisia's Invisible imprint was released.  Later that year, a meeting with Goldie and Rido resulted in the creation of the Prague Connection EP, a collaborative effort between Rido and Hybris.  Hybris continues to push the limits of his brain and monitors to further uncover new sonic territory. Watch this space for more updates."

There really isn't much else to say.  Dark, grimy, techy, immaculately produced beats?  Yes please.  Sound will be provided by Bombshelta (SD).  The rest of the lineup also includes Organized Grime's technicians Sub Killaz and Evlo, as well as Volz (Us vs Them, magik Muzak, Black Hole recordings, breezy bliss, diamond dust, SD).  Your benevolent hosts Ridda, Subliminal, and CSD will be sheparding the crowd through this huge lineup.  Really look forward to this one!  Cover is $10.  For all the details, check the event page on Facebook.

Warehouse 1425: Group Art Show Tomorrow Night 5/17 Feat. Exist 1981, Mr. Dvice, That Kid PEEP and More!

Before you go out for your late-night drinking this Friday (I suggest Junglist Fridays), be sure to check out Warehouse 1425, a group art show which will feature tons of local favourites, doing exclusive pieces for the event.  The Warehouse 1425 website explains the point of this show, and the history of the art district in the East Village: "Once commonly called "The Warehouse District", San Diego's East Village has had a rich and varied history. From the 1970s through the 1990s, the area was the heart and home of the city's underground artists and innovative pioneers. There was an excitement alive in many of the abandoned warehouses, which artists used to create, showcase, teach, and live with their craft.
As the neighborhood evolved, it saw the decline of these live/work spaces and with it the creative spirit that so enriched the community.  TODAY WE LIFT UP THIS NEIGHBORHOOD AS PART OF A RESURGENCE OF ART IN THE EAST VILLAGE."
There is a $5 suggested donation to support this cause and the contributing artists.  The event will be held from 6-10 at 1425 E St.  Go to www.warehouse1425.com or the Warehouse 1425 event page for the full lineup of featured artists and entertainment.

The Very First Junglist Fridays at the Kava Lounge. I am loving this DnB Resurgence!

The first installment of Junglist Fridays, brought to you by Bulletproof Sessions and Dub Chamber Records, will be a smasher!  They're featuring RAW (as himself), Tonz of Drumz's Sixfootunda, local hero Special Technique's Rebellion, Dregen from Dub Chamber, and NKey from DnBtv.com.  You can't argue with this lineup, and it's only $5!  Come to the Kava Lounge and celebrate the end of a brutal week with some brutal bass!  Hosted by Tez, Oozi, and Reflex.

This is Really Interesting and Beautiful - Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

I'm a little late on this bandwagon as I just heard his TED talk on the TED radio hour this past week, but I feel this amazing phenomenon started by choral director Eric Whitacre is more than worth featuring here, as (no offense) I think maybe this blog's audience isn't terribly tuned in to the goings on of classical music.  Just a hunch. 
Eric Whitacre has been a star on the classical/choral scene for many years, creating gorgeous choral pieces performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world with some of the most gifted singers in the world.  I've always been a fan of his pieces because I'm a sucker for any chamber music and latin religious choral arrangements, Whitacre's just happen to be done in the modern era, and they are exceptional.
So what is Virtual Choir?  Whitacre says that the idea started in 2009 with a single fan, Britlin Losee, uploading a Youtube video to his site of herself singing the soprano part to his choral piece, "Sleep".  This made the composer wonder, would it be possible to take hundreds or even thousands of videos of people singing the various parts of a song, and then editing them together to create an "uploaded choral piece."  He put a message out on his fan page about the experiment, asking his fans to send in videos of themselves singing another one of this pieces, "Lux Arumuque", and upload them to his site.  He then asked a team to edit and splice together both the audio and video of all the submissions along with a superimposed image of himself conducting the choir, and he called it the virtual choir (see below for the video)
It's a very simple concept, but the videos really resonated with the public and with the music community.  To date, Whitacre has now made 3 Virtual Choir pieces, including one for "Sleep", the song that Britlin Losee originally sent to him.  The fourth Virtual Choir piece took yet another modern step by funding itself solely through a Kickstarter campaign, and will feature "Bliss," another gorgeous piece by Whitacre. 
The first Virtual Choir premiered at TED in 2011, and since then the ensemble has performed "live" in a number of prestigious venues, and has also been invited to perform the VC4 "Bliss" piece at the Queen's Coronation Ceremony.
Take a look at the videos for all 3 Virtual Choir pieces and judge for yourself.  With the combination of the haunting melodies, beautiful voices, and very personal videos of everyone singing, I defy you not to get goosebumps.  Rather than this just being a wonderful way to connect classical music to a modern audience, I really think that Eric Whitacre has touched a deeper, more personal nerve with this project.  Being able to look at all the singing faces at once, the viewer really does experience what the singers are feeling as they bare their souls in their bedrooms, garages, or even offices.  It's so amazing to watch all of these beautiful singers with absolutely no pretension, not realizing yet the powerful and much bigger whole of which they are about to become part.  The unifying power of music is nowhere more present than in these videos, and it's wonderful to behold.  If we could guarantee that all future technology could bring out such beauty, humanity, and soul in all of us, I would jump on that bandwagon and never look back
I hope to be a part of this going forward, and I encourage those of you who sing to give it a try as well.  You can sign up for the VC Fanzone to get updates on when they will be needing video submissions for VC4, and also watch  for updates on The Virtual Choir Facebook Page.  You can practice by downloading videos and scores of many of Whitacre's pieces in the Resources section of the website, but the first step it just to watch these videos with a box of tissues because you WILL cry.  Enjoy!

Organized Grime this Monday - Get Ready for Austin Speed! 5/13

This week I'm excited to see on the Organized Grime lineup, one of my new favourite hometown heroes, Austin Speed, will be playing.  I've been watching the progression of his career under some duress from other friends for the last year or so, and I'm glad I was pushed to do so.  It seems that every track or mix he releases is more creative and interesting than the last, but also very well put together so I can't even complain about that.  I'm mildly obsessed with his most recent DAD Mix, and the collaboration tracks that I've seen for him are progressively fun and interesting.  I'm glad he will be at OG this week since I missed him at Elektrofied a few weeks ago.  It should be a great show.  Not to be discounted, Alex Flux from OneMassive, Under Pressure's Murdock, and P Man (SubFM) will also be there.  Resident MCs CSD, Oozi and Disekt will be presiding over the bass on your face, so give the middle finger to Tuesday and come to the AC Lounge to see some really interesting up-and-coming experimental bass music.

3rd Annual Smog vs.Respect DJ Battle 5/11 in LA at the House of Blues on the Strip

Well, here's something I've never heard of even though it's in its 3rd year.  I'm so good at keeping current, aren't I?  This looks like the spot to be if you want to see two crews battling it out with classic tracks and, I'm assuming, a good bit of vinyl and DMC techniques.  Per the name of the event, the 2 crews will of course be the Respect crew (Machete, Scooba, Clutch, NoFace, Drone, XYZ, and Gil Konspiracy) and the Smog crew (12th Planet, Flinch, SPL, Antiserum, Pawn, DLX, Noah D, and Kelly Dean).  All have skills and all, I'm sure, will be bringing their A-games.  The event is even set up with modified DMC rules and will go round-for-round wish each dj trying to outspin whomever went before.

It's nice to see that in the current DnB climate where no one wants to step on each other's toes, there are still two crews who are willing to battle like the golden days, and present the event the way it was intended: to showcase the strengths and learn new techniques of your fellow djs.  Good job boys.

Below are a few links to past event Smog Blog, as well as an RSVP form which will get you into the event for $5.  More details also on the event page.    Also don't forget to head on over to Repsect this Thursday for Sinistarr (Metalheadz).

Sugarpill at Dragon Lounge this Saturday 5/11. Trappy Dubs, or Dubby Trap!

Ok, so if gogo girls can dance sexily to it, I call it trap music, and I think Sugarpill is pretty trappy.  I do not want to debate this, as the lines are evermore blurring on the slow bass music front, but what I do want to do is get everyone stoked on this show!
According to Facebook and Sugarpill's own website, Dragon Lounge was the very first live gig he played back in 2010, and now our prodigal son is returning fresh on the heels of Coachella to the next installment of Dragon Lounge at the Kava Lounge.  That's 2 lounges for the price of 1!  Speaking of price, this event is only $5, with drink specials all night.  Pretty much the best event in San Diego this weekend from what I can tell.  Also playing this magical night will be Arkon, Misk, and Goldenchild, who, in my experience, never disappoint.  Support your San Diego bass music scene (clearly we're a cheap date), and come out to Kava Lounge this Saturday - you know you don't have anything cooler to do.

Gridlok in LA this Saturday, 5/11 Presented by Timeless DnB!

This will be Timeless DnB's first installment of "Special Edition" shows, brought in part by Technical Support TV, and they're starting with a banger!  Gridlok (RAM Records, Area 51) and BLE3K (Viper Recordings) will be killing it at Rain Nightclub in Los Angeles.  Also playing will be local heroes Adamantium, Renegades of Dub, and Holic, with J-Tec and San Diego's Ridda on the Mic. 

The event is 18+, so be forewarned crochety old junglists.  Seems a small price for this lineup though  The price for 18+ will be $15 and 21+ is $10, but you can RSVP on the Event Page to get a $5 discount.  $5 for Gridlok and BLE3K!  Sounds like a hot and cheap Saturday night in LA, my kind of night!

Tonight 5/6/13 Organized Grime Welcomes Zyfo and More!

Only 5 hours until the next Organized Grime installment - OG has been going strong for quite a while in San Diego now, and it's great to see a Monday weekly be this successful.  OG is always free, always has cheap drinks, and is at one of my favourite venues, the AC Lounge.

I met Zyfo this past weekend at I Like it Dirty, and he seems like a really nice guy who's passionate about bass music, and wants to do what he can to keep it going.  We need as many of these types in the scene as possible right now, so I look forward to seeing what he can do on the decks.  He works with Gamma Audio and sets up systems for events, so I'm sure we'll see clean levels in his set and dedication to precision.

The full lineup for tonight also includes OG's own ADP, Roane, and XBassMagX, with your resident MCs Oozi, CSD and Disekt.  Throw your regard for a healthy sleep schedule out the window tonight and come out to support these guys!

Set Times for I Like it Dirty Tonight 5/4. I Have Them!

Just a quick post so you can schedule your partying accordingly.  I Like it Dirty will be $15 at the door before 11pm unless you already got your pre-sales like a smarty (aka unlike me).  There will be 2 rooms going strong until 4am (room 1 looks like it'll be going all the way till 6!)  Make sure you down those Red Bulls and come correct!  Spin Nightclub in San Diego!  Set times are below.

PS I love the name of Room 2.  Hilarious!

 

AREA 1 - BASS BLASTIN'
10:00 - 11:00 6Blocc
11:00 - 12:00 Osal8 & Squama
12:00 - 1:00 Dysphemic & Miss Eliza
1:00 - 2:00 Evol Intent
2:00 - 3:00 Mr Vandal
3:00 - 4:00 Havok Mega & MK Ultra
4:00 - 4:30 Gum B
4:30 - 6:00 Malfunction & Streetsweeper

AREA 2 - ANTI WHACK AUDIO SURVIVAL
10:00 - 10:30 Streetsweeper
10:30 - 11:00 Beatkillerz
11:00 - 11:30 Kechup
11:30 - 12:00 Uncut
12:00 - 12:30 Kial
12:30 - 1:00 Peacemaker
1:00 - 1:30 Peligro
1:30 - 2:00 Gum B
2:00 - 2:30 Pandagrass
2:30 - 3:00 Malfunction
3:00 - 3:30 Zyfo
3:30 - 4:00 Lockjah

New Review: Dara @ SD Union 4/20/13

With another hot session of SD Union bearing down upon us 5/18 (American Jungle will be filming and Metalheadz's Hybris will be playing, but that's fodder for another post), I think it's definitely time to highlight one of these monthly events from the back end, and really laud what goes on.  SD Union has been a monthly DnB event that's been hitting SD with top notch talent for a few years now, and it seems things are only getting better.  I'm continually surprised at the talent they're able to pull, and Ridda and the Technical Support crew are also giving our crush of amazing local talent a high-profile venue to showcase their abilities.  I really hope everyone gets and appreciates how lucky we are in San Diego to have something like that.  In today's climate in the US, it's all too rare.

DJ Dara was at the special 4/20 edition of  SD Union, and he of course did not disappoint.  As I've discussed, Dara is one of a handful of first-tier DnB in the US along with DB, Dieselboy and Odi, who brought the genre stateside in 1993/1994.  I have a ton of respect for these early pioneers who are also still just as involved as they used to be, not having ditched our fiercely underground culture in the late 90s when DnB was really popular in the US for MTV and popular culture, or merging too willingly with our disappointing stepchild, dubstep.  Dara's DnB in 2013 is still the purest snare-driven, slightly liquid-styled Drum and Bass as it was almost 20 years ago.  At this event, I can remember being in front, dancing my face off and hearing the same style and energy as I heard in the vintage mixtape I have of him and DB at Bassrush '94.  It was heartwarming and bassface-inducing all at once.

Speaking to the excellent local talent, I managed to get there early to see most Havok Mega's set, which was fire.  I remember him saying something on Facebook about "the lighter side of Havok Mega."  If you were there and that was the "lighter side" and you couldn't handle it, you may not be strong enough for his headline sets  It was still that classic griminess which makes Havok one of the few DJs for whom I will arrive to a party before 11pm.  Also on the tagteam were MK Ultra and Ghost MD, who gave us some great dark tunes and really smooth transitions.  I almost cried when MK Ultra dusted off "Warhead" by Dj Krust and Bad Company's "The Nine", classic 1996 golden era plates.  The local talent really brought it once again.

Aside from all the magnificent music, the art from Elektrofied, the charity event that the Ruby Room had sponsored earlier in the month, was still on display, so my friends and I got to take a look at it - very cool stuff.  My favourites were the pieces that were basically collages of old tapes (I could NEVER re-purpose mine like that) with paintings over top.  I had fun seeing which tapes the artist used  A lot of cheesy 90s r&b, so that was much appreciated.  The pics are below.

All in all, it was another smash-up SD Union, and I can't wait for the next one.  As I gushed above, I really appreciate this monthly event - for quite a while and I'm sure for years to come it has been the bellows of San Diego's and even Southern California's DnB scene, breathing new life into it each month.  Great job, guys.

New Contest Pic! Find Easy-E's Deathmask!

I haven't done one of these in a while, partially because you jerks aren't responding and partially because I am way behind on other content, but this contest is still silently chugging along and I still need your help identifying these artists!  This one is one of my favorites, a sticker with a picture of Easy-E, and in the reflection of his sunglasses it says "bliss."  So cool.  I know someone in the city knows who does these - they're everywhere, and feature too famous of a person for someone to not know who does them.  Let's go people, new month, new prize! 

NYC This Friday 5/3 Femme Fatale! All-Female DJ Performances, Art Show and Live Art. Sounds Sexy!

This Friday in Brooklyn Aram Sun and Electric Essence present Femme Fatale, Ep. 001 at Public Assembly in Brooklyn  This all-female electronic music showcase will feature my favorite East Coast female DJ Empress, as well as Hardcore first lady Jen Mas.  There will also be an art exhibition, live art and a public canvas for anyone who gets inspired while there.  Looks like cheap drinks and free water as well.  If you're in NYC and can't Dirty Birdy it up with us on the west coast, this looks like the place to be!