Do you ever wish your new favorite songs always stayed new and fresh? Isn’t it a shame when you know a track is a great song but you’re just sick of hearing it on the radio or having your roommate playing it over and over again? Well, thank god for DJs who can take a different spin on the everyday popular songs as they hype them back up. By remixing and putting those mad beats into those tracks you love oh so much, DJs, like Flosstradamus, pump it up and create a dance party anywhere they go.

Flosstradamus, or Floss - as many fans like to call them - is the duo bringing you remixes like “Overnight Star” with Twista and Kanye West as well as “CYOA” with M.I.A.’s infamous voice haunting us on top of a pulsating rhythm. This duo is comprised of the young mastermind DJs, J2K (Josh Young) and Autobot (Curt Cameruci). J2K and Autobot have played numerous festivals and have yet to disappoint audiences. In just the last year, they were able to tour with popular electronica/funk duo, Chromeo, on the Fancy Footwork Tour. They also had the chance to release a remix album through Vice Records as part of Toyota’s Scion “CD Sampler” series. Catch a show of theirs and you’re bound to see a special guest such as Kid Sister, A-TRAK, or Diplo, - all whom are the most up and coming DJs of this generation.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Jonathan Shaw. There are many words different people may use to describe him. What some may see as only a shallow, brash and impetuous incendiary; actually is a true philosophical, transcendent soul. With layers of insight waiting to be peeled away.

When I decided to approach Mr. Shaw for an interview, I was filled with apprehension. Once he agreed to the initial questions, I then developed a great anxiety over what to ask him just imagining the responses I would receive. Stepping out in faith, I sent him a basic group of inquiries with instructions to answer all, or only the ones that  moved him to respond. What I expected to learn about this man from his answers was not at all what I brought away from the interview. I can truly say what had begun as intimidation, turned to pure wonder and enlightenment with this man who calls Johnny Depp his soul brother.

One thing, Jonathan shared with me is the fact that when he did tattoo art, he was heavily influenced by the interaction he would share with the subject. Everyone knows that Shaw has inked some of the biggest names in Hollywood so I asked him about one of Hollywoods biggest actors, Johnny Depp’s ink. So how many of Johnny’s tattoos has Jonathan done and were Johnny’s tattoos a collaboration of their great genius together? He shared with me that he has done most of Johnny’s work and that they were always Johnny’s idea.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

LA.CityZine brings you band, Uh Huh Her, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. There couldn’t be a better story than theirs when it comes to making it big as a band that is actually originally from Los Angeles. Uh Huh Her is is the sparkling and evocative synth-pop duo comprised of singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist, Camila Grey, and musician/actress, Leisha Hailey. Both members have been in bands previous to Uh Huh Her, but neither ever had the chemistry in the friendship and musicianship they found while creating these songs together.

With past music careers that have aged into wisdom and Leisha’s popularity from her memorable character on The L Word, the pair went from recording demos in a bedroom to playing a sold out show to tons of music executives. It’s not a surprise that they were quickly picked up by a label. Both have a fun yet mysterious charm to their songwriting and stage presence - not to mention, style!

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Watch out Beyonce and Jay, Angelina and Brad; there’s a new fashionable couple on the scene! The cutest Chemical Engineer majors ever spotted at UCLA prove that physics can be hot, too! Amber and Jason give us a taste of what wearing lab coats everyday and being in a loving relationship can do to your wardrobe.

What is L.A. street fashion to you?
Amber: L.A. street fashion is like saying “my personal style, meet the city of Los Angeles.” L.A. street fashion is about bringing your own flavor and allowing yourself to broadcast that. People are open canvases, billboards, and another form of mass media in my opinion. Some people may look at you and say “What was she thinking?” or “Wow, how did she think of doing that?” but either way it’s about infusing your own personal touch into what’s hot and trendy.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

When it comes down to the bare bones of a musician’s being, there is nothing but determination, perseverance, and dedication embedded. LA.CityZine is proud to bring you artist, Toho Saunders, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. Toho Saunders was lucky as a kid. His mom was a music school teacher and his dad was part of Motown’s greatest era.  With these family influences along with what he absorbed from the radio, he became very fond of all genres of music. However, he found his greatest love in Jamaica.

Toho Saunders is now an accomplished bass player, producer and composer of the greatest reggae/funk/r&b beats we have ever heard from the Bay area. Although you may hear influences of Bob Marley and Don Carlos, that doesn’t mean his arrangements haven’t been sought out by artists in other genres. He’s worked with Ghostface Killah and Wu-Tang and is looking forward to collaborating with artists such as Mary J. Blige and Will.I.Am.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

As an alumnus of UCLA, I am always extremely excited to hear about other Bruins doing awesome things. I recently had the opportunity to interview Lady Danville, a group of three guys that grew up in Danville, CA but didn’t end up meeting until after joining Awaken A cappella while at UCLA. Their music certainly has hints of their A cappella experience with Awaken and has won local accolades including the annual 98.7 Star Lounge Competition with their song “Tired Magician,” off of their self-titled debut EP. In addition to sounding great on the radio, Lady Danville knows how to put on an awesome show. They will be playing Saturday, August 2^nd at the Ford Amphitheatre for the Kollaboration Acoustic Show (All Ages. Tickets $20-45. Buy Tickets) and can also be seen (for FREE!) at the Apple Store on 3^rd Street in Santa Monica on Saturday, September 6^th. Take the time and get to know Lady Danville:

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Oh, the life of a singer-songwriter. It means having a career where you can actually tell the masses what you think. However, it’s only now and then that you can actually find a musician who truly does the opportunity justice in this genre. Originally from Iowa City, Jason Reeves takes this mission very seriously. He’s been known to say, “I’m just a simple boy that believes in love and dreams,” but his greatest characteristic is his willingness to share this belief. His songs aren’t just about young puppy love or the announcement of doing the taboo (Katy Perry pop).

Self taught on the guitar after discovering Bob Dylan and James Taylor, he has taken this this skill and honed it into tremendous talent. Of course, songwriters write about love and heartbreak but Reeves pulls you in a little closer with his lyrics of hope and renewal as well. He’s been the #1 MySpace folk artist for 9 months and has held a consistent spot in the unsigned acoustic top 5. He now has the chance to share even more with audiences as his album, The Magnificent Adventures of Heartache (and Other Frightenting Tales) becomes available on iTunes on August 12th. If you want a physical CD, you’ll have to wait until September 9th.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Recently, I was down at Comic-Con and immediately following the screening of The Pineapple Express (review to followe) there was a Q&A session, moderated by Judd Apatow, featuring cast members Seth Rogen, James Franco, Danny McBride, Amber Heard, as well as co-writer Evan Goldberg and director David Gordon Green.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

From Bombay to the City of Angels, the orchestra musician, runway model, modern Audrey Hepburn incarnate Teji Kapadia breaks down L.A. Street Fashion like a pro.

What is L.A. street fashion to you?
Throwing together bright colors with the typical black. Dealing with the heat in fashion. A classy sexy. Layered clothing, creatively toped with equally creative accessories. Dressing with a mixture of thrift store and the biggest brands your money can buy. That’s the beauty of L.A., no one reps that they don’t wear their brands to make them look street. It’s accepted. L.A. fashion is very accepting…

What pops out to you as a global trend that started in L.A.?
I’d have to say the amazing accessories. The bright Nike SB’s mixed with the preppy polos, or the beaters topped with a scarf and a chain that seems perfect for the outfit. The way L.A. cats accessorize has to be my favorite. They don’t seem scared to try new things or branch out. The low V-necks that fall off the girl’s shoulders seems to be the latest big L.A. trend, clothing wise from what I’m seeing though.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

LA.CityZine brings you noise band, HEALTH, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. No, I’m not talking about good gums, not getting sick or staying in shape. I’m talking about HEALTH - the awesome band that has just played Pitchfork Music Festival. I’m talking about the band that genial duo, Crystal Castles, has decided to collaborate with. I’m talking about the colorful, headband wearing guys creating those hype beats that’ll make a person aware of every single nerve in his or her body.

In other words, the band, HEALTH, is a synonym for adrenaline. HEALTH’s epileptic drumming, eerie rock noises, and rush of surreal vocals is the delicious combination of vagueness you never knew you yearned. You can’t even imagine what that could sound like nor put your head around that concept? They do it on purpose. However, if you wish to experience this ecstacy, HEALTH actually has a show at The Smell this Monday, July 28th. Starting at 9:00pm, sit back and allow the music to blow your mind.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

You know how these bands just come out of nowhere and blow up to massive stardom? Well, that’s what it’s kind of like with Danger Radio. Not only do they have all the cute haircuts that girls go wild for, but their music will not tolerate your body’s wish to stay still. Think Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Jackson. I already hear those high pitched squeals from a distance.

Girls, it’s not just their good looks that keep you coming back. Guys, they’re not after your girls. However, they’re writing those infections tunes you wish you wrote first. These guys know how to get down. Rock, electronica, dance and pop are all infused within their music and well, that combination just takes skill.

What’s even more impressive? Danger Radio has decided to grace LA with their presence - tonight! They’ll be here dancing up a storm at the Troubdaour as they support Cute Is What We Aim For. The dirty beats and guitar ripping starts at 7:00, so be sure to join them! What’s that, you say? You can’t wait those long dreadful hours? Well, here’s an interview with guitarist, Andy Brookins, to tide you over. Learn about his love for The OC, his relation to Kieran Culkin, and more.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

It’s dark. It’s late. It’s quiet. You’re in a cabin deep in the woods, ten miles from any major road, trying to sleep in spite of the silence. All you hear is the sound of your own breathing, growing shorter and faster. You have that feeling, that every moment you keep your eyes closed someone draws closer. You to calm down, remind yourself you’re alone. You take a look, and find a silhouette in the window.

It’s a man with a bag on his head.

Whether or not this image is frightening is questionable. Whether or not it’s a good idea for a thriller is up for debate. For filmmakers Mark and Jay Duplass, the question “is a man with a bag on his head scary?’ started as an inside joke, an ongoing survey on a movie set. Some said yes, some said no, some wanted to know what kind of bag they were talking. The string of responses got the Duplass’ thinking, but that’s just half the story.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]