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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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LA.CityZine brings you rapper, Abstract Rude, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. Forget the stereotypical thug music. With rhyme and rhythm that flows this smooth, politics and touchy subjects will never sound harsh again. As a prominent rapper in the LA scene, Abstract Rude writes the lyrics that can only promote the common good. His experiences from his former group, Abstract Tribe Unique along with Freestyle Fellowship strengthened his skill and in turn his skills has strengthened the youth of today.

Although LA is best known for gangsta rap, Abstract Rude is the co-founder of the Project Blowed workshop - the longest running open mic youth workshop in the world. Combining soul, philosophies, mad beats, and his need to give back whether it is in mentoring, co-writing, or performing, Abstract Rude brings us back to old school ethics yet propels us into the future with his creative soul.

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Sushi fiend, future cosmologist, habitual line-stepper, and trendsetter Beverly M. takes a minute to tell us why L.A. Street Fashion is the shit.

What is L.A. street fashion to you?
Comfortably expressing individualism without having people giving a shit about your image since there is diversity all around you.

How has this city molded your style?
I have always been into the fashion world considering my major was fashion marketing or design. As far as fitting into the mold, I pretty much just get up on a daily basis and put on a kit to what I feel that day, whether it be plain Jane or just wild.

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LA.CityZine brings you band, theABSOLUTE, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. As I sat down for pizza with the guys, I soon realized, for a very new band, they’ve got the roots and wisdom of musicians who have been doing it for decades. Phil Ross (vox/guitar), James Haworth (vox/keys/guitar) and Anthony Paul (drums) have had some major epiphanies within their musically genial mindsets. Refusing to write songs that fill in check boxes for the music industry these days, theABSOLUTE brings you rock music that has a sense of rebirth yet also envelopes you in familiarity as they add a touch of retro elegance. With vocals that combine the likes of Thom Yorke, Stephen Malkmus (if he actually sang notes) and dare I even say it - Bono, along with a splash of keys and beats that will blow your mind, this band brings something different to the table. 

Their EP, Good News, is only 6 tracks but manages to give you the overwhelming sense of musicianship that many indie rock bands are lacking these days. Swelling melodies and harmonies ride on top of raw guitar hooks and drums that drive the tracks until you can’t take it anymore. theABSOLUTE provides this musically sensual high and release through their MySpace, so be sure to check it out. 

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LA.CityZine brings you band, Rumspringa, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. You may have already heard about them through our review of their EP. You may have also heard about them through word of happy mouths because of their successful Echo residency this past June. Joey Stevens and Itaru de la Vega are two cool guys making groovy, danceable, and rockable music. Think of Devendra Banhart dancing in a club and split into two people. Already hailed as the best kept secret in LA, Rumspringa continues to play shows around LA with their multi-genre tunes.

Still haven’t seen these guys live? It’s okay. They’ve got a show down at the Detroit Bar on Monday, July 21st at 9:00 pm. Go support them as they support Bloodcat Love by dancing your feet off. Can’t make it then, either? There’s more to come. There always is with these guys. For now, here’s your chance to get to know the duo by checking out their video of “Goldmine” and their interview with LA.CityZine below.

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LA.CityZine brings you LA band, Low vs. Diamond, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. Young and fresh always go together but the combination isn’t always appealing. Sometimes the newest fads can be the one of the worst inventions in history. However, Low vs. Diamond is definitely an appealing example of the young and fresh. They bring you a new sense of musical enjoyment that is real as Serge Gainsbourg but classic as Burt Bacharach and The Beatles combined. With a trace of Julian Casablancas vocals and lyrics that are simple but poignant, Low vs. Diamond lights a fire under your feet to start a dance party to celebrate the good times and the heartbreaks. Driving beats, guitar riffs you can’t ignore and harmonies complete the idea of Low vs. Diamond.

What is exactly is the idea of Low vs. Diamond? Well, their debut self-titled album just came out and they are raking in the good reviews for more than just the LA band they seem to be at first. Hailing from all over the nation, the guys of Low vs. Diamond put out an album that is mature and personable. With tracks that are major potential radio hits but intricate enough to really have the true fan credibility, these guys give you the good drama. Still want to get a better idea? Check out the interview below with lead vocalist, Lucas Field.

 

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