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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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, 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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Many know Selma Blair as the young naive sex vixen in Cruel Intentions, or the straight laced lawyer from Legally Blonde, but Selma has got a whole other side to her, which she gets to play with in Guillermo del Toro’s film Hellboy II. She’s dark, funny, and anything but a debutante. She may be quite literally on fire for most of the movie, but she plays Liz, the pyro-girlfriend as cool as could be. Selma’s character, Liz, finally is able to grow up in Hellboy 2 and own her powers.

LA.CityZine had a chance to sit down with Selma and talk about her lack of ability to fire a fake gun, being an action star, her dark sense of humor, and her love for a good comedic role. So without further ado, we give you Selma Blair…

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I don’t think I’ve ever interviewed a more honest, appreciative, confident and hilarious person than Ron Pearlman, the star of Guillermo del Toro’s latest film opening this weekend, Hellboy II. Although he’s the star of the Hellboy series, he’s more than willing to take his hat off to all those around him who have made this project happen. When speaking with Ron, he seemed like one of the few people in the world that would actually give you an honest answer. He trusts in his Director, his ability, is able to find the joy in his art, and is a pleasure to talk to.

Ron does an amazing job with Hellboy at balancing the seriousness with the humor. It’s refreshing to see a man like Ron play the romantic, action lead in these films. Who says that 20 somethings, with statuesque bone structure, and cliched attitudes are the only ones who can play these roles? It’s all about the swagger and the personality that he brings to it. The thing about Hellboy is that you go beyond his outer red shell and giant fist and see what makes him a true hero, his heart.

So without further ado, LA.CityZine gives you Ron Pearlman.

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Guillermo del Toro’s films are not only enjoyable for the the audience but an inspiration to many young aspiring filmmakers today. All his films are filled with dark imagery and a surprising amount of hope. He manages to capture people’s darkest fears and wildest dreams all in one. Guillermo seems to be hellbent on bringing all his creativity and imagination with him to whatever set he works on no matter what. Everyone who works with Del Toro, from his actors to the writers, love and respect him. I could imagine there must be a few wars with the Producers, because Guillermo is always more concerned with his vision than their need to cut the budget or market the film.

From “Pans Labyrinth” to the two “Hellboy’s,” Guillermo has always puts imagination and quality first. It’s not about flaunting what you have it’s about creating a realistic imagery world. Instead reveling in his budget, he simply uses it as his backdrop to help further the story of his characters. It’s no wonder they’re picked him to create the two Hobbit films. Instead of letting things intimidate him, he sees chances and opportunities to create.

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