By the time this post goes live who knows where any of us will be or where any of you will be. All I know is that we will all be having a good time everywhere. So whatever it is you're doing to celebrate the ushering of 2011 just remember to Be Safe, Be Well, Be Merry.
And for those of you who like to party until the sun comes up. Dank Radio will be broadcasting LIVE later on tonight [Saturday Morning 1|1|11] from 4:00am - 6:00am(PST) on KPFK 90.7FM Los Angeles | Streaming Worldwide @ kpfk.org. Myself along with Fabricated will be manning the sound waves providing you with the perfect music for your party, after party, or come down/recovery.
Here's our latest mixes to keep you company until we go on air.
Throughout the year I've been blessed with the opportunity to come across some great music. The following albums are some of this years releases that I've truly enjoyed and I highly recommend you pick them up, check them out, and enjoy them yourselves!! They are all awesome in their own unique way. Some are for dancing, some are for chilling, some are for going completely nuts, and some are intended for all of the above! I hope you come across something you like and enjoy it just as much as I have enjoyed experiencing my 2010 with these vibrations. Happy diving!
So it’s almost the new year and I’m pretty excited for what’s coming up this year. A new semester at school (somewhat sarcastic “yay!”), a new year’s resolution (which most of us forget after a month), and new music upcoming this year! So for this post, I’m going to write about a few tracks I’m excited to hear and see released this year and a few of my picks for the end of this year. Enjoy! - fabricated
Far East Movement - Like A G6 (Bare Remix) I don’t know about you guys, but for me, “Like A G6” was (and still is) pretty much the party anthem for this year. So for an awesome Los Angeles dubstep producer like Bare to make a filthy remix of this year’s soundtrack to your inebriation is definitely something to look forward to next year.
REDS feat. Tehbis & Fee Lups - Green Lanes I first heard this track on Zero T’s Fabriclive 52 mix and to be honest, sometimes I just pop in the CD and skip to track 29 (this track) just to hear this. I love the vocal “oohs” in the intro that lead into the very groovy hip hop beat which then just leads into one of the cleanest and most head bobbing drops I’ve heard this year.
Modestep - Feel Good Live band + that resampled/downsampled bassline (the “WOOOW!” or the “WHOMP!” sound) + a catchy hook = this song. Enough said, I’m stoked for this to be released.
Blame feat. Ruff Sqwad - On My Own (Drumsound & Bassline Smith Remix) [Purchase @ Beatport | Juno ] For the past two weeks, I’ve been listening to this track and humming the melody to myself. Highly recommend this as well as the Doctor P remix of Star by Blame feat. Camilla Marie
Katy B - Katy On A Mission [Purchase @ Juno ] If I had to make a playlist of tracks that get me stoked to be going to a party, this would definitely be on the top 5 (at least for this year). Katy B knows her way to a catchy vocal hook; Benga’s bassline complements the vocals excellently.
Sometime during this past summer Destructo was interviewed by a national publication about his plans for his Birthday this year and he stated that he wasn't doing anything. We actually believed this up until the point where he posted the line up for this years Hard New Year's Eve party. He's going strong right up until the year ends and there is no doubt in our mind that this party will be anything but the definition of the word Fun. With a line up including Brodinski (I didn't have a chance to check out his set during HHM), Congorock (Amazing set of releases this year!), Mr. Oizo (Be sure to pick up a copy of the Rubber Soundtrack), and local favorite Harvard Bass, this will surely be one of the premiere events in Los Angeles to ring in 2011. Check out the set times down below.
Major props to Hard Fest for continuing their exclusive mix series throughout the year. They had one with Erol Alkan for Hard Summer, one with Busy P & Brodinsky for Hard Haunted and they're finishing off this year with a mix by Harvard Bass. I've seen Harvard Bass rock crowds with no more than 25 people as well as a packed house at Avalon. His mix below is a great summary of what he can do when you're ready for #paritaim.
We posted the music video for this amazing song not too long ago and I don't care if you've had enough of the song because we haven't. Nero's Me & You is quite the epic tune. One that I can't wait to hear through a speaker stack 5 stories tall. The intro drum pattern with the ascending synth lines all build up to the distorted guitar lick which breaks out into a pure stadium rock hook. Alana then proceeds to repeat the question "Are you ready?" and you scream at the top of your lungs "Yes!!!". Well, that's how I picture things will be like later this week when they perform at Together As One.
And if you thought the track couldn't get any better, check out Dirtyphonics' Remix below[Release date: Jan 10, 2011]. Can't wait for this to be released!
Before I start I'm going to state two things 1) I use the term "Album Review" very lightly. (I don't know how else to categorize the following) 2) SPOILER ALERT (Not really). Now with that out of the way I can proceed to let the dam wide open and have the random observations flow.
I haven't read much of the reviews out there in the digital realm but I have heard quite a few comments from local humans walking around chatting about this release. Many were expecting a continuation or return of Alive 2007. Being that they have been lying low for a few years you would expect that. But one must remind themselves that what they created for the movie Tron: Legacy is a soundtrack.
In addition to it being a soundtrack you might even stop to think about what music is. Eccentric made this point right after we watched the movie. Music doesn't necessarily have to have an AABA structure. There are other ways one can express themselves musically to get their point across.
By combining those two points I've come to realize that what Daft Punk intended to create wasn't their next album of french house classics but rather the jelly to the peanut butter of the Tron movie itself. And everyone knows you can't have peanut butter without the jelly...
It's my turn to share something from my back catalog with you all. Despite all of the current posts dealing with dance music you'd be surprised to know that I was very much into ska & pop punk. One of the bands that really ushered me into this phase in my life was the band Home Grown. A local band from Orange County that was known all across Southern California as the band that brought the party where ever they went. You can check out the proof in the insert of their first full length That's Business(There's even a photo with Mark from Blink 182).
More importantly this release as a whole was the soundtrack to my high school experience. The song "She's Anti" described all of the odd balls who sat in the back of my class plotting world domination. "Nowhere Slow" was the perfect tune to explain the teenage self doubt in life choices and the uncertainty of the future. Whereas "Let Go" gave hope to the future and helped motivate you during your 'darkest days' in high school. "Wow, She Dumb" spoke too all us young lads who were fed up of 'stupid girls' and the frustrations of the opposite sex. And one can't forget the song that most people know Home Grown for, "Surfer Girl". A funny tale of one meeting the gal of their dreams on the shores of their local beach and the demise of the relationship. [Major thanks to D~Love/Freedom Connection for telling me to download this song on Napster many moons ago.]
I can go on and on about each song on this release and a specific time in high school that matched perfectly with the song but that would just bore you all. Instead, just get your hands on a copy of the album and re live the Southern California high school experience.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Mithras, Yule Tide, Sol Invictus, or just plain Winter Solstice there is one common thread amongst all. Spending time with loved ones, enjoying bountiful feasts, and having a good time. And what's a good time with loved ones stuffing your face without music? So I've searched around The Trap for my old punk rock Xmas CDs and Christmas Cartoon soundtracks and compiled a selection of fun tunes to go with this seasons festivities. I apologize in advance if I couldn't find a track that fit with your specific seasonal celebration. Happy Holidays!
Our good friends Reset Events from San Diego have just released their teaser trailer for their upcoming two day festival set to go down on March 4th & 5th of 2011. So far they have the following artists confirmed: Avicii | Alan Braxe | Datsik | Tritonal | David Kim | Brett Nieman. Reset always puts together stellar productions so don't sleep on the special Holiday Pre-Sale 2 day passes which will be available until Jan 3rd 2001.
Growing up my parents always told me and Eccentric that whatever you do during the first moments of the year will be a good gauge of what types of activities will be in-store for the remainder of the year. With that said...
Go Ventures and Insomniac have put together one massive line up for their lucky number 13. Having to decide on whether to spend the countdown with either Laidback Luke, Jack Beats/Major Lazer, or Rusko is just killing us. LBL has held it down each and every single time we've seen him this year and knowing him he'll have some LA treats thrown into his mix for this special occasion. Jack Beats, Wolfgang Gartner, and Nero have all produced mind blowing Essential Mixes. 12th Planet and Kill The Noise have always held it down for the locals and it'll be great to see them at the party. Diplo might even do his special 'ladies' set to get all the females grinding/grooving. And the opportunity to finally witness the Dada Life is just plain bananas.
Whichever artists we do have the opportunity to party with at TAO will in no doubt be a great time. I can't think of any other way I'd like to start off my year. Spending time with my brother, good music, and fun people. 2011 is going to be a fun year, this I'm certain. [Bonus Info: We're heading up to the radio station RIGHT AFTER TAO. In true Dank Radio fashion the party will continue until the sun rises. LIVE BROADCAST // Aziatik Rhythmz Present: Dank Radio // Saturday Jan 1st. 4 - 6am // 90.7fm KPFK // kpfk.org {streaming worldwide}]
TOGETHER ARENA 5:30pm-6:30pm Swedish Egil 6:30pm-8pm Richard Vission 8pm-9:30pm Markus Schulz 9:30pm-11pm Dada Life 11pm-12:30am Laidback Luke 12:30am-2am Wolfgang Gartner
SATURDAY NIGHT SESSIONS ARENA 5:30pm-6:30pm Barry Weaver 6:30pm-8pm Kill The Noise 8pm-9:30pm Afrojack 9:30pm-11pm Diplo 11pm-12am Jack Beats 12am-1am Major Lazer 1am-2am DJ Reza
Hello everyone, Tim aka fabricated here writing the first of many weekly pieces to come covering different kinds of music, particularly electronica and bass music such as UK garage, drum and bass, and dubstep. Each week, I’ll be sharing with you a few of my weekly picks, whether it’s a more recent release or a banger from a while ago. I’ll also be posting up any mixes or tracks I make in the future here as well. Enjoy and check weekly for a new selection of tracks by me!
Bop - Enjoy The Moment (Unquote Remix) [Purchase @ Beatport | Juno] I’ve been playing out this track for a few weeks now and it’s seriously the soundtrack to my late night drives home. Very ambient sounding dubstep with a strong yet calming drop. I highly suggest checking out Bop’s album Clear Your Mind as well as the remix EP Remix Your Mind, both out on Med School Records (Hospital Records’ more experimental sister record label).
The XX - Crystalised (Dark Sky Remix) [Purchase @ Bleep | Beatport | Juno] The XX’s XX album is one that I always find myself listening to in my car and at school when I’m studying all the time, so coming across the remixes of the singles was a treat for me when I ran across them and next to the Nosaj Thing remix of “Islands”, this is probably my next favorite remix of The XX. Very garage-y beat with a simple and effective bassline with a top synth that kind of reminds you of Laidback Luke and Steve Angello’s mix for “Show Me Love” by Robin S.
Little Dragon - Recommendation (Toddla T Remix) [Purchase @ Beatport | Juno] I actually found this track just digging through various online music stores looking for a few tracks to put into the mix I made for the most recent Dank Radio broadcast. What I really love about this track is the deep bass and how it hits hard without sounding like a chainsaw ripping through your eardrums. Recommendation (pun intended): check out the original track – it’s just as catchy and dance-y as this remix.
Utah Jazz - Take No More (N-Type Remix) [Purchase @ Beatport | Juno] This track is like a well-designed roller coaster to me because first you encounter the smaller drop on a roller coaster that prepares you for what you’re about to encounter; after the turn that follows that, you see the crazier drop and you realize what’s about to happen, so you hold tight and prepare for that gut-wrenching drop. That’s pretty much what this track is for me: a well-designed roller coaster.
Calvin Harris - Flashback (Goldie Remix) [Purchase @ Beatport | Juno] No joke, the moment I first heard the crescendo of the first second of this track, I already knew I was going to like this. I really enjoyed Calvin Harris’ Ready For The Weekend album as well as some of the remixes of the singles, but I really found myself loving this drum and bass remix and, thanks to Nativity, also Nero’s remix of “You Used To Hold Me”. I recommend checking out the video for the original version of “Flashback” by Calvin Harris. Fun fact: Goldie was in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough.
Each and every single person involved here at Dank Radio has an eclectic taste in music, and we all love to dabble into different pools of tunes whenever we can. Whether it's hip hop, house, or heavy metal, we all love good music! With that being said, I am extremely privileged to be surrounded by and exposed to great music, artists, and musicians alike. It's an honor to have met Hitomi Oba & Nick DePinna last month when they played with our buddies in Mulatto at Bixby Knoll's First Friday's. Little did I know these two were Jazz Pro's, as well as UCLA Music Composition Alumni. The track below is a beautiful inspiring tune, and is available for free download! Nova & friends present this track as a holiday gift to friends and as an announcement of the upcoming release of Nova's debut EP in Summer 2011! I anticipate great things from this project. Keep your eye out on these great musicians, if you don't then we will for you and we'll be sure to keep you updated.. Enjoy!
NOVA: Hitomi Oba - vocals, saxophone Nick DePinna - background vocals, piano, trombone
Friends: Ross Garren - piano arrangement Jake Jamieson - percussion Masanori Oba - guitars Tom Terrell - trumpet Paula Peng, Megan Bomba, Megan Rancier, Jessica Ng - Japanese vocals Andrew Davis, Kevin Davis, Linda Davis, Ravi Deo, Gail DePinna, Steven DePinna, Oliver Dobrian, Miles Freeman, Kate Gary, Nancy Gutilla, Sal Gutilla, Amy Imbellino, Megan Imbellino, Carly Israel, Alina Jamieson, Bruce Jamieson, Jake Jamieson, Max Kaplan, Fern Lee, Jonah Levine, Anna Kent, Kirk Naylor, Erika Oba, Hisako Oba, Masanori Oba, Chris Ries, Dan Ries, Jen Ries, Karen Royse, Mike Royse, Tom Terrell, Sarah Thompson - English vocals
NEW MUSIC from MED including some production by Madlib, HouseShoes, Exile, and more. Perfect for chillin, burning, and of course, bangin' ya head!! Did I mention it's all FREE?! All MED asks is you leave a comment & smoke a blunt if you cross paths when he's on tour. Sounds like a deal to me! Big ups to Havana Joe for giving us the heads up.
If you like what you hear, check out Dank Radio's latest broadcast from this past weekend, including a special mix by Fabricated for the first half, and some awesome chill beats for the second half provided by Glockz and myself. Enjoy Dank Radio - Tribute to ARTVIBES by dankradio
For those of you who don't know me too well[we'll get there in time I promise], I'm a big fan of mixes, mixtapes, and any sort of extended live set. Listening to a mix is the closest thing to seeing a DJ perform in their bedroom. Think of it like you're hanging out in his/her bedroom while he/she goes through his/her crate of records[vinyl &/or digital] just picking songs he's/she's really vibing at the moment and every now and then he/she throws you one of his/her secret tracks that he's/she's been saving up for the perfect occasion. You might even be surprised to find out somewhere in that DJ's room are crates and crates of random party music from who knows where. And with that said, here's Paul Devro to further explain...
"Pomp and Clout asked me to make them a mixtape for them of whatever i wanted, so i thought i'd put my bollywood disco record crates to work. So here it is, my xmas gift to you, super rare, super popular, super weird and super awesome hindi tunes all chopped the fuck up, so that they sorta make sense. Hope you enjoy it, there tons of original tunes plus lots of loose covers like Funkytown, Wordy Rappinghood, I Feel Love, Video Killed the RadioStar, Rhythm is Gonna Get You... even an Inagaddadavida / Wild Thing Lo-Fi disco banger. Anyways listen!
I think the best way to describe Free Moral Agents is the word dynamic. Everything about this band entails a dynamic approach. Whether it be the space in the songs that sound like they came from Radiohead's Kid A or Pink Floyd's On The Run, the vocal style of Mendee Ichikawa that remind me of Florence + The Machine, or the simple vs complex groves, they were all dynamic. It was a set of songs built for a grander stage and yet we were all treated to an intimate glimpse of how they sound when they're playing amongst themselves.
It's SUNDAY FUNDAY and I wanted to share with the blog world one of my all time favorite albums (as well as one of my all time favorite bands), The Resignation by the RX Bandits. Released in 2003, this album was recorded live which captured the raw sound with high energy that the bandits bring to each and every show they play. With a wide range of influences, RX Bandits blend their ska/reggae roots with their progressive rock energy to form a unique and pleasant fusion of sounds that continues to grow with each release that follows. This band is not afraid to try new things, and this album shows that with each and every tune. Be sure to give this album a spin if you want some fun energetic tunes to dance to..
"These sound patterns are intended for: dancing-singing-rocking out-freaking out-banging your head-bustin out-trippin out-completelylosingyourshit-dancing-laughing-living..." - RXB
"Sell You Beautiful" – 3:37
"Prophetic" – 4:54
"Newsstand Rock (Exposition)" – 2:52
"Overcome (The Recapitulation)" – 3:46
"Never Slept So Soundly" – 5:41
"Taking Chase as the Serpent Slithers" – 4:41
"Republic" – 4:17
"Mastering the List" – 7:23
"Falling Down the Mountain" – 5:30
"Dinna-Dawg (And the Inevitable Onset of Lunacy)" – 6:36
I would star each of my favorite songs but I love the ENTIRE album!!
Catch RX Bandits LIVE to see them in full action melting faces!!
TOUR 12-31-2010 | Scottsdale, AZ | Craftsman Court Entertainment District (Buy Tickets) 01-14-2011 | Santa Barbara, CA | UCSB 01-20-2011 | Flagstaff, AZ | Orpheum Theatre (Buy Tickets) 01-21-2011 | Las Vegas, NV | Hard Rock Cafe - Vegas Strip (Buy Tickets) 01-22-2011 | Anaheim, CA | House of Blues Anaheim (Buy Tickets) 01-27-2011 | San Luis Obispo, CA | SLO Brewing Company (Buy Tickets) 01-28-2011 | San Francisco, CA | Bottom of the Hill (Buy Tickets) 01-29-2011 | San Francisco, CA | Bottom of the Hill (Buy Tickets)
"Art also known as DJ Artvibes has announced that he will be moving on to pursue current projects and endeavors that he has undertaken. Over the last four years he has introduced the city of Los Angeles to the sound of the UK including UK Grime, UKG, Bassline, as well as French and Dutch Hip-Hop and more. Currently pushing Colorising Arts & Media, a platform for culture, music and art, Art shall still be pushing the international sounds that he is known for. Be sure to send emails to djartvibes@gmail.com and drop a line and also people can reach out via Colorising | myspace | twitter."
Dank Radio on KPFK Live Broadcast: December 18, 2010 Tribute to Artvibes - Click to Download
Fabricated Mix: Mount Kimbie - Would Know Untold - Dante Vex’d - Lion Flying Lotus - Glendale Galleria King Midas Sound - Meltdown Kode 9 & The Spaceape - Time Patrol (feat. Cha Cha) Pinch feat. Yolanda - Get Up (RSD Mix) Zomby - Test Me For A Reason Little Dragon - Recommendation (Toddla T Remix) Massive Music - Find My Way (Kode 9 Remix) Mungo's Hi-Fi - Wikidness feat. Brother Culture (Tes La Rok Remix) Bop - Enjoy The Moment (Unquote Remix) Gil Scott-Heron - NY Is Killing Me (Jamie XX Remix) DFRNT - Dark (Indigo Remix) Scuba - Three Sided Shape Joy Orbison - J.Doe Benga - Zero M2 Flying Lotus - Breathe.Something/Stellar Star Lukid - Piano Nono Boards Of Canada - Turquoise Hexagon Sun Boards Of Canada - Aquarius (Version 3) King Midas Sound - Lost (Flying Lotus Remix) TOKiMONSTA - Bready Soul Flying Lotus - Auntie's Lock/Infinitum
Eccentric + Glockz ~ Tag Team: The Others - Africa VIP King Tubby - London Bridge Special Vast Aire - I don't Care ft. Cappadonna Oddisee - NYC MED - Where I'm From ft. Aloe Blacc 12's in 6 - Karriem Riggins J Dilla - On Stilts Fame - Elevation Exile - Extra Funk Illa J - Affair Mr. Oizo - Rubber (Flying Lotus Unprotexted Sex Remix) Jinesis - Heartless Bullion - Keep It Tidy Dan Matic - Priv@ate Stock Ricky Diggs - Wasssuup Telefon Tel Aviv - Fahrenheit Fair Enough (Prefused Bonus Beats Remix) Pete Rock - Glowing Nighmares On wax - Say-Say DJ Quick - Quick's Groove Nightmares On Wax - Mind Eye
With previous commitments to a family members birthday party and shots with said birthday celebrant I was already in a social mood. And in usual local fashion I had to bounce from venue to venue[Don't worry, I walked]. Luckily with father time on my side I arrived just as the White Denim Celebration was getting started.
The crowd gathered with their Colt 45 tallboys in hand to see their local three piece band We Barbarians play a hometown show. Just as the Barbarians started to get wild in their groove the power went out on stage. No matter, when the power came back on they continued on and resumed the party. I couldn't help but see the band emit the same fiery energy I've seen from Cold War Kids and The Valley Arena. The audience roared with applause and sang back lyrics to their favorite songs and was extremely elated when they ended their set with Headstrong. As a sign of gratitude the band did an encore song titled Saint John.
Cheers to White Denim for a fun year. Can't wait for next years set of parties.
A little over a week has passed since our good friend Nightfox started her Dank Radio infiltration mission with her interview with Sound Of Stereo and she's already putting in work with her next installment. To be honest with you, it's a welcome surprise and boy is she putting me to work with these deadlines [It's all good! You know how we work. 24/7 365, all day, everyday, until the end of days.] The interview that follows entails her encounter with the funky producer/dj Treasure Fingers [Fool's Gold]. Keep on reading to find out about album updates, the status of Evol Intent, and his hometown of Wewoka Oklahoma.
Hey Dank Radio! In a recent conversation with DJ Shaun P, we discussed the pros and cons of my job. He told me that although I was extremely lucky to be able to meet the people I get to meet, he would never want my job in fear that his love of music of a certain artist would be marred if he turns out to be a dick. Luckily, I’ve been blessed in that every artist I’ve met so far (minus one, I won’t name him here but you can ask me later) have been the nicest, most humble people I’ve met, welcoming me into their rooms, backstage, and going out of their way to lend me twenty minutes of their time. Probably means little to them, but it means the world to me. My impression of an artist has yet to be marred (thank God). So here’s a recent interview with Treasure Fingers, and thanks to my friend Jack Daniels, probably the most random interview I’ve held to date. Thanks again Treasure Fingers. Enjoy, Nightfox
Nightfox: So I see you’re in the middle of a big tour, how are you enjoying it so far? Treasure Fingers: It’s been good. I was actually off for three weeks so it’s good to be back again.
Nightfox: Do you find yourself finding the time to produce and work on tracks while touring? Treasure Fingers: Not really when I’m touring. I try to but I really like working in my studio, and when I’m on the road I only have my laptop so it’s a big difference. But I like it though because when I’m on the road I don't have a lot of time to produce but I have all these ideas in my head. Then when I actually get home I can get a lot of stuff done.
Nightfox: So does that mean we can expect the album anytime soon? Treasure Fingers: Yeah hopefully! I need to just take a break and actually finish it when I’m not doing gigs.
Nightfox: And are you still working with Evol Intent through all this? Treasure Fingers: Yes. We have two new singles almost done. Four tracks broken up into two separate 12" single releases, and maybe an album in the works? I don’t know, we’ve been really productive lately.
Nightfox: When it comes to producing, are there any rules or codes of ethics in your opinion? Any do’s and don'ts? Treasure Fingers: Um, not really. I mean, I’m not a fan of just ripping stuff off, you know. If I sample someone I try to do something creative with it. I just try to be original. Besides that, no rules, I guess.
Nightfox: Describe the differences between your live set and your DJ set. Treasure Fingers: I’ve never actually done a live Treasure Fingers set. We’ve done live Evol Intent, and that’s still less on computers and controllers and stuff, but it’s kind of programming on the fly, just doing effects and stuff like that. But if I wanted to do a live Treasure Fingers show, it would probably be with a band but I’d kind of like to stick to DJ’ing for now.
Nightfox: I see your doing Korea for New Years! Have you ever been there before? Treasure Fingers: No! I’m super excited! Well, they put in the offer and I was really excited and then North Korea bombed them so I thought the gig was off and my agent was going to cancel it. But the promoters came back and promised it was all good and things would be safe.
Nightfox: Interesting, will there be any extra security or anything like that? Treasure Fingers: I don’t know. I’m not too worried about it actually. I’ll go anywhere. Like, I feel like I could die here tonight as well as I could there, so I’m not really afraid of anything. I’ve always wanted to play crazy places. I don’t know if they’ll have extra security or not but it will be super fun, I’m sure.
Nightfox: What do you expect from Korea? Treasure Fingers: I’ve played Asia a couple times, like, Taiwan, Singapore, and Jakarta, places like that and it’s always really cool but I’ve never played Korea before so it’ll be a new experience.
Nightfox: And after Korea you head to Australia. How do you like it there? Treasure Fingers: That’s probably my second home. I would live there if it wasn’t so far from everything.
Nightfox: What do you like best about it? Treasure Fingers: It’s just really nice. It’s got a nice climate, you know. The continent is big so it’s kind of like America, you could go to a really nice beach or you could go way out in the wilderness. It’s just a cool place with laidback people.
Nightfox: So I see you used to play in punk and hardcore bands as a teenager, and when you were younger you were into hip-hop. Why make the transition to dance music? Treasure Fingers: Well, lately, the Treasure Fingers stuff is definitely the most dancey I’ve ever done. I did Evol Intent before that and before Evol Intent I did even weirder experimental glitch stuff so it’s just been sort of a progression. I’ve always liked and made house music but I’ve never focused on producing it heavily until recently.
Nightfox: Do you plan on keeping up with Treasure Fingers? Treasure Fingers: Oh yeah, yeah. I’ve thought about starting a couple side projects just because I have all these ideas for new songs and they don’t fit within what I like the Treasure Fingers sound to be. You may see a new project from me soon. But, Treasure Fingers is top priority right now.
Nightfox: Care to elaborate? Treasure Fingers: Um, I really shouldn’t (laughs). It’s really just sort of the brainstorming stages now so I’ll keep it under wraps until it’s ready to launch.
Nightfox: So what city are you from in Oklahoma? Treasure Fingers: Wewoka. It’s ridiculously small. About 4 thousand people.
Nightfox: Oh wow. So what was your first big gig that got you out of Oklahoma? Treasure Fingers: When I was coming up there were these big raves coming up in Oklahoma City. And they also had an underground club that went until like, ten in the morning or something. They have been playing house there since like, 1989 or something crazy. Which, I wasn’t around of course, back then but that was my influence for the whole club scene or rave scene. So I guess I was 16 when I started going out there for raves and getting into the clubs. I met Jeremy Dawson who is now in Shiny Toy Guns, and he booked me for my very first rave. After that I started playing neighboring states and it kept spreading from there.
Nightfox: Growing up did you always have a feeling you would go into music or did you have a Plan B? Treasure Fingers: I feel truly blessed to be this successful but I always knew it would be a hobby. I actually went to school for graphic design. I have a degree in that and I worked in that until probably about four or five years ago. Then I would freelance on the side. As of the past three years, it has been all music.
Nightfox: Do you ever design your own stuff? Treasure Fingers: Sometimes but I don’t even like to touch my own stuff. I just got burnt out. I like art directing and having someone else do it now (laughs).
Nightfox: So who are your favorite 90’s hip-hop artists? Treasure Fingers: I was all over the LA west coast stuff as a kid. I liked Eazy E, Dre, Snoop. I liked all the San Francisco stuff too like Spice 1 and E-40. And I don’t know, there was all this weird underground gangster rap stuff I was super into when I was 12. And even now I go on last.fm sometimes and stream Spice 1 radio and they play all these amazing artists that never really made it big. It’s amazing. That was definitely the big golden era of rap for me.
Nightfox: So what’s your favorite 80’s funk artist? Treasure Fingers: Oh man. Zapp and Roger. No question.
Nightfox: Any music makers you’re especially diggin’ right now? Treasure Fingers: I love all the new guys coming up. Bit Funk in Chicago. Le Zebra, who’s actually from out here I think. Night Riders, from Boston.
Nightfox: What are your plans after your tour? Treasure Fingers: I have a heavy schedule up until May I think. I’ll probably take a couple weeks off and chill then. I haven’t even thought about it really.
Nightfox: Are you going to rest at all? Treasure Fingers: (laughs) I should but I’ll probably just go into the studio. That’s kind of relaxation for me. It would be nice to just take a month off and just go into the studio.
Nightfox: I hear a lot of complaints from artists about airlines. What is the worst airline in your opinion? Treasure Fingers: Aw man. There’s a lot of them. I’m really not a fan of Continental. So definitely Continental.
Nightfox: Ever lose anything? Treasure Fingers: Oh yeah. I was on a Delta flight and the panel next to my seat was broken and I had a little bag with all my important stuff like my passport and my iPod and it fell all the way under cargo into the belly of the plane. They said they couldn’t get it until they did maintenance there so I had to file report and do all this stuff. I think I was going to Canada a few days later so I had to expedite a passport and replace all my stuff. But I sent them the receipts and they paid for everything. So thumbs up to Delta. But they need to fix their planes up (laughs).
Nightfox: What do you think of the explosion of dubstep? Here in LA, it’s developed a huge underground following. Treasure Fingers: I like a lot of it. There’s some that I can’t stand but there’s a lot of really good stuff out there. And with the Evol Intent project we do a lot of dubstep too.
Nightfox: Ever thinking about going into dubstep? Treasure Fingers: Not as Treasure Fingers. I thought about doing some collaborations with people and just blending some funky kind of synths & talkbox vocals so there might be a collaborations with that soon, I don’t know. I’ve been talking with 12th Planet so we'll see where that goes..
Nightfox: What’s your favorite track that you released this year? Treasure Fingers: I would say Keep Up, which just came out on Fool’s Gold, because it was the first full song released where I wrote and played all the music, no samples, and co-wrote the lyrics with a friend. We took about a week cutting the vocals and had an engineer mixing them. It’s more of a process than I’m used to. I’m used to just doing everything myself so for that one we put the most time into and I’m really proud of the outcome. Aside from that, probably It’s Love, the B side to Lift Me. That one came about because they wanted something else to release with Lift Me so I kind of had to make it under pressure. And it all just kind of came together. I wanted some female vocal samples, yet without sampling, on it so I slowed it down and sent it to Haley Small, who sang on Keep Up and gave her a rough idea [of what I wanted]. Then I pitched her vocals back up and chopped them a bit. It was kind of unexpected how well it turned out.
Nightfox: Well, I loved it! So do you like playing bigger gigs like raves or do you prefer smaller, more intimate settings like Avalon? Treasure Fingers: I like the big raves but I feel like it’s hard to read the crowd sometimes, so you kind of just do your thing and hope it’s going over well. Whereas Avalon or smaller clubs, you see peoples faces and really see how’s it’s going. Also with the smaller clubs, well, tonight it’s me and Burns so hopefully everyone who came out either came to see him or I or both of us. But at a big rave you don’t know who is there for you. They could have came to see Tiesto and just wandered into your tent. If you’re playing funky house and their into trance, they might just stare at you for an hour waiting for whoever is next.
Nightfox: So when you play do you read the crowd mostly and see what they like? Treasure Fingers: Well mostly. I try to do my own thing, I never compromise as far as what music I’m going to play. I go between really synthy, kind of melodic stuff to really funky house or whatever. If I can sense they are ready for something else and or not feeling it, then I'll start switching it up a little. I'm helpless in the "pop and rap requests" type clubs though, I don't even have that sort of stuff on my laptop or CD wallet.
Nightfox: What is your favorite gig or venue so far? Treasure Fingers: Well, Avalon has actually been amazing every time I've played here. Tonight I think someone hit me up at 11:30 or something and told me they were at capacity already, so it’s amazing to fill a venue this big. Also, Voyeur San Diego where I played last night, there’s always really good shows there.
Nightfox: Oh yeah, I have yet to make a road trip down there. Treasure Fingers: Oh, you’ve got to go check it out. They’ve made it slightly bigger since they took down a wall. It’s still a very intimate venue and the people there are super into the music.
Nightfox: So you do you know Harvard Bass pretty well then? Treasure Fingers: Yeah I met him a long time ago, I think before he was even doing Harvard Bass. Then I started hearing his tracks and he pretty much blew up overnight. He's awesome though. Good guy too.
Nightfox: When you’re in LA are there any places you need to visit or people you need to see? Treasure Fingers: I try to hang out with all my friends when I’m out here and eat good food. Definitely try to hit up Roscoes and In N Out.
Nightfox: So when you wind down at the end of the day, what do you like to listen to? Treasure Fingers: Probably my favorite band is Mono, this band from Japan that’s all instrumental. Like, 12 minute tracks, all super melodic and moody, really beautiful music.
Nightfox: Well, thank you Ashley! As a writer and a fan I want you to know that this has been an awesome experience! Treasure Fingers: Yeah no problem! Happy I could help.
Tour Dates: Dec 18, 2010 - Brooklyn, NY (US) @ Public Assembly - BEMF Dec 31, 2010 - Seoul, Korea @ Club Rococo Jan 5, 2011 - Washington, DC (US) @ U Street Music Hall Jan 12, 2011 - Las Vegas, NV (US) @ Ghost Bar Jan 21, 2011 - Byron Bay, (AU) @ The Great Northern Jan 22, 2011 - Canberra, (AU) @ Trinity Bar Jan 25, 2011 - Brisbane, (AU) @ The Bowler Bar Jan 26, 2011 - Adelaide, (AU) @ Shore's Complex Jan 28, 2011 - Melbourne, (AU) @ Colonial Hotel Jan 29, 2011 - Wollongong, (AU) @ The Grand Hotel Jan 29, 2011 - Sydney, NSW (AU) @ Civic Hotel Jan 30, 2011 - Gold Coast, (AU) @ Titanium Bar - Dirty Sundays Feb 5, 2011 - Perth, (AU) @ The Bakery Feb 12, 2011 - Auckland, AUC (NZ) @ De Club Feb 25, 2011 - Salt Lake City, UT (US) @ Salt Palace Convention Center
Had a chance to sit down with Shea from LBPP.net to talk about what he's doing for the local Long Beach music scene and his upcoming 2nd Annual Secret Santa's Toydrive show with Free Moral Agents and Repeater. Shea is definitely someone you want to link up with if you're a local musician. We at Dank Radio are very grateful for the support he showed us in the past with our former projects and his continuing support with the ever evolving music activities of the Dank Radio family.
Nativity: First off, Many Thanks to Shea from LBPP.net for taking time from his busy schedule to do this interview. Before we talk about The 2nd Annual Secret Santa's Toydrive, let's talk about LBPP.net. How did it all start back in 2003 and how has it developed over the years? I remember when I used to play your shows back in the day[Many thanks for being crazy enough to book us back then]. Shea:The original inspiration for Long Beach Party Project was the movie Old School. After seeing it a few times in the theaters, my friend and I argued over the backyard house party with Snoop Dogg scene and if something like that could actually be pulled off. Well after much debate we decided if you had the right connects and timing you could pull it off in real life. That was the original "project" we embarked upon, hence the name Long Beach Party Project. Lots of things have changed since then though, going from just a blog where we posted pictures from our house parties, to club promoters packing hundreds of heads into local spots, to a failed party bus idea, and now booking and promoting local music. Your old band Sun Doominal was always one of my favorites... I still rock the cd!
Nativity: With that said, How do you feel about the current climate of music in Long Beach? What has changed from from 2003 to 2010 and do you feel Long Beach is ready and more willing to expose it's hidden musical gems these days? Shea: I really love the Long Beach music scene, it can be clicky sometimes, but in general everyone tries to support each other I think. The best thing about it is the diversity of music in the city and how well rounded the music tastes are. Since 2003 I have seen quite a few great bands come and go, as well as some crappy ones, and I think with the slew of recent popular acts coming out of Long Beach it is definitely encouraging to the closet musician to get out and get some exposure because there is so much support.
Nativity: Speaking of musical gems, What local bands/artists are on your radar? Any favorites you can suggest to our readers that they need to check out at a show local show a.s.a.p.? Shea: Man, there are so many good up and coming bands... The Fling, Eugene & The 1914, Centrevol, 60 Watt Kid, Armchair Generals, Pebaluna, Hot Minute, We Barbarians and a bunch more. Most of these bands are still playing local but not for long, so make sure to check them out at your favorite LB venue.
Nativity: One local band I'm very excited to finally check out live is Free Moral Agents which is performing for your 2nd Annual Secret Santa's Toydrive. How did you get the band involved with your event? Shea: Yeah we are pretty excited to have them play! Originally we were invited to do a behind the scenes video of the shooting of their new single called "Little Trouble Girl", after that we had talked about doing a show and it just worked out that they were just getting back from national tour with 2Mex.
Nativity: It's good to see LBPP.net giving back to the community with the event by giving the un-wrapped toys and donations to Coalongbeach.org. Not very many parties tend to have a social awareness. Is this something you've always wanted to do with LBPP.net? Shea: We noticed a few years back the trend of lots of promoters or event organizers to use donating to a "charity" as a way to attract people to their event, but the problem is you never know where the money goes. Did it ever even make it to the charity? Most organizations [try] to think about this but that is what prompted us to do this party last year and we created a video piece to show everyone the impact they made locally with their toy donations.
Nativity: Thanks again for doing the Interview. Anything else you'd like to share? Maybe even a brief summary of what's to come in the new year for LBPP.net? Shea: Yeah, its great to connect again! We are going to be doing it big in 2011, bringing back one of our signature series The Punk Rock SiDeShOw which features local punk & rockabilly acts with a vaudevillian style circus performer supporting at the Puka Bar starting the Last Friday in February at the Puka. Also have a big St. Patrick's Day show that is in the works that is going to be epic!
12/16 LBPP.net presents: The 2nd Annual Secret Santa's Toydrive with Free Moral Agents & Repeater | More Info Here & Here
