Jon of Pickle Productions & Quality Control [Featured Interview + Upcoming Event]

Pickle Productions present: Quality Control w/ Badklaat + Coffi + Megalodon | Tickets | Info

It's a new year and we like to start things off with a fresh vibe for Dank Radio. With the growing emergence of bass music locally here in the Los Angeles/Orange County region some have begin to feel the need of more deep vibes and less of the tear up/mid-range dubstep that has been prominent. We love all types and vibes, but sometimes it's nice to listen to proper lower frequencies and meditate on some bass music. Cue in, Jon of Pickle Productions who's throwing his first Quality Control event this Friday with the following line up: Coffi [Monsters/Gentlemens Club/DubstepFM/UK] + Badklaat [Dubstar/Bassclash/UK] + 2Mex [The Visionaries] + MC Kemst [SMOG/Pure Filth] +SamXL [Pure Filth] + Pavarotti b2b DJ Stax + Blankface b2b Maze Dubs and sound provided by Pure Filth. It's going to be a great way to start this year of fresh so let's take a few minutes to find out who's behind it all...

Frank Nitt [Feature Interview]

Detroit’s Frank Nitt has seen it all, more so than your average ‘keep it real’ MC. He has seen the meteoric rise and untimely death of friend, collaborator and certified hip hop legend J Dilla. He eye-witnessed Common record a platinum album, and Black Thought free-styling in a strip club parking lot. And he now chronicles his first hand experiences in the 48 page memoir The View from the Underground, which comes included in this brand new deluxe casebook edition album, Stadium Music. As Frank Nit puts it; ‘All of my travel, all of my musical influences, and all of my relationships… I talk about love on there, and hardship. I talk about just wanting to be a dope MC.‘ The album features beats and rhymes by Illa J, Que D, Dank, Kid Sublime, Kevin Cofield, Numbe:ra and others, plus a foreword by his personal acquaintance and adult film star Tara Lynn Foxx.” We chat with Frank to get the low down on Stadium Music and everything else Frank Nitt related.
Dank Radio: Can you give us a brief background about yourself, history of Frank N Dank, and how you hooked up with J D?

Frank Nitt: I've been putting out hip hop since 1998/99 as a member of FnD [Frank N Dank] and I began my solo career in 2008, I actually met dilla in 1986, we went to middle school together, so the music side just grew from that.. it wasnt a, I met a producer and we became friends, my friend became a producer!

I.T.S. Music Playground 1 Year Anniversary @ Exchange LA [Photo Coverage + Feature Interview]

ITS Music Playground 1 Yr Anniversary @ Exchange LA | Photo by: Panda

I have never been more proud of my friends...everybody pitched in yesterday, some working 9 hours straight, to help put together I.T.S. Music Playgrounds 1-Year Anniversary show. We held it in the middle of downtown Los Angeles at the famous Exchange LA nightclub and were chosen to head a new club night. The vibe was electric and the people were encapsulated in the amazing artwork Dana Troy had worked tirelessly to complete. All I can say is last night was a huge success and it came to be by the hard work of a small dedicated army. To all the homies, to those who came simply to help, to those who stayed to see the night through and to those who turned out to check this event, I Thank you and the I.T.S. family thanks you. BOH!!!!!!! - Chris Carreiro

Justin Katerberg of Vitalic Noise [Feature Interview + Upcoming Event]

Vitalic Noise : Official | Facebook | Twitter

It's those moments in passing at a gig or at a show when you never know who you're going to meet. Not too long ago I spun at a local Long Beach warehouse event put on by a friend of mine and the DJ before me was playing a lot of really cool indie dance tracks that I wished more DJs would play in opening sets. Made a formal introduction and gave 'em a heads up that I would be setting up my gear on the other side of the table. [Hint: New DJs please be cordial and tactful at gigs. Make peace w/ everyone you're performing with. No one really knows who you are and until you're being flown in on a helicopter or a private jet you're basically at the same level as everyone else. So play nice.] Justin was the dude's name and he said he just moved to Long Beach and to check out his website for some music. I checked it out and really liked what I heard. Months pass and he invites me out to a new weekly he's starting in Long Beach. What a great opportunity I thought to shed some light on who he is and what musical vibrations are emanating from Vitalic Noise.

TerribleFolly [Feature Interview + Upcoming Event]

TerribleFolly [I.T.S. Music Playground] : Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

It's my firm belief that it's quite rare to find another human being that vibrates at either the same frequency as you or at a relative complimentary frequency. Say you're ringing out at C and you come across someone that's at about a G. When you put those together you form a C power chord. One of the most basic and most widely used forms of chordal music that everyone who listens to punk rock and classic rock can relate to. So during a show not too long ago I met a G note. He was a cool dude who was rocking a marvel comics t-shirt and on top of that I was digging the music he was performing. We chit chatted and I was surprised to find out we shared similar tastes in comics, anime, and music. Time traveling to more current dates I find out that I'll be performing at his CD release show. With all these situation unraveling I couldn't help but use this opportunity to do an origin story with this specific artistically inclined character. Read on below to further your understanding of the one and only, TerribleFolly...

Vince of Nytehype Entertainment [Feature Interview + Tommie Sunshine Ticket Giveaway]

Nytehype Entertainment : Official | Facebook | Twitter
What do lost keys + Orange County + Donalde Glaude have in common? Normally nothing at all, but on a fine winter evening a series of random events all culminated into me becoming fairly intoxicated and in a good samaritan situation to help out another human being, Vince Do. Due to the hospitality of one local EDM enthusiast / promoter / manager / cool dude, Jordan White, I checked out The Yost Theater out of curiosity. After experiencing Donald Glaude perform a wonderful set Jordan introduced me to Vince who was looking everywhere retracing his steps to find his car keys. We combed the parking lot thrice [cops noticed and thought we were trying to steal a car. seriously?!], walked around the venue twice, and looked everywhere one would normally misplace their keys. We looked everywhere except his jacket pocket. Funny how we always lose things and find them in our pockets. Any hoo I almost called AAA a few times and inadvertently used the time spent walking around searching for the keys to sober myself up. So there goes the origin story of how I met him. Don't you just love origin stories? We'll save stories about when I DJed at two of his club nights for another time. For now we'll continue on with the interview. We're also giving away a pair of tickets to see Tommie Sunshine perform at Show Saturdays at The Yost Theater this Saturday Feb 4th. Information on how to win can be found after the interview.

Destructo [Feature Interview + Tour Dates]

Destructo [HARD] : Official | Photo by : John Juniper
We're starting off the new year with a featured interview with someone who's become a familiar name amongst music enthusiasts from Los Angeles to New York. In the 1990s he was crazy enough to throw parties in Southern California theme parks. He's lived through the forever rotating cycle of popularity of dance music. His multiple multi-day concert series HARD began with a combination birthday/new years eve party a few years back. This man is one of few who can say they've successfully organized and executed a floating concert to the Bahamas and back. He does it all for the music and the love of his fans, which I'm sure by now you all know. Below you'll read highlights from his Holy Ship! adventure, how his upcoming performance at Coachella came to be, and maybe a hint on what's in store for HARD Summer [Purchase tickets here].

Pluto the 9th [Feature Interview + Tour Dates]

Pluto the 9th : Official | Facebook | Twitter - Photo : Tim Wagner
Had an opportunity to catch up with my good friend/super sensei/long time Dank Radio supporter Jonathan Wandag. He's been busy traveling the universe creating the perfect score for your personal scores. I was able to make contact with him briefly to see what he and his fellow Plutonian mate, Amalia Miller, have been busy creating musically. We discuss how they were drawn to music, how they create their music, and what the symbolism of Pluto and The 9th have to do with each other. I may be slightly biased being that they are my friends, but this has been one of the funnest/funniest/entertaining/enlightening interviews I've ever conducted.

Nativity: First off thank you for doing this interview with us. I know it's crunch time the week of the big event and we really appreciate you taking time from your collective band readiness sessions to answer these questions. Before we get into the main course let's begin with you two introducing yourselves and what you do for the band and how the group came to be.

Jonathan: First off Nativity, I'd just like to say that I'm very happy to be in cahoots with you again, whether it be on the radio, musically, social networkingly, or sausagely. It's all grand and beefy... which means, it's magtastic.

Now to answer your questions: I, Jonathan, write music, sing, play keys and orchestra, and shake my ass. Amalia does the exact same thing along with sing E's an octave above the highest E in the treble clef, make animal noises, and show off that massive crater of a dimple on her face.

Amalia: But really, we were journeying across the solar system and our spaceships bumped into each other somewhere around Mars and... never mind. Long story short, Jonathan and I met at UCLA in 2000 and collaborated once every few years on music, from orchestral overtures to silly covers. We even performed in the SF BART stations. After some poor looking dude gave us a $10, we knew we had to get serious.

Jonathan: Yeah, I mean that paid for our dinner. Why not make a real band and get rich?

LA Weekly presents: Hipsters Heart Hip Hop - 1 Year Anniversary [Feature Interview]

Hipsters Heart Hip Hop : Official | Facebook
The following Feature Interview has to be the easiest + fastest I ever went from meeting an event organizer to getting the feature published. As lady luck on my side I met Adam Weiss aka AdamantiumMC|Dirty Daddy this past weekend during the Truth Seekers program right before Dank Radio broadcasted live on air. I'm pretty sure I set a record for introducing myself + explaining who Dank Radio is + what we do for event organizers + agreeing upon a type of Feature + exchanging contact information. It took all of 2 minutes for this to happen while the whole time I was mentally prepping for our In-Studio guest and the uncertainty of what songs to play during our show.

Enough back story. Below you will learn about Hipster Heart Hip Hop from one of it's founders and what it will evolve into. Not only that, but you'll discover how luck comes into play when locking down some of the most talented artists in the current Hip Hop|Beat scene. You'll also find a special mix by DJ Stereotype comprised of music from all the artists performing...

LBCK [Feature Interview + Tour Dates]

LBCK: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to interview another group of locally based talented artists who've ventured far into international lands. It was during the dreaded finals week and we were lucky that they had just enough time to take a break from their busy schedule and update us on what's in store post college life. [Tune in during this weekends LIVE broadcast of Dank Radio for a special 420 Mix by LBCK | Saturday June 4th KPFK 90.7FM 4am-6am PST | Streaming Worldwide @ KPFK.ORG] Europe, pranks, an upcoming release titled Instant Party EP, and more are in store with LBCK [A. Noblé & Luigi III]...

Manni Dee [Feature Interview + Exclusive Mix]

Manni Dee: Official | Soundcloud
Some people will tell you, "The Internet is over saturated with music." They'll also say "Most of the music online is crap." They might even go into a rant about the good 'ol days or ask you if you've ever been to a record store before. My response is, "Yes I've been to a record store. A mom & pop record store in fact. Actually, we have a great local mom & pop record store here in Long Beach called Fingerprints. You should go check it out and say, 'Hey Rand! Nice store you got here.'" [He's the owner.] What was my point again for this introduction?...[thinking. coffee is kicking in]

Oh! As many of the older guard of music enthusiasts will credit their local record store for their initiation and education on the vast limitless volumes of music ever known to human kind. I on the other hand have Napster+Illegal Sharing Networks+Internet to thank for exposing me to music. Que in our friend Manni Dee from across the Atlantic who's been busy crafting and performing his wonky futuristic beat bass music. He contacted us through Soundcloud and sent us some tracks. We liked it so we played it. We liked it so much we wanted to help him out and do more for him so here we are with the interview below. He's a cool dude. I'm going to buy him a pint when we hang...

I.T.S. Presents : Beats For A Bench [Feature Interview]

I.T.S. Presents : Beats For A Bench : Event Info | Pre Sale Tickets
Over the past year it has become even more apparent to me that the city of Long Beach is becoming more and more organized in terms of quality music events. Sure you can say I'm biased because I'm involved with a handful of events. I'm also biased because a good number of my friends are creating/nurturing these events. Regardless of my ties to the city it's safe to say we have something to say and more importantly we stand for something. Whether it be for music, fun, family, or the benefit of our fellow human beings.

Recently through various circles of music heads I met a man who also stands for something. To trail it back a couple steps we clicked because we liked the same music. Whenever I meet another being who diggs what I digg then we automatically click. Enter Steven Kerns, who gave me a heads up about this event he was organizing for a fallen comrade. I asked him who was performing and he told me. I asked him where was it going to be held and he said, "Long Beach." That's more than enough info for me right there. I'd go into greater detail, but I'm just going to let him do most of the talking...

PhillySoundSystem [Feature Interview]

PhillySoundSystem : Soundcloud | Twitter
UK producer and DJ Nic Phillips aka Phillysoundsystem is a huge up and coming producer from the rising bass scene whose dubstep tracks have been featured prominently on Beatport. At 27 years old, he’s had his share of experience (about 15 years worth) in the world of music production and DJing. With two EPs released under LU10 Records, his tracks have a wide variety of sounds and influences that set his tracks apart from many contemporary dubstep producers. We were fortunate enough for him to take the time to give us an insight into his productions, what’s coming up in the near future for him, and more. -fabricated

fabricated: Before I begin, thank you for doing this interview with us. First thing’s first, how did the name Phillysoundsystem come about?
PhillySoundSystem: PhillySoundSystem came about for 2 main reasons, My surname is Phillips and I wanted a name that would represent my own sound. Back in the day music was heard on “SoundSystems” so get there particular sound across, which this combination of names I was hoping to get the same vibe across to people who buy/listen to my music

fabricated: I read Beatportal’s “The Frontlines – Dubstep November Edition” from a couple months ago and I noticed that you started producing over 10 years ago. How did you get your start into production and how did you find your way into the bass scene?
PhillySoundSystem: Yea its near 15 years now, I was in school about 11-12 and my music teacher allowed me to stay after school in the studio and try and figure out how 2 make my compositions onto a computer. I started of on Atari Notator, then progressed from makin white labels (vinyl) and my 1st genre I started making was Jungle and Speed garage. Dubstep is like a new form of Drum and bass in the fact that all types are covered and are accepted. I like to make music away from the norm and Dubstep has allowed me to do this.

PhillySoundSystem - Come to your brother (thou shall not fall) by PhillySoundSystem

Free Moral Agents - Dennis Owens [Feature Interview & Tour Dates]

Official | Facebook | Twitter
It seems like I've been seeing Free Moral Agents around town a whole lot these past couple months. I did a review on their show with LBPP.net back in December and I keep running into Dennis at local events. So much so that I brought up the idea of interviewing him for Dank Radio. I always wanted to know how he got involved with the band and how many projects he's involved with and how he keeps them all in order. Not only were my questions answered but he even shared some info on how their upcoming show with Yann Tiersen at The Luckman Fine Arts Complex came to be...

Nativity: First off, a big thank you for taking the time to do this for us Dennis. You and I met not too long ago at a local show where you were spinning some really great non-conventional [in a good way of course] records. And later down the line I discovered you played bass in Free Moral Agents and you also work at the local record shop Fingerprints. Can you please shed some light on who you are to our readers? How did you become involved with Ikey[The Mars Volta] and his project Free Moral Agents? And more importantly how do you keep track of all of your projects?
Dennis: Looks like you already got some of the basics covered! In addition to what you just mentioned, I also promote and deejay a night here in Long Beach called The Good Foot. It happens every 2nd Friday of the month at a club called Que Sera. I also promote and deejay a night called Space Is The Place Rollerdisco. It's every 4th Saturday of the month at a venue called World On Wheels in L.A. I started playing in Free Moral Agents back in May of 2004. Ikey called me up one day and asked me if I wanted to jam with him and the rest is history. How do I keep track of everything? Um.....I guess I have a good memory! It's not that difficult, really.


Nativity: Sounds like a lot of time management skills are necessary. Speaking of time. Free Moral Agents just finished up a week of amazing local shows. Spanning the home of Low End Theory at The Airliner, to local intimate saloon The Prospector, and to the latest underground venue to make itself known on Pine ave, The Blue Cafe. How has the reception been? Are you guys seeing an increasing growth of attendees? Do you see more and more people singing along to the songs?
Dennis: The reception at our recent local shows was great! It seems like more people are getting into what we're doing.

Nativity: Great performance at The Blue Cafe by the way! All of us here at Dank Radio play a varying range of instruments and we're all total gear heads. What's your preferred baby for performance and what do you have going on in your bass rig?
Dennis: My set up is very basic. I play a Fender Squire from the '80's (don't know the specific year) fitted with custom-made pickups made by Don Mare, who is a local musician who hand crafts excellent pickups for guitar and bass (www.donmare.com). I use an Ampeg SVT Pro 4 head and a Gallien-Krueger 410MBX 4 X 10" bass cabinet. I use a simple Boss distortion pedal and that's about it. I'm keeping things simple for right now.


Nativity: Steering things back to FMA. The album Control This [Purchase @ Amazon | iTunes] has been out for a bit and you guys have shared some personal videos through youtube about the making of. I'm starting see posts on Facebook about another release being worked on. Can we expect another album by the years end?
Dennis: I hope so.

Nativity: With or without a new release for 2011 one thing we all can expect is more shows. On Jan 29th you guys are performing with Yann Tiersen at The Luckman Fine Arts Complex. For our readers out there Yann Tiersen composed the soundtrack for Amélie [one of my favorite movies] and other amazing works of musical expression. How did that show come about? Are you guys going to perform with a full on string section? What can we expect?
Dennis: Someone from the Luckman Fine Arts Complex asked us to play. Last year, we toured with Sage Francis as an opening act and his backing band. Yann Tiersen wrote a song called "Best Of Times" on Sage's last album and, when the tour hit L.A., Yann happened to be in town, so he came to the show and played violin with us on "Best Of Times" with us. It was the highlight on the show for me.


More Info

Nativity: FMA is set to leave in less than a month for a EU tour with Subtitle. How did the tour come into fruition? Was this something that has been in the works for a while? Any specific cities on the tour that you're looking forward to the most?
Dennis: We met the right people and they made it happen. I've never been to the EU, so I'm just looking forward to the overall experience of going to a bunch of places that I've never been to before.

Nativity: You all went on a US national tour last year and now with the upcoming EU tour coming up, Is there anything you're doing differently to prepare? Is the approach with song selection and maybe set order different for the overseas audience?
Dennis: I don't think we're going to do anything different to prepare for this tour.

Nativity: Thanks again for taking the time to do the interview Dennis. Is there anything else you'd like to add. Any messages to the fans and friends of Free Moral Agents?
Dennis: Thanks for the interview. :-)



Tour Dates:

1/29 The Luckman Fine Arts Complex in Cal State University Los Angeles, CA | More Info
2/16 Vera in Groningen, NL
2/17 Winston in Amsterdam, NL
2/18 Ouvre Boite in Beauvais, FR*
2/19 PMA | La Poudriere in Belfort, FR*
2/20 Usine | KAB in Geneva, CH*
2/23 Spazio 21 in Torino, IT*
2/24 Circolo Degli Artisti in Rome, IT*
2/25 Unwound in Padova, IT*
2/26 Mikk in Murska Subota, SL*
2/28 Kset in Zageb, HR*
3/02 Klub Re in Krakow, PL*
3/03 TBA in Pozn, PL*
3/04 Hafenklang in Hamburg, GER*
3/05 Zorro in Leipzig, GER*
3/08 Madame Moustache in Bruxelles, BE
3/09 Vooruit in Gent, BE

*w/ Subtitle

<->Nativity<->

Jakwob - USA & Canada 2011 Winter Tour [Feature Interview]

Jakwob [Boom Ting Records] : Official | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
We posted Jakwob's Smokers Delight Mixtape 1.0 about a week ago and it came as a delightful surprise to see Jakwob share our link with his fans on his Facebook page that same morning. And as the thankful fans we are we contacted him and his team to say how grateful we are for the love sent back to us and that we would be open to helping spread his music in any additional way possible. A couple emails went back and forth and below I present you the result of one brief post and the power of the internet. In addition to the Interview below Jakwob has cooked up a special mix for us that we will air on this weekends edition of Dank Radio. So be sure to tune in this Saturday Jan 15th [4:00am-6:00am PST | 12:00pm-2:00pm GMT/London] on KPFK 90.7FM LA|KPFK.org Streaming Worldwide [More info HERE].

Nativity: First off, thank you for taking the time to do this interview and Happy New Year. How did your holiday go? Did you do anything fun aside from snowboarding? Finish COD?
Jakwob: Still haven’t pretiged on COD, I’m not THAT nerdy. Apart from boarding (which was sick), I spent time in solitary confinement watching old films and also seeing old friends.

The Flood Remix by jakwob

Nativity: It's been quite a while since we heard a proper update from you aside from your tweets and facebook posts. Now that it's a new year how does it feel when you look back at all the progress from 2009-2010? Any favorite moments or performances that really stand out to you?
Jakwob: Yeah it has been an epic journey so far, I notably enjoyed Glastonbury and Bestival and working with some great artists. Very shortly you will hear the new record along with remixes from other people of my own material which is exciting me greatly!

Nativity: Last year you set up your very own record label, Boom Ting Recordings. Can you explain how that came about? Was this something you and Neil always wanted to do from the start or did the need for your own outlet grow as your music started to reach more people?
Jakwob: It’s something I have always wanted to do as I have a really passion for all types of music and working with artists and developing them and I thought as soon as I get into a position where I have an audience for my sound I can give other artists a platform they might not otherwise have. The label is acting as a catalyst label pushing and developing new artists – there are going to be some amazing things happening in the next few months.

Jakwob - Rolla by jakwob

Nativity: I see. With that said, what type of music are you looking to release? The company overview on the facebook page reads, "To expose you to the freshest, tastiest and most talented artists from across the board!" I know you have
influences of all varying types. Can we expect any hip hop releases?
Jakwob: Definitely. Hip hop has been a major influence in what I do and I have already been given a few CDs at gigs from hip hop producers and I am looking forward to making some collaborations with artists and producers who have approached me.

Nativity: Speaking of Hip Hop, you've expressed in many interviews and through a handful of your mixes your love and respect for Hip Hop. You've played tracks from The Fugees, Busta Rhymes, Jurassic 5, and more. If you could book your own show with your favorite Hip Hop artists[living and deceased] who would you pick for the bill?
Jakwob: In no particular order it would be Mary J Blige, Q-tip, Slick Rick, Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, Moss Death and Madlib on drums - ahhh too many!

Nativity: Are there any producers you'd love to work with [Hip Hop, Dubstep, etc.]? Or currently working with that you'd like to share?
Jakwob: I would love to work with all of the above, plus a cheeky session with Snoop.

Lilley Allen - The Fear - (Jakwob Remix) by jakwob

Nativity: A handful of us in Dank Radio create music ourselves and are curious as to what you use in your creative process[software/hardware/instruments]? From the moment you start a track up until you master it out do you primarily stay with Reason or do you use different DAWs for different needs? Any word on when the video you recorded with Propellerhead will be released?
Jakwob: I produce all sounds either with real instruments or Reason and then I mix in Logic but I primarily use Reason/Record to write my songs. No idea when the video comes through but as soon as it does I will post it immediately!

Nativity: I really enjoy the video for Here With Me[And the making of video as well]. The story matches up quite perfectly with the cinematic vibe of the song. What was it like teaming up with your friend Lucy Bridger to help bring out the visual aspect of your audible creation. Are there any plans for a video of Scare The Snare?
Jakwob: It is always a pleasure working with Lucy, she is always in control of anything visual to do with Boom Ting and Jakwob. The video was a really really fun project to work on and Lucy and I are currently working on the next few videos and just about to shoot the next. But there is no talk of a video of Scare The Snare – sorry!


Purchase Jakwob - Here With Me @ Beatport | iTunes | Amazon
Nativity: Just got word that the San Francisco date of your USA & Canada tour is sold out. Congratulations. Are you looking forward to any specific dates on the tour? A lot of producer/DJs tend to throw in some LA favorites whenever they're in town. Can we expect any Dr. Dre or 2pac at your Cinespace gig?
Jakwob: Yeah is pretty mental that it is sold out. I can’t wait to play LA, it is going to be a good half way house and I am going to have a good time meeting and working with people there and maybe have some time to produce some hip hop dub! The possibility of me playing a cheeky tribute track is quite high!

Nativity: What are your plans for after the tour? Is it back to the studio to work on your next release? Or is that and a whole new batch of remixes already on it's way to the public?
Jakwob: After the tour the next record will be out along with videos, the first other artist released from Boom Ting and whole load more dates for the US!

Nativity: I can't wait for the next batch of songs. Thanks again for doing this Jakwob. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers or your fans? Any tips for aspiring producers balancing their course work and production duties?
Jakwob: Music…work…music…work…MUSIC!!!!

Tour Dates:
1/15 Eve in Miami, FL
1/17 The Social in Toronto, Canada
1/18 The Roxy in Orlando, FL
1/20 Club Disco in Scottsdale, FL
1/22 The Factory in San Francisco, CA
1/22 Vital SC Presents: Wobbleland 2011 w/ Nero, Skrillex, 12th Planet + More @ The Factory in San Francisco, CA | Event Info [SOLD OUT]
1/ 25 Dim Mak Tuesdays Presents: Jakwob @ Cinespace in Los Angeles, CA
1/27 L.E.D. Presents: Jakwob w/ PeaceTreaty @ Voyeur in San Diego, CA | Event Info
1/28 Dickens Pub in Calgary, AB, Canada

<->Nativity<->

Black Boot Productions present: The Hold Up [Feature Interview]

Black Boot Productions : Official | Email : Event Info Here

For some of us locals here in Long Beach, we've begun to notice the slow and steady growth of more events provided within our great city. The Summer and Music festivals put on every summer by Rand of Fingerprints and his team have been a great addition to the downtown area as well as the neighboring East Village. But what about us who still prefer a good band at a bar, or maybe a whole line up of bands playing at a local warehouse. Here's where Black Boot Productions comes into play.

Nativity: First off, thank you Eric for taking the time to do this Interview. I know you're a busy man with lots of fun ideas/events that constantly need to be worked on. Let's begin with the origins of Black Boot Productions. When we ran into each other at a local show and you told me about the conversation you had with your partner in crime about your call to action. Why don't you share the Black Boot origin story with our readers?


Eric: My Partner Maribel Banuelos and I have been living here in Long Beach for the past 4 years. Both of us are originally from Southern California but had a chance to live in Portland, Oregon for a while. While living in Portland we quickly discovered a huge underground “D.I.Y.” music scene. Our nights bar hopping and enjoying local talent in downtown Portland was truly an eye opener. Here was a community chalk full of talented musicians sharing the same goal in organizing in order to bring in the people. Relocating to Long Beach we found the potential to do the same. We thought to ourselves there is a lot of great bands in Long Beach why is no one really pushing this? I, Eric play in many local bands (Bird Mad Girl) (D-Strutters) & one bigger touring act (Pastilla) so I have been in the scene for awhile & have seen how bands get shitted on & we wanted to change that.

Nativity: Like we discussed that night we both agreed upon the need for all the locals to stick together and really just get organized. I'm glad you're starting to do that with your shows. How do the bands feel about what you're trying to build? How have the shows been so far? Any fun stories/moments that stand out?

Eric: The local bands have been really responsive to what we are doing and they are excited. The Black Boot shows have been gaining a lot of momentum over the last three months and are only getting better. As far as moments at the shows, for us it's every time we see someone rocking out with a huge smile on their face. Like the satisfaction one gets when seeing a kid get the toy they wanted on Christmas day, priceless.


Photo by: Oh Snaps I was there!!!
Nativity: And it's not just bands that you're working with correct? You have this weekends event at Que Sera called The Hold Up and you're working with DJs for that event. What kind of music can people expect to find and what kind of vibe are you building?

Eric: That is correct Black Boot is hosting a monthly dance club every 2nd Saturday of the month. We will have rotating DJ's for the time being, in an attempt to keep it fresh. We want to give every DJ a chance to play the best Garage rock or Soul music at our Club. We want to create a rock 'n roll club where people can be themselves. As cliché as it may sound we want you to “let loose”. For the opening night we will have G.G.King From Bellflower, Deejay Slamantha from L.A (Good Luck Bar), DJ Vega from Hollywood, Dj Chronica from L.B., and Phsychadelia Beaters also from L.B.

Nativity: Looks like it's going to be a fun event to check out. For all of the bands and/or DJs who feel like they have what it take to lace up and perform for Black Boot, where/how can they get in touch with you? Is there anything specific you want from them? Press Kit? EPK? Soundcloud links? Etc?

Eric: Bands & DJ's can get a hold of Black Boot @ blackbootprod@yahoo.com & facebook.com/blackbootprod
 Please send an email w/ a link to some music, 
Press Kit, EPK, or Soundcloud links etc.


We have also been asked by the Long Beach Party Project to write a couple of reviews for some local acts that you can check out. Expect to see more in the near future.

Nativity: Awesome. Thanks again for doing this Eric. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers or your fans? Teasers of what's to come for 2011 maybe? Future events? Bands they need to check out?

Eric: Black Boot will be doing events every week and weekend. Make sure to visit us at facebook.com/blackbootprod to see what shows we have lined up.
Black Boot is expanding to bigger locations such as Alex's Bar and Blue Cafe. Expect another all ages warehouse show coming up in March. We will be spreading our wings out to a venue in Pomona, Ca.

Bands you need to check out:

Bird Mad Girl

Wild Pack Of Canaries [Mountain Man Records]
Heavy Spells

D-Strutters

No Hablo

Brown & Blue
 [Mountain Man Records]
Repeater
Charles Mansion

Bombon


There are way too many we can go on forever naming bands.
 Come out to one of our events and see what's happening here in Long Beach, Ca.



See you all @ The shows.

1/8 Black Boot Productions present: The Hold Up @ Que Sera | 21+ Ladies FREE all night | More Info

<->Nativity<->