Culture Collide Review

Two weekends ago, Los Angeles was treated to the 2nd annual Culture Collide festival, a 4-day event in Los Angeles presented by Filter Magazine. Multiple venues including Echoplex, Taix, The Echo, ReFORM, and a couple outdoor stages featured over 80 acts from 24 countries…

We sent a handful of writers and winners of our Miracle Package - which included free admission and drinks with our founder, Brandon Dorsky. Dorsky unfortunately was rear ended on I-10, but that didn't stop the show or our obligation to provide coverage. Some highlights from the entertainment rich weekend included:

On Saturday, Classixx, DJ Harvey, and CSS performed and wow did they impress. Classixx is an electronic duo from Los Angeles. Absolute beasts on stage, they likely have a very bright (or at least danceable) future ahead of them. Their laid back and unique style make for a great atmosphere to get your groove on. The two remix a lot of great tracks adding in some of their original compositions. Check out

"Into the Valley" (featuring Karl Dixon) [Download]

[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/11360967"]

DJ Harvey from Cambridge, England is an influential force in the worldwide community. He is old school electronica, but in a good way. He has an affinity for long sets peppered with crafty original tracks and long jams generating relatively chill atmosphere.

CSS formerly known as Cansei de Ser Sexy is a rock band from Sao Paulo, Brazil. They headlined and absolutely killed their set. In a packed EchoPlex venue on Saturday, they crushed the dance floor with their energy and again on Sunday as the title act of the Toyota Antic block part. Their upbeat alternative rock/pop sound with obvious Brazilian flavor creates surprisingly fun and palatable tracks that have brought them success worldwide. Some favorite tracks by them are below.

"Lets Make Love and Listen to Death From Above" [Download]

"Move" [Download]

Danish pop band The Asteroids Galaxy Tour also impressed. They have a retro pop sound featuring interesting vocals from lead singer Mette Lindberg. Their soul is stripped down to permit more modern elements to shine through, but at the end of the day they feel like a indie-pop-soul act. Two worthwhile songs are "Major" and "Around The Bend".

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Major

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour -- Around the Bend

Datarock were also one of our top acts on Sunday, along with The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. Norway's Datarock indie electro-pop sound just makes you want to dance, which is what they got most of the crowd doing. Their infectious sound and playful on-stage persona Datarock (all the members of the band wearing flashing red blazers/jumpsuits) only fueled the ensuing dance party to rage harder . We liked almost every song we heard from them but three favorites were "Catcher In The Rye", "California" and "Fa-Fa-Fa".

DATAROCK - Catcher In The Rye (Extended Version)

DATAROCK - California

Datarock - Fa-Fa-Fa

The best word to describe Culture Collide Festival is diverse. Not only were the above mentioned artists great, but with artists from 24 different countries, the range of sounds and influences was on display each night. We can only thank Filter Magazine for a job well done and look forward to the next culturally informative experience curated by them.

Post by Zach Siegal Eisman

The Second Collision - Filter Magazine Hosts 2nd Annual Culture Collide Festival 10.6 - 10.9

Like any supergood professional organization should, Filter Magazine is bringing their music celebration party crashing back. Culture Collide returns to Los Angeles for its second annual installment with another banging 4 day internationally flavored extravaganza taking place October 6th - 9th.

With Mr. Kool Aid like energy, current headliner CSS makes everyone move their feet. Without insulting last years event (because it was good), Cansei De Ser Sexy is a step above. Those are some wild women who are representing for all of South America (as of now).

Representing for the U.S. are a favorite of mine - Rainbow Arabia. Check out "Without You" if you've been sleeping on this pot of sonic colors. I also really dig Holiday In Congo (Mexicans With Guns Remix)...amazeballs, but hey, that's me. I like a little womp with my indie at times. Jason Falkner, He's My Brother/She's My Sister, Handshakes, Young Liars and Spain also bear the badge of our U.S. steeze. Buck 65 and Snowblink hold it down for the provinces up North of U.S.

At this point, the fact that their are early bird $20 wristbands available should have you salivating...and then there is Europe.

Europe has already confirmed a gang of artists - Lindstrom for one. I also like Martin Clancy & The Witness Protection Programme. Switzerland's Kassette,Disco Doom and The Awkwards. Indigo Tree, Paula i Karol, Ginga, Isobel Campbell, My bubba & Mi, Please The Trees, and BrainStorm too.

New Zealand's Liam Finn - whom I've dug since I heard "Second Chance" is going to be there. And I'll be there too. At whichever venue they're putting him at on the East Side of Los Angeles.

The Yellow Dogs from Iran round out the lot of confirmations thus far. But rest assured, Filter will have more.

Wonder who will be this years Theophilus London? Will it be Chicago's Keith Masters with England's Futurecop!? Or Plan B? Or both? Who knows? Those FIlter people do. Stay tuned to Filter Magazine's site and twitter for updates to the line-up and the latest deets. But - you could just keep it simple and buy a ticket now. It's $20, it's already worth it.

For the most updated information on FILTER Magazine's Culture Collide, please visit culturecolide.com and follow FILTER Magazine on Facebook and Twitter.