Valentine's Funk

Dam Funk brings his west coast flavor to the Lyric Theatre tonight to make your Valentine's day soiree fully FUNKtional.  For the singles - its a place to get your jive on, look cool and stay cool.  For the couples - show the crowd, which will undoubtedly feature some breakers, bad mommas and a few bangers, how you do your thing.  



Along with Dam, Free Food, Oddience, Benedek and Techno Sam will be playing.  The event is hosted by the Lyric Foundation and a portion of the proceeds go to Urban Compass (http://www.urbancompass.org).  You can snag tickets in advance for the low low price of $10 via lyrictheatrela.com.  

Lyric Theatre is located at 520 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Gavin Turek - A Soulful Dose to The Central SAPC Residency

If you're not familiar with the soulful spark plug that is Gavin Turek - you can correct that by heading out to The Central SAPC tonight (or the 20th or the 27th).  There's a lot of bite packed in her tiny frame - and her hybrid soul/indie/electronic music is pretty fierce.

With features on Tokimonsta records, and mashups with Ratatat - she's clearly got stripes in the game.  And with an aura and attitude that has you thinking she's an entertainer before she even opens her mouth - it's only a matter of time before she's one you've heard about.



Snag the War of Words (Crips Remix) that mashes Gavin with Ratatat here.

SUPERGOOD is hosting the residency tonight - and Zak Waters, Amy Krebs and The Ross Sea Party round out the solid (and FREE) Tuesday night billing with DJ Freshair holding it down during set changes.  Doors are at 7:30, music starts at 8.    Hope to see you there...

The Screaming Eagle of Soul: Charles Bradley at Bonnaroo

Charles Bradley, without question, is one of the most amazing performers I have ever seen.  His photo should be under the definition of SUPERGOODMUSIC.  Infectious honest soul layered with enough roughness and true grit around the edges earning him the nickname "The Screaming Eagle of Soul."    

Once you know his back story (he ran away from home, lived in subways, street cars and on the streets, was discovered as a James Brown impersonator under the moniker "Black Velvet") - and witness him perform - its hard to not fall in love....and I did, at Bonnaroo 2012.  Here are the pictures and videos to prove it, including a video interview with Billboard at the bottom.  

3 Weeks to Bonnaroo

The largest outdoor music festival in the country (or at least what feels like the largest outdoor music festival) gets set to kickoff in just under three weeks and the line-up is making it look like missing the event and adventure would be a poor, poor mistake.

With over a 100 artists playing - narrowing down the list on who to see over whom can be an arduous task - so we're going to promote a few piecemeal, starting with some hometown (LA) heroes: Kendrick Lamar, Fitz & The Tantrums and Orgone.  Each is different - but they've all got some flavor of California soul...

Kendrick Lamar is perhaps the hip-hop catch of the summer.   Its Kendrick Lamar who just graced Coachella's stage with Dre and Snoop, just inked a deal that turned him from indie to major artist over night and has leaked tracks off of Good Kid in a Mad City that includes "The Recipe" with Dr. Dre and "Cartoons & Cereal" featuring Gunplay of Triple C's.

Fitz & The Tantrums are Los Angelenos coveted version of Brooklyn indie soul.  Michael Fitzpatrick blended the best of the city of angels indie rock influences with a Daptone-esque sound that birthed international hits like "Moneygrabber" and "Winds of Change."  Fitzpatrick and co-vocalist Noelle Scaggs belt out throwback ballads on their debut release Pickin' Up The Pieces.  Having recently released a teaser EP of live material and acknowledged a return to the studio - 'Roo heads are in for a treat with this quintet!

Orgone are L.A.'s homegrown funk band.  With over a decade of stripes under their belt and lots of history dropping their own original funk (+ some nasty dope covers and backing up some hip-hop bands) - they are finally becoming a force in the touring world after some successful supporting roles with Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Rebelution and Galactic.   Although they dropped original soul sister Fanny Franklin - they've retooled with a new vocalist and their leader and percussionist, Stewart Killen, continues to slay percussion worldwide.

3 Weeks to Bonnaroo

The largest outdoor music festival in the country (or at least what feels like the largest outdoor music festival) gets set to kickoff in just under three weeks and the line-up is making it look like missing the event and adventure would be a poor, poor mistake.

With over a 100 artists playing - narrowing down the list on who to see over whom can be an arduous task - so we're going to promote a few piecemeal, starting with some hometown (LA) heroes: Kendrick Lamar, Fitz & The Tantrums and Orgone.  Each is different - but they've all got some flavor of California soul...

Kendrick Lamar is perhaps the hip-hop catch of the summer.   Its Kendrick Lamar who just graced Coachella's stage with Dre and Snoop, just inked a deal that turned him from indie to major artist over night and has leaked tracks off of Good Kid in a Mad City that includes "The Recipe" with Dr. Dre and "Cartoons & Cereal" featuring Gunplay of Triple C's.

Fitz & The Tantrums are Los Angelenos coveted version of Brooklyn indie soul.  Michael Fitzpatrick blended the best of the city of angels indie rock influences with a Daptone-esque sound that birthed international hits like "Moneygrabber" and "Winds of Change."  Fitzpatrick and co-vocalist Noelle Scaggs belt out throwback ballads on their debut release Pickin' Up The Pieces.  Having recently released a teaser EP of live material and acknowledged a return to the studio - 'Roo heads are in for a treat with this quintet!

Orgone are L.A.'s homegrown funk band.  With over a decade of stripes under their belt and lots of history dropping their own original funk (+ some nasty dope covers and backing up some hip-hop bands) - they are finally becoming a force in the touring world after some successful supporting roles with Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Rebelution and Galactic.   Although they dropped original soul sister Fanny Franklin - they've retooled with a new vocalist and their leader and percussionist, Stewart Killen, continues to slay percussion worldwide.

OUT OF CONTROL INDIE-SOUL

This Tuesday (tomorrow) - Los Angeles' The Central SAPC heats up with some fierce indie soul from emerging artists Weapons of Audio and Austin Brown.

The former are blood brothers from Atlanta who elected to turn L dot A dot into their hometown in the past year - and since then have been steadily creeping their way into the limelight.  From "If You Want Me" being a free ringtone through Coors Light to judging Sweden's Next Top Model to photo shoots as featured artists in Gilette's "Masters of Style" campaign - Weapons of Audio have been letting their swag flag fly high.  In their spare time they just happened to release a steamy, smanging bar anthem "Night Light" - co-produced by Grammy award winner Graham Marsh.  Returning to play The Central SAPC for the first time since their very first LA performance - Weapons of Audio are likely to cut that stage up and, if we're lucky, debut some material they've been cooking up since arriving to the left coast. 

Here they are rocking "Night Light" acoustic style on Jam In The Van.

WOA just sets the mood and stage right for another talented bloodline - the Jackson family.  Austin Brown, Michael Jackson's nephew, will again do his best to channel his uncle's skill set as he offers a taste of what's to come in his bright future.   Last week - the kid nearly kicked over a drum set and knocked a microphone off stage with his energetic dance moves and flexing.  The band is filled with young players and the music has plenty of pop stylings, from its soul to its subject matter ("Menage A Trois") to suggest that Brown has a lot of room to grow.   Check out some of his videos below and then make sure you get your ass to The Central SAPC early tomorrow - its FREE and its FUN!

OUT OF CONTROL INDIE-SOUL

This Tuesday (tomorrow) - Los Angeles' The Central SAPC heats up with some fierce indie soul from emerging artists Weapons of Audio and Austin Brown.

The former are blood brothers from Atlanta who elected to turn L dot A dot into their hometown in the past year - and since then have been steadily creeping their way into the limelight.  From "If You Want Me" being a free ringtone through Coors Light to judging Sweden's Next Top Model to photo shoots as featured artists in Gilette's "Masters of Style" campaign - Weapons of Audio have been letting their swag flag fly high.  In their spare time they just happened to release a steamy, smanging bar anthem "Night Light" - co-produced by Grammy award winner Graham Marsh.  Returning to play The Central SAPC for the first time since their very first LA performance - Weapons of Audio are likely to cut that stage up and, if we're lucky, debut some material they've been cooking up since arriving to the left coast. 

Here they are rocking "Night Light" acoustic style on Jam In The Van.

WOA just sets the mood and stage right for another talented bloodline - the Jackson family.  Austin Brown, Michael Jackson's nephew, will again do his best to channel his uncle's skill set as he offers a taste of what's to come in his bright future.   Last week - the kid nearly kicked over a drum set and knocked a microphone off stage with his energetic dance moves and flexing.  The band is filled with young players and the music has plenty of pop stylings, from its soul to its subject matter ("Menage A Trois") to suggest that Brown has a lot of room to grow.   Check out some of his videos below and then make sure you get your ass to The Central SAPC early tomorrow - its FREE and its FUN!

Tic Tic Boom! Release Before The Sun Rises

Tic Tic Boom! released a brand new EP today - Before The Sun Rises - and its admittedly pretty damn good.  The release comes amidst a hectic three months that already included multiple Official SXSW performances, 5 sets at Coachella and a handful of other shows and also brings a residency all the month of May at Lot 1 Cafe.

Starting on Wednesday May 2nd you can expect to hear a handful of Tic Tic BooM! originals each week of May at Lot 1 Cafe.  I strongly encourage you not to miss the opportunity because Boom's latest record shows a lot of growth.  Not only have they begun incorporating more electronics and self-made vocal samples,  but the hooks are pretty catchy ("Constellation Boy" is a rocker).  Before The Sun Rises is a welcome departure from lots of the melancholy LA indie rock I'm used to these days and also a fresh take on synth pop.   Judging by their recent climb up Hype Machine's popular charts with "For Feeling" (reached #9 on the popular twitter chart) - it seems the blogosphere agrees.  

You can sample the new sounds on their website and you can watch them jam some of their latest tunes live in Jam In The Van below.





For a taste of their older material - check out this relatively new video for "The Open" which was on their 2011 release Reasons and Rhymes.

Tic Tic Boom! Release Before The Sun Rises

Tic Tic Boom! released a brand new EP today - Before The Sun Rises - and its admittedly pretty damn good.  The release comes amidst a hectic three months that already included multiple Official SXSW performances, 5 sets at Coachella and a handful of other shows and also brings a residency all the month of May at Lot 1 Cafe.

Starting on Wednesday May 2nd you can expect to hear a handful of Tic Tic BooM! originals each week of May at Lot 1 Cafe.  I strongly encourage you not to miss the opportunity because Boom's latest record shows a lot of growth.  Not only have they begun incorporating more electronics and self-made vocal samples,  but the hooks are pretty catchy ("Constellation Boy" is a rocker).  Before The Sun Rises is a welcome departure from lots of the melancholy LA indie rock I'm used to these days and also a fresh take on synth pop.   Judging by their recent climb up Hype Machine's popular charts with "For Feeling" (reached #9 on the popular twitter chart) - it seems the blogosphere agrees.  

You can sample the new sounds on their website and you can watch them jam some of their latest tunes live in Jam In The Van below.





For a taste of their older material - check out this relatively new video for "The Open" which was on their 2011 release Reasons and Rhymes.

That Triple R Threat - Robert Raimon Roy

Had the pleasure of witnessing a Robert Raimon Roy set at BandPage HQ late night on St. Patrick's Day and the dude killed it. Having graduated from syncopated rap styles and swag rap to a more sophisticated look, a little bit of singing and flexible rap vocals - he delivered one of the most impressive performances I caught down in Austin.

I am excited to see what he puts out next - because last I heard from him was "Little Egypt Wavy" - a synthy, drum heavy hip-hop and soul blend that has a wicked video.

Catch him performing a track at BandPage HQ in Austin too.

That Triple R Threat - Robert Raimon Roy

Had the pleasure of witnessing a Robert Raimon Roy set at BandPage HQ late night on St. Patrick's Day and the dude killed it. Having graduated from syncopated rap styles and swag rap to a more sophisticated look, a little bit of singing and flexible rap vocals - he delivered one of the most impressive performances I caught down in Austin.

I am excited to see what he puts out next - because last I heard from him was "Little Egypt Wavy" - a synthy, drum heavy hip-hop and soul blend that has a wicked video.

Catch him performing a track at BandPage HQ in Austin too.

Omar Velasco at Standard for FREE - 12/28

Handsome songwriter Omar Velasco brings his talent to The Standard on Wednesday night, and hopefully this music video helps you understand why you might just want to be there. Not only is the event free, but the member of A Fine Frenzy will be churning out soul imbued songwriter ballads that may just make you melt. Could just be the perfect soundtrack for your final Wednesday of the year...

PBW & Friends Dial In for 11-11-11

Still looking for 11-11-11 plans? If you’re into apophenia and like to party, this is probably what you should be doing with your Friday night....

Peanut Butter Wolf and Stones Throw are hosting an “11” party tonight at the Eagle Rock Center For The Arts (2225 Colorado Blvd) . Presented by Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock and I See Sound, the event will host 11 DJs, an $11 entry fee and will feature music from exactly 11 hundred records expected to be delivered via U-Haul.

Don’t worry about waiting until 11pm to join this party, things are set to kick off around 6pm and got until 1am.

Taking Over The Game: Pretty Lights ('Roo Preview)

Pretty Lights is ubiquitous - he is just about anywhere and everywhere these days. Popping up at festivals worldwide, with free downloads all day on www.prettylightmusic.com and just recently announcing a series of Amphitheater style shows with Bassnectar that have them commanding a reported $150,000 a night for the duo.

Some of the festivals he's performing at include Southern California's very own Lightning in A Bottle coming up this weekend with Mr. Derek Vincent Smith playing on Saturday night as the headliner on the Lightning Stage at 12:30 a.m. PL's line-up topping status won't be lost on the committed electro fans that attend LIB, nor will it be lost on the 100,000+ expected to descend onto Manchester, TN for Bonnaroo X a few weeks later.

Having played the festival in 2009 for an intimate late night set, the beat-maestro returns to deliver some whomp, thump and bump to the swampy, sticky, over-heated 'Roo crew.

If you're not hip to Pretty Lights - he is at the top of the digital sampling, glitch-hop game. His production crosses a variety of genre barriers, sampling from a plethora of styles to create something uniquely new that has the flavors of old school hip-hop and soul. PL generates his beat compositions using the monome and the AKAI MPD32, and runs those through Ableton.

Although traditionally touring with a drummer (most recently Adam Deitch and originally Corey Eberhard), rumor has it that his summer festival run will be just Mr. Smith on the computer and machinery with no accompanying live drummer.

While I definitely prefer the live drummer status, either way - Pretty Lights is an artist definitely worth catching.

Lissie with Questlove on Jimmy Fallon

The Roots are my favorite band of all time. I've seen them around 40 times. More than anyone else. Ever since Fallon launched with The Roots as his backing band, I'm a frequent watcher of late night television. You get to watch ?uestlove crush the drums, Knuckles on percussion, James Poyser and Kamal on keys, Black Thought, etc. Each night is an amazing one-off performance with some new guest musician....last night it was Lissie and it did not disappoint at all.

Lissie opted to utilize mostly her own band mates, but the maestro ?uestlove held it down on the kit with her crew. Looking damn dapper in his suit, braided hair and bowtie - he drove the rhythm while Lissie rocked with her beautiful voice. I really can't say enough about how beautiful I think this performance of "When I'm Alone" sounds...you should just watch it:

Fitz & The Tantrums are COMING!!!!

Oh yes, WEDNESDAY night is almost here....which means it is less than 48 hours until Fitz & The Tantrums blow at least a few hundred peoples minds at El Rey Theatre.

You're hearing their music everywhere now, as a recommendation on a Sprint commercial (I think that is the commercial "Winds of Change" was in), to your homie's girlfriends I-Pod, to KROQ, to in your head when you are dreaming. Why? Cause their music is damn infectious.

Get sick to this....

Funktober First Round Up

Los Angeles' autumn concert season opened on a high note this past Friday when Funktober First took over The Roxy. An intimate crowd of funk, soul and boogie enthusiasts gathered at 9009 Sunset Blvd. for what became a memorable, enjoyable and highly dance-able evening.

Things got started and were kept moving all night by KCRW's Jeremy Sole, who was performing in the DJ booth upstairs just above the SUPERGOODMUSIC banner. Playing a smattering of old school soul, including some choice Sly & The Family Stone, he had the crowd vibing out before Tha Boogie even stepped on stage.

Shortly after 9, the only act I had not yet seen on the bill, Tha Boogie, made their presence known. The group, led by two male and one female vocalist, entered with choreographed movements and extremely loud clothing.

Playing for about thirty minutes, Tha Boogie made sure the crowd did just that. The energy of the band seemed to leach into the crowd, as the band drew nearly all of the VIP section onto the dance floor to enjoy the rising band's set. Toe-tapping and butt-bumping with strangers before 10 pm signified that this night was just the music I was looking for.

Sadly, Tha Boogie did not play longer as I truly enjoyed their lively performance and exciting stage theatrics. Once Tha Boogie had wrapped up their set, Jeremy Sole resumed his duties as the nights mixmaster of ceremonies. I would love a copy of his playlist because he was spinning nothing but supergoodness as the not to sizeable crowd barely budged from the dance-floor.

Next up was The Soul of John Black - who confidently took to his guitar almost immediately. While the music was very enjoyable, TSJB lacked the driving rhythms and energy of his predecessor. The pleasant melodies emanating from the accomplished musician's guitar kept the mood right, but the slowed pace led many patrons to the bar for re-hydration.

John Black ripped his urban bluesy rock soul for a good half hour before retiring backstage and letting the funk take over the room again. Sole kept the crowd's ears saturated with funktober's finest beats for at least a half hour while the stage crew repositioned instruments and prepared for the 9 piece extravaganza that is Orgone.

The band opened with a nice dirty funk jam that again got almost the entire crowd to join them on the dance floor. The crowd, which had grown considerably between the end of TSJB and Orgone, definitely were ready to get down....and so was the band.

Running through a handful of original tracks from Killion Floor, Bacando and their latest release, Cali Fever, Orgone and Fanny Franklin reminded the crowd why they are not only the best funk band to ever come out of Los Angeles, but also the perfect act to headline Funktober First.

Fanny (pictured above and below), got absolutely wicked on the microphone. Her voice has so much range and her soul is so deep that she occasionally reminds me of Sharon Jones - just a very petite one. She killed on "Who Knows Who," amongst other originals, and as always, nailed vocals on some of my favorite covers - including "Ain't No Use," "Brothers on the Slide," and their P-Funk closer "Cosmic Slop."

The rest of the band, including Stewart Killen (pictured below), backed up Fanny quite nicely. Holding down a very heavy rhythm for about 90 minutes, Stewart and crew kept the crowds feet moving almost as quickly as Sergio's (guitarist) hands.

As the night wound down around 1 a.m., I couldn't help but be pleased with the enthusiasm the acts brought and the seeming delight of the intimate crowd. Although the venue was not packed full, Funktober First was a good step in the right direction for not only all the bands that performed, but SUPERGOODMUSIC as well. Couldn't be happier with the quality of sound(s) at our very first event at The Roxy.