Zach

Mammoth day dropping fresh tracks in the studio with @abstractrude and @WooferMnS #mammothmission #winteriscoming

The Bots are like a 21st century version of Bad Brains — they don’t care what other people expect them to sound like. I’ve included their track “Blinded” in this month’s mix, and I’m looking forward to seeing the duo live at the Bootleg a week from this Saturday. Considering one brother turns all of 18 that night, and the other only recently threw away his fake ID, I’d say these droids just may be a new hope for a brighter future after all. Another band hitting its stride is the once-side project Run The Jewels, who’s RTJ2 backhands the sophomore slump with the incendiary single “Close Your Eyes (and Count to Fuck)”, featuring none other than Rage’s Zack de la Rocha on guest vocals. Download the whole album FREE off their website. Rounding out your new gym playlist are singles from Joey Bada$$’s ($’?) highly delayed/anticipated album, afrobeat legend Tony Allen, Canadian alliterati Keys N Krates, Mystery Skulls, and the Tings Tings (remember them?) “Do It Again.”

Just wrapped post-production on an exciting new short film featuring members of the Girl & Chocolate Skateboard crews. In addition to world class skaters tearing up the streets of Los Angeles, “Wet Dream” pays homage to Girl/Chocolate’s long line of iconic skate films, apt given that the sister companies are now celebrating their 20th anniversary (see Vice’s “Epicly Later’d” series). Having worked on some of those films myself, I can honestly say that director Federico Vitetta’s vision raises the bar for head-scratching special effects. While skate enthusiasts will love the various cameos and easter eggs, “Wet Dream” has an ending that anyone with eyeballs and internet will enjoy. In just a few weeks you can see the full 17 min short yourself via iTunes. If you can’t wait, grab the newest Thrasher Magazine (on stands now) for a sneak peek and hear about Girl’s Cory Kennedy’s rather unusual day at the office. No puns were harmed in the writing of this post ; p   #WetDream #ASkateboardTale

Really liking the new solo record from Yeasayer’s Sinkane. On singles like “How We Be” his falsetto recalls a 21st century Curtis Mayfield. Should make for a good show at The Echo next Tuesday. Other notables in this month’s mix are tracks from the Preatures long-awaited LP (produced by Spoon’s Jim Eno), Karen O’s heartfelt acoustic affair, rollicking baritone blues from Sean Rowe (like the lovechild of Tom Waits and Morphine’s Mark Sandman), and a rare pro-government rap from Homeboy Sandman. Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! BONUS: The artwork above is by French artist Thierry Noir, the 1st graffiti artist to paint the Berlin Wall 30 years ago. I had the pleasure of DJ’ing a party at Caviar last weekend in honor of Thierry’s LA exhibition, which is going on now through Nov. 9 at the Howard Griffin Gallery.  

Thirty years ago French street artist Thierry Noir became the first man to paint the Berlin Wall. While at the time he risked being shot by border guards, or even criticized as a sympathizer with the occupation, his work is now cherished as a symbol of Berlin’s triumph of self-expression over oppression. Twenty five years after the fall of the wall, I’m honored to be DJ’ing an exhibit of his work this Friday in Hollywood. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to meet the man himself and maybe even make him dance a bit. ; ) .

Muddy Waters is definitely on my musical Mt. Rushmore, so I was thrilled that we were able to use his classic “Mannish Boy” on this ad for the Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter of the Bay Area (special thanks to Ryan Fitch and BMG Chrysalis for helping make it happen). Hometown hero Lyrics Born (Blackalicious, Latryx, Quannum) also showed some love by doing the voiceover. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area MUSIC SUPERVISION: WOOFER Agency: The Hive Agency Director: Rian DeVos Edit: Umlaut Films    

This month’s mix features one of my favorite jams of the summer, “Attak” ft. Danny Brown, officially out now on Scottish producer Rustie’s album “Green Language.” You’ll also hear Major Lazer remixing Soca star Bunji Garlin’s hit “Differentology,” an acoustic duet with Cat Power and indie guitar god J Mascis, Frightened Rabbit side project Owl John’s take on LA, and much more.

Photo courtesy of Eric Koretz, aka The Imagehunter  It was really hard only picking 1 song to include off the debut album from UK R&B act Jungle. This month’s mix also features music from young artists Alvvays, Majid Jordan, Jonah Tolchin, and Honeyblood, side projects Bleachers (Fun.), Puss ‘n Boots (Norah Jones), and strong returns from Jenny Lewis, La Roux, and Raveonettes. BONUS: As a little kid I remember sneaking into the theater to see Prince’s R-Rated “Purple Rain,” a cultural phenomenon whose soundtrack went on to sell 20 million records and an Academy Award. The Artist stars in a story loosely based on his early life and career (akin to Eminem’s portrayal in “8 Mile”). Celebrate it’s 30th Anniversary with an outdoor screening at the Autry in Griffith Park. Tix are $10 (no need to sneak in).  

Awhile back we batted about ideas with Omeed Boghraty at the Esquire Network about shaking up the live music session format. We’re happy to finally share the link for the first (of what will hopefully be many) Elevator Music sessions, featuring indie duo Little Hurricanes. Who knows who’ll be next on board? Hint: it won’t be Polyphonic Spree.    

Our old friend El May just released the video for her bouncy new single “I Played A Role,” using impromptu reactions from strangers on the streets of NY, including subway car dancers (another reason we need a real subway in LA)! Check out the video and write up in Entertainment Weekly by clicking here. Her new record “The other Person Is You” drops August 26th.