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. ; )
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.
This month’s mix includes singles from Alt-J and Grimes upcoming albums, the return of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, J Mascis shredding on a Strand of Oaks tune, and arguably my favorite track ever from longtime soulster Lee Fields.
Btw, the pic above was taken during my friend Jayme’s awesome July 4th party, featuring LA Hootenanny’s distinct spin on live country. When I realized at one point the oddly familiar tune playing was a country cover of the Pixies “Where Is My Mind” (sung in German, no less!) well, my mind was indeed blown. Music will take you to strange, wonderful places, and hopefully this mix will do the same!
BONUS:
Speaking of “bringing ’88 back,” who knew Weird Al was still killin’ it? We’re assuming you’ve seen his “Blurred Lines” parody that took the internet by storm last week, the best track/video off his new album. Here’s another great parody he recently did (spoofing Mr. Thicke’s twerking partner) which you may have missed:
Since all eyes are on Brazil, we wanted to include native son Rodrigo Amarante (remember Little Joy?), whose solo album dropped last month. Other collaborators making a name for themselves on this mix include violinist Kishi Bashi (Of Montreal), M83 vocalist Morgan Kibby (as White Sea), Black Moth Super Rainbow frontman Thomas Fec’s Tobacco, and former Old Crow Medicine Show member Willie Watson’s beautifully back-to-the-basics folk record.
It’s no secret we’re a sucker for some good grooves, but the latest mix offers a wide range of how soul can seep into any style. From the throwback sound of Greyhounds to the 21st century blue-eyed croon of Chet Faker, the dusty samples of Malachai, the swampy folk of the Secret Sisters, to the bliss hop of SZA, the permutations are endless(ly engaging).
Here’s 20 of our favorite new jams, including a great collaboration between Frank Ocean, Diplo, and The Clash’s Mick Jones and Paul Simonon (yet another eclectic but surprisingly effective pairing courtesy of Converse).
There’s also some good ol’ rock and roll from The Men, hip-hop from Black Milk, indie folk from the likes of Ages and Ages, Afropop from Ibibio Sound Machine, and a dozen others!
While you’re downloading, watch this Bonus Video featuring Native American artist Supaman bringing new meaning to old and new school hip-hop!
Our Bigelow spot has been getting a lot of love online! It was an editor’s pick in ad industry showcase Creativity. There’s an article on the backstory in Fast Company. It’s also been mentioned in dozens of pop culture mags and design blogs like Juxtapoz, It’s Nice That, Freshness Mag, Baller Status, Cube Me, etc.
If you’re not one for clickin’ links, here’s the full length version:
