Gender: Male
Status: Single
Age: 29
Sign: Libra
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date:
10/08/03
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Wednesday, January 09, 2008
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IHEARTCOMIX 2007 YEAR IN REVIEW: THE REVIEW
We began 2007 as the underdogs.
It had only been 8 months since the final break-up of myself and my former DJ/event partner, STEVE AOKI, and the launch of our then new and purposefully competing weekly TUESDAY night party, CHECK YO' PONYTAIL. Our first two records on our record label, MATT &a KIM and PROTOKOLL, were only 2 months old. TRAVIS and I had been in LOS ANGELES for 3 years and we still didn't have a functional website.
A lot has changed since then, we come to the beginning of the new year, bigger than ever and ready to take on the next larger and looming challenges. Despite the efforts of said previous DJ/events partner, STEVE AOKI, to surpress our existence to the world using his greater fame, greater wealth and influence to pressure publications not to write about me/us (yes, we know, NYLON and BPM), pressuring friends and former friends to either not be our friend or work with us (RONYS PHOTOBOOTH, ROYAL RUMBLE, among several others) by threatening them a loss of pay or acceptance into his circle, pressuring THE COBRASNAKE to jettison our friendship almost immediately upon our break-up and consequently, or maybe voluntarily, erasing mine and close friends out of existence on the website and blatantly lying in advertising to steer people away from our events (it's documented in one instance on thefader.com, HERE), we've been able to make it out at the top of our game, unafraid of the future, unafraid to speak and armed for the wave of shit to come.
We fought tooth and nail this year to stake our claim in the hearts and minds of the kids of LOS ANGELES, of the kids of the world, in pop culture itself. We work harder than everyone you know to bring you the best shit you've ever seen. Even rich kids, jealous of the taste they don't have, couldn't stop us. We moved to LA with nothing, began 2007 on our knees with a plan, and ended standing tall ready to climb the mountain and secure our spot at the top. This is the IHEARTCOMIX YEAR IN REVIEW.
2007 was the year IHEARTCOMIX went global. We began to figure out how to run a record label and properly use interns. We learned our limits, what our strengths are and more importantly, our weaknesses. Our family grew by leaps and bounds and we began to become a household name. It was nothing short of amazing.
Here's a quick overview of some of our most memorable accomplishments of 2007:
-CHECK YO' PONYTAIL 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Our newest weekly turned 1 year old. We celebrated with a huge, free blowout featuring SPANK ROCK, FLOSSTRADAMUS, MUSCLES and ROXY COTTONTAIL. It was a phenomenal evening, but also marked the end of the old. 2 weeks later, we relaunched THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL at THE ECHOPLEX on SATURDAYS. This year we had SIMAIN MOBILE DISCO, BOYS NOIZE, SURKIN, BONDE SO ROLE, CRYSTAL CASTLES, GREEN VELVET, INSTITUBES PARIS TERROR CLUB, VHS OR BETA, DIPLO, SWITCH, JAPANTHER, DAN DEACON, THE TOXIC AVENGER, JUICEBOXXX, LO-FI-FNK, THUNDERHIEST, SINDEN, OCELOT, DANDI WIND, ADULT, ERASE ERRATA, DATAROCK and ANDREW WK to name a few.
-MATT & KIM played LOLLAPALOOZA, made a video for 'YEA YEAH', which got played on MTV2, toured the US and EUROPE several times, even with AGAINST ME!, were written up in every publication known to man and their debut single even spawned a hit remix by FLOSSTRADAMUS!
-For the 2nd year in a row, we were a sponsor of CAPITAL HILL BLOCK PARTY in SEATTLE and helped organize the after parties.
-We launched our first real website IHEARTCOMIX.COM. Still in the beta stage as a blog, it's gone on to become a widely recognized resource on the web and a favorite for DJs, scenesters and fans alike.
-I became part of ONE MORE DAY family, based out of MIAMI. Doing so, gained me brothers and sisters for life. JAKE, XAVIER, CONTRA, NAEEM, ROXY, JACKIE, AMANDA, INDUCE, JEMZ, EGG FOO and a whole shit ton of others, I love you forever. I'd sleep on that couch and hang out in paradise for the rest of my life if I could. You guys have made this year THE BEST YEAR (so far).
-HOLLERTRONIX played a reunion show in LOS ANGELES that was an absolute blast. The after party afterwards and all the drugs made it even better. I ain't ever seen someone drink as much alcohol in one night as I saw DIPLO do that one. Fantastic.
-We launched our first new weekly in over a year, STILL FUCKING AWESOME. It's our tribute to our history in LA by returning back to where we got started (THE BEAUTY BAR) and who we started with (HAR MAR SUPERSTAR), only now it's on MONDAYS, but it's still FREE.
-We threw one of the official after parties for the MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS in LAS VEGAS for none other than JUSTICE. The boys came and played a steller DJ set and were joined by BUSY P, SOME, A TRAK, LA RIOTS, LE CASTLE VANIA, PRESTON and myself.
-We released the debut 12" by THE TOXIC AVENGER (our very own French-man) that featured remixes by THE BLOODY BEETROOTS and MIXHELL. We were consequently picked up by TURNTABLE LAB for vinyl distribution.
-Additionally, following the release of THE TOXIC AVENGER 12", he and I embarked on a month long, US tour to great success.
-We did our first ever EURO party by being part of the OYA FEST in OSLO, NORWAY. IHEARTCOMIX threw the day 1 official after party and we were even able to fly out our buddies FLOSSTRADAMUS play too.
-I went to EUROPE a total of 5 times this year! I even got to bring TRAVIS once and roll around with MATT & KIM another time. I even went to GENT, BELGIUM to see the very first SOULWAXMAS FEST, which was huge, fun and featured almost every DJ I've ever wanted to see. This was the year international travel became a real part of my life.
-As a DJ, I got to travel the world and play some of the most important places and festivals in the world. Not only did I have the honor of playing at places like FABRIC in LONDON and at SUNDANCE, but I also had the pleasure of having slots at COACHELLA and DETOUR. Not to mention the billion other amazing places I got to play as well. Thanks so much to everyone who brought me out, I had an amazing time and I hope you did as well. Let's do it again this year! I promise I'll bring the bullhorn everytime. ;)
-We helped resurrect MOBY in LA by teaming with GIANT to do a rad event with him at a space that is way smaller than he normally would.
-We teamed with GOLDENVOICE for the first time to do our first shows at the legendary HENRY FONDA in LOS ANGELES. We teamed to bring back JUSTICE for a 2 night stint. Both were sold out, it was legendary. I even made my first silk screen posters for the occasion.
-We launched IHEARTCOMIX RADIO on SCION.COM. It's a monthly show that features guests, mixes, music and talk, yet streams all day, everyday. You can check it out HERE
-We planned, orchestrated and executed the 3 largest SXSW parties ever conceived. All 3 packed to the brim from the moment the doors opened and all three boasted the most incredible line-ups. Unfortunately, party number 3, which was destined to be the party of the year, was busted after only being open 2 hours. It was a trend that spread throughout SXSW last year, effecting even old staples like VICE and FACTORY PEOPLE and leaving a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths.
-We saw DAFT PUNK play twice on their magic tour, once in LOS ANGELES and once in SEATTLE. It was a life changing experience for everyone involved and the after parties were fun too!
-We discovered and nurtured what has become our family, our friends and this year's roster: OCELOT, HEARTSREVOLUTION, THE TOXIC AVENGER, TOTALLY MICHAEL, JUICEBOXXX, ROXY COTTONTAIL and ACID GIRLS.
-And finally, we capped the year off by teaming one more time with GIANT to help throw one of the largest NEW YEAR'S EVE events on the planet, GIANT MAXIMUS, which featured performances by Z TRIP, MSTRKRFT, LA RIOTS, LAZARO CASANOVA, myself, and even, TIESTO.
It was a crazy year indeed. What's even crazier is that what's above isn't all of it, it's just what I could think of off the top of my head. There's just been so much and it's moved so fast. We are so excited for the future.
We want all of you to know that we THANK YOU so much for all the support that everyone has given us over this past year, through thick and thin. Whether you're the kid coming to dance, he kid screaming along to MATT & KIM, supporters of the underdog or just plain think we do good work, THANKS. Hopefully we were able to live up to expectations. We intend to take it up another notch this year.
I also want to take a moment to thank my partner TRAVIS for all the incredible work he's dedicated (the Jacuzzi is coming, promise!) and everyone else that has slaved away in our offices, at our events and over the web. To all the interns, blog contributers, volunteers, employees, new and old, and genuine friends, we wouldn't have been able to do this without you.
xoxo
1:23 AM
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Tuesday, January 08, 2008
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TOP 25 IHEARTCOMIX PHOTOS OF 2007
And here we are, Part 2 of the IHEARTCOMIX 2007 YEAR IN REVIEW. This time it's the TOP 25 PHOTOS of the year. This is the bonus addition with 3 extras that weren't included in the blast, plus commentary. xo
SUN. JULY 29, 2007 - FRANKI CHAN @ DAFT PUNK - SEATTLE, WA - PHOTO by JUSTIN RENNEY
SAT. SEPT 15, 2007 - PARA ONE, CURSES! and SURKIN @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
TUES. APRIL 3, 2007 - ANDREW WK @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by SHADOWSCENE
SAT. SEPT 21, 2007 - DEMONBABIES @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
TUES. OCT 9, 2007 - GOLDENVOICE & IHEARTCOMIX present: JUSTICE @ THE HENRY FONDA THEATRE - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by CAESAR SEBASTIAN
FRI. SEPT 21, 2007 - DIPLO @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by CAESAR SEBASTIAN
FRI. FEB 2, 2007 - FRANKI CHAN @ 1/2 ALIVE - VANCOUVER, BC - PHOTO by 1/2 ALIVE
FRI. MARCH 16, 2007 - THE LINE OUTSIDE THE IHEARTCOMIX/MAD DECENT/VIVA LA ROCK ULTIMATE SXSW BLOWOUT BEFORE DOORS OPENED @ BLUE GENIE - AUSTIN, TX - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
TUES. MAY 1, 2007 - SPANKROCK @ CHECK YO' PONYTAIL 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by SHADOWSCENE
SAT. SEPT 22, 2007 - SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
TUES, MARCH 27, 2007 - DATAROCK @ CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by SHADOWSCENE
THURS. JUNE 14, 2007 - CROWD SURFING AT MATT & KIM @ SUBTERRANEN - CHICAGO, IL - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
THURS. MARCH 15, 2007 - TRAVIS HAYDEN @ BEAUTY BAR/SXSW - AUSTIN, TX - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
SUN. DEC 16, 2007 - MEGAN ALD, FRANKI CHAN, HOSS AND NAEEM JUWAN @ LAX BANANA SPLIT SUNDAYS - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by THE COBRASNAKE
TUES. OCT 16, 2007 - THE TOXIC AVENGER @ FUNKY BUDDAH ON THE TOXIC AVENGER/FRANKI CHAN US TOUR - CHICAGO, IL - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
SAT. SEPT 22, 2007 - SOME GIRL @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by CAESAR SEBASTIAN
SAT. SEPT 29, 2007 - BONDE DO ROLE @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by RED SLURPEEE
THURS. SEPT 15, 2007 - LO-FI-FNK @ IHEARTCOMIX/AM ONLY OFFICIAL SXSW SHOWCASE - AUSTIN, TX - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
SAT. OCT 13, 2007 - ASHER OF THE GLAMOUR, FRANKI CHAN AND A LADY @ SPACED OUT ON THE TOXIC AVENGER/FRANKI CHAN US TOUR - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
FRI. SEPT 21, 2007 - DIPLO @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
TUES. OCT 2, 2007 - MATT & KIM @ LOGAN SQUARE W/ DAN DEACON AND TOTALLY MICHAEL - CHICAGO, IL - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
SAT. JUNE 16, 2007 - DAN DEACON @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by SHADOWSCENE
SAT. SEPT 22, 2007 - SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by CAESAR SEBASTIAN
SAT. SEPT 15, 2007 - FRANKI CHAN CROWD SURFING AND PAPARAZZI CATCHING @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL W/ THE INSTITUBES PARIS TERROR CLUB - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by EVERYONEISFAMOUS.COM
SAT. SEPT 22, 2007 - BOYS NOIZE STAGE DIVING FOR THE 1ST TIME @ THE NEW CHECK YO' PONYTAIL - LOS ANGELES, CA - PHOTO by CAESAR SEBASTIAN
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Wednesday, August 16, 2006
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DJ FRANKI CHAN ONLINE PRESS! CHECK IT OUT!
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Sunday, August 06, 2006
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Friday, August 04, 2006
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CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FROM CAP HILL BLOCK PARTY. I'M IN IT!
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RAD MURDER CITY DEVILS VIDEO!!
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Monday, March 13, 2006
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TAKING A STAND ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE
"Taking A Stand Isn't What It Used To Be"
It's finally here…. SXSW. Weird. Our label manager JAY PARKIN flew in from CHICAGO today to have a pre AUSTIN meeting so we could work out all the last kinks of the party. I really don't know what we were thinking. Not only was his flight delayed several times, but this party is an ever growing monster. I swear I'm gonna have a stroke before it's over (or just a lot of fun, either or, you'll probably find me passed out and drunk somewhere behind the stage midway through SHE WANTS REVENGE's set).
Don't let my pre party jitters get the best of anyone though. I'm always like this. I'm the kind of guy that every time I drive, I imagine I'm gonna collide headfirst with the median. It's just who I am. It's no wonder that at this, the 11th hour, that I feel like the walls are closing in and long time mates are jumping ship. Am I crazy? Probably, but god forbid going into something and thinking it'll actually work out without a hitch. I've already had my one perfect day of my life (my 21st b-day, who'da thunk?), I don't think anyone gets allotted another.
To continue kind of on the subject (not really), I've been thinking a lot about bullies lately. My father was a bully. He had that way of just scaring the shit out of you, while at the same time imposing the impossible standard no one could live up to. All the while he broke all of his own rules. It was terrible to deal with because I always had a problem of wanting to call him out on it. He could charm the pants out of anyone and often times I felt like the only person that could see his flaws. In fact, they completely over shadowed his entire persona to me (ala, President Bush and his mates vs. watching them on tv, get it?) Eventually I called him out a little too much I ended up being booted from the house.
Again, high school, junior high school, all of my adolescent life, I was constantly being picked on (I'm sure almost everyone can relate). I was ALWAYS the nerdiest kid in school. In fact, I lived right next to my high school and junior high school. I'd be in my back yard playing with my G.I. Joes after school and kids would walk by and heckle me (8th grade) or me and the other fat kids would get made fun of for our pegged jeans and partaking in 'nintendo club' (7th grade). I even got chased home once by a bunch of seniors in a pick up truck with rifles (10th grade)! Senior year, after being gone from my school for two years, I moved back. With the success of Nirvana and Green Day, suddenly punk had become cool. Since I was the only punk kid in school, suddenly all those kids that would routinely kick my ass began trying to become friendly instead. Most people would breathe a sigh of relief and go with the flow. "Finally!" they would say. But not me. I'm an idiot. I went and told them all to fuck off. The beatings began all over again.
It just goes to prove that in some cases honesty is not the best policy, right?
I don't think so. I think what it really proves is accountability is practically non-existent. I live in Hollywood, CA and work in the entertainment industry. Accountability is not part of the vocabulary in these parts. You fuck someone over, it's best not to talk about it. You steal an idea, never happened. And god forbid you try to call anyone out for it. Suddenly you're the problem for having the gall to speak up.
The funny thing is, I see all these same people bitching and moaning when, say, the Bush administration, does the same thing. How many times have they created a pile of shit and taken absolutely no responsibility for it? We are at war! Our cities are being destroyed! Our rights are being stolen from us!
Lately the fuck ups have been happening more often. Bush's and Cheney's approval ratings are at an all time low. The one reoccurring question I keep hearing from friends and media a like is: When is enough, enough? What's it gonna take till people take a stand?
Well, look in the mirror. How are we any different? Really. While we all love tales of heroes and martyrs, but in this day and age, taking a stand is entirely out of fashion. "Don't rock the boat, man. I'm making money over here." The truth is, nothing is going to change until we all take accountability and responsibility, not only to ourselves, but to the world for allowing all of this happen. And yeah, we may have not voted for Bush, but what have we done to prevent that environment from happening in the first place? That has to become more important to all of us than the newest episode on 'Lost' (which I totally understand is a tough choice).
It's a hard choice to make, to take accountability for your actions. Obviously we all can't admit how fucked we all really are (imagine that!), I don't think people could handle it, but maybe we can start by just admitting to one thing to one person instead of ignoring that there's even a problem at all. Sounds so much easier than being a bully, doesn't it?
Just to try to round this out, I have no idea what any of that has to do with our UNOFFICIAL BLOWOUT. I'm just excited that it's finally gonna happen! I'm gonan sleep for days after 14 hours of party. See everyone in AUSTIN.
11:45 AM
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Tuesday, February 21, 2006
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LEAVING HOME VS HOT DOG CHAMPIONSHIP
"Leaving Home Again vs. A Hot Dog Championship"
It's been such a strange week. You ever hear the phrase, "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it?" Well, I feel like I'm going through a little bit of that right now.
We've been working our asses off setting up our big SXSW launch party and everything beyond (there's so much more…). We've been working so hard that we, or at least I, haven't noticed anything outside of our little bubble. We'd come up with this grand scheme and up until last week it seemed like everything was gonna fall through, and then 'BAM!' everything worked out (kind of). Just like that (kind of).
My first reaction when that kind of stuff happens is, "ok, who's pulling my leg?" I never feel like I deserve anything, but now it's different. I'm beginning to feel like I do and it's a little scary.
I've been prone the occasional, but rare egomaniacal bout within whatever inner circle I've been involved with from time to time. Each has left me feeling ashamed and disappointed that I'd stoop to such levels of buffoonery (except in front of my friend KELLEY BROOKS, then it's all in good fun), but at the same time I constantly strive to have enough confidence to pull off all these crazy things. I take a certain amount of pride in knowing I can, but shy away from imposing those feelings on anyone else. I feel like the moment I fully realize my self worth, that'll be the day the struggle is over, and then what?
The truth is, I feel more comfortable being the underdog. It's always been those times in my life where I've surpassed my peers when I've become lazy and malcontent. Sometimes becoming restless enough that I'll either subconsciously or intentionally ruin it, just so I can climb my way back up again. I'm a glutton for punishment, one of those fucked up kids who doesn't feel loved unless his daddy is beating the shit out him. I was never the popular kid growing up, but somehow, when I got older, I figured out how to weasel my way into those circles, slowly but surely I've been bringing my friends with me.
The one thing that keeps poking at me with my station in life now is that more and more it's becoming painfully obvious that this time is different. The world that I've called my home for so long, the underground, and the world of my dreams, that far reaching goal of being able to buy my mom a ranch with some horses to make up for being such a terrible son all these years, whether or not I want it or not anymore, or whether or not I like the environment it creates, are beginning to clash.
Take for example this last week: one day I was in VEGAS playing a BLENDER MAGAZINE/LEVI'S party, with the full treatment, hotels, flights, car service, etc.. all the amenities a superstar DJ like myself requires (j/k, but thanks guys, it was awesome!) and the next day I'm DJing a house party in KOREA TOWN complete with a shitty sound system and a line for the single bathroom, all the while putting the finishing touches on our SXSW bash. Another day I'm hanging out at the CHA CHA with age-old friends from SEATTLE and the next warding off paparazzi cameras while hanging out with an unnamed actress. Dudes, it's weird.
In a lot of ways it's just the environment that this city creates. If you strive for something here, and if you actually follow through, as long as you're not a total schmuck, it seems like you can actually do it. Really. It's just a matter of time. It's just as easy to run into a McDONALD's employee here, as it is to, say, run into JULIA ROBERTS at the local market. You just never know. It's the reality LOS ANGELESites live in.
It's having that opportunity shoved in your face that makes me so weary of it. Where as, when I first moved here I might have thought, "gimme!" now I reject it. My thoughts are, "Why shouldn't they come to me? I'm awesome." It's that realization that is the most powerful thing, the next step is learning how to deal with it and embrace it, hence where the confidence versus egomaniac argument comes in.
I picked up a copy of the new FADER magazine the other day at the magazine stand. There was a big article in there about my hometown of BLOOMINGTON, IN. When I saw it, my first feelings were thoughts of justification. I've been talking up the magic that is that town for years, with little or no reaction. Then, my second reaction was, "oh no."
The thought of BLOOMINGTON decomposing from the corruption brought upon by attention and fame makes me nervous and worried for the future. At the same time, it's one of the undiscovered countries that deserve all any and all attention it gets. Imagine walking through the closet and into NARNIA, but if the witch had never existed. That's home and I fully intend on returning someday. I suppose if SEATTLE, OMAHA and ATHENS, to name a few, survived, B-TOWN will too.
BLOOMINGTON and SEATTLE are the two places I look back to for approval. Those towns and the people inside of them are the ones who made me who I am, for better or for worse. They're my family. If I'm not making them proud, I'm failing in my mission, whatever that may be, and that's the most frightening thing of all.
The last thing I want to do as I stand up and embark on this journey is to look back and not recognize the person I was then, or even worse, the person I've become. I've been lucky enough to make a living out of being myself and standing up for the things I think are cool and believe in. I just hope I never forget what those things are.
There is a change coming. The ways of old set up by big business, major labels, corrupt government and corporate movie studios are coming to an end. We're too well informed as people nowadays to sit here and be shoveled shit anymore. DAVID CHAPELLE, PHILIP SEYMORE HOFFMAN and KANYE WEST are all prime examples of people taking the opportunity to speak out and take a stand. Shit, the punks have been doing it for years (among countess others). Whether you're in the system or not, it's our duty to speak out against the injustices and mediocrity produced within. It's our responsibility to the world and to each other.
Anyway, I'm curious to see what happens next. I'll do my best not to shoot myself in the foot this time. Come celebrate with us at SXSW, it'll be totally rad.
xo
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Tuesday, February 14, 2006
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SEATTLE TRIP 2/10-13
"Rabid Pugs and the Alarming Status Quo aka SEATTLE Trip 2/10-13"
Last FRIDAY morning I woke up early and confident everything was on schedule. I'd stayed in the night before so I could make sure to be well rested (one of the only other times I'd ever done that; the other was for DISNEY WORLD when I was 10). I had a list I'd prepared of the things that needed to be accomplished that morning before I left to get on the plane to be in SEATTLE that evening for the party I was throwing with WOLFMOTHER. I did it all, I was right on time, and I'll be damned if I didn't miss that flight!
Fuck me all to hell, seriously. There was a time and a place when my punctuality was the envy on my peers, usually costing me entire afternoons waiting for who ever I was meeting to show up. I never missed a flight, not once. Now, if I don't miss it, it's like there's something wrong. The airlines make it too easy. You just hang out and get on the next one. Where's the consequences?
I ended up hanging around LAX AIRPORT for 5 hours until I could get on the next flight. I kept reminding myself of all the adventures TOM HANK's character in THE TERMINAL got into and longed for that one stewardess to ditch her mistress and whisk me off my feet (never happened). I really wanted to get into it. I found the spot where I'd build my hut, I began playing matchmaker with the airport staff, I explored the wonders of the airport food court, I did everything I could to keep my mind off the fact that all I wanted was god damn cigarette, but didn't want to walk back through security.
At 8pm I arrived in SEATTLE, just in time to make it to the show that was already in progress. My friend JAMIE BERGH picked me up from the airport as always. She dropped me off at CHOP SUEY and I rushed inside to an already full crowd. I was blown away. SEATTLE people really have a love for FREE TEQUILA and knock your socks off rock n' roll (WOLFMOTHER), and it showed.
My old friend from BELLINGHAM, WA, KRIS K (we both used to book competing ALL AGES shows up there) was on the turntables when I arrived. It was the first time I'd ever heard him DJ and I was so impressed. JESSE from URB and ERNEST the SAUZA guy were hanging around bringing some LOS ANGELES flavor, old friend's from SEATTLE were slowly crowding in and THE DIVORCE totally played an amazing show. The pressure mounted and the anticipation built for WOLFMOTHER. The 700+ crowd was about to explode.
The lights dimmed and the announcement was made. WOLFMOTHER took the stage to overwhelming, thunderous applause and then proceeded to rip the virgin crowd a new asshole. Their set was mind blowing and when they left the stage, the audience was left, begging for more, so much so, that a DJ set by yours truly wasn't gonna appease them.
As I set up my stuff for the last 45 minutes that was to be a dance party fervor, only those dedicated to the bright lights and big bling of the dance floor stayed behind. I even felt weird taking the stage after them. Who could compare?
After the CHOP SUEY show was the after hours party at SEATTLE's tride and true after hours spot, THE EGG ROOM (now called the CARDINAL ROOM, but I won't let the egg die). My buddies FOUR COLOR ZACK and CREIGHTON joined me behind the decks and we rocked the party till dawn.
At around 6 am, the long course of the day really began to wear on me. I wanted to go home, but I needed to find a ride. A few other friends decided to leave at around the same time and invited me to ride with them. I took them up on the offer, but they wanted to stop by someone's house real quick.
What began as essentially a drive by, turned into the rest of the evening. We walked inside the apartment and almost immediately beers were distributed to everyone. Wacky conversations that only people suffering from late night drug induced dimentia began to break out left and right. I found myself trying to keep up and then, everything went black….
I woke up at 9am with a gasp. I looked around only to find myself in unfamiliar surroundings and lying in a bed between two girls (keep your mind out of the gutter, everyone was fully clothed). My throat hurt and I needed water. One of the other girls woke up too. We gathered our things and decided to get coffee. Sleep was no longer an option.
SATURDAY turned into a sort of a daze. I eventually made it back to JAMIE and HANK's apartment, where I was staying. I spent most of my day catching up on SEASON 4 of THE SOPRANOS, minus one very enjoyable dinner with my old boss, CHRIS BENO. I'd made several plans for the evening, but totally failed to show up to any of them when I passed out at around 9:30 pm. I just couldn't do it, too exhausted.
SUNDAY was the PHOTO SHOOT. I've been in some serious need of press photos for my DJ stuff for a while. My friend JUSTIN RENNEY came up with a brilliant concept involving the EGG ROOM (again) and a few ZOMBIES! it was maybe the best idea ever….
THANK YOU so much to everyone who showed up and volunteered time. It was so rad! I'll be showing the photos off soon….
The CHA CHA party, CHECK YO' PONYTAIL! that night was equally as awesome, complete with back room dance party action and the obligatory SEATTLE AFTER PARTY at a near by apartment. Buddies galore were around and good times, as always, were had. Ahhh, SEATTLE..
I made it to the airport on time the next morning. When I got off the airplane at LAX, I gave the pilot a high five and kissed each and every stewardess on the way out. "Thanks for the extra bag of pretzels," I whispered in one of their ears. I was back in LOS ANGELES and ready for more….. well, whatever it is I do….
Till next time. xo
4:22 PM
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Tuesday, February 07, 2006
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SAN DIEGO PARTY BUS ADVENTURE
THE PARTY BUS ADVENTURE!
Holy moly! SUNDAY night was one of the funnest experiences I’ve had in a long while! The PARTY BUS was a complete success and full zany antics (thanks DIRTY PRESTON). Dude, it was sooo amazing! Here’s a little recap:
After a day of fixing up my house again and a couple, “SEATTLE ate shit!” phone calls (concerning the SUPERBOWL), I realized it was time to make my way down to the BEAUTY BAR to begin the roundup for the SAN DIEGO PARTY BUS FIELD TRIP.
I showed up, promptly at 6:30pm carrying my records, a six-pack of SPARKS and my trusty bullhorn, to help corral the crowd. Slowly, people began to meander in, anticipation for the trip ahead, building. We began loading the PARTY BUS with cases of beer and making last chance bathroom break announcements.
At 7:30 we loaded up the bus with a motely crew of vagabonds, punks and Hollywood hipsters. By 8pm, we were off and almost instantly the chaos began. Chants and sing-a-longs of STONE TEMPLE PILOT and SUBLIME songs (why?) began to explode from the front of the bus, people began switching seats, meeting each other, conversing, yelling and, at times, tackling. The bathroom on the bus at some point locked its own door shut and we were forced to make a bathroom stop. 50+ drunk people spilled out of the bus and practically into the lap of the lone, foreign gas attendant. I felt so bad for him.
We showed up at the brand new BEAUTY BAR SAN DIEGO just in time to catch the last half of THIS BLUSH, who were playing an amazing show to a totally packed audience caught in a feverish dance. We were thrown head first into an alreadt raging party. The new BEAUTY BAR was spacious and designed beautifully, maybe my favorite location yet. THE LIKE were up next. As always, they put on a stunning performance, blowing the crowd away and making at least two people (those I witnessed, anyway) faint from over-stimulation. I finished off the night DJing, giving SAN DIEGO a dance lesson or two. Maybe my best drunk performance, ever?
The ride back, somehow, was even crazier than the ride there. We took a different bus and this time the driver was prepared. He provided top 40 hip hop and PRINCE as the soundtrack to our exploits. The bus turned into a full on dance party, complete with people making out and kids sneaking smokes in the back. It was complete insanity.
At some point I passed out. It was the kind of pass out where you don’t even realize time had passed. One instant we were somewhere in southern California, the next, I was being shoved off the bus. I finally made it home by 5am and all day yesterday I was completely wrecked, suffering from level red hangover.
I think it may be time to start coming up with the occasional field trip. Keep your eyes open for part 2….
Here’s the photos, provided by THE COBRASNAKE, for those of you that missed out:
http://www.thecobrasnake.com/partyphotos/busbarbeautydiego/index.html
3:08 PM
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