Music Buildings Blog

Director Nanette Burstein reflects on being part of the “John Hughes generation” and bares her heart with stories of love and loss in a chat with DJ Chris Douridas. The Academy Award-nominated documentary director (for “On the Ropes”) shares her thoughts on the movie that broke open the world of soundtracks, sings a few bars and reminisces about life as a young NYC artist, and highlights a song that never fails to motivate and move her.

“American Teen” made a big splash a Sundance this year and will be in theaters this Friday. Chris was the music supervisor and Jason Bentley contributed an awesome Frou Frou remix to the soundtrack.
 
KCRW’s Guest DJ Project

p.s.: iTunes has featured the Guest DJ Project on their podcast page under "New Releases."

RR

 

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When the City of Santa Monica called us a month ago to tell us about an all-night art event they were planning and asked if we would participate, we were IN. I mean, we love free events that we can invite our listeners to. Little did we know that the event they expected 15,000 people to attend would draw closer to 100,000.

The crowd was as diverse as any I’ve ever seen and I think that may be the biggest success of the night. Unfortunately, having that many people in one place also had its problems. When Garth Trinidad kicked off his DJ set at 10pm, there was already a group of dancing folks pressed up against the barricade. By the time his set ended at midnight, there were bodies as far as I could see (from behind the DJ booth) and people partying it up in the sand below. (some camped out in the middle of our logo, see photo by Beth Topping).

Raul Campos took over after midnight with an old-school house set and the crowd was really digging it. Sadly, the cops pulled the plug a little after 1am, much to our dismay. (as Raul said, you know it’s a good party when the cops have to shut it down. He was having a blast.) We knew the crowd was full of listeners who heard about GLOW through us and we hated the idea of letting people down. Jeremy Sole’s records never even got to touch the turntables.

The good news is one word – possibility. Los Angeles has a lot of public space (particularly, Santa Monica has a lot of sand) that is not utilized for events like this. I love that tons of people came to Santa Monica from across Los Angeles for an art/music event. I think there are ideas for the future floating around in a lot of people’s heads. 

Thanks sincerely to everyone who came out. (more photos below)
RR

p.s. Did anyone actually see the grunion run?

 

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You will be hearing Mario Cotto at midnight on Mondays, starting tonight!  Mario has been a revolving host of The Lab and also hosts a show on our 24/7 online music channel from 8 to 10pm on weekends.  He has described his show as “night music for teenage werewolves and robots trapped in a psychedelic apocalypse.” If you want to hear what it REALLY sounds like, tune in tonight.

Also, as Mario exits the Lab, Anthony Valadez enters. Anthony is a familiar name on the Westside with residencies at Zanzibar and Temple Bar, as well as Little Temple in Silver Lake and Footises in Highland Park. Anthony has opened for everyone from Ben Harper and Van Hunt to Meshell N’degeocello and Nikka Costa. He’s been in the Marines and studied theater. He’s an interesting guy with great taste in music and we’re excited to have him here! You can hear The Lab on Sunday mornings from 3 to 6am.

RR
 
 

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I first saw married duo Mates of State at a day party during SXSW in 06. I really enjoyed watching Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel on stage together. They were facing each other with a keyboard and set up drums between them and it was really intense and wonderful. For their MBE set today, the couple brought a cellist and violin player to round out the band and their baby was hanging out in the control room during the show. (Their 4-year-old sat this trip out.)  “Re-Arranger” is a clear favorite for me and it’s off their new album. Check out the whole set here

RR

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Sunday’s salute to “women in rock” at the bowl was dominated by the powerhouse that is Sharon Jones. Her cover of James Brown’s “"It's a Man's Man's Man's World" brought the house down. It was the highlight of my night, although her dance moves (with and without heels) were a close second.

As far as visual imagery goes, Feist has some of the most interesting artistic backdrops I have ever seen. They were being created real time by two women, a projector, and an array of finger paint and props. My eyes were glued to that screen for a good part of the night. It was magical and something I have never seen before. One thing I learned about Feist is that she is an excellent guitar player. Watching her rock out on guitar during “1,2,3,4” made me proud to be a woman. “I Feel it All” is my personal fave and I loved sharing that moment with thousands of other people. That song just makes me happy.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Sharon Jones’ band the Dap Kings, you might have heard their soulful funk on a little album called “Back to Black” by an artist named Amy Winehouse. If you’re a soul fan, you HAVE to check out artists on Daptone Records. Everything they put out is full of heart and soul and played by incredible musicians – I’m a big fan of Budos Band and The Sugarman 3, myself.

RR

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Monday, July 21 -- Mates of State 

Monday, July 28 -- The Black Kids

KCRW.COM PRESENTS

Mon, July 21, PACIFIKA at YOSHI's in San Francisco.
Sun, July 27, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) at Music Hall of Williamsburg in NY.
Mon, September 8, KCRW.COM presents SONS & DAUGHTERS at HIGHLINE BALLROOM in NYC.

KCRW PRESENTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Thurs, July 17, Nights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Transcend illusion & desire by traveling though the exhibition A Tibet Expedition 1938: Selected Gifts from Two Explorers.
Friday, July 18, Grand Performances features The Real Tues Weld & Lal Mari as they perform in an amphitheater setting at 350 S. Grand Ave. Nic Harcourt will host.
Friday, July 18, BITTER:SWEET at THE EL REY THEATRE.
Sat, July 19, BITTER:SWEET at STATESIDE in Santa Barbara.
Sat, July 19, EMILY WELLS at HOTEL CAFÉ.
Sun, July 20, KCRW's World Festival with: Feist, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Pacifika—the evening is hosted by Nic Harcourt at the Hollywood Bowl.
Sun, July 27, SECRET MACHINES at THE VIPER ROOM.
Sun, July 27, KCRW's World Festival with: Gnarls Barkley, Fallou Dieng, Deerhoof. – the evening is hosted by Garth Trinidad at the Hollywood Bowl.
Tues, July 29,  THE WATSON TWINS at THE ECHO.
Sun, August 2, THAO at the TROUBADOUR.
Sun, August 3, KCRW's World Festival series with: Reggae Night: UB40, Beres Hammond, Barrington Levy-- the evening is hosted by Tom Schnabel at the Hollywood Bowl.
Friday, August 8, DR. DOG and DELTA SPIRIT at THE EL REY FRIDAY.
Sat, August 9, B-SIDE + CECI BASTIDA at THE ROXY.
Sun, August 17,  RAPHAEL SAADIQ at THE ROXY.
Tues, August 19, GLEN CAMPBELL AT THE TROUBADOUR.
Wed, 8/20 CHRIS PIERCE at HOTEL CAFE
Thurs, August 21, Nights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Surrender to a world of glamour, magic and perfection inspired by Made in Hollywood: Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation.
Sat, August 23, SONDRE LERCHE at THE TROUBADOUR.
Sat, August 23, Grand Performances features The Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra as they perform in an amphitheater setting at 350 S. Grand Ave. Anne Litt will host.
Sun, August 24, SONDRE LERCHE at the TROUBADOUR.
Thurs, August 28, PATTY GRIFFIN at BELLY UP in San Diego.
Tues, September 2, SONS & DAUGHTERS at TROUBADOUR.
Wed, September 3, PAUL WELLER at THE WILTERN.
Sat, September 6, AMOS LEE at HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM.
Mon, September 8, AMOS LEE at MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.
Tues, September 9, BALKAN BEAT BOX at THE EL REY THEATRE.
Tues, September 9, MOGWAI at THE WILTERN.
Wed, September 10, RATATAT at THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.
Wed, September 17, KCRW is Media Sponsor for NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS WITH SPIRITUALIZED at THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL.
Thurs, September 18, Nights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Celebrate the international avant-garde inspired by the Museum's collection of art of the 30's - 60's. Special guest deejay, Jason Bentley.
Sun, September 21, MY MORNING JACKET at THE GREEK THEATRE.
Sun, September 21, KCRW's World Festival series with: Ozomatli, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Lila Downs, Nortec Collective-- the evening is hosted by Raul Campos at the Hollywood Bowl.
Mon, September 22, HOT CHIP at THE WILTERN.
Tues, September 23, CSS at the MAYAN THEATRE.
Wed, September 24, CSS at GLASSHOUSE in Pomona.
Friday, September 26, PACHA MASSIVE at FORD AMPHITHEATER.
Thurs, October 2, SIGUR ROS at THE GREEK THEATRE.
Sat, October 4, SWELL SEASON at THE GREEK THEATRE.
Tues, October 21, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND at THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.
Wed, October 22, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND at THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.

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Monday, July 21 -- Mates of State 

Monday, July 28 -- The Black Kids

KCRW.COM PRESENTS

Mon, July 21, PACIFIKA at YOSHI's in San Francisco.
Sun, July 27, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) at Music Hall of Williamsburg in NY.
Mon, September 8, KCRW.COM presents SONS & DAUGHTERS at HIGHLINE BALLROOM in NYC.

KCRW PRESENTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Thurs, July 17, Nights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Transcend illusion & desire by traveling though the exhibition A Tibet Expedition 1938: Selected Gifts from Two Explorers.
Friday, July 18, Grand Performances features The Real Tues Weld & Lal Mari as they perform in an amphitheater setting at 350 S. Grand Ave. Nic Harcourt will host.
Friday, July 18, BITTER:SWEET at THE EL REY THEATRE.
Sat, July 19, BITTER:SWEET at STATESIDE in Santa Barbara.
Sat, July 19, EMILY WELLS at HOTEL CAFÉ.
Sun, July 20, KCRW's World Festival with: Feist, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Pacifika—the evening is hosted by Nic Harcourt at the Hollywood Bowl.
Sun, July 27, SECRET MACHINES at THE VIPER ROOM.
Sun, July 27, KCRW's World Festival with: Gnarls Barkley, Fallou Dieng, Deerhoof. – the evening is hosted by Garth Trinidad at the Hollywood Bowl.
Tues, July 29,  THE WATSON TWINS at THE ECHO.
Sun, August 2, THAO at the TROUBADOUR.
Sun, August 3, KCRW's World Festival series with: Reggae Night: UB40, Beres Hammond, Barrington Levy-- the evening is hosted by Tom Schnabel at the Hollywood Bowl.
Friday, August 8, DR. DOG and DELTA SPIRIT at THE EL REY FRIDAY.
Sat, August 9, B-SIDE + CECI BASTIDA at THE ROXY.
Sun, August 17,  RAPHAEL SAADIQ at THE ROXY.
Tues, August 19, GLEN CAMPBELL AT THE TROUBADOUR.
Wed, 8/20 CHRIS PIERCE at HOTEL CAFE
Thurs, August 21, Nights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Surrender to a world of glamour, magic and perfection inspired by Made in Hollywood: Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation.
Sat, August 23, SONDRE LERCHE at THE TROUBADOUR.
Sat, August 23, Grand Performances features The Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra as they perform in an amphitheater setting at 350 S. Grand Ave. Anne Litt will host.
Sun, August 24, SONDRE LERCHE at the TROUBADOUR.
Thurs, August 28, PATTY GRIFFIN at BELLY UP in San Diego.
Tues, September 2, SONS & DAUGHTERS at TROUBADOUR.
Wed, September 3, PAUL WELLER at THE WILTERN.
Sat, September 6, AMOS LEE at HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM.
Mon, September 8, AMOS LEE at MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.
Tues, September 9, BALKAN BEAT BOX at THE EL REY THEATRE.
Tues, September 9, MOGWAI at THE WILTERN.
Wed, September 10, RATATAT at THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.
Wed, September 17, KCRW is Media Sponsor for NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS WITH SPIRITUALIZED at THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL.
Thurs, September 18, Nights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Celebrate the international avant-garde inspired by the Museum's collection of art of the 30's - 60's. Special guest deejay, Jason Bentley.
Sun, September 21, MY MORNING JACKET at THE GREEK THEATRE.
Sun, September 21, KCRW's World Festival series with: Ozomatli, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Lila Downs, Nortec Collective-- the evening is hosted by Raul Campos at the Hollywood Bowl.
Mon, September 22, HOT CHIP at THE WILTERN.
Tues, September 23, CSS at the MAYAN THEATRE.
Wed, September 24, CSS at GLASSHOUSE in Pomona.
Friday, September 26, PACHA MASSIVE at FORD AMPHITHEATER.
Thurs, October 2, SIGUR ROS at THE GREEK THEATRE.
Sat, October 4, SWELL SEASON at THE GREEK THEATRE.
Tues, October 21, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND at THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.
Wed, October 22, CONOR OBERST AND THE MYSTIC VALLEY BAND at THE MUSIC BOX AT THE HENRY FONDA THEATER.

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The Real Tuesday Weld calls their style “antique beat” – melding jazz, pop, film score sounds, and electronica into a sonic mix.

Personally, I love how it sounds old and new all at the same time. I’m the biggest indie rock fan around, don’t get me wrong, but I LOVE when a band like this comes through the studio. Dressed up in snazzy suits and with a clarinet that reminded me of a Woody Allen movie, they had it going on. Mastermind and singer Stephen Coates tells Nic their album “London Book of the Dead” was inspired by the birth of his child and death of his father. It's interesting stuff.

If you are in LA, check out a free show by the band TONIGHT at Grand Performances Downtown hosted by Chris Douridas. And hear/watch the set here.

RR

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The Skirball Cultural Center is launching their free Sunset Concert series this Thursday, with Manuel Lopes Andrade, better known as Tcheka. DJ Tom Schnabel will be there to introduce the innovative Cape Verdean singer/songwriter and guitarist.

This popular outdoor series is every Thursday from July 17 to August 28, with shows starting at 8pm. Other highlights include Mauritania's emerging star Daby Touré; Israeli legend Yair Dalal and Palestinian master oudist Naser Musa; and Cuban-Jewish ensemble Sexteto Roberto Rodriguez.

Check it out and say hello to our volunteers at the KCRW table!

Go here for details.

RR

 
 

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Earlimart played their set this morning in their pajamas. They also had the sound of chirping crickets between songs. But other than those two oddities, it was exactly what I expected – a great performance by one of LA’s most promising local bands.

Earlimart are growing and growing fast. After spending three years working on their last release, they decided to do their follow up the opposite way – book four weeks of studio time, go in without any songs written and treat it as a “science project.” Ariana continues to have a bigger role as a singer/songwriter on “Hymn and Her” and Aaron Espinoza is as solid as ever. The songs are more personal than their previous work. It’s good stuff. Take a listen to the new tunes here.

RR

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