Cruised through a couple islands in the Pacific over the past few weeks and after leaving the high skylines and moving into two-lane roads, the peace is pumping and mood is mightily mellow. Cas Haley cleverly paints the picture of daily life in the big city and encourages us to “slow down, get in tune with that island time.” His new album La Si Dah is made up of chill tunes and its release was perfectly timed, giving the summer another great soundtrack. Take a trip to the islands and cool down. If you can’t right now, busybody in the big city and get there soon. Life’s good when you find yourself in the middle of the ocean.
SD Shuffle
Satisfying San Diego's Taste For Good Music
Local Review: Destructo at Voyeur
Destructo released his new EP today Higher. This tech house EP is one that strays from the typical and emits authenticity. We had the opportunity to see Destructo this past Saturday at Voyeur. Just in time for the EP release, this set was everything we expected and more. Instead of the typical EDM set you’ve probably grown tired of, this set was packed with tracks most likely unheard before by the masses. You can tell a lot from seeing a producer/DJ play live and I was quite impressed.
Rather than a celebration of being on stage the man had one thing on his mind the entire time, delivering his finest set for the crowd to enjoy. Such an attitude of delivering to the crowd instead of flaunting success seems to be something that took form early on for Destructo. He started DJ’ing all the way back in 1990 after he felt a need to host his own parties past their typical 6 am closings on Sunday mornings. In doing so he wore a priest outfit and hence “The Sermon” parties were born.
An ironic pose considering his earlier days as “The Priest”?!
This was a beginning to a very fruitful career in the music industry (he founded the HARD LA events among various more achievements), a career I am sure will continue on as long as his central focus lies were it has been the past 20+ years. Press play to take a listen to Higher EP. Destructo‘s original track “2112″ is my favorite of the bunch, see for yourself what you like most.
D.VELOPED – Summer 2013 Mix
Apologies its been a while since I’ve made a post, things have been crazy with moving and getting in the swing of work but I’ve got a real special treat for you now. D.VELOPED, a duo bound to blow up soon, crafts together this “summer” set that is packed with tunes you will never have heard before in addition to the classics that’ll will always get you going.
Their ability to mix in such a creative manner makes this set one not to be taken for granted. Turn up and enjoy with whatever you may be doing this fine month of June! We’ll do our best to get more consistent on the posts and to keep your musical appetite satisfied. Cheers!
Myndset – “Young & Beautiful” and “Hearts Go Crazy” Remixes
Myndset, a Los Angeles Producer/DJ who has continued to be on the forefront of our radar, released two fresh remixes these past two weeks. In the first, a remix of Lana Del Rey’s “Young & Beautiful”, Myndset pulls a 180 on the track by transforming it into one upbeat high-energy electro banger. And the second, a remix of Parachute’s original “Hearts Go Crazy”, Myndset catches your liking immediately with his use of catchy riffs and synths.
It’s exciting to see Myndset focus more of his efforts into making official remixes, a source of some much-needed creative flavor to the scene. Myndset will be venturing down here to SD July 13th, check HERE for more info! Also be on the lookout for an interview with the man behind the mask in the near future..
Local Review: Yellow Red Sparks
You know when something captures you, like the night sky, an intense book you cannot put down, or an awesome burger like In N Out (maybe that’s just me), you sort of get lost into a different world? Well that’s exactly what happened when the Yellow Red Sparks captured the audience last week playing at The Griffin. The Yellow Red Sparks is a folk indie band coming from our neck of the woods, Southern California. Consisting of the flawless trio Joshua Hanson, Sara Lynn Nishikawa, and Goldy who humbly took the stage last Thursday with an impeccable performance. Just coming off their debut album release in January, Yellow Red Sparks will be heading on a National Tour that begins here in San Diego and will end in Brooklyn, Massachusetts.
If you haven’t heard of them I would start listening now. Their music is created with simplicity yet powered by passionate lyrics. For me, it is something you would hear in a popular indie film like “500 Days of Summer” or “Garden State”. I know that sounds sort of strange, but the reason I say that is because usually those movies have some of the best soundtracks, fueled with iconic songs created by some amazing Indie bands. Not only that but also the fact that the Yellow Red Sparks have the framework to become part of an eclectic mix of brilliant artists.
For me a live performance makes or breaks an artist. They may sound great on vinyl but can they “bring it” in front of an audience? Well the Yellow Red Sparks brought it and captured the audience from beginning to end. Joshua led the vocals with his charmingly loud voice, and Sara and Goldy tied it all together with vocals, drums, and bass. There was never a dull moment with jokes cracked, falling eyeglasses, and a stunning acoustic cover of Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” I was hypnotized by it all.
After the show I was fortunate to be able to chat briefly with Joshua. I began asking him how they got the name Yellow Red Sparks, which I found unique. He answered me by saying, “I looked at it through the emotion of colors, yellow being calm and happy, and red being intense and aggression. I found the combination of them two was interesting. ” I later continued with an interview with the whole band:
SD: You just released your debut album in January with positive reviews, what was your vision when creating your self-titled album Yellow Red Sparks?
- YRS: I just wanted to capture the original feelings and emotions I was going through when the songs were first written. I think we definitely represented that and also elevated the intensity with all of the musical accompaniments.
SD: On this album you worked with an amazing team who have worked with iconic bands, which include: Ted Hutt (Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly), Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, We are Scientist), and Brian Lucey (Sigur Ros, The Black Keys), what was that experience like?
- YRS: It was extremely humbling. At the end of the day, you realize that these amazingly talented people are human just like you, but have extraordinary gifts. I never would have thought that we’d be working with such an incredible team on our first record. It was surreal.
SD: You are starting a national tour, how has your experience with live shows been? What is it like to be on the road?
- YRS: Live shows are the prize at the end of the long and arduous tunnel. We have been fortunate enough to have amazing fans, as well as supportive family and friends. The road is difficult for several reasons (lack of sleep, lack of nutrition, lack of patience) and the live show experience is what keeps you going.
SD: The music video for “A Play To End All Plays” is an eerie video that goes perfectly with the song, could you explain more on it?
- YRS: Thank you! Initially, we planned on making a video for a completely different song called, “Monsters With Misdemeanors”, but our talented friend and director Claire Marie Vogel brought in the original treatment for “Play” and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Both of us became obsessed with making it happen and we couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone involved.
SD: Who are some of your musical influences?
- YRS: Definitely a lot of the things that my parents would listen to. There was always music in our house. Bob Dylan, The Smiths, Elvis Presley, etc. I also enjoyed Nirvana, Grateful Dead, Elliott Smith and Fiona Apple growing up.
SD: What can we expect next from Yellow Red Sparks?
- YRS: I hope that we continue in the direction we have been heading for the last couple years and continue to work hard to meet our goals. Nothing too specific, but definitely more shows, more records, more accolades and more interviews from nice people like you!
And I could say the same for them, a nice band that I wish all the best. I suggest checking them out, by listening to their self-titled song “Yellow Red Sparks” and another favorite of mine “A Play to End All Plays”.