[Self Discovery] Delight Yourself in Friday’s Once In a Lifetime Solar Hat Trick

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This Friday, the stars are aligning in the most beautiful of ways.  First and foremost, Spring will finally be sprung!  Living in California, we’re a tad spoiled with the weather – but with Spring comes Festival Season, which makes me all sorts of giddy like a kid on their first day of Summer Camp with the best snacks in their lunchbox and a stuntin’ new do. Spring means love blossoms from the heart like flowers from the bud, that the happy humans and beautiful brains of Los Angeles will be out and about, spanning rooftops, lounges and underground affairs while enjoying laughter and a light evening breeze.  The Spring Equinox is more than ushering in the new season with the idea of rebirth, regeneration and growth.  Known as the Vernal Equinox to some, it’s also the time of year when the suns shines directly on the equator of our slightly shifted home planet – giving us hypothetically equal amounts of day and night. Derived from latin roots, equinox translates into ‘Equal Nights’ but that isn’t always so.  As it turns out not only does your attitude depend on your latitude, as Kanye muses, but your equinox does, too.  Depending on where you’re sitting on the Earth’s axis, you’re going to have your equinox at slightly different dates surrounding the equinox.  The closer you are to the poles, the closer you are to celebrating the equinox on the ‘Equinox’ – our actual equinox in Los Angeles was on the 16th; so good news for us, the days are just going to keep getting longer!  But no matter, at 3:45 PM in LA, 22:45 UTC, the First Point of Aries will usher in the Spring Equinox in sweet, serene style.

A point of balance in the world, the Spring Equinox brings with it a beautiful time to lay plans into motion, forge a new friendship or enter into that romantic relationship you’ve been tip-toeing around.  Spring is a time to expound upon chances and effectively be reborn within yourself.  Go start a new project, follow your passion and add a bit of spark to your life and watch your world shine.   This equinox occurs with the moon at one of of it’s closest points to Earth’s atmosphere, making it a ‘Supermoon‘!

Not only does the 20th mark our Spring Equinox, but we’re all about to get an incredibly special treat.  In a monstrous celestial celebration for all of Earth’s creatures (and maybe a few on Venus and Mars as well), on Friday we’ll be treated to a rare bird: the total solar eclipse. In fact, it’s been almost a year and a half since the last total eclipse back in November of 2013.  If you want your brain to explode just slightly, try this on for size: it’s been over 350 years since there was a total eclipse during the spring equinox! The last time these two celestial events coincided was supposedly all the way back in 1662, and it won’t be happening again until 2034!  The next time they appear simultaneously will thankfully be within my lifetime, but noting the odds – that’s a bit of luck as well!

Unfortunately for those of us in the Americas, we’ll have to live vicariously through our brothers down under and the lads across the pond in Europe.  The next time we’ll get our gander at an eclipse of any sort in the US will be August 21, 2017. Mark your cell phone calendars and etch it in your mind, it’ll be a day to remember.

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can see the Solar Eclipse – please, please, please: take precautions with your eyes!  The sun is a powerful ball of energy, bursting with life and just because the moon is passing over it doesn’t mean you should stare into it.  If you want to appreciate the full glory of the eclipse, there are special shades you can buy – and special lenses for your camera if you’re in the mood to get a stellar snapshot.

For more details on Friday’s Eclipse, these two infographics from NASA and Space.com sum it up very nicely:

Credit: NASA

Credit: Space.com

[The Audiofiles] Rain Man Sets Solo Career Ablaze with Debut Track ‘Visionary’ Featuring Sirah

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rainman

After setting the internet ablaze last year after leaving the talented dupstep triumvirate of Krewella, we’ve all been (im)patiently for Rain Man to come through with a solo career. The brains behind the bass and the passionate producer of the bunch, Rain Man more than made a name for himself behind the decks of Krewella and now he’s stepping out into his own spotlight. On March 29th, he’ll be kicking off a series of solo shows in Miami and now he’s rousing interest and ruffling feathers with his first single – ‘Visionary’, featuring Sirah of Skrillex and Alvin Risk fame.

Out today on Buygore Records, “Visionary” is the track we’ve wanted for the last year and simply haven’t gotten. Between the booming bass and seductive vocals, it’s easy to forget you’re not listening to a Krewella track; flip your script and remember who crafted those crushing beats and you’ll be singing a different tune. The track comes to life with the rumble of a Reggae infused Dubstep track, with delicately layered lyrics over crushing basslines – perfect for all hours at your favorite dance hall.

“The lyrics for visionary are super dark. Basically I’m talking about the decision every artist needs to make, where you either stay true to what you believe in or you bend your art to fit in a lane. I make my own lane,” – Sirah

Rain Man kicks off his solo tour in Miami at the Buygore Pool Party on 3/29, with stops in Chicago, New York’s Webster Hall and Avalon in Los Angeles on 4/17.

Purchase “Visionary” on Beatport

For more information on Rain Man, head to his socials –

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud| Facebookrain

Article Cross Posted in The DJ List

[LA Love] The Last Bookstore is the Only Bookstore You Need

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Photo by Daniel Leist Photography

Photo by Daniel Leist Photography

Though we haven’t yet fine tuned the ability to time travel, thanks to the power of the written word it’s possible to walk into a room and simultaneously transport yourself in a thousand different directions spanning the course of several millennium, in irrational, fantastical ways.  Where science boldly says no, literature proudly asks ‘Why Not’ in a thousand shades of possibility.  Over the past few weeks, I’ve proudly ebbed and flowed through my bookshelf with new eyes and an open mind – there’s no topic to small to ponder and no question to big to tackle; but often that leaves me holding seven books, wishing I had six extra sets of eyes so I could read all of them at once.

After seven years in Los Angeles, it’s easy to believe that you’ve seen it all – but let me tell you, in a city of bewilderment, wonder and constant creation – there’s always something hiding just around the corner, waiting to make your day; which is precisely the case with The Last Bookstore.   An exciting hodge podge of new and loved books and records that shop frequenters can buy, sell and trade – the Last Bookstore the largest independent bookstore in the world, and  simply the only bookstore you’ll ever need in your life.  Considering w shops like Borders and Barnes & Nobles falling by the wayside, this very well might be the last bookstore we have left in LA.

Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Financial District, The Last Bookstore is much more than home to thousand upon thousands of stories, dreams, diatribes, poems, whimsical words and resilient reads.  The first story is a beautiful open air bookstore, with loads of literature for every type of reader, and high vaulted ceilings with a view into the shops of the Springs Arts Collective, with their unique creations peaking out for the world to see.  As you walk up the steps into the second floor, you’re whisked away in the same sort of wanderlust I lose myself in while reading.  Instead of noticing things in a sequential order as I ascended into the Labyrinth, they were all thrust upon my brain in simultaneous artistic attack.  Books were suspended in mid-flight, exploding every which direction to the delight of everyone around. Incredible sculptures crafted from books adorned the walls and aisles, while the floor was lined with contemporary galleries and art shops.

Photos by Daniel Leist Photography

Photo by Daniel Leist Photography

FullSizeRender

Two of my personal favorites were from David LoveJoy  (above) – a contemporary designer who forges unique, otherworldly designs, gadgets and gizmos – and the FOLD Gallery (below), the niche boutique brainchild of Jena Priebe. The third Thursday of the month marks Downtown LA’s Art Walk, and The Last Bookstore and Labyrinth gallery are definitely a hipster hot spot; but would you expect any less?

Additional Pics: Daniel Leist Photography

For more on The Last Bookstore, David Lovejoy’s art or the FOLD Gallery, head to their socials –

The Last Bookstore: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

David Lovejoy | #LoveJoyArt: Website | Facebook

Jena Priebe | FOLD Gallery: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[Self Discovery] What’s Your Lucky Number?

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Numbers entwine into and extrapolate patterns as the building blocks of life; from the formation of universe and spiral galaxy arms of our Milky Way down to the cellular structures of every being inhabiting this beautiful earth is formulaic.  Ever since I was a wee little one, I’ve been a little obsessed with numbers.   Number Theory and Numerology both deal with the relationships of numbers to the cosmos, but in two drastically different ways; the former is a branch of pure mathematics concerned with the correlation of integers, while the later is steeped in mystical tradition.  Either way,considering I see 11:11, 2:22, 4:44 and 3:33 on the clock rather frequently, numbers and their unfolding patterns seem to follow me everywhere – but I don’t mind in the least. In fact I find it comforting that the universe is undulating in harmony and overflowing in frequencies, sonically stringing us into One. Expounded upon by Pythagoras back in 580 B.C., there is inherent mystery and magic to numbers as we know them. If you’re ever in the mood for a great read about numbers, which though it sounds paradoxical is anything but, some of my favorites are:

Anyways, I digress; back to the topic at hand!  Depending on who you’re talking with, a lucky number can be two very different things.  In mathematics, there are Euler’s Lucky Numbers which pertains to prime generating polynomials and Lucky Numbers are a set of natural numbers generated from sieves; but lucky numbers as you and I both know them are vastly different.  From sports jerseys and phone numbers to birth dates and area codes, we all have sorted relationships with numbers – each eliciting an emotional response.  Thanks to Basketball, I have an affinity towards the numbers 23, 55 and 33 (the middle of which was my basketball number for ages growing up)  while life has left me in lust with 13.  Toss in 7 for my Birthday Number and my Age Digit, 5 set as my Life Path and Expression Numbers, 3 as my Heart’s Desire Number and 1 as my Sun Number – and I’m just swimming in odd numbers, repeating numbers and primes.

Speaking of prime numbers, let’s get back to my favorite of all numbers – lucky little 13.  In accordance with all things idiosyncratic, I have an equal affinity towards Friday the 13th as I do towards the number itself.  Last year, there was only one – but now for 2015, we have the maximum possible: 3! And to boot, the February-March Friday the 13th is the only time that you’ll see it on two back to back months. In any given year, there are 13 Full Moons which were ripe with celebration for various occult religions. Unfortunately, modern history hasn’t exactly been kind to 13. Triskaidekaphobia is the irrational fear of the number 13 while paraskevidekatriaphobia is the fear of the day Friday the 13th.  I’m guessing the lot of you don’t have it, primarily based on the fact you’re still reading this post instead of having an anxiety attack. Many modern high rises omit the ’13th’ floor and skip right on from 12th to 14th – but if you’re ever on the 14th floor, you know what’s really going on.

What’s do numbers mean to you?

What are your lucky numbers?

[Weekly Dose of Wisdom] Spring Forward

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While March marched on into our lives hail paraded down on Southern California, eliciting a sonic onslaught as if it were a troupe elephants gallivanting over tin roofs while blanketing Orange County beaches with a coat of unprecedented snow.  And now?  Spring has yet to be sprung, and it’s been a lovely past few days with a threat of a heat wave flowing in tomorrow.  In a monumental personal feat, this is the first morning since Daylight Savings Time that I’ve woken up naturally and with my usual bounce in my step! For multitudes of reasons, I’m enamored by these few months before Summer – life is passionately on display as blossoms and wildlife color the sky, humans and animals alike couple up in cute, baseball gets into full swing and festival season reigns supreme. In the spirit of Spring’s impending arrival – here are some of my favorite seasonally inspired quotes on blossoms, flowers, nature, love and life with pictures  from various trips to Big Sur, Ventura, Colorado and around Eagle Rock.


[The Audiofiles] Unleashing Legends with the Lucent Dossier Experience, MartyParty and the Desert Hearts Crew

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Over the past decade, the Lucent Dossier Experience has left a legacy of excellence in and around Southern California.  Just the other weekend, the troupe descended back onto their home turf at Club Nokia located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ LA Live. From the second party go-ers descended through the front doors, minds were expanded and hearts were opened.  Vendors adorned the walls, while live painters – including West Coast Festival favorite Ngene – were catalyzed by the creativity that was rotating through.

As we billowed out of the elevators into the second story of Club Nokia, the sultry Deep House sounds of the Desert Hearts crew blissfully blasted through our eardrums.  Graced by the presence of Mikey Lion, Marbs and Deep Jesus, the groove was just sexy enough to make you forget that there was an entirely different party happening just a few feet away from us.  In the main arena,  Nico Luminous kicked the night off with some funky fresh wobbles and drops, gracefully passing the torch onto David Satori and Evan Fraser, respectively from Beats Antique and Stellamara.  For the night, the dynamic duo joined forces as Dirtwire, crafting delicious electronic soundscapes through rustic beats.

Through a unique fusion of fire-dancing, aerial acrobatics, body contortion, audience immersive characters and a cast that effectively blends in with their creatively costumed cohorts, our worlds were illuminated and legends were unleashed as Lucent Dossier once again stole the show.   Side conversations came to a halt as dancers glided harmoniously in a showcase of human agility and grace.

For seventy minutes, we were enraptured in the magic and ethereal wonder that the Lucent Dossier Experience brings to the table. A powerful performance embodying the feminine mystique and the constant push for both internal and external creation, the music from the aptly titled Unleash Your Legend  is also featured on their sophomore artist album – Light of the World. With beautiful artwork from the ever talented Venice artist Chris Saunders, the album is currently available for both purchase on iTunes as well as streaming through Spotify or Soundcloud.

Closing the night, we found there just ain’t no party like a MartyParty.   Tapping into his new ‘Black House’ sound, a delicious, melodic take on G-House heavy with Hip-Hop lyrics, we simply couldn’t have asked for a better follow-up act for Lucent Dossier. For the final hours at Club Nokia, worlds collided and the weird went pro – as Lucent Dossier troupe leaders joined in on the stage antics for MartyParty and I have to say, I hope this fusion of live entertainment and music transcends into more and more shows.

For more on Lucent Dossier, head to their Website, Facebook, Twitter or Soundcloud.

Wanna see them soon? Catch Lucent at Lightning in a Bottle!

Did you love the Desert Hearts Tribe? We know we did! Stoked to be covering them in a few weeks for Desert Heart’s Spring Fling, if you’re fiending for some fabulous deep house and tech house beats under the stars, come kick it with a stellar group of humans – including myself!

For info on Desert Hearts – head to their website, Facebook, Twitter or Soundcloud.

For tickets to Desert Hearts, click here!

For the full Facebook album, head to The DJ List

Shot by Daniel Leist Photography

[Write On] A Diatribe Against Daylight Savings Time

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After spending a wonderful Saturday afternoon and twilight at the Glenoaks Canyon Trail, I woke up haphazardly Sunday morning to an eerie sight: it was supposedly 7 in the morning but there was no sun to be seen and no birds chirping the cats into conniption fits.  It’s not like the world was ending or anything, but boy – does Daylight Savings Time ever feel like it’s about to!  For the last two days, I’ve been sluggish and slightly more awkward than usual; there’s no bounce to my step and my mind tires easily.

We live in a genius era where our technology is just as smart, if not smarter, than the average bear – and with that, many laptops, cell phones, watches and computers involuntarily leapt forward Sunday morning at 1:59AM and when I reached for my phone at 4:00 in the morning, or 3:00…or..whatever…when I reached for my phone my brain was frazzled, attempting to dissect where the time had gone. And if you can’t tell from your Twitter or Facebook feeds, I’m definitely not the only one who feels this way.  The great consensus, is that DST should either go away entirely, or, we should stick with it – all year; and I wholeheartedly agree,  John Oliver on Last Night Tonight had an excellent rant for last night and it had me shaking my fist, and wondering why it felt so early when I was going to bed at 11pm.

The origins of Daylight Savings Time are a little muddled, so let’s break it down.  Historically, DST has been attributed to farm culture – and though it does have roots there, that’s not the whole kit and caboodle. Back in the late 1800’s, New Zealand Entomologist George Vernon Hudson suggested a two hour time shift to account for the extra summer sun but was ridiculed by the Wellington Philosophical Society where he’d presented his work.  After deliberation and debate, a one hour time change was finally accepted – but not until 1926, far after the official beginnings of DST.  Quite ironically, most modern farmer’s don’t even like Daylight Savings Time – not to mention, we’re the only species on the planet that’s even aware it occurs.

Enacted during the first World War by the Germans as an efficient mechanism to save money, electricity and coal, Daylight Savings Time has actually been around since 1916; meaning it’s been irking humanity for almost a century.  Maybe next year, on it’s 100’th birthday – we can commemorate the date by putting DST to rest, once and for all.

It’s been scientifically proven that there are significantly more car accidents and heart attacks the week after DST.  And Arizona, though not exactly a leader among progressive states, does set the bar on this issue.  Instead of flip-flopping hours on a biyearly basis, they just switch time zones!  I don’t usually say we should take a page out of Arizona’s book, but there’s always a first time for everything – right?

If you’d like to sign a petition to end Daylight Savings Time in the US – head on over!