Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

I'm still unsure how a band can name themselves after a famous actress however this buzz group is an equal comparison to the overseas; Teenagers. A hip band that was in the moment and suddenly disappeared. Fun, entertaining and worth the download. Remember The Black Kids; yeah - exactly!

Download: Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

10 Gage

So I went ahead and listened to the majority of major rap / hip-hop releases of this year and here are the favorites: 

Lil Wayne : Tha Charter III

T.I. : Paper Trail

The Game: LAX

Akon: Freedom 

Kanye West's : 808's and Heartbreak 

What are you doing for New Years-  Staying in town?

Perhaps book a last minute ticket to Atlantis resort Dubai.

Reflections of 2008

As we reflect on this year, we look back at everything we have done: our accomplishments, mistakes and experiences which we will always learn from. And while everyday brings new joy, friends and memories, there are always those things that we wish panned out differently. This holiday season is about remembering those times and in the new year, growing as oneself and uniting with those who value the true meaning of friendship. The ups and downs, the smiles and frowns the similarities and differences will be put aside and 2009 will open new doors and a new beginning to those of you who are looking for that change.

Here are my favorite moments of 2008:

Accidental Rhythm: meeting and working with Jason and building that bond of having an older brother. The music, the sounds, the lights, the emotion, Cafe Med and thinking I will somehow be that 90 year old man that frequents there while eating fruit and sipping sparkling water at 2 in the afternoon, Las Vegas, The Standard and late nights in the Palisades. A person who is genuinely worth ever second of my time and will always be considered family. Hopes that 2009 will find us in NYC producing AR Mix 2.

Invisible DJ: Where to begin. Everyday, innovation, young minds thinking alike. Compilations, distribution, SXSW, magazines, meetings, blogs, stress, relief and every verb in between. My life, my passion, my sweat, Brett, Robert, Tony, Lainie, Missi, friends, people, LOVE, Dr.Dre, Monster, Santogold. Cheers, To the Bitter End. Many learning experiences that will not be taken for granted. 2009 will open new doors, television and a concept with the young moguls of L.A.

Family: Emily, my little sister who started college and is Kappa Kappa Gamma. So proud of her and love her so much. She is everything to me and watching her grow and develop into a beautiful women is words I can't type. Follow your heart kid. Because without dreams life is just not worth living. Dad, mom, Lisa. Running around in a kimono and was the Prestige left in Italy?

Friends: I will skip the relationship portion as somethings need to be kept personal but I will say there is one special person that means so much to me. You know who you are and Pasadena city lights will ever-longingly stay bright. Megan,Tom, Mikey, Tripp, Erica, Natalie, Ian, God, the rolodex and the Blackberry if I didn't mention your name. Listening to music, drinking wine, shopping, Europe. Goldenvoice.

The windmills below signify the revolving world and all the people that come through it this year. I hope your 2008 was as special as mine.

Lions and Tigers Oh My

I am not ashamed to admit this is a great POP album. Every song is a hit and it no surprise that it is the number one album in the world. GO BRITNEY! 

Download Circus by Britney Spears 

and... while you're at it- pick up a pair of my special edition Dr. Dre headphones at Ron Heman.

Check it: WHITE LIMITED EDITION DRE BEATS FOR RON HERMAN - $700.00 

On and On

Song of the Day: 

L'Homme by Boy Crisis 

It's like running a marathon on meth or some type of amphetamine to speed you up. The days become shorter, the nights become colder and before you know it, your sitting alone on New Years Eve with one of those noise party sticks in your mouth and a glass of champaign watching the ball drop from NYC. 

Staring over the balcony on the thirty-fifth floor and measuring the velocity and wind speed of how fast it would take to get to the bottom if we jumped. If Bruce Wayne could do it, couldn't anyone? And that's what leads to these words: the struggling economy and nonstop layoffs around the world. I am not a conspiracy theorist however the media is constantly feeding off of this negativity which inevitably will drive people into a lower and more unstable state pun intended; Las Vegas, Nevada. 

This weekend we DJed in Vegas at the Beatles Revolution Lounge. Below is our track list: 

The beats went on and on. . . 

ROCK AND ROLL- THANK YOU BEATLES REVOLUTION LOUNGE AND MOJO REPUBLIK FOR PICS: 

LIVE IN VEGAS!

This Sunday night we will be DJing @ The Beatles Revolution Lounge in Vegas alongside White Arrows. 

Check it: 

6 of 10 Holiday GIFT IDEAS

With the holidays just around the corner, it's that time again to spend money you don't have on gifts people don't need. I decided to pass on gift ideas that include iTunes gift cards and pajamas from Costco and to list items that are a little more "practical" to the everyday life. 

1) Lear Jet 

2) Amex Black Card

3) Maybach Coupe 2012

 

4) Ducati 848

 

5) Edvard Munch's "The Scream" 

6) Space on a billboard 

...more to come 

Cursive Scripture

Where did The Script come from? A fusion of Adam Levine's voice, One Republics melodies and Timberlands live beats, which all happen to be under the Universal Music umbrella, unite seamlessly to bring an emerging Irish rock band named The Script on Sony Music.

The songs: cliche and predicable words that rhyme to formulate the lyrics but nonetheless fresh, romantic and progressive. 

Download: The Script 

Favorite Song: Before The Worst 

Narcissistic Democracy

I was sent GNR's new record Chinese Democracy and was skeptical at first to listen. While watching Almost Famous on mute and blasting Chinese Democracy on my Beats headphones, I must say this record is absolutely amazing! It's definitely where Appetite For Destruction left off except without Slash and the rest of them. While Axel is quite the narcissist, millions of dollars in recording and close to seventeen years in the making, I must give him credit for delivering a lyrically and melodically driven album. FUCKING AWESOME! 

Download: Chinese Democracy by Guns and Roses 

 

Also download: The Killers "Days and Age" and Kanye West's "808's and Heartbreak."

Paint

Where did we go wrong? Was it the cashmere fingerless gloves from Chrome Hearts that Tripp was wearing last night to Dior Homme when we purchased a pair of super skinny grey jeans? Or was it his detailed description of what he did hours before? While we did win the UCLA film festival in 2007 for our "Public Service Announcement" there will be a sequel to that soon.  

Alex Smith coming soon. 

Alex Smith

The pavement on the ground was sticky,  as if I stepped on gum or some goo like substance. I was running as fast I could, past every memory, past every stoplight, every inch of every mile. The strumming like Nirvana, a drone of sorrow searching for fresh air, trying to escape but couldn't. 

I lived in Budapest for three years, climbing the mountains and working on a local farm. The evenings were cold and everything around me was beautiful. For months I lived outside with the sheep and drank Bourbon to calm my nerves; I looked pale and thin. 

I grew up in New York City and have lost touch with all my childhood friends. I roam the streets in Budapest on search for a new beginning, new hope -  a new world. My hair is extremely long and I smell musky. The locals call me River and my grandfather has passed away. 

All I brought with me was a small suite case that included my journal, several pairs of underwear and a long pea coat. 

I returned to New York last week and has the city changed. Overly populated, smog, sale signs in all of the windows and no integrity of truth. My stomach has been upset as I am readjusting to American food. What I have learned abroad is independence, self respect and the notion that I can in fact be happy alone. 

-Alex Smith - Journal entry 203

Disappear Here

It's strange because these books were published years ago and I have now just discovered them. I tell myself you don't always have to be the first one in line. Flashback to Brentwood, July 2008 where I run into my the family chef at Vincente Foods. It was a hot summer day and my Prada loafers clicked and clacked to the movement of my feet. It was my fathers birthday and I wanted everything to be perfect. 

This past month has been more of an accomplishment if anything. I built the first ever Interscope Record shop in Ron Herman and soon to be in production with my t-shirt line. Never give up and continue to follow your dreams. Unfortunately, I guess not everyone is able to do that but nonetheless try. 

The fires seem to be burning out and in no time will Christmas come. Another hot Christmas of exchanging expensive gifts with one another. I told my mother to buy me space on a billboard. I mean, in all honesty, that would be the gift that kept giving.

The holidays can be so depressing and then New Years, then Valentines Day, then my birthday; that repetitive cycle that's so predictable. I just started reading "Glamorama" by Ellis - on chapter 1. Less Then Zero opened my eyes to a new world. "If you care about nothing, then you will never have anything in life to worry about." 

I have been listening to a lot of POP music. Kid Cudi is a favorite at the moment. This indie sameness over and over and over. I am not going on a  diatribe but I would love see a shift, new music - to beat my head to and inspire within. 

Tripp and I had dinner at Cafe Roma in Beverly Hills. The food was awful but seeing him was quite the opposite. I was telling Dayna that there is something so intriguing about him; borderline infatuation. This false sense of reality fused with the power to have everything material he will ever want. I guess everyone knows someone like that in their life.  Well at least in Los Angeles. But is he happy? 

Uh, Quantum Of Her

It all comes tumbling down after the breakup. That feeling of loneliness and void. There is such a fantasy of having to be in a relationship constantly well, listen to Un Huh Her.  I mean, really turn up the volume! The entire record is fantastic. A female version She Wants Revenge.

This weekend consisted of looking in the mirror and studding the vainness of oneself. Visiting LAX Shooting Rage was an option but instead we drank ourself into sorrow and put lemon juice on small freckles that infest our face. The new moccasins from a small shop in the Pacific Palisades match perfectly with the 1986 Omega watch from Gary's in Beverly Hills. It lays on my right wrist waiting for the next wind-up. Mastros sounds like a good dinner choice and visiting LACMA next week for the new Medieval exhibit is necessary. If I have another glass of red wine mixed with the Vicodin I took earlier to relax my nerves, I will probably foam at the mouth. 

Wait, I think I just woke up... I told her to remove the gun placed at my head and if she did in fact shoot, blood would come pouring out of my cheek and infest the Shabby Chic one- thousand-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets I recently purchased in Malibu.

Oh well, I am basically dead already; shoot! 

Buy tickets now for Quantum of Solace: 

ONE, TWO, THREE . . . 

Heartless

"Whatever You Like" may very well be the song of the year. Let's see, The Killers drop a new album on the 24th. I have mixed feelings...  

Well... Kanye! 

//yeah.kanye for sure//

No Color, No Sound, No Light

I keep looking around hoping that the moon will align with the sun and create that solar eclipse of love, joy, happiness, fantasy and everything else that just sounds necessary. What exactly in life is necessary. Last night we connected with an old friend and discussed the sensibilities of knowing who you are rather then  just being a byproduct of civilization. I always question the ones that come to Los Angeles to achieve a dream that is in fact non existent. How many people I have met that didn't finish college and are rather, just breathing air with zero goals, zero direction, working three jobs to get by and taking life for granted instead of living life for a purpose. While what I have to say may be subjective, I just think too many people don't get it. "It" meaning whatever there is to "get."

I stare out the second story window wondering the speed of the cars passing by. Every person has a story, has validity, has a dream that one day many come true. But the true question is, how long will you give yourself to make that dream come true? Old friends, old relationships and old stories that we regret not giving enough time to or chance; but you only live once and any second could be your last. 

Listen to:

The Things You Said by Depeche Mode

11/1/08 VEGAS

The journey began via CL500. My complexion matched the beige interior. I set my car on cruise control and headed east on the 15. 4 hours later, we arrived in Las Vegas, checked into our hotel and immediately ordered a cocktail from room service. That evening included the Fabulous Las Vegas Festival featuring Armin van Burren, HEARTSREVOLUTION, Crystal Castles and many more. Pink Taco is what we ate for dinner and I must say, the menu does differ from the Los Angeles location. 

Many attendees on MDMA, furry post teens dressed in halloween costumes and drinks which consensus agree were way over priced. Although we had our media passes which gained access everywhere, there wasn't a backstage area and the rain enabled us to partake in the outdoor stage where MSTRKRAFT preformed. 

I have always been fascinated by "rave" culture. The lights and pounding bass that nevertheless sinks into your heart. Millions of emotions that run through your body at one time and then suddenly that instant transition into another song. The beads that are fastened on many wrists and exchanged mutually from new friend to new friend. This is a culture that withstands its own "people", its own "following" and I must say, will never die. 

Later that evening we sake bombed at the Imperial Palace, I will spare the details. Natalie is "we" in this post. She joined me on this excursion. We met years ago while working at The Firm. 

Vegas was quite sparse. Down 20 percent YTD. What money to gamble with and what is there to buy? The hotels are starving for guests and the clubs and restaurants that were by reservation no longer require a call ahead. But all in all, Vegas was fabulous, pun intended. I was interviewed by Mojo Republik and met some great people. 

Listen to: Bad Boy Bill

Fabulous Festival photos: More Photos Click Here

Reviews are not that good but we love Criss Angel. 

VOTE

MAKE HISTORY!!!!

H&M For Comme de Garcon

Available: November 13, 2008 WORLDWIDE 

Wear: Comme de Garcon for H&M

VOTE: VMAN(DOT)COM

LIGHT: Kartell 

BITCH, I'M IN LA

WOAH! Check out LMAFO! 

THE LOVE LOCKDOWN REMIX IS A MUST DOWNLOAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EXPECT GREAT THINGS

SCREAMING

I always loved how music made me feel and every time I try to embark on the new me, I always result back to where it all began. Growing up in the early 90's when the evolution of ska and grundge were at its peak and Kurt Kobain pondered between the neadle or the pipe, I was growing up and finding that idenity that makes me who I am. I am the one that finds the inner beauty in entertainment, commernce and art alike.

For the longest time we were wondering who Tokio Hotel was. I think for a second, we thought it was a new hotel in Tokyo but then we found out via the MTV video music awards several months ago that they are in fact a new emerging artist from Germany on Interscope Records. Androgynous lead singer Bill Kauiltz and bass player Tom Kaulitz who has perfect dreads have produced an amazing record. We love it!

Listen to: Tokio Hotel

Watch: FUSE TV

They still play music videos

Surface 2 Everywhere

Wednesday night we ran into our friend Michael at Bardot who always is dressed to the nines. His shoes were by French company Surface 2 Air who Lainie told me about weeks ago. The fusion of fashion, music, art all uniting as one is exactly what this company portrays. The young elite filled the room while we waited patiently to watch Soko. Smoke filled the air, cigarette after cigarette and my glass of Cabernet was actually good. Mickey DJ'ed the night and when the clock stuck midnight, we got in Lainie's BMW and drove home. While this post is probably starting to sound like the words of Ellis' "Less The Zero", that is probably because we started our morning by reading the first 40 pages. Ironically, I visioned my self and my friends as the characters within. It definitely brought flashbacks circa 2005. But then again, "That was back in the day."

Listen to: Soko

Shop: Surface 2 Air

Visit: Bardot

Art deco, models, chandeliers and an open air courtyard.

YELLE OUT LOUD

Download, Listen, Dance:

Yelle: "Ce Jue" (Tepr Remix) 

Drive This: 

Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe

WE//AR KSBUI JEANS

What If Brian Turned The Sky Red?

What if the sky was red, the grass was blue and the ocean was orange. We often like to fantasize about various possibilities and believe in the thought process that anything is possible. This past weekend, we visited Brian Lichtenberg's fashion show at Box Eight. Known for designing clothes for artists as Santogold, MIA, Sam Sparro et al, his show radiated with space-like art formations and creations that are ready for the stage. That or the trendsetting bunch. 

Wear: Brian Lichtenberg 

Next weekend we are off to the Fabulous Festival in Las Vegas. Creators known as Art of Dance are bring a "Love" like festival to Vegas which will seamlessly unite Music + Nightlife. 

While in Vegas, I will be interviewed for Mojo Republik who we are exited to collaborate with. Stayed tuned from more details...

Visit: Fabulous Festival 

And for the ears, listen to Armin van Burren 

Download: "Intimacy"

Unholy Symmetry

Keane's new record is fantastic. Actually we're downloading and listening to it now. Very happy the lead singer successfully completed rehab and is back to recording great tunes. It's very Bowie/ Sting inspired. A completely fresh sound that is new with a late 70's edge. 

Download: Perfect Symmetry by Keane 

Unholy Matrimony is a Los Angeles based clothing line designed by Brett Westfall. We're a fan! I can't seem to find his 2008/09 collection however for the meantime, enjoy the 07 throwback. The shirts are pretty neat.

And a campus to roam the halls while listening to Keane and wearing your new shirt would be:

The only choice to get our Masters at, NYU: 

The Many Colors Of Scrubs

This past week has been a utter cluster of hospital visits, headaches and Dr. Dre. My mother was ill for seven days, scaring my sister and I to death. The highlight of our visits to the hospital though was, the Dolce and Gabbana Newsboy Cap that flattered all the nurses that passed me by. Spending several days in Beverly Hills, resulted in running into many friends at Urth Cafe and reminiscing with Mickey in front of Bank of America. Riley my dog joined in many of our adventures including Barneys where we got to play with the Virtue phone. Call me shallow..., people actually spend 7G's on a piece of metal.  To say the least, it was all very exhausting but we closed our deal with Dre and the Beats will thump starting November 1. 

My compilation, Ron Herman After Dark is in production and we can't wait to introduce it to the world January 6, 2009. It was previewed today at the Melrose shop and people seemed to like! 

My head is in so much pain from the overly dried cupcake I ate from Joan's on 3rd. LA in NY is not the same and NY in NY; it's all in the water. 

Listen to "Human" by The Killers. It will fit nicely on any mix you make for yourself. 

and for those of you who need something a bit more obscure: 

"Hannah" by Juvelen

Thanks Kev-