Real time Adventures // VALA FM
I had a fun 30 minute conversation with these two regarding utilizing your tools during a live performance and the pacing of your create ideas. It was truly a lot of fun nerding out with Alanna and Maylee. Our ability to hop around a million ideas and subjects in a matter of minutes was everything I hoped it to be! Hope you enjoy.
https://soundcloud.com/theanthonyvaladez/in-conversation-w-maylee-todd-alanna-stuart-bonjay
https://soundcloud.com/theanthonyvaladez/say-no-more-fam-episode-1-diy-for-the-creative
Here we go! Episode 1 of the nonstop ramble of the DIY King Supreme. For years Ive done thing wrong, but strong. Ive developed habits that pay off but what I have learned is that it’s caught the eye of the right people. So here we go. The importance of DIY for the creative!
Here we go! Back in the game.. No guests, just one on one convo’s with the voice in my head reflecting on daily challenges as a creative, content creator and music lover. Previous episodes of my podcast can still be found on my soundcloud page. (Thanks Chance!). Life is moving fast and Im learning so much as I proceed. Wether it’s on the tech side of things, traveling or heading out to dj gigs, I see things that I want to share with you. I present to you, Say, No More Fam, The Podcast for the Stuck Creative.
The Prelude:
Episode 1 – DIY FOR THE CREATIVE
https://soundcloud.com/theanthonyvaladez/say-no-more-fam-episode-1-diy-for-the-creative
Episode 2 – THE IDEA
https://soundcloud.com/theanthonyvaladez/say-no-more-fam-ep-3
Episode 3 – BREAKING OUT OF THE SHELL
https://soundcloud.com/theanthonyvaladez/say-no-more-fam-episode-3-breaking-out-of-the-shell
Episode 4 – Patience
https://soundcloud.com/theanthonyvaladez/say-no-more-fam-episode-4-patience
Episode 5 – Charlottesville
https://anthonyvaladez.org/2017/07/18/say-no-more-fam-the-podcast/
Episode 6 – Dont Post, Chill!
https://soundcloud.com/theanthonyvaladez/say-no-more-fam-episode-6-dont-post-chill
Here’s an oldie but goodie with Nick Hakim. It was his first time in LA and I think he was overwhelmed by everything including me. Eventually we got along, rode a roller coaster ride and hung out with my pal Novena. This was right after the release of his two EPs, circa November of 2014.
Thanks to Christine Mai Nguyen for chance to talk about music discovery among other things. Peep her youtube channel tho! Muy fuego!
Im excited to announce that Ill be joining Reggie Watts for a conversation at the LA Central Library on Sunday, February 26 at 2 pm. The event is free and ticket are available here.
In case you missed our Guest Dj Project, well, peep it! Full of laughs + knowledge!
Reggie Watts in Conversation with Anthony Valadez
Join us for a very unique program featuring internationally renowned vocal artist/beatboxer/musician/comedian Reggie Watts in conversation with music journalist/DJ Anthony Valadez.
Reservation Policy for “LA Made” Programs:
As all “LA Made” programs at Central Library are free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program, your free reservation may not guarantee admission. We recommend arriving early. Space permitting, unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Standby Policy:
There is no advance waitlist for full programs. Standby patrons will be admitted subject to availability on a first-come, first-served, basis.
Here it is! Album drops tomorrow (Nov.4th) on Plug Research with vinyl at the end of the month via New Math Records. We also have a forthcoming video set to drop in support of the release. It’s been an awesome learning lesson. I’ll be doing a FaceBook Live tomorrow with a complete Q&A at noon (PST) on release day. So get your questions ready.
Pre order the album here.
Whew.. Out of breath. Off to walk my dog.
Not only did he drop an incredible EP entitled PwEP2, but this man is writing grants that incorporate the parallels between insects and African Amercians, teaching courses in Afrofuturism and experimental music, playing out with various communities across LA at the ACE and NY jazz scenes. And then on top of that you find him playing with Karen, the house band for the Late Late Show on CBS! This turned out to be a great chat. Hope you dig!
MoodSwings airs Tuesday nights at 8pm [PST] on Dash Radio.
This man pretty much served as the soundtrack of my college years in the time of self discovery. So It was an honor to have him on my show and talk about his current state of mind and get a taste of new material set to drop in the first quarter of 2017.
ABJO has long blown my mind with his production work. Well spoken and equally creative, this is a kid I think you will more from in the future. Enjoy!
*NOTE – Pulled from the vaults. Recorded in 2014.
Here’s our conversation with Senay Kenfe (Boiler Room). Hope you dig!
One of my favorite producer’s drops by and talks about his musical journey that led him across the midwest to LA and now settled in London. We also play music that demonstrates his ability to jump from different styles but all come from an authentic place. Get to know Tall Black Guy!
Kenny makes beats that just feel warm and fuzzy. It was awesome to hear his history that spans beyond the current “beat scene” but dating back to the Project Blowed days. Hope you dig!
This week’s guest is on my Dash Radio program is Rob Roy. Easily one of my favorites in general. His latest project is entitled Johnny. We discuss the creative process, inspirations and discuss Werner Herzog, Jodeci and working odd jobs as a source influence.
Mood Swings airs every Tuesday night from 8pm – 9 pm (PST) on Dash Radio.
This week I am joined by Oshun out of Brooklyn NY. They stopped by prior to their RedBull Sound Select show with Raury. We chop it up about social media, being indie and their spirituality. Also in the building is my cohost of the Champion City Podcast, Novena Carmel who knocks out a guest Dj Set. Hope you dig!
Gallant- Weight In Gold (Ekali Remix)
DEFFIE + R.O.M – Entropy
Matthias Zimmermann – Kenny
Luchini (The Stuyvesants Remix) – Luchini (The Stuyvesants Remix)
Kaelin Ellis – Gentleman(Kaelin Ellis Trap Refix)
Jeremih ft. J. Cole – Planes (Intro – Dirty)
Toro Y Moi – Lilly
Mr. Mitch – Oh
NOVENA GUEST DJ SET
OSHUN INTERVIEW
This week I am joined by production duo Snakehips. They just dropped one of my favorite singles of the year with “All My Friends” featuring Tinashe and Chance The Rapper. Also, this week new 20 Syl remix of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Pusha T, Dj Snake w/ Bipolar Sunshine + a mix of Snakehips remixes all packed into this one hour set. Hope you dig!
Mood Swings air’s every Tuesday evening on Dash Radio. 11 pm EST/8 PST.
Here is my episode with Colombia’s Bomba Estero. Last time I saw BOMBA was at the Red Bull jump off to help celebrate their latest release entitled Amanecer. We discuss the creative process as well as what it’s like to get a random call from Will Smith who want’s to hop on the remix after a long hiatus from music.
Mood Swings airs every Tuesday evening at 11 pm[EST]/8pm[PST]. It’s a really dope show on Dash Radio. Tune in tonight as I welcome Snakehips!
Long time Community music curator Eddie Cota is the master mind behind this creative entity that explores LA’s relationship with current affairs, music, artistic movements and how the local scene is influencing the world. Long time buddy Novena Carmel and I host and Episode 1 features an LA newbie who approaches music in a very unique way. You might know his work via Antibalas or his previous releases that explore world sounds with 808’s and bass. Hope you dig our chat w/ Chico Mann.
Subscribe to the podcast on the I Tunes page or peep via Soundcloud!
Chi town drummer and recording artist Makaya McCraven swings through the basement in support for this Sept. 22nd LA debut at the Del Monter Speakeasy. We talk about his latest album entitled In The Moment as well as his creative inspirations in dropping that perfect beat. Hope you enjoy! For more info on his LA debut show, peep the details!
Chris is easily one of my favorite young producers of the past few years who drops great material. Wether it’s covers, collaborations, reworks, they are are always on point. It was great to have Chris in the studio to talk about the creative process and what inspires him. Hope you dig this week’s episode!
This man is brilliant. Having a footing in various musical genres, RocNation’s Sam Dew is a songwriter/songwriter who also executes well when it comes to his own material. I first heard his collaboration with UK dance king Julio Bashmore for a track entitled “Holding On” which is just about on Beats 1 just about 10 times a day. Sam kills it! I got to dig deep and learn more about Sam and his work with TV On The Radio’s Dave Sitek as well as his comfort zones for writing. Hope you dig!
Brooklyn by way of Austin composer/producer swings through and talks about touring with Prince, jazz inspirations and the process behind his current 7′ inch compositions that are a dj’s true secret weapon. His reworkings of Kendrick Lamar’s “Kill My Vibe” and Bruno Mar’s “Uptown Funk” are horns galore with a touch not too many can pull of.
Dean Delray is an actor, comedian, writer and all around music head as Im sure you will find out during this episode. Co-hosting with me is LA dj J Logic who never holds back a thought. We discuss the Amy doc, NWA, Public Enemy and Sexy Back. Hearing Dean just say the title “Sexy Back” is worth the listen. Hope you dig!
Back with Episode #85 of the In Conversation podcast and I am joined by JMSN. JMSN shares his stories of leaving it all behind and heading to Cali then settling off of Skid Row in DTLA. His tales of keeping motivated and following his dreams are a true testament to his hustle. Hope you dig!
This week LA emcee Pigeon John breaks down the history of his interesting journeys from Nebraska to Los Angeles. I’ve been a big PJ fan since back in the 00’s. I first had PJ on my radio show back at KCSN and I realized this brother was super special. We talk about Project Blowed, LA Symphony, production and Michael
Jackson! Hope you dig!
Comedian, actress, producer, writer and hustler Sharon Houston joins me to talk about her journey (in process) which I find to be incredible and inspirational. She produces online content, web series, podcasts and has one of the most unique perspectives. We also talk music, online revenue and her incredible DIY work ethic. Hope you dig this week’s podcast.
Follow her Sharon!
This week’s guest on the podcast is illustrator, designer, street culture curator and all around bun celebrity Sophia Chang. Yes, it’s round two as we check in with Sophia and talk about her adjustment from NY to LA Life as well as her work ethics in balancing all these projects. She’s a bundle of joy and positive energy. Hope you dig!
Stay connected to Sophia Chang’s work!
For the past 20 years, Jeff Staple has followed his gut despite the lack of finances, direction and family support. His name has popped up in so many magazines, blogs, articles and album art pieces that I had to hunt this man down. He’s been on the edge of what’s new and innovative with his creative agency while still maintaining one of my favorite boutiques in the Lower East Side. We talk about his journey as well as this thoughts on the changing landscape of music, life in NYC during the 90’s, why we can never have another Thriller album, the influence of Bobbito + Stretch and so much more. Hope you dig!
Stay connected : stapledesign.com
Toronto’s Maylee Todd returns to the podcast for Episode # 80 co-hosted by Novena Carmel. I should note that prior to hitting record, we stuffed our faces w/ pal Sophia Chang at The Line Hotel inside Pot. (Shout out Roy Choi, Jess + Natasha!). On the podcast we discuss woman’s personal issues, Mushrooms in Joshua Tree, SXSW, the influence of Bjork, porno theaters in the 6 and other madness. Lots of nonsense but full of laughs.
Not too many producers can remain relevant from 89 to present day. This man has certifiably done so by crafting some of the most amazing songs from my childhood and still creating some of the most progressive sounds today. FOLLOW THE NOMAD is his new project with Naz Tokio and friends who create what I consider this full fantasy gypsy sound that is rich and unique sonically.
We take it back and talk about his upbringing in Georgia as a little kid loving the sounds of KISS, Duran Duran, The Time, Prince and more. Definitely listen in as Dallas breaks down some personal stories involving his remix for Bjork and hearing her voice for the first time to studio sessions with Michael Jackson and Biggie! We also get a peak at the new EP as well a live performance with Nick Rosen and Mike Bennett
Make sure to grab his new EP entitled Follow the Nomad and catch him the band rocking The Sayers Club this Wednesday night with the entire band! It’s a unique experience that I enjoy. Hope you dig!
av
Omid is one of my first guest’s that I had on back when I had a radio show over at KCSN in 03. 12 years later we bring it in full circle and he’s still hard at work with his recent release entitled “Modern Persian Speech Sounds” which I play on my KCRW show. But one of the other reasons I wanted to bring in Omid on the podcast was for him to share his knowledge of Los Angeles’s musical landscape dating back to the late 90’s.
He too was a kid who loved taping radio programs including Michael Mixxin Moor, Mike Nardone and Rob One of the Fly ID show. We also speaks fondly of his days venturing to The Good Life and Project Blowed. He also speaks of his role as Music Supervisor on the recent Good Life documentary which was directed by Ava DuVernay. And little did I know she was an emcee at The Good Life!
** Also as a bonus, Omid crafts a special mix for this episode which includes some unreleased material as well as personal favorites. And it’s got some heaters! Im super proud of this episode! Also make sure to stay up to date with his work via his souncloud page. Hope you enjoy this week’s episode!
A second podcast in week but with multiple brilliant minds covering ground on such topics as TIDAL, police brutality, Waco, Tech apps and silent meditation. I could not think of a better panel to discuss all these great topics with a sprinkle of humor that maybe 2% of you might get! But join in! Listen!
Shout outs to Novena Carmel, Zack Sekoff and Def Sound for joining me!
It’s the return of Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter Emily King to the podcast! This time my pal and colleague Aaron Byrd joins me with co-hosting duties as we talk with Emily about her creative influences in piecing together her forthcoming album entitled The Switch which drops June 26th! Emily also blesses the microphone with a live 2 song set including the title track and one of our personal favorites, Distance. Hope you enjoy as much as we enjoyed hearing about Aaron’s owl tales in Peru! Enjoy!
I finally got this brother into the studio! Cazal reached out to me and sent me a batch of remixes and beats that blew my mind. His ability to bridge different genres and sounds together is effortless. Listen in as we discuss his creative journey and process in crafting his sounds. Also big thanks to Cazal for the special mix you can hear at the wrap of our convo.
Joining us is Zack Sekoff on co-hosting duties and has been on this podcast previously. He is currently wrapping up his first year of studies at Yale in addition to having worked with the likes of Def Sound, Thundercat and more. Also make sure to check out his podcast, Mass Minimal!
Kamasi Washington is that dude I’ve seen around in the clubs playing with just about everyone in LA. Often quiet with a laugh here and there but the minute he touches the the sax he commands attention. After making noise on Kendrick Lamar’s latest album “To Pimp A Butterfly” and his forthcoming project “The Epic“, I wanted to talk to him and dig into his brain about this creative process. I also invited over my colleague and all around music nerd Jeremy Sole to co-host this episode.
Gangs somehow popped up on my radar with the lush and dark track “This Time Around“. I did my research and found out these mysterious folks were in LA and on indie label “New Los Angeles“. I began playing a couple tracks off their EP and knew instantly I wanted to talk and get to know what inspires this sound.
We made home at The RedBull Studios in LA for a Sunday evening and chopped it up alongside Luis Blanco who helps run the label alongside the duo. And we get to hear material from Tom Ward (who is on New Los) as well as an exclusive listen to the bands new material!
Big thanks to Eric Stenman for engineering/production assistance, Red Bull Los Angeles for the studio space and Chase McCurdy for photography.
Connect:
newlos.com
@newlos13
@GangsBand
@chasermcurdy
@redbullLAX
@anthonyvaladez
Brooklyn’s very own joins me for a very candid talk regarding where to eat in their local neighborhood, tour life and the joy of sleeping on different beds in different cities. Von Pea and Donwill break it all down as they prep for their current tour which kicked off with a farewell celebration at The Line Hotel during one of my dj nights. This was after we killed the Galbi, Kush Salad, Spicy Pork and fish. S/O to the entire staff at Line, Pot and all the friends that came out and chopped it up with us!
– Tanya Morgan Tour Dates –
3/12 – Tucson AZ @ The Scratch Shack
3/13 – Pheonix AZ @ Diamond Lounge
3/14 – Santa Fe NM @ Underground @ Evangelo’s
3/15 – Las Cruces NM @ Haphazard Hall
3/16 – San Antonio TZ @ Raven Hooka Lounge
3/17 – 3/22 – SXSW
3/23 – Houston TX @ Alley Kat
3/26 – Colorado Springs CO @ Flux Capacitor
3/28 – Idaho Falls ID @ Keefer’s Island
3/29 – Boise ID @ The Crux
3/30 – Portland OR @ The Know
3/31 – Eugene OR @ Granary
4/1 – Sacramento CA @ Blue Lamp
4/2 – San Jose CA @ Back Bar
4/4 – San Francisco CA @ Honey Hive
4/5 – Oakland CA @ Leo’s
There is no real way to describe this man’s music other than to insert the words “genuine, authentic and talent” into the fold. Maybe even genius! I got hip to a Mocky cut and then my pal Nick Rosen connected me with him and the rest is history. While prepping for this podcast I downloaded a bunch of older tracks of his and was just amazed at the various directions this man can go. He has a new “Mocktape” set to drop on the 17th and I encourage you to grab it when it drops. It should be noted, today’s guest co-host is Nick Rosen who is also my bandmate in our side project entitled Los Girls. Mocky brought along the very talented and amazing Joey Dosik for a live performance with all 3 on various instruments. Hope you enjoy! This one was super fun + totally in the moment magical.
Here is my final podcast of 2014 and I figured who better to have in the room then two of the most active and open individuals who have intrigued me on social media. Michael Barnes is host of Melting Pot on KPFK and also a Lecturer at CSU Long Beach. This man knows his music! Novena Carmel is small bundle of positive energy and member of musical group Wallpaper. Together we talk about the events of that shaped and impacted 2014 as well as look head to 2105.
We talk Ferguson, Eric Garner, Iggy Azalea, race, Malaysian Airlines, Robin Williams, mental health, music and even compare President Obama to a dj. We also break down Black Messiah and our favorite records of the year. Hope you enjoy! This one is easily one of my faves!
I met Nick while en route to the Airport after dj’ing at the SLS. We talked about dj’s making thousands per gig and somehow the convo crossed the board as to why he continues to paint and drive a taxi at night. It was very inspirational. I hope you enjoy it as much I did hearing it from such a passionate man! This is my first time ever doing a podcast on the road with a random stranger!
I’m not exactly sure how Nick Hakim appeared on my radar but I remember it was in the form of a video that made me stop everything and listen. The chords, the lyrics, the change and vibes all came from an authentic and pure place. This year folks got to see him drop 2 powerful self released EP’s and also contribute to Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Bubblers series. We talk about his love for Brand Nubian to Cody ChesnuTT. Hope you dig and enjoy previous episodes here!
The Funky President J Rocc swings through for a chat about his journey as a club dj in the OC and into the working man he is today. But then in came Peanut Butter Wolf to start the party and break down the history of the Ultimate Breaks and Beats series and it’s inspiration of sample/rap culture. Tales of digging, comic book store jobs and serving the homies at Mcdonalds are all told. You can also listen to J Rocc’s live KCRW set right here! And grab your tickets to Ultimate Breaks and Beats at The Echoplex to catch these guys in action w/ Biz Markie and Breakbeat Lou on Sunday November 23rd.
ABJO somehow and mysteriously pops up on my radar with amazing remixes and original cuts that end up on my Soundcloud stream. I always wanted to reach out to him and pick this kid’s head in terms of inspiration and especially his ear. We talk about his success in monetizing his work and what it’s like to create something that rests in his mind and making it come to life. You will definitely be hearing more from this kid in the coming months if not years.
Since 2009 this band has had my attention. With the release of their self titled debut, Electric Wire Hustle had held my attention. I still pop in that record which stands against the test of time and hits hard. Fast forward to 2014 where Mara TK and Tay drop Love Can Prevail which instantly sounds nothing like the debut but in a very good way. It’s a new sound and a new direction with that timeless soul that only EWH can execute.
The band dropped by the HQ and dropped knowledge on the creative process as well as paying homage and giving love the source of their sound stateside. We were in absolute post party mode and the vibe was just ride and a full on celebration. Hope you enjoy!
After a little hiatus with travels, life adjustments and raising a dog I finally got back into the podcast realm of things and invited MNDSGN to swing through. His latest release entitled Yawn Zen is out now on Stones Throw and has been getting lots of love on my KCRW show. His ability to create lush sounds and vibes make it that perfect zone out soundtrack during my late night hours. I wanted to get to know his hustle and path towards his current state. We talk about that leap of faith when leaving your 9-5 at Guitar Center, his sibling’s appreciation for TLC, his upcoming gig in LA this Thursday with Teebs as part of the Gaslamp Killer show at The Mayan and his travels to South Africa the following week. Well deserved results after years of bouncing around and getting his footing in place. Hope you enjoy this week’s podcast. You can also check the archives for previous episodes.
Got to link with Seattle’s Odesza who all my friends were raving about with their electronic sounds and dance floor beats. My knowledge was very little regarding this duo however I instantly became a fan upon my research for this podcast! We talk about inspiration, production and touring. Hope you dig! And makes sure to check out their soundcloud page for some goodies!
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
Producer, beatmaker and sonic guru Jeremy Malvin aka Chrome Sparks swings through the RedBull Studios in NYC to talk about his new Ep entitled Goddess out now on Future Classics, a wonderful record label! We talk inspiration and get to know him a little better! Hope you dig!
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
This week’s guest on the podcast is Dj and Grammy Nominated producer Twilite Tone. Man, do yourself a solid and google him! I really wanted to avoid the obvious questions of “What was it like working with Kanye West” and somehow I achieved it but it was definetly on the back of my mind. How did this one man balance producing for heavyweights and yet still maintain a connection to the streets and dj culture? Listening to this chat I found the answer, true passion for music and creativity. Twilite Tone connects the dots on possibly one of the most interesting but productive conversations in all my podcasts. Hope you dig! And go peep his soundcloud! Some great stuff there.
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
This was a great chat that touches on what happens when musicians from around the globe record in NYC and the beautiful outcome that comes with it. It’s the sound clash of tomorrow meets yesterday with with a psychedelic twist! Efrain drops by and breaks down the inspiration behind La Mecanica Popular! And if you are in NYC this weekend they have a big show in Central Park with Louie Vega on the decks this Saturday! Go check em out!
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez and Natalia Linares
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
This week John Robinson steps through the doors and takes us on a journey through NYC hip hop. We talk Scienz Of Life, Bobbito’s assistance early in the game and his ability to move to a new landscape and build with various communities. This was a great chat!
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
ANTHONY VALADEZ 