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
Looking forward to joining the KCRW crew this year for SXSW and seeing new and emerging talent. My goal is to check out some of these folks listed below. Also make sure to check out the Tune In jump off on 6th Street! (Flyer below).
Here’s our conversation with Senay Kenfe (Boiler Room). Hope you dig!
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!
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!
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
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!
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
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!
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!
Fresh off the heels of his brand new release entitled Early Riser, Taylor Mcferrin breaks down his creative process and discusses his life and influences in music. He also breaks down what it’s like to team up with LA’s Brainfeeder label during recording and touring across the world. We also touch on the impact and loss of Austin Peralta. Make sure to pick up his new album! It’s on rotation Monday nights on KCRW and also I had to mention it on my latest session on WBUR’s Here And Now. Go grab that album! Hope you dig the chat!
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
NYC producer and selector Dj Center breaks down his recording process as well as his upbringing. We explore all kinds of topics and build off his new single “Dem Say Ah” which is a Monday night favorite on my weekly KCRW show. Make sure to check out his Soundcloud page for info on release and his mixes! Hope you dig this chat!
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
When I was an intern then later a temp at Interscope, Kelly Clancy use to have my grab files and print them for approval. The emails were from Slang Inc and I use to love the fonts, design and spacing of the lettering on all the project. Years later I find myself in NYC sitting across from the brainchild of it all at the RedBull Studios.
Slang Inc is responsible for the visual aesthetics that I love in music. And it’s still around in shops, boutiques and packaging. During our conversation (thanks to Jon Oliver) we find out that Julian (Slang Inc) actually won a Grammy for Best Packaging on a Miles Davis Box set!! We talk about the creative process of putting together a visual in some shape or form that coincides with the project at hand. I learned a lot on this one. Hope you enjoy!
More info : slanginc.com
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez + Jon Oliver
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
What happens when Cincinnati and Brooklyn team up? You get something pure and organic. We saw it with Reflection Eternal and then we saw it repeat with Tanya Morgan. Founded in 2003 via the message boards of Okayplayer, the squad continues to push something different in today’s musical landscape. I had the pleasure of watching them last year at CMJ rock Free Candy in Brooklyn and that performance reminded me of how much I love this group. This turned out to be a great chat with the two who both open up about the challenges of doing what they do.
Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez
Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!
I kept it on the downlow out of fear this would not happen. 16 creatives, 1 day and a couple of microphones inside the Red Bull Studios in NYC! Artists from the musical landscape and also from the visual were selected to discuss their various creative paths. And to see some of these artists engage with one another in the lobby was also awesome. I had to break out the GOPRO and camera and document a lot of this magic in one day.
This Monday I will be releasing these sessions on the blog! Possibly one every week or even 3! Trust me when I say there are some amazing and personal stories that left me inspired after we stopped recording. Stay posted and stay close! And in the mean time take a listen to previous episodes of my podcast! Big thanks to Ryan Woodhall for the engineering, Jon Oliver for production assistance and Shelley, Hannah and Marcel for helping this come into fruition!
Big love to the folks at RedBull Studios in New York for making this happen! DSJR aka David Stewart Jr. Trio were brought to my attention under a mentorship program facilitated by RB. What most moved me about this band was their sincere passion at such a young age and appreciation for the Rock music. We talk a little about their journey and sacrifices made along the way while en route to their dream. And did I mention they sound awesome? DSJR knock out a couple live tracks including a fun Stevie cover! Hope you dig!
Connan popped up on my radar a few months back with the release of Caramel, a sonic journey through sexy cool mixed with lush vox and guitar chords. Connan guides the narrative with various vocal pitches that are perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. He breaks down the process of recording this record while in Tokyo holed up in his hotel room. Hope you dig! And check out previous episodes here!
Kawai is not just a person with a camera in hand, but a hustler who understands the importance of connecting the dots. I have known her for some time and her portfolio speaks for itself. But what most draws me to her work ethos is the drive, the passion and the ability to just enjoy the now. As we hit record and began the podcast I knew this was going to be a great episode as she broke down her journey with a plan a in mind and somewhere along the line she developed an understanding of plan b and blended the two worlds. I hope you dig this week’s chat!
Kawai Matthews work
Kawai on Twitter
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Click here to listen to previous episodes of my podcasts.
World traveler, dj, record collector and nerd/techie LeFTO swings by the basement for a chat about his insight on music, sharing sounds and his personal journey as a record collector. His perspective on life and music is always interesting and I have always wanted to sit LeFTO down and pick his brain about a few topics. Hope you dig!
You can listen to more episodes of my podcast here : bit.ly/1en6MbO
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More on LeFTO :
As one the most important tastemakers Europe has to offer, and affiliated with labels Brownswood, Blue Note, !K7 Records, Stones Throw and Jazzy Sport, this bearded early riser is consistently a couple steps ahead of your average early adopter. He doesn’t wait for the next thing to land on his lap, actively seeking it out – just take a peek at his playlists on Belgium’s foremost national radio station Studio Brussel which received compliments from Rough Trade Shops and Gilles Peterson.
However, don’t assume that he’s only working futuristic angles – no sir. Firmly rooted in jazz and hip hop, he sharpened his digging sensibility working at the now legendary Music Mania record store in hometown Brussels. His passion for jazz resulted in a remix album for Blue Note which was well received by the community. Lefto is forever moving forward but always has an ear in the past. Famed for his gloriously eclectic DJ sets, he switches effortlessly between hip hop, funk, breaks, neck-snapping beats, future bass, South-American influences, bruk riddims and some wild African rhythms. He’s not only a deejay and producer but also curates his own stage at the Dour Festival and his own nights in Gent in collaboration with Democrazy.
World renowned, LeFtO regularly blesses sound systems from Tokyo to Seoul and Singapore to New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. He has been a resident deejay for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festivals since 2008 around the world. Camera under the arm, he is also one of the few deejays on this planet who can deejay somewhere and have a nice movie on the internet a couple hours later, with over 250 videos on YouTube and Vimeo, it’s very impressive. The travels resulted in the Worldwide Family Vol. 1 compilation on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings with partner in crime DJ Simbad in 2011. In 2012, he has put out two compilations, one for American brand 101Apparel and the other one for Universal Music.
If you have been listening to my radio show for the past 5 years then odds are you might have heard a Maylee Todd record. I became intrigued after watching her amazing youtube videos that consist of sheer talent and humor. She is this week’s guest on the ANTVALA podcast and after our little chat it all began to make sense where all these elements came from. She shares some pretty interesting knowledge about what it’s like to be the daughter of an Elvis impersonator and much more!
I first got hipped to Melodee via her work on Recordbreakin and formerly of La Melodia. She became my window into the musical scene in Amsterdam. I got to visit her and friends and it really opened my musical senses being far away from home. Years have passed and she has since teamed up with the production duo Cookin Soul. Cooking Soul has worked with the likes of C.L Smooth, The Game, Nispey Hustle, Currensy, Mac Miller, Dom Kennedy and many many others. What intrigued me is how these two entities team up and utilize the internet to complete some great bodies of work. This was a great chat! Hope you dig!
You can hear previous podcasts here that include Flying Lotus, Mark de Clive Lowe, Hiatus Kaiyote, Tiny Hearts w/ Waajeed, Thurz, Miles Bonny and many others.
I have been a fan of Mark’s work since his Tide’s Arising release. I remember being on tour with RES, making a stop in the Bay Area and someone from the the label passing it my way and loving this dance record. Mark has developed his sound into different musical communities and continues to push musical boundaries. I’ve always had questions for him and wanted to know what’s in his head when he creates both live and in the studio. I got to sit with him and discuss his journey as well as get some of those answers. We also talk about his Kickstarter campaign to fund and finance his new 11th studio record. I love what he is doing with this campaign and his amazing videos to ask for support. Also, who knew little Mark was a big Guy/Teddy Riley fan?! Enjoy!
We had a Breaking Bad Finale Party with friends and we had to do a wrap up! Novena Carmel, Shawniece Swain, Nick Rosen, Kim and I all watched not sure what to expect for the finale! What did you think? And a big thanks to ShawnIece for the amazing Heisentreats! More info on her treats can be found on her twitter at @Luvmuffintreats.
Last night before hitting the stage with Miles Bonny I found myself at a White Castle having an interesting conversation with the brother in regards to being an artist and how to develop his brand. The convo was so interesting I had to pull out my soundcloud app and hit record. His story is very interesting and had to be shared. He is one of the most talented performers I know and who is open with his frustration and struggles. Take a listen and let me know what you think. Follow him on twitter at @MilesBonny!
16 year old Zack Sekoff caught my attention with his beats and production work. I would later learn that this same kid plays bass, raps and had some production credit on Thundercat’s latest Brainfeeder release. Now 18, Zack opens up about his inspirations, doing musical theatre. what it was like to play Low End Theory and the night he learned of Austin Peralta’s passing. This is not your typical 18 year old. Zack’s perspective on life, creating and learning about self is inspiring. I hope you dig our chat! And make sure to stop by his soundcloud page.
Rant #3 was suppose to be the end of the Trayvon topic but in response to the shutting down of the 10 Freeway by protesters and the Occupy Wall Street folks marching along a 4th of July day time party in the park I wanted to drop my 2 cents on.. Well.. Just hit play!
I have always wrestled with ways of sharing views on current and community affairs. Especially since I am trying to refrain from the “political” guy with views” and the older I get the more simplistic I get in my own speculation. I thought about writing blog posts but I thought I’d take it one step further thanks to my Soundcloud app on my I Phone. From here on out I will voice my thoughts on things that are happening in the news and might even record some discussions on topics that affect our community. The camera will still be in hand but capturing ideas, arguments and the voice is my time capsule of a moment in time. Join in on the conversation and add me on twitter. I would love to make this as interactive as possible as well as hear your thoughts and responses. I also want to stress that these opinions reflect my views and only my views. But most importantly I want to experiment with the means of creating dialogue. Hope you dig!
Rant # 1 The Media, speculation, opinions and Trayvon Martin
I had the chance to catch up with Ninja Tune recording artist Bonobo and talk about the new forthcoming album “The North Borders” which is set to drop April 2nd of this year. We discuss his first concert and his love for sampling. Catch more cuts from the record tonight for our late night session on the far left of the fm dial or worldwide at kcrw.com.
ANTHONY VALADEZ 