IN CONVERSATION | NEW LOS ANGELES/GANGS

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

IN CONVERSATION – TWILITE TONE (THE RED BULL SESSIONS)

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!

IN CONVERSATION – LA MECANICA POPULAR (THE REDBULL SESSIONS)

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!

IN CONVERSATION – JEAN GRAE (THE REDBULL SESSIONS)

On today’s podcast we get to sit and talk it up w/ Jean Grae. I was a little nervous about this one since I know how brilliant Jean’s mind works but we ended up having an amazing conversation about being heady and the sense of perception that folks have of her. The NYC emcee is easily in my top 5 and continues to find new forms of expressing herself including a webisode series and working with comedians John Hodgman and Wyatt Cenac. Hope you dig! And follow Jean for updates!

Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez + Jon Oliver

Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!

IN CONVERSATION – EMILY KING (THE REDBULL SESSIONS)

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Emily King swung through the RedBull Studios in NYC to talk about her journey of ups and downs plus a special treat to meet her mother who served as a wonderful backbone to the artist! Emily opens up about label deals that attempted to change who she was as a person and her reaction. This was a great conversation that left me pretty inspired about this music industry thanks to Emily’s hope and talent. Plus Mama King jumps in with ultimate wisdom! Hope you dig!

Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez + Jon Oliver

Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!

IN CONVERSATION – SOPHIA CHANG (THE REDBULL SESSIONS)

I first got hip to Sophia Chang via her amazing site. Having played with photoshop I often wondered how she was able to do these amazing illustrations of rappers and NY figures. I then got hip to her work with Staple Design and had been bugging her for a while about being on my podcast. Since then she has been curating projects, featured on Hypebeast and has a project in the works with Puma! This was a great conversation that included what it’s like to design for the NBA and still have your parents ask “When are you going to get a real job?”. Hope you dig this chat!

Engineered by Ryan Woodhall
Production Assistance by Jon Oliver.
Host: Anthony Valadez

Big thanks to RedBull Studios in NYC!

Check out her work here.

IN CONVERSATION – TANYA MORGAN (THE REDBULL SESSIONS)

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!

IN CONVERSATION – DSJR

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!