We're giving you a chance to meet the dynamic duo Yellow Claw at Tramps Like Us in September!
*MUST have a valid ticket to Tramps Like Us 2017
All you have to do is:
*Be sure to include the hashtag #RoadToOMFGNYE in your repost
*Profile must remain public until 12/29 (so we can see your entry/entries!)
We got to catch up with Barrett Richards a.k.a. Kastle before his show in San Diego this Friday. Here what he had to say about influences on his new album, favorite Korean spa in California & favorite producers of the moment:
What was the creative process like for Reflections?
It was just all about letting go and letting my instincts guide me. Through meditation before every studio session, I looked to create a dialogue with my subconscious and to just let that communication become involved in the album writing process.
How does Reflections differ from your past music?
I wouldn’t say it really differs at all in regards to the style. I’ve always been inspired by the same timeless sounds of garage, jungle, footwork, bass music, etc. I’d say what is mostly different is the production values and that the songs are slightly more open to interpretation than some of my past pop-leaning works.
When did you start meditating, and how has meditation influenced your music?
It’s something I’ve been interested in and aware of since high school really. I began studying eastern philosophies and mysticism when I was 16. Taoism was the philosophy that really resonated with me. The inner/mystical depths is no easy area to navigate and at 34 I’m still learning so much more and after all the years more and more dots connect. You just keep peeling back the layers of the veil. You encounter forces within yourself that are not always helpful, but when you overcome them you become more empowered by that energy. I just feel like in the past year I’ve had some significant breakthroughs that have allowed me to be more open about my experience and share it in the form of an album.
What do you enjoy most about running your record label Symbols?
It’s a combination of my love for music, pushing boundaries and helping other artists. It’s great to be a part of something bigger than myself and I hope that we can contribute to culture for the greater good.
Who are your favorite producers at the moment?
I’ve got a pretty diverse rotation on lately with artists like Kid Smpl, Lil Yachty, DVA, Gaika, S4U, Kassel Mosse, my.head, SURVIVE, 2814, Dark0 and Jacques Greene.
Which producers have influenced you the most throughout your career?
Three artists that have had a tremendous impact on me at different stages of my life are Moby, Aphex Twin and Burial.
What have been the most transformational musical experiences of your career?
I’d say launching Symbols in 2012 and putting out my debut album in 2013 were really huge for me. Because I have such an independent drive so it felt incredible taking that step. This new album is another extension of that. Also festival sets at Lightning In A Bottle, Shambhala and Coachella were very transformational for me.
What have been the most transformational cultural experiences from tour?
I’d say just the culmination of touring and the experience of travel. Learning that no matter race, religious affiliation, geographical location, etc, at the end of the day, we are all the same. Seeing that first hand is crucial, and I wish more people in rural America (where I grew up) had the ability to travel more. There are so many people in America who never have real conversations with people different than them and therein lies the disconnect.
Speaking of cultural experiences, I read in another interview that your manager sent you to a Korean spa after you released Reflections. As someone who married into a Korean family, I've become a big fan of Korean spas. Do you have a favorite spa in Koreatown or OC?
"I Spa" in Irvine! It’s dope, I didn’t want to leave.
We'll be partying next Sunday with A-Trak & Kittens at our favorite outdoor venue Quartyard for a little Sunday Funday DAY OFF & giving away FIVE Passes to our 3-Day New Years Eve party at the end of the year!
Top 5 costume winners will be contacted next week⎯good luck!
We had a chance to sit down with Jesse of MSTRKRFT to ask some questions before they make their way to San Diego on their first tour in over five years. Read what he had to say:
Q: Who/what were the biggest influences for OPERATOR?
The gear we decided to use really became a third member of the band on this record. We decided to sorta take a back seat to the machines and not try to force them to do what we wanted, and instead follow their lead. It creates a kind of feedback loop while you work. Sust deciding to do that was the biggest influence on how the record turned out.
Q: What was the creative process like for OPERATOR?
We would turn on all the gear, hit record on the computer and then not look at it until we were leaving. We didn't want to look at a screen or think about making music that way. We just focused on the gear we had in front of us and tried to forget about things like wether or not the music we were making had a purpose beyond just making us happy.
Q: How do you feel about OPERATOR now that it's finished and released?
We are very happy with it. It's always good to see your work get released like this. We started work on the next album as soon as this record was mixed, and having this out feels like a door has opened for us to push things much further.
Q: How do your current live shows differ from the live shows you played after releasing 'The Looks' and 'Fist of God'?
The biggest difference is that we are mostly performing live now, although we still DJ when it makes more sense for the club etc. In terms of what we are playing when we DJ, I think the feel on operator is expressed there as well.
Q: How has your modular equipment influenced your recorded music and your live shows?
The key for us was not using equipment on the record that we couldn't also travel with and use live. The modular setups are always evolving to some extent, and have changed many times this year already. Working this way really makes every show very different, and allows us to really feed off of the room more than ever before.
Q: What are your thoughts on the current state of dance music?
I feel like this is a somewhat impossible question to answer. It's like asking someone about a city they visited, in that the things they experienced shaped their opinion. I think dance music is in an incredible place right now, with more creativity and resolve than ever before, but then thats just based on the things I pay attention to and listen to. I'm sure theres a sea of garbage out there, but if I don't pay attention, for me it doesn't exist. hope that makes sense.
Q: How has dance music changed since you first released 'The Looks'?
It seems like its gone through a cycle and into a place we had hoped and imagined it would.
Q: Who are your favorite DJs/producers?
Gary Beck, Robert Hood, Phantoms Revenge, Truncate, Surgeon, Len Faki… hard to choose!
Q: Who are your favorite bands?
Right now? Cult Leader, Naomi Punk… again, very very hard to choose!
Q: What can MSTRKRFT fans expect from you guys over the next few years?
We will keep making music that makes us happy.
Entries must be made by 6PM PST on Wednesday, June 29th or forgetterboutit!
All you have to do is purchase a ticket to Sinden's show at Bang Bang to be entered to win a PAIR of tickets to the next Night Bass takeover in San Diego!
*All fans who already purchased tickets are automatically entered
* NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THIS CONTEST. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINING. CONTEST IS ONLY OFFERED IN THE UNITED STATES. The Night Bass Contest (“Contest”) begins at 8:00:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 and ends at 8:59:59 p.m. PT on Friday, April 8, 2016 (the “Promotion Period”).* ALTERNATIVE ENTRY METHODS: You are also eligible to enter the Contest absent compliance with the above stipulations. To submit an entry by mail, legibly print on a 3” x 5” card: ‘led gold pass’; your full name; address; e-mail address; and daytime telephone number.
* WINNER SELECTION: Selection of winners will be conducted by random drawing from all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period and by the conclusion of the Promotion Period. Selections will take place throughout the promotion period.
* WINNERS LIST: A Winners List will be available to all participants by Tuesday, September 3, 2013. To receive a list of winners, please send a self addressed stamped envelope to: LED Presents, 939 West Kalmia St, San Diego, CA 92101
* AGE OF ENTRY: Must be 21+ to win.
* GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS: By entering the Contest and/or accepting any prize, entrants agree that: they will waive any rights to claim ambiguity with these Rules. All entrants acknowledge that if they are chosen as the winner, certain of their personally identifying information may be disclosed to third parties at least as required by law including, without limitation, winner’s name on a “Winner’s List.” Winner may also be required to provide a copy of his/her valid state issued driver’s license, other government-issued photo identification card or U.S. Passport. The winner’s name will be kept on file for two (2) years after the end of the Contest. Decisions made by LED Presents in relation to this Contest are final and binding in all matters, including, without limitation, interpretation of these Rules and the awarding of the Contests prizes, and cannot be appealed. By entering, entrants agree to release LED Presents from any and all liability claims or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, death, damages or losses to persons and property which may be sustained in connection with the receipt, ownership, use or misuse of the prizes, or while preparing for, participating in, utilizing and/or traveling to any prize-related activity, including any indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages. LED Presents expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for injury, death or loss to any person or property relating to the delivery and/or subsequent use, malfunction, availability, and delay in delivery of the prize awarded. LED Presents shall not be liable to winner or any other person for failure to supply the prizes or any part thereof, by reason of any acts of God, any action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action(s), regulations(s), order(s) or request(s) prove(s) to be invalid), equipment failure, terrorist acts, earthquake, war, fire, flood, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal), labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any other cause beyond LED Presents’ sole control. LED Presents shall not be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitutions or any act or omissions whatsoever by the air carrier(s), hotel(s), or other transportation companies or any other persons providing any of these services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof such as changes in services or accommodations necessitated by the same. LED Presents does not make any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the use of any prize including, without limitation, quality, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any additional expenses, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government or authority. LED Presents reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify entrants who attempt to tamper with this Contest in any way. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Additional restrictions may apply. The Internal Revenue Service requires Form 1099-MISC to be issued and filed for each recipient who received a prize/award if the annual aggregate is at least $600 or more. The Form 1099-MISC may be furnished to the recipient directly from LED Presents. The recipient is responsible for any income tax liability and should consult his/her tax advisor for the proper tax treatment of this income on his/her tax return. Any attempt to deliberately damage the Contest or operation of the Contest is unlawful and subject to legal action by LED Presents who may seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.
* PRIVACY POLICY/DATA COLLECTION: Entrant consents that LED Presents may use entrant’s information for purposes of administration of this Contest and for prize fulfillment.
* QUESTIONS: Any questions regarding the Contest should be directed to PR@myLifeEveryDay.com
Like & Repost the announcement
Tag your #LEDRaveFamily +#myLEDUSA
Comment with your favorite DJ(s)
Winners will be announced on the LED Instagram!
1. Post a photo/video on Instagram or Twitter of you & your squad
2. Hashtag #NinjaTurtleSquad
3. Comment what the name of YOUR Ninja Turtle Squad would be
A few lucky winners will be announced by Saturday (9/12). Good luck!
*Profile must remain public until Sunday
We’re giving away a free pair of tickets + a signed prize package from Zedd himself at his San Diego show this coming Tuesday!
Winner will receive:
Winners will be announced by Monday on our Instagram.
*Profile must remain public until Tuesday
Good luck!
We're excited to welcome Aryay to San Diego for the first time this Saturday for his show at Bang Bang & would like to give our fans a chance to meet the man himself & enjoy a flaming Bang Bang punch bowl before his set!
Enter to win by:
We're giving away a free pair of tickets + a meet & greet with the man himself at his San Diego show this Thursday to our lucky fans!
Every entry counts!
* Profile must remain public until the contest ends *
Every entry counts!
* Profile must remain public until the contest ends *
Enter to win through the @LEDpresents Instagram.
We're excited to have Anna Lunoe back at our beloved Bang Bang next Friday & have a dope prize pack for one of our lucky fans!
Winner will receive:
Congrats to Travis Quick for winning!
Congrats to Stephanie Rodriguez & McHale Cartaciano for winning!
2 lucky winners will receive:
• Two free tickets to Day 2 of OMFG! NYE San Diego
• Meet & greet for you & a friend with Tiësto at the show
• One pair of Tiësto’s Audiofly Clublife In-Ear Headphones
