Category: Music

Learn to Forget Clothing Brand Is Embracing the Socal Counter Culture

Image credit: Pexels

Fullerton-based clothing brand Learn to Forget stands as a vibrant representation of rebellion and artistic expression in Southern California’s counterculture. Founded by Reilly Herrera and Mike Cambra, the brand intertwines the spirit of skating, graffiti art, and punk rock prevalent in Orange County and Los Angeles.

Reilly Herrera’s journey into the world of counterculture began early in life, marked by his innate talent for drawing and a penchant for going against the grain. Growing up in Fullerton, Herrera’s interests in graffiti, skating, and punk rock music converged, shaping his unique perspective on art and expression. His college years further fueled his creative journey, delving into oil painting and graphic design, providing him with the tools needed to navigate the mainstream art world.

As the bassist for Night Versus, Herrera’s artistic endeavors extended to designing band merchandise. However, his one-of-a-kind style found a separate outlet when he started printing shirts independently. The venture led to the inception of Learn to Forget in 2013, a collaboration with longtime friend Mike Cambra, the drummer of Death by Stereo.

From its humble DIY beginnings, selling merchandise out of garages and car trunks, Learn to Forget has evolved into a global phenomenon, with products available in over 400 stores worldwide, including a partnership with Zumiez. The brand maintains a commitment to local production, with most designs printed locally and ensuring quality. Even when outsourcing is necessary, Herrera prefers locations like Pakistan for their craftsmanship.

Learn to Forget’s product range includes trucker hats featuring fonts reminiscent of death metal and hardcore band logos, jackets adorned with anarchy symbols, spider webs, and skulls. The designs pay homage to the rebellious spirit of punk rock, skating, and graffiti scenes, mirroring Herrera and Cambra’s upbringing in these distinctive subcultures.

The brand’s website showcases statement pieces with slogans rooted in punk community values. Messages like “Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You” and “Respect Existence or Expect Resistance” echo the essence of the punk scene. Influenced by the politically charged punk band Propagandhi, Herrera and Cambra’s designs challenge the status quo and encourage individuality. Learn to Forget, born out of a mindset that unconsciously challenges boundaries, continues to push the envelope with boisterously confident statements and provocative designs.

The brand has ventured into collaborations with Pabst Blue Ribbon and iconic punk bands like the Adolescents, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their self-titled album. Herrera and Cambra aspire to expand collaborations with more bands, musical acts, and brands such as Dickies and Obey, envisioning a sustainable independent venture.

For Herrera and Cambra, Learn to Forget goes beyond a brand to become a trailblazing platform for artistic expression. It also serves as a response to the absence of financial safety nets for those immersed in the counterculture. The duo hopes to create an amplified sustainable business that allows them longevity in the industry without the need for conventional employment. Standing out with style, Learn to Forget thrives by staying true to Herrera and Cambra’s vision of what they find cool. Their approach of boldly doing what they believe in has propelled the brand’s success, making it a prominent player in the world of counterculture fashion.

February 22, 2024
Rapper, Killer Mike detained at 2024 Grammy Awards: Here’s what happened

Image credit: Unsplash

Rapper, Killer Mike was arrested following an incident at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 4. The arrest came after Mike won three awards at the ceremony, his first Grammy win in over two decades.

Officer Mike Lopez, speaking for the police, mentioned that Mike got into a bit of a scuffle inside the Crypto.com Arena at about 4 p.m., an incident that’s been logged as a minor offense. The Hollywood Reporter shared footage showing Mike being led away in cuffs by Los Angeles cops. He got to walk free at 8:37 p.m. the same evening, with a court date set for February 29.

The details of the incident are still unclear, but reports have indicated that Mike knocked down a security guard who was in his way outside of the arena. Los Angeles has been experiencing unprecedented rain storms, which could be to blame for the confusion. Killer Mike, born Mike Render, has refused to comment on the altercation besides reportedly calling security at the event, “overzealous.” In interviews since, he has been adamant that it was a minor blip in an otherwise fruitful night. A source told People Magazine that Mike believes he will be exonerated when the case is reviewed at the end of the month.

Mike’s Grammy wins have, for the most part, overshadowed the incident. His comments since the awards have been overwhelmingly positive. He has expressed his gratitude for the Grammy wins and announced that his son, who has been on the kidney transplant list for some time, is finally set to receive a kidney.

At 48, Mike won three awards at the 66th Annual Grammys in some of the biggest categories of the night: Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Album. His first solo album in more than a decade, titled “Michael,” made waves by beating out other popular nominees like Drake, Travis Scott, Doja Cat, and Nicki Minaj – some of the biggest names in the business.

“The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing,” he said backstage. “At 20 years old, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer. At 40, I started to live with the regrets and the things I’ve done. At 45, I started to rap about it. At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I’ve done.”

Prior to Sunday night, Mike’s last Grammy win was in 2003 for his collaboration with Outkast on the song, “The Whole World.” He is known for his solo works, being one half of the duo Run the Jewels alongside rapper EI-P, and frequent collaborations with prominent rappers like T.I. and Jay-Z.

The Atlanta native is also an outspoken advocate for racial equality and highly critical of police brutality. He hosted Netflix’s 2019 documentary series “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike” about issues that affect the Black community and was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign.

February 15, 2024
Gustavo Dudamel to Conduct Renowned Composer Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 6”

Image credit: Pexels

January sparkled with classical music. The renowned Gustavo Dudamel, as music and artistic director, returned to the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic. From January 11 to 12, Dudamel conducted three distinctive performances, centering on Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 6.”

Dubbed the “Tragic Symphony,” Mahler’s masterpiece immerses listeners in a profound emotional journey. Dudamel, a maestro in Mahler’s compositions, adeptly guided the audience through the symphony’s emotional highs and lows, creating a mesmerizing experience.

Mahler, bridging 19th-century Austro-German tradition with early 20th-century modernism, composed “Symphony No. 6” during 1903-1904, revising it in 1906. This period marked a happy phase in Mahler’s life, including marriage and the birth of his second daughter. Yet, the symphony, premiering in 1906, marries joy with a poignant, almost nihilistic end.

The use of percussion is key to expressing the intense emotions Mahler sought to evoke. The symphony incorporates cowbells, suggesting pastoral nostalgia, and then introduces hammer blows, each heralding an inescapable doom that overshadows the earlier joy. Despite its sorrowful end, “Symphony No. 6” represents a profound journey of the human spirit, ultimately embracing life in its entirety.

Dudamel, known for more than just his conducting prowess, is lauded for his vibrant presence on the podium and his commitment to promoting arts education. As the music and artistic director of both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, he’s been instrumental in bringing classical music to a diverse, global audience. His influence crosses over into pop culture, evident in his contributions to projects like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “The Simpsons.”

His notable accomplishments include conducting the LA Phil in the concert film “Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles,” collaborating with stars like Billie Eilish, and performing at high-profile events such as the Super Bowl halftime show and the Academy Awards. Dudamel’s diverse musical endeavors, which have involved working with international icons and winning four Grammy Awards, span a variety of genres.

As January progresses, Dudamel’s commitments include a full-scale production of Richard Wagner’s opera “Das Rheingold,” with sets designed by Frank Gehry. The month rounds off with Dudamel conducting Johannes Brahms’ “Double Concerto” and Anton Bruckner’s “Symphony No. 1,” demonstrating his versatile expertise. The Walt Disney Concert Hall’s rendition of Mahler’s “Symphony No. 6” under Dudamel was an invitation to delve into the emotional depths of the composition, masterfully orchestrated by the conductor. This performance showcased the timeless beauty and relevance of classical music when guided by a maestro who honors both tradition and innovation.

The musical evening not only celebrated Mahler’s brilliance but also shone a light on Dudamel’s talent in reviving ageless music for today’s audience. Dudamel’s dedication to upholding classical music traditions while infusing them with new vigor ensures that each performance becomes a distinct and unforgettable experience for those present this January.

January 19, 2024
Billie Eilish and Finneas Teaming Up to Open New Vegan Restaurant in Los Angeles

Image credit: Pexels

Acclaimed siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas have joined forces with vegan restaurateur Nic Adler to introduce Argento, an upcoming vegan Italian restaurant. Located in Los Angeles, Argento marks a noteworthy culinary development for the two music stars.

The talented duo, widely recognized for their collaborative work in producing and composing most of Eilish’s songs, is stepping into the restaurant business with a vision to offer a unique vegan dining experience. Nic Adler, co-founder of the well-regarded Monty’s Good Burger, a vegan fast-food chain with multiple locations across California, and the creative mind behind the popular plant-based eatery Nic’s On Beverley, joins the siblings in this exciting venture.

Set to open soon in the former space of Little Pine, a vegan restaurant in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood, Argento is poised to influence the city’s culinary scene. The restaurant’s menu will showcase a vibrant celebration of fresh, plant-based Italian cuisine. Distinguishing itself from Monty’s Good Burger, which offers vegan meat options, Argento will focus on a vegetable-forward approach, steering clear of processed plant-based meat alternatives. Nic Adler emphasizes the importance of highlighting the versatility of vegetables and allowing them to take center stage in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary space.

For Billie Eilish, the allure of Argento lies in its accessibility to everyone, irrespective of their dietary preferences. Eilish envisions Argento transcending the typical “vegan” branding. She advocates that vegan food is for everyone, emphasizing the positive shift in the culinary arena over the past decade.

The surge in the popularity of vegan food is not limited to dedicated vegans but extends to flexitarians, a significant driving force behind the increased accessibility of vegan options. Billie Eilish invites individuals to consider the environmental impact of their dietary decisions, highlighting the water-intensive process of meat production. Research indicates that over half of young people aged between 24 and 39 in the US identify as flexitarians. This shift is not only a testament to changing dietary preferences but also emphasizes the expanding accessibility of vegan alternatives.

Eilish’s commitment to environmental causes goes beyond her dietary choices. In 2022, she founded Overheated, a London-based plant-based event to raise awareness of environmental issues. Her recognition on the TIME100 Climate list further solidifies her influence in advocating for climate-conscious choices. During an interview, Eilish emphasized the significant role of animal agriculture in climate change and the urgent need for individuals to adopt a plant-based diet for the well-being of the planet.

Eilish’s mother, Maggie Baird, plays a pivotal role in the family’s advocacy for plant-based living. Co-founding the nonprofit Support And Feed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Baird aims to address both the climate crisis and food insecurity. Inspired by her family’s dedication to veganism, Eilish fully embraced the lifestyle, along with Finneas and her father, actor Patrick O’Connell.

Anticipation surrounds the opening of Argento, scheduled for December after ongoing renovations. Adler, Finneas, and Eilish envision the restaurant as a welcoming space, fostering a relaxed ambiance for patrons to enjoy Italian cuisine. Adler expresses his enthusiasm for extended Sunday dinners and hopes Argento will become an inviting gathering place that adds to the city’s diverse culinary offerings.

November 30, 2023
At 89, Frankie Valli Gears Up for His Final Curtain Call

Image credit: Pexels

Frankie Valli, the iconic frontman of the Four Seasons, is set for his ultimate bow at the age of 89. His recent declaration marks a significant shift in a career that has spanned over five decades. Renowned for chart-toppers like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” Valli’s timeless classics continue to attract fans to his yearly concerts.

Valli recently made headlines with his new Las Vegas residency at the Westgate, formerly known as the Las Vegas Hilton, where he performed in the late ’80s. In addition to this, he is scheduled to take the stage at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage next month. While nostalgia plays a significant role in maintaining his on-the-road presence, Valli also surprised the music industry by appearing at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy gala in Beverly Hills in February. His performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” captivated the audience, which included stars like Lil Wayne and Lizzo.

The falsetto-voiced star initially hesitated to accept the invitation, unsure if the industry elite would even remember him. However, Clive Davis was adamant about Valli’s inclusion in the event. Davis recognized the enduring popularity of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” as an audience favorite, and he knew that Valli’s performance would be a showstopper.

Valli has recently announced that he intends to reduce his live performances by half in 2024. Despite calling his next series of concerts the “Last Encores tour,” he insists that he’s not retiring. The decision to cut back is primarily due to the grueling nature of constant travel associated with one-night concerts, taking a toll on the veteran performer.

Remarkably, the music of the Four Seasons continues to flourish, thanks in part to Valli’s proactive steps to preserve the group’s legacy. Valli and Bob Gaudio, his long-time bandmate and creative partner, entered into a deal with Primary Wave, a music publishing company specializing in revitalizing hit catalogs through placements in various media and samples. The move has notably renewed the Four Seasons’ catalog, especially after the rapper Flo Rida’s remake of “December 1963 (Oh What a Night!)” featured prominently in ESPN’s Major League Baseball coverage.

The Four Seasons’ catalog exhibits substantial depth and variety, offering a perfect fit for the modern streaming era. The Four Seasons started out on the racially mixed streets of Newark, and this early experience with diverse audiences helped shape their music’s wide appeal. Despite the unconventional path of constantly switching record labels, Valli and the Four Seasons enriched themselves significantly through their hit records. This approach allowed them to avoid traditional record company fees and increased their financial gain. In contrast, it also meant they didn’t enjoy the promotional support that larger record companies could provide, requiring them to continuously fight for radio airplay.

As Valli moves into the “Last Encores” of his legendary career, he does so with humility and wisdom gained from his extensive experience in the music industry. While the Grammys may have eluded him, he remains undeterred. Staying grounded despite his immense success, Valli’s journey through the ever-evolving music industry continues to captivate fans, old and new, and cement his enduring legacy.

November 16, 2023
Underground Jazz Movement in L.A.: The Hidden Concerts Cultivating a Fervent Fanbase

Image credit: Pexels

For years, a hidden jazz phenomenon has been quietly brewing within the vibrant city of Los Angeles, drawing fervent fans and creating an enviable underground music scene. The man behind this movement is Yousef Hilmy, the founder and creative director of Minaret Records. Hilmy’s journey and his dedication to preserving and advancing jazz culture in L.A. offer a unique perspective into the city’s electric music scene.

Hilmy’s commitment to creating a jazz community that thrives in the face of challenges like government policies, economic uncertainty, and inaccessibility has been the driving force behind Minaret’s success. Minaret Records, founded in 2019, has been on a mission to make jazz accessible to people of all ages and to ensure that musicians are compensated fairly for their performances. Hilmy’s hands-on approach to every show reflects his dedication. He takes care of everything, from adjusting lights to lighting incense and checking microphones. His friends and fellow jazz enthusiasts often join him, wearing Minaret merchandise and helping with various tasks to support the cause.

Hilmy is clear that Minaret is a community effort, and it’s not just about him. It’s about everyone who contributes to defining the sound and spirit of Minaret. The jazz label is more than just a record company; it’s a movement that connects people through music. The inception of Minaret Records was driven by a shared feeling of dissatisfaction within the jazz community. Hilmy and his peers believed that existing labels weren’t doing enough to support independent music and young artists.

The aficionado’s love for jazz developed gradually, with influences ranging from Miles Davis to Charles Mingus, hip-hop samples, and music from his Egyptian heritage. Growing up in Orange County, Hilmy often found himself at the center of a cultural divide, facing prejudice due to his Arab identity. Despite the challenges, he pursued his passions, eventually transferring to Brown University to study English.

The birth of Minaret Records came from a chance meeting with artist Takoda in an abandoned house in Santa Ana, California. They both envisioned creating a jazz label that represented youth culture and expanded the genre’s legacy. Hilmy’s tireless efforts and relentless commitment have made him a crucial figure in the jazz scene.

What sets Minaret apart is its sense of community. Going beyond the average record label, Minaret stands out as a collective of friends and like-minded individuals who come together to support jazz. Hilmy strives for more representation of women and queer individuals within Minaret and aims to participate in charity and education. The future of Minaret is promising, with plans for festivals, collaborations, and a growing backlog of demos. Hilmy’s boundless energy and passion continue to drive the label forward, making it an essential part of the L.A. jazz scene.

Unpredictability is part of the art form in jazz. Similarly, the intertwined fates of Minaret and Yousef Hilmy are part of a larger symphony of passion for the L.A. jazz scene. As the jazz community continues to grow, Hilmy and Minaret Records will remain at the heart of this thriving movement, fostering a culture of inclusion and appreciation for the timeless art of jazz.

November 7, 2023
Musical Geniuses Behind ‘Dante’ Earn Grammy Nominations

Image credit: Unsplash

In a remarkable achievement for classical music, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the baton of celebrated conductor Gustavo Dudamel, has garnered significant attention in the 2024 Grammy Award nominations. Their masterful performance of “Adès: Dante” has put them in the spotlight, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the arts.

Gustavo Dudamel, a renowned figure in the world of classical music, has been nominated alongside the L.A. Philharmonic in the Orchestral Performance category for their rendition of “Adès: Dante.” This nomination comes during a pivotal moment in Dudamel’s career as he prepares to transition from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the New York Philharmonic in 2026 after a remarkable 17-year tenure.

The competition in this category is formidable, with nominees including Karina Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio, Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Philadelphia Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta leading the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the San Francisco Symphony. This diverse group of talented conductors and orchestras highlights the vibrant and dynamic nature of the contemporary classical music scene.

Dudamel, at 42, is no stranger to Grammy acclaim, already holding four Grammy Awards. Last year, he and the L.A. Phil were nominated for “Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7–9,” though they did not secure the win. This year, the possibility of Dudamel earning his fifth Grammy among six nominations adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming awards.

His previous Grammy victories include Best Choral Performance for “Mahler: Symphony No. 8” and “Symphony of a Thousand” at the 64th Grammy Awards, and Best Orchestral Performance for “Ives: Complete Symphonies” the preceding year. He also claimed the same category at the 62nd Grammy Awards for “Norman: Sustain” and his first Grammy win during the 54th Grammy Awards for “Brahms: Symphony No. 4.”

British composer Thomas Adès, the creative force behind “Adès: Dante,” has been nominated for Contemporary Classical Composition. Adès’ composition, which Times critic Mark Swed described as “wondrously anarchic and entertaining,” premiered in May 2022 at the L.A. Phil’s Gen X festival. Adès faces competition from Andy Akiho, William Brittelle, Missy Mazzoli, and Jessie Montgomery for this prestigious award, which honors contemporary compositions written within the last 25 years.

Additionally, “Adès: Dante” producer Dmitriy Lipay has been nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical. This nomination recognizes his work on several productions with the L.A. Phil, including “Fandango” and “Rachmaninoff: The Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody.”

The album Fandango, featuring Dudamel, violist Anne Akiko Meyers, opera baritone Gustavo Castillo, and the L.A. Phil, has been recognized in the Engineered Album, Classical, category. Engineers Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay are in contention for this award, which honors technical excellence in recording. The album also received a nomination for Classical Compendium.

The 66th Grammy Awards, set to air live on CBS and Paramount+ on February 4th, promise to be a spectacular event celebrating the very best in music. The ceremony, taking place in the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, will not only be a testament to the enduring legacy of classical music but also a platform to honor the modern-day maestros and their contributions to the rich tapestry of the musical arts.

November 1, 2023