I’ve written many times before about the difference between a legit DJ and the hobbyists who like the idea of having their playlist heard on a Friday night for a little cash in their pocket. If it’s true that ‘Anyone Can Play Guitar’ then it’s even more true that anyone can DJ, especially when you … More Serato Is Not A Pasta – DJ Intervention Starts Now
A KCRW affair is always a classy one. This year’s Halloween Masquerade did not disappoint. From the gorgeous setting at the legendary Park Plaza to the central casting styled beautiful people in costumes fit for a movie shoot, there was everything needed for a visual and aural bacchanal. The grand staircase of the Park Plaza … More Little Dragon, Sea Wolf, Shadow, Part Of KCRW’s Thriller Night
When I heard that The Juan MacLean was in town, I knew I had to talk to him, not only to chat about his new album The Future Will Come, being part of the uber cool electro mafia: DFA Records, but also to finally figure out how the hell we are related. Two MacLeans from … More Back To The Future With The Juan MacLean & The Ali MacLean
When I was little, I used to pour over my Dad’s records, which were mostly divided into two camps: Beatles and Rolling Stones. I loved the colorful Beatles record jackets, especially Magical Mystery Tour and Sgt. Peppers. The Stones records intrigued me; I knew the zipper on Sticky Fingers records was something I wasn’t supposed … More Smooth Sailin’ – Yacht Rock Putting The Hard On In Chardonnay
We caught up with Murs at the Rock The Bells Press Conference at the Key Club last week, to talk about the label relationship he continues to have- at arms length- as well as well, a bunch of bullshit, frankly. Such as why complaining about the government is no different from complaining about bad service … More Murs and Ali 2: Electric Boogaloo!
On a rainy Friday, I visited with Dave of Chromeo at his hotel for a little chat. Poor P Thugg was deathly ill so we sent him to his room with hot liquids and sat down to talk about Dave’s Fancy Foot work, and of, course working with Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates. more … More URB Magazine Exclusive – Ali On The Air and Chromeo, Yo!
It has been said that Los Angeles is a cultural wasteland. True the denizens here make trash like Rock Of Love Tour Bus and other crap, but I prefer to focus on the gems that pop up on my radar every once in a while…including the event series TIMELESS. If you like hip hop, Brazilian … More Timeless Concert Series – full orchestra collborations with the top composers and turntablists
This just in from FMQB: ‘Michael Jackson‘s iconic “Thriller” video is set to become a full-fledged musical theater production. The show will recreate the tale of the 1983 video. “This musical will be the exclusive Michael Jackson authorized version of ‘Thriller’ and Jackson will participate in every aspect of the creative process,” said the Nederland Organization, … More Thriller – The Musical. Really?
When the funk and soul was unplugged a few months ago, the citizens of Los Angeles cried out: Please dont stop the music…their Angelino prayers have been heard – Funky Sole lives again. LA’s longest running funk party will relocate to The Echo this Saturday night, marking it’s return to it’s East Side roots. That’s right. … More Funky Sole Gets Down For More Soul In Los Angeles
Bringing DJ culture back to it’s roots and shining a spotlight on Dj culture, turntablism, community and activism, this festival will be a mixture of music and speakers, including KRS ONE. And it’s taking pace in Dubya’s back yard. Torch it for me, guys. –Ali On The Air The Million DJ March DJ’s have been … More MILLION DJ MARCH DROPPING IT HOTSAUCE STYLE ON D.C.
Ali MacLean 