Wednesday, December 17, 2014

RG Los Angeles Stories at the Metropolitan Fashion Week 2014 Toy Drive

'Tis the season of giving! RG Los Angeles Stories and www.NxupMag.com are happy to be at the Metropolitan Fashion Week 2014 Toy Drive!

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
RG Los Angeles Stories
2014

Monday, September 29, 2014

Metropolitan Fashion Week LA Press Conference


more info about the up and coming
event on Oct. 26, 2014














ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
RG LOS ANGELES STORIES
2014

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Friday, July 4, 2014

Friday, June 13, 2014

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

ZupaNova

ZUPANOVA
Lance Jones, Davy Brown, Kimala and Rawcel





ZupaNova
Lance Jones, Kimala, Davy Brown and RawCel

ZupaNova or Super Nova, a stellar explosion in the heavens, connotes birth of stars; In Latin Nova means “New”. So however you want to use the word, literally “Super New” or metaphorically “birth of stars and natural talent” I think it’s safe to say that this group’s name is very suitable since they bring fresh and stellar performance and music.       

At first glance ZupaNova’s style and music was reminiscent of the super pop stars The Black Eyed Peas. In fact, some members of ZupaNova had been hanging out with the latter in their early careers. Group member Rawcel and DJ Poet, the CEO of Listen Deep Records where ZupaNova worked on their music, were collaborating with members of The Black Eyed Peas during their early years. ZupaNova member Lance Jones is the chief vocal producer in Listen Deep. The recording studio collaborated with Apl.de.ap in many projects; the artist and studio still maintain a close relationship. Even though there’s a lot of influence—ZupaNova is ZupaNova—and not a shadow of The Black Eyed Peas.

Lance Jones brought in a lot of the R&B “let’s-get-ready-to-make-love-vocals”, Kimala was the sultry female voice that brings down men to their knees, RawCel contributed the Hip Hop influence and rendered some crazy rhymes and Davy Brown added jazz flavor with his out-of-this-world guitar line. Just check out their song “Need Your Love” from “First Contact” and you’ll understand what I mean.
         
There’s a lot of love in this group, they spouted mottos like “Team Work Makes the Dream Work”, “Zupa Positive”, “Share, Create and Collaborate”, that even the group’s manager Mike Bajrami told me “I like these people a lot, I don’t work with people I don’t get along with because you can’t maintain the relationship if you dislike your group…there’s something really special about this group”. 

What’s so special about them? Besides their great talent they were genuinely kind and humble people, I saw those attributes during the interview, and they put a lot of tenderness into their music in “First Contact”. RawCel a Los Angeles native with an easy smile gave a lot of the hip hop street flavor remove the real nasty and gritty language. Lance Jones must be one of the most welcoming and humble artist I’ve met. His voice could easily fit in a boy band such as The BackStreet Boys or a seductive R&B group like Boys II Men but I’ve never heard him brag of his talent. I actually met him a month before while working on another story in Listen Deep Records before my interview with ZupaNova. Kimala, who rendered her sensual voice and scorching presence during recordings and video shoots, was a caring and really friendly person. “I’m like their sister and mother put together” she said about being the only female member of the group. “She cooks for us” Lance Jones chimed in happily. Kimala has a special place in my heart since she’s my “Kababayan”, my fellow Filipino from the Philippines, and “Pinays” (Filipino Women) are known for their sweetness. Davy Brown was a laid-back and happy person so like how he played his jazzy guitar or bass lines in their songs. He worked with one of the Masters of Jazz like Bunny Brunel and Baba Elefante, that kind of cred could easily get into the head of shallow musicians, but not Davy Brown.

Their goal is to perform all-over-the-world. Lance Jones wants to hit Japan, Davy Brown wants to see Brazil, Kimala wants to perform in the Philippines, especially in the province of Pampanga, and RawCel’s personal goal is to do a concert in Staples Center in LA. This group has the heart, talent and the charisma and they are ready to take on the world. Watch out for fresh—and ZupaFabulous—music of ZupaNova. 

All Rights Reserved 
2014 
RG Los Angeles Stories / Three R Photography


ZupaNova Slide Ext "Energy"



ZupaNova "Energy" Music Slide





Monday, May 12, 2014

Anthony Garcia Fine Arts Photographer






Anthony Garcia
Fine Arts Photographer
                                              
There are photographers and there are imaginative photographers. Anthony falls in that latter category. There’s just no way for me to accurately describe his works. I could type forever and it wouldn’t come close to give it justice. For me, Anthony Garcia’s photos were so dream-like, it almost felt like seeing the opening logo of “Dreamworks” movies or SyFy Channel’s commercials, every time I looked at it. One of my ultimate favorite was a photo of himself creating a “pop-up” paper castle and dragon that comes alive with the stroke of his pen; I asked him what’s the story behind it and Anthony threw the question back at me “What do you think? I create my photos so that people could fill-in the stories not the other way around”. This kid have such great talent for a 19 year old that I could’ve easily hated him. But I admired his work, and his awesome personality, so much there’s no room in my heart to be jealous of him.  

“I took photography classes in high school but I really didn’t thought to make something out of it…I really wanted to be a drummer”, he said jovially “I just got interested in it so much that I took Photoshop classes but I really learned more from playing with the (photo editing) software”. I think that really is the key in gaining a creative process. One could take only so much classes but one has to experience it to achieve something. It took me fifteen years to figure that out but Anthony got it in one. “I started photography with my Iphone when I was 18…I get the ideas from everywhere…I do a quick sketch and note when I wake up from a dream and start a concept from there…or I pick up an object like a light bulb and I imagine stills with it”.

Anthony’s photos were so thought-provoking that I started asking really deep and stupid questions like: “Was there a deeper experience or thought and feelings about this work or that”, “Do you tap into your emotions”, etc. But what I really wanted to ask him was “Were his creations a form of escapism?” to run away from something. His first attempt of fine arts photography was of him being flown away by a blue balloon up into the sky, and it won a contest and got displayed by an online group from Berlin, Germany. Good thing I didn’t ask Anthony that question because I really didn’t care where his ideas were coming from. I just wanted to go on a ride with him and be taken away by his visions.
In the end, I think that’s really what art is, something that would take us to places that we could only dream of. Dream away Anthony, keep creating your great work and take us along for a ride.


To see more of his works please visit:




ADDENDUM:

Anthony's goal is to combine his creativity with his wedding photography services. If you choose him to be your wedding photographer I will tell you now, he's worth more than any other wedding photographers who charges thousands of dollars.


ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
RG LOS ANGELES STORIES
2014


Monday, May 5, 2014

Laura Yazdi of www.LauraLily.net



Laura Yazdi
Fashion & Beauty Blogger/Stylist


This post is part of The Passion Behind L.A. Fashion series. A celebration of the talents behind L.A.'s fashion industry.

It had taken a while for the movers and shakers of the fashion industry to pay heed to these daring breed of trendsetters, writers and media personalities, but Fashion Bloggers have earned the right of becoming an influential, and even an integral part, of the industry. The most dedicated and serious of these Fashion Bloggers could do their own writing, photography, videography, editing, web design, etc. Most reputable Online Fashion Magazines would need a highly-paid team to do what a seasoned Fashion Blogger could do single-handedly. Fashion Bloggers are fashion correspondents and you’d often see them attend a fashion show in New York, Los Angeles, Paris or London. They have a critical eye and most Fashion Bloggers moonlight as stylists, they aren’t just fashion critics, so they know what they are talking about. I have the privilege to know one of the most dedicated Fashion Bloggers here in Los Angeles and she was kind enough to answer a Q&A and share her story:

Laura, when did you figure out your creative talent?

Family and friends would tell me I had a talent for dressing well for little money. My grandmother never believed me when I told her how much I paid for an outfit. Still to this day she doesn't believe me. I had friends and family members asking where I bought items I was wearing and asking me to teach them how to shop and dress like I do.

How did you train for it?

As far as my training to become a professional shopper: Hours and hours of shopping. LOL. But seriously, I worked in retail through college and on my breaks would walk around the mall checking out the clearance racks for steals. I refused to pay full price for anything. I loved the thrill of the hunt. As far as styling, I started styling myself, then my mom, then my sister, then friends. They were asking me fashion advice and literally to teach them how to shop. From there it just evolved into a wonderful world of styling.

How do you describe your work?

Never ending, but I love it that way. There is always a new idea popping into my head. I carry a note book to write them all down. 7am every morning I wake up, and still in bed, I check my emails. That is how I know I love what I do- who checks there emails that early?! I'll answer emails when I am fully awake and cognizant. Most of my time as a blogger were spend on the computer setting up future blog posts, emailing with companies and brands on collaborations. Rarely am I actually in front of the camera for a photo shoot. That is what makes those days extra special, the days when the outfit I styled finally comes together on camera. The preparation for an hour photo-shoot can take hours. People don't relaize this when they see a fashion blog. Hair, make-up, camera set-up, location scouting, styling, prepping clothes... it's a process. But a beautiful one at that.


editor: Paul Remy www.instagram.com/nxupmagazine




Monday, April 28, 2014

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The L.A.Band: Lost in Los Angeles



Lost in Los Angeles


Danny Klein (Vocals, Piano, Synth, Beats)
Eddie Deering (Guitar, Synth, Beats)
Clark Souter (Bass, Vocals, Beats)

LINKS:

BECAUSE OF YOU (RADIO EDIT & B-SIDES) NOW EVERYWHERE


BECAUSE OF YOU / NYLON GUYS:

ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU / MTV:

www.mtvmusic.com/artist/lila1/videos/616323/all_roads_lead_to_you

MILLION STARS / MTV:



On their website, The band LOST IN LOS ANGELES was described as “true sonic storytellers, wandering through hope, love and humanity while wearing their hearts on their sleeves”. During my phone interview, our conversations turned deep and thought provoking. I could not help but imagine them as poets and philosophers who tackled what life threw at them through music.

“The name ‘Lost in Los Angeles’ came from an unreleased EP…the concept of lost is a metaphor of losing yourself” Danny Klein explained. “To truly find yourself, you have to lose yourself first” Eddie Deering added. Most of their songs also appeared to have messages of transformation “...in ‘Burnin’, in the ‘The Hovering’ EP’, one would think it’s about the literal destruction, but it was more of the passion burning within and inspiring you” Danny said.

In their own search of their identity, they were not afraid to transform and to try new things. From their early dream like song “Million Stars” which was reminiscent of the musical styles of Owl City, to what Nylon Guys Magazine described as “…compressed drums and Boys Don’t Cry-era guitars…” of “Because of You” (www.nylonguysmag.com), one could tell that these guys were bold musical explorers.

When describing their creative process, Danny Klein explained that their diversified style “comes with the bass or piano line...It then sparks one of us to build on it…and then the collaboration begins”. One could sense the trust and the closeness of the band on how they tackle a project. “Eddie came up with an amazing guitar line and then Clark and I worked on it while he was on vacation” Danny Klein further explained. “Learning to play music is hard on its own...creating music for the industry is extra harder...but the reward is the satisfaction when it’s completed” Clark Souter added.

One of the milestones that the band recently reached was going on a tour in twenty cities in 35 days, but this local band is aiming straight for the top “…the real turning point is when we get to the Grammy’s” Danny Klein said. “An LP is on its way so expect more from us in 2014…The fans inspire us and we’re gonna keep on creating” Clark Souter added. “It’s all about the love for the music and the fans” Clark Souter said to cap it off “So, watch out for LOVE IS FATE (LP) OUT SUMMER 2014”.

I really don’t know what to expect on the up and coming LP LOVE IS FATE. I didn’t ask what genre or style was it influenced on, because to me it didn’t really matter. I knew that their music will be uniquely theirs. LOST IN LOS ANGELES might stay perpetually “lost”, constantly looking for new inspiration or musical identity, but it would be one great treat because they will take us with them on their search and journey.

Edited by: Paul Remy, CEO of Nxup Magazine http://instagram.com/nxupmagazine/  

Also check out


www.3RPhotography.blogspot.com




All photos and article are copyrighted
Copyright 2014 RG Los Angeles Stories

Thursday, April 17, 2014

RAW Artists Hollywood at the OHM Night Club





Nxup Magazine and www.RGLosAngelesStories.blogspot.com covering RAW Artists Hollywood. Visit www.RAWartists.org/hollywood

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

A Night in a L.A. Rock & Roll Mecca



 Marshall



Nico

 Mark and Chicago Red

 Dan Castle



Dan Castle and Alison


A Night in a L.A. Rock & Roll Mecca

Tucked next to the landmark Canter’s Deli in Fairfax Avenue, was a tiny, dark and nondescript bar. It’s not that great if you consider the atmosphere or the drink selection or the layout of the bar. Right beside the bar was what looked like a raised surface that stood for the stage, a couple of speakers and a couple of hard lights to illuminate it and maybe six tables for patrons—that’s it. But some serious musicians had passed through this hidden gem called the “Kibitz Room”. The Doors, The Wallflowers, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers had come and hang out here and maybe played a song or two. On Sundays local musicians would religiously come here to play on open mic. My friend, Independent Film Director, songwriter and musician, Dan Castle said: “This is one place where you don’t have to be what you don’t wanna be”.

I must be the dumbest person to converse with about Rock & Roll, I wouldn’t know the band, the name of a song, the lead singer, what year which member left, but I know beautiful Music when I hear it. All musicians who performed on open mic wrote their own songs and boy do they have talent. Blues, Country, Folk, Bluegrass—they played it unrehearsed, unpolished but with heart and soul. I was very, very fortunate to have heard the music of Mark and Chicago Red. Blues was something I would skip while scanning radio stations but when I heard those two played I became a convert. Nothing like hearing Blues played live in a jam session—like how it’s intended—It made me imagined hanging out in a porch in Mississippi on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Dan Castle and Alison played an unrehearsed Country/Blues song raw. Alison’s voice was dripping-wet-sexy and it was hot with passion like a sticky, steamy, South Carolina summer.

“I come here every Sunday. This is church for me and most others. Most of these musicians probably didn’t matter much to the outside world” Dan Castle said somberly while we were walking back to our cars. I thought to myself that maybe…maybe these musicians probably didn’t amount much to anything…but in the Kibitz Room they were demigods. Dan Castle was right, people go to perform in that bar not to be what they don’t wanna be.

Written by RG in the spirit of spontaneity.
“I couldn’t jam with a guitar but I could at least try to jam with them with words”.
For the Musicians who come to Canter’s Deli, Kibitz Room, on open mic.

4/15/14. Correction on my post on A Night in a L.A. ROCK AND ROLL Mecca. Alison and Dan Castle performed "Take Me Home" by Concrete Blonde. It was not written by Alison.

All photos and Article are copyrighted 
Copyright 2014 RG Los Angeles Stories

Also see:
www.SurvivorsBook.blogspot.com
www.3RPhotography.blogspot.com