'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
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Check out: "Cloud City" by Lost In Los Angeles (Official Video)
Official Music Video of "Cloud City"
Re visit my interview with the band in the archives!
Monday, October 6, 2014
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
RAWartists Hollywood Presents: Allure on 8/8/14
Covered
RAWartists Hollywood Presents: Allure on 8/8/14.
for Nxup Magazine
Check out the next show RAWartists Hollywood Presents Axis on 10/3/2014
All Rights Reserved
RG Los Angeles Stories
2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Metropolitan Fashion Week LA Press Conference
Visit www.MetropolitanFashionWeek.net for
more info about the up and coming
event on Oct. 26, 2014
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
RG LOS ANGELES STORIES
2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
ZupaNova "Killin It" Single Release Party
RG Los Angeles Stories at the ZupaNova "Killin It" Single Release Party at Supper Club in Hollywood.
http://www.zupanovamusic.com
RG Los Angeles Stories
Check out the photos at THREE R PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday, July 4, 2014
RAW Artists Hollywood JUNE 2014
Published on Jun 9, 2014
RG Los Angeles Stories and NXUP Magazine at RAW Artists Hollywood.
RAW Hollywood Fashion Show Segment at Boulevard3.
Soundtrack By
DAFOP
https://soundcloud.com/dafop
https://RGLosAngelesStories.blogspot.com
https://RAWartists.org/hollywood/pano...
RAW Hollywood Fashion Show Segment at Boulevard3.
Soundtrack By
DAFOP
https://soundcloud.com/dafop
https://RGLosAngelesStories.blogspot.com
https://RAWartists.org/hollywood/pano...
Friday, June 13, 2014
DOrichTHINGS Launch Party VIDEO (Unsuitable for Minors)
RG Los Angeles Stories at DO RICH THINGS Launch Party VIDEO (Unsuitable for Minors)
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
All Rights Reserved
2014
RG Los Angeles Stories / Three R Photography
Monday, May 19, 2014
Forward (SHORT FILM) by RAY SALAZAR
It's barely three minutes long...but its powerful.
You can also see this at:
http://rglosangelesstories.wix.com/rglosangelesstories
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
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
ZupaNova at the Atwater Beer, Wine, Food Festival
My piece on the Zupa Fab group ZupaNova will be posted soon here in RG Los Angeles Stories!
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:
MILLION STARS / MTV:
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
The Elizabeth Kill at RAW Hollywood www.theelizabethkill.com
As always, RAW Hollywood put together a fantastic showcase of live performance and art. Visit RAW Artists Hollywood at www.RAWartists.org/hollywood.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
A Night in LA ROCK and Roll Mecca Video (long version)
A Night in a L.A. Rock & Roll Mecca (long version)
Dan Castle, Alison, Nico and Chicago Red
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Alison and Dan in the Kibitz room
Dan Castle and Alison performing an unrehearsed song in the Kibitz Room.
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
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