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Top

blog

Stories

  • Q&As

    Apocalipstick's Abby Lipstick

    By Ali Lerman

    1
  • breaking news

    Doc Charged in Michael Jackson's Death

    By Wade Tatangelo

    2
  • lists

    Top Five Songs About Doing Drugs in the 2000s

    By Wade Tatangelo

    3
  • breaking news

    Jack's Mannequin Debut New Material at Viper Room

    By Wade Tatangelo

    4
  • Q&As

    Kathy Foster of the Thermals

    By Doug Wallen

    5
  • breaking news

    Something Corporate Returns to Studio

    By Wade Tatangelo

    6
  • photos

    Busta Rhymes at Flight in Huntington Beach

    By Vickie Chang

    7
  • videos

    Check Out Local Natives' Debut Video "Airplanes"

    By Wade Tatangelo

    8
  • Coachella

    Fuck You, Coachella

    By Vickie Chang

    9
  • photos

    Photos of Radiohead Rocking the Henry Fonda Theater

    By Vickie Chang

    10
  • breaking news

    Alex Knost on Moving from Japanese Motors to Tomorrows Tulips

    By Wade Tatangelo

    11
  • lists

    Top Five Concerts to Get a Second Hand High

    By Vickie Chang

    12
  • Q&As

    Atreyu Drummer Brandon Saller on New Solo Project, the Rev

    By Wade Tatangelo

    13
  • Q&As

    Guitarist Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth

    By Lilledeshan Bose

    14
  • playlist

    Songs for OC Terror Octomom

    By Wade Tatangelo

    15
 
Q&As

World-Class DJ Christopher Lawrence Says SoCal is Place For Electronic Music Renaissance

By Rich Thomas, Tuesday, Feb. 9 2010 @ 1:36PM
Comments (0)
Categories: DJ culture
ChristopherLawrence.jpg

​A decade since Christopher Lawrence released anthem after anthem on seminal trance labels like Hook Recordings and Fragrant Music, the genre's popularity has ebbed and flowed with the fickle tastes of a domestic dance market hungry for the next European import. None of that, though, fazes American-born DJ and producer Christopher Lawrence in the slightest. 

Still one of the world's most popular turntablists, he's elaborated on his bedrock sound with traces of prog-house and techno, but he still bleeds trance music, and he's about to drop a dime on Orange County this Thursday at Sutra Lounge in Costa Mesa. We caught up with him to talk about his forthcoming artist album (his first solo/studio release since 2004), living halfway around the world, and why Southern California is the new home of the electronic music renaissance.

OC Weekly (Rich Thomas): When and why did you decide to move to Australia?

Christopher Lawrence: About three years ago. My wife is from Australia, and we have a son and daughter who were at the age where they were going to start school. Melbourne is a really great city to raise a family, but since I'm on tour most of the year and gone most weekends, my wife can have the support of her family there and it won't just be her left with the kids every weekend. That was the main reason. When I lived in LA I could just go out for a weekend and come back, but now I have to plan things a bit more differently. I go out on three-week mini-tours, then I come back and take a weekend off at home. You have to plan out the tour ahead of time, but it works out really well, and I like where I live.

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Tags:

Christopher Lawrence, Costa Mesa, Sutra Lounge
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Video Games - Humor

Sin to Win?: Video Gaming's Most Ridiculous Marketing Stunts

By Peter Mai, Tuesday, Feb. 9 2010 @ 11:21AM
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Categories:
This Tuesday marks the release of Visceral Games' Dante's Inferno, a game loosely based on Dante Alighieri's epic poem Divine Comedy. This video game perversion "re-imagining" of the fourteenth-century poem features a bad-ass, scythe-wielding badass who battles hordes upon hordes of demons and the undead as he traverses the nine Circles of Hell in order to find his lady, Beatrice. With such a controversial use of its source material, Dante's Inferno without a doubt will be the subject of a lot of headline news, which is exactly what publisher Electronic Arts wants. There is no such thing as bad publicity, they say.

In order to get as much attention as they can onto what they hope is their next cash cow, publisher EA Games won't stop at anything to get people talkin'. They have recently spent $2.5 million in order to secure an ad during this year's Superbowl. They've given away women as prizes for contests. They've staged protests against the game's release. The list goes on and on!

However, controversial marketing schemes aren't new to the world of video games. Game publishers have done some ridiculous things in the past in order to grab the attention of potential consumers. Here, we look at some of the most outrageous (and often silly) things that game publishers have done in order to publicize their game.



1. Headless Goats and Topless Women During a Party for God of War II

goat.jpg
dailymail.co.uk
​

In order to celebrate the release of God of War II, Sony organized a Greek mythology-themed party for members of the press. The theatrical party had a decapitated goat as the centerpiece, along with topless women who fed grapes to party goers. A few reported that party guests were even offered to dine on entrails and organs directly out of the goat's carcass. The bloody display outraged numerous animal rights groups, criticizing the act as a representation of the industry's lust for blood.

Sony has issued a press release, apologizing for falling short of their "normal high standards of conduct." Bad call, Sony!
More >>
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Record Review

The Soft Pack, 'the Soft Pack' (Kemado)

By Nate Jackson, Tuesday, Feb. 9 2010 @ 11:20AM
Comments (0)
Categories: Coachella
The Hype: It's only been a month since popular San Diego quartet the Soft Pack released a highly sought-after 12" EP. Now they're giving fans a full bite of their distinctive take on hand-me-down rock & roll. They've also earned a Sunday slot on this year's Coachella Festival. Yay for them!

TSP.jpg
​The Judgement: Riding a wave of sun-drenched guitar and anxious drum beats, the first half of the Soft Pack's self-titled full length is a sturdy replica of their preceding EP (released in January 2010). You'll notice that album opener "C'mon" and "Answer For Yourself" are carried over to the new collection of songs by this San Diego four-piece, once known as the Muslims. Approximately a year after dumping their old moniker, the band is now throwing some new twists into their garage rock aesthetic. 

The album definitely reaches a turning point midway through-- starting with the track "More or Less"--swapping an indistinct squall of reverb for pop-centric guitar plucks and notable harmonizing that adds a little more depth to songs pregnant with cryptic tales of angst, escape and drowning youngsters (see "Tides of Time"). Don't worry though, the music itself is so infectious that all the dark lyricism hides well under a veil of sweaty, punk party chords.
 
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Tags:

Coachella, full-length, Kemado Records, self-titled, The Soft Pack
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OC Music Awards

Showcase No. 6 Today at OC Tavern, San Clemente

By Wade Tatangelo, Tuesday, Feb. 9 2010 @ 9:52AM
Comments (0)
Categories: local bands, show of the day
OCMusicAwards.png

​The OC Music Awards takes place today at OC Tavern in San Clemente. Local artists Skee, Carly Layne, Parker Macy Blues, Christina Dietz and Allensworth will be competing in the Best Live Acoustic category. 

The first performance is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. (so far, pretty much every week they've started exactly on time) and the event ends at midnight. This showcase is free--like all the rest--but only open to fans 21 years of age and older. It's the second to last live showcase of the 2010 series. Check out this clip of Huntington Beach-based sunshine soul band Allensworth performing "Back in a Second."


The Awards countdown continues with weekly showcases culminating at the Best Live Acoustic Finals Feb. 26 at Yost Theater in Santa Ana and the Best Live Band Finals at Samueli Theater/Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa Feb. 27, where the finalists from both categories perform and the winners are announced on stage at the end of each night. The OC Music Awards take place March 6 at the Grove of Anaheim.

After the jump: 2010 OC Music Awards Nominees; showcase schedule.

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Tags:

OC Music Awards
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today in music news

Bonnaroo Lineup Announced, Michael Jackson Conspiracy, Lil Wayne Farewell, White Stripes Battle Air Force

By Wade Tatangelo, Tuesday, Feb. 9 2010 @ 8:54AM
Comments (0)
Categories:

  • "The Flaming Lips playing Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Weezer, Phoenix, Baroness, John Fogerty, the Black Keys, Wale, and Neon Indian," among artists confirmed for Bonnaroo, reports Pitchfork. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival takes place June 10-13 in Manchester, Tenn. At the Bonnaroo website and MySpace they're announcing the lineup from noon to 9 p.m. Eastern time today. Good luck logging on! We had no success this morning. 
  • "Joe Jackson: Dr. Murray 'a fall guy' in Michael's death," reports CNN. Let the conspiracy theories begin! Seriously, has an iconic pop star ever died without creating conspiracy theories? How long before: "Michael Jackson spotted in line at Disneyland"?
  • Lil Wayne, expected to enter a New York City jail Wednesday for sentence that could last a  year, spent hour last night saying goodbye to fans via live video stream.  
  • "White Stripes threaten 'strong action' over Air Force's 'Fell in Love With a Girl' Super Bowl ad, reports Rolling Stone. Jack White vs. Air Force. Go White!

Tags:

Bonnaroo, Lil Wayne, Michael Jackson, the White Stripes
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radio

Top 10 Albums Played Last Week on KUCI

By Matt Buga, Monday, Feb. 8 2010 @ 4:00PM
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Categories:
TeenDreamLG.jpg
Beach House, Teen Dream

​Editor's note: Matt Buga is a Music Director at KUCI.

KUCI is the last bastion against sound-alike radio in Orange County and the voice of freedom for all the independent music that gets snubbed by the major labels. From the edge of University of California Irvine, KUCI brings you the latest in all forms of independent and underground music.

1. Beach House, Teen Dream (Sub Pop). 

2. Crown City Rockers, the Day After Forever (Gold Dust).

3. Surfer Blood, Astro Coast (Kanine)

4. Cold Cave, Love Comes Close (Matador)

5. Tan Dollar, Your Body As A Temple (Life's Blood)

More >>

Tags:

KUCI
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Q&As

Abby Lipstick of Irvine Pop-Punk Band Apocalipstick

By Ali Lerman, Monday, Feb. 8 2010 @ 2:46PM
Comments (2)
Categories: local bands
AbbyLipstick.png

​What's better than an all girl band? A HOT all girl band! For the past four years Irvine-based Apocalipstick has been rocking shows all over California with their power pop/punk songs and  motto of "stealing hearts and breaking them along the way."  

Apocalipstick makes their mark with wonderfully snarky lyrics, sugary hooks and amazing stage presence. Looking at singer Abby Lipstick, drummer Jeannette Gloss, and bassist Wendy Shadow, it's easy to see why guys want them--and girls want to be like them. 

But they're much more than just pretty faces! Click here to listen. And see for yourself why Apocalipstick are on their way to the top when they a play a free show Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at Cal State Fullerton. 

OC Weekly (Ali Lerman): We love the band name, how did you come up with it?

Abby Lipstick: Before we even started the band my best friend and I were at the bookstore around Valentine's Day. Where all of the "chick lit" was displayed we saw a book called "Apocalipstick" and thought it would be a perfect name for a girl band!

More >>

Tags:

Abby Lipstick, Apocalipstick, Cal State Fullerton
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breaking news

BREAKING: Michael Jackson Doctor Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

By Wade Tatangelo, Monday, Feb. 8 2010 @ 12:26PM
Comments (0)
Categories:
conrad-murray-thumb-170x219-thumb-160x206.jpg
Dr. Conrad Murray

​Michael Jackson's Doctor Death has finally been charged. 

"The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office on Monday morning filed its long-awaited case against Conrad Murray, the Houston physician who was with Michael Jackson during the pop star's last hours in June," reports Dennis Romero of our sister paper LA Weekly.

Romero notes, "Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter and was expected to appear Monday afternoon for arraignment at the LAX courthouse."

Click to read entire story.

Tags:

Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson
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Over the Weekend

Over the Weekend: the Littlest Viking on Saturday, at Tropics Lounge, Fullerton

By Nate Jackson, Monday, Feb. 8 2010 @ 12:00PM
Comments (0)
Categories:
The Hype: Thanks to a recent string of successful Orange County/Long Beach shows, local audiences are becoming more acquainted with drum/guitar duo the Littlest Viking (of Whittier/San Pedro) and their frazzled blend of post-hardcore, math rock bad assery. People are also snatching up copies of the band's pretty much sold out 2009 release Labor & Lust. The Littlest Viking's Saturday show at the Tropics Lounge was the first in a weekend of back-to-back dates in Fullerton that concluded with a Sunday performance at the Continental Room. 

the littlest viking.jpg
Apologies for the shitty cellphone pic of the Littlest Viking
​ 

The Show: With just enough light dripping from the dusty lamp above an old pool table, the sparse audience at the Tropics Lounge in Fullerton watched as instrumental duo the Littlest Viking dialed their playing all the way to warp speed. It only took one or two songs of aggressive rock riffage to snag the crowd's attention. Although with fewer than 20 people sitting around guzzling beer, the Littlest Viking performed with maximum verve. Guitarist Ruben Cortez and drummer Christopher Gregory delivered a melodic, scrappy instrumentals marked by tricky time signatures and raw power. 

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Tags:

Bellhaunts, Fullerton, Stars at Night, The Littlest Viking, Tropics Lounge
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Gettin' Made

Gettin' Made: Signature Style

By Steph Calvert, Monday, Feb. 8 2010 @ 10:00AM
Comments (11)
Categories:

Today we're checking out another multitalented Etsy crafter--Brie of BKD Signature crochets, makes glass pendants, and still finds time for school and giving back to the community!

largeHeartTree_bkdSignature.jpg
Love in Bloom pendant by Brie of BKD Signature
​

After the jump, learn more about how BKD Signature got started and where it's going. Oh yeah, and enter this week's Gettin' Made giveaway!

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  • World-Class DJ Christopher Lawrence Says SoCal is Place For Electronic Music Renaissance
  • Sin to Win?: Video Gaming's Most Ridiculous Marketing Stunts
  • The Soft Pack, 'the Soft Pack' (Kemado)
  • Showcase No. 6 Today at OC Tavern, San Clemente
  • Bonnaroo Lineup Announced, Michael Jackson Conspiracy, Lil Wayne Farewell, White Stripes Battle Air Force
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  • Gettin' Made: A True Renaissance Woman (8)
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  • Andrew McMahon on Returning to the Studio with Something Corporate for Upcoming Release
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3 Best Things To Do on Tuesday, Feb 9
  • Akram Khan Dance Company: Bahok

    Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre

    Type: Dance, Performing Arts, Theater

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    Where: Detroit Bar

    Type: Indie, Rock

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    Where: The Prospector

    Type: Alternative, Indie, Rock

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