DJ PK is London-born, but has been based in L.A. for over a decade. He delves into LA's music scene for us every month...
Teebs – E s t a r a (album)
This is second full-length album from as Los Angeles based musician, producer, and painter Mtendere Mandowa aka Teebs, part of the genre-bending Brainfeeder collective headed by Flying Lotus (Steven Ellison). It’s musical landscape is broad featuring a delicious blend of the electronic and organic sounds including the clarinet of classical musician Lars Horntveth on the track Wavxxes. From the trip-hop sounds of Holiday (featuring Jonti) to the pastoral sounds of Piano Days and glitchy sounds of NY Pt. 2 (featuring glitch maestro Prefuse 73), this album is rich in tone and ambience. My personal favorite – Shoous Lullaby – looping acoustic guitar over a backdrop of waterfall bells and a driving but subtle beat. Dive into the album and you will have an enriching, spiritual, musical experience.
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Clipping - Work Work [feat. Cocc Pistol Cree] (single)
LA trio Clipping are electropop producer Jonathan Snipes, noise music specialist William Hutson, and rapper Daveed Diggs. This track, the lead single from their upcoming self-titled album, is a pretty radio-friendly song from a band known as for their unbalanced noise rap (a la Death Grips). Lots of space (with Diggs singing a cappella several times), subtle electronic noises and a strong guest appearance from Cocc Pistol Cree.
Emma Ruth Rundle - Arms I Know So Well (single)
Born and raised in LA, Emma Ruth Rundle is the lead singer of the post-rock, psych, and metal band Marriages, a member of another post-rock band Red Sparowes, singer of the folkgaze project, Nocturnes, and a solo artist! Her next solo album, Some Heavy Ocean, is out in May. Arms I Know So Well delivers a grand tapestry of moody folk-rock sounds draped over melancholy lyrics.
Spazzkid - At Fault [feat. There Is a Fox] (single)
A collaborative effort between LA-based Spazzkid (Mark Redito) and Hiro Makino aka There Is A Fox. Copious collection of samples with looped guitar and a singer who, at first, only sings in syllables and later states “it’s not my fault” repeatedly.
Vince Staples - Shyne Coldchain II (mixtape)
New mixtape from Long Beach native Vince Staples is hard hitting in theme, hooks and flow. A leader in the new generation of conscious rap, this ten track collection features in-demand R&B singer Jhené Aiko and singer/ songwriter/ producer James Fauntleroy.
Jerome LOL - Feel It For The First Time (single)
LA TACO favorite Jerome LOL with this fun take on Afrojack and Steve Aoki's 2011 hit 'No Beef '. Pop sensibilities with a bouncing bass, syncopated keyboard and Jazz drumming. A far cry (and big improvement) from on the hands-in-the air, fist-pumping EDM anthem of the original. Free download from the SoundCloud page.
DJ PK’s Record Box
In DJ PK’s club record box right now….
Awanto 3 - Su What?
Great Good Fine OK - Not Going Home
Haim - If I Could Change Your Mind (MK Remix)
Indiana - Solo Dancing (Joe Goddard Remix)
I Am A Camera - Lost In Love (Todd Edwards Dub)
Jerome LOL - Feel It For The First Time
Joyce Muniz - Back In The Days Feat. Bam (Original Mix)
Just Friends - Don't Tell Me
Lyla Foy - Feather Tongue
Nancy Whang & Audiojack - Like An Eagle (Extended Version)
Spazzkid - At Fault (feat. There Is A Fox)
Slava - Better
