Your Guide to New L.A. Music: Teebs, Clipping, Emma Ruth Rundle, Spazzkid, Vince Staples and Jerome LOL

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