I was in a weird place on Monday night while doing my radio show, I think in part due to the Boston Marathon tragedy.
I was skimming through the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s latest album “Mosquito” and this song “Always” just kinda struck me.
It was this melodic hypnotic thing that pulled me out of the universe. It was like Karen O was on a unicorn and …

SXSW 2013 will forever be the year that pierced my heart with memories. There are many  that come to mind but I will stick with a couple that left me inspired and hopeful for the future of music.
First lets talk about the amazing performances:
Hiatus Kaiyote finally performed in the states as a full band to a room full of folks who were unfamiliar …

I have learned that the best way to approach SXSW is by just going with the flow. I plan out each day as it comes. I find my hub at the convention center and see what panels and shows are going on for that day. I think the best way to describe it is from the infamous Bruce Lee quote “become the water”.
There are …

(Editor’s Note: Aside from being a great DJ, KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez is a fantastic photographer, so I asked him to use his keen visual eye and select some standout videos from 2012)

Lushlife – Magnolia

Trinidad James – All Gold All Everything

Jessie Ware – Sweet Talk

How To Dress Well – & It Was You

Das Racist – Girl

London singer Rainy Milo has been in rotation on my show and her music just puts me in the zone.
Sultry, mellow and just fresh! She has great wordplay and vocals in the spirit of Andreya Triana. Perfect music during the rain drops or a dark day in Venice.
The Other Way by RainyMilo
Download her “Limey” EP right here.
– Anthony Valadez

Sometimes I can sense the momentum of a band that is on the verge of breaking out — without hype, based solely on their music.
One of those bands is Hiatus Kaiyote out of Melbourne, who I’ve blogged about before and even mentioned in my “Best of” lists. Now it’s nice to see Erykah Badu tweet abut them, ?uestlove of The Roots co/sign them and …

From KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez:
Trying to explain Meshell Ndegeocello to my friends is never easy.
Each new album carries a new path of artistry and exploration through her music that is never like the last.
“Bitter” made me want to just drive as far East as possible while her lyrics vented hurt and pain. “Comfort Woman” made me want to fall in love. And “Weather” made …

Two years ago I had the pleasure of doing a gig at Mama Juana’s with a couple bands. I began my DJ set and played a few records and looked up and noticed the first band setting up ironing boards.
The band was dressed in what looked like they could have been playing at a prom in 1974. The first thought that crossed my mind …

New York legend Bobbito Garcia wears many hats – DJ, writer, entrepreneur, streetball player/coach/announcer, sneaker connoisseur. (and has many nicknames, Kool Bob Love and DJ Cucumberslice among them)
Whether working with the Knicks as a commentator or on the playgrounds of NYC doing play by play for street ball games and developing his own “isms” with a thick New York accent, this man does it …

From KCRW Dj Anthony Valadez:
The Alchemist is one of the most respected producers and beatmakers today.
He is a real music lover known for taking old records and chopping up samples and rearranging them into new pieces. His trademark soul samples have always caught my ear due to his unique ability to flip old records that evoke emotion, which is why I’m especially excited that …