CUSP Magazine: Winter Issue 2014

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MUSIC SPOTLIGHT//THE L.A. MUSIC SCENE ORD TO LAX REFLECTIONS ON THE LOS ANGELES MUSIC SCENE Written by TJ Devoe 60 For the past eight years, Low End Theory has become a staple in the Los Angeles area beat scene. Founded in 2006 by producer and Alpha Pub Records label head, Daddy Kev, the weekly event attracts artists and fans for a taste of avant garde, left-of-center music in an environment where creativity and experimentation are supported and encouraged.This sub-sect of the LA scene has long been responsible for nurturing and highlighting the talents of a multitude of artists and producers such as, Flying Lotus, Daedelus, Free The Robots, and Nosaj Thing, as a few who come to mind immediately. As a Chicagoan in Los Angeles, it was mind blowing to consider that I would be taking the stage at Low End Theory, alongside my friend and producer, Nunca Duerma, and that we would represent the midwest at the same event so many of our underground heroes have rocked before us. No pressure or anything. <strong>CUSP</strong> MAGAZINE WINTER ’14 ISSUE

Considering that we weren’t locals and that we entered this venue as relative unknowns in the LA scene, our performance was wholly embraced by the crowd, and the humility and supportiveness of the resident artists was only surpassed by the pure, unbridled creativity exhibited in their sets. A personal highlight was The Gaslamp Killer, whose chaotic, commanding presence onstage belied his laid back, approachable demeanor off stage. Chicago, and the midwest in general, has a burgeoning beat scene of its own; collectives like Push Beats in Chicago and Young Heavy Souls in Detroit have been carrying the torch for the various sub-genres of hip-hop for some time now. As a midwesterner, I took several cues from the West Coast excursion and thought of how we as musicians could apply what I saw out there to our respective independent music scenes. In essence, I think growth at home lies in emphasizing a sense of community at events, where artists support and celebrate each other, and fans are encouraged to contribute and be made to feel that they are involved, not just attendees. <strong>CUSP</strong> MAGAZINE WINTER ’14 ISSUE 61