DC NIGHTLIFE ICONS INTERVIEW: Hooman Pedram
“I haven’t thought about this in forever!” exclaims Hooman Pedram, award winning club owner, entrepreneur and current owner of TripAdvisor’s top-five rated Tap and Still Restaurant of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. What he had not thought about in forever? The five years that he was a key member of the ownership group behind influential Northwest DC nightclub Club Five (now where Public Bar is located near Dupont Circle), and his role in the development of the current boom era for nightlife in the Nation’s Capital.
Fifteen years ago, North America’s love of dance music – similar to right now – experienced some of it’s most significant commercial growth in Washington, DC. When Pedram was based out of Washington, DC and the General Manager of now closed Northwest DC nightspot Club Five from 2003-2008, it was quite the amazing era.
“I started off going to clubs, then I got into passing out flyers, promoting, management, it was a chain of events and it really took off from there. Originally, I was just into the music. I’d go to Fifth Column [located at F Street NW, closed in 1996] on Monday nights, and it was a little more commercial. Then, I’d go to Tracks [then located on First Street SE] on Thursday night, which had a goth side of the room and an industrial side. At that time, rave DJs like Scott Henry and Charles Feelgood would play at Tracks. Those were my two places that I used to go to. Then I started going to Zei Club [near downtown’s McPherson Square], too.”
“Just before [me and my partners] got involved with Five, we were throwing parties where the [Washington Nationals] stadium is now, at a club called Edge (located in Southeast DC, closed in 2006).” Regarding his promotional strategy, he also offers advice for new promoters, too. “ I knew people in DC. It was an easy place for me to do something. I had roots there. People knew me, I had friends and connections, too. It’s all about building a database. It’s all about numbers and knowing a lot of people.”
“The club [we initially were using for parties] was near Capital Ballroom and Tracks, too. We got into a partnership with the owner at Five, as he didn’t want to run it anymore, so we came in as promoters, and then had the chance to buy into the club down the line. [Club Five] had a comfortable feel, it was non-pretentious and mostly about the music.”
In regards to the bridge between, say, Club Five to Fur Nightclub and Antonis Karagounis’ Echostage, Pedram tells a most entertaining tale about his involvement. “The DJs we were getting, nobody else was really getting at that time. We were more house, and the Buzz vibe was more techno. It’s intriguing, trace didn’t really come around until Antonis [Karagounis] and them started Panorama Productions. Actually, here’s a great story. Back then, I worked at a travel agency with my friend Jason Martin, and we used to fly DJs around the country. Right before I bought into Club Five, I was working with starting Red Bull. I lived in Colorado for a winter, and I took this energy drink that I saw out there, and I had it shipped across the country to my house. I used to go to Zei Club when Antonis and his crew had their Panorama parties there. I was the guy who was selling the Red Bull there. [Of course], in the daytime, I was still a travel agent for DJs for tours.”
He continues, “at that time [Buzz resident DJ] Scott Henry had the lockdown for DJs. You couldn’t get a DJ into DC that was worth a lick if you weren’t Scott Henry. Antonis [and Panorama] were doing great parties, but they had no big-name DJs. They did have a big crowd, though, and they wanted to take it to the next level. [Ultimately], I helped them book Christopher Lawrence, who was the first “big name” DJ that they booked. Once they booked him, they hit the ground running, and you see what it is now, right? (laughs)”
After leaving Club Five in 2008, Pedram relocated to the US Virgin Islands, where after a stutter-step, has truly found success and happiness with the Tap and Still Restaurant. Reflecting, he says “I opened a nightclub down here and it did good for two years, but this wasn’t the right market for it. I sold the club, regrouped and now I have a restaurant open in the marina.” Insofar as his restaurant’s success, he’s extremely positive. “It’s a great life down here. As a restaurateur with promotional experience in nightclubs and events, I’m more than able to compete. I can run the restaurant, have the party, and run a series of events, too. I’ve certainly used my Washington, DC pedigree to my advantage down here. We still do DJs [at the Tap and Still]. I’ve taken it back like 100 steps, though. There’s no DJ booth. We set it up every week. We pull up a table, have some speakers set up in the corner and we’re ready to party. It’s packed every weekend!”
For as influential as Hooman Pedram was to the current massive success of DC as a nightlife destination city, his thoughts about where DC is headed in the future certainly can’t be surprising at all: “I’m still close to the East coast! Keep an eye out for me [in DC] in 2016!”
Follow Hooman to get all the latest updates on his nightlife ventures: facebook.com/kingofclub
The Best of Valentine’s Day in DC
Whether you’re a die hard lover of Valentine’s Day, you know the type who troll around town in the ugliest color combo, red and pink, want to be romanced with chocolates and rose petals, or you’d rather go casual this year, like running around the nation’s capital in your thong, we’re running down the list of the best V-day options in DC. If you’re single and ready to party, we’ve got events for you nuts jobs as well. Unless of course you’re the type that just wants to sit at home and cry, then the least you could do is stop being a complete shut in and have some fun with our anti- Valentine’s Day options.
Night Crawlers
These options will keep you party people up all night with some of the city’s hottest DJs and best nightclubs. Whether you’re single or just trying to liven up a dull and boring relationship, this will do the trick.
Ultrabar- 911 F St. Northwest, 20004
Every Saturday at Ultrabar is Ladies Night and Valentine’s Day really is all about the ladies after all isn’t it? Have a Date Night this year and take your woman out for a night on the town!
Details: Ladies 21 & over get in FREE all night! Ladies 18+ reduced admission all night! 9:30PM – 3:00AM, $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
The Huxley- 1730 M Street NW, DC 20036
Valentine’s Day “Stupid Cupid” party presented by LX Group. Whether you’re taken or single and ready to mingle, The Huxley is throwing a Valentine’s Day celebration that is guaranteed to leave you smitten.
Details: Friday, February 13, 2015 from 10PM-3AM. Open-bar access from 10-11PM. Music by DJ Philipz. Ticket packages starting at $15.
Lounging
If you want a little more than dinner and a movie, or you don’t want to spend Valentine’s Day bumping and grinding next to a thousand strangers, than these sexy DC lounges might be just what Cupid had in mind.
Barcode- 1101 17th Street NW
Want a special evening for you and your significant other? Barcode’s Valentine’s Day menu has everything you need: 4 delicious courses hand-picked by the chef himself, including a decadent Valentine’s Day dessert available for a limited time.
Details: $45 4-course menu hand picked by the chef – call ahead to make sure you get a table! (202) 955-9001
Dirty Martini- 1223 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20036
Dirty Martini is offering up a 4-course prix fix dinner for an interesting choice of price, $69.99. Then head upstairs to the venue’s Dirty Bar to keep the party going for Ladies Night, where ladies enter free on Saturdays.
All Nighters
If you’re ready to wow your date with a night out in the nation’s capital and aren’t afraid to lay down some big bucks and maybe spend the night at one of the coolest hotels in DC, these options will be a good start.
Gaylord Hotel- 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Heat up your night at the National Harbor. Whether it’s date night or ladies night, take a ride on the Capital Wheel, grab dinner, head to Bobby McKey’s, Cadillac Ranch, Public House, or the Gaylord’s two-story rooftop Pose Ultra-Lounge. Then cozy up at one of their 2,000 guest rooms.
Details: See the Gaylord’s website for rates and reservations.
The W Hotel- 515 15th Street NW, F St. Between 14th and 15th Street, 20004
The W Washington DC is a one stop shop for Valentine’s Day, grab a room in one of their sexy suites, catch dinner at the W’s Pinea restaurant, hit up the Root Cellar Whiskey Bar located in the lower level, then get up where the nation’s most important monuments and spectacular landmarks surround you in their 11th-floor rooftop terrace.
Details: To enjoy POV after 5 PM, you must be 21 and over. Seating at POV is first come first serve. POV offers bottle service reservations on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 9 PM.
The Mansion on O St.– 2020 O Street Northwest, 20036
Love is in the air at the Mansion, where a three-course meal topped off with their exotic banana split erection (yes you read that right) and sweet tooth display. They then offer a lover’s treasure hunt through the Mansion where you explore 100’s of rooms and 70 secret doors. If you attend the dinner you’ll also score 20% a hotel room for the night.
Details: Dinner tickets are $69 each and runs from 5PM-11PM. For more details and to get tickets, see their website here.
Singles
Being alone on V-Day can be just as much fun as hanging out with some random date or the person you’ve been meaning to break up with for months but don’t have the balls to do it. Being alone is cheaper, easier and probably a hell of a better idea.
Barcode- 1101 17th Street NW
Barcode’s newest Thursday party, ONE, has taken DC by storm – pay them a visit on Thursday the 12th for Singles with Singles and get even better specials than ever – with a $1 Progressive Bar starting at 9pm, how can you go wrong?
Details: 18+, music by DJ Kam, $1 Progressive bar starting at 9pm, and table specials – call (202) 271-1171 for reservations.
Singles Seated Speed Dating and Valentine’s Day Party at Capitale- 1301 K Street NW 20005
What better than Valentine’s Day to meet your new match, so get off the couch and stop pouting and head to Capitale for their seated speed dating, which was even featured on the Today Show.
Details: Price: $30.00 if purchased by 5 p.m. Friday, January 30; 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Cupid’s Bar Crawl– Dupont Circle
If you really can’t stand going out on Valentine’s Day, get your partying in a week early. Celebrate the season of love with a Dupont Circle bar crawl, whether you’re single, taken, or just hoping to get shot by Cupid’s never failing arrow.
Details: February 7, 2015, 3-11 PM. Participating establishments include: The Huxley, The Mad Hatter, Sign of the Whale, Ozio, Public Bar, Kabin, Buffalo Billiards, Irish Whiskey, Cafe Citron, James Hoban’s and more.
Low Key
This one is for all those who have either been in a relationship so long, that nobody cares about this Hallmark holiday anymore; you know there’s love there. Or, for the singles that don’t want to be surrounded by A-holes making kissy faces all night long, yet it’s still Saturday night and you don’t want to be a complete shut in.
Fifty Shades of Grey- The Movie
No we are not telling you to get all kinky with some S&M, what you do behind closed doors is completely up to you, we’re talking the movie Fifty Shades of Grey. The highly anticipated movie is hitting theaters February 14, maybe you’ll even pick up some new moves you can try out later that night or your next date.
Details: See for Local Showtimes. P.S. We like the Georgetown Lowe’s Theater where you can sneak next door and get your sweet fix at the Hershey’s Ice Cream shop.
Ice Skating- 3 DC Locations
One positive thing about a DC winter is ice-skating and it can be super romantic. Take your date over to the National Gallery of Art’s Skating Rink on the National Mall, Canal Park Ice Rink on 2nd & M St. in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, or the Washington Harbour Ice Rink.
Details: Most rinks are open through March, check the links above for dates, tickets and pricing.
Alternative
If you’re sick of the whole boring dinner and a movie dates, or awkward Valentine’s Day encounters, these off beat options will get you up off your ars.
Capitol Standard Magazine Party- QLIKD: Not Another Boring Valentine’s Day- Jack Rose Dining Saloon; 2007 18th Street NW, 20009
Mingle with singles, toast with couples, and relax with a complimentary men’s grooming service provided by Roosters of Georgetown and a braid bar by Haute 202 Salon will be on site for women. VIP guests will enjoy specialty craft cocktails assembled by GQ Magazine’s featured mixologist of the year.
“Crimes of Passion” Experience at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment- 575 7th Street NW, DC 20004
Spend Valentine’s Day weekend visiting a special exhibit unlike anything else offered on this romantic holiday weekend. Get handcuffed to your date and view over 600 exhibits regularly featured at the museum, plus exhibits explaining various crimes of passion and hear true stories such as the “Valentine’s Vampire.”
Details: Friday February 13 and Saturday February 14, ticket start times between 6-10PM. General admission tickets are $80 and VIP tickets are $150; see here for all the goodies that come with the price of admission and to purchase tickets.
Cupid’s Undie Run- Stanton & Greene, Hawk ‘N’ Dove & Capitol Lounge, 319 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 20003
After a night of romance, one could use something a little lighter, so what better than an event that’s tag line is- Put the Hilarity in Charity. Cupid’s Undie Run let’s you around the U.S. Capitol Building in your Valentine’s themed undies to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Details: Sunday, February 15, 2015 Noon-4PM, register online here.
Classic
For the quintessential Valentine’s evening, most buttoned up couples will do the classic Valentine’s Day, which consists of a romantic dinner out on the town, champagne, a heart shaped box of chocolates or maybe even a diamond if your man’s not broke. Here are some sexy restaurants that will impress your date, but you better make reservations quick before you get stuck with Chinese takeout.
Fiola Mare- 3100 K Street Northwest, 20007
You’re just a reservation and a major paycheck away from a trip to the Italian Riviera by way of the Potomac at Fiola Mare. Expect sweeping river views, whole roasted fish, streams of bubbly—and a mega-bill to match.
Details: Check out the full Valentine’s menu here.
Little Serow- 1511 17th St. NW, 20036
With a limit of four people per table, Little Serow is an intimate spot is tailor-made for romance. The menu riffs on the meals the owners ate on their honeymoon and the open kitchen delivers a seven fiery, funky plates like Mekong whiskey-basted ribs with sticky rice. You may need to bring the tums for this one.
Details: Check out their full menu online here. Valentine’s Day offers a $45 prix fixe option.
Co Co. Sala- 929 F Street NW 20004
Forget the box of chocolates and whisk your sweetie away to Co Co. Sala, a chocolate-themed restaurant pairs decadent dinners with indulgent desserts. There are two main lounge areas as well as a patio garden, a private dining room, an art gallery and rooftop seating.
Details: Click here for hours and reservations
Guys to Avoid at Nightclubs
Nightclubs attract all types of creepy people, but no more than a Starbucks or a Wal-Mart and we still seem to frequent those places without a rape whistle, so don’t let the freaks ruin your night. For every guy you should avoid in a nightclub, there is an equally crazy girl you should definitely run away from screaming. But, let’s be fair and for once forget the whole ‘ladies first’ thing and run down the list of the guys every girl, or guy liking guy should avoid in the nightclub scene. We’ve all seen them at the club, or woke up underneath one or more of these weirdos, but for the sake of the new generation let’s review.
The Intern
Though dating an intern is never desirable- think, interns make little to no money so be prepared to go Dutch on drinks or even pay for the whole evening all together. So unless you are prepared to wake up the next day at his studio he shares with four roommates and foot the bill for Chinese take out, avoid this.
The Trust Fund Baby
On the surface, trust fund babies sound great- they have a bank account full of cash that they can use buying tables at all the hottest clubs and buying you unlimited amounts of clubbing attire, just like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, right?!?! Not exactly, think of dating a trust fund baby, and his Mommy and Daddy, which 99% of the time have him on a short leash, not a threesome you want to get mixed up with.
The Sleazy Promoter
Every club has a crew of promoters who’s job it is to fill the club every night with hot girls and big spenders. Some are totally legit businessmen, but others are sleazy wanna-be’s who may even lie and say they are the manager or owner, when most likely they are passing out flyers at the nail salon hoping to get into your pants with the shallow promise of a free Amaretto Sour on Ladies Night.
The Wanna Be DJ
The ‘wanna-be’ DJ type probably has a MySpace page and is on Sound Cloud and once played at his little brother’s Bar Mitzvah at the Jewish Community Center using his iPod. He’ll probably tell you he played with some major DJ’s when in reality he probably means he replays that DJ’s song for his friends in his mom’s basement.
The Jet Setter
There’s always some loser wearing an ascot, claiming he drives a Bentley and jet sets to Monte Carlo on his G6 and hangs with celebrities. This usually translates to Honda Civic, Futon, and Greyhound.
The Hair Stylist
Stay away from the guy who comes up to you at the bar and without warning runs his fingers through your hair, tells you he’d love to style your hair and he works at blah blah blah salon. He’s likely going through an experimental phase with women, which will leave you hollow, or with a new trendy mullet.
The Crack Head
If he wears sunglasses at night, and says ‘do you party’ or his first technical date invitation is to the club’s bathrooms, run away, and fast. He’s probably racked up a few charges, his phone may already be tapped and you’re after party will be more of a ‘working’ night for him.
The Meat Head
Tip- he’s the muscle head beefy guy with the XS Ed Hardy or Affliction t-shirt on drinking the sugar free Red Bull, or the Skinny Girl Margarita. These types are too agro, tan and weight conscious, it’s like dating a teenage girl with an eating disorder. You’ll spend the night discussing the caloric intake of a Bacardi and Diet and if you make it to Date Night #1 you’re in for a meal of boiled chicken breast or a lifetime of canned tuna fish.
The Creepy Old Man
There comes a point in time when you leave your clubbing days behind, but some old dirty bastards apparently didn’t get the memo. Old man river will either show up at the club with a VIP table, escorting 8 young girls who could be his grand daughters, or show up in a pleated pair of khakis, standing in the corner alone with his hands in his pockets. Avoid both.
The Loner
You may initially feel sorry for the loner. He’s standing bewildered in the midst of neon nights and lasers all alone like a baby lamb. Be afraid, be very afraid, because these types will be the ones to bomb the local movie theater or bring you back to their dungeon and tie you up with a ball gag and chains for ten years. Remember, there’s usually a reason someone’s alone at a club and it’s starts with psycho and ends with path.
For this week’s nightclubs events in DC, and for where you can avoid all these types of guys, check the Best Parties in DC.
EDM Documentaries Worth the Watch
Before school starts back up, get educated about EDM without ever having to crack a book. There’s a bunch of EDM documentaries out there that will get you up to speed on electronic music’s roots, teach you all you ever wanted to know about your favorite artists, get a behind the scenes look at some of the most iconic nightclubs in dance music history, the biggest music festivals, and some of the most infamous club kids and nightclub take downs. What’s the saying? You think you know, but you have no idea!
One thing we’ve learned from watching all these films (for research purposes, of course) is that from America, to Britain, to Sweden, and all over, everyone thinks they invented electronic music. Just depends on who your source is, so now you get to watch and make your own opinions.
Take One: A Documentary Film About Swedish House Mafia (2010)
Get up close and personal with Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Axwell with Christina Larson’s documentary on the superstar trio. By filming scenes from their everyday routines in the studios and abroad, their collaborative vision is immortalized in this film. The 45-minute doc takes you through their studio collaborations, adventures abroad, and coverage of some of the biggest shows in the world. Find out how Swedish House Mafia, the super-group formed and how they rose to the top of the charts across the world.
Watch the full movie here- Take One: A Documentary Film About Swedish House Mafia
Limelight (2011)
Limelight,one of the most historic clubs in nightlife history is infamous for creating new music and sounds in the 80’s from hip hop, to techno, to house. This documentary follows “the rise and fall of New York’s greatest nightclub empire.” The film focuses on the owner of Limelight, Peter Gatien, and his reign over the New York City club scene at a time when dance music was getting its first holdings on mainstream music.
It’s an insightful documentary on the evolution of club culture, its drug involvement and ’80s NYC as whole. This film depicts the nightclub life in the 80’s, just as dance music was becoming an economical force. Moby makes a cameo, along with footage from the club featuring Hip-Hop icons Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
Full movie is available on Netflix and Hulu Plus.
Party Monster (2003)
This film is a factually based drama starring Macaulay Culkin as the drug-addled “king of the Club Kids”. The film tells the story of the rise and fall of the infamous New York party promoter Michael Alig and the New York club scene in the late 80’s through early 90’s, and the emergence of the club kids in the nightlife scene.
It’s based on Disco Bloodbath, the memoir of James St. James, which details his friendship with Alig, that later fell apart as Alig’s drug addiction worsened, and ended after he murdered Angel Melendez and went to prison. A 1998 documentary on the murder, also called Party Monster: The Shockumentary, was used for certain elements of the film. Featured on the soundtrack is Felix Da Housecat.
Watch full movie here- Party Monster
David Guetta – Nothing But The Beat, the movie (2011)
Legendary French music producer and DJ David Guetta partnered with burn productions and as part of this exciting collaboration, burn productions created a full-length film that gives fans unique insight into Guetta’s life, career and meteoric rise from underground house DJ to one of the world’s most sought-after DJ/producer/collaborators.
Nothing But The Beat features in-depth interviews with some of the amazing artists David has worked with including Will.i.Am, Kelly Rowland, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Taio Cruz and Usher, as well as insights from dance music legends Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, Laurent Garnier, David Morales & Pete Tong.
Watch full movie here- David Guetta – Nothing But The Beat
Electric Daisy Carnival Experience (2011)
Heralded as one of the must-attend dance music festivals each year, Electric Daisy Carnival premiere most of hottest acts in the dance music industry. The film was shown in theaters for one night only, this film was pulled from most cities’ box-office venues due to negative remarks about the EDM culture and a quasi-riot that broke out in LA after Kaskade tweeted he would perform in the street. The live-music documentary showcases one of the largest festivals in America with appearances by Swedish House Mafia, Will.I.Am, Travis Barker, and Steve Aoki. On display is EDC as it was in the Coliseum before moving to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Watch the full movie here- Electric Daisy Carnival Experience
Pump Up the Volume – The History of House Music (2001)
In 2001, BBC released this 3-part TV series about the history of house music. It is an exciting film, featuring some of the most important figures of the early ages of electronic music and songs that still influence many artists these days. Ever wondered where the name “house music” comes from? Who first came up with the idea of adding electronic beats to a disco tune? And why did they do it? Well, wonder no more.
The film is a bit dated and only brings us up to about the mid-1990’s but futures legends like Frankie Knuckles, Marshal Jefferson, Jesse Saunders, Pete Tong and more.
Watch the full movie here- Pump Up the Volume- The History of House Music
High Tech Soul: The Creation of Techno Music (2006)
High Tech Soul is the first documentary to tackle the deep roots of techno music alongside the cultural history of Detroit, its birthplace. From the race riots of 1967 to the underground party scene of the late 1980s, Detroit’s economic downturn didn’t stop the invention of a new kind of music that brought international attention to its producers and their hometown.
Featuring in-depth interviews with many of the world’s best exponents of the art form, High Tech Soul focuses on the creators of the genre — Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson — and looks at the relationships and personal struggles behind the music. Artists like Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, Carl Craig, Eddie Fowlkes and a host of others explain why techno, with its abrasive tones and resonating baselines, could not have come from anywhere but Detroit.
Watch the full movie here- High Tech Soul: The Creation of Techno Music
Carl Cox 24/7 (2009)
See an exclusive documentary covering the everyday life of one of the world’s most loved and revered DJs, Carl Cox. Never before has anyone been granted this kind of access into Carl’s life outside of DJing. You will see the likes of Josh Wink, Sven Vath, Dubfire, John Digweed, Moby, Loco Dice, Fatboy Slim and many more, talking openly and honestly about their dear friend and colleague.
Shot continuously over 12 months, the film follows Carl around the world, taking in London, America, Australia, Ibiza and Barbados. Everyone knows Carl Cox the DJ from his mix CDs and DJ sets, so instead we give you an insight into Carl’s personal everyday life as he splits his time between jet-setting across the globe, riding his beloved motorbikes, attending interviews, hanging out with friends, family and collaborators and kicking back on his rare moments off.
Watch the full movie here- Carl Cox 24/7
The Drop: The EDM Culture Explosion (2014)
Sundance Film Festival 2013 premiered, The Drop: The EDM Culture Explosion, debuting at the acclaimed Cannes occasion. This movie is about the EDM takeover in the past couple years from festival season to mainstream music crossovers in popular culture. This film features everyone from Hardwell to Moby to Krewella to Avicii and was debuted at last year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The celluloid creations listed here gives viewers an insider’s eye to various components of the dance music- from daily routines of its current top artists to the intricate histories of its sub genres.
Not yet released.
How Clubbing Changed the World (2012)
Idris Elba (British actor, producer, singer, rapper, and DJ, best known as that drug lord and aspiring businessman Russell “Stringer” Bell in the HBO series The Wire), explores how clubbing evolved from a counter-cultural movement that defined a generation to a multi-billion-pound business, and reveals how, 25 years on, Britain still rules the underground. Get ready for 2 hours of how clubbing changed the world. This is a must watch for anyone who claims to be a true EDM fan.
Watch the full film here- How Clubbing Changed the World
If you really want to go crazy, check out these other EDM documentaries worth the watch:
Dubfiles (2008),1990′s Rave Documentary in Los Angeles “Underground Aboveground” (1992), The Sound of Belgium (2012), Liquid Crystal Vision (2002), Better Living Through Circuitry (1999), This Ain’t Chicago: UK House According to the Artists That Lived It (2012), The Chemical Generation (2000), Modulations(1998),Slices — Pioneers of Electronic Music: Richie Hawtin (2006),Moog(2004),Electronic Awakening (2011), Maestro(2003)
The Broke Ass Girl’s Guide to Shopping
So you have more money for the important things in life, like going out 5 nights a week…
Having lived in some of America’s most expensive cities, namely Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Miami, it can be quite a daunting task to stay up on all the stylish trends. In cities that are famous for their extravagant nightlife, going out 5 nights a week is a way of life, but it can be a b*tch trying to keep up without going into some major credit card debt.
One of the biggest lessons a girl can learn is how to look stylish on a budget and not wind up a broke ass b*tch because it’s 2014 (almost 2015) and you can’t wait around hoping for a Daddy Warbucks to sweep you off your feet and pay for your lavish tastes.
Some say buy a few ‘classic’ (i.e. hella expensive and boring) pieces you can wear for a lifetime and mix and match. But then you can afford two solid outfits that you have to wear everyday and wind up looking like a cartoon character stuck in a daily uniform. By following these budget friendly shopping tips, your closets will be bursting at the seams without leaving you in debt.
Forever 21
I can feel some of you cringing at the thought of Forever 21, maybe even dry heaving. But while you’re cringing, some style smart penny pinching gals out there are able to grab all the latest trends (and copycats) for next to nothing. Some of the biggest mistakes people can make is buying into fashion trends and purchasing them at top dollar, because trends come and go. So who cares if those cheap F21 harem pants look like trash after a few washes because the trend will be over before you get that last hole in the ass of your new must have item! Plus there’s nowhere else you can get $10 jeans, or tank tops for under $2 (not on sale), that’s 2 tanks tops for less than that designer coffee that’s rotting your stomach lining each morning!
H&M
This is another great place to keep up with all the latest fashion trends without going broke. You can also get a slightly better quality item here than Forever 21. The best thing about H&M is they team up with high fashion designers who roll out their collections made specifically for H&M, inspired by the runway type deals. So even if you’re not 8 feet tall and 100 lbs., you can be sporting top designer and celebrity duds from Isabel Marant, David Beckham, Alexander Wang, Madonna, Kylie Mynogue, Maison Martin Margiela, Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin, Marni, and Viktor & Rolf who have all had lines at H&M.
Korean and Chinese Fashion on eBay
You may be skeptical of ordering from the Far East online at eBay or Amazon, but as someone who has been doing this for a good decade, it’s 90% of the time gone in my favor. Tons of American boutiques get their items from wholesale suppliers overseas. Those same wholesale suppliers are literally at your fingertips through the good ol’ Internet. Why wait for a local boutique to purchase the item and mark it up 10,000% by the time it hits a store near you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten things through eBay or Amazon from China only to walk into a local boutique in a major city and see my item on their shelves. And shipping is usually free, or under $3, just be willing to wait 15-30 days for your new wardrobe.
Faux Designer Purses
Some girls are OBSESSED with designer bags. I think they are a waste of money. I used to go to NYC’s canal street and buy knock-off bags for under $20, always got compliments on them (avoid ones with obnoxious branding like Louis Vuitton or Gucci), never had to worry about ruining the bag, or having it stolen. There are tons of these on the streets in any major city. Check in Georgetown and Chinatown in DC. Sure there’s some major garbage, but you can find some great options without having to live in your mom’s basement. Also MAJOR designers are know selling ‘vegan leather’ which is FAKE, it’s the same cheap crap these knock off bags are made of, so call your street purse vegan leather and suddenly vinyl /pleather will make you look like a real trendy animal activist.
Try this Guide to Buying Fake Handbags, it’s catering to NYC but the same guidelines can apply to spotting quality bags in any city.
Sunglasses at Night (smh)
Chances are nobody will know your shades are not top of the line. There are tons of great online sites like sunglasswarehouse.com, or zappos.com, or your city’s streets. Just like purses, street venders sell trendy shades for under $10, as do flea markets and discount department stores like TJMaxx and Marshalls. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on something you will probably lose. If you must buy designer shades, try somewhere like Sunglass Hut or an outlet center where you can get them for deep discounts. Just don’t wear them in the club people, day clubs, pool parties, sure; sun down, glasses off, it’s that simple, unless you want to be mistaken for a pill popping raving lunatic.
Online Shopping is King
If you’re looking for bargains, online shopping is a must. You have to get over the trying on clothes part and just go with. Many sites have free return shipping policies, or you can just give what you don’t like as a gift to a friend, or sell it back for double the price on eBay, Poshmark, or similar sites. Some sites to try are Nastygal.com, Jollychic.com, Gojane.com, 10dollarmall.com, Moddeals.com, and many more. I’m talking $20 and under here for tons of items people, plus check the sale and clearance categories.
Work the Seasons
The key here is to buy off-season. By the time you put on your bathing suit for the first time this summer, department stores will be rolling out the fall sweaters and turtlenecks. Likewise, while you’re shoveling 8 feet of snow off your sidewalk, they will be pushing a shorts and tube tops. Skip the front of the stores’ full price items and head to the back where they keep all the sale racks. You’re not cheap; you’re smart.
Coupon Queen
Always check online before headed to any retail store or when shopping online for printable coupons and online coupon codes. For example if I’m going to Forever 21 I will type in something like, “Forever 21 printable coupons 2014”, or if shopping online, I’d type in “Forever 21 online coupon codes 2014”, and “Forever 21 free shipping 2014”. This works for any store, sometimes you won’t find anything current, but 90% of the time you will. There are also applications you can download on your smart phone such as ‘Retailmenot’, which will alert you to coupons on the go!
The Runway at Target
Don’t be embarrassed to check out Target to fill out your wardrobe. Some major fashion houses have rolled out lines designed especially for Target like Altuzarra, Toms, Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, Gwen Stefani, Missoni, Peter Pilotto, Isaac Mizrahi, with much more affordable prices than their runway counterparts. Check the Target website for the launch of each line because often the items literally fly off the shelves within hours of release.
The Shoe Hunt
There are several “shoe clubs” out there. Shoe Dazzle and Just Fab (both names suck) are the two biggest players in the game right now, and as of 2013 the two companies merged. Basically, you can purchase as you go, or join their “VIP” membership plan. You’re basically charged $39.95 for a member credit each month, but you can skip as many months as you want and spend your credit on something you love or save it for later! Just Fab is associated with Kimora Lee Simmons, and has better prices and deals, for example, 2 pairs for $39.95, 2 for 1, or free shipping. Shoe Dazzle is associated with Rachel Zoe and Kim Kardashian. I signed up and didn’t realize I was in a membership and they kept sending me ‘credits’ for shoes. I thought, “holy sh*t I’m getting free shoes”. No, you’re an idiot; these ‘credits’ are being automatically taken from your credit card, so read the fine print.
Swap It, Sell It, Toss It
Lastly, when you want to add new items to your wardrobe, follow the ‘one in, one out’ method. Every time you buy a new piece, take one piece out to donate, consign or sell. There are tons of sites out there where you can sell your clothes and accessories; some great ones are Poshmark, Threadflip, Threadup, or Tradesy. There are also sites designed for trading unwanted items with other users, like Bib and Tuck, or Swapdom, where you ‘pay with what you give away’. A final option is to host your own ‘style party’ with your friends. Have everyone brings items they no longer want and everyone can trade. What do they say? One’s junk is another’s treasure…
If you spend a little time and effort before you shop for that new outfit to go to the club, or wherever your days and nights take you, you’ll have extra money to blow on more adventures and still look good doing it.
Electric Zoo Festival Review
If it weren’t for the rain-soaked day three, the recently passed Electric Zoo Festival would be best-remembered for being a series of moments that gave the average American EDM fanatic hope for the future. As well, if a long-time fan of dance, Electric Zoo would have also provided hope for remembering classic standards in the face of dance’s attempt at a more rap and pop-style evolution.
Day One was headlined by veteran French pop electro kingpin David Guetta, as well as Greek/Belgian electro duo Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. Guetta’s set was exhilarating as expected for more recent fans of EDM who over the past six years have seen Guetta collaborate with producers like Avicii and Afrojack, as well as with artists including Sia, Kid Cudi, Akon and more. However, if you like your techno dark, present as well were the legendary Dubfire in the mirror and stained glass decorated circus-tent that was the Sunday School Grove, and quite possibly Day One’s best set from Parisian (and Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead” and “Send It Up” producer) powerhouse Gesaffelstein. While the former’s set pleased those who have been familiar with the Detroit-to-global sound since it’s early 90s beginnings, the latter’s set introduced a whole new generation to the style, the Frenchman’s set leaned heavy on New Wave and acid house too, giving off a far darker vibe.
Saturday’s second day was a story of heightened expectations being delivered upon throughout the day, as from Benny Benassi, to Zedd to Armin Van Buuren on Main Stage West and Clockwork, Nervo, Laidback Luke and Knife Party on Main Stage East, the expectations were high for all sets, and successfully met. LA’s Clockwork’s Dutch house style drums on his electro bangers mixed with the pop-star energy of Nervo, top-tier selection skills of Laidback Luke and Knife Party’s manic, pulse pounding hits (including new album material) to shut things down near the festival’s entrance. On Main Stage West, Benny Benassi continued his ability to be relevant with the times, as the “Electroman” tossing elements of dubstep, razor-sharp electro and big-room type vocal tracks into the mix was well-received. But the hook-driven pop production of Zedd – showcased with an incredible lazer, fire and fireworks show – was certainly impressive, as between “Stay The Night,” “Clarity” and current Ariana Grande hit “Break Free,” he excelled. And of course, Armin van Buuren made a chanting, singing, flag-waving and totally into every moment of his set crowd euphoric with everything from current pop hit “This Is What It Feels Like,” to more classic material including his edit of “Adagio For Strings.”
Day Two was also a day where in the Sunday School Grove, legendary radio broadcaster Pete Tong, along with Josh Wink and New York City-based DJ legend Danny Tenaglia literally shut the tent down for six straight hours pulling in such an impressive crowd that security had to create restricted entrance and a party broke out just outside of the tent, too. For as much as Electric Zoo was about main stages and massive tents housing sets – like, say, MAKJ’s gargantuan, mid-afternoon Saturday, hands in the air and open-format super party or Brillz’s Hilltop Arena/Carnage’s Main Stage West all out trap assaults that left the crowd turnt up, sweaty and completely spent – it was about the idea that deeper, more intense and far more danceable music was just as entertaining and important to those in attendance.
Before the 60 MPH winds and torrential downpours came and blew away Day Three, OWSLA-related DJ/producers Henry Fong and Alvin Risk played bass-heavy sets on Main Stage West that included DC-related anthems like Gent and Jawns’ trap banger “Turn Up” and Risk’s own classic moombahton collaboration with Tittsworth, “Pendejas.”
Though eventually cancelled, Electric Zoo did successfully showcase both the diversity and popularity of so many genres in American EDM at present. Of course, between the black-outfitted techno heads checking out Gesaffelstein to the kandi and bandana-wearing kids loving producers like Kill the Noise, there’s a world of difference. Missing out on sets by the likes of Skrillex and Diplo’s Jack U combination, Kaskade, Mat Zo and Bingo Players that could’ve bridged those gaps on the third day would have made the festival truly ideal. However, as it stood, it was two days well spent that showcased how far dance music and culture in America have come, and the promise of where the culture is headed, too.
Washington DC the Best and Worst of the City
Remember your senior year in high school when everyone votes on the prettiest, the smartest, the best athlete, and the class clown? Thought you were in the clear now that the cheerleaders and jocks can’t judge you anymore? Think again, let’s pick on your city and see if it’s the prettiest, most popular kid in school or what?
Washingtonians are jumping on the recent title, given by Forbes, which awarded DC as ‘The Coolest Place to Live’. But is it really? We sure think so.
But to be fair let’s see what other ‘honors’ this city of ours has accumulated. We are going to roll out the superlatives for our Nation’s capital, because whether you love DC or hate DC, Washington DC makes an appearance on nearly every list, from the drunkest to the healthiest and everything in between.
The Worst Traffic
Everyone is used to hearing about the awful LA and Manhattan traffic but those outside the DMV probably don’t know that DC is consistently listed in the year’s worst traffic lists by Forbes, The WTOP Traffic Center, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, etc.
Some lists report the DC region’s traffic being worse than chronically choked LA, San Francisco and New York, the report says. As one report says Washingtonians burns 67 hours and 32 gallons of gas each year sitting in traffic.
Some lists rank DC #1 in traffic, but it’s at least always in the top 10!
The Best for Singles and Dating
A new study by the number-crunching site shows that DC is the second best city in the U.S. for singles, statistically speaking. Why? Because of the number of potential dates, the number of bars and restaurants making up the city’s social scene and date affordability.
More specifically, Nerd Wallet got its results by calculating the percentage of unmarried people, the number of bars and restaurants per 1,000 residents and the cost of two movie tickets, a meal and one bottle of wine in each city.
The Worst Parking
Parking sucks, plain and simple and DC is one of the worst places to park. Nerdwallet.com took a look at parking in cities all over the country and DC was named the 7th worst parking city in the U.S.!
The study looked at parking costs and vehicle theft rates. DC officers are avid ticketers, as the city collected $92.6 million in parking fines in 2011. (Take note that the highest ticketed time is during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.) It costs $19 a day and $270 a month to park in the city. Our city also boasts 60.17% more motor vehicle thefts per capita than the national average. Lock your doors.
The Ugliest City
Travel + Leisure readers have crowned the U.S. cities with the best-looking people—and beach bums need not apply. And the winner is….Least Attractive No. 1 Washington, D.C.
Locals came off as both unfriendly and not so stylish. But the city still offers some timeless beauties. Though it’s diverse residents are generally pretty healthy and get lots of sleep, their overall stress level skyrockets (they were ranked as Forbes.com’s ninth most stressful place to live), and the air is crap (they’re 14th for most ozone pollution). Travel and Leisure gave them props for having brains, but ranked them least attractive. This one hurts the old shallow ego.
The Healthiest City
OK, so we are ugly, but healthy? Sure, we will take what we can get. All five of the healthiest cities on the Forbes list boasted obesity rates fewer than 23 percent and smoking rates fewer than 18 percent. (Just 10 percent for San Francisco and 13 percent for DC)
And as a snapshot of success, 81 percent of people in Washington DC did some kind of physical activity in the last 30 days and fewer than 22 percent are obese. Residents’ rates of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and general health are also important.
The Drunkest City
To find out which cities drink the most during the year, The Daily Beast analyzed the average number of drinks per month per adult and a city’s percentages of heavy and binge drinkers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So bottoms up people, DC ranks #9, with a little more time and effort in the DC nightclub scene, we’re sure we can get our numbers up and, if we all commit to success, be #1 next year! Nearby neighbors Baltimore ranked #13 and Norfolk #2. Check out DC’s stats:
Average alcoholic drinks consumed by adults per month: 15.6
Percentage of population classified as binge drinkers: 14.5%
Percentage of population classified as heavy drinkers: 5%
The Worst Weather
DC has ranked in both the worst summers and winters categories according to Weather.com. In 2010, Baltimore/DC Metro ranked #2 in worst winter weather with record 77″ in Baltimore, MD 56″ in Washington, DC. Baltimore city crews dumped snow in the harbor, for lack of any other place and there were citywide roof collapses, plus the federal government shutdown for 3 days ($350 million), which didn’t help it’s ranking.
Fresh off a second place finish in our top 10 worst winters compilation, the Washington, DC area has grabbed the top spot for the worst summers. The DC Metro covered all the bases Weather.com used to determine their top 5 rankings- damaging thunderstorms, flash floods, power outages, oppressive heat and drought.
The Most Powerful City
Though DC didn’t make The Guardian’s list of the World’s 25 Most Powerful Cities, the most powerful man does live here after all, duh, the President of the United States. Being the nations capital DC is ground zero for political activism, and cultural landmarks. Another list, done by CityLab in 2012 ranked DC #4 in America’s Most Powerful Global Cities based on economic output, wages and salaries, and population.
Basically, Washington is booming. The population is growing because there’s work here. Young people continue to pour in – there’s only a three per cent vacancy rate in DC property because big government in America continues to employ people regardless of what’s happening to unemployment elsewhere in the economy.
The Worst Place to Retire
When thinking of retirement, palm trees and golf courses come to mind; though there are lots of free things to do in the DC area, including admission to nearly all of the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. The hard part is being able to afford to live close enough to take advantage of these world-class exhibits on a regular basis.
The typical renter age 60 and older spends $1,122 per month to live in the Washington metro area. Homeowners with a mortgage pay even more: a median of $1,974 per month. And even those who have paid off their mortgages face other housing costs amounting to $652 per month. Median long-term care costs are slightly higher than the rest of the country, typically costing $243 per day for a nursing home stay or $3,698 monthly for assisted living.
The Highest Aids Rate
MediaTakeOut.com obtained from the US Census the 25 cities with the HIGHEST HIV RATES in the United States. Wow, wrap it twice when you take that WMC trip to Miami next year. They rank by the number of people with the Bug per 100,000 and the cumulative number of cases.
- Miami, FL
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jacksonville, FL
- New York, NY-NJ-PA
- Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Columbia, SC
- Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Orlando, FL
- New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA
- Baltimore-Towson, MD
The Most Expensive
Affordability aside, America’s costliest cities often have a lot to offer residents: vibrant economies, diverse populations, interesting attractions and active social scenes. New grads and established millionaires alike find a worthwhile home in the nation’s capital. At 2.5 times the U.S. average, local housing expenses can be onerous, but near-normal prices for other goods and services, including health care, transportation and utilities, lessens the sting.
Free diversions, including the national monuments, numerous Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, are an added perk. A favorable job market and plump paychecks also help.
Cost of Living: 40.1% above U.S. average
City Population: 633,427
Median Household Income: $64,267
Median Home Value: $443,000
The Most Dangerous City
Neighborhood Scout ranked the Most Dangerous Cities in America with 25,000 or more people and out of 100 cities DC ranked #46, that’s one place worse than Compton the city that all those rappers talk about. Awesome!
The cities were ranked based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes include murder, forcible rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Data used for this research are 1) the number of violent crimes reported to the FBI to have occurred in each city, and 2) the population of each city. Stock up on mace!
The Most Diverse City
Walking the street of the District can often look like a United Colors of Benetton ad. With the Senate passing a major immigration reform bill and a US Census report forecasting that white people will become a minority in the US by 2043, we are slowly inching towards a much more diverse future and here I was hoping for a hover board.
NerdWallet, a financial website for consumers, calculated which cities had the most equal distribution of residents across four common ethnic groups. Out of the top 20 most diverse cities, 7 of those were in the DC metro area. Check out the full list of America’s Most Diverse Cities here.
So, good or bad, DC cracks into almost every list and that in and of itself should be a list, the city that appears on the most lists list.
The Most Awesome Celebrity Workout Tapes Ever
Summer is still in full effect and priority one in these steamy months is a hot body. But maybe you’re tired of the all the trendy workouts like Cross Fit, Pilates, Pure Barre, or grinding on that stripper pole. Why not go to a place where aerobics ruled, spandex was NOT ironic and neon was all the rage, not rave like it is today.
What’s this magical place? The 80’s and 90’s where celebrities from the D list to the A list all busted a move in their tightest thong workout unitards or matching track suits and turtlenecks so you could pop it in your VHS and sweat to the oldies (not just to Richard Simmons). This was a glorious era that reveled in the complete and total absence of irony. Hop aboard the locomotive as we count down the most totally rad celebrity workouts ever.
Cher
Mega star Cher is credited as bringing a sense of female autonomy and self-actualization into the entertainment industry, awesome jams like If I Could Turn Back Time, and I Got You Babe, and the often forgotten workout tape Body Confidence. You laugh, but Cher has had a rocking body for six going on seven decades, so I’m going to listen to this Diva. Afterall, she never had a fat phase like Britney, Christina and Jessica.
Mark Walberg
Sure he may be a Hollywood A-lister now, but back then, he was Marky Mark, he had his funky bunch, a third nipple, a Calvin Klein underwear campaign and a cheesy workout video to wrap it all up in one ripped package.
Paula Abdul
Get up and dance! It’s what the former Lakers cheerleader, dancer, and pop star demands from her fellow aerobicizers in this workout video. But where’s the Paula Abdul music in this workout? I want to grape vine right grape vine left to Cold Hearted Snake not the YMCA. WTF?!?!
Fabio
Like Madonna or Cher (only not talented), the solo named Fabio, Italian fashion model, spokesperson, and actor, who appeared on the covers of hundreds of romance novels throughout the 1980s and 1990s, or as I remember him best as that grease ball from the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter commercials, joined in on the workout tape craze. It’s like soft-core porn. Sick. (BTW check out his website, it’s ridiculous).
Alyssa Milano
In the innocent days before free Internet porn, there was Alyssa Milano and Teen Steam. You know her from her days on Who’s the Boss (check reruns at 3am) or Charmed. It was a simpler time. Taking place over the course of a sleepover/workout party, the movie includes bizarrely staged music videos (starring Milano!), boy problems (that she is having!), and choreography that looks like…well, something a 15-year-old girl would do in her bedroom.
Traci Lords
Made “famous” or perhaps infamous by her underage appearances in porn, of course Traci Lords made a low budget work out tape, because that’s what you do when you want to shed your slutty image because you “got into porn because you really wanted to be an A-list actress”. Know your audience Traci, yours is that balding old man with the beer belly leering at young girls at Hooters. Let’s get fit with Sexy Exercize set to the background of 80’s porn music.
Chuck Norris
Walker Texas Ranger (Chuck Norris) is many a man’s hero. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist, and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do, not to mention a long list of movies. But before Norris began pushing the Total Gym on late night television he urged our butts into high gear with his workout tapes, which offer the added bonus of self-defense against bullies or rapists.
George Foreman
Retired American professional boxer, two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained minister, author, and entrepreneur. Blah blah blah, the dude who gave us the late night George Foreman Grill, added exercise instructor to his resume because that’s the kind of stand up guy he is, fills us up with burgers and then forces us to work off the flab.
Angela Landsbury
I don’t know about you, but senior citizens are pretty much the last people I’d ask for workout tips. Yet, here’s Angela Landsbury from Murder She Wrote (or the teapot in Beauty and the Beast for you younger kids) doling out workout tips. Though at 88, she’s still going strong so maybe we shouldn’t laugh this one off just yet.
Latoya Jackson
As the fifth child in the Jackson family, poor Latoya is better known for her facial reconstruction and affiliation with the crazy train of lunatics over at the Psychic Friends Network, so she hasn’t received all the fan fare as her brothers. But, she was wise enough to jump on the aerobic workout VHS bandwagon and that’s got to count for something. There’s just something about her voice that makes me want to lay down and take a nap, not join in on this step up workout.
Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear was the ultimate ‘babe’ back then and has never had an ounce of fat on her body, which makes me want to scream and hate her from afar, yet steal all her workout advice, which is exactly what you can do with this throw back aerobic workout. The music is full of lively guitar riffs (maybe ex husband and ex Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora had some help with the soundtrack) and Easter egg colored thong unitards for your viewing pleasure.
Barbie
Barbie was awesome, before a bunch of feminist moms talked Mattel into giving her flat feet, smaller boobs, a fatter waistline and shorter stature. Now, she looks like an f#*ked up version of Skipper her younger sister doll. But, in the early 90’s Barbie was still in her hey day with unattainable proportions giving 90’s youth hope that they could one day aerobicize their body to look like this plastic goddess. Dr. 90210 owes his life to Barbie.
So, if all your late nights partying in the DC nightclub scene, have left you broke, pop in a VHS (am I the only person who still owns this machine?), ok You Tube your favorite throw back workout, tone up and hit the beach before the snow sets in.
You can also check out these slightly less amazing, but still awesome workout tapes from the past that didn’t make the list, but still thrill me.
Claudia Schiffer, Milton Berle, Shirley MacLaine, Dixie Carter, Silver Foxes, Marie Osmond, Sandy Duncan, Estelle Getty, Sally Struthers, Chyna, Mary Tyler Moore, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Regis Phillbin
Most Bizzare Celebrity DJs
Seems like everyone’s a DJ these days. Well, at least everyone thinks a fancy a pair of blinged out headphones, and an extensive iPod playlist is all it takes, and celebrities are some of the biggest offenders of the instant DJ. Check out this laughable list of the weirdest celebrity wanna-be DJs while you wish they’d leave this skill to the professionals.
David Beckham
Former England footballer and LA Galaxy midfielder, and um super hot David Beckham, uploaded his “Winter 2014″ chart on Beatport and its pretty underground. He’s featured some wickedly talented and fast rising producers. It’s is an intimate collection of dark, purist tech house music gems. He showed his ‘skills’ at The End, London, for garage night Twice As Nice for a two-hour set.
Nigel Benn
Former world super middleweight champion aka the Dark Destroyer, is now a DJ? According to Benn,
“I have two loves in my life, House music and boxing. I adore them both with equal measure to such an extent, that my idea of heaven evolves around the spectacle of two fully grown men beating seven balls of shit out of each other, as I get stuck into a chicken Korma, washed down with a six pack of Stella Artois, whilst listening to some serious Deep House at full volume. Believe me, there’s nothing like it (apart from a jackpot lottery win or a night with Cindy Crawford).” WOW.
Wesley Snipes
In 2003 the Hollywood actor, tax evader slash vampire slayer won DanceStar’s ‘Best Celebrity DJ’ award in Miami. To make things even more weird Snipes was just seen partying in a club with Paris Hilton and Justin Beiber at the Cannes film festival this year. What a threesome- Hollyweird House Mafia?
Elijah Wood
Wonder if Frodo is his DJ name? Nope, it DJ E-Wood. The ‘Lord of the Rings’ star has done some gigs in Brooklyn and Austin’s SXSW festival, and just did a gig at FanstasyCon in Salt Lake City over the fourth of July holiday weekend. What a nerd fest that must have been!
Tommy Lee
Heavy metal drummer Tommy Lee, now on his farewell tour with Motley Crue, moonlights as a DJ, mostly as a duo with DJ Aero.
Deejaying is no passing fad for TOMMY LEE. As he told The Miami New Times, “This DJ project will never be over. This isn’t like a quick little, ‘I’m gonna play techno music with my buddy Aero for a minute.’ It’s tattooed in. It’s not going away.” Remember when he came to Glow in 2009 and played piano with Sharam of Deep Dish?
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan tried his hand as a DJ, and even spent some time in the booth with Steve Aoki who tweeted “The Hulk in my DJ booth. @hulkhogan #hulkamania”, but passed the baton to his son, Nick Hogan.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the younger Hogan first tried his hand at DJing a few years back after his pop-star sister Brooke gave him a pair of turntables. Since then, he’s opened for DJ Pauly D and played a handful of other gigs around the country. He recently released the acid-tinged track “Everybody’s Doing It”.
Michelle Rodriguez
The bad ass Fast and Furious actress is apparently now a DJ as well. She just held it down behind the DJ booth at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s 2014 An Evening with Women event held at The Beverly Hilton in May in Beverly Hills. We’re too scared of her to say anything bad.
Snooki
Perhaps taking a cue from her ‘Jersey Shore’ co-star DJ Pauly D, who played several times at our very Barcode. Or perhaps she’s looking for a back up career after her reality television stint runs dry. The pint size wanna-be even has her own line of headphones, no doubt tacky and gawdy.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys has picked up a new talent while being married to producer/rapper Swizz Beatz. The songstress premiered her alter-ego Mrs. DJ AK-47 recently while at a party at New York City’s Yotel hotel. She took over the turntables from Swizzy and immediately got the party rocking as she spun a few joints by Busta Rhymes, Pete Rock and Gang Starr. Don’t quit your day job.
Justin Bieber
Just no. Can’t even go there. No DJing, no singing, no dancing, no driving, no smoking, no existing, just no no no.
Macaulay Culkin
KEVIN!!! It’s now ‘DJ Mac’, and apparently he’s a one stop party shop, promotes his own “iPod parties”, where he’s the DJ of honor, and brings the party favors. His parties generally have an off the wall theme like, Macaulay Culkin’s iPod: Dinosaur Birthday Party. Weird, though it looks like he may have taken his partying too far.
Lindsay Lohan
Another train wreck turned DJ. Maybe she was just trying to get closer to her then girlfriend and “sort-of” DJ Samantha Ronson. Whatever the case is, we can’t imagine this having been something anyone was seriously trying to see.
Dennis Rodman
Former NBA champion announced his plans to become a celebrity DJ in 2010 and hit the road with his bestie, who taught him how to DJ. He played a bunch of second-rate nightclub events and a Kentucky Derby party, landed in rehab and well nobody cares.
Kim Kardashian
Let me guess, a Kim K set would be plopping a Kanye CD in and rolling through the tracks, maybe a hair flip or two, a few makeup touch ups, and the whole club falls asleep. Stick to showing up as celebrity guest at a club, grab your check and leave the turntables to someone with better musical and marital taste.
Paris Hilton
The epitome of entitlement Paris Hilton is she is dead serious about this DJ game. She’s dated Afrojack, who’s called her out about her lack of DJ skills, but really, he didn’t even need to speak (especially since he’s still worked with her on her forthcoming album for Cash Money). Though she did win the ‘Best Celebrity DJ’ at the Dancestar Awards in 2004 and did a recent gig at our very own Echostage in DC, which we are sure was one of her greatest nights.
Kirstie Ally
Nothing about her alias as DJ Lil Buttercup, screams hardcore DJ, yet Lil Buttercup made her DJ debut at Colony, a Hollywood nightclub in 2011. Think she peaked at during her ‘Look Who’s Talking’ and ‘Cheers’ days…
Matt LeBlanc
Matt Le Blanc tried his hand as a DJ with the FashionTV crowd at Maddox nightclub on the last night of London Fashion Week 2010. The former ‘Friends’ star looks nervous outside of his classic Joey role.
Solange Knowles
Beyonce’s little sis was nominated for Golden Spin Award for Celebrity DJ Of The Year in 2012. Wonder if she beat anyone up because she didn’t win! It must suck to be the less loved sister under the shadow of Beyonce’s weave.
Don’t quit your day job people, is that the lesson we can all learn here? Or should we follow Tosh.0 whose wise words on DJs, start with “you know why everyone thinks they can DJ? Because they can…” Let’s just let him sum it all up for us with this video and you can make up your own minds.
The Craziest EDM Lovin’ DJ Tattoos
These ride or die EDM loving fans went all out with their ink. Forget tattooing your lover’s name on your body, these music lover’s tastes will last forever as they immortalized their dedication to the electronic thumping’s of their favorite DJs. After all, music can’t break up with you.
Tiesto
This most impressive full back $9,000 ode to Tiesto belongs to Lello Arena. Glow interviewed the ultra fan back in 2012. Though his Tiesto tattoo is his largest and most impressive he also has Axwell, Steve Angello, Afrojack, Laidback Luke, W&W, Rank 1, Fedde le Grand, Hardwell, Alesso, Thomas Gold and Sander van Doorn signatures forever decorating his body.
DJ AM
Kat Von D etched this mug of the late DJ on this fan’s bod, who happens to be a DJ himself, DJ Fashen. That’s a West Coast threesome right there! Travis Barker, Blink 182 drummer and the lone survivor from the fatal plane crash that took DJ AM ’s life also inked an ode to the gone-too-see turntablist (on the right).
Axwell
We found several Axwell bleeding heart fans out there who tatted up their skin in love of the #19 DJ on the 2013 DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ’s. Wonder if these guys know each other? Like girls showing up at the same party wearing the same dress…
Skrillex
Not sure why this guy chose to have Skrillex’s face etched permanently so close to his junk, but that’s his business. This tat takes some serious commitment and will keep Skrillex forever young.
Daft Punk
Helmet-clad French electronic duo Daft Punk are coming to the small screen with a one-hour documentary made by BBC Worldwide Production France which is slated to air in 2015. These die-hard fans should be at the premiere for their dedication. Did you check out the Daft Punk/Skrillex mash up tat- what???
Deadmau5
Wonder if ex-fiancé and famous tattoo artist Kat Von D laid down this ass art in ode to the mouse head wearing DJ? This tattoo requires some serious lunges to keep the cottage cheese at bay and Deadmau5 sag.
Everything EDM
Can’t choose which act to devote your skin space to? Why discriminate, spread the love like this walking ad for everything EDM.
Armin Van Buuren
This permanent wristband should definitely get this super Armin Van Buuren fan into gigs for life. Body real estate in exchange for concert ticket? We think that’s fare. The other silhouette won a tattoo contest on the ‘A State of Trance’ website.
Swedish House Mafia
This guy must have some serious balls to get a super big tramp stamp of the Swedish electronic dance music trio that consists of three dudes. At least this tattoo will last longer than the three members of Swedish House Mafia who broke up in 2013.
Bassnectar
Bassnectar had several super devoted fans that dedicated large chunks of skin to this artist, but these really stood out. Some show the cover art of Bassnectar’s album, ‘Divergent Spectrum’. Though the other one lower back tat is slightly lost while living on the back amongst a mixed bag of random tattoos including a pentagram, yet it’s still glows with devotion.
Kaskade
It must be an honor for Kaskade to have so many fans tattooing themselves with lyrics from his songs. This won wins out for the massive size…too obvious though? ‘Angel on my shoulder’ being inked on the shoulder, get it?
Sebastian Ingrosso
Sebastian Ingrosso, one third of the Swedish House Mafia, but perhaps more true than ever since their split, this DJ’s flying solo.
Ferry Corsten
This girl wins for double trouble- lyrics from Ferry Corsten ‘s, ‘Beautiful’, circle the DJ’s logo, next to a slightly faded bonus ‘A State Of Trance’ angel to the left, which lets us know she’s a life long fan of EDM.
Make sure to check out the full article on ‘The Tiesto Tattoo Guy’ from his interview with our very own Glow DC.
