The Scenestar Dozen: Richie Panic

"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet DJ and nightlife promoter Richie Panic aka Ricardo De La Panique aka Panicci from the Tenderloin. In his own words, "I play various MP3's and Vinyl recordings of sounds and vibrations from friends and strangers alike TO friends and strangers alike. I throw a wonderful late night social club called Lights Down Low with my life partner Corey Sizemore. During the day I also do some Cat/Kitten sitting." Read more about him below!

What is the best and worst thing about your profession?

I love it when a plan comes together. The stars align and to quote Radiohead "Everything's in it's right place" You find a weird venue, transform it into a rave paradise or at least a loud approximation thereof. The people come in, the energy is transferred, hands are raised, vibrations radiate, and everyone has a wonderful night and the potential for a restful next day.

The worst thing is depressed days where you are your own boss with no insurance, no dental care, no mansion, and you're waiting for the thrill and the treat of the next event.

What is something you didn’t know about Los Angeles that you recently found out or realized?

It's simultaneously the most beautiful place and the most ugly. It has the most interesting and profound people, and the most boring and under stimulated people all at the same time. It is truly the yin and yang of places. Excellent extremes.

Where is your favorite place to eat in LA?

Whole Foods 365. The best of everything under one roof.

What was the last good book you read that you recommend?

I tell everyone I meet to read Pet Shop Boys, Literally by Chris Heath. The Pet Shop Boys and particularly that book are insider look into where art, commerce, music, design, the music business, art, dancing, fashion, and more art intersect in way that is fascinating, entertaining, and it's my favorite kind of books to read.

Have you ever seen a work of art that stopped you in your tracks?

Suspira remake. It was long, complicated, and truly magic. A completely insane and visionary film and that is what I really love. I kept thinking that they were rolling and it just kept getting more and more intense and everyone was like yes, let's do this. It's rare that the vision of the director makes it to the screen. It stimulates me.

What is the most remarkable movie you’ve ever seen and what was it about the film?

Pink Flamingo's by John Waters was the first time I saw people that looked and sounded more like the people I WANTED to meet and were the closest to the people I had already met and really enjoyed. The attitude, the comment on modern society, and the very "punk" way that you could see that "anyone" could make a film. Maybe not with the panache and humor of John Waters but you could see that it was made on the fly and sort of put the idea in my head that anyone could do anything.

Name your pop-culture guilty pleasure.

I secretly enjoy slick over produced 70's music like Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, The Eagles, or Wings, I fucking love Wings, but only after a few drinks.

What is the most underrated album you’ve heard and what about it is special?

My go-to soundtrack for wandering the late night streets of Los Angeles is O by SSION. I think he should be on heavy rotation on the radio and everyone on the planet would be better off enjoying his enchanting existentialist brand off-kilter pop.

Who do you think is the best rock star who ever lived?

Peter Murphy.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced?

This is the most champagne problem to have but I have a fear of heights so the last time I was really afraid was being on top of the Eiffel Tower. Both Corey and I were at the edge taking photos but we were both a little freaked and hurried back down.

Where is one place that someone can visit in LA for free that is a must-experience?

Jumbos Clown Room. You have to tip the ladies but otherwise, it's free.

What is the weirdest thing about LA?

It's incredibly hard to cross the street.

 

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Richie Panic wants you to know about the next Lights Down Low event: 2018 is about to behind and it's time to refocus, revitalize, reenergize and most importantly party with some of the biggest and brightest as we celebrate what will be a much better year. Let's take off into the future! Line-up includes: Ben UFO (Hessle Audio - UK), Interstellar Funk (De School/ Dekmantel - NL), Geneva Jacuzzi (Live Midnight performance), Stacy Christine (Miss Mgmt/No Nonsense), Mike Albrecht (No Nonsense), Sindri (No Nonsense), and Lights Down Low residents Richie Panic and Corey Sizemore! + stay tuned for a very special surprise sunrise guest that will blow your mind apart and keep the party going into the next day. This is going to be the biggest LDL ever and we want you to be there! RSVP here & get access to their limited pre-sale: www.lightsdownlow.com/nye18/