The Scenestar

Interview: LP Giobbi

ARTICLE + PHOTOS  BY CHRIS MØLINA/AUBURN SKY IMAGING 

It’s a picturesque Wednesday afternoon in the Arts District in Downtown L.A. A light, soothing breeze travels through the echoing industrial hustle of the city, as LP Giobbi and I take our seats on the outdoor patio campus of 3BLACKDOT. LP is a burst of sunshine — quite literally — with her sun-kissed complexion and radiant smile, as well as her infectious hunger for life. Small, whimsical tattoos are peppered across both of her arms, illustrating her free spirit and passion for music. Personally, it’s a welcomed change of pace compared to those with the all-too-familiar cynical and sometimes self-deprecating mindset. In addition to being a multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and producer, she is a staunch feminist, which makes her ideal for the number of side projects she’s juggling at any given moment.

The Scenestar Dozen: Corey Sizemore

"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet Lights Down Low's Corey Sizemore. Read more about him below!

The Scenestar Dozen: Stephanie Smith

"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet L.A. woman and makeup artist Stephanie Smith. Read more about her below!

The Scenestar Dozen: Tamar Levine

"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet photographer, director, and creative director Tamar Levine. Read more about her below!

Interview: Orbital (Part One)

ARTICLE BY THOMAS KELLEY
PHOTOS BY KENNY McKENNY

It’s been a long minute since we last connected with electronic dance duo, Orbital. 2012 to be exact. A lot has changed in the music landscape since then, especially with the rise of the “EDM” acronym along with its candy dance floor anthems, which have fully penetrated just about every facet of pop culture. It makes reconnecting with Orbital that much more relevant as they were one of the original trailblazers of electronic rave culture. Their latest album release, the searing Monsters Exist, boldly explores the unsettled spirit of our times — where technology is turning society into pure binary conflicts — by acknowledging painful divisions (e.g. Brexit, Facebook, geopolitical everything, etc.) and asking us to get on with it.

It’s angrier than Orbital have ever been. But it’s also more alive than they’ve ever been. Songs feel like they came out more easily, and quickly and naturally than in the past. That gives Monsters Exist a fluid but apocalyptic sound that some longtime fans may struggle with at first. Not to fear, because Orbital’s sweet, optimistic melodies and rhythms, made all the brighter by these abrasions, are still here to take you by the hand, and lead you through the end of the world as we’ve known it.

Taking their new live show on the road, with an American tour that comes to L.A. this Saturday, we talked to Paul Hartnoll, the younger half of Orbital, to talk about monsters, existence and what it means to embrace one’s inner Obiwan.

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!

The Scenestar Dozen: Emilie Elizabeth

"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet photographer Emilie Elizabeth. She's been shooting professionally for 14+ years. Her focus is on music (usually press/promotional images or album artwork), fashion, celebrity, and - like every photog we know - personal projects when she has the time. Read more about her below!

The Scenestar Dozen: Andrew Kline

"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet musician and record label owner Andrew Kline. He's played in the band Strife since the '90s, and is also in Berthold City and World Be Free with members of Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, CIV, Rival Schools, and Terror. Read more about him below!