You know that feeling? That—driving alone at night, windows down, stereo at full blast, ego as big as Kanye’s, heart as full as Oprah’s—feeling that only good music can induce? To channel that sentiment instantly, look no further than Anthony Valadez from the Latest Show on KCRW where he plays “broken beats, soulful key chords, samples and sounds” and provides astute pleasantries about being human between DJ sets.
Anthony, born and raised in LA, has a knack for putting you in the mood: whether that be “clean your entire apartment in disco pants,” “imbibe copious amounts of alcohol” or “eat a pint of Phish Food and cry.” Anthony has you covered with his smooth mixes that blend instrumentals with the likes of modern indie ‘it’ artists such as Anderson Paak and Katrynada with classic acts like Caetano Veloso in the same set.
While Anthony’s music selection skills are an artform in their own right, let it be known that the DJ also makes his own music and has done some spicy remixes as well. When he’s not DJing for KCRW, don’t sleep on his live DJ sets at Caña Rum Bar, The Line Hotel, Zanzibar, The Sayers Club and more.
His fans would tell you that though they may have never met him, listening to Anthony is like catching up with an old friend. So we caught up with this old friend about his favorite music venues in LA and his relationship with music:
Where do you live in LA?
Anthony Valadez: I live in Venice, right smack in the heart of all the activity of Venice Beach. I hear it all, from drum circles to late night fights with the crackheads. It’s all a constant soundtrack to my day or night. I love the energy. Every day I walk my dog about three to four times a day and I love observing the many walks of life that come through my neighborhood. I should note I live four apartments east of the boardwalk/ beach. Every summer as a kid, my late Grandfather would bring us to the water. So for me to live here is a dream come true.
Can you tell us a bit about the difference between making, remixing and selecting music, and where your passion lies?
AV: Making music is like exploring outer space. You really have no idea where you are going. One addition of an instrument can change the vibe or direction of a song. Remixing is fun because there is a solid foundation and your job is to compliment what’s there. Selecting music is my favorite thing to do. My goal is to resonate and move the listener. Sometimes I prefer to open the night so I can play more non-dance floor cuts as folks are walking in.
Anthony and his partner in crime, Smedley the French Bull Dog. Image courtesy of Amelia Tubb
What was your first radio DJ experience like?
AV: My first radio experience was back in high school. I used to cut class (6th period) and hop a wall, then head over to the local community college. I had some friends who had a show at KVCM. I had a stack of records that I would bring with me and it was magic! It was no KCRW, but it was me being part of a community that loved sharing records and music.
Any advice for new transplants to LA?
AV: Do not jump on the 10 East or 405 Freeway anytime between 4-8 p.m.! Trust me on this one. And enjoy a cup of a coffee sometime after hours at Canter’s! It’s a true LA staple.
So, where are Anthony’s favorite live music clubs in Los Angeles? He spun it out for us:
The Sayers Club
Hollywood
AV: Full disclosure: I DJ here both Thursday and Saturday nights. It’s a great venue hidden off Hollywood Blvd, and live music is always on point. There have been many Prince sightings in addition to him feeling the vibe and jumping on the guitar or bass for an impromptu performance.
Bel Haven performing live at The Sayers Club. Image courtesy of @bel_haven
Townhouse Venice
Venice
AV: Every now and then I take a dip in and catch live jazz or DJ sets here. All this magic takes place in their underground speakeasy. Upstairs is another story, but it’s a great story. I used to have a residency at this venue. Not sure what happened, but I miss this place!
Hollywood
AV: Great place for live music in such a beautiful setting. Just stepping inside this venue is breathtaking!
The main stage at The Fonda Theatre. Image courtesy of Fonda Theatre
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood
AV: I could watch the world’s worst band perform here and still have a great time. Always fun for people watching too! I remember seeing Stevie Wonder go through his catalogue and leaving in tears.
The Bowl at night. Image courtesy of Hollywood Bowl.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice
AV: Every now and then I walk along the boardwalk and am blown away by what I see. Me and my pup tend to sit and watch local (or visiting) talent sing/perform and it’s great!
At Venice Beach, people of all walks come together for the drum circles. Image courtesy of @chance_foreman
Arden Shore is a writer, dot connector and sock collector from Los Angeles who believes that Anthony Valadez can actually hear her when she talks to the radio alone in her car. Follow her meanderings @ardyparty on Instagram and @ardyparty_ on Twitter.
Featured image courtesy of Ameila Tubb
