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For aspiring DJs in LA, the time to shine is now. Ashlee Williss AKA DJ Bad Ash can attest. Her first big club debut was opening for Snoop Dogg a couple of years back. Casual, right? Wrong. This was no quiet weekday back-of-the bar DJ set. Imagine sexy go-go dancers shaking their ‘bad ash’ branded booties and everything.
Opening for Snoop at Heat Ultra Lounge was a pivotal moment in her career. On the morning of her big debut, she woke up with not only a stomach full of nerves but food poisoning too. As the saying goes: the show must go on. So, badass Bad Ash got on stage, puke bag at the ready and killed it.
“It showed me how powerful the energy of an audience is and the exchange of that energy gave me the strength to put on a rocking show even in the worst situation,” she says of the high-stakes situation.
DJ Bad Ash may have only starting DJing two years ago, but she’s been spinning big turntables in LA and the OC ever since. After growing up engulfed by music as a singer/songwriter/musician traversing multiple genres (she’s performed with big names, like Rascal Flatts, Stevie Wonder and Justin Timberlake), DJing was a natural transition.
“Now as a DJ, I can finally show my versatility and play around with all kinds of genres. I cannot tell you how freeing it has been,” she says.
And LA is the ideal playground for any DJ, with everything from EDM and hip-hop clubs to upscale lounges, legendary music venues, incredible restaurants and creative bar concepts.
DJ Bad Ash gave us the lowdown on all of the best spots to hit in LA after dark. Look sharp, Los Angeles, we’re going out.
Good Times at Davey Wayne'sHollywood
Ashlee Williss: I love this place! It's a 70s-themed bar in Hollywood that has great live music as well as DJs spinning cool old school songs. It's more of a bar than a club, but last time I went, I danced my face off! From the outside it looks like someone is having a garage sale and you have to walk through a refrigerator door to get in. They also have really tasty drinks and adult snow cones which I think is fun!
Davey Wayne’s. Image courtesy of @madusmusic Heat Ultra LoungeAnaheim
AW: This is where I opened for Snoop Dogg. I'll never forget this place for many reasons. One, I met Ruby Rose there and she's my ultimate girl crush. Two, it was my first club performance ever and I was opening for one of the biggest hip-hop artists of all time. I had to make the coolest hip-hop playlist I could and show everyone I was capable of DJing on that level. It was all very exciting and nerve-racking! The club itself is really cool. They always have major acts and they are building a rooftop bar right now, so I'll be there a lot because I love rooftop bars.
DJ Bad Ash opens for Snoop Dog. Image courtesy of DJ Bad Ash AVALON HollywoodHollywood
AW: If you're looking for an EDM club in Hollywood, Avalon has been the go-to spot for years. All the big DJs have played here. I've been lucky enough to play here once. It's so spacious with two floors, a great sound system, big stage and an unpretentious crowd. Love this spot.
The Avalon Hollywood. Image courtesy of @avalonhollywood Exchange LADTLA
AW: This world renowned club has been around for years and is famous for its EDM and hip-hop scene. I've played here once and the sound system, lighting and visuals are over the top! Definitely a cool spot if you're into the heavy hitting club scene.
The Exchange LA. Image courtesy of @exchangela Butter'd UpHollywood
AW: This is a brand new, very small intimate bar where Room 5 use to be. It's the upstairs club above the Amalfi Restorante (Butterscotch) that is launching in a few weeks. The dark walls give it a NYC, speakeasy feel. Each night is a different music theme—which I love because it's always something new to see. They have an incredible live jazz band night on Tuesday with guest singers. I DJ'ed there on a Friday and I just loved how intimate it was. As an observer you feel like you are a part of the performance and as a performer you feel like you are just playing around/jamming for your close friends. It's all very personal. I think this place will be a hot spot and very hard to get into in the near future.
Butter’d Up at Butterscotch. Image courtesy of @jus10h No Vacancy / Dirty LaundryHollywood
AW: It's been around for a while so it might not be a hotspot anymore, but I still love this place because it’s dark, unique and sexy. They have cool DJs and incredible acrobatic acts all the time. It used to be a brothel and hotel, so it's really unlike any other club in town.
No Vacancy. Image courtesy of @novacancyla Tune into the DJ's playlist all about California dreamin’ and check out where she’s spinning next @DJBadAsh. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Arden Shore is a writer, dot connector and sock collector from Los Angeles who believes if everyone wore more yellow, we would be one step closer to world peace. She dreams of being interviewed by The Paris Review. Follow her meanderings @ardyparty. Image of DJ Bad Ash by Andrew Chase
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PlaceList
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Good Times at Davey Wayne's
Los Angeles, United States
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Dirty Laundry
Los Angeles, United States
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No Vacancy
Los Angeles, United States
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AVALON Hollywood
Los Angeles, United States
Electronic music fans dance into the wee hours at this huge nightclub, housed in a historic theater.
AVALON Hollywood, 1735 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
+1 323-462-8900
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Exchange LA
Los Angeles, United States
Huge 4-level nightclub pulses with electronic dance music in former LA Stock Exchange building.
Exchange LA, 618 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA
+1 213-627-8070
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Heat Ultra Lounge
Anaheim, United States
Nightclub creates a high-energy atmosphere with sleek decor, VIP bottle service & rotating DJs.
321 W Katella Ave #214, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
+1 714-776-4328
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Amalfi Restorante
Los Angeles, United States
Pizza & pasta are served in this cozy Italian eatery with comedy shows in the bar upstairs.
Amalfi Restorante, 143 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
+1 323-938-2504
