Tag Archives: Local Music

Noa James performs during The D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest at The Glass House in Pomona on Saturday, August 31, 2013. (David Bauman/Staff Photographer)

Over the last few years, Noa James has not only been one of the most talented people in the Inland Empire’s hip-hop scene, he’s been one of the key people helping it thrive. (See: It’s the Common Ground/Brick to Ya Face/D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest, etc.)

Incredibly prolific, James’ new EP, “Fat Boy Love Letter,” which he did with Gypsy Mamba, is his second release of the year (“The Adventures of Young Orca” came out in the spring) and it’s got a much darker feel than his previous work. You can listen to it yourself below.

On Sunday, Oct. 27, James and Gypsy Mamba will perform at It’s the Common Ground at The Vibe in Riverside with Joey Fatts and A$ton Matthew.

James took the time to answer a few questions via email about the new release.

Noa James just released his new EP, “Fat Boy Love Letter,” a collaboration with Gypsy Mamba. (Contributed Image)

Q: “Fat Boy Love Letter” is a much darker release than your previous work. What inspired it?

A: I visit my early projects like “Sound Of A Monster” & Beautiful Darkness” and I love the mood I was in while creating. I don’t miss the depression and bitterness. So I took what I like about the projects and applied with love pretty much.

Q: Did the grimy beats come first or did the darker lyrics?

A: I got the beats first; the first song I wrote for the EP was “Poultry Poetry” a.k.a. the chicken song. Then everything started to fall in place of concepts and titles.

Q: How did the collaboration of you and Gypsy Mamba come about?

A: Gypsy hit me up about getting on this project called “Fat Boy Love Letter” that was going to feature other artists. He sent me the “Poultry Poetry” instrumental I sent it back like two weeks later, I know he was waiting for other artists to send their tracks. They didn’t so he sent me all the beats now it’s our collab project. And the instrumental fit perfect with my style.

Q: What show would the EP cover most likely be a scene from–”Dexter,” “Breaking Bad” or “The Walking Dead” and why?

A: I would say “The Walking Dead” but my character is someone who decided that he wanted to be a zombie, he’s preparing himself so when he turn he’s ready. But he will always eat at a table like a gentleman and a scholar.

9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, It’s the Common Ground, The Vibe, 1801 University Ave., Riverside, $10, 18 and older only.

Take a listen to “Fat Boy Love Letter” below. Warning: It has explicit language.

OneHundred Proof is releasing its debut record with a celebratory show at the Mission Tobacco Lounge on Oct. 26. (Taadow/Contributed Image)

When OneHundred Proof released its debut album earlier this year, the 150 hard copies they had were gone within a half-hour after the release show in their hometown of Redlands.

In the months since, the hip-hop/rock/alternative band out has landed on a local label and is celebrating the re-release of the album, “Wolf Among the Sheep,” with a show at Mission Tobacco Lounge in Riverside on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Earlier this year, the band signed with the music arm of Sullen Clothing and now Sullen Musik is releasing the record digitally.

The songs have been remastered, some have been cut and there’s a new track, a remixed version of the song “Stronger.”

Band members and brothers Eric and Jimi Estrada, said OneHundred Proof has a couple of other shows on the books for the rest of the year and they’re planning to go on tour in the beginning of 2014.

The band is eager to work on new material as well.

“Great music is the best way to repay the fans,” Eric Estrada said.

Low Life Music, Assuming We Survive and The Slow Forward are also on the bill. The show also has a costume contest component.

8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, Mission Tobacco Lounge,3630 University Ave., Riverside, $6 with a costume, $8 without, 21 and older only.

Visit www.facebook.com/Official100Proof for more on the band.

Here’s the band performing “Place to Be” at the 2012 Localpalooza battle at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

Darasuum will perform at The Paradigm in Yucaipa. (Contributed Image)

If the name Dynasty conjures up images of cat fights and Joan Collins, don’t be tempted by a big metal and hardcore show at The Paradigm in Yucaipa this weekend.

Yes, the headlining band is Dynasty, but it will be less soap opera and more mosh pit.

Inland band Darasuum (pictured) is also performing, plus Brave Coast, Palace in Ruins, The City Moves, Narrow Lies the Path and Deadlands.

5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, The Paradigm, 13700 Calimesa Blvd. Yucaipa, $7, all ages.

Visit www.facebook.com/theparadigmvenue for more information.

Treble Down will perform at a benefit for a Murrieta boy battling cancer at Bratts in Temecula this weekend. (Contributed Image)

Local bands are getting together in Temecula this weekend to raise money for a little boy battling cancer.

The 7-year-old, Royal “Gonzo” Gonzalez, of Murrieta, was diagnosed with Burkett’s Lymphoma.

Treble Down, Chris Hahn and John Fackelman will perform at the benefit.

There’s no cover, but donations are encouraged. The concert will have raffles and more.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, Bratts Tapas and Cocktails, 27648 Ynez Road, Temecula, 21 and older only.

Visit www.gofundme.com/royalgonzalez to donate to the medical trust for Gonzo.