#Nero Live at the #NokiaCenter

This Thursday last was a big one - but I'm a terrible narrator and I'm already getting ahead of myself - first, a bit of exposition:

My friends from London started mixing tracks as DJs more than a few years ago and took the humble name of 'Nero' to put their re-mixes and original tracks under. A record signing later (to Chase & Status' label) and with the addition of another good friend of mine, Alanna Watson, jumpininto the mix they were given the accolade of Radio One's "Acts To Watch In 2011." No small feat for an industry saturated by pop and cheap hooks. Nero graduatlly began to carve a niche for themselves in the drum and base and notably dub-step scene, drawing influences from French Electro as well as mainstream culture and music.

Their re-mixes alone drew fans from various genres. Alanna's lead female vocals have, in my opinion, done so much more than give the two DJ geniuses a voice; her inclusion has catapulted the band into the mainstream psyche and proven the most listened to UK Radio station's predictions to be - right on the money. There's a 'cause and effect' debate in there somewhere over whether Radio One 'called' their dominance or 'created' it but to be honest nobody cares. Their music is phenomenal.

As a friend of the trio I am undoubtedly biased and was a big fan of their essential mix that aired on Radio One but it wasn't until this week that I truly 'got' Nero in its entirety. The idea of getting tickets to see someone mixing tracks in front of a live audience never really appealed to me before: surely they could just do that at home, bring it in and press play. Except that to watch them, surrounded by all the custom designed staging (which was derived from sketches of Dan's), amid all the flashing and strobing choreographed lights and screens, is to appreciate their work on a whole new level. And even more important than all the dressing and packaging - the hard work that they put in to get exactly the sound they've strived for, is clear for everyone to see in the way they move with every grime-soaked beat. It really is a piece of theatre, with every moment planned down to the last second and the set-list has been calculated to keep die-hard fans and newcomers on their toes throughout.

Admittedly, we enjoyed a slightly less authentic experience from the upper gallery and then the V.I.P bar - choosing instead to watch the mosh pit from a distance (placing bets on those quite literally 'punching above their weight') - but this in no way detracted from an incredible night. And while the ringing in my ears and the inevitable 3am burger stayed with me longer than I'd hoped, the memory of an incredible night and the pride of seeing my friends hold a packed-out venue in the palm of their hand, will last until I'm old, grey and deaf in both ears.

Getty Centre

It's in all the guide books. It's renowned around the world. More than a little touristy I know, but while my girlfriend was over for a couple of weeks it worked as the perfect destination to cram into an already jam-packed fortnight (so plenty of touristy updates to come). The Getty Centre! Oh and just in case you were thinking of it, it's not open on Mondays - we made that mistake!!
Instead of charging an entrance fee, the Centre charges for parking and at $15 it's definitely worth it. Next you make your way up the side of what looks like a mountain to the Centre itself. The architecture is sort of Spanish in feel but modern and far more angular. It looks like they made everything out of the same stuff as my Mum's kitchen floor. The views of L.A are impressive and the artwork equally so. Basically (from the little I gathered) some really really rich guy with a massive collection of paintings decided that he would bequeth it to the city so that more than just him and his family might enjoy them.

(This feller was my favourite of all the exhibits - The love child of Asterix & James Dean)

I didn't realise how much of a big deal the complex is and last year I was acually given the opportunity to live with the curator of the Getty Center. As most of you will know, I'd set my heart on living near the sea  - away from downtown and her house was really impressive but it was in Burbank and apart from the studios, dare I say there's almost nothing else to the area. A great little bar called Henry's Hat where we had an entirely free evening - food, drink THE LOT (and got completely smashed I should add) because they cocked up our order. Anyway I'm losing the point.

The highlight was what one of the security guides called the 'Celebrity Impressionists' Room - Cezanne, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh. Everything reminded me of The Thomas Crown Affair, right down to the 'Haystacks' hanging on the wall!

A great way to spend an afternoon. One of L.A's 'must do's'
Thanks for looking in guys

Rodeo Drive: Not my first Rodeo
 

Arguably the most glamorous street in the country, and it feels it. It has all the shops you've heard of - and a whole host that you havn't. It's unthinkable clean and impossibly expensive: and whether it's an entire boutique adorned with fake vegetables (YSL- Call me a heathen but I don't get it), or the sparkling offerings at Tiffany & Co., everything oozes money, (the parking alone is $2.75 per 15 MINUTES!!).

Unfortunately though, for every sophisticated shopper, there are five pathetic, snap-happy tourists gawking at the latest, completely over-priced automobile parked outside.

The trick is to keep your head, stay aloof and not fall prey to ... Damn It!!

 Last time I was here I was a spoilt brat of a teenager being dragged around America on a whistle-stop tour (a trip I would kill for if offered now) and I vaguely remember wanting a pair of Tommy Hilfiger dungarees. Mercifully I was denied. THANK. GOD!! The observant among you will have noticed that I am in fact white! And I have no doubt that photos of such a travesty would have haunted me to my dying days, rearing their ugly heads at the most inopportune moments.

This time I appreciated the spectacle that is Rodeo Drive, kept my McHammer proclivities in check and the set my sights on a Cartier watch, making myself a promise for the future.

Some day.
Thanks for looking in guys.

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