In the early '00s, Chatsworth High School became the meeting grounds for the band that is known as the Rhythm Natives. They were founded on a common love for hip hop and live instrumentation, and the integration of the two. Fronted by two emcees - Jon Narboneta, and Glen Techico - they’ve expanded into a six man unit that also includes: bassist Matt Mora, drummer Robert Fabros, keyboardist Chez Guinto, and DJ Alex Rapada.
Their sound is found between the cracks of genre divisions. The organic mix of hip hop, jazz, R&B, and soul has earned them the respect of various Los Angeles events like Bridges, Soul Sessions, Sonido Sundays, and The Rootdown. Their lyrics are in tune with everyday experiences and social trends – all resonating with their listeners, who are often found immersed in a Rhythm Natives melody and rhyme.
In 2007, they recorded their live show at the Temple Bar. Since then, copies have been floating around Southern California and beyond. The musical energy heard on each track is so significant, that it has left their fans wanting more. Lucky for them, the guys are currently in the studio with producer Asi Friedman, working on a new album. With an early 2010 release date, the Rhythm Natives are slated to be on the rise and bring a breath of fresh air to the art they love so much.
I had the opportunity to check out Chester French late last year as they opened for N.E.R.D / Common at the Wiltern. Chester French’s sound is very Beatle-esk but they give you their own type of sound and style.
Chester French. brings out the atypical girl: who loves everybody …
so naive, yet so sweet. a refreshing...
Last Saturday some of the Fam Bam and I took a trip down to Anaheim to catch our favorite Lucky Ninja in action. My cousin Jan has been studying martial arts for a long time. She holds a black belt in karate and is now training in the Filipino Martial Arts (Eskrima, Kali, Arnis, etc.).
Watching...
-exaktoh
