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Photo by Bobby Rachpoot - John Alto / Cali Water The invite-only dating app Blush  teamed up with The Daily Front Row  for an exclusive evening of cocktails, caviar, and high-glamour vibes high above Los Angeles. Held at a sprawling, multi-level estate nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the private soirée brought together an elite crowd of tastemakers, models, influencers, and creatives for an unforgettable night under the stars. Against a sweeping backdrop of the LA skyline, guests were treated to back-to-back DJ sets from internationally acclaimed artists John Alto  and Surf Mesa , whose sets kept the energy pulsing into the night. The estate’s infinity pool served as a showstopping focal point, reflecting the city lights and a sea of soft candlelight, pink florals, and blush-toned decor that matched the namesake of the app. Culinary indulgence was just as thoughtfully curated. The Caviar Boys served up luxe bites featuring Golden Reserve Caviar , layered atop unexpected favorites like chicken nuggets and waffle fries with crème fraîche and chives. Guests also sampled savory fare from FatBoys BBQ , creating a menu that merged decadence with comfort. Signature cocktails added a flirty edge to the night, with highlights including the “Make Me Blush Paloma”  made with Flecha Azul Tequila, the “Espresso Flirtini”  featuring Kahlúa, and the “Laid Back Lemonade”  with Still G.I.N. Revelers also enjoyed Gin&Juice RTDs from Dre and Snoop, and hydrated with Caliwater  cactus water throughout the evening. Blush, the host of the night, is redefining modern romance with its invitation-only platform. The app connects members through curated matchmaking, personalized introductions, and high-touch experiences that aim to elevate the traditional dating journey. The Caviar Boys Among the high-profile attendees were Charlotte McKinney , Gillian Nation , Tessa Brooks , Marta Pozzan , Sebastian Topete , Sydney Paight  of Love Island , Courtney Lynn Smith , Jeff Beacher , and The Caviar Boys  themselves, alongside dozens more notable names from the worlds of fashion, nightlife, and entertainment. As the stars sparkled over the city, the Blush x Daily Front Row bash stood out as a night of connection, celebration, and curated chemistry, setting a new gold standard for what a dating app launch can look like.

Some songs hit you immediately. Others slowly seep into your bloodstream, one sleepless night at a time. Side Show Stereo ’s latest single, “ Paper Thin ,” is the latter—a slow-burning indie pop-rock confessional made for late-night drives and even later regrets. The project of Joshua Dela Rama, Side Show Stereo, has always been about more than just music. It’s therapy, it’s memory, it’s identity. With “Paper Thin,” he doesn’t just sing about longing—he lives in it. The track, with its shimmering guitars and diary-entry honesty, captures the ache of looking back at a love you weren’t ready for until it was too late. Written in 2018 and only now seeing the light of day, “Paper Thin” chronicles the quiet grief of “the one that got away.” But what makes it cut deeper is how familiar it feels: the endless replay of old conversations, the pit-of-your-stomach ache that creeps in when you're finally alone, the stubborn hope that maybe, just maybe, they still feel it too. “I don’t know what it is, I’m thinking I miss you,” Dela Rama repeats in the chorus—a deceptively simple line that wraps uncertainty, regret, and emotional paralysis into one gut punch of a lyric. It’s not clever. It’s real. And that’s what makes it powerful. The instrumentation blends melancholy and movement: dreamy guitar layers glide over punchy tambourine and upbeat percussion, pulling influence from early 2000s emo-pop and modern indie rock alike. Think The Band Camino meets Green Day on a foggy back road in Southern California. While the song may be rooted in past heartache, the context behind its release adds even more gravity. After losing his father, his first musical mentor, in May 2024, Dela Rama briefly considered walking away from music altogether. But grief didn’t silence him—it amplified his purpose. “Now I use my father as a driving force behind my art,” he says. “Every release, I play it loud so my dad can hear it up there.” - Side Show Stereo “Paper Thin” is the beginning of a new chapter—one where the heartbreak hits deeper, the songwriting hits harder, and the passion is louder than ever. For Dela Rama, this isn't just a release—it's a love letter to what could’ve been, what still hurts, and what keeps him going. “Paper Thin” was written years ago but only released now. What made you decide this was the right time to share it with the world? I’m always, always writing. Whenever inspiration strikes, I’ll drop what I’m doing because it’s like an itch that won’t stop, haha. So I've written a ton of songs that I haven’t recorded. But once in a while, I’ll revisit a song and be like “hey, this is pretty good!” and decide to record it right then. Especially because I felt like Paper Thin’s sound, despite being written years ago, is in line with the direction of where I want to take Side Show Stereo. So it felt like a pretty good time to release it now. You’ve said your dad was the reason you became a musician. How has your relationship with music changed since his passing, and how does it show up in this release? Since his passing, this has been the most driven and motivated I’ve ever felt. In music and in life in general. He’s lit a fire under me, and I want to honor him through my music. It does get tough at times because my dad introduced me to so many bands that I love, so I think of him when their songs are playing. But I’ve learned not to shy away from sadness. I’ll be sad at first, then remember I feel this way because my dad was such a big, important part of my life, and it’s a blessing to have had a dad like him. That initial sadness turns to a positive emotion, one of gratitude. Happy tears. I think Paper Thin is a great reflection of my relationship with music and my dad because he loves a melodic-driven song just like I do (definitely where I got it from), and Paper Thin, in both the vocals and the guitars, emphasizes melody. I think my dad would’ve really liked this song. The song’s vibe is emotionally heavy, but the beat is upbeat, almost nostalgic. How do you approach balancing sad lyrics with energetic production? When I write songs, it almost always starts off on the acoustic guitar. Then I’ll have an initial general idea of how I want it to sound. And oftentimes, my direction for the song changes throughout the recording process. I love the recording process because I start with a blank canvas, and the possibilities are endless. The initial version of Paper Thin had a slower tempo and leaned towards the R&B /soul sound. Then I experimented with the beats, added the hi-hats and tambourine, sped it up a bit, and voila, the current version. I’m stoked with how it turned out! I also love the duality of having not-so-happy lyrics with upbeat music or vice versa. I think it’s another fun way of expressing artistic liberty and subverting expectations. There are no rules in music, and that’s a pretty sick part about art as a whole. Your lyrics often read like journal entries. How do you maintain that vulnerability in your songwriting without holding back? I find it so much easier writing songs when I’m honest with myself, so maintaining that level of vulnerability isn’t much of a problem for me. When I struggle with writing or finishing a song, I like to ask myself, am I holding back, and at times that’ll be the case. I'll tell myself, "Let go, let it flow." A rule of thumb I’ve been following is that if I’m not cringing at my own lyrics, I’m not being honest enough. I’m a very big mental health advocate and improving the societal discourse around it. I go to therapy, journal, and mindfulness meditation, so being vulnerable and honest with myself has gotten easier throughout the years. With more releases coming in 2025, how do you feel your sound—and your story—are evolving? What can fans expect next from Side Show Stereo? Without spoiling too much, my listeners can expect a new and revamped Side Show Stereo coming throughout 2025! My upcoming releases pull from various other genres, styles, and sounds, all the while staying true to my foundation: honest lyrics driven by melodies. I feel I'm constantly getting better in my craft, in my playing and recording, but most especially in my writing. I want to tell my story in a way that only I can, and I hope my listeners can resonate with my words. Subject matters covered in my upcoming songs include dealing with grief, finding inner peace, and stoking the ever-growing fire inside me, among other topics important to me. Lastly, I'll say my best work is yet to come, and I hope my listeners are just as excited as I am. Stay tuned!

With " Pray to Petty God ," Markas solidifies his status as a visionary in modern hip-hop. This highly anticipated six-track EP is a testament to his ability to fuse timeless West Coast energy with a signature melodic flow and razor-sharp lyrical finesse. From the very first beat, the project commands attention. Standout singles " Cal Worthington " and " Halftime " reveal Markas' knack for storytelling and clever wordplay. "Cal Worthington" rides a laid-back, sun-soaked groove, offering listeners a reflective, almost cinematic experience. In contrast, "Halftime" delivers a poignant message, capturing the struggle between self-doubt and resilience—an anthem for anyone navigating life's pressures and pauses. A major highlight arrives with "Gucci and Gold Pt. 2," a hard-hitting collaboration featuring none other than Curren$y. Both artists bring undeniable chemistry, trading bars that blend street wisdom with luxury flexes, all wrapped in a classic yet fresh beat. "The Score," featuring Yaeknows, adds another layer of depth to the project. Yaeknows' distinct style complements Markas perfectly, reinforcing the EP's diversity without compromising its cohesion. What truly sets "Pray to Petty God" apart is Markas' commitment to narrative depth. Each track feels like a chapter, rooted in personal experience but universally relatable. His sharp observations and vivid imagery paint a picture that resonates long after the music stops. Whether it's a moment of introspection or a confident declaration, Markas ensures every line hits purposefully. "Pray to Petty God" isn't just a collection of songs; it's a curated experience that bridges classic influences with forward-thinking creativity. As Markas continues to push boundaries and refine his sound, this EP stands as a milestone in his artistic journey—a perfect entry point for new listeners and a rewarding evolution for longtime fans.

Alice Austin returns with the title track from her upcoming album Super 8 —and true to her genre-defying roots, it’s a rich, layered offering that blends retro charm with sharp emotional insight. Known for her work across a kaleidoscope of genres from psych rock and synth-pop to folk and heavy metal, Austin’s latest single is a masterclass in alternative rock with singer-songwriter depth, delivering both sonic satisfaction and a gut-punch of revelation. “Super 8” opens with an air of cinematic nostalgia, conjuring the flicker of grainy motel lights and the emotional stillness of waiting rooms—both literal and metaphorical. The track plays out like a scene from a 1970s film: smoky vocals, shimmering guitar lines, and a steady rhythm that pulses like a neon sign outside a dive motel. But beneath the surface of its vintage aesthetic lies something much deeper. Lyrically, “Super 8” is about a character caught in a moment of painful clarity. They realize they are nothing more than a placeholder in someone else’s story—a temporary escape route for a partner unwilling to leave their dead-end relationship. It’s a striking metaphor that Austin delivers with a combination of quiet devastation and growing resolve. As the song progresses, that resignation transforms into resilience, making it not just a breakup song but an anthem of self-recognition. Produced by longtime collaborator David Drouin and mixed/mastered by Timothy Phillips, the track retains Austin’s signature attention to detail, effortlessly weaving warm textures with raw sentiment. It’s a standout single that sets the tone for the Super 8 album, promising a project that balances dreamy atmospherics with grounded emotional weight. Alice Austin continues to prove she’s one of the most compelling and versatile voices in alternative music. Whether you vibe with the vintage rock ambiance or connect with the emotional undertow, Super 8 offers something real and good. “Super 8” feels like a scene straight out of a vintage indie film—full of emotional stillness and subtle realizations. Can you walk us through the visual and emotional inspiration behind the track and its accompanying video? The song Super 8 was inspired by the surreal experience of being trapped in a fantasy version of love, one that binds the characters to lives that are both undesirable and unsustainable. At its core, the story centers on a woman waiting alone in a seedy motel for a lover who never arrives. In the hours of isolation that follow, she begins to awaken to a deeper sense of self-love, confronting the raw truth that her role in the relationship has been fueling her own disconnection from real intimacy. The accompanying video is an abstract interpretation of these themes. The character—played by me—traces the outline of her ego’s death on the motel floor, then lies in the space where it once existed. In a bout of sleeplessness, she scrawls affirmations on sticky notes, pastes them to the mirror, kisses the mirror, and then retreats to the corner of the room to make out with herself. The chorus scenes unfold in a series of colorful, dreamlike bedrooms, where she experiments with different stylistic versions of herself, torn between reverting to her former ego-driven identity or stepping into a more authentic version of who she truly is. There’s a powerful shift in the song, from being used in someone else’s fantasy to reclaiming self-worth. Was there a moment in your own life that inspired this transformation in the narrative? Tough question. I usually avoid talking about my personal life because I bear enough of my heart and soul in songs. It just sounds like drama when taken out of the context of universal experiences, but here it is. I have been in a series of relationships with addicts, and felt a lot of despair caused by a lack of true connection. I’ve been sober for almost two years now, and in the process realized how much of the problem I was. In addition to a lot of codependent dysfunction, my own substance abuse was starting to hinder aspects of my personal growth and spiritual evolution. Pretty tough stuff to reveal in public so directly, but thank you for giving me the opportunity to share that. I hope it helps someone. You’ve traversed so many genres over your career—psych rock, synth pop, metal, folk. Where does “Super 8” sit in your creative evolution, and how did you approach blending your past influences into this track? I really have mixed it up. Genres are funny to me because songs should make production and genre irrelevant, in my opinion. So I’ve always been whimsical with production because it’s fun. Super 8 wasn’t an intellectual concept at all; it came out naturally. I think most artists (except the super geniuses) have their bag of tricks, and I’m sure my melodies and content would all be pretty similar if you just stripped them down to an acoustic guitar and a vocal. I’m never really concerned with having an identity or a brand for the sake of Spotify knowing how to classify me. So the rest was just listening to the song and doing what it says to do. It feels more like carving away what it is not, I guess. You mentioned that the song can be enjoyed superficially, but there’s depth for those who need it. As a songwriter, how do you balance crafting something catchy with embedding personal or painful truths? For starters, it has to have depth. If it’s not catchy, I don’t care, as long as it makes me feel something. If I don’t feel enough from it, it goes straight into the trash can. If it has one hook, it has hooks everywhere, like fun little rabbit holes. I count on my producer, David Drouin, to dig into those. He’s a master at finding them and making them the best parts of the songs. With Super 8, the album dropping July 11, what themes or sounds can fans expect from the full project? Does it continue in the vein of emotional storytelling, or are there sonic curveballs on the way? There are some rockers! I think it has some arty Alt-rock tunes and some darker experimental singer-songwriter moments as well. Thematically, the record is an emotionally revealing one. I’m nervous about putting it into the world, so I know it is probably worth hearing.

Photo by Daniel Semenov Los Angeles is overflowing with influencers crowding the usual photo ops—Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Melrose murals… snooze. If you’re a musician or content creator trying to craft a visual identity that stands out (and let’s be honest, that’s mandatory in 2025), you need more than just "pretty." You need spots that ooze vibe. Backdrops that slap. Textures that tell a story. Places that won’t have 47 TikTokers in the background doing the same tired transition. That’s where we come in. We scouted, creeped, and downright trespassed (legally, of course) to bring you 10 hidden LA gems for your next music photoshoot.  1. The Old LA Zoo Photo by Roberto Nickson Where:  Griffith Park Rusting cages, graffiti-stained walls, and overgrown wilderness—it’s an urban explorer’s fantasy. Punk, indie, or alternative? This is your gritty wonderland. 2. Ascot Hills Park Photo by Ascot Hills Park Where:  East LASkip Runyon This quiet, cinematic park has sweeping skyline views and wild, rolling hills that’ll make your press photos scream album cover energy. 3. The Brewery Arts Complex Where:  Lincoln Heights Industrial backdrops, colorful murals, and a weirdly post-apocalyptic vibe. It’s where creative rebels shoot when they outgrow Arts District clichés. 4. Murphy Ranch Ruins Where:  Rustic Canyon Eerie, graffitied ruins hidden deep in the Santa Monica Mountains. Perfect for moody solo shots or edgy band promos—if you’re down for the hike. 5. Heritage Square Museum (Exterior) Photo courtesy of Heritage Square Where:  Montecito Heights Victorian homes in various stages of decay and restoration. Gives that “haunted grandeur” vibe without needing to beg for a permit. 6. Topanga Lookout Trail Photo by California By Choice Where:  Topanga An abandoned, graffiti-covered platform hangs over the mountains. High-key dangerous, high-key epic. You’ll get unmatched sunset shots. 7. El Matador State Beach (Off-Season) Photo by Tripadvisor Where:  Malibu The famous caves and arches—but timing is everything. Off-season mornings give you haunting, isolated shots. In-season? Welcome to a photoshoot nightmare. 8. St. Vincent Court Where:  Downtown LA Hidden European alleyway vibes right in the middle of the city.  Cobblestone, hanging cafe lights, and barely anyone knows it exists. 9. Sunken City Where:  San Pedro Broken streets and toppled foundations swallowed by the earth back in the 1920s. Technically closed to the public, but if you know, you know. 10. Vasquez Rocks (The Deep Cuts Trail) Photo by LA County Parks & Rec Where:  Agua Dulce Everyone does the main rock formations. Take the hidden trails and find isolated spots that don’t look like a Star Trek reboot set. Your secret weapon for an otherworldly vibe. If you’re still pulling up to Hollywood Blvd or that pink wall on Melrose for your promo photos… we can’t help you.But if you’re ready to create visuals that match your sound—raw, original, and unmistakably you—these hidden LA photoshoot spots are your ticket.

Photo by OG Productionz You thought we left low-rise jeans and flip phones in the past? Think again. The 2000s are back—and they’ve never looked wilder. Fashion always comes full circle, but 2025 has fully resurrected the chaotic, iconic, and occasionally questionable aesthetic of the Y2K era. What started as subtle nods in Gen Z’s social feeds has exploded into a full-blown cultural revival. Millennials are living déjà vu, and younger Gen Z (plus the rising Gen Alpha) are treating rhinestone belts and chunky highlights like cutting-edge discoveries. Let’s rank the wildest Y2K trends making a dramatic comeback in 2025—from the ones we can’t live without to the ones we can’t believe we’re wearing again. Low-Rise Jeans (Yes, Seriously) Photo by Mizuno K The most controversial comeback of all. Thought we’d buried low-rise denim forever? Fashion houses like Diesel and Blumarine said “Not so fast.” Low-rise jeans are everywhere again—paired with visible thongs (yes, the whale tail is officially Gen Z-approved) and baby tees. Millennials may still be traumatized, but for better or worse, the hipbone is the new high waist. Bedazzled EVERYTHING Rhinestones, glitter, and Swarovski crystals are no longer tacky—they’re the height of nostalgic glam. Hair clips, belts, purses, flip phones, and even Crocs are dripping in sparkle. Celebs like Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and Olivia Rodrigo have fully embraced the bedazzled Y2K renaissance, making maximalism cool again. Mini Skirts and Micro Bags Photo by Rube G Blame Carrie Bradshaw and Paris Hilton. The ultra-mini skirt and comically tiny handbag combo has returned, this time styled with chunky boots or throwback Skechers. Functionality? Irrelevant. Aesthetic? Immaculate. Frosted Lip Gloss and Thin Brows Photo by Lazarus Ziridis Beauty gurus swore we’d never touch these again. Yet, here we are. Glossier, Fenty, and even Chanel have rolled out frosted gloss shades reminiscent of early-2000s drugstore finds. And after years of bushy brow supremacy, the thin brow is staging a defiant comeback. Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner are leading the charge, eyebrow pencils in hand. Belly Chains and Statement Belts Photo by Amar Preciado Your 2003 club look? It’s streetwear now. Belly chains over crop tops and giant statement belts slung over dresses are dominating Instagram feeds and runways alike. What once screamed TRL is now considered peak vintage chic. Trucker Hats Photo by RDNE Stock project: Von Dutch and Ed Hardy walked so the 2025 It Girls and TikTok boys could run. Trucker hats, once the staple of paparazzi-hounded starlets, have resurfaced in bold colors and ironic graphics. It’s camp. It’s cringe. It’s back. Flip Phones Photo by Gylfi Gylfason Samsung and Motorola’s foldable smartphones have given the classic flip phone a futuristic twist. We’re calling it now: hang-up dramatics are cool again. Nothing says attitude like snapping a phone shut. Layered Tanks and Arm Warmers Photo by cottonbro studio The Avril Lavigne era lives on. Layered tanks, mesh sleeves, and arm warmers have infiltrated alternative fashion circles and mainstream street style. It’s grunge. It’s emo. It’s unapologetically 2004. Chunky Highlights and Butterfly Clips Photo by Anna S The chunky blonde streaks that once graced Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera are trending again—paired with butterfly clips and colorful barrettes. Hair salons everywhere are witnessing Millennials asking for “the look they swore they’d never revisit.” Why Are We Obsessed with Y2K Again? In an age of constant digital change, global uncertainty, and fast-moving trends, the 2000s represent a simpler, carefree era—at least in hindsight. Gen Z and Gen Alpha see Y2K as vintage rebellion. Millennials see it as reclaiming a chaotic but formative chapter. And let’s be honest: Y2K fashion was never about timeless elegance. It was about fun, experimentation, and just a little bit of chaos. That’s exactly what makes it perfect for 2025.

Photo by RF._.studio _ You came in for eggs. You left with two candles, a fancy cheese, and a song stuck in your head. Coincidence? Not even close. Grocery stores don’t just throw on random playlists. There’s a method—no, a strategy—to the music you hear while hunting for avocados. From mood psychology to subtle marketing tactics, let’s break down exactly how grocery stores choose music (and why it often works better than you think). Mood = Money: Setting the Shopping Atmosphere Most stores hire music consultants or commercial playlist services (think Mood Media, PlayNetwork, or Spectrio). Their job? Curate playlists that align with the store’s brand identity and customer base. If the store wants you to feel upscale and sophisticated ( Whole Foods ), you’ll hear mellow indie or smooth jazz. If they want to evoke nostalgia or comfort ( Trader Joe’s, Target ), expect classics or feel-good pop. The vibe is intentional. Relaxed shoppers spend more. It’s called the "slow shopping effect." Tempo Controls Your Pace (and Your Cart) Research shows that slower tempos encourage shoppers to move leisurely, often leading to bigger purchases. On the flip side, faster beats can subtly rush people through when the store’s crowded or during peak hours. A 1982 study (that’s still cited today) found that stores playing slower music saw a 38% increase in sales compared to those playing upbeat tunes. Your cart’s getting heavier thanks to a carefully chosen BPM. Demographics Drive the Playlist Grocery stores analyze their core customer demographic  and tailor the music accordingly: Millennial-heavy stores?  Expect 2000s pop, indie, or hip hop throwbacks. Older clientele?  Classic rock, Motown, or adult contemporary. Family-focused spots?  Kid-friendly pop and mainstream hits. In 2025, many chains even adjust playlists by time of day . Morning shoppers might get light acoustic tracks, while evening crowds hear more energetic, upbeat selections. Subliminal Branding: Music Reinforces the Store’s Identity Photo by Nothing Ahead Ever noticed how Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi all sound different? That’s branding at work. Whole Foods = chill, sophisticated, eco-conscious vibes. Trader Joe’s = quirky, eclectic, fun energy. Aldi = efficient, no-nonsense playlists that move shoppers along. Music supports the emotional experience each brand wants to create. Yes, Even Seasonal Songs Are Calculated When the holiday season hits, stores don’t just play random Christmas songs. They pick tracks that trigger nostalgia and positive emotions—both known to increase spending. In fact, some chains roll out custom holiday mixes tested to balance festivity without overwhelming customers (too much "Jingle Bells" can backfire). Final Buzz: Your Grocery Playlist Is a Marketing Masterpiece So, how do grocery stores choose music? It’s not just background noise—it’s a carefully engineered part of the shopping experience. From tempo to tone to demographic tailoring, every note is designed to keep you comfortable, happy, and just distracted enough to toss that extra box of cookies into your cart. The next time you catch yourself vibing in the cereal aisle? The playlist is doing its job.

Photo courtesy of Amoeba In an age of streaming, algorithms, and disposable culture, one place still treats music like a religion. Its name is Amoeba . On the corner of Hollywood Boulevard, past the tourist traps and neon overstimulation, stands Amoeba Music—a sprawling labyrinth of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, posters, and history. It’s not just a record store. It’s a pilgrimage site. A time machine. A living, breathing museum of music culture that has outlasted the industry’s collapses, evolutions, and resurrections. Amoeba isn’t just famous. It’s legendary. The Birth of a Giant Founded in 1990 by music obsessives Marc Weinstein, Dave Prinz, and a small team of passionate crate diggers, Amoeba Music’s first home wasn’t Los Angeles. It was in Berkeley, California. Their mission was simple but radical for the time: Create a record store by music lovers, for music lovers—a place where all genres and all formats could coexist. By the time they opened the Hollywood flagship in 2001, it was the largest independent record store in the world. Imagine: 24,000 square feet of sound. Endless rows of vinyl. Rare finds tucked between classics. Posters layered over posters layered over posters. It was a physical representation of what the internet would eventually become: everything, everywhere, all at once—but curated by humans, not algorithms. A Stage and a Sanctuary Photo courtesy of Amoeba Amoeba wasn’t just about buying records. It was—and still is—a performance space. The store’s legendary in-store shows have featured Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, The Roots, Patti Smith, and even Kendrick Lamar. Emerging indie bands and hip hop artists cut their teeth there. Iconic acts returned to their roots. Fans lined up for hours just to experience the magic of a live show amidst the racks of vinyl. In an industry that often separates creators from their listeners, Amoeba became the great equalizer. Surviving the Streaming Apocalypse The 2010s hit the music industry like an earthquake. Streaming swallowed physical media. Downloading collapsed the old guard. Tower Records died. Virgin Megastores vanished. But Amoeba? It adapted. They embraced online sales but never sacrificed the in-person experience. They hosted events. They expanded into pop culture, selling films, books, and merch. They didn’t just survive—they thrived by betting on the one thing Spotify and Apple Music couldn’t replicate: Community. Tangibility. Discovery. Even when the Hollywood location was forced to close in 2020 (a brutal combo of COVID-19 and real estate battles), Amoeba refused to die. In 2021, they reopened just down the street on Hollywood Blvd—smaller in square footage but even larger in cultural weight. The Last Great Record Store Standing Photo courtesy of Amoeba Today, walking into Amoeba feels like stepping into a living monument. Teenagers discovering their first vinyl. Tourists wide-eyed at the sheer scale. Aging punks thumbing through Misfits reissues. Hip hop heads flipping past out-of-print mixtapes. Indie fans spotting a rare Belle & Sebastian 7". In a city that constantly reinvents itself, Amoeba has become the anchor point for the ever-changing tides of Los Angeles music culture. It’s where collectors meet rookies. Where crate-digging is a sport. Where the past and future of music collide in every aisle. Final Buzz: Amoeba Is More Than a Store—It’s a Movement In an era that celebrates disposability, Amoeba Music remains a shrine to what lasts. It’s not just about records. It’s about the hunt, the conversation, the passion, and the people. Amoeba Music doesn’t just sell music. It preserves it. It celebrates it. It keeps the soul of Los Angeles alive—one album at a time.

Photo by cottonbro studio The mainstream has its anthems, sure. But when it comes to curating a gaming playlist with flavor, originality, and pure independent grind energy? You turn to the indie hip hop scene. These are 10 of the best independent hip hop songs for gaming—each bringing a unique mood, story, and vibe to soundtrack your battles, races, and quests. Whether you’re in a shooter, RPG, or sandbox world, these tracks will have you locked in and leveling up. "96 Bulls" — Kota the Friend Kota’s "96 Bulls" is pure motivational energy, reflecting on perseverance, loyalty, and the hunger to win against the odds. An ode to staying grounded while chasing greatness, it’s the perfect track when you’re pushing through challenges and grinding for that W. Best Game Pairing:  NBA 2K25 "Diet_" — Denzel Curry "Diet_" delivers sharp lyrics over minimalist but heavy-hitting production. The track became a fan-favorite for its pure battle energy, perfect for boss fights or PvP matches where focus is key. Best Game Pairing:  Mortal Kombat 1  or Tekken 8 "Fetti" — 88rising ft. Rich Brian & Higher Brothers Representing international indie rap’s power, "Fetti" brings Rich Brian’s signature humor and flow alongside Higher Brothers’ infectious energy. This track is hype without taking itself too seriously, ideal for open-world gaming and online chaos with friends. Best Game Pairing:  GTA Online "Keep It Movin" — Oddisee ft. Olivier St. Louis Oddisee is an underground legend known for thoughtful bars and timeless production. "Keep It Movin" offers a smooth groove layered with lyrics about resilience and progress—a great vibe for exploration or strategy gaming where patience wins the day. Best Game Pairing: Assassin’s Creed Mirage "Crown" — Chika Chika’s "Crown" is a triumphant declaration of self-worth and perseverance. Her intricate rhymes and soulful energy make it a perfect soundtrack for overcoming in-game obstacles—or just reminding yourself you’ve got this, in the game and IRL. Best Game Pairing:  Horizon Forbidden West Final Buzz: Independent Artists Are Main Character Energy Mainstream hip hop might dominate the charts, but independent artists own the vibe. These tracks aren’t just background noise—they’re lyrical companions to your victories, losses, and endless grind sessions. Whether you’re queuing up for a raid or chasing 100% completion, indie hip hop is the perfect co-op partner.

In today’s multitasking world, knowing how to play music while using another app on Android is essential. Whether you’re streaming your favorite playlist, tuning into a podcast, or playing YouTube music videos, Android users often want to keep the tunes going while browsing social media, replying to texts, or using other apps. Let’s break down exactly how to do it—and how to get the most out of your Android device’s multitasking features. 1. Using Built-In Music Apps (Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music) Most major music streaming apps for Android, like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music, automatically allow background play. Simply start your playlist or podcast, then press the Home button or swipe up to exit the app. The audio will keep playing while you use other apps. If the music stops, check your app’s settings and ensure that "Allow background play" or "Play in background" is enabled. 2. Using YouTube for Background Play If you’re wondering how to play YouTube music in the background on Android , here’s the catch: YouTube Premium is usually required. With Premium, you can lock your screen or switch apps without interrupting the video’s audio. For a free workaround, some users opt for browser-based YouTube playback. Open YouTube in a browser like Chrome, request the desktop site, and start your video. When you switch apps or lock the phone, swipe down the notification panel and press play to resume audio. 3. Enabling Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode If you want to watch a music video while using other apps on Android , Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is your best friend. Apps like YouTube (with Premium), VLC Media Player, and Chrome support PiP. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Picture-in-Picture Enable PiP for your preferred video or music apps Now, when you swipe up or press Home during video playback, the video shrinks into a small movable window. 4. Using Split-Screen Mode Another option for playing music while multitasking on Android  is Split-Screen mode. To activate: Open your music app Swipe up and hold (or press the Recent Apps button, depending on your phone model) Tap the app’s icon at the top and select Split screen Choose your second app for multitasking Now you can control your music and scroll your feed at the same time. 5. Optimizing Battery & Background Usage Sometimes music stops when switching apps because battery optimization settings restrict background activity. To fix this: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization Select your music app and choose Don’t Optimize This ensures that Android won’t pause your audio to save battery. Knowing how to play music while using another app on Android phones and tablets  can transform how you use your device. From working out to studying or just relaxing, seamless audio playback enhances productivity and enjoyment.