After releasing two successful indie hiphop albums, LA-based brothers Gideon & Nick Black added a band, created a new genre, and made Paris a home for their new sound. So far, très bien.

The bar is packed to capacity. Everyone has a drink in their hand. A beautiful mix of hip-hop, new wave, indie rock and electro blares from the speakers. Brothers

Gideon and Nick Black, along with guitarist “The Real” Erich Schneider, bassist Alex “Mokajin” Pauley, DJ/producer C-Minus and producer/engineer Ed Monsef have captured that euphoric late-night vibe that rewards those who toil through the week, longing for the youthful exuberance that this setting provides.

But this perfect scenario, like anything in life, didn’t come easy. After releasing two successful indie hiphop records and becoming one of the bigger names in the LA underground hiphop scene, Lexicon became frustrated. At first they were content in simply being a part of the scene they grew up admiring and idolizing — they were more concerned with impressing the discerning underground heads than blowing up. But as the scene grew stale Lexicon knew that something needed to change. So instead of building on the props they’d achieved in the underground scene, they tore it all down, in order to build something different.

Calling upon for inspiration all of the rock and new wave music that blared from their parents speakers while they were growing up, Lexicon realized that by combining these elements with their deep knowledge of hiphop they could finally express themselves the way they wanted to, while helping make music exciting again for all of those kids out there who have all sorts of genres and styles thrown together on their iPods.

Mixing their broad range of influences from the A Tribe Called Quest to The Strokes to The Police to N.E.R.D. to Roxy Music… these seasoned vets flawlessly flow their way through this new sound with an appealing confidence and an ever-present sense of humor. Their inherent knack for wordplay and songwriting results in vivid imagery and entertaining slice-of-life stories that are relatable to anyone.

Signed to Paris-based record label Laitdbac since late 2008, the brothers Black released two acclaimed singles, and played numerous shows and festivals around Europe to pave the way for the release of the long awaited album “Rapstars“ due to be available worldwide by fall 2010.

It’s The L!!!

The band have just released the first of their recent recordings on the newly formatted ‘capsule’ collection. Rather than revisit the traditional method of releasing a long-form CD, the “capsule” is a collection of not just new music, but film, art and fashion. It will consist of new music ‘Every Man and Woman Is A Star’ and ‘Siberia’; live recordings from the recent internationally sold-out ‘Love Live’ tour, as well as short film ‘A Prelude to Ruins’ (directed by Ian Astbury & Rick Rogers). The capsule will be available in several formats including MP3 CD / DVD (DUAL DISC) and 12″ Vinyl in limited quantities for a limited time. The first song ‘Every Man and Woman Is A Star’ was debuted in the UK and released as an iTunes exclusive. Vocalist Ian Astbury explains

‘We are stepping away from the conventional system. By including new music, live music and a film, we are giving the audience the opportunity to own other creative visions. The Capsule is a way of delivering music in bites, quicker and fresher than in the context of an album format.’

The latest recordings were guided by legendary producer Chris Goss (Unkle, Queens of the Stone Age, Too Many DJ’s, Masters of Reality). A mixture of violent guitars, emotive vocal performances with high melody and driving beats. In addition to producing The Cult, Goss’ band MASTERS OF REALITY will serve as the support for the tour. The group have a new album out entitled ‘Pine Cross Dover’.

Scream at The Echo (Echo Park, CA)

Had the pleasure of working Scream, yet another seminal band that front man Pete Stahl (earthlings?, Goatsnake, Wool, Orchestra Del Desierto) is a part of. With his brother, Franz Stahl, Scream created a big voice in the DC punk scene and beyond. With the latest project, Scream is expressing their downtempo side and recording a dub reggae track to be included on a split 7″ that will be shared with none other than Lee Scratch Perry. Tracking reggae at The Rancho in the winter, with the fireplace blazing, speakers bumping, and 16 track spinning is a pretty sick scenario. Scream also played a show at The Echo and I have to say hands down one of the best shows I’ve seen.

I was honored to play with one of my favorite bands….they were before I started working with them.  Being on stage with David Catching, Adam Maples, Pete Stahl, Brian O’Conner, and Clint Walsh was incredible.  Everybody was having a ball.  If you’ve never heard of earthlings? then you pretty much have to check them out.  And if you liked any of their past work then the new material, soon to be released, will surely satisfy!!

Sound City Studio A

John Tempesta at Sound City Studio A

I teamed up with Chris Goss again to record with The Cult. It’s been an absolute pleasure. We started off at Sound City, Studio A to record drum and bass. I’ve been wanting to work in this room for a long time and going to tape completed the dream. I love the smell of tape that blows up in your face when you throw a reel up and hit rewind. John Tempesta (drums) and Chris Wyse (bass) held it down. We shifted gears and moved to Sage & Sound, Studio B, to overdub.  The API console was immaculate, actually all the gear was immaculate and consisted of most of my favorite pieces.  After a short break for the holidays we picked it back up at The Hacienda to complete tracking and prep for mixing. Everybody seemed really comfortable here and we captured some amazing performances! I’m really proud of what’s coming out of the speakers and can’t wait to share it.