Los Angeles' Best DJ's
(credit: I. Ndwall)
The greatest DJs are like modern day conductors of a great party, charged with orchestrating the increasingly heightened energy of a crowd with signature techniques that extract the nuanced expressions of musical tempo, beat, and dynamics. They have the guts to take smart, creative, and innovative risks that result in big payoffs. Qualities like prophetically reading a crowd without defaulting to playing it safe, igniting the night with passion-fueled performances, and a humble personality as magnetic as the sets played are a given, as are technical skills that are so on point, they speak for themselves. We've got some of the greats right here in LA; so if you want to dance, allow these talents to lead the way.
(credit: The Beat Junkies)
Beat Junkies
www.beatjunkies.com
The Beat Junkies are a DJ crew comprised of eight accomplished musicians from Los Angeles that introduced complex DJ skills and techniques that became internationally recognized as the "Beat Junkie Style." Founded in 1992, they have amassed recognition for their work, including World Championship DJ competition titles, primetime radio mix shows for some of LA's top radio stations, and producing music for some of the industry's most recognized recording artists. They continue to influence, entertain, and shape the DJ community, staying forever relevant to music enthusiasts the world over.
(credit: Banfy)
BeeFOWL
www.beefowl.com
Music has pulsed through New York born Brian "beeFOWL" Fowler's blood since his teenage days . His foray into the industry started when he was a drummer for rock and roll bands that he toured with through his 20's before going on to pursue a degree in the recording arts and music business. BeeFOWL's ability to effortlessly transition genres like rock & roll, 80s, 90s, and hip hop convinces even the most fickle LA crowd to get up on their feet and dance. It was after he opened for DJ's like Martin Solveig, Nervo, Max Vangeli at LA's hottest clubs that singed his name on the map.
With his intuitive ability to read a crowd and the proper skills to cater to what makes them tick, he continues to holds residencies at some of LA's most exclusive venues. His infectious energy and fun personality behind the turntables is like taking a shot of hard liquor: it's shocking yet unexpectedly refreshing, and a signal to your body that it's time to party.
(credit: VICE/Create Nightclub)
DJ Vice
www.djvice.com
DJ Vice is an LA native whose destiny was set the moment he bought his first turntables at age twelve. Since then, this industry vet has maintained an electrifying love affair for spinning records that has spanned two decades. He grew up listening to music like Air Supply, Blondie, The Cure, Morrissey, hip hop, and house, all shaping his diverse appreciation for music and molding his signature style of incorporating multiple genres and old with new into his sets. From humble beginnings as a house party DJ, wedding DJ, high school dance DJ to an evolutionary career as a radio DJ with LA's Power 106, to residencies at Las Vegas hottest venues, playing for international audiences, and a foray into producing original music, VICE is truly a DJ of all trades with a career that shows no signs of slowing down.
(credit: ESKAE)
ESKAE
www.instagram.com/eskae
For over a decade, this Honolulu local was the top open format DJ in Hawaii with a heavy hitting client list including Ian Schrager, Red Bull, Grey Goose, NFL, CBS, and ABC. On the opposite end of the musical spectrum, he was a founding member of The Nocturnal Sound Krew, two-time International Turntablist Federation (ITF) World Champion and DMC national champion DH's.
Ready to move on to the next, ESKAE relocated to Los Angeles, and in two short years he hasn't missed a beat, working at a variety of LA's top venues, including AV Nightclub, Greystone Manor, The Dime, No Vacancy, Harvard & Stone, Do-Over, and Soho House. ESKAE's signature style easily transitions between hip-hop, house, rock, disco, indie, and dance classics. He is no stranger to going against the grain, a well-calculated risk that has established his position alongside the best in the industry. With a talent for versatility, he has the uncanny ability to narrow the gap between people by breaking down genre barriers, showing partygoers with varied tastes that a good time with people from different scenes isn't all a dream.
(credit: Bobby French)
DJ Bobby French
www.djbobbyfrench.com
DJ Bobby French moved to LA from the South of France at the young age of 9. While most kids his age didn't even know what turntable was, this fledgling DJ in the making would spend hours in his room scratching, mixing, and mastering the craft. This hard work would pay off, leading to a career as a local favorite at various LA venues like Hyde, Tryst, Greystone Manor, Bootsy Bellows, to name a few. Additionally, he boasts an impressive hospitality industry roster, with clients from the likes of SBE, Viceroy Hotels, and The Roosevelt Hotel. Outside of LA, he spins tunes at other major party metros including San Francisco, New York, and Las Vegas. Influenced by The Beat Junkies, Cut Chemist, Q-Bert, and Jazzy-Jeff, French prides himself on flawless mixing and technical scratching, transcending genres with a seamless mix of hip hop, house, 80's, oldies, and more.
(credit: Metric)
DJ Metric
www.djmetric.com
An avid music enthusiast and vinyl record collector since age twelve, DJ Metric is a club DJ and producer/remixer. With over thirteen years of unfaltering hustle, he's built a respected club following and positioned himself as one of Hollywood's premiere music selectors. Some of LA's most exclusive party destinations have hired him to set the mood for their special events, including The Bungalow, Lure, Spare Room, Soho House, AV Nightclub, Warwick, and more. He focuses on beat matching, scratching, and song selection, the fundamentals of any DJ worth his salt.
(credit: Fashen)
Fashen
www.itsfashen.net
LA resident Fashen is a treasure trove of musical knowledge that spans the genres of rock, electro, hip hop, and pop, resulting in a mind library of eclectic gold. He artfully weaves in and out of musical genres like the silk thread in a fine tailored suit. His thoughtfully crafted and masterfully executed sets combined with a tireless work ethic and magnetic personality has captivated crowds around the globe.. Fashen has earned the title of Mixshow Power Summit's West Coast DJ of the Year and won Rockstar Energy Drink's "Next on the Decks" contest, which opened doors to spin at the hottest clubs both nationally and internationally.
(credit: Devin Lucien)
Devin Lucien
www.devinlucien.com
Synonymous with the Los Angeles music scene, Devin Lucien has a diverse resume, allowing him to showcase his skills in a variety of avenues. Holding residencies at some of the most popular clubs in LA and throughout the US, Devin Lucien also makes monthly appearances in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and internationally in Japan. Additionally, his impressive list of high profile corporate clients, including Target, L'Oreal, Range Rover, Lotus, DreamWorks, BCBG, MOCA, Hudson Jeans and several others. As of late, Lucien is newly involved in the production side of things, editing and creating original music for fashion and magazine brands. He has even consulted for the music in the Warner Brothers film "Project X." By contributing his talents to such a diverse set of projects, this DJ brilliantly structures his career like an expertly allocated investment portfolio, a smart move for a career with staying power.
Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. She will soon be launching m0th2flame, a fitness and lifestyle blog. Check out what else she recommends around Los Angeles in the links below.
