The main story of this year’s SXSW was the changing dynamic of power and cultural relevancy. It used to be that big companies or record labels were revered, but this year all bowed down to the online pundits. Niche bloggers, such as Perez Hilton, Scoble, Stereogum, and the like, whom appeal to a fragmented section of society now determine the fate of what’s next and have taken control of SXSW.
While these bloggers are relevant in their perceived world, even LA mega blogger Perez Hilton was not even known by the locals of Austin coordinating his very own party.
Most of [...]

The Smashing Pumpkins just revealed that they will be abandoning the album format in favor of a less formal 3-4 song EP approach. “Anyone under the age of 24 just buys songs,” Corgan explained. “It’s just in our best interest to release blocks of songs.”
This format makes sense as singles have far replaced albums in digital sales. Why should an artist invest so much energy in a 10-15 song album on which they will be judged for the next 1-2 years? As album production costs have reduced substantially, artists could now start releasing new EPs every [...]

A new drink is rising up in the bars of LA, Tequila Espresso. Served over ice and in a rocks glass, it’s an interesting alternative for anyone looking for the simultaneous caffeine and alcohol buzz. As for the origins of the drink, the farthest back we can trace it is to a rather mischievous bartender at the Chateau Marmont, where many a great thing has begun and ended.
Directions are simple: Pour your choice of tequila over ice, pull a fresh espresso, and pour the espresso into the glass.
The drink often creates a polarizing love/hate reaction depending on [...]