Carlos

Describe your style in three words?

Dress to Impress.

The first track you played on repeat? And where did you play it?

The Kinks - All Day and All of the Night

I was a kid in sunny southern California and our ‘oldies’ station was ‘KEARTH 101’. I remember taping this off the radio and thinking, WHOA! This is rock & roll! Totally fueled my kiddie rage!

A song from your favourite album? And what does this track mean to you?

The Shangri-Las - Remember (Walkin' In The Sand)

This record. A true relic and a moment in time. Phil Spector creating the mini operas and Mary Weiss at the helm with her sisters. A truly haunting track and the pauses truly bring it all home. Another track I can listen to twice over. Maybe tied with 'Out in the Streets'...

A song from your most memorable gig?

The Undertones - Teenage Kicks

I remember spinning this one at one of my regular gigs at Footsies in East LA. John Peel did it, and the mood caught me right. The entire bar was singing along, it was 1:57am (last call is at 2) and I slapped the needle to the front and let it go again.

A song that always gets you up and dancing?

Brenton Wood - Gimme Little Sign

Brenton is a king in Los Angeles. Even if it’s my own record or when I’m out, I will always cut the rug to this jammer. A truly soulful strutter that always wins people over.

A new song you're listening to? Why do you like this artist?

Pachyman - Sensi

Pachyman is a local legend but he’s starting to get some real waves. If you’re hip to Augustus Pablo or King Tubby, this is for you.

Best song to turn up loud? And why?

Pulp - Disco 2000

This song will forever remind me of dancing off my face at ‘britpop’ clubs in Hollywood in the 90’s. A forever banger from one of the best vocalists still kicking. God bless JC & Pulp.

A song that defines the teenage you? And the memories it evokes?

Ramones - I Don't Care - 2017 Remaster

As a angsty teenager I was fortunate that a senior pal (I was a freshmen) coaxed me to a rock concert. We drove all the way to Hollywood to see the Ramones. I was 13 and it was my first concert. If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t be filling out this questionnaire.

An anthemic song? Why does it get your pulse racing?

The Smiths - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out - 2011 Remaster

Yes, Morrissey is a strange breed now. Prior to all his madness he was force to be tamed. This song over the years has been something of magic. It can bring you up, or it can bring you down. Love how music works that way.

Best song to end an all-nighter?

Wendy Rene - After Laughter (Comes Tears)

We all know good times come to end, Wendy Rene cements that with this tune. Forever my closer when I do my soul nights and it immediately follows with a barrage of ‘WHO WAS THAT’ from the unknowing patron.