Skinnie Magazine Issue 124 - September 2012 by Skinnie Magazine

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THErundown

FEATURES p.008

FASHION FORECAST Five Streetwear Brands You Better Know for Fall

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MASTERS OF CEREMONIES LA Duo Sex Panther Rock The Party, Any Time.

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A BIG PROBLEM Straight From The CPT

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WALKING THE BONEYARD Jon Bones Jones Walks Tall

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ENJOYING THE IRDE Ryan Villopoto Takes On The Monster Energy Cup

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LATIN FLAVOR IN THE LBC Agave’s Kitchen & Tequila - A Feast For The Senses

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SKINNIESCENE The Rundown On What You Missed

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Issue124 September2012

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Editor’sletter The “ I HAVE NO IDEA what

I aM DOING” edition

September 2012 J ISSUE NUmber 124 www.skinniemagazine.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PUBLISHERS Jimmy Clinton and George Giordano ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief Ramon Gonzales Jasen T. Davis, Alex Mendoza, Eric Bonholtzer, Katie Evans, Kristie Bertucci, Patrick Douglas, Lacy Ottenson, Elysia McMahan, MM Zonoozy Contributing Writers

For editorial submissions, email editorial@skinniemagazine.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ART & DESIGN Art department

Art D

PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Vincent, Alan Rivera, Sean Myers, Joanna Miriam, Wil Marques, Damian Tsutsumida, Genevieve Davis, Karen Curley, Harmony Gerber, Edison Graff, Timothy Sheppard, Erik Faiivae, Christian Sosa, Cody Black Tammy Rapp, Todd Scheuerell

Contributing Photographers

Sales & Marketing Advertising

Marketing Director Jason Zahler Matt Lee, Jose Lanza and Julius Lopez

For all sales inquiries email sales@skinniemagazine.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Administrative House Of Designs Morgan Desmond Angela Jugon Raquel Lopez, Cynthia De Los Santos and Ryan Mercer Webmaster

online editor

Contributing Staff

FASHION Fashion Director

Michelle Ngo Linh Duong

Fashion Coordinators

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUBSCRIBERS If the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years. LEGAL DISCLAIMER The content in this magazine is for entertainment and intended for mature audiences only. Advertisers are responsible for their ads placed in the magazine. Skinnie Magazine is not responsible for any actions taken by their readers. We may occasionally use images placed in public domain. Sometimes, it is not possible to identify and/or contact the copyright holder, if you claim ownership of something we’ve published, we will gladly make a proper acknowledgement. Skinnie Magazine does not share opinions and/ or views stated by the writers and or photographers. Some of the content published may be of a mature nature; we do not, in any way, condone underage drinking or any other illegal activity. All submissions become property of Skinnie Magazine, be it text, photos, art, etc.

Most times the very first thing that pops into my head are the lyrics to Talking Heads’ “Once In A Lifetime” – it really has become the anthem of my life…

so self serving. The truth is, I happen to be a very fortunate dude that gets to have a voice that some people listen to. Whether you bash it or love it or use it to pass the time while you are on the john, I can’t really thank you enough for doing it.

“How did I get here?” Keep it HOOD… Every time I have to sit and pen one of these lame editor’s letters, I have to wrestle with the notion of anyone wanting to hear anything I have to say. It’s

skinniemagazine.com

Ramon Gonzales

Cover Photo by Tomas Muscionico

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foreplay

skinniemagazine.com

fashion

forecast

S.L.A.T.E./Project/MAGIC and The Must Know Names for Fall By Ramon Gonzales

While Las Vegas is no stranger to conventioneers and tradeshow flair, the subshows PROJECT, MAGIC, and S.LA.T.E. ascend on Sin City twice annually and with it, comes thousands of business projects and partygoers – it goes hand in hand. While you might happen to bump into the likes of Rick Ross or Gene Simmons on the tradeshow floor, the real appeal is in the threads. For the money spending demo, streetwear and kicks always seem to be the biggest draw among the convention. We decided to make things VERY simple for you and breakdown the five brands that not only made the biggest splash this summer in Las Vegas, but offer some of the most unique bang for your buck when it comes to looking fresh. BLVD Supply Very new in the grand scheme of all things streetwear, multi-platinum rapper Soulja Boy recently launched BLVD and already has generated a buzz. While most of the designs now utilize the branded Palm tree logo, the offerings are stylishly obnoxious in a way that will guarantee the tees and outwear resonate with hip-hop loving skaters across the nation. Riding the trend of snapbacks and crewnecks, expect more of the same in that regard, but the palm tree and BLVD seem to work in a way that gives the brand a leg up on other newbie’s to the game. BlvdSupply.com IRON FIST Having gone from loud prints and screamo inspiration, Iron Fist has transformed into a contemporary edgy culture brand with adult fashion in mind. Unveiling their latest collaboration at S.L.A.T.E. with punk veteran and skate legend Duane Peters, the brand is channeling the heyday of Vision Footwear with this one, making sure to ring a bell with the jaded hipsters and salty skaters alike. Cut and stitch pieces, a full line of incendiary women’s footwear that work for the office or the club, and a real sense of upscale street culture, IRON FIST is a brand to take a second look at. IronFistClothing.com SPRAYGROUND Normally fashion and bags are limited to women’s purses – not with Sprayground. Developed and nurtured by designer, painter, surfer, skater, and traveler, David Ben David, think ultra backpacks and fashion forward bags the likes which you rarely see. With designs that manage to grab attention without ringing of pretentiousness,

the intricacies of the bags are almost as cool as some of the truly artistic designs. Secret compartments, bold colorways, and comfortable, convenient designs make Sprayground one of those accessories that are a must have. SprayGround.com Depalma Clothing Born in the early 1970’s out of a garage in Fresno that built custom bikes, hot rods, and lowriders, Depalma was destroyed in 1979 by a fire that saw the garage never open again. In 2002, partners Kris and Peter were able to resurrect the Depalma name with the ethos in tact, garage culture with street integrity. Applying the skate approach to streetwear with designs that would appease the hardest gearhead, tees, denim, and flannels, are just some of the anchors of Depalma. Aiming for the guy that isn’t looking to be the loudest character in the room with his clothing, expect timeless cuts and classic components – a stylish roughneck of sorts. Blog.DepalmaClothing.com PLAN B Skate to the core, as it should be considering the brand is the creation of legendary street skater and known sneakerhead Paul Rodriguez Jr. Joining forces with the likes of Ryan Sheckler, the superpowers of skate launched Plan B Skateboards, complete with some of the most exciting skaters on their team and some of the freshest gear on their backs. Denim, outwear, fleece – you name it, they got in and do so in a way that allows even the older crowd to slip on some skate gear and not look like a fucking fool. PlanBSkateboards.com

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basstreble

100% of the

time

LA EDM Duo Sex Panther Set The Pace By Ramon Gonzales Images by Tomas Muscionico

A chance meeting and a desire to kick things in the ass would be the best way to describe the genesis of this story. For Ryan Fontana and Aaron Cool, the passion for dance music would become the foundation of Sex Panther – giving it the reach out and touch someone element, was something the tag team brought to the table themselves. And it has paid off handsomely. Bummed with the role of knob turner and button pusher, the duo turn the role DJ on it’s proverbial head and has gone from regional sensation to one of the most sought after brands in EDM. Crafting their own brand of energized dance music, doused in lots of alcohol and plenty of T&A, Sex Panther has become synonymous with a raucous party – and that is the way they intended it.Anchoring the one and only GHOSTBAR Day Club beginning in the fall at The Palms in Las Vegas, it’s plain to see that even in a place like Sin City, ain’t no party like a Sex Panther party. Take us back a bit. Tell us about how the duo started, back when Sex Panther was still Sex Kitty. Garage sessions? House parties? How did this all begin? This whole thing started after a chance encounter at Guitar Center. I (Ryan) had landed a gig at the side room of the Avalon Hollywood through our homies at Gotta Dance Dirty. They asked if I could play on CDJs and I said of course, even though I had never played on them before. For the next couple of days leading up to the gig, I would spend four to five hours a day at Guitar Center learning on their floor models. People actually thought I worked there. Kids would come up and ask me questions and I would help them out with gear and stuff. Anyway, Aaron came rolling through with some friends and we started talking. Talked music for a bit, had a broment, exchanged numbers and told him I’d slip him some drink tickets if he was around during my slot at the Avalon. I didn’t hear from him or see him again for at least three months, then one late, late night at the Avalon, we bumped into each other on the smoking patio. We had this moment of “Hey,

I know you somehow”, and we sat there for a second until it finally clicked. We agreed to hang out that week and have a little jam sesh. That’s all it ever was, simply casual without any real intention of being in a duo. The first spark actually came when I was asked to play the Louis Vuitton annual holiday party… I had no gear, so I asked Aaron if I could use his, and in exchange he could come with me to the party and play a little bit as well. This was the first time that we ever stood behind the decks together in public, and it was actually the first time that I realized how well we could work together. I trusted his taste and his technical ability to the fullest. It was after that night that I decided to try and make this work. I scheduled a photoshoot and assembled a press kit and sent it out to every one I knew. The name Sex Panther actually came to me randomly… I was looking to rebrand my solo name at the time, and when I told my girlfriend I wanted to change it to Sex Panther, she said “No! You can’t do that! All the girls are going to want to have sex with you!” I knew then that it was a hit. You guys really cut your teeth with Southern California residencies...what was your first one and how stoked were you guys? Our first gig actually came as a surprise. After sending out our press kit to all the promoters in Hollywood, no one was biting. We didn’t hear anything for months. However, on a glorious Friday afternoon, I got a phone call from Brandon, a friend who promotes in Hollywood. “I need you to play Supperclub tonight.” Apparently, the headliner from Australia missed their flight and the opener got bumped up to the headlining spot. The club needed somebody to fill the opening spot immediately. Our press kit just so happened to be on the desk… “Sex Panther? That sounds interesting…”

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The name Sex Panther actually came to me “ randomly… I was looking to rebrand my solo

name at the time, and when I told my girlfriend I wanted to change it to Sex Panther, she said “No! You can’t do that! All the girls are going to want to have sex with you!” I knew then that it was a hit.

”

House music has obviously become the soundtrack for the party. What is your take on the evolution of the genre and the purists that say new DJs are confusing 4x4 dance music with “true” house music? They’re right. I feel like it is more dance music than it is house music. With the recent explosion, genres and sub genres can get lumped into one. For instance, house music has become the blanket term used to describe all types of “four on the floor” genres of electronic music, including electro house, progressive house, nu disco, and even techno to some people. However, House Music at its core is actually a specific type of electronic music that is all about the groove, soul, and drums. Dance music, on the other hand, is all about energy. That’s what we do best. Considering house music has become so popular, do you fear the genre will ever get too saturated? Played out? Definitely. Everything does. It’s just the natural evolution of music and popularity. New genres start in the underground, as a way of doing something different than the rest. People latch on and it gains popularity, all the way till the point in which it becomes mainstream.The saturation with dance music however, seems to be unlike any other genre bubble in the past. Any one, at any age, can download some music production software and samples and learn to produce their own music. They can assemble mixes of their favorite songs using computer software, and put it all on a DJ fan page on Facebook. It is no longer a challenge to become a dj because all you need to do is upload some pictures, give yourself a clever name, and ask your friends to like your page. This has super-saturated the market, almost to the point of it being a joke. However, we believe it only helps the cream rise to the top. The truly talented will always get noticed, almost more rapidly in contrast to the less talented. Look at the prodigies we have seen rise due to the ease of entry coupled with true, raw talent… Madeon, Alesso, Porter Robinson. Between the champagne spray and the other onstage antics, was crowd interaction something you guys deliberately emphasized or was that something that just happened organically? DJs aren’t exactly known for being so intimate with the crowd...

At every show, we make it a point to point-out people in the crowd, acknowledge their existence, and their contribution to the party! I’ll get on the mic and give a shout out to the party people dancing their asses off in the front, the baller dropping 10k on bottles of Ace of Spades, and even the old guy rocking an oversized cowboy hat and an undersized speedo at the Palms Pool. It’s all about the party that we create together. I tell everybody, “It’s a lot like sex, it’s only as good as you wanna make it.” When the crowd is into it, we’re into it, and the place goes off! You guys are anchoring the GhostBar Day Club residency. Partying during the daytime is a tough draw but you guys pack it out. How do you do it? What do you need to do to make a party crack while the sun is still out in Sin City? Luckily for us, people in Vegas want to party no matter what time of day it is. We are also lucky enough to be working with such a rad marketing team like the N9ne Group. Combining these two factors with a loyal fan base, and a killer venue and it all just works out. As DJs you guys seem to be on the cusp of becoming the next house hold name - any of this surreal to you guys? Between living out of suitcases and hopping flights across the country, does any of this make you ever step back and go, “whoa.” (Laughs) Yeah, definitely. It’s funny because it has all happened so fast that everything starts to seem normal. If that makes sense. At first, we were wide eyed at every new thing that was put in front of us, from Hollywood mega clubs packed with girls, to free bottles and limos, and VIP everything. But just like anything else, if you are exposed to any stimulus enough, you start to get used to it. You become desensitized. Sometimes it’s easy to take things for granted… but then we bring friends out with us and see their reactions, and you realize how lucky you truly are. It’s almost like working at Disneyland and taking your kid with you, because you work at the happiest place on Earth, it all seems normal, until you get to see the joy in their eyes. It’s like you are experiencing it again for the first time. We wake up everyday and still can’t believe it’s all real.

We went to countless shows and would watch the DJ stand up there and turn knobs.We were always front and center at every show, and although we had fun, we knew it could be way better.

www.SexPantherDJS.com www.N9neGroup.com

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basstreble

How the west

was won

Hip Hop Music Has A Real PROBLEM By Ramon Gonzales

He is all of 26 years old and already has the output that would qualify as downright prolific. As a producer, writer, engineer, and performer, it would be difficult to imagine that someone so young would have such dexterity, until you actually meet Problem. Jason Martin is one of a handful of artists that have been lumped into the New West category. But for Problem, the label doesn’t mean much. Earning

the respect of veteran musicians like Snoop Dogg and Nas means that regional pigeonholes just don’t apply to recognized talent. A champion of the mixtape market, Problem has not only earned the respect of the top tier talent, but commands the ear of the street – bangers are a plenty and with the kind of intelligence and quick wit the young Martin brandishes, it’s no wonder hip hop has a new Problem.

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Let’s get it out of the way, is the idea of a “New” West something that bothers you? Nope, it’s just a term to me. Nothing more, nothing less. How important has the mixtape game been to your career? Seems like artists are much more friendly with giving music away...Very important. It allows me to give previews of the main event, which is my album. It gets the listeners familiar with you and what you represent and also, if you come with bangers, it can financially keep you straight. Obviously you don’t limit yourself when making music, but how important is it to balance what radio wants to hear and what the streets want to hear? It’s not hard really. But it’s definitely a task. I just cut records and let the chips kinds just fall where they may. Do you like that you have been lumped into this “ratchet” movement? It’s not a like or a dislike but I’m not a “ratchet rapper”. My shit is more “TurNup” than ratchet and is for the functions. Any function though - ratchet, classy, urban, suburban, etc. Plus lyrically, I’ll DESTROY yo so-called ratchet rapper. On mommas! Considering the kind of volume you put out, what is a day in the professional life of Problem like - seems like you are always in the studio. The studio is the only place for me. Until there is a reason to be somewhere else, I’ll be here. If you had to criticize hip hop music right now, what would the critique be? What is missing or happening in excess right now that you think needs to go... Nothing. Everything is good in my eyes. Sucka shit will always be apart of this business so complaining about it is getting redundant. Compton has a pretty intricate legacy in terms of hip hop music. How has being from Southern California influenced your music? Tremendously. I am where I’m from. Period. You still giving guys problems on the basketball court? (Laughs) Not like I used to but I ain’t no slouch though. What’s in the cards for Diamond Lane as a brand - seems like this is more than a label. Staying productive. Progressing daily. Staying humble. Staying confident but not cocky. Be on the look out for “Live Fast” clothing. What does the rest of 2012 look like for you...anything you can get us up to date on? Welcome To Mollywood 2. More music, more shows, more PROBLEM’s for these suckas! Diamond Lane Music Group x League Of Starz x Outta They League, we what’s now…

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fullcontact

with power and

grace

Jon Bones Jones Walks The Talk Words by Alex Mendoza

On a warm August afternoon, an unfamiliar series of French words speak through the other end of the phone. Puzzled, I fumble through my notes, trying to interpret exactly what is starting, because to my knowledge the subject of this interview has not a trace of French lineage in his personal history. As it turns out, though, even in the midst of training for one of the biggest fights in his UFC career against Dan ‘H-Bomb’ Henderson, the MMA wunderkind, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, offers a brief glimpse of his sense of humor. “I was just messing with you. I know a little bit,” he replies. His voice remains relaxed, which serves as an appropriate representation of his graceful, yet devastating, fighting skills in the mixed martial arts arena. His skillful accuracy has earned him the label as the youngest fighter to ever hold a UFC title - 25 years old and defending the Light Heavyweight Championship against some of the top fighters within the organization. In comparison to the majority of fighters within the exceptional regimen of mixed martial artists, however, Jon immediately found himself amongst the prestigious ranks of UFC’s finest in four months. But the rationale behind pursuing such a lofty ambition – and a risky one at that – is the type of plot you would recognize within a movie aimed at inspiring all those in attendance. “I had a kid unexpectedly, but I found myself with tons of athleticism and I definitely needed some money at the time, so I decided to use my athleticism to my advantage by joining a sport. I decided that if I was going to get into fighting that I would perform and train wholeheartedly, while envisioning myself to be at the top, and expect nothing less than the best out of myself,” Jones enlightens. Jon’s athletic success harkens back to his high school days at Union-Endicott in upstate New York, where he excelled as a wrestler and earned a state championship. Following his acclaimed high school athletic accomplishments, Jones would then earn the JUCO Championship during his attendance at Iowa Central Community College before transferring to Morrisville State College in pursuit of a degree in Criminal Justice. Nevertheless, with the unexpected birth of his child, Jones opted to drop out of college and pursue a career in mixed martial arts; a decision that led to disapproval from those closest to him. “A lot of my close friends thought it was a bad idea,” Jon explains. “Even my parents – especially with my Dad being a pastor - thought it was just a thing I was going through. But now my Mom and Dad are my biggest supporters and they’re always there front row and center.” The UFC sought out Jones after his three month undefeated run: a 6 – 0 record that started in April 2008, with each match resulting in an authoritative finish that made quick work of his opponents. The UFC presented him with the opportunity to fight

Andre Gusmão as a last second replacement for Tomasz Drwal, allowing Jones only two weeks of preparation for the fight. Jones accepted the considerable challenge, and on August 9, 2008, he made his UFC debut. His incomparable fighting style proved highly effective and ultimately foreshadowed Jon’s distinct fighting style and prowess - an intuitive combination of artistry, grace and lethal precision that would lead to victories against heavy hitters such as Vladimir Matyushenko, Lyoto Machida, former Light Heavyweight Champion Maurício “Shogun” Rua, and most recently former teammate and arch-rival Rashad Evans. This streak of success derives from Jones’ strict training regiment, which consists of daily four-hour blocks leading up to a particular match, along with observing his opponent’s previous fights and his own past performances against previous opponents. “I’ll watch a video of the guy I am scheduled to fight 50 or 60 times to try to find different things. I’m also my own biggest critic, looking at my game and seeing what I could have done better. How I could have improvised or done things differently from previous fights,” Jones says with a focused tone. “Exercise wise, around 9 AM, I’ll practice a different martial art, ranging from Muay Thai, to boxing, or kickboxing, followed by some sparring. In the afternoon, I go home, eat healthy and rest. In the afternoon on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays I do weightlift training, and on Tuesday and Thursday I’ll do sprints in the pool – always sticking to a four hour training schedule to maintain consistency. This match is no different. I’m sticking to the same routine that’s helped me perform at the top of my game.” Jones’ dedication to his craft is irrefutable, as his studious efforts have assisted him in creating a fighting style that is unrivaled. His execution of rapid, commanding combinations and bone-shattering blows borders on poetic, and for good reason: Jones clearly views himself an artist, with ‘The Octagon’ serving as his canvas, and the smeared vitality of his opponents substituting for the various spectrum of hues a painter normally calls into their favor. “I want my fighting style to be considered clean, art-like, graceful and a joy to watch. With each fight I try to pave my own path, but I’ve studied several techniques and adopted a particular mindset from other fighters like Anderson Silva,” Jones states. “But that’s not to say that everyone involved in my career has not made an impact on who I am today. All the teachers in my life – past and present - that helped me to improve as a fighter presented me with the tools necessary to create my own sense of style.”

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“ A lot of people

want to be a fighter, but a lot of people don’t want to live the life required to be a great fighter. You have to live the lifestyle, loveit, and give it your all. ” Jones’ success and distinct fighting identity has also earned him a dedicated fan base and a global deal with Nike, in comparison to fellow UFC brethren Yoshihiro Akiyama and Anderson Silva – both of which found themselves only with offers for regional deals. Jones is the first UFC fighter to land a deal on an international scale, adding another notch to his extensive list of achievements. Yet, in comparison to the rest of his competitors, there is a considerable risk of buckling under the pressure from the weight of the expectations from the UFC, various media outlets and his dedicated fans that are convinced that Jones is on a surefire ascent to the top. “The sports deals, or the labels and hype from the media doesn’t add any pressure, or alter my concentration. Its part of the process and I just try to do the best I can,” Jones comments. “Obviously the fan exposure is priceless and gratifying. At the last expo I attended there were people waiting six hours beforehand just to get an autograph from me, so of it makes me feel appreciated to have so many supporters, but at the same time, I don’t let it get to me. My whole world at this point is about this fight with Henderson and coming out on top.” Though Jones has the skills necessary to best the former Olympic wrestler, Henderson is infamous for a right hand blow that has been dubbed as the ‘H-Bomb’, as well as never experiencing a knockout across the past 15 years of his storied career – including key fighters within the UFC organization like Rua and Silva. He is a talented opponent with formidable strength and the ability to devastate opponents in close range. “From what I’ve seen so far, I expect him to come out real aggressive, so I’ll be paying close attention to his right hand, and he might even try to surprise me by kicking me down. But he always comes aggressive and relies on that right hand,” Jones explains. The hotly anticipated match between Jones and Henderson unfurls on September 1st, which is less than a month away following the conversation Jones and I share on that unbearably hot afternoon. However, not once does his voice ever falter, or exhibit the slightest sign of anxiety. His body of work speaks for itself from the way in which he fluidly expresses himself in ‘The Octagon’, to the manner upon which he explains his ideals and methodologies behind fighting and his motivation for doing so.

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fullcontact

enjoying

the ride

Ryan Villopoto Gears Up for the MONSTER ENERGY CUP Words by Elysia McMahan

“Our sport doesn’t have a lot of character in it because we have to put so much time into getting to the top.We tend to have to walk the line.There’s no time for having fun, really. We have a short career and we have to make use of it very wisely. You can take this however you want to but I believe one of the main problems with our sport growing is it’s almost like we become boring people.”

of the Main Event races, which nobody was really expecting any of the riders to pull off. Aside from winning two Supercross championships, Monster Energy Cup title, one outdoor title, assisting Team USA in retaining the Chamberlain Cup at the Motocross of Nations and putting countless racing wins under his belt, Villopoto is still aiming for the top.

Last year, the 2011 Supercross and Motocross Champion, Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, dominated the inaugural Monster Energy Cup at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on his KX450F, where he pocketed $1 million. This prize was the highest ever paid for a single Supercross event. In order to snag the cash, he had to win all three

His Grandfather is 75 years old and he still rides motorcycles. Motorsports has always been a family deal.With a family that owned two motorcycle shops in Tucson, AZ., Ryan Villopoto’s earliest childhood memories stem from being only three years old and getting on his first bike: a Honda three-wheeler.

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After tearing his ACL in Seattle, Wa., earlier this year, Ryan has been training and riding to build up his endurance and strength for the upcoming Cup. Because the track is a hybrid between motocross and supercross it isn’t really as technical or demanding as a normal supercross race but since he’s the man to beat he must avoid getting injured, again. “The grass is not greener on the other side. I have been riding for Kawasaki since I turned pro full time in 2006 and this company is one of the best to ride for. They are the most loyal company out there. I wouldn’t want to ride for any other team. Ken Essex and the rest of the team are really great.” Going through the day-to-day of non-stop training and competing can get tiresome. It’s no different than someone going to an ordinary job every single day – well, at least in some aspect. “It’s typically 105 degrees out and we have to ride.There’s no air conditioning and hour long lunch breaks...we get injured. It wears on you and that’s why our careers are tremendously short. They honestly average about 10 years. But Kevin Windam still out there pushing the envelope and that should give others hope. The team you ride for is also really important.You have to love what you do.” “As a rider, you must perform. Once you’re lined up behind that gate, all the effort that everybody puts into the main even goes down on your shoulders in the end.” It appears that Ryan continues to live up to his standards and perform to the best of his abilities. It all started out as a passion but now there’s no time to ride for fun. No time to party. Villopoto attributes his constant success to his positive mindset that comes from training and riding that he performs in the offseason. Despite how much he enjoys cross country riding the trails in the woods and mountains, he puts that on the

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backburner in order to put in the time to achieve. “The racing part of it is definitely a job. I’ve been doing it for so long it has become the way I survive and will be the way I get by when I retire. There are so many things that come into play and this is a high risk career,” Villopoto explains. On the outside looking in it may appear like this glorious thing to be a rider but it’s a lot of work.The process of mentally and physically racing for a championship couldn’t even be explained; it must be experienced to understand. It is draining. Guys that race to get in the top ten seem to have a longer career than those simply racing for the championship because the mindset is completely different. “Visualization typically works for those competitive sports, but going through the motions doesn’t work when riding on the dirt since it breaks down very quickly,” says the Washington native. Any plans for retirement? “No major plans yet. I want to put some businesses together and set myself up to keep a business and make money so it supports itself. The goal is to set myself up so that I don’t have to work. I want to create something relevant.” A career in motocross cannot ultimately be looked at as just a championship win. There are 16-17 races that lead up to a main event and a career must be taken one weekend at a time. “We travel and race every single day during season. That includes 14 straight weekends of racing. I won the Supercross Championship two years in a row and we’re going for a three-peat.” The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will be serving as Host Hotel for the 2012 Monster Energy Cup. The last year and a half, he has been pretty much unbeatable. And it only seems that he’ll come back and be as strong as he was, if not stronger. Villopoto won all three Main events by wide margins in the previous Cup and was never challenged. And this year, you can expect the same.

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nittygritty

an urban under-

statement Agave’s Kitchen & Tequila Modernizes Mexican Fare By Ramon Gonzales

When it comes to Mexican food in Southern California, there are two ends of the spectrum that usually make it difficult for any locale to differentiate themselves – either the food is adequately passable, much like many of the taco shops and hole in the wall gems scattered throughout the city – or – in an effort to do something different, the fusion approach causes the authenticity to be lost in translation. Combining a proper dose of authenticity, with the confidence to present traditional Mexican dishes with modern flair, Agave’s Kitchen & Tequila opened it’s doors among the bustling cityscape of Downtown Long Beach to eager afficianados all aiming for a contemporary take on Mexican food. Boasting more than 100 quality tequila selections, an extensive amount of research was obviously done to ensure that Agave’s appeal to the palette was nothing less than complete. No combination plate stuff here, Agave’s is turning a Mexican meal into a high-end experience.

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THE VIBE While the area offers a fair share of dining options, Agave’s unassuming storefront opens up into an intimate location on par with most upscale lounges. A hub among the city’s young, hip, and affluent the second you step foot in Agave, there is subtle sense of style that washes over you – creating the kind of environment that only peaks the curiousity to find out what the bartender and chef have ready to bring to your table. THE DRINK There is a significant difference between tending the bar and properly mixing drinks. A mixologist smacks of pretentiousness, but rest assured, Agave’s takes their pour VERY seriously. Offering over 100 premium tequila selections, the common margarita is anything but. Complete with flavor infusions, fresh muddled fruits, and a collection of flavor profiles that demand attention, each drink is handcrafted making the bang well worth the buck. When you pony up to this bar, you’re drinking for comfort, not for speed. THE MEAL While everyone talks about modernizing the traditional, Agave’s is the place that is incorporating a chimichurri with a carne asada sliced the way a proper rib eye should be – juicy and savory. Or maybe a chile relleno is more your speed…at Agave’s expect a bit more than the soggy chile doused in sauce. Stuffed naturally with a hearty helping of bay shrimp, the decadence of the dish really does turn the convention chile relleno on it’s head. Keep in mind that prior to, you might have enjoyed the Albondigas appetizer that combines ancho crispy onions, oregano, beef, pork, chipotle and queso fresco for a meatball most Sicilians could shed a tear in pride over. Eat, drink, indulge. Agave’s Kitchen & Tequila has plenty of options for you to do just that.

www.agavesbar.com

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Consumables 1

Spoil The World Is Ending Soon Anyway Right? 1 DC x SE PK Ripper Fixed

3 BEACON AUDIO - Phoenix

5 MISHKA X SPRAYGROUND

7 IRON MAIDEN The First 8

Backpack Designed by frequent Mishka collaborator Lamour Supreme, there are a few features to this backpack that make it additionally cool.You have your standard 17’ laptop compartment and the water resistant shell, but you also have a killer velour compartment for your sunglasses and a hidden stash compartment for other things you may need to throw in the bag from time to time. Plus, the shit looks rad, C’mon.

Albums All eight of these masterpieces of heavy metal were released in the 1980’s. To commemorate Iron Maiden being fucking rad, the band is releasing limited edition picture vinyl of each IRON MAIDEN / KILLERS / THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST / PIECE OF MIND / POWERSLAVE / LIVE AFTER DEATH / SOMEWHERE IN TIME / SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON. It’s important we teach the kids of this earth what good music is.

Gear Bike DC teamed up with SE Bikes to launch a collaborative bike that will only see 2,500 roll off the assembly line worldwide. The new fixed gear bike design details are directly inspired from the classic PK Ripper BMX bike, complete with Floval tubing, Landing Gear fork and Looptail rear end – it does have a very vintage look and feel which will resonate with the pedal snobs. The bike marks the companies first joint venture since their “30 Years of Radness” effort in 2007.

There are a ton of Bluetooth speakers on the market but there are very few that knock like this. Boasting a range of some 35 plus feet and the easiest push button pairing with your smartphone or other Bluetooth enabled device, the sheer volume of the Phoenix is impressive enough, but the range of highs, mids, and lows make this one stand out head and shoulders above the rest. With strong battery life and killer colorways, this is a must have. BeaconAudio.com $99

sprayground.com $60

sebikes.com $$$

4 iPhone Pocket PROJECTOR

6 OPTIC REMIX EYEWEAR

2 IGGY POP Throbblehead

The latest from Aggronautix in a line of punk themed bobbleheads that follow the likes of Keith Morris (Circle Jerks), Milo (Descendents), GG Allin, and even Wendy O. Williams (Plasmatics) comes the one and only IGGY POP. There were only 1000 of these 7 inch plastic masterpieces crafted so if you happen to get your hands on one, it’s golden. Check it out today!

Rmemeber those big clunky, expensive projectors people used to set up in their living rooms and backyards? Not anymore. Brookstone has a rad product that you literally dock your iPhone onto and boom – instant projector onto any surface. Boastina 15 lumen projector lamp and native display resolution at 640x360 means you can project an image 50” with clarity. Perfect for on the go presentations or boredom.

aggronautix.com $25

brookstone.com $229

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For Southern California based Optic Remix, the aim is simple. Fresh lenses, for every budget. Cool collabs and limited edition junk are all just ways to get you to come out the pocket more. The guys at OR have hundreds on stylish eyewear designs that cost a FRACTION of the price of their competitors. From the Run DMC signature series to the timeless Wayfarers, a $20 spot might get you two pair. That is down right unheard of. shop.optic-remix.com $

ironmaiden.com $$$

8 Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskin Are we talking about a notebook here? Like papper and pens notebook? Kinda. Moleskin teamed up with Evernote to create a custom notebook that works with Evernote IOS software to turn your notes into digital, searchable text.Yup, your sociology notes or doodles can now be scanned with the Evernote software on these special pages that work hand in hand with the smartphone your applocation is on. evernote.com $

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pressPLAY

For your viewing By Ramon Gonzales

Digging Deeper than Blockbusters 1

The Master

How to Survive a Plague

End of Watch

Detropia

5 17 Girls

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film centers on an influential man (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who begins a religion that grows rapidly in America during the 1950s. The film focuses on the calamitous relationship between the master and a young man (Joaquin Phoenix) who becomes his dutiful right hand man. Though the producers object to any references to Scientology, Anderson’s film is sure to invoke some of the religious controversy that is still so much embedded in today’s society.

Two coalitions, ACT UP and TAG, during the height of HIV/AIDS, took on the pharmaceutical companies to find new drugs that would extend the lives of those living with HIV. This controversial documentary presents footage of the activists, many of whom were HIV positive men with no medical training, fighting to prevent HIV/AIDS from being unbeatable and unlivable. Through their efforts, the activists succeeded in finding new drugs, along with new hope for the epidemic that threatened a nation.

In the midst of growing inner city gangs comes a film about two cops (Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena) who work the merciless streets of Los Angeles. Using various camera techniques, including handheld and surveillance, “End of Watch” reveals the encounter between cops and the gangs they attempt to stop. Action and drama ensue as it exploits the harsh realities of not only the streets of Los Angeles, but the streets of all cities plagued by gangs.

From the directors of “Jesus Camp” comes this gritty documentary that reveals the crumbling economy and its effects on the residents in Detroit. The film interviews residents as they strive to understand the problems within the economic structure and how to repair it. Haunting imagery delivers the themes of desperation and despair as “Detropia” will open the eyes of its audience to a city that has yet to triumph over a long economic down slope.

Inspired by the shocking event at a Massachusetts high school, “17 Girls” tells the story of a high school student who becomes pregnant and convinces her friends to become pregnant too. The film exploits the unrelenting consequence of peer pressure, body image and sex in high school. Not only does the film explore the relevant issue of teenage pregnancies, but it also ensures the ongoing debate of the importance of safe sex education.

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bendear

choice By Alex Mendoza

Listen Closely...

The Money Store

You Are All I See

Life is Good

Coexist

Centipede Hz

Death Grips

Active Child

Nas

The XX

Animal Collective

After listening to a track like “Hacker”, attempting to classify Death Grip’s music as extremist hip-hop is a bit of stretch considering that MC Ride (a.k.a. Stefan Burnett in real life) is a lyricist clearly on the lunatic fringe, reciting stream of consciousness verses as if he were reading Faulkner’s novel, Light in August on DMT. He is merely one part of the Death Grips machine, as the other two members – Zach Hill and Andy Moren – fuel the prosaic fire with grating rhythms and a perverse desire for noise.

Pat Grossi is an angel in human clothing, and within the vulnerable world of ‘You Are All I See’, ethereal vocals soar above the stratosphere, tying the delicate threads of the cosmos, heaven and everything eternal in-between. The transparent mixture of harps and ambient soundscapes evoke images of the best music video the ‘80s never brought to fruition – managing the difficult balancing act of employing seductive R ‘n B production values found in “Playing House” unexpectedly mingling alongside the New Wave makeup of “Way Too Fast”.

Before the product driven three-minute commercial jingles era that commercial radio has classified as “rap”, or “hip-hop”, Nas represented a rare opportunity for the gritty realism of the urban lifestyle. His latest offering, however, finds him in a brave new world where his marriage to Kelis is over and the world of music irrevocably plagued by reluctant superstar clichés. But as Nas implies on “Summer on Smash”, life is good – proving that perspective is often the best form of wisdom. Nas deals it in spades.

The XX’s self-titled debut was an extraordinary textbook display of bare bones minimalism mixed with the brooding atmosphere tempered by groups such as Joy Division and The Cure. In their latest offering ‘Coexist’, the London-based musicians strip down their auditory design further, bringing in European House rhythms to provide a nuanced chamber music framework to tracks such as “Reunion”; all the while exposing enough confidence to decorate the desolation with reverb-soaked steel drum melodies.

Animal Collective’s latest release, ‘Centipede Hz.’, proves one fact: The rogue, Baltimore musicians do not fear courageous undertakings into uncharted sonic territory. They remain ambitious as ever, if not as polarizing, drawing from the beach-soaked harmonies of ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’ and smashing them together with creative sentiments that flirt with the boundaries of musical sanity. Distortion runs amok on “Today’s Supernatural,” whereas the contrasting audial architecture of “Moonjock” hints towards equally imaginative albums in the future.

www.ThirdWorlds.net

www.ActiveChildMusic.com

www.NasirJones.com

www.TheXX.info

www. AnimalCollective.org

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plugin

cntrl - AlT By Alex Mendoza

Play at Your Own Risk 1

The Walking DeadEpisode 2: Starved For Help

Sleeping Dogs

Dyad

Madden NFL 13

Persona 4 Arena

PS3/X Box 360

PC/PS3/X Box 360

PS3

PS3/Wii/X Box 360

PS3/X Box 360

This is a series of five downloadable episodes. In Episode 2 the inhumanity of man against man takes center stage. Decisions made in the first episode affect how characters treat you in the second episode, placing you in countless situations where you will have to decide between four pieces of food for ten people, or other difficult moments. Rest assured - your moral compass will find itself tested in a way no game has tested it before.

Sleeping Dogs is very different from a Grand Theft Auto clone. Its central character, Wei Shen, is a morally ambiguous character that sidesteps anything that might have thrown in your direction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; giving players the chance to earn skill points as a Cop, Triad, or Face â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a mechanic that measures how the people of Hong Kong view Wei. The game is a constantly evolving system set deep in the heart of a hyper-realistic Hong Kong, it refuses to let go, and missions that will push players to the brink.

Trying to categorize Dyad is a challenge, but try to imagine an arcade shooter and a puzzle game having a love child, with some music game elements tossed in for good measure, and you might have an idea about what Dyad has to offer. The game works through a deceptively simple approach, asking the player to travel through 26 wormhole-type levels of profound beauty, while attacking orbs to gain bursts of speed in various ways. You will not be disappointed.

Madden NFL 13, the addition of the Infinity Engine places real-life physics into the gameplay, which in turn forces a considerable amount of strategy. Furthermore, the sleek presentation matches the closest resemblance to an actual CBS broadcast, from the accessible menu design, right down to commentators improvising their lines. Who would have thought? Madden is actually fun to play once again.

2D fighters are something of a nostalgia-inducing experience, as few present day fighters have successfully incorporated the current aspects of gaming technology, that was until Persona 4 Arena arrived. P4A is one of the most gorgeous and breathtaking fighting games to hit the next generation family of consoles. High definition characters and their fluid animations give way to witnessing special effects spectacles that evoke classic Japanese Anime battle scenes. A RPG and relentless brawler mixed into one.

Final Verdict: Buy it!

Final Verdict: Rent it!

Final Verdict: Buy it!

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SKINNIEScene

Wiz Working Hard at Ditch Fridays @ Palms Casino Resort

INDEX

LOS ANGELES

LAS VEGAS

ORANGE COUNTY

SAN DIEGO

INLAND EMPIRE

p.038 Weekly Club Listings

p.040 Weekly Club Listings

p.042 Weekly Club Listings

p.044 Weekly Club Listings

p.046 Weekly Club Listings

Calendar Club Pictures

To Receive Updates on Skinnie Scene Club Listings or To Submit Your Events, E-mail: Update@skinniemagazine.com to be Added to Our Weekly Skinnie E-blasts.

skinniemagazine.com 37

Los angelesSkinniescene

Photos Courtesy of Jamie Barren of EVENTVIBE, SA Studios

LA CALENDAR

09/10 The Adicts @ Key Club

Art of The Assassin AC3

Thank You X 2 @ Art of The Assassin AC3

Estevan Oriol @ Art of The Assassin AC3

Artek @ Art of The Assassin AC3

Brooklyn Sudano, Ella Thomas, Rose Rollins @ Art of The Assassin AC3

Friends @ Garden Eden

Seeing Stripes @ Garden Eden

DJ Skee @ Art of The Assassin AC3

DJ Skee Spinning @ Art of The Assassin AC3

Girlfriends @ Garden Eden

09/06 Best Coast @ Santa Monica Pier 09/07 Beats Antique @ Club Nokia 09/09 Hot Chip & Passion Pit @ Hollywood Bowl 09/11 My Morning Jacket @ The Wiltern

09/14 Fiona Apple @ Greek Theatre 09/12 Pinback @ Saint Rocke 09/13 Adam Ant @ The Mayan 09/17 The Airbourne Toxic Event @ Troubadour 09/19 Autolux @ Bootleg Theatre

09/22 Skinnie Mag OFFICIAL Release Party Ft. Sex Panther @ Palms Pool & Bungalows

09/20 Dead Kennedys @ House of Blues

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Las VegasSkinniescene

Photos Courtesy of Rick Williams, Erik Kabik

LV CALENDAR

09/11 Dillon Francis @ Lavo

Lil Weezy @ 1OAK

Wiz Khalifa Tears It Down @ Ditch Fridays

Wiz Working Hard at Ditch Fridays @ Palms Casino Resort

Lil Weezy Skating @ 1OAK

PURE

Wiz Khalifa at Ditch Fridays @ Palms Casino Resort

Tyga @ PURE

Rick Ross w/ Swizz Beats @ PURE

Rozay @ PURE

Swizz introduces Tyga

09/06 A Flock of Seagulls @ Henderson Pavilion 09/07 Barry Black @ The Palms Resort & Casino 09/07 Jane’s Addiction @ The Pool at The Cosmopolitan 09/09 Jack Grisham’s Lost Soul @ Bunkhouse

09/15 Young The Giant @ Mandalay Bay Beach 09/14 Adam Ant @ Hard Rock On The Strip 09/14 Silversun Pickups @ The Joint 09/16 Mana @ MGM Grand Garden Arena 09/19 Dead Kennedys @ Hard Rock On The Strip

09/22 Skinnie Mag OFFICIAL Release Party Ft. Sex Panther @ Palms Pool & Bungalows

09/28 The Album Leaf @ Artifice Urban Lounge

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Las Vegas | Skinniescene

Skinnie magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th anniversary party @

ghostbar day club, the palms

Photos by Alan Rivera

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Orange countySkinniescene

Photos Courtesy of Ken C. of EVENTVIBE, AfterDarc.Net

OC CALENDAR

Backstage Antics @ HEAT

Trouble @ US Open Huntington

09/11 The Hives @ The Observatory

The Ol' Switcheroo @ US Open Huntington

Black Out @ HEAT

09/20 Skinnie Magazine OFFICIAL Release Party Ft. Sex Panther @ HEAT

GLAM! @ HEAT

Ronnie of Jersey Shore @ HEAT

Take The Plunge @ HEAT

Got Back @ US Open Huntington

Homies @ US Open Huntington

Rad! @ US Open Huntington

09/08 & 09 DOHENY DAYS @ Doheny State Beach 09/06 The Ataris @ Slidebar 09/07 The Adicts @ House of Blues 09/08 X @ The Observatory

09/14 Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bad Seeds @ House of Blues 09/15 Free The Robots @ Detroit Bar 09/20 Frank Turner @ House of Blues

09/22 EPICENTER FESTIVAL

@ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 09/21 Dead Kennedys @ The Observatory

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Orange countySkinniescene

Vans Warped tour

@ The GREat park of irvine

Photos by Jen Reightley

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san diegoSkinniescene

Photos Courtesy of Bobby Reyes & SEAN of EVENTVIBE, Adot Photo

SD CALENDAR

09/06 Dinosaur Jr. @ Belly Up Tavern

All Smiles @ Block 16

Too Innocent @ Block 16

Rrrrrrawr! @ Block 16

Now Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Strap @ Block 16

Blonde Bombshell @ Block 16

RAGE! @ Intervention

Photo Bombing @ Intervention

Cheesin' @ Block 16

Dear Lord! @ Intervention

Hey Ladies! @ Intervention

09/05 Digitalism @ Yost 09/06 The Adicts @ House of Blues 09/08 The Wallflowers @ Anthology 09/14 The Briggs @ Brick By Brick

09/22 Azure Ray @ The Irenic 09/15 Adam Ant @ 4th & B 09/16 Fiona Apple @ Oceanside Pier 09/23 Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Valley View Casino Center 09/24 Dragonette @ Belly Up Tavern

09/25 LIT @ 4th & B 09/27 Suedehead @ The Griffin

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inland empireSkinniescene

Photos Courtesy of Alan Rivera, Luna Supperclub

IE CALENDAR

09/15 Skinnie Magazine OFFICIAL Release Party Ft. Sex Panther @ LUNA

Surprise @ LUNA

Spicy Latinas @ LUNA

Victory @ Pandemonium VII

Bowtie Boozin @ LUNA

Fight On! @ Pandemonium VII

The Prizefighter @ Pandemonium VII

Sick 'Tats' @ LUNA

Ring Girls @ Pandemonium VII

Gotcha @ LUNA

Round 1 @ Pandemonium VII

09/05 The Tallest Man on Earth @ Glass House 09/06 Exotic Animal Petting Zoo @ Industry Theater 09/14 D.I. @ Industry Theater

09/19 2 Chainz @ Glass House 09/15 Agent Orange @ Marquee 15 09/18 Mana @ Citizens Business Bank Arena 09/18 The Used @ Fox Theater Pomona 09/25 Rockie Fresh @ Glass House

09/29 Hatebreed @ Fox Theater Pomona 09/27 Dead Rabbits @ Cedar Center

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Skinniesceneinland empire

MEZ Sports Presents

PANDEMONIUM VI

Photos by Alan Rivera

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