Jake Craney

The avid music fan may know these names, but most of the general Coachella crowd may not yet be aware of some of the great artists performing this year. Plan your days accordingly and make sure you check out these five artists. Drake. He’s a young talented rapper from Toronto that began somewhere near the bottom. We predict this kid is going to be pretty successful. Oh, you’ve heard of Drake already?  Then how about these artists...   1. Saint Motel. Saint Motel isn’t exactly an unknown entity, especially if you’re in LA. They’ve been on Kimmel, toured the world and are set to play multiple festivals this year. They’ve got a fantastic album (Voyeur) under their belts, and have sprung into the national spotlight with the success of their hit song “My Type.” These guys have a real classic, throwback sound—yet still manage to come across new and fresh. You’ll see a lot of bands that sound alike, but Saint Motel will be one that stands out live.     2. Coasts. UK newcomers Coasts have a few EPs and singles, including their newest EP Modern Love that just came out March 31. Once they release a full-length, they’ll really be on America's radar. There’s a lot of moving parts to enjoy on stage, and they’re a band that will have a much bigger billing this time next year.     3. Sylvan Esso. The North Carolina duo of Amelia Meath and Nicholas Sanborn built a big buzz with their self-titled album last year. Addicting indie-pop tracks like “Coffee” and “Play It Right” are accessible en

March Madness is upon us, and with it comes millions of brackets being filled out...only to be crushed after the first weekend. To offer a little support, here are three recommendations on how to fill out your bracket—especially if you haven't watched a college game since you were in school. 1. Coolest Mascot Method. Let’s face it...no matter how good a team is, these are intense one-game playoffs. If one player gets hot and one team gets nervous, a huge upset could occur. With such a crap shoot, sometimes it’s best to look at the fiercest, coolest or strangest mascot and go for it. Teams to pick based on this theory: 1. Purdue Boilermakers. Naming your mascot after an alcoholic drink? We salute your gumption, Purdue. 2. Wichita State Shockers. That mascot may look ridiculous (see above image), but at least it’s unique! 3. Albany Great Danes. Who doesn’t love an adorable Great Dane? 4. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. By the time you figure out what chanticleer is, they’ll have already lost to Wisconsin. 5. UAB Blazers. Blazers somewhat disguises the fact that their mascot is a dragon. Put a dragon up against any of these mascots, and our money is on the dragon. Teams to avoid based on this theory: 1-3. Kentucky, Villanova, Arizona. Wildcats might make sense in Arizona, but I can’t remember the last time I ran into a jungle cat in Philadelphia. 4. Kansas Jayhawks. Their mascot is a small, harmless bird that looks like a kindergartener’s cartoon drawing. 5. Maryland Terrapins. A

Interested in catching some of the great acts Coachella has to offer but don't want to stand through a sweaty dust-storm in the heat or take out a small loan for a ticket? Check out the same artists that will be at the fest around town instead. 1. Chet Faker. The talented Aussie musician will be hanging around in between weekends and will be headlining Club Nokia on Monday, April 13. His debut album Built On Glass, released last year, turned a lot of heads with songs like “1998” and “Gold.” Fun Fact: He first broke onto the scene when his cover of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” was featured in a Super Bowl commercial in 2013. The event marked the first time in 15 years anyone had enjoyed a Blackstreet song. 2. ODESZA. Ever since releasing their new album In Return last year, the duo of ODESZA has been on the road constantly. Coachella is one of many festivals they’re playing this year, and for those not making the trek, they’ll be playing the Glass House in Pomona on April 9 and two shows in Santa Barbara on April 16. While they are currently sold out on ODESZA’s website, we recommend checking with Craig and his list to see if you can find some tickets. Fun Fact: The duo graduated from Western Washington University, the same college Death Cab For Cutie front-man Ben Gibbard attended. 3. Toro Y Moi. Toro Y Moi’s Chaz Bundick has been turning heads with nearly everything he releases. He’s been creating his own brand of “chillwave” since 2010 and his newest sunny track “Empty Nest

Ah yes, Valentine’s Day is upon us. All around the southland you can hear the collective groan of men, the giddy anticipation of women and the dance-party celebrations of florists. There are many different options to treat your loved one on this day, and many predictable pitfalls to avoid. Here are several played-out dates that will help you avoid huge crowds, a little bit of history-based depression and yes, a food-based reversal of fortune.  Keep in mind...these are all really good date ideas...just not necessarily on a Valentine's Day that falls on a beautiful Saturday in LA. 1. Hiking Runyon Canyon This idea may pop into your head as a nice pre-dinner activity to get the blood flowing, but Runyon on Valentine’s Day will be more packed than a Taylor Swift concert. Unless you want your conversation constantly interrupted by joggers, strollers and packs of loud roving women outfitted head-to-toe in Lululemon, try another one of LA’s beautiful hikes instead. 2. Dinner and a movie Seriously? Are you getting ready for your 9th grade final exams? Yes, that’s exactly what women want – an unoriginal man paired with 3 silent hours in a dark room avoiding eye contact. Shake things up! 3. A super-depressing museum date Museums are great. However, if romance is top-of-mind, then you may need to think through what you're getting yourself into. For instance, if you're up for a naked scavenger hunt at the Getty, then fantastic! However, if you're without a plan, then meandering through a

The big game is today and for all you Westside folk who want to avoid the roads, we’ve got you covered. 1. The Daily Pint Scotch & shuffleboard…what more do you want? If you can pack yourself in to this little place, it’ll be worth it. The Daily Pint has a “Cheers” feel to it, and while you may not get a big screen, you’ll feel a little more like you’re enjoying a party with a bunch of buddies. 2. The Whaler The outdoor patio overlooking the beach will be prime real estate, but you can also cozy up to the upstairs or downstairs bars. You’ll have plenty of TV’s all tuned in, and the beach is only a few steps away if you find yourself too intoxicated to operate a bicycle and need to lay down (pass out) for a bit. This place will fill up EARLY, so get a good night’s rest on Saturday and prepare to get there bright an early for mimosas, bloody mary’s, and a complimentary contact-high from the nearby dispensaries. 3. The Bungalow The Bungalow is one of the more unique venues on the West Side. It feels like a giant house party, hosted by Abercrombie & Fitch. There’s an air of “bro-ness” to many of the patrons, and the line can produce a ridiculous wait. Still, this place is worth it if you can get in. Several different bars, a large outdoor area, and ping pong! Plus, they’ll be doing a giant pig roast for the Super Bowl from 2-10 pm. If the Super Bowl was in Los Angeles, this is the place that Gronk would be hanging out. 4. Busby’s This is your ‘good old fashioned sports bar’ optio

It’s starting to get warmer in Southern California (in other words, it has gone from 60 to 65 degrees), and you’re probably starting to feel that itch to get out and exercise. Running is a popular activity for Angelenos, with abundant sunshine and great views/trails. With that said, there’s no better melting pot of runners than in Santa Monica. Head over to the beach for a run, and you’ll likely encounter some or all of the following characters. 1. The extremely attractive female who wants nothing to do with anyone Gorgeous, in shape, glistening and wearing next to nothing — you’ll see plenty of these ladies, and they will all avoid eye contact at all costs. They are out for one reason: to get in their 3 miles to balance out any calories they may consume at the impending happy hour of their choice. If you're a heterosexual guy, you’ll most likely find yourself puffing out your chest and quickening your pace while running by these types, as if your posture and pace will suddenly make her stop and chat you up. 2. Trendy Tommy This gentleman loves whatever the latest fitness craze is, and he runs like he’s modeling it at a trade show. Last week, it was a new fit-watch and bracelet so he can accurately track his sweat output per quarter mile. This week, he’s wearing a hideous running mask that will benefit his lungs. Next week, he’s likely to have enormous balance shoes that make him look like he’s snowshoeing. Jog by Trendy Tommy with a smile, knowing you two are basically getti

Coachella tickets...the agony... It’s that time of year again for music fans across Southern California: the Coachella lineup has been announced, and music fans are about to find out how empty their wallets will be after purchasing tickets. The idea of seeing dozens of great bands and artists is exciting…the only problem: the agony of getting tickets. Wait lists, furious fast-finger contests and an inevitable forklift taken to your bank account. Tickets open high and run out fast. So, when tickets go on sale Wednesday at noon PST, here are five things to consider: 1. Purchasing at work: If you plan to purchase your ticket online and want to avoid a verbal reprimand by your boss, take a bathroom break five minutes prior to tickets going on sale. Camp out in your favorite stall and get everything loaded on your phone. Don’t go on your lunch break—lunch is for food. Bathroom breaks are for…well, I guess food, too. But also for buying Coachella tickets. 2. When to go: When deciding which weekend you’ll attend, consider that there will probably be a massive dust storm on weekend one. And while the early excitement may have worn off, all the performers who aren’t severely hungover should be going balls-to-the-wall on weekend two. 3. +1? No, I'm not talking about your +1. Your friend won’t end up paying you back, and you know it. I'm talking about which performers may bring guest performers. Last year, Pharrell brought out Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg on week one and then week two ou