Established in 2005, LA’s weekly ‘Do-Over’ party has become known for consistently turning out the finest performance’s from the superstars of the underground scene. Even more importantly, word has been deservedly spread from cats such as J. Rocc, Gaslamp Killer & Peanut Butter Wolf about it’s good vibes and dance-floor eager crowd that turn it out every Sunday. Now with the event starting it’s fifth season, the Do-Over has recently evolved to incorporate a label, who’s first release of Flying Lotus & House Shoes on a screen-printed 10″ is now dropping in to stores worldwide. Turntable Lab recently caught up with Jamie Strong from the Do-Over to talk party history, top 5’s, and what we can expect from the label.
So how did the Do-Over come about?
Aloe Blacc, Chris Haycock and myself (Jamie Strong) wanted to create an environment where all ethnicities and musical genres could co-exist. It’s unfortunate that clubs/events can be so segregated racially and musically so we set out to change the rules. We wanted a fun-filled outlet for all of these worlds to clash with music as the core element. Fortunately, it worked and we’ve been able to fill a void with our own little niche. This is ultimately a testament to our attendees because all of our guests are kept a mystery so the main reason people keep coming back is because they know week in and week out, there will be incredible guests and music.
Any advice to people who are trying to start their own long-running club thing?
As cliche as it sounds, do it for the love of music vs the money. At the end of the day, that’s the reason why we started the party and have yet to sacrifice the musical integrity of it. If you are in the music industry for the money, you are in the wrong business. The whole reason people get into this business whether that’s as a DJ, a musician, a record store or a label is for the pure love of music. The second you sacrifice that passion is your overall demise.
Your life seems very intertwined with with your love of music and djs. What drives you?
Related to above’s answer. It’s the music. There’s so much incredible music out there (new & old) that it keeps me motivated and passionate to experience and share it with others. I am quite fortunate to be able to make a living out of something I love.
Top 5 DJ sets from Do-Over?
That’s definitely a hard one to answer because we’ve had so much amazing talent over the years that I enjoy certain sets for different reasons and if you were to ask Aloe and Chris, they would probably say the same thing. Lately, I’ve been listening to our early recordings and there’s some incredible music/guests that I forgot all about. I remember the first season, we actually had a ban on computers and it was vinyl only. I’m the last of a dying breed and actually still vinyl only, but needless to say, the times have changed. With that being said, my personal fav’s are: Jeremy Ellis (live mpc), A-Trak (debut set), Theo Parrish (second set), AM (rip) & J.Rocc’s impromptu set where he was just hanging out, but I asked him to play my records, the way I wanted to hear it so I pulled out random records for J.Rocc to play on the fly, many of which he was hearing for the first time, but he absolutely destroyed it. He was doing it so effortlessly, that I was trying to challenge him by giving him crazy songs and tempos to mix, but his skills and mixing are second to none.
Who are the best technical djs that have played at the Do-Over?
AM, A-Trak, Numark, J.Rocc
Who got the best “where did that come from” dj selections at the Do-Over?
Theo Parrish, JT Donaldson, Dam-Funk, Benji B
Who got the best behind the decks presence?
Gaslamp Killer, Dam-Funk
Any drama ever at the Do-Over? How do you maintain a good vibe?
In the 5 years of throwing the party, this past summer was our first time ever having a fight which was rather unfortunate because the lineup that day was insane (King Britt, 9th Wonder & Maseo – De La Soul). It definitely left a bad taste in our mouths because we pride ourselves on the overall environment and for attendees to feel comfortable. We’ve been able to uphold a good vibe because we’ve created a family environment, leave your ego’s at the door and come have fun so there’s a mutual respect level amongst everyone there.
Top 5 favorite spots to eat in LA?
Casa Bianca (pizza), Shibucho (sushi), Square One (breakfast), Metros Balderas (tacos), The Hungry Cat (burger). Honorable Mention: Ye Rustic Inn (wings – ask Jemz)
Top 5 DJ records
Tough question, but I can tell you the records that never seem to leave my bag for Do-Over:
Pepe Braddock ‘Burning’ 12″
Gerardo Frisina ‘Cubana’ 12″
Baron Zen ‘Burn Rubber’ (Dam-Funk Remix) 12″
Money Studies 7″ (Ballin Jack ‘Found A Child’)
Theo Parrish Ugly Edit Series
What can we expect from the Do-Over label?
For starters, a limited 10″ Series featuring exclusive tracks from guests of the party alongside immaculate art and packaging. Just like the party, the Series will be a mystery so you will just have to keep your ears and eyes open to find out who or what’s next, but there’s an amazing roster with music ranging from beats to hip-hop to disco to house from established and undiscovered artists. We will also be releasing The C-Over Series of “cover” songs.
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