LeDisko vs Love
On the face of it, the issues between L.A. Riots and Guns 'n' Bombs are probably more about management than any deep personal conflict. Their problems seem to stem from misunderstandings about lineups. Granted, the issue of billing order is a reasonably big deal requiring some delicacy on the part of promoters and booking agents. Who gets top billing, for example, is a not-so-subtle statement about the venue's perception of who is a bigger deal. But it's probably the introduction of media coverage, now that these groups have reached an appropriate level of success, that makes the matter all the more personal. Twentysomething DJs who have been raised in the dance-party scene aren't the most political creatures around.
Regulars on the electro circuit have probably seen heated encounters between LeDisko and Love recently. It's no secret that they're not on friendly terms. They even refuse to appear on the same bill together.
What makes this fractious conflict even more interesting is the ripple effect it has on the wider scene. Much like the well-documented battle between Franki Chan and Steve Aoki, the feud is forcing fans and promoters alike to choose sides.
To illustrate: LeDisko has worked with Club Moscow promoter Keith Wilson for years. So had DJ Paparazzi, until they had a falling out. Since then, Paparazzi and Love have been working together closely, which has increased the friction between LeDisko and Love, and Wilson and Paparazzi. It all gets very complex.
So who wins? Guns 'n' Bombs have been around longer (they signed to French label Kitsune in 2006), but L.A. Riots scored a recent victory hooking up with the same management as electro powerhouse MSTRKRFT. Both groups have solid discographies and bright futures, so it appears the real battle will be won or lost on the charts.
See L.A. Riots with MSTRKRFT, Z-Trip and DJ Diabetic at the Henry Fonda Theater on Feb. 29.
