Q and A with the Dolls_ Ali Los Angeles

'music and your city'

.Whats the best part about the city you live in?
The variety. I can go to an exhibition at the Getty then grab dinner in Westwood and catch a concert in Hollywood all in one day. L.A. offers an entire spectrum of things to do for whatever interests you.

.What was the last concert you went to?
I saw Brand New and Manchester Orchestra play at the Palladium a few weeks ago.

.What was the first concert you went to? Who went?
I saw the Goo Goo Dolls and Third Eye Blind play at the Greek, Vanessa Carlton opened. I went with my best friend Natalia and her older sister Katie.

.Which Bands/Artists shaped your taste in music?
The band that really opened up the world to me was The Strokes, I learned there was a much better world out there than mainstream blahness. I started listening to music like The White Stripes, The Hives, The Vines, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Since then I have such a love for music, I appreciate so many sounds and bands and artists everything from Buddy Holly to Van Morrison

.In your opinion what is the best spot in your city?
The best spot is The Getty any one of the south facing balconies over the sculptural gardens. On a clear day you see everything from the beach to the Downtown skyline and the Griffith Observatory.

.Favorite season in said city?
It feels like its always Summer here in L.A. But I love Autumn.

.What is your favorite venue to hear music in the city?
I love a good  intimate little venue like the Troubadour but its hard to beat the Rosebowl on a nice Summer evening. 

.Any places you have yet to go to that you want to visit there?
I really want to see a band play The Smell or The Echo. I also really want to go to the Getty Villa in Malibu, they just reopened it to the public.

.Top five artists/bands of the moment?
- Monsters of Folk
- Bon Iver
- Band Of Horses
- The Dead Weather
- Passion Pit

.Any releases you're excited for? 
Julian Casablancas solo project Phrazes, I loved Albert Hammond Jr's side project I can't wait for this one. (Both of The Strokes) He's actually playing every Friday in November at some theatre downtown.

.Has music shaped your life in anyway?
In everyway. I started booking bands at 16 at this shady little venue in Northridge called Club 13. Most of my social circle has stemmed from that experience and I've made life long friends through it. Music totally made me the person I am today. Its an art that changed me, music can crawl into the deepest parts of you and hit a nerve that makes you feel every emotion. Its the universal connector.

.Do you play any instruments?
I can't, unless you count the recorder but that stops being considered a legitimate instrument after elementary school. I did dabble in harmonica when I was little I had the VHS tapes and all.

.Favorite Los Angeles institution?
Late night snack time at Jerry's Deli

.Where do you go to hear or find about new music?
My friends, or through Pandora actually, sometimes you find great new music.

.I feel like music has a way of inspiring art in all forms, how has it (if at all) influenced your chosen art form?
I feel like art and fashion go hand in hand, any great artist has an amazing sense of style be it deliberately or accidentally. I mean look at any great musician they influence popular culture. The Beatles bowl cut and skinny suits, Sex pistols punk rock, fuck you style, I could go on and on...

.What in your opinion is soo L.A. ex: jews and retirement homes in florida.
300 dollar track suits and fake tans, boobs, and lips.

.Any artists/bands you wish would shut up?
Lady GaGa and Green Day.

.Compile a 6 song long playlist of songs that you're feeling at the moment.
Creature Fear - Bon Iver
Neighborhood #4 (kettles) - The Arcade Fire
My Moon Man - Feist
Against All Odds - The Postal Service
Heart Beats - Jose Gonzales
Please Don't Go-Barcelona