Thes One
As far as record cities go, Los Angeles can feel like an enigma. The size and diversity of its population, in addition to long-standing music and movie industries, means that many meaningful sides were both cut and distributed here, but the geographic size and population dispersion have long frustrated those trying to explore the region’s record riches. It takes time, patience, and a lot of footwork to get anywhere in that game, and if anyone has worn some soles, hunting for soul, it’s been
Melissa Dueñas
Melissa Dueñas made her first mixtape in elementary school, staying up late to record her favorite songs on a San Diego “Oldies” station. When she played the tape on a Walkman for her dad at a local park, a jolt of pride went through her as she watched him enjoy her mix. It was a spark that lit a long-burning fire. In the intervening years, she lived in a punk house, did a brief stint in a band, founded the long-running San Diego dance night Sleepwalking, moved to the Bay Area and got h
