When you think of Los Angeles, at least from an outsider point-of-view, you imagine the sun shining down upon palm trees lining every inch of the ritzy sidewalks with beautiful faces everywhere. But anyone who has really seen LA knows that isn’t true. It’s a wonderful place, but there are certain areas that go wholly unseen by many people, even natives. It’s these locations which inspired the work of high school science teacher-turned-musician Emperor X. The man behind the madness, Chad Matheny, found himself unable to drive due to an accident that injured his right eye, so he bought a bike and a bus pass and explored LA from a new perspective. It’s the old, worn down freeways and side streets that influence the spastic, but subtley controlled sounds he weaves together. His newest record, Western Teleport, off Bar/None Records will be released soon and you are cordially invited to attend the in-store record release party at Origami Vinyl on October 4. Emperor X will also be performing in support of Peter, Bjorn and John at the Smell the night before on the 3rd so make it out if you can! – Taylor Lampela