A Raw, Real Take on Contemporary Porn Biz in "Pleasure."

 By Laura Medina

After being an anti-porn feminist who dived deep into the porn industry, that makes billions off the ancient tradition of the male gaze in today's contemporary porn industry, "Pleasure" is a realistic, rough, and raw take on today's porn industry.

Experienced thru a spunky nineteen years-old Swede, Bella Cherry, watch how this porn star-wanna be navigates the rough and raw waters of the porn industry.

It shines the spotlight on an industry that caters, satisfies, and drives then profits off on peccadillos and tumescence.

It literally dives deep on what it takes to be porn star.  It's all about boundaries, limits, tastes, kinks, and how far one will go and which boundaries to break and how to take advantage of kinks, in order to get ahead.

Yes, "Pleasure" is a flipped version mirroring mainstream Hollywood but in the lucrative sub-industry and sub-culture of the porn industry, headquartered behind the mountains of Los Angeles, hidden away from mainstream Hollywood in Los Angeles proper, the Valley and the Inland Empire, away from prying eyes.

Since this movie was made in 2018, two years after the #MeToo movement yet a year before officially creating intimate coordinator jobs, the existing porn actors acting in "Pleasure," took it upon themselves to be inherent intimate coordinator based on years of wisdom, experience, position knowledge, and empathy.  Evelyn Claire, as established hard-core yet analytical, career-driven porn star, Ava, said it would had been nice if they did had an intimacy coordinator on set, back in 2018.  Evelyn, who's a real life porn actress, said that established porn actors aging out of porn, are evolving into intimacy coordinators for both mainstream tv and film and porn.

Just like the mainstream Hollywood, protagonist Bella Cherry, questions how far and how deep (pun intended) she's willing to go to get ahead to be a porn star.

Director Ninja Thyberg spotlights the psychological toll and the mental abuse that performers have to endure, that are just as punishing as the physical toll while highlighting daily important matters, such as hygiene safety.  The movie opens with Bella awkwardly shaving her pubic area-quickly and badly, a newbie mistake.  All these are a direct correlation in consent on what performers are willing to do, as in saying no to hygiene matters and certain acts.  

In more extreme porn shootings and scenes, the female majority crew members constantly shout out "consent, red means stop while green means go." In a very rough scene fantasy shoot, Bella being the lone woman, questions whether she puts her foot down in a rape scene or being stoic about it, in order to be professional.

Newly arriving in the Valley, porn veteran, Bear (played by real life porn actor, Chris Cock) is giving fresh-faced Swede, Bella Cherry, timely advice that applies to both mainstream Hollywood and sub-industry underbelly porn business, paraphasing, "Watch out for those girls you're living in that model house. They cheat. They steal your job and man. They lie to get ahead."

Not wanting to give anything away, Bear's advice warning foretells what Bella will eventually do as she rises up the porn industry.  This is where naive Bella literally turns the table on Ava, experiencing vengeance as empowerment.

"Pleasure" spotlights opportunities of vulnerabilities exposing performers to sexual harassment in order to be professionals that cater to out of the norm tastes and desires, that makes them question how far will they go and if they're willing to stay in the business.

"Pleasure" is certainly not for everyone yet feminist director Ninja Thyberg is deep enough to spotlight the inner workings of a billion dollar industry that is here to stay.

Just Better Denim, Daisy Dukes, and Halters with Boots, During Stagecoach.

 By Laura Medina

Before Orville Peck soulfully finished off the night...

Before Carrie Underwood headlined the night, with a surprise performance of Guns N' Roses' "Paradise City" duetting with Axl Rose...

There was SHEIN Saloon where folks can cool inside, with a bar, a glitter makeup station, and a disco mechanical bull.

Stagecoach is cowboy chic.

ACE Palm Springs' Desert Gold Weekend 2

 By Laura Medina

All-vinyl, all-women DJ collective Chulita Vinyl Club hit the decks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday poolside.

The Do-Over return their legendary party to the Commune, bringing a roster of always-incredible talent and surprise guests from around the world. Past years have included the likes of Virgil Abloh, Kaytranada, Questlove, A-Trak (Duck Sauce), Ape Drums (Major Lazer), Busy P, Benji B & more.

Los Angeles based analog culture collective In Sheep’s Clothing took over the Amigo Room curating nightly DJs as well as a beverage program inspired by the former In Sheep’s Clothing Hi-fi bar. 

Hip Hop Artist/Rapper, Chief Keef Collaborates a True Religion Collection for True Religion's 20th Anniversary.

 By Laura Medina

Chief Keef, one of hip hop’s most influential artists, has designed an exclusive collection in collaboration with True Religion as part of the brand’s year-long 20 th anniversary celebration. This partnership comes at the height of Chief Keef’s decade-long influence in the music industry and ten years following the release of the 2012 song, “True Religion Fein”. True Religion and Chief Keef have been synonymous since the release with the artist vocalizing his adoration for the aspirational brand, making this collaboration a must for the fans who support both the artist and the True Religion brand.

Keith Farrelle Cozart, better known as his stage name, Chief Keef, is an American rap artist, songwriter, and producer who began his career as a teenager in Chicago. Today, he is credited with popularizing drill music and is considered one of today’s most influential musicians. He records and produces music for his own label, Glo Gang.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to collaborate with True Religion,” Chief Keef said. “I actually wore head-to-toe True Religion to my first show and when this opportunity came about, I jumped on it. Designing clothes is becoming a real passion of mine and the bold colors and fun prints of this collection truly reflect my personality.”

Chief Keef brings “True Religion Fein” to life through bold graphic hearts and skull and bones imagery, across a collection that features a t-shirt, hoodies, joggers, denim jeans and jackets, and beanies. As part of the launch, True Religion and Chief Keef will host a VIP event in Los Angeles. The collection will launch on Truereligion.com on May 5, as well as at select UK retailers, including Brown’s, Farfetch, and Brother 2 Brother.

“Our collaborations are a result of authentic partnerships. And when you think of True Religion you think of Chief Keef, because the brand and the artist have become synonymous,” said Zihaad Wells, SVP, Creative Director for True Religion. “Chief Keef is such an icon and has been one of the biggest supporters of the brand for the last decade. The idea that he would design a collection for us following the 10 year anniversary of ‘True Religion Fein’, and to have it coincide with our 20 th anniversary, was just too perfect an opportunity to pass up.”

True Religion, an iconic premium streetwear apparel brand founded in 2002, became famous for its signature stitch and a combination of design techniques that dramatically changed the silhouette of the typical 5-pocket jean, making the brand particularly recognizable in the early aughts. Today, True Religion continues to inspire newness with bold embellishments, innovative designs, and creative partnerships like theirs with Chief Keef. The brand has fully positioned itself in the streetwear community by partnering with brands like Supreme, but it’s the collaborations with emerging designers and artists such as Madeline Kraemer, Elijah Popo, and Bluboy that allows the brand to flex its diversity in creative processes such as upcycling and repurposing. Additionally, True Religion has begun to partner with aspiring creatives to produce and direct shoots—granting opportunities to rising talent all over the world.

"The Gracias" Creator, Jeff Valdez Threw an Open House at His House, Celebrating It Being on HBO Max, Like Family.

 By Laura Medina

There isn't anything like knowing you made it when you managed to have HBO Max throw you a premiere party at your own house in Beverly Hills 90210.

Yep, you heard right!

Jeff Valdez, the man behind "The Brothers Garcia" and now, "The Garcias" threw a second premiere at his own home, up in Beverly Hills 90210.

It felt like family because over twenty years since "The Brothers Garcia," the cast and crew reunited for "The Garcias," they morphed into a second family for Jeff.

For this scribe, it was an honor and a perk to be invited into his home, to watch Episodes 1 to 5, sitting on his couch and in his outdoor fireplace lounge in his backyard.

Because with Jeff Valdez, it's all about family.

Accompanying Coachella side concerts, Rolling Stone Live presented by Meta's Poolside Concert & Desert Gold Concert Festival at Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs, Bring Back Music Festival Season.

 By Laura Medina

Real Spring has sprung back!

Coachella Arts, Culture, and yes, the Music Festival returns Easter holiday back to its Spring Awakening/Renewal fertility maypole roots.

Especially with people emerging out of that dark COVID-19 cocoon, people are ready to celebrate sunlight, brightness, and sound while soaking up all-natural Vitamin D.

If you're bummed that you were too late to the party or haven't saved up enough for official Coachella tickets, no fear.

Those in the know, know they're lucky enough to soak up the sun and fun while catching fresh, emerging music acts and talents at these exclusive brand parties, supplies guests with desert/poolside gear.

Rolling Stone, who has been the leading voice of music and popular culture for over 50 years, returns to ARRIVE Palm Springs for its third annual weekend-long festival experience headlined by its pool party concert featuring live performances by Grace McKagan, BLXST and Carwash, DJ performances by James Hype and perennial festival headliner Gryffin. 

  

Rolling Stone will once again partner with Meta to bring its successful Creator House platform to the desert valley. The brands will develop unique and engaging experiences for attendees to explore the products and tools that support creators' storytelling ambitions - including Reels, Meta Quest 2 VR headsets and Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses.

Chilling poolside is a great way to discover acts and talents so fresh, they have yet to hit Coachella.

Guns n' Roses' Duff McKagan's daughter rose up then rocked the poolside stage.

Leon Bridges dropped by Ace Hotel's Desert Gold.

After a two-year hiatus, Desert Gold at Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs, returns for its 13th edition during the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival weekends with an array of programming to bliss the body and muse the mind, including live performances by Sudan Archives and Esty; resident DJs Pangea Sound and Chulita Vinyl Club; a Future Classic night and with Desert Gold mainstay The Do-Over returning for their annual Sunday throwdowns. Los Angeles based Analog Culture Collective In Sheep’s Clothing will take over The Amigo Room at the hotel, curating nightly DJs as well as a beverage program inspired by the former In Sheep’s Clothing hi-fi bar. Ace Hotel & Swim Club will also unveil its new, large-scale mural on the Commune wall from artist Kris Chau. 

Global dance music collective and party-makers Pangea Sound anchor weekend one as resident DJs, with daytime poolside sets Friday through Sunday. Saturday’s Pangea Sound kickback will be hosted by Tribe and EngineEars, before ceding to Los Angeles-based Sudan Archives for her headlining set. 

Pangea Sound is an authentic, highly-acclaimed collective and experiential event series founded on the passion to bring music cultures together. Fusing fresh sounds from the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, USA and everywhere in between, Pangea Sound is bridging the gap and creating an all-inclusive environment — this is The Global Sound.

Sudan Archives contains multitudes. She first emerged as an avant-garde violinist who channeled her playing through loop pedals. But she’s also much more than that: a lovelorn songwriter, powerful vocal performer and experimental beatmaker. She’s captivated audiences at festivals around the world with her hybrid sound, playing at Coachella, Pitchfork Midwinter and FORM: Arcosanti, and sharing stages with St. Vincent, Ibeyi and Michael Kiwanuka while touring her trailblazing EPs ​Sudan Archives​ (2017) and​ Sink​ (2018). Sudan’s many identities truly coalesce in her debut album, ​Athena (2019)​: a psychedelic, magnetic take on modern R&B that’s unlike anything else you’ve heard.

Again, if you're bummed out you missed Coachella, don't.

The key to enjoy Coachella Weekends is to book a hotel that throws its own concerts so fresh music can be discovered by you all.  A win-win situation.

Sunday sees The Do-Over return their legendary party to the Commune, bringing a roster of always-incredible talent and surprise guests from around the world. Past years have included the likes of Virgil Abloh, Kaytranada, Questlove, A-Trak (Duck Sauce), Ape Drums (Major Lazer), Busy P, Benji B & more.

The second weekend of programming kicks off Thursday night, April 21 with record label Future Classic throwing a party in the Amigo Room. All-vinyl, all-genre, all-women DJ collective Chulita Vinyl Club will hit the decks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday poolside. Saturday’s headlining performance comes from Los Angeles-based Esty, whose Estyland EP came out in February 2022. The Do-Over will rejoin to close out the proceedings on Sunday. 

From Friday through Sunday across both weekends, the hotel is pleased to welcome In Sheep’s Clothing to The Amigo Room. The ISC crew will take over the space, programming a rotating roster of DJs and contributing a drinks menu featuring cocktails from their beloved hi-fi bar in Los Angeles. 

Levi’s® and Tequila Don Julio Present Neon Carnival with Hydration by Liquid I.V.

 By Laura Medina

Neon Carnival made its triumphant return and descended upon the desert night sky to illuminate once again on Saturday, April 16. The coveted after-party celebrated its 11-year anniversary exclusively on weekend one of the highly-anticipated desert festival. With continued involvement from the biggest names in entertainment and consumer lifestyle, including the return of iconic denim brand Levi's®, back to headline the event alongside Mexico’s original luxury tequila, Tequila Don Julio. This year’s exclusive invite-only fête welcomed new brand additions, including Liquid I.V., DIRECTV, Monster Energy, new Smirnoff Neon Lemonades and PathWater to the festivities. 

• Leonardo DiCaprio hasn’t missed The Levi’s® and Tequila Don Julio Present Neon Carnival with hydration by Liquid I.V since the party’s “inception.” He arrived rocking a Kansas City Chiefs hat and hung out with friends who all enjoyed Tequila Don Julio 1942. 
• Megan Thee Stallion caught everyone’s attention when she arrived in a full pink outfit and made her way to her VIP table at The Levi’s® and Tequila Don Julio Present Neon Carnival with hydration by Liquid I.V. where she celebrated her first Coachella performance earlier in the night.
• Lili Reinhart, Vanessa Morgan, and Camila Mendes settled into their VIP table near the famous Ferris Wheel at The Levi’s® and Tequila Don Julio Present Neon Carnival with hydration by Liquid I.V., where they sipped on Tequila Don Julio 1942 and danced around the risers with their entourage including Zoey Deutch.

 

And for the first time this year, Neon Carnival went digital with two exciting opportunities. Levi’s® and Neon Carnival regular, Paris Hilton, hosted the Neon Carnival experience in the metaverse in “Paris World” on Roblox. To celebrate the much-anticipated return of Neon Carnival as well as Tequila Don Julio’s sixth consecutive year as a sponsor of the most coveted after-party, artist and photographer Jose Silva, who has been capturing all the action over the years, has compiled some of his most epic photos into an exclusive NFT.

The six limited edition NFT’s gave holders a glimpse into the hottest event of the season with Tequila Don Julio and unlocked tickets to this year’s Neon Carnival which is otherwise invite-only. Returning to its permanent home located at the Desert International Horse Park, the sprawling equestrian center welcomed back festivalgoers to its all-grass knoll spanning three football fields, featuring carnival-style games and exhilarating amusement park thrills. No strangers to Neon Carnival, world-renowned DJs Ruckus and Kayper, returned to the scene to keep the party going late into the night along with newcomer Mel DeBarge, reining from New York City. Conceptualized by LA’s original nightlife maven, Brent Bolthouse, and produced by Best Events, the duo has created the unrivaled outdoor dance party that is widely recognized as one of the most sought-after parties on the planet, attracting the entertainment industry’s elite year after year. 

 

Levi’s®, the brand that revolutionized American fashion with their iconic 501® blue jean, returned for their fourth consecutive year as a co-presenting sponsor, and lighted up the sky with their Levi’s® branded Ferris Wheel. Co-presenting sponsor, Tequila Don Julio, returned for their sixth consecutive year as well, serving up craft cocktails from the Airstream Speakeasy and celebrated with Don Julio 1942 bottle service in VIP. Wristband pick-up was orchestrated by Liquid I.V. who also kicked off their on-site Neon Carnival presence with a fully branded bumper car installation emblazoned with neon signs and a steady supply of their exclusive festival-flavored Hydration Multiplier. In addition, DIRECTV, offering the best of live TV and On Demand on all your favorite screens, transported partygoers to new dimensions and took over the VIP tent.  

 

Neon Carnival was created by Brent Bolthouse and continues annually during music's biggest festival weekend. For more information, please visit http://neon-carnival.com.