Carlos Ramirez is a former editor at AOL Music. His writing has appeared on IGN, Bullz-Eye, Ultimate-Guitar, MetalSucks, PopDose, TheGauntlet and many other music destinations. Born and raised in Queens, N.Y., Ramirez resides in Los Angeles with his wife and baby daughter.
Carlos Ramirez
See the Cast of ‘Velvet Goldmine’ Then and Now
Set in the glam rock scene of the early '70s, 'Velvet Goldmine' is a film that tells the story of a fictional singer named Brian Slade, a character largely inspired by David Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust period. Directed by Todd Haynes, the movie looks and sounds as extravagant and explosive as the era it was based on.
LoveyDove, ‘Sunday Rulez’ – Exclusive Video Premiere
With a sound that touches on '60s psych-pop and breezy '70s West Coast rock, LoveyDove's forthcoming debut LP offers a sugary melodic surprise around every corner. The L.A. duo comprises real-life couple Azalia Snail and Dan West, both of whom built up impressive résumés before deciding to collaborate as LoveyDove.
White Sea’s ‘Prague’ Gives Dream-Pop a Modern Strut
Morgan Kibby first found her way into our music libraries via her keyboard and vocal work on M83’s ‘Saturday=Youth’ and ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ albums. M83 commander-in-chief Anthony Gonzalez discovered the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter on MySpace and fell in love with her ethereal synth work and singing style.
Calvin Love Drops Video for Synth-Kissed ‘Cool’ Single
Specializing in a sultry, synth-kissed strain of pop, Calvin Love pens songs that bring to mind New Order circa their ‘Republic’ album. The Canadian singer-songwriter’s latest 7-inch single, ‘Cool,’ was released last October in the States via Hit City U.S.A., a label owned by Superhumanoinds frontman Cameron Parkins, and now there's a video to go with it.
See the Cast of ‘Empire Records’ Then and Now
Although it wasn’t a huge box office hit when it was released back in 1995, ‘Empire Records’ is considered a cult classic by many folks who came of age during the post-grunge era. The film follows a pack of young record store employees over the course of one day. Naturally, all kinds of angsty drama ensues, calling to mind such beloved '80s John Hughes classics as 'The Breakfast Club’ and ‘Sixteen
Sub Pop’s Bruce Pavitt Discusses ‘Experiencing Nirvana,’ New Book About 1989 European Tour
If you browse the “rock” section of your local bookstore (they still have those, right?), you’re guaranteed to find a few titles covering Kurt Cobain, Nirvana and the grunge scene, but only one bears the byline of Sub Pop co-founder Bruce Pavitt.
See the Cast of ‘High Fidelity’ Then and Now
Based on the 1995 Nick Hornby novel of the same name, 2000’s ‘High Fidelity’ tells the story of music-obsessed record store owner Rob Gordon (John Cusack) and his damaged love life. Largely set at a fictional Chicago shop called Championship Vinyl, the movie also features Gordon’s best friends and employees: Barry (Jack Black) and Dick (Todd Louiso).
Norman, ‘Younger’ – Exclusive Video Premiere
Formed in 2004, Norman is a quintet specializing in country-tinged folk-rock of the highest order. The group's songwriting have a spiritual connection to '70s chestnuts such as Neil Young's 'Harvest' and the early Eagles records.
Ante Meridian, ‘Street Cats’ – Exclusive Song Premiere
Comprising rapper Rozewood and producer Mr. Enok, the hip-hop duo Ante Meridian first joined forces back in the spring of 2011. After being introduced by mutual friends, the Long Island-raised Rozewood started collaborating with Alabama native Enok at the latter's home studio in Atlanta, and they cut three songs in their very first session.
The Silent Comedy, ‘Always Two’ – Exclusive Video Premiere
Blending the sweet melodies of Americana with the grit of classic rock, the Silent Comedy are one of San Diego’s most talked-about acts. Featuring brothers Joshua and Jeremiah Zimmerman, the quartet boast a tireless work ethic, and since forming a few years back, they've toured all over the U.S. and U.K., supporting the likes of the Dave Matthews Band, ZZ Ward and Ryan Bingham.