We caught up with Jamie Strong of the Do-Over on the occasion of their debut release to see what's up with the long-running LA party and the newly launched label. He also compiled a digital chart of party sureshots you can check here

so how did the Do-Over come about?
 
Aloe Blacc, Chris Haycock and myself (Jamie Strong) wanted to create an environment where all ethnicities and musical genres could co-exist.  It's unfortunate that clubs/events can be so segregated racially and musically so we set out to change the rules.  We wanted a fun-filled outlet for all of these worlds to clash with music as the core element.  Fortunately, it worked and we've been able to fill a void with our own little niche.  This is ultimately a testament to our attendees because all of our guests are kept a mystery so the main reason people keep coming back is because they know week in and week out, there will be incredible guests and music.

any advice to people who are trying to start their own long-running club thing? 

As cliche as it sounds, do it for the love of music vs the money. At the end of the day, that's the reason why we started the party and have yet to sacrifice the musical integrity of it.  If you are in the music industry for the money, you are in the wrong business.  The whole reason people get into this business whether that's as a DJ, a musician, a record store or a label is for the pure love of music.  The second you sacrifice that passion is your overall demise. 

christiane amanpour question:
your life seems very intertwined with with your love of music and djs. what drives you?

Related to above's answer.  It's the music.  There's so much incredible music out there (new & old) that it keeps me motivated and passionate to experience and share it with others.  I am quite fortunate to be able to make a living out of something I love.

top 5 dj sets from Do-Over?

That's definitely a hard one to answer because we've had so much amazing talent over the years that I enjoy certain sets for different reasons and if you were to ask Aloe and Chris, they would probably say the same thing.  Lately, I've been listening to our early recordings and there's some incredible music/guests that I forgot all about.  I remember the first season, we actually had a ban on computers and it was vinyl only.  I'm the last of a dying breed and actually still vinyl only, but needless to say, the times have changed.  With that being said, my personal fav's are:  Jeremy Ellis (live mpc), A-Trak (debut set), Theo Parrish (second set), AM (rip) & J.Rocc's impromptu set where he was just hanging out, but I asked him to play my records, the way I wanted to hear it so I pulled out random records for J.Rocc to play on the fly, many of which he was hearing for the first time, but he absolutely destroyed it.  He was doing it so effortlessly, that I was trying to challenge him by giving him crazy songs and tempos to mix, but his skills and mixing are second to none.
 

who are the best technical djs that have played at the Do-Over 

AM, A-Trak, Numark, J.Rocc 

who got the best "where did that come from" dj selections at the Do-Over

Theo Parrish, JT Donaldson, Dam-Funk, Benji B 

who got the best behind the decks presence?

Gaslamp Killer, Dam-Funk 

any drama ever at the Do-Over? how do you maintain a good vibe?

In the 5 years of throwing the party, this past summer was our first time ever having a fight which was rather unfortunate because the lineup that day was insane (King Britt, 9th Wonder & Maseo - De La Soul).  It definitely left a bad taste in our mouths because we pride ourselves on the overall environment and for attendees to feel comfortable.  We've been able to uphold a good vibe because we've created a family environment, leave your ego's at the door and come have fun so there's a mutual respect level amongst everyone there.

top 5 favorite spots to eat in LA

Casa Bianca (pizza), Shibucho (sushi), Square One (breakfast), Metros Balderas (tacos), The Hungry Cat (burger).  Honorable Mention:  Ye Rustic Inn (wings - ask Jemz)

top 5 dj records 

Tough question, but I can tell you the records that never seem to leave my bag for Do-Over:

Pepe Braddock 'Burning' 12"
Gerardo Frisina 'Cubana' 12"
Baron Zen 'Burn Rubber' (Dam-Funk Remix) 12"
Money Studies 7" (Ballin Jack 'Found A Child')
Theo Parrish Ugly Edit Series

top 5 non-dj records 

Again tough question, but I can tell you the records that never seem to leave my bag for Do-Over: 

Gil Scott Heron 'Real Eyes' LP
Eddie Kendricks 'People Hold On' LP
Moodymann 'Black Mahogani' LP
Har You Percussion Group 'S/T' LP
David Axelrod 'The Edge' LP 

what can we expect from the Do-Over label

For starters, a limited 10" Series featuring exclusive tracks from guests of the party alongside immeculate art and packaging.  Just like the party, the Series will be a mystery so you will just have to keep your ears and eyes open to find out who or what's next, but there's an amazing roster with music ranging from beats to hip-hop to disco to house from established and undiscovered artists.  We will also be releasing The C-Over Series of "cover" songs. 

word on the street is that you like Azn gurls, true?

Yea. BTW... your Mom says hi Pete.  She makes an incredible breakfast.  Whatchawannado?  Do-Over.

check out the Do-Over's debut release on 10" vinyl

check out the Do-Over's debut release on ttl digital

check out the Do-Over chart on ttl digital

check out the Do-Over's blog