404 Day at Poobah Records

All photos by Julian Felix.

On April 24th, 2023 the Los Angeles beat community came together at Poobah Records in Pasadena. For a few years now fans of Roland's 404 electronic sampler and instrument have designated April 4th (4/04) as an occasion to celebrate the device's impact on music production. 404 Day has also taken a particular meaning in Los Angeles because of the legacy of Ras G.

Julian Felix

It is hard to talk about the Roland 404, and Poobah Records for that matter, without talking about Ras G. Ras G is a legendary beat producer from the Lemeirt Park area of Los Angeles who also worked at Poobah Records. His instrument of choice for musical production and performance was the Roland SP 404. Touring the world, the soft spoken artist was economical with his words though that did not diminish his influence and along with his own music the main tool of his craft. He passed away from illness in 2019, though his presence is strong though his own artistic output as well as those he encouraged to make their own music.

Hit+Run Crew silk screening outside of Poobah. Phot by Julian Felix.

Indeed, on this day at Poobah all of the performers were people who had a strong connection to Ras G as a contemporary, mentor, collaborator, and as a friend. Roland also acknowledged Ras G offering Ras G branded record crates. The screen printing crew Hit+Run were also present printing items with artwork celebrating Ras G. Proceeds from the sales of Ras G merchandise went to his family.

Julian Felix

The store was overflowing with people both inside and on the sidewalk in front of Poobah. The event began at 3pm in the afternoon and when I arrived shortly before 4pm it was already full. Among the crowd were plenty of beat producers, DJs, and other creatives who took part in what simply refereed to as the Los Angeles Beat Scene who so warmly embraced Ras G.

Julian Felix

Ashtre Jenkins was already performing his set when I arrived. At the end of his set he related how Ras G gave him one of his earliest opportunities to perform live at Poobah for the Beat Soup event he curated. Koreatown Oddity a good friend and collaborator with Ras G was the host and emcee for the day.

Between sets the music of Ras G filled the room.

Linafornia followed with her set on a 404 and 555.

Linafornia addressing the crowd after her set. photo by Julian Felix.

At the end of her set, she recounted a sweet anecdote of seeing Ras G perform for the first time and being starstruck as she sat in the backseat of her brother's car as they leave him a rid home after the show (Ras G was well known for not having a car and riding mass transit). She also spoke about how he encouraged her to pursue her beat production.

Mndsgn and The Koreatown Oddity. Photo by Julian Felix.

Koreatown Oddity and Mndsgn followed with a rare performance of their Vivians project, something they've presented live a handful of times. With that in mind the project was quite familiar to the audience, a number of them rapping the lines along with Ktown Oddity.

Dibia$e taking in the Vivians set. Photo by Julian Felix

It was at this point that I had to leave unable to catch the last sets of the night as Dibia$e and Dakim were each scheduled to perform. Clips I saw later on social media certainly showed the event continued with the same joy and spirit I witnessed.

It was a great time, and for many a bit of a reunion as the events of the last few years strained a community kept tight through shared musical experience in small rooms and large venues. That family feeling was definitely present at Poobah. I do hope this can grow once again into the vibrant scene it was a few years back. There are those out in the city trying to bring it back, make no mistake, here's hoping they succeed. And from what I saw on 404 Day, they can.