Magic Lantern Dance Party

If you’re a cinephile, you’re probably already clued in to Magic Lantern Films, the biweekly screening fest that takes place Mondays and Fridays in Isla Vista Theater. But the long-running series, which plays a mix of recent big screen treats (Winter’s Bone, Get Him to the Greek) and cult classics (Halloween brought Rocky Horror and Twilight), does more than serve a mean popcorn: it gives students (and nonstudents) an alternative to the tried-and-true I.V. kegger scene.

This Friday, November 5, Magic Lantern ups the ante and plays host to a mighty roster of L.A. underground artists that includes visual artist/deejay Dr. Strangeloop, Austin Peralta, and Mono/Poly. For experimental and electronic music fans, it will be a night for the history books—not to mention a definite must-stop for film fans with an open mind and a need to groove. The show starts at 9 p.m. and details can be found online at myspace.com/magiclantern. And for a little insight into Strangeloop’s show, check out our interview highlights below.

1. Flying High: Even if you’ve never heard of Dr. Strangeloop, chances are you’ve seen his work. Strangeloop (aka David Wexler) has been creating visuals for label-mate, collaborator, and longtime friend Flying Lotus for years. The pair, who met in college, have shared the stage at big-name fests like Coachella, where Lotus spins the beats and Wexler provides on-the-spot live visual accompaniment. “There’s absolutely no rehearsal,” he explains. “I know his music pretty well, so I basically follow it and try to match and support the music.”

2. Sights and Sounds: In addition to his film work, Wexler also deejays, crafting expansive sonic landscapes that draw inspiration from all over the musical map. (Think acid jazz meets Aphex Twin.) “They seemed like the same sort of thing to me,” Wexler says. “Music and visuals are different mediums, but it’s all just patterns, some very complex, some really simple. … [It’s about] using media to wake people up, as opposed to turning them into narcoleptic zombies.”

3. What to Expect: By definition, every Strangeloop set is different, and Friday is no exception. The Magic Lantern show will find the artist pairing up with jazz musician Austin Peralta for a mix of tunes and film. “It’s going to be a totally unique live cinema experience,” Wexler asserts. “It’s a totally psychedelic journey with a classically trained pianist and an electronic musician. And Mono/Poly will be opening up for us with whatever he’s going to do, which will probably be amazing.”