At first glance, Liverpool and Los Angeles may seem like two completely different worlds.
One is a historic port city in the north-west of England, famous for its rich musical heritage and working-class roots. The other is a sprawling city on the west coast of America, known for Hollywood, sunshine and the entertainment industry.
Yet despite the thousands of miles separating them, these two cities share something powerful in common: music.
For decades, Liverpool and Los Angeles have helped shape the soundtrack of generations. Both cities have produced artists who changed culture, inspired movements and influenced musicians around the world.
When people think of Liverpool, they immediately think of The Beatles. Their impact on popular music cannot be overstated. What started in local clubs and venues eventually became a global phenomenon that transformed music forever. But Liverpool’s musical identity extends far beyond one band. The city continues to produce talented artists, DJs, producers and independent musicians who keep its creative spirit alive.
Los Angeles has its own musical legacy.
From the rock bands that dominated the Sunset Strip during the 1970s and 1980s to the birth of West Coast hip-hop, Los Angeles has always been a city where creativity thrives. Legendary artists, underground performers, producers, DJs and independent musicians have all contributed to a music scene that remains one of the most influential in the world.
Walk through Hollywood and you’ll find historic venues where future stars once played to small crowds. Visit Downtown Los Angeles and you’ll discover a growing community of artists pushing boundaries and creating new sounds. Spend time in Venice Beach and you’ll hear musicians performing for anyone willing to stop and listen.
The beauty of both Liverpool and Los Angeles is that neither city’s music culture is confined to major stages or record labels.
Some of the most important music is still being created in small venues, community spaces, home studios and underground events. Independent artists continue to drive culture forward, often without the recognition they deserve.
That spirit is something both cities understand.
Music has always been about more than fame. It is about community, storytelling, self-expression and bringing people together. Whether it’s a local band performing in Liverpool or a DJ spinning records in Los Angeles, the goal remains the same: to create a connection.
Today, technology has made that connection easier than ever before.
Artists can collaborate across continents, DJs can broadcast live to international audiences and creative communities can support one another regardless of geography. The distance between Liverpool and Los Angeles may be measured in miles, but through music, the gap becomes much smaller.
This shared creative energy is what inspired MODE’s new direction.
MODE is more than a magazine. It is a platform connecting Liverpool and Los Angeles through music, fashion, art, food and culture. By sharing stories from both sides of the Atlantic, we hope to create new opportunities, introduce readers to emerging talent and build relationships between two cities that have more in common than many people realise.
One of the artists we’ll be spotlighting in future issues is DJ Haze, a Los Angeles musician whose story reflects both the opportunities and challenges many artists face in the music industry.
Known for his involvement with The Movement and the track Jump, DJ Haze was part of an era when independent artists were helping shape club culture on both sides of the Atlantic. While many people may recognise the music, few know the full story behind the artist who helped create it.
His journey is one example of the many untold stories that exist throughout Los Angeles. Behind every record, club night, radio show and live performance are individuals whose contributions have helped shape the city’s culture, often without receiving the recognition they deserve.
Through MODE, we’ll be exploring these stories and introducing Liverpool readers to the artists, DJs, producers and creatives who continue to influence Los Angeles today.
As MODE grows, we’ll be spotlighting musicians, DJs, producers, venues and creative communities from both Liverpool and Los Angeles. Some will be established names, while others will be artists who deserve to be discovered.
Because great music isn’t defined by geography.
It’s defined by passion, creativity and the people willing to share their stories with the world.
Liverpool has its voice.
Los Angeles has its voice.
And through MODE, those voices are finally starting a conversation.
This is only the beginning.
In future issues, we’ll take a deeper look into the people, places and sounds shaping Los Angeles today — from legendary musicians and underground DJs to independent radio stations, creative collectives and cultural pioneers who continue to push the city forward.
If music is the universal language, then Liverpool and Los Angeles already have something important to say to one another.
Stay tuned. The conversation is just getting started.
Sergio Ceron
LA Columnist , MODE