" L.A. music has become a category unto itself."

If our calculations are correct, then Foster the People's stunningly catchy "Pumped Up Kicks" should be reaching song-of-the-summer status by late May. That gives it about three months to percolate through the blogosphere, into iPods, and onto a Gossip Girl episode. By then it'll already be playing in Mike's Apartment on repeat. Congratulations four guys that nobody knows yet, you're about to become the next MGMT (their chorus says "kids"!)—or is it Peter Bjorn and John (they whistle!).

New Year’s Eve is the ultimate night out—or as us hardened clubber’s refer to it—Amateur Night. However, if you want to brave the unwashed masses, there are a few palatable things for you to partake in. We’ll guide you, but since we’re staying in our own hood, we won’t be able to hold your hand. Sorry.

Whenever they are asked, New Yorkers will famously say how much they hate L.A.. Funny thing about that -- for a group of people who seem to loathe our sunny climes, they sure are here a lot. Friday, New York glam rock group Semi Precious Weapons comes to La La Land, graciously hosted by none other than Perez Hilton, Queen of All Media, who has decided to channel some of his energy into music. The band, voted Best New York Band by Village Voice readers, may be a little too glittery and shiny for New Yorkers. With his raccoon guyliner and teased bleached blonde hair, singer Justin Tranter seems like he was airlifted from the Sunset Strip circa 1987. So it's perfect that the New York band is playing with Evil Beaver, Gorgeous Got a Gun, Chris Pickering, and DJs Jamie Scrap and Lady Starlight. Friday, 8pm @ Viper Room.

Meet the man responsible for the best hangover you've ever had

DJ Ivy, aka Homewrecker, makes noise at LA hotspots Les Deux, One Sunset, Kress, Social Hollywood, S Bar, Viper Room, Key Club, Cinespace, V-Lounge, and The Garter. A 7 Jeans designer by day and Hollywood selector by night, she's known for her rocking sets and smashing blonde locks. Here the hottie goes off on hustling 24 hours a day, shots with Dr. Dre, her homies, and fashion in LA.

Actor, singer, fashionista, and more

1. Ago (West Hollywood) - De Niro's joint. Paps in the parking lot, authentic pies on the table. 2. Dolce (West Hollywood) - Ashton Kutcher's spot. Good food, plenty of eye candy. 3. Mulberry Street Pizzeria (Beverly Hills) - Seven tables, twenty-minute time limit on using said tables, one (four-time) Oscar-nominated owner -- Cathy Moriarty, who also waitresses on occasion -- all adds up to a blockbuster hit.

Grab a bite and see a show -- Los Angeles has a thriving music scene and several great venues to catch local as well as far-flung artists. Here are our top 10 choices, along with great in-the-hood spots to chow down before (or after) you rock out.

Ne-Yo is a busy man, and for the prodigious singer/songwriter, Labor Day is just another Monday. He’s busy writing songs for New Kids on the Block, Monica, and Michael Bolton. Yep -- the man who’s shaking up dance floors with “Closer” is working with flaxen-haired, saxy-tooting Michael Bolton. Plus, he’s busy promoting his new album Year of the Gentleman. But regardless of his hectic schedule, the suave crooner set aside some time (10 minutes!) to chat about his cool people, romance, and yet another venture he’s undertaken: curating Hennessy Artistry.