Anita Yardemian on SBCLTR
Viken Armen
Dubai’s music scene is buzzing with an electrifying mix of global headliners and underground talent, drawing crowds to iconic venues like El Chiringuito, Blue Marlin, and standout parties such as Deep Like, Bedouin Tech, and Analog Room. With events like Groove on the Grass and All Day I Dream’s season-closing party this Saturday—featuring Lee Burridge, Viken Arman, and Yokoo—there’s no shortage of rhythm in the city.
Amidst this sonic energy, it felt like the perfect moment to connect with Anita Yardemian, to explore the parallel beats shaking up her side of the world—and to discuss the exciting launch of Kaynouna here in Dubai. A key force behind the L.A.-based music platform SBCLTR, Anita brings a unique blend of cultural influences and industry expertise. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Lebanese parents, her musical roots stretch from Led Zeppelin and the Bee Gees to the house and techno scenes that captured her after a life-changing Coachella experience in 2006. With a background in fashion marketing and PR—having worked with luxury giants like Tom Ford, Gucci, and high-end watch brands such as Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet—she seamlessly bridges the worlds of music, fashion, and lifestyle.
After meeting SBCLTR’s founders, Patrik Khachatourian and Roni Mehrabian, Anita joined the collective as their PR strategist, landing their first major feature in LA Weekly—a defining moment that solidified their voice in the scene.
Join us as we dive into Anita’s journey, the rise of SBCLTR, and how the sounds of L.A. and Dubai are shaping the future of dance music.
What is SBCLTR?
SBCLTR is an ongoing series of meticulously curated parties in Los Angeles. Patrik and Roni use their gifted set of ears to select unique DJS from AROUND the world, shower them with love, and put them on a stage in front of an audience who soak it all in. Each event is highly conceptualized in production, sound, design, location, and creative collaborations to fulfill a sophisticated underground experience.. SBCLTR encourages artistic expression allowing talent to breakthrough, some having very successful LA debuts, and is an outlet for creative ingenuity.
Anita your greatest inspirations or influences?
My family, my friends, my Armenian and Lebanese culture.
Los Angeles, Google, Hedi Slimane – a daring visionary
Freddy Mercury, Basquiat,
The Rake, Mert and Marcus,
Beyoncé – in a genre that can be so unimpressive she constantly recreates herself,
John Digweed – he’s focused and so good at everything he does, reactive goosebumps,
Inspiration is everywhere, I make my own.
A defining memory from a musical experience that perhaps changed you or will go down in the books for being the best?
One night futurist designer Heather Shaw transformed a downtown LA rooftop into a multidimensional, fully-immersive experience. It was a representation of technology’s evolution from analog to digital and its impact on human connection. Inside of a four-story cube a live chamber ensemble and two DJ’s performed. With the touch of our hands the cube transformed into Pink Floyd-like visuals, the music synched with the animations and everything felt connected, as if we were moving towards the future as one. The experience of sound and sight was mind bending.
Favorite websites, blogs or instagram handles?
Reddit, The Impression, Vogue Runway, RA, Hypebeast, WWD
@aureta – she kills it
@thesartorialist – celebrates highs and lows of street culture
@derekblasberg – his wit, innuendos, and narrative is so effortless
@taleofclubs – crowd sourced raw footage of international parties
Upcoming events you are working on?
Patrik Khach Middle East debut at Kaynouna ( Jumeirah Creekside Hotel - The Secret Garden) : The Intro will be on April 21st in Dubai, this is not to be missed ( also with Shkoon + Z0ne + )
SBCLTR L.A. summer season begins on June 17 with some of our favorite boys headlining, picks up again on August 19, then upon returning from Burning Man we will host our annual decompression party with a VERY special twist on September 16. Follow SBCLTR to know what’s about to be revealed. It’s wild. @sbcltr_la
Artists we should know about?
Goldcap, Patrik Khach, Ali Farahani, Sabo and artists releasing on Sol Selectas,
How is L.A developing or changing musically?
LA is the place of the moment – the entire arts landscape is shifting and elevating and the city is feeding off each other’s creativity. Musically, the boundaries are being stretched allowing more room for the underground to be recognized in high regards. Truth is, the underground is a huge influence on mainstream and it’s fascinating to witness that acceptance. We’re living in a juxtaposition of the two worlds, conversations are denser and similar likings are finding safe havens encouraging self-expression.
Anything else you would like to share?
Each member of SBCLTR strives to be the best version of ourselves, to leave a positive impact on the community we create and those we’re lucky enough to work with. When you do what you love and live your passion, it leads to people who speak your same language and everything falls into place. We’ve set a new benchmark in the consumption of quality underground dance music, being ranked by insiders as tastemakers, and the tremendous support is fuel to fire our next series. We’re making some beautiful magic along the way to a lifetime of memories.
