Rarely do artists of any discipline have the privilege to explore their interests with as much international attention and critical acclaim as Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. Ever since the world first met Sakamoto as a member of the electronic trio Yellow Magic Orchestra, he routinely reinvented himself without losing sight of what made him an exciting and multifaceted talent. Last month, after his third fight against cancer, Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away at 71. When the news broke out, multiple publications and news outlets had many …
Lana Del Rey expresses her most authentic self in vulnerable new album
Lana Del Rey née Elizabeth Grant’s ninth studio album titled “Did You Know that There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?”, released March 24, 2023, is proving to be her most vulnerable album in her over a decade-long career. Those unfamiliar with Del Rey may look at the abnormally long and somewhat cryptic album title and subsequent song and be deterred, while fans would expect no less from the singer-songwriter. The song “Did You Know that There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?” Which was the first …
Rolling Loud rolls out $800 VIP treatment, but is it worth it?
Rolling Loud which is known to be one of the biggest rap festivals held in places like the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada but had its most recent outing in Inglewood, California from March 3 to the 5th.Featuring big names like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, and Don Toliver who shocked the crowd by bringing out Justin Bieber. While the headliners were Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Lil Wayne, who was joined by Nicki Minaj, and Future put the finishing touches on the weekend. …
What’s that Smell: Local indie talent shines in Los Angeles
It wasn’t just smoke from cigarettes and joints being emitted from The Smell in Los Angeles, but also the sound of shoegaze-like guitar riffs, head pounding drum breakdowns, and a vocalist reminiscent of early 2000s pop punk. On Sunday, Feb 19, this venue hosted three local bands opening with The Crymes, Grave Secrets, and then closing the show with the band Bed. The Smell has been part of Downtown Los Angeles since 1998. It’s not only a venue where musicians can practice and have concerts …
Rihanna reappears, reignites Super Bowl ratings
Super Bowl halftime performances are what many would call a national treasure, the biggest names in the industry performing some of their greatest hits on a stage as big as the world. Looking at the previous headliners like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Beyonce, it’s no secret this is reserved for the best of the best. The bar has been set so high the NFL can’t just pick any singer with a large following. They have to dig deep in their bag and get the biggest …
Students spread love at PCC through music
As she sits behind the Center for the Arts building waiting for her boyfriend to get out of class, sophomore nursing major Seidy De La Torre shares how her relationship has had an impact on her Valentine’s Day. From changing her traditions to even her music taste, her celebration of the holiday has changed greatly from previous years to now. In the past, De La Torre would spend Valentine’s Day at work and then go home. This year, she is spending it with her boyfriend …
Exploring the legacy of X, LA’s legendary punks
Of all of the punk bands that exploded out of the Los Angeles scene in the late 1970s, few were more influential, well-respected and long-lasting than X. On the 67th birthday of lead vocalist Exene Cervenka, X remains a monumental figure of the Los Angeles and international punk scene. Bassist John Doe and guitarist Billy Zoom met in 1977 after placing ads in the same paper in hopes of connecting with like minded musicians. Doe had moved from Baltimore and was familiar with the blossoming …
Concerts are back: Time to spend good money on Bad Bunny
2022 was stacked with music across the board, with bodies of work coming from top stars like Beyonce, The Weeknd, Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, and more. On top of that, there were a number of newer artists taking that next step to make a name for themselves such as Steve Lacy, JID, Latto, the list goes on. Looking ahead to this year it wouldn’t be a reach to expect more album releases from artists you might already have on your rotation. With the world continuing …
Megan Thee Stallion incites ‘hot girl shit’ at private concert
Looking through my emails on a random Thursday afternoon, the title of one screams out to me by saying “You have been selected to the Amazon Music Live event Ft. Megan Thee Stallion!”. The disbelief that ran through my body that I was chosen to see Megan Thee Stallion perform her new album Traumazine the following Thursday made me jump out of my seat with glee! A building in Melrose was held as the venue that seemed to be a small space to have an …