William Emmons

Will is an Artsweek Editor. In his free time he enjoys listening to Death Grips and having heated discussions about the legitimacy of astrology.

April 19, 2019

Kevin Abstract’s ‘ARIZONA baby’ Is a Mixed Bag

By William Emmons

If you like Kevin Abstract’s work, particularly his solo martial, give ARIZONA baby a listen.

November 30, 2018

Tracks of the Month: November 2018

By William Emmons

Every month, Artsweek collects a handful of newly released tracks that highlight the best musical moments of the past 30 days. Check out some of the hottest cuts released in November 2018.

May 7, 2018

Full 2018 Extravaganza Lineup Announced

By William Emmons, Sanya Kamidi, Supriya Yelimeli, Melody Pezeshkian, Antonio Morales

This year, Extravaganza will be on Sunday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m.

April 26, 2018

Dewey Bryan Saunders’ Surreal World of Album Cover Art

By William Emmons

Dewey Bryan Saunders is one of today’s most innovative and established graphic designers who often operates within the niche realm that is album cover art.

April 3, 2018

Tracks of the Month: March 2018

By William Emmons, Melody Pezeshkian, Kristina Valencia

Tyler, The Creator, “OKRA” “OKRA” is sonic heaven for Tyler, The Creator fans who enjoy his hard-hitting, heavy and dirty style of rap. The beat’s overblown distorted bassline knocks Tyler’s bars into a bragg...

March 13, 2018

Tyler, The Creator Gets Honest with UCSB

By William Emmons

There are a lot of things to be learned from Tyler, The Creator’s discussion with Terence Keel, but one thing is for certain: Tyler subscribes to no labels.

February 28, 2018

Tracks of the Month: February 2018

By William Emmons, Hannah Jackson, Konrad Neithercutt, Melody Pezeshkian, Andre Bouyssounouse

Every month, Artsweek’s staff collects a handful of newly released tracks that highlight the best musical moments of the past 30 days. Check out January’s tracks of the month for some possible additions to your newly...

February 15, 2018

Tyler, The Creator to Visit UCSB

By William Emmons

Multi-talented artist Tyler, The Creator is slated to visit Campbell Hall on March 9 to take part in a conversation with AS Program Board.

January 31, 2018

Tracks of the Month: January 2018

By William Emmons, Hannah Jackson, Konrad Neithercutt, Kristina Valencia, Alex Modiano, Jasmine Rodriguez

Every month, Artsweek’s staff collects a handful of newly released tracks that highlight the best musical moments of the past 30 days. January was chock-full of hits from a variety of genres.

January 24, 2018

Smino to Bring Soulful Sounds to the Hub

By William Emmons

The rapper’s words rebound off the bouncing melodies of each track in a way that keeps the album’s sonic momentum moving at a steady yet nonchalant pace.

January 23, 2018

Watch: Tyler, The Creator’s Conversation About Flower Boy

By William Emmons

Throughout the conversation, the rapper opens up about his third studio album and provides insight into his creative process.

December 8, 2017

This Year In Music: Artsweek’s Favorite Albums

By William Emmons

Saturation is quite possibly my favorite release of the year and proved the group to be a simultaneously experimental and accessible force in today’s music scene. Tracks like “Gold,” “Heat” and “Star” highl...

November 29, 2017

Meet SALES: The Minimalist Pop Duo That Crafts Bedroom Beats

By William Emmons

SALES creates an amalgamation of indie, dream pop, hip hop and rock to produce something that is otherworldly to the ear. Their hip hop-influenced production backs electric guitar to create a sound that comes off as simu...

November 1, 2017

Tracks of the Month: October 2017

By William Emmons, Konrad Neithercutt, Jasmine Rodriguez

Intimate and sleek, “It’s Okay to Cry” is a can’t-miss pop song. The singer/songwriter/producer’s first solo venture in two years is accompanied by a stunning video in which she uncharacteristically bares her i...

August 24, 2017

Aoki, Electronica and the Live I.V. Music Scene

By Zoe Jones, William Emmons

When Aoki was merely 19, he was throwing roughly 20 shows a month out of his living room, recording tapes of every single one.

July 21, 2017

Jay-Z and the Direction of Product Packaging in Hip Hop

By William Emmons

That’s not to say that Jay doesn’t return to his default of braggadocious bars about wealth and success, but this record is different. It extends a bridge of insight to his listeners in a way that is creatively inter...