Artsweek

September 23, 2020

Highlighting Nature’s Beauty, UCSB Student Alex Funk Shares His Art To Raise Money for Charity

By Sunidhi Sridhar

Inspired by the natural beauty of Santa Barbara and saddened by the onslaught of tragedies in recent months, Funk wants to help his community through his art. 

September 18, 2020

In Review: NIKI Offers Glimmers of Magic on “MOONCHILD”

By Jadon Bienz

NIKI steers her debut album “MOONCHILD” in a grandiose cinematic direction, creating a mixture of breathtaking but ultimately incohesive moments.

September 15, 2020

The Baddest Bitch in Town: Bretman Rock

By Liliana Linan

Instead of coming off like a disconnected interview, Bretman Rock’s openness and vibrant energy made the event feel like a FaceTime call with your best friend.

September 15, 2020

In Review: Big Sean Comes Home on “Detroit 2”

By Evan Gonzalez

“Detroit 2” is the sequel to Sean’s “Detroit” mixtape,  where he pays homage to the city where he was born and raised.

September 4, 2020

In Review: Katy Perry Gets Her Smile Back

By Sam Franzini

On this record, she’s not trying to exert her creative exhaust like on “Witness,” and it sounds like she’s having fun.

September 1, 2020

Streamlining the Social Aspects of Music, College Students Introduce Their Vision for Paddle

By Sunidhi Sridhar

Along with his childhood friends and fellow college students Sam Nicholson and Matthew Dull, Cerofeci has been working on developing a music and social media hybrid app called Paddle. 

August 29, 2020

In Review: “Karma 3” Showcases Dave East’s Consistency and Grit

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

East’s consistency ultimately makes his latest project a solid endeavor, though his collaborators’ contributions punch above their weights.

August 28, 2020

SBIFF Film Talk: “Vera Cruz” Showcases a Colorful Hidden Gem of Santa Barbara Architecture

By Joshen Mantai

The film footage was captured over two years, using time-lapse photography and constructed camera poles to show the growth of the property’s art over time. 

August 24, 2020

In Review: It’s No Big Dill If You Don’t Watch “An American Pickle”

By Liliana Linan

Yes, “An American Pickle” is a comedy starring one of the genre’s most well-known actors, but it’s not the laugh-out-loud movie the trailer makes it out to be.

August 18, 2020

“The Beelievers:” An Insider Glance Into the Bee-Loving Community of Santa Barbara

By Joshen Mantai

The short film “The Beelievers” presents an insider glance into the unconventional world of beekeeping and those involved in the upkeep of the bee population in Santa Barbara.

August 13, 2020

Aminé Brings His Extravaganza 2019 Energy to “Limbo”

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

Aminé’s growth and maturing sound make “Limbo” a satisfying listen for both fans and those only familiar with his hits.

August 6, 2020

In Review: Dominic Fike Proves Himself on “What Could Possibly Go Wrong”

By Sunidhi Sridhar

To call “What Could Possibly Go Wrong” a promising debut is an understatement, as Fike has created a record that remarkably encapsulates the nihilistic and cynical worldview of his Gen Z fanbase.

August 5, 2020

SBIFF Film Talk: “Trail Heads” Presents a Glimpse Into the Collaborative Spirit of Santa Barbara Adventure

By Joshen Mantai

“Trail Heads" depicts the community established between previous rival biking and hiking groups after the devastating impacts of the Thomas Fire and mudslides. 

August 2, 2020

In Review: “Tourist Season” by Miel

By Sam Franzini

With this beautiful, dream-like ode to a relationship, you’ll feel like you’ve gone through about seven break-ups already.

July 29, 2020

“No Pressure”: Logic’s Victory Lap and Tribute to His Influences

By Jadon Bienz, Evan Gonzalez

As a whole, “No Pressure” serves as a return to form to celebrate and round out Logic’s career.

July 27, 2020

“Grasshopper for Grandpa”: A Storied Essence of an Antique Santa Barbara

By Joshen Mantai

“Grasshopper for Grandpa,” a short film documentary about Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens directed by Casey McGarry, narrates the story behind this beloved spot and the legacy it left behind.