Music

Say She She’s discodelic SOhO Show

Brooklyn-born group Say She She wowed Santa Barbara on Friday Feb. 9, selling out SOhO Restaurant and Music Club.
read more

I.V. bands take on SOhO Restaurant and Music Club

On Feb. 8, SOhO Restaurant and Music Club hosted three Isla Vista-based bands: Eternal Wave, Ray and Paul and Field Daze.
read more

Tracks Of The Month: February 2024

Artsweek staff’s top tracks from February. 
read more

“A (Samara) Joyful Holiday:” Bringing Classic Jazz to Santa Barbara

Samara Joy McLendon closed out the UCSB Arts & Lectures fall season with her show, “A Joyful Holiday” at The Granada Theater in Santa Barbara on Dec. 8, 2023. 
read more

Sampha opens up his spirit on “Lahai”

After a six-year hiatus following his last record, R&B pioneer Sampha returned with “Lahai” on Oct. 20 – a short but sweet LP that more than justifies its wait. 
read more

In review: Kevin Abstract’s third solo album “Blanket”

Released on Nov. 3, “Blanket,” Kevin’s Abstract’s third solo studio album showcases the artist’s versatility and boldness.
read more

“1989 (Taylor’s Version):” Swift never goes out of style

Exactly nine years after the original release of "1989" in 2014, Taylor Swift did the same thing. Except this time, the album belongs to her. It’s “Taylor’s Version.”
read more

Bidding farewell to the Beatles with last song “Now and Then”

Regarded as the last song all four Beatles will be credited with, “Now And Then” marks the closing chapter of arguably the greatest rock band of all time.
read more

(G)I-DLE debuts English EP “HEAT” in collaboration with 88rising

(G)I-DLE’s EP, “HEAT” may be a bit unconventional, however, it offers a variety of genres and topics so that all listeners can find at least one song that can suit their tastes.
read more

The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie celebrate 20 years of music at Santa Barbara Bowl

The Santa Barbara Bowl was transported back to the 2000s Saturday Oct. 14th to celebrate 20 years of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service’s breakthrough albums, “Transatlanticism” and “G...
read more

In Review: Metro Boomin’s contribution to “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

While the incorporation of soundtracks into movies is nothing new, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” provides a refreshingly new take on rap influences within animated movies.
read more

Guide to the Isla Vista band scene

With dozens of student-created bands, concerts and events dedicated to music, Santa Barbara is a music hub of its own. Here is Artsweek’s official guide to the I.V. music scene.
read more

“Long Live” Taylor Swift, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” is a masterpiece

The original album explored an 18 to 20-year-old Swift's journey into adulthood. Now 33, she still manages to capture that youthful spunk and angst in “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)."
read more

In Review: Stray Kids bends genre and celebrates success in third studio album “5-STAR”

Stray Kids have been consistently seeing success on an international level due to their unique sound and ability to cater to a niche, but simultaneously large audience.
read more

Tracks of the Month: May 2023

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from May!
read more