Music

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

March 25, 2024 by

On Feb. 8, SOhO Restaurant and Music Club hosted three Isla Vista-based bands: Eternal Wave, Ray and Paul and Field Daze.
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Tracks Of The Month: February 2024

February 29, 2024 by

Artsweek staff’s top tracks from February. 
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“A (Samara) Joyful Holiday:” Bringing Classic Jazz to Santa Barbara

January 16, 2024 by

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. 
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Sampha opens up his spirit on “Lahai”

November 22, 2023 by

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

November 13, 2023 by

Released on Nov. 3, “Blanket,” Kevin’s Abstract’s third solo studio album showcases the artist’s versatility and boldness.
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“1989 (Taylor’s Version):” Swift never goes out of style

November 9, 2023 by

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

November 9, 2023 by

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

November 7, 2023 by

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

October 30, 2023 by

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

September 2, 2023 by

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.
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Guide to the Isla Vista band scene

September 1, 2023 by and

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

July 26, 2023 by

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

July 22, 2023 by

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.
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Tracks of the Month: May 2023

June 17, 2023 by

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from May!
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Editors’ choice: Best of I.V. bands

June 1, 2023 by and

As an essential part of Isla Vista culture, there is truly nothing like the band scene. Here are the Artsweek Editors' picks for the Best I.V. Bands of the 2022-23 school year!
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