Music

November 13, 2023

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

By Lorna Kruesel

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

November 9, 2023

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

By Lauren Chiou

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.”

November 9, 2023

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

By Stella Mullin

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.

November 7, 2023

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

By Diana Mateescu

(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.

October 30, 2023

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

By Kyra Schimpf

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 “Give Up.”

September 2, 2023

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

By Avery Stanley

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.

September 1, 2023

Guide to the Isla Vista band scene

By Lauren Chiou, Stella Mullin

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.

July 26, 2023

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

By Lauren Chiou

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)."

July 22, 2023

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

By Diana Mateescu

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.

June 17, 2023

Tracks of the Month: May 2023

By Artsweek Editor

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

June 1, 2023

Editors’ choice: Best of I.V. bands

By Lauren Chiou, Stella Mullin

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!

May 31, 2023

9 artists to listen to this AAPI Month

By Diana Mateescu

Here are 9 artists to listen to in honor of May being AAPI Heritage Month!

May 9, 2023

Tracks of the Month: April 2023

By Artsweek Staff

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from April!

May 9, 2023

In Review: Waterparks tackles toxic relationships and religious trauma in ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’

By Diana Mateescu

“INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY” plays on a lot of the band’s strengths and still manages to feel very unique and different in the grand scheme of Waterparks’s discography. 

April 24, 2023

The ultimate stoner’s guide: dope media to enjoy when you’re high

By Artsweek Editor

In honor of 4/20, here are some film and music recommendations from the Artsweek's staff to enjoy when you are high!

April 18, 2023

Driven and transparent: jomch on his debut album and being true to himself

By Sally Shapiro

Listening to the rhythmic, sentimental tunes of his album, one might think jomch has been releasing music for years — yet the rising artist started releasing music last summer.