Music

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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9 artists to listen to this AAPI Month

May 31, 2023 by

Here are 9 artists to listen to in honor of May being AAPI Heritage Month!
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Tracks of the Month: April 2023

May 9, 2023 by

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from April!
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In Review: Waterparks tackles toxic relationships and religious trauma in ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’

May 9, 2023 by

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

April 24, 2023 by

In honor of 4/20, here are some film and music recommendations from the Artsweek's staff to enjoy when you are high!
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Driven and transparent: jomch on his debut album and being true to himself

April 18, 2023 by

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. 
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Tracks of the Month: February 2023

March 10, 2023 by

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from February!
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In Review: RAYE frees herself on “My 21st Century Blues”

March 4, 2023 by

Overall, pop fans everywhere can find a liking in the creativity and catchiness RAYE accomplishes in her debut album, “My 21st Century Blues.”
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In Review: Paramore grows up for “This Is Why”

February 19, 2023 by

The album is overall a delight — it may disappoint some who are looking to relieve the glory days of 2007 — but it marks an important turning point in the band’s career.
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Big Hungry: A pretty good freshman meal

February 18, 2023 by

Forming friendships while learning to balance school, newfound independence and starting a band is not a typical freshman experience, and that’s why the members of Big Hungry are so unique.
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Top 10 songs for if you are as lonely as me this Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2023 by

If you have no plans this Valentine’s Day and prefer to spend an embarrassing amount of time romanticizing any person who gives you even an ounce of attention, this list is for you. 
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