The Pop Drop - July 2025, Issue #4

In the words of Chappell Roan -- July got away (or...a way?)! From "The Subway" to Justin Bieber's 'SWAG,' tap into the latest pop releases from July!

By Lola Dogat

The Pop Drop - June 2025, Issue #3

Pop music is back in full swing this June! Sabrina Carpenter's latest lead single, KATSEYE's sophomore EP, Conan Gray's kicks off his new 'Wishbone' Era, and so much more!

By Lola Dogat

In Conversation with trauma ray: “A Dream Within Another Dream”

Behind the fuzzy instrumentals, Jonathan Perez of trauma ray catches up with KSDT Radio and delves into the band's sonic origins, life while touring, and how their moniker came to be.

By Julian Aguilar

A Review on Beach Bunny at the North Park Observatory

Beach Bunny leaves a lasting impression before a lively and energetic crowd at the iconic North Park Observatory.

By Emma Cam

The Pop Drop - May 2025, Issue #2

I guess you could say May was pretty...gnarly. Read about new pop releases from KATSEYE, Reneé Rapp, Audrey Hobert, Laufey, and more!

By Lola Dogat

An Evening with The Wrecks

A gallery of photographs from The Wrecks' performance at the House of Blues in San Diego!

By Lola Dogat

Wonderfront Day 3 – A WONDERful End

Wonderfront Festival Day 3: featuring Vacations, Jason Mraz, The Fray, and 4 Non Blondes.

By Emma Cam

Wonderfront Day 2 Recap: Rainy Skies and Electric Sets from Janelle Monáe, Orion Sun, and Magdalena Bay

Relive Wonderfront Day 2: featuring Magdalena Bay, Orion Sun, Janelle Monáe, and more!

By Freya Greenwood

Wonderfront Day 1!

Kickstarting Wonderfront Festival Weekend with Nourished by Time, Isaiah Rashad, Daniel Caesar, and more!

By Alex Kozak

Different Limbs of the Musical Body: A Conversation with Pretty Sick

Ahead of KSDT's annual Spring Concert, co-headliner Pretty Sick discusses the different dimensions of musicianship that shape the artistry and inpsiration behind their captivating music and creative work.

By Megan Hirao

Toro y Moi in San Diego: Sonic Diversity and Shared Dancing

Toro y Moi's musical versatility shines during his energetic and dance-filled performance at San Diego's Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay.

By Megan Hirao

Previewing 'Nostalgia': Blending Mother Mother’s Familiar Sound

'Nostalgia' by Mother Mother appears to be a return to form for the band's folksy roots and classic song formats, building hope and potential for another landmark moment in the group's career.

By Elizabeth Owens

A Vision for Vulnerability: Meet driftwould!

Blending East Asian math rock, breakcore, and emo, UCSD's own driftwould sits down with KSDT Radio to discuss sonic influences, their music-making process, and the release of their debut album.

By Katelyn Villon

'Nothing Ever Lasts': A Conversation with dadlore

From hosting SDSU jam sessions to becoming one of San Diego's most unique rising acts, dadlore was forged out of unwavering friendships and shared anxieties.

By Julian Aguilar

A Night of Sonic Shifts: Yo La Tengo Live in Solana Beach

From lo-fi to rock -- relive a dynamic evening with Yo La Tengo!

By Freya Greenwood

I Hate This So F***ing Much: One Year of Questioning Glass Animals’ Label Switch

After riding the "Heat Wave" fame, Glass Animals returns with their latest album... but perhaps there are unfortunate consequences to stardom and label switching.

By Elizabeth Owens

Reviewing The Marías' "Back to Me" and "Nobody New"

The Marías' latest singles serve as a powerful reintroduction to the band’s constantly evolving sound—one that still honors their roots in atmospheric soul-pop, but steps forward with greater emotional clarity and sonic experimentation.

By Julian Aguilar

Lorde is Back: 'What Was That' Review

Lorde returns with a familiar sound as she recuperates from lingering moments, fleeting memories, and a very notable MDMA trip.

By Megan Hirao

The Pop Drop - April 2025, Issue #1

From Coachella to new releases, tap into all things Pop Music and Culture from April!

By Lola Dogat

underscores at Music Box: An Electric Soundscape

Between Coachella weekends, hyperpop icon underscores delivers an energetic and memorable performance in her full-circle return to San Diego.

By Katelyn Villon

'Headphones On' or Off?

The Addison Rae rebrand has been in full swing, as "Headphones On" sonically embraces flashes of R&B amidst Rae's rise in the pop culture narrative.

By Megan Hirao

Musicians have a legacy: their music, so GOODBYE-opics

The Beatles become the latest target of the film industry's growing obsession with music biopics.

By Emma Cam

Crosscurrent: An Evening with Sadie Jean and greek

UC San Diego's college concert series continues with Crosscurrent!

Black Country, New Road’s Musical Evolution Reaches a New Form on ‘Forever Howlong'

At the height of their popularity and amidst band member changes, Black Country, New Road diverts from their noisy post-rock debut with flashes of folk and pop in 'Forever Howlong.'

By William Beltramini

Between Who I Am & Forever: Malcolm Todd’s Debut Album

On authenticity and vulnerability: Malcom Todd's self-titled debut album confronts heartbreak, the rise to stardom, and feelings of inadequacy, while proving his talents beyond hit singles.

By Julian Gonzales

'So Close to What'? A New Tate McRae or a Familiar Formula?

While Tate McRae's name has been circulating within the mainstream for the past few years, her latest 2000s pop-inspired record, 'So Close to What,' is a step to finally finding her true sound.

By Lola Dogat

Good Music, Questionable People: What to Do When Your Fav Gets Cancelled?

What should you do when your favorite artist gets cancelled?

By Elizabeth Owens

Reviewing Ichiko Aoba's 'Luminescent Creatures'

Inspiried by the marine life off the Japanese coast, Ichiko Aoba's 'Luminescent Creatures' offers a contempory folk-inspired masterclass of atmospheric and sonic texture.

By William Beltramini

Beach Chapel, mercury, and The Backfires Take on the Voodoo Room

The Backfires bring a buzzing energy to the Voodoo Room!

By Alex Kozak

Ravyn Lenae Mesmerizes the Muirstock Audience with Her Ethereal Performance

Ravyn Lenae dazzles at Muirstock '25, delivering flawless vocals and invigorating energy throughout the evening.

By Freya Greenwood

Samia Dances Through Rock n' Roosevelt

Samia brings powerful vocals and an upbeat stage presence as she headlines Eleanor Roosevelt College's annual Rock n' Roosevelt.

By Freya Greenwood

Caught Between Halos: A Night of Shoegaze at the Voodoo Room ft. Alison’s Halo, untitled (halo), and Blossom

Through heavy guitars and fuzzy distortion -- Blossom, untitled (halo), and Alison's Halo led an evening of shoegaze and conversation.

By Julian Aguilar

A Review of Horizon Day 2

Malcom Todd, Sofia Isella, and Still Mardel perform at Day 2 UCSD's annual Horizon event!

By Alex Kozak

A Review of Horizon Day 1

Leon Thomas, Audrey Nuna, and Charisse Chua take the stage at Day 1 of UCSD's annual Horizon event!

By Emma Cam

Billy Vicente’s Haunting Debut: 'Take Me Back To Where I’m From So I Could Burn It To The Ground'

While there isn’t much to be found about Billy Vicente on the Wild Web, this self-titled goth & shoegaze artist appeared to me in a mythic reel-pull circa the spring of 2024.

By Elizabeth Owens

Wafia Finds Refuge in Album Debut ‘Promised Land’: A Blend of Indie Pop and R&B

Wafia's debut album touches on change, growth, and evolution, while sonically drawing on R&B and neo-soul sounds to transport listeners on a reflective journey of finding peace and joy in the unexpected.

By Julian Gonzales

“ExtraL”: A Peek into JENNIE’s Solo Career

BLACKPINK star Jennie demonstrates exciting promise, power, and confidence with the release of "ExtraL" -- her first true single as a solo act.

By Katelyn Villon

almost monday Lights Up Their Hometown Show

Rising indie-pop band almost monday proves they're only gaining momentum following their hometown San Diego show.

By Freya Greenwood

‘Eusexua’: FKA Twigs' Boldest and Most Experimental Album Yet

'Eusexua' beautifully captures music's escapism as FKA Twigs fuses eclectic electronic influences with her signature avant-garde style.

By Freya Greenwood

‘Cowards’: A New Sound for One of Modern Rock’s Most Exciting Acts

Squid hones in on their post-punk sound and shows flashes of artistic maturation with their third studio release, 'Cowards.'

By William Beltramini

Jordana Charms San Diego With Enchanting Performance on a Chilly Thursday

Jordana exceeds expectations with her delightfully immersive and intimate show at the House of Blues in San Diego.

By Freya Greenwood

How Great is Central Cee’s 'Can't Rush Greatness'?

Central Cee's 'Can't Rush Greatness' boasts individual growth, yet ironically sounds incredibly stagnant.

By Freya Greenwood

“Besties,” a New Era Begins for Black Country, New Road

Following the departure of former lead singer Isaac Wood,"Besties" provides a glimpse of what's next for Black Country, New Road.

By William Beltramini

‘Balloonerism’: The Brevity of Now and Before

While Mac Miller's second posthumous album, 'Ballonerism,' showcases his most experimental sound yet, his inspiring artistry and unique lyricism remain on full display.

By Katelyn Villon

Self-Improvement and Self-Mockery: A Review of This is Lorelei’s 'Box for Buddy, Box for Star'

As Nate Amos' first formal release under his solo moniker, This is Lorelei, 'Box for Buddy, Box for Star' is an introspective record that combines unserious lyricism with flashes of folk-rock.

By Megan Hirao

Reviewing Mk.gee's 'Two Star and the Dream Police"

Two Star and the Dream Police, is a middle finger to modern musical conventions.

By Julian Aguilar

An Album Review on Hayden Anhedönia’s 'Perverts'

Filled with ambient sounds and tasteful nothingness, Ethel Cain's 'Perverts' elicits feelings of inevitability, guilt, and contradiction in a dramatic attempt to reclaim her art.

By Emma Cam

Coming of Age, the Pursuit of Perfection, and Getting with the Program: A Conversation with killanddieonce

Deftly striking a balance between the introspective and iterative, bridging the gap between past and present, UCSD-based rapper-producer killanddieonce (abbr. KADO) tackles growth, change, and self-discovery in his debut record 'GET WITH THE PROGRAM.'

By Isabella Le

In Conversation with Fazerdaze: Shaping Sound and Identities

On songwriting, musical inspiration, and personal identity: a conversation with Fazerdaze before her headlining show at The Loft at UC San Diego.

By Emma Cam

'Fauxllennium': The Euphoric Result of TV Girl and George Clanton’s Collaboration.

George Clanton and TV Girl team up on 'Fauxlenniumm,' but is it the collaboration album everyone expected?

By William Beltramini

Your Next Favorite Artist: Experiencing Mickey Darling

If you’re a fan of artists like Ricky Montgomery, an indie icon in his own right, or the raunchy humor of Sabrina Carpenter, then you need give Mickey Darling a listen!

By Elizabeth Owens

A Review of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’

The legend of Kendrick Lamar has continued to drastically influence the culture of hip-hop and music. With the surprise release of his sixth album, 'GNX,' Lamar touches on culture, community, and most importantly, authenticity.

By Emma Cam

Drown in the Sound of Blossom: A Conversation with Mateo Ruiz

Deep in the outskirts of San Ysidro, nestled comfortably between legions of semi trucks and shipping containers, lies one of modern shoegaze’s burgeoning powerhouses: Blossom.

By Julian Aguilar

A Collection of Messages: A Conversation with Odie Leigh

KSDT Radio got the opportunity to chat with Odie Leigh about her debut album, 'Carrier Pigeon.'

By Alex Kozak

Embracing Eclecticism and Electroclash: The Hellp’s 'LL' Album Review

Turbulent, noisy, and aggressive: The LA-based duo of Noah Dillon and Chandler Ransom Lucy capture an early 2000s charm and energy with their latest album, 'LL.'

By Megan Hirao

Breaking a Sweat and Genre Boundaries: Laszewo’s Unforgettable House of Blues Show

With their hip-hop and indie-infused EDM sound, relive Laszewo's electrifying performance at the House of Blues in San Diego!

By Freya Greenwood

Toe Tapping and Hand Clapping: kenzie and Mark Ambor Move the Crowd at SOMA Sidestage

Stomp and holler's latest force, Mark Ambor, brings an energetic yet comforting performance to SOMA's Sidestage in San Diego.

By Alex Kozak

'CHROMAKOPIA': Compelling, Candid, and Colorful

Tyler, The Creator sheds his mask in his most personal and introspective album to date. From navigating the inevitabilities of aging to finally understanding his mother's lessons, 'CHROMAKOPIA' is vulnerable, raw, yet still uniquely Tyler.

By Katelyn Villon

New Hope Club Lights Up House of Blues on a Mellow Tuesday Night

British pop trio, New Hope Club, transformed an otherwise subpar evening with a memorable and energetic performance!

By Freya Greenwood

A Night of Empowerment with Lola Young at the House of Blues San Diego

"Messy" singer Lola Young explores love, heartbreak, and vulnerability in her performance at the House of Blues in San Diego.

By Freya Greenwood

Charli XCX and Troye Sivan Bring the Club to Viejas Arena

Troye Sivan and Charli XCX bring the energy (and the club) to Viejas Arena for their San Diego stop of their collaborative tour: SWEAT.

By Megan Hirao

Omar Apollo Delivers a Memorable Tour Finale in San Diego

Omar Apollo delivers an electrifying performance for his closing night show at the Rady Shell in San Diego!

By Freya Greenwood

Vampire Weekend Lights Up CalCoast Credit Union Amphitheater with Unconventional Show

A night full of surprises as Vampire Weekend returns to North American touring!

By Freya Greenwood

Performance, Pride, and Punk: A Conversation with The Mainliners

We were joined by four of five members – vocalist Cash Mathieu, guitarist Colin Martin, guitarist-bassist Adrian Morris, and drummer Jackson Fox – of the Hollywood punk outfit The Mainliners, following a grievous two-and-a-half hour drive from Los Angeles to San Diego.

By Isabella Le

Pierce The Veil Closes the "Jaws of Life" Tour with a Sentimental Hometown Show

Pierce The Veil is, without a doubt, one of the most impactful and enduring acts in modern alternative music. Perhaps it’s controversial to say, but they might be one of the San Diego music scene’s most prized artists to date.

By Isabella Le

The Pop Drop - July 2025, Issue #4

In the words of Chappell Roan -- July got away (or...a way?)! From "The Subway" to Justin Bieber's 'SWAG,' tap into the latest pop releases from July!