The Pop Drop - July 2025, Issue #4
Lola Dogat•
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!
The Pop Drop - June 2025, Issue #3
Lola Dogat•
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!
In Conversation with trauma ray: “A Dream Within Another Dream”
Julian Aguilar•
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.
A Review on Beach Bunny at the North Park Observatory
Emma Cam•
Beach Bunny leaves a lasting impression before a lively and energetic crowd at the iconic North Park Observatory.
The Pop Drop - May 2025, Issue #2
Lola Dogat•
I guess you could say May was pretty...gnarly. Read about new pop releases from KATSEYE, Reneé Rapp, Audrey Hobert, Laufey, and more!
An Evening with The Wrecks
Lola Dogat•
A gallery of photographs from The Wrecks' performance at the House of Blues in San Diego!
Wonderfront Day 3 – A WONDERful End
Emma Cam•
Wonderfront Festival Day 3: featuring Vacations, Jason Mraz, The Fray, and 4 Non Blondes.
Wonderfront Day 2 Recap: Rainy Skies and Electric Sets from Janelle Monáe, Orion Sun, and Magdalena Bay
Freya Greenwood•
Relive Wonderfront Day 2: featuring Magdalena Bay, Orion Sun, Janelle Monáe, and more!
Wonderfront Day 1!
Alex Kozak•
Kickstarting Wonderfront Festival Weekend with Nourished by Time, Isaiah Rashad, Daniel Caesar, and more!
Different Limbs of the Musical Body: A Conversation with Pretty Sick
Megan Hirao•
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.
Toro y Moi in San Diego: Sonic Diversity and Shared Dancing
Megan Hirao•
Toro y Moi's musical versatility shines during his energetic and dance-filled performance at San Diego's Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay.
Previewing 'Nostalgia': Blending Mother Mother’s Familiar Sound
Elizabeth Owens•
'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.
A Vision for Vulnerability: Meet driftwould!
Katelyn Villon•
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.
'Nothing Ever Lasts': A Conversation with dadlore
Julian Aguilar•
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.
A Night of Sonic Shifts: Yo La Tengo Live in Solana Beach
Freya Greenwood•
From lo-fi to rock -- relive a dynamic evening with Yo La Tengo!
I Hate This So F***ing Much: One Year of Questioning Glass Animals’ Label Switch
Elizabeth Owens•
After riding the "Heat Wave" fame, Glass Animals returns with their latest album... but perhaps there are unfortunate consequences to stardom and label switching.
Reviewing The Marías' "Back to Me" and "Nobody New"
Julian Aguilar•
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.
Lorde is Back: 'What Was That' Review
Megan Hirao•
Lorde returns with a familiar sound as she recuperates from lingering moments, fleeting memories, and a very notable MDMA trip.
The Pop Drop - April 2025, Issue #1
Lola Dogat•
From Coachella to new releases, tap into all things Pop Music and Culture from April!
underscores at Music Box: An Electric Soundscape
Katelyn Villon•
Between Coachella weekends, hyperpop icon underscores delivers an energetic and memorable performance in her full-circle return to San Diego.
'Headphones On' or Off?
Megan Hirao•
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.
Musicians have a legacy: their music, so GOODBYE-opics
Emma Cam•
The Beatles become the latest target of the film industry's growing obsession with music biopics.
Crosscurrent: An Evening with Sadie Jean and greek
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UC San Diego's college concert series continues with Crosscurrent!
Black Country, New Road’s Musical Evolution Reaches a New Form on ‘Forever Howlong'
William Beltramini•
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.'
Between Who I Am & Forever: Malcolm Todd’s Debut Album
Julian Gonzales•
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.
'So Close to What'? A New Tate McRae or a Familiar Formula?
Lola Dogat•
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.
Good Music, Questionable People: What to Do When Your Fav Gets Cancelled?
Elizabeth Owens•
What should you do when your favorite artist gets cancelled?
Reviewing Ichiko Aoba's 'Luminescent Creatures'
William Beltramini•
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.
Beach Chapel, mercury, and The Backfires Take on the Voodoo Room
Alex Kozak•
The Backfires bring a buzzing energy to the Voodoo Room!
Ravyn Lenae Mesmerizes the Muirstock Audience with Her Ethereal Performance
Freya Greenwood•
Ravyn Lenae dazzles at Muirstock '25, delivering flawless vocals and invigorating energy throughout the evening.
Samia Dances Through Rock n' Roosevelt
Freya Greenwood•
Samia brings powerful vocals and an upbeat stage presence as she headlines Eleanor Roosevelt College's annual Rock n' Roosevelt.
Caught Between Halos: A Night of Shoegaze at the Voodoo Room ft. Alison’s Halo, untitled (halo), and Blossom
Julian Aguilar•
Through heavy guitars and fuzzy distortion -- Blossom, untitled (halo), and Alison's Halo led an evening of shoegaze and conversation.
A Review of Horizon Day 2
Alex Kozak•
Malcom Todd, Sofia Isella, and Still Mardel perform at Day 2 UCSD's annual Horizon event!
A Review of Horizon Day 1
Emma Cam•
Leon Thomas, Audrey Nuna, and Charisse Chua take the stage at Day 1 of UCSD's annual Horizon event!
Billy Vicente’s Haunting Debut: 'Take Me Back To Where I’m From So I Could Burn It To The Ground'
Elizabeth Owens•
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.
Wafia Finds Refuge in Album Debut ‘Promised Land’: A Blend of Indie Pop and R&B
Julian Gonzales•
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.
“ExtraL”: A Peek into JENNIE’s Solo Career
Katelyn Villon•
BLACKPINK star Jennie demonstrates exciting promise, power, and confidence with the release of "ExtraL" -- her first true single as a solo act.
almost monday Lights Up Their Hometown Show
Freya Greenwood•
Rising indie-pop band almost monday proves they're only gaining momentum following their hometown San Diego show.
‘Eusexua’: FKA Twigs' Boldest and Most Experimental Album Yet
Freya Greenwood•
'Eusexua' beautifully captures music's escapism as FKA Twigs fuses eclectic electronic influences with her signature avant-garde style.
‘Cowards’: A New Sound for One of Modern Rock’s Most Exciting Acts
William Beltramini•
Squid hones in on their post-punk sound and shows flashes of artistic maturation with their third studio release, 'Cowards.'
Jordana Charms San Diego With Enchanting Performance on a Chilly Thursday
Freya Greenwood•
Jordana exceeds expectations with her delightfully immersive and intimate show at the House of Blues in San Diego.
How Great is Central Cee’s 'Can't Rush Greatness'?
Freya Greenwood•
Central Cee's 'Can't Rush Greatness' boasts individual growth, yet ironically sounds incredibly stagnant.
“Besties,” a New Era Begins for Black Country, New Road
William Beltramini•
Following the departure of former lead singer Isaac Wood,"Besties" provides a glimpse of what's next for Black Country, New Road.
‘Balloonerism’: The Brevity of Now and Before
Katelyn Villon•
While Mac Miller's second posthumous album, 'Ballonerism,' showcases his most experimental sound yet, his inspiring artistry and unique lyricism remain on full display.
Self-Improvement and Self-Mockery: A Review of This is Lorelei’s 'Box for Buddy, Box for Star'
Megan Hirao•
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.
Reviewing Mk.gee's 'Two Star and the Dream Police"
Julian Aguilar•
Two Star and the Dream Police, is a middle finger to modern musical conventions.
An Album Review on Hayden Anhedönia’s 'Perverts'
Emma Cam•
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.
Coming of Age, the Pursuit of Perfection, and Getting with the Program: A Conversation with killanddieonce
Isabella Le•
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.'
In Conversation with Fazerdaze: Shaping Sound and Identities
Emma Cam•
On songwriting, musical inspiration, and personal identity: a conversation with Fazerdaze before her headlining show at The Loft at UC San Diego.
'Fauxllennium': The Euphoric Result of TV Girl and George Clanton’s Collaboration.
William Beltramini•
George Clanton and TV Girl team up on 'Fauxlenniumm,' but is it the collaboration album everyone expected?
Your Next Favorite Artist: Experiencing Mickey Darling
Elizabeth Owens•
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!
A Review of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’
Emma Cam•
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.
Drown in the Sound of Blossom: A Conversation with Mateo Ruiz
Julian Aguilar•
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.
A Collection of Messages: A Conversation with Odie Leigh
Alex Kozak•
KSDT Radio got the opportunity to chat with Odie Leigh about her debut album, 'Carrier Pigeon.'
Embracing Eclecticism and Electroclash: The Hellp’s 'LL' Album Review
Megan Hirao•
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.'
Breaking a Sweat and Genre Boundaries: Laszewo’s Unforgettable House of Blues Show
Freya Greenwood•
With their hip-hop and indie-infused EDM sound, relive Laszewo's electrifying performance at the House of Blues in San Diego!
Toe Tapping and Hand Clapping: kenzie and Mark Ambor Move the Crowd at SOMA Sidestage
Alex Kozak•
Stomp and holler's latest force, Mark Ambor, brings an energetic yet comforting performance to SOMA's Sidestage in San Diego.
'CHROMAKOPIA': Compelling, Candid, and Colorful
Katelyn Villon•
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.
New Hope Club Lights Up House of Blues on a Mellow Tuesday Night
Freya Greenwood•
British pop trio, New Hope Club, transformed an otherwise subpar evening with a memorable and energetic performance!
A Night of Empowerment with Lola Young at the House of Blues San Diego
Freya Greenwood•
"Messy" singer Lola Young explores love, heartbreak, and vulnerability in her performance at the House of Blues in San Diego.
Charli XCX and Troye Sivan Bring the Club to Viejas Arena
Megan Hirao•
Troye Sivan and Charli XCX bring the energy (and the club) to Viejas Arena for their San Diego stop of their collaborative tour: SWEAT.
Omar Apollo Delivers a Memorable Tour Finale in San Diego
Freya Greenwood•
Omar Apollo delivers an electrifying performance for his closing night show at the Rady Shell in San Diego!
Vampire Weekend Lights Up CalCoast Credit Union Amphitheater with Unconventional Show
Freya Greenwood•
A night full of surprises as Vampire Weekend returns to North American touring!
Performance, Pride, and Punk: A Conversation with The Mainliners
Isabella Le•
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.
Pierce The Veil Closes the "Jaws of Life" Tour with a Sentimental Hometown Show
Isabella Le•
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.