Two full weeks of SXSW 2022

SXSW is known for many things… whether it’s throngs of happy music lovers, rediscovering their love of seeking the best new bands, or the pack of tech guys in networking nirvana. Or, the film geeks and geek-ettes, gawking in gritty discourse over the merits (or lack thereof) of their latest screening. For me, though, SX […]

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast, Ep. 69: Nathan Ruyle

Welcome to an all-new episode of Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast! Hosts Victor Ramos and Skunk Manhattan are joined by Nathan Ruyle from his new post sound facility in Burbank, CA. Ruyle works as a sound designer, supervising sound editor, re-recording mixer and founder of the independent post-production sound company, This is Sound Design. In a career […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2022: Day Three

Last, but definitely not least, it was Day Three of Reggae Rise Up Florida 2022. Early arrivers were rewarded with the energy and great tunes of Tribe of I, Surfer Girl and Hawaii-native Anuhea. Tunnel Vision — the reggae-ska-punk group from southern California — helped keep the vibe going, performing three sets throughout the day: […]

SXSW 2022: Best Bands

SXSW made its cautious, yet triumphant return earlier in March after its abrupt cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. The city of Austin took a safe approach to this year’s festival by opening many onsite testing facilities, as well as administering a digital pass for all vaccinated festival-goers. Even with safeguards in place, the […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2022: Day Two

The good times kept on rolling at Reggae Rise Up Florida with Day Two! People piled in once gates opened, readying themselves for another momentous day of music. Honey Hounds from Jacksonville started the day off right, with their bluesy style resonating from the Vibes Stage. Kyle Smith then flipped the script withe his punk […]

Napa ready to uncork the next BottleRock for 2022

Wine meets music at the 8th Annual BottleRock Fest in Napa, California this May 27th through 29th! The three-day fest will include headliners Metallica, P!nk and Twenty One Pilots, with support from Luke Combs, The Black Crowes, Kygo, Pitbull, Greta Van Fleet, Mount Westmore, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, CHVRCHES, Banks, Bleachers, Alessia Cara, Vance Joy, Silversun […]

Glass Animals sells out St. Louis

Glass Animals celebrated their third consecutive week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for their single “Heat Waves” by playing a sold-out show at The Factory outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The alternative band from London released their latest album Dreamland in August of 2020. While the hit single “Heat Waves” has been charting […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Tuff Like Iron x Rick Haze “Street Clothes”

Tuff Like Iron and reggae hip hop artist Rick Haze pair in this world premiere of “Street Clothes”, the visualizer! Starting in a laundromat, Haze and Tuff Like Iron take this party to the streets — from “California to Miami”. Mixing elements of dub reggae with mumble rap and autotune, “Street Clothes” is special… it’ll […]

My Forte Artist Spotlight: Migs718

The epitome of the next big thing, Migs718 is the answer to the stagnant hip hop scene of recent years. I challenge you to find another young up-and-coming artist with the same grit, depth and complexity as Migs718. Go ahead… we’ll wait. Already an accomplished artist in his own right, the SXSW 2022 official artist has dropped […]

Cali Vibes Fest 2022: Day Three

On Sunday, February 6th Cali Vibes Day Three kicked off! It was another warm day with lots of anticipation in the air for yet another stacked lineup. Though everyone was moving a bit slower, we were all excited to see what the acts had in store for us. Ethan Tucker kicked things off, with an acoustic […]

Cali Vibes Fest 2022: Day Two

On Saturday, February 5th, Day Two of the Cali Vibes Festival kicked off. It was a warm day and you could feel the anticipation in the air as fans waited to get into the grounds to start yet another day of fun. Boostive kicked the day off, with amazing energy and great stage presence. Boostive […]

Tyler the Creator sets sail on St. Louis

Tyler the Creator proves again why he has been a staple in the rap game for over a decade with the Call Me if You Get Lost Tour. Back when I first heard of Tyler in 2009, we were both just kids. He was making music videos with Earl and starting one of the biggest rap […]

Los Angeles readies for Smokin Grooves Fest 2022

An incredible new hip hop festival is about to hit Los Angeles! For those a fan of underground hip hop, you’ve got to get on Smoking Grooves Festival! It’s carefully curated for the true hip hop lover. Going down at LA State Historic Park on March 19th, the inaugural Smoking Grooves will welcome some of […]