Mission Bayfest 2024: Day One

Day One of San Diego’s Mission Bayfest 2024 on September 27th was a day I’ve been waiting all summer for — especially after capturing Bayfest in July! I was so excited to finally attend Mission Bayfest’s three-day festival, knowing they had an incredible lineup waiting for us. Also, let me say that Mission Bayfest’s venue […]

Oceans Calling 2024: Day One

Oceans Calling kicked off its second year with 50,000 fans gathered on Ocean City’s notorious boardwalk, ready to dive into a nostalgia-packed lineup of ’90s and 2000s hits. From the sandy stages to the nostalgic pull of the Jolly Roger amusement rides included within the walls of the festival, Friday delivered on its promise of […]

Joe Samba gives us a ‘Lifeline’

Joe Samba’s third full-length album, Lifeline, is a testament to his evolving artistry and personal growth, blending reggae rock with diverse musical influences to create an album that is both introspective and sonically expansive. Released in September 2024, Lifeline offers a deep dive into Samba’s life, reflecting on fatherhood, relationships, and the struggles of life […]

The Marley Brothers unite San Diego in peace, love, & Legacy

For the first time in 20 years, the Marley Brothers—Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian—have been reuniting on stages across the US for their much-anticipated Legacy Tour, stopping by the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, CA. Fans of all ages and backgrounds showed up, so excited to see the brothers pay homage […]

Quinn XCII cooks up a savory San Diego show for ‘Lunch’

Quinn XCII (pronounced “92”) brought his All You Can Eat Tour to San Diego’s Cal Coast Open Air Theater on September 20th, giving fans just a taste of new music on the horizon. The Detroit native brought singer and rapper Kyle (or “Superduper Kyle”) to start the night off right in a big way — […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Ben Barbic & Alpha Steppa “Sound”

Hardworking hip hop-reggae solo artist Ben Barbic is back, teaming with Alpha Steppa in a brand new single and video! Entitled “Sound”, the track details the hustle involved with building your music career from the ground (or rather, underground) up. Teaming with Alpha Steppa, son of the royal dub and roots UK duo Alpha & […]

Diving deep into Long Beach’s South Swell Syndicate

As the end of summer winds and rains move through, so does the sunrise and sunsets. Long Beach, California doesn’t play around; they bring the best out of our reggae rock culture. Meet one of the new fave bands dropping cool waves and sweet tunes — South Swell Syndicate! As a surfer myself, this music […]

The Marley Brothers bring their Legacy to Concord, CA

It was a perfect evening for attendees at the Concord Pavilion on Tuesday, September 10th, gathered to celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley through his sons. The weather was cool and everyone was in a great mood as they made their way to their seats while the DJ played reggae music.  This is the first tour […]

Joe Boyd to release ‘And The Roots Of Rhythm Remain: A Journey Through Global Music’

If there is anyone who knows music, it’s Joe Boyd. With a career spanning 60-plus years, Boyd is an indisputable legend; he’s has been there, done that, and seen it all. A Harvard grad, Boyd got his start in the music industry tour managing Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sonny Rollins, and Stan Getz, and […]

Getting irie with Iration, Pepper, DENM & more in Orange County

On August 23rd, Iration headlined the first of two nights at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California, supported by Artikal Sound System, DENM, and Pepper. It was one of the last shows of the season for 2024’s OC Fair Summer Concert Series. And Artikal Sound System started things off for the night.  At the start […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Ras Fraser Jr. – “Never Give Up” feat. Inna Vision

From one island to another, Jamaican artist Ras Fraser Jr. teams with Hawaiian star Inna Vision in a sizzling new single — just in time for the end of summer! Originally released on August 23rd via Rebel Sound Records, “Never Give Up” is a horn-heavy ode to all the hardworking hustlers out there… and these […]

Rising band Big West bridges coasts with upcoming EP

Big West, the musical project and persona of Dan Westerlund, embodies the expansive spirit of the American West — both in name and sound. Originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dan’s journey out west in 2017 profoundly influenced his creative direction, partially inspiring the moniker “Big West”. This name reflects not just a geographical shift but a […]