Spoon packs San Diego’s Belly Up Tavern to capacity

Heading to Solana Beach’s Belly Up on a weeknight felt almost nostalgic… I hadn’t done it since the pre-COVID era. Despite having work in the morning, one of my favorite bands from my high school and college years was coming to town and it was simply unacceptable to miss. Spoon… the last time I saw […]

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast, Ep. 72: Katerine Duska

Greek-Canadian singer and songwriter, Katerine Duska, joins hosts of Eclectic Soundtrax Skunk Manhattan and Victor Ramos from her home in Montreal, shedding some light on her impressive music career. A “late bloomer” and initially a self-trained singer, Katerine began her musical career after exploring various academic options, including law school. Her debut album “Embodiment” was released in […]

The War on Drugs reminds St. Louis rock is still alive

It was a packed house at The Pageant for the Philadelphia-based rock band The War on Drugs and their opener Lo Moon. Fans packed into the historic St. Louis venue on a Monday night and chattered in anticipation for what was regarded by all to be an epic show. The opening act, an indie rock […]

Foxy Shazam stimulates Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl

It was another midweek show for me, as I headed into Nashville to my favorite music venue. Upon first glances, it seemed as if it was going to be a laidback and quiet night at the Brooklyn Bowl. I arrived 30 minutes prior to showtime and the venue wasn’t even a quarter full; it was […]

BeachLife Festival 2022: Day One

BeachLife Festival is in 2022’s rearview mirror. Regardless, the buzz surrounding its success is still heard regularly. The highly-anticipated convergence of music, art and community where the Pacific Ocean meets the Redondo Beach shoreline kicked off Day One with the return of Jim Lindberg of Pennywise — a BeachLife staple performer. Day One festival-goers were […]

Experiencing the down-to-earth Just Like Heaven 2022

It’s as if our prayers were answered this year at Just Like Heaven in Pasadena, California this year! With an insane lineup for any 20/30-something with an alternative taste, it was like a fun reunion you can bring the whole family to! From perfect weather to divine food and music to complement it all, you […]

This Ain’t No Picnic coming to Pasadena in August 2022

In the fine words of Sheryl Crow, “this ain’t no disco” and “it ain’t no country club, either”. That’s right, because alternative rock is harder and here to stay. In this same vein, the fine festival producers over at Goldenvoice introduced This Ain’t No Picnic to high acclaim, set to grace the Pasadena Rose Bowl […]

Almost one month before Lollapalooza 2022

It’s that time of year again in Chicago! No, we’re not talking about the green-dyed Chicago River for St. Patty’s Day… we’re talking GREEN Day and 170+ other musical artists taking the nine stages at Grant Park for the annual (and utterly massive) international music festival known as Lollapalooza! Four days of impressive lineups and […]

JXDN brings Tell Me About Tomorrow Tour to Los Angeles

JXDN’s Tell Me About Tomorrow Tour hit Los Angeles recently and, WOWZA, what an incredible performance! Singer-songwriter and TikToker, Jaden Hossler (familiarly, JXDN), is exceptionally talented. JXDN is Travis Barker’s protégé, so we have so much more to look forward to!  I’m sure we can all agree, JXDN’s life changed in the Blink of a (182) eye! LOL The […]

Animal Collective lights up Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre

It was cool, cloudy and hazy Friday evening in late May at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The stage, however, was lit with a range of bright colors and a backdrop of rozy panels for the headliner, Animal Collective. As I waited in the pit for the music to start, there were talks amongst […]

Modest Mouse floats on through St. Louis

Before even arriving at the venue, the night began with excitement. There were torrential downpours on the drive to see Modest Mouse at the Saint Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights — so much rain, you couldn’t see the lines on the road. As traffic slowed to a crawl, I started to wonder if the […]

A night of prog rock with Anthony Green in Pomona, CA

This should be a thing: it should be some type of Las Vegas residency or traveling circus that never stops. Every artist witnessed at The Glasshouse in Pomona, California on May 21st — which included Tim Kasher, Anthony Green (of Circa Survive) and Laura Jane Grace — mentioned how they wished this tour wouldn’t stop. […]

Cruel World 2022

Oh, what a wonderful Cruel World it was! Presented by Goldenvoice, this nostalgic New Wave fest graced Pasadena’s Rose Bowl on Saturday, May 14th (with the same lineup repeating the next day). Arriving midday, Christian Death was already rocking the side stage, while Sextile was crushing the main Outsiders Stage. Despite the heat, people were […]

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast, Ep. 71: Static Limit

On this episode of Eclectic Soundtrax, hosts Victor Ramos and Skunk Manhattan chat with Rom and Diana of the instrumental progressive metal band, Static Limit. The south Texas-based group was formed in 2003 by Rom Garza (guitars/synth), along with Jay Juarez (bass) and Mario Rivera (drums). After cutting their teeth playing regional shows around “The […]

Girl Named Tom lights up Los Angeles, with Claire Wright

With a perfect four-chair turn in their audition, in front of millions of people all over the world and winning NBC’s The Voice — Season 21, Girl Named Tom stole the hearts of America with their harmonious harmonies and put on a show-stopping performance at the world famous Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA.  Opening the […]