There’s one fest that always delivers — both on artists and authenticity. It’s a fest that welcomes all alternative music lifestyles, whether that be in the goth, punk rock, darkwave, New Wave, synthwave, or good ‘ol nondenominational nonconformity categories. Presented by Goldenvoice, Cruel World just concluded its fifth year in Pasadena, California. And what an […]
One of the most unique festivals out there is Cruel World Festival in Pasadena, California, bringing together the likes of darkwave, synthwave, New Wave, and all the waves in between for one incredible day of artistry and apathy at the Rose Bowl. One of the numerous outstanding artists on the bill for 2025 was She […]
Canadian dark rock act The Birthday Massacre continues to send shockwaves around the globe, evident in their latest beast of an album, Pathways, out last month via Metropolis Records. For newer listeners, the band has captivated many fans since 1999; their gothic-meets-electronic vibe will entice you and put you under a spell, almost trance-like. Goth, […]
Chappell Roan is a phenomenon — or more fittingly, a Feminominon — who has captured many hearts and headlines in 2024. When I got the chance to photograph and review her Nashville show, I jumped at the opportunity! As an artist myself, watching Chappell’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of inspiring. After some recent […]
What to say about Joy Division? What to say about New Order?? What to say about one night of both separated into two sets by one of the bands’ co-founding members?!?! Post punk icon Peter Hook does just that, now playing his darkwave hits alongside “The Light” — a detail I find so delightfully cheeky. […]
It was another beautiful night for music in Nashville, Tennessee. The Brooklyn Bowl was packed to capacity with fans eagerly awaiting the performance of Future Islands. This was a show I had been anticipating for a very long time. Over the past decade, Future Islands has been one of my go-to bands for romantic moments. […]
The genre of darkwave capitalizes on feelings of emptiness, apathy, and futility to sell records… but that only scratches the surface. Sure, the guitar most often pierces a post punk song layered with a hefty amount of reverb, guiding the listener through somber sounds and monotone vocals until the very end. But there are also […]
It’s Friday night at the Music Box in downtown San Diego… the Friday following New Year’s Eve (a mere five days prior), meaning most inhabitants of this coastal town are in hibernation mode until further notice. But not the synth-loving, darkwave fans of Princess Goes — a sonically progressive band led by renowned actor Michael […]
In November 2023, the inaugural Darker Waves Festival wowed New Wave fans with its impressively iconic 80s and darkwave headliners, such as New Order, Tears for Fears, She Wants Revenge, and Echo and the Bunnymen. This festival also featured a slew of great performances beyond the headliners, with many festival-goers finding new bands to love […]
The lyrical genius and mad beat slayer known as Atmosphere are back in action with new Talk Talk EP, a concept album released on December 1st. Being the time of year for reflection, might as well take a minute to audit the past 40. For those unaware of the breadth of talent this hip hop […]
Get ready for another black rose superbloom in Pasadena this May! It’s the royal return of Cruel World Festival to the Rose Bowl on May 11th, presented by Goldenvoice. In similar darkwave style, this third installment is chock full of apathetic bands spanning from the early days of post punk all the way to today. […]
Some bands stand the test of time… and some are incredibly ahead of their time. Now when the two collide, you have something really special. The enigmatic, odd, and often outspoken group known as Devo has officially been rocking their synthy punk sound for 50 years — yet they remain progressive to this day. Take […]
Goldenvoice delivered another dose of poetic depth and darkwave to the apathetically inclined, in the form of the second annual Cruel World Festival in Pasadena, California. From near and far, New Wave-lovers, old-school punks, and all-out goths got together to celebrate the best synthy hits the 80s had to offer. Walking into the Rose Bowl, […]
Masego is an extraordinarily gifted musician, artist, singer, producer, performer, DJ, and creative director. He is what I like to call a, “Multi-Talented-Millennial”. The number of skills he continues to gain by the year are unmistakably part of the 23 year old Jamaican-American brand. As a musician he is loved by crowds across all genres […]
Stepping into the new year with some quality easy-listening in a genre-less format, the L.A. musicians forming Good Bison have something fresh for you. Dropped on February 21st, the eerie EP Ghost on Mulholland changes up the group’s previous sound a little, channeling that retro-alternative vibe that gripped us all in our younger days. The […]
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