Catharsis & clove cigarettes at Cruel World 2023

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, […]

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 […]

Goldenvoice’s Cruel World Fest to span two days May 2022

Announced mid-February of 2020, Goldenvoice’s Cruel World was supposed to capture the hearts of retro rockers everywhere in May. Well, the world had other plans (as we all are aware). The inaugural event — hyped beyond belief, with headliner Morrissey alongside Bauhaus, Blondie, Devo among others — offers a title even only more applicable now […]

The Cure curates Pasadena Daydream Festival

It’s been 40 years since Robert Smith and The Cure entertained fans at Hyde Park in London. In honor of that show, The Cure has created another summer’s end festival of epic proportions. Robert Smith says of his new Pasadena Daydream Festival, “Hyde Park was a fabulous experience, the whole day was really magical and […]

The Arroyo Seco Weekend 2018 experience

Considering large corporate festivals are not reggae in nature, getting approved for media credentials under the moniker 'Top Shelf Reggae' is, in itself, an accomplishment. Upon hearing the lineup for Arroyo Seco Weekend 2018, with rock legends Neil Young and Robert Plant attached, I immediately sent in an application without a shred of hope that […]