AMPLIFIEDSD

Alex Gaskareth said, “Music is the soundtrack to every good and bad time we will ever have.” This is certainly true for Politik, a Southern California band composed of Eli Furar, Arend Hekma, Ben Dawson, and Lucas Durand. Their music merges feelings of adolescence with a classic rock feel and heavy-hitting beats. I met with Ben Dawson to discuss the band’s roots, maintaining creativity, and new music.

Whether you’re writing songs in your bedroom or chasing down the perfect take at 2 a.m., having your own recording setup can change how you make music forever.

On June 27, 2025, KhanPhAro & the New Creatures unleashed their summer anthem, “AOAS,” a fiery fusion of raw rap vocals, guttural guitar riffs, and pounding drums that cements their place as one of SoCal’s most electrifying underground forces.

Losing your mind looking at the news lately? Why not get lost in Moon Panda’s new track, “Lost World” instead?

Cow Records sits nestled between two bars, only about a block from the ocean on the north side of Newport Avenue. You might miss it on a first walk down Newport Ave. It's only about 15 feet wide, and its signage is fairly basic with white lettering and a black background.

This all-female band featuring Heather Moonflower (guitar/vocals), Arlina Hoeschen (bass), Tamara Monasterio (keyboard), and Nikki Bigonger (drums), isn’t just making music; they’re living proof that it’s never too late to chase creative dreams with fire and intention.

Eli Iwasa, one of Brazil’s most iconic DJs and cultural trailblazers, is returning to the United States for a leg of her 2025 world tour - and San Diego is on the map. On June 14, she’ll take the stage at Warung Tour, a prestigious Brazilian-led electronic event hosted at Wicked West.

Get ready, Temecula — the ultimate ‘80s rock party is coming your way. On Thursday, June 19, the Pechanga Resort Casino will erupt with electrifying riffs and glam rock anthems as Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band hits the stage for one unforgettable night.

On Saturday, June 7th, Oakland’s own Piss Mist will be tearing through San Diego with a night of unfiltered, feedback-drenched hardcore at The Tower Bar.

Landing at Lightning in a Bottle, you’re greeted by the bright, clinking sound of hammers hitting stakes. The rugged fandom of EDM, those brave disciples of PLURR, prep for five days of camping: planting tents, hanging tapestries, and setting up for the 16th iteration of sweltering heat, loud music, and dance-till-you-drop setlists that will test their endurance and commitment to live electronic dance music. 

When Wonderfront Festival announced their 2025 musician line-up back in January, there was a noticeable change in vibe compared to last year’s roster. In this fourth edition of the San Diego-based musical celebration, organizers picked fewer local bands and high-profile names, opting instead for a wider selection of mid-tier artists (in terms of celebrity, not quality). 

San Diego soul-pop collective sullvn is back with a bang, releasing their newest single, “Rooftop” which is a sun-soaked, horn-heavy celebration of love’s euphoric early stages.

When inspiration vanishes, it’s not a clean rest—it’s more like being trapped mid-phrase in a song that used to sing itself. For musicians, this can mean hours at the piano with nothing but empty chords or a melody that won’t lift off the ground. The pursuit of creative rhythm isn’t just about generating new compositions; it’s about clearing mental space so music has room to return. Sometimes the breakthrough isn’t about what’s added, but what’s cleared away.

What started out as a couple of brothers planning a birthday party, evolved into a 20-year old independent business that has become a cultural staple at music festivals around the world.

San Diego-based trio Sweet Myths has just released their first official music video for their emotional new single, "What a Beautiful Dream." The band, made up of Diego Rodriguez, Deejay Rich, and John Martinez, may be scattered across El Cajon, Pacific Beach, and North Park, but together, they’re carving out a sound that feels grounded, sincere, and instantly resonant.

New York’s chaotic-soft-punk duo Um, Jennifer? have officially released their long-awaited debut album, Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark, now streaming everywhere via Final Girl Records.