Album Review: ‘A Better Tomorrow’

“A Better Tomorrow” Wu-Tang Clan Warner Bros. Records 4/5 Paws On its new release, “A Better Tomorrow,” Wu-Tang Clan proves its unity with tracks exploring violent street scenes of the past and its path toward achieving widespread acclaim while sticking true to original hip-hop instrumentals. For two decades, Wu-Tang Clan has maintained a standard for […]

Singer-songwriter takes artistic freedom to Fowler Out Loud concert

When Savannah Meares was a timid 4-year-old, her parents placed her into singing lessons, hoping she would branch out. After singing live in front of audiences for years, the third-year music history student said the stage now feels comfortable. “When you are up there on stage, you get a certain vibe from the audience and […]

‘Spine of Califas’ combines Chicano music, poetry at Powell

In the late 1970s, Jesus Velo and Willie Herrón of punk rock band, Los Illegals, aimed to provide a space for Chicano culture in East L.A. Under the name “Spine of Califas,” the musicians have partnered and toured with the writers of Taco Shop Poets, coalescing the voices of two Chicano generations through a meshing […]

MindFul Music brings live performances to stressed Bruins

Rushing through the Center for Health Sciences with his head down and a sad look on his face, MindFul Music’s student target suddenly removes his earbuds, shocked at the sight of a jazz quartet performing right there in Café Med. Promoting wellness on campus through music inspired UCLA alumna Dalida Arakelian to launch MindFul Music, […]

Q&A: SOJA’s Jacob Hemphill speaks on tour life, new album

Alternative reggae group SOJA’s eclectic band of dreadlocked guitarists, Latin-style brass players and upbeat percussionists perform music with a deep lyrical conviction regarding the state of human emotion and conflict. The Daily Bruin’s Max McGee spoke with Jacob Hemphill, SOJA’s lead vocalist and guitarist, about the band’s new album, “Amid the Noise and Haste,” and […]

Album Review: ‘Amid the Noise and Haste’

In the late ’90s, first-grade buddies Jacob Hemphill and Bob “Bobby Lee” Jefferson of reggae band SOJA set out from Washington, D.C., on a musical journey that has since culminated in six studio albums and several international tours. An emerging force in the world music scene, SOJA has spent the past year touring the United […]

HARD Summer festival provides electrifying EDM experience

The darkness of night blanketed thousands of festivalgoers at the main stage of HARD Summer as electronic dance music super duo Jack U harnessed the spirit of the crowd. Flames shot upward form the tops of the stage into the sky as cool rain showers fell to the ground. HARD Summer’s dynamic lineup of various […]