Photos by Lauren Kim Singer-songwriter Olivia Austin, known onstage as Operelly, makes music for the tenderhearted. Her eclectic lyricism and quirky arrangements have forged a pop sound that feels familiar yet experimental, a delicate balance that music platform Nina Protocol has referred to as “matured nursery rhymes.” Operelly’s sound is not to be siloed. Her…
Photos by Lauren Kim You’d probably drive past Zebulon without thinking twice. Just past a bridge and nestled between two freeways, Zebulon’s plain white facade houses a dimly lit bar. Inside, scattered conversations hum over the muffled sound of music. Enter the back room, and you’ll find a routine gathering spot for music lovers in…
Photos by Georgie Ampudia For years, Panchiko existed more like an internet rumor than an actual band. In 2016, a user on 4chan uploaded a heavily distorted CD they had found in an Oxfam charity shop, asking if anyone recognized it. The album, D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L, contained almost no identifying information beyond a few first names buried…
Photos by Dylan Simmons Snail Mail handles human emotion with care. Hailing from Ellicott City, a suburb of Baltimore, singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan has been performing as Snail Mail since she was fifteen years old. The indie rock band’s third studio album, Ricochet, was released in March, over half a decade since the band’s last LP,…
Photos by Ava Bozic In the midst of dazzling disco lights and reflections from chandeliers, I could feel the palpable excitement as I made my way to the photo pit. The buzz of fans alongside gorgeous red stage curtains had adrenaline coursing through me. Having discovered Jordan Ward’s music through tracks “CHERIMOYA” and “FAMJAM4000” had…
Photos by Ava Bozic Say She She embodies fabulousness — pairing space-age glamour with perfectly polished vocals and impeccably layered harmonies. Formed by classically trained singers — Piya Malik, Sabrina Cunningham, and Nya Brown — in Brooklyn, New York, they exude an excellence and passion for their craft that you don’t often encounter. My love…
Photos by Dylan Simmons Wet Leg is a five-piece English rock band known for their distinct display of electrifying guitar riffs, unforgettable live performances, and witty, assertive lyricism, sampling elements of indie rock, pop, and punk in their thoroughly unique sonic personality. Though they’re best known for viral tracks “Chaise Lounge” and “Wet Dream” off…
Written by Kiara Mack With her debut single released at just thirteen-years-old, Madison Beer has long been a curious case of a rising pop artist. The former child star has spent half her life being heavily scrutinized in the public eye, all while trying to find her musical footing through the noise of fans and…
Photos by Lauren Kim I was nervous to start 2026 in a new city. I had just discarded the familiarity of Los Angeles — 80-degree winters and a social circle of artists and microinfluencers — for Washington D.C., where the trees are barren and the people lead introductions with their job title. At least the…
Photos by Amanda Romankiw Last Thursday, Blood Orange kicked off a headline tour for his newest album, Essex Honey. After Los Angeles experienced a gloomy week of heavy rain and crisp winds, fans sizzled with anticipation, eager to catch Blood Orange’s opening show at the Shrine. Formally known as Dev Hynes, the singer/songwriter/producer was raised…