Music
Kendrick Lamar, Man at the Garden
Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, GNX, is a meditation on practicing peace and standing on business when necessary. GNX carries a spiritual significance that carries over to the listener. Lamar gives back to Los Angeles by putting on smaller LA based artists and combining their sound with older R&B samples, freestyle, and the general west coast sound into a singular cohesive project. Hard hitting bass, smooth melodies, and experimental structure make for an extremely dynamic listening experience.
JPEGMAFIA’s I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU – A Review
JPEGMAFIA’s I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU album is explosive! It zaps you before coddling you in a blanket of firm, strict affection before sending you back into a battlefield dirtied with raw, burning reflections behind the persona that makes up JPEGMAFIA.
Sparky’s Best Albums 2024
We worked hard to find out what our Sac State, Sparky-lovin’ community was listening to this year. Not only were there veterans KSSU DJs Rafterian, DJ Artrocks, and DJ Harrito BUT some new additons like ERDJ, DJ motherboard, DJ Wirehead, and DJ Audrenism, along with some KSSU extended family
All in all, 27 Sac State students helped us determine the shining stars of 2024.
2024 MAMA Awards in Review: BIGBANG’s Mega Comeback After 9 Years?! NEWJEANS Terminated Their Contract with ADOR?! Music Bank Global Festival
From November 21st to 23rd, the 2024 MAMA Awards took place. On November 21st, it was live in Los Angeles, California at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The opening sequence featured performances from K-pop groups TWS, ILLIT, and RIIZE who performed “Dynamite”, “Heart Shaker”, and “Kick It”.
Over and Out: ELO’s Farewell Tour
On Wednesday, October 23 I attended Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) farewell tour in Sacramento, California. The concert took place at Golden 1 Center and was a sold-out show. Although I am a big fan of ELO, I originally had not planned to go. I went to the box office less than half an hour before the show started, and my friend and I were lucky enough to snag a really good deal on tickets.
Hozier: Unearth Unreal Concert Review
Hozier, the Irish god himself, had graced his presence in Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on September 9th and luckily, I was there to frolic in the glorious rock, soul, and folk music with him.
Liam Payne’s Passing: A Heartbreaking Loss for Fans and Loved Ones
I’ve been a One Direction fan for as long as I can remember. From the moment I was 12, I had everything One Direction—posters covering my walls, CDs playing on repeat, pillows and blankets that made me feel closer to them. They were the first band I was truly obsessed with. Their songs were the soundtrack to my teenage years, and Liam Payne was always a central part of that magic. So when I heard the news of his passing, it felt like a punch to the gut.
NewJeans How Sweet + Bubble Gum Album Review
Hey guys this is DJ Harrito! It’s been a while! I’ve been pretty busy lately but now that I have time to post something, I want to talk about NewJeans’ recent album from earlier this year! Well, it was more of a few singles, but regardless they’re worth the listen! Specifically, today we’ll be discussing the How Sweet + Bubble Gum mini album released on May 24, 2024. Let’s dive in!
Dreaming of Musiclandria
I’ve got a bone to pick with you, Sacramento.
We have such a vibrant arts and music scene here in this city. Everywhere you go, there is evidence of it. There is an abundance of creativity here, and I have to say, the music scene, in particular, is literally bursting at the seams. Several internationally acclaimed musicians and bands were either born or formed here. Our cup runneth over in that aspect, is all I’m saying.
Magical Night: Experiencing Brett Young Live for the First Time
Brett Young’s concert in Lincoln was an unforgettable night for country music fans including myself since it was my first country concert. My sister and I bought tickets the day of, so it was a spontaneous evening. The sun set, the crowd gathered, ready for a night of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The venue was packed with people of all ages and the presence of everyone was calming and welcoming.
Future & Metro Boomin Live in Sacramento: A Night of Unmatched Energy
Attending the Future and Metro Boomin concert in Sacramento was a memorable night. From the moment I arrived at the venue, everything was going smoothly and I enjoyed front row seats of my section.
The energy of all the fans were unmatched and everyone showed out in their best outfits for the concert, bringing excitement and anticipation from the DJ. It was clear that everyone was ready for an unforgettable night.
Wallows: Model Tour Review
I am glad I was not “Missing Out” on the Wallows tour! Wallows stopped by San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium as part of their “Model” tour, which I was privileged enough see it for myself.
This was my second time watching them live. My first time was in 2022 when they came to Ace Of Spades, just here in Sacramento for their “Tell Me That It’s Over” tour. Watching Wallows was very important for me as they are the band that has ultimately determined the kind of music I listen to today.
PARTYNEXTDOOR Live: A Rare Comeback After Years Off the Tour Scene
When you think of Toronto, do you think of Drake or “Break from Toronto” by PARTYNEXTDOOR?
Attending the PARTYNEXTDOOR concert in San Francisco for his “Sorry I’m Outside” tour was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was full of high energy from the moment I stepped into the venue.
Rocking Out with Rosso Rosso: Exclusive Video Performance and Vinyl Review!
Hey there music enthusiasts! We’ve got something special for you today: an electrifying performance brought to you exclusively by KSSU in collaboration with Rosso Rosso.
Album of the Year? Drake-21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert, Gunna, or SZA?
In terms of hip-hop, 2023 has exploded. Fans continue to clamor for new music from their favorite performers, even after such a successful year as 2022.
Greta Van Fleet: Dreams in Gold Tour Review
Greta Van Fleet has been around for nearly a decade, and there is only more in store for them with their rising popularity.
Sparky’s Best Albums of 2022
With contributions from DJs Parker Olsen (Si+si), Justin Howery (Mt. Vex), William Graves-Hafford (Durruti), Karris Brooks (Karrotts), Austin Aragona (Double A), Lawrence Charles , Kris Hall (Uncle Cheese), Teena Walker (TeeWalkaa), Aaron Wall (adubs), Charlotte Barna (Char-Bar), Steve Furtado (CSB), Orlando Rodriguez (Geo)
This year, KSSU wanted to expand our view to include more voices from the Sac State community. We joined forces with The State Hornet and ASI to gather 34 entries to determine what Sparky’s best albums for 2022 would be.
“As It Was” Review
I was never a One Direction fan when I was a kid, nor was I a hardcore Harry Styles fan ever. As he’s released his music in his solo career there have been some songs that caught my attention and I liked for a while and then completely forgot about. Long story short, Harry Styles has never been an artist that I felt like I needed to see in person. Until now.
Sparky’s Best Albums of 2021
with contributions by DJs Stephen Sullivan (Chip), Sean Bright (SJ), Odin Rasco, Hector Hernandez (DJ Hectic), Aaron Wall (adubs), Kachai Ware (DJ Ware), and Danielle Mckinney (urdoseofdan)
During the pandemic, music delivers a hopeful message
Searching for hope? The year 2020 has been hard for everyone, but music has provided a way to cope. Songs are more than just melodies coming through a speaker or headphones, but rather a way to inspire and impact those who hear it.