Playlist link KCSB-FM returns with a playlist celebrating the contributions of Asian-Americans to the musical landscape. This playlist is not meant to be comprehensive, but serves as a snapshot into the vast world of Asian-American art. Read through to discover political charged folk tunes, cosmic electro-soul pieces, classic turntablist […]
KCSB’s Digital Media Coordinator, Avery, visited San Luis Obispo to check out the annual Shabang Festival! As 2026 tickets begin to go on pre-sale, we hope our review of this year’s festival gives you something to look forward to next spring. words and photos by Avery Morgan Those who love […]
words by Avery Kightlinger In the male-dominated sea of Isla Vista bands that remain predominantly surf-rock, indie group Magnetize takes a different approach with their music. Highlighting self-power and divinity in their music, they seek to illuminate the importance and vitality of femininity and knowing one’s self-worth to exude that […]
UCSB STUDENTS! KCSB-FM is up for reaffirmation and seeking a fee increase this year. We are a college and community radio station located on UCSB’s campus, directly under Storke Tower. KCSB trains students and community volunteers in broadcasting every quarter. As a student-led campus radio, we are proud to […]
words by Liam Hogan Last summer, I became completely obsessed with two major works of art: SMiLE by The Beach Boys and the book-length poem “In Sara, Mencken, Christ and Beethoven There Were Men and Women” by John Barton Wolgamot. The latter is discussed pretty significantly less than the former, […]
Our Assistant Music Director Kai is here to shine a spotlight on the rhythm and soul of breakdancing music. From the gritty funk of the ’70s to modern-day mixtapes made for cyphers, discover how the beats that fuel breakers have evolved alongside hip-hop. These tracks are guaranteed to get your […]
Playlist link KCSB-FM’s Music Department is back again with a playlist celebrating some of the wonderful contributions gifted by women to the musical world. This playlist is by no means comprehensive, but is meant to highlight personal favorites and artists to keep an eye on. Read on and give […]
Due to scheduled upgrades to the power grid serving the UCSB campus, KCSB-FM in Santa Barbara will be temporarily off the air overnight starting Thursday, March 27 at 9 PM. We anticipate resuming our broadcast by Friday, March 28 at 12 PM. Please note that our online streaming will also […]
words by Lily Raesler & photos by Michelle Evans (@_saltygoat) On Saturday night, I embark to Ventura, 20 minutes in one direction from the very homeland of Nardcore and another 20 from the birthplace of RKL, for a night of thrashy guitar-forward metal-inspired(?) punk rock with a side of skate […]
It’s been a few weeks since the curtain closed on our annual Fund Drive, and honestly—we’re still feeling the spell you cast. Your generosity was pure magic, and we’re endlessly grateful to everyone who conjured up a donation. Because of you, KCSB is ready to bring you community events, […]
words & photos by Derek D-Tragic Duncan (Word on the Streets Radio) The Ventura Music Hall was on fire, hosting a packed house for an unforgettable lineup featuring Mr. Dibbs, Sage Francis, and Atmosphere. From the opening DJ set to the final encore, the super diverse crowd was treated […]
This February, KCSB-FM’s Executive Committee has come together to craft a playlist commemorating Black History Month. It cannot be adequately expressed how much black musicians have contributed to the musical world. This playlist is by no means comprehensive, but is meant to highlight some personal favorites. Read on for a […]
The following is a tribute to Rhoda Orzsag Vestuto, aka “Lady Calico” (longtime host of KCSB’s “The Faerie Ring”), who passed away last fall at the age of 95. Rhoda was born in 1929. Her parents were immigrants from Hungary. Her mother was a seamstress in New York City’s garment […]
Every year, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) brings filmmakers from all over the world to our town. For 10 days in February, Hollywood professionals make their way to venues around State Street, making their way from Q&As, independent films, and creative panels, along with red carpet award tributes […]
In preparation for Valentine’s Day, KCSB’s Executive Committee has put together a playlist of songs all about love. Read till the very end to check out some picks from our winter Assistant Music Directors, Rio and Kai! playlist link PARKER’S RECS “I Love You Like The Way That I Used […]
Karl Blau is a musician, songwriter, and producer whose career spans over three decades, rooted in the music scene of Anacortes, Washington. His work has ranged from solo 4-track recordings to collaborations with artists like Laura Veirs & Phil Elverum and bands such as D+ and Old Time Relijun. After […]
Margaritas Podridas is a three-piece grunge and shoegaze band from Sonora, Mexico. Carolina (bass and vocals), Erubiel (drums), and Rafael (guitar) opened up for Etran De L’Aïr at the Lodge Room on October 12th with an electrifying performance–their screams and instruments practically bouncing off the intimate venue’s walls. KCSB-FM’s Monica […]
𝓱ₐ𝐩𝐩y (belated) 𝚋ᵢᵣ𝚝𝓱𝚍ₐy iaminconstanflux! words by applemartini / images by trankis This year, iaminconstantflux! celebrated its fifth year since its first air date on KCSB-FM, September 13, 2019. iaminconstantflux! was born out of a desire to break the confinements I had limited myself with on my first radio show. Its […]
words by Evan Chanksy & photos by Avery Morgan Christian Lee Hutson might well be your favorite singer-songwriter’s favorite singer-songwriter. He’s written and produced songs for the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Boygenius, Katy Kirby, Charlie Hickey, Samia, and Maya Hawke. Don’t believe me? Check out this written by […]
Album Review – Big Red Gibson By Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus words by Corinna Kelley Taking inspiration from bands such as The Byrds and Bob Dylan, Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus take us on a folk-rock journey to self acceptance and what it means to choose passion over […]
Parker Doti, KCSB’s Music Director, dives into this eclectic funk compilation for October’s Add of the Month. Words by: Parker Doti Photo courtesy: Habibi Funk Bandcamp Every week, Maya and I dig through KCSB’s extensive library of physical media to find interesting and unique CDs and records to play […]
This October, KCSB’s staff came together to compile a playlist of the spookiest, ghastliest, most macabre tunes to spin while hunting ghosts, conjuring evil spirits, watching the Charlie Brown Halloween movie, or participating in any other frightening activity. Read on to hear some words from the station’s staff! PARKER’S RECS […]
words and photos by Logan Martin On September 17th, KCSB’s Isabelle Prittie and I set out for LA to see Mass of the Fermenting Dregs, a Japanese post-hardcore and alt-rock trio hailing from Kobe City, Japan play at the Vermont Hollywood venue. The band has seen tough times since its […]
It’s Hispanic Heritage month, and down at KCSB the music department has been putting together a playlist to showcase the wonderful and unique music that’s come out of many different Spanish-speaking countries! There’s so much music to cover and this list is by no means comprehensive, these are just some […]