Durand Jones & The Indications Concert Review

By Gaby Nieraeth, KRTU Student Intern

As retro-inspired R&B groups seem to continually gain popularity, Durand Jones & The Indications (DJI) continue to carve out their distinct place within the genre. Rhythmic bass lines along with soaring falsettos from drummer Aaron Frazer, paired with the deeply-soulful vocals of Durand Jones transported the San Antonio audience at the Aztec Theater on September 15th. The sound didn’t quite throw back entirely to the 1970s nor exist fully in 2025, but instead lived in a unique in-between space. 

Before DJI took the stage, The Psycodelics (Instagram: @thepsycodelics) had the crowd mesmerized by their high-energy funk infused set. As I looked out amongst the crowd, I saw a sea of heads bobbing along to the rhythm. Cheers rang out as bassist and lead vocalist Cameron ‘Caminator’ Wescott led the group into song after song. While you may be able to hear the heavy influence of the 1970s in their sound, in a 2023 article for the Charleston City Paper, Wescott noted that they pull influence from “...sounds and ideas musically from back in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s - everything up until now - and put it all together. There’s no certain time period.” 

After a short break, DJI (Instagram: @durandjonesandtheindications) took the stage to the rapturous cheers of an excited San Antonio crowd. Frazer proudly called the performance a “hometown show.” San Antonio was a key stop in the group’s early days, as Jones explained in a 2021 interview with Indianapolis Monthly that their first show in San Antonio marked the beginning of realizing the legacy they had tasked themselves with upholding and pushing forward. The show was transformative not only as a group for DJI, but for Jones, who now calls San Antonio home; “I immediately fell in love with San Antonio after that.”

That love was definitely reciprocated by the crowd at the Aztec Theater. The energy was absolutely electric, as lovers clung to each other, friends sang along, and strangers exchanged smiles. The setlist spanned their entire discography, from the 2016 debut album track “Is It Any Wonder?” to “Really Wanna Be With You” off their 2025 release Flowers. I was blown away by Frazer’s airy vocals, which created a dreamlike atmosphere. Jones’ voice was a powerhouse, and his stage presence was enchanting. He high-fived fans on the barricade and danced like no one was watching. One of the most moving moments came during “Love Will Work It Out”, with its promise that “joy will set us free if you so believe” and “don’t you ever doubt that love will work it out.” The song felt like a seed of hope and a reminder of love’s power in a deeply divided time. 

From The Psycodelics’ high-energy funk to DJI’s smooth neo-soul, the night was a celebration of love, hope, and the timeless power of music. 

Flood Relief Benefit Concert @ The Hoppy Monk

Flood Relief Benefit Concert
Saturday, September 6, 2025
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Hoppy Monk
Free Admission

Join KRTU for an evening of drinks, food, a silent auction and music by DJ JJ Lopez, Dylan Lee, Humiliation Ritual, and Collective Dreams. This event will raise awareness and support for Kerrville Pets Alive! and their efforts to help the animals affected by the Texas Hill Country floods.

Let's come together as a community and make a difference in the lives of these animals! Friendly pets on leash. are welcome to join their human companions on the patio. 

Thank you to all who came out to support this event. Read a recap published in Trinity University’s news paper, Trinitonian.
KRTU lends a paw to Kerrville Pets Alive!

Kevin Kaarl + Andrea Bejar @ Majestic Theatre

Kevin Kaarl + Special Guest Andrea Bejar

Ultra Sodade Tour 2025

Thursday, August 28th, 2025

7:30PM | Doors open 6:30PM

Majestic Theatre

BUY TICKETS

Following the successful release of his acclaimed fourth studio album, ULTRA SODADE, multi-platinum selling indie crooner Kevin Kaarl announces his world tour, which will span multiple regions and have over 50 confirmed dates.  

The ULTRA SODADE TOUR 2025 is set to take Kevin to stages across North America, Mexico, Latin America and Europe, solidifying his position as one of the biggest independent artists with global reach and fanbase. 

The tour, which kicks off on April 22 in Atlanta, GA, will hit more than 15 countries, including stops in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Berlin, Paris, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Santiago de Chile. 

Kevin Kaarl, a prominent Mexican independent folk music figure, was born on May 15, 2000, in Meoqui, Chihuahua. His musical journey began at six years old in a school competition, performing a Marco Antonio Solís song. He grew up alongside his twin brother Bryan in a family environment where music, from Los Bukis to Andrea Bocelli, was omnipresent. His musical training began in the elementary school choir and Marching Band, where he learned transverse flute and music theory. At eight, he received a guitar from his grandfather to shape his destiny, though his genuine connection with the instrument would come years later. 2018 was the decisive year when, together with Bryan, he began creating covers and composing. His first single, “Amor Viejo,” would reach over 196 million streams on Spotify. The collaboration with his brother evolved until Bryan became his primary producer. His music has transcended borders, surpassing 6,700,000,000 global streams, a milestone achieved through his vision of making music with complete creative freedom and total independence from record labels. As an independent artist, Kevin Kaarl has maintained his creative freedom while achieving important milestones, including performing at Mexico's iconic Auditorio Nacional before 10,000 people at age 22. Kevin's music has transcended borders, profoundly connecting with audiences worldwide, especially in mass markets like Mexico, the United States, and Spain. His ability to convey emotions through his melodies and lyrics has established him as one of Latin America's most authentic Gen Z voices. His ability to convey emotions through his melodies and lyrics has established him as one of Latin America's most authentic Gen Z voices. 

LEVITATION 2025

LEVITATION 2025 - September 25–28, 2025 - Austin, Texas

LEVITATION 2025 will bring an epic 4-day weekend of music and art to the Palmer Events Center + Downtown clubs and late-night shows down on Red River! 3 Day and Single Day Passes Available. Click HERE for more information!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

NEKO CASE @ Tobin Center

Neko Case: Fall Tour

With Special Guest John Grant

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 

November 24, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.

Singer, songwriter, music producer, visual artist, and writer Neko Case is the consummate career artist — fearless and versatile, with a fierce work ethic and a constant drive to search deeper within herself for creative growth. “One of America's best and most ambitious singer-songwriters" (Rolling Stone) and “essentially peerless” (NPR), Case has long been revered as one of music’s most influential artists, whose authenticity, lyrical storytelling, and sly wit have endeared her to a legion of critics, musicians, and lifelong fans. In addition to numerous acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated solo records, Case is a founding member of Canadian supergroup The New Pornographers. She is the author of The New York Times bestselling memoir 'The Harder I Fight the More I Love You' and the weekly Substack newsletter ‘Entering The Lung,’ and is currently composing the musical theater adaptation of the Academy Award-winning motion picture 'Thelma & Louise.'

$1 from every ticket will go to Peer Solutions and support their positive youth leadership and development program designed to prevent harm before it begins and engage lifetime ambassadors of positive change (www.peersolutions.org).

Purchase Tickets HERE

KRTUFest 2025 Recap

By Gaby Nieraeth

On Thursday, April 17th, community members gathered for the third annual KRTUfest, hosted at The Carver Community Cultural Center (Instagram: @thecarversa). The space offered a festival-like atmosphere where attendees browsed local art vendors, grabbed yummy bites from a food truck, and danced along to groovy music coming from an outdoor DJ booth, as well as live performances inside the Little Carver Theater. 

As doors opened, JJ Lopez, respected DJ and KRTU General Manager, known for his seamless blending of Soul, Funk, Disco, and House, welcomed the crowd with an all-vinyl set that perfectly set the tone for KRTUfest. His narrative and explorational set, JJ’s Balearic Beat, pulled influence from the sounds of the 1980s UK Rave Culture, its evolution in the Mediterranean, and Lopez’s own early rave experiences. As the sun slowly sank, concert-goers created an impromptu dance floor, filling the space with rhythm and funky dance moves. 

Inside the Little Carver Theater, live performances began with Sundazia (Instagram: @sundazia), a group made up entirely of Trinity University students. Led by KRTU Intern and on-air host Will Sharp, the group opened the night with jazzy covers of popular songs, as well as experimental original tracks. The Slydes (Instagram: @the.slydes) brought a burst of high-energy alternative rock. With crisp guitar tones, upbeat tempos, and raw vocals, the group hyped up the crowd and had attendees jamming. Following The Slydes, Soma Jerome (Instagram: @somajerome) took the stage with a catchy psychedelic indie rock set. The group even played a surprise reggae-inspired track that had the crowd bobbing their heads along in rhythm.  

Closing off the night was Collective Dreams (Instagram: @collectivedreams), whose instrumental-heavy set offered a hypnotic, immersive experience, and featured Live and Local host Albert Salinas. The crowd was entranced by sweeping ambient sounds, accompanied by mesmerizing visuals. Towards the end of their set, the group passed out maracas and shakers, inviting attendees to join their performance.  

KRTUfest 2025 was more than just a concert, but rather a celebration of community, connection, and culture. From raw vocals to psychedelic guitars, the night captured the distinct and vibrant essence of San Antonio’s Indie music culture. See you on the dance floor in 2026. 

Men I Trust @ Boeing Center at Tech Port

MEN I TRUST – Equus North American Tour 

Coming to Boeing Center at Tech Port on August 25, 2025

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Get ready for an unforgettable night with Men I Trust as they bring their Equus North American Tour to San Antonio on August 25! Known for their hypnotic melodies, lush dream-pop soundscapes, and mesmerizing live performances, the Canadian indie trio—Emma Proulx, Jessy Caron, and Dragos Chiriac—delivers an intimate yet electrifying musical experience.

Doors open at 7:00pm. This event welcomes all ages.

THIS SHOW IS GENERAL ADMISSION FLOOR ONLY

YARfest Review

By Angelina D’Elia

The first annual YARfest took place in Round Rock, Texas, earlier this year, and two of our interns were lucky enough to snag media passes for the event. 

Produced by 1214 Entertainment, Y-A-R stands for Young Asians Represent, and their mission is to celebrate a new era of independent Asian artists, highlighting Asian culture and talent in Texas and the United States as a whole. 

“In Texas we have a lot of culture communities, but we’re kind of in our own bubble,” said 1214 Entertainment co-founder Echo Yan. “And what is the easiest way for people to talk and get into contact with each other? Through music. In music, there is no language barrier— it breaks the boundary.”

The two-day festival showcased dozens of local ATX artists such as AZXO, Francene Rouelle, Kid Keith, Lava Hong, Maru Haru, promqueen, The Dropouts, Tiger He, and Tyler Kole, along with national and international headliners, including Justin Park, KIRE, the North Star Boys, REI AMI, sunkis, and Tiffany Day.

“I get so excited whenever I see an Asian musician, because I feel like there’s not a lot in mainstream media… I think particularly in entertainment a lot of Asian artists aren’t encouraged to pursue a career in art because it’s not a ‘standard career,’” explained JONAVI, an R&B artist from Dallas, Texas. “But it’s so inspiring to me, and I hope that when people see me doing this they get inspired to pursue it as well.”

Not only did YARfest promote local and Asian musicians, but they took care to support other local AAPI businesses, as well. Featuring a vibrant night market and dozens of local restaurants and businesses, this festival had everything covered, and we would highly recommend checking them out next year for the chance to support local music and experience a thoroughly well-planned music festival. 

“It was super impressive for such a new festival,” KRTU intern Matthew Miller reflected, “It was really the quality of a much more established festival like ACL, but with a more intimate crowd. I would definitely love to go again.”

For the full festival review and more artist interviews, check out our video on YouTube!

A special thank you to Trinity University alumni Martin Li, head of PR at 1214, for the incredible opportunity to attend.

Briston Maroney Concert Review

By Sabrina Enriquez 

Briston Maroney, an indie pop artist, has been making music since 2017. His debut album, however, Sunflower was released in 2021. It was his hit single, “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate,” from his 2018 EP, that vaulted him into the spotlight. Before all of this, however, Briston was a contestant on the popular show American Idol. At only 15, Briston competed on the show, showing off his impressive vocals at such a young age. Since then, Briston has gone on to release two albums that have quintessential indie pop anthems. 

Briston performed in San Antonio on October 14th at Stable Hall. Annie DiRusso opened up the show, with a high energy show. Her performance was a perfect beginning for the night. She sang some of her top hits like “Coming Soon,” “Legs,” and “Wet.” She had previously opened up for artists like Declan Mckenna and Sara Kays, so I knew her music would deliver the perfect indie vibe. Her fun and energetic performance helped get the crowd ready for the night. Her music was a great mix of pop, rock, and some folk. As she exited the stage, after plenty of jumping, dancing, and singing, the crowd was energized and ready for Briston.

As Briston stepped onto the stage, a haze of smoke followed him onto the center. The opening chords for his song “Body,” began and the crowd immediately began singing along. Throughout his entire set, the crowd sang along to his heartfelt lyrics. Briston even went on to play a brand new unreleased song, “Real Good Swimmer.” Briston, of course, sang his most popular songs like “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate,” “Small Talk,” “Caroline,” and “June.” Through each song, you could see the love and passion Briston has for his music. When he wasn’t singing he was interacting with the audience, creating a genuine atmosphere. At the end of the show, he even decided to stay and speak with fans. He went around signing merch and taking photos. 

At the end of the night, I knew Briston’s music would be on repeat for the rest of the week. His live performance was captivating and he had everyone in the audience mesmerized. His stage presence made each song feel intimate and memorable. ​​Briston’s performance, along with Annie’s, made the night truly unforgettable, leaving the audience buzzing with energy and craving more of their infectious melodies.