Moonchild @ Empire Theatre - 03-07-26

Moonchild

WAVES Tour

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

8PM | Doors open 7PM

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

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Moonchild is the genre-defying trio that has quietly but powerfully carved their own worldwide lane in the world of alternative R&B and neo-soul. Comprised of multi-instrumentalists Amber Navran, Max Bryk, and Andris Mattson, the Los Angeles-based band blends velvety vocals, intricate horn arrangements, jazz-rooted harmony, and forward-thinking production into a signature sound that’s as intimate as it is expansive.

In 2023, Moonchild received a Grammy nomination (Progressive R&B Album of the Year) for their acclaimed album Starfruit, a richly layered project recorded largely during the pandemic. Despite the limitations of remote collaboration, Starfruit was a creative leap, featuring an expanded cast of guest artists and a bold, colorful sound that caught the attention of critics and fans alike.

By then, Moonchild had already earned a reputation as a live powerhouse, with performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk, and sold-out tours across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. Their Tiny Desk Concert, which showcased an acoustic version of their sound that highlighted their technical prowess, became a milestone for the group. 

The band’s previous album, Little Ghost (2019), reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart, and received the Jazz FM Soul Act of the Year award the same year. Little Ghost marked a turning point in the band’s sonic maturity, balancing intricate arrangements with more intimate, emotionally direct songwriting. It helped further solidify their status as one of the most innovative voices in alternative R&B and modern soul.

In 2017, they released Voyager, a standout album that charted at No. 13 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart and was named one of Bandcamp’s Top 100 Albums of 2017. Voyager deepened their exploration of lush textures, layered harmonies, and soul-infused grooves, earning them wider recognition within the indie-soul and R&B scenes.

Moonchild’s earlier albums (Please Rewind and Be Free) were self-produced projects made with borrowed gear and raw instinct, reflecting their jazz training and DIY roots. “We didn’t wait to be well-versed before putting music out,” says Amber. “We just had a sound in our ears and tried to make it happen.” Even then, the emotional resonance of their work began to draw grassroots buzz, eventually leading to co-signs from Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, and Jazzy Jeff.

That DIY ethos, combined with a deep foundation in jazz, allowed Moonchild to cultivate a sound rooted in emotional authenticity. Drawing influence from D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Emily King, and the broader Soulquarians movement, their music channels both old-soul depth and modern finesse.

At the core of Moonchild’s creative magic is their uniquely fluid, ego-free collaboration. All three are songwriters, producers, and instrumentalists, and songs often pass between them digitally until the right arrangement emerges. “Our process is about serving the song,” says Max. “We trust each other so much creatively.” That trust has empowered the band to evolve with every release, taking more risks in songwriting, production, and lyrical vulnerability.

Despite the accolades, their journey has never hinged on a breakout hit. “I remember our first sold-out Boston show,” recalls Andris. “People were singing along to horn solos, reacting to chord changes. It was the first time I thought maybe this could be a real career.” Fans have continued to connect with Moonchild on a deeply personal level, with songs like “The List”, “Cure”, and “The Other Side” becoming touchstones in moments of grief, healing, and transformation.

Now, with their upcoming album Waves, Moonchild enters a bold new chapter. A deeply personal and emotionally raw project, Waves explores themes of grief, healing, resilience, and self-worth, eschewing the love songs that once dominated their catalog. “This album is about processing loss and stepping into your power,” says Amber. “It’s a lyrical departure, but it reflects what I’ve been going through these past few years.”

The project also marks a return to in-person collaboration and a new embrace of sampling and sonic experimentation. The result is an album that feels more vulnerable and grounded than ever, while still pushing the boundaries of their signature sound.

Fourteen years in, Moonchild remains committed to the spirit of curiosity, openness, and genuine friendship that has fueled their journey from the start. Ever-evolving and always reaching for something deeper, they continue to craft music that heals, connects, and resonates.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert Review

By Caroline Landdeck

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s (RKS) completely distinct tone and artistry is almost as diverse as the crowd that was gathered on October 13th, 2025 in downtown San Antonio. From the bearded old men and parents with small ear-protected kids in the balcony, to the teenagers, 20-somethings, and middle-aged millennials scattered between them and filling the floor below, everyone was collectively entranced by what was going on in front of them. As RKS entered the Aztec Theatre, the audience was completely enthralled by their captivating sound and visual effects that set an intimate and dynamic atmosphere, immersing fans almost as much as the band’s performance. 

 The opener, Jelani Aryeh, got the crowd pumped up with his lively stage presence and charisma that charmed and excited the audience for more to come. Similar to RKS’s multi-genre inspiration, the Gen-Z artist incorporates a modern alternative/indie pop sound with rock and R&B influences, leaning into experimental, upbeat sounds and passionate lyricism. The atmosphere Aryeh brought to the venue led perfectly into the RKS set and only heightened the already intense anticipation built up in the crowd. 

After a short break that only stirred more excitement as roadies (stage/band technical crew) reset the stage, RKS finally made their entrance with their first song, “Hide.” The set that followed incorporated a diverse blend of their discography, with hits off their newest album, along with deep cuts and fan favorites off of even their oldest releases. The songs also varied drastically in style and sound with the band somehow seamlessly transitioning between each. As RKS has evolved in style, genre, and as individuals throughout the past 12 years of performing, their sound and energy still retains their indie-rock and indie-folk soul, with their newer music leaning into more synth and electronic elements. They have also perfected a way of incorporating their music and performance with visual effects that allow more opportunity for artist intention, therefore delivering a heightened experience of the music for the audience. The lead singer, Ela Melo, is the major contributor to this effect as she danced around the stage and interacted with the audience and other band members, using her body movements as its own visual effect. She ran to the red light emanating from the corner of the stage, reaching out toward it at the end of “Devil Like Me” as she finished singing “What do you want from a devil like me? Am I like you?” She depicts other visual representations of lyrics throughout the show such as her dramatically collapsing like a doll and even more generally just matching the tone of the songs by jumping up and down with the crowd during energetic moments, and sitting on the stage stairs for slower, more intimate songs. Although the rest of the band remains more stationary, they feed into her performance by playing back to back with each other and getting into the music as she does, especially as she comes around to sing with each of them. 

The musical elements within each song contribute to this meaningful atmosphere as well, with big breaks of empty space and complex chord progressions that enable big drops and goosebump-inducing resolutions and refrains. Moments of isolated harmonies allow for a deep, more personal tone that touches the audience, while the stark transitions between built up repetition in lyrics with a quick high hat and big releases of simple back beats and large vocals, provides a more all-consuming effect as you are overwhelmed with the impact of the music. 

The band felt very open and the tone of their performance and deep, personal lyrics seemed to create an all-inclusive community within the crowd. After sharing their intense gratitude to fans and supporters of RKS, the night wrapped up perfectly with the crowd singing along to “Freefall” under the glow of the Aztec Theatre lights. 

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 Concert Review

By Ivanna Bass Caldera

Kevin Kaarl filled the Majestic Theater with his sentimental lyrics and baritone voice, transcending the audience to the most vulnerable part of their minds. On August 28th, 2025, Kaarl performed in San Antonio as a part of his Ultra Sodade Tour. 

His opener, Andrea Bejar, hooked the audience the moment she stepped out, her strong, smooth folk voice commanding the stage and her dark blue silk dress glistening under the overhead lights. She performed songs from her debut album Love Again. Even those unfamiliar with her music were inevitably drawn in by her vocal control and heartfelt lyrics.

As Kaarl and his band got in position on stage, the crowd cheered with enthusiasm, eager to hear him say anything. He stood in the middle of his set with his acoustic guitar, wearing his iconic jumpsuit that mechanics wear, with the name of his album embroidered on his left shoulder and a patch with his name on the right. The band began playing the beat to buscame otra vez, the crowd cheered in anticipation, and Kaarl captivated the audience with a strong vocal performance. 

Kaarl delivered a well-thought-out concert; everything from the visuals projected onto the screen to the set the band stood on enhanced the stories told through his music. At the start of the performance, the visuals showed a winding road going down a rural landscape with a warm-colored tone. It felt like you were going on a journey with him to mend a broken heart, given that his latest album is about the emotional process one goes through when a relationship ends. 

After a few songs, Kaarl spoke to the audience for the first time. He shared that he is from Meoqui, Chihuahua, and the crowd cheered with pride. For me, it was a heartwarming experience to hear the theater be filled with Spanish-speakers singing along to every one of his words. I didn’t attend the concert as a superfan – unlike many around me who clearly knew every word of every song. As someone less familiar with the full setlist, I occasionally found the acoustic, sorrowful tone of several songs to be somewhat repetitive. However, the reaction of those around me showed me how much these wistful anthems impacted their life. There is no doubt that Kaarl fans spiritually connect with his music. Although most of Kaarl’s melodies are melancholic, the audience exuded joy, swaying along to his band's rhythm, cheering each bandmate on as they played solos, and looking other audience members in the eyes as they shouted gut wrenching lyrics.

One of my favorite parts of the concert was when Kaarl began introducing the song the album is titled after, Ultra Sodade. He took the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions; first inspiring us with the journey he went through in writing this song – which involved learning about an artist from Cape Verde, Cesária Évora. He expressed his admiration for Évora, being inspired by her nostalgic tone to write this song and even use snippets from her Sodade song. After introducing the origin of the tune, he mentioned that the song features Mexican singer-songwriter Nsqk. The audience gasped with excitement because the way Kaarl said this led us to believe that Nsqk was there to perform with him. However, the crowd broke out in laughter after Kaarl said “unfortunately, Nsqk isn’t here with us,” in a humorous tone. Then, as he began to sing the song, the fans settled into the feeling of nostalgia that the song, as well as the album, is about. 

Kaarl's concert was a peaceful experience. Since my family is from a town not too far from where Kaarl grew up, I felt pride in seeing someone from Chihuahua successfully pursue their artistic dreams. The audience left the concert with a mended heart and an unforgettable experience. 

If you want to learn more about Kevin Kaarl, check out the playback of my Indie Without Borders radio show from August 20th, where I do a deep dive into Kaarl as an artist. You can also learn more about the artist who inspired the album's title, Cesária Évora, in the playback from August 27th.

Andrea Bejar @ Majestic Theatre

Kevin Kaarl @ Majestic Theatre

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.