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.

CONCERT REVIEW: Eliza McLamb and Zack Fox @ Paper Tiger

CONCERT REVIEW: A Divergent Double Header: Eliza McLamb and Zack Fox
By Parker Parent

On a fateful Saturday night I found myself at the Paper Tiger not knowing what to expect, having come here for both shows, which seemed to be polar opposites. With Eliza McLamb in the side room and Zack Fox in the main, there was a clear division between the indie folk audience of McLamb and the party-ready Zack Fox crowd. However, with both having a younger audience demographic and songs known for their TikTok virality, I knew there would be bridges connecting them still. 

Even before the doors for Zack Fox opened, the Eliza McLamb show was in full swing, with Mei Semones opening up to a chill vibe that felt very intimate with half the crowd still locked out, listening in from afar. Semones brought an interesting mix of folksy and bossa nova vibes to the room, with live vocals that rivaled the album recording. Alongside a standup bass that brought with it some really unique sounds as a great substitute for a bass guitar. Semones herself got in on the fun with some very groovy guitar riffs. With doors opened and some members of the opposite audience listening in, Eliza McLamb began her show. McLamb brought more grit to this performance than I’d expected, still, seeing that her songs really lean into emotion this wasn’t necessarily surprising. The performance felt very genuine and personal, with the added ambiance of house music vaguely playing in the background, which in my opinion actually enhanced the performance. Making it feel like an intimate side room to a larger party, one you might retreat to for melancholic reflection between high energy house mixes. 

This separate, high energy party boasted a stacked line up with 2 of the 3 DJs having performed at a Boiler Room set. DJ lzrcat opened and closed the show, leading with house mixes that left people bobbing their heads and scrunching their faces. I thought he did an especially good job at avoiding lulls in the music. I do find that live DJ sets often suffer from moments of pause where the audience finds themselves just waiting for the next move, this was not the case with lzrcat. Next up was Babiboi, who managed to maintain the energy and even bring up the BPM a bit, including much more “club” music, ultimately leading to more jumping and yelling from the crowd. She properly hyped up the crowd, often addressing them with a live microphone, teeing Zack Fox up for a great set. The crowd got very excited when Zack Fox showed up, unsurprisingly, as an Abbott Elementary staple and internet comedy/DJing phenomenon, he entered with a trapper hat on and good vibes aplenty. His set went on until just past midnight with the energy maintained throughout. I was excited to hear his gospel-focused mixes which always feel fresh and unique. As someone with a big DJ pet peeve, that being DJs who simply transition from song to song without adding anything more. So, let me say that these DJs go well beyond that, they were properly mixing these songs, and doing it well. 

Even with two fairly different concert experiences for one night, what brought them together was the high quality of all performances. Any of which I would recommend attending if you get the chance.

Eliza McLamb

Silversun Pickups Concert Review

By Sabrina Enriquez

On September 24th, I had the incredible opportunity to see Silversun Pickups, an indie rock band hailing from Los Angeles, live at the Aztec Theatre. Since their formation in 2000, the band comprising of Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester, have captivated audiences with their unique blend of dreamy melodies and explosive energy. The band has seven album to their name, including their latest release, Physical Thrills. 

The show kicked off with a fantastic performance by Speedy Ortiz, whose lead singer, Sadie Dupuis, charmed the audience with her commentary on the theater's ghostly past. Their lively set energized the crowd and created the perfect atmosphere for the Silversun Pickups. The audience, filled with a mix of young and older members, were buzzing with anticipation, waiting for the band to come out.

As Silversun Pickups took the stage, the excitement in the room was palpable. The lights dimmed, and a red glow bathed the venue, as fog curled around the band members, who emerged to a low, rumbling bass line. This cinematic entrance perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Their moody, ethereal, and dreamy sound filled the theater song after song. Between tracks, the band kept the audience entertained with jokes and even encouraged everyone to snap along, creating an interactive experience. Despite having only heard a few of their songs prior to the concert, I found myself completely enthralled and eager to explore more of their music. Their encore performance definitely left the audience buzzing, creating an unforgettable performance. As I left the theater, I immediately went home and listened to their older songs. Silversun Pickups and Speedy Ortiz both helped to create a night that will remain etched in my memory.

Music For Listeners 25th Anniversary Concert

Review by: Alejandra Cordero Torres

Michael Thomas and Orlando Torres’ Music for Listeners radio show celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday, September 14th with a special indie concert in Laurie Auditorium on Trinity University's campus. To mark the occasion, the hosts curated an exciting lineup featuring local favorites Buttercup, Blushing, and Voxtrot. The event drew a vibrant crowd of indie music lovers from across San Antonio.

Each band delivered energetic performances, with Buttercup, Blushing, and Voxtrot showcasing their distinct sounds, creating a dynamic atmosphere throughout the night. Between songs, the musicians expressed their gratitude to Michael and Orlando, thanking them for years of support through Music for Listeners and for the opportunity to perform at such a milestone celebration.

As Voxtrot closed the show, the audience flooded toward the stage, dancing and singing along, creating a sense of connection and community. The concert brought together long-time listeners who have supported the radio show since its inception, alongside a new generation of fans passionate about indie music and San Antonio’s local music scene. The evening embodied the amazing spirit of Music for Listeners, celebrating 25 years of championing indie music.

The Music for Listeners anniversary celebration continues on Saturday, October 5th at the Lonesome Rose for an evening of live by music by Cactus Lee, Native Harrow, and Sentimental Family Band. Admission $10 at the door - 21+

KRTU would like to thank the following sponsors for their support and dedication to supporting local music, education, and community radio: Southtown Vinyl, Joan Kearl and Barbaro.

Album Review: Declan Mckenna’s What Happened to the Beach?

By Sabrina Enriquez 

At a young age, Declan Mckenna began releasing music, swiftly entering him into the indie rock scene. Many may recognize him from his hit song “Brazil,” which vaulted him into popularity, making him a recognizable name in the indie scene. He was only sixteen when he released the song, showing his remarkable talent and capabilities. At such a young age, he was able to write an infectious hit song that was also a poignant commentary on corruption. Since then, he has released three albums, including What Happened to the Beach, which was released earlier this year. 

Now at twenty-five, Declan continues to deliver indie rock hits. This new album, however, differentiates itself from his other albums with its airy, ethereal, and whimsical essence. While his past albums also carried whimsical elements to them, this album takes it to another level. The album begins with “WOBBLE,” which sets the tone with its airy and ethereal soundscapes. The album continues with songs like “Elevator Hum,” “I Write The News,” and “Sympathy,” which further showcase the album's whimsy tone. A personal favorite of mine, “Mulholland's Dinner and Wine,” immediately captivates listeners with its  cinematic entrance. The song, like many others on the album, entertains the audience with its ethereal ambiance. Declan went on to explain in an interview:

 “The origins of the title come from an off-license in the UK, but it became entangled with Mulholland drive in LA. The lyrics came from observations driving around the hills there and conversations at strange, hip parties.”

“Breath of Light” and “Mezzanine,” perfectly encapsulate what kind of album this is. “Breath of Light,” feels extremely psychedelic and Declan even went on to state that it’s “the weirdest song I’ve released.” The song is completely strange and weird in the best possible way. Mezzanine on the other hand, Declan states, “kind of feels like one of the songs that leans into the dreaminess. Where ‘Breath of Light’ was kind of going down into Hell, I feel like ‘Mezzanine’ is ascending upwards.” Mezzanine, like Declan states, feels like a dream that one doesn’t want to leave. It traps the listeners in an ethereal and dream-like state. The last minute of the song, specifically, puts you in a trance-like state, with whimsical background sounds that you could only hear in a dream. 

The album ends with “4 More Years,” which is a 48-second track that seamlessly suits the style of the album. Like most of the album, it has an ethereal quality and provides a fitting conclusion that leaves listeners mesmerized. This unique album reminds me of why I love Declan’s music so much. He’s unafraid to experiment and create weird unconventional songs, like he stated about “Breath of Light.” He took the whimsical and ethereal elements to a whole new level, not afraid of public opinion. This album has reignited my love for Declan’s music and his quirky sounds.

KRTUFest 04-13-24 Review

By Madyson Martinez

As Saturday evening approaches over San Antonio, hundreds of music lovers flock to Stable Hall where KRTU Fest 2024 is about to begin. There is expectation in the air as audience members find their places in the crowd—and pre-show jitters in the air as the musicians get ready to play for them. In the second annual KRTU Fest, Dylan Lee, Retro Cowgirl, INOHA, and Volcán all took the stage and gave impressive performances for an enthusiastic crowd.

Dylan Lee kicked off the festival with her soft and sweet acoustic set. In contrast with the other performances, Lee stood on stage with only her guitar, her mic stand (outfitted with a vine of sunflowers), and herself. However, the absence of a full band allowed her vocals to truly shine. Her crystal-clear voice was the perfect fit for her country music set, and she ended her show with a cover of Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder & Lead.”

Next to take the stage was Retro Cowgirl. Their rocking and groovy tunes weren’t the only highlight of their performance. Perhaps even more so, the band’s stage presence was gripping. The lead singer, Lucky Steele, knew how to get the crowd engaged and completely made the stage her own, while the lead guitarist came down and got up close and personal with the crowd.

KRTU Fest’s third act was indie rock band INOHA. Characterizing this set was the audience’s reaction to the fast-paced rocking tempo of the band’s songs. Looking around, it seemed that established fans and new listeners alike were rocking to the beat, and the energy was electric throughout. The members’ talk in between songs also revealed a sense of real friendship and brotherhood among them, and this connection comes across in their music.

To wrap up the night, Volcán gave an energetic and exciting performance culminating in involving audience members in their music and dance. It was difficult to find anyone not dancing along. In the front row, friends and strangers danced together while Volcán expertly played instruments ranging from accordion to trumpet. The vitality in Stable Hall was almost palpable as Volcán played us out and brought KRTU Fest 2024 to a close.

CONCERT REVIEW: HOCKEY DAD @ PAPER TIGER

By Parker Parent

Hockey Dad is an Australian surf rock duo consisting of Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming, who are, in fact, very Australian. The duo formed after the two childhood best friends found themselves without waves to surf and time to spare; so, they turned to surfrock and quickly began to write their own songs. While the group originally formed in 2013, they’ve kept up releasing music including their new single, “Base Camp” released this year. Hockey Dad is currently on tour traveling from here in San Antonio all the way back to Australia to close out the tour. Their tour hit San Antonio on February 23rd 2024, at the Paper Tiger, with the band, Mind’s Eye, opening up the night. 

Mind’s Eye are a five piece progressive rock band consisting of Vince Lopez, Kelli Kumiko, Andrew Scott, Jack Duda and Jacob Cambra. This group brought a lot of energy right away as lead singer, Vince Lopez, egged on the crowd to form a mosh pit, unfortunately to only partial success. Still, according to Lopez it was much better than the El Paso show, where they didn’t even open up a pit. Throughout their performance the group continued to include the audience, from moshing with them to calling out fans directly. One of the most memorable moments was when Lopez questioned a front row fan's use of Snapchat during the show, ultimately culminating in a message from Lopez to this fan’s boyfriend critiquing his absence. This band not only rocked the house through fan interaction but also put on a show with their rhythmic style and high energy. This group will be following Hockey Dad during the North America leg of their tour, so if you want to get groovy and see fans get called out, I recommend checking them out. 

As for the headliner, Hockey Dad brought a chill vibe to the stage from the beginning, arriving shortly after the Mind’s Eye closed, which I always appreciate. I studied abroad in Australia last summer and hearing drummer, Billy Fleming, open with “are yous ready to have a good time?” brought me right back. Contrary to their openers rowdy crowd work, this duo emphasized a relaxation and appreciation of the music. A suggestion that the crowd embraced as they stood intently listening and bobbing their heads. One thing that stood out to me from this band were the vocals, lead guitarist and singer, Zack Stephenson, led the charge, but the backup vocals were also on point. Subpar vocals can easily bring down a band, but this band’s vocals elevated their performance to another level. The group played some unreleased songs coming out later this year and will continue their tour throughout 2024. if you’re looking for a chill Aussie vibe, check these guys out.

Hockey Dad @ Paper Tiger - 02-23-24 

Mind's Eye @ Paper Tiger - 02-23-24 

Mild Bill's Radio Hour with Bill Baird

By Madyson Martinez

I had a chance to talk with KRTU host Bill Baird about his show, Mild Bill’s Radio Hour, himself, and his involvement with KRTU.

Q: Who are you?

A: I'm a musician, writer, TX master naturalist, sometime teacher, tinkerer, vegetarian, museum docent, father, and lover of life. I've released 35 albums of music, written a number of chapbooks, and generally had a wonderful life so far.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A: Hiking, cooking, hanging out with my family, swimming in rivers and springs, reading books, writing songs.

Q: Can you give a description of your show?

A: Each week I delve into a single artist, album, or genre, trying to go in depth and provide some context and explanation. I strive to play stuff that's unusual but enjoyable and something you won't normally hear on the radio. Past shows have included Big Star, John Cage, My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless," numerous Kraut rock albums, classical works, and more. The genre varies, but the music is always compelling.

Q: How has your radio show shaped your music taste or vice versa? What does music mean to you?
A: Music is everything to me. I'm a lifer.

Q: How did you come up with your show?

A: Quickly.

Q: How do you decide which songs you want to play? And the order?

A: If I pre-record the show, it's usually more edited and concise. If I'm doing it live, it rambles a bit more.

Q: Do you have a playlist I could link? Or a sample of what you would play on your show?

A: I think there's a number of old shows archived online.

Q: When did you first start listening to KRTU? How did you get involved? Why did you want to get involved?
A: I got involved through Kory Cook, station director. He's a wonderful drummer and human.

Q: Why do you support KRTU's mission?

A: Mainstream commercial radio is a wasteland. We owe it to the world to inspire and explore.

Q: What are your hopes for KRTU's future, your future, or our community?

A: Just continue inspiring fellow music lovers.

Q: Anything else you would like to include?

A: "Radio radio!" - Elvis Costello

Listen to Mild Bill’s Radio Hour every Thursday from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on KRTU, and watch as he hosts the most recent installment of What’s On My Turntable?