words by Nayra Halaijan (Rose Dorn, Jamie, Scarlet, Joey, from left to right) Los Angeles-based band Rose Dorn made a stop at the KUPS Studio in September to chat with General Manager Nayra Halaijan. Band members Scarlet, Joey, Jamie, and their friend Derec (OMW2HEAVEN) talk about all things involving music, LA, and every possible tour snack you could imagine. How…
By Maximilian Tapogna This spring break I had the opportunity to cover Treefort Music festival in Boise, Idaho for KUPS. Although not usually counted among the top spring break destinations for college students, Boise is stunning this time of year. The sun was almost always out; musicians and concert goers flooded the streets downtown. All the locals I spoke to…
Words by Hugh Schmidt Photo: Hugh Schmidt In 2018, San Jose emo band awakebutstillinbed (Tiny Engines) released their debut LP “what people call low self-esteem is really just seeing yourself the way that other people see you” to critical acclaim, and have been touring non-stop ever since. Before their show at Chop Suey with Alien Boy, Sunsleeper, and Sundressed back…
words by Evan Welsh After a decade of silence, Olympia and K Records heroes Old Time Relijun have re-emerged and re-formed to respond to and confront our current socio-political mess with an enthusiastic and timely new record, See Now and Know, as well as an upcoming American tour. Visual artist, This Saxophone Kills Fascists founder, and Old Time Relijun’s bandleader,…
One Friday night nearing the end of my first semester at UPS, I was advised to “hit-up the hip hop show in [some kid’s] basement on the corner of [some dead president] Street and [some number]th Avenue”. Blindly following the directions, I found myself opening the door to a jam-packed house that smelled of pot, sweat, and Rainier- I knew…
by Nayra Halajian Over the course of seven days, the week prior to midterms, I made the decision to go to three shows. This meant 3 late nights of driving out to Seattle (or should I say making my friends drive), dancing, and avoiding homework. It was a lot for one week, a bit emotionally exhausting, but I did it…
words by Val Bauer I talked to electronic artist Nmesh (Alex Koenig) about his newest release ‘Pharma,’ released August 4, 2017 on Orange Milk Records. ‘Pharma’ most notably took #7 on the Needle Drop’s ‘Highest Rated Electronic Albums of 2017,’ Resident Advisor’s 2017 ‘September’s Best Music’ and Tiny Mix Tapes’ ‘2017: Favorite 50 Music Releases.’ (Bandcamp/Keith Rankin) First of all,…
Mike Park is the motivated man behind Asian Man records. He started the label out of his parents garage in the San Jose area. Over the years he has signed various ska, punk, and rock bands like Jeff Rosenstock and Joyce Manor. In addition to the label, Park himself has been in several great ska and rock bands. One of…
You just dropped your “Foreign Water” EP at the end of October. What was the process of making that project and what has been the response from your fans? The process of making the project was really good, you know, just to have fun and just introduce myself to the audience and give my introduction because I hadn’t put out…
