Discussion with Nor Cal Carpenter’s Union
KZSC's DJ Badger meets with with a labor organizer for Nor Cal Carpenter's Union, regarding concerns over the bidders of a $140 million dollar student housing contract at UCSC.
Adrianne Lenker: “Bright Future” Review
KZSC Librarian Bright Future (March 2024) was recorded directly to tape by Adrianne and producer Philip Weinrobe (who also produced "Songs and Instrumentals"). The barebones recording technique is reminiscent of the likes of Jessica Pratt and Sibylle Baier, and…
Slater at Santa Cruz Catalyst – Concert Review
By Amahli Vivian Only nine months ago in June 2023, Orange County-based Slater (Nichlaus Beaty) visited Santa Cruz to promote his mixtape Beneath the Motel. Earlier this year on March 14, he returned to the Catalyst Atrium for the ongoing Still…
Give this album a listen: SCRAPYARD
Last week my brother sent me a text telling me to give this new album SCRAPYARD a listen. Although I was originally intrigued upon receiving the message, I was immediately captivated upon playing the opening of this track "DUSTCLUSTER" featuring…
In conversation with UCSC alumni: Mitra Ghaffari – Bicycle Island
By Daniel Villalva I had an opportunity to speak with Mitra Ghaffari about her short documentary titled Bicycle Island, a film that will be screening at the Watsonville Film Festival this Saturday, March 9th. Ghaffari had filmed this short…
A Night In Monterey With Sierra Ferrell
By DJ Alla Last Night I was enchanted by the unbelievable songbird that is Sierra Ferrell on her Shoot For the Moon tour that precedes the release of her sophomore album Trail Of Flowers coming on March 22nd. I was lucky…
Explore New Music at the Homesick Festival
By Julia Tesfay Back in action, the Homesick Festival, an embodiment of the punk and indie music hosts a show on February 2nd and 3rd at the Regency Ballroom. The festival was started in 2018 by Anthony Anzaldo from punk…
A Space for Storytellers: A Conversation with UCSC Alumnus Brenda Avila-Hanna
DJ Badger, KZSC's News and Talk Director, discusses the Watsonville Film Festival with award-winning documentary filmmaker and UCSC research fellow Brenda Avila-Hanna, focusing on the formation of the festival, how it's grown over time, and how it continues to…
Transforming the Traditional: An Interview with Mia X Ally
Photo By: Mia Asano Herlinger By Maya Ramirez From cozy Studio C here at the KZSC station, I sat down for a short phone call interview with the touring electric violin and bagpipe duo—Mia X Ally, who are set to…
Librarian’s Lament: A Monthly Record of Cool Finds From Our Physical Media Library
KZSC Librarian Every great radio station has a great collection of physical media, and KZSC is no exception. Here are my favorite finds from this month:
Faye Is God
KZSC Librarian Dare I say this album is genius? This was my exact response after listening to Faye Webster’s new album, “Underdressed at the Symphony,” for the third time. The first couple singles to come out–”But Not Kiss,” “Lifetime,” and…
12th Watsonville Film Festival Shifts the Narrative: Showcasing Latino/a/e/x Talent on the Big Screen
This coming Thursday marks the opening of the 12th Annual Watsonville Film Festival, a three-day long event filled with screenings by and about Latine filmmakers - as well as a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the film La Mission. …
California towns are banning new gas stations. Big Oil is paying attention.
California towns are banning new gas stations. Big Oil is paying attention. By Kate Yoder, Grist "This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here." When oil and gas companies attack a climate campaign, activists…
Night of Ideas
Philosophers, poets and ponderers alike are all in luck: tomorrow, March 1st, will mark the very first Night of Ideas in Santa Cruz. The event, which was introduced to the US through the French Embassy, is a yearly occurrence coordinated…
Best Movie Music – Playlist
by Ale Plyler Perez In my opinion, a movie's soundtrack can make or break it as a whole. Music immerses you into the world of the characters you're watching. This playlist features stand-out tracks from some of my favorite movies…
Music for Party Girls
By Ale Plyler Perez Despite the recent stormy weather, party girls have been partying on. A good party soundtrack is essential to any good get-together. Finding the right playlist for any social engagement can be tricky, but these are a…
Songs found on my Dad’s iPod – Playlist
By Ale Plyler Perez Nostalgia is hitting hard this gloomy season and one thing that has sheltered me from the storm has been listening to the music I recall hearing from the backseat of my Dad's truck. I'm channeling warm…
AurallaurA’s Latest Aura
By Charissa Zeigler Pittsburg musician Laura Chu Wiens sways to a city jazz beat. Her stage name is AurallaurA and her new album, Exetastes is rooted in jazz while gathering offshoots of broad musical traditions she has studied. Biracial Chinese-American,…
FolkTales: A New Era of Tracy
Tracy Chapman made history at the CMA Awards in November 2023 and continues to innovate her legacy at the 66th annual Grammys. By: Dj Rattlebag The iconic country/folk performer became the first Black woman to reach No. 1 on the…
Playlist: Covers That Might Be Better Than The Originals
Beautiful covers for classics we all know and love. By: Alex Lund Landslide by The Chicks (Fleetwood Mac cover) Coat Of Many Colors by Sierra Ferrell (Dolly Parton cover) Just Like Heaven (feat. Shamir) by Christian Lee Hutson (The Cure…
UCSC Men’s Ice Hockey Interview
DJ Badger (KZSC News and Talk Director) chats with two members of the UCSC Men's Ice Hockey team to talk about the upcoming season, the history of Ice Hockey at UCSC, and what we can expect from them in the…