Silence Nogood

Photo by Elaine Tantra Sombr was my second favorite musician of 2025.

My 9th year at SXSW.

It’s perplexing that a 52-card deck has more combinations than atoms in the known universe, meaning every shuffle is likely the first time that specific order has ever existed.

Composability is connecting before & after Yuga Labs’ Apefest is the future of festivals.

Music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and now the 90s carries a nostalgic warmth that feels perfect for summer.

My two favorite live performances of 2024 were Mon Laferte at Festival La Onda (BottleRock’s sister festival) and Jalen Ngonda at The Swedish American Music Hall.

Mill Valley Music Festival has been a go-to for its intimate charm and consistent selection of soul. 2025 marked its fifth year running and my fourth time going.

10 years at SXSW.

The debate over whether a musician’s legacy lies in an album or a single is more contentious than ever as music shortens and singles dominate the internet.

Daily Goodies is like no other playlist we’ve made before.

Jalen Ngonda played a sold-out show at The Swedish American Hall in San Francisco this September.

I remember the first time I heard Aaron Frazer.

Photo by Priscilla Rodriguez Festival La Onda was BottleRock’s first run at a second weekend that was all latin music, new & old.

Photo by Charles Reagan BottleRock 2024 was my third visit to the music festival in Napa.

Performing live looks so hard to me.

Forest Claudette’s song, Violence, is top of the “Songs to see at Sxsw” playlist for this year, not because it’s the best song (still up there), but it has the most important message.

There was a big debate among “end of the year” music playlisters.

Annabelle Chairlegs at Hotel Vegas, SXSW 2022 It’s nice to just talk to someone. 1 on 1, without interruption, about what’s important to them.

I’ve prepared a few playlists for wedding receptions & dinners over the past few years, so since I just had a wedding of my own, to celebrate I finalized those playlists here.

We go to music festivals to see the musicians we love, but it’s also the best way to discover new music.