Thanks to Jack Cochran (DJ Spooky), for submitting these new music reviews to the blog. Get to know a few awesome artists that sent their tunes to KWVA!

The Slaps - A EP

The Slaps, a beach-blues band based in Chicago, have just released A, their latest EP. A follows a singles EP released in 2018 and The Slaps’ debut album, Susan’s Room, released in 2017. A is five tracks of lo-fi, bedroom pop at its most upbeat and carefree. The EP’s opener, “Cheers”, feels like the kind of daydream one would have the day before school gets out for summer break, yet its vocals are tinged with the melancholy of knowing summer never lasts. “Where Were You Where They Were Also” is a driving, bright song with guitars reminiscent of waves on a beach, constantly pushing forwards and then pulling back, only to go further with the next chord. The Slaps have…

Looking for a fun, weekend (or weekday) getaway that involves MUSIC? The Suttle Lodge, located in Deschutes National Forest (about 2 hours from Eugene) is an unexpected concert venue that’s perfect for college students looking for a little adventure. When you book a cabin at the lodge, you automatically get FREE access to the music events on site! This homey, unique venue has put on some insanely cool shows, including a summer music festival lead by Chris Funk of The Decemberists during the 2017 solar eclipse. This summer, Jacob Miller, Alela Diane, The Blank Tapes, and Bear Clouds will be stopping by the lodge for performances.

The lodge’s rustic or lakeside cabins are great for friend groups traveling to the forest for a late night show, as they fit up to six people. This is the perfect opportunity to gather your best friends for an intimate show with some of your favorite artists, grab a few drinks and dinner at the lodge bar, and…

DJ spotlights are a great way for you to meet the awesome students and community members behind the voices you hear on KWVA each day. Stay tuned for a DJ Spotlight every few weeks, and if you’re a DJ who’d like to be featured, email Sophie. :)

This week, we're getting to know Jack Cochran, also known by his on-air alias, DJ Spooky! Jack is from Dana Point, California and is a sophomore majoring in Media Studies. He was recently hired as the new training coordinator for KWVA, and he's stoked about being more involved with the station. Jack spends his free time listening to music, reading, playing guitar and camping. His show, "The Twilight Zones," airs on KWVA on Monday afternoons, from 1-2 pm.

KWVA: Why did you get involved in KWVA/when?

Jack: I got involved with KWVA fall term during my freshman year. My…

"The Graduating Class sound like what would happen if Childish Gambino and Daryl Hall went on a three week bender that ended in Quincy Jones' studio. The indie R&B group formed in June of 2018, initially as the duo of multi-instrumentalist John Queant and drummer Nate Hansen. The band quickly grew into a five piece: the lineup currently consists of Natty Burmeister on vocals and keys, Keenan Dorn on guitar, and August King, also on keys.

Stylistically, the Graduating Class is rooted in the blend of digital and analog instruments. Their songwriting process begins with just a keyboard and drum machine, but a finished song typically boasts layers of guitar, percussion and vocals. The band's tracks show off a
variety of influences, ranging from Latin-inspired R&B to gospel-tinged indie pop.Following a summer and fall of shows, the Graduating Class holed up in a Portland studio to begin work on their debut record.

'That's What Tonight's For' is the band's…

I asked our DJs what songs come to mind when they think of spring/spring break. Here are the tunes they chose! Listen to the full Spotify playlist below, & feel free to add to the collaborative playlist with your own faves.

-Sophie

DJ spotlights are a great way for you to meet the awesome students and community members behind the voices you hear on KWVA each day. Stay tuned for a DJ Spotlight every few weeks, and if you’re a DJ who’d like to be featured, email Sophie. :)

This week, I’ll be highlighting Emily Mason, AKA DJ Drama Queen! She hosts “Left of the Dial” every Saturday from 8-10 pm. She studied planning, public policy and management at UO, and now works full-time at the library while finishing her thesis. She moved from Portland to Eugene in 2014 where she’s now settled comfortably with her cat, Al.

KWVA: What made you want to become a DJ on KWVA?

Emily: I got involved my junior year in 2016. I always knew UO had a campus radio and thought it was really cool. One of my coworkers had a show and encouraged me to apply - and…

We interrupt your normally scheduled KWVA Music Blog content to bring you a special announcement!

Are you passionate about music? Do you write, listen, or talk about music in your free time? Are you hoping to land a career in the music industry after you graduate?

Come network with over 30 music-related businesses and organizations at the 2019 Music Industry Fair, put on by the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance!

Students will have the opportunity to get one-on-one advice from music business veterans about everything from how to book gigs, to navigating the ins and outs of music licensing, running a non-profit arts organization, or starting your own entrepreneurial entertainment venture.

Day: Friday, February 15th

Time…

This week's post is a track review by DJ BZB, also known as Bianca Sandoval! Bianca is a senior studying art and technology at UO. She has been a DJ at KWVA for nearly two years, and has her own music project on the side.

Track Review: "Wandering Alone"

Whenever I see a celebrity feature on a track, I tend to assume the worst. Coco T, Paris Hilton, whatever poor soul you would find later that week on The Soup. Vicci Martinez is different.

Martinez is most recognizable as "Daddy" in Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black. Hailing from Tacoma, WA., Martinez has been recording since 2011 after her appearance on The Voice. (She was on Cee-Lo Green’s team!) This track, released in January of this year, has been advertised along side Martinez’s casting on Orange Is The New Black, but to be honest, I feel like it shortens her accomplishments. Though she came in third on The Voice, she's really…

This week's blog post is submitted by Andrew Trott, also known by his DJ name, DJ Trott! (Seen above.) His show, Trott's Spot, is Saturday night 10pm-Midnight. It has a Lo-Fi feel and features live mixing, primarily of hip-hop and jazz, and are often all vinyl. He considers himself a student of hip-hop and was inspired to major in philosophy after listening to so much Wu-Tang Clan. Trott is also an office assistant at KWVA. Tune in Saturday nights for an unmatched experience that "emphasizes the raw and authentic to keep your Saturday night right." Plus, call in during his show at (541)-346-0645 to "get a shoutout for you and your crew as you're cruising the town." ;)

This post is a little late, as it is now February, but the new year is still fresh! Here are Andrew's Top 10 Hip-Hop/R&B Albums & EP’s of 2018.

10. JPEGMAFIA - Veteran

This is…