All of our events in the coming months of the 2019 spring semester. All event will take place in Club 88; times may vary. Keep up to date with our website and other socials for more information to come.
Author: admin
February 8th: Uncle Jon
Join us as we kick start our first FREE Spring Concert Series on
We will be featuring rap artists:
*Cooksey*
*Roob [M]*
*Kairo*
*AlwaysBlessed*
*Uncle Jon*
Accompanied Styling
*DJ MigeDigital*
By The Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: By The Way
Record Label: Warner Brothers Records
Suggested Tracks: Track 4- Dosed Track 13- On Mercury
The original Red Hot Chili Peppers group formed at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California. Lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis linked up with bassist Michael Balzary (later known as Flea), guitarist Hillel Slovak, and drummer Jack Irons, creating what would be known as The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are best known for their alt-rock style of music. They infuse psychedelic vibes with heavy rock undertones, lead by Kiedis’ unique style of vocals. After a tumultuous start, the band released its first successful album in 1987 titled “The Uplift Mofo Party Plan.” The band suffered from the tragic death of guitarist Slovak, leading Irons to leave the band. They were replaced by a mix of stars over the next decade. Despite the changing dynamic and personnel, the Red Hot Chili Peppers remained successful, always lead by Kiedis and Flea. The Peppers were best known for their electrifying live performances, as Kiedis is considered one of the best performers of all time. The group released By The Way in 2002. Having already established a respectable reputation in the alt-rock world, By The Way did not disappoint the high expectations the world had for the Chili Peppers.
By The Way was less heavy-rock than the previous albums done by the Chili Peppers. The album features more pop, reggae, and psychedelic tones while still staying true to the Peppers rock roots with strong bass and drum solos. Track 4- Dosed, begins with a calming array of simple electric guitar and bass before bringing in strong percussion beats, and soft vocals from Kiedis. The track has a very chill vibe to it, as Kiedis leads the way, showcasing his whole vocal range. He slips soothingly in and out of seamless falsettos as the steady drums and guitar accompany him. The whole track is tied together by Flea’s layered use of bass notes. The simplistic use of electric guitar, paired with Kiedis’ vocals and Flea’s bass really make the listener feel as though they’ve been dosed by the Chili Peppers, as one could slip into the serene perfection that this song creates. Towards the end, the instrumental shifts to a more intense tone, and Kiedis pours his soul into the final chorus. The song ends in the same way it starts, by highlighting beautiful melodies from the electric guitar.
Track 13- On Mercury has a classic Red Hot Chili Peppers feeling to it. The listener is instantly launched into the Peppers electrifying use of drums and guitar before Kiedis even begins singing. The fast tempo of the guitar and drums carries Kiedis’ cross between singing and rock rap to the next level. Kiedis is considered one of the most unique vocalists of all time, and this song really demonstrates how he gained such a reputation. Kiedis doesn’t miss a single beat, this time letting the instrumentals lead the song. On Mercury infuses class rock and pop in a unique way that only the Chili Peppers have mastered. The psychedelic lyrical style from Kiedis adds an entirely different layer of uniqueness that comes together in this Chili Peppers style jam session of a song.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been nominated for 12 Grammys over the years, taking home 3 wins for Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance by a group in 2006, and Best Hard Rock Performance in 1992. By The Way is a great album that exemplifies why the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the greatest modern rock bands.
On February 15th from 7 pm to 9 pm, KPOET will be having their first Open Mic Night of the New Year. If you would like to perform, a
Wannabewithu by Cuco
Album: wannabewithu
Artist: Cuco
Record Label: Cuco
Recommended Tracks: 1- “Lover Is A Day” 3- “Amor De Siempre”
Wannabewithu is an album released on July 18, 2016 by Mexican-American singer and songwriter Omar Banos, a.k.a. Cuco. Twenty year old southern california native, has already made a name for himself within the music industry. Despite the album being released almost 3 years ago, it has just began to receive mainstream attention, being featured on a popular Spotify premium playlist: Pollen. The album has a genre-agnostic ambience to it, with underlying hip-hop and R&B textures sprinkled throughout.
“Lover Is A Day”, the first song on Wannabewithu is one of Cuco’s most notable songs on his entire discography. Being streamed upwards of twenty-eight million, the melodramatic; yet upbeat, is a song that can easily be listened to for hours at a time. But as catchy as the tone is, it isn’t hard to find out within a few moments of listening that it’s just another sadboi hours song that is filled with dreary metaphors that have the same everlasting theme … “I miss you. And I love you still.” There will be no need to worry of finding a song to put on que either, as the track has a runtime of seven minutes, thirty six seconds. One of the highlights of the song, is the glorious trumpet solo at six minutes, twenty-five seconds, that is honestly very emotional and can accurately depict the vibe of the song.
The albums standout song is track 3, “Amor De Siempre.” This song is written entirely in spanish as he smoothly states “Cuando veo esos ojos, ahí es donde quiero vivir” translating to, “When I see your eyes, that’s where I want to live.” The lyrics in the song are soulful and beautiful as he sings in spanish, displaying his spanish roots as a mexican- American artist. Despite the last minute of the song being a really bad brass section,
While still respecting the music he creates, this album lacks a sense of creativity, unlike some of his other albums and singles, it feels like watered down sad, bedroom pop. Some of the songs are mediocre at best, but I do not think display Cuco’s full potential. This album is stale in terms of beats and instrumentals, and Cuco’s vocals do not show versatility or depth. This album is perfect for somebody who needs a gateway into sad boy music, or for females who want to seem deeper than they really are.
Grow by Bedroom
Album: Grow
Artist: Bedroom
Record Label: Furious Hooves
Recommended Tracks: 3- “Nothing Lasts”, 7- “Drift Away”
Grow, is an album by an Alternative group that refers to themselves as Bedroom who released this album in 2014. This album consists of 9 tracks total, which is not very long but it is definitely worth listening to. With it being within the Alternative genre, this album and group specifically have very relaxing and mellow beats. A lot of string instruments are incorporated in the songs, especially in the beginning. With this album being heavily focused on the melodies, it allows you to dissect this music from a different perspective. Instead of mainly focusing on the lyrics, you get to focus on the different rhythms and sounds within the Bedrooms music and really look at it through a different light.
In the third track “Nothing Lasts”, this is one of the few songs in this album that actually does have quite a few lyrics. As you can tell from the title “Nothing Lasts”, this song is about a breakup and how it was for the best because being together, it allowed them to evolve as individuals together. This was for the best because in the song it mentions “for now i’m happy, for you have saved me”, and this means that ultimately since “Nothing Lasts” he was able to learn from the experience he was able to share with his partner in his previous relationship.
In track seven, “Drift Away”, this is one of the songs that start off with a string instrument such as the guitar and also incorporates other instruments including the drums. This song also has more lyrics than some of the other songs but is still heavily focused on the instrumentals. It is as if the way they are singing, they are trying to make it sound more apart of the instruments rather than having lyrics. This is also an interpretation because it is kind of hard to understand what the lyrics are actually saying. This may also be where the title takes action. Maybe, “Drift Away” wants you to be in touch with the lyrics and “Drift Away” with the song.
Since this album all together is very mellow and relaxing, it allows you to interpret it as you may with it being heavily influenced by instrumentals. Also, with this group being Alternative, it sends different vibes to each and every listener which may specifically be enjoyed most in a coffee shop as it has a retro and hipster stereotypical feel.
Come and Listen
https://live365.com/station/KPOET-Radio-a46422
KPOET Radio is the official on-campus student-run radio station of Whittier College. We broadcast 24 hours, 7 days a week and aim to bring our listener on campus and around the globe, the best of music, Poet sports, radio plays, news and more! We are a collective of students who are passionate about sharing the arts and our perspective of the world around us. https://live365.com/station/KPOET-Radio-a46422
Die Lit by Playboi Carti
Record Label: Interscope Records
Recommended Tracks: 8- “Poke It Out” (feat. Nicki Minaj), 10- “Fell in Luv (feat. Bryson Tiller)
Jordan Terrell Carter who is better known as Playboi Carti, an American rapper, record producer, songwriter, and model released his debut album “Die Lit” on May 11, 2018. It includes a total of 19 songs with featured artists such as Skepta, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Pi’erre Bourne, Nicki Minaj, Bryson Tiller, Cheif Keef, Gunna, Red Coldhearted, and Young Nudy. This album is categorized under Hip-Hop/Rap, so within this album you will experience different elements of Hip Hop/Rap with Playboi Carti’s own interpretation of what he feels falls under that genre.
Track 8, “Poke It Out”, along with the rest of the songs in this album are heavily focused on the beat with Playboi Carti’s shortcomings as a lyricist. Specifically this song is a favorite because how song initially starts out. All of the beats the Playboi uses have a high spirit which gets your blood pumping. In addition, with having a featured artist such as Nicki Minaj is a huge plus, because if a well known Rapper such as herself is willing to collaborate with with Playboi, she must see potential in him as an artist.
In track 10, “Fell in Luv (feat. Bryson Tiller)”, by far has the best beat in this whole album altogether. Along with Nicki Minaj being a featured artist in this album, so is Bryson Tiller who is also well known in his genre of music. With having Bryson Tiller as a featured artist, it adds more depth into what the song is trying to say and how Playboi is trying to get his message across. With this song being so upbeat from beginning to end, it feels rewarding to listen to.
Playboi Carti altogether may not be the best with lyrics, but he finds a way to reel you in and genuinely enjoy his music. This album “Die Lit” is so rewarding to listen to because it just makes you want to dance or be physically active in some way. So if you are a fan of Hip Hop/Rap music and are looking for an album to get your blood pumping as you work out, this is the album for you.
BALLADS 1 by Joji
Album: BALLADS 1
Artist: Joji
Record Label: 88rising
Recommended Tracks: 2: “Slow Dancing In The Dark” 5- “Can’t Get Over You”
I think for this album it is important to first talk about the artist. Joji, also known as George Miller is an entertainer. Beginning his career as a Filthy Frank on youtube, he left an impression on the video sharing website by releasing content under different aliases and characters. His videos were usually raps depicting some pretty vulgar humour. Nonetheless, this controversial videos garnered him attention, ascending him into fame. Enough of the backstory, onto the album. BALLADS 1 is one of Joji’s first albums as he adapted into his new style, it is a collection that displays his range as an artist.
The recognizably most popular song of the album is track 2, “Slow Dancing In The Dark.” The lo-fi beats paired with lyrics about love and loss allow for this track to easily be a banger. The instruments are gentle as Joji’s voice is introduced, the first lyric being “I don’t want a friend / I want my life in two / Just one more night / Waiting to get there/ Waiting for you”. Describing how he struggles with love throughout the song, the song puts you directly into the feels. This song encapsulates Joji as an artist; vocals, beats, bass line and instrumentals perfectly combined. (Oh, and please check out the masterpiece that is this music video.)
Track 5, “I Can’t Get Over You” is the shortest song of the album, just under 2 minutes. Despite being so short the use of guitar and beats make it all too catchy. This song is different than its counterparts- to an extent. The flow is upbeat and seemingly happy, until you look at the lyrics. The song outlines the effect of love and relationships, some pretty important themes that allow for the song to be more than just surface. While this song could be considered repetitive or too short, the chorus makes the song one of those that will be stuck in your head throughout the day.
Cover to cover this album flows really well. The instrumentals allow for a Joji’s rumination to be understood. The only fault I could find in BALLADS 1 is that all songs are so similar, arguably though not too similar. The albums conformity allows for the lo-fi beats to seamlessly tailor the album into a flowing, cathartic collection. Despite being similar in sound Joji does a great job at still outlining some pretty important themes from mortality to regret, hard to believe this is the same guy who began the trend of the Harlem Shake and terrified us in that pink morphsuit. Despite Joji’s questionable past, this album was made to be added to your favorite sad boy, rainy day playlist. Spending the gloomy day inside? This album is for you.
Saintmoteltelevision by Saint Motel
Record Label: Elektra
Recommended Tracks: 4- “Born Again” 7- “For Elise”
Saintmoteltelevision is an album by indie pop band Saint Motel. Despite this album being released almost 3 years ago, it is an immortal album and has not aged. The album includes upbeat and fun songs that posses some pretty important lyrics. The themes of the songs span from self discovery to discovery of something greater, taking the listener on not only an auditory but mental tour inside the minds of Saint Motel.
Born Again seems to be the stand out song of the album. It begins with slight gospel vibes due to the opening of a choir but then descends into the soft vocals of lead singer, A/J Jackson. This song alludes to the album cover of the female diving into water which symbolizes rebirth, a standout theme of the album. The ability of this song to incorporate the choir and instrumentals allow the song to distinguish itself from the others, but still fit the cohesive, cheerful vibe of the album.
For Elise is my favorite song of the album and as someone who considers themselves to have good music taste I have no clue how I have not added this song to a playlist yet. This song begins slow, with smooth background vocals but soon conforms to the upbeat tune of the album. The song references iconic female artists such as Norma Jean and Carole King, but my favorite part of this song is that somehow Saint Motel seamlessly incorporates Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” into the song. Someone explain what Beethoven is doing in an indie pop song and how it sounds so good. The strong instrumentals and cheerful lyrics allow for this song to be way too catchy.
The most respectable part of the album is that although each of the 10 songs are different, they have one thing in common- they make you want to dance, sing along and just smile. This album is the perfect sing along album, seemingly made to be added to a road trip playlist. Anyone looking for something to get them on their feet and singing, this is the album for you.
“Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino
Janelle Guzman
Album: “Awaken, My Love!”
Artist: Childish Gambino
Record Label: Glassnote Records, RCA Records, Liberation Music, Universal Island Records
Recommended Tracks: 6- “Redbone”, 11- “Stand Tall”
American rapper Donald Glover, who refers to himself as Childish Gambino released his album “Awaken, My Love!” on December 2, 2016. In this album he explored something other than just rapping, which was an album with funk and R&B influences. “Awaken, My Love!” contains 11 tracks that individually express a different side to what Gambino’s music is typically about and usually portrays. Within the album, you will experience all of the different unique melodies which may include a grungy and even gospel feel.
In track 6, “Redbone”, has an interesting beat with an even more interesting message within the lyrics. The meaning of the word Redbone is a colloquial term that is used to refer to a Black person of a fair complexion, or a mixed- race person and specifically in this song he is speaking about a female. The interpretation of this song is how Gambino has this need towards a woman, which she is not giving to him and ultimately leaves him unsatisfied. The only way their relationship together will work out is if she “stays woke”.
In track 11, “Stand Tall”, which happens to be the concluding song in this album is sending a specific message. Since in earlier tracks with the titles of the songs being “Riot, Terrified, and Zombies”, the song “Standing Tall” is sending the message that no matter what you may encounter along your journey in life, to always “stand tall” and to not let things interfere with your goals. As the song itself says “keep all your dreams, keep standing tall, if you are strong you cannot fail, there is a voice inside us all, so smile when you can”.
As each song sends a unique individual message, they all seem to have a connection within the lyrics deeper meanings. With Childish Gambino straying away from the music he is typically used to making, considering his past albums, the album “Awaken, My Love!” was executed in a sense where he brought to the table a new perspective about the music he makes. If you are a fan of Childish Gambino’s previous music and would like to venture off into another side of music he has to offer, then I recommend that you listen to this album.
