This week's session balances gritty edge with melodic punch. Their songs hit fast and leave a mark, equal parts humor and heart. With deep lyricism and purpose, this band proves that punk is always best served unpolished. After the set, the band talks about their DIY process, musical influences, and the beauty of not taking yourself too seriously.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Nirvana

Led Zeppelin

Avery Cochrane

Kurt Cobain

Boy Genius

Elvin Jones

Dave Grohl

Joe Morello

Flea

Vincen Garcia

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Jimmy Paige

Adrienne Lenker

Big Thief

Talking Heads

Socials

@slackerlive on Instagram

Episode 105: Slacker

This episode is hosted by: Connor O’Toole

Interview by: Adam Acosta

Produced by: Sammi Thomas

Audio edited and sound designed by: Keyla Parra Gamino

Music mixed and mastered by: Ruhi Shroff and Nolan Conrad

Theme by: Mewtone

Special thanks to Lia Iso-Ahola & Keiliki Rodriguez

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos. - Lisa Jane Morrisette is KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations.

Blending Spanish and English lyricism, this session channels warmth, rhythm, and cultural pride. Their performance bursts with groove, heritage, and heart, fully embodying the sound of San Diego. In the interview, the band opens up about their musical roots and the community that inspires their art. Listen in as The Sols talk about creating music that honors the past while pushing the sound forward.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Wavves

The Frights

Beach Goons

Happy Daps 3

The High Curbs

Chicano Mosh

Dive Time

Socials

@thesolsband on Instagram

Episode 104: The Sols

This episode is hosted by: Sheridan Koenig

Produced by: Sammi Thomas

Audio edited and sound designed by: Keyla Parra Gamino

Music mixed and mastered by: Ruhi Shroff and Nolan Conrad

Theme by: Mewtone

Special thanks to Lia Iso-Ahola & Keiliki Rodriguez

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos. - Lisa Jane Morrisette is KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations.

Live from the basement. This week’s episode of Basement Beats features an exclusive live set and interview with The Microblades, recorded in collaboration with KCR College Radio. This week, this three-piece girl band takes over the basement, serving up their signature blend of vintage rock and fierce energy. Their harmonies are sharp, their riffs infectious, and their presence impossible to ignore. Learn how The Microblades carve out their own lane in a scene built for reinvention and change. This episode highlights their classic-meets-modern sound and tight chemistry. Stick around for an interview full of personality, stories, and sisterhood.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Beatles

Tool

Led Zeppelin

The Who

Paramore

The Casbah

Lestat’s

San Diego Music Award

Nextdoor

Bruce Springsteen

Dolphins on Acid

Cordouroy

Socials

@themicroblades on Instagram

Episode 103: The Microblades

This episode is hosted by: Connor O’Toole

Interview by: Kyler Walsh

Produced by: Sammi Thomas

Audio edited and sound designed by: Keyla Parra Gamino

Music mixed and mastered by: Ruhi Shroff and Nolan Conrad

Theme by: Mewtone

Special thanks to Lia Iso-Ahola, Keiliki Rodriguez, & Kyler Walsh

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos. - Lisa Jane Morrisette is KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations.