HEAR IT FIRST: “This is easily my favorite time of year,” says Aly Comingore, the guiding force behind our annual Music Issue. For 2013, Aly and intern Rachel Cabakoff scoured the net to hunt down Santa Barbara’s next great unknown. “After six years of covering music here, I thought I knew everyone and everything,” says Aly. “Boy, was I wrong.” Sites like ReverbNation and SoundCloud led Aly and Rachel to 2013 featured artists like Jay October and Swim Lessons, along with a wealth of new talent brewing just below the State Street circuit. It’s just one of the reasons she’s so proud of this year’s issue. “If you love music, there’s nothing better than introducing your friends to a new, rad band.” Learn about 12 starting here.