Inside This Week’s Music Issue

Music is, as they say, the universal language ​— ​one that, for this issue, we are happy to speak fluently. From homegrown performers to the neuro pathways of one of the world’s biggest rockers, we delve into the different aspects of music beyond our usual competitive roundup.

In the spotlight is The Santa Barbara Independent’s new video series, Side Notes, where we’ve invited acts such as Glen Phillips and Lily & Madeleine to join us at Playback Recording Studio for an intimate recording. Also in this issue, we meet Detention, the band of elementary school educators, and UCSB scientist Scott Grafton, who helped analyze Sting’s brain.

The town is full of music this month, whether it’s a modular synth happening over at SBCAST or it’s with visits from some favorite area touring acts, a few of whom we have asked to share about life on the road. With New Noise just around the corner (stay tuned next week for more coverage) and plenty of great concerts to look forward to in the weeks ahead, it’s a ripe time to sing the praises of music in all its forms.

• Exclusive Interview with Glen Phillips on ‘Swallowed by the New’: Santa Barbara Singer/Songwriter Talks New Album, New Projects

• Introducing Side Notes: Get to Know Our New Concert Web Series

• Detention, the All-Educator Band, Teaches the Joy of Music: Ukelele Jim, Spencer the Gardener Join Them at Falcon Fest Foothill Fundraiser

• Going Deeep with Modular Synths at SBCAST: Deeep Modular Showcases Resurging Electronic Music Technology

• UCSB Professor Analyzes Sting’s Brain: Scott Grafton Helps Evaluate How Sting Processes Music

• Three S.B. Bands Tell of Touring Hazards: Spencer the Gardener, Soul Majestic, and Poor Man’s Whiskey’s Snapshots from the Road