Sounds Of Berklee

Even if you've never heard of shoegaze, there's a good chance some of your favorite artists are fans. With a focus on heavily effected guitars and ethereal vocals, the underground rock genre came to prominence and was critically panned in the '90s. But the genre and its influence has made a comeback. In this episode, we look at the implications of that return and why the underground plays a vital role in music.

The legendary 'In Utero' producer engineered the Cotones’ “The Final Cut” and dropped priceless studio wisdom in Berklee’s Studio 2. Listen to the track premiere on Sounds of Berklee.

Niu Raza, a Berklee alumna and Madagascar native, gets audiences to dance with her pop track "Moramora."

“Great Escape,” the new single by Jackie Foster B.M. '18, has all the trademarks of a classic pop summer anthem: life-affirming lyrics, high sing-along factor, and a killer hook. It’s hard to believe a track that feels so destined to be heard blasting from rolled-down car windows was written during a low point in the singer’s career. Recorded by Tony Brown Engineered by Darcy Davis Theme music by Sleeping Lion

Recorded shortly after his soundcheck at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, Kishi Bashi talks about the genesis of his new album (and an upcoming film) 'Omoiyari,' his approach to telling difficult stories as a songwriter, and much more. (Image by Max Ritter)

The Ruta Beggars, a student bluegrass band from Berklee, share "The Trains Don't Run No More in Boston," a song inspired by the MBTA.

Oakland-born singer Dalaun (Jordan Holly B.M. ’17) sings with the laid-back confidence of a seasoned R&B star on her first single, "Beggin.'" Catch her at BAMS Fest (https://www.bamsfest.org) on Saturday, June 22. Engineered by Tony Brown Edited by Darcy Davis Theme music by Sleeping Lion

After graduating from Berklee's film scoring program in Valencia, Spain, Félix Carcone M.M. '15 co-created the highly successful game The Live Thriller in Paris. He tells us why it's been such a hit, and we take a listen to the theme song.

Shirly Spikes, an electronic production and design major and CEO of Virtuo Studios, shares her insights into the rapidly evolving industry of virtual reality and its potential to transform music education. Theme music 'You Made Me' by Sleeping Lion.

In this episode, we hear a soulful track from rapper, singer, and producer Myia Thornton, a current student studying music production and engineering. Thornton recently brought her skills to the 2019 commencement concert, where she covered a couple Missy Elliott tunes while Elliott herself was in the audience.

Buck Meek B.M. ’10 discusses returning to Berklee on tour with Jeff Tweedy, writing and recording with Big Thief, how a surreal encounter with Joni Mitchell helped him finish his song “Halo Light," and more. Image by Shervin Lainez.

Dancer and choreographer, Ebony Williams (B.F.A. '05, contemporary dance), noted for her work with Beyoncé, was recently honored with an Alumni Achievement Award. She talks here about her road to a dance career and how she uses stories to inform her choreography. (Image by Nikita Alba)

Berklee alumna Nella Rojas muses on solitude with a Latin beat in the title track from her upcoming album.

Listen to Hakim’s slow-burning single, "Bet She Looks Like You,” ahead of his April 19 show at the Red Room at Cafe 939. Engineered by Zanne Hanna Edited by Darcy Davis

As a player and an educator, Berklee's new Guitar Department chair balances deep roots in tradition with stylistically diverse collaborations. Visit kimperlak.com for links to more music by Kim Perlak and the Perlak/Tronzo Duo.

Bands ranging from Americana and jazz to Berklee’s Balkan Choir and Indian Ensemble reimagined Metallica songs for Boston Conservatory at Berklee's Center Stage dance concert, 'Limitless,' April 11–14. Visit bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/centerstage for tickets and more information.

Berklee and Women in Music recently released the first-ever study of women working in the music industry. Erin Barra, who helmed the project, and researcher Becky Prior delve into the report's process, its findings, and how the industry can do better.

Alumnae folk trio Lula Wiles—featuring Eleanor Buckland '15, Isa Burke B.M. '16, and Mali Obomsawin '14—craft songs steeped in folk traditions, but with a raw and modern perspective. Listen to the ethereal triple harmonies in their ballad of heartbreak, "Love Gone Wrong."

Molsky's Mountain Drifters Search for a 'Bright Side Somewhere' by Berklee College of Music

Krystal Banfield, who leads Berklee City Music, talks with Stefanie Henning of the Career Center about how City Music helps disadvantaged young people develop musically while at the same time giving them an artistic community to thrive in.