Melanie Martinez performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on May 12, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — Alt-pop singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez has broken out of her cocoon and entered her diva phase. That’s true both in terms of exposure to her music—her Trilogy Tour is her first arena trek—and metaphorically,…

Collective Soul, “Here to Eternity.” Georgia alt-rock stalwarts Collective Soul planned to make release a double-album to mark their 25th anniversary in 2019. The band, which went against the grain of ’90s grunge by adding bright melodies and uplifting messages to its songs, reportedly had one ready to go…

Grace McKagan, courtesy. When her punk band the Pink Slips broke up during the early part of the pandemic and Grace McKagan set out as a solo artist, she wanted to show off a different, softer side of her music. Her first solo EP, 2022’s Heart of Hearts, showed…

Kings of Leon, “Can We Please Have Fun.” The last the world heard from Kings of Leon, the Southern rockers had scrapped the remainder of a 2021 tour to grieve the passing of their matriarch, Betty Ann Followill. What began as a hopeful post-lockdown return dissipated like the sun’s…

Craig David, courtesy. More than two decades after his breakout debut album, Craig David still holds dear his role in taking the underground genre of U.K. garage and bringing it to the masses, not only in his native England but also to the U.S., where it fits right in…

Enhypen performs at Honda Center in Anaheim on April 24, 2024, courtesy Belift Lab. OAKLAND — Judging by enthusiastic crowd reactions, which included ear-piercing screams, massive singalongs and plenty of creative homemade signs throughout Oakland Arena, it appeared as though the Friday Enhypen performance was the most anticipated K-pop…

Grace Bowers, courtesy. The next generation’s star of American rock, blues and funk guitar is a 17-year-old high school junior from the East Bay town of Danville. Grace Bowers at BottleRock Napa Valley 12:30 p.m., Friday, May 24 (Festival runs May 24–26) Napa Valley Expo Tickets: Sold out. Grace…

Guitarist Dickey Betts performs with the Allman Brothers Band in New Haven, Conn. on Sept. 15, 1975. Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns. If it weren’t for Dickey Betts, there might be no Chris Stapleton, Black Crowes, ZZ Top or even Lynyrd Skynyrd as we know them. The singer and guitarist,…

Dylan Conrique, courtesy. Even with the allure of Hollywood calling, Dylan Conrique feels more comfortable in tiny Loomis, east of Sacramento, with her family’s animals and her friends nearby. That’s why despite having 2022 single “Birthday Cake” being certified gold, working with iconic pop producer Max Martin on her…

Dusty Watson (drums) and Rob Lind of The Sonics perform at Moore Theater in Seattle on April 2, 2015. Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images. SAN FRANCISCO — “Guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet, but your kids are gonna love it,” Marty McFly told a stunned and silent…