ROCKA Magazine

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ROCKA Magazine

Rocka Magazine is an independent online publication dedicated to illuminating the spirit behind the streams. Meet your new favorite artist here.

10/13/2024

Hello friends! This month’s newsletter and mix are out now. I write about hearing “BUNKER/PREROLL” live, guided meditation, and how ultimately we are all just LARPers going about life (a stolen sentiment). My mix is as warm as its cover looks— new ish from Trevor Spitta and Leon Thomas along with tunes from LOS KEMET and August Charles & jev. My spotlight track is “GEMINI” by BLK ODYSSY and Jackie Giroux which has been a fave all summer. Read the newsletter on Substack!

10/07/2024

New article up now with the lovely folks of ☀️ I had a blast talking to Duncan and Mike about their Honda commercial experience, the daunting/ benevolent LA music scene, and what’s next for the duo. New music this fall!

09/12/2024

Late but hopefully entertaining enough to make up for it. This month I remind you of my feature on and tell you how I met Jordan in Colorado, I fill you in on what a live Lynyrd Skynyrd show is like in 2024, and I give you a solid angsty mix. My title track this month is “Too Close” by which perfectly describes loving people who love to imbibe. It is inspired by my friend getting puked on last weekend. Subscribe on Substack now! ❤️

08/23/2024

Jordan Caiola has written a lot of bad songs. You just probably haven’t heard them… New article up now with about his sophomore release, “This Could Be Everything.” It’s a feast for the ears and the soul. Jordan and I talked a bit about how this record came to be, how to workshop old blueprints of songs into new gems, and how songs like “Buzzcut Kid” are full-circle moments for him as a songwriter. Live on Rocka now!

08/06/2024

Happy August! This month I tell you the story of the first band I ever interviewed and what it was like seeing them live for the first time (it was great). It’s a longer piece, but a goodie. This month’s mix is fondly titled “right on red” and is all about having energy to do things even when you don’t know all the rules. Go for it— be crazy and make an extremely legal traffic move!! I’m obsessed with this month’s spotlight track “Now It’s Over” by .band and frankly you should be too. Hop awn that Substack, get some new tunes, and have a grand time reading my Bat Faction chronicle. Godspeed readers, new article on Fri!

07/15/2024

newest release “Shadow” is a perfect teaser for his upcoming Aug. 9 EP: “Doobie Mouth (An EP From PawPaw Rod)”. Featuring his signature style of funk and finesse, PawPaw Rod reminds listeners that getting to know the darker parts of your identity is a noble (and danceable) pursuit… albeit a game of tug-of-war. Read my full review online now!
📸 Mike Gray

07/01/2024

Coming to you live at 2am on the DOT with my July newsletter. This month I write about the Tyler Childers show I went to, how I lost all of my belongings, and the dread of a show (or anything) coming to an end.

My mix looks far more dramatic than it is, but it’s songs that capture that feeling for me. They’re bittersweet— mostly sweet though. My spotlight track is “Northeast” which says everything my newsletter does but way cooler and more concise. Go check out the mix & follow me on Substack! Seriously please give me your email.

06/07/2024

Ohhh it’s June: the bugs are out and so am I. This month I write about not feeling cool enough to be places and why that’s dumb. I also consumed liquor from a heinous source. I’ve got a super fun indie pop/rock playlist called “view from the rafters.” And I start ya off with 4 bangers because I’m so generous. My spotlight track is “Jump In” by Penny Beverly. Read all about this list of mayhem via my Substack. Links in bio!

05/03/2024

Friends, forgive me. I skipped April! May’s newsletter and playlist are now up. I’ve got plenty of good tunes for your spring and a couple thoughts on music acting as sonic spaces for us to visit.

My spotlight track is “The Thrill is Gone.” which is a lively, almost Amy Winehouse-y breakup track. She ate it up.

Subscribe on substack & give the playlist a listen!

03/17/2024

In need of some tunes to pull ya through the last few weeks of winter? Look no further than Chicago group — new feature out now! I chatted with lead Olivia Wallace about this release, the Chicago DIY scene, and the effects of community on the art of songwriting.

03/08/2024

March’s newsletter and mix are HERE ‼️ This month I write about in Ann Arbor and the fear of people actually consuming the things you create. I formally declare it is now spring— and these songs reflect that vibe. Earthy but ethereal, joyous but a twinge sad. It’s like spring is at the door, but winter still has it deadbolted. My spotlight track is an all time favorite by : “The Bottom Of It.” Hope you enjoy the Substack & have a good walk in the park to these awesome tunes.

02/12/2024

Hello friends — happy month of love! This month, I write about strange men at concerts and that time one sent me unsolicited edits on Rocka. My lesson is that just because someone has good taste does not mean they are a good person!

Oooohh please do yourself a favor and check out — thank you to the algorithm gods for sending me her song “Bayou Moon.” I’ve also got some .backseat.lovers and for your ears. The spotlight track is “Loves Me Tenderly,” a longtime favorite from

As always, follow my Substack & please enjoy my snarky musings.

01/01/2024

Ohhh baby is that an early Rocka’s Repeats post? You betcha. Thrilled about this month’s mix because I need y’all to trust me with — I fear everything they’ve put out is perfect. But “Life Is Swell” is this month’s spotlight pick. Read the newsletter for why, or stop being belligerent and just listen! The rest of the lineup is stellar with heavy hitters from OGs like and new faves with .easy__ and the ethereal 🚨 Happy New Years, friends! Cheers to the year 3000!

12/10/2023

Y’all already know what time it is… December playlist and newsletter are up! I write about my deep admiration for karaoke nights and give you a mix of holiday themed music that isn’t lame or redundant. Listen at your own discretion, as I do feature Sufjan Stevens. My spotlight track is about romanticizing winter and it’s by The Magnetic Fields, so it’s obviously magical. Happy December, hope you all are well 🫶

11/09/2023

In typical fashion, I’m back WELL into the month with a new mix and a newsletter. These songs feel good— that is it. My spotlight track is “I Don’t Really” by Andy Shauf which feels good in the way forgetting things feels good. Subscribe to my substack & put on “this is pleasure.” Rn!! Please!!

10/29/2023

Happy (early) Halloween, readers! I’ve got a special treat of an article up now with covering “Earworm Lullaby,” for 🦟 We chat about the film, philosophy, and how to write a song from a bug’s perspective. Check it out!

10/16/2023

‘Tis the season for The Doors, some palo santo, & my now vintage lighter 🍂

10/07/2023

Back again with a very special mix (“hot priest 2.0”) & newsletter. I write about how people where I live think I’m a witch, and how my most scandalous playlist got me a job. Happy October dear friends! Here are some tunes and a pic of me as a child in a witch costume (or my daily attire). Subscribe to my Substack for monthly mixes and occasional coherent thoughts 🧙🏻‍♀️

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