Sample the Feel is a critique collective of writers, artists, and music lovers all across Southern California. We focus on contemporary releases while also maintaining respect and gratitude for the past. This admiration for music is exercised through album reviews, essays, and lists; all made to address issues in the music industry while also enhancing the listening experience.

Our in-house authors and editors:

Andrew Sanchez Erick Zepeda Vanessa Sandoval

Samantha Neou Jess Kung Audrey Davis

Vicente Rios Brandon Sloot Mark Metzger

Joelle Tessari Laurence Turner-Cordova

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“What makes ‘lately I feel EVERYTHING’ so refreshing is that this link between Black/queer people and pop punk is no longer relegated to hunches and subtext. ...It makes me morbidly excited to get out of house, go get my heart broke
Is there new music in 2021 to *truly* be excited about? The Sample the Feel staff takes on that question as they showcase some of their favorite singles and albums from the first six months of 2021. Link in bio!! Edited by @jessskung Images by @ul
Tarot readings, bondage play, sampling voicemails from ex boyfriends; these are a few of @bloodhoneyla’s favorite things. @anriaeterna sat down with the indie synth pop duo to discuss how they met and how their collaborative DIY process result
“Japanese Breakfast has primarily been associated with loss. And the release of Jubilee marks a bold step beyond those confines.” Staff Writer @jimin.hendrixx not only scored Japanese Breakfast tickets today but he reviewed their latest
“CHAI stays true to their goal of wringing positivity out of their frustrations. WINK embraces simplicity.” Staff writer @jimin.hendrixx reviews WINK, the 3rd album from Japanese band @chaiofficialjpn. The band uses the project as a stat
“Rodrigo’s ability to connect her work to pop music’s past and present is one of the most compelling aspects of SOUR.” Pop music expert @oddreydavis examines Gen Z’s definitive break up album, a meticulously crafted pro
Is J. Cole's latest actually all that bad? Or are the trap fans just trolling? . Thugger stan @jimin.hendrixx dives in for this album review of The Off-Season. . Edits by @jessskung Link in bio! #rap #hiphop #jcole #trap #theoffseason #rapreview #a
“Coastal, the musical persona of Charles Lyon, radiates calmness and self assurance with a dash of quirky charm.” Get to know @musicbycoastal as staff writer @sam_neou interviews him for our Locals Only series. Samantha and him discuss h
“Nostalgia has undoubtedly played a role in @taylorswift’s decision to release Fearless (Taylor’s Version) as the first of her rerecorded albums, but this collection of songs feels like something much more profound than a cash grab&
Formation for Señor Kino began in Sonora, Mexico in 2016. Since then they have played venues and festivals throughout Mexico and the US, even snagging a coveted Coachella spot in 2018. All that came to a halt with the pandemic. Now they’re cap

Sample the Feel aims for an authentic voice when discussing music.