The Echo

As e-sports profitability booms, don't forget the players

If e-sports is such a big deal, why aren't competitors making "Dota2" money?

By Michael Martin | July 30, 2014

Ex-Rilo Kiley singer plays it safe on “The Voyager”

Since Jenny Lewis last released a solo record, her popular indie band Rilo Kiley has dissolved, her father has passed away and Lewis has found herself suffering from insomnia more often than not. Cue album No. 3.

| July 29, 2014

Sony should shut door on mascot game revival talks

Video games have moved on from the mascot gaming era.

By Michael Martin | July 24, 2014

Comic-Con 2014 Preview: 'Avengers,' 'Hobbit' and more take over San Diego

As the biggest names in Hollywood and the comic book industry descend upon the Gaslamp Quarter along with over 130,000 attendees, this annual four-day Mecca for passionate fans of the popular arts promises to bring huge surprise announcements for the most anticipated upcoming film and television events.

| July 23, 2014

B.o.B and Far East Movement performed for students at the 2012 Fall Welcome Concert. Rap artist Mac Miller will headline this year’s Fall Welcome Concert on Aug. 19 at Wells Fargo Arena. (Photo by Sam Rosenbaum)

Mac Miller to headline Fall Welcome Concert

Popular rap artist Mac Miller will be the opening act of the Fall Welcome Concert.

By Ian C. Beck | July 22, 2014

“Don’t Kill The Magic” features a reggae-fusion sound from the members of Magic!. (Photo courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment International Limited)

Canadian band Magic! infuses summer nights with reggae

Reggae has long been a staple of the summer mix-tape. More recently, dance and electronic have become the music of summer dance parties and road trips.

| July 17, 2014

Jason Mraz won't give up making the same music in 'YES!'

The singer's fifth album is nothing new, but still worth a listen.

| July 16, 2014

Bleachers’s “Strange Desire” features dark and heavy themes, but is still catchy and easily relatable. (Photo courtesy of RCA Records)

Bleachers’s debut “Strange Desire” is a darkly sunny contradiction

Officially a side project for Jack Antonoff, and one he promises won’t take him away from his spot in the fun. lineup, Bleachers is an indie undertaking that is equal parts pop shine and introspective bite — bright and dark, all at once.

| July 16, 2014

“The Wolf Among Us” takes graphical cues from the hit television series, “The Walking Dead.” (Photo courtesy of Telltale Games)

'The Wolf Among Us' wraps its fairy tale full of murder and suspense

Telltale Games masterfully converts Fables comic books into video games.

By Michael Martin | July 15, 2014

Bizarre sci-fi film 'Snowpiercer' is equal parts zany and bleak

The film's glaring tonal shifts and openly liberal overtones may be insurmountable for some, but "Snowpiercer" cannot be faulted for having moxie.

| July 10, 2014

Phil Fish says YouTubers' revenue should be shared with developers

Phil Fish continues burning bridges via social media

By Michael Martin | July 10, 2014

Break out your shovel for the best modern-day classic game ever

"Shovel Knight" sets a new standard for retro-inspired gaming

| July 8, 2014

'Girl Meets World' delivers on nostalgia

After more than a decade, the Matthews family is back with a spinoff of the cult classic "Boy Meets World."

By Jessica Urgiles | June 26, 2014

Lana Del Rey's "Ultraviolence" is as gratuitous as the name implies

Lana Del Rey's still trying to figure out what she's parodying, yet millions are buying what she and Interscope are selling.

| June 26, 2014

“X” marks the spot on Sheeran’s newest – well, nearly

Sheeran’s ability to mix soft vocals with wry rapping made the singer a household name in 2011, and now he’s back to remind us all of how he infiltrated the airwaves years ago with a new record: “x” (pronounced “multiply”).

| June 25, 2014

Sam Smith joins the ranks of modern British Invasion artists

With his album "In the Lonely Hour," Sam Smith has become a staple of American Top 40 radio.

By Marie Rabusa | June 20, 2014

Struggling Wii U may get a new lease on life in 2015

Nintendo shows off impressive first-party games at E3.

| June 18, 2014

Harmonix jilted by removal of Xbox One Kinect

With Kinect now being an option, Microsoft has killed the lifeline to Kinect-based video games.

| June 17, 2014

'Orange Is the New Black' continues to captivate in second season

While a show set in a women's prison is unavoidably a drama, "Orange Is the New Black" revels in the absurdity of tragedy.

By Zachary Heltzel | June 12, 2014

First Aid Kit’s “Stay Gold” is nostalgic, irresistible

This summer, First Aid Kit is releasing its third highly anticipated album, “Stay Gold,” a dazzling, folksy fever dream of sweeping music and the sisters’ signature harmonies.

By Stephanie Habib | June 10, 2014

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