Nastia Voynovskaya

Nastia Voynovskaya, arts and culture reporter at KQED, brings sharp music criticism and local arts perspective. They dive into new albums from Jill Scott’s long-awaited return to Brent Faiyaz’s lush vulnerability. Conversations also cover indie-folk introspection, K-pop brightness, literate punk-inflected storytelling, and a fast lightning round of eclectic new releases.

Nastia Voynovskaya, an editor and reporter for KQED Arts, talks about the vibrant Bay Area music scene along with Pendarvis 'Pen' Harshaw, a columnist who shares insights on local artists. They reveal the highlights from the Best Bay Area Albums of 2025, with Jamel Griot, a hip-hop and soul artist, performing live tracks from his deeply personal album, Sincerely Jamel. Discussions include trends in music, the impact of AI, and local anthems gaining fame, making for an engaging exploration of diverse musical influences.

Gabe Meline, a senior editor at KQED Arts & Culture, and Nastia Voynovskaya, editor and reporter, dive into the vibrant Bay Area arts scene this fall. They discuss the reopening of the Castro Theatre with Sam Smith, must-see concerts like Kamasi Washington and Little Simz, and beloved festivals like Litquake and Día de los Muertos. Highlighting grassroots energy, they share exciting community events and underscore the importance of local arts amid institutional struggles.

Join Jordan Kurland, co-owner of Noise Pop, and Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED Arts editor, as they delve into San Francisco's music scene revitalization. Laline St. Juste shares her journey as a musician and label founder, spotlighting local talent. Tina Davis discusses the significant role of independent labels in the industry. The conversation covers the impact of social media, the importance of live music, and community support, all while celebrating the unique rhythm of the Bay Area's diverse musical landscape.

Nastia Voynovskaya, an editor at KQED Arts with a keen eye for music journalism, joins Pendarvis Pen Harshaw, a cultural columnist, to explore the vibrant Bay Area music scene. They discuss the eclectic sounds of 2024, spotlighting artists like Kendrick Lamar and LaRussell. The duo dives into personal connections to impactful tracks and the cultural evolution of genres, highlighting the fusion of hip-hop and country music. Listeners share their favorites, celebrating both iconic and emerging musical voices that shaped the year.