Based in San Diego, Kimiko fuses indie rock, soul, and jazz influences into a sound that’s equal parts smooth and experimental. The first half of the episode captures their intimate live performance, showcasing the band’s tight chemistry and rich, groove-driven style. In the second half, we sit down with the members to talk about how the group formed, the stories behind their songs, and how they continue to shape their sound within the local scene.

Whether you’re discovering Kimiko for the first time or tuning in to support SDSU’s underground music community, this Basement Beats session brings you closer to the artists redefining what it means to play live.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

School of Rock - Music Program

Tristan Brooks

The Template - Ocean Beach

Humble Heart - Ocean Beach

Kimiko’s Setlist

BCC

Hush and a Warning Sign

Like Me

Fine Line

Lost Cause

Socials

@kimiko_music on Instagram

Episode 101: Kimiko

This episode is hosted by: Connor O’Toole

Produced by: Sammi Thomas

Audio edited and sound designed by: Keyla Parra Gamino

Music mixed and mastered by: Ruhi Shroff and Nolan Conrad

Theme: Mewtone’s “See You Tonight”

Special thanks to Lia Iso-Ahola & Keiliki Rodriguez

Technical and operational support provided by KPBS Technical Producer / Sound Designer, Adrian Villalobos. - Lisa Jane Morrisette is KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations.

From the underground scene to your speakers, KCR College Radio presents Basement Beats. This series highlights local talent, featuring live performances and interviews, all recorded and produced by San Diego State University students. Each episode is a deep dive into a unique, reinvented sound straight out of SoCal, bending genres and introducing you to unimaginable music. From folk to hardcore, we’ve got it all! Rediscover the classic genres you fell in love with through the new generation of talent. Enjoy the sounds and get to know the bands! Get up close and personal with these musicians from their early beginnings to the present day. Learn about the inspirations, their creative processes, and what drives them forward in this competitive industry. Basement Beats, in collaboration with KPBS, brings live music straight to you, followed by an intimate Q&A with the musicians. Enjoy these front-row seats as you listen in!