Ah yes, the ever-popular “blog,” where writers such as myself are afforded the opportunity to spout off about everything from aardvarks to Zen. And while a majority of those who rant and rave upon most any topic under “el sol” (sorry, but I happen to be writing this on Cinco de Mayo), few who actually draft these pieces actually have any knowledge of what they happen to be writing about. 

We have the Internet and the advent of modern technology to thank for that. Whereas gaining knowledge of a particular topic or subject once required scouring books (you know, those paper-bound rectangles with words on ‘em) or hands-on experience, wannabee “experts” can now Google their way to proficiency with little time and effort exerted.

While I don’t consider myself an authority on much of anything really, I can say I’ve paid my dues when it comes to the topic of tuneage. And by “tuneage,” I intend to infer “music.” I’ve lived, loved, breathed, created, played, written, listened to and embraced the entity wholeheartedly since I can remember. 

With that said, it seemed only fitting that DiscoverSD.com and I combine our respective presence in the local scene to bring you a monthly blog highlighting all matters musical. And no, the following information isn’t specifically tailored to reflect my own musical palate, but rather that of San Diego’s musically-minded as a whole. Lord knows few people want to be bombarded by my punk rock ramblings once a month, if ever.

Discover what’s new in San Diego music this month.

You’re pissed you missed: The Ocean Beach Global Rock Festival, held Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the corner of Abbott St. and Newport Ave. in none other than OB. Not only was it a zero-carbon footprint event (eco-friendly), but it also showcased talent the likes of Cash’d Out, The Electric Waste Band, The Knights of Monte Carlo, and others on two stages throughout the day and into the evening. Also: Elemental Experience on May 3 with Bass Nectar, Pinback and Matisyhu.

Do yourself a favor: If you haven’t already been exposed to the sights and sounds of local band Children of Nova, expose yourself in short order. They are one of a select few San Diego bands that have ever managed to elicit feelings of both awe and inspiration. Check ‘em out on their MySpace page. (pictured)

On the one’s and two’s: April drew big names to the DJ booths within various San Diego clubs, but of the bigger names to pass through, certainly DJ AM resided high atop the list. He helped ring in the grand opening of 207. AM graced the decks night two of the Friday/Saturday (April 3 and 4) celebration, whereas Korn’s Jonathan Davis took the reins the previous eve at the new Float, treating the crowd to an eclectic mix of breaks and hip-hop, all whilst puffing on a stogie. More big names: LMAFO (Envy) - pictured main), Paul Oakenfold (Harrah's), DJ Vice (Intervention Launch), DJ Sid Vicious (Envy), Diplo (Cane’s), Joel & Benji Madden (5/1 Envy), Donald Glaude (5/3 Sun Daze Launch), Mims (5/3 Intervention - pictured below).

In the local spotlight: Many of the best San Diego DJs belong to either the Sleeping Giants Music, Starry Eyed Music or Fortune Music crews. Who we saw spin this month: DJ Don Santino, DJ Kurch, DJ Fresh One, Mikey Beats, DJ G*Roy, Craig Smoove, DJ Theron, DJ DeVoy and DJ Scotty Boy.

Making noise: Here are the top tracks for April according to Mr. DJ Schoeny (myspace.com/orangespade) — Hip hop: “Boom Boom Pow,” Black Eyed Peas; Electro house: “Ghosts n Stuff,” Deadmau5; Rock: “Pony,” Far; Mash-up: “Silly Love,” DJ Schoeny.

Hip happening: North County DJ Erik Fish (a.k.a. FishFonics), began throwing his Halfway to Halloween parties in backyards years ago, but has since grown the event to impressive proportions, even generating copycat parties on the part of competing promoters. Last year, Halfway to Halloween invaded the Belly Up. This year, however, it was time for downtown to get its dose of the action. On April 25, costumed revelers descended upon Onyx and Thin to get their groove on with DJ’s Frances, FishFonics, Tommy McMahon, B Carr, Justin Marx and Kopcho. WildFish Entertainment (wildfishent.com), Fish’s production company, throws parties everywhere in S.D. and often.

Until next month friends…