afterschoolspecial is DANakaDAN (emcee), Jaylen Green (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar), Keane Aranita (Electric Guitar), Todd Olson (Bass Guitar), Victor Velasquez (Drums), Brian Figueroa (Keyboard)

Since their conception in 2007, afterschoolspecial has been on the rise in the alternative music scene. What started out as performances in local bars, small venues, and festivals has now grown to playing alongside national acts, hosting headlining events, and touring nation wide. Their eclectic sound reverberates over the Southern California music scene through the privilege of sharing the stage with national artists such as the Far*east Movement, Flobots, Souls of Mischief, Talib Kweli, Blue Scholars and many more.

Influenced by artists like Linkin Park, Atmosphere, and the Beastie Boys, afterschoolspecial has created a unique blend of rock, rap, folk, and soul that continues to break down barriers. With the recent release of their highly-anticipated full length album, “IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD,” they’ve been able to take their music to the next level with special guest appearances by Pigeon John (Quannum), Magnetic North, Traphik, Dumbfoundead, Paul Dateh, Just Kidding Films, and many more. They also formed a partnership with Wong Fu Productions which resulted in the release of a special collaboration music video for their song “NAME.” Through this universal form of artistic expression, afterschoolspecial seeks to refine and mature into a class of world touring musicians; spreading music that defies stereotypes and aiming to be an inspiration to all of their listeners. For the band this experience is more than just a passion, but rather a way of life.

Band Accomplishments Include:
Shared the same bill as Far East Movement, Flobots, Talib Kweli, DJ Class, Pigeon John (Quannum), Collie Buddz, LuckyiAm (Living Legends), David Choi

Invited Performer:  House of Blues (San Diego), Open Air Theater (San Diego), New York University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California Los Angeles, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Boston College, Tufts College

2009 San Diego Music Award Nominees: Best Hip Hop Act + Best Hip Hop Album

Headlined Osiris ASR (Action Sports Retailer Conference) at House of Blues San Diego

FM Radio Play 94.9 and 91X

Partnerships with SCJ Custom Drums, Osiris Shoes, One Condom Company, BDQWorks, and Future Rockstars of America.

“This band, hailing from San Diego, stands apart from a lot of current acts today with their sound and dynamics as a whole. By implementing and meshing together various genres of music, afterschoolspecial aims to bring together music that sounds unique yet oddly familiar as well all the while touching upon a various range of subjects.”
MTV IGGY

“Succeeding in its portentous effort to match Dan a.k.a. Dan’s tough-guy rapping with Jaimie Block-Smith’s soaring vocals and Brian Figueroa’s romantic keyboards with Keane Aranita’s super duper power chords, Afterschoolspecial have found their place alongside rap-rockers like Linkin Park with this EP”
San Diego City Beat

“Listening to afterschoolspecial is comfort food for the music eater. They are a web 3.0 mash-up of rock and hip hop complete with an emcee, full band, DJ and female balladeer. The band flips from tracks relaying on heavy, dense chord structures to light, piano tracks with soft lulling beats and beautiful harmonies.”
San Diego Indie Music Examiner (examiner.com)

“The passion and seriousness of their lyrics and subjects, combined with their hard rock rhythms and blends of underground hip hop, give them an edge over other “strictly hip hop” bands that are trying to make it big. But where they shine is in their live performances. The excitement and passion they bring to a show is nothing short of amazing.”
Asian Pacific Arts Magazine