By Cade Andereson
March 24, 2020
All of our interactions and conversations now are in the context of the atmosphere of unease that has descended over the world in the past week. As a human species, we are collectively adapting and waiting. We are all waiting for things to get better but preparing for them to get much worse, caught in a surreal balance between a feeling that the world is ending and a feeling that life as normal must carry on. But the months of March and April already hold their own powerful spirit of transition and liminality, regardless of whatever else may be taking place. New growth is here, no matter what. Change is in the rain we fall asleep to, in the days that give us more and more sunlight and in the leaves that sprout from the bones of gray trees. During this phase of transition, as we quarantine ourselves or practice social distancing while civilization fundamentally changes before our eyes, music is more important than ever, and the spirit of spring is more important...
March 23, 2020
To Binge or Not to Binge? Jordan Lee Dooley’s "The SHE Podcast" is a personal development podcast aimed towards women of all ages, backgrounds and histories. It first aired on Oct. 17, 2018 and is still going strong with new episodes coming out every few days. Along with hosting this podcast, Dooley is a Christian author, entrepreneur and social media influencer. Dooley, who amiably refers to herself as “J” to her listeners, not only provides great insight for the highs and lows that the average woman might find herself in but responds to the common, mundane experiences they may face as well. An appealing trademark of the podcast is how personal and intimate it is. Dooley stated in the overview of the podcast that “every episode is like sitting down with a good friend who’s coaching you through life.” This easygoing nature of the podcast is implemented through the firsthand experiences that Dooley shares. For example, in the episode “How to Prioritize Discipline...
By Palak Jayswal, Arts Editor
March 22, 2020
It may come as a surprise to most that Lauv, or Ari Leff, has just released his debut album, "~How I'm Feeling~," at the beginning of March. After all, the pop artist is already well known for his sensational track "I Like Me Better," a summer anthem for many. After such success, there's a certain amount of pressure associated with bringing out new music, let alone a debut album. Artists either swim or sink in the face of such pressure — and with Lauv, he's calm, collected and cooly afloat. An artist's first album defines their career in ways that follow them around for the rest of it. For Lauv, he took control of the reins of this first album very clearly. Aside from the music, the album cover itself — a photo of the artist sitting in all white, surrounded my mini, colored versions of himself meant to capture different facets of his personality — speaks to the artist's creative mind. More than that, Lauv does what any authentic artist should do, debut or not — he...
By Oakley Burt, Arts Writer
March 21, 2020
Since Abel Tesfaye emerged as The Weeknd in 2011 with his moody and mesmerizing mixtape “House of Balloons,” he’s kept listeners on their toes, intentionally or not, dividing his career into chapters marked by each album's distinctive sounds and aesthetics. He’s released three lo-fi R&B mixtapes, smashing pop hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and the Daft Punk-assisted “Starboy” in 2016. On his fourth studio album, “After Hours,” The Weeknd has returned to his early roots — the dark, smoky atmospheres, fragile falsettos and quiet confessions. It’s as if he’s spent the last four years scouring the underground music scene, creating complex synth rhythms to support his lo-fi R&B style to make his balladry feel thrilling, alive and hedonistic again. “After Hours” The Weeknd has launched his next era with “After Hours,” his most self-realized album yet. While his early blend of soulful R&B and lyrical tropes about unfulfilling...
By Parker Dunn
March 20, 2020
COVID-19 has been the talk of the town since it was declared a pandemic on Wednesday, March 11. Panic, hysteria and the hoarding of toilet paper and hand sanitizer seem to be the main occupants of people’s minds at this terribly trying time, but something that has been overlooked by most is the coronavirus’ effect on the music industry. According to Forbes, “While nobody knows how the worldwide epidemic will pan out, analysts say that music may lose $5 billion.” This should come as no surprise — with each passing day, more and more artists are either postponing or canceling shows and tours altogether. Big names like BTS, Green Day, Mariah Carey and Avril Lavigne have decided to take these steps in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Some of my personal favorite artists — The Strokes, Thom Yorke and MGMT — have also followed suit. While big artists can afford to take these hits, others aren’t so lucky. Mia Berrin of musical group Pom Pom...