PMEA offers young musicians chance to perform with Duq community

Emma Polen | features editor Jan. 27, 2022 This year, Duquesne was selected to host the annual Pennsylvania Music Educators (PMEA) District 1 Band West Festival which will be held in the Powers Center ballroom.  On Jan. 28 and 29, students might notice a younger crowd of musicians roaming on campus. The musicians consist of 133 talented 10th to 12th grade students selected from across … Continue reading PMEA offers young musicians chance to perform with Duq community

When We Were Young festival sparks controversy

John Cantwell | staff writer Jan 27, 2022 In a world of trap music, rap, country-pop, and an almost daily update on Kanye West’s relationship status, the former skinny jean – wearing scene kids who lurked their local malls in high school finally had their day on Jan. 18, when Live Nation announced When We Were Young fest, taking place on Oct. 22.  With an … Continue reading When We Were Young festival sparks controversy

Looking out for each other, the safe way to rave

John Cantwell | staff writer Nov. 11, 2021 Since I was an angst-ridden 13 year old, I have been to my fair share of hardcore, punk and metal shows that have been considered to be “violent” or “unsafe,” due to the chaotic mosh pits and seemingly anarchic environment. I am now 22, so I consider myself to be seasoned in this realm of consensual rage … Continue reading Looking out for each other, the safe way to rave

The Red of Fall: Taylor Swift to re-release 2012 album after 9 years

Emma Polen | layout editor Nov. 11, 2021 Taylor Swift is set to release the “Taylor” version of her 2012 Red album along with a brand new feature film this Friday, Nov. 12.  Swift’s Red re-recording will feature nine additional tracks. Of these nine, Swift announced she will have collaborations with Phoebe Bridgers, Ed Sheeran and Chris Stapleton.  The entire album will be available in … Continue reading The Red of Fall: Taylor Swift to re-release 2012 album after 9 years

It’s time for bands to take accountability

Zoe Stratos | opinions editor Nov. 4, 2021 When I was 14 — the rebellious years — I turned my taste toward the angsty, hometown-hating music defined by the pop punk genre. Listening to bands like State Champs, All Time Low, With Confidence and really any other band that embodied the careless attitude made me feel like I was understood. I felt safe. Even though … Continue reading It’s time for bands to take accountability

Ed Sheeran grows up in new album

Capri Scarcelli | a&e editor Nov. 4, 2021 After four years of radio silence from acoustic hearthrob and wedding dance-enthusiast Ed Sheeran, my high school tears have seemed to dry up with the lackluster album that is Sheeran’s =.  With June and September releases “Bad Habits” and “Shivers” debuting No. 1 and 2 on Billboard’s Global 200, Sheeran edged his way back into the pop … Continue reading Ed Sheeran grows up in new album

New releases revive returning pop artists to the music scene

Capri Scarcelli & Emma Polen | a&e editor & layout editor Oct. 21, 2021 October has been a month of turbulence for many. However, it’s brought a ton of new music, with various artists releasing on the same day.  After six years since her last released song, Adele still has the same pipes. The British pop singer’s new single, “Easy On Me,” gained steady momentum … Continue reading New releases revive returning pop artists to the music scene

Feel-good tunes: How to practice mindfulness through your music

Capri Scarcelli | a&e editor Oct. 14, 2021 As an avid Spotify user, I find joy in making playlists catered to my current moods and mindfulness, fitted with a niche photo cover and a hyper-specific title. Now, 77 playlists in, I still continuously find a new theme for each and every set of songs.  Whether organized by month, season, or a shower song, road trip … Continue reading Feel-good tunes: How to practice mindfulness through your music

Navigating mental health in media

Zoe Stratos | opinions editor Oct. 14, 2021 This column contains sensitive topics such as mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with negative thoughts or suicidal feelings, resources are available to help. Please reference the back page for resources and support groups. Over the summer, popular rapper Kid Cudi posted to his Instagram about his long-time struggle with depression. … Continue reading Navigating mental health in media

Music colloquium educates on autism spectrum, music

Rio Scarcelli | staff writer Oct. 14, 2021 With or without a diagnosis, neurodivergent people process sociability, attention, learning, mood and other mental abilities unlike the average person.   An idea that is less often sought out is the amount of strength and originality that can be inspired from neurodiversity.  This concept was the foundation that created Divergent Musicalities, a two-day workshop encouraging the inclusion … Continue reading Music colloquium educates on autism spectrum, music