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

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

Pittsburgh concert venues open the stage to live music

Jacob Yanosick | staff writer 9/9/21 The hiatus of concerts is coming to an end, with venues reopening and artists returning to tour life, with Pittsburgh being no exception. The major venues of the area such as Stage AE, PPG Paints Arena and The Pavilion at Star Lake have all become active again in announcing new dates of many major artists and shows. Although, with … Continue reading Pittsburgh concert venues open the stage to live music

Lorde’s “Solar Power” shines light on self-growth

Capri Scarcelli | A&E Editor 8/26/21 Oh my Lorde: Lorde is back and better than ever. For the first time in four years, Lorde gave herself the “green light” for producing new music since her 2017 studio release, Melodrama. Away from media and Earth’s dark corners, the New Zealand pop singer tucked herself away in her home town to find solace in self-love, in peace … Continue reading Lorde’s “Solar Power” shines light on self-growth

Taylor Swift’s re-recordings bring nostalgia to fans

Capri Scarcelli | a&e editor 4/15/21 It’s not often that you get to experience an album for the first time all over again. For many of us, we were merely 8 years old when country-turned-pop star Taylor Swift released her critically-acclaimed studio album Fearless (2008), leaving daydreaming girls in awe and wonder of what their teenage years would hold. At 20, I am listening to … Continue reading Taylor Swift’s re-recordings bring nostalgia to fans

Local band brings new vibe to Duquesne

Emma Polen | staff writer 3/4/21 Less than a month old and already producing music, FlowKids is a Duquesne student-made band that skillfully combines a multitude of musical genres. The group performed at The Duke’s musician showcase on Feb. 20, rocking their unique vibe. The main “vibe,” or music genre, of FlowKids is a mix between jazz, hip-hop, indie and oldies-feel. All four players bring … Continue reading Local band brings new vibe to Duquesne

Britney Spears documentary sheds light on legal battle

Rio Scarcelli / staff writer 2/25/21 The year 2019 virally resurfaced pop-singer Britney Spears into the public eye with a movement called #FreeBritney. Fans explained it as a call to action in legally removing Spears from her now 13-year conservatorship, which is typically put in place for those deemed unfit to process their finances without supervision. While her father, Jamie Spears, and his attorney, Andrew … Continue reading Britney Spears documentary sheds light on legal battle

Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” business move shakes music industry

Capri Scarcelli a&e editor 2/11/21 Taylor Swift’s love life is more pertinent than our own – and now we get the full, transparent story.  Releasing a statement on Feb. 11, Swift announced a revived, re-recorded version of her 2008 album Fearless, now featuring six songs never-before-heard.  “I’ve decided I want you to have the whole story, see the entire vivid picture, and let you into … Continue reading Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” business move shakes music industry

Super Bowl halftime show sparks conversation, critiques

Capri Scarcelli a&e editor 2/11/21 It doesn’t matter who performs, what they sing, what they wear or how they dance — there is always going to be extensive criticism when it comes to the Super Bowl halftime show. Taking the field in “blinding lights,” The Weeknd performed a soloist repertoire that progressed in a narrative he has been brewing for months since the release of … Continue reading Super Bowl halftime show sparks conversation, critiques

Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Skin’ faces backlash from fans

Capri Scarcelli A&E editor 1/28/21 Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License” has been no. 1 on Billboard’s Top 100 for two weeks now.   Remember the “blonde girl” she references? Yeah. That’s Sabrina Carpenter. And she took it to a whole new level with her new single, “Skin.”   Well-known for her role of Maya Hart on Disney’s Girl Meets World, the young actress took to focusing … Continue reading Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Skin’ faces backlash from fans