Music
AOTW: Declan McKenna – “What Happened to the Beach?”
Thursday, March 28th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Fiona Galang ’27
Album of the Week: Declan McKenna – “What Happened to the Beach?”
Released: February 2024
Rate: 6/10
RIYL: Djo, Domonic Fike, Surf Curse, The La’s
Declan McKenna is an Alternative/Indie UK singer and songwriter. He’s most known for his song “Brazil” which was actually criticizing the FIFA 2014 World Cup. McKenna is known for writing his music about things he feels strongly for and things that happen in his life. He released “Zeros” (2020) and now “What Happened to the Beach?” (2024).
This album features songs that fall under psychedelic pop, lo-fi, alternative funk, and more. It’s definitely one of his more experimental albums, the lyrics being more up to listeners’ interpretations rather than telling his own stories and opinions. Track 7 “Nothing Works” almost reminds me of Kid Cudi without the rap because of its psychedelic feel. My favorite by far is Track 5 “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine,” it’s mellow but still upbeat.
I would listen to this album when I need to chill and contemplate life, some songs honestly feel a little sad. If you enjoyed “Brazil”, definitely check out his new album!
Posted in Featured, Music, News | No Comments »
On This Day: March 21
Thursday, March 21st, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
1960: Elvis Presley returned to the music scene after completing his military service in the US Army.
1970: Janis Joplin’s posthumous album “Pearl” was released, featuring her hit single “Me and Bobby McGee.”
1987: U2 released their fifth studio album, “The Joshua Tree,” which went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Posted in Featured, Music | No Comments »
AOTW: Clay and Friends – “STUNT”
Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Anabel Martin Llanusa ’25
Album of the Week: Clay and Friends – “STUNT”
Released: March 2024
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Spacey Jane, Royel Otis, JAWNY, Peach Pit
Clay and Friends just released their new album, “STUNT.” This Montreal band fusions soul, funk and hip hop beautifully. Their lyrics are usually about their daily lives in Montreal. “STUNT” is the perfect soundtrack for summer. The transport you right to the beach as it beats is very chill and happy. Its fresh rhythms and enveloping melodies will make you want to relax in the sun or be dancing on the sand. I really enjoyed this album because it reminds me of a specific feeling I get in Miami when I come back from the beach with the car windows down.
Posted in Featured, Music | No Comments »
Upcoming Event: Sign Up for Songwriter Skirmish
Monday, March 18th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
Do you want to perform at Loyolapalooza? Here is your chance! Enter to compete in Songwriter Skirmish. Songwriter Skirmish is open to solo or duo acts such as rappers, songwriters, duos, and mixers.
To enter, you must be or have at least one active member connected to Loyola University Maryland. They can be employees, current students, or alumni. By entering, you are confirming that you are able to perform at Songwriter Skirmish (3/23) and are able to perform at Loyolapalooza on 4/28.
Songwriter Skirmish will take place on Saturday, March 23 and the winner will be the first act of Loyolapalooza. Loyolapalooza takes place Sunday, April 28th. Think you have what it takes? Enter for Songwriter Skirmish or Battle of the Bands HERE!
Posted in Featured, Music, News | No Comments »
The Prime: Alt Through the Ages
Monday, March 18th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Genre: Alternative
Subgenre: Darkwave
RIYL: The Cure, Dead Can Dance, Depeche Mode, Joy Division
Darkwave alternative music can trace its origins back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees began incorporating elements of post-punk, gothic rock, and electronic music into their sound. These bands created a moody, atmospheric style of music characterized by haunting melodies, ethereal vocals, and a dark, introspective lyrics. Drawing inspiration from artists like David Bowie, Joy Division, and The Velvet Underground, darkwave quickly gained popularity.
Posted in Featured, Music | No Comments »
On This Day: March 14
Thursday, March 14th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
1. 1958: Elvis Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany.
2. 1964: The Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
3. 1987: U2 released their critically acclaimed album “The Joshua Tree.”
4. 1996: The Spice Girls released their debut single “Wannabe,” which became a global hit.
5. 2016: rap artist Kendrick Lamar released his album “untitled unmastered,” which received widespread critical acclaim.
Posted in Featured, Music | No Comments »
The Prime: Alt Through the Ages
Monday, March 11th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Genre: Alternative
Subgenre: Math rock
RIYL: Don Caballero, Covet, American Football, Three Trapped Tigers
Math rock is a subgenre of alternative rock that rose to popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The fusion of punk, progressive rock, and jazz influences is known for its complex and intricate rhythmic structures, unconventional time signatures, and instrumental inclusions, math rock quickly gained a dedicated fan base. Bands like Slint and Shellac were among the early trailblazers of the genre, incorporating elements of post-rock and indie rock into their music.
Throughout the 2000s, math rock continued to expand, with artists like Hella and Don Caballero contributing their talent to the genre with their innovative approaches to songwriting and instrumentation. These bands incorporated elements of electronic music, noise, and even pop into their sound, further diversifying the math rock landscape.
Today, math rock has become a globally recognized and celebrated genre, with a thriving community of musicians and fans around the world. Bands like Covet and Chon have gained popularity for their technical proficiency and melodic sensibilities, while newer artists continue to re-affirm math rock’s creditability. With its emphasis on complexity and precision math rock remains a vibrant and exciting genre that continues to inspire and challenge musicians and fans.
Posted in Featured, Music | No Comments »
DJ Spotlight: “BravoRadio”
Friday, March 1st, 2024 by Liz Kosik
Show name: BravoRadio
DJ: Maximus Nast (DJ Bravo) ’27
When: Fridays @ 5PM
Q: Name of your show along with a brief description
A: BravoRadio focuses on a different decade, genre, or style of music in each episode and seeks to showcase a fair mix of both well-known and underground tracks from the respective category. Bravo Radio is hosted by DJ Bravo and airs every Friday evening from 5-6 pm EST.
Posted in DJ Spotlight, Featured, Music | No Comments »
AOTW: Shaina Hayes – “Kindergarten Heart”
Thursday, February 29th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Anabel Martin Llanusa ’25
Album of the Week: Shaina Hayes – “Kindergarten Heart”
Released: February 2024
Rate: 8/10
RIYL: Helena Deland, Frankie Cosmos, Adrianne Lenker, Haley Heynderickx
Shaina Hayes’ latest album, “Kindergarten Heart,” is the perfect mix of Folk and Indie music. The soundtrack is driven by acoustic guitars and Haye’s distinctive Indie vocals. The distinctive sound of violins gives off a mystic melody in the album, which adds to the nostalgia in Hayes’ lyrics. (more…)
Posted in Featured, Music | No Comments »
On This Day: February 28
Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
1983: Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking music video for “Billie Jean” premiered on MTV.
1995: Oasis released their iconic single “Some Might Say” in the UK.
1996: American rapper Tupac Shakur released his fourth studio album, “All Eyez on Me,” which became one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time.
2006: Johnny Cash posthumously won five awards at the 48th Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “American IV: The Man Comes Around.”
2013: rock band Bon Jovi released their twelfth studio album, “What About Now.”
Posted in Featured, Music | No Comments »
