Music
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.
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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.
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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…)
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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.”
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SOTW: Lawrence – “23”
Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Genevieve Torkornoo ’25
Song of The Week: Lawrence – “23”
Released: November 17th, 2023
Rate: 8.5/10
RIYL: Busty and the Bass, Charlie Burg, Michal Leah, Stephen Day
Lawrence is a brother and sister music group from New York City. Their music consists of a mix of Soul Pop with a mix of Funk and RNB. On August 12th, 2023, the duo began touring with the Jonas Brothers, gaining more attention. In their recent song “23” We witness an immersive blend of Soul Pop and Funk. Despite the song’s upbeat nature, its meaning is quite the opposite. “23” is about a 23-year-old reminiscing about her recent breakup with a lover. The age of 23 was supposed to be the best year of their lives, but instead, they were left with a broken heart and sorrow. (more…)
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Goodbye Honfest :(
Monday, February 26th, 2024 by The Professor
The folks that created and ran Honfest have called it a day after nearly 30 years of events. WLOY was proud to have been a part of the event from 2010 onward and to have built up an amazing stage at the Chestnut St. end of the festival from 2014-2023. We are grateful to Denise and Lisa for all their work and support of us in bringing tons of great bands up on the stage. Check out our full list here. We will miss the fun this June, but we hope to see a new festival spring up over the summer. Until then, there is Hampdenfest every fall!
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DJ Spotlight: “Melancholy Mixtapes”
Friday, February 23rd, 2024 by Liz Kosik
Show name: Melancholy Mixtapes
DJ: Analia Cortez ’25
When: Fridays @ 4PM
Q: Name of your show along with a brief description
A: Melancholy Mixtapes is a mix of rock, alt rock and indie rock with a good sound, but melancholic meaning. Every show is a different mixtape with a new theme or vibe.
Q: Why did you choose to host a show at WLOY?
A: I chose to host because it was the best way for me to be able to pursue my love for music in college and I love being able to share the sound and my passion for it with others.
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On This Day: February 22
Thursday, February 22nd, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
1. 1956: Elvis Presley enters the music charts for the first time with “Heartbreak Hotel”, which eventually becomes his first number one hit.
2. 1975: Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album hits number one on the Billboard album chart, beginning a successful period for the band.
3. 1984: British band Queen score their first and only number one single in the United States with “Radio Ga Ga”.
4. 2000: Santana sweeps the Grammy Awards, winning a record-tying eight awards, including Album of the Year for “Supernatural”.
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The Prime: Alt Through the Ages
Monday, February 19th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
Genre: Alternative
Subgenre: Nu-gaze
RIYL: Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, No Joy, DIIV
Nu-gaze is a subgenre of alternative music that rising in the late 2000s and combines elements of shoegaze, dream pop, and noise rock with a modern twist. The term “nu-gaze” is a play on the traditional shoegaze sound that was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by hazy guitars, ethereal vocals, and layers of effects. Artists in the nu-gaze scene often incorporate electronic elements and experimental production techniques, creating a more contemporary and dynamic sound.
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AOTW: Dead Poet Society – “FISSION”
Friday, February 16th, 2024 by Liz Kosik
by Isabelle Braudakis ’25
Album of the Week: Dead Poet Society – “FISSION”
Released: January 26, 2024
Rate: 9/10
RIYL: Nothing but Thieves, Death from Above 1979, Royal Blood, The Struts
The band Dead Poet Society consists of members, Jack Underkofler (vocals, guitar), Jack Collins (guitar), Dyland Brenner (bass guitar), and Will Goodroad (drums). The quartet assembled in Boston, Massachusetts in 2013. “FISSION” is the band’s second studio album following their debut album “-!-“, which peaked at 19 on the U.S Main Rock charts! What drew me into this album was the vibe and heaviness of it. I immediately thought of Nothing but Thieves, with similar vocal styles and rock influences. The edginess and power of it immediately grabbed my attention and I have not been able to stop listening all week! (more…)
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