It’s rare to find an album that can surprise you. Music nowadays seems centered around technology rather than talent, marketing rather than true musical prowess, and formulaic songs that are easy to swallow, rather than tracks that challenge you. Owel’s self- titled album, released Tuesday, goes back to the root of what truly good music…
Culture, Music, Q & A + Profiles
Owel lead singer talks recording, new album
Owel is a new band breaking away from traditional sounds. The New Jersey quintet, which originally performed under the name Old Nick, released their debut album Tuesday. The band’s music has been featured in Spin Magazine’s Must Hear CD Sampler. With sounds reminiscent of Radiohead and Sigur Ros, Owel mixes striking lyrics with haunting music…
Community, Culture, Music
Hurricane Productions presents: U-topia
Hurricane Productions’ latest feat involves turning the Green into a utopia on Friday. The organization is hosting U-topia as its spring concert. It features two live shows, plenty of food and entertainment for a memorable night. Alternative rock band Surfer Blood and the experimental hip-hoppers of The Cool Kids are gracing the Green with their…
Culture, Music, Reviews
2Cellos shine on second album
Since posting a cello-only cover of “Smooth Criminal” to YouTube in 2011, 2Cellos has taken over the classical music charts. The Croatian cello duo’s first album, “2CELLOS,” reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard’s top classical albums. Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser recently released their second album, “In2ition,” which shows the dynamic duo is working…
Culture, Music
UMF celebrates 15-year anniversary
(Photos By Cayla Nimmo) Ultra Music Festival (UMF) started fifteen years ago. Before the festival came together, though, festival organizers held warehouse parties for electronic music. According to Joe Risolia, who handles new business development for UMF, the producers wanted to do a larger event on the beach in lieu…
Culture, Music
Electronic dance music guide
For two weekends, Ultra Music Festival attendees rage away for hours on end to electronic dance music (EDM). While dancing each day away, it can be difficult to distinguish the various types of music each DJ is playing. From changes in bass lines to the addition of vocals, each artist has their own sound that…
Culture, Music, Q & A + Profiles
College musician balances academics, career
A new voice has joined the alternative music scene. Maryam Qudus, a college student who records under the pseudonym Doe Eye, debuted in 2011 when her single “I Hate You” premiered on San Francisco’s Live105. Maryam was voted the No. 1 artist on the West Coast in Billboard’s Battle of the Bands in 2012. Her…
Culture, Music
Singer/songwriter uplifts, inspires through jazzy tunes
The sun’s long, lazy rays were coming in through the Newman Alumni Center’s vast window on Friday evening, making for the proper setting as singer/ songwriter Greg Stamper filled the room with his smooth, jazzy pop songs. While not cocky, his Brooklyn confidence that carried through his expressive voice and unshy body language was just…
Culture, Music, Reviews
A$AP Rocky impresses on debut album
A$AP Rocky is a force to be reckoned with. Since releasing his debut mixtape, “Live. Love. A$AP,” in late 2011, Rocky has toured with Drake and Kendrick Lamar. He’ll soon join Rihanna on her Diamonds World Tour. The subjects that the young rapper tackles aren’t new: money, weed and “hoes.” But he’s smart with it…
Culture, Music, Reviews
Singer-songwriter Megan Cox shines on debut album
If I had to describe Megan Cox’s album “W” in one word, it would have to be organic. The arrangements and lyrics are complex yet it doesn’t seem like Cox is trying too hard. None of the tracks on the album feel forced; it all flows. Plus, it’s been a while since I heard great…
Culture, Music, Reviews
Timberlake suits up for comeback
Seven years and five blockbusters later, Justin Timberlake is back in the game. After a dramatic three-day countdown on his official website, Timberlake released “Suit and Tie” – a preview of his upcoming third studio album, “The 20/20 Experience.” Although the song isn’t making much of a statement, people are still talking and that’s what…