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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Music

Rowan Drake poses with his left arm lifted to the side and his head tilted down. He is wearing a black cap and a green, short-sleeved button-down shirt.

Q&A: Rowan Drake talks growing up into fame

Known for his TikTok song snippets and YouTube videos, the up-and-coming artist reveals his backstory, first loves and the meaning behind it all.
Tess McLafferty, Contributing Writer September 25, 2023

Scrolling through your TikTok For You page, it’s easy to be unfazed by yet another young singer serenading the screen with what they claim to be the next big hit. After a brief...

A crowd gathering at the Governors Ball music festival. There is a modified Statue of Liberty behind the crowd wearing a pair of sunglasses.

Summer music festivals aren’t what they used to be

Despite the recent rise in popularity of music festivals, repeated disasters and mishaps may be a sign they’re in decline.
Julia Diorio, Music Editor September 22, 2023

Usually, you know what you’re getting into with a music festival. You go. You spend $20 on a tiny hot dog and another twenty on water. You walk around aimlessly between three...

Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey wearing a light blue dress, sits in front of a piano while turning her head back to look at the camera.

Review: Laufey’s latest album ‘Bewitched’ is an ode to the dreamers

The Icelandic-Chinese artist introduced young audiences to classical jazz with her new album.
Diana C. Sánchez González, Contributing Writer September 21, 2023

Laufey, the rising 24-year-old jazz star, invites young people to escape into a dreamlike, misty world in her sophomore album “Bewitched,” released Friday, Sept. 8.  This...

A group of students sitting in a music recording studio while listening to two instructors speaking. The room is filled with various music production equipment.

NYU Nashville provides music students with hands-on experience

The university’s January-term course provides music business students with support to achieve their career aspirations.
Liz Lindain, Staff Writer September 19, 2023

Students taking the Nashville: Production and A&R in the Music Industry course in the music business program at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development...

Teezo Touchdown’s debut album is an alternative hip-hop masterpiece

After touring with the likes of Tyler, The Creator and collaborating with Don Toliver, the Texas songwriter finally released his first album.
Abigail Chang, Contributing Writer September 18, 2023

Teezo Touchdown, otherwise known as Aaron Thomas, is one of the hip-hop industry’s most anticipated emerging artists. After listening to his debut album, “How Do You...

NYU sophomore Andie Mackenzie showcases lyrical pop at its best in ‘Afterthought’

Released on Sept. 8, the artist’s five-track debut EP demonstrates strong lyricism.
Karina Rower, Contributing Writer September 18, 2023

If you’ve exhausted the tracks on Spotify’s suggested playlists like “Chill Vibes” and “Lorem,” and still want more, look no further than Andie Mackenzie’s newly...

Olivia Rodrigo wearing an all black outfit and rings that spell out ‘G.U.T.S.’

Review: Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘GUTS’ embodies the teenage girl experience

The pop star’s latest project is a mix of repetitive-yet-fiery anthems and powerful bedroom ballads.
Eliana Brown, Contributing Writer September 14, 2023

Olivia Rodrigo is back and more confident than ever on her second album “GUTS.” A little over two years after the release of her critically acclaimed debut album “SOUR”...

Taylor Swift stands on a black platform onstage with a microphone in hand, surrounded by smoke and red light. A white spotlight shines on her as she performs, wearing a black bodysuit with one pant leg and sleeve as well as black boots.

What to know before you go: The Eras Tour

Swifties, here's the ultimate survival guide to seeing Taylor Swift in all of her eras. “1, 2, 3, let’s go bitch!”
Natalie Thomas and Manasa Gudavalli May 26, 2023

The seven female members of X.G. stand in front of a large screen displaying a white number “88” alongside an upward arrow of the same color over a sky background. They are each wearing identical black suit jackets with rhinestone accents and black ties. The performers make peace signs to the crowd with their hands.

Head in the Clouds brings diverse roster to NYC

The festival provided a safe and welcoming space for Asian artists to share their music and connect with fans.
Lea Filidore, Staff Writer May 25, 2023

A colorful billboard that reads “New York head in the clouds music and arts festival” at the top. Behind the billboard, there are fireworks in the sky.

Head In The Clouds comes to NYC

88rising’s two-day music festival aims to represent and amplify the voices of Asian artists.
Lea Filidore, Staff Writer May 4, 2023

This spring, 88rising is bringing its two-day music festival, Head In The Clouds, to New York City. Armed with a star-studded lineup, the Asian American music and arts festival...

A band performing on a stage with amps in Washington Square Park, with pastel colored guitars, a saxophone and a drum set. Two of the band members wear N.Y.U. merch, and the lead singer is wearing sunglasses. A brightly colored banner with a spiral design hangs behind them, and reads “Stolen Gin,” the name of the band.

Stolen Gin, the soundtrack to your spring 

Meet the NYU grads with an eclectic sound that is equal parts Grateful Dead and Daft Punk.
Natasha R. Roy, Contributing Writer May 3, 2023

If you ambled through Washington Square Park at any point on 4/20, chances are you caught the steadily growing crowd dancing to Stolen Gin’s jazzy performance. If you noticed...

Will O’Connor and Matt Connelly, both wearing sunglasses, sit on a stoop in front of wire fencing. Behind them in the distance are the benches and trees of a public park.

Q&A: How Wilmah went from writing music in a spare bedroom to headlining NYC shows

WSN spoke with Wilmah about the band’s backstory, writing techniques, and upcoming show at Baby’s All Right on May 4.
Katherine Manatos, Contributing Writer May 3, 2023

From the band’s beginning, Wilmah members Matt Connolly and Will O'Connor have maintained a signature sound by staying true to their personalities. Originally from Buffalo, New...