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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

An illustration of a vinyl record on which the image of a man with a beard and long black hair is imprinted. He is wearing black jeans, a dark green T-shirt, and a light gray long-sleeve button-up, and is standing in a grassy field with mountains in the background. A Great Dane sits next to him on the right.

Review: Noah Kahan encapsulates the beauty of heartbreak, healing and the New England fall on ‘Stick Season’

After Noah Kahan’s backyard video of his single “Stick Season” went viral on TikTok, fans waited with bated breath to see if the album would meet their expectations.
Julia Diorio, Contributing Writer November 2, 2022

Indie artist Noah Kahan is a master of lyrical storytelling. Previously known for his popular collaboration with Julia Michaels in “Hurt Somebody,” Kahan can no longer be classified...

A black-and-white illustration of a young woman with long, dark hair and bangs sitting upright in a fetal position with her head on her knees. The background is made up of halftone black and white textures.

Review: Poppy paints an intimate portrait of her psyche with ‘Stagger’

Singer-songwriter Poppy's first release since “Flux” continues on a path of more emotive, focused lyricism that finally lets us see beyond her persona.
Valentina Arrieta, Contributing Writer November 1, 2022

On her latest EP “Stagger,” Poppy shows growing ease and comfort as a rock artist. The singer-songwriter develops her lyricism to show a typically unseen personal side. On...

An illustration of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson posing for a photograph while sitting on a stage. McPherson, on the left, has brown curly hair, and wears yellow-tinted glasses, a yellow short-sleeved shirt, brown shorts, white socks, and brown lace-up shoes. Gavin, in the center, has red straight hair and wears a gray long-sleeved shirt, green pants with gray vertical stripes, and brown shoes with tied bows. Maskin, on the right, is wearing a white T-shirt, an orange long-sleeved shirt with brown stripes under the white shirt, gray-ish brown pants, and dark shoes.

Review: MUNA reimagines electropop on ‘Live At Electric Lady’

The queer band released the live EP amid their quasi-sold-out U.S. tour. “Live At Electric Lady” can be streamed exclusively on Spotify.
Yas Akdag, Music Editor October 31, 2022

MUNA is resilient and driven. The queer electropop band — comprised of Katie Gavin, Naomi McPherson and Josette Maskin — formed in 2013 after meeting at the University of Southern...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: Blu DeTiger dials up rhythm and funk on latest single ‘Elevator’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Sarah Kinsley, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and more.
Yas Akdag, Ethan Beck and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer October 27, 2022

This week, we’ve got pop, funk, house and indie rock. Basically, we have a lot covered. Three of the artists this week also went to New York colleges — Blu DeTiger is a former...

An illustration of a C.D. disk with Taylor Swift’s face drawn onto the cover against a light blue background.

Review: Taylor Swift sleepily returns to pop with ‘Midnights’

With her 10th studio album “Midnights,” Taylor Swift reverts back to smooth synths and synthetic drum sounds in her long-awaited return to pop music.
Abbie Thompson, Contributing Writer October 26, 2022

After months of Machiavellian teasing on social media, Taylor Swift has finally released her highly anticipated 10th studio album “Midnights,” signaling her official return...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: With a ‘Pang,’ Caroline Polachek is back

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Caroline Polachek, Katie Gregson-MacLeod and more.
Yas Akdag, Holden Lay and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer October 20, 2022

Listen To This took a brief hiatus, but fear not — we’re back. This week, we’ve rounded up some of the best indie pop and rock singles from the last fortnight. Read on for...

An illustration of musician Dev Hynes, shirtless, wearing a headband and sunshades and holding a bass guitar.

Review: Blood Orange makes an understated return with ‘Four Songs’

Holden Lay, Staff Writer October 6, 2022

“Four Songs,” Blood Orange’s first release in three years, is pretty much exactly as its title suggests: four brief cuts from the continually shapeshifting multi-instrumentalist...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen To This: Sabrina Song just wants ‘To Know You’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Arctic Monkeys, LCD Soundsystem and more.
Yas Akdag, Paree Chopra and Holden Lay October 6, 2022

This week, we have two alt-rock-leaning songs and two alt-pop-leaning songs. Take your pick! As an added bonus, the two pop songs are by former and current NYU students Sabrina...

An illustration of Noah Cyrus standing in a field holding a knife, with a house in the background.

Review: Noah Cyrus’ debut album ‘The Hardest Part’ offers a healing journey for life’s heartaches

The singer-songwriter’s debut album juggles country sensibilities with modern pop aesthetics as it tunes into the worries of the modern heart.
Paree Chopra, Staff Writer October 5, 2022

At only 22, Noah Cyrus has crafted the deeply mature, vulnerable and raw “The Hardest Part.” Releasing a debut album is a major step towards growing as an artist, and with...

“Girl of My Dreams,” the debut album from pop singer FLETCHER, reflects on heartbreak and healing.

FLETCHER’s “Girl of my Dreams” takes listeners on a journey of self-love

Singer-songwriter FLETCHER’s debut album “Girl of my Dreams” is a collection of pop anthems that detail the artist’s journey from heartbreak to healing.
Lilia Gerstmyer, Contributing Writer October 4, 2022

If there is one thing to be said about FLETCHER, it’s that she doesn’t hold back.  Clive Davis alum and New Jersey native Cari Elise Fletcher, or — as you’re more likely...

British singer-songwriter Harry Styles dressed in a pink furry overcoat with matching trousers holds a black microphone against a radiating background.

It’s New York, baby: Harry Styles takes over Madison Square Garden

Harry Styles, accompanied by his devoted and well-dressed fans, displays his massive effect in New York during a 15-show residency at Madison Square Garden.
Emily Kerrigan, Staff Writer October 3, 2022

After the end of One Direction — or its supposed “hiatus” — Harry Styles and his bandmates seemed to become remnants of a tween boy band fever dream. To reclaim the almost...

A portrait of musician and composer Pharoah Sanders dressed in a purple shirt and a black hat playing a saxophone against a purple background.

Reflecting on the avant-garde jazz legacy of Pharoah Sanders

The saxophonist and composer shattered conventions on an over 60-year hot streak.
Holden Lay, Staff Writer October 3, 2022
The saxophonist and composer shattered conventions on an over 60-year hot streak.