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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

A monochromatic headshot of Molly Neuman.

Q&A: Molly Neuman, from Bratmobile drummer to Riot grrrl legend & music business innovator

WSN spoke with Molly Neuman about Bratmobile, “riot grrrl” fanzine, diversity in the music scene and the current state of reproductive rights in America.
Clara Scholl, Contributing Writer May 4, 2022

The story of riot grrrl would be incomplete without Molly Neuman and Bratmobile, an American punk band active in the ’90s. Not only did they pioneer the movement, but also...

An illustration of Johanna Fateman on a red background.

Q&A: Le Tigre’s Johanna Fateman on riot grrrl culture, past and present

WSN spoke with Johanna Fateman about the riot grrrl scene in the 1990s, North Carolina, and getting Le Tigre back together for an upcoming performance.
Clara Scholl, Contributing Writer May 2, 2022

What do you get when you combine electronic rock, 1990s New York City and the riot grrrl movement? None other than Le Tigre, of course. The American electronic rock band was...

Will Wood wants to be authentic, whatever it takes

Avant-pop musician Will Wood talked with WSN about the perils of social media, his upcoming album, “In Case I Make It,” and how his mental health has shaped his music.
Caitlin Hsu, UTA Publishing Editor April 29, 2022

Songwriting inspiration can come from odd places — even from trapping and poisoning a mouse in one’s kitchen. When musician and artist Will Wood first found the creature last...

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: Dear CVS, Megan Thee Stallion is stocking up on ‘Plan B’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Laufey, PinkPantheress and more.

Everybody seems to be talking about Coachella this week, and, well, we’re going to give you more of that. Megan Thee Stallion debuted her latest single, “Plan B,” at her...

A crowd of concert-goers dressed in summer outfits in the foreground and an outdoor stage in the background. The weather is sunny.

Q&A: Gov Ball co-founder Tom Russell on what makes the festival tick

WSN spoke with Governor’s Ball co-founder Tom Russell about the festival’s history and this year’s lineup.
Nathan Chizen, Contributing Writer April 27, 2022

Governor’s Ball, New York's premier music festival, is back, returning to Citi Field in early June. WSN spoke with co-founder Tom Russell about what to expect from this year’s...

A headshot of Jonah Kagen. He is wearing a black sweater and looking directly at the camera. The picture has an orange gradient filter.

Q&A: Jonah Kagen is making music that explores every human emotion

The indie-folk artist’s charming lyrics and transcendent melodies are inspired by his degree in psychology. 
Holly Grace Jamili, Contributing Writer April 25, 2022

With a fresh bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cornell University, indie-folk songbird Jonah Kagen is making music that explores every human emotion. Kagen recently opened...

Matt Maltese sings into a microphone while sitting down and looking away. Red lights glow onto him and the stage.

Q&A: Singer-songwriter Matt Maltese uses acerbic lyricism to articulate heartbreak and apocalyptic fears

Matt Maltese, best known for “As the World Caves In,” talked with WSN about his lyrics, the possibility of venturing into film and TV soundtracking, and his new EP, “Quiet Recordings.”
Stephanie Wong, Staff Writer April 22, 2022

If you’ve been on TikTok at all in recent years, chances are that you’ve come across Matt Maltese’s unexpectedly viral apocalyptic ballad “As the World Caves In.” Despite...

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: Phoebe Bridgers expands her sonic palette on “Sidelines”

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Jamie xx and Shin Hae Gyeong.

Phoebe Bridgers, a veteran of the indie scene, has been riding a big high since releasing her 2020 Grammy-nominated album, “Punisher.” Now, she’s also proven her business...

A monochromatic portrait of Father John Misty in a white shirt and black suit with a dancer in a feather-decorated dress behind him.

Review: Father John Misty’s ‘Chloë and the Next 20th Century’ is a jaggedly stylistic statement

The singer-songwriter’s most mysterious record yet is overflowing with thrilling sonic surprises and delicate sincerity.
Holden Lay, Staff Writer April 20, 2022

On his fifth album, “Chloë and the Next 20th Century,” Joshua Tilman, who goes by the stage name Father John Misty, turns to Harry Nilsson and the jazz standards of the early...

An illustration of a purple heart-shaped bong, two Oreo cookies and a pair of Beats earbuds against a bright green background.

Staff Recs: Crunchin’ the munchies

The Arts Desk recommends the best movies and music for dozing off into high heaven as you celebrate 4/20.

It’s twenty past four and you need something to do after toking and coughing on a spliff or devouring a brownie whose chemical makeup is a broken ratio of three parts cannabis,...

A pink-colored subject standing naked in the middle of a hill filled with golden weeds against the teal sky.

Review: On ‘Further Joy,’ the Regrettes reimagine themselves as indie pop stars

The Regrettes tackle the highs and lows of lockdown and young adulthood in “Further Joy,” their third studio album and first full-length release since 2019.
MaryCharlotte Barnes, Contributing Writer April 18, 2022

The Regrettes’ latest release, “Further Joy,” is a snappy statement of independence. The 13-track album makes it clear that the California-based foursome haven’t lost their...

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: After countless breakup songs, Lauv is finally back in love

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Maggie Rogers, Noah Cyrus and more.
Yas Akdag, Paree Chopra and Candace Patrick April 14, 2022

It’s a pop week — that’s for sure — but the songs are all excellent, offering glimpses into artists’ forthcoming projects. We also feature two NYU artists this week:...