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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

Sun Room takes the stage at the Mercury Lounge on the Lower East Side. Hailing from San Diego, the young band has already amassed a sizable Spotify following. (Staff Photo by Yas Akdag)

Surf rock band Sun Room brings Californian energy to New York

The San Diego natives kicked off their tour at the Lower East Side’s Mercury Lounge.
Yas Akdag, Music Editor September 27, 2021

Thursday nights are the new Friday nights. It certainly seemed so on Sept. 16, when I went to watch an up-and-coming surf-rock band called Sun Room. Out of breath after speed-walking...

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: As Lady Gaga goes jazz, Enrique Iglesias plays it safe

Read about the most notable singles this week by Lukas Graham, Will Wood and more.

This week’s reviews sprawl across a range of genres. From Kehlani’s popcorn butter-smooth R&B to Snail Mail’s electrified indie-rock, these singles will spice up your...

Kacey Musgraves released her fifth studio album “star-crossed” on Friday, Sept. 10. In the album, Musgraves dives into the conflicting feelings of love and hate and eventually the acceptance of both. (Illustration by Aaliya Luthra)

Review: Kacey Musgraves’ ‘star-crossed’ is a Shakespearean tragedy

The country-pop artist reflects on divorce in her fifth studio album.
Paree Chopra, Staff Writer September 21, 2021

“star-crossed” — Musgraves’ fifth studio album — explores the end of a relationship and everything that goes with it: fears, thrills, love, grief, yearning and remembrance...

A year after releasing her album “Chromatica,” Lady Gaga has impressed fans with 14 new remixes of songs. “Dawn of Chromatica” succeeds in breathing new life into each song. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Review: ‘Dawn of Chromatica’ will invigorate you

A year after the original release of "Chromatica," former Tisch student Lady Gaga dazzles fans with 14 new remixes.
Isabella Armus, Deputy Arts Editor September 20, 2021

Let your end-of-summer-panic subside — there are still outgoing flights to “Chromatica.” Since singer, actress, entrepreneur, icon and former NYU student Lady Gaga released...

Billie Eilish’s second album “Happier Than Ever” and its accompanying concert film mark a shift in the singer’s sound and tone. The film is dedicated to Los Angeles, where Eilish grew up, and features songs of varying genres. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: Billie Eilish’s ‘Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles’ is comfortably intimate

The alternative teen pop star is sultry, quirky and introspective in her new Disney+ concert experience.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer September 20, 2021

In her Disney+ debut, singer-songwriter and alternative pop star Billie Eilish brings her latest album to her home city. Staged at the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl, Eilish performs...

This year’s MTV Video Music Awards returns to its live format to celebrate the channel’s 40th anniversary. The 2021 VMAs were held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on September 12. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

The most notable performances from the 2021 VMAs

The MTV awards returned with energetic performances, the hottest music — and a worm costume.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer September 17, 2021

Making a grand return to a live format, this year’s MTV Video Music Awards celebrated the channel’s 40th anniversary with exciting performances from today’s top artists....

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: Metallica covers growl alongside lush pop tunes

Read about the most notable singles this week by Mac DeMarco, Troye Sivan and more.

This week’s reviews range from covers of Metallica’s “The Black Album” to a slinky Big Thief song about certainty. They discuss Radiohead’s upcoming triple-album release...

The Clive Davis Institute hosts an annual Artist-In-Residence each year. This year, Clive Davis hosts Grammy winner Jack Antonoff. (Photo by Herbert "River" Ortiz)

Jack Antonoff is this year’s Artist-in-Residence at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute

The Grammy Award-winning musician launched his residency with a Q&A for Clive Davis students.
Yas Akdag, Music Editor September 15, 2021

Hit artist, songwriter, producer and five-time Grammy Award winner Jack Antonoff has been announced as this year’s Artist-in-Residence at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded...

Abba’s upcoming album “Voyage” is scheduled for release on November 5th. This would be Abba’s first release after nearly forty years.
(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Here we go again: ABBA returns after 39 years

The pop supergroup is releasing a new album and London concert experience.
Paree Chopra, Staff Writer September 14, 2021

The Swedish pop quartet ABBA has returned after nearly four decades, with new music and a quirky performance concept. The group publicized their comeback on Sept. 2, when they...

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: Singles from Sept. 1-7

Read about the most notable singles released this week.

So many good singles this week. So many great music videos — every track on here has one. We’ve gotten extremes in genres, ranging from hyperpop to lo-fi, and included an NYU...

Blu DeTiger performs songs from her latest EP, “How Did We Get Here?” at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. DeTiger is a DJ, bass player, and NYU-student-on-leave, and energized the crowd with renditions of her popular songs. (Staff Photo by Yas Akdag)

Blu DeTiger excels at Music Hall of Williamsburg

A former NYU student’s first headline show energizes and stuns.
Yas Akdag, Music Editor September 8, 2021

“Blu, Blu, Blu, Blu, Blu!” the crowd chants, eager for the blue-bass-toting musician to hop onstage. Their wish will soon be granted, as blue lasers flicker across the room...

Singer-songwriter Halsey released their fourth studio album, "If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power," on August 27, 2021. Halsey tackles femininity, empowerment, pregnancy, and motherhood all at once in their new concept album. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli and Arnav Binaykia)

Review: ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’

Halsey navigates life in its rawest form through their new concept album.
Paree Chopra, Staff Writer September 8, 2021

“It’s the most inadequate I’ve ever felt.” Halsey shares this in a 2020 interview with the Guardian, discussing the online backlash they received following their public...