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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

The Grammy Awards is presented by the Recording Academy to recognize achievement in the music industry. While the Grammy Awards preach diversity, they fail to recognize LGBTQ+ artists and artists of color. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

In Memoriam: The Grammys

The Recording Academy preaches diversity, but still neglects to recognize LGBTQ+ artists and artists of color.
Valentina Arrieta, Contributing Writer March 22, 2021

Watching the Grammy Awards this year, it became evident the Recording Academy is entirely disconnected from its audience and artists. After a year of tragic losses, I found myself...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Weekly Radio Roundup: March 12 – March 19

Read about the most notable singles released this week.
Holden Lay, Ana Cubas, Perry Gregory and Sophia Carr March 19, 2021

As midterms come to a close and our short-lived spring break begins, we are reminded of the healing, enticing nature of music. From the cathartic glitches of Laura Les to the entrancing...

Alternative rock quintet, Grouplove, announced the release of their fifth studio album, “This is This.” Made over quarantine, New York/California rockers deliver an album of nostalgia inspired pop rock hits. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Grouplove’s surprise fifth album packs a punch

Made over quarantine, New York/California rockers deliver an album of nostalgia inspired pop-rock hits.
Holly Seefeldt, Contributing Writer March 18, 2021

Hold onto your face masks, folks! The soundtrack of summer 2021 has arrived and it’s one hell of a ride. Alternative rock quintet, Grouplove, announced the release of their...

Lizzo is a female singer, rapper, songwriter, and flutist, who highlights intersectional feminism, fights for the equality of all women, and specifically speaks to women of color. She promotes self-love and lifts up her audiences and encourages them to empower others in their lives. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Celebrating iconic women in music: Lizzo

In honor of Women’s History Month, WSN writers share their most influential female artists.
Maya Mehrara, Contributing Writer March 16, 2021

If you want to feel like a queen, without needing a crown, go ahead and blast Lizzo’s music.  Nobody represents or advocates for the modern woman quite like Lizzo. Lizzo’s...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Weekly Radio Roundup: March 5 – March 11

Read about the most notable singles released this week.

This past week’s releases provided a glimpse into the new sounds and influences trending in the music industry.  From soul music to 1970s glam rock, these tracks gave us an...

Arab Strap's latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” depicts statuesque bodies on its album cover. “As Days Get Dark” is Arab Strap's first studio album in 16 years. (Staff Photos by Alexandra Chan, Manasa Gudavalli, Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

‘As Days Get Dark’ Review: Arab Strap’s Latest Offers Drab Diction and Lulling Lyrics

Arab Strap’s latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” comes at a depressing time with saddening songs. Featuring a bout of lackluster experimentation, the album doesn’t amount to much despite its intentions.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor March 9, 2021

With their latest album, “As Days Get Dark,” Arab Strap doubles down on the thickness of their Scottish brogue while delivering deliberately dreary dance tunes. Fluctuating...

“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry,” released on Apple TV+, is a music documentary about singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. The documentary showcases both the good and bad moments of Billie Eilish's life and stardom.
(Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Billie Eilish’s documentary breaks barriers of pop stardom

This candid-but-unfiltered documentary is as unconventional as Eilish herself.
Ana Cubas, Music Editor March 8, 2021

“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry,” directed by R.J. Cutler, whose past documentary films include “The September Issue” and “The War Room,” is the newest...

"Tea for Tillerman 2" is Cat Stevens's reimagining of his original album in 1970. Although the album is undoubtedly beautiful, it fails to capture the vulnerability of his previous work. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

Cat Stevens Revisits ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ and Creates New Magic

Despite lacking the vulnerability and simplicity of the original, this revamped album is dramatic and experimental.
Izzy Salas, Staff Writer September 25, 2020

“Tea for the Tillerman 2” by Yusuf/Cat Stevens is as lovely as the first time around but leans heavily on sounds instead of lyrics. It all feels very indie movie-esque, very...

The 2020 Country Music Awards stage welcomed back Taylor Swift after a seven-year absence. The return shows not only the singer's negligence of the pop genre, but also the abandonment of genre boundaries altogether. (Staff Illustration by Li-Chun Pan)

Taylor Swift Proves She Can Do It All

With her latest music, the singer has finally cemented the impressive extent of her stylistic range once and for all.
Claire Jones, Contributing Writer September 23, 2020

For a long time, it seemed like Taylor Swift was moving in a straight line. The musician began her career as a country singer through and through, only to progressively shed that...

The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

Weekly Radio Roundup: Sept. 15 – Sept. 21

Read about the most notable singles released this week.

This edition of Weekly Radio Roundup exhibits singles released by old and new artists, reminding us that good music remains relevant regardless of its release, and feelings of...

Travis Scott's McDonald's latest collaboration is set to be released on Oct. 4. The menu item consists of the singer's favorite order: a quarter pounder with onions, pickles, bacon, lettuce, melted cheese, mustard and ketchup. (Staff Illustration by Chelsea Li)

Travis Scott’s McDonald’s Collaboration Caters to His Fans

Hip-Hop artist Travis Scott and McDonald’s team up to give hamburgers some swagger.
Anastasia D. S. Johnson, Staff Writer September 21, 2020

For the first time in almost 30 years, a celebrity can say that their name is on the McDonald’s menu. On Sept. 8, 2020, 28-year-old hip-hop artist and music producer Travis Scott...

This past Monday night, Chance the Rapper partnered with Ralph Lauren in an attempt to create an engaging pre-show and concert experience virtually. The night started off with a snapchat filter that allowed the user to explore the flagship Ralph Lauren store and ended with an entertaining YouTube concert. (Staff Illustration by Chelsea Li)

The Ralph Lauren X Chance the Rapper Performance Reimagines Virtual Concerts

The best part of the Ralph Lauren x Chance the Rapper performance was, surprisingly, waiting for the show to start.
Holly Grace Jamili, Contributing Writer September 17, 2020

This past Monday, Chance the Rapper partnered with luxury designer Ralph Lauren to invite his fans for a free online performance in his hometown of Chicago. It was no typical live...