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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

All content by Candace Patrick
An illustration of a women with dark purple hair wearing lavender headphones. Her headphone cords form the text "listen to this." She is in front of a blue background.

Listen To This: Julia Michaels redefines EDM on ‘Sorry To Me Too’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Stevie Bill, Channel Tres and more.
Yas Akdag, Sandy Battulga and Candace Patrick November 17, 2022

This week, we have four songs that lean pop, but have different interpretations of the genre. There’s Julia Michaels’ heartbreak anthem, which she wrote following her split...

An illustration of a women with dark purple hair wearing lavender headphones. Her headphone cords form the text "listen to this." She is in front of a blue background.

Listen To This: Rihanna returns with powerful ballad ‘Lift Me Up’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by SZA, Holly Humberstone and more.
Yas Akdag, Paree Chopra, Holden Lay and Candace Patrick November 3, 2022

When we heard both Rihanna and SZA were releasing new music this past week, we couldn’t wait for Friday to come around. Neither disappoint with their latest singles — an emotional...

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: Diane Keaton joins pop star Ashe in ‘Love Is Letting Go’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Devin Townsend, Alvvays and more.
Holden Lay, Candace Patrick and Jack Solomon September 29, 2022

Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton has secretly always wanted to be a singer, and she does just that in Ashe’s latest single, the sweet acoustic ballad titled “Love...

An illustration of a CD cover with Rina Sawayama in a white top and black dress against a magenta background.

Review: ‘Hold The Girl’ conveys vulnerability through an exhilarating electropop soundscape

Singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama’s sophomore studio album explores new emotional territory through upbeat dance tracks and compelling power ballads.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer September 26, 2022

Japanese British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama wastes no time before jumping into the depths of her emotional burdens — themes of love, acceptance, anger, growth and more —...

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: Alex G digs deep in his latest song, ‘Miracles’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Suki Waterhouse, Nosaj Thing and more.
Holden Lay, Candace Patrick, Jack Solomon and Annie Williams September 15, 2022

Picture this: it’s July 2022. You and your friends get selected for tickets to see Jimmy Fallon. You’re excited because the guests include the legendary Jane Fonda and your...

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 five years, Björk returns with ‘Atopos’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by The 1975, FLETCHER and more.

Welcome back to Listen To This! Our first edition of the fall semester starts off strong with plenty of excellent releases spanning artpop, Britpop, electropop … well, just all...

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...

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:...

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: Harry Styles announces a new album with single ‘As It Was’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Alexander 23, Father John Misty and more.

Harry Styles is back — and the world is ready for it, with “As It Was” hinting at what fans can expect on the new album. This week, we also review songs from pop giants Alexander...

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: Off camera, ‘Elliot’s Song’ captivates

Read about this week’s most notable singles by HAIM, Ashe and more.

Nearly two weeks after the “Euphoria” season two finale, the show still finds a way to get talked about — this time through the release of “Elliot’s Song.” We won’t...

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: Nilüfer Yanya’s latest song confirms she’s an idol in the making

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Rosalía, BANKS and more.

“the dealer” by Nilüfer Yanya Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor To list the music idols who have come from the United Kingdom would be to write a never-ending book....

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: Caroline Polachek dazzles in new song ‘Billions’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Father John Misty, Alexander 23 and more.

Caroline Polachek dropped her latest single, “Billions”, on the same day she started touring with Dua Lipa — talk about having a full plate. And love him or hate him, Ed...

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: Australian artist Mallrat heads to hyperpop

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Lucy Dacus, John Legend and more.
Yas Akdag, Holden Lay, Candace Patrick and Annie Williams February 10, 2022

In this edition of Listen to This, we have a diverse range of songs, from indie rock to unsuccessful pop punk. Yes, we have a negative review this week — listen to it at your...

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: Another posthumous release from XXXTENTACION

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Lauv, Wallows and more.

Pop, rap, rock. What isn’t covered this week? Dive into these eclectic reviews to find the freshest new music to add to your library. “vice city” by XXXTENTACION Jordan...

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 teasing it on TikTok, Charlie Puth’s ‘Light Switch’ is finally here

Read about this week’s most notable singles from Father John Misty, Destroyer and more.

Welcome back to Listen to This! We’re back with the first edition of the spring semester. Spanning several genres, we’ve got nine great songs this week, which all came out...

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: Mitski strikes again with new single ‘Heat Lightning’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Mitski, Ed Sheeran, Joshua Bassett and more.
Bryn Borzillo, Candace Patrick and Alex Tey December 9, 2021

Yes, it’s true — this is the last edition of “Listen to this” for the fall semester. It’s been crazy and hectic, but time really has flown. Ahead of her forthcoming album,...

British singer Adele, shown here performing in Nashville, recently released her fourth studio album titled “30.” The album’s songs capture Adele’s vulnerability, heartbreak and resurgent confidence. (Photo by Kristopher Harris, via Wikimedia Commons)

Review: Adele’s ‘30’ is more than just a heartbreak album

Grab the tissues — Adele is back.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer November 24, 2021

When asked about the theme of her new album on Instagram Live last month, Adele responded without hesitation: “Divorce, babe, divorce.” She meant it. In her fourth studio...

ABBA’s album “Voyage” was released on Nov. 5. This is ABBA’s first release after nearly 40 years. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Review: ABBA’s ‘Voyage’ revives the band’s iconic sound

The internationally beloved Swedish pop group is bringing the 1970s back.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer November 12, 2021

Swedish pop group ABBA’s triumphant return is marked by the release of their first album in 40 years. The album, titled “Voyage,” is a 37-minute escape to 1970s nostalgia....

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: Mariah Carey releases another Christmas song

Read about the most notable singles by Charli XCX, IDLES and more.

Mariah Carey defrosted early this year, releasing a new Christmas song featuring R&B artist Khalid and choirmaster Kirk Franklin. Charli XCX also dropped a collaboration-heavy...

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: BENEE’s latest single dives into the struggles of anxiety

Read about the most notable singles this week by Conan Gray, Porcupine Tree and more.

This week, Gen Z stars BENEE and Conan Gray are back with new music. For you old souls, fret not, as we also review tracks by Porcupine Tree and John Mayer. The reviews speak for...

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: ABBA’s latest release ‘Just A Notion’ teases their upcoming album

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Gracie Abrams, Mastodon and more.

ABBA is back with a new song ahead of their album release next week. If you somehow haven’t heard about the band’s return, we’re pleased to inform you that “Voyage” comes...

Podcasts are a great way to learn more about your favorite songs and artists. Listening to these podcasts about the music industry can be both entertaining and educational. (Illustration by Bridget Harshman)

Music podcasts for every mood

Want to be a music insider? Here are five podcasts to keep you in the know about industry trends, emerging artists and new perspectives on your favorite music.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer October 26, 2021

The music industry is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Luckily, there are a plethora of podcasts available to keep you in the loop. Whether you want to geek...

FINNEAS’ debut album “Optimist” was released on Oct. 15. The album deals with topics such as the loss of loved ones, the implications of privilege and so-called cancel culture. (Image via Wikimedia Commons, Staff Illustration by Shaina Ahmed)

Review: Thematically, sonically, nothing is off limits in FINNEAS’ album ‘Optimist’

FINNEAS’ somber debut album contradicts its cheerful title.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer October 25, 2021

You would think an album titled “Optimist” might be, well, optimistic. This time that’s not the case. The singer-songwriter-producer FINNEAS’ debut album, released Oct....

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: Mitski ends her hiatus with new song ‘Working for the Knife’

Read about this week’s most notable singles by Gracie Abrams, Kali Uchis and more.

It seems Twitter is ablaze with Mitski memes since both the release of her latest single and the announcement of her 2022 tour. Therefore, it’s only natural that we would review...

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: Elton John and Charlie Puth team up on their latest release

Read about the most notable singles this week by Wallows, Subsonic Eye and more.
Yas Akdag, Ethan Beck, Candace Patrick and Annie Williams September 30, 2021

There may be three indie rock songs featured here this week, but two of them are in Malay. Bet you haven’t heard that yet — though if you have, that’s cool. We’ve also...

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...

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...

“The Underground Railroad,” directed by Academy Award Winner Barry Jenkins, is a historical drama miniseries set in the Antebellum South. As Cora (Thuso Mbedu) travels northbound, this miniseries portrays the atrocity of American slavery while showcasing the power of perseverance. (Photo by Kyle Kaplan, Courtesy of Amazon Studios)

Review: “The Underground Railroad”

“The Underground Railroad” represents Academy Award Winner Barry Jenkins’ latest dramaturgy, an epic mini-series that recounts the horrors of Antebellum America while showcasing the power of perseverance. “The Underground Railroad” is playing at the IFC from July 16 to July 22.
Victoria Carchietta, Staff Writer July 16, 2021

Academy Award winning director Barry Jenkins is known for his revealing works about the Black experience — “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” His most recent...

“Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal” on Netflix tells the story about one man's impact on higher education. Actors play out reenactments of events in the dramatic documentary. 
(Illustration by Renee Shohet)

‘Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal’ defies documentary conventions

The story of how one man single-handedly ruptured the American higher education system. “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal” is now available to stream on Netflix.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer April 30, 2021

Just over two years ago, the college admissions scandal — later coined “Operation Varsity Blues” — sparked an uproar throughout the public, especially amongst students...

Protagonist Aida works as a translator for the UN during the tragedy of the Bosnian War. Oscar-nominated “Quo Vadis, Aida?” features the horrific story of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. (Image courtesy of NEON Productions)

‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ review: An unforgettable look at a forgotten part of history

Oscar Nominated “Quo Vadis, Aida?” allows the world to remember a horrific event that has been looked over for decades.
Victoria Carchietta, Staff Writer April 29, 2021
Oscar-nominated “Quo Vadis, Aida?” urges the world to remember a horrific event that has been overlooked for decades.
Since the beginning of the pandemic it’s been impossible to watch our favorite artists perform in-person. NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts have stepped in to help fill the void until things return to normal. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Must-see Tiny Desk concerts to cure your live music withdrawals

From the Blue Man Group to Billie Eilish, here’s a list of some of the most memorable NPR Tiny Desk concerts to enjoy until live performances return.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer April 28, 2021

With nearly 20,000,000 views, it is safe to say that watching NPR’s Tiny Desk series has become one of the internet’s favorite pastimes. Featuring artists big and small, the...

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 April 17-23

In case you missed it, here are new tracks by Day6, Alanis Morissette and more.

The relationship between an artist and the listener can be a powerful one. Music often formulates or elicits emotions we cannot formulate as eloquently, or universalizes personal...

The “Loud&Clear” website was launched as Spotify’s response to protests for a more equitable streaming model. Although a sign of recognition, the company’s plan to respond to public pressure is unclear. (Staff illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

What does Spotify’s ‘Loud & Clear’ offer to artists?

Spotify’s attempt at transparency doesn’t combat the larger problem of paying artists.
Jack Birchler, Contributing Writer April 14, 2021

Spotify launched its Loud & Clear website at the end of March in an effort to increase transparency and break down the economics of their platform. It came days after the Justice...

Malcolm and Marie stars Zendaya and John David Washington as the couple returns home from a movie premiere. Sam Levinson's new film was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic and takes place over one night. (Images via Wikimedia Commons, Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

“Malcolm & Marie” is a tedious attempt at exploring politics through art

What drives a filmmaker? What drives an artist? Sam Levinson’s film with Zendaya reflects on these questions and many more over the timeframe of one night.
Victoria Carchietta, Staff Writer April 2, 2021

There are nights of meaningful discussion that shape the rest of our lives. Sam Levinson’s newest film, “Malcolm & Marie,” starring Zendaya and John David Washington,...

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development's female Music Technology students are taking note of the lack of representation and under-compensation for women in the music industry. The female music technology students are deprived of student diversity and role models within their field. (Staff Photo by Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer)

Music technology: not just a man’s world

Lack of female representation and undercompensation burdens the music industry. Female music technology students are taking note.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer March 29, 2021

As Women History's Month comes to a close, we turn our attention to powerful women who have made vast contributions to the music industry. However, a lack of representation still...

The new mini-documentary "COVID Diaries NYC" is created by five young filmmakers. They recorded their experience of the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford)

‘Covid Diaries NYC’ Review: filmmakers document their pandemic struggles

When COVID-19 struck New York City, five young filmmakers documented the ways in which the pandemic caused major upheavals in their everyday lives.
Candace Patrick, Staff Writer March 26, 2021

No one was prepared when COVID-19 struck the United States in full force, flipping lives upside down and shifting the highly anticipated turn of the decade into a nightmare. For...

The Criterion Collection is accessible through the streaming service Kanopy, provided through NYU. The Criterion Collection, along with other services accessible through NYU’s Cinema Studies databases, has provided a community composed of both film lovers and scholars. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

How binging the Criterion Collection provided me with purpose during the pandemic

One of our writers reflects on her experience of watching the Criterion Collection during the pandemic.
Victoria Carchietta, Contributing Writer March 17, 2021

Like many people over the past year, I found myself with extra time on my hands. I was tired of scrolling through TikTok and baking absurd loaves of bread. It was at that moment...

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...