![Ethan Zack](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EthanZack-900x900.jpg)
Ethan Zack, Deputy Managing Editor
All content by Ethan Zack
!["NYU announced it would still be holding Grad Alley — just over VR." (Image by Bella Gil)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/gGA-900x506.png)
The Highs and Lows of Virtual Reality Grad Alley
WSN’s top gamers went to Virtual Reality Grad Alley. Here’s what happened.
Fareid El Gafy, Bella Gil, Abby Hofstetter and Ethan Zack
• May 21, 2020
![The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Image-from-iOS-4.png)
Weekly Radio Roundup: Final Edition of the Semester
The most exciting tunes as you get ready to let loose in the summertime.
Vanessa Handy, Alexandra Bentzien, Alexandra Chan, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer and Ethan Zack
• May 6, 2020
![Online gift cards, donations, live streams and more are still viable options during this time. The WSN Arts desk lists some ways you can still support independent artists from a safe social distance. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/arts-support-900x617.png)
How to Support New York’s Vibrant Independent Arts Scene
Even though New York is on pause, that doesn’t mean you still can’t support your favorite local bookstore or movie theater from home.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack, Fareid El Gafy, Sasha Cohen, Ashley Wu and Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer
• March 23, 2020
![The arts desk is back with some recommendations of singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/arts-singles-900x748.jpg)
Weekly Radio Roundup: March 7 – March 13
The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Ethan Zack, Izzy Salas, Isabella Armus, Ana Cubas, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Charles Smith and Alexandra Bentzien
• March 12, 2020
![In the mood for love? WSN recommends some Valentine singles you may have missed this week.(Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/arts-singles-900x748.jpg)
Staff Recs: Valentine’s Day Edition
The Arts Desk recommends the best films, music and galleries for you to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack, Sasha Cohen, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Ashley Wu and Fareid El Gafy
• February 14, 2020
![Weekly Radio Roundup: Jan. 31 - Feb. 3](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/arts_playlist_music_01-900x748.jpg)
Weekly Radio Roundup: Jan. 31 – Feb. 3
The most exciting singles that came out over the course of the week.
Ethan Zack, Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Alexandra Bentzien and Ashley Wu
• February 6, 2020
![The Emmy-nominated comedy aired its series finale on January 30. (Staff illustration by Jake Capriotti)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/goodplace_capriotti-900x506.jpg)
‘The Good Place’ Walks Through the Final Door
The series finale of the NBC comedy focuses on the beauty of the end.
Ethan Zack, Arts Editor
• February 3, 2020
![Staff Rants and Raves: Back to School](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/staffrantshorizontal-900x471.jpg)
Staff Rants and Raves: Back to School
The first week of courses always fills people with mixed emotions. Here are our staff’s takes on the subject.
Kim Rice, Alexandra Chan, Jake Capriotti, Helen Wajda, Sasha Cohen, Ethan Zack, Asha Ramachandran, Gabby Lozano and Abby Hofstetter
• January 30, 2020
![Seven NYU Alumni took home nine wins at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night. (Image via Wikipedia)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020sgrammyposter.png)
Grammy Awards 2020 Winners Include Seven NYU Alumni
Former NYU students featured across numerous categories, from Album of the Year to Best New Artist.
Ethan Zack, Arts Editor
• January 28, 2020
![The Final Staff Rants (of the Semester)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/staffrantshorizontal-900x471.jpg)
The Final Staff Rants (of the Semester)
In honor of the semester’s final Staff Rants, we have no theme — only pent-up rage.
Ishaan Parmar, Abby Hofstetter, Sakshi Venkatraman, Melanie Pineda, Ethan Zack, Alexandria Johnson, Fareid El Gafy, Mandie Montes, Sam Klein and Anna-Dmitry Muratova
• December 4, 2019
![Tongue-in-cheek lyricism and pop-sensible melodies mixed with gritty, raw, Hayley Williams-esque vocal prowess is what is making everyone talk about NYC singer-songwriter Morgan Keller. (Via Morgan Keller)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/morgan-keller-89-900x600.jpg)
Morgan Keller Is in the Business of Music
The Steinhardt junior uses her studies of the music industry to get songs all the way from lyrics on a page to Spotify.
Ethan Zack, Music Editor
• December 4, 2019
![Staff Rants and Raves: Thanksgiving](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/staffrantshorizontal-900x471.jpg)
Staff Rants and Raves: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a divisive holiday, to say the least. Here’s what our staff has to say about it.
Alexandria Johnson, Mandie Montes, Ethan Zack, Sam Klein, Bela Kirpalani and Abby Hofstetter
• November 27, 2019
![From pop to lofi, WSN's Arts Desk recommends their favorite music to study to. (via YouTube @ChilledCow)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/maxresdefault-900x506.jpg)
Staff Recs: Good Music for Studying
The Arts Desk collects the perfect chill tunes for a serious study session.
Ethan Zack, Julie Goldberg and Fareid El Gafy
• November 22, 2019
![Jeffrey Miller performs his first-ever set at the "Funhouse" concert. (Via Quadio Media)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Jeffery_Eli_Quadio-900x506.jpg)
‘Funhouse’: A Concert By, for and Featuring Students
The Quadio-Tigris collaboration celebrated local musicians late into the night.
Ethan Zack, Music Editor
• November 20, 2019
![Staff Rants and Raves: Transportation](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/staffrantshorizontal-900x471.jpg)
Staff Rants and Raves: Transportation
We’re all going places in some way or another. Here’s what our staff has to say about it.
Bella Gil, Ethan Zack, Victor Porcelli, Anna-Dmitry Muratova, Alexandria Johnson, Lauren Gruber and Lisa Cochran
• November 20, 2019
![Staff Rants: Course Registration](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/staff-rants.jpg)
Staff Rants: Course Registration
We have no Staff Raves this week. Course registration is the worst.
Ethan Zack, Mina Mohammadi, Melanie Pineda, Mandie Montes, Lauren Gruber, Alexandria Johnson and Lisa Cochran
• November 13, 2019
![From "Mamma Mia!" to "Joker", the Arts Desk recommends several last-minute, movie-inspired costumes for Halloween. (via Warner Bros)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/todd-phillips-joker-movie-900x507.jpg)
Staff Recs: Halloween Costumes
Scrambling to put together a last-minute Halloween costume? The Arts Desk has you covered with these costumes based on characters from some of our favorite movies.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack, Fareid El Gafy and Julie Goldberg
• October 24, 2019
![Staff Rants and Raves: Twitter](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/staff-rants.jpg)
Staff Rants and Raves: Twitter
Twitter: Where memes come to life, where movements come to fruition, and where presidents come to rant. Hear what our staff has to say on what might be both the most multifaceted and divisive form of social media.
Ethan Zack, Calais Watkins, Ishaan Parmar, Mandie Montes, Anna-Dmitry Muratova and Bela Kirpalani
• October 23, 2019
![The Lighthouse, a thriller movie directed by Robert Eggers, released on October 18, 2019. (Via Facebook)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/72281492_3334968619876484_3697047542760996864_n.jpg)
‘The Lighthouse’ Merges Classic Saltwater Horror with Modern Experimentalism
Robert Egger's latest film proves there is indeed enchantment in the light.
Ethan Zack, Music Editor
• October 20, 2019
![A Purpose in Every Pixel](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/JC1_Color-2.jpg)
A Purpose in Every Pixel
One Tisch alumnus infuses his video games with autobiographical meaning and meticulous artistry.
Ethan Zack, Music Editor
• October 16, 2019
![Staff Rants and Raves: Music](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/staff-rants.jpg)
Staff Rants and Raves: Music
Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist on the way to work or overhearing someone else’s at 4 a.m., music can evoke many emotions. Here’s what our staff has to say about it.
Ethan Zack, Lauren Gruber, Abby Hofstetter and Anna-Dmitry Muratova
• September 24, 2019
![(via YouTube)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/unnamed.png)
Staff Recs: Pretentious Films to Impress Your Fake Friends
Need to sound like you know about movies? Here are a few of our go-tos.
Claire Fishman, Fareid El Gafy, Ethan Zack and Julie Goldberg
• September 11, 2019
![Larry David at a film festival in 2009. (Via Wikimedia)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hotgirlsummer-1-643x900.jpg)
Unpopular Opinions: Unconventionally Hot Girl Summer
The Arts Desk weighs in on some underrated hotties in the entertainment industry.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack, Fareid El Gafy, Claire Fishman and Julie Goldberg
• September 9, 2019
![Staff Rants & Raves: Welcome Week Edition](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/staff-rants.jpg)
Staff Rants & Raves: Welcome Week Edition
Welcome Week might technically be over, but it lives on forever in the hearts of our staff. Here’s why.
Sam Brinton, Ethan Zack, Anna-Dmitry Muratova, Alexandria Johnson, Bela Kirpalani and Diya Jain
• September 4, 2019
![BROCKHAMPTON released its new album, GINGER, on Aug. 23. (via Twitter)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ginger_twitter-900x900.jpeg)
BROCKHAMPTON Rests On Its Laurels With “GINGER”
The band’s new album does a solid enough job, but could have been so much more.
Ethan Zack, Music Editor
• September 3, 2019
![Pom Pom Squad frontrunner Mia Berren. (via Facebook)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/52696059_987245591666016_861590385405722624_o-1-900x900.jpg)
Pom Pom Squad Walks Forward While Looking Back
The local indie rock group’s homegrown roots haven’t stopped their forward momentum.
Ethan Zack, Music Editor
• August 24, 2019
![A poster for "Barry," a new HBO comedy series that follows a low-level hit man turned actor. (via facebook.com)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Barry-506x900.jpg)
Second Season of ‘Barry’ Promises a Steady Descent Into Darkness
The show’s sophomore season feels like a natural continuation of something that was already great by itself.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• April 15, 2019
![Anderson Paak (via facebook)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/unnamed-900x643.png)
Anderson .Paak Releases an Ode to Old
The R&B musician’s latest album harkens back to his hazy soul roots.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• April 14, 2019
![Clive Davis junior Michelle Lee Bae competed on "KPOP STAR3," a Korean singing competition show similar to the U.S.'s "American Idol." (Photo by Katie Peurrung, Collage by Sophia Di Iorio, Additional Images via the New York Public Library)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ArtsIssue_MichelleLeeBae_Edit-724x900.jpg)
American Idol | Face the Reality of Music Competitions
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• April 3, 2019
![Detective Mike Hoolihan (Patricia Clarkson) investigates the murder of Jennifer Rockwell (Mamie Gummer) (Courtesy of BBC Films)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/image005.png)
‘Out of Blue’ Hides Its Messy Narrative Behind Impressive Atmosphere
The new detective thriller feels like an experiment into what a competently-made movie would look like if it had its narrative amputated.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• March 11, 2019
![Weezer's Black Album Cover. (via Facebook)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Weezers-Black-Album-900x900.jpg)
Fortnite’s Music Releases Can’t Replace Traditional Methods
The battle royale game has been hosting several musical events in the past few months, but they don’t move beyond simple novelties.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• March 11, 2019
![The thumbnail of Ariana Grande's "thank u next" audio version. (via Youtube)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/thank-you-next_youtube-e1550627049329-900x500.png)
Ariana Grande Is Brutally Transparent on Her Latest Album
"thank u, next" sets itself apart as an extremely personal project for the pop megastar.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• February 20, 2019
![The Cranberries's final album, In The End, is set to be released in April. (via facebook.com)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/3-900x900.jpg)
Cranberries Begin Final Chapter With Poignant New Single
Released after lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s death in 2018, “All Over Now” sets the stage for the band’s last album.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• February 14, 2019
![Maroon 5 performing in the Super Bowl Half Time Show (via Yahoo Entertainment)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/superbow.jpg)
Super Bowl Halftime Show Sacrifices Ambition for Safety
Even SpongeBob couldn’t save the show from mediocrity.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• February 6, 2019
![A player with Eevee in the new Pokemon game "Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!" (via twitter.com)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arts-pokemon-900x507.jpg)
‘Pokémon: Let’s Go’ Proves Satisfying Yet Unambitious
Hard as they seem to try, Game Freak just can’t make a bad Pokémon game — but there's nothing like the good old days.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• November 26, 2018
![Dan Fogler and Eddie Redmayne in a still from "The Crimes of Grindelwald," the disappointing sequel to "Fantastic Beasts." (via Facebook.com)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/film-beasts-1-900x600.jpg)
‘Fantastic Beasts’ Sequel Loses Magic
Only two films in and the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series is already starting to spiral downward.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• November 18, 2018
![A promotional photo for Blizzard's controversial game "Diablo Immortal" to be released on Android and iOS. (via facebook.com)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/arts-mobile.jpg)
Gamers Reject Mobile Successors to Favorite Franchises
As much as they’d like to, mobile games can’t replace better video game experiences
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer
• November 15, 2018
![Harrison Ford in a still from "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope," which has since produced numerous sequels. (via facebook.com)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/film-sequels.jpg)
Modern Sequels and the Death of Continuity
With the new trend of retconning old sequels in a franchise, the real question is, what will happen to Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo?
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• November 5, 2018
![(Illustration by Sophia DiIorio)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/tinder-music-900x666.jpg)
Music Taste Could Score You a Match on Tinder
How picking the perfect Anthem could determine who swipes right and who swipes left.
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• October 29, 2018
![Though the number of exclusively local or couch multiplayer games has dwindled in recent years, fans of these sorts of games believe the experience remains unique and cannot be replicated through online multiplayer. (Photo by Sam Klein)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Switch_SamKlein-5-900x601.jpg)
Is There Still Room for Couch Multiplayer?
Technology may be taking over, but there’s still room on the couch to salvage the multiplayer gaming experience.
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• October 29, 2018
![The logo for DC Universe: DC Entertainment's new streaming service. (via facebook.com)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/tv-dc.jpg)
Move Over Netflix, DC Has a New Comic Book-Crazed Streaming Service
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• October 25, 2018
![Student browses through Spotify’s homepage. Spotify has recently made itself much more accessible to independent artists, including students. (Photograph by Alana Beyer)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/arts-spotify-alana-1-900x600.jpg)
Spotify’s New Free Upload Initiative Splits Budding Artists
Spotify's new initiative to empower independent artists might be causing them more harm than good.
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• October 15, 2018
![The poster from the movie "Venom".](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/unnamed-1.jpg)
The World Has Had Enough ‘Venom’
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• October 9, 2018
![Musician R. Kelly is the subject of recent controversies surrounding his sexual misconduct allegations](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/music-controversy-RCA-900x720.jpg)
Should We Ignore the Mess Behind the Music?
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• October 3, 2018
![Let the Streaming Wars Begin](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/arts-streaming-Tina-Zhou-900x900.png)
Let the Streaming Wars Begin
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• October 1, 2018
![Make Laundry Services Worth the Dollar](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/EthanZack-900x900.jpg)
Make Laundry Services Worth the Dollar
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• September 25, 2018
![Nintendo recently switched their free online service to a paid plan.](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Switch_SamKlein-5-900x601.jpg)
Put Your Money Where Your Multiplayer Is
Ethan Zack, Contributing Writer
• September 24, 2018
![(Matt Petres for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/news-kimmelstairs-1200x799.jpg)
Amelia Hernandez Gioia, Deputy News Editor • February 12, 2025
![(Levi Langley for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_0880-2-2-1200x800.jpg)
Amelia Hernandez Gioia, Deputy News Editor • February 12, 2025
![(Kevin Wu for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ops-subway-2-1200x800.jpg)
Steven Wang, Staff Writer • February 12, 2025
![(Krish Dev for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/antisemitism-1200x819.jpg)
![(Sidney Snider for WSN)](https://nyunews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dlsbc-1200x800.jpeg)
Maggie Turner, Deputy Under the Arch Editor • February 12, 2025