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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 Mandy Freebairn
Clive Davis freshman Ben Shirken has found his place in the Brooklyn music scene as Beshken.

A Face for the Producer of ‘Faceless’

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer April 25, 2016
Exclusive interview with Clive Davis student Ben Shirken (aka DJ Beshken) on his blossoming music career.

Embracing the Record Resurrection

Mandy Freebairn, Contributing Writer April 7, 2016
The resurgence of tangible vinyl records and cassettes is a direct reaction to streaming culture.
SWMRS is a Californian surf punk band that is performing at Webster Hall on March 3.

Stop Trying to Be Cool: A Q&A with SWMRS’s Cole Becker

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer March 2, 2016
WSN talked to Oakland surf punk band SWMRS about their new album "Drive North", modeling, and hating L.A.
Acid Dad, a band consisting solely of NYU alumni, performed last week on their first live TV show, The Special.

Acid Dad Premiere New Music on Live TV

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer March 2, 2016
NYU band Acid Dad performed on "The Special" before heading on tour, which includes a stop at South by Southwest.
Diet Cig performed at Brooklyn’s Aviv on February 13.

Diet Cig Fights Jet Lag to Rock NYC

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer February 16, 2016
New York band Diet Cig rocked Aviv in Brooklyn on Saturday after a long tour promoting their debut EP "Over Easy".
#SolidaritywithStoya, and with other sex workers

#SolidaritywithStoya, and with other sex workers

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer December 7, 2015
Anti-sex feminists and anti-porn Republicans alike have jumped to frame Stoya's story as emblematic of the inherent evil of sex work. To write off Stoya’s claim as just another facet of an insidious business, however, is to invalidate both her career and her alleged rape.
Love in the time of the Facebook ‘seen’

Love in the time of the Facebook ‘seen’

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer November 30, 2015
The introduction of social media into our lives and relationships has clearly altered what it means to trust a significant other.
Media, observers should watch what they tweet

Media, observers should watch what they tweet

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer November 17, 2015
While the Internet has largely been a helpful platform in transmitting information about the crisis, it has also given rise to the spread of misinformation regarding the attacks.
Problems remain in privatized healthcare

Problems remain in privatized healthcare

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer November 2, 2015
While it's encouraging that another HIV drug company is offering medicine at a more affordable price, private healthcare needs to be revisited.
Needless sexualization must end

Needless sexualization must end

Mandy Freebairn, Staff Writer October 27, 2015
The controversy around ads for absorbent menstrual underwear on the MTA reflects a societal inability to deal earnestly with women's bodies. Calling these ads out for being inappropriate is silly when other ads sexualize women much more and are overall much less positive.
Why the best coverage of the refugee crisis is coming from HONY

Why the best coverage of the refugee crisis is coming from HONY

Mandy Freebairn, Contributing Writer October 13, 2015
The Facebook page "Humans of New York" is covering the refugee crisis better than many members of the mainstream media.
Kendrick Lamar’s collaboration with the NSO about more than just music

Kendrick Lamar’s collaboration with the NSO about more than just music

Mandy Freebairn, Contributing Writer October 5, 2015
Kendrick's collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra bodes well for lovers of rap and classical music alike.
Comedians today face unfair political burden

Comedians today face unfair political burden

Mandy Freebairn, Contributing Writer September 29, 2015
Comedians are increasingly expected to be politically correct. But their job is to make us laugh, and keeping tame hurts their comedy too much.
American Apparel flounders without controversy

American Apparel flounders without controversy

Mandy Freebairn, Contributing writer September 14, 2015
American Apparel has lost its former edginess, and must reclaim that which previously made it stand out from the crowd.