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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

Eleanor Jacobs

Eleanor Jacobs, Music Editor

Eleanor Jacobs is a sophomore studying journalism and English at the College of Arts & Science. She has everything it takes to be a proper, full-on rockstar except for star quality and sufficient musical skill so she writes about tunes for WSN’s Arts Desk, instead. You might also find her refining her denim collection or scouting out the next great New York City brunch spot. Find her on Instagram @eleanorjac0bs.

All content by Eleanor Jacobs
An illustration of a light blue retro television, with colorful statics and “Staff Recs Nostalgia Edition” written in the middle.

Staff Recs: Childhood holiday nostalgia

The holidays never fail to make us miss our own childhood whimsy.

As the snow falls — but certainly does not stick — and holiday decor pops up along the streets of New York City, our lives feel a little bit more magical. As we all get older,...

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

10 songs for your cold-weather playlist

It’s finally feeling like winter is near, and these songs will let you lean into your chilly-weather sensibilities.

Sure, it hit 80 degrees on Halloween. But as we creep into the second half of November, it’s hard to deny that students are breaking out their winter coats and bracing for colder...

An illustration of the words “STAFF RECS” written in white on a blue background with white stars. In the bottom right corner, a white cloud says “MEN’S EDITION.” Surrounding the text are illustrations of a razor, a cotton swab, cologne and lotion.

Staff recs: Men’s beauty products

From Q-tips to home remedies, WSN has you covered with men’s beauty essentials.

Some think beauty products are reserved for women, but that is far from the truth. For the good of humanity, we must acknowledge that taking care of yourself is not inherently...

An illustration of Donald Trump, depicted in red, and Kamala Harris, depicted in blue, side-by-side.

Staff Recs: Election season

We are all exhausted, but for the love of God, get out and vote tomorrow.

Nov. 5 is Election Day in the United States, and we at the Arts Desk implore you to vote. Politics and art have always been intrinsically intertwined and oftentimes ignite each...

A group of men in suits and khakis stand at the top of a staircase, holding drinks.

Review: ‘The Line’ illustrates the consequences of tradition

Ethan Berger’s feature-length directorial debut provides a vivid and unsettling look into the cruel and often conditional camaraderie of fraternity hazing culture.
Eleanor Jacobs, Music Editor October 31, 2024

Spoiler warning: This review contains spoilers. There’s something unrelentingly disturbing about a film that can strip an already controversial institution naked and leave...

A bunch of men jumping on a stage in the rain, some having bloody faces.

Review: ‘The Outsiders’ is a golden adaptation of a celebrated classic

This Tony Award-winning musical takes author S.E. Hinton’s novel from page to stage, imbuing the story with further dynamism and heart.
Eleanor Jacobs, Music Editor October 9, 2024

While NYU’s newest campus is bringing New Yorkers to Tulsa, “The Outsiders” on Broadway brings Tulsa to New York. The story first came to life as a novel written by S.E....

A large skull with orange vines wrapped around it. There are orange and purple pumpkins, and "STAFF RECS" is written above the skull on the dark blue background.

Staff Recs: Some scary stuff

Halloween haters and lovers alike are welcome here.

BOO! It’s the Arts Desk. We’re back with some particularly spooky recommendations as October kicks off. Whether you’re an avid hater of the holiday and will spend the entirety...

A group of four people sitting and lounging around the staircase in a living room; one person in a red sweater sits on a speaker while holding onto an old television.

Review: Hippo Campus’ ‘Flood’ is a warm and welcome look at getting older

With witty lyricism and stripped-back production style, the band delivers pearls of wisdom on its latest album.
Eleanor Jacobs, Music Editor September 27, 2024

Despite writing over 100 songs over the course of five years for its fourth studio album, Midwest indie rock band Hippo Campus chose to release only 13. Dissatisfied with the production...

Surrounded by other people, a person in a red shirt stands under letters on a white wall which reads, “HOW DO WE PLAY?” in rainbow colors.

‘How Do We Play?’ will revitalize your inner child

In an exhibition furnished with photography, paintings and swings, viewers can immerse themselves in an artistic playscape meant to reinvoke feelings of joy and curiosity.
Dani Biondi and Eleanor Jacobs September 25, 2024

A man is playing the piano on a stage. The words “REX ORANGE COUNTY” are behind him on the stage in colorful letters.

Review: Rex Orange County’s ‘The Alexander Technique’ encourages introspection amid pandemonium

Alexander James O'Connor cracks open the case of personal growth in his fifth studio album.
Eleanor Jacobs, Music Editor September 13, 2024

The cover for “The Alexander Technique” consists solely of a manila folder set against a sterile, white background, the album’s title inscribed down the side. Its first song,...

A man in a tuxedo and black sunglasses lays on a pile of trash bags smoking a cigarette.

Review: The Dare’s ‘What’s Wrong With New York?’ urges listeners to live louder

Musician and producer Harrison Patrick Smith’s debut album serves up a no-skip, nonstop rager, and we’re all invited.
Eleanor Jacobs, Music Editor September 10, 2024

The energy of New York City nightlife is hard to evoke through storytelling. It’s impossible to emulate the distinct feeling of speaking to a stranger at a party or the recollection...

A collage of four illustrated book covers on solid-colored backgrounds.

Books beyond Bobst: An art history novel, an athletic autobiography and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“Peggy” by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison Before reading "Peggy," I imagined the glamorous art collector Peggy Guggenheim in a luxurious caftan, sitting at her waterfront...

An aisle of bookshelves filled with multicolored books.

5 books that will help your transition from the beach to the classroom

On the off chance you have time to read a book for pleasure this semester, here are some suggestions to get you excited for the upcoming academic year.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva and Eleanor Jacobs September 6, 2024

With rested minds and lingering tan lines, the summer ends and the school year begins once again. New classes mean new professors, a new workload and new expectations. If you get...

On a dark purple background, hand-drawn white letters spell “BACK TO SCHOOL STAFF RECS” with a C.D. and musical notes, an open book, and a black film clapperboard surrounding them.

Staff Recs: Falling into autumn

The best media to cozy up to during the fall semester.

The endless summer is coming to an end, and with autumn comes our favorite fall media. Maybe you are a sweater weather enthusiast restarting “Gilmore Girls” for the 10th time,...

Three small figurines sit and stand near an edge, overlooking the a hallway with photos on the wall.

Review: Tisch photography highlights individuality at senior thesis exhibition

The department’s culminating exhibition allows graduating students to challenge photographic traditions and highlight their unique artistic interests.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer April 30, 2024

Through a series of photographs and interactive installations, the ground floor Gulf + Western Gallery and eighth floor gallery of the Tisch School of the Arts displays the sum...

A girl pictured wearing a green sweater, dark jeans and red socks sits on the ground holding her hands together.

Review: girl in red’s ‘I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!’ freshly approaches artistic development

In dropping an album both introspective and divergent from her traditional sound, the Norwegian artist paints a journey of self-discovery that cements her creative voice.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer April 22, 2024

Do you listen to girl in red? The recent release of her second studio album serves as a prime incentive to do so and acquaint yourself with the artist. Singer-songwriter Marie...

Photo of a large stage displaying red lips signing alongside a stage cam of a woman signing into a microphone on either side.

Review: Olivia Rodrigo spills her ‘GUTS’ at MSG

The singer-songwriter’s “GUTS World Tour” radiated energy that made teenagers and 8-year-olds alike scream the ballads with the same fervor as the rock songs.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer April 12, 2024

The second show of Olivia Rodrigo’s four-night sold-out escapade in New York City found the streets outside Madison Square Garden packed with purple. Rodrigo took to MSG on April...

A girl wearing a black shirt holds a camera at her side while posing in a sandy outdoor area.

Elinor Kry discusses visual artistry in a visual world

Within the fields of arts, fashion and culture, photographer and Tisch sophomore Elinor Kry discusses what keeps herself and her creative vision anchored.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer April 3, 2024

Elinor Kry received her first camera in fifth grade, a gray Sony digital picked out by her dad from a Black Friday sale. She took the camera on a trip to Japan that winter, during...

An illustration of a mouth smiling with a flower in it emerging from dirt.

Review: Hozier’s ‘Unheard’ draws fans deeper into his conceptual art

Consisting of outtakes from his most recent album, Irish musician Hozier’s newest EP captures audiences with sound as immersive and captivating as its storytelling.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer April 1, 2024

From the way Hozier’s lyrics have been analyzed and dissected with every release, one might assume him to be a modern bard, poet or well-established author — his songs often...

A woman with a shocked expression and covered in blood crouches in front of a door. She’s staring at someone lying on the floor out of frame with their feet exposed.

Review: ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is a sultry slasher that disappoints

Within the brawn and blood of New Mexico in the ’80s, Rose Glass’ romantic thriller precariously balances romance and violence against a quickly paced plot.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer March 15, 2024

While “Love Lies Bleeding” succeeds in establishing its mood and creating endearing characters, it misses the opportunity to expound on its victories in pursuit of adrenaline. Directed...

Collage of four books: on the top left is “HEREAFTER: THE TELLING LIFE OF ELLEN O’HARA” in red and brown font on a burgundy background, with "VONA GROARKE" written in the bottom corner in red font. On the top right there’s a pink book on a light blue background, titled “THE EDIBLE WOMAN BY MARGARET ATWOOD” in white font. Bottom left there is a book cover titled “THEY’RE GOING TO LOVE YOU” in green font, with "BY MEG HOWERY" in pink font below. Bottom right is a white book cover on a red background titled “THE COURSE OF LOVE BY ALAIN DE BOTTON” in black and blue cursive.

Books beyond Bobst: Heartbreaking tales of family, an untraditional romance and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“They’re Going to Love You” by Meg Howrey — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor The night I began reading “They’re going to Love You” by Meg Howrey, I knew...

The entrance of N.Y.U’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, with glass windows, and plants on the street outside.

Clive Davis launches collaboration with Atlantic Records

Students at the Clive Davis Institute have opportunities to connect with executives at Atlantic Records through workshops and listening sessions.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer March 7, 2024

On Feb. 29, one of the first events conducted through the collaboration of NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and Atlantic Records was a listening session hosted by...

Six photos in white frames hang on a dark red wall.

Review: ‘In Loving Memory’ explores the veteran experience through photography

NYU’s Gallatin Galleries is currently showcasing Brooklyn-based artist Khidr Joseph’s solo exhibition that highlights his grandfather’s experiences in the Vietnam War.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer February 15, 2024

Brooklyn-based street artist Khidr Joseph’s photograph “Family Heirloom” depicts an extended hand with a military dog tag hanging from its fingers. The large scale and intense...

A teenage boy wearing leather armor over a t-shirt and jeans is standing on the edge of a cliff holding a shield. His back is facing the camera and there is a forest in the background.

Review: ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ is an ode to loyal fans

The long-awaited adaptation of a childhood classic seems to have matured with its enthusiasts, while making room for the appreciation of a larger audience — still, some question if it has matured too quickly.
Eleanor Jacobs, Staff Writer February 12, 2024

I met up with hometown friends over winter break to watch the premiere of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” the same peers I had spent middle school rehashing its source material...

People standing in front of a stage with theater decor. There are brown cardboard that have trees and tree branches on them surrounding the stage.

Review: Rattlestick Theater holds first annual ‘Ratcracker’ fundraiser

Taking a comedic approach to a holiday classic, the theater reimagined “The Nutcracker” through the perspective of the ballet’s villain, the Rat King.
Eleanor Jacobs, Contributing Writer December 14, 2023

The Rattlestick Theater on Waverly Place between 11th and Perry Streets is inconspicuous, hidden behind a flight of stairs between taïm Mediterranean kitchen and Saint John’s...

A still from the animated TV show “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.” A person with blue and purple hair and outfit runs towards a white door with a purple star on it. They are pulling a person with orange hair and a blue jacket.

Review: ‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’ actually cuts deeper than the movie

The newest leg of the beloved “Scott Pilgrim” franchise has recast its story in the form of an animated series, which succeeds both without and in spite of its titular protagonist.
Eleanor Jacobs, Contributing Writer December 11, 2023

Nineteen years, three iterations and seven evil exes since its initial conception, the “Scott Pilgrim” franchise continues with “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” an eight-installment...

An illustration of a woman with dark hair kneeling on the ground. She is wearing brown and looking down. The background is blue.

Review: Dove Cameron’s ‘Alchemical: Volume 1’ and the relationship between love and change

The singer-songwriter’s newest endeavor releases her from her past Disney persona, and redefines her as an emerging artist.
Eleanor Jacobs, Contributing Writer December 8, 2023

Dove Cameron has spent half of her life in the public eye. Starring in Disney Channel’s “Liv and Maddie” and “Descendants” franchise cemented her likeness into the childhood...

Two art prints hang on a white wall. They are both mustard yellow with the print on the right having the word “Adios”

Review: MoMA honors Ed Ruscha’s creative play on words

Created to commemorate six decades of artistic endeavors, “ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN” showcases the artist’s portfolio and impact within the pop art sphere.
Eleanor Jacobs, Contributing Writer December 1, 2023

For Ed Ruscha, words are more than captions or simply stylized prints on canvases — they serve as the art themselves. Ruscha’s creativity spans mediums and decades alike, and...

A woman with blond hair wearing a black shirt with her arms crossed across her chest. She has silver rings on her hands and is standing in front of a wall lit with blue lighting.

Every tiny thing: Chiara Collin-D’Augelli on balance and opportunity

From filming commercials to adorning concert venues, Tisch sophomore Chiara Collin-D’Augelli shares how experiences both in and out of the classroom have allowed her to flourish.
Eleanor Jacobs, Contributing Writer November 17, 2023

Upon meeting Chiara Collin-D’Augelli, I noticed that her nails were painted the exact same shade of blue as the scarf she wore. “I enjoy fashion a lot,” she said. “I think...

A black-and-white photograph of three men walking down the street in front of a house.

Review: Green Day’s reissue of ‘Dookie’ is equal parts dynamic and durable

The band’s 30th anniversary record is a three-and-a-half-hour testament to persistent feelings of turmoil that stand the test of time.
Eleanor Jacobs, Contributing Writer October 11, 2023

In 1993, Green Day recorded its third album, “Dookie,” during a period of three weeks — a stark comparison to the mere three days that they had worked to record their previous...

Singer-songwriter and N.Y.U. student Val Olson, or Deadbeat Girl, sings on a concert stage lit up in blue alongside a bass player. Under the stage, audience members record her performance on their phones.

Deadbeat Girl speaks on artistic collaboration and current tour

Singer-songwriter and NYU student Val Olson has turned their background in music production and passion for lyricism into a budding career.
Eleanor Jacobs, Contributing Writer September 27, 2023

Val Olson may be 20, but Deadbeat Girl has just celebrated their first birthday. In the whirlwind year since releasing their kickoff single, “Another Day,” the indie-rock artist...