448 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(02/01/19 8:00pm)
by Olivia Weinzapfel
Gregory Alan Isakov, a truly underrated folk deity, performed in a stunning late-January concert at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio. Drawing in the perfect audience and creating a suitable aesthetic, Isakov and his backing band members put on an outstanding raw performance. It was a fantastic show even from the opening act, which featured solo guitarist Danny Black. Isakov has a very invariable discography; all songs are similar in their tempo and somber mood, which created my personal uncertainty for how the concert was going to go in terms of keeping the audience interested. To my surprise, the show exceeded all expectations and made for a flawlessly enriching event.
(01/29/19 8:02pm)
by Emily Reuben
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Documentaries are nearly limitless; they can cover tons of subjects. History, public figures, politics, entertainment, true crime, education…literally any topic can be used as the subject for a documentary film.
Because of this, documentaries will always exist in some form. The content is endless, and even if something has been covered previously, a director can give a topic new life by showcasing new information and new perspectives, or even by using technology in inventive ways, such as motion graphics and unique editing. As a result, a topic is likely to have multiple documentaries made about it with varying levels of quality.
And the differences in quality are everything. When you cover a topic and are competing with others who want to make a similar film about that subject, you have to make sure your film is the best.
Such is the case when comparing Netflix’s Fyre and Hulu’s Fyre Fraud.
Both films cover the now infamous Fyre Festival. For those out of the loop, Fyre Festival exploded onto social media in late 2016, being advertised as a new music festival taking place on a private Caribbean island. Big names like Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, and others were all promoting the festival and planning to attend. Ticket packages climbed well into the tens of thousands of dollars range, adding to the exclusivity of the festival.
However, when guests arrived at the island, they were met with FEMA tents, no running water, and only liquor in the way of sustenance (aside from a social media famous cheese sandwich). In short, the world laughed when it appeared a bunch of rich kids got scammed. However this scam was actually a huge deal. Festival goers weren’t refunded, nasty lawsuits ensued, and the festival’s co-founder Billy McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud.
(01/27/19 10:00pm)
Heard It in a Past Life is the debut studio album for Maggie Rogers, an artist who has all the qualities of an emerging indie guru. Prior to the album release she had already produced two singles, which were melodic masterpieces in a unique style of alternative pop.
(01/27/19 8:00pm)
No one asked for it, no one expected it, but here it is anyways. On Jan. 24 at midnight, with no warning, Weezer ambushed listeners with a cover album titled Weezer (The Teal Album). Looking at the cover you can tell the band was going for a throwback vibe seeing as everything about their looks screams 80’s, and the track list is no different.
(01/27/19 6:21pm)
Deerhunter may not ring a bell to the common music listener but, in the Indie music world, the band brings something new to the table with every release. Each album is something different from psychedelic rock, to alternative, pop, garage rock, and straight-up indie. The band broke new ground in pop-rock with 2010’s Halcyon Digest, a beautiful pop album with a wide soundscape and captivating hooks. However, that sound would not last forever—not even for another album. In 2013, Deerhunter turned up their amps and plugged in their fuzz pedals for Monomania, which is exactly what it sounds like, but with Deerhunter hooks. The point is: the band is always doing something different with their discography. It was no surprise that they would bring new sounds to the table with Why Hasn’t Everything Disappeared Already?, but the real surprise came in the lyrics and structures. On Disappeared, Deerhunter creates beautiful soundscapes that are complimented by melancholy lyrics. However, the songs themselves aren’t entirely memorable.
(01/27/19 5:00pm)
by Olivia Weinzapfel
Heard It in a Past Life is the debut studio album for Maggie Rogers, an artist who has all the qualities of an emerging indie guru. Prior to the album release she had already produced two singles, which were melodic masterpieces in a unique style of alternative pop.
The two singles, “On + Off” and “Alaska” were released 3 years ago, which gave fans more than enough time to build anticipation for more. Rogers definitely delivered to high hopes with all twelve pop-oriented tracks in Heard It in a Past Life. This introspective album holds a pure form of positively contagious energy, all thanks to the radiation of good vibes in the musical composition.
(01/26/19 10:03pm)
by Matthew Yapp
No one asked for it, no one expected it, but here it is anyways. On Jan. 24 at midnight, with no warning, Weezer ambushed listeners with a cover album titled Weezer (The Teal Album). Looking at the cover you can tell the band was going for a throwback vibe seeing as everything about their looks screams 80’s, and the track list is no different.
This all started back in September of 2018 when the band released a cover of Toto’s 1983 hit Africa with the help of “Weird Al” Yankovic. After that cover skyrocketed in popularity, it seems the band wanted to drop a few more reimagining of past hits, likely to build up a bit of hype before they release Weezer (The Black Album) on March 1. However, while social media is abuzz discussing how unexpected it is to hear the band covering 90s rap and 80s pop, the question stands: is the album any good?
(01/25/19 5:00pm)
by Brandon Carson
Deerhunter may not ring a bell to the common music listener but, in the Indie music world, the band brings something new to the table with every release. Each album is something different from psychedelic rock, to alternative, pop, garage rock, and straight-up indie. The band broke new ground in pop-rock with 2010's Halcyon Digest, a beautiful pop album with a wide soundscape and captivating hooks. However, that sound would not last forever—not even for another album. In 2013, Deerhunter turned up their amps and plugged in their fuzz pedals for Monomania, which is exactly what it sounds like, but with Deerhunter hooks. The point is: the band is always doing something different with their discography. It was no surprise that they would bring new sounds to the table with Why Hasn’t Everything Disappeared Already?, but the real surprise came in the lyrics and structures. On Disappeared, Deerhunter creates beautiful soundscapes that are complimented by melancholy lyrics. However, the songs themselves aren’t entirely memorable.
(01/23/19 9:57pm)
by Shwetha Sundarrajan
With the multiple allegations of sexual and physical abuse piling onto singer R. Kelly with the release of the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly, HBO producers are releasing a new documentary called Leaving Neverland regarding the late Micheal Jackson’s multiple accusations of child molestation.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andosteinmetz/3448098887
Just like R. Kelly furiously denying allegations, the Jackson estate has publicly condemned the documentary which is set to premiere at the Sundance festival. According to a statement from the Jackson estate, “this is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson."
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="798"] Image from Movieweb[/caption]
Jackson was first accused of child molestation in 1993 by dentist Evan Chandler who claimed that Jackson had sexually abused his 13-year-old son. Although Jackson was cleared of all charges in this instance, the accusations would follow him for decades, even until his death. In 2003, a documentary by British journalist Martin Bashir showed Jackson being intimate with the Arvizo brothers, and in an article by Oxygen magazine said that Jackson “appeared intimate with Gavin, holding hands while Gavin rested his head on Jackson’s shoulder. They said they were 'really close' and 'best friends'. The biggest revelation of the documentary was Gavin telling the camera that he slept in Jackson’s bed, while Jackson's slept on the floor. The documentary also revealed that many children had slept in that same bed, including the Culkin brothers, Macaulay and Kieran. Jackson insisted it wasn’t sexual.”
The Sundance Festival’s synopsis of the film reads, “At the height of his stardom Michael Jackson began long-running relationships with two boys, aged 7 and 10, and their families. Now in their 30s, they tell the story of how they were sexually abused by Jackson, and how they came to terms with it years later.”
Similar to the R. Kelly controversy, many Michael Jackson fans have flocked to the late singer’s defense, pressuring the Sundance film festival to pull the documentary. However, the festival released a statement saying, “It has come to our attention that some of you may have received messages or social media posts from Michael Jackson fans who would like us to pull the screening of ‘Leaving Neverland,’” the statement read. “Sundance Institute supports artists in enabling them to fully tell bold, independent stories, stories on topics which can be provocative or challenging. We look forward to audiences at the Festival seeing these films and judging the work for themselves, and discussing it afterward.”
Similar to Lifetime’s docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, which documents the artist's history of sexual abuse and psychological manipulation of young women and underage girls, and charges of possession of child pornography, Leaving Neverland shows how famous artists like Michael Jackson and R. Kelly can get away with crimes without sacrificing their fame or fortune.
(01/23/19 8:34pm)
by Brandon Carson
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Pearl Jam are undoubtedly one of the biggest rock bands out of the 90s along with Nirvana, Soundgarden, and of course, Alice In Chains. They’ve been through it all: fame, fatigue, tragedy, just about everything a popular band has to endure. They are truly a veteran band with an extensive discography on their back. In this guide I will cover the studio albums and mention the live albums as well. However, if you’re a Pearl Jam fan, then you know that listening to their extensive collection of live bootlegs that they make themselves is the true way to listen to the band. In this discography guide, I will be talking about the band’s five most important albums. Fortunately for Pearl Jam, their first album is their most acclaimed and most appreciated.
(01/09/19 4:58am)
by Emily Worrell
(12/31/18 9:00am)
by Jack Gillespie, Brandon Carson, Blake Chapman, Baylie Clevenger, Olivia Weinzapfel
(12/08/18 1:55am)
Angelin Chang originally took the stage at Burris Laboratory School as a student, but she will now be returning as a Grammy Award winning guest performer.
(12/07/18 9:55pm)
by Katherine Richardson
If you’re wondering why society is as messed up as it is, The 1975 might have an answer. With a focus on the ever transforming relationships of partners, strangers, and the relationship we have with ourselves, the newest album from The 1975 gives listeners plenty of songs to dance to while contemplating why society is the way it is today. A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, released at the end of November, is full of a variety of musical styles, many uncommon for the band to use, and presents an honest summary of a modern day relationship intertwined with an analysis of modern society as a whole.
(12/06/18 5:00pm)
By Blake Chapman
A recent separation in the rap scene has begun to put many lyrical ‘old-heads’ against the fresh ‘young bloods’ in a fight to see what direction the game is currently swinging. Seemingly one of the centerpieces for modern rap hostility and divisiveness is Brooklyn artist 6ix9ine, also known as Tekashi69, whose future seems foggy considering his multiple arrests and legal conflicts that began over two years ago. Amid current charges, 6ix9ine released DUMMY BOY as his first studio album. Sadly, the project did not live up to the hype it has accumulated since the beginning of November. Even with some interesting and hypnotic beats, DUMMY BOY does little to stand on its own as a complete and cohesive LP.
(12/06/18 4:00pm)
by Brandon Carson
Three years have passed since Earl Sweatshirt’s (aka Thebe Kgositsile) second record I Don’t Like Sh**, I Don’t Go Outside and his fans have been wondering when he was going to make new music. Over 2017 he tweeted that new music was being made to get buzz circulating. However, this album is far from what his last two albums were instrumentally and sonically. On Some Rap Songs, Earl creates a sound that is unlike anything out now in hip-hop. He creates a mood that sticks with the listener throughout the entire record and even after. His lyrics stay mostly as in-depth and introverted as they usually are. On this album, the lyrics are sadder and more introspective about his life, state of mind, and current emotional state after the tragic loss of his father.
(11/30/18 5:40pm)
While holiday music might be overplayed by the time the new year comes around, hearing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on the radio is a sure-fire way to tell when it is officially Christmas time.
(11/29/18 2:16pm)
by Jack GIllespie
While holiday music might be overplayed by the time the new year comes around, hearing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on the radio is a sure-fire way to tell when it is officially Christmas time.
However, while most people can name an endless list of Christmas carols and standards, there are not too many albums that could be considered Christmas staples. The following five records are ones that are either worthy of such title or are just perfect for the winter season.
(11/26/18 10:51pm)
by Baylie Clevenger
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Byte or Byte's editorial board.
Indiana is certainly no music giant. However, there are plenty of local artists paving their way and searching for the opportunity to make it in the music industry.
Lauren Sanderson, an up-and-coming artist from Fort Wayne, has made that dream a reality.
At the age of 22, Sanderson has released three EPs, including her most recent titled Don’t Panic, released on Aug. 24. She has also made multiple singles and is currently embarking on her fourth U.S. tour.
When she was about to graduate high school and attend Indiana University, she felt that something was not right. She did not want to go down the same path as everyone else and instead made the decision to pursue a music career.
In the process of pursuing this career, she wrote one of her early singles titled “Jenny,” which is about sending love to someone who sent her hate and doubted her vision. Through experiencing this kind of doubt, Sanderson continued to “DIY” herself to a record deal.
“… you can do a lot you know, DIY and independent whatever, but it gets to the point where you’re ready for the next level and you’re ready to like take it there,” said Sanderson.
In the fall of 2017, after composing two tours of the U.S. with her own self-made team, she moved to Los Angeles to further pursue her dream.
After being in Los Angeles for just a few months, Sanderson announced her deal with Epic Records in February of 2018.
Despite the success she has had, she manages to stay true to herself and create music that reflects who she is as a person. She has never strayed from her message and also makes it a point to remember where she came from and appreciate her roots.
She is down to Earth and never takes herself too seriously. When I interviewed her, I was even met with hugs and fist bumps.
“I feel like true artistry is really based around the art and for me that never stopped and will never stop, so I just keep looking at what all there is to do and still to figure out,” said Sanderson.
Sanderson says she is inspired by art that is human-based and non-commercial. She never wants to be that industry-made person that doesn’t connect and feel like a real person.
She even said she is inspired by being able to tour and share her art with people.
“The best parts are seeing the results, going to the shows, seeing the faces, hearing people saying back your words, seeing people wear your merch and waiting in line in 30 f---ing degree weather, um, those are the best parts,” said Sanderson. “You know above everything else I wanna make sure my art is true to me and out into the world. I just feel like it’s worth it when I know that A- Everything will be okay for me and for my art and everything but B- Just that I have you guys you know that’s literally what keeps me going.”
Sanderson never fails to make her supporters feel at home when they go to see her shows. The connection that she has with every person she meets is truly impeccable and is not something found in every artist.
“There’s nothing like being with your people, you know? It’s like a family,” she said.
As her career progresses, Sanderson says she wants to continue to make her art her way and has a goal of being in a 5,000 capacity venue within the next 5 years.
Sanderson is a wonderful example of having big goals but never forgetting who helped you to success along the way.
(11/26/18 7:00pm)
by Olivia Weinzapfel
There comes a time in every band’s career where they attempt to reinvent themselves in hopes of reviving their popularity. In the case of Mumford & Sons, this was long overdue. Their last three studio albums embody the same form of neo-folk rock with an exceptionally miserable vibe. While they still keep true to that well-established reputation, their latest album release, Delta, was produced with unfamiliar variations in instrumentation and synthetic sounds. Although this slight change of audio is refreshing, the band didn’t quite bring those modifications into the lyricism or theme, which formulates a uniquely mediocre album.