Issue 42

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Cover Photo Thievery Corporation at Thrival Photo by Mark Egge Issue 42

October 2016 Editor-in-Chief Imogen Todd

Assistant Editor David Dwyer

Creative Director Sharon Yu

Photo Editor Lucy Denegre

Copy Editor Izzy McCarthy

Public Relations Evi Bernitsas

Chief Web Editor Daniel DeLuca

Writing Staff Kabir Mantha, Izzy McCarthy, Mark Egge, Izzy Sio, Joe Sweeney, Kate Apostolou, Liam Van Oort, Izzy Sio, Claire Lai, Catherine Kildunne, Lawrence Han, Ryan Aguirre, Anna Gross, Sharina Lall, Lucy Denegre, Justin Kelly, Cassie Howard, Ali Kidwai,

Photo Staff Imogen Todd, Mark Egge, Izzy Sio, Serina Liu

Editing Staff Justin Kelly, Julie Heming, Josh Brown, Izzy Sio

Design Staff Noah Johnson Letter From The Editor

3 Masthead Letter From The Editor Hey guys,

Welcome to another great debuts of a host of new of the magazine, I’d like to year of music in Pittsburgh, Cut contributors: Liam share two tidbits I thought brought to you by (hopefully) van Oort gives us a taste of were heartening and worth your favorite on-campus what Mac Miller’s hometown mentioning here: Young Thug magazine. The disgusting concert was like, Anna Gross has announced that he will summer heat is finally gets spiritual with Sir the wear a dress at his own gone, but with it went the Baptist, Joe Sweeney guides wedding (yay for crushing late sunsets, so I’m writing us on the wild ride of a gender-stereotypes!) and Kid to you in almost complete journey that has been Frank Cudi has gone public with his darkness, even though it’s Ocean’s career, and many decision to seek treatment for barely 7 o’clock. But enough others share their musical depression (yay for confronting griping–autumn’s arrival thoughts. social stigmas around mental also signals the return of illness!). fuzzy socks in my day-to-day Pieces from our veteran wardrobe, so I’m happy for writers include an exploration And on that positive note, I Letter the most part. and appropriation of Jason just want to say: I’m excited Derulo’s misogynistic lyrics to share this issue with you as And it’s not just the weather and an introduction to one the first one that I’ve presided that’s changing! Exciting of Pittsburgh’s premiere over as Editor-in-Chief, and From things are afoot within the concert venues. I hope you stick around for ranks of our publication’s our sophomore effort in staff as well. This issue, the Last but not least, in lieu November. first of the semester, features of a formal Music News The the editorial and creative segment within the pages Imogen Todd Editor

Letter From The Editor 4 Chainsmokers at Thrival Photo by Mark Egge What We’re 7 Listening To

Essays Why and How We 10 Respond to Tragic Music

Concert 13 Reviews

Main Interview 17 Sir the Baptist

350-Word 22 Articles Table of Contents 6 More Like You OBLIVIA ft. Milo New Song Brave Shores & Open Mike Eagle Warpaint Blu & Fa†e Lyk Dis Gemini’s Revenge NxWorries Mother & Father Caleborate Broods Nights Disappear Here Frank Ocean Perkys Calling Bad Suns Future Monsters Really Doe Slaughter Beach, Dog Flamingo Danny Brown Kero Kero Bonito In the Lion Starboy Edward Sharpe and the Blow 2 The Weeknd Magnetic Zeros Dean Blunt Change Hello Godspeed Deftones Erykah Badu Frank Ocean Babylon Sisters Jesus Take Me to Prickly Pear Steely Dan Your Avalanche Portico Quartet PAPA Forever Stumbling Alex G Ode to Sleep Jay Taj, Canis Major Twenty One Pilots Goin’ Down Slow Air ‘Em Out Duane Allman clipping

What We’re Listening To

What We’re Listening To Izzy McCarthy Reclaiming Objectification in the Age of Jason Derulo

My issues with Jason Derulo immediately register that less socially acceptable for go way back to his debut the only time a woman can girls to claim as “their song.” single, “Watcha Say.” Yes it speak and Jason will care Take D.R.A.M. and Lil was catchy. Yes, it sampled is “when she talks dirty to Yachty’s “Broccoli,” for Imogen Heap’s iconic “Hide him.” (His words, not mine). example. “Said that I can and Seek.” Yes, I still sing I know, why did I ever allow get that p*ssy easily” is not along with the chorus that song to be played in my a subtle lyric. By gender every time it comes on. car, a sacred vessel of zero- binary norms, girls aren’t But “Watcha Say” was the tolerance feminism? I didn’t expected to rap about being preview to Jason’s career process the degrading punch a “dirty dog” and “hitting as master of objectification. line because of a hypnotizing sh*t greasily,” but that’s When I first heard that song instrumental chorus that exactly what we should back in 2009 and Jason used immediately followed. be doing. You heard me auto-tune to ask his girl for The same formula created correctly: the more blatant a second chance, I was ready “Wiggle,” “Trumpets,” and the sexism, the more inclined to give him just that. He numerous other Derulo hits. you should be to sing along. clearly sings, “I know I Pop music uses the tactic all Instead of dancing when should’ve treated you better.” the time, sending demeaning Jason Derulo asks you So, I overlooked his infidelity; lyrics into the Top 50 with to, take over the role of disrespecting women was catchy melodies. objectifier yourself. in his past. But since then, Jason has served as the And although Derulo’s “Get quintessential example of Ugly” gained some 2016 pop melodies covering up popularity, I believe it’s degrading lyrics. still possible to reclaim objectification from Jason. When Jason’s “Talk Dirty” See, when the Top 50 overlaps came on the radio for with hip-hop, objectification the first time, I didn’t becomes more blatant and

What We’re Thinking About 8 Mark Egge Pittsburgh Venues: Mr. Smalls

This is the first Co-founded by Rusted Root drinks at The Funhouse served by Port Authority of three columns band member Liz Berlin, Mr. (the 21+ small-stage theater bus routes 1 and 2 (which Smalls continues as a family upstairs from the main depart from downtown), profiling Pittsburgh -owned and -operated auditorium) or either of most will find Uber a more music venues, with business. Originally conceived Millvale’s two excellent convenient way to access hopes of better of as a community recording breweries. For those under the venue. connecting CMU studio, Mr. Smalls also 21, your best bet may be students to our provides aspiring young Lawrenceville, a 10-minute Unless otherwise stated, awesome local Pittsburgh musicians with walk away across the 40th shows at Mr. Smalls are exposure, access, and Street Bridge. all-ages events. Get tickets music scene. opportunity through its online at www.mrsmalls. charitable arm, Creative. In addition to concerts, com or visit the theater Mr. Smalls started out as Life.Support. Mr. Smalls holds several box office, open from noon a 19th century Catholic weekly events at The until 5:00 pm, Tuesday church, but closed due to Inside the venue, the spacious Funhouse, the upstairs through Friday. a shrinking congregation. stage still lets fans get an theater and bar. It features In 2000 it reopened as an up-close-and-personal an acoustic open mic night 800-capactiy concert hall, experience with the musicians. on Mondays, electronic where acts like Smashing Generally cheap tickets ($20 music on Thursdays, and Pumpkins, Metric, Muse, to $30 for most shows), local and regional acts on and Old Crowe Medicine good acoustics, and quality Fridays and Saturdays. For Show have since played. sound and lighting equipment a complete listing of events, Rising acts like alt-J and make it a great place to find “The Funhouse at Mr. Foster the People first catch a show. Smalls” on Facebook. broke into the music scene here, too, before going on Most headliners take the Unfortunately, getting to to play sold out shows stage by 9:00 or 9:30 pm. Mr. Smalls can be a bit at 10,000-plus-capacity For the 21+ crowd, consider tough for students without venues. heading to Millvale early for a car. Although Millvale is

9 What We’re Thinking About Music To Tragic Respond How We Why And with Art by Kate Werth Article by Justin Kelly

Pittsburgh Venues: Mr. Smalls

Ever since the ancient Greeks recorded their timeless Okay, sure. This music makes us care. Hopefully it actually tragedies, humankind has been responding to the most motivates action and social change, too. But that doesn’t horrifying moments in its history with art. We composed explain why we actually want to listen to songs that bring symphonies to themes of fate and suicide; we painted the us down. When I began to write about tragic music, I was blood-stained battlefields of the American Civil War; we struck by this conundrum. On some level, we have always wrote poetry of genocide in Rwanda. enjoyed consuming art that has the power to fill us with grief, sorrow, heartbreak. And somewhat paradoxically, These events log themselves in a deep place within ourselves, we find it rewarding. reserved for only the highest and lowest moments. Art, and particularly music, provide a way of preserving and There’s a lot that underpins such a complex behavior. communicating such things in a more complete way than Firstly, it strikes me that a large part of a given song’s words can do alone. entertainment value comes from how well the artist makes a personal connection with the listener. When a singer But why do we do it? Why do we listen to music that revives is grieving the loss of someone or something and can emotions so steeped in pain and suffering? Practically, this immerse us in that feeling, we are able to commiserate. music obviously has value. People forget; time dulls the This is a hugely important aspect of the process of grief— memory’s recollection of the moments immediately following I know I have used many different songs to cope with disaster. The lessons learned lose their significance. When despair in my own life. However, I find that I still listen we commemorate those events, we eternalize them. It helps to immensely sorrowful songs long after I have moved on us remember what matters. from the immediate shock of calamity. It feels strange to

Essays 10 say, but – I deeply enjoy that music, even though I often magnitude of the response. Music is good not based on can’t make it to the end of some of my favorite songs with exactly what it makes you feel, but rather how deeply it dry eyes. makes you feel. And tragic moments in history provide an access point for some of the most profoundly felt emotions The standard human response to suffering is to minimize that one experiences in a lifetime. Perhaps Robert Spano, it. But I’ve found that this not the case with music and conductor of the Atlanta Symphony, puts it best. In reference art. In almost all other aspects of life, we value a thing to one of the great tragic works of the 20th century, Mahler’s or an experience by the type of response that it elicits. A Symphony No. 6, he says, “There’s no redemption, in a vacation is deemed good if it made you feel relaxed, it’s sense, but there is catharsis… I don’t think we end defeated, bad if it didn’t. But with music, instead of this categorical but I think we are transformed by the drama that unfolds. evaluation, I think we appreciate value according to the We are elevated by it.”

Here are three songs Pulse Nightclub Shooting, that commemorate Orlando FL – June 12, 2016 horrific events in vivid, captivating ways. Sharon Nightclub shooting, van

van Etten van Etten’s chilling vocals combine Not Myself Not with a simple, motionless piano harmony to capture so well the static, permanent energy that lingers in the immediate aftermath of tragedy.

The musical power- Saul Williams’ anger and duo of Susan Tedeschi’s frustration towards police crooning voice and Derek brutality is palpable on this Trucks’ emotive slide guitar track from his latest social Tedeschi Tedeschi

never fail to move you, but Noise The justice concept album,

Trucks Band Trucks they normally make you MartyrLoserKing. In the Saul Williams It’s So Heavy It’s feel good. Recorded in the music video, which also

aftermath of the Sandy Hook Came from Here features spoken word poetry Elementary School shooting, from Marcellus Buckley, their rare expression of agony Williams drives home the cuts with singular force. It’s lyric “We won’t be silenced personal, too – just an hour /No we won’t restrain” before laying down the final as he walks the streets of vocal track, Tedeschi learned Ferguson, Missouri. that her grandfather had passed away.

11 Essays Lawrence Han Much of pop music focuses on personal tensions and prescribe getting lit as the medicine. The Chainsmokers at Thrival acted out this duality in their set, which circled around heartbreak as it enabled release.

Andrew Taggert gushed a lot about how much he loved Pittsburgh and did a lot of table aerobics. He tried to get the crowd to chant along for every other Ryan Aguirre song and kept hype levels Carrie Furnaces provided high. But the music itself a unique backdrop to was sometimes somber Thrival’s assortment of and the crowd embraced acts this year. When I that—“Single Ladies” and arrived Sunday afternoon, “Love Lockdown” got loud I got the disappointing chants and sing-alongs from impression the artists were the crowd, fit in between playing background music Chainsmokers material to a large family picnic. This is and bass tunes. The show But as day turned to night, was pretty lit up though the focus turned toward there were probably over a the music. Even after hundred glow sticks thrown attending Day 1, Day 2 at the stage by the end acts Rubblebucket and Metric ThrivalPhotos by Mark Egge of the night. Chainsmokers made the best impression on did not close with “Closer” me. Rubblebucket clearly had but kept playing until, the most fun on and off stage, presumably, the last featuring simple yet funky heartbroken straggler synchronized dance moves left, relieved at least into and frequent journeys into the the morning. crowd. Metric, on the other hand, rocked the hardest. Singer Emily Haines went all-out, her voice reaching over the band’s tinnitus- inducing (in a good way) guitar riffs as they performed the hell out of their greatest hits. Energetic bands like Rubblebucket and Metric are what make the festival experience memorable.

Short Reviews 12 Concert Reviews

Mac Miller On September 18th, rapper and Pittsburgh-native Mac Miller delivered an Liam Van Oort energetic performance at Stage AE. Last year, I saw Miller in Austin, TX during the GO:OD AM tour, and it was a completely different experience. There, he gave a messy performance, arriving on stage drunk two hours late, barely able to spit out his verses: He gave a lackluster performance “A stark contrast that left something to be desired. But this time, Miller was on fire. He from when I saw translated his excitement into the crowd, calling Pittsburgh, “the best city him previously, this in the entire world” and whipping out unusual dad-like dance moves on new, energetic, and stage. Maybe it was the fact that he was playing in his home town, or refreshed Mac Miller that his new boo Ariana Grande was there with him; maybe it was the Steelers victory or being six months sober. Whatever the reasons, he gave is everything I could an excellent performance, and made sure the show focused only on him. have wanted.” He enlisted lesser known opening artists and restrained from bringing out Ariana Grande, who stood off to the side of the stage (but attracted attention nonetheless). While he played a few songs from his new album, The Divine Feminine, he focused mostly on his “greatest hits” and songs from GO:OD AM. Highlights included “Loud,” “100 Grandkids,” “Knock Knock,” “Best Day Ever,” “Nikes on My Feet,” and “Weekend.” When he played “Donald Trump,” he stopped and told the audience to “f*ck Trump” and vote for anyone other than the talking carnival peanut. Overall, Miller gave an eccentric performance that highlighted both his music and the city of Pittsburgh. A stark contrast from when I saw him previously, this new, energetic, and refreshed Mac Miller is everything I could have wanted.

The Mountain The Mountain Goats have a reputation: They’re prolific, they’re raw, Goats they’re sometimes just John Darnielle. They’re all traits that I personally Claire Lai enjoy, and since I missed their show in Pittsburgh in 2014 (in Carnegie Mellon’s own Rangos Ballroom), I’ve been keeping an eye out for tour dates. And lo and behold, in August I saw their announcement: The Mountain Goats, playing Mr. Smalls on September 3rd, 2016. “They bring out the desperate It was part of a small tour called The Summer Knows, just John Darnielle joy that everyone and Matt Douglas, a new addition to the band. At the Mr. Smalls show, feels at their worst the pop singer-songwriter Tristen opened, warming up the crowd with an and their best.” energetic performance. Then the Mountain Goats came on. They played a strong main set, starting with “Idylls of the King.” Together, JD and Matt mostly drew from newer albums Transcendental Youth and Beat the Champ. Highlights included Matt Douglas playing baritone sax on “Foreign Object” and their soft handling of “Ezekiel 7 and The Permanent Efficacy of Grace.”Concert When JD had his solo segment, he pulled out old favorites like “Cotton” and “There Will Be No Divorce.”

Throughout the show, the energy in the room was powerful. For a small venue and a relatively low-key group, I was almost surprised that peopleReviews 13 Concert Reviews were so responsive and enthusiastic. (There were a few audience members who were too enthusiastic about “Italian Guns” but were convinced to stop eventually.) Even with the more obscure selections, there was always a good portion of people singing along. The Mountain Goats tend to attract the most devoted of fans, and when they played “This Year,” it was obvious why. They bring out the desperate joy that everyone feels at their worst and their best.

The show finished with not one, but two encores. The final, final song was “The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton,” reminding me that if I ever learned anything from listening to the Mountain Goats, it’s to keep dreaming my dreams, and to hail Satan.

Young The Giant Young The Giant, a band based in Irvine, California, performed at a packed Isabelle Sio Stage AE on Thursday, September 8th. From the first note of their song “Jungle Youth,” I was hooked and electrified. My prior experience with this band consisted of two songs: “Something To Believe In,” and “Cough Syrup,” but by the end of their performance, all I wanted to do was escape “Lead singer further into the Home of the Strange. Sameer Gadhia oozed a surprising The two aforementioned songs were huge hits for the passionate audience. but welcome Their performance of “Something To Believe In” was relaxed and casual, charisma during upbeat and soulful. The song infused a fervid vibe in the atmosphere. “Cough Syrup” felt like an instant classic and even boosted the performers’ and his performance, the crowd’s energy. Other memorable songs from this performance included which infused each the set-closer, “Home of the Strange,” a song that wrapped up all of the movement and note room’s energy and infused it twofold into the audience, and encore- with meaning.” closer,“My Body,” which left both me and the band smiling and basking in a youthful,lively glow.

This concert was part of Young The Giant’s Home of the Strange Tour, which promotes their latest album of the same name. The tour embraces Young The Giant’s alternative vibe in every aspect, and the music features threads of rock ‘n’ roll. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia oozed a surprising but welcome charisma during his performance, which infused each movement and note with meaning. His stage presence is like a sparkler: mundane at first, but altogether excitable and irresistible.

Ra Ra Riot, an indie rock band, also opened for Young The Giant, stirring the pot and adding their own alternative flair to the night’s atmosphere. I loved their unique and talented string section, led by Rebecca Zeller, Concert which created a classed yet edgy sound. Their energy carried into the rest of the night, allowing the concertgoers to truly embrace feelings of Reviews strangeness and hominess. Concert Reviews 14 Young the Giant at Mr. Smalls Photo by Isabelle Sio Songs To Make Bad Decisions To

Promiscuous by Nelly You Oughta Know by Better than Revenge Furtado, Timbaland Alanis Morissette by Taylor Swift Because what could push to The ultimate “fight me” In this song Taylor Swift is make a bad decision like an feminist anthem from the quite literally being awhiny, early 2000 pop-club ballad 90s. Unleash your fury to spoiled brat. Unleash it. And with a strong drum line. this song, complete with then regret it 4 years later. Anna Gross Morissette’s eccentric Izzy Sio vowel articulation. Ignition (Remix) by Jackie Chou Before We Go Out R. Kelly Drinking by Pkew It’s the freakin weekend, Drunk Text Romance Pkew Pkew baby. Go have some fun by Cyberbully Mom In what is essentially an Anna Gross (honestly Club ode to pre-gaming, Pkew shocked these classics A reminder of that text Pkew Pkew half sings, half haven’t been put on the list that seemed like a really shouts about their decision already) good idea at the time. to get drunk before going A playlist dedicated Paige O’Riordan out to drink some more. to the songs that (I Don’t Think That Party on, everybody. inspire us to do We Should) Take It Collard Greens by Brad Puskar things we’ll probably Slow by LSD and the ScHoolboy Q ft. regret tomorrow or Search for God Kendrick Lamar Rehab by Amy Anthem music for coming Doesn’t this song just Winehouse remind us of those down and for late night really make you wanna This is arguably the most past bad choices connections. fight someone? iconic song about making we can’t undo. Mark Egge Serina Liu bad decisions, so would thisreally be a complete Stupid Decisions Hot in Herre by Nelly playlist without it? by Fidlar There is nothing subtle Izzy McCarthy This is a whiny, angsty about the decisions this song about the feeling of song is asking you to make Droogs by NxWorries regret after a night of poor Anna Gross Shoutout to my boi in decision making with a Stever 1 getting lost in the chorus so catchy you’ll Fucc The Devil by AJJ sauce. This song is literally eventually have to jump in Please don’t do this. about you. :( and sing along. Brooke Ley Lawrence Han Lydia Green

Mixtape 16 With a sound and thought process unlike any other, musician Sir the Baptist is trying to redefine the game, or at least the way we think about it.

An Interview with Sir the Baptist by Anna J. Gross with photos by Serina Liu

17 Main Interview Sir the Baptist’s (born William James Stokes) unique hip hop gospel vibe stems from an upbringing in South Side, Chicago and a life spent as the son of a preacher. Exhibiting both the spirited confidence of an entertainer and a sincere yearning to connect on an individual level, Stokes is not your run of the mill rapper/writer /singer/director. It is clear that he is motivated by something deeper than mainstream industry success. With a bold, unwavering hopefulness and some radical ideas, Stokes is ready to bring his truth to the world.

So you grew up in if it matters to you, that’s I’ll probably spend most of a religious family as what you’ve got to write my time in the crowd. So the son of a preacher, about. You can’t write about don’t look at me up there, but does your faith still something just because it’s cause that’s not where magic play a major role in the cool thing to write about, happens, magic happens your life today? You gotta write about it when we come together. Absolutely. I’m not religious, because it’s necessary. The I’m more spiritual. But my reality is, as long as you You use a lot of job, my purpose is to change keep the forefront social Gospel in your music, the way religion is applied. justice, or whatever you but there’s a lot of Like when you’re drinking, think your calling is, it mainstream artists or smoking, or having a usually works out. It’s not incorporating Gospel baby... Like, how spirituality that I choose be be social influences into their is a part of that. So I have [activist], it’s what I’m sound— to sort of break the barriers passionate about, so I have Tell me who. and fight down all the politics to talk about it, instead of religion. So I’m still of chains, cars, twerking Chance the rapper, J. spiritual, but just not booties, all of that sort of Cole, Kanye! Do you politically. shit, that shit’s not even it. think that there’s an appropriation of this How do you balance So you don’t gospel music, using being a musician, a feel the pressure to it for the sound rather social activist, and entertain when you’re than the meaning an entertainer? performing? behind it— You talk about the important I mean you gotta entertain. Have you been reading my things. When you talk about But I make sure even in interviews? the important things, all of my entertainment that a sudden, the lyrics write it’s something genuine and I’ve watched a couple! themselves, you know. So trying to reach you. Today Haha, I can tell! I can

Main Interview 18 tell you’ve been listening Some people have been Right, talking about like “what the fuck am I lis- because you’re asking the manipulating these chords bleached assholes tening to?!” it’s gotta change, right questions. I have to get things by, but it hasn’t over choir music. It’s Like the greats before this nothing wrong with the been healthy for you. not exactly following time, they were doing that. way Chance did it, he did the values that gospel it and I feel like he did it It’s playing on music is known for. You’re not the same person in a clean slate. I think the people’s gut instincts Most musicians’ sounds you are on saturday night. way Kanye did it, Here’s to essentially make will change from album You are, but you’re not. the thing… when it comes money. to album, but yours When you wake up in the down to using chord Right, right, so once they changes pretty radically morning do you want changes, arrangements, get these chords to give from song to song, is champagne or jameson and all of that sort of stuff, you chill bumps, You don’t there a reason for this? and ginger ale, no. You it supasses reasoning. Once know why, but you feel When you’re writing, you want orange juice or fuckin you unplug [your ears] and that. You hear the choir don’t write in the same way pancakes. You’re a holistic allow music to surpass and you’re wondering like for every article. You focus person, you’re not fragmented. your reasoning, these gos- “oh my god! What is this on different things and you pel chords will give you feeling!” It’s the feeling they dig deeply into the subject. It’s about complexity. chill bumps. The choir stole from something else, I pick my high heads, snares, YEAH, you’re complex, will give you chill bumps, but they’re not feeding bass drums, bass, chord and you’re beautiful because because you’re hearing, your soul. They’re actually changes, I pick that based on you’re complex. Because 50, 60, people if they’re stripping it. what I need for the listener you like these many different doing it right, and it’s to focus on. I think it’s just things. So artists should hitting you right in your And that comes necessary, like as a producer, reflect that when they’re heart. So they use that, through in the lyrics. if you’re making the same writing to you, and there’s to manipulate how you Yes, because he’s calling his beats, (Mumbles generic the problem, they don’t feel. And it’s about time wife a bitch. And you go hip hop throat sounds to write to you. They’re just somebody change that. like, “wait, choir? Bitch? the beat of what could be writing to flex on you. And not manipulate the Timeout. How does this “Panda” or any other current Then when you’re ready to music to manipulate you. help ME.” chart topping rap song) It’s go through something, and

19 Main Interview you need a song to guide you diagnosis. You know when through that, there’s no song. you’re sick and you start You have an abortion, or you moving slow? That’s the have to use Plan B, and you music right now. You feel like this piece in you, you can hear the difference need something to get you between our hip hop now over that moment... and Beethoven. It’s not healthy. We need to put And a lot of modern that [energy] back into it. music won’t do that for [These musicians] want you. to be great artists, and I AT ALL. So my goal is to be appreciate that, but I have a part of that, because more no desire to be the greatest than anything it’s to score artist. I have no interest in your life. Your life is much conforming at all. I’ve al- more important than that ready won. This is a hobby, club moment, and music has this ain’t my purpose. The to speak to that. You have purpose is in how the lyrics so many days and so many break down. I want [my hours before and after [the music] to help you through club]. You’re not just that those moments when you person, you’re not that simple. really need it, something You know what hiphop you can apply to your life, looks like to your parents? whether you’re 17 or 70. Yeah, that’s not hip hop. Hip hop is sick right now. It needs to be healed. It needs someone that understands and will give it some sort of

Main Interview 20 Sir the Baptist at Thrival Photo by Selina Liu 350 350 Isabelle Sio Re-Release MCR The date is October 23, memory in The Black Parade of fans, what we are getting 2006. My Chemical ring true to a new generation now is even better. What Romance—New Jersey rock of angsty teenagers. Living with Ghosts aims band, driving force for the to do is expose their rich “emo” subculture, and main The date is July 20, 2016. history to the world. Most component in the lives of My Chemical Romance importantly, Living with many angsty teenagers—has posts a video on their Ghosts shows that “their released their third studio Facebook feed featuring memory will carry on.” album The Black Parade, a the opening notes of their But in order to do that, they concept album about one song “Welcome to the need to assign a leader— man’s transition to death. Black Parade.” The Internet their fans. They’re handing The dark, grim aesthetic of explodes into shock. A date them the guidebook to the the album and the rock vibe is advertised on the video, Black Parade, in order for of the ballads and anthems leading fans to think that a them to carry on their were what skyrocketed the reunion is coming. legacy and help people shape album (and the band) to a their own lives with their mainstream audience. The date is September memories.You could say 23, 2016. My Chemical that all their fans are truly The date is March 22, 2013. Romance has just re-re- living with ghosts, but My Chemical Romance leased their album, now My Chemical Romance aims officially announce their titled The Black Parade/ to take in those angsty breakup on their website, Living with Ghosts. The ghosts and help others to breaking the Internet and re-release includes the original create, grow, and carry on. their fans’ hearts. Yet through album and 11 demos and absence, discovery occurs. live tracks, showcasing all Millions of people find a the rough drafts and sketches deep connection to My used to construct it. Chemical Romance’s albums. In particular, the themes While a reunion would be of death and childhood the ultimate dream for a lot Joe Sweeney on Frank Thoughts I first heard Frank at my was Toronto, so we got bus finally see him perform. friend’s house while home tickets and our passports. In a voice that fluctuated from school on summer We arrived a day early from soft and emotional holiday. A group of us and got a cheap hotel in to deep and commanding, sat in silence as he belted Chinatown. That night, Frank stepped through his through channel ORANGE, we got a call from the repertoire. Every/Every an adventure of an album ticket agency informing word was sung back by that ended with our collective us that Frank had torn a thousands. decision to see Frank in vocal chord and would concert. The closest tour not be performing. Two What immediately turns me location that wasn’t sold out years later, I was able to onto Frank Ocean is his vo-

350-Word Articles 22 350 cal abilities. He creates a song’s climax, the song the charts. The album is duality, combining smart drops into a tight bassline stacked with tracks that rhythmic lines that soar and a feature from Andre draw the listener in with into powerful wails. However, 3000, the long-silent genius a repetition of the formula underneath the immediate behind OutKast. Moments that worked so well impressiveness of his sound like this are commonplace previously. Amongst these is that of a relatable, beautiful throughout Frank’s work. songs are explorations into storyteller. Listen to the song a new stripped down style “Pink Matter”: Frank begins This past month, Mr. Ocean that demonstrate Frank’s each verse posing a profound has released his long-awaited evolving style. question of life to an sophomore showing to unknow “sensei.” The replies even greater fanfare than As an avid fan, I can only he receives only serve to the his previous work. After hope for more of this and further tantalize. As the a four year hiatus, Frank possibly some Pittsburgh verses progress, he begins unexpectedly released tour dates…one of which to lose interest in the ethereal Endless, a video album seems realistic. and instead builds into a that blogs devoured with 350 scream of pleasure that excitement. Two days completely obfuscates the later, he dropped Blonde, previous direction. At the which immediately topped

Apple has long been a comes with new features, page, rather than being brand synonymous with including more personalized buried in the far right tab. simplicity and elegance. recommendations and song It’s also clearly organized So, people who downloaded lyrics. The redesign was into playlists, artists, albums,

Kate Apostolou Kate the latest iOS must have led from the ground up, songs, and downloaded been alarmed when they with a focus on simplicity. music. The second tab is started receiving text And it shows through now “For You,” which shows messages that slam onto the dramatically cleaner music recommendations. Review the screen and animate interface. Where there Along with suggested with lasers. While the used to be small text, playlists, it has a My New new design choices of iOS various gradients, and Music Mix, which similar 10 are at times confusing, cluttered images, there’s to Spotify’s Discover Weekly, there are also clear winners. now large text, a white serves up a personally Listening to music is now background, and fewer curated playlist that refreshes Apple Music significantly easier. images. The new look is each week. In addition, bold and fresh. Browse is replacing New The new Apple Music is Music, Radio is remaining one of the strongest reasons On a deeper level, the the same, and Search is to update your iOS. In navigation is more straight- replacing the previous addition to a visual overhaul, forward. Your music Connect feature. These the streaming service now library is now the landing changes make it easier for

23 350-Word Articles

You’ve been Sleeping 24 on Donald Glover for Too Long

among all music streaming customer Creating services. loyalty instead of frustration step in is certainly a major the right direction. Cassie Howard

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350 350 Music's 15 million, the the Music's 15 million, Apple iOS 10 changes put The back in the game. redesign helps users access features they love with and the comfort and ease, In a response is positive. recent customer satisfaction Apple survey by JD Power, Music ranked highest “Childish Gambino is a “Childish Gambino is a period that should come I like endings.” to a close. While he signals the end of his rapping doppelgänger, he says he wants to keep making music for the rest the traction With of his life. unlikely it’s Atlanta is getting, that we will see music from and who him for a while, knows which persona it All I know will come from? is you better keep your eyes peeled for what comes next sure to be worth because it’s your attention.

350-Word Articles 350-Word The Today , Show The Today users to access more users to access more valuable features. valuable features. be Could the redesign Music to Apple enough for outperform competitors possible. like Spotify? It’s currently Even though Spotify has twice as many paid Apple users compared to Gambino. Throughout Gambino. he also released this time, a stand-up and performed he Recently, as a comedian. and produced, has written, TV show starred on the In an interview Atlanta. he says: with Billboard, “I have my studio there, a whiteboard with the a canvas Atlanta scripts, for painting and all my albums and DJ equipment […] I wake up every morning started his career as Childish and I start grabbing things spray-painting the walls, They’re recording, writing. It’s all connected for me. all about trying to get to the bottom of what being name I can’t a human is.” many other people in the industry who have the same versatility and passion that he does–he is virtually unrivaled. during an interview In 2015, with Glover comments that,

Although I had my moment, I remember running to my best friend after hearing Childish Gambino for the first time and asking her if she had heard of this really Immediately, cool rapper. she asked me if I had seen Dumbfounded, Community. I’ve yes, “Well, I replied, but what seen the show, does that have to do with I was quickly anything?” given the rundown on the rapper and his real-life Donald Glover, identity, and subsequently had my “holy sugar-honey-iced- moment. tea” many people might not be acting aware of Glover’s He and writing history. Fey Tina was spotted by during a comedy show at NYU; he consequently began writing for 30 Rock and eventually found himself acting in Community. he signed with In 2011, and Glassnote Records, 350 Album Reviews

1992, released in early Her new album is a far “Bart Simpson” and proudly 1992 by September, is Princess cry from some of her earlier referencing her Hispanic and Princess Nokia’s second full length electronic work: It’s more Taino heritage in “Brujas.” Nokia album. The underground aggressive rap, referencing The whole album is a rapper and electronic artist 90s favorites like Missy Elliott celebration of unashamed behind “Versace Hottie” with beats and samples while and unique femininity, has had a few different remaining individual and which comes through in my monikers over the years, contemporary. It’s largely favorite track off the album, Lucy Denegre including Destiny and an autobiographical “Tomboy.” Intense, intelligent, Wavy Spice, but Princess album, talking about her and very danceable, this Nokia has stuck the longest. New York childhood in album kills it.

Body Body Wash may come uncharacteristically rich, -out vocals on “Cosmic Wash by as a surprise to fans of full-length album that’s sure Perspective” are sure to give Mndsgn Mndsgn’s unique brand of to please much of Mndsgn’s listeners a reason to stay. But lo-fi hip-hop production. equally nuanced audience. that’s not to say that Mndsgn Breaking from a tradition has lost touch with his roots; of small and laid-back Perhaps the most striking there are still plenty of odd releases, Mndsgn’s latest feature of Body Wash is its interludes and meditative offering sees the LA-based accessibility. Funky melodies instrumentals to qualify artist integrating the sounds on songs like “Use Ya Mind” Body WashAlbum as a proper Lucy Denegre of funk, soul, and R&B and “Where Ever U R” can sampling of the artist’s into his special homemade easily lure in newcomers, eclectic sonic profile. blend. The result is an while the spacey, drawn Reviews 25 Album Reviews Sunlit In the past, Local Natives consecutive albums don’t of fresh. If I wasn’t so Youth by has crafted some impressive feel as packed with poten- familiar with Local Natives’ Local albums. Most notable is tial. While Sunlit Youth past work, I would probably AlbumNatives Gorilla Manor, the band’s may have some of the same be more excited about lyrics first album, which cultivated sentiments left over from like “I have waited so long their energy-packed and “Sun Hands,” its leading Mrs. President/Matriarchs almost spiritual sound. singles can’t compete. and Teddy Boys, play in Reviews “Sun Hands” felt like a “Fountain of Youth” and houses on the lake.” But ritualistic celebration “Past Lives” maintain the this time around, the poetry Isabel McCarthy of life, and “Airplanes” band’s traditionally lively and sound don’t coexist as featured poetically percussion, but their overall poignantly as they once did. jonest lyrics. But the band’s sound feels recycled instead

How To Be A In their sophomore album, 3” puts you in the shoes, in “Mama’s Gun.” While Human Being by Glass Animals manage to or should I say socks, of a not every song is a hit, each Glass Animals sound like an upgraded couch-potato girlfriend who one deserves a listen (and version of themselves. “eats mayonnaise from in some cases many more). Beginning with a dream- a jar while she’s gettin’ I recommend putting on like harp in the opening blazed.” A haunting choir headphones, closing your seconds of “Life Itself,” the and the repetition of a eyes, and letting yourself be album quickly pulls you bird’s eerie call, reminiscent immersed in the many ways into the worlds of a hand- of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The one can be a human being. Ryan Aguirre ful of colorful characters. Raven,” vividly bring you The slow, nostalgic R&B inside the head of a woman beat in “Season 2 Episode who murdered her husband

Album Reviews Album Reviews 26 You’ve probably noticed that The Cut looks a little different. You’ve probably noticed that The Cut looks a little different.

Very different. Actually, we’ve completely rebuilt it from the grid up. With everything from a brand new cover to a new type system, get ready to love The Cut even more than you already do.

Special thanks to designer Noah Johnson for developing the new layout with us! Built to Spill at Mr. Smalls Photo by Lucy Denegre www.thecutmagazine.com The Cut Magazine Issue 42 October 2016