Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
2017's Finest Albums
The greatest ability that humanity possesses is that of reflection. Our tiny, dirty planet has nearly completed yet another lap of the sun, and as the year draws to a close, we humans are naturally inclined to reflect on the year that has passed. Politically and culturally, it has been a turbulent one, to say the least, but we have been fortunate enough to be graced with a plethora of fantastic musical creations to distract ourselves from the forthcoming apocalypse.
By Toby Hickman8 years ago in Beat
Bronxlyn Debuts with '2 Boroughs 1 City'
So I had a pleasant surprise while I was digging up talent for my open mic series, Check It! I came across this video, and after just a few seconds I think, "I need to hear more from this guy." After reaching out to him, I received an invitation to a listening party for his upcoming debut project. His name? No, that's not a typo, you read it right.
By Sadé Sanchez8 years ago in Beat
Live Fast, Die Young
Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, and Jim Morrison all have one very cryptic thing in common: they all passed away at the age of twenty-seven. Their deaths, among other celebrity deaths at 27, led to the theory of the 27 Club. A large portion of these deaths were caused by drug overdoses and suicide. Many successful musicians and celebrities have died at the early age of 27 under strangely coincidental circumstances, spawning many theories that correlate their deaths with the self-destructive celebrity lifestyle and satanic influences.
By Faith Fairchild8 years ago in Beat
Promoter vs. Artist
Promoter vs. Artist. It's a constant issue in many local music scenes and communities, especially those rooted in DIY (do it yourself) themes. Over the last few years, I'm seeing more and more social media feuds over the idea of pay to play, bands selling tickets to their shows, and promoters not "doing their jobs." This is a double-edged sword I will happily break down for you.
By Miakoda Nita8 years ago in Beat
Moment of Truth: Gangstarr
It has been 11 years since the fallout of the rap duo Gangstarr, and only seven since the death of Guru, the lead MC of the group, who went into cardiac arrest after a long battle with cancer. Despite this tragedy, the music of Guru and Gangstarr has continued to grow in popularity with serious rap fans, to the point that the music will now live on forever— especially the smooth beats, tight lyrics, and more profound message portrayed in the brilliant classic, 'Moment of Truth.'
By Magnus DePencier8 years ago in Beat
A Bridge of Music
Music can create bridges between those in all walks of life. William Sidney Mount was a nineteenth-century American painter and musician who grew up in rural Long Island, New York (Johns). Mount was known as a genre painter attracting fans throughout America and Europe (Johns). Most of his works depict scenes in domestic settings (Johns). A majority of the subjects portrayed in Mount’s paintings are African Americans, farmers, and country folk, those who would be seen as the “common man” in America (Johns). Typically, the people are practicing some form of music. In Dance of the Haymakers, Mount portrays country folk engaged in a variety of activities. Some are dancing to the music played by the fiddler and the drummer boy while others are watching in the background. Mount’s Dance of the Haymakers is a depiction of the African-American man’s role in white society and the racial divide present in American culture shown through the participation of the African-American boy in the music-making, what instrument he is playing, his position in the painting, and how music creates a harmony between the different races.
By Almárëa Laurësil8 years ago in Beat
Bob Marley
Before he became the Rasta man of the world, he was born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6th, 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica. His parents were Cedella Booker and Norval Marley. He lived with his mother, and only saw his father a handful of times when he was a young boy. Bob Marley had passion for music as a young one, so while at school, Bob Marley and his friend Neville "Bunny" Livingston shared the same love of music. Bunny started teaching Bob Marley how to play the guitar. Then, in the 50s, Bob and Bunny moved to Kingston in a little town called Trench Town. It was there that they met Peter Tosh.
By Shante Hernandez8 years ago in Beat
Music and Reminiscing
Life isn't just about living, it's also about enjoying it. Music makes life fun, full, and entertaining. Music differs so much that no song is like another. Just like how everybody is different. Music is so important to me because it makes me happy when I need to be happy, sad when I want to be sad, and boosts every emotion that I can possibly have. When I hear a melody, it makes me ponder about my life in the past, present, and future. I've had many years to listen to music and have just recently seen the what music means to me. Music makes me think about all the parts of my life because it has made such an influence in my heart.
By Brianna O'Connor8 years ago in Beat
G-Eazy 'The Beautiful And Damned'
G- Eazy grinded to achieve the mainstream dominance that he now enjoys. His sophomore LP, When It’s Dark Out, was well-received and spawned hits such as “Me, Myself, and I." His latest single, “No Limit,” is already following in the footsteps of its predecessor.
By Rap Disciple8 years ago in Beat
The Acoustic Version
There are few things that frustrate me like modern-day music. Lyrics are getting more vulgar and offensive by the day and auto-tuning programs strip voices of their uniqueness and any kind of emotion. The ones most willing to sacrifice their dignity are rewarded with fame, while true talent is left ignored in the coffee shop around the corner. I believe in rebelling against the stigmatic consumption of “Today’s Hits.” I believe in giving true artists the credit they deserve; I believe in listening to and appreciating the acoustic rendition.
By Ellie Renkert8 years ago in Beat
School of Vivaldi
In this article, I will briefly introduce you to a piece of Antonio Vivaldi; Concerto in E Minor, Op. 3 No. 4. I am going to do this by first explaining what the function of this piece was in relation to the viewers of the performance as well as the performers themselves. Then I am going to discuss the musical aspects, like the rhythm and the key.
By Larissa van Orselen8 years ago in Beat
