‘Our Planet’ is full of tragic beauty
Sir David Attenborough is himself a force of nature. For decades, the producer and narrator has devoted his life to exploring the mysteries of the natural world, allowing viewers across the world a glimpse into the wonders of the planet. “Blue Planet” (2001) and “Planet Earth” (2007) are just two of Attenborough’s most famous narrated […]
Nipsey Hussle leaves behind legacy of artistry, activism
Unfortunately, in the hip-hop industry, the deaths of major artists have been common, and Nipsey Hussle — legal name Ermias Ashgedom — is the latest member of that haunting and upsetting list. Thirty three is a very young age to die, and his murder cut off a budding career that was glimmering with excellence. While everyone may not […]
Solange’s ‘When I Get Home’ is a well-crafted, nourishing experience
On March 1, American singer and songwriter Solange released her fourth studio album, “When I Get Home” (2019). It was a relatively low-key release: no singles, no promotion — aside from an interview last October and a page on Black Planet — and barely any time for fans to prepare for the musical genius’ latest work of art. […]
Hozier shows he is back on his fulfilling album ‘Wasteland, Baby!’
A lot can change in the music industry in five years. An artist’s outlook and creative process can be completely different — as can their degree of mainstream success. La Roux’s album “Trouble in Paradise” (2014) came five years after “La Roux” (2009), with “Trouble in Paradise” (2014) barely capturing the essence of the success […]
Lisztomania: Sound in Silence
I’ve always found it somewhat ironic that Ludwig van Beethoven, objectively one of the greatest composers of all-time, went deaf in adulthood. To think that he could not hear his own music physically pains me, but it also makes me think: Was it Beethoven’s deafness that allowed him to become so great? Many historians and […]
Lisztomania: More than Mozart
The world became astronomically bigger in the 18th century. In preceding centuries, the Americas had begun to be colonized by the Europeans, and by the middle of the 18th century, European colonialism had made its way onto nearly every continent. This desire for grandeur in regards to extending one’s borders promoted thinking at a larger […]
‘Thank U, Next’ is Ariana Grande’s most cohesive, consistent album to date
Ariana Grande is arguably one of the biggest pop stars in the world. She’s practically breaking records left and right, from becoming just the fifth artist to have multiple songs debut on top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “7 rings” to her music video for “thank u, next” breaking YouTube’s 24-hour views record for […]
2019 Grammys predictions: probable winners, should-be winners, outcasts
This Sunday, some of the most famous names in music will gather for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. There will be plenty of performances from artists like Cardi B, Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monáe, Kacey Musgraves and Dolly Parton. It’s certainly going to be an interesting ceremony with plenty of changes after last year’s backlash — which included […]
Lisztomania: For the love of music
Growing up, I hated music. I had been exposed to the popular music of the early 2000s before anything else, and if you can remember any early Miley Cyrus hits or other millennial-teen music that had permeated down through the public school system and into the ears of the impressionable youth, my original sentiments towards […]
With ‘Showboat,’ Brian Newman showcases versatile range
Trumpet player and jazz singer Brian Newman has had a longstanding New York City career. For over 10 years, Newman’s role in the city’s nightlife has ranged from different venues, performances with pop superstars and a residency at the Rose Bar at Gramercy Park Hotel. He is the bread and butter of jazz in the city. But it […]
