Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
The 'List: 7EEZ Sad Hits
Hello, one and all: So, this is an "all me" 'list. I got to thinking that it's a list that kind of proves that the 1970s had its fair share of gloom, sadness, pain, and heartache. Which is not to say there wasn't happiness to be had in the era of polyester shirts, platforms, "Breck hair," mood rings, and, the saddest loss of all, the 8-track tape.
By Carlos Gonzalez8 years ago in Beat
Necessary Albums Every Man Should Own
Music, it's one of the many forms of art that contains creativity, connection, and culture — the three Cs. Even though I just made that up, it's still very true. Music does connect people. They're able to share their taste and passions through their choices in music. A person may love jazz while another can't get through a day without listening to metal. And after sharing their favorite songs, the person who loves jazz artists will start loving metal while the metal person will start getting into jazz — that's the beauty of music.
By George Nekilan8 years ago in Beat
Sampha: 'Process' Album Review
Hypnotizing, chill, creative, original. These are the words that come to the surface when I think of how to describe Sampha's debut album, Process. This talented Londoner is signed to Young Turks, the same label as The XX, FKA Twigs, SBTRKT, and much more. He's also well known for his collaborations with fellow label-mate SBTRKT as well as being featured with Kanye, Solange, Frank Ocean, and Drake. And now it is Sampha's time to shine with his very own LP.
By Elizabeth Escalante8 years ago in Beat
'Hamilton' Is Good... For a Musical
Ah, Hamilton. Conceivably the musical of a generation. This groundbreaking "hip-hopera" (hip-hop opera, come on!) shook the Broadway scene, the theatre enthusiasts, and, in turn, the nation. If you're [somehow] not familiar with the musical, let me get you up to speed. Hamilton is an opera, meaning that there are no spoken words throughout the piece. It chronicles the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America. The nation is on the brink of the Revolution, which excites some-- and worries others. The story is full of drama, laughter, heartbreak, and-- spoiler alert-- death. The opera, written by theatre giant Lin-Manuel Miranda, alternates between traditional Broadway-style song, rap, and R&B. It's really an interesting concept: a boring, over-taught era of history is redone in an exciting, fast-paced musical featuring a style of music that is new to the theatre realm. I won't deny that Hamilton is a masterpiece... for a musical. Let me explain.
By Hayley Bonnett8 years ago in Beat
Demi Lovato Will Have You in Love with Her Artistry with New Album 'Tell Me You Love Me'
One thing I love is someone who doesn't give a flying freak about what people think of them. They embrace who they are and they are candid about that person, flaws and all. Well, the first time I ever heard Demi Lovato sing, I was 16 years old watching a Disney Channel short calledAs The Bell Rings.
By Chelsea DeVries8 years ago in Beat
Why You MUST Listen to this Ed Sheeran Song
The brilliance of Ed Sheeran in creating his latest album, Divide, makes us mortals remember the sheer happiness of love, the flashbacks of our break-ups, and in one occasion, makes us want to drink sangria (listen to "Barcelona").
By Cyd Macapagal8 years ago in Beat
The 'List: Queen
Hello one and all. The fall brings out my need to hear the best music from the decade I was born into. The 1970s. The 80s were fun and will indeed be resumed very soon; but there's something about the crisp fall weather that makes me long to hear the music from the decade that brought us classic movies like The Godfather, Star Wars, and Saturday Night Fever.
By Carlos Gonzalez8 years ago in Beat
The History of The DJ
I know this might seem like a stretch, but I am going to call Thomas Edison the first DJ ever. He certainly didn't rock parties like the DJs we know today, but it is safe to say that his invention of the phonographic cylinder paved the way for future Disk Jockeys everywhere. The phonographs that followed Edison’s invention were eventually mass produced. This became the first time in history the general public was able to purchase and own recorded music. Prior to this if you wanted to hear music you would have to play it yourself, or listen to someone else play it live.
By Angel Soto8 years ago in Beat
ACLU Defends Blogger Who Suggests White Supremacy Connection with Taylor Swift
Apparently, it's not a great time to be Taylor Swift right now. Don't get me wrong; Swift's life is undoubtedly comfortable from a superficial standpoint. She's a multi-million selling singer, with sold out concerts throughout the globe. She's probably quite able, should she desire to do so, to retire at her current ripe old age of 27 and not do anything else for the rest of her life and still maintain a pretty decent lifestyle. Outside of some very high profile romances (and friendships gone bad — we're looking at you, Katy Perry), she's even been able to keep a good deal of her private life relatively private — a rarity considering the pervasiveness of today's media.
By Christina St-Jean8 years ago in Beat
Coolest Guitar Straps Every Player Must Own
Guitar straps aren't the most glamorous part of playing the guitar, but if you want people to take your playing more seriously, it might be a good idea to invest in one that's high quality. Guitar straps do far more than just hold up your instrument, a good one will be more comfortable while also letting you express your personal tastes. Learning to play an instrument isn't easy, so why not be comfortable as you do it?
By Joseph Farley8 years ago in Beat
