By Codi Farmer

Deep in the heart of Texas lies a wonderful escape from daily life — Zilker Park. Here, you’ll find an oasis of green grass and big trees, a view of Austin’s beautiful skyline, and lots of live music. For the past 21 years, Austin has hosted the largest music festival in Texas every October: Austin City Limits (ACL).

In past years, ACL has had notable performers like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Miley Cyrus, Tyler, the Creator, Greta Van Fleet, and so many more. This year, some of my favorite acts of the weekend were The Breeders, Thee Sacred Souls, FKJ, Death Grips, Cigarettes After Sex, and Kendrick Lamar. 

I grew up going to ACL, so every year I feel like I know just what to expect: 9 stages, lots of awesome artists, long bathroom lines, the hot Texas sun, and tons of amazing and expensive food. However, every year, I leave surprised and impressed. The organizers for this event somehow always manage to put together such a diverse lineup where…

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Written and Photographed By Jack Skidmore

After spending a few hours with Grrl Band on a Sunday afternoon, it's evident that the group loves being together. Beyond just music, the strong friendship between each member is what drives the band to produce songs and deliver high-energy performances. “We kind of just click,” said Louise Jones, the group's drummer. “This band has been the easiest and most fun to play with, ever,” she adds in relation to her past band experiences. 

Group Formation

The current Grrl Band lineup was formed this past spring. It consists of Claudia Santino (singer), Louise Jones (drummer), Kayla Krueger (guitarist), Codi Farmer (bassist), and Camy Corcoran (guitarist). The group began in the fall of 2022 with Codi Farmer and a few of her friends. Farmer and Krueger knew each…

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By Sadie Tresnit

Halloween is coming up, and that means it’s time for my favorite tradition: comparing Halloween playlists with my friend in our annual competition/show-off fest. Sure, it’s fun to dress up and eat candy, but playlist-making is where it’s really at. Not convinced? Check out a sample of what I’ve put together this year.

The Monster Mash - Bobby “Boris” Pickett

What kind of Halloween playlist wouldn’t include this song? It was a hit when it was written, a hit at every elementary school Halloween party, and it’s a hit now. Bonus points if you sing along at the top of your lungs while making weird faces (watch the original video for inspiration).

Thriller - Michael Jackson

Like the previous item, this belongs on every Halloween playlist. You’ve heard it a million times by now, so what’s one more? 

Halloween Parade - Lou Reed

This was the…

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By Megan Lorich

Countless discussions have been made over the handcrafted lyrics, raw basslines, and sweet vocals of Mitski, but at the forefront of those discussions are the themes that dominate her songs. Such is the case with her recent release “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We” (“Land is Inhospitable” for short). Mitski’s albums have had central themes and arcs to them before. “Be The Cowboy” sees Mitski use the coolness and suaveness of America’s favorite folk hero as a mask for her loneliness — while “Laurel Hell” gave Mitski the chance to finally dance her heart out.  

But Mitski has been incredibly explicit with the themes of “Land is Inhospitable.” While her songs have often discussed love and its importance, have poured sorrows of past relationships, and mulled over pining and rejection — Mitski states definitively that “to love is the best thing [she] has ever done. The most beautiful thing. Better than any song [she]…

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By Sadie Tresnit

‘Tis the season for pumpkin pie, cozy sweaters, steaming mugs of coffee, and, of course, “Gilmore Girls.” If you’re anything like me, the show is on 24/7 as soon as the leaves start to change color. Naturally, I’m not content to just watch; I have to fully immerse myself in Stars Hollow with the perfect playlist. Do I spend an unhealthy amount of time imagining I’m friends with Lane Kim? Maybe, but that’s only because we would get along so well. Without further ado, I present the soundtrack for my imaginary day of hanging out with Lane and Rory.

Earn Enough For Us - XTC

This song plays in the show over a montage of Lorelai and Rory getting ready in the morning, but I can definitely see either of them listening to all of “Skylarking” because it’s the best album ever. Bonus points here for “Dear God,” which Lane would listen to in bed after her parents went to sleep.

Move On…

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By Malya Fass

Spotify users have seen the “daylist” – but who knows if the latest concoction of “indie morning upbeat jams mix” will speak to you on a given Tuesday? Here’s a playlist to add a little oomph to your walk across campus, and some of the highlights listed below. 

Campus - Vampire Weekend 

How could this song not be included on a walking-to-class playlist? Vampire Weekend encapsulates the angst of having a campus crush and lets us feel a little dreamy about the college experience.

Home Soon - Dope Lemon 

Dope Lemon samples “Stories??” by the Chakachas on this groovy song off of his 2017 album, “Hounds Tooth.” If I ever get stopped for one of those “what are you listening to” videos — I hope I’m listening to this.

 

Come on Home…

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By Codi Farmer

Recently, I’ve been thinking about theremins a lot. According to BBC Music Magazine’s Classical Music, the theremin was the first electronic instrument ever invented — and was made by a Russian scientist, Leon Theremin in 1920. The theremin is especially interesting because it is a contactless instrument, meaning that all you have to do is wave your hand around the antennas for the instrument to make noise.

The theremin has two antennae, one vertical and one horizontal coming off the body of the instrument, and there are electromagnetic fields surrounding these antennae. Having movement around these fields creates interference — which is manifested in changing pitch and volume. The vertical antenna is responsible for changes in pitch, so the closer your hand gets to it, the higher the pitch will go. As for the horizontal one, the closer your hand gets…

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Written and Photographed by Jack Skidmore

The spirit of Americana music is nurtured by small communities of individuals who hold a deep appreciation for its style. During this summer, Portland-based folk band, Fruition, established significant connections with multiple small mountain towns within Colorado through a multitude of self-produced songs and awe-inspiring live performances. Bearing personal witness to this was an incredibly rewarding musical experience surrounding this unique band. 

Prior to the formation of the full band, the frontwoman of Fruition, Mimi Naja, began a solo music career in Portland known as “Mimi Naja’s…

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Written By: Ava Chand

& Photographed By: Paige Rodriguez

Who Is The Pink Door?

The Pink Door is an up and coming band making its way into the Eugene house show scene. Eugene houses college bands such as Left on Read, Bowl Peace, Down Rad, and Mommy, who even opened for Aminé at Matthew Knight Arena in the spring. The Pink Door is new to the scene, only playing two shows since their creation. However, they are not to be underestimated, for they are prepared to be heard far and wide through the Eugene house show scene. I had the opportunity to interview the band, and get an idea of where they emerged and their experience as newcomers to the scene. 

The story goes that lead singer and guitarist, Emily Bullinger, and classmate/ future bassist Claire Jenkins discovered they had a mutual love for music and had jokingly discussed starting a band. Jenkins knew future lead guitarist Ella Nixon from the…

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Written By: Jack Skidmore

Historically, the blending of genres has created some of the most intriguing music to date. For myself, I have found the most enjoyment in artists that constantly aim to push the envelope with enthusiasm. For a few years now, one of my genre interests has been in the amalgamation of psychedelic genres and hip hop. 

From its birth in the ’60s, psychedelic rock has now evolved to a new form of neo-psychedelia that often is more pop-focused. Many artists in this domain now dominate much of the mainstream but still exemplify some of the psychedelic genre’s original characteristics. One of these that come to mind almost immediately especially when considering the blend of psychedelic and hip-hop is Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. His work with mainstream rappers such as Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Travis Scott has led him to a high prestige in this art and perhaps coined him as hip-hop’s favorite rock star. However, I wanted to present a few more of…

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