WPGU -FM (Champaign, IL)

Photo by Ryan Kuk Soft and Dumb is an indie rock group based in Urbana, Illinois. Over the last two years since the band started, lead singer/guitarist Elena Buenrostro and drummer Travis Newgren have helped grow a positive and inclusive local music scene, giving opportunities to many local artists and breaking down barriers of entry.

Maturing is realizing that there are two types of people in this world. There are the people who listen to the music for the sound – the beat, the instrumental arrangement that creates that compelling hum-able melody – and there are those who listen to the lyrics – the meaning, the story, the words that demand the attention of the ears. I finally discovered this human truth during a morning coffee chat with my roommates.

Near the end of 2021, wrapped up in wanting to improve myself for the upcoming year, I found myself caught up in the New Year’s Resolution brainstorming frenzy felt by many around the world. “Eat healthier and go to the gym.” No, too hard. “Spend less money and invest in your future.” No, too boring. “Wake up before 8 AM everyday.” No, too annoying. Getting confused by all of the “self-improvement” ideas, I settled rather on setting a tangible goal for myself.

February was officially recognized as Black History Month in 1976. Since then, many schools have celebrated the numerous Black civil rights leaders, social activists, and historical figures that have made major contributions to American history. Black musicians tend to be overlooked, especially ones in the rock genre so here are five bands with Black vocalists you may want to add to your next playlist.

Continuing my journey of  listening to a new album every day of 2022, the shortest month of the year was not short of amazing and interesting listens. Although difficult to narrow down, let’s recount the albums that had the most impact on me, for better or worse. Best Album: Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You by Big Thief (9) “Wow” was all I could say after finishing the more-than-an-hour, double album from the folk-rock band. Every song was impactful. Every lyric was masterful.

Break may be over and done, but Spring has come, and the best way to enjoy the changing season is to find music that matches the time of year. Spring is a time of rebirth, or growth both naturally and emotionally. The weather gets warmer, the trees regain their beautiful green leaves, the Quad fills with students lounging between classes and enjoying the long-awaited sun.

“I listen to everything except country.” A tale as old as time; you’ve heard someone say it or you’ve said it yourself. It is the social consensus of our time that country music lacks depth. That it all sounds the same, that it only speaks to drinkin’ beers and drivin’ trucks (even though similar things can be said for other genres like pop and rap, but that’s for another time). But I’m here to tell you this opinion stating all music is superior to country is a misconception.

On a snowy night in Chicago, three rappers came together to perform at the Riviera Theatre. The NBA Leather Tour included Boldy James, Earl Sweatshirt, and Action Bronson, along with the producer The Alchemist. These rappers all come from very different backgrounds and levels of success, with their biggest commonality is extensively working with The Alchemist, all of them having multiple songs or even multiple albums with him.

Composed of lead singer Jane Fitzsimmons and guitarist Ian Jones, Twen launched right out of the Boston DIY-scene and hit the road for a three years long tour without any recorded music. After relocating to Nashville while living in a van, the duo released their signed debut album, Awestruck, which hooks you in with its ambiguous lyrics, feedback-fueled jangly riffs, and woozy harmonies.

Sitting down at a dirty break room table, waiting for the clock to hit 11:00, my phone rings with a number based out of Los Angeles. Anxiously, I answer. “Hello! Are you ready to connect with Nilüfer?” “Yep,” I reply, my voice cracking. “Hello Brennen,” a sweet voice calls out over the phone. Immediately, my nerves shift to pure excitement. PAINLESS, British indie-rocker Nilüfer Yanya’s sophomore album, is a project rooted in tension.