WQAQ-FM (Hamden, CT)

Brynn Pinkes (she/her) is WQAQ’s ’25-’26 Music Manager! Brynn is a junior majoring in Communications and Media Studies with a minor in Sociology. In her free time, she loves shooting photos at concerts as well as reading and watching movies. Her artist highlight this year is indie rock band, benches. They’re an indie rock band similar to the likes of The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys. Their music commands the stage when playing live and is full of raw and powerful emotions.

Zach Reagan (they/them) is WQAQ’s ’25-’26 Web Manager! Zach is a senior majoring in Journalism with minors in Film, Television and Media Arts as well as Sociology. In their free time, you’ll catch them at the closest record store or watching movies. Their artist highlight for this year is the Michigan Rattlers. The four-piece folk band all grew up together, and their chemistry translates into a fantastic live atmosphere.

5 Seconds of Summer stunned Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut with their Everyone’s a Star! Tour. The band that released hits like “She Looks So Perfect” and “Youngblood” took the stage on May 29. Following The 5 Second of Summer Show Tour in 2023, this is their most creative and over-the-top tour yet. When walking through the arena, fans were wearing the bands old T-shirts and star themed outfits. There truly is nothing like seeing a fanbase come together to support their favorite artists.

On a warm night in early June, Baby Keem dropped by Philadelphia for one of his last US stops on his “CA$INO” tour. Despite nailing huge hits on 2021’s “The Melodic Blue,” “CA$INO” didn’t see the same type of commercial success, and while I was initially skeptical at his decision to play smaller venues, it was one that paid off immediately. The Fillmore was practically overflowing when I stepped in, and the energy was palpable.

The Fall of Troy at Toyota Oakdale Theater

Not often is an artist able to capture the essence of summer joy in a show, yet The 502s did exactly that Friday, May 28 at the District Music Hall in Norwalk, Connecticut, continuing their “Nonsense All Night” Tour with yet another electric concert experience. From the opening night, the energy at the District Music Hall was at an all-time high. The 502s are a band whose music can only truly be experienced in person, and that electric live performance was present from the opening song.

Taylor Nicholson (she/her) is WQAQ’s ’25-’26 Programming Manager! Taylor is a sophomore majoring in Advertising and Integrated Communications with a minor in Marketing. In her spare time you can find her drawing or rifling through record bins. Her artist spotlight this year is the booyah! kids. She describes them as dreamy, nostalgic indie pop, and compares them to bands like Lunar Vacation and Her’s.

The artist known for his hits like “Attention” and “One Call Away” took a visit to Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut on Saturday night, May 23. You may know Charlie Puth for his hits in the 2010’s but he is on tour now for “Whatever’s Clever!,” his fourth album bringing in new music and a new era. An arena full of fans of all ages came together for this concert. I saw older couples, kids, teens, families, and everyone in between.

The power of a perfect needle drop in television shows and films is undeniable: the right song at the right moment can decide whether or not a scene lands with the audience. It’s especially important in a show like “Off Campus,” where music is integral to the plot.

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