Review: Gary Clark Jr. brought audiences at the Benedum to their feet
By Darren Campuzano, Staff Writer
12:04 am
Gary Clark Jr., a 35-year old guitarist, is a musical shapeshifter — and his show at the Benedum Theater March 20 confirmed that confining him to one genre only understates his malleable approach to playing guitar.
Controlled Chaos teaches students to get down on the dance floor
By Rachel Saula, For The Pitt News
March 7, 2019
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
Controlled Chaos is typically a closed, audition-only dance group.Tuesday evening, they hosted a workshop with PPC titled “Anyone Can Dance.” The class encouraged dancers of all levels to explore the art of hip-hop dancing.
Hozier hits a high note with sophomore album ‘Wasteland, Baby!’
By Delilah Bourque, Senior Staff Writer
March 5, 2019
Irish-born musician Andrew “Hozier” Byrne came into an almost accidental fame when his 2013 single “Take Me to Church” soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, following the release of his eponymous first album in 2014.
Dhirana teams from all over the nation compete at Soldiers & Sailors
By Maya Best, Staff Writer
February 26, 2019
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
Crowds gathered in Soldiers & Sailors auditorium on Saturday for the seventh annual Dhirana national Indian classical dance competition as eight collegiate dance teams competed for a $1,000 cash prize and trophy.
Ariana Grande responds to a rough year with ‘thank u, next’
By Delilah Bourque, Senior Staff Writer
February 11, 2019
Ariana Grande’s fifth studio album “thank u, next” is arguably the most anticipated one of her career. Coming just six months after the release of her last album, “Sweetener,” “thank u, next” addresses changes and complications in Grande’s life, taking her fans on a tour of her innermost thoughts.
Pitt announces new director of jazz studies program
By Tamara Alchoufete, For The Pitt News
January 28, 2019
After the unexpected death of Professor Geri Allen, renowned flutist Nicole M. Mitchell will assume the position of Pitt’s director of Jazz Studies in July 2019.
Chamber trio serenades Heinz Chapel
By Siddhi Shockey, Staff Writer
January 7, 2019
Heinz Chapel kicked off the spring semester with some help from three talented musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
‘Hamilton’ leaves Pittsburgh audiences speechless
By Alex Dolinger, For The Pitt News
January 6, 2019
Filed under Culture, Music, Theater, Top Stories
The musical “Hamilton” is easily the most popular Broadway musical at the moment, with every show of the Pittsburgh stop on its tour sold out.
Travis Scott at PPG Paints: Out of this world
By Vikram Sundar, Staff Writer
November 27, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
Travis Scott fans were lifted out of this world at his show Sunday night at PPG Paints. The show was part of his 2018 tour for his new album "Astroworld."
Bhangra in the Burgh kicks up the beat
By Maya Best, For The Pitt News
November 20, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
The auditorium at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial hall was filled with an energy on Saturday as part of the 2018 Bhangra in the Burgh dance competition.
Polish Fest brings food and fellowship to Oakland
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
November 13, 2018
Filed under Culture, Food & Drink, Music
At the annual Polish Fest on Nov. 11 in the Cathedral of Learning, guests could indulge in food, music and even fortune-telling.
Crowds withstand cold for Stronger Than Hate Concert featuring Kesha
By Prachi Patel, Senior Staff Writer
November 6, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
The outdoor Stronger Than Hate concert on Saturday night was put together by the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit LGBTQ+ organization.
Review: Courtney Barnett brings second album to Stage AE
By Darren Campuzano, Staff Writer
October 22, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Uncategorized
Courtney Barnett is an indie rock artist from Australia — and she is rapidly rising into the rock scene. Barnett stopped at Stage AE on Friday.
Student musicians and vocalists celebrate homecoming week with Sounds of Pitt concert
By Victoria Pfefferle-Gillot, Staff Writer
October 4, 2018
Heinz Chapel hosted three different musical groups from Pitt Tuesday night, all ready to celebrate the festive homecoming week.
Brockhampton regroups in new album ‘iridescence’
By Maggie Medoff, Staff Writer
September 27, 2018
In the band’s fourth effort released on Sept 21, Brockhampton matures — openly addressing the hip-hop group's recent controversy.
Music majors look forward to harmonious futures
By Emma Maurice, Staff Writer
September 13, 2018
Oftentimes, the only way most students can balance employment and pursue their love of music is to double majors. At Pitt, study related areas with music.
Mac Miller: More than a musician
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
September 11, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, Music
After the shocking death of the Pittsburgh-native rap artist, members of the community speak of the icon with words of love and admiration.
Pittsburgh-native rapper Mac Miller dead at 26
By The Pitt News Staff
September 7, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, 3. Breaking, City, Culture, Music, News
The rapper died of an apparent drug overdose, according to a report from TMZ. He was 26 years old and about to go on tour.
Troye Sivan ‘Blooms’ with release of second studio album
By Shahum Ajmal, Contributing Editor
September 6, 2018
Troye Sivan excites critics and his massive fan base with his new album titled "Bloom."
Pitt Program Council gets pumped up for Fall Fest
By Elizabeth Donnelly, Staff Writer
September 6, 2018
After the Pitt Program Council put on a hit show last fall featuring iconic rappers Desiigner and Amine, PPC staff and students look forward to another fun Fall Fest.
WPTS Radio starts school year with rockin’ showcase
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
August 27, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
WPTS Radio invited Pitt students to dance and sing on the evening of Aug. 23 to celebrate the station's annual Local Music Showcase.
Get funky this fall with concerts in Pittsburgh
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
August 20, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Welcome Back 2018
The exciting shows coming to Pittsburgh this fall range from rap to pop to 70s rock, leaving little room to disappoint fans of most genres of music.
Arctic Monkeys’ Pittsburgh performance fired up the Pete
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
August 20, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Welcome Back 2018
The indie rock band excited fans of all ages at their performance on Pitt's campus in late July.
Pitt Band preps for 2018 performances
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
August 20, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories, Welcome Back 2018
As the fall semester kicks into full swing, the 2018 football season will do the same. Along with football season comes the crowd-pleasing performances from Pitt Band.
6th annual Deutschtown Music Festival takes over North Side
By Darren Campuzano and Sarah Connor
July 18, 2018
Pittsburgh’s annual Deutschtown Music Festival began Friday the 13th this year — but the fear of bad luck didn’t stop thousands of Pittsburghers from indulging in the tastes and sounds of the City’s largest summer rock-fest. Instead of throwing salt over their shoulders, spectators were t...
Art, music, pets and vets: SouthSide Works Exposed
By Shahum Ajmal and Victoria Pfefferle-Gillot | TPN Staff
July 11, 2018
Filed under Art, Culture, Food & Drink, Music, Top Stories
As the City of Pittsburgh wound down from Fourth of July celebrations and stormy weather, the South Side neighborhood prepared for the 14th annual SouthSide Works Exposed arts festival from July 6 to 8. The event was sponsored by City Vets PGH, a new urgent care veterinary practice in the South S...
Jimmy Wopo: The man behind the music
By Hannah Schneider, Contributing Editor
June 27, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
Local rapper Travon Smart — known by his stage name, Jimmy Wopo — was fatally shot last Monday afternoon at the age of 21. The shooting took place in the Middle Hill neighborhood — the very neighborhood that helped him become famous. Growing up in the Hill District was difficult for Smart. As a yo...
Girls who rock: Ladyfest 2018
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
June 20, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
A Google search for “rock bands” yields a long list of well-known results — Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Guns N’ Roses are the first bands listed. The search results show other examples such as The Who, AC/DC and modern bands like the Arctic Monkeys and Coldplay. Aside from being ...
Three Rivers Arts Festival music recap: Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
By Darren Campuzano | Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Lukas Nelson, 29, was born with a predisposition — a habit to upstage any other acts on a concert bill. He did it back in September 2017 at Pittsburgh’s edition of Farm Aid as a young standout performer among musical vets like Dave Matthews and John Mellencamp. The Southern rocker was on stage at the Thre...
Three Rivers Arts Festival music recap: Mendelssohn Choir sings Bob Dylan
By Darren Campuzano | Staff Writer
June 17, 2018
Bob Dylan once sang “Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm / Come in...I’ll give you shelter from the storm?” But on June 5, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh gave the crowd of the Three Rivers Arts Festival a proverbial shelter from the literal storm with a set composed alm...
Three Rivers Arts Festival music recap: Mavis Staples
By Darren Campuzano | Staff Writer
June 13, 2018
Any Pittsburgh native raised on trips to the Three Rivers Arts Festival can attest that the exhibition of diverse artists and musicians is always accompanied by thick rainfall. Festival season in the ’Burgh never commences without it. Amid fears of rain delays and cancellations, each of the bigge...
Annual Three Rivers Arts Festival kicks off downtown
By Zachary Donovan | Staff Writer
June 6, 2018
Filed under Art, Culture, Food & Drink, Music, Top Stories
The City of Pittsburgh’s North Side was filled with the sound of country music and the sight of about 25 tons of trash this past weekend as the Kenny Chesney concert took over Heinz Field and the surrounding parking lots for tailgates. But across the river from the hard-partying country fans, a different crowd...
Royal Blood at Stage AE: How can two people make so much noise?
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
June 6, 2018
Two men from Brighton, England, stood on the indoor stage at Stage AE in Pittsburgh’s North Side on the evening of May 31. One of them had a broken foot and the other couldn’t move from the stool he was sitting on. But these two people managed to get a crowd of hundreds of people jumping, screa...
Lawrenceville Art Crawl leaves visitors in awe
By Jon Kunitsky | For The Pitt News
May 30, 2018
Filed under Art, Culture, Food & Drink, Music, Uncategorized
Betsy Lewis, Emmy Brown and Emily Richards walked down Butler Street amid sun-showers and humidity Saturday afternoon. As rising juniors at Pitt majoring in microbiology, neuroscience and physics, respectively, they ventured out of Oakland to admire local art displayed along the sidewalks of Lawrence...
Free for students: Art, exercise, buses and more!
By The Pitt News Staff
May 30, 2018
Filed under Art, Culture, Music
One of the best perks of being a student at Pitt is the Panther Card. In addition to all of the traditional purposes a student ID serves, like holding dining passes, granting access to dorms and registering for on-campus events, a Panther Card can be a ticket to a new world of entertainment for stude...
Shawn Mendes moves toward maturity in third album
By Shahum Ajmal | Contributing Editor
May 29, 2018
When Vine was still popular in 2013, Shawn Mendes only needed six seconds of camera time to become an overnight internet sensation. Mendes, a 19-year-old singer-songwriter, shared a video of him singing “As Long As You Love Me” by Justin Bieber on the popular video-sharing social media app. The short video quick...
Sneak peek: Free entertainment for this summer in the City
By Sarah Connor, Culture Editor
May 23, 2018
Filed under Art, Culture, Food & Drink, Movies, Music, Top Stories, Uncategorized
Now that college students have finished their finals and high school students are going to prom, the summer season is truly about to begin. The City of Pittsburgh is ready to celebrate the sunny months with some free outdoor events. Typical summer events — like the Independence Day celebration ...
Bazzi’s beats bring music to the meme scene
By Shahum Ajmal | Staff Writer
April 19, 2018
“You so f***in’ precious when you smile,” was the only line Andrew Bazzi needed to begin his rise to fame with his 2017 single, “Mine.” These now-iconic lyrics went viral in October when Snapchat released a “Be Mine” lens, which fills the user’s screen with heart-shaped eyes and float...
Bloomfield boasts eccentric music scene
By Charlotte Couch and Emma Maurice | Staff Writers
April 19, 2018
The eclectic, little neighborhood of Bloomfield holds a secret within it: an erupting music scene. Bloomfield’s booming music and arts culture has created a niche community of creators, bands and artists — all aiming for the scene to thrive. One of the most popular hubs in the neighborhood — kno...
Cassettes make a comeback in local music scene
By Zachary Donovan | Staff Writer
March 27, 2018
Popular trends tend to reappear every so often — and in the music world, this is especially true. Genres give way to post-genres, subgenres and genre fusion, and popular tropes of the past seem to pop up 20 years later with little explanation. This trend has taken shape recently in the form of cassette rele...
Lil Yachty headed for wreck in “Lil Boat 2”
By Zach Donovan | Staff Writer
March 13, 2018
So far, 2018 has seen several mainstream hip-hop acts release album sequels in an attempt to call back to a previous style and appeal to die-hard fans. Atlanta trio Migos released the supersized monstrosity of an album, “Culture II,” to mixed reviews at the end of January. The insufferably preach...
Zaki defies genre in debut of self-titled album
By Sarah Connor, Staff Writer
March 13, 2018
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
Jesse Descutner, a 2016 Pitt graduate, heard the environmental term “urban heat island” in an undergraduate urban studies class and immediately thought it would be a good name for his band. In that same class, Descutner, a guitarist, met bassist Sean O’Connor, a 2017 Pitt graduate. The two ...
Review: Tyler the Creator takes over Stage AE with trademark performance
By Charlie Garcia-Weger | For The Pitt News
February 22, 2018
The only venue you’d expect to see an act like Tyler, the Creator performing in Pittsburgh is Stage AE. And the only rapper that wouldn’t even think about the title of the concert hall until five songs through is the notorious “Odd Future” frontman. “What the f***, this is an American Eagle ...
Review: Timberlake tanks crossover in “Man of the Woods”
By Zachary Donovan | For The Pitt News
February 13, 2018
Every so often, an established mainstream artist proudly announces they are returning to their roots. In recent years, we’ve heard Lady Gaga trade provocative synth pop for introspective piano ballads, Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish retire his post-grunge flannel and opt for cowboy b...
Cry me a river: Timberlake’s controversial Super Bowl homage to Prince
By Darren Campuzano | Staff Writer
February 6, 2018
Prince once told an audience in Los Angeles, “Instead of hate, celebrate.” Apparently, that memo never reached this year’s Super Bowl — as mutual hatred for all things Patriots stretched from Minneapolis all the way to Forbes Avenue. But for those that had no stake in the game, outrage wa...
Migos’ third album “Culture II” falls flat
By Zachary Donovan | For The Pitt News
February 1, 2018
Migos had every reason to go down as a footnote in the brief history of the trap genre. The collective — made up of Atlanta rappers Quavo, Offset and Takeoff — dropped its breakout single, “Versace,” almost five years ago but failed to recreate the track’s success because of a string of PR and l...
Battle for the band: students trade pop for performance at Hofbrauhaus College Night
By Siddhi Shockey | Staff Writer
February 1, 2018
Filed under Culture, Food & Drink, Music
In the great beer hall at Hofbrauhaus every Thursday night, college students dance under the warm light of chandeliers to authentic live music — partaking in a beloved College Night tradition. But when Pitt senior accounting and business information systems major Derek Arnold walked into College ...
Review: Walk the Moon delivers electrifying performance at Stage AE
By Darren Campuzano | Staff Writer
January 25, 2018
If there is a single guideline for bands performing in Pittsburgh, it is to never offend Steel City football. The audience at Stage AE witnessed this cardinal sin committed onstage Tuesday night by the unapologetic Cincinnati band, Walk the Moon. “When I think of Pittsburgh, I think of how badass ...
The Naughties focus on the fans
By Caroline Bourque and Prachi Patel | Pitt News Staff
January 19, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, Music
The audience at a typical Naughties show can expect anything from bass player Jad Hilal’s usual joke segment to a patriotic onstage reading of the Constitution — backed by red, white and blue stage lights. Lead vocalist and guitar player Jesse Wehner, a Pitt senior and economics major, said th...
Camila Cabello debuts self-titled solo album
By Zachary Donovan | For The Pitt News
January 18, 2018
If you didn’t know who Camila Cabello was six months ago, you almost certainly do now. The 20-year-old former member of Fifth Harmony has exploded onto the scene with the success of her solo smash hit “Havana.” Incorporating elements of her Cuban heritage with the dark aesthetics of trap, “Ha...
Review: Miguel makes waves with ‘War & Leisure’
By Taylor Robinson | For The Pitt News
January 16, 2018
Miguel’s most recent album is a practice in reflection — asking listeners to re-examine their integrity and take a second look at their treatment of each other. In the chorus of “Now,” Miguel sings, “Is that the look of freedom, now? / Is that the sound of freedom, now? / ‘Cause it's ...
Soda Club creates their own genre
By Sarah Connor, Staff Writer
January 9, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, Music
Jarrett Krause opened the doors to his classroom at Beth Shalom Early Learning Center in Squirrel Hill Friday morning. His prekindergarten students drew colorful, scribbly pictures and asked him about his long, curly hair. One day later, the 2015 Pitt alumnus was tossing that same curly hair onst...
Women who rocked 2017
By Amanda Reed | Contributing Editor
January 8, 2018
This past year challenged woman in the United States. A man who was recorded saying, “grab ‘em by the pussy” was sworn in as the president. Title IX, which helps and protects survivors of sexual assault across college campuses, is in jeopardy after Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced a review ...
Jazz plays on in Pittsburgh
By Emma Maurice | Staff Writer
January 8, 2018
While the riverboats travelling up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers between 1916 and 1970 brought many people to Pittsburgh to work in the booming steel industry, it also brought a wave of musicians who created Pittsburgh’s lasting jazz scene. Jazz in Pittsburgh continues to flourish and sustain years of tr...
Beach Boys bring SoCal sounds to Heinz Hall
By Darren Campuzano / Staff Writer
November 20, 2017
It was less than 60 degrees in Downtown Pittsburgh Saturday but Mike Love — front man of the Beach Boys — was singing about breaking out the sandals and cruising past palm trees. “First order of business: Thanks for showing up,” Love said jokingly. “I’m a little wacky tonight.” The 7...
Review: Bob Dylan’s never-ending tour stops in Pittsburgh
By Darren Campuzano | Staff Writer
November 9, 2017
What can be said about Bob Dylan that has not been said before? To start, the man cannot sit still. Rock’s modern troubadour and nonpareil songsmith returned to Heinz Hall after three years Nov. 6. It’s a reminder to Pittsburgh that after a 55-year career, he won’t be writing songs about retirem...
Sam Smith sings with sincerity in sophomore album
By Sarah Morris / Staff Writer
November 6, 2017
Sam Smith is not heartbroken anymore — sad and emotional, sure, but that seems to be a part of who he will always be. The heartbreak that propelled most of Smith’s 2014 debut, “In The Lonely Hour,” is a thing of the past. And while his new record, “The Thrill of It All,” holds onto the e...
TPN’s spooky tunes
By Lexi Kennell / Culture Editor
October 31, 2017
Halloweekend parties might be over, but there’s still time to listen to a killer playlist of spooky tunes before all the Christmas music sets in. While “Thriller” and “Monster Mash” may be Halloween music staples, there’s more to be listened to before October comes to a close. Whether you...
Women’s Choral Ensemble invites alumni back for fall concert
By Salina Pressimone / Staff Writer
October 16, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, Music
More than 40 years after her graduation, Phyllis Dato-Timbario added her voice back into the range of voices in Pitt’s Women’s Choral Ensemble. Pitt’s past and present WCE members serenaded an audience of more than 100 people inside Heinz Chapel for its 90th Anniversary Fall Concert Sunday. To c...
The National plays concert to pensive crowd
By Sarah Morris / Staff Writer
October 10, 2017
As The National lead singer Matt Berninger held up his drink between songs, he said being in Pittsburgh makes him feel like he’s “almost home.” The Cincinnati-based band played the outdoor venue at Stage AE Saturday to a full crowd of fans — mostly young adults in their twenties and thirt...
Tom Petty breaks hearts one last time
By Darren Campuzano / For Th Pitt News
October 5, 2017
"I'm just trying to make good quality music, 'cause I do realize this music is going to be around much longer than me. I do know that now,” Tom Petty said. The ample songwriter and classic rock trailblazer Petty died of cardiac arrest at age 66 Monday, Oct. 2. What hurts the most when true music i...
Bob Seger rocks through PGH on ‘Runaway Train’ tour
By Darren Campuzano / For The Pitt News
October 3, 2017
“Usually it’s dedication time here,” Michigan-bred rocker Bob Seger said. “I’d like to dedicate this to everyone in the building.” Wearing true blue jeans, a Triumph Motorcycles T-shirt and a wide grin, Seger burst into a kicking rendition of “Old Time Rock ‘n Roll.” He grasped ...
Thrival revival: fall music fest returns to Pittsburgh
By Dieer Hu and Luke Stambaugh / For The Pitt News
October 2, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
“Here’s to my city!” Wiz Khalifa said to thousands of elated festivalgoers as the melody of his Pittsburgh Steelers-inspired anthem “Black and Yellow” began to play. The Pittsburgh native and award-winning rapper performed as headliner of the 2017 Thrival Innovation + Music Festival this week...
‘Just in a rut’: The Killers’s new album disappoints, but not without hope
By Sarah Morris / Staff Writer
September 26, 2017
In the chorus of “Rut” — the third song off The Killers’ new album “Wonderful Wonderful” — front man Brandon Flowers croons against a catchy beat, “Don’t give up on me / ‘cause I’m just in a rut.” And it’s hard to hear the words as anything other than a direct plea to the lis...
WPTS creates playlists after hectic day at Pitt
By Lexi Kennell / Culture Editor
September 18, 2017
With the Cathedral flooding and Pitt students standing up to homophobia in a counter protest at Towers yesterday, our news writers had more than enough to write about. The hectic Monday inspired the new media director of WPTS, Josh Chamberlain, to create two playlists to match the mood — Cathy ...
Tailgate tunes: Pitt vs. PSU game day playlist
By Jack Mulligan / For The Pitt News
September 7, 2017
Filed under Culture, GameDay, Music
Every college football fan in Pennsylvania has a reason to get excited for this Saturday’s game. Thousands of fans from both teams will meet at the massive Beaver Stadium for the in-state matchup. After Pitt’s stunning victory last year at Heinz Field, a lot is riding on this game for both teams....
Summer Album Analysis
By TPN Staff
August 27, 2017
From the moody, morbid “Melodrama” to the introspective “Witness,” the songs of the summer were filled with self-discovery, disappointment and apologies. And with so many new releases over the course of three short months, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s essential and what you can tune ...
Slice of life: Dave Pirozzi’s music makes waves at Pitt
By Jack Mulligan / For The Pitt News
June 28, 2017
While most artists draw inspiration from love and heartbreak, Pitt student and musician Dave Pirozzi finds inspiration in seemingly strange places — video games, cartoons and the changing of seasons. “I really have this weird obsession with fall,” Pirozzi said. “For my future writing with...
GALLERY: WYEP Summer Music Festival 2017
By Maria Heines
June 27, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Visual
...
No sudden sounds: PSO performs sensory-friendly show
By Matt Maielli / Contributing Editor
June 21, 2017
Donning a red and gold Gryffindor tie and a pair of rounded glasses, Conductor Lawrence Loh guides the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra through a song from “Harry Potter” with a wizard’s wand in place of a baton. The “Harry Potter And the Sorcerer’s Stone” theme was just one of the many po...
GALLERY: Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival 2017
By Maria Heines
June 20, 2017
Filed under Art, Culture, Music, Visual
The annual Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival was held downtown from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18 and included more than 140 local musicians. ...
Injustice and Introspection: “Witness” tackles existence in a world of hard truths
By Matt Maielli / Contributing Editor
June 20, 2017
Punk blues rocker Benjamin Booker says that his new album “Witness” asks two questions he thinks every American needs to ask themselves — “Am I going to be a witness?” and, in today’s society, “Is that enough?” The 28-year-old New Orleans singer-songwriter poses these questions at the...
One prolonged party: Lorde’s “Melodrama” masters love and heartbreak
By Amanda Reed / Senior Staff Writer
June 20, 2017
The early 2010s were a beautiful time for pop music. Songstresses like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry kept the genre alive by pumping out award-winning albums with numerous hit singles in thousand-dollar studios with world-renowned producers. Then Lorde’s “Pure Heroine” came along in 2013 and shook t...
Digital Plaza hosts Pitt musicians
By Matt Maielli / Contributing Editor
May 16, 2017
Bathed in a reddish, pre-sunset glow, the Forbes Digital Plaza attracts a crowd of passers-by investigating the dream pop tunes that can be heard around the corner. It’s an image that feels both distinctly Oakland and refreshing. Recently, local musicians have utilized the plaza for live concerts. The Jazz Im...
Playing the streets: Pitt students take music outside of the classroom
By Eric Heckler / For The Pitt News
April 20, 2017
Shane McLaughlin, a 24-year-old recent Pitt graduate, finishes singing his rendition of Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” to a group of strangers in Schenley Plaza on a 75 degree day in April. Strumming an acoustic guitar, his case open in front of him, Mclaughlin gets a smattering of applaus...
Records on the rise: vinyl making a comeback among Pitt students
By Emma Maurice / Staff Writer
April 11, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
Cassette tapes, eight-tracks and Walkmans may be things of the past, but not vinyl. In the last decade, records have been making a considerable comeback. A large factor to the recent vinyl resurgence? Young adults. Although digital music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and Tid...
Forgive and forget?: When rappers are accused of sexual assaults, fans’ response matters
By Matt Moret / Contributing Editor
April 6, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
A rapper drops his first mixtape and builds a cult following off of a positive Pitchfork review. He steadily expands that fan base, earning critical acclaim along the way. But then, something happens. He gets shot at, he goes to jail or some combination of the two. This story could apply to countless artists ...
Beats and bars: CMU Cyphers make rap a lifestyle
By Salina Pressimone / Staff Writer
March 30, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, Music
Without pausing or even setting his backpack down, Oliver Liburd walks up the cement steps to his friend’s porch, where a deep bass beat is pulsing. Still in his CMU Engineering T-shirt, Liburd steps into the loose circle of his friend and launches into a freestyle rap, forming the next line in...
Controlled chaos: exploring Oakland’s house show culture
By Dan Day / For The Pitt News
March 20, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
On weekend nights and weekday evenings, musicians across the city set up their instruments and step up to the microphone, flanked by eager crowds of modern groupies and casual fans. But a growing number of students and Oakland residents are skipping concerts at Stage AE and the Petersen Events Ce...
Q&A: Tommy Emmanuel on music and memories
By Emily Brindley / Culture Editor
March 2, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories, Uncategorized
Tommy Emmanuel picked up his first guitar at four years old — and has spent the rest of his life with a guitar in hand. Emmanuel, a 61-year-old Australian guitarist, has played on stages around the world, from Poland to Italy to Russia. As part of his U.S. tour, Emmanuel played at the Byham Thea...
OBITUARY: Remembering John Goldsmith
By Caroline Bourque / Staff Writer
February 28, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, Music
On a cold Sunday afternoon at the end of January, about 50 people gathered outside the home of John Goldsmith, retired director of the Heinz Chapel Choir, to serenade him one last time. Even in his last few days, Goldsmith could make his choir laugh. “[Goldsmith] was singing along and then he ...
Finals and folk music: Pitt professors jam out
By Caroline Bourque / Staff Writer
February 23, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
The acoustic sound of Patsy Cline’s slow-burner ballad, “She’s Got You,” filtered back from the stage to the brick walls of Biddle’s Escape in Wilkinsburg. An older couple slow danced in the only open space in the packed coffeehouse, while the rest of the 50-person audience cradled steaming...
Pitt a cappella group snags second place at quarterfinals competition
By Emily Brindley / Culture Editor
February 21, 2017
Pitt’s all-male a capella group, Pittch Please, took the stage over the weekend with song choices as wide-ranging as their vocals. At a quarterfinal competition for Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, Pittch Please sang Andy Grammer’s peppy “Good to be Alive” and Jam...
Don’t expect pop stars to be politicians
By Emily Brindley / Culture Editor
February 6, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
When Lady Gaga took the stage for the Super Bowl LI’s halftime show, viewers worldwide stared at their TV screens waiting for an overt political statement about President Donald Trump. They didn’t get it. Instead, Gaga put on a 13-minute pop performance, complete with a sequined leotard, a mid-set costume c...
Ditch big-time musicians for local jams
By Emily Brindley / Culture Editor
February 2, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
Lauryn Hill continued her long string of canceled shows and late appearances at Heinz Hall Tuesday night, feeding into the stereotype that top-notch fame comes with top-notch arrogance. The R&B singer/songwriter — who peaked in the late ’90s — did eventually come on stage, but it was at 11:...
Come together: Pittsburgh bands form collective, record label
By Emma Maurice / Staff Writer
January 26, 2017
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
WPTS Radio is teaming up with Golden Magnet — a collective of four Pittsburgh-based bands — to show college kids that there is more to music than what’s playing on the Top 40. Golden Magnet is musical support group, a record label and a collective made up of bands Delicious Pastries, Sleep Expe...
TPN’s No Sleep Soundtrack
By Dan Sostek / Senior Staff Writer
December 12, 2016
Filed under Culture, Music, Uncategorized
Staying up until the wee hours of morning and studying is not fun — and doing so in silence is even worse. During hours-long study sessions, iTunes libraries and Spotify are crucial in preventing your brain from just shutting down and falling asleep at your desk. Here’s 10 songs that will help you get t...
Top 10 albums of the year
By John Hamilton / Senior Staff Photographer
December 6, 2016
Filed under Culture, Music, Top Stories
A lot happened in music this year. David Bowie and Leonard Cohen died, but not before they each left behind one last album. Both Beyonce and Solange Knowles examined the experience of black women in 2016, and made some great music in the process. Kanye West released an album, then changed it, redefin...
Ding, dong: Pitt’s Handbell Ensemble builds its ranks
By Rachel Glasser / Staff Writer
December 1, 2016
“One, two-and-three-and-one, two-and-three-and-one,” Mary Johnson, student conductor of the Pitt Handbell Ensemble, calls out over a cacophony of ringing bells. The students of the ensemble continue to follow Johnson’s count for a few measures then slowly start to drag behind the beat. Johnson ...
Diwali celebration showcases Indian culture
By Rebecca Peters / Staff Writer
November 22, 2016
The lights dimmed. A voice from above prayed for a celebration where “light wins over darkness when happiness wins over sadness.” “Diwali: A festival of lights, is a celebration of good over evil,” said emcee Deveshi Chandan, her magenta and gold sari illuminated on stage in front of an ...
Growing up: Allegra Eidinger releases EP, launches solo career
By Caroline Bourque / Staff Writer
November 21, 2016
One night, senior musician Allegra Eidinger jolted awake, still in that dreamy state between wakefulness and sleep, and quickly typed out on her phone a few words: “My Legs Are Growing.” The phrase, crafted in the middle of the night, would become the namesake of Eidinger’s first solo EP, ...
Like Miles: Pitt musicians turn Nordy’s Place into jazz club
By Sarah Schneider / Staff Writer
November 1, 2016
Except for a few commuter students and late-night Taco Bell-goers, Nordy’s Place is fairly desolate after 9 p.m. Last Thursday night, a few guys racked up shots at a pool table in one corner of the room while a small group rallied a pingpong ball back and forth in the other. It seemed like just anoth...
A cappella groups to unite for annual Halloween show
By Deanna Druskat / For The Pitt News
October 27, 2016
The members of Pitt’s a cappella group Pittch Please usually sport matching jet black suits for their performances, belting out renditions of Top 40 and throwback hits. But for this year’s Halloween concert, which will feature all seven a cappella collectives on campus, Pittch Please will di...
Medicine meets music at Rock the Block
By Salina Pressimone / For The Pitt News
October 17, 2016
Filed under Culture, Food & Drink, Music
Rarely does an outdoor block party give an attendee the opportunity to sit down with a cold beer as a pharmacist-in-training presses two fingers to her wrist, feeling for a pulse. But on Saturday, Pitt’s chapter of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, or APhA-ASP, defied the conventional stree...
The show goes on: PSO plays free concerts during strike
By Kevin Lynch / Staff Writer
October 14, 2016
Over the years, fans of Pokemon, Star Wars and even Nelly have gracefully assembled in Heinz Hall, donning their finest dress, to see the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra recreate their favorite soundtracks and hit singles. That isn’t quite the case these days. The striking musicians and thei...
Get jiggy with it: Hip-Hop Dance Crew preps students for the big stage
By Lauren Lotka / For The Pitt News
October 4, 2016
A group of about 30 students dropped to the floor in the Baierl Student Recreation Center, kicked their legs out and stepped to a mashup of contemporary hits Thursday night. As part of the Hip-Hop Dance Crew beginner class, some members of the group were there to learn the choreographed routine, o...
GALLERY: CSSA Mid-Autumn Festival
By Elaina Zachos | Visual Editor
October 3, 2016
Filed under 2. Featured, Culture, Music, Uncategorized, Visual
Members of Pitt's Chinese Students and Scholars Association organized its annual Mid-Autumn Festival event Saturday night to bring Pittsburgh's local Chinese population together. Traditionally, the celebration consists of gathering, thanksgiving and praying. At the Pitt version, attendees ate baked...
Thrival Countdown: Q&A with Metric’s James Shaw
By Lexi Kennell / Staff Writer
September 20, 2016
During his enrollment at the Juilliard School, James “Jimmy” Shaw, co-founder of the band Metric, found the curriculum a little stiff — his professors, he said, didn’t appreciate his abundant creativity. So within the first month of attending the School of Music, Shaw started a band, sold all ...
Big Day Coming: Yo La Tengo brings offbeat vibes to Carnegie Music Hall
By Sarah Schneider / Staff Writer
September 15, 2016
Gray man buns, velvet seats and antique organs set the scene for Yo La Tengo’s Wednesday night concert at Carnegie Music Hall. Yo La Tengo returned to Pittsburgh for the second time in a year. However, they performed this tour with all three original band members — Georgia Hubley with husban...