Noah Kahn by Sean Brydon (IG: @sean_brydon_illustrator)

Priscilla by Sean Brydon (IG: @sean_brydon_illustrator)

Dream Scenario by Sean Brydon (IG: @sean_brydon_illustrator)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Ui-Rin Lee (IG: @uirin_art)

Coldplay by Ui-Rin Lee (IG: @uirin_art)

Maxines by Jazmyn Freeman (@miso.ramyn)

The Boy and the Heron by Chloe Shrader (@featheredfloraa)

Barbie by Chloe Shrader (@featheredfloraa)

The post Artist Roundup: Week 7 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

While some of the excitement has died down from the summer, we still see the impact left behind by the film. The character of Barie has always been an icon of fashion, but more recently she has transitioned into an icon of feminism as well. The film confronts issues and struggles women face in their daily life head-on and they manage to slip in some light and silly dialogue to take the edge off.

However, I think it is about time we discuss the masterpiece of the soundtrack. In what is very possibly the most star-studded lineup I’ve seen for a film, I took the time to relisten to the tracks and felt compelled after my second viewing to express their significance to the overarching purpose of the piece. The creators knew what they were doing when curating the music, characterizing the scenes and immersing the viewer completely in the atmosphere of BarbieLand and forcing us to empathize with Barbie (and, in doing so, women everywhere).

By far the one that sets the tone for the film the best was “Dance the Night Away” by Dua Lipa. The film employs the song almost as a means to introduce the dynamics of BarbieLand, showing the fun pops of color and the glittering life in their society. We bare witness to the how the Kens think and behave in comparison, their competitive nature for the Barbies’ attention. This sets up foreshadowing for the future of the film. Not to mention the fantastic rhythm and catchiness, I added this to one too many playlists this summer simply because of the fun energy it brings.

“Speed Drive” by Charli XCX similarly carried the same excitable energy and tone of the film. Direct references to Barbie by name and the nostalgic take on iconic songs of the past, we feel familiarized as the audience with the rules of BarbieLand. Barbie is the center of attention, inherently everything is about her. In an ideal world, all girls would get to feel that special. The layeredness of the music itself, despite possessing the ditzy bubblegum pop feel, makes the movies worthy of time and reflection.

Then, of course, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish needs to be discussed here. The lyricism alone would have sold me, but combined with the montage of what it means to be a woman and to grow up with the influence of girlhood. The choice of visuals in combination with the writing was so impactful. I cried in the theater the first time and I can tell you I teared up again the second time around. There is something so beautiful about feeling seen and heard on your screen–even more so to be able to carry it with you in your pocket to listen to through your headphones.

The post Review: Barbie Round Two appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Olivia Rodrigo GUTS Illustration by Sean Brydon (@sean_brydon_illustrator)

Jazz Fest Illustration by Chloe Shrader (@featheredfloraa)

Rush Illustration by Chloe Shrader (@featheredfloraa)

To Mother or Not To Mother by Logan Fitch (@loganfitch.14)

AfterGlow: LGBTQ Task Force by Sean Brydon (@sean_brydon_illustrator)

Starbenders by Sean Brydon (@sean_brydon_illustrator)

Dad Rock by Connley Sewalls (@connley.art)

The post Artist Roundup appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Cathy Renna: Sure. My name is Kathy Renna and I am the Communications Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force.

Clove: What is the mission of the LGBTQ+ Task Force?

Cathy Renna: So the Task Force is really a legacy queer rights organization. We’re celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. We work on a variety of levels. We work both on the ground and on the policy level on Capitol Hill. We partner with other progressive organizations and work in an intersectional way. We work on issues like immigration, racial equity, economic justice, faith issues, and democracy voting rights, as they impact the LGBTQ community, because we are part of all issues.

Clove: Can you tell us a little bit about the events that you have for LGBTQ youth? You have the AfterGlow Ball coming up in October, can you elaborate on what that is a little bit?

Cathy Renna: Sure. The Task Force has always been a very youth-inclusive and age-diverse organization as someone who is now almost 60, but who has worked with the Task Force since my 20s, in one capacity or another. So, one of the things we really wanted to do was with our annual gala, which is one of our largest fundraisers in Miami, which is not a low-cost event, right? Is find a way to include diverse folks, including young people. The after-party is an all-inclusive dance event. And this year is very, very special. It’s on October 14, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, it follows the gala dinner and starts at 10 o’clock. This year is special, because at midnight, we will technically turn 50. Our date of incorporation was October 15 1973. 

Clove: Wow, that’s really exciting. I actually had no idea that it was going to be the 50th at midnight. That’s really cool. 

Cathy Renna: I know. We didn’t either, until fairly recently when we found our corporation papers, which built the excitement even more. I’m really excited about it. I’ve considered jumping out of a cake, we’re trying to figure that out, doing some very special things at the after-party. In addition, of course, having just a phenomenal, joyous queer dance party with phenomenal talent.

Clove: So can you tell us what the AfterGlow Ball hopes to achieve?

Cathy Renna: Well it’s an expansion of the gala itself. It’s really an opportunity after having a chance to add a sit-down dinner, acknowledge leaders in the community, hear from our executive director, and celebrate in that way. This is an opportunity for us to roll up our sleeves and get on the dance floor, which is in the times that we’re living in right now. It’s really, really important that we can create safe and joyous spaces for the queer community. I’ve been to the gala several times now and I love a dinner as much as anybody else. But the after party is really where I take off my jacket, I often kick off my shoes, and I get on the dance floor with folks and it’s everybody from our executive director to the volunteers to our honorees. Everybody’s equal on the dance floor. And so it’s really an opportunity to experience some queer joy at a time when we know things are very tough, particularly in Florida. 

Clove: Being in the South, in Savannah, a lot of us are really excited for the upcoming pride events of October and we’re including this interview as a part of our pride series for SCAD Radio. It’s all wrapping together very nicely. So you have a lot of entertainment coming to the AfterGlow, can you tell us what kind of entertainment will be there and how that will be to the benefit of the queer audience?

Cathy Renna: Sure, I mean, it wouldn’t be a queer dance party without amazing DJs and phenomenally talented drag queens. So of the two DJs we have are Hector Fonesca and Aural.Fixationz. I don’t pretend to be an expert on these things. We have actually amazing local volunteers and staff and supporters down in Miami who have found this great talent for us. There are several drag artists that will be performing at a time when there are legislatures across the country and in Florida, that are trying to ban drag performance, which has been such an integral part of our history. I think it’s really important that we have a diverse set of drag performers. So we have both drag queens and drag kings coming to the after-party, including folks like Lucky Starzz, Gadfrie Arbulu, Phoenix Lenore, Yeisa Jovovich, and Tayanna Love. We made the choice to showcase local queer talent. So each of these performers has a very unique and vibrant style to reflect the diverse culture of South Florida. We have fashion queens, dancing divas, a range of entertainment that speaks to our 50th anniversary celebration. We’re an organization that has been in the trenches since the early 70s. Participating in the very first prides, in some of the early successes of the movement, and dealing with the many challenges of the movement. We really leveled up this year to have some world-renowned DJs, like Hector, and then other local performers who are going to bring what we need. Like I said before, upbeat, joyous party atmosphere that can give us an opportunity to let down our hair and have some fun. 

Clove: Yeah, speaking of your DJs, I heard you have two, one for the main event, and then one for the lounge. What are some of the advantages of selecting your DJs? And what factored into your decision for them?

Cathy Renna: Well, I was not part of their decisions. As I said, I’m not an expert, but our Miami-based folks really wanted to create an atmosphere for the gala. We’re not going to be able to dance much at dinner, but we hope people will get up and move around, people will have a good time. We want to create an atmosphere where people really feel celebratory, right, we’re honoring, Dominique Jackson. We are going to have Latrice Royale as one of our hosts and Dyllon Burnside as our co-hosts. These are individuals who bring a sense of joy and pride and diversity to the queer community. The music will reflect that and then, of course, at the after party, it’s going to be the kind of music that is going to make it impossible for you to stay seated. You’re gonna want to get up and you’re gonna want to get on the dance floor with us. 

Clove: We work a lot with local artists, I have some of my fellow staff members who have worked closely with local artists and drag queens. Specifically with drag performers, you have a really nice lineup of them. How do you work with them in the past? And like, why did you select them for this event?

Cathy Renna: Well, I think that the main decision was to really showcase local talent because, while we are thrilled, Latrice Royale is a Floridian as well. We have to have local talent in every aspect of the event, both the gala and the after-party. Also the diversity, right, the diversity of the talent–the drag queens and kings that we have. It’s one of the key things and one of the major reasons we have such a wonderful lineup is that this is not just presented by the Task Force, we partnered with House of Trouble. They’ve been super helpful in choosing the DJs and the drag talent that we’ll have. 

Clove: So what makes working with queer artists such a unique experience? Clearly, the LGBTQ Task Force wants to spotlight queer artists, specifically, it’s local artists are even more special and unique to the event. Queer art and queer music are kind of its own art-form in a way. So what makes it a unique experience? What elements do queer artists bring to the table that we wouldn’t have been able to have in the past?

Cathy Renna: Well, I think it’s something we’ve seen historically–in all areas of art and cultures–queer artists, we push the envelope around gender, we push the envelope around sexuality, and we celebrate our full selves. One of the phrases we use a lot–it’s kind of our tagline at the taskforce–is “be you”. And we mean that in every way. As we kind of like to joke, sometimes that can be a little messy, but when we’re talking about art and artists, I think when we say “be you” it means be your full self and show us your full talents and your full expression. And boy that really comes out when working with queer artists of any kind. Whether it’s some of the amazing queer artists who’ve donated art to our silent auction, or the folks who are going to be on stage at the gala and the after-party. 

Clove: Going to an art school there is obviously going to be a large queer student body. I’ve been talking about this event and kind of what it’s for, and the significance of it, and everyone that I’ve spoken to seems really interested. I think that these types of events are really great opportunities to strengthen the local queer community. A lot of the time, when people move to major city hubs like Savannah or Miami, they may be a little bit out of their depth for finding their people. Events like this are like really important. What kind of things can we expect at the after-party? Aside from the entertainment, can you give us kind of an overview of the event itself?

Cathy Renna: You know, as part of the sort of ambiance will be in the main ballroom, which is fantastic. And Bacardi, it was one of our sponsors will, you know, have an open bar for guests that are old enough to drink. We also have one of our other co-sponsors, which is Snipes. So Snipes is going to add some flair and fashion to the event. And we’re also going to have some fun surprises, which I can’t talk about. And again, it’s really to honor our anniversary countdown. Maybe someone will jump out of the cake. We are definitely gonna have a level of extra special after-party this year. And so I think that’s why we’ve gone the extra mile in every way. In terms of reaching out, you know, I’m married to an artist, who’s an artist and an art teacher. And so a lover of the arts, I live in New York City, and I’ve been going to theater and dance and music since I was six or seven years old. I’ve been very, very blessed that way. And I think not everybody gets to experience that. And so if we can bring a little bit of that to the gala this year, we’ll be very, very happy.

Clove: I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of great opportunities not only to make friends but those types of connections that extend beyond just Miami. And we were talking a lot about the local scene. But these kinds of relationships that you can build at these types of events are so important. Especially for those of us who, like I mentioned before, go to SCAD and are artists and want to meet other artists and grow in their profession and their career. Also to evolve alongside those who are like-minded individuals, or, as a lot of my friends like to say, are kindred spirits. So if you personally had to pick what would be your biggest draw to the event?

Cathy Renna: That’s a great question. I’ll be working all night. So it’s going to be really nice to not have to work and to get on the dance floor with my wife who is coming to the party, to the gala for the first time. Well, the fun thing is you’ll see our executive director and the rest of the staff because, you know, we’re done. The volunteers are wonderful people and our event staff will run the after-party. We’ll get to relax and be a community. The day-to-day work of being at the task force, fighting the good fight, is hard. This is hard work. We’re battling anti-trans legislation in almost every state in the country. We’re dealing with hate crimes on a regular basis, we’re fighting for anti-discrimination laws and a Congress that doesn’t even want to work. They’re shutting down this week, right? For us, it is an opportunity to be with our supporters or colleagues or friends or family. The Task Force has deep roots in Florida and particularly in Miami, and we do a tremendous amount of on-the-ground work with our field team. I think that that’s gonna be what’s most special for me is the chance to stop thinking about the work and how difficult things are right now and just be in a queer space and experience joy.

Clove: I completely agree. I think that, for me, being a young queer person, being in the south, and having to face a lot of the issues of today, it’s one of those times where we get the opportunity to relax a little bit. To attend the AfterGlow Ball, having those spaces where people can not only feel happy, but also safe knowing that there are others like them, and that enjoy the same things as them. It’s strengthening not just the movement itself, but also the individual. I think that going to an event like this, having those sources of entertainment, where you get to see all these successful queer people in the same space and enjoying their lives, it’s important. Getting to see that sort of positivity sheds a lot of light on what is really at the core of queer people. And it’s just that joy that deserves to be there and does have a place. I want to wrap this up by talking a little bit more about the entertainment, obviously, because we are SCAD’s radio station and just bringing up the music artists one more time that are going to be in attendance or rather the entertainment, period. Can you just give us an overview of the type of entertainment flow? What does it mean to set it up? How does that sort of thing work? Because a lot of the time, when people attend local functions, they don’t really think of all the effort that goes into it. So can you just kind of unpack that a little bit? I know, you said you’re not really an expert. But, what goes into setting up an event like this, especially working with entertainers, and having to get in contact with them?

Cathy Renna: Yeah, I mean, I’m not an expert on those things. But I am an expert on doing events so I can talk about it for sure. The thought that went into choosing these folks, clearly, the local volunteers and staff had so much expertise, but any of the events we do–whether it’s the gala, our Creating Change Conference, or our winter party festival–there are some real, keys and principles, I think, when you’re putting these things together. First of all, artists value their time, talents, and energy–it’s what they put into this. We make sure that they’re compensated. Unfortunately, there’s a long history of artists not being compensated for the work they do. And, if I’m talking to art students, you know what I’m talking about, right? First and foremost, it’s about really valuing them. And I mean that in every way, not just financially, but also in terms of respect, and having everything they need to be able to do their best and perform at their best at these events. We have an army of volunteers, who will make sure that they’re set up in every way, whether it’s technically with sound or a space where they can get ready to be onstage. As someone who does a lot of public speaking, not performing, you want to be in the right headspace, you want to be in the right heart space. And I think we’re very respectful of that. As an organization, we bring our full selves in supporting them and making sure that they have a great experience as much as we enjoy their performances. It’s really important. It’s a collaboration, it’s always seen as that. There’s just so much behind-the-scenes stuff that has to happen and we always are very, very cognizant of being grateful, but also making sure we are thanking in every way we possibly can. The folks who make these events happen seamlessly, who are setting them up, I may be all dressed up at the dinner, but earlier that day we’re in jeans and hoodies. In the convention center ballroom, make sure that everything is set up and that everybody has what they need to really fully participate.

Clove: To conclude, could you recap where and when is the event and how much is it?

Cathy Renna: So the gala and the after-party are both being held at the Miami Convention Center. The event itself, the gala is earlier it starts at about 6:30PM. We should be done approximately at 10 o’clock. Hopefully, if the show goes as intended and doesn’t run over. That always happens a little bit. The AfterGlow Ball starts from 10PM to 2AM. We’re going from Saturday into Sunday. You can go to taskforce.org. Tickets to the after-party are $50. Which, between the talent and the open bar and the crowds, is kind of a steep hill. And so we hope that this will make it more accessible for folks who want to come and enjoy and support the organization. In these times, these events are important. Definitely one of them is that you’re supporting an organization that’s rolling up its sleeves and doing the work for the community every day of the year.
Clove: Thank you so much. I’m really looking forward to the event and I’m hoping to see some of my fellow SCAD students here.

The post LGBTQ Task Force: Meet Us At the AfterGlow appeared first on SCAD Radio.

I happened to arrive around 6:00PM on the 22nd, an hour into the start of the fest. I missed the announcement of the artist already performing on the stage, and my friends and I opted to sit on the opposite side of the stage so as to focus less on the well-developed crowd and more on the energy of the night. We set up our little travel pack of a blanket and some snacks, circling up to enjoy some live music.

“It sounds like someone is running or chasing after something,” my roommate said when describing the sound. 

It was juxtaposed smooth yet cacophonous rise in tension between the instruments. Something unique to instrumental music is the story you have to infer from the sound. There are no words to guide as a map for the meaning, only the gut-feeling you have as you listen. There is an impersonal effect of not bearing witness to the artist themselves, but also the opportunity to experience the music. Festivals such as this are hubs for interpersonal connection, either by kicking back and listening to the music itself or socializing with other festival-goers.

My friends and I didn’t stay until the night’s end, but we stuck around until about 8:45ish halfway through the fourth set. There were highs and lows that accompanied the music, moments of crescendo that would forcibly pause a conversation. Then there were pieces that prolonged a conversation, more than white noise as though it was a voice in the discussion itself. I’m not exactly an artist-oriented person, especially at local festivals. I’m a casual enjoyer “going for the vibes”, as my friends and I put it, but is that any less of a reason to go? We showed up, we supported, we bonded with the help of lovely music, spotted airplanes overhead, and a sense of community.

When it comes to a genre like jazz, I don’t love it or hate it, but I have a connection to it through my family. It curates a specific type of nostalgia that takes me back to my great aunt’s living room on Christmas Eve or sitting in at the local outdoor theater with my grandma to catch a military concert. Sometimes all you need to enjoy some music is the lingering ghost of a feeling that once brought you comfort. So no, I don’t have strong feelings for jazz–just the phantom of one.

The post Jazz Fest: Feeling the Music appeared first on SCAD Radio.

I have to admit, the opener of the album being “all-american b****” threw me off after listening to “vampire”. It is punchy and bratty in the best way. It was straight out of the film Ten Things I Hate About You and is entirely too fitting for anyone who has experienced rage unique to teenage girlhood. Her references to childish games in the lyric “I am light as a feather and as stiff as a board” combined with the finale of screaming followed by light and airy tones made for an all too familiar experience as a female listener.

“bad idea, right?”, her second single and third track, is an absolute banger. I might be biased because this song will most definitely end up on my Spotify Wrapped, but everything about the sound itched a part of my brain. The scream-worthy lyrics combined with a catchy sound will get stuck in your head and you’ll be grateful for it. Of course, Rodrigo had to remind us how diverse her discography is capable of being with the heartwrenching fourth track “lacy”. For those who prefer softer sounds, often I am one of them, this track is for you. Twisted and delicate, her lyricism paints a vivid portrait of envy in the face of beauty.

Whiplash once again with track five, “ballad of a homeschooled girl”, which possesses some universal relatability in its lyricism. The sound is reminiscent of the earlier pieces with its hard-hitting backing track. She brings back a conversational element to break up the quick tempo, much like “bad idea, right?”. Her shock-value in the song is where she picks up some much-needed momentum before diving headfirst into one of the most tragic songs on the album.

The tracks “making the bed” and “logic” work together to slow the listener down and pay attention to the heartbreaking undertone of the album: the reality of a warped perception of love. Rodrigo details her own romantic experience and heartache with poetic lyrics intertwined with an emotionally evocative sound. I have always been a lyrical person when listening to an album, as a writer it’s in my blood to analyze the undertones and parallels to earlier tracks, and Rodrigo does an excellent job drawing comparisons to the louder expressions from before.

She once again captures teenage girlhood perfectly in the snapshot of “get him back!”, picking up the pace and showcasing the glamour combined with nitty gritty feelings when it comes to complex relationships in the industry. It’s dynamic, flexible as it jerks the listener between soft and strong sounds. Her vocals work well with the punk-infused melodies on the album and “love is embarrassing” is just another example of it.

The grand finale of the album being the final three tracks makes for a soul-crushing combo. My personal favorite is “the grudge”, I am sentimental before I am a critic and while some may say the track is lackluster, I’d argue it is a masterpiece. She is vulnerable, admitting her own mistakes while still coping with heartbreak and the confusion that follows. Hyperspecificity in music can be a hit or miss, but Rodrigo accomplishes to tell a story and relate to her audience. “pretty isn’t pretty” isn’t my favorite on the album, but carries the weight of her previous work “jealousy, jealousy” and it’s always nice to echo a previous work for consistency’s sake.

The final blow of “teenage dream” delivers a stunning ballad, expressing all of the inner thoughts Rodrigo has held onto since her debut album. Growing up as a child star and up-and-coming female artist puts an unworldly amount of pressure on her which she tells through the last track. It wraps up the themes in a neat bow that somehow leaves the listener curious to relisten from the beginning through a new perspective.

Taking into account all of the story-telling elements on top of a visually compelling aesthetic, the album exceeded my expectations. Of course, some would argue that the hits of her debut album could not be outdone by her sophomore work. However, if you’re a part of the sensationalized “teenage girl in her twenties” trope like myself, it will hit a little too close to home and is certainly one of my favorite releases of the year.

The post Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS” Punctures the Anatomy of Pop appeared first on SCAD Radio.

My Aunt Shanon and Joy have been friends for decades and it comes as no surprise that their bond, unbreakable as it is, extended into their music taste as well. My Aunt told me that they made a habit of sending each other one song a day to add to their repertoire of tunes. When I told her I was working with SCAD Radio and producing content for our website, she was thrilled to share some of her favorites with me and even included a couple of Joy’s as well. So, I put together a little list of some of the most notable recs.

1. Little Red Rooster by Howlin’ Wolf

According to my Aunt, this is one of the very first songs they ever shared. The song was composed and written by Willie Dixon and was recorded in 1961 by Howlin’ Wolf. The bluesy, mellow tune combined with the emotive vocals combine for a music experience that practically travels you back in time. Not to mention, the symbol of the rooster being one that brings peace to the barnyard, I’m pretty sure I could kick back and relax to “Little Red Rooster.”

2. Little Red Rooster by The Rolling Stones

You guessed it, when my folks like something they really like it and that applies to their music taste as well. Joy and Shanon loved “Little Red Rooster”, they sought it out from another artist. Possibly one of the most popular covers of Willie Dixon’s original song, The Rolling Stones breathe new life into the delivery. Their vocals, smoother and more equipped to cater to the UK masses, is what made “Little Red Rooster” one of the only true blues songs to top charts there.  

3. You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Hall & Oates

Shanon heard this song in a restaurant and sent it my way, challenging me not to dance around. Here is where we shift gears from Joy and Shanon’s connection through music to a passed-down tradition to connect my Aunt and me despite the several states between us. What better way to express one’s love and appreciation than sending them a song that makes them smile? Hall & Oates follow through and I believe Joy would have just been happy to know music is bonding generations together. 

4. Jump (For My Love) by The Pointer Sisters

Shanon sent this funky, fun beat to me during a much-needed time for a pick-me-up. The 80s pop sound makes me nostalgic for an era I was never a part of and isn’t that one of the best things about music? The stunning vocals and catchy, dance-worthy instrumentals had me enamored from the very first listen and managed to make me feel “joy”ful when I needed it the most. Probably my personal favorite on the list, I have to give my earnest recommendation. 

5. Hit The Road Jack! By Ray Charles

A familiar favorite to everyone, at least if you have a matriarch-dominated family like mine, Hit The Road Jack! has all of the sass and storytelling every good song needs. The male and female vocals have a unique, dynamic back-and-forth that makes for an entertaining listen. Shanon sent this after reading a previous SCAD Radio article–A Valentine’s Day Special: My Top 5 Love and Break-Up Songs–and claimed this to be her break-up song of choice. Once again, she solidified the unity of people through shared experiences and shared songs.

One thing about these recommendations to note is that it’s not about who offered them to who. Some were between Joy and my Aunt Shanon, others between my Aunt and me, but the intention of feeling closer to your loved ones is universal. So, make a habit of sending your friends songs, albums, artists, or full-blown playlists. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it. Carry on their tradition and spread a little Joy.

The post Joy’s Picks appeared first on SCAD Radio.

1. The Woman That Loves You – Japanese Breakfast

Obviously, I had to start with a Japanese Breakfast song given that it’s her book. The lyrics describe a difficult form of love, one that describes a sort of push and pull that is ultimately destructive. Underlying themes of abandonment and neglect work in conjunction with the dreamy, almost whiny vocals. The song serves as a prelude to the book itself and prepares the reader for the emotional turmoil to come.

2. Fourth of July – Sufjan Stevens

Melancholy and nostalgia are undoubtedly the most prominent feelings evoked by Zauner’s storytelling. While I cannot resonate completely with her experiences, those being unique to her own life and hardships, I feel a kinship with the pain. Everyone experiences feelings of loss or heartache and this song is the musical and lyrical embodiment of wishing for something more, yet not knowing exactly what.

3. Kyoto – Phoebe Bridgers

You know those songs that sound upbeat but are an absolute emotional minefield? Well, that’s how it felt reading this book, and “Kyoto” possesses the same tone and, for lack of a better term, vibe. The lyrics are in reference to the tumultuous relationships between a child and their parent, the entire premise of the novel as Zauner struggles to relate to both her mother and her father. 

4. This is what the drugs are for – Gracie Abrams

Sometimes grief is all consuming and whether you are mourning the living or the dead, the feeling of abandonment is familiar to those who have experienced loss. Growth and change are an inevitability, in Abrams’ words sometimes all you have to hold onto are the dreams and the memories left behind.

5. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star

There is a unique sense of unsatisfied acceptance at the end of the novel and I found myself retreating to this song for comfort as I read the final pages. On one hand, Zauner has come to terms with what has happened and yet there is also this certainty of regret that her hopes were not met. Reconciliation and gratitude aside, sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to, and “Fade Into You” encompasses that feeling.

The post Biweekly Book Playlist: Crying In H Mart appeared first on SCAD Radio.

General Manager – Megan Atwell : “Lull” by Andrew Bird

Content Director – Clove Morgan : “Paris, Texas” by Lana Del Rey, SYML

Events Coordinator –  David Levy : “Hold My Hand” by Lady Gaga

Events DJ –  Christopher Chin : “Nosferatu” by Vundabar

Music Coordinator – James Stone : “Asc. Scorpio” by Oracle Sisters

Program Director –  Tatiana Zavala : “Water Your Garden” by Magic City Hippies, maye

Production Director – Mairyn McGilvray : “Watch Me” by Labi Siffre

Production Director – Riley/Teysa Samz : “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” by My Chemical Romance

Branding Director – Taylor Eby : “Float” by Janelle Monáe

Social Media Director – Kshirja Raje : “Qaafirana” by Arijit Anand

Social Media Director – Logan Fitch : “Don’t Know Why” by Nora Jones

Listen now on Spotify Staff Picks 

Check out who’s who on “Meet the Staff”

The post Staff Picks Week 9 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

I’m happy to inform you that I have a solution: Airbuds. It’s silly, but hear me out. Airbuds is an app downloadable from the app store that you can turn into a widget viewed from your home screen. Essentially, it shows you what your friends are listening to throughout the day, and when. You send friend requests to people in your contacts or your recommended and, once you’re connected, you can see all of the music they’re listening to.

The best part? You can sync with Spotify OR Apple Music! I know, it’s revolutionary.

Don’t get me wrong, the app is fresh and has its bugs. However, the 4.8/5 star rating doesn’t lie. I’ve been using Airbuds for a few months now and I have to say it’s one of the best ways I’ve been able to keep in touch with people without the pressure of texting or calling or social media. If you’re anything like me, most forms of communication require an effort that can’t always motivate a reply. Airbuds changes that.

One of my favorite things about the app is the reactions. I can scroll through music as my friends are listening and send emoji reactions or messages based on the artist or song playing. Sometimes, the best part is discovering a shared favorite or how weird your friends can be.

Although, I will give a fair warning that this means your friends can see the song you have on repeat. If you’re easily embarrassed or don’t feel like potentially airing out your mental state then I would be cautious when signing up (if you have seen me listening to Labour by Paris Paloma 9 times this week, no you haven’t). I happen to think it’s a nice way to see how your friends are doing or check in with no pressure. Plus, who wouldn’t want to share music?

A huge complaint I received from friends I recommended the app to was the unsightly appearance of the widget itself. Admittedly, the design isn’t the cutest. But, I recently discovered I could customize the widget. If you go into settings and click “Customize and add widget”, then you can change the color and font as it appears on your home screen. I’m partial to light pink and fancy fonts myself but to each their own.

As a user of Airbuds, I can honestly say it is one of my favorite ways to stay connected with long-distance besties. The summer doesn’t have to mean severing ties, it can mean sharing songs instead. I’ll even give you a freebie friend, you can add me @clospresso, I always want to see what people are listening to!

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