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(01/15/21 11:00pm)
by Conner Tighe
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Although drag can be confidently claimed as an important outlet of gender discovery and understanding, it wasn’t always that way. Drag can be circled back to Shakespeare’s time when theatre was relatively new, and men had limited options for female roles – in their eyes – so it was not uncommon for men to dress in women’s wardrobe for roles. The word “drag” comes from when the men would talk about how their dresses would “drag” across the floor when they acted their roles.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="252"] Image from House of Mirth Photos[/caption]
Europe’s theatre scene spread to America, where it was known as vaudevilles. From the 1880s to the 1920s, vaudevilles were America’s main source of entertainment as comedians, ventriloquists, dancers, musicians, and more performed together on stage. Julian Eltinge is credited for being the first known drag queen. Charlie Chaplin, known for his comedic silent films shown in black and white, was considered one of the highest-paid actors at the time, but Eltinge took over the title of the highest-paid actor.
The 1930s, also known as the Prohibition era, was not only tied to its secretive alcohol consumption, but also to gay culture. Many gays used secret clubs and locations, free for self-expression, and this became the tie to drag. This underground movement was called “the Pansy Craze.” Gay bars became less discriminated against after the Prohibition era. As their presence became more widespread, so did the police raids that attempted to rid bars of gay activity. The city mafias, out of all people, helped gays pursuing their self-expression free of discrimination. Much of the city nightlife was owned by the mafia. Many nightclubs, bars, and inns owned by the mafia shared a dislike for law enforcement, as did many gays. Drag went underground again. Later on, leaders began to rise when events called for it.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="367"] Image from Them[/caption]
Outspoken leaders in the drag community, like Flawless Sabrina, had pageants where drag was celebrated starting in ‘58. She was arrested several times for cross-dressing but persisted. Later in the 70s, drag was out and proud, with many African Americans taking the movement's shape. The Rocky Horror Picture Show demonstrated and celebrated drag with a well-known heterosexual male actor, Tim Curry, in a protagonist role. With this famous musical's popularity, drag was slowly becoming something associated more with fun and good times rather than secretiveness. This process didn’t reach its hype until decades later, and it's still going through its journey with acceptance from society. Drag would also become more relative when the 90s came around.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="440"] Image from Entertainment Weekly[/caption]
In the 90s, RuPaul Charles began his career as a fierce “queen,” staying true to his talent in the drag industry and music industry. He released his first album, Supermodel of the World, and has one of the most well-known drag shows globally, RuPaul’s Drag Race, where men dress in drag and compete in competitions. As popular and famous as Charles has become, it’s not uncommon when interviewing gay men and men in drag that they’ll give praise to women who spoke out for gay rights, decades before the 2000s. These women can be traced back as early as the 70s.
In a nearly three-minute interview from 1979, Jane Fonda spoke about gay rights saying gays are oppressed, and those that are for gay rights are “on the side of the angels.” “It’s just, and it’s right,” she says. Nile Rodgers, who was Diana Ross’ songwriter, told Today that radio personality Frankie Crocker informed Ross her ‘80’s hit “I’m Coming Out” would “ruin her career.” As we know today, it did quite the opposite for her career. “I’m Coming Out” celebrated pride in the LGBTQ+ community. With the ongoing drag movement came another well-known member who changed the lives of gay men and transgender individuals everywhere.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="382"] Image from Reuters Graphics[/caption]
Malcolm Michaels Jr., known famously as Marsha P. Johnson, sadly passed away in ’92 but was considered one of the most well-known drag queens in recent history after having spoken out for gay rights during the Stonewall Riots in ’69. But what was once oppression and bitter injustice has turned into meme-worthy posts on Instagram and fun for people no matter what sexuality. Drag queen, Jasmine Masters, stage name of Martell Robinson, has appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race, but was more widely known from her “And I Oop” clip which circulated on meme pages and social media. Although drag has had its own culture, it has evolved with the times and has developed its own language. The culture has evolved with society in its own way, sporting wigs, eyeshadow, heels, and other beauty necessities. No longer are drag queens in-hiding from ridicule, but are now celebrated for their individuality and uniqueness within the entertainment industry.
Sources: All That's Interesting, Artforum, Biography, California State University Stanislaus, Capetown Magazine, History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Out, PBS, Them, The Guardian, Today, Vice, Vogue, YouTube
Images: Entertainment Weekly, House of Mirth Photos, Reuters Graphics, Them
Featured Image: All That's Interesting
(01/15/21 8:00pm)
by Mason Kupiainen
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
There’s no need for any explanation as to why 2020 was disastrous for film fans. Despite the few great films that did come out — like Tenet, Wonder Woman 84, Soul, The Devil All the Time, and The Invisible Man — there weren’t many films that caused a lot of excitement. Plenty of indies and streaming services continued to release films, but many of the notable titles didn’t garner a lot of attention. Nonetheless, within this wasteland of a year, there were a few notable titles that didn’t receive the love that they should have.
The Way Back
One of the movies that came out right as the pandemic began was The Way Back. However, it didn’t get a full theatrical release as it was only in theaters for a week before being shut down. The movie stars Ben Affleck as an alcoholic struggling to get his life back on track. Once he gets the opportunity to become the basketball coach for his high school’s team, he begins trying to come to terms with the troubles of his past.
Almost all sports dramas have a basic formula: they have a coach struggling with something who stumbles upon a team who’s struggling to win. Although the two find a common ground and help each other overcome some of their issues, The Way Back doesn’t simply utilize this basic formula. It has a spectacular third act that will leave you stunned. It throws away the cliché ending for a more sad, realistic take on this certain situation. Affleck gives one of his best performances, and the compelling story made this one my personal favorites of the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzNJVSsjE-I
The King of Staten Island
Inspired partly by Pete Davidson’s real life, the movie follows a 20-something-year-old man struggling to find a purpose in life. He’s still living with his mother and dealing with issues from his past. When his mother finds a boyfriend, she starts pushing Davidson’s character out of her house, forcing him to face his demons and discover who he truly is.
Davidson is a talented comedian, and the movie is filled with his style of humor. Being the funniest film of the year, it’s also able to be one of the best dramas of the year. Surprisingly, Davidson is also able to carry the film and give a strong performance, delivering all of the emotional moments. It never felt as if the movie was forcing ideas onto the audience, but instead, it felt natural with the story. With the movie releasing on video-on-demand, it seemed as if no one gave the movie a chance and it quietly slipped under everyone’s radar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azkVr0VUSTA
The Banker
Releasing on Apple+ as an original film, The Banker didn’t gain much attention, if any. The film is based on the true story of two black men in the 1960s who establish a plan to buy property and give equal opportunity for other African Americans. With a star-studded cast including Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, and Nicholas Hoult, it’s strange the movie slipped past everyone. However, the movie turned out to be exceptional and became one of the year’s biggest surprises. It’s a movie that becomes more interesting knowing it’s based on a true story, especially seeing some of the lengths they go to. Jackson gives a knockout performance, and Mackie is able to play a different type of role from his Marvel films. The direction and look of the film are also incredible. Since it takes place in the 60’s, the costumes and background help immerse you into the time period. Along with this, there were many beautiful shots of LA that look as if they were pulled right from that time. There were many wonderfully-executed camera shots and scenes were handled really well, making it disappointing that it wasn’t released theatrically. Even though Apple+ as a whole is useless, since it lacks content, this film makes it almost worth getting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_-nk9-sMus
Hillbilly Elegy
Pushing aside the political controversy and hate surrounding the film, Hillbilly Elegy turned into one of the biggest surprises of the year. It’s one of, if not the most, uplifting movie of the year. Its message of pursuing through hardship and never allowing that to be an excuse to give up is powerful. Although it’s not to the level of quality of Apollo 13 or Rush, Ron Howard did a fine job at directing. Unlike those films, the directing didn’t add anything, and there weren't any memorable shots
What truly made this film special was the story and acting. Both Amy Adams and Glenn Close give some of their best performances. The true story of J.D. Vance clawing himself out of the hole he was born into and being able to turn his life around, even being able to get himself into Yale, is astonishing and inspiring. The choice to tell his story by jumping between the past and present made it even better, as you get the chance to see how his home life and family changed over the years as the movie progresses. Ignoring the negativity the film has gained, the movie truly is an encouraging and hopeful film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPnfMMgRK58
News of the World
Having been recently released, the film hasn’t gained any attention. Starring Tom Hanks, the movie takes place right after the end of the Civil War. Hanks plays a man who travels from town-to-town and reads off the news to the townspeople. After coming across a wagon wreck and finding a young girl whose parents have died, he attempts to take her to whatever family she has left but faces many hardships along the way.
At the heart of the movie, its message about the power of storytelling is moving. Along with this, having the story take place shortly after the Civil War provides many marvelous moments throughout the film that show the growing tension throughout America. Hanks’s character comes across an array of different characters, all of which have different thoughts and feelings toward the outcome of the war. Since the film is a western, there are a few outstanding shoot-out scenes and many glorious shots of the land, making this one of 2020’s films not to miss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTZDb_iKooI
Sources: Screen Rant, The Atlantic, Variety
Images: YouTube
Featured Image: Reelviews
(01/13/21 7:30pm)
by Conner Tighe
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
1979 was a big year in the entertainment industry. Alien, Mad Max, The Amityville Horror, and more well-known films were released, but a bigger breakthrough was also released to the world: The CD. A thin, reflective disc became the most popular and sought-after avenue for playing the best music had to offer. Before the internet and after the beloved record player, CDs would take over the music industry only to begin their decline decades later. Although at one time CDs could be found anywhere music was sold, the music industry has evolved, leaving a barren wasteland of CDs in its wake.
5. The first CD was released in 1982 for the band ABBA
Swedish pop band ABBA takes credit for having the first CD featuring their album The Visitors in 1982. The eight-track album featured songs “Two For the Price of One,” “I Am the City,” “Cassandra,” and more. ABBA consisted of members Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad. Although Fältskog and Ulvaeus married in ‘71 and Andersson married Lyngstad in ‘78, the two couples split, leading to ABBA’s downfall in ’83.
4. Cars began to replace CD players in the 2010s
When cars began to feature CD players in the car, something revolutionary after the invention of stereo cassette players in vehicles, there was no going back. In the 70s and 80s, cassettes were popular. A large square slot for the cassette turned into a narrow square slot for the CD. This would last until the mid-2010s, when vehicle companies Ford, Honda, and Toyota began to get rid of the car CD players. Bluetooth and the evolution of technology took over, making the thin discs a thing of the past altogether. With vehicles becoming more technologically advanced, it almost seems less convenient to insert and eject CDs continuously in a car.
3. Vinyl are more fragile than CDs
With its resurgence in popularity, beginning back in the 2010s, vinyl became more nostalgic for some, but a retro style for others. Vinyl records capture more sound waves than CDs because of its analog recording. The groove embedded in the record ensures no piece of the sound wave goes unheard, unlike the CD. Thumbprints and scratches leave CDs in a risky position as these nuisances can render CDs useless, leave the music sounding scratchy/patchy, or leave parts of the music out. Although fragile in its design, vinyl comes in first in terms of fragility. Stacking vinyl can cause scratching even with the sleeves on. Oil from skin contact can damage the plastic. A carbon fiber brush is needed to clean vinyl, as standard cleaning products won’t do the job. Leaving vinyl out of their sleeves can accumulate dust, scratches, and even the sun can damage the record if left out.
2. 2008 was a bad year for CD sales
2008 was the beginning of the end for CDs as sales dropped, with 17 million people reported not buying the products. Although convenience has taken over with the continuous decline in CD sales, they are still sold in stores like F.Y.E., Barnes and Noble, Target, Meijer, and other large corporations where electronics are sold. At one time, CDs were one of the best storage systems for music, providing tunes stored in one small disc. Then the rise of streaming services like Pandora, iTunes, and Spotify came along. They offered an endless supply of tracks that could be played wherever, therefore ultimately being a better means of playing music than CDs.
1. CDs can be used for up to 200 years
Manufacturers have tested CDs in the past to see what environments the discs do best in with temperature and humidity levels. In one study, with a 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 percent humidity recommendation, the discs can be workable for 30 years, but this isn’t confirmed for all CDs. Some CDs have been known to work past 100 years if stored at the recommended temperature. Chemical reactions can occur, known as “CD rot” or “bronzing”, where the outer layer of CDs literally rots away and leaves the silver inner layer exposed. But since not all CDs are the same, no one set environment will work for all CDs. The basic gist is to store CDs in an environment with nonfluctuating temperatures to secure the longest lifespan.
Sources: Ars Technica, BBC, CLIR, Electrohome, Forbes, How Stuff Works, IMDB, Kodak Digitizing, Lifewire, Mirror, Retro Manufacturing, The Vinyl Revivers
Featured Image: Commodore Waves
(01/13/21 4:11pm)
by Conner Tighe
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Talented at the age of four, AJ Mitchell grew up in Belleville, Illinois, where he learned his piano skills from his father, a pianist. At six years old, Mitchell wrote his first song and, in high school, he was a member of the choir group. He performed at local coffee shops and bars until finding fame in 2016 on social media. His debut single “Used to Be” was released in 2017, which Mitchell claims it's his favorite song of his to perform.
With inspiration from Coldplay, Lil Wayne, The Beatles, and Bruno Mars, Mitchell writes creatively and has done so even more since quarantine began. The singer takes experiences in his life and crafts +them into pop tracks like his 2019 single “Down in Flames.” “I wrote that song about communication. A big lesson I learned was communicating. I saw two of my close friends get into a bad argument, and from my perspective, I saw how the situation could’ve been a lot different, a lot better if they communicated,” said Mitchell in a YouTube clip.
Mitchell is seemingly vulnerable with his fans. With posts from his childhood featured on his social media and many in-depth interviews with mostly entertainment publications, the artist appears genuine and wants the world to know he’s here for the craft and not the fame. His realistic approach when interacting with fans and social media gives Mitchell credibility with his music. His mannerisms, body language, and overall temperament shown in interviews linked above display what kind of person Mitchell is. Although the artist’s fame came quickly, he explains how his mom encouraged him to keep performing.
YouTube star Jake Paul sought out the young artist to be a part of his social media group called Team 10. During his time in the group, he met his future manager, who secured him a record deal after Mitchell left the group to pursue music. Mitchell released his six-track album Hopeful in 2018 that spoke about your average dabbles in angsty teenage romance with beautiful vocals and a range comparable to boy bands that capture hearts. Mitchell is the prime example of a newcomer musician on the verge of something greater, like Shawn Mendes in his 2014 era.
MTV’s Push highlights new and breakout artists where artists Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Eminem, and Future, among many others, have been nominated in the past for Video of the Year Awards, although Push awards artists in other areas like Artist of the Year, Best New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Collaboration. Mitchell was featured on MTV’s website in 2019, where exclusive interviews about his life and music career lie, and in 2020 MTV featured Mitchell as a nominee for Best New Artist. The singer has collaborated with artists like DJs Frank Walker and Steve Aoki and rapper Rich the Kid. Recently for the holidays, he released “Blame It on the Mistletoe” with Ella Henderson. It will be exciting to see who else Mitchell strikes a collaboration with in the future.
Since late 2019, Mitchell has been talking about releasing his second soon to be album, Skyview. Heading into 2021, there’s no Skyview in sight, although on Instagram, Mitchell has been teasing the album's arrival with images of him recording in the studio. “If only could hear this…” he says on a Dec. 29 post.
The artist may introduce 2021 with Skyview as a good luck charm for a better year. Since the album wasn’t released in 2020, he may drop the album by surprise. Keeping an eye on his social media will provide excitement for his fans.
Sources: AllMusic, Instagram, MTV, Seventeen, YouTube
Images: Instagram
Featured Image: Euphoria. Magazine
(01/07/21 3:00pm)
(01/01/21 6:30pm)
(01/01/21 7:15am)
(12/25/20 3:00pm)
(12/24/20 5:00pm)
by Conner Tighe
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Director Robert Zemeckis brought Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express alive in 2004 with the sound of a train whistle in a snowy town on Christmas Eve. Allsburg, known for his books Jumanji and Zathura, among many others, told the story of a small boy on the edge of disbelieving Santa’s existence until a mysterious train arrives in his town, awaiting him. Zemeckis directed the movies Forrest Gump and Castaway, which both feature Tom Hanks. Hanks voices many characters in the Christmas tale, including Santa, the train ghost, the conductor, and the main character when he grows up. With the struggle to find Santa’s existence, the movie’s score, and an ending that continues to leave me in awe, The Polar Express continues to be the best Christmas movie for all ages. It is unrivaled by both live-action and animation Christmas movies alike.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="453"] Image from Mental Floss[/caption]
The story begins with an anxious boy, who remains unnamed in the movie, looking through the newspaper clippings of Santa hoax articles until his parents check in on him. As he pretends to sleep, he recalls his parents discussing “the end of the magic,” suggesting the boy’s disbelief in Santa. When an overbearing train whistle rattles the house, the boy boards the ride of a lifetime alongside a young girl, who remains unnamed, and a boy named Billy, both unwavering in their belief in Santa. As nobody else in the neighborhood was awoken by the train, it’s suggested the train is magical—only to be heard by the children who believe in Santa. It becomes clearer toward the end of the movie that it’s not true, and the conductor’s method was more concise than viewers are led to believe.
As the train barrels across a frozen river, maneuvers a caribou crossing, and speeds down Glacier Gulch, there are moments when unexplainable phenomena happen, like the train tickets flying away only to return moments later; a ghost living atop the train helping the boy at times; and waiters producing tabletops out of thin air that beg the question: What is this train and where is it going? The Polar Express directs its attention toward children, preteen age approximately, who are on the verge of disbelieving in Santa, thus losing their Christmas spirit.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="421"] Image from IMDB[/caption]
After the trio gets lost at the North Pole, the girl and Billy encounter bells ringing from an unknown source. The boy repeatedly asks, “what bells?” The next scene—which is also the best scene of the movie—is when the boy finds one of Santa’s sleigh bells rolling toward him, and is still unable to hear it even after he picks it up and rings it next to his ear. The bell becomes more significant than anything else in the movie, proclaiming the boy’s belief in Santa. The prospect of Santa being real or not is still heartwarming 16 years later because it hits home for adults and children. No other Christmas movie has been able to envision a unified theme that Christmas revolves around: Belief. The Polar Express is about believing in something even if nobody else does.
Alan Silvestri’s score is plain amazing. There’s no other way to describe the recurring theme that pops in and out throughout the film. When the boy loses the bell Santa had given him, we see one small box lying underneath the Christmas tree. “Wait, there’s one more,” says the boy’s sister. She hands him the box, revealing the bell, and the score becomes even stronger and more powerful. When we learn the boy continues to believe in Santa even as he grows old, we realize how impactful the boy’s experience was on the train. Santa’s reflection glimmers on the side of the bell, and we recognize the significance of the train.
At one time or another, many of us have believed in a fat man dressed in a red suit sliding down our chimneys, placing presents underneath our tree, and leaving no cookie untouched. The Polar Express tells its viewers that the power of something, like Christmas spirit, is only as powerful as its follower’s belief in it. The movie has a way of touching both adult’s and children's hearts because it is nostalgic and brings back many of our childhood memories. This is why The Polar Express remains the best Christmas movie continuously after 16 years of magic-filled fun.
Sources: YouTube
Images: IMDB, Mental Floss
Featured Image: Rail Events Inc.
(12/23/20 3:30pm)
by Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Growing up, punk music always had a special place in my heart. It offered me a way to let out all of my built-up emotions and frustrations. If I was angry at the world or my parents or my sisters, I had punk music to help me yell it out and face it. If I was scared, it hyped me up with its snarky attitude and raw power. Recently; however, I noticed that all the punk music I had been listening to growing up consisted of all-male bands. Which disappointed me, because I knew that there must be bands full of women who are also furious at the world and at how they’re treated. Women who also had an attitude and humor that was so commonly a part of punk. Here are some female bands I found that shared even more viewpoints on music, the world, and what punk really means to them.
Tacocat
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="389"] Image from Sub Pop[/caption]
Tacocat is a largely female, indie pop-punk band that originated, as many punk bands have, in Seattle, Washington. The band’s songs are coated in humor and sarcasm, describing silly situations and topics. But the band also discusses issues women face every day: catcalling, period-shaming, and mansplaining in their songs “Hey Girl,” “FDP,” and “Men Explain Things to Me,” respectively. And despite Tacocat’s vibrant look, their songs are less high energy and more surf punk. Their latest release was their 2019 album, This Mess Is a Place. The focus of the album is the weird reality of America after the 2016 election.
Glitoris
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="388"] Image from The Rockpit[/caption]
This Australian punk band first formed as a one-off band for a festival, where they performed in nothing but glitter in 2014. However, the audience’s reaction to their music encouraged them to stay together and continue making music. Glitoris is well-known for its incredibly blunt, abrasive, and political songs. Their music has a chaotic, fury-filled energy to which goes well with the lyrics detailing their frustration with society and the obstacles it places in women’s lives. In 2018, they released their most recent album, The Policy, which showcases not only their political message but also their abilities as musicians.
Skinny Girl Diet
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="266"] Image from Louder Than War[/caption]
Skinny Girl Diet is a British sister duo that got their start in London. An indie band, these two have performed at various small venues, DIY spaces, and festivals. Skinny Girl Diet is a part of the Riot Grrrl movement, a subculture combining feminism, punk indie music, and politics. Many of their lyrics are about intersectionality in feminism and the struggles POC continue to face in the world. Their heavy grunge sound and biting lyrics even earned them a spot on Billboard’s 2015 “20 All-Female Bands You Need To Know.” The group was originally a trio consisting of the Holliday sisters and their cousin, but in 2017 their cousin decided to break away from the band. Their latest album, Ideal Woman, was released in 2018 and discusses the expectations placed on women and the lack of representation of marginalized groups.
Fea
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="386"] Image from Blackheart Records[/caption]
This next band is incredibly reminiscent of the origins of punk, with a high-energy, edgy sound. Fea is a Latina rock band that originated in San Antonio, Texas. This all-women band brings intense guitar riffs and strong vocals back into the punk scene, and some of their music has a pinch of country twang that oddly goes well with the rock. That’s not the only thing that makes this band unique. A lot of their songs tend to be bilingual, often using Spanish, but also French, German, and a bit of Japanese. Fea’s most recent album, No Novelties, was released in 2019, and it covers a lot of topics including the negative effects of social media, financial hardships, and toxic relationships.
QUEEN BEE
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="404"] Image from Ziyoou-Vachi[/caption]
This is probably the strangest punk recommendation, but I wouldn’t put it on this list if it weren’t quality. QUEEN BEE is a Japanese rock band that describes itself as “fashion-punk.” Their music style is unparalleled as it’s a mix of j-pop, rock, and disco. This majority female band started in 2009 and has since risen in fame in Japan, with several of their songs being used in popular anime such as Tokyo Ghoul: re and Dororo. QUEEN BEE’s songs often offer commentary about identity and the struggle of trying to be oneself with beautiful imagery. Their lyrics are frequently in reference to being a part of the LGBT+ community and being a person of color. The band has released several EPs and albums, with their last one, BL, releasing in early 2020.
Meet Me @ The Altar
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="377"] Image from The Fader[/caption]
This pop-punk trio met online in 2015 and released its first album in 2017. Although Meet Me @ The Altar’s lyrics detail missing old relationships, mental health issues, and chasing difficult dreams, their music is upbeat and energetic. Unlike the previous bands, the core idea behind Meet Me @ The Altar’s music is their hope for the future. While the group doesn’t have many released songs, in October of 2020 they were signed to Fueled by Ramen, a record label well-known for their punk bands. This means there’s hope for future releases as they continue to pave their way into the punk community. Their latest release was “Garden,” a song about helping a loved one through a rough patch.
Sources: Bandsintown, Billboard, Fueled by Ramen, Gen Rise Media, Grinnell College, HistoryLink, Moshi Moshi, SpeakerTV, Spotify, The Music, Ziyoou-Vachi
Images: Blackheart Records, Sub Pop, Louder Than War, The Fader, The Rockpit, Ziyoou-Vachi
Featured Image: Kellyn Harrison
(12/23/20 3:00pm)
(12/22/20 7:00am)
(12/20/20 1:00pm)
by Conner Tighe
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
2020 has been one of the best years for music, with many artists coming out of this strenuous year's woodworks. Some artists returned after leaving the spotlight for a bit, while others have dropped some of their best music out of nowhere. Although 2020 has had its share of mystery with the pandemic, the music industry has addressed issues worth discussing, such as love, masculinity, staying mindful, and saying what it means to have fun with music and friends.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="229"] Image from Spin[/caption]
10. Plastic Hearts by Miley Cyrus
Cyrus incorporates rock into her latest album, which she’s only done a handful of times before with tracks “Wrecking Ball,” “Mother’s Daughter,” “Slide Away,” and covers of classic rock hits like “Heart of Glass.” She furthers her sound and music appeal by crossing over to the rock genre while sticking to her wild side. Cyrus is unapologetic in the album, revealing her vulnerabilities dealing with past issues like her recent divorce from Liam Hemsworth. Plastic Hearts features some noteworthy collaborations with Dua Lipa, Billy Idol, and Stevie Nicks to bring her music full circle. The singer remains unapologetic for her passions and charisma, and that comes through all 15 tracks to craft one of the singer’s greatest albums.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="214"] Image from Genius[/caption]
9. Positions by Ariana Grande
Grande released her highly sensualized album Positions, which surprisingly is her weakest link. Although the tracks' collection is met with Grande’s extraordinary vocals and is as memorable as all her pieces are, the tracks don't hold up as well. The album features decent collaborations from Doja Cat, The Weeknd, and Ty Dolla $ign, but they couldn’t save the album. The style is lacking. The production is bland. However, the artist did her best with what she was given to work with. If Grande weren’t mentioned in the top 10, it would mean I had gone tone-deaf.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="229"] Image from The Arts Desk[/caption]
8. Notes on a Conditional Form by The 1975
The 1975 continues their exceptional sound with Notes on a Conditional Form. The album, which expands over an hour-long, provides the strongest collection of tracks the band has released yet. The band captures the true essence of LGBTQ+ living and love with tracks “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America,” and “Guys,” which deal with religion and inner doubt of self. The 1975 sticks with their club-esque vibes and slow tracks being a part of the alternative genre and visual representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="220"] Image from Pitchfork[/caption]
7. In a Dream by Troye Sivan
Sivan’s seven-layered EP surpasses all his previous albums combined. As expected with Sivan, he’s always addressing what it means to be gay and the struggles with finding love in his past works, and it’s addressed in In a Dream. However, each track’s fast pacing drives the EP, keeping listeners interested instead of droning them out with melancholy. In a Dream represents the artist’s full potential stylistically and expressing vulnerability lyrically.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="232"] Image from The Ball State Daily News[/caption]
6. This Digital Life by The Wonderlands
After witnessing the album being played live in August, no streaming app measures up to the wonderful Wonderlands. This Digital Life focuses on the calamities of friendship and keeping up with your wellbeing amid the technology that’s overtaken the world’s attention. This Digital Life is The Wonderland’s first album, and the band will be releasing more music in the future. Let’s hope the band never stops playing about relatable life nostalgia: from losing friends to drugs and finding oneself while young, featured from hits like “Danced Herself to Death,” “Trying to Reach You,” and “Feels Like.” You don’t have to be in Hollywood to achieve your dreams, and this local band stands by its dreams, originality, and exceptional sound.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="230"] Image from Amazon[/caption]
5. Changes by Justin Bieber
Bieber brought his faith full circle when he dropped Changes. This album marks his shift in life perception and love life that he’s struggled with until recently. After marrying the love of his life, Hailey Bieber, the singer has left his troubled past behind and focuses wholly on the future. Changes focuses primarily on his faith and his devotion toward his wife. The album is Bieber’s most diverse and unique album to date and his finest, using faith, a careful balance of R&B and rap, confidence in himself, and hope for his future.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="238"] Image from Vulture[/caption]
4. Folklore by Taylor Swift
Swift took the world by surprise when she dropped Folklore mid-quarantine. The collection’s ominous tone and slow, melodic themes separate itself exponentially from Lover. But, make no mistake, the artist is incapable of a remarkable resurgence. The listener can visualize Swift drifting through a gray forest, illustrated in the featured artwork, wearing a cardigan that only she can pull off, through each track. Folklore is not a pure tale as the artist mentions her faults with past relationships, but one of melancholy, perseverance, and all things folk.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="225"] Image from Genius[/caption]
3. Remote by Wallows
Guitarist and vocalist Dylan Minnette played music throughout the pandemic, continuing to work virtually with his band, soon enough releasing Remote; a six-track EP that landed the band critical acclaim by several publications like The Daily Californian, Dork Magazine, and The Peak. Remote doesn’t disappoint, choosing to break away from their original sound yet keeping their stylistic approach. Indie, although monotonous at times, never phases the Wallows, and they continue to perform music all their own. With “Virtual Aerobics” talking about fun times with friends and “Coastlines” dealing with long-distance relationships, it only makes sense to name the EP after the process itself, Remote. Who can forget Minnette and the band dancing in front of a green screen?
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="237"] Image from KRNL Magazine[/caption]
2. Wonder by Shawn Mendes
Mendes had love on the mind when he dropped his latest album Wonder earlier this month. Mendes captures his emotions and insecurities that his girlfriend, Camila Cabello, helped him explore during the pandemic. Wonder features the long-awaited collaboration between himself and Justin Bieber with “Monster;” talking about living in the public eye. The album offers an original sound and introduces a fresh side of the artist. Mendes focuses on himself rather than a woman and changed his style to more melodramatic with less focus on lyrical beauty and more on production. The collection doesn’t stand as tall as his previous album, and although none of his work has ever been considered “bad,” Wonder lacked vision and was stuck in the clouds.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="229"] Image from Clash Magazine[/caption]
1. Rare by Selena Gomez
Gomez made her iconic return to not only the music industry but the world when she dropped her poignant and uplifting Rare. Inside, listeners hear Gomez’s journey to self-discovery while battling herself. The singer held onto her on and off past with Bieber, and this method was her way of letting it all go. Over the last two years, her health has had its ups and downs; one major event being the reveal that she was diagnosed with lupus, a genetic autoimmune disease, and was saved by her friend Francia Raisa who donated a kidney. The singer kept her pop appeal and delivered her best song to date, “Lose You To Love Me.”
Sources: Dork Magazine, Elle, Healthline, The Daily Californian, The Peak, YouTube
Images: Amazon, Clash Magazine, KRNL Magazine, Genius, Pitchfork, Spin, The Arts Desk, The Ball State Daily News, Vulture
Featured Image: Kellyn Harrison
(12/19/20 3:31pm)
by Blake Chapman
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
A world dominated by advanced technological progress/prowess, invasive corporations industrializing the planet to catastrophic levels, and millions of volumes of new information flooding the digital landscape every second. Sound familiar? No, pointing outside your bedroom window is not the correct answer (at least not yet). I am talking about cyberpunk; a subgenre of science fiction exploring dystopian futures filled to the brim with neon billboards stretching into the stratosphere and cybernetic enhancements that make you more machine than man.
The history of this hauntingly accurate depiction of present-day life on earth is chock full of inspiring authors, filmmakers, and characters dating back to the late 1960s. With the launch of what might be an entire generation’s first foray into this style of storytelling, here are a few movies that will prepare you for the world of Cyberpunk 2077.
(12/16/20 5:13pm)
by Andrew Beckley and Arianna Sergio
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
A constant debate is the dispute between which streaming service is better: Apple Music or Spotify? Apple die-hards stick to their guns and defend Apple Music to the ends of time, while Spotify users hold their ground and refute every claim that Apple Music lovers throw at their face. So, which streaming service is better?
Apple Music is superior
There’s a good chance one of your friends uses Apple Music instead of Spotify and you and your friends make fun of them for doing so. And because your friends just dog-pile on top of that person, they can’t make any case for themselves. Well, I’m that friend that you make fun of, and I’m here to stand up for myself to make the point of why Apple Music is just as good and even better than Spotify.
To start, we must consider the price and the amenities that come with a subscription. With Spotify, you get Hulu, SHOWTIME, and the perks of Spotify Premium in the student package for $4.99 a month. The student version of Apple Music only gives you the same perks of the individual accounts, which is to be able to download as much music as you want and to be able to listen to it all offline. So, in that sense, Spotify takes the upper hand. This is due to Apple having to make deals with other companies — for example, Apple One. This bundles Apple Music with Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50 GB of iCloud storage in the individual membership for $14.95 per month. Ultimately, this is a pretty good deal, because if you paid for those individually, it’d be $20.95 per month.
There is a big misconception Apple Music doesn’t make an end of the year playlist for you. This is a blatant lie! Apple Music has been making a “Replay” playlist for me since 2014. On top of that, Apple Music also keeps track of how many times you listened to an album/song and gives you your most listened to songs of the year, which Spotify does, but they don’t list the exact number like Apple Music does.
Some may think Apple Music is difficult to navigate, but I think this is a bad argument to make. However, I would counter by saying Spotify is hard to navigate. If a person were to spend an extended amount of time on Apple Music, they would still figure out all the features and how everything is organized on the app. It’s like when an Android user switches to an Apple device or vice versa. It’s odd at first, but eventually, a person gets the hang of things and will either love it or hate it. At the end of the day, it’s all subjective to which app a person prefers to listen to their music on — even though Apple Music is and always will be better.
This viewpoint is by Andrew Beckley
Spotify reigns supreme
Spotify is the best music streaming service there ever was. It has a multitude of features, but let’s discuss some of it’s best. Spotify has three main tabs: the home tab, browse tab, and radio tab. The home tab displays a personalized page for each user. This page includes your shortcuts, your recently played music, music that they recommend for you daily, your favorite albums and songs, the best of artists, the state of music today, the top of the charts, your popular artists, your popular albums, and last but most definitely not least Spotify customizes playlists for you. Yes, you read that right. The best feature that Spotify has is they literally compile music that you love and make new playlists for you on the daily.
Their browse tab includes a whopping 56 different genres and mood playlists for any occasion you could imagine. If you can’t find something to fit your mood here, I don’t think you ever will. This is something that I’ve never seen from any other music streaming service. When I first discovered Spotify in sixth grade, I practically lived on this page. I would browse through each genre and mood I was in and listen to the array of playlists Spotify created for each one. Each one being spot-on, never missing the mark.
They have a podcast page with 16 different categories to choose from and their own “Fresh Finds.” And to add to the genius that Spotify is, they have a charts page that includes “Top 50” or “Viral 50” playlists from different countries. They have a “New Releases” page which I’m currently obsessed with because I’m always on the prowl for new music. Also on this page is “New Music Friday” and “Release Radar.” “New Music Friday” is a playlist they update every Friday that lists the top songs released that Friday. “Release Radar” is another custom playlist of all the new music that was released recently from the artists you follow; this playlist also updates every Friday. They have a discover page which I am also obsessed with because it lists new artists and songs that you may like based on what you've listened to.
Spotify is like a virtual maid. It organizes your library into categories, which makes finding what you want to listen to as easy as can be! Those categories being made for you, recently played, liked songs, albums, artists, and podcasts. Another feature that is top-notch is that you can make your own playlists and follow other playlists, as well as other users. After you follow other users, you can see their overview, recently played artists, public playlists, and who they are following. It’s a great way to see what music your friends are listening to and a fun way to share music with others.
The end of the year is coming near and Spotify “Wrapped’ is something every single one of its users looks forward to. Spotify “Wrapped” is a year-in-review summary of your top five most played artists, songs, genres, and how many minutes you listened to music in total. It’s the time of the year where everyone admires their music taste and what they listened to. People see this as their "badge of honor" and like to show it off to other people.
All in all, Spotify has everything you need. It’s the streaming service you can always explore more on and find more than meets the eye. It is and always will be better than its inferior competitor, Apple Music.
This viewpoint is by Arianna Sergio
Pros of Apple Music and Cons of Spotify
You can get Apple Music in the Apple One bundle; which also includes Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50 GB of iCloud storage in the individual membership for $14.95 per month. A deal that would typically be $20.95 per month
Apple Music has its annual “Replay” playlist
Apple Music lets you know how many times you listened to a song over the year
Apple Music is easier to navigate
Cons of Apple Music and Pros of Spotify
Spotify’s monthly subscription is $4.99 a month, with the student package, and you get Hulu, SHOWTIME, and the perks of Spotify Premium
Spotify has a custom page/makes personalized playlists for you
Spotify organizes your library
You can follow other users and see what they are listening to on Spotify
The annual Spotify “Wrapped”
Sources: Apple, Apple Insider, Spotify
Images: Adele Reich
Featured Image: Adele Reich
(12/13/20 3:00pm)
(12/12/20 6:30pm)
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the storyline of 'The Last of Us Part II'
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
By Anthony Herring
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="430"] Image from YouTube[/caption]
With its recent Game of the Year win at the 2020 Game Awards and its six-month anniversary quickly approaching, I figured now would be the perfect time to revisit ‘The Last of Us Part II.’ When the game released on Jun. 19, its thrilling performances, pulse-pounding gameplay, and breathtaking visuals were all acclaimed. However, the same cannot be said for its narrative. Said narrative saw 19-year-old Ellie, one of the protagonists from 2013’s ‘The Last of Us’, go on the warpath in order to avenge the death of Joel, her father figure, and the other protagonist from the original game. The person responsible for Joel’s death was a young woman named Abigail “Abby” Anderson. In a shocking twist, players were made to control her for nearly half the game’s runtime. Such a tactic allowed for her perspective of the game’s storyline to be illustrated.
The double whammy of having to witness Joel die at the hands of Abby and having to play as her for such a long span of time, caused many players to find the narrative worthy of derision. They felt Joel’s death was stupid, meant to be simple shock value and nothing more. Some believed Joel should’ve come out a hero, sacrificing his life to save Ellie from...something. And others felt it was ludicrous they play as “Joel’s killer” and be forced to sympathize with Abby.
Unfortunately, this hatred towards Abby and her actions spilled into the real world. The talented Laura Bailey, who portrayed the character, received numerous death threats over this when the game first released. I don’t need to tell you that the actions committed by these people are heinous and utterly vile. (Mind you, not everyone who disliked the game sent these threats; it was only a select few).
But I digress. Instead, I want to talk more about Abby Anderson, and why I think she doesn’t deserve the hatred many have given her.
Who is Abby Anderson?
Before I give my thoughts, it’s important I give some background on who Abby is. In the world of ‘The Last of Us,’ she is the daughter of Dr. Jerry Anderson, a doctor in league with the Fireflies. This militia group formed after a fungal outbreak decimated 60% of humanity, and they desperately desired to create a cure. This led to Joel and Ellie’s journey in the original game, as Ellie was the only known person immune to the infection.
When they arrived at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, the Fireflies’ headquarters, Ellie was to be prepped for surgery, with Jerry being the head surgeon. While Jerry doubted his abilities, especially considering how Ellie was to die during the operation, Abby reassured him. Unfortunately, Joel was made aware of Ellie’s fate and he subsequently killed many of the Fireflies in Saint Mary’s, Jerry included. This event devastated Abby, causing her to become obsessed with finding Joel for the next four years. Culminating with her and a group of her friends, and finding him near his home in Jackson, Wyoming. It was here where Abby killed him, sending Ellie down her own path of vengeance.
A hole-in-one
Here’s where I’m going to get controversial, so strap yourselves in: I strongly believe Abby is a great character. Do I still have your attention? Good, because I would like to explain why.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="334"] Image from Den of Geek[/caption]
For starters, I would like to address the elephant in the room. I believe the only reason people hate this character is due to the fact she killed Joel. Now, don’t get me wrong: I hated Abby for this same reason during my first playthrough. In fact, I utterly despised her during the first half of the story. Much like Ellie, Abby was the antagonist in my eyes. She killed Joel, our precious Joel, and both Ellie and I wanted to take her down. What makes Abby think she can get away with such a crime? Well...with a viewpoint like that, it really hampers how Abby’s character is perceived, and it glosses over the ample development her side of the story gives to the overall experience.
As I mentioned earlier, you have no choice but to play as Abby during the second half of the story. During these sections, you play through the same length of in-universe time (which is three days in Seattle, Washington) as Ellie, but from Abby’s perspective. Through this, you discover that even after avenging her father’s death, Abby has found no sense of peace. She still suffers from the nightmares that plagued her since Jerry died, and her relationships with those close to her have been irreversibly fractured. The greatest victim of this was her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Owen.
Although I didn’t see it at first, it took me until my second play through to sympathize with Joel’s killer. I no longer saw her as some inhuman monster that needed to be stopped, but rather as a flawed human being. Although it is something I don’t condone, I found Abby’s drive to kill Joel understandable. He killed her father so he could save Ellie, who was essentially a second daughter to him. However, the decision left Abby as an orphan. Such feelings of anger, rage, and revenge are entirely within reason for anyone who goes through this, especially when you figure out who was responsible.
Moving onward, Abby grows more compassionate upon the arrival of two new characters: Lev and Yara. The brother-sister duo are members of a religious sect called the Seraphites, who are embroiled in a turf war with the Washington Liberation Front, a militia group that Abby herself is a member of. Lev and Yara end up saving Abby’s life when she is captured by the Seraphites. Because of this, she develops a protective attachment to them. Her connection to the siblings allows Abby to feel some semblance of humanity for the first time in years, and it allows her to find closure over her father’s death.
In a way, Abby’s character mirrors Joel’s from the original game. There, Joel was a survivor who had been hardened due to the death of his daughter, Sarah, at the onset of the outbreak. However, Joel regains his humanity through his relationship with Ellie, finding his sense of purpose in protecting someone other than himself. The fact that Abby shares similarities with him is quite interesting, but I feel it highlights something I love so much about her character: no matter how far you fall, you can still find a way to get back up.
I have one last thing to discuss: the resolution of Abby’s arc. At the end of the game, she and Lev have been held captive for months by a group called the Rattlers. Thankfully, they are freed by none other than Ellie, who tracked them to Santa Barbara, California. By this point in the game, Abby is no longer the obsessive, revenge-driven woman she once was. She is now a weakened yet determined older sister to Lev, wanting to protect him as they journey to Catalina Island. At this point, they are searching for the Fireflies, who are revealed to be actively regrouping. After a brutal fight with Ellie, which ends with letting her go, Abby takes a boat she uses to go to the island with Lev. With that, her journey has reached its conclusion.
While it was a turbulent ride, I inevitably found Abby Anderson to be a fascinating and gripping character. Yes, what she did to Joel was unforgivable, but the world of ‘The Last of Us’ is in itself unforgivable. Joel himself has done horrible things in order to survive. Ellie has taken numerous lives in pursuit of Abby. And even in spite of that, these three, along with the many other characters who inhabit this world, have also shown compassion and love for others. Nothing is black and white here, just shades of grey—and Abby Anderson is a great example of that.
Sources: CNET, Forbes, Kotaku, Polygon, TechRadar
Images: Den of Geek, YouTube
Featured Image: Inverse
(12/14/20 9:00pm)
Emily Hunter is a sophomore journalism major and writes “Speak Out” for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
(12/04/20 9:00pm)
Chloe Fellwock is a junior advertising major and writes “Full Dis-Chlo-sure” for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.
(11/26/20 5:51pm)