Logo for Byte Magazine at Ball State University

Hot Takes




The Extraordinary Life of Dylan Geick

In 2017, an 18-year-old was introduced to the world through YouTube and social media as a young man capable not only of writing, but wrestling, singing, and potential being a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s 2020, and Geick’s channel lies empty without updated content and a trail of breadcrumbs that left him leaving the spotlight possibly for good. 


Which Quentin Tarantino Movie is the Best?

From a young age, Quentin Tarantino has been interested in movies. Tarantino’s writing is inspired by movies, books, and spaghetti western film director Sergio Corbucci. Tarantino follows a nonlinear storytelling style: We can see in the films Reservoir Dogs, Inglorious Basterds, and the Kill Bill volumes that he jumps around storylines. In Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, the audience bounces between Sharon Tate, Rick Dalton, and Cliff Booth’s storylines.



Input 2 S9E1: Remakes & Sequels

Welcome back, podcasters! Today, we will be discussing the merits and faults of Hollywood's remakes and sequels. We will cover how some movies are just quick cash grabs or if Hollywood has really run dry of its creativity. So plug in your headphones and sit down as we talk about the multitudes of remakes and sequels in Hollywood! Hosts: Dylan Walters & Robert Dorbritz III Edited by: Ok Schlatter Graphic by: Kellyn Harrison


Coven S7E2: Jk Rowling lands in hot water

Welcome back, witches, to another episode of the Coven! Bubbling in the cauldron this week is JK Rowling! The author of the famous children's series Harry Potter has been embroiled in controversy after controversy. Why has the author become so problematic lately? What will this mean for the author and the Harry Potter franchise? Find out all and more on this week's episode of the Coven! Hosts: Shwetha Sundarrajan & Dylan Walter Edited by: Lia Weisbecker-Lotz Graphic by: Kellyn Harrison





Artist of the Month: BETWEEN FRIENDS

One of my favorite up-and-coming artists right now is BETWEEN FRIENDS. After hearing their debut single — “suburban wonderland” — my senior year of high school, I was immediately drawn to their sound. I dove head first into the rabbit hole that was their Spotify artist page and wondered how this band, that I now adored, wasn’t more popular. Their self dubbed “laptop-dream pop” was something I couldn’t get out of my head. I found myself reverting back to “suburban wonderland” over and over again. Now, they not only have that single, but they also have an EP titled, we just need some time together. 


Five Underrated Horror Movies to Watch this October

There are certain horror movies that are must-watch, staples for the Halloween season. Classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining, Scream, and of course, Halloween are essential October watches. However, there are plenty of other spook-worthy films that should be watched during the month of October that don’t receive the credit they should.