Gracie Abrams, a rising name in the music industry, released her first album, “Good Riddance,” on Feb. 24, 2023. Before this, she was widely known for her EP “minor,” which presents more as a pop project. Highlights from this EP include “I miss you, “I’m sorry” and “21.” 

With a similar sound to Olivia Rodrigo (whom she opened for on the Sour tour), Conan Gray and Taylor Swift (whom she will be opening for on the Eras tour), it’s difficult to stand out among the thousands of other artists who also share this sound, but somehow Abrams has achieved this. It could be her all-too-familiar lines about love and heartbreak, but having her debut single, “Mean It” released by Interscope Records did not hurt either.

The album opens with “Best,” a song that shows just how much Abrams has matured throughout her years as a songwriter and person. “Best” displays beautiful harmonies and a more indie-background track, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

“I know it won’t work” is the second song, and it is rising in popularity. The song is a ballad about loving someone and separating, but knowing it was the right decision despite the pain; it is easy to see why listeners are connecting with it. The meaning is really all in the title and laid out in plain sight, which is a nice change from the copious amount of metaphors and hidden meanings that are often associated with these types of songs.

“Where do we go now?” is currently the most popular song in the EP — a slightly more upbeat song that builds up throughout. The repetition of the song’s title conveys Abrams’ confusion and conflicting feelings for someone. Reminiscent of Lizzy McAlpine and Rodrigo, there is no surprise that this song is a hit amongst her fans.

“Difficult” is the lead single of Abrams’ album and was released in October 2022. Abrams speaks of being blinded by love, or lust, and making someone out to be what you want in a partner rather than whatever the truth may be. This song resonated with her fans from the start and built up the excitement for the release of “Good Riddance.”

“This is what the drugs are for” can be categorized as folk with its acoustic guitar and subtle piano. A softer song with more heavy emotional ties, this song discusses the thought patterns Abrams experienced while going through a breakup. In the chorus, Abrams repeats, “I’ve gotten used to sleepin’ here without you. Though I’ve tried, I can’t pretend that I don’t sit around and think about you.” These lines encapsulate the entire song.

“Right now” is the 12th and final song on the album. It’s also the longest song, at almost six minutes. Throughout this sweet conclusion to the album, Abrams speaks of being content with where she is in her life right now. She feels nostalgic about her childhood, but she is moving forward with her newfound adult life. Although she has experienced hardship, she has learned much.

Abrams worked with song-writer and musician Aaron Dessner, a founding member of the band The National, who has also collaborated with Swift on her albums “folklore” and “evermore.” Dessner worked on songwriting with Abrams, along with her production.

Abrams, now 23 and four years into her music career, has definitely sparked conversation and made a name for herself in the industry. Artists such as Swift, Lorde and Billie Eilish have applauded her work. She is currently on her second tour in the U.S. and Canada. Look out for Abrams in the coming years, as she is on the rise to become a household name.

Indie-rock artist Alexander Giannascoli, known professionally as Alex G, played his first Atlanta shows at Variety Playhouse on Oct. 8, 2022. 

This venue, located in downtown Atlanta, had a cool and intimate atmosphere that made all the difference for his show.

Giannascoli started making music at age eleven after his parents bought him a laptop.

He wrote and recorded two albums during high school, which he described as “punk.” His music began gaining traction on Bandcamp in 2010. After releasing his first few albums, he worked with Frank Ocean on both “Endless” and “Blonde.”

The artist, sometimes referred to as modern-day Elliott Smith, just released his ninth studio album. Titled “God Save the Animals,” there are many religious innuendos sprinkled throughout his new songs, despite the fact that he “[doesn’t] really have a set of beliefs.”

Giannascoli’s shows tend to bring an interesting and diverse crowd together, as his music ranges from acoustic singer-songwriter to rock and screamo. 

As this is his new album tour, he played the majority of his songs off of  “God Save the Animals,” including his singles “Blessing,” “Miracles” and “Cross the Sea,” all of which contain religious lines and metaphors (it is also directly in their titles). “Miracles” has a chorus that repeats the line “miracles and crosses.”

He opened with “S.D.O.S.,” one of his new songs that repeats “God is my designer, Jesus is my lawyer.” This is probably one of his most obvious lyrics that point to religious undertones.

“Runner,” another one of his singles, is the most reminiscent of his older work, with a solid guitar melody and catchy drum rhythm. 

He got the crowd going with “Brick,” one of his more intense songs. Though it is short, the audience closer to the stage managed to create a mosh pit. Some other older songs were played off his albums “House of Sugar,” “Rocket” and “Beach Music.”

Giannascoli is known for simply playing his sets and leaving with no encore. However, this time was different, even though he said he would not return to the stage after leaving.

His encore songs included many of his older hits, including “Brite Boy,” “Bug” and the infamous “Sarah.” 

He also interacted with the crowd a bit, as he talked about pitch shifting during his live performances. He usually jokes around with audience members, treating them like normal people and creating the impression that he does not like to think of himself as “famous.”

Giannascoli writes, mixes and masters all of his own music, mostly within the comfort of his bedroom. He is known for his unusual synth patterns and funky autotune distortions. His layered multi-tracks are usually what reminds people of Elliott Smith’s work, a grunge, indie-rock artist known for his songs “Angeles” and “Between the Bars.” 

Giannascoli’s new album is more hopeful and sweet than many of his previous ones. A line in “Miracles” says “God help me, I love you, I agree.” Although Giannascoli has mentioned the fact that he is not religious, he said that many people in his life, including his sister, believe in God. While he doesn’t believe in God himself, he thinks it is interesting. 

He discusses themes of innocence and reaching sobriety throughout the album. In “Runner,” he repeats “I have done a couple bad things” but looks towards people he can put faith in. 

This makes for a unique assembly of songs that all seem quite different on the surface with different genres and tones but all discuss the same matters. This is conveyed throughout his concert, as he jumps around playing a collection of what sound like very different songs.

Alex G is a unique artist with a large discography. If you do not know his music, you should definitely have a listen, and highly consider seeing him next time he is in the Atlanta area.

Former “American Idol” contestant Remi Wolf is currently on tour in the U.S., and she played at the Eastern in Atlanta on Oct. 3, 2022. 

Wolf was born and raised in Palo Alto, Calif., where she discovered her love for music at an early age. After “American Idol,” she graduated from University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, and shortly after began releasing her own music. Her first and only full-length studio album, “Juno,” was released in October 2021.

Her songs have also been in a few different media outlets. She was contracted by Apple to make a song for an iPhone commercial, “Hello Hello Hello” which was also mixed and mastered by Polo and Pan. This song also appears on one of her EPs, “I’m Allergic to Dogs!” 

The show began with her opener, Orion Sun. As an R&B and soul artist, Orion Sun brought all the vibes to the venue. Her smooth and crisp voice lit up the room, as she appropriately played one of her more well-known songs, “Smooth.” She also had “dirty dancer” and “concrete” on her setlist, which are two of her most recent releases. Her calm aura was a perfect precedent for Wolf’s show.

Wolf opened with “Quiet On Set,” one of her hit singles off of “Juno.” Warm tones of red and orange flooded the stage. One of the coolest set pieces was a giant tree of flowers, which contained color-changing bulbs that were synchronized to the beat of each song. Throughout the show, there were also funky projections on the back wall. 

All of the physical pieces emulated Remi’s energy in all the right ways. Bright, vibrant and retro energy, which are reflected in her music videos and album covers, is Wolf’s notable essence. Her curly hair was tied up into two high pigtails. She wore loose jeans and a tee; the perfect outfit for how much she danced and jumped around on stage. 

She played other notable songs like “Guerilla”, “Liz”, “Michael” and most famously (due to TikTok), “Photo ID.” Her music consists of a variety of genres, from soft pop to rock. She has incredible stage presence, as does her band. She has an impressive vocal range and ability to belt for long periods of time. 

As the encore piece, she did not actually sing one of her songs, but rather took a spot on the drums. She and her drummer switched roles so the audience could see what an amazing drummer she is. Her drummer claimed not to be a singer, so he instead shouted a few words of affirmation he had written down before the show. 

Some of the crowd’s favorite lines included “I know how to do my taxes” and “I am Dua Lipa.”

Afterwards the band left the stage as Wolf waved goodbye to her audience. Wolf definitely has one of the most unique voices and vibes of any upcoming or well-known artist.

Her American tour ends mid-November, so do not miss the opportunity to experience one of her shows.

The 79th annual Venice Film Festival concluded on Sept. 10, which debuted movies that are making their way into theaters within the coming months. 

The festival, held in Venice, Italy, is one of the oldest and largest film festivals in the world. Many international media sources cover this event as projects from many different countries are shown.

As many followers of the festival have likely seen, “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” took home the Golden Lion, which is the highest award given. This documentary, directed by Laura Poitras, tells the story of Nan Goldin. Goldin is a photographer and activist whose work often depicts queerness, intimacy and addiction. 

It is unusual that a documentary wins such a prestigious award, but it is well-deserved. Audiences can see the film in theaters now.

Another notable film that’s been the talk amongst movie lovers is “TÁR.” “TÁR” follows Lydia Tár, a (fictional) world renowned composer and the first-ever female chief conductor. This is Todd Field’s (notable actor and filmmaker) first movie in over 16 years. 

Field specifically wrote the lead role with one actor in mind, saying, “This script was written for one artist, Cate Blanchett. Had she said no, the film would have never seen the light of day.”

Blanchett, a winner of dozens of accolades, including Academy Awards and Golden Globes, is bound to make history with her lead. 

Commentators have already suggested that she will win an Oscar for this film, as she already won Best Actress of the film festival. 

Sure to be filled with powerful feminist commentary, “TÁR” will be released on Oct. 7 in the United States.

With heartthrob Timotheé Chalamet and upcoming talent Taylor Russel, “Bones and All” is sure to make it big in the box office (Chalamet in any form of romance movie will do the trick). 

Director Luca Guadagnino, known for the successful “Call Me by Your Name,” already won a Silver Lion for Best Director at the festival. The film, based on the 2015 novel by Camille DeAngelis, follows two cannibalistic lovers. 

In a post-Cold War era, the lovers embark on a journey across the United States. The release date for the film is set for Nov. 23.

No matter what type of filmgoer you are, there is sure to be a movie coming soon in theaters that fits your taste.

Other notable films

• “The Banshees of Inisherin” (director Martin McDonagh)

A black comedy-drama set in Ireland that was already released on Sept. 5.

• “No Bears” (director Jafar Panahi)

An Iranian love story — filled with parallels and superstition — that won the Special Jury Prize.

• “Saint Omer” (director Alice Diop)

A French film wherein a novelist attends a Senegalese immigrant’s trial.

• “Monica” (director Andrea Pallaoro)

A film about a woman returning to the Midwest to care for her mother.

• “The Whale” (director Darren Aronofsky)

An A24 psychological drama starring Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink. It will be released on Dec. 9.

• “Blonde” (director Andrew Dominik)

A Netflix movie following iconic actress Marilyn Monroe.

• “White Noise” (director Noah Baumbach)

An apocalyptic black comedy starring Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig and Don Cheadle.

Awards and accolades

• Best Young Actor: Taylor Russel, “Bones and All”

• Best Actor: Colin Farrell, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

• Best Actress: Cate Blanchett, “TÁR”

• Best Screenplay: “The Banshees of Inisherin,” playwright Martin McDonagh

• Special Jury Prize: “No Bears,” director Jafar Panahi

• Silver Lion for Best Director: Luca Guadagnino, “Bones and All”

• Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize: “Saint Omer,” filmmaker Alice Diop

• Golden Lion: “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” Laura Poitras

After two years of construction, the long-awaited John Lewis Student Center opened shortly before the fall semester. As COVID-19 and the lack of common space have impacted many people’s college experiences, the presence of a new communal area is sure to bring the student body together. With significantly more space than the old building, the new Student Center has much more to offer.

Recreation

Dozens of hangout and study spaces are present on all three floors, but the first floor definitely has the main attraction: the bowling alley. Older students probably remember having this in the old Student Center. 

You can rent bowling shoes, grab a snack and rent out a lane. After bowling, there’s a few pool tables you can choose from to play at. 

Paper and Clay, another staple of the old center, is also making its debut at the end of the fall semester, so be ready to make yourself a new mug on the pottery wheel.

Dining

The largest collection of dining on campus now resides in the student center, with restaurants including Bento Sushi, Gyro Chef, Campus Crust, There Burger Bar and Test Kitchen. 

Panda Express and Twisted Taco have also been relocated from the Exhibition Hall and West Village Dining Hall, respectively, to create an area with a more cohesive restaurant scene. 

If you don’t have enough time in between classes to sit and eat, Tech it to Go has pre-made snacks and meals you can grab if you decide to pass through on your way.

Services

Besides the main eateries inside, the post office has moved into the student center as well. 

With a more central location on campus, students have easier access to mail than ever before. 

The DuPoe Eye Center was also relocated to this spot, and it is just a short walk away from Stamps Health Student Center. 

Now all of your student health needs are close by and more easily accessible. 

Another Tech merchandise store lies on the main floor as well, with all the Tech gear, school supplies, electronic accessories and snacks you could ever want all in close proximity to each other.

Media

Wrek 91.1 FM and the Technique also have their offices on this floor, and just around the corner lies the second Blue Donkey location on campus. After you’ve finished your editor meeting or worked a shift at Wrek, make sure to grab a 465!

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, to find a comfortable spot to study or to just hang out with friends, the Student Center has something for you. As the community continues to grow, the campus Student Center is sure to become a hotspot for freshmen, upperclassmen and alumni alike. 

Adam “Aminé” Daniel performed at The Tabernacle on Feb. 24 during his tour titled “Best Tour Ever.” Known for his hit song “Caroline,” released in 2017, Aminé proved that he was more than just a one-hit-wonder. 

The set consisted of memorabilia of his childhood, which he spent in Portland, Oregon. 

Around halfway through the show, he explained each one of them in detail: the Woodlawn Park sign, the neighborhood where he grew up; a small supermarket he frequented; Broadway Bridge, one of the many bridges in Portland; a giant statue of his dog Oliver and a jacket he took from the bus he rode in high school. 

Each one of these items made the concert seem so intimate like the audience was getting an inside look into his childhood.

During the song “Roots,” fellow artist Destin Choice Route, better known by his stage name “JID,” came on stage and performed with Aminé, as he is one of the rappers featured on this song JID is an Atlanta native who has collaborated with artists like J. Cole and Mac Miller.

Aminé’s stage presence was so energetic and lighthearted, as he danced around the stage and frequently interacted with his fans. 

One of the ways he did this was by saying “you’re beautiful,” and the audience echoed back “I know.” “You’re very, very beautiful.” “I know.” 

This filled the venue in between songs.

By far the most endearing aspect of his performance was Aminé’s “tour pants,” a pair of jeans filled with patches from every state he visited on tour. 

He also invited a member of the audience up on stage to sign the patch and write a small note, of which the words would only be between Aminé and the one lucky person.

During the penultimate song “Caroline,” the audience lit up the whole venue with their phone flashlights, showing just how many people were in attendance that night. 

Afterward, the lights dimmed and the venue returned to its natural state. Aminé had one last surprise for his eager viewers: a quick run through the crowd. 

Aminé has a hold on his fans that not many artists can’t attest to. The intimacy and many surprises overcame the audience with joy and nostalgia as if Aminé left a part of himself with them that night.

Japanese-American indie rock artist Mitski just started her tour for her latest album “Laurel
Hell,” which was released on Feb. 4. 

Playing songs from her previous albums, including, “Be the Cowboy (2018),” she delivered a performance that had rock at its core, despite the more pop-ish feel of her latest release.

The set was simple but unique — the backdrop consisted of trees that created a thick forest, and a large, white door sat in the middle of the stage. 

This is reminiscent of the title “Laurel Hell,” which is another name for the Appalachian Mountains in the South. The forests are known to be so thick that people get trapped in them and die. 

There are also beautiful laurel flowers that bloom in these areas, and Mitski told Evan Minsker from Pitchfork that she “liked the notion of being stuck inside this explosion of flowers and perhaps even dying within one of them.”

Audiences who have never seen Mitski live before would not know what to expect, but even if they did, Mitski exceeded all expectations. Even lacking backup singers and dancers, Mitski gave a visually and audibly beautiful performance. 

Her interpretive dancing caught audiences by surprise. The way she moved across the stage was graceful, robotic, charming and terrifying. Her choreography incorporated rigid yet elegant movements with hand symbols scattered throughout. 

During her performance of “Nobody,” a fan favorite, she motioned her arms like the ticking hands of a clock, symbolizing the fear of time running out to find a partner or purpose in life as one grows older.

Many of Mitski’s songs involve themes about abusive relationships, whether they are platonic, familial or romantic and the complex thought processes that result from them. 

One of her more popular songs, “Me and My Husband,” encapsulates the feeling of wanting to be loved and feel important to someone. 

Throughout her performance of the song, she scratched at her arms, and at the end, she acted like she was choking herself, showing the suffocating feeling that abusive relationships hold on a person.

She also interacted with the crowd during “Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart,” a ballad juxtaposing emotions commonly felt post-breakup. Near the end of the song, she grabbed a paper airplane and flew it around on stage before casting it off into the sea of hands beneath her. This represented the final good
bye to someone she once loved out of acceptance rather than clinging.

She finished the set with “Two Slow Dancers,” a slow, quiet song that contrasted her previous rock-heavy and pop songs. 

The rest of the band left, and the lights were set to a dark blue with the spotlight only on her. There remained only a single piano and her voice. It was overwhelmingly beautiful. 

This song is nostalgic of childhood and high school love, and when combined with Mitski’s awe-provoking voice, it is no surprise as to why this brought many people in the audience to tears. 

The song ended, and she said “I love you. Thank you,” three times, and she exited through the door.

Mitski is a lyrical genius whose music and legacy will live on for many years to come. The privilege and honor of seeing her perform is highly recommended for the next time she is in the Atlanta area.