Nicolena Stiles: The Triangle

Esmail Hamidi is a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering and the current General Manager at WKDU, Drexel’s student-run radio programming station. He’s spent just over three years with the organization and garnered experience with companies like iHeartMedia as a broadcast engineer. He talked with The Triangle about signal processing, hip hop hits and how to read a room like a true DJ.

The Triangle: What’s your involvement at WKDU and on campus?

EH: I joined WKDU Spring term of my freshman year in 2013. I became chief engineer in my sophomore year and rose to station manager my junior year. Now I’m general manager. I’ve had a few radio shows. My first one was ‘Rhyme Enforcer 235’, a hip-hop show. With WKDU this year I help put basketball on the radio. I help with this program with Lawrence Souder in the department of communications called ‘Good Morning Neighbors,’ which is on the air now Mondays, biweekly at 9 a.m. I guess I should mention also that I am entering the Campus Activities Board spring DJ competition.

TT: What inspired you to start your first show?

EH: My first show, Rhyme Enforcer 235, was inspired by a lyric to a Kool Keith song. I’ve always been into music. I was in concert band, but I quit. I like records and I wanted to be immersed in a genre I was unfamiliar with. I wanted to become more knowledgeable. You want to talk about experiential learning, running around with records and not knowing what to play next with two minutes left in your song, digging through your records and hoping the next thing is good– that’s the ultimate way to learn music.”

TT: So you didn’t know very much about hip-hop when you kicked that off?

EH: I knew the hits.

TT: You just picked a genre that you thought would be new or a different experience for you?

EH: Yeah. And it’s been great just to discover music because it’s all here physically, and you can pick through it and look at the covers and discover it in real time.

TT: You mentioned before that there was a training process before coming to WKDU. Can you tell me about that?

EH: It’s pretty intense. Eight ‘service hours’, organizing records and CDs and helping the music director with new music submissions, then eight new music listening hours where you have to discover music on your own, then three sit-ins with current DJs who teach you the technical aspects of queueing up music on the air and all the stuff we have to do on the radio and generally becoming more familiar with station activities.

TT: You have been involved with other types of radio through co-op. Do you want to talk about that?

EH: My first co-op was in broadcast engineering with iHeartMedia, and that was a lot of hands on work. I did sound for Jesse McCartney, actually, and still work there doing work for WDAS fm: Philly’s best R&B and Old School. It was a great co-op experience, and I honestly wouldn’t have gotten it without my experience at WKDU.

TT: You mentioned you play instruments, but most of your work so far has been more on the technical side of things. Do you prefer one over the other, or do you find DJing to be an interesting middle ground?

EH: There is a performance aspect to DJing. Reading the crowd is important, and you can’t do that as much on the radio, but it’s one of the most fun things to do when DJing live. You really have to see the room in an entirely new way. The true ethos of DJing is about putting music in front of people that they might not usually know about or listen to. It’s kind of like being a curator of what people are hearing and picking the right song for every moment. I’ve really been an advocate of WKDU DJing events, rather than just broadcasting all the time. We’ve done Accepted Students Day for the past couple years, the freshman move-in barbecue, the homecoming bonfire, and even Philly Zine-Fest this past year. Some of our DJs will play bars, some are involved with the Philadelphia DJ Group.

TT: Tell us about your submission for the Spring Jam DJ competition.

EH: My mix is not what you typically hear, especially at a Drexel event, but I think that’s a good thing. I think the music you hear should be challenging and make you think, rather than just being the hits. I dug really hard for Steve Aoki tracks that I liked and felt resonated with the sound I was going for. I found one that had a sample of Chiddy Bang, which is great because of the Drexel tie-in. The tag I used for the mix was from Funky Dividends, the Three Times Dope song. “They call me E.S. / the overlord of fresh.”

TT: How did your work with Rhyme Enforcer 235 impact your DJing now? What was the biggest thing you took away from the experience?

EH: I came to really love DJing on the radio because it gets me into a state of mind where I’m always thinking, always moving. I push the chairs out of the room while I work so I can run–literally run– back and forth from the vinyl library to the studio. I don’t have to think about anything other than what I’m doing and just get fully engrossed and lost in it. It’s like playing sports.

TT: What do you want your legacy at WKDU to look like?

EH: I want reggae to still be on the air. Please quote me on that. Though, I’d also love for us to have more visibility on campus and be able to teach and foster the appreciation of music and radio.

TT: Do you think radio still has a strong future ahead of it?

EH: Yes, absolutely. Radio is the highest reaching medium, with Philadelphia being the 9th largest market for it in the United States. I could talk for hours and hours on end about radio’s survival, but the key points are that radio has a massive reach and there are more and more low power FMs popping up. Big radio is dying, but smaller operations have never thrived like they do now. The engagement and personality of radio is its strong suit, and will continue to be like that for years to come.

The post Triangle Talks with Esmail Hamidi appeared first on The Triangle.

The following crimes occurred on or near campus and were reported to The Triangle by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety between April 1 and April 19. All information included in this report is taken from law enforcement or Division of Public Safety incident reports.

THEFT (12)

April 1 to 11, 3400 Pearl Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) took his auto that was parked in the 3400 block Pearl St.

April 9 to 13, 300 Race Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took the seat from their bike that was locked to a bike rack.

April 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 200 North Broad Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) entered their auto, no force and took a handicapped person placard left in view.

April 11, 200 North 15th Street

A Drexel staff member reported that unknown person(s) entered their unlocked office and took money and credit cards from their purse that was left in an unlocked desk drawer.

April 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 200 North 34th Street

A Drexel staff member reported that unknown person(s) took an X Box and HDMI cable cord that was left in a common area.

April 13, 3:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. 3300 Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took two bank cards from their wallet that was left unattended in a common area.

April 14, Off Campus Location

A Drexel student reported that they lost their wallet and discovered that unauthorized purchases were made using credit cards that were in the wallet.

April 16, 12:14 a.m. to 12:18 a.m. 100 North 34th Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took their skateboard that was left unattended in a common area.

April 17, 4 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. 3175 JFK Boulevard

A Drexel student reported that persons visiting their apartment took two speakers that were left in a common area.

April 18, 12 p.m. to 12:10 p.m. 3100 Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took their laptop computer that was left unattended in a common area.

April 18 to 19, 100 North 33rd Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took the registration plate from the rear of their motorcycle.

April 19, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 3300 Arch Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took their wallet that was left unattended in an open area.

VANDALISM (1)

April 12, 1:46 p.m. 3400 Chestnut Street

Drexel police arrested a male after he was observed breaking the window of a parked vehicle with a brick.

DRUGS (2)

April 15, 2:05 p.m. 3600 Lancaster Avenue

Drexel Police arrested a male during a vehicle investigation when the male was found to be in possession of illegal drugs.

April 16, 3:17 p.m. 3100 Powelton Avenue

Drexel Police arrested three Drexel students who were found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

           During the period from April 1 to April 19t, there was one (1) Policy Violation for Drugs and three (3) Policy Violations for alcohol. The reports were sent to the Office of Student Conduct for review.

The post Crime Report for April 1 to April 19 appeared first on The Triangle.

The following crimes occurred on or near campus and were reported to The Triangle by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety between March 18 to April 10. All information included in this report is taken from law enforcement or Division of Public Safety incident reports.

THEFT (7)

March 18 to April 5, 3300 Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took their bicycle that was secured to a bike rack with a cable lock.

April 5, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 2800 Queen Lane

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took cash and a SEPTA transpass from their backpack that was left unattended in a common area.

April 9, 3000 JFK Boulevard

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) broke the window to his auto and took personal items that were left in view.

April 10, 12:05 p.m., 3400 Chestnut Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that an unknown male was observed removing items from a construction site. The complainant followed the offender to 34th and Market where the offender abandoned the items and fled.

April 3, 3:45 p.m. to 5:09 p.m. 200 South 36th Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) entered their room no sign of force and took cash and a passport that was left in view.

April 8 to 10, 3200 Market Street

A Drexel Staff member reported that unknown person(s) entered his cubicle and took a set of golf clubs.

April 1, 3200 Chestnut Street

A Drexel student reported that they lost their wallet that contained his credit cards and on April 4, discovered that unknown person(s) made an unauthorized purchase using their credit card.

VANDALISM (1)

April 5 to 7, 100 North 34th Street

A Drexel student reported that their personal property was damaged by their roommate during a dispute.

During the period from March 18 to April 10 there were four (4) Policy Violations for Alcohol. The reports were sent to the Office of Student Conduct for review.

The post Crime Report for March 18 to April 10 appeared first on The Triangle.

The following crimes occurred on or near campus and were reported to The Triangle by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety between March 8 and April 3. All information included in this report is taken from law enforcement or Division of Public Safety incident reports.

ASSAULT (5)

March 11, 6 p.m. Spring Garden Street

A Drexel student reported that she was physically assaulted by a male known to her during a domestic dispute. Minor injury to complainant.

March 12, 3:29 p.m. Market Street

A Drexel student reported that, while on the Erin Express, he was assaulted by a male as a result of a verbal dispute.

March 21, 9 p.m. 400 Carriage Lane

Non Drexel affiliation. A female reported that she was physically assaulted by her husband during a verbal dispute.

March 29, 10:15 a.m. 200 North Broad Street

A Drexel staff member reported that Two Drexel affiliates, a staff member and a doctor, were both assaulted by a male patient who is known to them. Minor injuries to both complainants.

April 2, 12:53 a.m. 3600 Brandywine Street

Drexel Police arrested a Non Drexel affiliate after she assaulted her boyfriend, a Drexel student during a domestic dispute.

THEFT (19)

Feb. 3 to March 10, Off Campus Location

A Drexel student reported that a female Drexel student known to her convinced her to invest money in a fraudulent practice.

March 8, Market Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that her purse was taken from her pocketbook by an unknown male.

March 9, Race Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that four males removed a package from his porch. Drexel Police stopped the four males and recovered the complainant’s property.

March 10, Off Campus Location

A Drexel student reported that she was the victim of an internet scam where she paid money to rent a non-existing apartment.

March 13, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took articles of clothing that he left unattended in an unlocked locker.

March 13, 6:50 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took his laptop computer that was left unattended in an unlocked locker.

March 14, 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. 100 North 33rd Street  

A Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) took her wallet that was left unattended in an unlocked room.

March 15, 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Lancaster Avenue

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took 4 video game controllers from a common area.

March 18 to 19, 3400 Lancaster Avenue

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) removed the registration plate from his vehicle.

March 22 to 25, 200 North 34th Street

A Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) took a flag that was hanging on the front porch of a residence.

March 23, 7 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. 3175 JFK Boulevard  

A Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) took several bags of groceries that she left unattended in a common area.

March 23, 9 p.m. to 11:40 p.m. Unit North 30th Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) took his I Phone that was left unattended in a common area.

March 23 to 24, 3100 Market Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) took her wallet containing cash and identification from her pocketbook that was left unattended in a common area.

March 25 to 27, 3400 Spring Garden Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took his bike that was secured with a cable lock to a pipe in his basement.

March 27, 10:34 p.m. 3600 Powelton Avenue

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that on an unknown male in company of a group of four other males took his backpack and fled west on Powelton Avenue.

March 28, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 3300 Arch Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took her bicycle that was left unsecured in her apartment building.

March 28 to 29, 400 North 32nd Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took his Yamaha Motorcycle from the highway.

March 31, 5 p.m. to 5:22 p.m. 3500 Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took her cell phone that was left unattended in a common area. The phone was found a short time later in the Drexel recreation center.

April 3, 4:45 p.m. 3300 Market Street

Drexel Police were notified by a store owner that a Drexel student attempted to leave his store without paying for merchandise.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT (1)

April 2, 1:12 a.m. 3200 Powelton Avenue

Drexel Police arrested a Drexel student after the student, while intoxicated was creating a loud disturbance and refused officers commands to disperse.

SEX OFFENSE (2)

Feb. 12, Powelton Avenue

A male Drexel student reported that a male student known to him forced him to commit a sex act while the victim was intoxicated.

March 13, 3300 Race Street

A Drexel student reported that she was indecently assaulted by a male (Non Drexel Affiliate) known to her.

ROBBERY (3)

March 9, 9 a.m. Spring Garden Street

Non Drexel affiliated incident. A male complainant reported that a male known to him took his cell phone using the threat of force. No injury.

March 24, 7:40 p.m. 200 North Broad Street

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that an unknown male wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt approached her and demanded her money. The complainant gave the male a small amount of cash and her watch. Male fled in unknown direction.

March 24, 9 p.m. 3400 Lancaster Avenue

A Non Drexel affiliate reported that he was assaulted and robbed by three unknown males. Taken was the complainant’s wallet and credit cards. The complainant received a minor injury to his eye.

VANDALISM (3)

March 11 to 13, 3400 Arch Street

A Drexel student reported that the driver door side mirror to his auto was broken off in an unknown manner.

March 11 to 13, 3200 Cuthbert Street

A Drexel student reported that the passenger side mirror to his auto was broken off in an unknown manner.

March 13, 400 North 33rd Street

A Drexel student reported that the passenger door side mirror of his auto was knocked off in an unknown manner.

NARCOTICS(1)

March 7, 100 North 34th Street

Drexel Police arrested a Drexel student after he was found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

During the period from March 8 to April 3, there were four (7) Policy Violations for Alcohol and one (3) Policy violation for drugs. The reports were sent to the Office of Student Conduct for review.

The post Crime Report for March 8 to April 3 appeared first on The Triangle.

Alex Bock is a junior at Drexel. He is involved in theater and studied abroad in Ireland during Fall 2015.

The Triangle: Can you tell me a little about yourself and what you do at Drexel?

Alex Bock: I’m a business major with a minor in theater in the graduating class of 2017. I thought of doing a business major and theater minor so the business aspect will help me get a job, work the nine-to-five, do that grind, but theater is something I’ve always been interested in and passionate about.

TT: So you’re really interested in theater. How many hours per week do you spend theater-ing?

AB: Theater-ing. I like that verb. Drexel dance was the last show I worked on. During tech week, it was seven days of tech from 5 PM until midnight. It’s a long day — but I love it.

TT: So it’s like a full time job?

AB: Oh, it certainly is.

TT: How do you have time for your schoolwork?

AB: You make it work. It’s all about time management.

TT: Let me rephrase that — do you sleep?

AB: No, I do not sleep. Ever. I run on coffee.

TT: You studied abroad in Ireland fall term — why?

AB: I knew that I wanted to go abroad and that I definitely wanted to go to an English-speaking country, but I didn’t want to go somewhere that everybody goes. So I really narrowed it down to Ireland and Australia. Australia seemed a little dangerous with all those venomous animals — I’m sure it would have been fine, but I decided to go with Ireland because I do have some Irish blood, and the history and the culture really appealed to me.

TT: What classes did you take in Ireland?

AB: I was over in Galway, which is on the west coast of Ireland. While I was there, I did not take a single business class. I took a whole bunch of free electives and I thought of it as an “educational vacation.” I took courses basically covering the history of Ireland. Of course, I had to take a course on the Irish language itself — a very beginner intro for foreign exchange students.

TT: Any great stories from Ireland?

AB: My first night in town, I went out to one of the pubs to hang out and meet some people. At the end of the night, I was trying to get home and this guy came up to me, a student about my age and said “Hey friend, how are you?” and we started talking. He said “Oh, are you out looking for the craic tonight?” And I said “No, sir!” I said, “No, I’m not looking for crack.” And I’m very taken aback by this. I’m thinking “Jeez, you’re very open about offering me illicit drugs.” He’s like “No, I don’t think you understand – the craic is good here!” And I’m like “Great, but…I’m still not interested…”And he’s very confused why I’m acting this way. I’m very confused why he’s offering me drugs and we’re having this back and forth for probably 15 minutes before one of his friends comes over and says “Oh my God, are you American?” I said “Yes.”And his friend was like “Great. Here’s the issue. You think he’s offering you drugs, he thinks he’s telling you to go have a good time.” So that’s when I got the translation that craic is just the Irish word for fun. At one point, you know, just to be polite, I said “You know, I don’t have the money for crack tonight.”And he said, “Well the craic doesn’t have to be expensive!” It was quite the cultural exchange that night. It really was.

Photo courtesy: Alex Bock

TT: What do you want to do when you graduate?

AB: When I graduate, I want to go into sales. It’s something that I’m very interested in doing, just meeting new people. Everyday is a new adventure in sales. I’d like sales to be my nine-to-five, but in the evenings or on weekends, I would still love to maybe start a theater company, or help manage a small local theater company, or do lighting, or do sound, or help the local high school theater. Just stay involved, keep it a part of my life.

TT: If they gave out the Alex Bock award, what would it be for?

AB: I think that my legacy here at Drexel is going to be in the theater and dance department world, because that’s where I spend all my free time. The Alex Bock award would be for spending way too much time in the theater — for never leaving.

The post Triangle Talks with Alex Bock appeared first on The Triangle.

The following crimes occurred on or near campus and were reported to The Triangle by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety between Feb. 6 to Feb. 15. All information included in this report is taken from law enforcement or Division of Public Safety incident reports.

SEX OFFENSE (1)

Feb. 6, Unknown Location

A Drexel student reported that  while attending class in a study abroad program, she was sexually assaulted by a male known to her.

ROBBERY (2)

Feb. 9, 10:55 p.m., 300 N. 3t7th Street

Two Drexel students reported they were robbed at gunpoint by two unknown males. Taken were cash and credit cards. Offenders fled north on the 300 block N. 37th St. No injuries.

Feb. 10, 11:42 p.m. 3400 Powelton Avenue

Philadelphia Police arrested two males (Non Drexel) after they were observed by police assaulting and robbing a male Drexel student. The two males were arrested and the complainant’s property was recovered. The complainant was hospitalized for injuries that he sustained.

THEFT (4)

Feb. 8, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., 100 N. 33rd Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took her laptop after it was left unattended in an unsecured locker.

Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 3100 Ludlow Street

A Drexel employee reported that unknown person(s) took a snow blower that was left unsecured in a common area.

Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, 3300 Race Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) entered her room, no sign of force and removed cash that was hidden in a suitcase.

Feb. 11, 12 a.m. to 11 p.m., 3400 Lancaster Avenue

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took his backpack that contained his laptop computer after he left it unattended in a common area.

VANDALISM (1)

Feb. 13 to Feb. 15, 200 N. Natrona Street

A non-Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person/s entered his vehicle and damaged his dashboard, and ripped the radio from its housing, leaving it on the floor of the auto.

During the from Feb. 6 to Feb. 15, there were five (5) Policy Violations for Alcohol. The reports were sent to the Office of Student Conduct for review.

The post Crime Report for Feb. 6 to Feb. 15 appeared first on The Triangle.

The following crimes occurred on or near campus and were reported to The Triangle by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety between Feb. 3 and Feb. 6. All information included in this report is taken from law enforcement or Division of Public Safety incident reports.

SEXUAL OFFENSE (1)

Jan. 16, off-campus location

A Drexel student reported that a male known to her sexually assaulted her against her will.

THEFT (3)

Feb. 3, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 3200 Chestnut Street

A Drexel student reported that, while guests were in his room, someone took his laptop computer from a common area.

Feb. 3 to Feb. 4, 3300 Ludlow Street

A Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) took two electronic devices that were left unattended in plain view.

Feb. 4, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., 3200 Chestnut Street

A non-Drexel affiliate reported that unknown person(s) removed her wallet containing credit cards from her purse and made unauthorized purchases with the credit cards.

VANDALISM (1)

Feb. 6 to Feb. 8, 3300 Arch Street

A Drexel affiliate reported the passenger side rear window was broken out of her auto in an unknown manner.

TRESPASSING (1)

Feb. 6, 1:51 p.m., 100 North 34th Street

A former Drexel student was arrested by Drexel Police for trespassing when found inside of a Drexel owned property.

POLICY VIOLATIONS (2)

During the period Feb. 3 to Feb. 6, there were two (2) policy violations for Alcohol. The reports were sent to the Office of Student Conduct for review.

The post Crime Report for Feb. 3 to Feb. 6 appeared first on The Triangle.

The following crimes occurred on or near campus and were reported to The Triangle by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety between Jan. 22 and Feb. 2. All information included in this report is taken from law enforcement or Division of Public Safety incident reports.

THEFT (7)

Jan. 22, 11:05 a.m. to 11:07 a.m. 3100 Chestnut Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took her backpack containing personal items after she discarded it when she became ill.

Jan. 24, 3 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. 3100 Market Street

A Drexel Staff Member and a Drexel student reported that unknown persons took their backpacks and laptop computers that were left unattended in an unlocked room.

Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 3200 Race Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took the frame of his bike from a bike rack where the tires of his bike were left secured to the rack with a cable lock.

Jan. 25, 10 p.m. to 10:35 p.m., 3300 Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took his wallet and room key after they were left unattended in an unsecured locker.

Jan. 29, 6:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., 3400 Lancaster Avenue

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took her wallet from her pocketbook that was left unattended on the back of a chair.

Feb. 1, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 3200 Market Street

A Drexel student reported that unknown person(s) took cash from her coat pocket that was left unsecured in a common area.

Feb. 2, 10:30 p.m., 3300 Market Street

Drexel Police arrested a non-Drexel affiliate after he took a backpack belonging to a Drexel student that contained a wallet and credit card and used the credit card to purchase food items at another location. All property was recovered.

POLICY VIOLATIONS (9)

During the period covered in this report there were nine policy violations for alcohol. The reports were sent to the Office of Student Conduct for review.

The post Crime Report for Jan. 22 to Feb. 2 appeared first on The Triangle.

Two white males in their 20s caused damage of up to $3,000 to automobiles around Drexel University’s campus Jan. 15. They were observed via campus security cameras at three locations: the 100 block of North 32nd Street, the 3200 block of Winter Street and the 200 block of North Natrona Street.

“[T]hese two males were observed walking North in the 100 block of N. 32nd Street and as they walked past two vehicles … they kicked and pulled on the mirror housing on the passenger side doors, breaking them from the doors. They then walked into the 3200 block Winter Street. and the 200 block N. Natrona Street and jumped on the hoods, roofs, and windshields of three autos,” Associate Director of Public Safety, Robert Lis told The Triangle in an email.

These males were last seen at 3:10 a.m. walking east toward Winter Street.
Interim Vice President of Public Safety Eileen Behr requests that if students have any information about these men’s identification that they contact the Department of Public Safety immediately. Associate Director Lis can be contacted at 215-895-1526, and the Communication Center may also be contacted at 215-895-2822. All information and tips given will be considered anonymous.

The post Public Safety in search of automobile vandals appeared first on The Triangle.

Photo courtesy: Magdalena Papaioannou

Jack Rome is a senior general studies student with a specialization in media and minors in philosophy and gender studies. He released his first song under the stage name Jahn Rome in January 2015 and has since been performing around the Philadelphia Area. He also works as a peer reader at the Drexel Writing Center.

The Triangle: So, you have two different names — Jack Rome and Jahn Rome — can you explain that to me?

Jack Rome: My given name is John Rome and my nickname is Jack. When I was thinking about my stage name I wanted to combine the two, which is how I got Jahn. Another plus is that when you google Jahn Rome nothing else comes up.

TT: Under Jahn Rome you’re a rapper and a songwriter. How did you start writing raps and performing?

JR: I got into it in high school when a few friends of mine were writing a song and I asked them if I could write a chorus. I had never written anything before, so I went to my friend’s bedroom where they were recording it and started rapping an unbelievably off-beat verse, it was so terrible. My friend was actually like ‘Yo. Can I see that?’ When I handed him the paper the verse was written on he just crumpled it up and threw it away. It wasn’t a very motivational start. Since then, I’ve learned to write the right way.

TT: Do you work with other artists?

JR: Yeah. I’m now in a duo called Marcus and Rome, which is less active than my solo stuff. It’s with a kid named Ben Marcus who goes to Temple. We do shows back and forth. As of now, I’ve been doing solo stuff more because I’m able to be more active making music and releasing music under my solo stuff and it gives me more freedom.

TT: Speaking of solo stuff, you just dropped a new EP. Can you tell me a little about creating Winter in Color?

JR: In June of 2015, I released my first project “From Here,” which includes ten songs. After that I started making more singles and then at a certain point, probably in October, I decided I wanted to release an EP in January. That’s “Winter in Color.” It’s a follow-up as to the first project in terms of the themes and everything; but it’s a more optimistic take. It’s an oxymoron for a title. A lot of people are sad in the wintertime but I like it. The album consists of five songs, and it definitely picks up where the first project left off.

TT: What’s your favorite song that you’ve written so far?

JR: There’s a song called “Sugar and Salt” that’s six-and-a-half minutes on my first project. The song is super personal. Writing it helped me at the time, but what else is crazy is that even though it was the longest song of the project, when released, it got more plays than any other song and blew up a little bit compared to my other stuff. Because of that, it made me realize that my music isn’t just for myself — a lot of people were latching on to it. Thus, “Sugar and Salt” made me appreciate it more than I had before.

TT: And what’s Sugar and Salt’s personal story?

JR: I can’t totally go into it, but I can describe general themes. The song displays two different perspectives on the difficulty of depression. It’s a dialogue between two people, so if you listen to it enough times you realize that in one chorus the verse is written from one person’s perspective and the other part is written from that of the other. It was definitely something I really needed to write at the time because writing songs help me to process things.

TT: Do you have any goals for the coming year?

JR: I’m actually working on a bunch of songs for my senior project. I can’t reveal anything yet but I’ll probably have more music to release sometime during the first half of 2016. Besides that I’m just trying to get more shows and performing at Drexel events toward the end of the year.

TT: Do you do anything else around campus at Drexel?

JR: I’m a peer reader in the writing center. Weirdly enough, it’s helped so much with music. I kind of stumbled into the job but it’s definitely been one of the best experiences I’ve had at Drexel. I’ve learned how to greet people, how to talk to people, how to communicate with complete strangers. The work I do there doesn’t just make me feel good in the moment. It spills over into my music.

TT: If you were a fictional creature, what would you be and why?

JR: Can I be a Pokemon?

TT: [Confirmation being a Pokemon is acceptable.]

JR: I would be a Totodile. There are different generations of Pokemon and in the second generation the Totodile is one of the Pokemon that you can start your journey with. It’s called a Totodile. It’s sort of like a little, mini crocodile. It’s a water type. Usually, in the show, Totodile is super playful and silly and I’m super playful and silly too.

The post Triangle Talks with Jack Rome appeared first on The Triangle.