Maverick

The Quinnipiac Chronicle's lifestyle magazine tumblr page.

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The Great Discontent (New York, NY, USA)

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TOP 5 LOCAL CONCERTS

In the Hamden area? Check out these concerts in November.

By Alex Perrella

1.   T.I. & Jeezy Live

Webster Bank Arena

Nov. 13

2.   The Weeknd: The Madness Fall Tour

Mohegan Sun Arena

Nov. 14

3.   Shinedown & Breaking Benjamin

Mohegan Sun Arena

Nov. 19

4.  Rich Homie Quan

Toyota Dome @ Oakdale Theatre

Nov. 21

5.  Hallmark Channel Presents Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Mohegan Sun Arena

Nov. 27

& XL Center Nov. 29

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Pentatonix, Shinedown, Machine Gun Kelly, Fall Out Boy | New Album Reviews

By Alex Perrella

Pentatonix-Pentatonix

The popular acapella group is back at it again. After recently being on tour with Kelly Clarkson, the group headed back to the recording studio to drop this album. Personally seeing them on tour perform some of the songs on this album, I would deeply recommend this album for any music junkie.

Shinedown-Threat to Survival

The rock group that is known for songs like “Second Chance,” “Enemies,” and “Bully,” recently released another fantastic album. With songs like “Asking For It,” “It All Adds Up,” and “Black Cadillac,” Shinedown continues to push the boundaries of the industry. The song off this record that people may know best is “Cut the Cord” because ESPN constantly uses it during their Monday Night Football games. For any rock music fan, this is an album that you must check out.

Machine Gun Kelly-General Admission

A rapper that is known better for mixtapes and remixes than albums, MGK recently released this album. MGK is up to his old tricks, as well as new ones, pushing the boundaries of the hip-hop/rap genre. This album shows that MGK is consistently trying to stay ahead of what’s popular in the industry.

Fall Out Boy-Make America Psycho Again

An album that rarely, if ever, comes out from Fall Out Boy. This album is an album of remixes from their American Beauty/American Psycho album. The remixes on this album are interesting to say the least. With remixes like “Centuries (feat. Juicy J)” and “Uma Thurman (feat. Wiz Khalifa),” the album just goes to show what can happen when alternative music meets the DJ table.

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Group projects are why I have trust issues | Rant

By Lindsay Pytel

I understand the idea. We live in a society where collaborating with other people is a good thing and necessary. We can’t do everything on our own and we need the skills of working with others, I understand that…and I agree.

However, group projects are still the worst things ever.

The class is made up of all kinds of people. People who want to take the class just because it interests them, people who are required to take the class because it’s a prerequisite or because it’s a part of their curriculum for their major or minor, and then you have those people who got stuck in that class because literally nothing else was available at their time of registration.

So you’re sitting in class and the professor tells you you’re going to be placed in groups for a project. The words are spit from the professor’s teeth and you die a little inside. First of all you know for a fact that you and your friends won’t be placed together, because let’s be honest, that just wouldn’t happen. Second of all, now you have to rely on other people to pull their weight.

You go throughout the whole class, heart pounding, wondering whom you’ll be stuck with to present this project. You think “It’s not due until November. Maybe if I don’t think about it, it won’t happen.”

Then scenarios run through your mind. Maybe if you break your leg you won’t have to do it, but you don’t really want to break your leg and that would probably lead to more problems than just help you get out of a group assignment. So you decide not to break your leg and suck it up.

Finally at the last second of class when you’re basically already out of the door the professor says, “Oh and here are the people in your group project.”

Your eyes scan fast to try and find your name, similar to the way they scan when trying to find your flight on the screen. As soon as you find your name you swing around to try and find the people in your group to exchange information, but those people are nowhere to be found because everyone has already left the classroom.

So you go back to your room and you think “Alright well I’ll just get their information next class…no big deal.” Then you receive an email saying you must meet with your group before next class and submit a project proposal.

So you wait a little bit, maybe someone else will be the leader and try to get the group together. As the clock ticks closer to next class the sweat on your face accumulates. No one is contacting you.

Time to take matters into your own hands.

You search everywhere to find their email address and send out a couple emails. Still no response. Did they go through? Did I get the email right? What does CC mean again?

As your partners still don’t answer your email…you get a little desperate. You start asking your friends “Do you know them?” and you feel kind of like a police officer looking for a missing person.

Then when none of your friends know who these people are you start stalking social media. You find them on Facebook and message them and with 20 minutes to spare you hand the assignment in on time.

It shouldn’t be this hard, and yet every time this is how group projects go.

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Citizen’s powerhouse return to Connecticut | Concert Review

By Kristen Riello

Citizen headlined a show at the Heirloom Arts Theatre in Danbury, Connecticut on Oct. 26, supported by Pinegrove, Take One Car and Tri-State Era. Having never seen any of the bands live before, I had no idea what to expect, but ended up having one of the most unforgettable nights of my life.

I decided about three hours earlier that same day that I would skip class, ignore all responsibilities and go to the show. I have been a huge fan of Citizen for several years now and they haven’t come to Connecticut in at least over a year, excluding their run on the Vans Warped Tour this past summer. But since Citizen had a day off on their tour with Circa Survive they decided to spend it playing a show.

The Heirloom Arts Theatre is tucked away on a side street with a low-key entrance. The venue is on the smaller side and has no barricade, making for a very intimate atmosphere. What was unique about the venue is that they don’t serve alcohol and that can actually be a good thing. People don’t go there to get wasted and listen to music, they go there strictly for the artists. It’s the most raw form of listening whereas venues that serve alcohol sometimes miss the mark on. The more trashed people get at concerts, the less enjoyable it is for the underage and sober people around them. It was refreshing to be at a show with a sober atmosphere. It made everyone and everything feel a lot more comfortable and relaxed.

As soon as I walked in I was completely star struck to see Citizen, sans singer Mat Kerekes, hanging out casually at their merch table. The Hamm brothers, Eric and Nick, who play bass and guitar, respectively, drummer Jake Duhaime and guitarist Ryland Oehlers were actually working the merch table. I was dying to talk to them so I went up and bought two of their albums (for an amazing deal of $10). The band was more than happy to sign my “Youth” record and were some of the nicest band members I’ve ever had the pleasure of interacting with, which made me even more eager to see them actually play their set. In my mind, they’re a huge deal. I know their names, faces and everything about their band, but seeing them in that way made me realize that they’re just normal guys, and they see themselves that way too, which sets the tone for the entire show. If the headliners are humble guys, the supporting acts have no choice but to follow suit.

The evening kicked off with Connecticut’s own Tri-State Era, a humble five piece band with two vocalists. The band delivered a pleasantly solid pop-punk/indie sound with lots of energy. The singer was funny and set a casual mood for the evening.

“The band didn’t just want to entice you with your ears, but with all your senses.”

Take One Car, a quartet from upstate New York, played next. They reminded me immediately of Touche Amore and mewithoutYou; the talk rock style was bravely displayed and very endearing. The band had work lamps set up on the ground that the bassist would turn on and off, like a pedal on his pedalboard, in tune with the instruments. It added to their overall moody and slightly eerie aesthetic. The band didn’t just want to entice you with your ears, but with all your senses. The bassist had tons of energy and a strong stage presence, moving all over the small stage; it was hard to take your eyes off of him. A memorable track was “White Flag” from their 2012 release “It’s Going to be a Nice Day.”

The second billed band Pinegrove played third, and the venue had a collective jaw drop moment. Nick Hamm mentioned between Citizen songs that it was one of the best performances he’s ever seen in his life. Pinegrove, a trio from Montclair, New Jersey, became labelmates with Citizen in early October when they were signed to Run For Cover Records.

After hearing Pinegrove’s set it’s no surprise they were picked up by the record label, which is notorious for staying relevant and ahead of the ever-changing trends in the scene. I had checked out and enjoyed a few of the band’s songs back in the beginning of October when I learned they were signed to the label, but the day after the show I downloaded their entire discography off of Bandcamp. For free. I advise anyone interested in being mind blown by something completely different to do the same since it will literally cost you nothing.

“My friend tapped my shoulder after the first song and gave me a ‘holy shit’ look.”

The singer was refreshingly witty and awesomely quirky, wearing a vintage pair of orange and teal Vans accompanied by mismatched socks. He set the tone for their music. It’s almost impossible to describe their sound, because it’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. It has kind of a folky vibe to it, but singer, guitarist and songwriter Evan Hall has a voice unlike any other. Pinegrove will be playing at WQAQ’s Music For Meals event at The Space on Nov. 13.

My friend tapped my shoulder after the first song and gave me a “holy shit” look. Everyone in the room knew that this band was something special. Some could validly argue that they almost stole the entire show. Almost.

Citizen, Ohio/Michigan natives, closed the night with their much awaited set. They opened with “Do You Sleep Anymore?” I was excited to hear tracks from their sophomore LP, “Everybody is Going to Heaven,” which was just released back in June, and they didn’t disappoint. They didn’t overload the set with their new album, just the four most popular songs. They played a perfect mix of new and old, with fan favorites from the first LP “Youth,” to finish the set. Citizen also played “Silo” a stand alone single released before “Everybody is Going to Heaven,” a song I was particularly excited for and the band didn’t disappoint. Having listened to this band’s songs infinite times, their live performance measured up perfectly. Their sophomore LP seemed like it would be hard to replicate live due to distortion and reverb, but no challenge is too great for Citizen.

My friend and I joked about how frontman Kerekes was in Nike sweatpants for their set, but when I thought about it later, that meant so much more. Yeah, he was in sweatpants, but he didn’t care, and we didn’t care. It goes back to the whole humble thing. Citizen doesn’t care about being cool and trendy or trying too hard. They just are who they are. They’re a group of friends who just care about the music. Their lyrics and their sound have profound meanings to them and the fans, and that’s what it’s all about for Citizen. They cut through the facade and give an honest and courageous performance, holding nothing back.

Fans connect to Citizen’s lyrics more than anything and whenever Kerekes held the mic out to the crowd, we all shouted the song back, never missing a word. The whole room singing along to these songs that have such highly emotional meanings to each one of us is an indescribable feeling. It’s a feeling of belonging and connecting with these random strangers that all have this incredibly powerful thing in common. That’s what makes the concert experience so addicting.

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Blog Review

The Maverick takes a closer look at two blogs, one for men and one for women. 

By Adrianna Mouzouras

Whiskey, good times, and French bulldogs are what Scout Sixteen founder Justin Livingston says are his “main loves.” Livingston is a freelance writer who focuses on fashion and travel. Originally from Mississippi, he now finds himself living in New York running a lifestyle blog.

Scout Sixteen has five main categories; style, design, travel, food, and odds & ends.

Each of these categories show some of Livingston’s character. In “Justin’s Style” section, he has a “daily scout” category. There are descriptions of particular parts of his outfits and even some whole outfits, with pictures to go along with them.

What’s great about Livingston’s blog is that in a lot of his posts, the tone sounds like he is having a conversation with you, not just writing.

In one of his posts, “The way we met,” he mentions one of his friends Serena, who also runs a lifestyle blog called The Spicy Stiletto. The layout itself is really similar to Livingston’s except the blog itself is directed towards women and women’s fashion.

The Spicy Stiletto, like Scout Sixteen, has food, travel necessities, and stories, but also has a fashion column that you are introduced to right away when opening the blog with a picture and the title, “white fringe.”

Both of these lifestyle blogs make sure to talk about and sometimes link at least one of the items in their photos, which is always nice, especially if you’re a common online shopper!

What’s great about these two blogs is that there are personal stories behind every picture. The descriptions add a personal touch to each of their posts. Whether it is fashion, food, or travel, their stories are there. By adding these stories it adds character to the blog and knowing the background story behind an outfit or even a food experience makes you feel connected to the blogger.

What caught my attention the most with Scout Sixteen was the homepage and the slideshow of the different articles on the blog. While I was exploring The Spicy Stiletto, I noticed that there is only one article linked on the home page. Aside from the homepage, the first thing I always look for on any blog is the “about” section; there can be so much character shown in just a short paragraph, and that is what these two bloggers have done.

I found the “about” section for Scout Sixteen really inviting. Livingston begins his ‘about me’ with “Hello. My name is Justin Livingston. What’s yours? Let’s be friends,” linking his Facebook page. It is so simple, but I liked it a lot. Serena’s ‘about’ section is kind of catchy, like when she says, “There’s never been a hot sauce I wouldn’t try, or a stiletto too high.” -- both of these blogs give some insight into the lives of Livingston and Serena through their sharing of things that they love and places they’ve been.

You can join their adventure by checking out their blogs http://scoutsixteen.com/ and http://thespicystiletto.com/

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DIY: Costumes from your closet

Have a Halloween party to go to but no time to get a costume? Here are some costumes that you can find in your closet! - Sarah Maguire

A Greek Goddess- All you need is a white sheet, which you can tie into a toga dress. Add a belt to cinch the waist and gold jewelry.

Cowgirl/Cowboy- Put on your favorite pair of worn-out jeans and flannel to start the look. Top it off with a pair of boots to complete the cowboy/girl look. This may seem like a normal everyday outfit but if you braid your hair or add a cowboy hat you can turn it into a costume.

Hippie- That old tie-dye t-shirt you made can finally have some use! All you need is a tie-dye shirt, a pair of jeans and flip-flops. To complete the look add a thin headband!

Rosie the Riveter- To complete this costume all you need is a pair of jeans, jean shirt, a red bandana and red lipstick. But of course you have to pose for each picture showing your muscle and looking tough.

Regina George- All you need for this look is a colorful bra and white tank top. Make sure you cut holes in the tank top and bring your best Regina attitude.

Superhero- If you have any shirt that has a superhero logo on it you instantly have a costume. Pair it with some jeans and you are good to go! To make this costume even better, wear a button up over the t-shirt and dramatically take it off saying you have to save the world throughout the night.

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What’s in my make-up bag?

By Aliza Gray

Whether I find myself in Ulta, Sephora or Walgreens, it’s a rare occurrence that I leave empty handed. I’m like a kid in a candy store. The brightly lit stores with its isle after isle of products, a rainbow array of lipsticks, mascara in hundreds of shades of black, is just too pretty to resist.

As time has passed, all these little gifts I pamper myself with have my trusty make-up bag bursting at the seams; but I have a few choice items that I just can’t imagine being without. I pick up a new one before I even run out and they always help me pull my look together; whether I’m going out or going to class.

Face

BB Cream Tinted Treatment Primer

I first discovered this product in a Sephora about 6 months ago. When I wear it I don’t feel like I’m covering my imperfections but like they’re gone altogether. If I was forced to choose just one item to keep with me out of my whole bag it would likely be this one

Specifics:

My skin looks brighter and feels smoother

It was especially great to have on hand this summer as it also has 30 SPF

It’s as light and breathable as powder but covers much more evenly and never looks flaky

Lips

Covergirl’s Lip Perfection

I’m gonna cheat here because there are actually two lip care items that deserve some recognition. The first is only broken out once in awhile but when it is, it’s a huge confidence booster.

Specifics:

Comes in just about every color you could think of, is as bold as it is beautiful.

It stays on through the night without a smear and it’s soft shine is just the right amount of extravagant; perfect for a night out.

Burt’s Bees lip balm

Perfect for everyday use and in my wallet more than it’s in my make-up bag, my Burt’s Bees lip balm is one of those items I’d take to a deserted island if I could only take a handful of things. The chapstick, I have the coconut and pear flavor, tastes as good as it is good for you. I own just about everything Burt’s Bees, but this lip balm is by far a favorite.

Specifics:

It gives me moisture that lasts for hours and I rarely find myself with chapped lips.

All natural.

Eyes

Almay’s liquid liner

To this day I’m still not sure what it is about painting a black line on my eye that makes me feel so much prettier, but it really does. Day or night and regardless of the activity, eyeliner for me is always a must. I swear by Almay’s liquid liner, and have worn nothing but for as long as I can remember. The liner opens up my eyes and gives the appearance of lashes I could only dream of actually having.

Specifics:

It comes in a shade fit for everyone, and is a perfect tool regardless what it is you’re getting ready for.

The narrow tip of the applicator makes it easy to get perfect precision even if you’re just starting to experiment with the product or makeup in general.

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The Underground : DJ Fanonx

By Ruth Onyirimba - Features Editor

Photo: Julia Gallop | The Quinnipiac Chronicle

This segment is dedicated to finding students with unique and interesting artistic abilities and showcasing their talents and personalities.

This is an interview between the Maverick (M) and Fanonx Rogers (X),  a junior here at Quinnipiac and a local DJ with lots of tips and advice (and lots of song suggestions!) for up-and-coming artists.

M: Tell us about yourself – what are you up to at Quinnipiac?

X: Yeah, I’m currently studying computer science and anthropology. I’m also involved in WQAQ Hamden, which is the radio station on campus. I handle the production department and create sweepers, public service announcements, show intros and all that jazz. I also DJ local bars, clubs, campus events, formals, and other events here on campus and around the city.

M: How long have you been DJing for, and when did you know that it was something you wanted to pursue?

X: Yeah, when I first joined WQAQ, they said I could be a DJ. But a radio DJ is completely different than an actual DJ. I also noticed a lot of student organizations came to WQAQ asking for DJs to play music at their events. I realized it was an opportunity for me to capitalize on and really just took advantage of it. Plus, I really loved it, and wanted to make it a hobby that I could fall back on. If I wasn’t DJing, I think I would just be doing classic work. I guess it’s my hobby that I want to turn into a career.

M: Are there other DJs who really motivate you or inspire you?

X: Yeah, I really look up to A-Trak and DJ Jazzy Jeff, those are my guys. I always watch their videos and routines and try to emulate their techniques. Plus they preach DJing on turntables, ‘cause that’s really how it should be done. Turntables really show what a DJ can do.

M: What types of music do you use, and is it different from the music you listen to?

X: I literally use all types of music, it really just depends on the location. Like back home, I mainly stuck within the genres of hip-hop, rap, reggae, afro beat, and top 40. But now that I’m in CT I use a lot of hip-hop, electronic, top 40, country, pretty much most of the genres you can think of. I recently I found this DJ/producer trio called Mozambo. I’ve really fallen in love with their music and production. If I really want to get into producing house, I would definitely draw inspiration from them.

M: Can you give us a few of your favorite songs off of your personal playlist? If you were DJing only for yourself, what songs would you definitely play?

X: Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean” is in heavy rotation, the crowd loves it, and it’s just a banger in general. “Jordan Belfort” by Wes Walker is also just a banger that I love to play. Young Thug’s “With That” is on repeat for me. Song just gets me too hyped! Drake’s “Back to Back” will go down in the history books as one of the best diss songs ever. “Jump Man” by Drake and Future, “Lay Up,” Future, “Stick Talk,” Future, “Where Ya At,” Future, “Real Sisters,” Future, literally everything Future. I love Soundcloud because that’s where I find my personal gems. Whenever I hear a song I always write it down no matter where I hear it. I could tell you a few more of my personal favorites?

M: Definitely!

X: Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen Remix” – definitely a good banger and allows switch ups. “679,” Fetty Wap, Travi$ Scott’s “3500” and “90210” [are] definitely my favorite tracks on his album. “Downtown” by Macklemore is one of my favorites right now. The original pokemon theme song is just classic to me. I love the show and to just sing along to that song gets me so hyped. DJ Smallz “We Are Young (Jersey Club Edit),” literally my favorite jersey club mix. It’s such a banger. Ha ha, I think these will do – one more – “Hotline Bling” by Drake is just too much of a banger. I even have it as my ringtone.

M: Do you have a Soundcloud or a Bandcamp that we can follow you on?

X: My Soundcloud is just “Fanonx” – there’s also my Mixcloud account which I have nothing on, but that’s just Fanonx as well. Or you can check out my website at fanonxproductions.com – it shows my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Soundcloud, and YouTube.

M: Do you have any advice fore people who are considering DJing or pursuing any other art form?

X: Yeah – watch a lot of videos of other DJs, and see what you can do to emulate their practices – but also, make it your own. Do what you want to do, but attend to what the crowd wants to hear. You can’t always play something you want to play; you have to play what the crowd wants to hear, I guess. Definitely just be yourself, in what ever you do, honestly. Make it so it’s unique. If you try to emulate others’ technique and not make it your own, you’re really not gonna stand out. Keep trying… it really takes time to harness your skill. Keep practicing, at least try to practice once a day. And if you can’t practice, prepare. Lastly, just keep working hard. If you suck at first, and people tell you you suck, just use that as motivation, and keep at it, because you never know where you’ll be.

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Maverick's President Loo-Hee

The Maverick decided to ask Quinnipiac students about their thoughts on President Loo-Hee Log onto https://www.tumblr.com/blog/chroniclemaverick now!

We asked students about President Loo-Hee...here’s what they responded.

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Rock Album Reviews

By Alex Perrella

Artist: Black Veil Brides

Album: IV

Hard Rock

The Los Angeles Hard Rock band that was originally from Cincinnati, Black Veil Brides, recently released their album IV which loosely connects with one of their earlier albums Wretched and Divine: Story of the Wild Ones. I personally that this is one of their better albums and like songs off the album like “Heart of Fire,” “Faithless,” “Goodbye Agony,” and “Crown of Thorns.” I would recommend this album to any rock fan. Rock music is not dead yet, contrary to popular belief.

Artist: Papa Roach

Album: F.E.A.R. (Face Everything And Rise)

Rock

Papa Roach has been around for more than 15 years and is still going strong. Known for putting personal experiences within the lyrics of their songs, as well as putting their own spin on everyday problems, Papa Roach continues that trend with their album F.E.A.R. With songs like “F.E.A.R.”, “Broken as Me,” “Gravity (feat. Marina Brink),” and “Warriors (feat. Royce Da 5’9”),” Papa Roach shows that they still have what it takes to stay alive in the industry. This album is yet another example of how rock music is not dead.

Artist: Five Finger Death Punch

Album: Got Your Six

Hard Rock/Metal

After debuting in 2005, Los Angeles Hard Rock/Metal band, Five Finger Death Punch, has used a lot of their albums to relate to the armed forces. Their latest album, Got Your Six, is no different. With songs like “Got Your Six,” “Boots and Blood,” “Hell to Pay,” and the bonus track “I Apologize,” Five Finger Death Punch (or 5FDP) continue to relate their music to the armed forces and the struggles that come with being a part of the military, like PTSD. 5FDP’s main focus is the military and bringing to light the problems that the soldiers face both during and after wars and time in the armed forces. I believe that this is helping prevent any military-related problems from becoming worse than what they already are.

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Q&A with exchange student Beverly Wakiaga - Kenya

Interview with sophomore student, Beverly Wakiaga.

Q: Which part of Kenya are you from?

A: “I’m from Nairobi.”

Q: What’s Nairobi like?

A: “It’s normal, I guess. It looks like all cities do. It’s just really dusty. Like there was a time when Snapchat had Nairobi as their story and all my friends were like ‘Damn, Nairobi’s ‘kinda dusty doe.’”

Q: Had your family ever been to America before?

A: “Yeah I have family in Jersey and Texas. I’m almost always here.”

Q: What’s your major?

A: “Journalism. Since 9th grade I was like Journalism’s where it’s at.”

Q: Why’s that?

A: “I felt like…well before… this is really embarrassing but I was gonna be a pop star. I don’t know how, but I was gonna be one. Everyone was like ‘I’m gonna be a doctor’ and I was like ‘Pop star.’ And then I was like ‘I wanna help people in some way, [but] I don’t know how.’ Then I watched this investigative piece from this journalist back home and I was like ‘That’s what I want to do.’”

Q: Do you remember what [the piece] was about?

A: “Yeah it was about this car company that tracks your car when it’s stolen but how they weren’t actually [using] the alarms to notify you that your car had been stolen, so they were just taking the money and not actually performing the services.”

Q: What’ your overall goal with journalism?

A: “That’s a big one. Right now I’m kinda conflicted because I like it here but I also want to go back home at some point and live there and help with the journalism market. So I don’t know, but me and my friend have this [goal] to become the first African broadcasting network [big] enough to run against CNN...”

Q: Are you involved in any clubs here for that?

A: “I kinda tried Q30 every once in a while, but I haven’t really done as much as I would like.”

Q: What’s the best place you’ve ever been to?

A: “I’m gonna have to say home [and] where my dad was born. It’s called Rusinga Island and it’s like the best place in the world. It’s basically a village…it’s a very rural area. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful and I don’t know, it’s just the best place in the world to me.”

Q: What do you find the strangest about the U.S.?

A: “There are so many things, it depends. Sometimes the strangest thing is when I mention something and people look at me like ‘I don’t know what that is.’ Like when we go shopping and I’m like, ‘Oh we need a trolley!’ and they’re like, ‘What?’ and I’m like, ‘You know, the thing you put the groceries inside.’”

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The Faculty Perspective:Prof. Andrew Scott

By Ruth Onyirimba

In the series, The Faculty Perspective, members of faculty respond to pop culture from their areas of expertise. 

In this article, a theatre professor gives his opinion of the pilot episode of one of the most notorious TV drama of our time, Scandal.

Faculty Member:

Prof. Andrew Scott

B.F.A: University of Connecticut

M.F.A: University of California, Irvine

Fun Facts:

Professor Andrew Scott begun acting in high school and has never stopped since. Although he never really had an “aha!” moment, he discovered his love for theater more organically.

He received his B.F.A. in Dramatic Arts from UConn, and later earned his M.F.A for Directing from University of California, Irvine.

Professor Scott had always planned to work as a teacher at the university level.

Professor Scott, having acted and directed on both the east and west coasts, continues to work as a professional actor, having worked with actors such as Martha Plimpton and directors such as Mark Lamos, Mark Brokaw and Doug Hughs, a Tony winner.

When asked what makes a good piece of film or theatre, he stated, “ One that’s going to engage me on all levels – plays of ideas, plays with strong characters … and I like plays that are innovative and visually striking as well as dynamic in the way they’re staged, in terms of content and also the way they’re done. Especially with the classics (i.e. Shakespeare and the Greeks).”

Professor Scott had never seen Scandal prior to the interview.

The Review:

After having watched the first few minutes of the pilot of Scandal, “Sweet Baby,” Scott’s first impression was that it was “very slick, it’s very contemporary in terms of it’s editing style, its visuals, the use of color and lighting.”

He states that there is a “glossy, magazine look to it.” He pointed out the iconic Washington, DC background, the way surfaces are used to reflect light, the use of clothing to define the two characters in the scene, and even the use of makeup on the character named “Quinn.” He also noted the effective use of music, commenting that the background noise dies away completely when Olivia Pope’s name is mentioned.

When asked how he felt about Olivia Pope, the protagonist who had not yet made an appearance, he answered, “Yes, I want to hear more about Olivia Pope.” He was intrigued by the fact that she and her teams referred to themselves and each other as gladiators in suits, linking it back to roots in mythology.

In closing, when asked what he wanted the student body to know about the importance of theatre and film, he had this to say: “These are populous forms which have the power to not only entertain but to change our lives. As all art does, it humanizes us—and that’s the importance. It lets us see the world through someone else’s eyes.”

[chroniclemaverick-blog]

Remembering home

By Adrianna Mouzouras

The Maverick asked students what items they brought to school to remember home with. From jerseys to teddy bears, here’s what the students had to say.

Megan Kelleher:

“My best friend gave me stuffed animals every holiday for all of high school. I brought this one because it’s a bobcat she gave me for graduation. I also brought a bottle of my best friend’s cologne.”

Margaret Orena:

“There's only really one thing I brought from home and it's a tie dye bucket hat, my friends all bought one in Disney when my grade went together and we all wore one like the entire trip.”

Amanda Allen:

“I brought a blanket my friend got me to remind me of her plus a ton of pictures of my friends and family, and I have a ring to remind me of my grandma. The blanket is special to me because my friend got it for me and it just reminds me of her, the pictures aren't really special, they just remind me of like back home and the ring is special because it's from Italy and has been in my family for a while.”

Josh Beron:

“I really don’t have anything, I don’t really love objects. They’re replaceable. Anything tangible that really means something to me, I Ieft at home. I try not to get attached to things too much. I stay in close contact with my family and that's all the comfort I need.”

Janelle Robinson:

“I brought books that my brother and I spend hours talking about that remind me of him. Pictures of my brother and sister at mine and hers graduation because it's the first time my older brother was home to watch us graduate. And paintings my dad bought me for my birthday in California.”

Luke Shiplo

“I brought a picture of my brother and I, as well as one with my parents, I brought a Canadian flag to put on the wall, and some old hockey jerseys to put on the wall from when I was younger. The pictures are to remind me of home and family, the hockey jerseys allow me to look at how much time and effort I have put into hockey and how it's paid off, and the flag is to remind me of home and Canada.”

[chroniclemaverick-blog]

A playlist featuring Anna Of The North, VÉRITÉ, OMI, and others

New tunes from different artists, the only way I’m going to make it through Monday - Sarah Harris

[chroniclemaverick-blog]

5 covers of “Sober” by Gambino

The artist Vérité came out with a cover of Sober by Childish Gambino this past week and then I realized how many awesome covers I have heard of this song. So I compiled a list of artists, from varied genres, and placed them on this document just for you.

Daniela Andrade

Miami Horror - Feat. Queen Magic

Alo Lee

VÉRITÉ

LeMarquis

[chroniclemaverick-blog]

Albums to watch out for

By Aliza Gray

As much as you may love jamming out to your favorite old Beyonce or Dave Matthews Band album, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of discovering a new album to get wrapped up in. Everyday new faces and up-and-comers are releasing their very first albums that might have your new favorite song and well-knowns are changing up their sound. Below are just a few of the albums recently or soon-to-be released that’ll have you singing along to every track in no time.

Nathaniel - “Yours”

Nathaniel Willemse - known more commonly as just Nathaniel - is a 28 year old originally from South Africa, as well as former The X Factor Australia hopeful. “Yours,” Nathaniel’s debut album, will be released October 23rd and features his unique blend of soul and pop. His lead single “You’re Beautiful” is bold and danceable and showcases his insane talent. With his incredible range  and his smooth and sultry voice that’s somewhere between Adam Levine and Justin Timberlake you’re sure to be swooning long before the last track.

Thomas Rhett - Tangled Up

In recent years country music has ditched much of its twang, corniness and other characteristics that have narrowed down its target audience. Today’s country music is fun, light, and heavily influenced by pop - and Thomas Rhett’s new album Tangled Up is just that. Released on October 2nd, Rhett’s album features carefree and catchy lyrics that can make you feel like you’re at a tailgate in July despite the brisk October wind. The standout song for me is “T-Shirt” a sexy and relatable tune that’s bound to get stuck in your head.

Tamar Braxton - Calling All Lovers

I’m all about self-empowerment and telling it how it is, so when I found out about new girl with confident, unapologetic lyrics and a killer voice, saying I was excited is an understatement. Tamar Braxton, a three-time Grammy nominee, released her new album Calling All Lovers on October 2nd, and each one of the 16 songs are brimming with both soul and sass, done in such a beautiful way and with such raw emotion that they're sure to leave you with goosebumps. Braxton’s voice is particularly  stunning in tracks like “Free Fallin’” and “Circles,” but every song will have you belting out every word, regardless of your ability to sing.

The 1975 - Pink

This uber cool indie-rock foursome, originally out of Manchester, England has been eerily quiet for over two years since releasing their first and only album, The 1975. Last June, after their seemingly endless silence - and even rumors of a breakup - the band’s lead singer Matty Healy teased fans by saying a second album is “in production” and would be released in September... no such luck, but rest assured that this album will for sure be worth the wait. Now set to be released October 8th, Healy has promised his fans a change in sound from the previous, but it will no doubt deliver on being melodic, edgy and undeniably rad.