Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
15 Great Alternative Halloween Tracks
Any good Halloween party needs a pitch-perfect soundtrack. But how many times can you listen to "Monster Mash," or, if you're the edgier type, "Bela Lugosi's Dead"? This list of suggestions for your party playlist should help diversify your Halloween music library.
By Eden Roquelaire8 years ago in Beat
Different
It was once suggested that I like the extreme music I like and the often-strange films just to be different. While I am happy to be different, it’s not intentional. I like the music I like because of what it is, how I feel listening to it and the enjoyment I get. It’s not down to me if I am in a minority. My music doesn’t make the charts, rarely sells stadium tours but is truly cathartic and life saving for me.
By ASHLEY SMITH8 years ago in Beat
Top 3 Most Influential Musicians
The greatest singer of all time, Whitney Houston, once said, “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will” (“Music.” Pinterest). And so she did, as she created a timeless array of music that will live on forever in the hearts of many other artists and be passed down to our posterity. For the most part, she was trying to convey an honest and poignant message that we are all on this planet for a limited time and our job is to find our purpose—what we are supposed to give back to the world—and not to die with the music still inside of us. Notably, 2016 was a rough year for many music lovers all over the world. They mourned the deaths of Michael Jackson, George Michael, David Bowie, and just recently Glen Campbell who passed away on August 8th of this year in his late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, these artists all died at a young age. As the world of music lost some of its most prolific, innovative, unique and charismatic artists, all of these musicians have left something behind that people centuries from now could dig out of the ground. When I come to think of the musicians that left a footprint in my heart, three people stand out the most. Even though Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, and Whitney Houston all struggled with addiction, they still launched successful careers and remain very influential in today’s youth.
By Giulia Elena Salice8 years ago in Beat
'Hamilton': An American Musical Soundtrack Review
When people first started raving about Hamilton on Broadway, the first response was "It can't be that good." Mixing hip-hop with a musical? It sounded like showrunner Lin Manuel-Miranda was trying to combine two audiences together and would attract neither one of them. After listening to the soundtrack, Manuel-Miranda did a fantastic job at weaving in the elements of both from seemingly opposite and conflicting genres. After all, rap and musicals are practically oil and water when it comes to their fanbase. The fans of one genre aren't likely to go and try the other. In fact, I'd argue, Hamilton is more musical than rap album.
By Michael Bergonzi8 years ago in Beat
10 Best Fiona Apple Songs
Though she has a relatively small catalog, Fiona Apple is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 1990s. Her powerful voice, confessional lyrics, and heavy playing style have made an indelible mark in music, and these are 10 of what I think are her finest tracks. For this list, I considered popularity, songwriting quality, and emotional intensity. It was difficult to choose, so here are a few honorable mentions:
By Eden Roquelaire8 years ago in Beat
8EEZ Playlist: The Cars
"I guess you're just what I needed". Hello and welcome. This latest spotlight is on a band that just has only one thing going for it. Fun! Do I sound like a broken record? Maybe. But, that's what I firmly believe about music - it should be fun. Growing up that way I did, not allowed initially to listen to rock music because it was considered sacrilege, it was years after rediscovering the joy of my lost youth through music.
By Carlos Gonzalez8 years ago in Beat
Two of Hip-Hop's Biggest Moguls Make Forbes' List of "Greatest Living Business Minds" in 100th Anniversary Issue
Forbes Magazine has achieved a major milestone this month. On September 15, 2017, the bi-weekly American business publication celebrated its 100-year anniversary of being in commission.
By Victor Trammell8 years ago in Beat
You Want It Darker
2016 was a dark year full of, among other bad omens, the deaths of many icons of the musical community. Among the many musical legends we lost that year was Leonard Cohen, the legendary Canadian singer/songwriter and poet who passed away on November 7th, a day before Trump won the presidency. Cohen's passing was but the latest in a long line of music deaths and it only served to further the notion that 2016 was a terrible year. Before he left us however, Cohen released You Want it Darker, his fourteenth and final studio album. Released just 19 days before his passing, the album gives us Cohen's final musings on life with nine of his most strikingly poetic and darkly prophetic songs delivered by a man not quite ready to go gently into that good night.
By Matthew Frati8 years ago in Beat
In to the Pit
I have attended various concerts over a number of years, from pubs with 30 people through to festivals with over 100,000. Where I want to be and usually get to be is at the very, very front. Often described as the pit, this especially applies to the heavy metal, thrash metal gigs I attend. As I get older and more fragile I have to consider what I do a bit more so here is my survival guide.
By ASHLEY SMITH8 years ago in Beat
Ryan Follese's Debut Solo Album Is Evidence You Can't Change Those Roots
Everyone may not realize this but the guy with the guitar singing about backroads and putting a label on it isn't new to music, let alone country music. That's Ryan Follese, son of singer songwriters with country roots Keith Follese and Adrienne Follese, and he's most well known as being the front man from the pop rock band Hot Chelle Rae.
By Chelsea DeVries8 years ago in Beat
8EEZ Playlist: Phil Collins
"It's just another day for you and me, in paradise." Hello, and thanks for reading! This spotlight artist is a personal favorite of mine. I remember hearing his haunting smash ballad, "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" back in 1984, and literally crying my eyes out. Mind you, I was only a mere 12 years old, but, the voice, the melody and the poignant urgency of the song touched me quite deeply. I made it a point to buy up all his records from that point on. I did just that and have been a lifelong fan ever since, even despite the worries that he's now "Old Hat." It was also to my incredible joy that he was also the lead singer of one of my favorite 80s rock group: Genesis. Yes...they are due for a future 'list very soon. Meantime. Me and my buddy Oates will share this latest 'list of one Philip David Charles Collins of West London, UK.
By Carlos Gonzalez8 years ago in Beat
