Tag Archives: music

What do Jacob Snider and Lady Gaga Have in Common?

Posted on by under Music News, Upcoming Shows
“This is how it feels to be boarding a moving train
smoke from the sky
blinding your eyes
all of your dreams can be real life
all of your dreams can be real life…”
– Jacob Snider

Jacob Snider is probably one of the most talented lyricists on Columbia’s campus right now. His lyrics flow like poetry, and his voice seems to penetrate the hearts of his listeners. The lyrics above from his song, “Real Life” must seem ever so “real” to him right now, as he not only joins the ranks of Lady Gaga, but Macy Gray, Counting Crows and countless other artists in being chosen by Broadcast Music, Inc. for “Pick of the Month.”  The idea of this award is to give artists exposure to the music industry through access to a top-rated venue at a discounted price. In other words, it’s a sure way to advance one’s career and fan base outside of campus.

As I always say, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of these performances now — you know, before we wind up having to pay hundreds of dollars for Lady Gaga tickets. Jacob Snider is scheduled to perform at Rockwood Music Hall tomorrow, April 23rd, at 9 pm. It’s a free show, 21+. Unfamiliar with Jake’s music? I’ve got you covered. Check out his SoundCloud below, and if you’re short on time go ahead and skip to “Real Life.” More info can be found about him at jacobsnider.com.

Keep Calm, It’s Party Time

Posted on by under Upcoming Shows

MacklemoreYou know what they say, April showers bring Ma—cklemore and parties that start at 10 am. Bachannal weekend is all about the music, and the fun. But this year is a bit different. If you’re throwing a party tomorrow, you might be feeling a little stressed. An 11 am concert means you have to bear the rain today to buy groceries for tomorrow. And then there’s the music. Come on, you can’t throw a party without good music.

Whether you’re at Columbia for Bacchanal, at Penn for Spring Fling, or dipping out to some other spring concert over the next few weekends, I’ve got you covered. With the help of a few CU students, we’ve created the ultimate Spring playlist using Spotify/YouTube. 49 songs, 3 hours. From Calvin Harris to Beyonce, Avicii to 2Chainz, this playlist covers every hype genre. So check it out, shuffle it, or just let it play (it’s in a certain order).

Hope you enjoy! Oh, and you’re welcome.


For all you non-spotify users out there, here’s the same playlist on YouTube:

3 Reasons You MUST Vibe with Taylor Simone this Thursday

Posted on by under Music News, New Music, Upcoming Shows


Promo 2This Thursday, April 11th, Taylor Simone will grace the stage at the Bitter End in downtown New York for her last concert of the semester. Now I already know what you’re thinking…downtown?! As Columbia students, we tend to limit our adventures to the area that our President conveniently labels as “Morningside Heights” aka places between 96th street and 125th…and that’s a stretch. If we do somehow manage to venture downtown, we make sure that we change out of our sweatpants into something we’ve been waiting to wear but haven’t found a good excuse to, then Instagram the entire adventure — from the subway, to the dinner, to the expensive table that we hope the guy next to us is paying for, and finally we change our Facebook profile pictures to something that sums up the “epic” night we had.

Well friends, it’s about time to put away the sweatpants and start Bachannal weekend off right. The talented, smooth, and soulful Taylor Simone is promising to give a show that will be one of the highlights of her career. She’s bound to be famous soon, so wouldn’t it be nice to take advantage now and see her before the prices skyrocket? And just in case you’re still wondering if it will be worth your while, here are 3 key reasons you should go and support:

1. She opened for Snoop Dogg during Bacchanal 2 years ago and killed it. She was only a FRESHMAN, already making her claim to fame.

2. She’s performing some new songs, and covers. Remember my post on covers? Yea, here come the fans.

3. It’s a Thursday night, and there’s nothing better to do (trust me). The concert is called VIBE for a reason. Vibe with Taylor, Vibe with your friends, and immerse yourself in the amazing atmosphere.

Disclaimer: this is open to EVERYONE (you know, the entire world…not just CU students).

Get ready for a great time, check out her tumblr page, and listen to her cover below of Swimming Pools by Kendrick Lamar:

5 Reasons “Young” People Don’t Attend the Opera

Posted on by under Music Thoughts

Friend A: Hey what are you doing this weekend?

Friend B: Hey, I’m going to check out that new Turandot production at the Met. 

Friend A:
Kevin Hart The Opera Final

Really though, how many of us college students would give a confused Kevin Hart-like face if we heard that response? We go to Knicks games, the movies, even jazz clubs, but the OPERA?? On the rare occasions that we do, it’s usually to fulfill some elective requirement or it’s because we received free tickets. Even those of us who study opera everyday have to admit that we haven’t attended many. We can easily give you a rundown on Wagner, Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, etc. Heck, we’ll even sing a bit of something like La Traviata. But will we make plans to go to the opera on a free weekend?

Absolutely not.

Here’s why:

1. They’re too long.

Operas can easily take up your day. Going to see Lord of the Rings is an event, but Wagner’s Ring cycle takes it to another level. One Columbia student studying music in the College states, “I really think it’s a deterrent that they’re so long. People want to be cultured, but not for 5 hours.”

2. The good ones typically aren’t in English. 

Back in the 18th Century, Italian Opera replaced English Opera as the standard, and America hasn’t looked back since. But, just like most Americans preferred English back then, we prefer it now. An Italian opera viewing typically goes something like, look down *read* (the translation), look up *watch*, look back down *read*, close eyes *listen*…it really takes a lot of energy Mr. Rossini.

3. They’re too expensive. 

In response to why he doesn’t attend operas, one college student says, “It’s like attending a sporting event. If I had free time, money, etc., I wouldn’t spend it on an event that holds no entertainment value to me.”

It’s all about marginal cost. How much are we willing to give up for an opera ticket? It seems much more appealing to just see Matilda AND be able to afford dinner afterwards.

4. Some people just don’t get it. 

Opera singers project their voices in a…let’s just say different way. The only way young people are exposed to it is if they sing opera themselves or study the craft in academia. Otherwise, it’s up to YouTube to disseminate the information, and that doesn’t seem too promising.

5. No opportunity. 

When we go to entertainment events, we go for a reason. Whether it’s to experience the atmosphere, scream at our favorite artist, or eat cracker jacks and sing songs, it’s for a reason. Most of us would need a (big) incentive to go to the opera over a U2 concert.

In truth, a large gap exists between most of the young and old(er)’s understanding of opera. Even if we as a younger generation arrive at this true understanding, we will tend to derive greater happiness (or utility) from spending our leisure time on something else. Come on, people in their 20’s weren’t going to the opera back in the 1900s– they were going to the underground jazz clubs. Can we be at fault today if we prefer Ultra or SXSW?

So world, what will it take to attract the great majority of college students and the like to the opera? Education? Hype? How about a star that crosses from pop to opera? Or, maybe we’ll just have to wait until people start dressing like this again…

opera painting

After lots and lots of Botox, John Mayer is Back

Posted on by under Music News

Did you even notice that he was gone?

With so many artists on the scene, it seems a bit difficult to keep up with every single one. Vocalist and guitarist John Mayer has been out of the game for a few years now, but he’s finally ready for a comeback. Billboard’s new cover story highlights John Mayer and his 3 year medical journey to recovery. It started in the fall of 2011 when Mayer was diagnosed with a severe tissue inflammation on his vocal chords, known as granuloma.  Between constant touring, and excessive drinking resulting in acid reflex (life of a rock star), Mayer’s vocal chords had enough. To fix the problem, Mayer went to see Dr. Steven Zeitels, who if you remember, miraculously fixed Adele’s vocal chords and saved her career. Mayer’s problem wasn’t so easy to fix however, and there was a time when he never thought he’d sing again.

So what did the trick?

Botox. Lots and lots of Botox. Seriously. Just like too much Botox freezes the faces of the Real Housewives, Botox also has the capability to freeze vocal chords, allowing them to heal. So after 3 years of constant rest and jam sessions on his guitar, John Mayer is returning with a Born & Raised tour. Yes, a year after an album release does seem a tad bit late. But then again, he’s John Mayer, and he’s a heart-throb. I’m betting on some improved musicianship, and ambition to do something great. So here’s to an Adrian Peterson-like comeback, Mr. Mayer.

How Do Artists Get Views on YouTube?

Posted on by under Music News


Melanie Fiona recently did a cover of Drake’s “Started From the Bottom,” creating a simple beat and turning the rap song into an R&B song of her own. Melanie’s already a well-known artist on the scene with two Grammy’s under her belt, so we have to wonder why she’s spending time doing covers. Was she was bored or does she just really like the song? Or, more likely, maybe she’s just staying relevant.

Whether they admit or not, emerging artists care what fans think about their music. After all, fans are the ones that pay the bills. Obviously, Melanie Fiona is not an emerging artist, but she is an artist that knows the importance of marketing. With social media dominating the way young people communicate, word of mouth and the virality of the internet drive record sales. Once an artist releases his music into the ‘cloud’ of the internet, he essentially gives the world permission to disseminate his track in any way it sees fit. Bad or good, publicity is publicity in the world of entertainment.

So what better way than to take advantage of YouTube and the millions of people who are already searching the site for videos? Obviously, musicians take advantage of this everyday. BUT, for some reason, most don’t want to post covers.

The explanation goes beyond fear of people “not liking” the song. You see, musicians are all about finding their own style, and differentiating themselves from others. Think about it – the most successful artists are those that are unique. So when a relatively unknown artist posts a cover of a popular song, she automatically takes away from her “uniqueness” since this is the way in which (most) of the world hears about her. To take an extreme case: imagine covering a Whitney Houston song that soon afterwards goes viral. Next thing you know, everyone in the world starts calling you the next Whitney Houston. Sure, it may seem like a great compliment at first, but it might not be so flattering when the world starts to realize you are not Whitney Houston…at all.

So, question for the musicians out there: what do all of you think about doing covers? Is it possible to make it without appealing to the audience and the songs they already know? Covers seem like an automatic way to get subscribers. If you need to increase your views, does it really hurt to take a shortcut and do a few covers?

Just a few.

Grammy First, College Later (or Never)

Posted on by under Featured, Music News

Take a look at the Billboard Hot 100 today, March 9th. You’ll end up noticing all of the typical names. From Rihanna to Bruno Mars, it’s not a surprising list. One particular song, “Started From The Bottom” by Drake, has gained a lot of popularity and now sits at #6. In his music video, Drake does a satire on his own lyrics (watch the video above), which makes sense when you think about it. Come on, we all know you didn’t really start from the bottom, Jimmy.

Like every famous artist, Drake ‘hustled’ his way to the top. But he also didn’t graduate from college.

As college students, we have to wonder how much of a return we are getting on our 6-figure “investment.” Artists who show real talent are sometimes faced with a choice of getting an education, or chasing their dreams. Which is more important? Better yet, why do they have to choose? Don’t we go to college so we can chase our dreams, or does the institution hinder us from doing so? Most students wind up postponing their dreams in favor of high-paying jobs. And sometimes, those dreams never become fulfilled.

Take a look again at the Hot 100 (the first 10 songs). #3 – #10: none of these artists graduated from college. Just last year, Drake graduated from high school. #1 and #2: Macklemore and Baauer sit at the top…two relatively new names on the charts, with viral singles. Will they last? Only time will tell. Either way, 80% of the artists on the top 10 did not attend college. These 80% have multiple platinum albums and multiple Grammys to show for it. These 80% have decided to postpone higher education for success.*

So the question is: Where does college fit in for musicians? Is there a correlation between success in this music industry and lack of a college education?
Or is it just pure luck? Seriously, we all know a college dropout who is struggling to make it in the business. Either way, the stats are a little daunting for college musicians lying in a pool of debt.

*Will.i.am. will be attending college this year to study computer science

Mackleless, Macknomore: Bwog Reports Macklemore will NOT be at Bachannal

Posted on by under Music News

And let the puns begin: “Mackleless” (credit: Olivia Harris), “Macknomore,” “Mackledissed,” “Mackleditched”

Rumor has it that Macklemore will most likely not be attending Bachannal, Columbia’s spring concert. Can anyone be surprised though? CU is known for bringing in has-been’s (i.e. Snoop Dogg) or will-be’s (Wiz Khalifa), so pulling off Macklemore would have been one for the books.

For now, we should probably start thinking of some other options. ASAP Rocky, Meek Millz, Kendrick Lamar, etc. are already being suggested on Bwog’s comments. While we’re reaching for the stars, maybe someone should take the subway/Metro North to one Beyonce’s places and ask her (kidding, kind of).

Who would you like to see perform? Read the original Bwog article here: Bwog Report

BHM Fashion Meets Music

Posted on by under Featured, Music News, New Music

It’s always fun when different forms of art combine to create a production. Last weekend, during the Black History Month fashion show, fashion met music (or did music meet fashion?). The show, headed up by Columbia senior Jasmine Sudarkasa included a lot of artistic elements, from a dramatized pillow fight, to a rendition of the Harlem Shake, and a remake of “GIRLS” (video above). One of my favorite parts though, was what occurred in between the different designers: a jazz band called “Steven Fowler.” The band had a Robert Glasper feel to it, as they began with a basic melody/theme and expanded upon it in each instrument. Each member had his own solo, incorporating the normal jazz elements of syncopation and harmonic dissonance. I didn’t catch the solos on video, although I wish I had. In the end though, the horns blended together to create a smooth sound as the bass line in the guitar carried the band forward. Overall, it was a great show, and it’s always wonderful to discover new bands.