Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
Best Beatboxers in the World
Unlike songwriters or pop artists, beatboxers must solely rely on one instrument: their vocal cords. A talent that few can completely master, these are the best beatboxers in the world who have excelled in their division, and used it to rise to fame.
By Adrian Scott8 years ago in Beat
'Bobby Tarantino II'
Logic’s fifth mixtape, Bobby Tarantino II, dropped this past Friday on the coattails of its three singles: “44 More,” "Overnight," and “Everyday” featuring Marshmello. To judge the project's overall hotness, or lack of, we're going to look at every aspect of it, from production to lyrics to overall listening experience. We'll also be looking into a few specific tracks to talk about certain things, both good and bad.
By Nathan Crane8 years ago in Beat
The Language of Music
Music has been around longer than we could even imagine. Ever since humans were created that was when music was as well, because it’s something that we all need in our lives and what brings people together. Music can help bring together people who have totally different lives, people who think completely different from one another, and can help them become friends or learn about other people. When we listen to music sometimes we don’t feel like other people will understand why we listen to certain types or certain artists, but when you go to a concert you feel a sense of community. Like all these people that are at that concert are going through or who feel the way you do, and you feel happy and safe and like you’re with family even though you’ve never even met.
By Brianna DiPrima8 years ago in Beat
The Underappreciated Women of Rock
The band Heart is undoubtedly one of the greatest bands to come out of the classic rock era. Songs like "Barracuda" and "Crazy On You" put them on the map. The band formed in an era that female rock musicians were not taken seriously and were downright thwarted in comparison to their male counterparts. Notable female rock musicians from their era of the late 70s – early 80s were people like Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks, Debbie Harry, and so many others that made their mark on the genre. The common theme with all of them seems to be that they have, at one point, been discredited on the sole purpose of gender. The Wilson sisters of Heart have been particularly treated in a disgusting way just for the simple fact that they were women succeeding at being rock stars. In fact, the inspiration to write "Barracuda" came from the anger towards a false publicity stunt that claimed that the Wilson sisters were in an incestuous relationship, and geared its anger toward the music industry sexism that tried to put them down.
By Practical Stunts8 years ago in Beat
Five Artists Who Should Be Considered for 2019 Grammy Nominations
The 60th annual Grammy Awards are done and over with, now it’s time to look ahead to the future. Of course, we are talking about the 2019 Grammy Awards. The upcoming 61st Grammy Awards will descend upon Los Angeles again, likely sometime in mid-February 2019 at the Staples Center.
By Nikki Gaskins Campbell8 years ago in Beat
Quick Tips for Playing the Guitar in Tune
Train Your Ears. Tune the Gears. A musical instrument that is not in tune, is not a musical instrument so much as it is a "instrument of noise." Memorize your tones. Try not to rely on a tuner. Choose a song that is burned into your brain that you know has its guitars tuned to standard tuning (A440). Your brain can use this pitch memory to tune your instrument. Of course you can choose any pitch as a reference point, A440 is commonly used in the industry.
By Saturn Axis8 years ago in Beat
The Greatest Grime Songs Ever to Pump Out of Your Speakers
Grime is one of the most underrated genres to come out of Britain in recent years. Known for gritty lyrics, deep bass, with just a little bit of a drippy kick, its a genre of music that brings out British trap culture in its entirety.
By Skunk Uzeki8 years ago in Beat
Vinyl Review: The Sheepdogs — 'Changing Colours'
Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, The Sheepdogs have been around since 2006 and fall into the “classic rock” genre due to their simplistic playing style and use of traditional instruments. Their most recent album Changing Colours seems to be a nod to the rustic influences of music that is now considered Canadiana. There are nuances within the songs that are reminiscent of the classic harmonious riffs of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and the rugged sound of The Guess Who. The rusticity and influence from 70s Southern rock bands like The Allman Brothers is evident. Through this, speaking in terms of the blues history and its influence on Southern music — the bluesy aura comes through loud and clear. The album itself in vinyl form is aesthetically interesting. It has modern sensibilities to the design and layout of the cover, and yet draws retro inspiration by way of the style of colourizing photos. The floral element of the design is reminiscent of 60s and 70s patterns. Not to mention the photos of the members look like something out of a 70s Rolling Stone mag. The album itself is two LPs, but only three sides. Yes, only three sides. The third side is described as a separate “medley,” and where the fourth side would be is just a grooveless plane with “Do Not Play” cursively written on the label. I still don’t know how to feel about that. On one hand you wish for more songs, on the other hand it’s kinda cool and uncommon to see a blank vinyl side.
By Practical Stunts8 years ago in Beat
The Best That Vegas Had To Offer
Every year, the Barbershop Harmony Society comes together to meet, join, and, of course, sing together at its International Convention. This past summer, the scene was set in Las Vegas as 55 quartets from across the globe came in the spirit of harmony to see who would be crowned the year's best quartet.
By Domonic Tracy8 years ago in Beat
Neil Young and The Kawartha Lakes
Neil Young, one of Canada’s most treasured musicians, has also been a great rebel of his time. His unconventionality and musical mastery is undeniable. He has certainly made his mark, and is widely revered among musicians for his rustic authenticity and use of his platform for activism. His songs are beautifully poetic, and have resonance in every walk of life. Growing up in the cottage country of Eastern Ontario, it is evident that his songs have a special place in the hearts of rural Canadians. Songs like "Helpless" are directly inspired by his upbringing in Omemee, Ontario along Pigeon River in the Kawartha Lakes region. This is all before he moved to Los Angeles and formed Buffalo Springfield in 1966 and embarked on a lifelong career. There is a culture in the Kawartha Lakes all in its own, one that Neil Young encompasses in his being and one that he is self-aware of. Despite Young having moved away from the region for most of his life, the social culture in the area has a lasting impact, hence his return to his hometown for the TV concert special he did in December 2017. He performed an intimate concert at Coronation Hall in Omemee, in which one could only attend if they were invited. The love and support he was shown in the town is indicative of not only the kind of person he is, but the kind of place Omemee is.
By Practical Stunts8 years ago in Beat
