Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Beat.

Interview: Alexandr Misko
I, myself, have always loved talking. I uttered my first words when I was merely 8-months-old which were, “Mama-Baba.” It was a command to my mother (Mama) that I wanted fed. I tried to speak sentences before anything else. It sounds crazy but it's true. For proof to myself, I looked through my old baby book and found out for sure. Even though I love talking I didn’t really think that I would enjoy conducting interviews with people as much as I do. This surprises me because I don’t much care for people, I only like their stories. While I was growing up, it didn't take very long for me to be comfortable enough around people to allow myself to be incredibly blunt. I felt like I understood them, but only to a certain point. Humans are generally predictable but there are some that aren’t, and they fascinate me just as much as hearing other people’s stories. My big mouth and my instinct to speak my opinion led me to this moment, analyzing and interviewing young Russian guitar player Alexandr Misko.
By Kaylee Chaffin8 years ago in Beat
Footsteps in the Hall
I still remember the first time I heard that baritone growl. The low, almost primal howl. I remember the first time I saw the nearly insane grin on the face of the man who would eventually come to be my personal hero. I remember years later, after a ten year hiatus from grunge, the first time I really heard a guitar solo that stopped me in my tracks and leaft me with my mouth agape. And I remember the first time I saw them all live in 2003 and felt for the first time the music of a band from Seattle, the greatest band this country has ever given me, given us. Pearl Jam has always been more than five guys playing instruments and singing songs about being alive and speaking in class and flowing evenly. They were the soundtrack to my life and the backdrop to every emotion I've ever felt.
By Robert Eleazer8 years ago in Beat
Concert Review: The Anticipating Experience of Jim Brickman
One of the best experiences seeing music live is going to a concert. Several years ago, I had the distinct privilege of seeing the neo-contemporary piano artist Jim Brickman, live in concert at the Performing Arts Center in Appleton Wisconsin. He was on a mid-western tour at the time traveling to popular cities within the country. Throughout the essay, I relate my experiences and vivid memories to you.
By Jason Anschutz8 years ago in Beat
50 Words for Snow
If you don't know who Kate Bush is, then it's about time you do. She's one of the most creative and humble artists in the music industry. 50 Words For Snow is Kate Bush's 10th album, which was released in 2011 by Fish People Records. I got this album for Christmas a few years back so this review is kinda late. Then again considering the current weather in the UK, it's got a winter atmosphere and it's meant to be spring. I guess you could say that this album is suitable for the weather.
By Chloe Gilholy8 years ago in Beat
The Dark Horse of The Beatles. Top Story - March 2018.
It's 21:13 on February 25, 2018, the day that marks 75 years since the birth of one of the most influential people to ever grace the music industry. I find myself back home for the first time in a little while, sat in my dad's music room listening to "My Sweet Lord" as my mum berates Dad until he finally turns it up, as it simply "has to be played this loud." She's not wrong. One of the greatest things that I owe to both of my parents is my utter adoration for music in its entirety, from the way it is crafted to the way in which it is performed.
By Katie 8 years ago in Beat
Best Music Documentaries on Netflix to Stream Right Now
Everyone starts from the bottom. Everyone. Many artists started from the bottom before they became hugely successful. They've gone through tough obstacles, major struggles, and much more that continuously pushed them down. But they managed to surpass all of that and reach the peak of their career. And many of these artists are truly inspirational and show us what hard work looks like in the end.
By C.C. Curtis8 years ago in Beat
New Music: Darcy Behati
There is always controversy when an individual of creme de la creme skin tone tackles the genre of hip-hop and trap. Particularly if that individual is a pixie-esque female from the heart of London, UK. We unravel the musical moments and mementos of the momentous Darcy Behati, a digital wave sensation.
By Darcy Behati8 years ago in Beat
Getting Your Music Heard
When I first started as an independent artist I was not sure how I was going to get my music out to the world. Then came CD Baby. CD Baby is an independent platform for the indie artist. They get your music on every platform for possible sales and exposure. If you have not heard about them I strongly suggest that you check them out. They do charge an upfront fee for albums/EPs and singles but it is just a one time payment. It is worth it because of everything that you get from that one price.
By Isaac Middleton8 years ago in Beat
An Eagles Tribute
No matter what generation you were born of or where you reside on planet Earth, you are aware of the country/classic rock band known as The Eagles. While I was in the Navy, I went all over, and it was always surprising to hear of the familiar trio of things that Americans are known for: cowboy hats, Zippo lighters, and The Eagles. I was amused the first time I heard this random list, but then I kept hearing it – no matter the country I visited. I tried to assure these local nationals that: 1) Not everyone wears Cowboy hats in America – even out west, for that matter. 2) Zippo lighters are nice and come with a lifetime guarantee, but not all Americans smoke, and of the ones that do… well, most of them use cheap throw-away lighters. However, for The Eagles, I could not rebuke, They are the American band... and we are proud of them.
By Calvin Cherry8 years ago in Beat
Fender Richie Kotzen Signature Strat
As this is my first missive on here, we best delve into a bit of backstory regarding my love of Fender Japan's Richie Kotzen signature guitars. In my younger days, I grew up playing Ibanez & Yamaha Super-strats. I loved fast necks, big fat frets, Floyd Rose trems, etc.
By Jez Sullivan8 years ago in Beat
Ludacris Is the Most Underrated Mainstream Hip Hop Artist of All Time
Hip-hop has always been a genre where even the most successful, talented, and influential artists still don't get the credit they deserve.
By Liu Scott8 years ago in Beat
February Mix for SISTER Collective
SO… it’s the last day of the month, it’s snowing pretty hardcore here in London, and I am going to share with you my February mix. It is pretty special. It’s probably one of my favourite mixes I’ve ever done and it’s for the legendary Carly Wilford and her SISTER collective. Usually when I’m asked to do a mix, I stress about it endlessly, and I end up doing what I think someone wants to hear rather than what I would play if someone gave me free reign. I did my usual stressing, then I realised I had to just be me. Fuck what I think people want to hear, this is the music I love, the music I play. This mix is probably the best representation of one of my sets I think I have ever done. It is a journey through Dubstep, hip hop, grime, and trap. It is a seamless genre stepper, if I do say so myself.
By Samantha Bentley8 years ago in Beat