Visual Media Director Olivia Stabile sat on a call with Oregon-based musician khai dreams to discuss their latest album Absolute Heartbreak, the pressures of virality, and future projects. Check out the interview on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/d0hU3FXn3Dw!
By Chey Olexa
After nearly 7 years since their debut, NCT Dream has come on their first full-group tour to the United States. The NCT subunit has been releasing hits and topping charts in various countries since 2016. Their tour, The Dream Show 2 made stops in Asia and Europe before their first show on the American leg in Newark on April 5.
Fans made the best of their day in the city with free fan-made goodies along with events hosted by different groups. Some freebies spotted were photocards and phone charms with different members’ names. If you came before 5 p.m., there were cupsleeves being given to those who bought drinks at the local bubble tea spot. At 4 p.m., many gathered for what is called a random play dance. This is where the choruses of popular K-pop songs are played at random and those who know the choreography come to the center to show off their skills. Despite the chilly, wet weather, everyone was kept in good spirits with those around them.
The show was electric from start to finish. From the moment everyone’s lightsticks lit up to the moment the lights came back on, fans were screaming in glee. The setlist included songs from all eras of the subunit’s career from their debut song “Chewing Gum” to their latest release “Candy.” There were different medleys performed throughout the show in order to include as many tracks as possible. One of these medley’s included what is called the “first love” series. This part of the set started with a fun skit of the members observing their youngest, Jisung, and his troubles texting his “first love”. The songs in the performance included “My First and Last”, “Bye My First…”, “Love Again”, “To My First”, “Sorry Heart” and “Puzzle Piece.” Many of their popular title tracks were performed in shorter versions throughout the night.
All sides of NCT Dream’s performance skills made an appearance during the concert. Throughout the set, they made sure to include songs that showcased their vocal and rapping skills along with their choreography heavy tracks. This included a dance to the song “Quiet Down” with transparent boxes as props that some members moved inside while some moved on top. As the setlist was filled with songs from all eras of their career, the group transitioned from youthful to mature so there really was something for everyone. Even security was found dancing along to their English version of “Beatbox.”
Each of the seven members gave their all. There were many fun moments to be caught as the night went on and the members gave their farewell speeches. Some fans were lucky enough to interact with the guys from a distance. During their encore stage, the audience was allowed to throw gifts on the stage (carefully) as NCT Dream played with a few of the stuffed animals and hats on the floor.
Both the group and the fans waited patiently for this tour and it was a positive experience for all in attendance. As of this writing, The Dream Show 2 is making its final few stops in the U.S. before heading back over to Asia. When this subunit comes back around, it is worth a visit no matter how much of a fan you are. While awaiting for Dream’s comeback, NCT’s newest unit ‘DOJAEJUNG’ is debuting with the mini album “Perfume.” Make sure to check out NCT’s extensive discography. There are so many different styles so you’re bound to find a few new songs you’ll love.
By Evan Leong
Whether or not you’ve seen Australian metalcore band Parkway Drive before, you have to know they’re going to put on a show. The spirit and energy in their songs are even more prominent when the band is on stage. With flashing lights, circling fans, and the sound of heavy guitar riffs mixed with frontman Winston McCall’s signature bark, Parkway Drive’s sold-out show at the Starland Ballroom was an experience for the ages. Currently touring in North America to promote their latest record Darker Still, Parkway Drive welcomes metalcore bands Currents and Memphis May Fire as opening acts.
Continue readingBy Evan Leong
Electric. That would probably be the best word to describe a We Came As Romans live show. Boundless energy, headbanging, cheering, singing and screaming were all a part of a live experience I won’t be forgetting any time soon. When I arrived at Irving Plaza in New York City, the line for the doors stretched all the way around the block. It was about 35 degrees and raining, but fans still chatted excitedly about the chance to see the band perform songs off their latest record, Darkbloom.
Continue readingBy Chey Olexa
After a fan meeting tour in the U.S. earlier this year, K-pop boy group Golden Child has come back to the Americas for another round of shows. Starting out their round of dates in the United States, the members stopped by White Eagle Hall in Jersey City.
The night started with activities between the members and VVIPs when they held a signing session where their fans could get either a poster or album signed by the members while getting to chat for a few moments. Fans were gushing about their fun interactions for the rest of the night. I was one of the lucky VVIPs and the eight men who were able to come on this tour made sure each fan felt welcome while talking to them, thanking each person for their visit. VIPs were then let in before a short soundcheck performance where the group performed a song before the main show.
Continue readingby Evan Leong
This Sunday, American metalcore band We Came As Romans is set to arrive at Irving Plaza in New York City. Supported by metal acts Brand of Sacrifice and Erra, the tour marks the first since the release of We Came As Romans’ 2022 album, Darkbloom.
Darkbloom is a product of grief, loss, and ultimately, hope. In 2018, tragedy struck when co-vocalist and keyboardist Kyle Pavone passed away unexpectedly. What followed was a global pandemic that ended global touring for artists around the world. But We Came As Romans persevered. On October 14, 2022, the Detroit-based band unveiled their sixth studio album, with co-vocalist Dave Stephens taking lead vocal duties.
Continue readingBy Deven Sukhdeo
Philadelphia’s Franklin Music Hall recently got an incredible visit from the one and only Arlo Parks and the Collapsed in Sunbeams tour. This beautiful and dynamic album explores different stories of conflict, love, and pain, each with a unique tone. It has been tremendously well received, and won the prestigious Mercury Prize. The album has been a WRSU staple since its release in 2021, and I am so happy I got to see it performed live.
Many Arlo Parks fans are especially fond of her vulnerability and poetic writing. There are countless mentions of the music inspiring her fans and helping them confront their emotions. Arlo Parks is known for releasing imaginative music that touches on very personal experiences, and her authenticity shines through the entirety of the album. Deeply inspired by poetry, many of the songs’ lyrics are expressive and vivid.
Continue readingBy Matt Keenan
Sea Hear Now 2022 was an absolute blast, and with one look at the lineup and location it’s not hard to see why. Beachfront since 2018, this was my personal first year going and the first WRSU has gone as well and I cannot say it enough, boy was it ever so impressive. This was a festival of firsts, my first time seeing a lot of the bands on this lineup despite listening to most of them for years, the first time as I mentioned the station has attended the event, and the first time I attended the event, and the first festival I’ve covered personally too. What a way to start, the weather was beautiful, it wasn’t too cold or hot, it was nice and breezy, and this paired with the literal coolest lineup, how could you lose?
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