The Statesman

Off the Record: The Best No Skip Albums

Amaya McDonald and Melanie Navarro • June 29, 2022

Join Arts & Culture editors Amaya McDonald and Melanie Navarro for the new Statesman podcast, "Off The Record." From The "King of Pop" Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga, they dig into the artistry that creates a cohesive no-skip album.

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“Stage full of diamonds”: The Stony Brook spring concert

Karaline Talty • May 4, 2022

The fourth annual Spirit of Stony Brook Spring Concert took place on Friday, April 22. While the Staller Steps and Academic Mall were alive during the day for Earth Day festivities, after sunset the Island Federal Credit Union came to life.

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Carol Wincenc: It’s Golden! Music as a conduit of change

Grace Huang • May 4, 2022

As the lights went dim, the stage light shot through the darkness to illuminate a figure in a gleaming floral gown with a silver flute winking in the light. On stage was Carol Wincenc, the Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed American flutist.

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Gunna confirmed as headliner for Brookfest 2022

Amaya McDonald and Katherine Procacci • April 9, 2022

After two years of virtual events and performances, USG announced the lineup at this year’s in-person Brookfest concert during the USG Block Party. Gunna will be the headliner for the spring 2022 Brookfest concert held on April 21.

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“Cold Day In the Sun”: Remembering Taylor Hawkins

Jeremy Portnoy and Skylar Sena • April 3, 2022

Taylor Hawkins’ death on March 25, while heartbreaking for grunge lovers around the world, is yet another mourning period they are all too familiar with.

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The role of music in movies

Skylar Sena • March 28, 2022

Music and movies will always intertwine. The intermingling of the two creates cinematic powerhouses, and propels each component far beyond the expectations of those in the writer’s room or in the movie theater.

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“Jeen-yuhs”: Kanye West and the reality of unmedicated heartbreak

Skylar Sena • February 28, 2022

Following an ugly divorce from Kim Kardashian — characterized by petty house purchases, “Skete” Davidson and the muse from “Uncut Gems” — the rapper-turned-fashion designer has created quite a stir on the platform.

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The Statesman’s Valentine’s Day playlist

Skylar Sena • February 14, 2022

What better way to celebrate than with some love-inspired lyrics? Here are some of the top songs to play this Valentine’s Day, whether the lovebug has bitten you or not.

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SBU Department of Music celebrates Earfest with Judy Dunaway

Sydney Riddle • February 11, 2022

On Tuesday, Feb. 1, the Department of Music welcomed eccentric performer Judy Dunaway to “Earfest” at the recital hall in the Staller Center for the Arts.

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The Weeknd’s “Dawn FM” is the perfect purgatory playlist

Amaya McDonald • January 9, 2022

The release of “Dawn FM” indicates a promising year for music in 2022 and reminds us all that even while we may be stuck in limbo, dawn is coming, and it is vital that we stay hopeful.

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Brooklyn-based Best Breakfast offer “Panacea” in new LP

Melanie Navarro • January 7, 2022

The Statesman spoke with Ben Majest of indie-rock band Best Breakfast ahead of the band's first gig for the release of their new album "PANACEA," and dug into the record's creation, the experience of songwriting and the band's past discography.

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“Santa Tell Me…” is Christmas music really good?

Skylar Sena • December 6, 2021

Whether you believe Michael Bublé should start defrosting before or after the turkey, there’s one important question that needs to be answered: is Christmas music actually good?

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