22nd November 2022

Jordi Enters the Music Industry With Her First Single, “Hate You”

Known for her relatable TikTok videos and viral online presence, Jordi has broken into the music industry with cathartic new single “Hate You.” After teasing the song on her account leading up to the song's release, the rising artist experienced immediate traction with her first single, a track that contemplates the confusing synonymity of love, pain, and anger that linger. Resonating with her loyal online following, the singer gives listeners a song that voices all the things you wish you could

15th November 2022

Yinka Lets her Guard Down on New Single, “Two Weeks”

In a generation where dating trends and standards around relationships have become increasingly casual, the shared emotional experience of falling for someone has remained the same since the beginning of time. The butterflies, the spark, and the magnetic pull of the chemistry that makes everything in the background hazy. Undergirded by this same feeling, Yinka looks to articulate the consuming passion of a new connection in her new single “Two Weeks.” Both hesitant to let down her guard and ove

10th November 2022

Avry Releases Tranquil New Single, “Figure it Out”

In his most recent release, "Figure it Out," Avry describes the wandering thoughts that often consume us, and the desperate, self-doubt that clouds our otherwise logical judgment. Accompanied by melancholic chords and a slow but moving backtrack, Avry is honest about the difficulties of anxious self-talk, the desire to move forward but being held down by the weight that can prevent us from letting go of our internal insecurities. The rising artist sits in a mellowed, soft-spoken cadence for the

8th November 2022

Leven Kali Releases Liberating New Project, 'LET IT RAIN EP' [EP Review]

Leven Kali is one of those compelling new artists that remind us of the cyclical nature of the music industry, the ability for genres to be revived and reinvented. Rather than sampling from firmly established sounds, Kali has a gift for taking familiar genres and mixing them to the point of liberal originality. For the Santa Monica producer and singer, the release of his new EP, LET IT RAIN EP, acknowledged just that. Merging 80s R&B, funk, and house music his most recent release is an eclectic

1st November 2022

Grace Kay Releases Golden New Single, "renaissance"

In her most recent release, Grace Kay examines the ethos of healing in a track embellished with earthy tones and hues of spiritual rebirth. Honing into an indie-pop sound, the rising artist is conscious of the unpredictable chapters of life, her songs unanimously undergirded by an unhurried notion of “all in time.” The first song on her most recent EP, "renaissance" is one of the most alluring tracks on the six-song release, its knowing and assured message of never giving up mirrors the patient

24th October 2022

Bensbeendead. Explores Dark Self Discovery in New Single, “So Evil”

In the same way that religious spaces exist as an emblematic doorway to understanding ourselves among others, many of us turn to music as an alternative religion for the same reason, an imaginative space that guarantees universality in experience. For Bensbeendead., music has recently become about manifesting universal emotion, in a previous interview with Sheesh he said “I wanted to try to convey as much of the similarity and difference that all of us share in the human experience.” In his long

23rd October 2022

Noah Guy Is Peacefully Gripping in New Single, “Small Talk Carolina”

I first discovered Noah Guy when he released his single “5 MO’ MINUTES,” and admittedly, it took less than five minutes for me to be shamelessly intrigued with the emerging Philadelphia, PA artist. Emanating eccentricity and subcultural aesthetics, Noah Guy has become a paradox outside the mainstream music scene, distinguishing himself through his obscure lyrics and retro style. His new release, “Small Talk Carolina,” follows his previous discography in that it constitutes a contemplative journe

16th October 2022

3 Songs We'll Show Our Kids

I want to preface this article by saying that picking only three songs to encapsulate my generation's contribution to music is an impossible task to narrow down. The evolution of hip-hop is complex and deeply intertwined, generations of artists inspiring each other and sampling one another in a way that makes it difficult to pin down an origin of one sound or musical movement. Subjectively, I decided to make my decisions not only based on the popularity of the song or its production value, but t

14th October 2022

Tiara Thomas Releases Commanding New Single, “Don’t Talk Back”

The art of seduction rests on the divine nature of femininity, the woman's ability to both capitalize and disrupt the patriarchal status by countering the dominance of the male gender. In an empowering role reversal the woman distracts the male subconscious bringing him under her control, a move Tiara Thomas is familiar with. In her new single, “Don’t Talk Back,” the artist examines a side of femininity we often don’t hear, undergirded by experimental jazz sounds, releasing the single as a nod t

8th October 2022

A Look Into the Rise of Reggaeton in the Mainstream Music Scene [Hispanic Heritage Month]

Whether you liked the song or not, there is something to be said for the cultural impact that "Despacito" had on the American public, both in what it proved and what it promised going forward. When the track was released in 2017, it quickly took hold of American culture and transformed into what will undoubtedly be upheld as a 2010s classic. The creative decision to combine genres of American pop and reggaeton, at the time, was a burgeoning trend that connected with the entirety of America attri

3rd October 2022

Who Is Leon?

When I arranged to speak with Leon, a rising Maryland artist, what originally started as a conversation about his own creative approach turned into a fitting, yet deeper conversation about finding his place as a musician among the broader DMV music community. To fully grasp the region's relevance, I also spoke with Tia Hill, a producer and DJ from the Maryland area who drew a connection between DMV culture, identity and sound. For Tia, tapping into the roots of the regional rap scene and procur

28th September 2022

Samaria Returns with Lush Vocals on New Single, "Still Got 4ever"

Known for her soulful slow jams and ethereal delivery, Samaria has begun gaining large-scale attention as an R&B artist, intriguingly subtle, the rising artist plays with easy flowing harmonies that simultaneously assert a “heart-over-head” approach to relationships. In her new release “Still Got 4ever” the Bay Area artist reconciles with the give and take of loyalty and self sacrifice, and finding peace in fighting for something you love even, if it means potentially setting your ego aside. In

26th September 2022

Caleb Hearn Gets Personal on New EP, “We’re Getting Older” [EP Review]

Almost universally, music and love are used interchangeably to understand one another in often confusing, yet logical ways. While many artists use music to understand and embrace the irregularity of love, Caleb Hearn turns to music to question it. In his new EP, “We’re Getting Older,” the rising artist fleshes out the many stages of heartbreak. While his vocals welcome a dreamy cadence, Hearn uses the EP to challenge the “happily-ever-after” storybook ending, preferring to accept the peace of th

21st September 2022

gcmayn Captures the Turmoil of Healing in New Single, “arizona”

When I heard "arizona" for the first time, what I really wanted to do was get in my car, scream, and reminisce about my last heartbreak. Luckily, not too far out, my response is exactly what gcmayn envisioned when he wrote the song. The abrasively heartfelt ode to his past love, who recently moved to Arizona with her significant other, came about as a mental release for the Seattle, WA based artist. Discussing his own struggles and relationship obstacles, gcmayn turns to music to repurpose the n

19th September 2022

Sam MacPherson Treats Fans With New Pop Heartbreak Song, “Backseat (All I Got)"

TikTok, as a music platform, has quickly become one of the most prolific avenues for the circulation of music new and old. Unlike previous music platforms, TikTok audiences can turn an artist from ‘emerging’ to trending with a singular video. The app's participatory function, facilitating a rapid spread of views, makes a rising artist's breakout continent on the 30 second teaser that may or may not grab the short attention span of its users. For Sam MacPherson, catching the attention of an audie

15th September 2022

Melo Relo Shares Cheeky New Single, "Morning After"

After releasing a stream of consecutive singles, Melo Relo continues to skillfully tap into the soft angst that distinguishes his use of both indie and electronic sounds. In his new single, "Morning After," dropped on September 14th, the ballad follows the confusion, regret, and self-reproach that he uses to synonymously compare hangover to heartbreak. Similar to previous releases by the Maryland native, Relo opts for an electronic base with an R&B beat alluding to a poppy yet tame sound that b

13th September 2022

Yb. Experiments with Soft Grunge in New Single, “Sandra”

Sometimes the most awakening part of a song is not the chords or the lyrics, but its ability to provoke an unexpected emotive response. That's what Yb. managed to achieve in his newest single, “Sandra,” deciphering the importance of self-love evoking an electrifying sense of self-confidence. After releasing “Change Your Mind” and “Sleeping Without Me” in July, the Australian artist has released “Sandra,” the third song on his most recent EP. “Sandra” is as stylistically clever as it is introspec

8th September 2022

Joey Xl Combines Afrobeats and R&B in New Single, “Good Love”

Joey XL, a rising artist from East London, has delivered yet another song reminding us of his seductive vocals and versatile talent, unfit to be confined to a singular genre he revives his R&B roots in his new single, Good Love. As an independent creative, Joey XL is not one to be boxed into a singular sound, in previous tracks, he is heard experimenting with electronic, afrobeat, and even gospel-inspired backtracks. With his most recent drop listeners experience what appears to be his most natu

GWFBA • 9th December 2022

EDITORIALS — GWFBA

The Ressurection of the UGG Dolce and Gabbana & The Kardashians (NEW!) And the Grammy Goes to... The Unhappiest Season of the Year The Life and Influence of Virgil Abloh New Must See Exhibit At The MET What does "Comme Des Garçons" even mean? Subdued luxury and the genius of Daniel Lee's Bottega Veneta Crocs: just a trend, or here to stay? Is Fast Fashion Fatal? The Fashion Industry’s Complicit Role in China’s Uighur Muslim Genocide Did we Ever Really Leave the Year 2000? Gabriela Hea

The GW Hatchet • 12th September 2022

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these cultural events

Thursday marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, ringing in a cultural celebration of food, music and hard-fought social change that will last until mid-October. A mix of vibrant events on campus and across D.C. honors the hallmarks of Hispanic culture that have shaped DMV communities for generations. Celebrate Hispanic culture on campus, learn to cook a traditional Mexican meal at the National Museum of American History and learn about the history of discrimination that has targeted th

The GW Hatchet • 22nd August 2022

Ace freshman year with these academic pointers

Diving into college classes can be distressing for college freshmen, but adjusting to a new school environment doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may seem. From getting to know your professor to finding your academic passion, developing habits to stay on track is key to educational success. To help ease this transition, we have compiled a list of academic tips to guide you through your first semester on campus. Professors can make or break a class Feeling overwhelmed in a sizable freshman

The GW Hatchet • 5th August 2022

Dish of the Week: In Bocca al Lupo pizza

Vintage posters and Italian jerseys paying homage to the game of soccer hang over the fumes of freshly-baked pizza at In Bocca al Lupo, the new Glover Park pizzeria bustling with families eager for an authentic Italian experience. In Bocca al Lupo delves into classic Italian cuisine, separating itself from the typical American pizzeria – while you won’t find traditional pepperoni and cheese offerings on their own, the restaurant delivers authenticity with family recipes and wood-fired ovens. Dr

The GW Hatchet • 15th July 2022

Review: Framing Fatherhood collection highlights Black manhood

Black masculinity, fatherhood and joy are on full display in the galleries at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, where still images capture the deeply personal and often misperceived themes of their manhood as seen through the lens of Black photographers. Framing Fatherhood launched at the gallery last month, featuring 75 shots from 14 of the most renowned Black photographers in the country to chronicle intimate moments between fathers and their sons in settings like the pews of a chur

The GW Hatchet • 24th June 2022

Review: Something in the Water makes a splash in D.C. debut

Something in the Water delivered a series of show-stopping performances that rocked the District and united generations of hip-hop, rap, alternative and R&B legends in a celebration of DMV culture and community last weekend. Tens of thousands of people streamed across Independence Avenue at the event’s D.C. debut with more than 60 musicians headlined by stars like Post Malone, Lil Baby, 21 Savage and Pharrell Williams – who founded the festival in Virginia Beach in 2019. The three-day music fes

The GW Hatchet • 16th May 2022

Student artists find community developing music on campus

Between classes and schoolwork, student musicians are cultivating their innovation and collaborating with other students to create a mix of music genres. Five students with various degrees of musical experience said while GW’s music community is relatively unknown, the campus offers a tight-knit community of artists, some of whom have worked in the Mount Vernon Campus’ recording studio in West Hall to create their music. The students said they have found a supportive community of independent ar