Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
Everyone in Harmony
The Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), originally called the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) first began on a rooftop on April 11, 1938. It started with 26 men, and eventually grew to a society of thousands spreading across the globe. Since the start of SPEBSQSA, the Society has been male driven. And not just male driven, but white male driven.
By Armando Villa-Ignacio5 years ago in Beat
Review: Ariana Grande at the O2 Arena, London
I’m a massive Ariana Grande latecomer. For a while I was quite a pop culture snob, slating most of the top 40, reality TV, and the crappier talent shows. For context, I just started watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians two weeks ago (from the very beginning, and yes I love it), and when watching Gemma Collins: Diva Forever I have to ask my housemates for context about every 30 seconds.
By Joanna Brook5 years ago in Beat
Nick Nittoli Knows How to Make a Good Song
Nick Nittoli is a kid from Garfield, New Jersey living his dream. He actually won for losing... On the short-lived Bravo show Platinum Hit, Nick made it to the semi final round of cuts before being eliminated. He ultimately came in fourth place, but it wasn't time for the former telemarketer to wake up yet. He parlayed his appearance on the show into a publishing deal and has been producing and writing as many songs as he could dream up ever since. His writing actually inspired me to write again. My last article was written at a time when the hip hop community was mourning the loss of the legendary figure Nipsey Hussle. To be frank, writing lost its appeal to me. It wasn't a fun time even though I tried hard to make it be. Transcribing Nick's lyrics put a smile on my face. Ah, to be young.
By Brooklyn Damien5 years ago in Beat
Movie Review: 'Wild Rose' Is a Messy, Wonderful, Brilliant Movie
Wild Rose is an absolute powerhouse, a brilliantly written and performed movie with a star-making lead performance by Jessie Buckley, and yet another Academy Award level supporting turn from the incredible Julie Walter, arguably, the single most generous actress on the planet. Walter could steal any scene she's in and instead she helps everyone else into the spotlight through her remarkable strength.
By Sean Patrick5 years ago in Beat
Why I Love Reason 10
I have been involved with music for most of my life. I took up piano at age eight and practiced my butt off until my mother purchased my first budget keyboard. It was a tiny Casio VL-1, but you would have thought she’d bought me a Korg Triton. I hammered out every melody I could until she was satisfied of my seriousness. Then I graduated to the MT-68 LOL. Ah, memories.
By Tim Ellerbe II5 years ago in Beat
Barbershop Music
"No, I can't do it, I can't sing." That is a phrase that irks me every time. Every. Single. Time. In reality, there is a small percentage that actually can't sing, and it's usually due to physical damage. That part of the population I'll exclude from this.
By Armando Villa-Ignacio5 years ago in Beat
'Going for the One'—Songs Cast a Light on You
In 1976, after much touring for Relayer and working on solo albums, Yes took the time to record their next album, this time in Montreux, Switzerland. Though keyboardist Patrick Moraz was involved initially, he was let go from the band. Rick Wakeman was invited back as a session musician, eventually being persuaded to be a full member again. And so, the Tales from Topographic Oceans lineup of Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Rick Wakeman (keyboard), and Alan White (drums) put out Going for the One. Released in July 1977, it was a bit more of an eclectic album, but the material presented made the album a good listen after nearly three years of no new studio albums from Yes.
By Steven Shinder5 years ago in Beat
Top 12 Arctic Monkeys Songs
The Arctic Monkeys. The very name has the power to incite dozens of feelings for every "indie," "British-wave," "alternative rock" fan. With over a decade and six official albums under their belt, this a group with a large discography and no plan on slowing down. These dudes from Sheffield continuously prove themselves to be versatile and adaptive.
By raven fisher5 years ago in Beat
Chronamut: The Struggle Against All Odds
It all began with an accident. 2001-2002 Let us rewind back to 2001/2002. I was in my final year of high school. We were in computer class, and we needed to make a project for school that showcased the school with virtual reality. It was actually really cool. Our one group member was a genius, and really did some pioneering stuff. We downloaded this program called Fruity Loops 3, but none of us could really figure it out, and so we scrapped it in favour of some royalty-free samples.
By Shawn Dall5 years ago in Beat
Vocal Health
I've been singing ever since I could remember. When I was happy, I'd sing. When I was sad, I'd sing. When I was lonely, I'd sing. I never got formal training from a private teacher, but I did get training through music class and choir. My music teachers have been amazing and an integral part of my development as a musician. I've sang with a few choir teachers and professors, and I've learned so much about my voice, and what I can do with it. Something that wasn't always talked about, however, was vocal health.
By Armando Villa-Ignacio5 years ago in Beat