Q&A with Syracuse-based playwright Ryan Hope Travis
Ryan Hope Travis spent much of 2013 standing on the streets of Syracuse, waiting to hear stories. The actor, director, musician and professor interviewed 17… Read more »
Writer archives: Ibet Inyang
Earl Sweatshirt, Sound Remedy, The Chainsmokers energize crowd
When The Chainsmokers took the stage in Walnut Park on April 26, they weren’t sure what their set list was going to include. “We actually… Read more »
Playing with fire: Alicia Keys' soulful, jazz-infused new album stays red hot
Alicia Keys hasn’t given music critics much to criticize. The singer has secured a spot as R&B royalty with soulful, piano-accompanied hits about her often-aching… Read more »
Exposed: Rihanna sings with brutal honesty, personal lyrics on "Unapologetic"
We know Rihanna as the larger-than-life pop and rhythm-and-blues star that changes her hair as many times as her hits invade radio stations. But the… Read more »
Let's hear it for the boys: British phemonemon One Direction brings back boy band appeal
Boy bands: You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them. The new wave of boy band has gone in a new direction… Read more »
Straight outta Compton: Kendrick Lamar spins stories of youth on coming-of-age album
Everyone loves an album that’s so reminiscent of his or her crazy nights. Through an undeniable flow and excellent storytelling skills, Kendrick Lamar paints a… Read more »
'Cuse offers variety of venues for concert fans
Syracuse is known for its nationally renowned university along with the school’s record-winning basketball team. However, deep within all the Orange pride is a music… Read more »
In the red: By straying from her strengths, Taylor Swift comes dangerously close to losing appeal
Most fans probably know more than they want to about Taylor Swift’s many heartbreaks and past relationships. The country artist has made a career out… Read more »
New and improved: Brandy's album achieves new levels of quality while staying loyal to retro roots
Don’t call it a comeback. Brandy’s been here for years, but now is the time to sit up and take notice. With a career that… Read more »
Wiz Khalifa performs, shows off Taylor Gang culture to 'Cuse
As soon as the smoke cleared, the lights came up and Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa stepped on stage, it was clear that the main event… Read more »
Wiz Khalifa, Taylor Gang to bring futuristic tour to Syracuse
Hip-hop star Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang is set to take the stage at Syracuse’s Oncenter War Memorial Arena on Thursday night. Rapper Wiz Khalifa is… Read more »
Hidden talent: Ellie Goulding breaks out from behind electronic tracks to showcase her vocal chops
To be quite honest, electronic music can get a little old. In recent years the newly popular dubstep and its heavy bass and video-game sound… Read more »
Honing his heritage: Spanish songwriter woos fans with smooth rhythms, eclectic influences
By now, many students have eaten plenty of arroz con frijoles and danced la bachata — some awkwardly, some gracefully — in honor of National… Read more »
Winans shares inspiration for peace album
Gospel legend BeBe Winans is just one of many artists performing Oct. 9 for the One World Concert featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama at… Read more »
Matisyahu describes Jewish upbringing
Amid his fourth album and fall tour, reggae artist Matisyahu will stop by Syracuse University on Oct. 9 for the One World Concert featuring His… Read more »
Funkytown: Local trio blurs line between old-school hip-hop, laid back blues
Sitting or standing anxiously among the crowded Funk ‘n Waffles tables or in a testy crowd of college kids at the Westcott Theater — wherever… Read more »
Speaking his mind: Poetic lyrics, powerful flows bring Lupe Fiasco's social commentary into focus
Lately it seems that every time someone mentions the name Lupe Fiasco, stories of Twitter beefs and a possible retirement sprout up. There’s no debating… Read more »
Smoke and mirrors: P!nk hides behind similar edgy pop formula of 'Funhouse'
P!nk has come to be the tough, no-nonsense chick that girls want to be like, guys want to date and everyone is guilty of rocking… Read more »
Dumbed down: Garage pop band captures teenage attitude on self-titled album
4 out of 5 Decibels Hipster college kids and indie music lovers alike are notorious for filling the underground music scene with extremely lackluster garage… Read more »
Best in show: Creative art direction, over-the-top visuals comprise VMA favorites
The Video Music Awards are quickly approaching, and are set to have a hilarious host in Kevin Hart and plenty of great performances, from One… Read more »
Page-turner: Emotional melodies, passionate melodies prove Trey Songz is an open book
Trey Songz “Chapter V” Aug. 21 Record Label: Atlantic Records 4.5 out of 5 decibels Top Track: “Heart Attack” Sounds Like: Keith Sweat mixed with… Read more »
Eye candy: Music videos that will make an impression
The year is more than halfway over, and from the fun and catchy to the hood anthems, there’s been plenty to listen to. The music… Read more »
World class: International artists explore US charts
Whether on vacation in an exotic land or just kicking back at home, everyone can travel the world just by turning on the stereo. Here… Read more »
Decibel : Stifling sounds: Two summer releases fail to turn up heat
Southern hip-hop hasn't always been associated with surf rock. But Southern heat is taking on California dreaming this summer. Both The Beach Boys and rapper… Read more »
