Author: Miranda

I am a senior in Political Science at NC State and lover of R&B, rap, international, and electronic.

Categories
Miscellaneous

Tips for Learning a New Language

Written By Miranda Owen

I am a Senior in Political Science at NC State, but to fulfill my major’s requirements I decided to take on a difficult challenge: spending two years studying Japanese language. I took beginner lessons in Spanish during high school, but going in-depth to learn a language and taking college courses is a lot more difficult (but rewarding too). Improving my foreign language skills has been a long journey but I have acquired many different tips for learning a new language. 

Listen to Music

Something that’s really helped me expand my vocabulary and practice pronunciation is listening to and learning songs in my target language. Listening to foreign music can expose you to different cultural elements and help you practice your skills anywhere, at anytime. 

Try Quizlet 

I have loved Quizlet to help out with all of my classes but especially Japanese. I can review everything I’ve learned so far quickly, and it’s just like using flashcards but with less paper waste and no chance of losing your work. 

Start a Journal 

It really helps to write as much as possible in your target language, especially if you’re learning a language that has a unique alphabet and characters such as Japanese or Arabic. I use a bullet journal to help me track my progress learning the language and write a few lines about how my week is going. Writing your own thoughts in your target language can help you practice grammar, writing, and vocabulary. 

Reading Books or Comics 

Likewise, it’s helpful to read books or, if you’re also studying Japanese, manga. I’ve found that books targeted toward a younger audience – like teen novels are easier to read but still entertaining. 

Games and TV 

Taking in any type of media that’s spoken in your target language can help you take in new vocabulary and get exposed to more casual, modern speaking styles. For this purpose I absolutely love learning Japanese by watching Japanese reality TV like Terrace House. I love it because I can learn how people my age talk to each other  (this is really important if there are different dialects or honorifics you need to learn). 

Join Practice Groups 

Whether you’re studying with a class or learning solo, it really helps to talk to people on your skill level and practice together. The students in my class have a Discord to discuss in, and I am also a part of some Facebook groups for practicing the language. It’s great to socialize while practicing your skills and getting some new ones as well. 

Categories
Playlists

Restful Tunes Playlist

Written By Miranda

The perfect playlist for an autumn or winter day for relaxing. Think dark academia, the Twilight series, or a Michael Gondry film. Plenty of light instrumentals to melancholic tracks for you to enjoy. Listen here.

  1. Vote by The Submarines
  2. Box of Rain by Grateful Dead
  3. Blue Ridge Mountains by Fleet Foxes
  4. Possibility by Lykke Li
  5. You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are by Keaton Henson
  6. To Be Alone With You by Sufjan Stevens
  7. Don’t Swim by Keaton Henson
  8. Soon We’ll Be Found by Sia
  9. Master of None by Beach House
  10. 505 by Arctic Monkeys
  11. China Doll by Grateful Dead
  12. The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel
  13. Needle In The Hay by Elliott Smith
  14. Chicago (acoustic version) by Sufjan Stevens
  15. Rosyln by Midnite String Quartet
  16. Holocene by Bon Iver
  17. John My Beloved by Sufjan Stevens
  18. The Owl And The Tanager by Sufjan Stevens
  19. River by Joni Mitchell
  20. Springfield by Sufjan Stevens
  21. Asleep by The Smiths
  22. Blue Bucket of Gold by Sufjan Stevens
  23. Little Green by Joni Mitchell
  24. Cementality by King Krule
  25. Space Song by Beach House
Categories
Miscellaneous

Friday Favorites (10/16)

Written By Miranda

Friday Favorites is a biweekly playlist series created by Miranda featuring her favorite songs from the past two weeks with a focus on new releases and  lesser-known music. You can check out this week’s new tracks as well as all songs from previous weeks on WKNC’s Spotify here. This week’s Favorites include some of the best indie breakup songs. 

  1. Bad Day by Darwin Deez 
  2. Compromise by Phony Ppl 
  3. Mardy Bum by Arctic Monkeys
  4. Putting The Dog To Sleep by The Antlers 
  5. Not In Love (ft. Robert Smith)  by Crystal Castles 
  6. No Destruction by Foxygen 
  7. Flowers In December by Mazzy Star
Categories
Miscellaneous

Top Choice: Nardwuar Interviews

Written By Miranda Owen

Nardwuar is a YouTube personality known for his podcasts, radio show, and interviews of celebrities and musicians. He interviews a huge variety of people including many genres of artists and the interviews are always entertaining to watch. In this article I’ve highlighted my very favorite Nardwuar interviews with a little description of why I enjoy them. 

Nardwuar vs. CHAI 

I discussed my love for Japanese girl-band CHAI in my article on Japanese musicians, so I was excited to see this interview. The girls of CHAI showed up in cute matching outfits and dished on Peach Kelli Pop, their favorite foods to eat on tour, and their favorite musicians including the Beastie Boys and N.E.R.D. The band has a high energy sure to serve as a pick me up when you watch. 

Nardwuar vs. Eric Andre 

Not technically an interview of a musician, but this list wouldn’t be complete without it. Both Eric Andre and Nardwuar have bizarre personas and are experienced in leading interviews (if you’ve ever seen Eric Andre’s show, you’ll know what I mean). The two duke it out in a contest of weirdness that’s entertaining, if not edging on uncomfortable, to watch. 

Nardwuar vs. Kendrick Lamar 

This interview is now almost a decade old and shows young Kendrick Lamar being shocked at all the research Nardwuar has done about him. Kendrick’s reactions are insanely funny, but the interview also gives fans glimpses of his childhood and early career. 

Nardwuar vs. Rich Brian 

I love this interview because not only is Brian Imanuel/Rich Brian my favorite Indonesian artist, he’s one of the best and most talented members of the label 88rising. This interview is great because fans get a deeper understanding of the artist’s upbringing and life in Indonesia. Watching this interview made me love Rich Brian even more. 

Nardwuar vs. Soccer Mommy

A wholesome interview featuring the best girl, Sophie from Soccer Mommy. This interview is one of the cutest of Nardwuar’s recent ones and I love learning more about Soccer Mommy and front-woman Sophie Allison.

-Miranda

Categories
New Album Review

Nectar by Joji Review

Cover art for the album Nectar by Joji

My favorites: Modus, Sanctuary, Reanimator, Like You Do 

Listen if you like: 88Rising, Jaden, Kevin Abstract

Joji’s third project, Nectar, was released in late September. The ambitious 18-track album was highly sought after based upon his earlier releases, including tracks like “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” and “YEAH RIGHT” which helped the artist gain over 3 billion streams and the #1 spot on Billboard’s R&B Hip Hop Chart (the first Asian-American to do so). George Miller, known by pseudonyms Filthy Frank, Pink Guy, and Joji; first became noticed in the digital age through his Internet personality. He was known for years for his production of comic YouTube videos and comedy hip hop, but in late 2017 Miller switched gears to focus on music full-time and adopted the stage name Joji. Instead of playing a character as he did in years prior, Miller considers his Joji persona as being his true self. Joji released his first full album, Ballads 1, with Asian music label 88Rising. The music Joji produces and writes is often characterized under R&B or Hip Hop, but many fans consider his music to be genreless and unlike any other modern artists. 


Nectar throws the listener into a whirlwind, self-described by the artist as “explor[ing] what every living being is innately drawn to and the ends they’ll go to reach it.” Like his previous work, the album defies a genre label. Joji explores a wealth of sound, utilizing synth-heavy backgrounds, light ukulele and piano melodies, and popular hip-hop baselines. The album’s ability to explore different themes, emotions, and influences adds a unique layer to it. Certain gems include loved-up ballad “Sanctuary,” melancholic track “MODUS,” and experimental electronic “Reanimator” featuring Yves Tumor. There is a lot to like within this album and I found while listening that each track appeals to a different audience type. The experimentation done by Joji on this album is indicative of a bright future for the musician, and certainly this album is continuing to propel his success in the industry. However, Joji may have had a little too much ambition when trying to create a coherent tracklist among the 18 very different tracks. While some of the songs have stellar production, vocals, and melodies; others falter slightly. Certain tracks are clunky and needed more development. Despite this, Joji has proven that within less than five years, he can continue to develop a coveted sound and loyal fanbase. The album was not perfect but is definitely worth listening for anyone interested in R&B, trip-hop, or anti-pop. I look forward to all that Joji has to offer in the future. Seeing his talent evolve and bloom is always a treat.

– Miranda

Categories
Miscellaneous

Top Choice: Indie Album Art

A collage of the album covers featured in the article.

Album art is a non-musical component of musical expression that can significantly add to the experience of the listener and allow the artist themself to further express themselves. Not only does this visual add to the overall mood of the album, the art often corresponds to the wider meaning and emotion of the album itself and showcase another side of the musician. Certain album covers  

This Is All Yours by alt-J

An abstract art piece as wild and unpredictable as the different twists and turns the album goes through. A perfect visual reflection of the most soft, indie-folk influenced album by the band. 

Mala by Devendra Banhart 

It’s a simple piece of art, but definitely has visual interest. I love the different shades of pink that give depth to the image, with simple strokes of black, red, and blue ink that add a uniqueness complementary to the overall album. 

Days of Abandon by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart 

This album’s artwork is beautifully minimalistic. It looks straight out of the portfolio of a young art student, which is perfect for the overall message of the album. This band’s albums vary greatly in style, all are very interesting but this one is my favorite. 

6 Feet Beneath The Moon by King Krule 

Another beautiful abstract cover, which reminds me of a work by Dali with more geometric elements and darker colors. Absolutely love both the sonic and visual components of this album. 

We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic by Foxygen

Simple, clean design that is unique enough to be instantly recognized without being busy. A design I’ve seen imitated by other musicians since, but Foxygen did it best. 

Melophobia by Cage The Elephant 

Weird and visually alluring, this work of art encapsulates the mood of the album and the creativity of its creation. The linework and alternating colors of the album’s text make the letters pop out to ensure the listener never forgets. 

Shrines by Purity Ring 

I love the dark background of the cover of this album contrasted with the lighter pastel-stroke imagery. Certainly unique and adds a depth to the album, showcasing the naturalistic and ethereal elements present throughout the tracks.

– Miranda

Categories
New Album Review

Dreamland Review

Glass Animals - Dreamland

My favorites: Hot Sugar, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Helium 

Listen if you like: Goth Babe, Phantogram, Washed Out 

After the release of the single tracks which teased the release of Glass Animals’ album, Dreamland, fans were eager to hear the newest album. Initially set to release July 10th, the album was actually released on August 7th. As a listener, I’ve enjoyed the band’s past two albums and have awaited the release of Dreamland for at least four years. You can check out my initial reaction to the single releases on my first blog post about the band here. 

The expectations I formed based upon the initial single releases led me to infer the album’s meaning and purpose. Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley reflects in the “Dreamland” track on the uncertainty of life and how the pandemic has had an effect on the band; and additionally these emotions were heightened following drummer Joe Seaward’s biking accident in 2018 which deeply affected all the band members. Not only does the album follow this theme, the “Dreamland” single hints at another theme for the album: “You’ve had too much of digital love/You want everything live, you want things you can touch.” The album focuses on a longing for the era of the 90s (indicated by the album art) where technology and screens had less of a pull on the general public. Both uncertainty and an anti-technology stance pepper the album’s lyricism. In “Tangerine,” Bayley teases the song’s subject for losing themself: focused on money and taking “aerial photos of you and your smoothie.” The album additionally furthers the nostalgic 90’s vibe with interspersed samples of old home movies, the ringing of a corded home phone, and references to holographic glasses, GTA, and Dr. Dre. 

Though the album provides a few great new tracks, there is very little variation from their usual sound. I definitely expected more variety to the likes of the single “Tokyo Drifting” featuring experimental melody and a feature by Denzel Curry. As a Gen-Z, I am unimpressed by the attempts to channel nostalgia by bashing modern life and technology; though I’m sure this would have more impact on someone raised in the 90’s or earlier. Though I don’t love this album, I do look forward to what’s next for the band. 

– Miranda

Categories
Miscellaneous

Covid-Friendly Fall Activities

COVID Friendly Fall Activites

This fall, celebrations of the season will look much different due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, which in North Carolina means continuance of Phase 2.5 which requires individuals to wear masks or other face coverings when social distancing is not possible. Despite restrictions, there are many ways for all of us to enjoy the season, engage in physical activity, and get out of the house while remaining safe. 

Apple Picking 

This year, COVID has caused a cancellation of the N.C. Apple Festival, but many apple orchards across the state are still open. Be sure to check online if you need to book an appointment, as many orchards are by appointment-only to manage crowds and ensure social distancing. 

Scavenger Hunts 

Organizing and completing a scavenger hunt for family or whoever you’re quarantining with can be a fun change of pace, especially if you’re living with younger children. The CDC posted a guide on how to host your own at-home scavenger hunt. 

Pumpkin Patches 

An online search can lead you to a pumpkin patch near you! Pumpkin patches are usually housed in large outdoor spaces where social distancing is made easy. Some also have corn mazes available, but be sure to book an appointment before you head out. Remember to take precautions including using hand sanitizer and wearing masks while you’re out and about. 

Leaf Watching 

Across North Carolina, trees are beginning to shed their leaves and turn from green into beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows. Viewing the leaves is pandemic-friendly as you can easily appreciate the view from your car or bike. Enjoy watching all the colors change, bonus if you bring your family or roommates with you. 

Hiking 

Soaking in the fresh autumn air and viewing the scenery is a perfect way to enjoy the season. Hiking means getting out of the house and getting active with an added bonus of wildlife and leaf viewing. Consider taking a short day trip to a hiking destination of your choice. There are plenty of hiking trails in N.C. that feature beautiful waterfalls, mountains, and other amazing scenery. I recommend bringing a Buff, bandana, or other face covering that you can easily cover yourself with if you come across other hikers. 

Biking 

Information about many different biking trails around Raleigh can be found on the AllTrails app or website. The Walnut Creek trail is one of my favorite biking trails near Raleigh, for a short or lengthy bike ride depending on your preference. Additionally, the park at the North Carolina Museum of Art is a short ride which features outdoor art exhibits for your viewing pleasure. 

Baking 

Fall is the perfect time to break out the flour and eggs and work on your baking skills. Quarantine means more time at home, so you’ll likely have plenty of time to do quick baking prep and watch over your dessert creations. Lately, I’ve personally been trying my hand at making pies and pizzas with homemade crusts. It’s easier than it looks and so rewarding. Many grocery stores are offering curbside delivery or no-contact pickup, check in with your store to see if they are offering these services. 

Enjoy the season and be sure to take precautions and stay safe. Remember to carry PPE with you and wear a mask at all times when you are interacting with others. 

– Miranda

 Sources: nc.gov, Tina Ruff (Chief of Staff at Durham Tech)

Categories
Playlists

Friday Favorites (10/2)

Friday Favorites

As a young art student, I was exposed to the first alternative music I’d ever heard through my teacher’s playlists during our classes. This week’s Friday Favorites are dedicated to (mainly) 90’s-00’s alternative music which reminds me of my entry into the artistic world. I still love to listen to these songs while creating content and working on projects. Hope you enjoy! 

Bad Timing – Bombay Bicycle Club 

One of my favorites from this band ever. Rich melody, lots of texture to the song. As a plus, the album art is one of the coolest designs ever. 

Clementine – Elliott Smith 

Soft vocal tones and beautiful acoustic guitar encompass this relaxing track, perfect for a rainy day of painting. 

Never Gonna Give You Up – The Black Keys 

This track features beautiful instrumentals, a catchy drum beat, and R&B style vocals and message. This song transports the listener right back to 60s jazzy R&B. 

Houdini – Foster The People 

A favorite from this band, the song Houdini encapsulates the best part of alternative indie rock. This track is sure to bring you into an upbeat and creative mindset in no time. 

Sleepyhead – Passion Pit 

Passion Pit fits better within the electronic/indie genre but nonetheless it is an important part of any art-making playlist. 

To listen to all of these songs and more, check out my playlist on WKNC’s Spotify. 

– Miranda

Categories
Playlists

Night of Fright Playlist

A perfect collection of non-traditional, mixed-genre ambient music for the month of October. 

  1. Skeleton Kiss – Fright by Christian Death 

  2. Season of the Witch by Lana Del Rey 

  3. Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs 

  4. October by Broken Bells 

  5. No Rest for the Wicked by Lykke Li 

  6. Harsh Realm by Widowspeak 

  7. Baptism by Crystal Castles 

  8. Batcaves by Kap Bambino 

  9. Special Death by Mirah

  10. Witch by the bird and the bee 

  11. A Forest – Tree Mix by The Cure 

  12. I Put A Spell On You by Creedence Clearwater Revival 

  13. Don’t Look Back by Kissing Cousins 

  14. Do You by Carina Round 

  15. House of the Rising Sun by Lauren O’Connell 

  16. Venus in Fleurs by Grimes 

  17. Whales Tails by Cocteau Twins 

Listen to the playlist here. 

– Miranda