(Image courtesy of Bandcamp. “‘Retcon’ evokes feelings of bitter nostalgia and dreams.”) Aaron Preziosi Connector Editor On January 30, 2026, Staten Island-based indie rock band Red Vox released their sixth studio album, “Retcon”. After teasing listeners with singles released over the past few years and many delays, it has finally come to fruition. The band…
2026 Grammy Awards Recap
(Image courtesy of Grammy. “This year’s Grammy Awards ceremony was marked by a surprising amount of sentimentality.”) Tristin Henson Connector Editor The Grammys kicked off the night with a performance by Sabrina Carpenter, featuring a rendition of “Manchild.” Soon after, Doechii and Queen Latifah presented the award for Best Rap Album, with nominees CHROMAKOPIA and…
“Moonage Daydream” is mercurial
(Image courtesy of The Criterion Collection. “Moonage Daydream is as mercurial and eclectic as Bowie himself.”) Aaron Preziosi Connector Editor Most musicians are renowned for one or two iconic albums, sounds, or eras of their discography. Few though can capture captivating identities and sonic styles throughout their entire career. Such was the case for the…
Late Aster’s “City Livin'” pulls listeners back to the 90s
(Photo courtesy of The Syndicate. “City Livin’ blends genres like lo-fi, hip-hop and electronic to create a dreamlike, nostalgic soundscape.”) Aaron Preziosi Connector Editor Released just last week on Oct. 24, “City Livin’” is San Francisco-based “jazz-infused” electronic duo Late Aster’s debut LP. Comprised of classically-trained musicians Aaron Messing and Anni Hochhalter, Late Aster manages…
A look at the music of “Hades II”
(Image courtesy of SteamDB. “The music of ‘Hades II’ reinforces its narratives and further immerses players in its world.”) Aaron Preziosi Connector Contributor Video game music can be just about anything: Sweeping, orchestral soundscapes that fill players’ headphones as they explore fantasy worlds, thrumming electronic beats accentuated by gunfire and shouting, blissful ambience punctuated by…
UMass Lowell Marching Band prepares for upcoming fall season
(Photo courtesy of Peter Currier) “Michael Hood-Dowd and UMass Lowell Marching Band performing at Convocation.” Benjamin Heffner Connector Editor The UMass Lowell Marching Band (UMLMB) has officially kicked off its new season with its marching show “These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things.” Not a reference to the song popularized by Julie Andrews, the…
Celeste Rivas was failed by everyone
(Photo courtesy of Shinemycrown.com) Celeste Rivas before she went missing Jesse Nguyen Connector Editor Trigger warning: This article contains graphic information regarding sexual violence. After enough scrolls on Twitter/X, you’re really left wondering: is there empathy left in this world? This thought came to me when I discovered the case of the musician D4vd, and…
The role of music in shared spaces
(Photo courtesy of Mick Haupt, through Unsplash. “Music can bring many emotions to a shared space.”) Gaia Pirro Connector Contributor Music allows people to relax, but it can also help with concentration and boost creativity. While most college students listen to music through their headphones, occasionally music fills the common spaces of dormitories. Wherever it…
