Before putting his thoughts to hip-hop verses, Stefan Dismond was convinced his calling was making ringtones. The second-year cognitive science student, who used to make alternative music and ringtones, decided to switch to rapping just last year. Read more...
Photo: Second-year cognitive science student Stefan Dismond released his debut mixtape, “Did You Mean: Stefan Diamond,” in January via SoundCloud. The rapper will perform as a student artist at Ecochella on Friday. (Pinkie Su/Daily Bruin)
Drake has been busy since the release of his last proper full-length album three years ago. Since 2013’s “Nothing Was the Same,” Drake has released two platinum mixtapes, recorded his 100th song on the Billboard Hot 100 and become a full-fledged pop superstar. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of Young Money/Cash Money Records)
Two large barrel drums sat side by side in the ethnomusicology department, representing the musical culture of African villages from which they originated. The drums are called Atumpan, considered a Ghanaian talking drum due to its ability to imitate language. Read more...
Photo: The Ghanaian Atumpan, a pair of large barrel drums which are played with sticks, makes a sound similar to some African languages, like the Ewe language. (Marley Maron/Daily Bruin)
The music of rock band Blue October gives an in-depth look into lead singer Justin Furstenfeld’s life of substance abuse, divorce, child custody battles, sobriety and recovery. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of Up Down Records)
Westwood Village Entertainment Group, or WVEG, was inspired by an old Nigerian proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” For them, their proverbial child is their music. Read more...
Photo: Westwood Village Entertainment Group performed at Bruin Day this year, with founder and third-year ethnomusicology student Munir Griffin (left) on saxophone. (Jintak Han/Daily Bruin)
A$AP Ferg has shed his “Fergivicious” demeanor and repented to the “Hood Pope” one in hopes of finding himself. A three-year period has dramatically transformed the life of A$AP Ferg, from achieving success for his 2013 album “Trap Lord,” to the tragic loss of close friend and A$AP Mob founder A$AP Yams in 2015. Read more...
Photo: (Courtesy of RCA Records)
Three UCLA musicians clutched their string instruments and bows. In the Mojave tent, a few improvised notes echoed from their instruments during the sound check. The notes sounded different than the electronic and alternative sounds that pervaded the Coachella stages. Read more...
Photo: Fourth-year violin performance student Camille Miller, alumnus Eric Lee and third-year viola performance student Julien Altman performed at Coachella Weekends 1 and Two with alternative duo Strangers You Know.
