Sunday, August 9

In the news:

From punk rock to PhD, Candace Hansen documents queer music

A UCLA alumnus will soon make their final stop on a two-decades-long tour of making the case for punk music and amplifying queer artists. Candace Hansen, who earned a doctorate in musicology this year after completing an undergraduate and master’s degree at the university, has spent the past decade drumming for punk pioneer Alice Bag. Read more...

Photo: UCLA alumnus Candace Hansen sits at a table, looking into the camera with a bookshelf behind them. Their journey has centered documenting the queer and trans artists who have historically been left out of music coverage. (Courtesy of Esther Godoy)



Album review: Exploring relationships, fame and new sounds, Ariana Grande blossoms on ‘petal’

This post was updated Aug. 2 at 5:17 p.m. Ariana Grande’s “petal” unfolds gradually, allowing her sound to bloom on her most intentional and expansive album to date. Read more...

Photo: Ariana Grande is framed by the camera with wispy hair and sunlight hitting the side of her face. Released Friday, “petal” is Grande’s eighth studio album and first studio release since “eternal sunshine” two years ago. (Courtesy of © 2026 Babydoll Music, under exclusive license to Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.)


Film review: It’s a ‘Brand New Day’ for Spider-Man with stunning performances, cinematography

This post was updated Aug. 2 at 7:10 p.m. Warning: Spoilers ahead. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” feels exactly as the title says – brand new. Marvel Studios’ newest addition to the Spider-Man franchise swung into theaters Friday. Read more...

Photo: Spider-Man (Tom Holland) swings across New York City. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” hit theaters Friday. (Courtesy of IMDb)


Q&A: Luc Bokor-Smith finds connection in Parlour Magic’s ‘The Embassy’

Although “The Embassy” was inspired by solitude, Parlour Magic’s third album shows how collaboration creates art. Parlour Magic is an NYC-based synth-pop band led by producer and composer Luc Bokor-Smith. Read more...

Photo: Luc Bokor-Smith stands with a guitar on stage, backed by red and blue lights. As the frontman of Parlour Magic, an NYC-based synth-pop band, the artist spoke about collaboration in the making of his third album, “The Embassy.” (Courtesy of Bobby Nicholas)



Video game preview: Colorful worlds and cozy adventures await in these new summer releases

Summer vacations are always a blast, but this year’s video game lineup proves that there are also plenty of adventures awaiting at home. From exploring Paris and tending to a magical bakery to restoring idyllic farming villages and fighting predatory salmon, this summer’s releases offer charm, nostalgia and action. Read more...

Photo: (Ella Han / Daily Bruin Staff)