The Student Musicians’ Collective (SMC) at the University of West Georgia is the place for talented musicians looking for a comforting and warm environment to share their musical talents and get out of their shell. The SMC originated from the ideas of Dalton Bloom, Carrollton musician and UWG senior.
For most musicians, their primary goals are to generate fame, make money and establish a name for themselves in the industry. These artists work to craft music that hits high on the charts and racks up millions of listens on streaming platforms. Many have been known to measure overall success with status, and creating music has seemed to become merely a stepping stone to getting a ticket to Hollywood.
On Sept. 30, Gracie Abrams performed a sold out show at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre as a part of her The Secret of Us Tour. This was Abrams fourth headline tour and her third time in Atlanta as a headliner. Abrams’ first time in Atlanta was in 2021 as a part of her I Miss You, I’m Sorry Tour. Since then she has released two albums, opened for multiple shows on Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour and been nominated for “Best New Artist” in the 2024 Grammys. Her rapid success has been reflective in the improvement of her performance quality on this tour.
Kayleigh Amstutz, professionally known as Chappell Roan as an ode to her grandfather, became a top pop artist after many of her songs such as “Pink Pony Club” and “Hot to Go!” gained popularity on social media. After her Best New Artist win at the VMA awards, she got emotional reading her speech from her diary and dedicated the win to the queer and trans community who fuel pop music stating, “I see you, I am one of you.”
Many moviegoers find coming-of-age films to be such stimulating and powerful works of art. Unlike other types of films that are driven by constant action and intense rushes of adrenaline, coming-of-age films are driven simply by a gripping, complex, and often relatable main character. The plot merely exists to aid the exploration into the transformation of this character.
After dominating the billboard charts for three weeks at number one, Sabrina Carpenter’s new album Short n’ Sweet remains the soundtrack of the summer. The bouncy pop beats behind Carpenter’s raunchy lyrics keeps the album on repeat, making it one of her best works yet.
Indie-pop sensation Lunar Vacation released its second studio album, Everything Matters Everything’s Fire, on Sept. 13 with a live performance inside Criminal Records in Little Five Points, Atlanta. Guests attending the listening party had the opportunity to buy the in-store exclusive album on bitter orange vinyl.
English alternative vocalist Marika Hackman is embarking on her North American tour and is set to perform at The Earl in Atlanta on Sept. 14 in support of her newest studio album, Big Sigh.
It Ends with Us was based on the beloved best sellers book by Colleen Hoover. It was an emotional and empowering film. It highlighted the complexities of love, pain and difficult choices. The film was directed by Justin Baldoni, who also played a leading role alongside actress Blake Lively. The movie takes a deep dive into the challenges of relationship and personal growth.
The Vault Gallery art exhibit in Newnan, Ga. has recently opened its first exhibition of the fall semester and is showcasing local art and unique displays.
