In Defense of Chappell Roan: It’s Okay to Log Off Twitter

Art is inherently political. It exists in the context in which it was created, and choosing not to consider that context will change its meaning, whether for better or worse. So, naturally, when Chappell Roan made several statements expressing her political views that were consistent with themes explored in her music, the Internet blew up. In an interview with The Guardian, Chappell Roan said that she did not feel pressure to endorse a candidate for the 2024 Presidential Election, explaining, “I have so many issues with our government in every way… There’s problems on both sides. I encourage people to use your critical thinking skills, use your vote — vote small, vote for what’s going on in your city.”

Halloween Horrors: “X”

Although often left unspoken, there are acceptable and unacceptable paths to fame in Hollywood. Often actors who work with explicit content are regarded as lesser than. In its satirical fashion, X challenges this long held prejudice. 

Americana in Punk Society: John Doe Delivers a Wild Gift at the Haunt

“What are the young people doing here?” a friendly Ithaca local asked me at The Haunt this past Friday night. The crowd, mostly 45-65 year-old Ithacans, was there to see John Doe, the now 63-year-old front-man of the 80’s LA punk band, X. My answer was that I was curious about what he’s gone on to produce as a solo artist. John Doe has come out with six records in the past decade, each far different from those produced by X. His most recent album, The Westerner, was released just this year and features some Western-inspired, psychedelia-tinged, Americana rock. The older artists get, the bolder they get. They write for themselves.