Album Review: ‘Rainbow’

Kesha returned in full force Friday with a playful country flair, showcasing a range of genres that is refreshingly folksy and genuine. “Rainbow,” Kesha’s third studio album and first in five years, comes amid the singer’s legal battle with Dr. Luke. The 14-track set isn’t designed for fans of the party-hard, bass-thumping style that has […]

Concert review: Kendrick Lamar at the Staples Center

Two hours after his set’s showtime, Kendrick Lamar finally made a discreet entrance, rising from beneath the stage on one knee. But the seven-time Grammy-winning hip-hop star’s first appearance of the night was on the stage screens as his alter ego Kung Fu Kenny. Classic martial arts movie-inspired clips showcased Kung Fu Kenny’s legend before […]

Alumnus creates abstract visual art to accompany newly released music

Bryce Lamar painted strokes of blue and grey onto a sheet of poster board, smearing the paint around with different brushes to create various textures on the artwork. The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music alumnus said he felt the free-flowing, water-like textures and colors of the final product fit with the musical aesthetic of […]

Second Take: Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin spurs casting controversy

Disney’s turbulent casting process for the live-action remake of the 1992 animated classic “Aladdin” has finally come to an end. However, after a four-months-long international search for the perfect lead actors, the company now faces backlash from fans in the form of accusations of whitewashing and cultural misrepresentation. Following the reportedly difficult casting process, a […]

Emmys 2017: UCLA lecturer teaches importance of social media in acting career

UCLA alumni and faculty have lent their acting, writing and directing talents to several series nominated for the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards. Contributing to nominations in categories such as Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Limited Series, Bruins have showcased their skills in both acting and production as parts of the casts and […]

Concert review: Portugal. The Man at the Hollywood Palladium

Lead singer of Portugal. The Man John Gourley waded through a technicolor jungle of blue and green flashing lights decked out in a pair of sunglasses and khaki pants. The Alaskan band’s smooth sound filled the Hollywood Palladium on Sunday night. From a nostalgic prelude to a set list filled with songs from earlier albums, […]

Alumna’s jewelry designs rooted in Korean folklore and tradition

Artist Aein Hope strolled through a South Korean street market in search of the perfect souvenir to commemorate her time studying abroad. The UCLA Korean studies and Asian humanities alumna hoped to find a shirt or bag featuring Hangeul, Korea’s written language. Instead, she came across designs sporting nonsensical sayings in English, or at most, […]