A new weekly feature for the Blue & Gold! Staff members share one thing they are into this week so the rest of you can get in on it (or understand why it’s not for you). This will get updated each week. And you are welcome to submit your own personality suggestion for consideration.
AUGUST 21, 2024
“Strawberry & The Yellow Bird” by Stabwey
Stabwey is a local Atlanta band. Just a few months ago, they had their last show to celebrate their graduation. This was not the end for the band just yet though. At this show, they announced they will be releasing their music on streaming platforms. The album, dropped on August 11, is titled “Strawberry & The Yellow Bird” and includes 11 tracks, and I have been listening to it A LOT this week. I underestimated how much I would enjoy this album. The songs are all very catchy and fast-paced. My favorite track from the album is “Shark Week.” The song includes samples from the show “Shark Week.” My next favorite was “Snooping As Usual.” It’s more of a slow track, but I still enjoyed it just as much as the other songs. The harmonies are very beautiful and really add to the song. The first track on the album is titled “New Balance.” Originally, it was released as a single before the official album and for good reason. It captures a snapshot of the band’s style and really drew me in to listen to the album. I encourage everyone who loves rock to give it a listen! – Juliet Gonzalez
Sheer1700 (aka Shira Azuz)
My favorite Instagram account of this week has to be sheer1700. Shira Azuz, more known as Sheer, has created my favorite catalog of videos. The acting, dancing, and production values are top-tier, and not very many people recognize this. The plot of these characters is so consuming that when I watch her videos, I feel like I am in a different place. I feel so connected to her every time I watch any of her creations. There are 5 main characters; Stone, Stream, Kate, Mud, and Coke. Each character has their own story and character development. On top of that, Sheer manages to incorporate stunning choreography into all of her videos. The plotline of these short productions is very intense. There is a lot of drama between all of these characters. For example, Mud is always mad and not glad. Stream and Stone are always arguing. Kate never opens the gate. Coke is always frozen. These problems always arise but there never seems to be a resolution. It builds so much suspense, and I cannot wait until the day Sheer releases a video of everyone being happy together. This Instagram page brings me so much joy and I am so thankful to have found it. Sheer and her amazing brain and choreography will never fail to amaze me. – Sasha Lapayeva
The Descent (2005)
“The Descent” is an amazing horror movie made in 2005. In it, Sarah, the protagonist, lost her daughter and husband in a gruesome car crash, after her friends and Sarah go whitewater rafting. One year after the fateful crash, her friends take her to go caving. When Sarah arrives at the house everyone is staying in, she sees all of her old friends and a new thrill-seeker, Holly. The next day, Juno leads everyone to a cave, which has an entrance of a gaping hole. They all descend to the cave, and they look for the way further in. A bit deeper in, someone gets stuck, because a passage collapsed. The others free the stuck person, but now they are all trapped. Juno calls for them to keep moving, saying “if we stay here, we die,” and they realize that they are, in fact, not in the cave they thought. Rather they are in a new unnamed system, and no one knows where they are. After going even further in, they see evidence of a previous expedition. This leads to the conclusion that whoever explored this system before did not make it out. They see some good news, however; an image depicting the cave shows two entrances, hinting there may be a way out. They keep on moving until they are ambushed by subterranean creatures, known as crawlers. From here, our heroes must use their cunning and courage to escape these predators.
I really enjoyed this movie, since the makeup of the crawlers is really detailed, and the scares at the beginning are very well-done. Also, the atmosphere of evil is established fantastically on the way to the cave. The rest of the movie kept my interest, and it used shock and suspense very well. All in all, it was a wonderfully executed horror movie that anyone that loves horror should watch. – Jackson Lee
My Amazing Fish Life
Having a pet is always a special experience, but when it comes to a festival like Lemonade Days My pet fish, which I got from Lemonade Days a year and a half ago, has been a fun adventure that has added more love to my life. Watching him evolve, grow, and change colors has been so cool to see, I have only seen it in movies and it’s so unreal. When I first brought him home, he was a tiny, almost translucent little creature. I remember being excited but also a bit anxious about whether I could care for him properly. Over time, with care and attention, he began to show me his personality. It was so cool to see how quickly he adapted to his new environment, exploring every corner of his tank . One of the most fascinating aspects of having this fish has been observing his physical changes. Initially, he had a pale, almost colorless appearance. However, as the months went by, he started to develop more vibrant hues. His fins, which were once almost invisible, began to display a beautiful array of colors. It was as if he was changing a little every day, adding more layers of brilliance and complexity. His growth has been equally impressive. From a tiny, delicate fish, he has grown into an active swimmer. I made sure to provide him with a happy home and a clean, big tank, which I believe contributed significantly to his healthy development. It’s exciting to see him so lively and energetic, moving around his tank that only a fish can possess. Beyond his physical transformation, my pet fish has also become a part of my daily routine and emotional life. There’s something about watching him swim, I ought him some tricks. He has a way of bringing a sense of peace and calm to my home, making even the most stressful days a bit more bearable. In conclusion, my pet fish named fish from Lemonade Days has been more than just a pet; he’s been a great companion. His journey from a tiny, almost colorless fish to a vibrant, lively creature has been a beautiful experience to witness. I look forward to many more years of watching him grow and evolve, continuing to bring a splash of color and joy into my life. – Rowan Schreiber
“F1-Trillion” by Post Malone
On Friday, Post Malone’s highly anticipated country album, “F1-Trillion” dropped. The album is made up almost entirely of collaborations, with 15 out of the 18 songs on the album featuring another artist. However, Post also released a surprise extended version of the album the same day, that had an additional nine solo tracks. The album features collaborations with legendary country artists such as Dolly Parton, Hank Jr, and Tim McGraw, along with collaborations with more recent artists, like Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and Jelly Roll. While Post Malone’s crossover from pop/rap to country may seem random to some people, he’s no stranger to the genre. Throughout his career, he’s repeatedly played covers of iconic country songs, and in 2015, Post tweeted “WHEN I TURN 30 I’M BECOMING A COUNTRY/FOLK SINGER.” So, this album has been planned for more than a decade. In 2023, Post sang a cover of “Pickup Man” on the Joe Diffie tribute album organized by HARDY, Hixtape Vol. 3: Difftape, and even performed the song at the CMA Awards that year. In late April 2024, when Post played Stagecoach, his setlist was all covers of classic country songs. Back to last Friday, Post dropped his album to receive a flood of positive reviews. His existing fan base along with fans of country seem to love it, and many believe that this is the genre that he belongs in. – Maven Bolick
I have been obsessed with them for the past two months. This band is a British-based band and the producers consist of Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland. There is not just one thing that I like about them. I enjoy everything from their music, lyrics, and especially their dance videos. One notably popular song of theirs, that you’ve probably heard on TikTok, or on Fortnite, which is an emote in Fortnite, is “Back on 74.” This is one of their many masterpieces. My favorite song overall by them is “Casio.” “Casio” is part of the “For Ever” album released in 2018. Their music videos are spectacular. The dancers are very expressive and well choreographed and I am in a loop of re-watching the same videos until I get tired (I haven’t). Will West, a prominent image of Jungle, executes all his moves flawlessly so much that you are trapped in a trance. Their most recent album, “Volcano” is on repeat in my head, from “Dominoes” to “I’ve Been in Love,” to “Palm Trees” and “Don’t Play.” All of them! I can’t get enough of them. And what is more exciting is that they are coming to Georgia! They will be performing in the Coca-Cola Roxy on October 15. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go, sadly. Overall, what I am most in love with is their musicality and how well put together their music is. The rhythm, their vocals, and their energy. I would recommend them to anyone willing to listen to a new genre. – Teresita Bartolon-Trujillo
“Not Strong Enough” by Boygenius
This week I am captivated by the song “Not Strong Enough” by Boygenius. If you haven’t heard it, you should. Boygenuis, a female band made up of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, went viral on social media a few months ago with this song.
“Not Strong Enough” is a masterclass in emotional songwriting. It deals with not being good enough, in relationships, in life, or even just with oneself. Yet, there’s a resilience in the way the song builds, each member of the trio dropping in their distinctive style of vocalizing to leave you with harmonies as raw as they are beautiful. The combination of introspective lyrics with an insistent, almost cathartic melody is what makes this one of those songs on which you will keep finding deeper meanings in between each constant play.
The song, musically, is a great blend of indie rock and folk. All this is rich in instrumentation and yet so understated, allowing much room for the lyrics and vocal deliveries to become the best highlight. Here, Boygenius captures a certain atmosphere: intimate yet expansive, just like rifling through a personal confession that somehow strikes a note at a universal level.
What really sets “Not Strong Enough” apart from most at this moment is how it resonates with everybody’s emotional discussion going on. At a time when we are all battling our own vulnerabilities and the happenings around us, this song feels like a reminder that it is fine not to have it all together. That strength isn’t always about being invincible, but rather about admitting our weaknesses, and then going forward anyway. I wholeheartedly recommend the Boygenius record. It is full of tracks that hit as hard as this. – Ella Grace Engle
Tate McRae
I went to see Tate McRae perform live on Saturday night at Chastain Park. Tate McRae has been a singer/songwriter since she was 13 but she has recently gained popularity with her new hit song “Greedy.” She came out with a new album this year titled “Think Later,” I loved the songs on it and decided to purchase tickets to see her in concert. My favorite songs off this album are “Plastic Palm Trees,” “Run for the Hills,” and “What’s your Problem.” I love her songs because they are fun to sing, they’re catchy, and the lyrics are often relatable to many young girls. Tate McRae used to be a competitive dancer, she even beat Maddie Ziegler (former “Dance Moms” star) in a dance competition. Her former dance career was presented throughout the whole performance. Not only did her vocals impress the audience, her entire show was entertaining to watch. Although I love listening to the songs on Spotify, her voice was even more impressive to listen to live. When I got to Chastain park, it started to rain on us which delayed the concert. Security wouldn’t let us in the gates until about 1 hour later past the original start time which left us to stand in the rain. Despite this severely unpleasant experience, I was still exceedingly impressed by the concert. Even including the cold rain I would recommend attending a Tate McRae concert or at the least, listening to her music online. – Anna Kate Flood
Red Dead Redemption 2
One thing I’ve really liked recently is this video game, Red Dead Redemption 2. I wish I was able to play it more, because school and sports makes it so hard to have time for it, but I think it’s such an incredible game when I do play it. The game itself is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption, and it’s set 12 years before the events in the first game. The story follows this guy named Arthur Morgan, who, during the decline of the American frontier, is running away from the law with the gang he’s in after a botched heist. I’m not even halfway in, I’ve only been playing it since early this summer. It’s already trumped every other game I’ve ever played, with its gameplay, story, and depth. While many people, including me, have probably dreamed about being a wild west outlaw, this is the closest you get to living that dream. The game incentivizes you with doing the right thing and helping out people, which is generally how I like to play it. Even though it gives you seemingly no reward, it’s still so satisfying doing favors for other people. The attention to detail in the gameplay is so incredible, and there’s so much to do it actually gets to be a little overwhelming sometimes. You can hunt, rob, fish, fight other rival gangs, and you can go to many of the different towns/cities in the game. It’s not surprising to me that the company that made this game, Rockstar, did it so well. While they were already well known for the Red Dead series, they’ve also well known for making all of the games in the GTA franchise. Regardless of who made it, it’s a masterpiece and I feel like anybody who respects video games should play it. If you want to play it, you can get it on a Playstation or on Steam. – Miles Forshay
[For more reasons why this game is your new personality, read this opinion piece from the Blue & Gold archives!]
Ryan Trahan on youtube
This week, I’ve really enjoyed watching the YouTuber Ryan Trahan, a quirky influencer with a positive attitude and a heart for charity work. His channel is full of him going to strange hotels, eating strange food, and ordering strange gadgets off of the internet. His most famous videos consist of him attempting to travel large distances with only a penny, his profits going to charity. In my opinion, his humor is so lighthearted and refreshing, contrary to the negative and sarcastic humor many YouTube and talk show personalities portray. My favorite type of videos that he produces are those in which he tests one-star reviews of various restaurants, amusement parks, and hotels. In them, he finds terribly reviewed establishments and attempts to find positive aspects in order to write his own, honest 5-star review. It’s a breath of fresh air to see someone take humor and positivity out of seemingly terrible (and somewhat frightening) situations. I carry this philosophy into my personal life, attempting to make the most of stressful classes and difficult situations into humorous instances that I can chuckle at. In my opinion, if everyone had the same attitude and humor as Ryan Trahan, the world would be a much better place. – Finley Malone
“Wuzzelbud FF” by Robag Wruhme
I got turned onto this artist and album by my friend PJ who runs a great record and book shop in Washington DC called Art Sound Language. Wruhme is a German DJ/producer who apparently has been making techno music for two decades, and this album dropped in 2018. The title track is worth the price of admission alone with great alien spacecraft drops, odd breaks that throw some sounds around and the infectious chant sample of “yeah” that pops up throughout. It’s techno music, sure, but I have a difficult time imagining how you would dance to it. Tempos come and go, the listener’s focus alters, but the high hats keep it all tight. I bet a club exists out there somewhere that when this comes on the crowd goes crazy. And I would love to visit that club. There are a few other bangers in this album, including “Veddel Baav” that combines heavy bass with synthesized sighs to great effect, but Wruhme also populates the album with short atmospheric pieces and one old school drum ‘n’ bass track. This German DJ/producer throws sonic elements into the air and somehow juggles them into music that works. You might not dance, but you will enjoy it. He has a vast catalog of 12″ singles, too, so dive in and if you find that club – holler! – Mr. Avett
AirPod Max Headphones
Most high school students develop major back pain by 20 from carrying around super heavy bags filled with items for 7 different classes. I’m the same but my favorite thing inside my bag has been my AirPod Max headphones I got last year for Christmas. They definitely add weight to my bag but it’s so worth it. Walking from class to class is so boring without blasting music in your ears and pretending you’re in a movie. Many people agree that the price is too expensive, but there are many places to get them just as new for a lower price. The headphones have a noise canceling feature which allows me to focus better during class when we work on individual projects. One con about the headphones is they’re a little heavy for my head so wearing them for long periods of time gives me a headache, but that could be just me. Besides that one con I have nothing bad to say about them. The sound quality is so good and I personally love music and these headphones make it sound like the song is going through my body. If you save up or have a birthday coming I highly suggest getting AirPod Maxes. – Kira Lawson
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan is everywhere. Whether you are aware Roans’s music, her extravagant outfits, or you’ve simply heard her name, you have likely at least heard of her. If you yourself are a Chappell Roan fan, you understand me; if you are unaware of Chappell Roan’s music (or are actively opposed to it) rest assured, your number on the 1-10 scale of Chappell Roan of Chappell Roan appreciation will soon increase.
Chappell Roan is one of the most important musical artists alive for those who have ever felt outcast; especially those who are queer. On stage and in music videos, Roan wears eccentric outfits that many have deemed “Campy”. She dons sparkly makeup with her bright red hair while singing in a voice so clear and expressive that it still sends shivers down my spine every time she crescendos.
While her message of support to expressing ones individuality through appearance is clear, her support for those outside the societal norm extends far past appearance. Chappell Roan identifies as a lesbian and that fact is clear to anyone who’s listened to any of her songs. She speaks openly about her attraction to women and other experiences common to queer women.
An example of Chappell Roan expressing her feelings openly can be found in the music video for Roan’s song “Red Wine Supernova.” The first few seconds of the video show an older woman putting up a sign that reads “God hates magic.” Given that the rest of the music video is about Roan falling in love with a female magician, as well as the common use of religion as an opposition to same-gender attraction, the sign is clearly a metaphor for homophobia. This metaphor is brought home when Roan transforms the older woman into a rabbit and takes a clear stance in favor of both magic and the LGBTQ community.
A further example of the clear lesbian themes of Chappell Roan’s music can be found in her song “Good Luck Babe”. In “Good Luck Babe”, Roan speaks of a woman she used to date who struggled with being open about her relationship with Roan. The relationship being described is familiar to many Sapphics (non-men who are attracted to other non-men), because many Sapphics are scared to openly admit their same-gender attraction. This fear to admit their true feelings for their partner can lead to issues in the relationship if one member of the relationship is open about being LGBTQ while the other is not. The chorus in “Good Luck Babe” is particularly expressive, and shares Roan’s desire for her former partner to openly admit attraction to women. “You can kiss a hundred boys in bars … You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling”, sings Roan.
All in all, anyone who hasn’t yet gone down the Chappell Roan rabbit hole of obsession should make sure to check out her youtube, spotify, apple music, or other music platform, and jump in (don’t bother trying to mind the edge, it’s very slippery). – Maren Merkel
Owala
This week I have a lot to do. Tests, homework, and friends- school is officially in full swing! On Monday, I woke up and filled up my Owala water bottle and I must say, it is my entire sanity in a metal water bottle. My friends will tell you that at the beginning of the Owala kick, I was very against it. I even bullied my friends at summer camp for having them (all in good fun of course). “Just another Stanley…” But no, it is not. When I went back-to-school shopping, I was converted. It genuinely is a good water bottle. With a straw for sipping and a larger opening for when you want to chug it, the Owala water bottle keeps my ice frozen all day. This definitely sounds like an ad, but believe me, I was skeptical too! It is not an impractical Stanley though, it’s a functional bottle! Tuesday morning when I woke up, less sleep-deprived but still not motivated for the day, I washed out my Owala and filled it back up. I know my sanity relying on a water bottle probably isn’t the best thing, but it’s the little things. With everything going on, having one thing you look forward to every day is a game-changer. – Ellie Owens
Awesome Brainrot Instagram Account
The TikTok user @headveryempty posts compilation videos filled with brain rot in its purest form. These compilations feature trending clips popular with a subsection of gen z. There is usually a main clip that is used as the intro or hook, and the rest of the clips revolve around the main clip. There is always seemingly inspirational or soft music playing in the background.
Headveryempty’s social media journey began on September 9, 2020, when they posted their first compilation featuring popular videos such as Trisha Peytas’s infamous King Tut cosplay and NickAvacado crying with the caption #WorldPeace. They continued posting brain rot, and show no signs of quitting. Their most recent video revolves around AI Joe Biden getting ready for a night out. It is very entertaining, I definitely would check it out, especially if you are a brain rot connoisseur like me.
I like Headveryempty so much because I use brain rot and meme culture to connect with my friends. My friends and I will share brain rot videos as a way of showing our friendship. The more mind numbing the better. Their account is also a great way to stay updated on what memes are circulating and trending at the moment. Headveryempty has recently reposted some videos on Instagram under the user @headvempty, but all of their videos can be found on TikTok. Go check them out and share it with a friend. – Noa Zilber
Sour Cream & Onion Goldfish Crisps
I was at Costco the other day and I found this massive box of these new goldfish crisps. I hate the original cheddar kind because they leave a nasty aftertaste, but the new kind was sour cream and onion flavored. I usually dislike sour cream and onion on basically everything, but these are the exception. They are really puffy because they’re baked instead of whatever they usually do to make regular goldfish. They’re not like the Cheetos puffed version where they’re super fluffy. They’re really crisp and are actually hollow on the inside. The reason I like these better than the regular goldfish crisps is just because they don’t completely suck. The regular cheddar kind are just so terrible that I’d rather eat just about anything over them. I like the sour cream and onion on these goldfish way better than any other chip and it’s not even close. I feel like most times there is ever a sour cream and onion flavor, the brand either makes it way too strong of a flavor or it makes a mess all over your fingers. These are not the case, however, because they have just enough flavor to not taste bland, but not too much to make it feel like there’s an onion nuke in your mouth. Overall, the Sour Cream and Onion Goldfish Crisps are good and are worth the try. – Michael Bryant
