Conor Murphy

Wil Gibb

Record Routine: Showing vulnerability, Adele's vocals highlight '25'

By Mario Puig and Conor Murphy | Nov. 22, 2015

Fame is a monster. The public spotlight pointed at every celebrity, athlete and politician probably places more stress on them than any number of stage lights under which media figures thrive. But not every celebrity opens up under the harsh scrutiny of a reporter’s question or paparazzi flash bulbs. After releasing a seminal break-up album in 2011, Adele closed herself off, focusing on establishing a family and having a baby. As 21 remained on Billboard’s top album chart, Adele didn’t lavish in the spotlight. Instead, the singer-songwriter reflected upon the relationship which spawned her record-breaking album and crafted a follow-up.

Harrison Fangmann

News

Freakfest X: Smaller acts connect with audience at Frances Street Stage

By Conor Murphy | Nov. 1, 2015

Freakfest provides attendees with an insane variety of options in terms of music throughout the night.While packing yourself against the crowds at the top of State Street may allow you to see a big-name band, it’s the smaller stages that can invoke a stronger sense of community and connection with the performers.

Tim Radl

News

Hussy prepares for annual Turkeyfest

By Conor Murphy | Oct. 22, 2015

Strands of red and white Christmas lights illuminate the dark East Mifflin basement. Remnants of a surprise birthday concert remain on the walls, including a “Happy Birthday” banner and a smashed piñata.

News

With unrelenting ignorance, Azealia Banks’ use of “faggot” will cost her fans

By Conor Murphy | Sep. 28, 2015

I don’t even know where to begin with my adoration for Azealia Banks’ talent as a rapper. After bursting out in 2011 with “212 (feat. Lazy Jay),” Banks quickly ascended as the “next big female MC.” Her acidic tone, fantastic lyricism and pleasing vulgarity hooked me in as a young college student. With a heavy heart this weekend, I opened iTunes and promptly deleted Banks’ catalogue from my library—what a difference four years makes.

Cameron Graff

News

It's time for trans women to play trans women

By Conor Murphy | Sep. 24, 2015

Early in the first season of Amazon’s series “Transparent,” Maura Pfefferman, the show’s protagonist, discusses the revelation that she is trans with her daughter, Sarah.

Conor Murphy

News

Allan Kingdom, Me eN You dazzle sold-out Sett

By Stephanie Lindholm and Conor Murphy | Sep. 21, 2015

Rain can hamper any Friday evening. A torrential downpour, while fun to watch from indoors, can preclude people from venturing out into the great unknown for adventures and performances across the city.

Photo courtesy of Gersh Comedy

News

Carly Aquilino, Jenny Zigrino set to electrify Union Theater

By Conor Murphy | Sep. 15, 2015

Carly Aquilino’s first time on stage was short-lived: at her first ballet recital, when the curtains rose, Aquilino promptly jumped off stage.

News

Kanye West monologues, Miley Cyrus flops at 2015 VMAs

By Conor Murphy | Aug. 31, 2015

The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards stormed onto prime time Sunday, with Taylor Swift taking home two major awards and Kanye West receiving the Michael Jackson Vanguard Video Award. Miley Cyrus came back after her 2013 performance as host, but her tasteless jokes and awkward cutaways left much to be desired.

News

Where the music fans are: Why festivals still matter in 2015

By Conor Murphy | Jul. 12, 2015

There’s nothing like experiencing a music festival through a first-timer’s eyes. The sights and sounds, the myriad personalities of fellow festivalgoers and learning the tricks of the site’s security and management become an overwhelming sensory overload from time to time. This inundation of experiences, packed into a three-day experience, is unlike anything that bands and performers can offer their fans. This experience is what drives millions of people to attend festivals across the country each year.

News

SAMF 2015: Eight things every festivalgoer needs for a smooth festival weekend

By Conor Murphy | Jun. 11, 2015

With the annual Spring Awakening Music Festival, known as SAMF on social media, starting in less than 24 hours, I'm positively vibrating with excitement for what this weekend will bring. While I've only been to a couple festivals, and this will be my first time at an EDM-focused festival, I've picked up some tips from seasoned attendees and concertgoers about how to make this weekend at Soldier Field much more easygoing.