writing.

as seen in TEXAS MONTHLY, afterglow atx, orange magazine, spark magazine, Here is Houston, the texas ledger and more.

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“Album Anniversaries: The Everlasting Spell of Kate Bush’s ‘Hounds of Love’” — AFTERGLOW ATX

35 years later, Kate Bush’s impassioned battle cry for femininity, sexuality, and total renewal remains one of pop’s greatest albums of all time.

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FLEABAG AND THE NECESSITY OF FEMALE RAGE” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

The raunchy, award-winning British comedy transcends tired antiheroine tropes through its flawless navigation of an individualized, painful and unruly female existence.

“FIVE FOODS FROM STUDIO GHIBLI FILMS THAT YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME” — LIFESTYLE JOURNALISM

From Kiki’s chocolate cake to Howl’s ultimate breakfast, here are five renditions (alongside a how-to video) of iconic fictional foods that even perfectionist animator Hayao Miyazaki would be proud of.

“Logging on, checking in: Mindfulness & wellness apps provide stability amid pandemic pressures” — lifestyle journalism

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many are flocking to mental health apps to alleviate their increasing anxieties.

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Melodrama, Revisited: A Love Letter to the Loveless” — afterglow atx

Two years following its release, Lorde’s sophomore album remains a talisman of departing from adolescence, celebrating her own chaotic impulses with as much tenderness as sheer intensity.

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“Scrubs and Stereotypes: Tracking the Rise of the Filipino Female Nurse” — Medium

A glimpse into the intersection of historical trend and cultural duty for Filipino women.

“Album Anniversaries: 15 Years of Feeling the ‘Illinois(e)’ with Sufjan Stevens”— afterglow atx

The stumbling ode to Midwestern rapport remains as impressive and chaotic as ever, echoing timely themes of American liberation and political unrest.

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“The ‘Parasite’ Predicament: The Industry’s Performative Plight to Elevate Foreign-Language Films” — Medium

Turns out, some of the best films in the business don’t have to be in English!

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“album reviEw: mitski and the business of being the cowboy” — afterglow atx

Mitski Miyawaki makes music for the emotionally ravenous. The 27-year-old songwriter’s fifth album glimmers as it explores the various forms love distorts itself into; she owns loneliness as her sidekick and stares you directly in the eye as she takes no prisoners. 

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“REVIEW: ‘Minari’ Honors the Quiet Beauty of Immigrant Resilience” — LIFESTYLE JOURNALISM

Through grounded performances and careful construction, Lee Isaac Chung crafts a universally resonant tale of Asian American identity.

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“THE ALbUMS THAT DEFINED OUR COLLEGE YEARS: CLASS OF 2021” — AFTERGLOW ATX

From Frank Sinatra to Solange, here’s what helped our graduating members through both the monumental and mundane of collegiate life.

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“Austin Resources and Ways to Support the Movement for Black Justice”— afterglow atx

A guide for protesters seeking assistance and others hoping to support them and Austin’s Black community. 

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“The 10 Best Albums of 2020” — afterglow atx

Before the world waves goodbye to this hellish year, the Afterglow Editorial Staff is revisiting the best albums 2020 had to offer.

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“Playlist: a fiery affair for aries season” — afterglow atx

The raging rams are ready to kick ass with a soundtrack that celebrates their dynamism.

“Our Dream ACL Festival 2020 Lineup” — afterglow atx

We couldn't have ACL this year, so we're manifesting instead.

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“Why You Should Be Watching Patriot Act with Hasan minhaj” — ORANGE Magazine

Hasan Minhaj’s news commentary-standup hybrid on Netflix diversifies late-night comedy in a way that is not only fresh, but vital.

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“FEMBEAT: CELEBRATING THE INTERSECTION OF FILM, FEMINISM” — MEDIUM

A look into the origins and creative processes of the docuseries that amplifies the stories, perspectives and work of Austin feminists and self-identifying women.

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“THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE 2010s” — afterglow atx

After an intensely fought, staff-wide race and ranking, Afterglow has chosen the best albums of the decade.

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“The Pop Predicament in A Star is Born” — afterglow atx

What is the fine line between artistry and artificiality? Leave it to Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper to help us figure it out.

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“orange aSKS: SOCCER MOMMY” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

A little over two years ago, Sophie Allison began writing and producing music in her Nashville bedroom under the name Soccer Mommy. Before starting a music-business major at New York University, she quickly developed a loyal following on Bandcamp with bedroom-produced EPs aptly titled “songs for the recently sad” and “songs from my bedroom.”

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“Beautiful Boys: A Conversation with Timothée Chalamet and Nic Sheff”

On a visit to Austin to promote “Beautiful Boy,” Timothée Chalamet and Nic Sheff talk parents, portrayals and the perils of drug addiction during a public Q&A at Regal Arbor 8 Cinema.

“buMBLE REMINDS AUSTIN THAT MINDFULNESS MATTERS” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

With a lineup of prominent local business owners, Bumble’s “Mindfulness Matters” workshop offered suggestions on how to create a better work and life balance for an ideal career.

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A STAR IS BORN IS A MASTERPIECE THAT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART” — orange magazine

The fourth remake of the timeless classic, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, is a gloriously poignant take on the modern music industry that stuns as it sears.

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“tHE SOUNDS OF STRANGER THINGS” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

The darker, highly-anticipated second season of the beloved Netflix show takes its viewers back to the unsettling atmosphere of Hawkins, Indiana, soundtracked by even more ‘80s classics that elevate the evolving narrative. From Eleven’s toaster tunes to Steve’s styling slaylist, music remains an integral part of a show that seems to be getting stranger and stranger.

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“New resolution encourages Austin employees to take paid time off to vote” — medium

 The Austin City Council passed a resolution on Oct. 18 that encourages employees to take paid time off to vote in elections. The resolution also directs the city manager to determine whether a company’s efforts to promote civic engagement is effectively benefitting the community.

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“Abysmal Thoughts and Scandalous Revelations with The Drums” — orange magazine

Surf rock veterans The Drums made fall feel like summer at Emo’s on Dec. 9, playing songs from their new album “Abysmal Thoughts” while sharing scandalous revelations and lessons of vulnerability.

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“ARTISTS TO WATCH FROM SXSW 2018” — orange magazine

It is no secret that artists use South by Southwest to be discovered, or at least to gain a bigger following. After a countless amount of long lines, showcases and new faces, here are the artists that left their mark on ORANGE Magazine.

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“nature calls in houston” — here is houston

Although Houston has its fair share of urban wonders, it also has some of the most impressive nature and wildlife areas in the state. Take a break from the bustle of city life and stroll in the greenest spaces Houston has to offer.

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“houston’s stunning street art scene” — here is houston

Street art is a staple of any city’s artistic presence, and new residents can get a feel of Houston by gazing at the various colors the city is composed of. Rated the most diverse city in the U.S. by WalletHub in 2019, the same sentiment extends to the various artists and stylistic choices that create the city’s local art scene.

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“houston's quirkiest attractions” — here is houston

The stranger, the better. If you’re looking for more nontraditional sights of the city, Houston has some oddball areas that beckon your need for entertainment. Beyond the usual pastimes, one may find various attractions from ornately-decorated cars in museums to dimly-lit caves with a soothing ambiance. Open your mind to the strange — you’ll soon learn that anything is possible in Houston!

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“ORANGE ASKS: NORMAN SPENCE OF TANK AND THE BANGAS” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

Norman Spence plays the keys for Tank and the Bangas, a spoken word, funk, soul group from New Orleans fronted by Tarriona “Tank” Ball.

 
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“a bohemian rhapsody: the fashion of freddie mercury” — spark magazine

Freddie Mercury once said, “I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend.” The words of the late Queen frontman prove themselves to be truer now than ever before. Consistently hailed as one of the greatest voices in music by various major outlets over the years — from MTV to Rolling Stone and beyond — the “Somebody to Love” singer quickly comes to mind when listing artists who define entire generations.

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“THE BEST NON-TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS ALBUMS” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

While Mariah Carey and Wham! are common staples in anyone’s holiday playlist, here are some of the best original projects that have aimed to subvert the conventional Christmas carol.

 
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“TOP 10 LESSER-KNOWN ARTISTS AT ACL” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

With excitement for the headliners of this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, it can be difficult to decide which up-and-coming artists are worth checking out. ORANGE Magazine has some top picks to help you out.

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“THE MOST UNDERRATED NETFLIX ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

With Netflix constantly cranking out new original content, choosing the next show to binge-watch is no easy task. You have already gone through the classics like “Stranger Things” and “Orange is the New Black” and now you don’t know how to choose the next adventure. Picking one with an impressive soundtrack, however, is a good place to start.

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“CULT” — SPARK MAGAZINE

The famed images of Winona Ryder playing croquet in striking blue, Matthew McConaughey happily stoned in salmon pants, and Kyle MacLachlan admiring some “damn good coffee” are among many that have stemmed from cult classics. Their ability to acquire a passionate following creates eccentric subcultures audiences continually strive to be a part of. Three standouts have remained beloved influences in pop culture and fashion: the deadly black comedy of Michael Lehmann’s “Heathers,” Richard Linklater’s ‘70s-set dream “Dazed and Confused,” and the surrealism of David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks.” 

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“THE TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2019” — AFTERGLOW ATX

Take a look at some of the best albums of the past year, hand-picked by the Afterglow Editorial Staff.

“HOW AND WHERE TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOON LANDING” — TEXAS MONTHLY

Decoding the vast wonders of the universe has never been so fun! This July, Texas Monthly ventures back to the summer of ‘69, taking a retrospective look at the first moon landing. While this event greatly expanded our scope of the final frontier, it also unified the millions of people who initially witnessed it on television. Here are some ways to celebrate the cosmic with the community, a little closer to home.

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“THE TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2018” — AFTERGLOW ATX

A list of the albums that kept us thinking, crying, and dancing through 2018.

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“CLEVER COSTUMES FOR THE BROKE COLLEGE STUDENT” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

Halloween can be hard for college students surviving off of ramen noodle dinners. Here are some easy, pop-culture inspired costumes that are sure to impress for less this Halloween.

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“HISTORIC PLACES OF AUSTIN’S PARKS” — texas monthly

From its stunning springs to its quaint museums, each gem tells a story of Old Austin while informing the present, as a reminder of how far the city has come and will continue to thrive. Take a look at the various histories of Austin’s most iconic monuments for a celebration of then and now.

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“spooky self-care tips” — orange magazine

ORANGE Magazine presents self-care, but make it Halloween-themed.

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“Concert Review: Mac DeMarco and The Flaming Lips at The Moody Theater” — ORANGE MAGAZINE

Indie icon Mac DeMarco teamed up with alternative-rock veterans The Flaming Lips for a night filled with confetti, unicorns and profanity in The Moody Theater this past Sunday.

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“the top free shows at sxsw 2018” — orange magazine

If done right, South by Southwest has the potential to be the best week of the year without having to spend a single cent.

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“An Ode to Autumn: ORANGE Magazine’s Fall Playlist” — orange magazine

It’s that time of year again.