Funny thing about Battle of the Bands winner Keegan Tawa: he’s not a band.

But you can’t blame anyone for thinking he’s more than one person. This multi-tasking sophomore disc jockeys, produces original music, mentors other musicians and is in ROTC, all while pursuing an engineering major.

“I don’t sleep. Ever,” he says with a laugh.

Tawa began producing electronic tracks as a senior in high school. The “raw, primal” genre appealed to him, and he appreciated its power to make people dance. Since then, he’s produced numerous original tracks and developed a DJ-ing career successful enough to pay for all his food and rent. In March, he beat out 13 other student music-groups to earn an opening spot at Movin’ On along with ska-band Wondershop Showdown. Both acts will open for a slew of popular artists including the Avett Brothers and Ludacris. Scary much?

“I don’t really get nervous for shows,” he says. “I’m really excited, though.”

To prepare, he’s polishing off a few unfinished songs. The result should be a smartly calculated set, heavy on the synths—a style that served Tawa well at Battle of the Bands. Fortunately for him, electronic music’s enjoyed a resurgence lately (Avicii, anyone?), and he’s not one to complain.

If you’re wondering what he’s listening to, check out the five songs he recommended to start your party off right:

The Night Out (Madeon Remix) – Martin Solveg

Brightness – Walden

Metropolis – David Guetta

Language – Porter Robinson

I Don’t Even Like You – Zedd

You can see Tawa perform on April 27 at Movin’ On. Until then, check out his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keegan-Tawa/208623169185600.

Photos by Nina Abbott.

So you love Spotify and can always be spotted walking from class to class with your earbuds in. But why not go above and beyond and take time to create the music? Penn State’s Songwriters Club recognizes music’s unifying powers by encouraging the sharing and creating of original music.

Founded in September 2009 by Brian Walker and current president Maura Westerlund, the Songwriters Club has mellifluously impacted Penn State student life by hosting benefit concerts for THON and providing a supportive threshold for musicians to improve their art.

“One of the nice things about SWC is people help each other to play better,” member Michael Gattis says. “If you’re not very good at playing guitar or other instruments, you can find someone who is and have a jam session.”

SWC is supportive of each member, whether that person is musically talented or simply comes out to listen to some tunes. At the end of their meetings, students can showcase their own material and ask for help with lyrics or chord progressions.

“Everyone is very helpful and understanding,” Gattis says. “You may feel a little nervous sharing your work, but remember you’re playing in front of a room full of musicians. They’ve all been there.”

Apart from having club jam sessions and hosting open mic nights, Gattis says several bands have formed through SWC and play at a few venues around campus. So, if you’re a music guru or just love rocking out, check out their Facebook page and come play among some of Penn State’s finest talent.

Just steps away from the Palmer Museum of Art is Patterson Gallery in Patterson Building. Sure, maybe you’ve never visited it. Maybe you’ve never even heard of it. But next time you have some free time between classes, drop by for a quick look. The gallery shows Penn State student work on a weekly basis, allowing for a wealth of student work. This coming week, senior art student Anna Brewer opens CRUX, a pinnacle show of sorts.

The show, which includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and even “a surprise,” is the culmination or “crux” of Brewer’s work during her time at Penn State. The works stem from Brewer’s study abroad in Argentina, where she was fully immersed in an unfamiliar culture. She says the new experience made her feel as if she was exploding, and it inspired her to create pieces that are more colorful, vulgar and abstract.

CRUX is an exploration of gender, power, the body and sexuality. Don’t worry — for those of you not actively tapped into the language of art, Brewer does a good job of spelling out these concepts without being outright controversial. The work is suggestive without being obscene (although you may see a few penis-like objects thrown in — tastefully, of course). You’ll also see the body like you’ve never seen it before with body-part sculptures, paintings of unfamiliar, deformed people and images of exploding heads.

The show also touches on the process of Brewer’s work. Most of the time, Brewer starts her pieces without an exact final product in mind. This translates into pieces that incorporate Velcro body parts, an element that questions the actual final art product by allowing her to move them at will.

Even if you’re not that into art, CRUX is worth a visit. The pieces are interesting and coherent despite their potentially controversial subject matter. Even if you don’t know what you may experience, take a look. Brewer says she appreciates everybody’s input.
“I really just want people to go, look and respond. I want to know what people gather from the works,” she says.

CRUX runs from April 8 to 14 at Patterson Gallery across from the Palmer Museum of Art. The reception is held Wednesday, April 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Note: If you’re a student artist looking to display your own work, visit the Patterson Gallery website to apply for your own show.

Photo by Rhiannon Hedrick

Thanks to the past week of nice weather, spring and summertime fun have finally made an appearance in Happy Valley. Next time you’re outside relaxing in the sun or enjoying a warm night out, listen to these tunes to get in the warm-weather mood.

“Starships” by Nicki Minaj

This song oozes energy. “Let’s go to the beach, each; let’s go get away,” Nicki begins in her signature punchy voice. The song is nothing if not a testament to the simple nature of warm-weathered fun. It’s a must-listen all spring and summer long.

“Charlie Brown” by Coldplay

Coldplay has the ability to constantly reinvent itself, something its members certainly have undertaken on their most recent album, Mylo Xyloto. The song’s chorus is nothing short of genius, with frontman Chris Martin’s vocals soaring over irresistible melodies. As an added bonus, the song evokes that summertime romance you’ve always dreamt of while not contorting it into a cliché.

“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen

You’ve all heard this catchy song at any recent Penn State shindig. The track is a fun way to celebrate a gathering, be that outside on your lawn or inside your apartment.

“Machu Picchu” by The Strokes

The Strokes’ newest album is full of powerful and addicting guitar riffs and melodies, with “Machu Picchu” possibly being its catchiest song to date.  The guitar rhythms and Julian Casablancas’ vocals and will have you instantly thinking of fun, warm days and nights with your closest friends.

“Gold on the Ceiling” by The Black Keys

Even though the album dropped in mid-winter, the group’s latest single boasts an electric guitar chorus worthy of any spring event. The song is upbeat and undeniably catchy.

“Glad You Came” by The Wanted

The opening of this song, with its calypso-style drum beats and light accordion complement, immediately conjures up visions of warm springs and summers. The song is amazingly catchy to boot, making it the perfect tune for perfect weather.

“We Take Care of Our Own” by Bruce Springsteen

A lot of Springsteen’s music has that quintessential free feeling associated with summer temperatures. This song has the sheer power of an American anthem, making it perfect for blasting out of any Penn Stater’s set of speakers.

“Dancehall Queen” by Robyn

Sure, this is a bit of a throwback. Robyn’s lyrics about being dancehall royalty (“Until the music stops, you know I still run this thing like a Dancehall Queen”) coupled with the reggae tone will have everyone ready to dance.

Photo by Nina Abbott

Seth Goldsmith has a cat named Cassius. He studies telecommunications. He exercises. He appreciates sunny days because they’re limited in Pittsburgh, his hometown. He’s the archetypal Penn State student.

Except when he’s on stage.

Known to fans as “Crystal Seth,” this young, talented entrepreneur is the next big thing out of Pennsylvania’s trendy hip-hop scene. His latest project, Left on Freeport, has reached over 6,000 hits on Datpiff.com, the industry’s most popular online mixtape source. It doesn’t stop there — by the end of the semester, he promises us more material.

While he says academics are important to him, music is in his blood.

“I’ve been into music since 1969 when my dad attended Woodstock,” he offers with that clever wit that makes his music so enticing. His mother is a skilled poet, and he says her work significantly influences his lyricism.

Crystal Seth’s content focuses on his daily life and those who may relate. He attempts to understand his listeners by appealing to them on a personal level through rhyme and rhythm.

“To be able to write a song about myself, but be conscious enough during the writing process to appeal to a mass audience, that inspires me. I admittedly haven’t done that [yet], or else I’d be famous already. That also inspires me.”

His humility and drive propel his crew to operate as a cohesive unit on the journey to a dream. Seth says this is the key to success.

“My team runs things as if I’ve already made it in the industry, so by the time we get there, we’ll be a well-oiled machine. There will be no harsh transition because we work that hard already.” And work hard he does. This semester, he has yet to spend a weekend in State College. He travels far and wide to play in front of screaming audiences, record music or film videos that attach visuals to his head-bobbing beats.

Currently, Crystal Seth is in the process of signing with a State College-based production company to gain more exposure within the area and beyond.

Keep an eye on this up-and-comer that’s one of our very own! You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or visit Datpiff  to download his music for free!

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated how often Crystal Seth has left State College to work on his career. It’s this semester that he has missed so many weekends. We apologize for the error!

Photo by Rhiannon Hedrick

Irving’s Bagels, a Penn State restaurant staple, has expanded its downtown domain with the opening of Fiddlehead, a soup and salad café located on 134 W. College Ave.  As a salad enthusiast, I can say that the café’s crunchy, fresh salads and savory soups did not disappoint.

After winding my way through the packed café, I came to the front of the soup and salad factory line and was able to custom order any salad I chose. Fiddlehead offers six specific salads on its menu, but customers can choose to create their own from more than 40 ingredients. It also presents a variety of made-from-scratch soups daily.

When I walked into the cafe, I was immediately greeted by a positive environment — welcoming cashiers, cheerful lime walls and the sounds of K.T. Tunstall and the like subtly crooning from the radio. But the wall color isn’t the only thing that’s green. Fiddlehead prides itself on its “green” approach — most of its materials used are either recycled or made from renewable resources. The restaurant also purchases supplies from local businesses and promotes a cleaner environment for Penn State

This café, though, is not easily a “sit-down” eatery. I quickly grabbed a chair when a costumer left, but there was only one line of face-the-wall seating and three tables near the window. It’s a better place for people wanting to eat healthy on the go.

In the end, though, I left Fiddlehead feeling full, fit and content. I will surely be back soon to try the soups.

For more information on College Avenue’s new café, visit www.fiddleheadstatecollege.com.

Photo by Ian Lopera

The Bryce Jordan Center radiated Southern charm Saturday night as Lady Antebellum, Thompson Square and Darius Rucker took the stage.

Thompson Square, comprised of dynamic husband-and-wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson, started the show off right with plenty of sass and playful dancing. Shawna rocked the stage in a risky, yet very fashionable outfit: a black bustier and frilly plaid skirt. The highlight of the band’s performance was its recent number-one hit, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?” Shawna convinced her husband to give her a big smooch on stage to end the set.

Next, Darius Rucker, wearing a simple green T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap, performed all of his hit songs — “Alright” and “Come Back Song” included. He then had the entire arena shouting along to the Hank Williams classic “Family Tradition.” This was only appropriate, as family was an important theme — he frequently spoke of them between songs, and he even brought tears to many of the audience members’ eyes as he changed the words to his song, “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” to make it seem like he was singing to his own daughter.

But nothing topped the headliner, Lady Antebellum. The crowd went wild with each song the group played, especially “As You Turn Away.” The audience had voted for the song before the show, and singer Hillary Scott was especially grateful. She told the crowd that the song meant a lot to her, and it showed in her singing. Bandmates Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood also energized the crowd with “Hello World.” While the harmony by Scott and Kelley was mind-blowing, there’s no doubt that Scott stole the show with her sparkly outfits, winning smile and bubbly personality. For country fans, the sold-out show was worth every penny.

Stuck in a musical rut? We found the perfect Pandora stations for every occasion. Tune in and rock on. 

When the weather’s cold and you’re stuck inside 

Pandora station: The Black Keys

The Black Keys have made a name for themselves with their bluesy rock vibe. Whether you’re doing work or simply relaxing, the band’s station’s deep, cozy vibrations will keep you warm.

When you’re getting ready for a night out

Pandora station: “4^th of July (Fireworks)” by Kelis

Kelis started out as a brash hip-hop artist (“Milkshake,” anyone?) but reinvented herself as an energetic dancehall songstress. This station boasts party favorites like Ke$ha and David Guetta, among others. You’re in for a good time.

When it’s warm outside and you’re hanging with friends

Pandora station: Phoenix

Most of this music is light and airy, and Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars’ buoyant voice enhances these songs’ radiating summer feel. Grab your shades, your friends and a spot by the pool and get ready to have some summer fun.

When you’re feeling a lil’ bit weird

Pandora station: Crystal Castles or Gorillaz

Both of these bands are a little off their rocker, and the playlist definitely reflects it.  That’s OK!  If you’re looking for something a little bit different, this is the way to go.

When you’re working out

Pandora Station: Robyn

Robyn is truly queen of the Euro-pop kingdom. Her tunes, as well as the others played here, are energetic and electric. This station will give you the energy needed to power through your weakest workout moments.

Classes are winding down. The holidays are just around the corner (YAY!). You’ve been invited to at least 3 ugly-Christmas-sweater parties on Facebook. It’s time to lay down the books and pick up your ear buds — these songs are guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood.

*NSYNC – “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”
As millennials, nothing says (excuse me, sings) a good time quite like a boy-band throwback jam. “It’s a wonderful feeling, feel the love in the room from the floor to the ceiling.” With lyrics like that, how couldn’t this song pull you into the holiday mood?

Lady Gaga – “Christmas Tree”
Nothing these days seems complete without a dose of Gaga. True to Mother Monster’s signature naughty style, the song is loaded with innuendos. Definitely not parent-approved.

Jack’s Mannequin – “The Lights and Buzz”
On the track, while not a holiday song per se, Andrew McMahon sings of the therapeutic qualities of the season and home. A Christmas in the band’s Southern California hometown would definitely be paradise when compared to Happy Valley’s weather standards.

Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas is You”
Our generation was raised on this song. A classic, childish theme of knowing exactly what you want for the holidays translated into something we can all empathize with (being in love!) — and a killer beat to boot.

Matisyahu – “Miracle”
Matisyahu’s modern-day version of a Hanukkah song speaks to more than just religion. His uplifting lyrics declare the power of faith and redemption, and makes this a song sure to fill your head with positive thinking and holiday cheer.

Bing Crosby – “Winter Wonderland”
No holiday season is complete without a Bing Crosby jingle. His recognizable and wholesome holiday music is adored by generations past and present.

Which songs would you add to the playlist? Tell us in the comments.

Photo by Ian Lopera

As the semester comes to a close, it’s time to put away the textbooks and dive into one of these leisurely reads.

For the hopeless romantic…
The Best of Me, Nicholas Sparks’ newest novel, tells the story of two former high-school sweethearts who are both called back to their hometown for a funeral — a reunion that tests whether true love can rewrite the past. If you found yourself crying while watching The Notebook, this book is sure to bring you to tears once again.

For Apple lovers…
In a world of iPhones and MacBooks, it’s obvious that Steve Jobs left his mark on the world. Walter Isaacson’s exclusive biography of the late Apple CEO, titled Steve Jobs, shares the story of his life and personality, compiled from countless interviews with friends, family and Jobs himself.

An oldie but goodie…
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, The Great Gatsby, might be worth another read over the break as the second film adaptation, staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, is set to be released in 2012. The novel takes place in the 1920s and tells the story of the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan.

An underrated favorite…
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer tells the story of a 9-year-old boy trying to find the lock that matches a key left by his father who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Sure to make you laugh and cry, this quirky and touching novel is a must-read. The soon-to-be film adaptation, starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, hits theaters in January.

To get in the Christmas spirit…
Holidays on Ice, a compilation of six stories by David Sedaris isn’t the obvious choice, but it’s sure to change the way you think about Christmas books. This satirical read includes “SantaLand Diaries,” made popular by NPR, which tells of the author’s experience as a Christmas elf at Macy’s.

Have another book in mind to read over break? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Nina Abbott