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Northern Star

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A microphone, pop filter and an acoustic foam panel stand together, ready for use. Making and recording music on a budget is possible for college students and isn’t as daunting as people may think. (Eli Tecktiel | Northern Star)

Recording music on a budget can be manageable

By Eli Tecktiel, Senior Lifestyle Writer | September 21, 2023

For many college-age musicians, the idea of recording music on a budget can be daunting. It may seem impossible to get high quality sounding recordings without spending thousands of dollars on high-end equipment or booking studio time with a professional...

Matt Lang (left) and Tyler Joe Miller perform during the Canadian Country Music Awards in Hamilton, Ontario. The Peoples Choice Country Music Awards will take place on Sept. 28 and will celebrate everything country. (Nick Iwanyshyn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Anticipate music, a movie and honor country next week

By Sarah Rose, Lifestyle Editor | September 21, 2023

The last week of September is almost here, so check out what the end of the month has to offer.  “The Creator” Anyone who’s been to the theaters recently has seen the trailer for the upcoming sci-fi film called “The Creator.” It’s set...

The Open Door Coffee Truck parks at the Taste of DeKalb. The Taste of DeKalb is one of the many fun events happening in DeKalb this weekend. (Northern Star File Photo)

Hang out in DeKalb this weekend

By Eli Tecktiel, Senior Lifestyle Writer | September 20, 2023

If you’re bored and have no weekend plans for the weekend, the local DeKalb community has you covered. Here are just a few of the fun events being offered in the area this weekend. FAMILY WEEKEND The annual Huskies Family Weekend takes place this...

A closeup picture of one of Sparklehorses albums on blue vinyl. The bands new album Bird Machine was recently released posthumously on all music streaming platforms. (Wikimedia Commons)

Sparklehorse lives again with striking new album

By Eli Tecktiel, Senior Lifestyle Writer | September 20, 2023

Mark Linkous, the eccentric lo-fi genius behind Sparklehorse, died by suicide in 2010.  Linkous left behind four studio albums, as well as a collaborative album with Danger Mouse. Now, a final studio album titled “Bird Machine” has been unearthed...

A TV remote points toward a screen. Lifestyle Writer Caleb Johnson recommended three movies and a show to watch. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Sci-fi, dark comedy and more, find out what to watch

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 20, 2023

With the movie and streaming markets being so oversaturated, it is hard to decide what to watch. That being said, we at the Northern Star got you covered with new and upcoming productions that are sure to catch your eye. “The Creator” This upcoming...

A screenshot from the trailer for the film City of God. The movie is a crime drama that follows the expansion of organized crime over three decades. (YouTube)

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin movies

By Ibrahim Oyeyinka, Lifestyle Writer | September 19, 2023

If you're looking for some must-watch Latin movies, here are a few recommendations. "La Llorona" – HORROR MOVIE "La Llorona" is a 2019 Guatemalan horror film directed by Jayro Bustamante. The movie explores the legend of La Llorona, a weeping...

(left) Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dog perform at Yankee Stadium to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. The two artists are a part of dozens who have shaped the hip-hop genre into what it is now. (Scott Roth/Invision/AP)

Honor 50 years of hip-hop with generational artists

By Nick Glover, Editor-in-Chief | September 19, 2023

2023 is the 50th anniversary of DJ Kool Herc’s house party, the house party that started hip-hop as we know it today. Because of this momentous occasion, let’s look back at some underrated hip-hop artists from the past 50 years – one for each decade.  GRANDMASTER...

Sufjan Stevens performs at a music festival in 2016 in San Francisco. Stevens goes back to his roots in his new single Will Anybody Ever Love Me? (Amy Harris/Invision/AP File)

Sufjan Stevens quietly returns to his roots

By Eli Tecktiel, Senior Lifestyle Writer | September 19, 2023

With the release of Sufjan Stevens’ latest single “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?,” the eclectic indie artist makes an understated return to his folk roots. Since the release of his critically acclaimed masterpiece “Carrie and Lowell” in 2015,...

A screenshot from the trailer of the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet game pack. The company recently released a new DLC that expands the base game. (Nintendo)

Pokémon delivers fresh cultural experience with new DLC

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | September 18, 2023

With the newest release by the Pokémon company, players enter the beautiful land of Kitakami, a mountainous region inspired by real-world Japanese culture.  “The Teal Mask” is a downloadable content for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. This...

(From left) Irving Bacon, Cary Grant, Ralph Bellamy and Rosalind Russell in the 1940s film His Girl Friday. Destress from college with this ridiculously witty film. (Wikimedia Commons)

Destress with comedy films

By Eli Tecktiel, Senior Lifestyle Writer | September 17, 2023

With the stress of school increasing, it’s important to take the time to unwind and give your brain a rest. Here are three great comedy films to watch as you relax and decompress after a long day. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” This 2008 breakup...

Spotify logo on a computer with a blurry background.

Groove with these ’80s tracks this week

By Northern Star Staff | September 17, 2023

The 1980's were a time of leg warmers, mullets and big sunglasses. Here's some music that reflects the tubular decade. Sarah’s picks Bruce Springsteen - “Dancing In the Dark” Prince - “When Doves Cry” Billy Joel - “We Didn’t...

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five perform during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12. Several hip-hop artists joined together to give a standout performance that honored 50 years of hip-hop. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

2023 VMAs: A throwback concert

By Sarah Rose, Lifestyle Editor | September 17, 2023

Nicki Minaj hosted the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards which focused on celebrating 50 years of hip hop and the music videos that further shaped the songs we all know and love.  Lil Wayne opened the show with a fiery bang by performing hit songs such...