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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

Tessa Majors lays against a colorful rug on the floor. Majors' album "The Voice Memos" released on April 21. (Richlynn Group)

‘The Voice Memos’ enfolds listeners in solemn embrace

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | May 2, 2023

Tessa Rane Majors was an artist, musician and photographer who was a freshman at Barnard College. On Dec. 11, 2019, Majors was stabbed to death outside her college, at 18 years old.  More than three years later on April 21, Majors’ parents released...

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Bittersweet tracks to get you in your feels

By Northern Star Staff | April 22, 2023

To reflect the recent changes in weather, here are some songs that make listeners feel a happy-sad medium.  Nick’s picks David Kauffman and Eric Caboor - “One More Day (You’ll Fly Again)” John Prine - “Angel from Montgomery” ...

A young woman working on laptop and listening to music while taking notes. Music can help motivate students who are studying for finals. (Getty Images)

Study for finals with inspiring, stimulating music

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | April 20, 2023

With final exam season closing in, some of us need inspiration to ensure that we get all of our work done. For me, the best way to stay focused and energized is with good music. Depending on what you need to get done, there are different genres that will...

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Honoring Asian musicians this week

By Northern Star Staff | April 16, 2023

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, each writer wrote about three songs that were either written or sung by Asian songwriters. Nick’s picks Mitski - “Two Slow Dancers” Japanese Breakfast - “Dreams - Recorded...

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Dive into star musicians’ great songs

By Northern Star Staff | April 9, 2023

We all have that one artist we adore. This week, each writer selected one artist to highlight and wrote about three of their songs. Nick’s picks Marvin Gaye - “What’s Going On” Stevie Wonder - “For Once In My Life” Jackson...

Jason Molina playing a guitar on stage as a part of Magnolia Electric Co. Ten years after his death, his music has taken on a new meaning among his fans.

Just Be Simple: The heartbreaking memory of Jason Molina

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer | April 4, 2023

Midwestern musician Jason Molina was found dead, alone in an Indianapolis apartment on March 16, 2013.  The scene was bleak. According to The Chicago Reader, “A half-filled bottle of cheap vodka lay in the freezer. Cigarette butts littered the floor....

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Weekly Spotify guest starring Keanu Reaves

By Northern Star Staff | April 1, 2023

Editor’s Note: This is a piece of parody. Take everything in this piece with a large amount of caution.  As much as we all love sad, heartbreaking music, sometimes it’s nice to just shut your brain off and laugh. Here are some of the funniest...

The cast of "Air" Chris Messina (left), Marlon Wayans, Ben Affleck, Viola Davis, Matt Damon, Julius Tennon, Jason Bateman and Chris Tucker during the premiere of the film. "Air" releases next week along with the other pieces of content on this list.

Next week’s releases will be hit or miss

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | March 30, 2023

“The Society of Shame” by Jan Roper Jan Roper’s third book, “The Society of Shame,” is releasing Tuesday. Roper’s book focuses on the shame that pervades society. When the main character Kathleen Held’s husband, who is running for senate,...

Angélica Maria Aguilera posed in a multi-colored dress in front of a curved brick wall.

Angélica Maria Aguilera shares her music process, love for poetry

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | March 28, 2023

Angélica Maria Aguilera is a poet, singer, educator and master storyteller. Recently, she visited NIU where she hosted a poetry workshop and presentation. Over the past few years her work has brought her across the country, visiting over 100 college...

The symbols for each sign laid out in a circle in front of a sunset. This week's horoscope reveals music for you hidden in the stars.

Horoscopes: Music recommendations from Eilish to Eartha

By Abigail Lamoreaux, Chief Copy Editor | March 26, 2023

This week, every sign is receiving a song to fit their potential moods or goals as the moon and Mars move into Cancer. This is a time of bold decisions and dealing with fallout.   Aries (March 21 - April 20) Your song: “Death By Glamour”...

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Songs for reminiscing on the 2010s

By Northern Star Staff | March 26, 2023

The 2010s were a defining decade for those in our generation — especially when it comes to our tastes in music. Here are some of the songs most important to us.   Nick’s picks  fun. - “Some Nights” Carly Rae Jepsen - “Call...

Angélica Maria Aguilera talking with Caleb Johnson, a junior Anthropology major during her presentation. Maria is a singer and poet who presented at NIU on Wednesday.

Angélica Maria Aguilera reclaims her identity through poetry and song

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor | March 24, 2023

NIU welcomed Chicana singer and poet Angélica Maria Aguilera on Wednesday. Maria hosted a poetry workshop for NIU students and performed several of her poems and her newest single “Que Placer De Ser Mujer.” Maria’s work focuses on telling stories...