Benson Boone delivers in star-making debut album

Benson Boone’s debut studio pop-rock album, titled “Fireworks & Rollerblades,” was released on Friday, April 5. The 21-year-old upstart has risen to prominence over the past year with notable songs such as “Ghost Town” and “In the Stars.” As his following continued to grow on platforms such as TikTok, his first album received more anticipation than he could’ve ever hoped for.

Entering ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Out with one era, in with another: once again, mega-popstar Taylor Swift has returned with a new installment to her discography. Poignantly titled “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT,” Swift’s 11th studio album is a carefully curated look into a shattered heart following the end of a passionate relationship. This time, she’s letting listeners hear more about her life than ever before (which, in comparison to Swift’s previous work, is quite the statement in itself). 

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ masters animated storytelling

Eighteen years after the first film kicked its way into theaters, the fourth installment of the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise, titled “Kung Fu Panda 4,” was released on March 8. Right from the get-go, “Kung Fu Panda 4” stepped away from its dependency on the star-studded martial arts group the Furious Five. Instead, the film gave its titular protagonist Po (voiced by Jack Black) a new task: hanging up his hat and becoming the spiritual mentor to the next Dragon Warrior.

The man behind the music: Djo

The song “End of Beginning” by Djo has become the latest TikTok-turned-real-world hit. The song has taken the social media platform and the charts by storm. The identity behind Djo (pronounced “Joe”) is a name that might sound familiar – Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington in Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things.” That’s not the only thing listed on Keery’s resume, which also includes 10 films, eight television shows and five albums.

Beyoncé: Reclamation in renaissance

The term “renaissance” refers to a rebirth: a time of transition and transformation that involves artistic and cultural revival. As the COVID-19 lockdown began to end, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter felt a renaissance emerging, and she wanted to be a nurturing part of it. Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance” was born to share love, confidence and joy and is part of a three-act musical project. 

Brynn Cartelli presents exhibit inspired by debut album

Brynn Cartelli, winner of Season 14 of “The Voice,” released her debut album “OUT OF THE BLUE” on Friday, March 1. To celebrate her debut, she curated an art exhibit for the album that was open only for the release date in New York. The event ran from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Lower East Side. It contained over 30 pieces of artwork, mostly created by young female artists based in New York. 

From ‘Damsel’ to warrior

Netflix’s new movie, “Damsel,” was released on Friday, March 8, starring Millie Bobby Brown and directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Even though there was a novel published in 2023 under the same name with the same story, Netflix’s film and the novel are both based on the same original screenplay by Dan Mazeau, just using different mediums to tell the story.

‘Dune: Part Two’ is an experience like no other

In recent years, only a few science fiction films come to mind that are both as exhilarating and as much of a masterclass of creativity and perfection as “Dune: Part Two.” Returning to direct, write and produce, Denis Villeneuve once again amazes audiences with breathtaking visuals, gorgeous cinematography, unique sound design, wonderful production design and amazing worldbuilding.