Bartenders and waitresses start closing down O’brien’s Irish Pub in Santa Monica just after 1 a.m.  Wes Singerman, guitarist for BAMF approaches band mate Austin Yancey with a pat on the shoulder, who is winding down from the band’s performance, and hands him his cut for their show that evening—$20. Students in performing arts have faced challenges to break into their designated fields while trying to make bank and juggling classes at the same time. BAMF, a funk-jazz band made… Read more

On the outside, senior Garret McElver looks just like every other aspiring musician in Los Angeles. His hair is nothing more than a messy brown ‘do,’ his clothing style is hipster-approved, with tight, slightly torn jeans, a plaid shirt and plastic sunglasses, and his tall, lanky appearance screams the essence of coolness. However, on the inside, the 24-year-old music industry studies major has no interest in living the rock star dream. “I gave up the fantasy of being a rock… Read more

Every morning, hundreds of students head to CSUN on congested freeways, crowded buses, bicycles and skateboards to make it to class on time. CSUN is known to locals as a commuter school with students traveling dozens of miles to further their education. Thirty percent of CSUN freshmen and only 9 percent of undergraduates live on campus, according to College Portraits’ most recent figures. To students like sophomore Ira Caminong a lengthy commute may deter students from participating in extra-curricular activities… Read more

Deana Momjian’s interest in visual arts started when her mother encouraged her to draw at a very young age. Over the years, this tiny interest developed into an infatuation so strong she transferred to a high school specially tailored for gifted artists. “When I was a kid, I loved to draw — it‘s all I would do.” said the freshman. “Since then, my mom has always supported me. Now that I‘m 18 and going to be entering a university, it‘s… Read more

An exercise mat and a punching bag are located in the back of the record label office for sessions of Krav Maga training. Hundreds of stacked boxes store CDs and other music items in the storage room. A guitar signed by Elvis Costello is hung on the wall of the record label founder’s office. Vinyl records, music posters and government recognition certificates for charity work adorn the space, alongside the artwork given to him by his young daughter. All of… Read more

Despite only being able to nab one morning class this semester, Ellie Sol, communications junior, advocates taking morning classes as a way to make the most of every day. “(After a morning class) you don’t have to worry about it anymore and you can have time to study or go out,” Sol said. “You’re fresher in the morning. Toward the night, you’re just tired.” A recent study by St. Lawrence University proved this to be true. Students who wake up… Read more