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The Back Page
May 22, 2021
CC students take advantage of digital audio workstations Andrew Ciarelli ‘22
Music production is an age-old art that began with cavemen banging rocks and sticks together and somehow evolved into sitting at a computer for five hours straight trying to figure out whether your piano melody would go better with a guitar or some nice bells. Lucky for some and unlucky for others, possibilities are virtually endless in the world of modern music, where millions of artists strive to master their craft and show the world what months, years, or even decades of experience can accomplish. CC is no exception. Several motivating factors can push someone towards music. As a trap artist and producer myself, I’d say that this comes from an urge to create. There’s a certain satisfaction from seeing your own hard work in physical form, and music is just one way of getting there. Senior Tim Giese, otherwise known as producer, singer, and rapper 4POLLO, sees music as a connection with his audience. “Whether it’s something I’m going through or something I see happening around me, I can release an emotion others can embrace,” he explained. With endless possibilities, the production process varies from person to person. Giese explains that “the key for me is not to try too hard to create something I like, but to let the ideas come naturally.” Senior and alternative artistAidan Laskey, who goes by Laskoo, elaborated on this, saying that “[making music is] trial and error. I make probably ten songs for every one song that I post.” Diego Cabello, junior producer for experimental-pop duo Mind Mazes, says that “making music is a process that means that you listen to a lot of music.” The further musicians delve into production, the more appreciation they have for celebrated producers doing the same thing.
To me, inspiration comes mainly from listening to other music. If I hear a song that inspires me, I’ll put my own twist on it and continuously blend elements until I have something similar to the original but mostly my own in style. Technology has played a huge role in making this possible. Taking direct samples from other songs is easier than ever, with a large portion of chart-topping hits sampling tracks decades old. The creation of the digital audio workstation (DAW), software fitted with components previously exclusive to professional studios, was a game changer. “You can pretty much just make music on a laptop,” said Cabello. “Anyone can do it now.” Besides the simplicity of DAWs, the internet is a huge factor in efficiency as well. According to Laskey, “there are so many audio production tips videos on YouTube that if you want to figure out how to play an instrument or record or mix a song, you really have no excuse.” Giese even added, “I’ve learned both guitar and piano strictly through YouTube and other free websites. The real struggle comes down to having self-discipline and self-confidence.” The internet can be more effective than regular music lessons nowadays. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud all allow users to release songs on demand from just a phone app. That raises problems as well. With universal accessibility, of course the number of artists is skyrocketing, leading to an oversaturated market. Just type one letter in Spotify search and try to reach the bottom of the “Artists” page if you don’t believe me. The sheer number of underground acts is concerning, as popular musicians fizzle out as quickly as new ones rise.
Above: Senior Tim Giese’s album End My Peace Below: Senior Aidan Laskey’s album Creep
Music world mourns the death of an icon Brendan Nordstrom ‘21
On April 2, the multi-talented hip hop icon and actor, DMX, was admitted to White Plains Hospital in New York after suffering an overdose and resultant heart attack. After a week of life support in a comatose state, DMX sadly passed away on April 9 at the age of 50, leaving behind 15 children and his fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom. DMX, or Dark Man X, was known for his raspy voice, dog bark ad libs, and songs mixing the intensity of his life with emotional vulnerability. He leaves behind a legacy of searching for light in the darkness and as his label, Def Jam Recordings, said, “[a] message of triumph over struggle.” Earl Simmons was born and raised in the city of Yonkers, New York, the site of racial tension in the ‘80s and ‘90s. His father left the picture shortly following his birth, and Earl endured an abusive childhood. As an escape, he would walk the streets of Yonkers and befriend stray dogs. This left an imprint on Simmons as his aforementioned dog bark ad libs became a trademark of his music. In his teenage years he also linked up with another rapper, Ready Ron, who gave him his start in music. It was here that he also chose the name “DMX.” Ready Ron also gave the unknowing Simmons a cigarette laced with crack cocaine, which DMX notes as the first step towards a downward spiral of drug addiction. “Why would you do that to a child?” DMX asked in an interview in 2020. DMX’s career took off in the early ‘90s as he collaborated with Jay-Z and Ja Rule in a group called Murder Inc. Tensions
in the group led to its separation early into its creation. However, DMX would eventually sign to Def Jam later in the decade. It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, his debut album, released in 1998 and met overwhelming success as it reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. This album also included the hit single “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.” This began a string of five number-one albums, making DMX the first and only artist to complete such an impressive feat. These albums include Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,
. . . And Then There Was X, which included the hit song “Party up (Up in Here),” The Great Depression, and Grand Champ. In 2003, he released his most popular song “X Gon’ Give It to Ya.” He was a three time Grammy nominated artist and the winner of an American Music Award. Outside of rapping, DMX also found his passion in acting. In 1998 he starred as Tommy Bundy with fellow rapper Nas in
Belly. He also acted in action movies Romeo Must Die in 2000 and Cradle 2 the Grave in 2003 besides actor Jet Li. DMX also made appearances in South Park and Fresh Off the Boat. Faith was an important aspect of DMX’s life as a Christian, and he read the Bible on a daily basis. He became a deacon with the goal of becoming a pastor before he passed away. In the song “Damien” from It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, DMX asks, “Why is it every move I make turn out to be a bad one?” Simmons had consistent run-ins with the law throughout the 21st century, including violating parole, drug possession, theft, tax fraud, and more. DMX’s death rocked the world. Everyone from fellow New York rapper A$AP Rocky to basketball star Lebron James to skateboarding legend Tony Hawk paid their respects. In the days following his passing, fans have taken the time to celebrate his life and tell stories. One fan recounts how DMX showed up at his local IHOP at 4 a.m. and helped the workers mop the floors. Another fan told of how DMX showed up to a grocery store while she was selling Girl Scout cookies and bought $500 worth to help her win a contest. In an interview with the podcast Drink Champs in February of 2021, DMX is quoted saying that if he were to die today, his last thought would be that “I lived a good life.” DMX constantly fought darkness as he grew up in a broken home, lived in a rough neighborhood, and fell down the slope of addiction; however, he constantly fought this darkness with light, and that is the legacy he leaves behind. He is an inspiration and real life testament to “triumph over struggle.”
Library and LSC renovation underway Drew Laroo ‘22
driving force behind the renovation is that “the LSC is expanding and due to its proximity to the library, the library renovation was a natural progression of their expansion.” “Libraries are always in a constant state of flux as they evolve to respond to new technologies, new collections, and trends,” she continued. “This renovation is a perfect example of that, as computer carrels are no longer needed by students. They will be replaced by tables and chairs
so students are able to work together, or independently, based on their needs.” As the library prepares for its next chapter, students and faculty alike look forward to the new amenities the library will offer. In addition to the library, the LSC will also see changes as a result of the renovation. According to Mrs. Gatt, “the renovation will benefit the LSC students by offering more space to accommodate our students and their needs.”
In a year that has been full of changes, another one is coming to Catholic Central. Two of Catholic Central’s most important beacons of learning are set for a new look. The library and Learning Strategies Center (LSC) will both see changes in the coming months that will be aimed at improving the amenities offered by both. The renovated library will have multiple new features. A separate room solely for printers will be added, allowing students access to them even if the library is closed. In addition to that, the library will contain multiple conference rooms that can be utilized by students. Students working on group projects will now have access to a convenient meeting place to get their work done. The conference rooms will also be useful to students looking for a quiet place to record videos or audio. Left: Construction underway on the Media Center removations According to Mrs. Kolchuk, the Right: A 3D model of the finished product
The renovated LSC will feature private testing rooms and will also contain separate rooms that will be used for group learning. Finally, the LSC will receive more storage space that will “enable [Mrs. Gatt and Mrs. Swindall] to stay organized and quickly access review sheets for [their] students when they need them.” Although many changes will be made, space will be preserved for strategies that the LSC has employed in the past. “Our stationary bikes and treadmill will remain for our students to use while reading or reviewing vocabulary words like they do now,” Mrs. Gatt said. Students will benefit significantly from the renovations in the library and LSC, and they will continue to assist students for years to come.
Photo by Gomez
