THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022
12 • ARTS & LIFE MUSIC
Midnights: Swift’s starry new music era DANA ARAFA ARTS CONTRIBUTOR
It’s been nearly two years since Taylor Swift released Evermore, and fans eagerly awaited the drop of her newest album Midnights this past weekend. With such a unique collection of music, I use no exaggeration when I say that we’re entering a new era of Swift. Swift has classified this album as 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout her life. These new songs indulge fans in an album that refuses to stay silent about struggles of fame, love and insecurity. Though I am a big ‘Swifty’, for some reason this has not been one of my favourite albums of hers. Sure, I still listened to it on repeat, but a part of me is somewhat unimpressed and underwhelmed by how only a few songs compare to her older albums. Swift’s old songs such as those from her albums Red, Lover and Fearless were much catchier, upbeat and fun. This album was amazing nonetheless, but I found the songs to be lacking a certain “dance party in the kitchen with your friends” type of vibe I feel her other albums provided.
This album, Swift’s 10th since 2006, falls under the pop and alternative genre. This is a shift from the musical genre she used to create when her career started. Regardless of song or style, Swift has been one of the highest-selling artists for over a decade. Midnights has managed to break records and make history, being streamed over 72.5 million times in this past week alone. On the day of its release, Midnights broke Spotify’s global records for the highest amount of streams in one day. Not only is this an amazing achievement for Swift, but this surpasses the number of streams her previously bestselling album, 1989, hit. This goes to show that she continues to reach new heights of stardom while improving her abilities each time. I find that Swift’s most notable songs from Midnights are Karma, Midnight Rain, Mastermind and Vigilante Shit. These are the songs that I found myself to be listening to the most. Karma and Vigilante Shit remind me of songs from Swift’s Reputation album because of their similar beats and music style, while Midnight Rain and Mastermind give
the album a different feel. Fan favourites from the album also include Anti-Hero, Lavender Haze and Maroon. All have gained popularity as sounds on TikTok, along with the aforementioned favourites. When her rise to fame began, Swift was only 16 years old and produced country music. Through the years, she has consistently shifted between music genres and has continued to develop new styles. It wasn’t until Swift’s fifth studio album, 1989, that she switched her focus from country music and transitioned to pop. Since then, we have seen a steady flow of pop music that I think leaves fans feeling connected, heard and understood. I find that Taylor Swift does well because she makes music that caters to all of her fans. I find many of her songs relatable. Even if not all of her songs resonate with you, through all her albums there should be at least one song where a person can find some common ground. Most Taylor swift songs are notorious for being the dance party variety, and nothing is better than putting some Taylor Swift on and having a lighthearted, carefree dance party with your friends.
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SHOPPING
Christmas is calling! Holiday Markets in Kitchener-Waterloo and sweets, and stay for the sparkling Christmas lights. Bring a date to the night market on Nov. 18 and 25 from 5-8 pm, or Nov. 20 and 27 from 2-5 pm. Picture yourself under the twinkling lights, drinking hot chocolate, and listening to live music by local musicians! The St. Jacobs daytime market is just as festive, with decorations and Santa visits on Nov. 19 and 26 from 1-4 pm. The best gifts are made with love. The RIM Park Sportsplex is hosting a pottery sale and workshop on November 18 from 1-9 pm, 19 from 10 am-6 pm, and 20 from noon until 4 pm. This craft market is sure to be home to the most thoughtful and unique gift for a loved one. This holiday season visit the local festive markets! It’s the perfect way to spend time with those you love, get your shopping done early, and get in the holiday spirit.
EMILY ANDERSON LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR
It’s November - you know what that means - on to the next festive season! Just because the weather is getting colder and the ground will soon be filled with snow, doesn’t mean we have to go into hibernation. Time to hear those jingle bells ring, hang those stockings, and get gift shopping; do it locally! Kitchener-Waterloo is known for its holiday markets, so in the spirit of giving, find out find out which ones to visit to get in the holiday spirit. Forbes Hall in Waterloo invites all ages to find that perfect gift at the Very Merry Market on Nov.5. You can buy tickets online for just $5.83. You won’t want to miss this Christmas craft show featuring all things snowy and white! Christmas Shopalooza in Cambridge will be host to 30 different holiday vendors on Nov. 6 from 11am-4pm. With free entrance, you can shop for all of your holiday needs, visit Santa, and enter a contest for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree! Who wouldn’t love an online marketplace that hosts in-person events? Forbes Hall in Waterloo is hosting an Etsy Market on Nov. 12 and 13. For a $2 admission, you can check out over 75 vendors selling various vintage items and
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handmade goods. Shopping and socializing is the way to make the best memories this holiday season. On Nov. 14 from 4 pm-9 pm, bring your friends to Christmas Sip ‘N Shop in Elmira at Sip ‘N Bite Restaurant. They’ll have vendors selling ev-
erything from sweet treats to soaps and custom charcuterie boards. By attending this event you’d be giving back to the community. Tickets cost $11.62 and all proceeds will be donated to Woolwich Community Services. The event will also be accepting non-per-
ishable food items, clothing, and toys to be donated to Woolwich Goodwill Programs. Tickets can be bought online and will include refreshments. You can’t miss St. Jacobs Sparkles market during the holiday season! Come for the shopping