Showcasing Coogs in their natural habitats and in the wild
EDITORIAL
Larsha Flowers
Cooglife Executive Editor
cooglife@thedailycougar.com
COVER
Gillian Wisniewski
Cooglife Contributor
Behind The Cover
“With focus for the fall fashion on campus, I allowed students the creative freedom to make their best outfits.
I was incredibly thrilled by their enthusiasm for this shoot,”
Gillian Wisniewski said.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WRITERS
Cherise Johnson
Fatima Ka
Gauraangi Gupta
Mahdiya Bhiwandiwala
Matthew Guzman
Megan Biasiolli 03 04 06 08 11 17 20
ARTISTS
Matthew Guzman
Larsha Flowers
Gillian Wisniewski
Table of Contents | Contributor Credits & Editor’s Note
Cougar Pride Uncensored
Best Short Films Produced by UH Students • Coog TV
Psychology of Avoiding Burnout
2025 Campus Fall Fashion
Coogs In The Wild
UH Got Talent • Underground
EDITOR’S NOTE
Howdy, Coogs!
To our loyal readers, we’re glad to have you back. To our first-timers, welcome and happy reading!
When our media team communicated with me that the theme for this issue would be Life and Arts, I knew immediately that I wanted to curate a space that celebrated multimedia student artists.
Sharing an office with organizations like Coog TV and Coog Radio, I get to see firsthand how hard these students work to perfect their crafts. I also see that they do not get nearly half the recognition they truly deserve. Knowing this, I prioritized stories about them being a part of this Cooglife issue.
Tying in the life aspect of the theme, however, was a little bit trickier. At first, I really wanted to capture the essence of campus life through these student stories, but then, I also really wanted an excuse to use the wordplay: “Cougars in the Wild.”
In the end, we made it work by incorporating stories that highlight both. So now, the only thing I really want is for you to enjoy them.
Until the next read,
Larsha Flowers | Executive Editor
COUGAR PRIDE UNCENSORED
Written by Gauraangi Gupta
School spirit means a lot to every university, its community and the legacy it holds. You see a combination of two colors and a mascot, and you can easily identify what school it is.
This is especially true for UH. Whenever students and alumni see scarlet red and white, they automatically associate it with UH; they immediately think of the Cougars. Be it wearing red on Fridays, showing the Coog paw, wearing the class rings with pride or singing the fight song, Coogs take school pride very seriously, and this pride is on display tenfold during football games—rain or shine. The entire TDECU Stadium has been flooded with shades of red and white, with occasional Oiler blue or black depending on the pre-specified theme of the game.
However, while school spirit is usually high, sometimes it’s not.
Recently, construction has been a major threat to the Cougar spirit. The university is reaching its centennial year in 2027 and has many plans to make the campus more accessible and walkable. Because of this, students are currently experiencing issues due to ongoing construction and stoppages. Apart from the construction, many students also feel that while UH provides a lot of great courses, it lacks quality instructors.
Another growing concern for students is the increase in crime on campus, especially following the spring 2025 semester. During it, the UH community witnessed a spree of scooter robberies, a gunpoint robbery and even a sexual assault case. While students are proud to go to school at one of the oldest establishments in the city of Houston, its rich history doesn’t quite make up for its location in the Third Ward. This area is notorious for its high crime rate, making students fear for their safety, especially during the night. UH does its part by having its own UHPD and escort services and the ongoing campus lighting project, the location still poses a small threat, restricting students from fully enjoying the college nightlife experience.
What do you love the most about being a Coog? What makes you proud to say you go to UH?
“Meeting people, being in a community, uniting for something bigger”
Integrated studies senior David J. Johns
“Love the school spirit, especially because I grew up going to the UH football games”
Education junior Emma Skripka
“I feel involved, welcomed, positivity”
Management and finance senior Hailey Zaccheo
What gets in the way of your Cougar Pride?
“Construction, lack of care for students in academics”
Johns Zaccheo
“Sometimes teachers don’t help”
“Don’t like the area UH is located in”
Skripka
“I would say, if anything negative, it would be the area UH is in that prevents us students from hanging out freely in areas that would be concerning due to where we are located”
“Lack of safety”
Johns Zaccheo
“Careless, based off all the crime that’s happened and suicides that were recent and never seemed to do anything about it”
Mimran
Best Films
If you think student films are just a part of coursework, think again. University of Houston students produce many short films, but they often go unnoticed.
CoogTV, a student-led visual media organization at UH, focuses on the creation and production of different types of media content, including short films.
One of their missions is to make their content more widespread across the university and beyond. Short films produced by CoogTV are posted regularly on their website and also on their YouTube channel, making media more accessible for everyone.
Let’s take a look at some of the best short films produced by UH students and why you should watch them.
Ghostlight
“Ghostlight” is the University of Houston’s biggest and most ambitious short film ever to be produced.
Not only did the film have the largest number of crew members working on set, but it also received substantial funding. Students successfully raised more than $4,000 to contribute to the production of the film and worked relentlessly to bring a vision to life.
The film was produced under the supervision of Hollywood director Michael Grossman, who has directed episodes of popular TV shows, such as “Pretty Little Liars” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Produced
by Students of UH,
Here’s Why You Should Watch Them
WRITTEN BY Mahdiya Bhiwandiwala THUMBNAILS FROM CoogTV
“Ghostlight” was different from other short films because it was similar to a musical, something never done at UH before.
The film wrapped up at the end of spring 2025 and had a special screening at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Auditorium.
Though this film wasn’t produced by CoogTV, it was worth mentioning on this list because of its large scope and the dedication of all the crew members who worked on this project.
We’d Love To Have You
“We’d Love to Have You,” a short film produced by CoogTV, was showcased at their annual film festival on campus in Cullen Performance Hall. It also won three awards for best screenplay, best cinematography and best in show.
Despite how short it is, the film leaves the audience with goosebumps as it approaches the end. What begins as a routine delivery spirals into a mystery when a young courier encounters a couple hiding more than just a package.
The husband’s bloody hand, the wife’s unsettling cheerfulness and a breaking news report about a missing businessman leave the audience questioning what really happened inside that house.
It is worth a watch because it manages to create an impact and leave the viewers unsettled in such a short time, which is a sign of a well-planned and executed film.
Executive Producer Charlotte Russell and Chief Communications Officer Karina Del Villar at CoogTV both personally recommend this film too.
“It is a beautiful looking film that has a combination of comedy and fear,” Russell said.
“The film was just so well made,” said Del Villar. “The screenwriting, the cinematography and the acting worked so well together to create such an eerie and creepy film.”
Caffeinated
As the name suggests, the short film “Caffeinated” is about a college student who consumes so much caffeine to the point that she begins to hallucinate. This film is an eye-opener for college students, who sometimes don’t realize the harmful effects of overconsuming caffeine.
Insomnia, restlessness and delusions are all negative effects the main character experiences in the film. It sends out an essential message to college students who may have chosen to disregard it otherwise.
The Codex
“The Codex” is another short film screened at the annual film festival hosted by CoogTV. Unlike the other films on the list, “The Codex” has a more adventurous and light-hearted feel to it.
The film centers on three friends who are trying to solve a mystery and shows the journey they go on all around campus to solve it, just like a scavenger hunt.
This short is a must-watch because it depicts a lot of beautiful locations on campus, making us appreciate the beauty of our university.
The ending is open to multiple interpretations, which is another fun element of the film.
Read The Room
This short film might be up your alley if you are into fortune telling and astrology. Centered on a conversation between a curious seeker and a tarot card reader, “Read The Room” explores how much of our future can be revealed through the cards.
Some people might find the story funny because of the way the story builds up and how it actually ends, suggesting that we may sometimes place too much importance on such activities.
Another reason to watch this film is the behind-the-scenes footage included at the end, which allows viewers to appreciate the dedication of the crew behind the final product.
These short films are a combination of passion, talent, creativity and hard work. By watching them, you’re not only watching fresh and quick content, but you’re supporting student filmmakers who pour their hearts into bringing these films to life.
Every view, every comment, every share and every conversation about these films goes a long way. Do your part and give these films a quick watch.
the psychology of avoiding burnout
WRITTEN BY FATIMA KA
College is often described as one of the most transformative periods in life—a period full of discovery, independence and growth. Hiding behind the highlight reels of campus life often lies a quieter, more universal struggle: burnout.
An accumulation from the stress of balancing classes, work, social life and future plans, burnout often leaves students feeling tired, depressed and emotionally drained.
In order to properly prevent it, students must rely not only on intuition-based self-care but also on scientific strategies with concrete steps.
Psychologists describe burnout as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. This often stems from perfectionism, overcommitment or lack of control.
According to some studies, university students are at increased risk of developing burnout as a result of high academic workload. The desire to do it all can lead to a cycle where rest feels undeserved and productivity becomes a measure of selfworth.
In a study with psychology students, researchers suggested that early identification of risk factors such as chronic fatigue and emotional exhaustion is key to protecting against full burnout onset.
The Role of Mindset
A student’s mindset plays a powerful role in how stress affects them.
Research by psychologist Carol Dweck shows that those with a mindset focusing on growth are more resilient to academic stress, as they focus on progress instead of perfection.
Dweck describes the two types of mindsets she’s encountered.
A fixed mindset believes abilities are unchangeable, which can make challenges feel like threats to self-esteem. In contrast, those with a growth mindset view setbacks as opportunities to learn rather than signs of failure.
Another psychologically sound method which aims to shift one’s mindset is cognitive reappraisal. This method attempts to reframe even the most stressful events as opportunities rather than failures.
Instead of thinking, “I failed this test so I am a failure,” you would reframe the situation as “This test provides an opportunity for me to grow.”
Reflecting on the negative mindset and actively choosing to focus on the positive
can reduce distress and lead to better performance in academic settings.
The Power of Small Breaks
Preventing burnout isn’t about taking a twoweek vacation, but about building recovery into your daily life. Psychologists call this micro-recovery—short, intentional breaks that allow the brain to reset.
Research shows that recovery activities taken during a short break prevent the buildup of stress or strain. A ten-minute walk, a conversation with a friend or even deep breathing between study sessions can reduce cognitive overload and restore focus.
While recovering from a highly depleting task may need more than ten minutes, these micro-breaks can provide a measurable boost to your well-being. These moments of rest fuel your cognitive function and pay off as investments in sustainable performance.
“Preventing burnout isn’t about taking a two-week vacation, but about building recovery into your daily life. Psychologists call this micro-recovery.
Boundaries and Balance
College culture ofen glorifies overwork, platforming late-night study sessions, endless extracurriculars and “hustle” as a badge of honor.
Just think of how many times you’ve opened Instagram to see a time-lapse of an allnighter or a fully packed schedule from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Psychological research shows that burnout thrives in environments with blurred boundaries.
Setting limits for yourself and others through defined study hours, turning off notifications and learning to say “no” to commitments that overwhelm you, all help to better preserve your emotional resources.
Other applicable methods include setting “no-go” zones or periods where academic
tasks are off-limits and choosing a day out of the week as a rest day solely dedicated to self-care.
“Avoiding burnout requires redefining what success looks like.”
Community and Connection
Social support is another powerful buffer against burnout.
Humans are wired for connection, communicating our stress with friends and family allows us to gain muchneeded perspective, empathy and emotional regulation. Having the opportunity to talk openly about stressors is an extremely effective way to reduce emotional exhaustion.
No two people will face the same problem exactly the same way, but receiving advice and empathy from different viewpoints may allow you to see your own
issues in a new light. Scheduling weekly or biweekly check-ins with a friend to talk through stressors reduces the emotional load.
A study done on student registered nurse anesthetists determined that receiving guidance from peer mentors helps contextualize struggles. Social support helps buffer the effect of stress or burnout in student populations.
Redefining Success
Ultimately, avoiding burnout requires redefining what success looks like.
Worth cannot be measured by the letters on a transcript or the amount of extracurriculars you involve yourself in. If you equate achievement with exhaustion, you’ll create a recipe for collapse, not growth.
Instead, you should intentionally set goals aligned with your intrinsic values rather than external standards.
Practice self-compassion and kindness in the face of failure and apply these methods consistently to balance growth with well-being.
Why Relationships Matter in Banking
Five ways that knowing your banker by name can drive financial performance
In today’s digitally enabled world, you can open a bank account online, conduct transactions and apply for financing, all with little-to-no human interaction. But is that really the best way to bank?
At Frost, we understand that banking isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. We still believe in the value of localized, personal relationships with everyone we serve. It’s the best way to understand our clients’ needs and provide customized support to help them grow and thrive. A strong relationship with your banker (not just a bank) can prove invaluable. They can help you make more informed financial decisions and work through complex situations.
More specifically, here are five ways a relationship-based banking partner can support your success:
A team that goes above and beyond. Any bank will be happy to hold on to your money. Not many will proactively visit your place of business, shake your hand and learn about what you do. Frost clients are often pleasantly surprised when a team of specialists attends the initial meeting, asks questions and recommends services tailored to them.
A direct point of contact. When you need help, calling a 1-800 number can be a frustrating experience. With Frost, there’s always the option to work with a real Frost agent online through Frost’s 24/7 live chat feature.
Local knowledge and decision-making.
A banking team that resides in your area and understands the local business landscape may be able to offer products and terms to better meet unique challenges. With the authority to approve creative solutions (without deferring to some far-off corporate office), a Frost banker can help you “get to a yes” in less time, with less hassle.
A consultative approach. Much like a trusted family doctor performs regular wellness checks, a conscientious banker keeps an eye on your financial health and suggests steps to maximize stability and
growth. Whether it’s opening a line of credit to improve cash flow or structuring favorable financing terms on a major purchase, your Frost banker is focused on your well-being. A full range of products and services. Your financial needs may evolve beyond banking to include insurance, investments, and more. A banker at a full service provider like Frost can connect you to the right people and resources to meet all these needs under one roof, simplifying your financial management processes.
Reach out to Ogadi Fields at (713) 388-1361 or Ogadi.Fields@frostbank.com to start your banking relationship.
Fall is a big deal in the fashion industry, with sweaters, blazers and plaid and earthy tones always being a focus. This fall, women are wearing traditionally feminine materials including satin and lace, and more practical fashion pieces such as the fall musthave barn jacket. Meanwhile, men are embracing the preppy look with a mix of casual chic.
Denim is a major trend this season, with the retro Y2K denim miniskirt being one of the hottest trends. The denim mini skirt is classic and offers versatility. You can dress it up with a cute top and heels or keep it casual with UH’s new Houston blue T-shirt and sneakers (perfect for game day attire). Variations of the denim mini skirt such as pleated skirts, cargo pocket miniskirts and bubble hem skirts are also in style. Another option is to go for the iconic denimon-denim look and pair it with jeans, T-shirt and sneakers when grabbing lunch with friends at the Student Center. Denim is also a popular trend this fall for men’s fashion, specifically denim jackets. Waist-cropped denim jackets are on the rise and offer a modern twist to the classic piece. Men can style their denim jacket with khakis and a button-down shirt with loafers for a classic look.
Asymmetrical cut tops are a huge trend in women’s fashion in 2025. You may have seen your favorite fashion brands using this piece or someone walking down the street wearing it. The asymmetrical style creates an eye-popping visual element that offers a sophisticated look to any outfit. It takes the traditional silhouette and gives it a modern twist. Asymmetrical tops are flattering and slimming for all body types through off-center lines that distract from the midsection and create balance. Contrast is the core theme for autumn fashion, so make a statement by pairing your asymmetrical top with a distressed denim miniskirt and sneakers. This will give you that cute laid-back look perfect for a coffee meetup at Cougar Grounds with friends. The equivalent of asymmetrical tops for men is striped polos and rugby shirts. The preppy look is prominent this fall for men, and it is impossible to not look good with either shirt. Style your striped polo shirt with jeans for a laidback day studying in the library. Another option is to match the rugby shirt with khakis and loafers for the full preppy look.
Femininity is making a huge comeback this fall in the way that traditionally feminine materials such as satin and lace are being emphasized in women’s fashion. Lingerie-style clothing has been a major fashion trend in 2025, along with lace maxi dresses, sheer tops, bubble skirts and satin material taking over women’s fall fashion. This romantic style takes clothing that was traditionally worn underneath or in your own bedroom and has given it a modern renaissance as outerwear. In doing so, it combines comfort with confidence and encourages women to be comfortable in their own bodies. Try styling a black lace maxi dress with a black blazer and black heels for a date at the Blaffer Art Museum on campus. This delicate trend is a refreshing change from the traditional autumn styles that we see every year and will give you a romantic look this fall.
Swedish fashion model Elsa Hosk posted a photo on Instagram wearing a funnel-neck jacket that is expected to be fall’s number one fashion trend. Funnel-neck jackets provide a sporty take on the classic fall jacket with a raised collar. According to Who What Wear, they are already selling out, so don’t miss your chance to hop on this fall trend. There are funnel-neck tops that also fit this trend which can
be more comfortable during the hotter fall days in Houston. You can style your funnel-neck jacket with a T-shirt, wide-leg jeans and sneakers for hanging out with friends at Valenti’s common area.
A similar type of jacket that is popular this fall for men is the nylon windbreaker. This practical jacket is perfect for fall weather because it is light enough to carry around and will save you when that Houston weather does a 180 on you and it gets cooler or starts to rain. It can be paired with any outfit, including a laid-back white T-shirt, jeans and sneakers for when you are going from class to class and you forgot to check the weather that morning.
The barn jacket is another major trend this fall, with many celebrities seen wearing it, including Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Anne Hathaway. The barn jacket has been growing in popularity since 2024 and is now more popular than ever this fall. The barn jacket is typically connected to a workmanlike uniform and offers the same practicality as a fashion staple.Barn jackets are classic and versatile. They can be worn in various styles. They can be dressed down with denim jeans and sneakers or up with a dress and flats for a beautiful picnic in front of The Cullen Family Plaza and Fountains. Barn jackets are also a sustainable fashion option. They will be a lasting fashion staple in your closet and provide you with longevity.
The A-list leather jacket is also a must for any man’s closet. This leather jacket is cropped at the waist and gives off movie star vibes as seen from stars such as Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi. It will turn heads while simultaneously making you look taller. It is a must for date night and looks great with a fitted button-down shirt, dark jeans and Chelsea boots. After you finish dinner, make sure to take her out for dessert at Shasta’s Cones & More.
Wide-leg pants are back! Men and women can enjoy the comfort and versatility they provide for any fall outfit. You can never go wrong with a pair of wideleg pants. They go with everything, including an asymmetrical cut top and heels or a T-shirt, with sneakers for hanging out with friends at the Student Center game rooms. Cargo pants are another popular pant trend this season and can also be dressed up or down.
Plaid is the age-old fall trend, but this season we see fashion designers and icons embrace it differently. It is all about “less is more.” Plaid should be sprinkled in with an outfit, not be the whole outfit. Plaid is versatile and can be worn for any occasion. Styling a black shirt and plaid skirt with sandals or heels is perfect for getting your favorite fall drink at The Nook Cafe in the Retail, Auxiliary and Dining Center (RAD Center).
For men, western flannels and blue plaid are a major trend this fall. They are perfect for looking laid-back while still looking like effort was put into the outfit. Western flannels or blue plaid can be paired with denim jeans and sneakers for a boys’ night out at The Den sports bar on campus.
Flat shoes are another trend that will continue into the fall from the 2025 fashion season. The No. 1 flat shoe trend this season is the flat slipper mules. They give a simplistic and elegant look to any outfit. Other popular flat trends this fall are loafers and ballet flats. For men, loafers are taking over this fall, bringing back comfort and versatility. They can be worn with
casual attire or office attire. Flat shoes are perfect for maintaining comfort when walking all over campus.
It would be almost illegal to not talk about homecoming fashion when covering the latest fall trends. Though the season has closed, it has only marked the start of the fall/winter formalwear season. This year’s formal dresses are giving a nod to the early and mid-2000s trends with a modern twist. Minidresses are popular, giving a fun, youthful vibe that also makes it easier to dance. Midi dresses are also popular for a more elegant style. Sequins, satin, metallic and glitter mesh are the core elements for homecoming fashion. Dresses with bold colors such as hot pink, royal blue, blazing red and emerald green are on the rise.
This season’s dresses put a modern twist on classic styles with cowl necklines, one-shoulder styles, sheer and cut-out fabric. You can top off your fashion-forward dress with mixed-metal jewelry for a modern finish. When in doubt, a little black dress with bold jewelry and heels is always a solid option. The textured blazer is in for men’s formal fashion. Velvet and corduroy are the main materials in these textured blazers and are matched with solid-colored dress pants. Modern tailoring is a major focus of these looks, embracing wider lapels and fewer shoulder pads to create a comfortable and elegant fit.
The hottest colors for formalwear this season are rich tones such as burgundy, emerald green and deep blue-hued shades. Metallic is another popular fabric this season with metallic ties, pocket squares and metallic shirt details. Accessories, including a matching watch, belt and shoes, are the perfect way to upgrade your stylish outfit. You can even personalize your outfit by replacing the traditional dress shoes with iconic sneakers that match your personal style.
These are just some of the looks that are everywhere this season. Fall is a fun time for fashion aficionados because the season encourages people to dress stylishly while maintaining comfort. This fall season is unique because instead of one specific look in style there are various looks people can choose based on their own personal style or try something new. There is the preppy look, the practical look, the romantic look, the classic retro look, and the best part is that many of these fashion pieces will last a long time and save you money on buying new clothes. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something you wouldn’t typically wear or mix and match a couple of fall’s popular trends in one outfit.
Stay Connected
ogs ınThe. Wild Co
Written & Photographed by Matthew Guzman
Houston offers a variety of nightlife options. As a result, Coogs’ toughest decision is figuring out where to spend their weekends in the wild, whether it’s at local shows or city bars. It all depends on each person’s taste and the scope of what they want out of the evening, but a night out never ceases to create a memorable impression.
Vibrancy runs through the city.
Garage bands echo throughout Houston.
Whether at The End in Lawndale/Wayside, BFE Rock Club in northwest Houston or a random parking lot just north of downtown at 800 Walnut St., the freedom of expression shines through for attendees, becoming an escape from reality.
Josue Pereira, a junior who serves as creative director for several shows, emphasized the uniqueness of the scene here in Houston.
Pereira, who has experienced the same scene in places like New York, suggests that it’s the openness of the people in H-Town that creates a stronger bond within the city’s nightlife scene.
Bassist of the local band A4X, Isaiah Gunabe, says, “[The city’s garage band scene] is an amazing way to be a part of the local community and give
support to local bands.”
For the performers on stage, it’s a space to express their experiences through the lyrics of a song, the movements of their bodies or even the clothes they wear.
Attendees of the shows feel the sheer power of the music in the vibrations of the amps and can’t help but channel their energies into the experience as well.
“Super inviting for self-expression,” Pereira says. “That’s the perfect physical depiction of just expressing yourself.”
Pereira even recalls a time when someone crashed into the mosh pit inside a shopping cart, and the crowd circled the shopping cart to the music.
“That encapsulated the scene where it’s really chaotic but there’s some sort of order to it,” Pereira says.
So, whether it’s moving their head up and down or tossing their body in the action, there’s always a way for Coogs to stay engaged in one of these venues.
At every show, a new realm of Houston opens up—spaces free of judgment, powered by music.
Houston’s bar and club scene is still alive-ish.
The realm of Houston’s bar and club scene has undergone significant changes over the years, culminating in the current poor sectioning culture and limited venues.
Several clubs have shut down, including notable names such as Drink Houston, The Flamingo Club and Koko Bongo, which have made it challenging to find new spots.
Seth, a University of Houston junior who only wishes to be identified by last name, says, “They shut down a lot of clubs.”
Speaking on sectioning culture, Seth says, “This is only in the span of, like, two years? It’s definitely gotten worse.”
Despite the changes in recent years, however, the nightlife scene in Houston still holds a place for Coog selfexpression. Notable areas include West 20th St. through the Heights, as well as the “Gayborhood” in the greater Montrose area, as Seth names it.
The feel Coogs get in the Heights is a bar patio with a homey vibe, encased with live music.
One notable place is Shady Acres Saloon, which the owners describe as “a feel of Luckenbach here in the backyard of Houston.” They embody a country two-stepping southern night with live music on an open patio, an arcade room and bocce ball.
Continuing along the way, across West 20th St., Coogs find themselves in several other bars that match the same
energy. It’s up to you to decide which one meets your fancy.
In West Central Houston, Coogs find themselves in the accepting scene of Montrose. This area of Houston remains true to a welcoming mentality that’s tolerant of anyone, regardless of whether they are LGBTQ or not.
“The Gayborhood has always kind of stayed true to itself,” Seth says. “If you want to go baddied up, go baddied up; if you want to go chill, you go chill, no one cares.”
In Montrose, the priority is more on having a great night rather than being in an environment of judgment. It’s arguably the freest space Coogs could go in the city.
A notable example is South Beach, which is one of the few clubs in Houston that still holds onto authentic partying and dancing culture.
Next door is JR’s, which hosts karaoke nights and has quick service of cheap drinks, notably $2 Tuesdays.
These experiences are only some of the many options that Coogs in the wild come across. Truthfully, the possibilities for weekend fun are endless.
Whether it’s a classic southern dancing night, partying until 3 a.m. or moshing to decibel-smashing guitars, Coogs know how and where to go to have fun in the wild.
underground AT UH
If you’ve ever passed through Lynn Eusan Park on your way to class, you may have been met by the ground-thumping, gritty sounds of the University of Houston’s burgeoning underground indie rock scene.
The park’s stage has hosted various bands, practicing rhythmic melodies with the tune of electric guitar riffs and drawling bass roars. We recently spoke with two of these rising acts: Orion 224 and Spectre Sunday.
Living the life as a rock star Coog ain’t easy, but here’s how these two bands make it work.
Orion 224
You’ll love them if you like: Cage the Elephant, Green Day, Wallows, The Backseat Lovers, Paramore, Blue October, Poppy
Christian Gonzalez, lead singer and guitarist
Senior business administration and marketing major
Gavin Gonzalez, drummer
Senior strategic communications public relations major
Sean Sticker, guitarist
Human resource development major
Victor Perez, bassist
Studying audio engineering at San Jacinto College
Who is Orion 224?
Christian: We are an indie alternative rock band who is very in touch with our roots in Houston, Texas. We’ve been around since 2016. My brother and I, Gavin, and Victor, the bass player, are the three original members of the band.
How did you guys come together?
Christian: We used to play crappy pop punk covers to Green Day and Blink-182 in high school.
Gavin: I started playing the drums when I was in the 5th grade and my brother picked up the bass guitar shortly after. Then my friend was in band class with me, Victor. He played in the percussion section with me, and he also picked up a guitar for the first time. It’s really fun to play music when you’re young. It’s become a lot more serious recently and a lot more like a business, but it’s still rooted in the same stuff. We love playing music.
What does Orion 224 mean?
Christian: When we were in high school, we were Orion, and then when we got to college, we became Orion 224. In high school, we came up with the name Orion. We needed a name to play in a talent show, and we hadn’t decided on one. There’s a song
ARTICLE
Written by Cherise Johnson
PHOTOS
Provided by the bands, credits listed on photos
by Metallica called “Orion,” and a few of us liked Metallica a lot. We’re like, man, let’s just put Orion down as a placeholder and then everyone started calling us Orion.
We added the 224 because we wanted to make it easier for people to find us on Spotify. The 224 is supposed to stand for today, tomorrow, forever.
Your biggest song, “Everything Will Be Okay,” is about to hit 1 million plays on Spotify. Tell us about the making of that song and music video.
Chris: “Everything Will Be Okay” was supposed to be a joke at first. It was supposed to be our take on an indie pop song, because we had never written an indie pop song. It’s been all pop punk music. In the song, no matter what happens between the people, the singer realizes that everything’s going to be okay. Life moves on. I feel like that was a good message. It’s our most popular song.
Gavin: For the music video we were able to make it with a friend in the Hispanic Business Student Association. Her name was Hannia Yeverino, who was the director as well as Rafa Elorza. They’re very experienced in filmmaking and I presented the idea to Hannia, because I’d seen some of her work. We’re very blessed that we were able to make the music video for the price that they gave us because they kind of gave us like the friend discount. Just a bunch of college students working together to make some cool art. They did a great job. We’re proud of it.
How do you guys navigate your studies, going to practice, going to the studio, writing songs and being UH students?
Chris: It’s a lot. We went on tour across the country this summer. Gavin, Sean and I both have internships. Victor works over the weekend. Monday through Friday is all
school and all work. We try to meet twice a week. I’m about to graduate. Sean’s about to graduate. Gavin’s an officer in PRSSA as well. We’re finding a lot of our time is kind of going to school and our internships. It’s a lot of time management skills.
What’s in the future?
Album in March, let it breathe a little bit, and tour in the summer.
What do you love about being a Coog?
We love the University of Houston. Whenever we go on tour I always wear my UH merch. Everywhere I go I always promote the University of Houston. Hopefully people will see how much we love our school and we’ll always be a University of Houston band. We take a lot of pride in that.
Spectre Sunday
You’ll love them if you like: Smashing Pumpkins, Cage the Elephant, Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, The Killers, Tame Impala, My Chemical Romance, Deftones
Gavin Howard, lead singer and guitarist Sophomore graphic design major
Marco Morales, lead guitarist Senior political science major
Manny Hilario, rhythm guitarist Junior finance major
David, bassist Freshman architecture major
Who is Spectre Sunday?
Howard: We pride ourselves on having a wide range of sound and restricting ourselves, and I feel like that’s kind of what defines our band.
[We’re] just a group of college students who make whatever we feel like making. I feel like that’s what we are—a collection of students making all sorts of stuff.
What does Spectre Sunday mean?
Howard: It comes from a natural phenomenon called Brocken spectre. If you’re at a high-altitude and it’s very misty, on a very bright day, there’s a weird phenomenon that happens where your shadow is like a rainbow shadow.
Morales: I like the idea of a specter being this projection of yourself that you’re in your own body and you’re looking ahead and you’re seeing yourself. I feel like that’s what I’m accomplishing anytime I create something. As far as the word Sunday, I mostly just like the way it sounds phonetically.
How did you guys come together to make the band?
Morales: Manny put up a bunch of posters around campus for anybody that was looking to make music. It was Manny, me, and two other people, and then they left. Then Gavin reached out to us through the flyer, and so ever since then, the core has been mainly the three of us.
Howard: I was doing a lot of solo stuff at the time so I sent them one of my songs and then that song ended up being redone to fit a sound that we could use.
Tell me about the moment you guys realized that this would be the band.
Morales: As we kept practicing, eventually, we kind of realized we really were beginning to have a sound. We performed at Frontier Fiesta last semester. That was a big, defining moment for the start of the band. We also released our first album, “In Vertigo,” around the same time.
What is it like being a student at University of Houston while in a group?
Morales: I’m a commuter so being in a group like this, I feel like I’ve genuinely enjoyed being on campus and having something to look forward to every day. It’s hard sometimes trying to juggle classes and the music, but at the end of the day I’m a student first. It honestly made me enjoy being a UH student more.
Howard: It can be difficult to balance. But we’re always practicing at the stage by the dorms. A lot of students, as they’re going to and from their classes, will come up and ask about our band.
Morales: I feel like practicing at that stage is probably one of the best things that we’ve done because it’s made us connect with a lot of people and get involved within the UH community.
What is the ultimate goal for Spectre Sunday?
Morales: To make music, get together and play. I just want to be able to just go out there, play shows and grow our friendship. I really enjoy hanging out with the band. It’s something that I look forward to. I just want to continue to explore what kind of sounds that we can make.
Howard: If we never gained another listener or another follower, I’d keep doing exactly what I’m doing. I feel like we make music pretty fast, and don’t plan on slowing down.
What can everyone look forward to in the future?
On Nov. 1, we have our first show within the Houston music scene at White Swan. Our upcoming self-titled album is coming out, hopefully this month. We’ve also been exploring with some heavier sounds and starting to experiment more.
