Stephanie Sokol

Editor-in-Chief; www.stephanieannsokol.com; www.lifesacupoftea.com; sasokol92@gmail.com
  • Indie pick of the week: Katie Herzig

    You might not recognize artist Katie Herzig by name, but her music should be more familiar. The artist, whose alternative melodic-pop sound could be described as Sara Bareilles meets Ingrid Michaelson, has had songs appear in movies and television, in addition to her own personal tracks. “My sound has...
  • Griffins beat Hamilton Bulldogs in shoot out

    In the 10th round of Saturday’s shootout, Nathan Paetsch delivered a game-winning shot into the left side of the net, allowing the Grand Rapids Griffins to defeat the Hamilton Bulldogs 2-1 in a tough game at the Van Andel Arena. Paetsch led the Griffins ahead to the win, following...
  • Disco-style Lana Del Rey track “Meet Me in the Pale Moonlight” leaked

    As fans anticipate Lana Del Rey’s  upcoming album “Ultraviolence,” which is due for release May 1, a new track by the singer popped up on SoundCloud this week. “Meet Me in the Pale Moonlight” hints at an update to Lana’s sound– a more disco and upbeat feel. While it...
  • Idol contestant Majesty Rose ends with a ‘Happy’ performance

    Majesty Rose left American Idol on a chipper note Thursday night, ending her season with a cheerful performance of “Happy.” “( I sang Happy) because I think that was one of my favorite times … so, I definitely wanted to sing something that reminded people, ‘Oh, my gosh, remember...
  • Indie pick of the week: Antevorta

    Hailing from Metro Detroit, Antevorta considers themselves “divergent and distinct” in the music world, and could be considered part of the metal, punk/hardcore scene, though they don’t believe in labels. While the band was formed two years ago by vocalist and lyricist Carter Jones, the current line up, who...
  • Pop artist Vid Taylor reveals latest work, “The Times Newsaic”

    Artist Vid Taylor’s latest project is newsworthy. Through ‘The Times Newsaic,” he transformed New York Times clips into something new– a series of collage pop art works. “(Through The Times Newsaic) I would like people to reflect on the world around them and the chaotic manner in which we...
  • Indie pick of the week: The Deals

    If you’re looking for that guitar-filled, classic-rock sound, this might be your band. Self-described as a “a late 60’s power trio sound with aggressive, expressive, and inventive playing on behalf of each and every member,” The Deals draw influence from some of the biggest names in rock ‘n roll....
  • Eliminated ‘Idol’ contestant Ben Briley talks experience, future

    On Thursday night, Ben Briley became the first male contestant eliminated from American Idol season XIII. Briley said his song choice (Elton John’s “Benny and the Jets), which broke away from his traditional country performances and spotlighted his piano skills, was probably the reason he was eliminated. While it...
  • ASIA’s ‘Gravitas’ album brings new spin to classic sound

    British band ASIA brings an update to their music style with their new album “Gravitas,” introducing both a new sound and new guitarist, Sam Coulson. John Wetton and Geoff Downes wrote and produced the album, which will release on March 25 in North America on Frontiers Records, as both...