stephanie sokol

  • 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...
  • Indie pick of the week: Holoking

    At first listen, Chicago indie hip-hop duo Holoking resembles a more rhythmic early Lupe Fiasco sound, meshed with a touch of Kid Cudi. But the rhythms and uniqueness of each song is what makes this group different– artsy rhythm and instrumentals compliment the strength of influential lyrics. Vocalist “MC...
  • Kristen O’Connor eliminated from ‘Idol,’ looking to the future

    After making it to the top 13, contestant Kristen O’Connor was eliminated from American Idol XIII Thursday night, February 27, after her performance of “Beautiful Disaster.” O’Connor, 24, said she chose that song, which was performed by 2002 winner Kelly Clarkson in the first season of Idol, to show...
  • Grape Wulong Oolong: a sweet, springy tea

    My desire for warmer weather was subtly fulfilled this week with the release of Teavana’s spring teas collection. New flavors include Jeju Island Green Tea from Korea, the citrusy Strawberry Grapefruit Xue Long Green Tea, the sweet-smelling Marshmallow Macaron Herbal tea and Grape Wulong Oolong. While all of the flavors were enticing, I decided to try the...
  • Indie pick of the week: Rachel and the Kings

    The sound of Rachel and the Kings is a dynamic mix of alternative rock with a hint of country and a touch of symphonic soul. Fronted by female vocalist and classically-trained pianist Rachel James, who encompasses the emotional and vocal capacity of Carrie Underwood, Haley Williams and Alicia Keys...
  • How to survive a sick day

    When it’s cold, and you’ve caught a bug, sometimes you just need to take a sick day, or three. Flu season is in full force right now, with the subzero weather and increase in germs. The best way to get better? Take a little time off, or if you...
  • Pixies kick off North American tour after release of 2 EPs

    The Pixies surprised fans with the release of EPs 1 and 2 in September and January, the first new music from the band after a 20-year recording hiatus. “As a magician, I won’t reveal any secrets, but as EP 1 suggested, there might be an EP 2, and EP...
  • Best and worst: Grammys fashion 2014

    Last night, stars filled the red carpet for the 2014 Grammy Awards. Some wore looks that left us singing them fashion praises, while others hit a bad note. The bold, the  fun and the scary: these are the best and worst looks of the Grammys. The Best 1. While...
  • Indie pick of the week: AfterMidnight

    An emotional and reflective sound is what Oklahoma band AfterMidnight delivers to listeners’ ears....