Latest news with #indie rock
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kaiser Chiefs star and respected judge given honorary fellowships
The achievements of an indie rock star and an eminent judge have been recognised with honorary fellowships. Nick Hodgson, a founding member of Leeds band the Kaiser Chiefs, and His Honour Judge Ahmed Nadim of Bradford Crown Court, received the honours from Leeds Trinity University for their impact in music and law. The awards were presented at a ceremony held at the university's Horsforth campus. Judge Nadim, a senior member of Lincoln House Chambers, began his legal career as "one of only a few Asian barristers practicing in the UK" at the time, according to a Leeds Trinity University spokesperson. Judge Nadim said: "To be recognised by a university that invests in social inclusion and diversity is the ultimate compliment, and it gives me greater strength and encouragement to get involved in the university's work. Judge Nadim spoke of his hope of engaging in further mentoring work, including inviting students to court to observe the justice system at first-hand (Image: Supplied) "I'm hoping to engage in more mentoring work, inviting students to our court, so they can experience the operation of our justice system first-hand. "This will hopefully disabuse them of any notion that the position of being a judge is reserved for a particular class of person. "I would encourage everyone who aspires to be a barrister or solicitor, or nurses a hope to become a judge, to follow their dream. "Don't allow other people's fears to define your ambitions." Mr Hodgson, a Leeds Trinity alumnus who studied media and geography, was honoured for his musical achievements and charitable work, including support for Leeds-based children's cancer charity Candlelighters and the Alzheimer's Society. Mr Hodgson said: "I was surprised to receive the honorary fellowship, but it is nice to be recognised as somebody worthy of this award. "Being back on campus has reminded me of my time as a student in the 90s, living in halls and making music with most of the members of what eventually became the Kaiser Chiefs. "I remember writing a lot of songs in my student accommodation room. "It was so fun. "My advice for students going into creative fields is to not let anyone put them off and just go ahead and do it. "Don't let people crush your dreams." Professor Charles Egbu, vice-chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: "I am delighted that Leeds Trinity continues to expand its honorary fellows community and that we are building meaningful relationships with such a range of inspirational individuals." Mr Hodgson and Judge Nadim were among seven individuals recognised for their contributions across law, digital, psychology, health, and social care.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Music Review: Cult hero Alex G's 'Headlights' is an introspective meditation on fame
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fame is a double-edge sword. Though it comes with obvious perks — money, opportunity, praise — it can also prompt a kind of existential reckoning. Now what? Is this all there is? Am I changed because of it and, if so, for better or for worse? This is the kind of wrestling Alex Giannascoli, better known as the influential indie rocker Alex G, performs on 'Headlights,' his 10th album and first on a major label. 'Has your wish come true?' he asks, perhaps of himself, on the aptly titled 'Is It Still You In There?' Although Giannascoli achieved quiet success early in his career — collaborating with Frank Ocean on his critically acclaimed 2016 album 'Blonde ' and joining the R&B superstar on tour — Giannascoli has, until recently, been more frequently labeled a cult indie figure than a household name. But the 32-year-old has risen to prominence in recent years, particularly after his 2022 album, 'God Save the Animals,' which marked a distinct shift from his austere, lo-fi sound to more robust production and instrumentation. He has since collaborated with the pop star Halsey on her latest record and scored filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun's A24 horror hit, 'I Saw the TV Glow.' That trajectory informs Giannascoli's contemplative poignancy on 'Headlights,' releasing Friday. 'Some things I do for love / Some things I do for money / It ain't like I don't want it / It ain't like I'm above it,' he admits on the 'Beam Me Up,' his whirring guitars strumming mesmerizingly against airy background vocals. Many of his lyrics here, like in the past, are poetically inscrutable. But there are also moments of explicit frankness about ambition, self-doubt, transition and success. 'Hoping I can make it through to April / On whatever's left of all this label cash / No I never thought I was the real thing,' he croons on 'Real Thing,' as a pan flute synthesizer whistles underneath him. With 'Headlights,' Giannascoli continues further down his 'God Save the Animals' sonic pivot to higher fidelity — perhaps to be expected on an album coming from a major label like RCA Records — recording in studios in lieu of his home for a more ornate sound. Think dreamy synths and reverb-soaked riffs. Subdued lyrics and a distorted guitar solo almost turn 'Louisiana' into a shoegaze track. 'Louisiana / Wild and Free / The only one who wanted me,' he repeats with distorted vocals. If there is a central message to 'Headlights,' it appears on the song 'Bounce Boy.' 'I'm up in the clouds and I pray,' he sings with pitched-up vocals, one of his signature effects. 'Say goodbye / To the life / That you knew for so long.' For better or for worse, there is no turning back.
