ENTERTAINMENT

Music Industry After Pandemic

Villain of the Story’s Christian Grey on new music, having a split-genre band, quarantined writing, and the possible future of the metal music industry

By Aleczander Burhans. June 11th, 2020.

Minnesota metalcore/rock act Villain of the Story has been in the process of writing a new album for the past year. With a solidified release plan in mind, the band was mostly ready to start recording their third record as a unit, but like most things right now - their plans are looking unsure.

So far, the band has been unable to produce singles, a release date, and a title for their next release. But despite the pandemic, the group is still determined to release their new, untitled album sometime this summer. The group’s traditional writing routine hasn’t been much affected by the stay-at-home orders, as most of their writing is already completed at home anyway. The only obstacle the band faces is finding a way to record. Grey hopes to gather his bandmates to go through all the songs in the studio together, but with restrictions in place - that hasn’t been a possibility. “We haven’t really been able to plan when we’re getting together, how we’re getting together… So for now we’re focused solely on writing, getting the music good, and then seeing where the world’s at when we’re ready to record… When we go to the studio, we one-hundred-percent already know what we’re going to be doing - instead of writing and recording at the same time.”

But when the next album is out, you can trust it is going to deliver. Grey states that the next VOTS album will be much heavier, offering a lot for metalcore fans to enjoy. The album is even tuned lower than previous records, embracing the band’s harsher tendencies. While Grey is excited to release heavier music, he also fears pushing away fans of the group’s rock music traditions.

Different from most bands, VOTS has two vocalists - one being Christian Grey and the other Logan Bartholomew. Grey represents the band’s metalcore customs, while Bartholomew is the voice of their more rock-oriented sound. While the combined elements are entertaining, it causes some trouble for marketing. “You don’t wanna scare people away… if we’re all heavy, all the rock people are gonna be like ‘they’re not for me anymore, they’re going too heavy…,’ but then, if we do that, all the metalcore fans are happy. But then when we put out a rock album - they’re gonna be like ‘sellouts!’ We kind of… put ourselves in a weird position because we’ve got two totally different audiences… We’re trying to find that balance.”

Before the pandemic, Villain of the Story’s original plan for 2020 was to release two albums: one that was supposed to come out late June, and another in winter. The future of these albums is now up in the air, but what’s really interesting is the idea of releasing two albums so close together.

Traditionally, most musicians take around two years between albums to tour and promote their most recent release. But Grey feels that tradition may be on its way out - especially with so many musicians unable to tour. “People want music faster, so that you’re more relevant and on their mind, and that’s why hip hop dominates because it’s just single after single… if you can consistently pump out music, you’re just more relevant to your audience. And then it’s just a content machine, which kind of sucks to think of it that way versus just writing music, having fun - which is the core reason behind it. But especially at this point, being quarantined, all these other bands have just been like ‘well, we’re just gonna start writing more music.’ I feel like this is gonna change, because the music industry was already heading that way - metal has just been way behind on it, not for better or for worse.”

Grey explains that VOTS’s next album will not be full length, but fans won’t have to wait long to get more music. “We’re only doing seven songs, they’re gonna be two shorter releases. We kind of wanna take the more consistent approach, instead of the typical ‘release an album, tour for a year or two, do another album.’ We do want to do two albums, but they’re gonna be shorter.”

Just like the group’s last album, their third album will be completely independent. VOTS has no record label backing it up at the moment. The sound of that horrifies many musicians, but Grey and company have always managed to pull it off. “We took two years off… that was two years of just consistent income to where the debt (for past albums) is paid off, the band has its own money… this is the first album that the band pays for… no one personally has to dish out money… the band as a separate unit is starting to be sustainable,” Grey stated.

Villain of the Story’s future is looking bright, especially under Grey’s management. The band has a clear image for their future, and good things are yet to come. Keep an eye out for VOTS’s next album. But in the meantime - stream their latest album Ashes on all platforms.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

The perfect Star Wars content hiding in plain sight?

By Aleczander Burhans. April 28th, 2020.

With Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ seventh season now streaming on Disney+, now is the perfect time to catch up on the crucial events that take place in this stellar show. The Clone Wars has been bleeding into live-action Star Wars more and more - and it’s time people familiarized themselves with the series. It’s some of the best Star Wars content you can find.

This show’s return is a huge deal for many Star Wars fans. After the show was canceled due to Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm, fans started a successful petition to get the series properly finished. Many episodes had still been made before the cancellation, and now some of them get to see the light of day.

From April 17th to May 4th, The Clone Wars will be airing its last four-episode arc, The Siege of Mandalore. These episodes are the only of the season that had not been previously made. This completely fresh, movie-quality arc will finally see the show coincide with the events of Revenge of the Sith, officially bringing an end to The Clone Wars - in every sense of the phrase.

The show follows the likes of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and his new padawan Ahsoka Tano, among

many other familiar and new faces during the conflict that takes place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

The Clone Wars is highly critically acclaimed, constantly being praised specifically for its superb voice-acting. The show has rightfully earned not only fourteen Emmy nominations, but four Emmy wins as well.

At first glance, the show looks like it’s primarily for kids - it is animated after all. However, the show is surprisingly mature - even Lucasfilm states that The Clone Wars cannot be classified as a kids’ show as it has an abundance of graphic scenes that may be too intense for young audiences.

Daniel Logan, the voice of Boba Fett, states that Disney, in fact, canceled the show because they felt the show’s dark nature was too much for their family-friendly image - at least in terms of an animated series. The Clone Wars is not afraid to verge on much darker themes.

Now, seven seasons sounds like a lot to watch, and indeed it is - but you do not have to watch the show in its entirety. The show is not really set in chronological order - the best way to watch the show is to simply click on episodes that sound interesting. Some episodes are filler, and the show won’t punish you for skipping them.

With that being said, many episodes are especially important. Not just to the show - but to Star Wars as a whole. This show’s relevance to more mainstream Star Wars content has been steadily increasing.

Disney+’s The Mandalorian has officially cast Rosario Dawson to play an older version of Anakin’s padawan, Ahsoka Tano, who made her debut in The Clone Wars. Ahsoka is predicted to have a large role in The Mandalorian. Also, The Mandalorian’s main antagonist, Moff Gideon, is revealed to have possession of the Dark Saber - a weapon that also debuted in The Clone Wars and has significant meaning for Mandalorians. The Clone Wars is responsible for most of the background of Mandalore and Mandalorians.

On top of this - Maul, a character who is believed to have been dead since The Phantom Menace made a cameo in Solo. How is he alive? You’ll have to watch The Clone Wars to find out.

Even The Rise of Skywalker borrowed from The Clone Wars. Many of the Jedi voices heard in the climax of the film were voice talents from The Clone Wars, and the ‘Sith Wayfinder’ artifact was clearly inspired by artifacts introduced and explained in the show.

Another reason people look past The Clone Wars because it is set during the prequel trilogy. It’s no secret that the prequels were severely flawed films - even if there was some weight to the story.

The best part of The Clone Wars is how much it improves upon the prequels and its characters. Namely, Anakin Skywalker.

In the prequels, Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of the character was clunky and awkward, and his eventual turn to Darth Vader felt rushed and unearned. Though it wasn’t his fault, Christensen’s Skywalker didn’t click.

However, Matt Lanter’s portrayal of Anakin holds true to Obi-Wan’s description of him in A New Hope. Lanter’s Anakin boasts charisma, charm, humor, and inspiring heroism. Anakin and Obi-Wan feel like brothers in this show, their bond is intense and believable, contrary to the coldness the two give each other in the prequels. Also, the show gradually builds up Anakin’s eventual turn to the dark side - putting him in positions that would make anyone lose faith in the Jedi. The Clone Wars saved Anakin’s character, and this interpretation of Skywalker reigns as the definitive version.

Another great addition to the show is Skywalker’s padawan, Ahsoka Tano voiced by Ashely Eckstein. Though her character starts out rough - Ahsoka evolved into a fan-favorite. So much so, she’s even getting the live-action treatment by Rosario Dawson. Ahsoka is entirely unique, as she shines morally superior to the dogmatic, outdated views of the Jedi. Her position in the Star Wars universe gives aid all around. She helps to strengthen the prequels, making the Jedi’s actions in those movies seem more ignorant rather than unintelligent, which in turn supports The Last Jedi - solidifying Luke’s bewildering claims with more tangibility. Most importantly, Ahsoka is a strong, independent, female character that any fan can get behind.

Even the clones themselves are impactful characters. Each clone has their own identity, they feel like real people instead of being expendable, silent, props. Voice actor Dee Bradley Baker voices each and every clone, and it’s impressive how much he makes them all feel like an individual. Every clone death in the show feels significant - as you become familiar with them and their differences. This idea was attempted in The Force Awakens with ex-stormtrooper, Finn - but never fully fleshed out.

As for Maul, actor Sam Witwer beautifully recreates the silent villain from The Phantom Menace. Maul is terrifying in all the right ways - and the show even manages to get you to root for the slaughterer as you watch him rise in power behind the scenes. He’s much more malicious than you would expect for an animated show. Maul is on a quest for vengeance, determined to get even with Kenobi.

Speaking of which, James Arnold Taylor does a fantastic and seamless impression of Ewan McGregor, who played Obi-Wan in the prequels. Obi-Wan’s character is just as perfect in The Clone Wars as it is everywhere else. The show reveals massive secrets about Obi-Wan you would have never guessed, challenging your perception of him but still holding true to the hermit we see in Episode IV.

Supervising director Dave Filoni has done a tremendous job at creating Star Wars content that all fans can enjoy. The Clone Wars recontextualizes the prequels, has the modern feel of the sequels, and perfectly hits the tone of the original trilogy. The show does not require a huge commitment but is still largely engaging. With the show’s events growing more major, it’s time the show got the attention and recognition it deserves.

How Do Different Families Celebrate Thanksgiving?

What food do you eat? What do you do?

By: Chely Ayres

Everyone knows the tale of the first Thanksgiving. The pilgrims came and they have Thanksgiving with the Native Americans. But how do modern families celebrate? A survey was taken, you may have seen the link, but we got answers from 26 people about what they do on Thanksgiving. Most people said they celebrate Thanksgiving. 1 person anonymously told us, “My family is Greek, so we don’t celebrate anything that day. We forget it almost every year.”

The most popular foods were turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac n cheese, and stuffing/dressing. The first result wasn’t very surprising but out of 26 people 16 eat turkey. A favorite all-around for most families mashed potatoes and gravy at a whopping 10 out of 26 people. One that was a little surprising was mac n cheese, where the result was that 7 of 26 people. A surprising result was stuffing/dressing which came in with only 7 of 26 people who eat it.

There were foods with mixed results such as rolls, pumpkin pie, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, ham, green beans, and corn. Rolls come in with 6 people who eat it on Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie had 5 people who eat it. Cheesy potatoes had 3 people who eat it. Green bean casserole has 3 people who eat it. 3 people eat ham. 2 eat green beans alone. 2 eat corn.

The survey brought out very few responses with certain foods as well including bread, pizza, cherry pie, deviled eggs, brown sugar squatch, ice cream, cranberries, greens, sweet potato casserole, sweet potatoes, creamy carrots, and squash. All of these dishes come in with 1 result.

The survey also asked questions about if you eat food with family, if you are with family, if you just eat food, or if you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. 7 people are with the family. 3 people eat food. 13 people eat food with family. 2 people cook/make dinner. 1 person doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving. Have a great Thanksgiving or have a great day.

Ghostly Adventures

By: Oliver Ueberroth

IMG_20191115_0002-page-001[1]_edited.jpg

Dylan Farley In A Bloody Hallway

By: Aleczander Burhans

Bobcat Banner Staff Writer, Dylan Farley, poses eerily with an umbrella. Farley found the umbrella in the bloody hallway of Grand Blanc High School’s Haunted Theatre and struck a genius pose.

Dylan Farley continues to pose amazingly with his new umbrella. Props like gurneys are used to create the deathly mood. Haunted houses have been a staple of America’s Halloween culture for decades.

Walking through the Haunted Theatre, Farley gets his hand stuck in a hole in the wall. It took about 15 minutes for the photographer to help Farley get his hand out. “I thought I’d never make it home!”

While venturing in the hallway of the Haunted Theatre, Farley finds a chair to rest after exhausting himself with the troublesome hole. Footage of the attraction was captured in-progress, haunted houses often take weeks to properly set up.

Extensive red paint is used in the attraction to simulate blood stains. The Haunted Theatre was a school-arranged project that was open for all ages.

What Is Spider-Man's Fate?

By: Aleczander Burhans

Recently, Marvel fans went through the terror of watching their beloved web-slinger depart from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) due to a financial dispute between Disney and Sony. However, Disney and Sony made up, allowing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man to appear in two more MCU movies. Rotten Tomatoes reported that one of those movies will be Holland’s third standalone film, with many of the supporting cast returning, scheduled to hit theaters in July of 2021. The second film Holland is set for is a mysterious MCU film, no title, no cast, no release date, it is rumored to be another team-up movie.

While things may sound solidified as of now, there are many conflicting ideas floating around from big heads at Disney and Sony. According to CinemaBlend, Venom (2018) director, Ruben Fleischer, confirmed that Holland’s Spidey and Tom Hardy’s Venom will eventually cross paths - despite Holland being in the MCU and Hardy in Sony’s Universe of Marvel Characters (SUMC). Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige stated that “Spider-Man is the only hero with the superpower to cross cinematic universes.” But Jon Watts, Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) director, and Tom Holland himself said multiple times that Peter Parker is set to take the mantle of Tony Stark, becoming the new face of the MCU.

Will Holland’s Spider-Man be in the MCU and SUMC at the same time or are Disney and Sony trying to wrap up the MCU storyline to send him back to Sony completely? Fans can only hope that he can be in both universes simultaneously.

The Wellesley News has stated that Apple is looking into buying Sony. If Apple does go through with this purchase, all Spider-Man rights go back to Marvel Studios. This character’s future is anything but clear. We can only wait and see what happens to Spider-Man and Tom Holland