Students of MUS 2660 are set to create tracks for a joint class music album for their final project. Ryan Adams, a senior entrepreneurship major and a DJ, shares his experiences from making music. Adams is one of Dr. Kevin Zhang’s students. Dr. Zhang plans to release a student-created album by the end of the semester which will contain a range of vocals to instrumentals. Q: What are you working on for this project? A: The genre I’m doing for this project is a mix between UK hardcore and hardcore. Hard dance is a unique genre. It starts at 150 pm and goes from there, so it’s a little more aggressive than most genres. In between, there’s usually some beautiful trance-y moments as … [Read more...] about Student shares experience with electronic music production project
Arts and Entertainment
CSUSB gamers celebrate the third annual Coyote Cross-Up
Over time, many casual, hardcore and competitive gamers-alike from all over CSUSB have been gathering to celebrate video games. For many students, participating and spectating the annual Coyote Cross-Up is a time to come together and connect as a community in the world of esports and gaming from many different backgrounds alike. Starting in 2017, the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) Gamer's Lounge has been hosting their annual video game festival, called the Coyote Cross-Up, which is centered around competitive fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat 11, sprinkled with casual games such as Among Us. On November 14, 2020, the SMSU Gamer's Lounge celebrated its third annual gaming event … [Read more...] about CSUSB gamers celebrate the third annual Coyote Cross-Up
Review: Playing Ring Fit Adventures for a heart-pumping indoor workout
With a lot of gyms and outdoor activities being postponed intermittently, lots of people have been staying indoors and, for some, their exercise routine has come to a halt. Fortunately, exercise can still be done indoors and safely from home. Video games and fitness have always had a history together throughout the times, such as the fan-favorite and popular game, Wii Fitness, that was enjoyed by many. Even when people are now mostly indoors, there are a lot of video games that aim to bridge that gap, and Ring Fit Adventures is one of them. Developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch, Ring Fit Adventures makes users traverse and travel through many worlds, all while battling enemies … [Read more...] about Review: Playing Ring Fit Adventures for a heart-pumping indoor workout
Review: Explaining how Gentefied gives hope for Latinx representation on TV
Spoiler alert: parts of this article reveal some plot developments in the first season. Earlier this year, I concluded that it was going to be a while for a series to have characters that represented the Latinx individual without focusing on the stereotype surrounding the community. However, the Netflix original series, Gentefied (2020) attempts to bring light to several social issues that have been seen in recent years in L.A.: gentrification, the pressures to accommodate to dominant cultures while keeping their own heritage. There is a lack of Latinx representation in media, especially when it comes to TV series. I find it strange now more than ever that series that represents this … [Read more...] about Review: Explaining how Gentefied gives hope for Latinx representation on TV
Spooky podcasts to get into the Halloween spirit
As Halloween gets closer and we have fewer options for activities due to COVID, we need to get creative in what we can do to celebrate safely. Here are three podcasts that offer scary stories about true crime, the paranormal, and creepy tales from real people. Turn off the lights, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and cozy up to a digital campfire story! 1. Scared to Death | Hosts: Dan Cummins and Lynze Cummins This is a great podcast hosted by comedian, Dan Cummins, and his wife, Lynze Cummins. Dan shares alleged-to-be-true tales with his wife in an attempt to scare her. They have a great studio space set up for the ultimate scary feels. The spooky music will get you in the … [Read more...] about Spooky podcasts to get into the Halloween spirit
Gamers reconnect while in quarantine
As social distancing has become a common practice amongst people, there has been a rise in participation in online video games. In a time of a pandemic, consumer spending on video games have reached a record-breaking $11.6 billion, an increase of 30% compared to last year, according to The NPD Group, Inc. Notable popular games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto V allow players to party up in a lobby and play together online. Players are also able to talk to their friends via voice chat. The online capabilities of these games allow players to spend time together and talk as if they were physically in the same room together. Coachella Valley … [Read more...] about Gamers reconnect while in quarantine
Local communities offer low-risk Halloween activities
Is COVID-19 the real boogeyman this Halloween? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, it might as well be.Various Halloween activities were ranked as low, moderate, or high risk. They recommend people to not mingle with others outside the household, rating activities such as parties, haunted houses, hayrides, and trick-or-treating as high-risk. For those who are feeling sick, live with someone who is at higher risk for disease, have tested positive, are waiting for COIVD-19 test results, or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, the CDC recommends them to stay home. But, do not fret my ghostly friends. Halloween activities … [Read more...] about Local communities offer low-risk Halloween activities
Dan Taylor discusses COVID-19’s impact on the local film industry
From Captain Marvel to Pirates of the Caribbean, the film industry brought $1.4 billion to San Bernardino and Riverside Counties since 1995. This income is unlikely to continue as the film industry has been “hit hard,” says Dan Taylor, President of the Inland Empire Film Services. Taylor previously served as the Liaison for the San Bernardino Film Commission and the Deputy Director of the Inland Empire Film Commission. His primary role is to help production companies obtain filming permits and provide a resource center where they can hire local people and vendors.According to him, the film industry brought in $50 million to the Inland Empire last fiscal year. A number the region is … [Read more...] about Dan Taylor discusses COVID-19’s impact on the local film industry
Gamers highlight the impacts of video games
Video games are enjoyed by many people of all ages. They have come a long way since the 1970’s. For some people, they are used to pass the time, but for others, video games have gone beyond being a leisurely activity. Fabio Rodriguez, 30, based outside the Inland Empire and a video game enthusiast for over 15 years, is a two-time cancer survivor that sees video games as more than just a form of entertainment. He attributes video games to saving his life. Rodriguez states, “Video games have allowed me to rediscover simple human functions. For instance, I have cancer. When I had a majority of it removed, my motor skills were among many things that were disrupted. I couldn’t walk or talk … [Read more...] about Gamers highlight the impacts of video games
CSUSB alumnus co-writes Netflix film
As part of the Professor for a Day event, CSUSB Alumnus Danny Bilson talks about his successes in the theater industry and his contribution to Da 5 Bloods, which will premier on Netflix on June 12. Graduating from CSUSB in 1978 with a BA in theater, Bilson co-wrote The Rocketeer with his writing partner Paul De Meo, co-produced the Sims, was Executive Creative Director for Electronic Arts (EA), and is now a professor and Interactive Media and Games Division Chair at University of Southern California (USC). As for his contributions to Da 5 Bloods, Bilson and De Meo wrote the original screenplay which was later adapted by director Spike Lee. “The story of Da 5 Bloods came from San … [Read more...] about CSUSB alumnus co-writes Netflix film