The Blog.
Dive into our blog for fresh insights, stories, and discussions from the heart of our community. Stay tuned for weekly updates and additions to our list of articles, written of, by and for YOU! Welcome and thank you for being a part of positive social change, by highlighting and amplifying the voices of Indianapolis’ own in areas of music, visual art, poetry, community building and more.
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Music as a Tool of Resistance: The Impact of Censorship
By Zoe Walsh Introduction A song that is now considered a hymn to nonviolence and peace was banned from several schools and churches when it first aired on the radio. It was called anti-religious, communist, and unpatriotic. It was banned from playing on the radio after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That song, of course, is “Imagine” by John Lennon. It is hard to imagine now how a song calling for peace and unity beyond religious affiliation, nationality and ethnicity could ever be controversial. Music, however, has always been political. It is a tool for the people’s resistance, in whatever cause they may believe in. A good song can be electrifyingly...
The Alpha Records Legacy: A look at the Ruarks’ impact on Indianapolis community and its appreciation of jazz
By Lili Jimenez Music has been important, not only for social change but for inspiration and creation. I had the great pleasure of knowing the Ruarks for a huge portion of my life. Nan and Jerry were two prominent individuals in the scene of music for a large portion of time in Indiana and in the Midwest as well. Music had impacted them so deeply they decided to make a business of it to help influence others in different genres of music and what music can do for you and in the messages they provide. Nan and Jerry knew all about music and how it was deeply intertwined with social change and how music can impact and influence others as well as phase out and comeback and influence even newer generations. Jazz was a genre that was very popular among them, as well as a different style of jazz...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Kendrick Lamar: Community, Conflict, and the 2025 Halftime Show
By Paige Sylvester Kendrick Lamar’s music is a multifaceted exploration of identity, race, and systemic oppression, but it also represents a deep internal struggle: cognitive dissonance. His artistic image is at the intersection of radical resistance, commercial success, introspective self-examination, and community. Throughout his discography, Kendrick writes a narrative that uplifts Black communities while also critiquing their internal conflicts. This embraces the use of contradiction as an important part of identity rhetoric. This dichotomy was especially brought up during his 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance, a moment that solidified his place as both a voice of protest and an artist navigating the constraints of mainstream visibility and censorship. In order to...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** BTS: Breaking Barriers Since the Debut
By Saria Raine BTS, also known as 방탄소년단 in Korean or Bulletproof Boy Scouts, is a international phenomenon that originated in South Korea. With the group formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013, the band consists of seven members who are known by stage name as RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Respectfully, they are also known as Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook. With all seven members debuting under BTS, they have become one of the most influential artists in the 21st century, with most considering them to be South Korea’s pride. In the 10-year span of their career, their dedication towards social and political change have proven to have an influence that will carry on for generations. From their 2013 debut album 2...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Cabaret: Immersion, Subversion, and Shock
By John M. Yelkich III When considering theatrical works as tools for social change many productions come to mind. Falsettos and Angels in America both illuminate the AIDS epidemic in 1980’s America. Hadestown and Newsies are two highly relevant class commentaries that have enraptured modern audiences. However, one show stands above the rest both in its ability to maintain relevance and its control of the conversation. Cabaret first came to audiences in the 1960’s. The show tackles themes of escapism, political unrest, and willful ignorance in the face of fascism, all against the backdrop of 1940’s Berlin. Despite its inability to be divorced from the period and setting, the show has been talked about for years. The movie adaptation starring Liza Minnelli, was released in the 70’s, a...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** “You don’t gotta die, now let me tell you why”: Logic’s lasting impact on creating a space for mental health and wellness
By Jason Barker 1-800-273-8255 is a song made by Logic to provide awareness of suicide prevention. The name of the song is the phone number for the American National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The song was released in April of 2017. The song was sung by 3 artists Logic, Alessia Cara, and Khalid. According to CNN, within the first 34 days of the release of the song, there was a 5.5% reduction in suicide of 10–19-year-olds with a 50% increase in calls to the NSPL. 1-800-273-8255 was a song that was meant to reach out to those who feel alone, and that help is always available. Any problem that there may be, it isn’t something to end your life over. By providing the phone number of the NSPL. Logic is an artist who is not afraid to speak about injustices, racial problems, and other social...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Music’s impact on other media forms
By Seth Straeter and Grace Barnum INTRODUCTION Media and music have always shared a powerful and very dynamic relationship. From the early days of radio broadcasts with people like Edward R Murrow, to the digital era of streaming platforms and social media, music has found its voice through various forms of media. Together, they shape the culture we have today, influence public opinion, and drive social movements. The synergy between media and music is not only about promotion but also about storytelling, identity, and connection. One of the most visible ways music and media interact is through television, film, and online content. Soundtracks enhance emotions in movies and shows, turning scenes into memorable moments. For instance, a dramatic scene in a film can become iconic largely...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Music in the form of Therapy, Healing & Social Change
By Mercy Green Music has always been a transformational form of entertainment and healing for many. It is a powerful tool for emotional expression, social transformation, and communication. In the past few years, the relationship between mental health and music has gained a large amount of attention. Artists like Janet Jackson, Sam Smith, Billie Eilish, and Mac Miller are just some examples who have used their platforms and lyrics to speak openly about mental health challenges, and help supporters feel less alone. This paper will dive into how music functions as a form of therapy for both the audience and artists, its role in public conversation on mental health, and how it contributes to a significant point of social change. Music is commonly used as a therapeutic tool. Music therapy,...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** The Hunger Games’ spiritual and musical reckoning
By Beah Corrales Through this essay I seek to explore the music of The Hunger Games trilogy and prequels and their social impact, as well as the ways which they have shaped me as a creative and a person tremendously. The original trilogy began in 2008 with the first book, and I am still the biggest fan in 2025. My personal favorite of the series is the second book and film, Catching Fire (2009.) The series correlates to the state of our world especially today and it gives me a sense of comfort amidst the chaos. Katniss Everdeen is the main character who is the Mockingjay, a symbol of rebellion to help aid the people across all the districts in Panem to rise against the corrupt capitol run by President Coriolanus Snow and put an end to the Hunger Games, an annual game where one boy and...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Biography of Earl: The Chicks’s Kind Of Accidental Stand for ‘90s Feminism
By Maggie Hoppel “The Dixie Chicks do not advocate premeditated murder, but love getting even.” —The Chicks, on the CD booklet for their 1999 album “Fly” Hello, Earl Written by Dennis Linde and performed by the 90s country band The Chicks, “Goodbye Earl” was the ultimate underdog of feminist music. To this day, its impact on its genre and feminism as a whole is largely understated. “Goodbye Earl” is a surprisingly effective call for social justice as it combines the virtue of sisterhood with a deceptively surface-level comedic narrative to combat domestic violence across the United States of America. History of Earl Despite “Goodbye Earl”’s chipper background singers and lighthearted feminine style, its lyrics create a striking portrait of domestic abuse in small-town...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Bella Ciao: The International Protest Song
By Lily Jimenez Rhetoric in music has served the world in many ways. However, it has been especially important within the context of protest music. Protest music has been around for over centuries, discussing many issues throughout the world, such as government, global issues, racism, women’s rights, civil rights, and so much more. Protest songs are symbolic tools that are not only specifically used in the United States, but in many other countries. “Bella Ciao” is an example of a powerful protest song that has influenced many societies regarding different social movements using identity politics and storytelling that have enacted different nonverbal acts over the years such as protesting against political powers when it...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Chappell Roan’s Rhetorical Act of Queer Empowerment
By Shaye Ritchison Chappell Roan’s music is a powerful expression of queer identity and visibility, using bold lyrics, performances, and images to demand attention when it comes to challenging societal norms, and creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Born in a small, conservative town in Missouri, Roan discovered her love for music early into her teenage years, and spent her adolescence honing in on her passion for songwriting and performing. At only seventeen years old, Chappell was signed to her first record label and was able to release her first EP when she was twenty years old. As Roan grew more into her sexuality, she released her hit song, ‘Pink Pony Club,’ in 2020 and was dropped from her record label, forcing her to become an independent artist. With help from a...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Queen’s Hidden Legacy of Social Commentary
By Lexi Spurgin To the average listener, Queen’s music is filled with saccharine grandiose, pomp, and regal imagery that provokes a sense that they align themselves with the upperclass indulgence of aristocrats. But to the trained ear, Queens has a myriad of songs that aim to create social change within the many genres they’ve worked to apply themselves to. Queen as a band has always been working to break barriers. Not just with their experimental sounds that have made themselves a household name, but with their topics of song writing. Queen has touched on many topics of controversy such as: The abuse of Native Americans, systematic abuse in the music industry, the overtaking of media by new technology, breaking toxic masculinity, American gun control, Ethiopian famine, the evil side of...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Will Wood’s “Suburbia Overture” scrutinizes ideas of normalcy and conformity
By Eros Preston For as long as any society has existed, there have been expectations for its members to fit themselves into the larger group. In The Normal Album, Will Wood examines these expectations as they exist in America and explores how one may go against (or with) the grain. The album’s opening track, “Suburbia Overture / Greetings from Mary Bell Township! / (Vampire) Culture / Love Me, Normally,” encapsulates The Normal Album’s message by scrutinizing the ideas of normalcy and conformity, as well as the values of each. Encyclopaedia Britannica describes an overture as “the orchestral introduction to a musical work,” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2022). It goes on to summarize trends that overtures have followed...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** America, Thankk You for the Mental Health Crises, but I Need You to Stop
By Eros Preston America is in a mental health crisis. Although there is no one thing to point at as the direct cause, there are two polarized viewpoints on mental illness that have exacerbated the issue into the ongoing crisis it is today. On one side of the divide are those who ignore mental illness and see it as a shameful weakness; on the other side are those obsessed with pop psychology and the pathologization of all aspects of human existence. In his song “Marsha, Thankk You for the Dialectics, but I Need You to Leave” from The Normal Album, Will Wood confronts both viewpoints in a parody of dialectical behavioral therapy. The title of the song refers to psychologist Marsha Linehan, the creator of dialectical...
The arrival of Mike Culver: Indy-based musician meeting the current political moment head-on
By Trevor Potts “A poem will not stop a bullet. A novel can’t defuse a bomb,” once wrote author Salman Rushdie. “But we are not helpless. We can sing the truth, and name the liars.” On a recent Thursday night in Broadripple, Indiana, the audience in attendance at venue Turntable witnessed the emergence of a new voice on the musical scene, one whose raw passion and conviction powerfully address the current historical and political moment. Mike Culver, a lifelong educator who for years taught Government and American History in high schools, confesses that he provides no answers through his music – and yet, for many in attendance that night, his music served as a call to action for anyone who believes in the power of music to challenge and resist. “These...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Queer Spaces of Music: The history of Ballroom culture, and the impact of Carl Bean’s “Born This Way”
By Sky Hawkins. Historically, queer people have grown with a lack of space -- a notion of “behind closed doors," or even a “don’t ask, don't tell” policy. These were highly influenced by the treatment of homosexual and transgendered individuals. Sodomy laws, etc., were also implemented making it harder for queer people to have a space. In 1945 the end of World War II was the start of liberation. American allies and others freed most of the death camps created to house and kill a high number of Jewish people. Yet less is known about the other prisoners imprisoned through the war. While Jewish, Polish, and other imprisoned people were freed, those marked with an upside-down pink triangle were freed from one prison, yet put into another. Those were the homosexual prisoners. Their lack of...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** South Korea’s Taemin crafts space for revelation through dance, choreography
By Beah Corrales The goal of this essay is to to highlight the song Guilty by Korean artist Taemin and its impact. Lee Taemin, 31, is a dancer, singer, and k-pop idol who is also a part of the popular k-pop group Shinee. Taemin has been prominent in the industry since he debuted in Shinee at age 14, in 2008. With around 6 years of experience, on August 18, 2014, Taemin made his solo debut with his first extended play (EP) titled Ace. From October 2019-2022, Taemin joined the group SuperM which included multiple male idols from other k-pop groups to collaborate into one. In k-pop he is widely known as one of the best if not the best dancer in that industry. In my opinion I would 100% agree since his talents are undeniable. Many of my favorite k-pop artists, who are also insane performers,...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Bella Ciao’s Transforming Voice for Freedom
By Emily Vincent Introduction Bella Ciao by Manu Pilas. The origins of this song date back to the 19th century as an Italian protest folk song against the harsh working conditions of Mondina workers in Northern Italy. Mondina workers, who were mostly women tending to rice fields, used the song as a form of resistance. In the 1930s and 1940s, Bella Ciao was later adopted—albeit with most of its lyrics changed—to support the Italian Resistance during World War II. Although there is little evidence that partisans actively used this song as a protest anthem (Giusti), its historical significance continues to inspire future social movements. Every year on April 25th, Italians sing this song to commemorate Liberation Day—the day Italy was freed from German occupation and the rule of...
From Lecture Halls to The Stage: Trevor Potts
By Mya Kalita As you open the door to Healer, a music venue near Beech Grove, the room is dim, with blue lights facing the stage. On stage, the band Papa Warfleigh's Funk Revival plays a funky yet captivating melody. Professor Trevor Potts begins to sing. His voice echoes through the room as the audience dances along. While performing, Potts moves all over the stage and into the audience in a way. He feels each note within him, bringing forth an energy that electrifies the air and connects every person in the audience to the raw emotion and passion of the music. One song features a circus melody that Potts sings along to. Potts brings a whirlwind energy to the stage and to the classroom. On April 27, Potts organized and hosted the seventh annual “Night of the Comet” benefit event – part...
** Exclusive Interview: Girl in a Coma’s “Phanie” Diaz on giving voice to the voiceless
In advance of their Sunday, Aug 10 performance as part of the Levitt VIBE Indianapolis concert series at the Tube Factory artspace (1125 Cruft Street), Girl in a Coma's Stephanie "Phanie" Diaz took time out of the band's touring schedule to offer insights on music, art and the capacity for social change. The band has been deeply involved in social issues affecting the LGBTQ and Latino community since their origins in 2006, and Where Words Ignite Words is deeply thankful to Phanie and the band for their grace in sharing the following responses to our questions. This Sunday's event runs 12-3 pm with Girl in a Coma headlining this free event at 2 pm. What is the exigence — the purpose — which compels your music? We are driven by not only our love of creating but the fact that we are able...
San Antonio-based indie/punk band Girl in a Coma to headline Levitt VIBE concert series at Tube Factory artspace Sunday, August 10
by Trevor Potts The next Levitt VIBE Indianapolis concert is this Sunday, Aug. 10 at the Tube Factory artspace in the Garfield Park neighborhood (1125 Cruft Street), and features San-Antonio-based indie/punk rock band Girl in a Coma as the headliner. Girl in a Coma has been deeply involved in social issues affecting the LGBTQ and Latino community since their origins in 2006, with a history of standing up to stereotypes and unfair policies through their music. In 2012, Girl in a Coma got together with the SoundStrike to campaign against Arizona's anti-immigration SB 1070 law. That said, band member Phanie Diaz does not necessarily consider Girl in a Coma to be activists or a political band. "Even though we are not self-identified [as activists], we do pay attention," Diaz says. " ... We...
Into the Spotlight: Parker Mae Taylor
By Grace Barnum Being queer in the entertainment and theater community comes with its challenges, but it also offers a powerful outlet to express yourself through creative measures. Parker Mae Taylor, a trans theater actor and performer, spoke openly to our IUI Rythm and Revolution class about his journey through his transition, both on and off the stage. He voiced his struggles with the difficult change of being cast from female roles to male roles, navigating the change in identity he was expressing on stage. Not only did he change his appearance from feminine to masculine, but Parker also had to adapt to the change in his voice. After being on hormones for many months, his voice dropped from the soprano range to a much deeper register. Singing becomes muscle memory after years of...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** ADVANCEMENT THROUGH REPRESENTATION: How “In the Heights” brought about change on Broadway
By Clay Spencer When studying American society one of the most effective areas to look at for answers is the arts, these cultural artifacts serve as a reflection of our society and its values. This is doubly so when looking at visual arts like musical theater, they are a product of their social context and in that way capture the pulse of the moment. Importantly, these artifacts are not passive nor static, they also possess the capacity to influence society and change what the reflection shows. According to Isabel Thomas, musical theater is uniquely capable of this feat because it exposes audiences to new concepts and can make calls for social change in a nonthreatening manner that can allow the message to bypass the audiences’ biases (Thomas, 2020). It is with this framework in mind...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** “Turn the World Around”: How the Muppets and Harry Belafonte blueprinted an inclusionary dream world for post-Civil Rights America
“Too often, the victories we have won have proved to be ephemeral or incomplete, and our full acceptance as Americans has once again been denied.” – Harry Belatonte
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** The Effects of Social Change through the lens of Hip-Hop and R&B
By Mercy Green For a long time, music has stood out as a powerful tool for social change. Over the years, artists have used music as a mirror reflecting societal challenges and as a catalyst for societal change. Throughout history, artists have utilized the power of music to challenge different forms of oppression, champion marginalized voices, and inspire activism (Barton, 2018). In such endeavors, different genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, and hip-hop, have played a vital role in movements for racial, gender, and economic justice. Beyoncé’s "Formation" (2016) remains a clear example and a contemporary depiction of this tradition. The piece seamlessly incorporates art, activism, and personal identity to forge a bold cultural and political statement. The song was released at a time...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** J Cole: One artist standing above all
By Quante Grant Rap music has always been one of the most effective ways to make a change politically, culturally and socially, since its early days of creation. In the 1960s Jamaican DJs began speaking over the mic to toast or interact with the audience members of these parties. This eventually led to a cadence over the beats that were being played, and that cadence is what we know as rap today. However, it doesn’t take a trained ear to notice the stark differences from raps earliest stages to what we have now. From the delight of Sugarhill Gang’s debut single, or the harsh conditions of Compton in the 80s from the perspective of NWA to the mumble rap and trap music, one artist stands above all. Jermaine Cole aka J Cole. In 2018 J Cole addressed an emerging problem in the hip hop...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Rhythms of Resistance: Music During Brazil’s Military Regime
By Daniela Bridges When most people think of Brazil, they picture soccer, samba, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. What many don’t realize, though, is that behind this beauty lies an incredibly dark past—a history that still casts a shadow over the country today. Between 1964 and 1985, Brazil was ruled by a military dictatorship whose primary goal was to maintain power through censorship, torture, and exile. During this period, music became an unexpected battleground, where artists used their work to fight for freedom and preserve their Brazilian identity. Growing up in a family with Brazilian roots, my mom being from Brazil, and my grandfather and uncles serving in the Brazilian military - I was always aware of the military dictatorship. However, it was a sensitive topic that...
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ** Revolution Girl Style Now! Bikini Kill’s Legacy on Alternative Music and Feminism
By Zoe Walsh “I mean it's hard enough to be a girl in a band doing sound-checks in all-male settings, but having the ‘bitch' label proceed me to nearly every club got really tiring.” -Kathleen Hanna, former singer of Bikini Kill. Despite punk rock bands of the 70’s being formed to sing and scream about injustice everywhere, many men of the movement were still quite sexist to their female counterparts. In 1976, the punk zine Sniffin’ Glue wrote that “Punks are not girls,” (Hickson). The alternative music scene was still male-dominated, after all. Many women at underground shows experienced harassment while simultaneously not being respected as musicians in their own right. What else is there to do, other than gathering up...
Creatives at Work: Andy and Annie Skinner
By Zoe Walsh “Nothing's going to happen in a vacuum. Nobody's going to do it for you. So just do it, right?” So says Andy Skinner, who works alongside his wife Annie in the entertainment and entertainment marketing industry here in Indianapolis. From booking bands to selling vinyl records, the Skinners have dabbled in just about every industry possible. It all started in the early 2000s, when Annie moved from Salt Lake City, Utah to Indianapolis, Indiana. The pair immediately bonded over their shared interests, despite coming from completely different sociocultural backgrounds. “So...
Music, Community and Mental Health: IUI’s Dr. John Parrish-Sprowl offers profound lecture on music, wellness and social change
By Saria Raine Recently, Rhythm and Revolution scholars at Indiana University Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI) had the opportunity to learn about music and mental health through the words of Dr. John Parrish-Sprowl. With each guest speaker joining to spread their insight and thoughts on music (whether it’s through queer identity or celebrating black artists in central Indiana), to meet someone who is turning 71 this year and has years of experience in music immediately grabbed my interest. In his presentation, Parrish-Sprowl explored the topics of social change within music, his personal relationship with music itself, mental health in music and more. With his years of experience, this was certainly a class session many had the privilege to tune into. “Of all things I could talk about, what...
Eduardo Luna: Empowering Culture in the Heart of Indiana
By Paige Sylvester In a world where cultural identity can often be diluted in the name of assimilation, Eduardo Luna stands as a passionate advocate for celebrating and preserving heritage. As the founder of Arte Mexicano en Indiana, a nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, Luna is a driving force in uplifting Mexican and Latin American culture through the arts. His journey from Acapulco, Mexico to the American Midwest is not just a personal story; it’s a mission to remind people, especially younger generations, that their heritage matters. Luna visited the IUI Rhythm and Revolution class recently as a guest speaker, and his presentation offered an inspiring and honest look at the challenges and victories he has faced as an artist and community organizer. He spoke with conviction...
Words of Wisdom: Herman “Butch” Slaughter shares his perspective with IUI “Rhythm and Revolution: Music, Communication, and Social Change” scholar-leaders
by Maggie HoppelOn Thursday, January 30th, Indianapolis musician and radio host Herman “Butch” Slaughter contributed his expansive knowledge and experience to our class “Rhythm and Revolution: Music, Communication, and Social Change.” Discussions spanned from hip hop to film soundtracks, but as students continued to engage with his perspective, a common theme appeared: the life cycle of a song or movement in music. Slaughter prompted students to ask, “What makes a song live on?” Slaughter entered the recording music world as a member of the soul group The Words of Wisdom, releasing the single “You Made Me Everything” in 1971. Now, he narrates for the WFYI radio program “Echoes of Indiana Avenue,” which celebrates the historic musical achievements of Black artists from central Indiana....
Paris Paloma and the reclamation of feminine power: A personal narrative
by Leslie Galvan-TorresMusic connects all things whether it be someone singing, a piece they wrote and performed, or the little happy sounds of a plant next to your window sill. Music is embedded within us for expression, or if you are that plant, simply just existing. Today we shall discuss an artist rooting for social change with her voice and metaphors hidden underneath the tales and loops of words along with her visuals in a select few music videos which speak to her larger work. Although at face value they may already seem interesting, my goal is analyze Paris Paloma's art of expression for all to understand the mastery she has over her craft. Paris Paloma is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist who began a rise to international attention with her 2023 single “Labour” and...
Indy’s own Brentlee Bich on “Shrek: A Drag Parody Musical,” the city’s drag culture and the power of transformation to make the world “just a bit more sparkly”
Interview by Trevor Potts It is our great honor at Where Words Ignite Worlds to broaden our scope a bit with this feature on Indianapolis drag luminary Brentlee Bich. To date the focus of our publication has been on the role of music in social change, locally and globally. We will certainly continue publishing pieces in this arena, but at the same time, we will also be expanding our scope to highlight some of the important work of artists in other fields, including visual and performing arts, film, civic engagement, spoken word and here, drag. We are honored with this article to provide a platform to Indy's own Brentlee Bich, one of our city's most talented and irrepressibly joyful performers. Brentlee was also a former scholar of mine at Indiana University Indianapolis (then IUPUI), so...
Indy gathers to celebrate the life and light of Katrina Bolyard, who burned “like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars”
by Trevor Potts The city of Indianapolis gathers today (Monday, July 1) to celebrate the life and artistry of one of its true artistic and spiritual luminaries, Katrina Bolyard of the band manners, please., who passed just over two weeks ago, but who will live on always in the hearts and kindness of all those she touched in her time here. No words can do justice to the light force that was Katrina “Kat” Bolyard, but the outpouring of support and love shown since her passing speaks to the tremendous influence she has – and always will have – on Indianapolis music, art, culture and spirit. Anyone who ever got a chance to see her band live was transformed by her ferocity, her vulnerability, her whimsy, her passion and her conviction, whether performing as an advocate of equality,...
Preston Nash: Musical Brilliance Opening Doors for the Next Generation
by Sydney Fisher Indiana University Indianapolis' "Rhythm & Revolution: Music and Social Change" course is the brainchild of our impassioned, courageous and inspiring leader, Trevor Potts. Emblematic of his devotion to us students, he has delivered upon his promise, week after week, to supply us with impactful guest speakers. To wrap up our Rock & Roll unit, Trevor decided on Preston Nash, former member of the punk band Dope and current founding member of Rock Garage Music in Indianapolis. In one of those funny full-circle moments that life affords you sometimes, Trev chose to show us Dope’s “Die MF Die” (2001). I’d heard the song once before. As a young, troubled teen–enrolled in a group of young, troubled teens–a girl who I did not understand but who I found endlessly...
Skanking to the Sounds of Revolution: How Ska Led Me to Discover Punk and Change How I Think About the World
by Jake Swain ** My Personal Journey in Music Throughout the course of this semester, I think that I have made it abundantly clear that I absolutely love the punk genre. However, it was actually a genre that tends to mingle with punk that led me to fully dive into the genre and truly discover it. Funnily enough, it was a genre that, in its purest form, sounds nothing like punk. Long story short, my love for the punk genre would have never come to be if I hadn’t first been listening to the noisy, upbeat, horn-infused genre that is ska. So… It’s time for the important question. Just what the hell is ska? Ska is a genre that originated in 1950s Jamaica. Blending elements of Caribbean music with American Jazz and R&B....
International Spotlight – Bloodywood: An Indian Folk Metal Band Using Music to Combat Social Inequities in India
by Braden Chapman & Jake Low Bloodywood warns wife beaters and rapists that they will “Bring the Beatdown” onto them with “Dana Dan," an anthem for the victims of male oppression in India ** INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT Introduction In 2022, India overthrew China as the country with the largest population. As of 2022, India currently has a population of 1.417 billion. Even though India has the largest population in the world, we want to focus on three people. New Delhi, India, is known as the capital of the country. But to us and many others it is the home of a very popular Indian metal band, Bloodywood. “Formed in 2016 by multi-instrumentalist Karan Katiyar and vocalist Jayant Bhadula. They later rounded out...
IUI Doctoral Scholar – Emmanuel K Asare
Please describe yourself in a few sentences. What do you do/study and what are your passions? I am Emmanuel K. Asare, MPH, a doctoral student studying Health Communication who is results-oriented, constantly checking on my progress to see how close or how far away we are and what it will take to make aspirations happen. I find this pressure inspiring and a great motivator. I'm a people person. I love meeting new people and learning about their lives and their backgrounds. I can almost always find common ground with strangers, and I like making people feel comfortable in my presence. For the 2024 Comm Day presentation you offered, on what did you speak? During the Graduate panel discussion on Communication Day, I provided an overview of the historical development of...
IUI Doctoral Scholar – Ernest Kofi Agorde
Please describe yourself in a few sentences. What do you do/study and what are your passions? I am Ernest Kofi Agorde, a doctoral student in Health Communication at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and an Associate Instructor of Fundamentals of Speech Communication. I have over a decade of experience in communication, public relations, and media, including previously working as a Junior Assistant Registrar in the Public Affairs directorate of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, (and I am) an accredited Public Relations professional. I hold a M.Phil. in Communication Studies with a specialization in Public Relations and Broadcast Journalism from the University of Ghana, and a B.A. in Philosophy and English Language from the University of Cape...
Postmaster by Day, Funkmaster by Night: A Feature Article on Cyrus Youngman
Jake Low A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with a man by the name of Cyrus Youngman when he was invited to speak to my Rhythm and Revolution class as a guest speaker. There is something about Cyrus that I connected with. Something about his energy that just seems to fill you with wonder, and you can tell when speaking with him that he is deeply passionate about music and also spreading positivity. For a bit of background, Cyrus Youngman works as a postman for the United States Postal Service, however, his true passion is music. Cyrus was in a band called Cyrus Youngman and The Kingfishers and their last two recorded albums were Trip to Try in 2017 and Your Life Will Never be the Same from 2019. Both of these albums feature intense emotional lyrics about struggles with...
Jody Galadriel Friend: A Public Universal Friend
Jackson Lemaster Self-acceptance is a treasure many people search their whole lives for. There’s no map where you can follow and there’s no “X” that marks the spot. It’s a treasure only found through thorough self-reflection and there’s no telling where the “X” might be. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and we all should revel in the confidence those around us may feel. I got to see a shining example of confidence and self-acceptance when alternative, indie singer Jody Galadriel Friend visited my class to discuss music and social change. Jody Galdriel Friend is the self-described “queer goth matriarch” and lead singer of Public Universal Friend, an indie band based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jody herself is both trans and a lesbian and shared that every band member is part of the queer...
Mariah Ivey: A Voice of Transformation, Change and Eloquence this City Needs
Mady Burner Mariah Ivey is a spoken word artist and poet who grew up in Indianapolis on the poetryscene. At 14, she was in a slam poetry contest, where she made it to the championship round.Once she graduated high school, she attended Columbia College in downtown Chicago and later,she moved to D.C. and was a part of an East Coast poetry tour. She then moved back toIndianapolis, where she got her master’s at IUPUI, and wanted to create spaces for people of allages to be able to experience new and local artists.Mariah Ivey has such a passion for art, education, and community, and you can tell justby the way she talks about these topics that they are something special to her. While talking tothe Rhythm and Revolution class this Spring at IUPUI (now IUI), she said, “Artists make it okay to...
Oreo Jones: Indy Hip-Hop Legend and Champion of Diversity, Community and Inclusion
Gaige Bennett When talking about the most influential figures in Indy’s music scene, it’s nearly impossible to leave Sean Michael Smith, better known as Oreo Jones, out of the conversation. From his work with Big Car Collaborative, to the founding of the renowned Chreece fest, he’s continuously shown his ability to make waves. His mission reaches past merely making music though, as he seeks to bring Indianapolis together through his work.Hailing from Warsaw, Oreo was heavily impacted by the local punk and hardcore scene. He spent countless weekends there before joining his first band, Screaming Hemorrhoids. His love for underground hip-hop really blossomed when he made the move to Indianapolis to attend IUPUI, and he’s been on a winning streak ever since.It’s difficult to restrict...
Jake Watson: IU Doctoral Scholar on Music Ecology and the Power of Music to Effect Transformation, “One Conversation at a Time”
Jake Low A few weeks ago, I was able to sit down and do an over-the-phone interview with Cyrus Youngman, one of the guest speakers who came to our Spring 2024 Rhythm and Revolution class. It was a very productive and insightful conversation and both of us greatly enjoyed the discussion. The theme for the interview was the role of music and of musicians in impacting positive social change. It was incredibly philosophically and intellectually stimulating. It was then that I knew that for my second feature article, I wanted to conduct a second interview. Enter Jake Watson… Along with having an incredibly masculine first name, Jake W (who will be referred to as JW for the interview portion, and I will be referred to as JL to avoid confusion) is a doctoral student in the Communication Studies...
The Legacy of An R&B and Funk Groove: The Musical Journey of Kevin ‘Flash’ Ferrell The Legacy of An R&B and Funk Groove
Adrian England On Thursday, January 25th, a voice of R&B and Funk echoed through Cavanaugh Hall at Indiana University of Indianapolis as Kevin "Flash" Ferrell, lead singer of the late 1970s group "Manchild," graced our Rhythm and Revolution course class room, under the direction of Professor Trevor Potts. As a proud native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Kevin's musical skill has sent shockwaves of energy, impacting audiences worldwide with his funkadelic performances. From his school days at Harry E. Wood High School to his time of work at Methodist Hospital of Indiana University Health, Kevin's dedication to music has been consistently forthcoming. His soulful sound has drawn crowds from the streets of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to energetic locations around the world. His songs were also...
International Spotlight: On “Musicking,” Community Identity and Sociopolitical Change
Arden Hutson With the 2024 spring semester drawing itself to a close, IUPUI’s Music and Social Change class heard from its final guest speakers this past week. Arranged and hosted graciously as ever by Professor Trevor Potts, the topic of discussion centered on music’s ability to reflect and crystalize the values of different communities, and how this phenomenon can be witnessed across continents and genres. One of our guest speakers, Emre Can Alptekin, is a Turkish PhD candidate at the University of Wroclaw in Poland, who presented the Rhythm and Revolution class with a condensed version of his dissertation entitled “Roles of Musicking among Migrants in Socio-political change.” When beginning his presentation, Emre asked the class to “buckle up!” before helping them get to know the...
IUPUI/IUI Department of Communication Studies Graduate Scholars Offer Ideas on the Power of Music to Effect Cultural, Political and Spiritual Transformation
Galilea Romo On Thursday, March 27, the Department of Communication Studies at IUI hosted an event that allowed some of its pace-setting graduate students the opportunity to talk about the music that they think has been important to them and the ways such music relates to social change. There were five panelists who each talked about concepts and musical artists they believed to be a relevant part of this conversation. First, Rose Ryan Douglass presented on the Riot Grrrl Movement, relating to feminism, and specifically the band Hole and its lead singer Courtney Love. Next, Joaquin Dorado Mariscal focused on the band Gorillaz and how their presentation and style of making music was so inspirational to many people, even while offering poignant cultural critique on such issues as...
Case Study: Blur, the Gorillaz, and History of Modern UK Nationalism
Arden Hutson & Laine Roberts When the world looks back at the rock music of the 1990s, the landscape is often characterized by music journalists as a battle of influence between the angry, unpolished, and overtly left-wing American grunge rock, and the shining and unapologetically British commercial success of Britpop. This is a battle that most journalists will argue was won soundly by American Grunge. While I certainly will not argue that point, I do find it interesting how the musician largely seen as the de facto leader of the Britpop genre, Damon Albarn, has changed his messaging over the years. In the same way that changing cultural values can affect the language and efficacy of political movements, they can also affect the style of music that becomes popular in a given...
Embracing Passion and Purpose: Reflections from Rhythm and Revolution
Chloe Dyar In a dynamic fusion of inspiration and introspection, the Rhythm and Revolution class welcomed three amazing speakers whose narratives resonated deeply with the essence of passion and purpose. Chelsea Sanderson, Maria Willinger, and Alicia Tucker, each bearing the mantle of experience and wisdom, illuminated the classroom with their profound insights and personal journeys. Chelsea Sanderson, Vice President of Operations at HI-FI Indy, stood as a testament to the transformative power of music. Graduating from Ball State University in 2012, Chelsea's narrative underscored the connection between music and emotional expression. Growing up in a small town nestled within the confines of closed-mindedness, music emerged as her refuge, her sanctuary among the chaos of life's trials...
IUI scholar crafts powerful original song, “When Love Dies,” to address issues of mental health, drug addiction and suicide| A.B. & Lex
With the goal of shining a spotlight on local artists and musicians using their voices powerfully, the link above features an original new song written by IUPUI/IUI scholar Alexia Bowen. Co-written with her father, "When Love Dies" addresses issues of mental health, drug addiction and suicide, and does so with artistry and grace. Congratulations, Alexis!
Harmonizing Legacies: A Celebration of Funk and Jazz Maestros Herman ‘Butch’ Slaughter & Kyle Long
Adrian England, Joshua Santosh and Jaime CardozaIn a symphony of extraordinary talent, the city of Indianapolis and IUI (Indiana University Indianapolis) were recently graced by the incomparable funk virtuoso Herman 'Butch' Slaughter, a cornerstone of our city's musical and cultural heritage for decades, with his longtime friend and co-musician Gary Amos. Over the past near-half year, Slaughter has become nothing short of a guiding light for our city's scholars in the IUI "Rhythm and Revolution - Music and Social Change" course, offering profound grace and wisdom to the next generation through lectures, interviews with current scholars and musicians, and even performing an impromptu song at an end-of-the semester benefit show ("Night of the Comet") which raised over $2300 for area...
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