September 15, 2023

FACULTY, STUDENTS ADDRESS DEI CONCERNS

GEORGE

The Texas Senate signed Senate Bill 17 (SB-17) into law in June 2023, banning state-funded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. SB-17 means that crosscultural and pride organizations, as well as safe places for those who participate in these organizations, are now forbidden. SB17 also bans consideration of race, sex, ethnicity and national origin in hiring practices and training for faculty.

The legislation allows student-run DEI organizations to persist on campus, but these groups must survive without state funding, relying on grants and donations. Individual professors, majors and colleges within MSU can include DEI in academics, such as having a guest speaker lecture about crosscultural communication.

Senate Bill 17 comes after concerns about violations of free speech, according to State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Texas), and “reverse discrimination,” according to State Rep. Carl Tepper (R-Texas).

Before Gov. Abbot signed SB-17 into law, MOSAIC was MSU’s cross-cultural center. Founded in 2015, MOSAIC is a cornerstone in MSU’s campus culture, known for celebrating the campus’s diverse cultures and holding events such as Hispanic Heritage

Month and Black History Month. MOSAIC also notably hosted parties and celebrations like cultural graduations.

Over the past three years, MOSAIC has been picking up momentum, planning more events and getting an office in the Clark Student Center. SB-17 has forced MOSAIC to cancel over 40 events that would have taken place over the 2023-2024 school year. MOSAIC will be able to rework some events to comply with the law because it is not classified as an anti-racist group. MOSAIC can also discuss “underserved” populations; however, the law does not define that term.

MOSAIC could previously act as a mediator in the case of possible bias but will now have to redirect students towards those newly chosen to help with these issues.

MOSAIC would have disbursed scholarships using state funding; however, due to SB-17, it was required to rescind offers. Freshman Mary Lou Rodriguez is one of the scholarship recipients who had their offer taken away.

Rodriguez said she was upset about the situation.

“I will still continue at MSU, but honestly, getting that scholarship really pulled me towards MSU,” Rodriguez said, later adding, “I felt sad. Maybe angry at other people because, honestly, being a minority and other people trying to say you’re not, it made me mad, honestly.”

After hours, concerned professors and students attended an AIDE meeting in the Legacy MPR. Participants discussed what SB-17 forbade, how to interpret the law and what can be done going forward. The law does not prohibit continuing DEI education within academic settings, so there were some ideas for creating classes surrounding subjects like intercultural communication. The faculty agreed that another way to move past SB-17 is to serve as advisors to student-led groups and seek support from local businesses and organizations.

Freshman Nia Shanks said SB-17 affects how students feel they fit in at MSU

“I definitely feel like I belong here, but it’s going to be harder for less represented groups to feel welcome when they’re basically told that they’re wrong just for existing, you know? That you’re doing something wrong by celebrating your culture,” Shanks said.

Students who wish to remain active in DEI initiatives can still start or involve themselves in student-led organizations. Interested students can find several organizations to join under the Student Involvement section of the MSU website. AIDE meetings moving forward will be open to the campus community, and students interested in preserving DEI groups and ideals can attend and work with faculty.

wichitan@msutexas.edu

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PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Professors and students gather around to discuss new ways to work with the recent legislation, Sep. 12.

SVOBODA REPORTER

PHOTO BY SAM DIFIORE | THE WICHITAN Cammie Dean explains how any events promoting diversity need to have a new location because MOSAIC can no longer be their new home, Sep. 12.

THE JAMES COOK BAND ROCKS LIVE AT THE LAKE

GEORGE SVOBODA REPORTER

From 6-8 p.m. on Sep. 7, 2023, the Wichita Museum of Art hosted Live at the Lake. Organizers invited local band The James Cook Band to perform original songs stretching from their first album that came out in 2016, to their most recent album, which they released this year.

The band started their first set with a fiery cover of the Stevie Wonder classic “Superstition.” Later in the evening the band moved on to original music, highlighted by their song “Two Left Feet,” a bluesy country song about frontman James Cook’s daughter. Wichita Falls locals came out in droves to support the band.

Cook said he appreciated the support, and said some fans even go beyond just offering words of encouragement.

“Usually at a show, people ask me ‘Do I want a shot?’ I say ‘No sir, get me a plate of tacos!’ every time,” Cook said.

During the concert, the art museum was free to enter and tour. The exhibits are rotated frequently, and an art exchange will occur in October between MSU and the Yokohama Museum of Art in Kanagawa, Japan.

Live at the Lake partnered with

fundraiser Texoma Gives, which works to ensure Midwestern State has a thriving art community and up-to-date, maintained exhibits. Donations to Texoma Gives go directly to funding exhibits and employees’ salaries, as well as providing free workshops, lectures and activities for anyone interested.

According to museum curator Danny Bills, the museum started Live at the Lake in 2006 to shine a spotlight on

local artists and musicians.

As the band played its hits, local artist Charles Smith painted the scene. The final work was raffled off to one lucky individual who donated to Texoma Gives. The Wichita Falls Museum of Art will host Live at the Lake again behind the Bruce and Graciela Redwine Student Wellness Center on Sep. 21 with musical guest G-Top Band.

COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CLEAN SIKES LAKE

JOEY ARTHUR MANAGING EDITOR

On Sep. 9, 2023, MSU, in partnership with the Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, hosted its annual Sikes Lakes clean-up. The event began with students, staff, faculty and the Wichita Falls community at the lake at 8:45 a.m. to get breakfast and a quick briefing of how the day was going to go and the goals of the day. The lake clean-up began at 9 a.m. with volunteers gloved and ready to take on the lake.

Terry McKee, activities chair for the Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists and event coordinator for the Sikes Lake cleanup, explained the process and the behind-the-scenes work for planning the clean-up.

From reaching out to individuals and organizations to the actual day,

McKee addressed every single detail to ensure a successful clean-up.

“So, I have been doing the Sikes Lake clean-up since 2006 and we have made this an annual thing that we partner with MSU to do. We typically shoot for the first Saturday after Labor Day because it is a little cooler. We typically reach out to our contacts at MSU to get student, staff and faculty volunteers and we also reach out to local organizations, churches and so on and we always get a good turnout especially with MSU students which we are always glad to have. We also get Kyle Owens and his staff to come out and help take trash bags and pass out lunches. My goal and the goal of the Rolling Plains for the clean-up every year is to simply get people to care about their environment and to build a sense of community,” McKee said.

With a size of 21.5 acres, cleaning up the lake is not a task for an individual or a small group of individuals. Thankfully many were in attendance that morning either on their own or with an organization like Omega Delta Phi or the Student Nursing Association.

Haley Viera, senior nursing major and member of the Student Nursing Association shared her experience with the clean-up.

“I really like Sikes Lake. I think it’s something very unique to MSU and I don’t think a lot of Texas universities get to experience that. I also believe that it is very good to clean the lake because it accumulates a lot of trash from people just throwing stuff in it. Overall, I love the lake clean-up because I like to be a part in keeping Sikes Lake pretty,” Viera said.

PHOTO BY RYAN LEMOND | THE WICHITAN Charles Smith paints a scenic view of the crowd at Wichita Museum of Art, Sep. 7.

PHOTO BY ALEX SINKS | THE WICHITAN Macy Flowers, a physical education major, is collecting trash deep in the brush with her campus basketball team at MSU's Sikes Lake Cleanup initiative.

PHOTO BY RYAN LEMOND | THE WICHITAN James Cook and Tim Maloney feel the sound of their own music while they perform one of their original songs, Sep. 7.

PHOTO BY RYAN LEMOND | THE WICHITAN The James Cook Band performing "Superstition" at Wichita Museum of Art, Sep. 7. The band consists of lead singer, James Cook, Bassist, Tim Maloney, Keyboard, Jason Brown, Drums, Ricci Amador, Guitarist, Kelly Jackson.

THERAPY DOGS AT MOFFETT

PHOTO BY SAM DIFIORE | THE WICHITAN Many students enjoy seeing Concho because they love to see his two colored eyes, Aug. 31. Concho is known for wagging his tail more than the other dogs.

PHOTO BY CECIL WITHERSPOON | THE WICHITAN Education freshman Kortnee Strickland, biology freshman Brooklyn Simpson, pre-nursing freshman Faith Nelson and dental hygiene sophomore Rebecca Boerio pet Jasper the corgi in Moffett Library Tuesday, Sep. 5, 2023.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Jasper smiles and enjoys his time meeting different students, Aug. 31. Jasper is 15 years old and his favorite treat is a cantaloupe.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN MSU student smiles while holding Oliver on her lap, Aug. 31. Oliver has been coming to MSU for 6 years and he is named after Oliver Twist.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Jasper receives a belly rub from a student, Aug. 31.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Ian shows one of his tricks to the small crowd while he receives some treats, Aug. 31. Ian has earned many awards competing in Texas and Oklahoma.

PHOTO BY SAM DIFIORE | THE WICHITAN Neva spends some time on the floor, while she receives cuddles from the MSU students, Aug. 31. She enjoys playing with soft squeaky toys.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Multiple students greet Jasper while he represents MSU, Aug. 31. Jasper enjoys eating Swedish Meatballs.

"I WANT TO BE HERE AS LONG AS I CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT"

New President Haynie hopes to bring stability to MSU

CECIL WITHERSPOON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

New MSU President Stacy Haynie closed a loop that began more than three decades ago when she accepted the role of MSU president. Now, Haynie is back home – and she says she’s here to stay. Her MSU journey began with an undergraduate degree in theater, followed by a master’s in political science.

During her time at MSU, Haynie had a student job working in the president’s office – typing letters, sending thank-you notes and general officework. Haynie’s job in the president’s office is very different today, but Haynie said her return is equal parts familiar and new.

“So it’s very much coming home, but it is a new adventure, a very exciting one, and I feel in some ways, it was 33 years of getting the experience that I needed to be prepared for this,” Haynie said.

Haynie spent those 33 years at LSU, working up to tenured professor, then all the way to vice president and provost, before settling back in as a full-time professor. She said she had recently finished a book and was planning to finish her career as an LSU professor before MSU reached out.

Haynie said she’d had other schools attempt to recruit her in the past, but that she wasn’t interested. But when MSU called, she said it was different.

“And I had received a number of individuals saying, “We want to talk to you about this position or that position,” in other universities and was absolutely not interested and had responded to absolutely none of them. And then I got that call,” Haynie said. “And I said to my husband, “The search firm from MSU called.” He said, “Well, I think you’re going to have to talk to them.” And then it was just very, very, very quickly after that.”

As Haynie’s first semester back at MSU unfolds, there are a number of challenges the institution faces.

One obstacle MSU has had

to navigate the past two years is instability in leadership. Since the departure of former President Suzanne Shipley, the school has seen turnover in deans, the provost’s office and even at president. Haynie is the university’s fifth president in six semesters.

Haynie said she’s aware of the turnover, including former President JuliAnn Mazachek leaving after just one semester, but Haynie stressed that she wants to bring stability to her alma mater.

“I am here because of the

work that needs to be done at this institution. So this is it. I’m not going anywhere. And I want to be here as long as I can have a positive impact. So I will leave when that isn’t the case. I’m not going anywhere,” Haynie said.

Schools across the nation are facing enrollment declines, and MSU is no exception.

Haynie said the issue stems from a number of reasons, but that she’ll work to ensure MSU is as desirable a destination as possible to combat those reasons.

“There are just fewer students who are leaving high school ready for college. So that pool is shrinking right across the whole of the country,” Haynie said, adding “And so there’s an arms race for the ones who are there and I know that because we were coming after the students in Texas. But Texas is positioned, and I think MSU is positioned, to be successful because this is a regional institution with lots of breadth. And there are also international students.”

Another hot topic in higher education, particularly in Texas, is the future of DEI practices at the university level.

Haynie said the school’s priority will be staying in line with Texas state policies while making sure each student is included and has the opportunity to excel.

“Well, I think that the legislature wants to ensure that every student on a campus finds a place and a space where they can feel valued, and will be valued and again, can be successful. And I think there’s nothing we’re doing that is not in alignment with that,” Haynie said. “So certainly the goal will be to ensure you know, in line with

whatever the state laws are, but I I don’t see conflict with ensuring that every student on this campus is valued and finds their place and their space to be successful.”

Haynie added that diversity is an important part of college and education.

“One of the best parts of college is that you get to meet people who don’t look like you, who don’t think like you, who open your world and help you to, you know, understand the world from a variety of different perspectives. That was the same when I was here, and it’s the same now,” Haynie said.

Haynie also stressed that listening to students, particularly student government, is something she values in decision-making.

“I have always been engaged with student government. That is the voice for those students in terms of a formal organized voice for the students. So certainly engaging with them. One of my first calls was to the student government president to just say, ‘We’re gonna need to be partners here,’” she said, later adding, “And so part of that is listening and trying to be really good partners with students.”

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Stacy Haynie talks about her role in Hedda Gabler as a theater student at MSU.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Stacy Haynie checks out her yearbook entry from the year she graduated from MSU. Haynie is an area native, growing up in nearby Clay County.

BSM OFFERS FREE LUNCH TO STUDENTS

JUAN MANOSALVA SPANISH EDITOR

The Christian non-profit organization Baptist Student Ministry, located across from campus at 3505 Taft Blvd., is giving free lunch to MSU students in its facilities every Wednesday at noon.

BSM director Keith Beanland said the meals have several benefits for students.

“This is the time to give a general blessing for a free meal and enjoy its benefits but also to meet other students, to have good conversations, make friends and get connected,” Beanland said.

Beanland added that college relationships can be hard to make, but the BSM meals provide an avenue to do that.

“A lot of college students don´t make deep friendships at college, which is very sad because they don’t get to meet many people by going to class, then to the cafeteria, back to their dorms, play video games, and then go to sleep. So hopefully, through interactions like here, where we are creating a space by sitting in a table to eat with people they don´t know, will help to form new friendships,” he said.

Beanland said local churches that want to serve campus and be a blessing for the students provide all of the food.

“Many of our local churches support us, they want to be able to care for the students in different ways by providing a meal to them at no cost and also to be able to extend a welcome if someone wants to have a church family,” Beanland said.

The event is open to anyone, and Beanland said there is no charge to be involved.

“We are open to new people and new ideas. There´s no membership, this is not a sorority or fraternity where people are paying to be involved. If they want to grow, be mentored, or want to come to the activities and trips we do during the semester we will be happy to have them,” Beanland said.

Chemistry sophomore Abigail Simbaña

said the lunches are a good opportunity to try different kinds of food.

“I really enjoy this event because I think as an international student is really good to have a meal every week with homemade food that is usually not served at the cafeteria,” Simbaña said.

BSM gives name tags to everybody who attends the event, which makes the process of getting to know each other easier.

ALMUERZO GRATIS EN EL BSM PARA LOS

JUAN MANOSALVA SPANISH EDITOR

La organización cristiana sin fines de lucro Baptist Student Ministry, ubicada frente al campus en 3505 Taft Blvd., está dando almuerzo gratis a los estudiantes de MSU en sus instalaciones todos los miércoles al mediodía.

El director de BSM, Keith Beanland, afirmó que las comidas tienen varios beneficios para los estudiantes.

“Este es el momento de dar una bendición con una comida gratis y disfrutar de sus beneficios, pero también de conocer a otros estudiantes, tener buenas conversaciones, hacer amigos y conectarse”, dijo Beanland.

Beanland añadió que las relaciones universitarias pueden ser difíciles de formar, pero los almuerzos que ofrece el BSM pueden facilitar estas conexiones.

“Muchos estudiantes universitarios no hacen amistades profundas en la universidad, lo cual es muy triste porque no pueden conocer a mucha gente yendo a clase, luego a la cafetería, de regreso a sus dormitorios, jugando video juegos y luego yendose a dormir. Con suerte, a través de interacciones como esta, donde estamos creando un espacio para que se sienten a comer con personas que no conocen, ayudaremos a formar nuevas amistades”, afirmó Beanland.

Beanland dijo que toda la comida es proporcionada por las iglesias locales que quieren servir al campus y ser una bendición para los estudiantes.

“Muchas de nuestras iglesias locales nos apoyan y quieren

poder cuidar a los estudiantes de diferentes maneras, brindándoles una comida sin costo y dándoles la bienvenida a aquellos que quieran tener una familia en la iglesia”, mencionó Beanland.

El evento está abierto a toda la comunidad educativa, y Beanland añade que la participación es gratuita.

“Estamos abiertos a gente nueva y a nuevas ideas. No hay membresía, esta no es una hermandad o fraternidad donde las personas pagan para participar. Si quieren crecer espiritualmente, recibir tutoría o venir a las actividades y viajes que hacemos durante el semestre, estaremos encantados de tenerlos. ", dijo Beanland.

Abigail Simbaña, estudiante de segundo año de Química, dijo que los almuerzos son una buena oportunidad para probar diferentes tipos de comida.

“Realmente disfruto este evento porque creo que como estudiante internacional, es realmente bueno tener un almuerzo todas las semanas con comida casera que generalmente no se sirve en la cafetería”, dijo Simbaña.

El equipo de BSM da etiquetas con nombres a todos los que asisten al evento, lo que hace que conocer a otras personas sea más fácil.

Simbaña dijo que este es un evento que los estudiantes deben probar al menos una vez.

“Recomiendo a los estudiantes de MSU que asistan a este evento y que lo prueben al menos una vez. Esto les dará más que comida gratis, es realmente genial porque conoces a mu-

Simbaña said this is an event students should try at least once.

“I will recommend MSU students to attend this event and try it at least once. This will give you more than free food. It’s really cool because you get to know a lot of people. In addition, they give you name tags so there are no awkward transitions of people asking your name, which is great for making new friends,” Simbaña said.

ESTUDIANTES

cha gente, además, te dan etiquetas con tu nombre para que no haya transiciones incómodas de personas que te pregunten tu nombre, lo cual es genial para hacer nuevos amigos", dijo Simbaña.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Criminal justice junior Joseph Mendez and education sophomore Natasha Moore hand out name tags to students, Sep. 13.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Faith Baptist Church members serve students their free lunch, Sep. 13.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN El estudiante de segundo año Petey Ochoa, sonríe mientras sostiene su planto de comida, Sep. 13.

STUDENTS SHARE IMPORTANCE OF VOICES

CECIL WITHERSPOON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Poetry, prose and awards punctuated the afternoon in CSC Comanche Thursday afternoon as staff and contributors put an exclamation point on the latest issue of Voices with a release party.

Voices is the university’s literature and art magazine, and the release party drew dozens of people. Students filled most of the chairs and stood around the room to listen as writers, artists and editors shared pieces from the publication.

Grace Ainsworth, art junior and one of six Voices editors, said it was encouraging to see the turnout for the release party.

“I think it’s really fun and kind of crazy to see. I really liked seeing that the room was almost full, or overfilling,” Ainsworth said.

This year’s cover featured a drawing Ainsworth did of geese.

English professor and Voices advisor John Schulze said Ainsworth created the cover image before the university euthanized the majority of the Sikes Lake geese, but that the publication does sometimes touch on current issues and events.

“This one is a little bit different because of the goose, for sure. We don’t try to be activists in that kind of sense. We like to talk about bigger issues. Campus issues are important, clearly, and what happened to the geese is awful, but we weren’t trying to stir the pot or anything,” Schulze said.

Voices editors said it is important for the

publication to provide a platform for students and others who are concerned with the state of politics or the world.

“I think it’s important because people need that outlet, especially with so many laws being passed nowadays, we need something to ex-

press ourselves. So I think it’s really good to have a way that people can do that and be recognized for it,” said English junior and Voices editor Michaela Aleman.

Fellow editor and English senior Jean Marburg echoed Aleman’s sentiment.

“I think that it is a very good idea, because again, with different laws being passed, I think having a specific outlet, especially a creative one, that brings forth different perspectives is always beneficial,” Marburg said.

That outlet will be open to even more people next year, as the next issue will be open to submissions from anyone in the U.S. instead of only college students in Texas and Oklahoma.

Past issues of Voices are available online at www.voicesjournal.org.

DON'T SAVE THE PIGGY BANK WAY

REPORTER

Saving is something that comes up in the average daily conversation. The idea of being prudent about money dates back long into my memory, as it probably does in yours. I remember the first time I got a piggy bank, but almost more vivid in my memory was when I got to smash my first piggy bank. I had saved up enough money for something and counted what, in hindsight, was a few notes of money. What I didn't realize as a 7-year-old wannabe accountant was that the value of the money I had saved up devalued every day it sat in my piggy bank. And now you're probably thinking, who in college still uses piggy banks? No one I know of, at least. But I wouldn't write it off so quickly. I like to think of traditional savings accounts as Piggy Banks. They offer almost no interest comparatively, which means you are no different from 7-year-old me accumulating devalued money in the long run.

Now you are probably thinking, is she tell-

ing us not to save? Absolutely not, I am telling you to save the right way. How, might you ask? Well, one option is using High Yield Savings Accounts (HYSA). These are similar to your traditional Savings Accounts and have the same risk but offer you more return. Across the U.S., the average interest rate offered by financial institutions such as banks for traditional savings accounts is 0.42%. Now, seeing as that is the rate compounded yearly, you earn about 0.0035% in interest monthly. In my previous traditional savings account, it showed up as $0.01 (a literal cent). That was determined by how much money I put asideit could have been higher or lower-but I was basically earning a cent every month.

Now imagine how helpful a cent every month is in this economy; not very helpful should be your response. HYSA offer you a different alternative. You can earn interest rates as high as 5.30%, depending on which account you open. I suggest using one of these three –

1. Marcus by Goldman Sachs currently offers

4.30 % and the option of 5.30 % for three months if you refer or are referred by someone, and you can get up to five referrals a year. They also allow same-day transfers, and your money is not tied up.

2. Ally currently offers 4.25%, and they allow you to use savings buckets to allocate money to your savings goals. They also have overdraft prevention on the account; the only issue is that transfers take three business days.

3. Capital One 360 Performance Savings offers 4.30 %. They also allow you to open multiple savings buckets toward your financial goals.

You can go with any other options; ensure they are FDI-insured and have perks that interest you. I'll end by saying that the rates offered by the High Yield Savings Accounts are yearly rates and are to ensure that the money you are saving is not devalued by inflation. Every month, expect a return of whatever rate is offered (APY) divided by 12 as the interest rate

that will apply to the money saved monthly. Save the right way, not the piggy bank way.

Saving money can be difficult while also paying for college. There are multiple options that can maximize the return on savings.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS

PHOTO BY SAM DIFIORE | THE WICHITAN Students show support to their collegues by attending the Voices release party, Sep. 14.

PHOTO BY SAM DIFIORE | THE WICHITAN English sophomore Gray Holman reads a work from the latest edition of Voices, Sep. 14. Holman was one of six editors of Voices.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VOICES The latest issue of Voices features writers from Texas and Oklahoma. The publication is opening submissions to writers from anywhere in the U.S. for the next issue.

ANNE AKPABIO

The Wichitan’s Song of the Week: "DAMAGE GETS DONE"

JOEY ARTHUR MANAGING EDITOR

Welcome to the first edition of the Wichitan’s Song of the Week for the fall semester of 2023! In celebration of the start of the school year, this week’s pick is “Damage Gets Done” by Irish-born singer-songwriter Hozier featuring American singersongwriter, Brandi Carlile. Released Aug. 18, 2023, as the seventh track of his third studio album “Unreal Unearth,” “Damage Gets Done” is a song about blaming teenagers and young adults for society’s problems when all they want to do is have fun and be “silly”. In the song, Hozier sings about the joys of being a youth. The doe-eyed feeling of self and sense and the thrill of seeking fun and happiness. He also sings about how society always blames its woes and problems on teenagers and young adults’ readiness to be “reckless.” In the album, “Unreal Unearth,” Hozier drew inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s 14th century

novel, “Dante’s Inferno” and “Damage Gets Done” is a reflection of the Circle of Greed in Dante’s Nine Circles of Hell.

Born in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, Andrew John Hozier-Byrne - most commonly known as Hozier - is a widely popular musician and singer-songwriter best known for either his viral debut single, “Take Me to Church” which is certified diamond in the United States and multi-platinum in several countries or his sophomore album, “Wasteland, Baby!” which is certified gold in the United States. Growing up in the county of Wicklow in Ireland under the parentage of a musician and a blues drummer, Hozier showed a strong interest and talent for music and songwriting. At the age of 15, Hozier taught himself how to play the guitar and started writing songs. During this time, he was also a member of his school’s choir. In 2008, Hozier went to Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland to study music education. At Trinity, Hozier joined the college orchestra and the choral ensemble, ANÚNA. After touring with ANÚNA, opening for Alex Winston and being a backup singer for Billy Ocean, Hozier released “Take Me to Church” in 2013 as the first single of his musical career. The debut single was a huge success and gained him a record deal with Rubyworks Records. Hozier’s entire discography has always been heavily influenced by his passion for religious, literary and societal themes and “Damage Gets Done” is a prime example of his discographic style.

and were happy. They sing about an experience that is very common to all teenagers and young adults which is happiness in simplicity. The duo also sings about the blames and perils that comes with being a youth. They note that society blames and will always blame its problems on the younger generation when all that younger generation wants to do is exist. “Damage Gets Done'' is a song about acknowledging that being “reckless and young is not how the damage gets done.”.

As stated in previous editions of the Song of the Week, lyricism is an important aspect of any song and Hozier understood that when writing “Damage Gets Done.” In “Damage Gets Done,” Hozier utilizes storytelling, anecdote, personal memories, metaphor and pathos to narrate a joyous and fun-filled time in his and Carlile’s life. My favorite lyric in the entire song is:

“Wish I'd known it was just our turn (we just got by) Being blamed for a world we had no power in (but we tried) You and I had nothing to show (we didn't know anything) But the best of the world in the palm of our hands, and darling I haven't felt it since then I don't know how the feelin' ended. But I know being reckless and young Is not how the damage gets done.”

Unreal Unearth is Hozier's third studio album. Hozier said "The album represents a reflection on the journey through the last few years and all that was reckoned with in that time," 2023.

“Damage Gets Done” is my favorite song from the album and my second favorite (after “Nina Cried Power") from Hozier’s entire discography. In “Damage Gets Done” Hozier and Brandi Carlile sing about the joy of being young and reminisce about their youth but also the perils that came with it. They narrate in detail all of the memories from their own teenage and young adult years that they miss like going out to clubs, sleeping on their friends' floor, the feeling of getting your first car and so on. They also talk about how although they had very little,

Addressing societal issues is a recurring theme in Hozier’s discography. In “Damage Gets Done,” Hozier, with support from Brandi Carlile , shed light on a topic that does not get talked about a lot and that is the vilification of teenagers and youths. They created a song about joy and the elegance of simplicity. The song is a great listen with a powerful message.tionship that wasn’t perfect but he has convinced himself that it was. He created a song about first loves and love lost. The song is a great listen with a powerful message.

called

Carlile a "good friend and incredible artist" when posting a picture of the two of them when announcing "Damage Gets Done" as his next single, 2023.

"Hozier, with support from Brandi Carlile, shed light on a topic that does not get talked about a lot and that is the vilification of teenagers and youths. They created a song about joy and the elegance of simplicity. "

JOEY ARTHUR RATING: 5/5

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW HOZIER-BYRNE Hozier

Brandi

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW HOZIER-BYRNE