Arts & Life

Midnights: Swi ’s starry new music era

DANA ARAFA

ARTS CONTRIBUTOR

It’s been nearly two years since Taylor Swift released Evermore, and fans eagerly awaited the drop of her newest album Midnights this past weekend.

With such a unique collection of music, I use no exaggeration when I say that we’re entering a new era of Swift.

Swift has classi ed this album as 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout her life. ese new songs indulge fans in an album that refuses to stay silent about struggles of fame, love and insecurity. ough I am a big ‘Swifty’, for some reason this has not been one of my favourite albums of hers.

Sure, I still listened to it on repeat, but a part of me is somewhat unimpressed and underwhelmed by how only a few songs compare to her older albums.

Swift’s old songs such as those from her albums Red, Lover and Fearless were much catchier, upbeat and fun. is album was amazing nonetheless, but I found the songs to be lacking a certain “dance party in the kitchen with your friends” type of vibe I feel her other albums provided.

is album, Swift’s 10th since 2006, falls under the pop and alternative genre. is is a shift from the musical genre she used to create when her career started.

Regardless of song or style, Swift has been one of the highest-selling artists for over a decade.

Midnights has managed to break records and make history, being streamed over 72.5 million times in this past week alone.

On the day of its release, Midnights broke Spotify’s global records for the highest amount of streams in one day.

Not only is this an amazing achievement for Swift, but this surpasses the number of streams her previously bestselling album, 1989, hit. is goes to show that she continues to reach new heights of stardom while improving her abilities each time.

I nd that Swift’s most notable songs from Midnights are Karma, Midnight Rain, Mastermind and Vigilante Shit. ese are the songs that I found myself to be listening to the most.

Karma and Vigilante Shit remind me of songs from Swift’s Reputation album because of their similar beats and music style, while Midnight Rain and Mastermind give the album a di erent feel.

Fan favourites from the album also include Anti-Hero, Lavender Haze and Maroon. All have gained popularity as sounds on TikTok, along with the aforementioned favourites.

When her rise to fame began, Swift was only 16 years old and produced country music. rough the years, she has consistently shifted between music genres and has continued to develop new styles. It wasn’t until Swift’s fth studio album, 1989, that she switched her focus from country music and transitioned to pop.

Since then, we have seen a steady ow of pop music that I think leaves fans feeling connected, heard and understood.

I nd that Taylor Swift does well because she makes music that caters to all of her fans. I nd many of her songs relatable. Even if not all of her songs resonate with you, through all her albums there should be at least one song where a person can nd some common ground.

Most Taylor swift songs are notorious for being the dance party variety, and nothing is better than putting some Taylor Swift on and having a lighthearted, carefree dance party with your friends.

SADIYA TEEPLE/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOPPING

Christmas is calling! Holiday Markets in Kitchener-Waterloo

EMILY ANDERSON

LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

It’s November - you know what that means - on to the next festive season! Just because the weather is getting colder and the ground will soon be lled with snow, doesn’t mean we have to go into hibernation. Time to hear those jingle bells ring, hang those stockings, and get gift shopping; do it locally!

Kitchener-Waterloo is known for its holiday markets, so in the spirit of giving, nd out nd out which ones to visit to get in the holiday spirit.

Forbes Hall in Waterloo invites all ages to nd that perfect gift at the Very Merry Market on Nov.5.

You can buy tickets online for just $5.83. You won’t want to miss this Christmas craft show featuring all things snowy and white!

Christmas Shopalooza in Cambridge will be host to 30 di erent holiday vendors on Nov. 6 from 11am-4pm.

With free entrance, you can shop for all of your holiday needs, visit Santa, and enter a contest for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree!

Who wouldn’t love an online marketplace that hosts in-person events? Forbes Hall in Waterloo is hosting an Etsy Market on Nov. 12 and 13. For a $2 admission, you can check out over 75 vendors selling various vintage items and handmade goods.

Shopping and socializing is the way to make the best memories this holiday season. On Nov. 14 from 4 pm-9 pm, bring your friends to Christmas Sip ‘N Shop in Elmira at Sip ‘N Bite Restaurant. ey’ll have vendors selling everything from sweet treats to soaps and custom charcuterie boards. By attending this event you’d be giving back to the community.

Tickets cost $11.62 and all proceeds will be donated to Woolwich Community Services. e event will also be accepting non-perishable food items, clothing, and toys to be donated to Woolwich Goodwill Programs. Tickets can be bought online and will include refreshments.

You can’t miss St. Jacobs Sparkles market during the holiday season! Come for the shopping and sweets, and stay for the sparkling Christmas lights. Bring a date to the night market on Nov. 18 and 25 from 5-8 pm, or Nov. 20 and 27 from 2-5 pm.

Picture yourself under the twinkling lights, drinking hot chocolate, and listening to live music by local musicians! e St. Jacobs daytime market is just as festive, with decorations and Santa visits on Nov. 19 and 26 from 1-4 pm. e best gifts are made with love. e RIM Park Sportsplex is hosting a pottery sale and workshop on November 18 from 1-9 pm, 19 from 10 am-6 pm, and 20 from noon until 4 pm. is craft market is sure to be home to the most thoughtful and unique gift for a loved one. is holiday season visit the local festive markets!

It’s the perfect way to spend time with those you love, get your shopping done early, and get in the holiday spirit.

KASH PATEL/MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Step into fall with these stylish fall shoes

ABIGAIL HECKHERT

PRESIDENT

Similar to other people, fall is my favourite time of the year.

Along with the cooler temperatures and the warm, pretty colours, I love the change in footwear.

Boots, sneakers, runners, loafers - the list goes on. ere are many di erent styles and types of fall shoes and I am going to break down my top ve favourites. ese shoes are reliable, comfortable and cute for the fall/winter season.

Since some of these shoes can be pricey for a student budget, I will also provide more a ordable options that are just as stylish and durable.

If you are going to invest in some of the more expensive shoes, they should last you several years of wear (with proper care). 1. Doc Martens - Polished smooth platform Chelsea boots (starting at $280.00): ese are my go-to boots in the fall/winter season. Even though they take

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

some time to break-in, once they are broken in, you will fall in love with them.

With a platform bottom, they are comfortable to walk in and keep your feet nice and warm.

Pro-tip: when breaking in Docs, wear long and thick socks and blister pads or Band-Aids on your heels.

Call it Spring o ers their a ordable Allena Chelsea boots in black, grey, and brown starting at $89.99, they last a long timare also made out of vegan leather! 2. Blundstones - Classic #585 (starting at $239.95): Blundstones are staple fall boots, they are exible, breathable and comfy. ese boots are much easier to break-in, but I would still recommend layering with a pair of thick socks.

Blundstones are made to last upwards of ten years if you take care of them properly. Softmoc has a more a ordable option, their Kylie Chelsea boot starting at $169.99 in ve di erent colours. 3. Converse - Chuck Taylor All Star High Top (starting at $75.00): Converse are another classic, something that can last all year (it’s risky in the Canadian cold though).

High tops work well on warmer fall days and go well with every type of out t, while also being a fairly a ordable staple for all university students. 4. Loafers - Izzy Chunky Loafers (starting at $59.99): Loafers are no longer just your grandma’s shoes; these chunky loafers are a cute slip-on option. Call it Spring o ers them in black, white and bright green if you’re feeling vibrant. ese loafers are also made with vegan leather and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Uggs - Classic Mini II Boot (starting at $175.00): Uggs mini boot made a big comeback this year in fall fashion. ey come in six colours and are perfect for walking around campus.

Focusing on comfort and style, Uggs are a great choice if you would like to keep warm in class this fall.

SoftMoc has their dupe Smocs 5 Mini starting at $89.99 and available in three colours.

MUSIC AND EVENTS

Live music is back and it’s next-door!

JACKSON WELLS

STATION MANAGER, RL

It’s 7:00 pm on a Tuesday night, you’ve probably rushed out of class or work and made it just in time for doors. You’re in a line wrapped around the block and it’s either way too hot or freezing cold.

Once you’ve slowly shu ed your way into the venue, you start to sweat from all the bodies squeezed together in one room.

It could be anywhere: an awkwardly organized bar, a friend of a friend’s parent’s basement or a massive stadium.

You’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of your closest friends and total strangers, sweating through layers of clothes, tensing your body so you’re not jostled around too much.

Lights go down and one of the most signi cant cultural icons in the world or your roommate’s weird friends come on the stage and perform your favourite songs or obscure covers of 70’s dad rock.

After you can race home in gridlock tra c or keep the party going for the rest of the night. Music brings people together, whether they enjoy it or not.

One of the many cultural and social losses of the COVID-19 pandemic was live music.

In the midst of massive lockdowns and public health measures, it was even conceivable that dozen, hundreds, and thousands of people would never gather in a room again to share in the same musical experience.

During this time, artists and venues resorted to di erent methods to share their music and recoup some of their lost revenue.

Virtual concerts, merchandise sales and in some cases direct donations became the main way people interacted with venues during extended lockdowns.

With the easing of gathering restrictions, concerts have come back in a big way in 2022 but not without losses. According to the Toronto Star, over 80 music venues closed permanently through the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Waterloo’s own Starlight Social Club, not to mention the various bars and other locations that hosted many smaller and local acts.

can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience lled with spectacle and overpriced beer, but an equally valuable experience vital to the cultural makeup of a community is local music scenes.

It’s easy to love good music from major artists that are pushed to you on the radio, or through Spotify playlist algorithms, but to get to know the local bands or artists in your area is to get to know your neighbours. ere’s probably an aspiring professional musician in your class or shopping at the same grocery store as you.

Luckily, small local venues are able to bring together a community of artists and fans to have fun and know each other better.

During the months that it was impossible to hear your favourite songs belted out in a crowd full of fellow fans seemed like a distant dream.

Now, with major acts touring as much as possible to make up for lost time, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see the band of

Music brings people together, whether they enjoy it or not.

-Jackson Wells, Station Manager, Radio Laurier CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

your dreams in the near future.

In the meantime, try to nd the place and people around you stu ing basements and cramped bars. You may nd your next favourite band.

Editorial

Editors Note: SAD at school

YASMEEN ALMOMANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Now that it’s November and the sun will soon start to set in the late afternoon, it’s o cially “seasonal depression time.”

Seasonal depression, or seasonal a ective disorder, SAD, (ironic, I know), can be de ned as a change in mood and behaviour as the seasons change into fall and winter. is change goes beyond the “winter blues” or a slight shift of sadness with the sun being gone and the world getting dark before 5 pm.

As a type of depression, SAD is categorized by the same symptoms as regular depression but will (in most cases) disappear during the spring-summer seasons.

For university students, this can be an extra tough time since you can potentially be dealing with lots of midterms or papers at the same time as the seasons change and when SAD is most common to occur. ese two stressors can possibly make a synergistic e ect during this time, making it even tougher for students to cope with their mental well-being while juggling an increasing workload. It’s easy to say that mental health is more important than studying or grades (which it is), but when you are a student, this is harder to accept, since grades are portrayed as the most important thing for your future.

Getting support for mental health is vital and the wellness centre is there to help you navigate this when you are ready.

Since there is a common notion and cycle that declining mental health -> declining grades -> declining mental health -> declining grades over and over, I want students to be able to focus on their mental health while also putting school and assignments on “the back burner” so that they can focus on one thing without jeporodizing the other.

One thing that I think helps is reaching out directly to professors to let them know what you are experiencing and how they can support you. Laurier prides itself on their care for students’ mental health, and the professors in place to educate you are re ective of that value.

If you email a professor to show them you care about your grades but also want to focus on your health, that would be the best way, in my opinion, to ensure that you do not have to sacri ce one or the other.

In most cases, a professor or TA will accommodate you by giving you more time or o ering to reweigh some submissions if you con de in them what you are managing (based on your comfort level). I f this is not the case - you can ask someone at the wellness centre or the human rights advisory committee to advocate for you, or your academic advisor to help you plan for things academically.

If you do not feel well enough to talk to someone about grades, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with taking the agency to lower your own workload to focus on your mental health.

Myy main takeaway is that although your mind and health are much more important than numbers on a website signifying your grades, there’s nothing wrong with asking for accommodation so that you can still get the academic accomplishment you desire while supporting your wellbeing.

THE CORD IS PUBLISHED BY WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 205 REGINA ST. N., WATERLOO

WLUSP ADMINISTRATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

Abigail Heckbert

VICE-CHAIR Jacob Rice

DIRECTOR

Rosalind Horne

DIRECTOR

Jack Vrolyk

TREASURER

Kash Patel

SECRETARY

Grace Corriero

PRESIDENT

Abigail Heckbert president@wlusp.com

FINANCE MANAGER

Randy Moore randy@rcmbrooks. com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Aaron Waitson ed@wlusp.com

HR MANAGER

Emily Waitson hr@wlusp.com EDITORIAL CARTOON

KASH PATEL/MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Voter turnout: Abyssmal and disappointing

BRONTE BEHLING MANAGING EDITOR

In the city of Kitchener, preliminary results are showing that just 20% of eligible voters took the time to vote in the municipal election on October 24th. Reading this statistic shocked me.

Given the amount of information I had seen regarding the election (alongside receiving numerous pamphlets in the mail from various candidates), I had estimated that voting numbers would be high.

Clearly, I couldn’t have been more wrong. e way in which those in the community have responded to the municipal elections has astounded me.

Reactions have spanned from “this is more important than voting in the federal election” to “who are any of these people?” e worst reaction, in my opinion, is one of indi erence. ose who are indi erent to learning about the candidates are primarily part of the group who believe voting in elections doesn’t matter at all. Just one singular vote couldn’t possibly matter, right? Wrong.

In Waterloo, new mayor Dorothy McCabe had a small 2% victory over the second place nisher.

Once more, a statistic like this shows just how close a leadership race can be - every vote matters, and if more eligible voters had taken the time to come out and vote in the municipal election, who knows how the results may have di ered. e danger of believing your vote doesn’t matter doesn’t just impact the results of the area you live in - it also sends a terrible message to those who aren’t a orded the luxury of being able to vote for their o cials. In Canada, we often forget how lucky we are to have this right - especially as we don’t even have to think rst as to whether or not we’ll be able to vote in upcoming elections. It’s just assumed that we will be able to. We need to learn to take this privilege more seriously - voting continues to become more accessible with advanced polling dates and alternative methods of voting (such as by mail). Next time there is an election, I encourage you to make a “voting plan” - look up candidates, watch (and participate in) Q&A’s and educate yourself on the primary issues you are concerned about.

Lastly (and most importantly) make a game plan for voting day, or what advanced polling day you plan to attend. If worse comes to worse and you don’t make a plan in time, you can still vote at any location in the region - with a valid ID that displays your address, you can still vote. Once more, voting continues to be made easy and accessible to everyone. Exercise your right, and watch things change for the better. Your voice (and vote) are essential to creating the change you want to see. Bystanders get nowhere. Don’t become a victim of the “bystander e ect.” Be smart. Vote.