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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Photo by RCA Records.

Isaac Dunbar’s ‘evil twin’ EP is fun if not derivative

Thomas Stremfel, Reporter
February 25, 2021

Isaac Dunbar is, above all else, passionate. The Massachusetts-based alternative pop artist is talented, but beyond this, it is clear that he loves making the music that he does. It is also very transparent...

Weezer gets existential on ‘OK Human’

Weezer gets existential on ‘OK Human’

Thomas Stremfel, Reporter
February 2, 2021

At this point in their career, Weezer feels more like a force of nature than they do a band that released a couple of classic rock records in the ’90s. Sometimes they’re a breath of fresh air, sometimes...

System of a Down Creative Commons (Kieran Krud Photography)

System of a Down releases new music for the first time in 15 years

Kelsey Ogle, Reporter
November 20, 2020

The Armenian American metal band System of a Down has released two new songs, their first release since the two albums released in 2005, titled “Mezmerize” and “Hypnotize.” The two new songs,...

The Living Room Gallery may have started from a school project, but with help from colleagues, Holland has started a full-fledged brand that will only grow from here.

Living Room Gallery provides a new platform for local artists

Thomas Stremfel, Reporter
October 30, 2020

Eric Holland is enrolled at Chico State as a Music Industry and Recording Arts major, and what started as one of his school assignments has evolved into a project on Instagram called Living Room Gallery....

Ben Ruttenburg and Samantha Francis were inspired to name their band The Bidwells in honor of spending much time creating music in Bidwell Park.

The Bidwells perform in Laxson Auditorium for virtual audience

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 21, 2020

Ben Ruttenburg and Samantha Francis, members of the musical duo The Bidwells, performed Friday night inside Chico State’s Laxson Auditorium for a virtual audience. The performance was intimate despite...

Performances at Laxson auditorium have been cancelled for the semester, but staff are still employed.

Chico State students, faculty, staff work to keep local music scene vibrant amid pandemic

Kelsey Ogle
September 14, 2020

School of the Arts Productions and Chico Performances are each working on projects that will help music and arts thrive during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Paul Young, a music industry professor who...

An exterior shot of Laxson Auditorium at Chico State

Student musicians and employees of SOTA continue to struggle with quarantine

Melissa Joseph, Staff Writer
May 6, 2020

With citizens forced to quarantine and almost all events in the city cancelled, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the Chico State School of the Arts to cancel all productions. SOTA and Laxson Auditorium...

A sign posted on the window of the Laxson Auditorium box office stating all Chico Performances, North State Symphony and School of the Arts shows have been canceled.

Chico State arts programs are planning for a semester online

Danielle Kessler and Kati Morris
May 4, 2020

With the university’s shift to online instruction, many arts programs have found new ways to adapt. With in-person classes already canceled and potentially next semester, events are being reimagined...

"Fetch the Bolt Cutters" album art.

Fetch the Bolt Cutters is Fiona Apple, untethered

Kati Morris, Staff Writer
April 22, 2020

Singer-songwriter and pianist Fiona Apple released her first album, “Tidal” in 1996 when she was only 19, earning the award for Best New Artist at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. After a controversial...

Brett Johnson, owner of Houser's Music in Oroville, says people can support local artists by "watching live feeds, and try to tip electronically if possible.”

Songs from the Sofa keeps live music alive in Chico

Kati Morris, Staff Writer
April 16, 2020

In the midst of California’s statewide shelter-in-place order, all scheduled concerts and music festivals have been put on hold. With the season of live music having essentially been wiped out, one...

The Strokes can’t revive the ’ 80s

The Strokes can’t revive the ’ 80s

Kati Morris, Staff Writer
April 16, 2020

The late April weekend of Indio, California’s famed music festival was graced with the buzz band of the decade. The Strokes had just released their debut album, “Is This It.” They were set to play...

Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

Playlist: Simpin’ in the Rain

Melissa Joseph
December 9, 2019

1. Fool in the Rain - Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin’s genius riffs and lyrics in “Fool in the Rain” make it a unique and charming song that’ll make you want to dance in the rain. The...