September – The Concordian

Honourable music mentions from September

Tabéa’s Picks:

Mitski – The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We

Trial Track: “My Love Mine All Mine”

Released on Sept. 15, Mitski’s seventh studio album features a song that has captured every listener’s heart. This breathtaking track highlights Mitski’s vulnerability and introspection on what she truly possesses in life. Love is the one cohesive element that she feels will always be a part of herself. From self-love to mundane love and the care she has felt thus far, the poignant artist expresses that this love (“mine all mine”) will never be taken from her—as opposed to materialistic items. The lovely and captivating chorus only enhances Mitski’s affirmation of herself and the listener, making the message incredibly emotional. For anyone seeking to feel more grounded and grateful, Mitski’s “My Love Mine All Mine” is the way.

Cleo Sol – Heaven

Trial Track: “Self”

Smooth like butter, Cleo Sol is back with her third album “Heaven,” released on Sept. 15. From collaborating with rapper Little Simz to being part of the mysterious collective Sault, the British singer has outdone herself with this intimate and warm project perfectly for Fall. While the groovy basslines and piano all across the project are impressive, one must not let it overshadowCleo Sol’s mellow and controlled vocals. The opening track encapsulates self-affirmation—how she’ll never lose herself now and finally show up in the world as her true self without shifting in any ingenuine way. “Self” is gentle and rhythmic with its jazz-based composition making it an ideal listen for any music lover.

Stefano’s Picks:

Lancey Foux – BACK2DATRAP

Trial Track: “ADHD”

Lancey Foux’s latest project BACK2DATRAP is a unique brand of hip-hop helmed entirely by his frequent collaborator, producer Back2Bally. “ADHD” is the perfect sampler of the mixtape’s sound: powerful bass, catchy melody, and all sorts of percussions rattling in and out while Lancey offers a consistent and charismatic vocal performance. The track is short and sweet, offering a catchy chorus twice plus a verse, all within less than two minutes. Bally’s production and Lancey’s style make for an energetic combo that dominates the entire tracklist without overstaying its welcome (the 12-song project only has a 30-minute runtime). The UK artist continues to prove that he operates in his own lane, with BACK2DATRAP being the latest example.

Doja Cat – Scarlet

Trial Track: “Agora Hills”

Doja Cat’s fourth studio album Scarlet arrived after a controversial rollout where she deliberately attempted to alienate her fanbase, only to notch a number-one hit weeks later. The album is rap-centric, primarily characterized by lyrical boom-bap tracks and melodic rap cuts. However, “Agora Hills”—a dreamy R&B cut—is a clear standout that finds Doja Cat singing softly over a mellow hip-hop beat. Over a twinkly melody and bouncy beat, she serves up a soft, angelic chorus that ranks among the best in her catalogue. It is a smooth, starry track that perfectly serves its narrative of being smitten. The dialogue bits between the verses and chorus are the cherry on top in terms of adding to the song’s pacing and character.

So, it’s your first week of classes. You don’t know quite what to expect. You’re excited because of the change, yet also very nervous. You attend a few orientation sessions, desperately trying to make eye contact with some of the friendlier faces. It’s a nerve-racking process.

You also know that you are officially beginning one of the most important phases in your life. These years can make or break your chance at a future career, and the last thing you want to do is mess it up. Most of us have been through this process already.

Welcome to university.

Concordia is officially opening its doors on Sept. 5, and gearing up for yet another long and weary school year. For most, this may seem deathly after a summer filled with long tanning sessions and drinks by the pool. Others, however, have been looking forward to it for months.

In my experience, there is one distinct characteristic one must have to find success in university: organization. As you mature, you realize that you need an organized schedule in order to succeed in this part of your education. A study conducted by the University of California showed that cramming information due to a lack of organization can lead to a serious lack of sleep, thus directly affecting many students’ grades.

“Students should balance their studying across the week and anticipate what is going on,” said Andrew J. Fuligni, the UCLA professor who conducted the study. “Try to have a regular study schedule so that you’re not going to have those nights spent cramming.”

However, there is much more to the university experience than just grades and classes.

Marlene Gross from Concordia’s counselling and development department advises students to “get informed and get connected. The best way to learn about university—to know what to expect, to be prepared and to get the most out of your experience—is to connect with people.”

Speaking from experience, this is the best advice one could receive. I first entered my program last year knowing no one. A year later, instead of feeling nervous, I feel excited to see those familiar faces.

“I made lifelong friends at Concordia,” said Concordia Alumni Dimitri Volis. “People I still see to this day and that made my university years unforgettable.”

But how does one connect? A barrier many people have a hard time breaking upon entering university is their ability to ask questions. Concordia recognizes this problem in many students and offers a variety of services to help students integrate into the community.

One of the greatest services offered at Concordia is the Student Success Centre. Here, new students will have the opportunity to meet student success mentors. These are experienced students that give advice and tips to the newer generation of students. It’s a great place to get started, or even just hang out. Second-year Concordia student, Essam Shomali, said the centre was a great help last year.

“It would’ve been different if they had not been around,” said Shomali. “They really helped me out and they were very nice about it.”

If there’s one statement I keep hearing, it’s that we should make the most out of our university years because they are the best times of our lives. Get off on the right foot, and take advantage of all the services Concordia has to offer. So welcome, first-years and good luck. To everyone else, welcome back!

The Music Editors of The Concordian share their top picks from this month’s releases.