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The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon

The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon

The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. For years, artists have used different tactics to ensure they reach the top of the charts. However, this has only seen the decline in the quality of the listening experience. "The way to fix this [problem] is for the artists themselves to focus more on making high-quality music and not being obsessed with the numbers," Mokbel said.

It’s time for artists to forget about the charts

Yassin Mokbel, RubicOnline September 19, 2024
In 2024, a new chart-topping tactic involving the sale of exclusive digital albums has plagued the listening experience and has taken the focus away from producing quality music.
MORE THAN MUSIC. Music videos and social media helped spread Brat culture past just the music scene.(Screenshot from "Charli xcx -360 Official Video" by Charli xcx on YouTube.)

Charli XCX’s Brat offers a way to embrace imperfections

Tamari Christopher, RubicOnline September 15, 2024
The British popstar's summer release had a cultural impact past the tracklist.
KARMA. JoJo Siwa emerges from an ocean in her infamous black face paint and sparkly body suit.  The music videos vivid and animated visuals keep up with the fast-paced and dramatic song. (Screen capture from “JoJo Siwa - Karma Official Video” by JoJo Siwa on YouTube.)

JoJo Siwa’s “Karma”: a chaotic rebrand, a cautionary tale for childhood fame

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager May 15, 2024
Following the release of JoJo Siwa's new song "Karma", the teenage pop star has suddenly switched her persona, to mixed feedback.
COWBOY CARTER. With the release of her latest album on March 29, Beyoncé has demonstrated that she can produce music across genres and proved that Black artists belong in country music just as much as white artists. (Fair use image: @beyonce on Instagram)

Beyoncé shows that Black artists can be cowboys, too

Eliana Mann, Production Manager April 11, 2024
Beyoncé breaks into the world of country with her latest album "Cowboy Carter". Her debut into the majority white genre means a lot for artists and listeners of color.
UNEXPECTED REALITY TRIP. The movie follows Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) on their journey to the real world from Barbie Land. (Screenshot from Barbie Movie official trailer)

[COUNTDOWN TO THE OSCARS] Barbie movie questions what being a woman truly means

Murphy Miltner, Staff Writer February 29, 2024
The Barbie movie calls out undermining gender stereotypes while keeping it fun.
Featuring reggaeton, pop and R&B influences, the tracks on “ORQUÍDEAS” are primarily in Spanish, making it Uchis’s second album comprised of songs in her first language. (Screen capture from Te Mata Official Video by Kali Uchis on YouTube)

[ALBUM REVIEW] Kali Uchis blends genres beautifully in “ORQUÍDEAS”

Clara McKoy, Director of RubicOnline January 19, 2024
This is the Colombian American artist's fourth album.
SCREENSHOT AND SHARE. Many students post pictures of their Spotify Wrapped on social media. "Seeing other people’s was interesting. Music tells a lot about a person,” senior Awaale Osman said. Spotify Wrapped screenshots submitted by Ethan He, Awaale Osman and Ella England.

Now, that’s a Wrapped

Siri Pattison, RubicOnline December 6, 2023
Students share the results of their annual Spotify Wrapped.
KNOW THAT TUNE. Music helps us retrieve old memories and create new ones. Memory is not the only brain function affected by sound, many other mental processes are affected by hearing or playing music.

Music? It’s all in the brain

Siri Pattison, RubicOnline November 8, 2023
Music can activate all regions of the brain, aiding memory and shaping mental function.
AUTHENTIC APPEAL. Minimally produced music can feel more natural than overproduced mainstream tracks. This production style is commonly referred to as "low-fidelity."

[ARTS OPINION] Dig into low-fidelity music

Andrew Lipinsky, RubicOnline November 6, 2023
Stripped-back production keeps music unique, raw, and rebellious.
MUSICAL MEMORIES. Members of the class of 2023 reflect on their time at SPA during their final days at school.

What song represents your high school experience?

Eliana Mann, RubicOnline April 28, 2023
What song represents your high school experience?
BEHIND THE LIGHTS. Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Austin Butler, provides an insider view into the star's life, marred by controversy and greed. The film is nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture. (Screen capture from "Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS | Official Trailer" by Warner Bros. Pictures on YouTube)

[OSCAR REVIEW] Elvis: Controversy follows the King of rock and roll

Sonia Kharbanda, Staff Writer March 13, 2023
"Elvis" dazzles viewers with its insider view into Elvis's life, though it missed the mark for Oscar wins.
Feeling down? Try music.

Feeling down? Try music.

Taryn Karasti, Staff Writer March 13, 2023
Based on numerous science experiments, music could be one simple solution to lowering stress and increasing concentration.
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