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Varsity Masthead

Friday 30 May 2025 | Cambridge, UK
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MUSIC

  • Popular articles
  • Joni Mitchell’s manual for modern life
    3 May 2025
  • In praise of a preacher’s daughter
    27 May 2025
  • Antidemocracy: Trumpism and Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief over 20 years on 
    13 May 2025
  • One beer. One band. Bed.
    24 May 2025
  • In praise of a preacher's daughter 

    Opinion

    In praise of a preacher’s daughter 

    Ethel Cain is a voice of hope in charged times writes Seun Ige

    27 May 2025
    In praise of a preacher’s daughter 
  • One beer. One band. Bed.

    What's On?

    One beer. One band. Bed.

    Hectic exam term? Daisy Cooper rounds up the Cambridge non-classical music scene (!) for the next month and a bit

    24 May 2025
    One beer. One band. Bed.
  • Tales of lost wigs and roadside resuscitations: Panic Shack live at MASH

    Live Review

    Tales of lost wigs and roadside resuscitations: Panic Shack live at MASH

    20 May 2025
    Tales of lost wigs and roadside resuscitations: Panic Shack live at MASH
  • The conclusive case for Black classical music

    Feature

    The conclusive case for Black classical music

    17 May 2025
    The conclusive case for Black classical music
  • Antidemocracy: Trumpism and Radiohead's Hail to the Thief 

    Album Review

    Antidemocracy: Trumpism and Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief 

    13 May 2025
    Antidemocracy: Trumpism and Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief 
  • Starting out: how a Cambridge band is born 

    Interview

    Starting out: how a Cambridge band is born 

    10 May 2025
    Starting out: how a Cambridge band is born 
  • Sea Power, ‘Arriving on the Scene’: Disco Elysium and more at The Old Market 

    Live Review

    Sea Power, ‘Arriving on the Scene’: Disco Elysium and more at The Old Market 

    6 May 2025
    Sea Power, ‘Arriving on the Scene’: Disco Elysium and more at The Old Market 
  • Joni Mitchell's manual for modern life

    Opinion

    Joni Mitchell’s manual for modern life

    3 May 2025
    Joni Mitchell’s manual for modern life
  • The Smyths at MASH: a tribute to hometown music 

    Feature

    The Smyths at MASH: a tribute to hometown music 

    29 April 2025
    The Smyths at MASH: a tribute to hometown music 
  • Classical study playlists: music made to ignore?  

    Classical study playlists: music made to ignore?  

    25 April 2025
    Classical study playlists: music made to ignore?  
  • The pipes are calling: the life of a Cambridge Organ Scholar

    Interview

    The pipes are calling: the life of a Cambridge Organ Scholar

    Daniel Kamaluddi sits down with two Organ Scholars to discuss the highs and lows of this Cambridge tradition

    25 April 2025
    The pipes are calling: the life of a Cambridge Organ Scholar
  • Varsity's Easter break playlist

    playlist

    Varsity’s Easter break playlist

    Whether you’re lazing in the sun or knee-deep in revision notes, Music editors Daisy and Ben have the perfect soundtrack for your Easter break

    25 April 2025
    Varsity’s Easter break playlist
  • The modern day mixtape and the musical meaning of love

    Opinion

    The modern day mixtape and the musical meaning of love

    23 April 2025
    The modern day mixtape and the musical meaning of love
  • Berninger at the Brudenell and beyond

    Review

    Berninger at the Brudenell and beyond

    16 April 2025
    Berninger at the Brudenell and beyond
  • The spectacle of FKA Twigs' Eusexua Tour

    Live Review

    The spectacle of FKA Twigs’ Eusexua Tour

    12 April 2025
    The spectacle of FKA Twigs’ Eusexua Tour
  • Varsity's guide to finding new music

    Guide

    Varsity’s guide to finding new music

    8 April 2025
    Varsity’s guide to finding new music
  • Quasar and friends: great music that keeps you guessing 

    Quasar and friends: great music that keeps you guessing 

    1 April 2025
    Quasar and friends: great music that keeps you guessing 
  • Cambridge's music landscape: small venues and small support?

    Opinion

    Cambridge’s music landscape: small venues and small support?

    30 March 2025
    Cambridge’s music landscape: small venues and small support?
  • Finding the familiar in a foreign language

    Opinion

    Finding the familiar in a foreign language

    25 March 2025
    Finding the familiar in a foreign language
  • Connecting with great music, and not so great people

    Opinion

    Connecting with great music, and not so great people

    19 March 2025
    Connecting with great music, and not so great people
  • The case for listening to the full album

    Opinion

    The case for listening to the full album

    In the age of TikTok songs and attention deficits, Tia Ribbo declares it more important than ever to listen to albums in full

    15 March 2025
    The case for listening to the full album
  • BR(a)T Awards: Charli XCX reigns supreme at British music’s biggest night 

    Opinion

    BR(a)T Awards: Charli XCX reigns supreme at British music’s biggest night 

    Max Woodward explores why the BRIT Awards are still important for the British music industry

    11 March 2025
    BR(a)T Awards: Charli XCX reigns supreme at British music’s biggest night 
  • Varsity's springtime running playlist 

    Playlist

    Varsity’s springtime running playlist 

    9 March 2025
    Varsity’s springtime running playlist 
  • Local hero: Sam Fender in Newcastle and beyond

    Review

    Local hero: Sam Fender in Newcastle and beyond

    7 March 2025
    Local hero: Sam Fender in Newcastle and beyond
  • In conversation with Iona Luke: Cambridge's own singer-songwriter

    Interview

    In conversation with Iona Luke: Cambridge’s own singer-songwriter

    7 March 2025
    In conversation with Iona Luke: Cambridge’s own singer-songwriter
  • The sound of Squid at Junction, touring new album Cowards 

    Live Review

    The sound of Squid at Junction, touring new album Cowards 

    4 March 2025
    The sound of Squid at Junction, touring new album Cowards 
  • Bowie and me: celebrating 50 years of Young Americans

    Opinion

    Bowie and me: celebrating 50 years of Young Americans

    2 March 2025
    Bowie and me: celebrating 50 years of Young Americans
  • This pony learned some new tricks: HorsegiirL’s v.i.p. — very important pony

    Album Review

    This pony learned some new tricks: HorsegiirL’s v.i.p. — very important pony

    25 February 2025
    This pony learned some new tricks: HorsegiirL’s v.i.p. — very important pony
  • A shower of singing: songs for the shampoo-bottle concert

    Playlist

    A shower of singing: songs for the shampoo-bottle concert

    25 February 2025
    A shower of singing: songs for the shampoo-bottle concert
  • Halfway Hall playlist 

    Playlist

    Halfway Hall playlist 

    21 February 2025
    Halfway Hall playlist 
  • New year, no men: taking down Spotify's gender bias

    Opinion

    New year, no men: taking down Spotify’s gender bias

    Anna Herbert recounts her challenging attempt to combat streaming’s gender listening gap

    21 February 2025
    New year, no men: taking down Spotify’s gender bias
  • A night in Kettle's Yard

    Review

    A night in Kettle’s Yard

    Jack Marley heads to Kettle’s Yard and enjoys a relaxing evening of visual art and music

    21 February 2025
    A night in Kettle’s Yard
  • Shoegazing with Eve's Delight at the Portland Arms

    Live Review

    Shoegazing with Eve’s Delight at the Portland Arms

    18 February 2025
    Shoegazing with Eve’s Delight at the Portland Arms
  • The art of the study tune

    Opinion

    The art of the study tune

    15 February 2025
    The art of the study tune
  • Listening to nature's symphony

    Opinion

    Listening to nature’s symphony

    11 February 2025
    Listening to nature’s symphony
  • The resurrection of the record: a love letter to physical music 

    Opinion

    The resurrection of the record: a love letter to physical music 

    8 February 2025
    The resurrection of the record: a love letter to physical music 
  • Going to concerts solo, not alone

    Opinion

    Going to concerts solo, not alone

    7 February 2025
    Going to concerts solo, not alone
  • Finding melody in monotony: how music can become our mate

    Opinion

    Finding melody in monotony: how music can become our mate

    7 February 2025
    Finding melody in monotony: how music can become our mate
  • Your Var-lentines '25 playlist

    Playlist

    Your Var-lentines ’25 playlist

    7 February 2025
    Your Var-lentines ’25 playlist
  • Making a song and dance about CAIAC

    Review

    Making a song and dance about CAIAC

    4 February 2025
    Making a song and dance about CAIAC
  • Tapping into Tapir!

    Interview

    Tapping into Tapir!

    Frankie Steel interviews London’s folk pioneers on their path to success, the UK gig scene, and how Europe does it better

    1 February 2025
    Tapping into Tapir!
  • Varsity's crash course in classical music

    Playlist

    Varsity’s crash course in classical music

    Archie Glover’s beginner’s guide offers a clear entry point into the often overwhelming world of classical music

    28 January 2025
    Varsity’s crash course in classical music
  • 'This is a place where you can come and get involved in absolutely everything': an interview with the CMP Director

    Interview

    ‘This is a place where you can come and get involved in absolutely everything’: an interview with the CMP Director

    26 January 2025
    ‘This is a place where you can come and get involved in absolutely everything’: an interview with the CMP Director
  • An interview with the CUO's Conducting Scholar

    Interview

    An interview with the CUO’s Conducting Scholar

    24 January 2025
    An interview with the CUO’s Conducting Scholar
  • Varsity's Lent 2025 mixtape 

    Playlist

    Varsity’s Lent 2025 mixtape 

    24 January 2025
    Varsity’s Lent 2025 mixtape 
  • Getting to know the Complete Unknown

    Opinion

    Getting to know the Complete Unknown

    21 January 2025
    Getting to know the Complete Unknown
  • In defence of Cambridge's classical music scene

    Opinion

    In defence of Cambridge’s classical music scene

    18 January 2025
    In defence of Cambridge’s classical music scene
  • Smaller artist, bigger gate to keep

    Opinion

    Smaller artist, bigger gate to keep

    15 January 2025
    Smaller artist, bigger gate to keep
  • Hometown heroes: celebrating the music of Newcastle

    Hometown heroes: celebrating the music of Newcastle

    11 January 2025
    Hometown heroes: celebrating the music of Newcastle
  • The memory behind music

    Opinion

    The memory behind music

    7 January 2025
    The memory behind music
  • The ghosts of Christmas last

    Opinion

    The ghosts of Christmas last

    Daniel Kamaluddin charts the history of the Christmas no.1 and asks why the classics still reign supreme

    5 January 2025
    The ghosts of Christmas last
  • A folksy night with Tapir! at The Portland Arms

    Live Review

    A folksy night with Tapir! at The Portland Arms

    Whimsical storytelling and a distinctive folk sound – nothing, argues Daisy Cooper, could be more Cambridge than Tapir! 

    31 December 2024
    A folksy night with Tapir! at The Portland Arms
  • Is the album dying out?

    Opinion

    Is the album dying out?

    28 December 2024
    Is the album dying out?
  • Sabrina Carpenter slips into (lacy) Christmas stockings

    Opinion

    Sabrina Carpenter slips into (lacy) Christmas stockings

    24 December 2024
    Sabrina Carpenter slips into (lacy) Christmas stockings
  • Bunker down? Inside Cambridge’s most hyped underground party

    Live Review

    Bunker down? Inside Cambridge’s most hyped underground party

    21 December 2024
    Bunker down? Inside Cambridge’s most hyped underground party
  • The music scene in Cambridge's city of order

    Opinion

    The music scene in Cambridge’s city of order

    17 December 2024
    The music scene in Cambridge’s city of order
  • A love letter to Fontaines D.C.’s Romance

    Vinyl Verdict

    A love letter to Fontaines D.C.’s Romance

    10 December 2024
    A love letter to Fontaines D.C.’s Romance
  • Amyl and the Sniffers vs. the curse of the 3rd album

    Album Review

    Amyl and the Sniffers vs. the curse of the 3rd album

    5 December 2024
    Amyl and the Sniffers vs. the curse of the 3rd album
  • Witnessing Dylan's final bow

    Live Review

    Witnessing Dylan’s final bow

    29 November 2024
    Witnessing Dylan’s final bow
  • How Brat embodied the disposable era of music

    Opinion

    How Brat embodied the disposable era of music

    29 November 2024
    How Brat embodied the disposable era of music
  • Clare-O: A concert of conversion

    Feature

    Clare-O: A concert of conversion

    Ezra Izer delves into a night of poetry, Stone Colds, and Clare-O’s genre-bending tribute, where jazz meets “sad girl music” with perfect harmony

    17 December 2024
    Clare-O: A concert of conversion
  • Carole King’s Tapestry  is the perfect week five album

    Vinyl Verdict

    Carole King’s Tapestry  is the perfect week five album

    In the debut of Vinyl Verdict, Ben Curtis revisits Carole King’s Tapestry – a timeless remedy for Week 5 blues and beyond.

    26 November 2024
    Carole King’s Tapestry  is the perfect week five album
  • How I find hope in music

    Feature

    How I find hope in music

    23 November 2024
    How I find hope in music
  • A peep inside Greep’s New Sound

    Live Review

    A peep inside Greep’s New Sound

    19 November 2024
    A peep inside Greep’s New Sound
  • Spotify Unwrapped

    Opinion

    Spotify Unwrapped

    15 November 2024
    Spotify Unwrapped
  • How open jams make jazz more accessible

    How open jams make jazz more accessible

    15 November 2024
    How open jams make jazz more accessible
  • Cambridge libraries as hit songs

    Playlist

    Cambridge libraries as hit songs

    13 November 2024
    Cambridge libraries as hit songs
  • More than melancholy: 50 years since Nick Drake

    Opinion

    More than melancholy: 50 years since Nick Drake

    11 November 2024
    More than melancholy: 50 years since Nick Drake
  • Chromakopia’s technicolor takeover

    Album Review

    Chromakopia’s technicolor takeover

    6 November 2024
    Chromakopia’s technicolor takeover
  • Autumnal reflections on motherhood: Laura Marling's Patterns in Repeat

    Album review

    Autumnal reflections on motherhood: Laura Marling’s Patterns in Repeat

    3 November 2024
    Autumnal reflections on motherhood: Laura Marling’s Patterns in Repeat
  • Musician and Newnham alum Talulah on language, music and collaboration

    Interview

    Musician and Newnham alum Talulah on language, music and collaboration

    Sharleen Opia explores how Talulah’s debut EP Solas weaves genre-blending sounds, collaboration, and a bold focus on minoritised languages

    1 November 2024
    Musician and Newnham alum Talulah on language, music and collaboration
  • The rise of YouTuber musicians

    Opinion

    The rise of YouTuber musicians

    Ezra Izer questions how KSI smashed through the ceiling

    30 October 2024
    The rise of YouTuber musicians
  • The meditative playlist to bring you peace this winter

    Playlist

    The meditative playlist to bring you peace this winter

    27 October 2024
    The meditative playlist to bring you peace this winter
  • The ensemble turning classical into a class act

    Interview

    The ensemble turning classical into a class act

    23 October 2024
    The ensemble turning classical into a class act
  • A guide to Michaelmas music events

    Events

    A guide to Michaelmas music events

    18 October 2024
    A guide to Michaelmas music events
  • Big Budder is watching you

    Opinion

    Big Budder is watching you

    18 October 2024
    Big Budder is watching you
  • A cut above: The Smile heads away from Radiohead

    Album Review

    A cut above: The Smile heads away from Radiohead

    15 October 2024
    A cut above: The Smile heads away from Radiohead
  • The Cure’s comeback: 'Alone' 

    The Cure’s comeback: ‘Alone’ 

    13 October 2024
    The Cure’s comeback: ‘Alone’ 
  • The ultimate moving in playlist 

    Playlist

    The ultimate moving in playlist 

    8 October 2024
    The ultimate moving in playlist 
  • Joan Armatrading: unscripted and unstoppable

    Interview

    Joan Armatrading: unscripted and unstoppable

    6 October 2024
    Joan Armatrading: unscripted and unstoppable
  • On a summer spent busking in Cambridge

    On a summer spent busking in Cambridge

    Jack Marley narrates the challenges and joys of his summer spent busking in Cambridge

    4 October 2024
    On a summer spent busking in Cambridge
  • Flop of the pops?

    Head to head

    Flop of the pops?

    Has pop music got a new buzz, or has it finally lost its hit?

    4 October 2024
    Flop of the pops?
  • The problem with Cambridge’s band scene

    Opinion

    The problem with Cambridge’s band scene

    1 October 2024
    The problem with Cambridge’s band scene
  • Dance, No One's Watching is Ezra Collective’s love letter to joyful freedom

    Review

    Dance, No One’s Watching is Ezra Collective’s love letter to joyful freedom

    28 September 2024
    Dance, No One’s Watching is Ezra Collective’s love letter to joyful freedom
  • Even Oasis can’t Live Forever

    Even Oasis can’t Live Forever

    24 September 2024
    Even Oasis can’t Live Forever
  • The Regal’s forgotten musical legacy

    Feature

    The Regal’s forgotten musical legacy

    22 September 2024
    The Regal’s forgotten musical legacy
  • Spotify: your new favourite language learning app?

    Spotify: your new favourite language learning app?

    19 September 2024
    Spotify: your new favourite language learning app?
  • Varsity’s Michaelmas mixtape

    Playlist

    Varsity’s Michaelmas mixtape

    16 September 2024
    Varsity’s Michaelmas mixtape
  • Is The Dare really 'with it'?

    Album Review

    Is The Dare really ‘with it’?

    10 September 2024
    Is The Dare really ‘with it’?
  • Exploring Notting Hill Carnival’s sound systems 

    Exploring Notting Hill Carnival’s sound systems 

    7 September 2024
    Exploring Notting Hill Carnival’s sound systems 
  • The downfall of British music: the Mercury Prize in crisis

    The downfall of British music: the Mercury Prize in crisis

    The downsizing of the Mercury Prize highlights a broader devaluation of the British music scene

    3 September 2024
    The downfall of British music: the Mercury Prize in crisis
  • Billy Joel proves he’s Still Rock and Roll to Cardiff

    Live Review

    Billy Joel proves he’s Still Rock and Roll to Cardiff

    At 75, Billy Joel remains a rock and roll legend; Georgia Emanuel reports that his recent Cardiff performance had the crowd captivated

    30 August 2024
    Billy Joel proves he’s Still Rock and Roll to Cardiff
  • A masterful remastering: Will Wood’s The New Normal!

    A masterful remastering: Will Wood’s The New Normal!

    27 August 2024
    A masterful remastering: Will Wood’s The New Normal!
  • Cambridge through speakers: a graduation playlist

    Playlist

    Cambridge through speakers: a graduation playlist

    25 August 2024
    Cambridge through speakers: a graduation playlist
  • Yes, everybody wants to DJ now – so what?

    Opinion

    Yes, everybody wants to DJ now – so what?

    20 August 2024
    Yes, everybody wants to DJ now – so what?
  • On the art of letting go: Greentea Peng at the Union

    Interview

    On the art of letting go: Greentea Peng at the Union

    17 August 2024
    On the art of letting go: Greentea Peng at the Union
  • Billie Eilish's queerness is not up for debate

    Opinion

    Billie Eilish’s queerness is not up for debate

    14 August 2024
    Billie Eilish’s queerness is not up for debate
  • The Rise and Fall of an East Anglian Princess

    The Rise and Fall of an East Anglian Princess

    11 August 2024
    The Rise and Fall of an East Anglian Princess
  • BlazeYL's The Cost of Being teaches us how to love London

    Album review

    BlazeYL’s The Cost of Being teaches us how to love London

    4 August 2024
    BlazeYL’s The Cost of Being teaches us how to love London
  • Forcing your friends to go classical with the first night of the Proms 

    Live Review

    Forcing your friends to go classical with the first night of the Proms 

    26 July 2024
    Forcing your friends to go classical with the first night of the Proms 
  • A definitive May Ball headliner roundup

    Roundup

    A definitive May Ball headliner roundup

    Varsity‘s Music team looks back at the big names that took to the stage during May Week 

    19 July 2024
    A definitive May Ball headliner roundup
  • Is Glastonbury worth the hype?

    Feature

    Is Glastonbury worth the hype?

    Romilly Norfolk reveals what she took away from her first time attending the festival

    11 July 2024
    Is Glastonbury worth the hype?
  • The sounds of queer joy on Jesus Green

    Live Review

    The sounds of queer joy on Jesus Green

    7 July 2024
    The sounds of queer joy on Jesus Green
  • A musical map of the year abroad

    Feature

    A musical map of the year abroad

    4 July 2024
    A musical map of the year abroad
  • A graduation playlist for looking back and moving on

    Playlist

    A graduation playlist for looking back and moving on

    30 June 2024
    A graduation playlist for looking back and moving on
  • A soundtrack for the perfect summer

    Playlist

    A soundtrack for the perfect summer

    27 June 2024
    A soundtrack for the perfect summer
  • Does the Eras Tour portray the 'real' Taylor Swift?

    Live review

    Does the Eras Tour portray the ‘real’ Taylor Swift?

    23 June 2024
    Does the Eras Tour portray the ‘real’ Taylor Swift?
  • Charli xcx's BRAT and why party girls get sad too

    Review

    Charli xcx’s BRAT and why party girls get sad too

    20 June 2024
    Charli xcx’s BRAT and why party girls get sad too
  • Worth failing an exam for: Sweet Unrest at The Portland Arms

    Live Review

    Worth failing an exam for: Sweet Unrest at The Portland Arms

    16 June 2024
    Worth failing an exam for: Sweet Unrest at The Portland Arms
  • Big Band Roulette: the big band with a big twist

    Interview

    Big Band Roulette: the big band with a big twist

    14 June 2024
    Big Band Roulette: the big band with a big twist
  • Sneaky spots to hear May Ball headliners

    Guide

    Sneaky spots to hear May Ball headliners

    Megan Conlon reveals the best places to catch the concerts without paying a penny

    13 June 2024
    Sneaky spots to hear May Ball headliners
  • How to bag a May Ball headliner

    Feature

    How to bag a May Ball headliner

    May Ball committees past and present reveal the secret to securing top performers

    11 June 2024
    How to bag a May Ball headliner
  • Music in the bubble

    Feature

    Music in the bubble

    9 June 2024
    Music in the bubble
  • Spotify Daylists and the illusion of variety

    Opinion

    Spotify Daylists and the illusion of variety

    6 June 2024
    Spotify Daylists and the illusion of variety
  • The anti-revision playlist

    Playlist

    The anti-revision playlist

    4 June 2024
    The anti-revision playlist
  • Girlband: Cambridge’s answer to The Last Dinner Party

    Interview

    Girlband: Cambridge’s answer to The Last Dinner Party

    2 June 2024
    Girlband: Cambridge’s answer to The Last Dinner Party
  • I bet you think this song is about you

    Playlist

    I bet you think this song is about you

    30 May 2024
    I bet you think this song is about you
  • Travelling through Cambridge's global music scene

    Feature

    Travelling through Cambridge’s global music scene

    26 May 2024
    Travelling through Cambridge’s global music scene
  • Your personalised guide to Cam FM

    Guide

    Your personalised guide to Cam FM

    23 May 2024
    Your personalised guide to Cam FM
  • Classical legends Magdalena Kožená and Mitsuko Uchida enchant at Peterhouse Theatre

    Live Review

    Classical legends Magdalena Kožená and Mitsuko Uchida enchant at Peterhouse Theatre

    19 May 2024
    Classical legends Magdalena Kožená and Mitsuko Uchida enchant at Peterhouse Theatre

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Varsity Masthead

First published in 1947, Varsity is the independent student newspaper for the University of Cambridge.

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