Melisma Magazine

Surfer Blood

2010-04-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Great song. Auxiliary percussion man does work.

Pay Them A Listen: Tokyo Police Club

2010-04-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

Something about this Ontario quartet is that they know youth. Their sharply quick, punchy tunes are intense and contain a certain nostalgic quality to it---being young.

Their first EP A Lesson in Crime was surrounded with a lot of talk, mainly for it's brevity, but their debut album Elephant Shell [Saddle Creek] proved their worth to our ears. They are releasing their sophomore effort sometime this spring/summer, and they've put out a spankin' new track off it for free on their website.

Here it is---"Breakneck Speed".

Sigur Rós' Jónsi's Debuts Solo Record

2010-04-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Jónsi Þór Birgisson isn't content with just writing music anymore, he's expanded to scoring films too.

Alright, maybe not, but his songs contain epic soundswells encasing the majesty and the size of the Swiss Alps that it feels like he was born to make music like this. He's got the voice of myths; it guides you through the green grassy fields and to the woods with your horse and your hunting bow. It sounds so natural that all you can do is dream.

His album Go [XL] has such a cinematic feel to it that it calls for a complete experience in full and all together at once. His words, unlike in Sigur Rós, are primarily in English, which expands the accessibility of his songs. Each one is absolutely HUGE. This ENTIRE record definitely deserves a spin at least. Go, listen, feel, imagine.

Sound: post-rock "pop" inspired lovely joyousness, but so much more.

Check out "Boy Lilikoi" below. The album drops tomorrow, April 6th.

New Wu

2010-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

One the most anticipated releases of 2010. Wu-Massacre: Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon show once again that Wu-Tang Clan will always be one of the most influential and relevant hip-hop collectives. Dig that "La La" sample too. Sounds pretty similar to the vocal sample on "Holla".

Gunshowers

Me and My Cousins...

2010-04-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Everyone should already know about this but Vampire Weekend released their sophomore album this year. On this track, they speed it up--tampering with the schema of jaunty calypso pop we're all used to. "Cousins" is furious and sharp but the New York boys keep themselves intact. Video directed by Garth Jennings.

Bonus: Check out this 2009 track from Discovery. Vampire Weekend keyboardist, Rostam Batmanglij, takes a quick break from the usual rapid fire riffs to team up with Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot. This beat has it all from an enormous bass drop and punchy synths to reggaeton sections and tasteful falsetto.

HYPE ME CAPTAIN: Delorean

2010-04-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Every week, I'll be throwin' down an artist or track that should be common knowledge.

This week kids, we've reeled in a big one.

Delorean is a band from the Basque coastal region of Spain, and they are sailing out from those shores in all directions like mad. They began as four punk rock teenage kids that found synthesizers and an affinity for electronic music. This sprouted a colossal change in sound, and what was born grew out to be the treasure of Zarutz's music/club scene.

Their sound is one that sounds familiar, but only so that you can draw inexact comparisons because they have gloriously created a chillwave sort of sound that is completely danceable, yet you can take it to the beach with you and your friends, along with your beach towels and sunscreen. This is synthpop reinvented and revamped. They've combined their native Spanish Balearic house beats with melodic pop sensibilities and a touch of Euro-trance to make one animal of a cocktail.

Picture it. Chillin' by the Mediterranean on the soft white sands of some secret cove with your lover. Or your friends. Summertime. Relaxation. Good times. This shot will be heard at bangin' clubs and in speedin' cars 'round the world, no doubt. I'm calling this one.

Pick up (complimentary) their ridiculously infectious single "Stay Close" here and watch their sunny video below.

Their debut album "Subiza" comes out June 8th on TruePanther.

Bump This Newcomer: Two Door Cinema Club

2010-03-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

The British really have their way with dancey electro-pop. This Irish trio throws themselves into the mix with a furiously pulsing style that is reminiscent of the more synth-inclined Bloc Party and a different species of Phoenix.

There's a lot of reason to like them. Two Door Cinema Club's got jangly strats, catchy (but) repetitive hooks and rhythms, lyrics spoken towards a certain girl(s), and overall good melodic sensibilities. Alex Trimble's voxbox has brought up Ben Gibbard comparisons, but his singing is a little lighter and smoother, like a Thomas Mars (Phoenix) and a Matthew Murphy (the Wombats). Their short-lived tracks exist like quick lovers: you get captivated, but then it ends, whether you like it or not.

You can listen to their 3 singles over and over, and you don't really tire of them. With each spin, you rediscover the reason why your ears asked you to click the repeat button in the first place. It's like making a PB&J as an 18 year-old.

Peep: "Something Good Can Work", "I Can Talk", "Undercover Martyn".

(I've listened to each of them at least 5 times while writing this, and I'm not done.)

Freeway and Jake One recommend their Stimulus Package

2010-03-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

Check out this throwback to Snoop Dogg's "Serial Killa". In addition to the lethal MC and producer combo of Seattle's Jake One and former Roc-A-Fella MC, Freeway, this track brings you a verse from former Young Gunz member Young Chris. Who would have thought this cat could actually rhyme? Check out "Class of My Own" by Young Chris to sample his style a little more. The track below comes from Freeway and Jake One's fresh new collaboration entitled The Stimulus Package. The game could use one.

Libertines Reunion!

2010-03-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yeeeeeeeeeah! (ref. "Don't Look Back Into The Sun")

According to the Guardian, the bumbling lads are going to reunite for a set at the Reading and Leeds Festivals this August. It's about time right? Babyshambles was cool, and Dirty Pretty Things was all right, but they lacked the magic that best buddies Carl Barât and Pete Doherty shared in the Libertines, who are rounded out by drummer Gary Powell and bassist John Hassall.

If you didn't already know, Petey had/has a drug addiction based around cocaine and heroin, and is still knee-deep in it, via the death of filmmaker/photographer Robin Whitehead. This is exactly the reason why they broke up in the first place, and how this will all roll out we will (hopefully get to) see.

But this probably isn't totally fueled by reconciliation: a source says that the band will be receiving a large sum for playing the set, somewhere around 2.2 American $$$.

For old times, cause these dudes have got some major swag:

LISTEN UP: MGMT's New Record

2010-03-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's streaming right now on their website. Apparently it's surfing around the internet already because some little studio bugger could hardly keep his hands out and leaked it everywhere. So for that, the ManaGMenT decided to post the album as a better quality free stream. Rather than have you scour for hours for something that doesn't sound like bulls smacking their lips as they charge into piles of pig dookie.

Cheers.

Tasty New: "Swim Until You Can't See Land" - Frightened Rabbit

2010-03-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

These mates from Scotland have been picking up a lot of steam lately, especially with their critical darling "The Midnight Organ Fight" (2008) and their latest record "The Winter of Mixed Drinks". I've picked out this track from their most recent, and it's absolutely stunning. They've got a fairly unique sound, mainly because writer Scott Hutchinson's trembly vocals deliver sharp lyrics of hope and misery, and instrumentally they mesh folk-rock with their own tinge of fuzziness.

Contemporaries: Noah and the Whale, Fanfarlo, Mumford & Sons, We Were Promised Jetpacks.

Ridiculous New Lonely Island Video feat. Julian Casablancas

2010-03-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Complete with fingerless gloves and a lotta boiled geese. Andy Samberg puts out another piece of work, and Jules is just the right melodic complement.

So I grab my BOOMBOX and hit the TURBO BASS.

Oh yeah, there's some sexy stuff near the end.

MGMT Wants You to Check Their Sound

2010-03-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

They've released for free download a new song from their coming album Congratulations [Columbia] called "Flash Delirium". It's wild. It's like an amalgamation of so many layers of wondrous sound that they prove once again that they can't be categorized.

Get it here. Tell me what you think.

New She & Him Video: "In the Sun"

2010-03-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

Check it out. Zooey's completely lovely and M.Ward's composition is just spot on. Feel better 'cause this is irresistibly and inexplicably the bright spot of your day.

Their new album Volume Two [Merge] drops March 23rd.

Ryan's Top 10 Tracks of 2009

2009-12-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

10. "Animal"- Miike Snow (from Miike Snow [Downtown])

This infectious tune from the Swedish trio quickly pervaded the digital blogosphere and musical world this year, a massive accomplishment for "three people just messing about", says lead singer Andrew Wyatt. It even garnered a few notable remixes from the likes of Peter, Bjorn and John and Mark Ronson (I would recommend the Treasure Fingers version).

With a bouncy beat and a catchy, introspective lyrics, Miike Snow's track can become an essential part of any playlist. Being my go-to track for this past summer, it has cracked into my 10 of the year.

Photo By: http://www.allthatmusic.com/

9. "So Far Around the Bend"- The National (from Dark Was the Night [4AD])

The Dessner brothers produced the indie-licious Dark Was the Night compilation and in that, they also contributed a gem of their own. Lead singer Matt Berninger's deep baritone adds romantic sophistication to the flow of this track. The backing strings and the springtime-y flutes are the key players, and the fully familiar metropolitan feel of the National's music illustrates a scene of running through the concrete jungle with flowers bursting from the sidewalks.

Photo By: Dead_bird @ last.fm

8. "Warm Heart of Africa (feat. Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend)"-The Very Best (from Warm Heart of Africa [Green Owl])

There's no avoiding this track after hearing it once, because the combination of the Malawian dance beats and the cool Afro-pop voices of Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig and lead singer Esau Mwamwaya give a new dimension to our world of club bangers and reggae jams.

I'd personally like to reward anyone who comes up with a sweet new dance of Thriller-esque proportions that will get all of the world hooked.

DON'T SKIM OVER THIS.

Danke.

Photo by: Independancas

7. "Fables"- The Dodos (from Time to Die [Frenchkiss])

I promise that this is not just a shout out to this Bay Area(!) band that has stormed the indie world with their own brand of psych-folk in the last 2 years. Their sound is simply magic because both founding members came from completely different musical backgrounds: lead singer/guitarist Meric Long had training in West African Ewe drumming and drummer Logan Kroeber had much experience in metal bands. In mashing the two together, they made sparks with the simple setup of a drumkit and an acoustic guitar.

It's so autumnal, just go lay and watch the leaves fall, you'll understand.

Photo by: Unkitsch

6. "The Reeling"- Passion Pit (from Manners [Frenchkiss])

What a breakout year it has been for this Boston electronic group. They need not an introduction, but this track is definitely one that channels the energy of their music.

Lead singer Michael Angelakos' falsetto is the element of this band that gives them all their novelty, and their synth work is something to talk about (and dance to). There's no way that you can put this track on and not start tapping your foot, or even getting out of your seat on the subway and putting on a show.

No matter how badly you dance, I think that we can let it slide this time.

Photo by: ian_greenland

5. "Sweet Disposition"- The Temper Trap (from Conditions [Glassnote])

Alright allllll riiiiight. I know 500 Days of Summer is an awesome movie with awesome leads (Zooey Deschanel...damn!) and awesome music. But, this song was on my radar long before the trailer was released, December 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm according to my iTunes. I still rock this song, and I really dig all the attention that this band and the movie is getting.

The Australian band hit it right with this emotionally mindblowing track, with its atmospheric qualities and glowing, shimmering guitars. The lyrics speak of love and youth, my two favorite things, but they strike the right heartstrings (and not the cheesy ones).

Come on, be a romantic, at least for 4 minutes.

Photo by: GPS sur la comète

4. "Home"- Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (from Up From Below [Vagrant])

I can not say enough about this throwback cultish folk tune. It makes me dream of wide plains, riding my horse alongside my Southern gal. The alternating vocals between Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos MAKE this song. Think really retro She & Him, with some mystical robe-wearing members, beards included.

My favorite part is the back-and-forth dialogue between the two vocalists in the middle, because it just gives a old-time romance feel to it that is so satisfying. It's a love song hidden in a carefree folk-jam.

And they're from LA too.

Photo by: Autumn Hruby

3. "Cornerstone" - Arctic Monkeys (from Humbug [Domino])

Alex Turner's lyrical genius is at the forefront of the army that wages war with your mind in this tune. The story he weaves for the narrator leads the listener through a number of women on different occasions, all who remind him of a certain past lover. At one, he kisses her first, then asks her if he could call her the name of his ex. He is continually turned down, and at one point he croons "And I've asked everyone / I'm beginning to think I imagined you all along", confounding our own thoughts.

Check the video HERE (It's interesting)

I like to think of this track as a story told by Turner, accompanied by a rhythmic section. It isn't one for those looking for a catchy chorus or danceability, but it is such a piece of musical treasure that you shouldn't care.

Even if he does get with his ex-lover's sister at the end, or so he says.

Photo by: live4ever

2. "Death"- White Lies (from To Lose My Life... [Fiction])

Everything about this Ealing (West London) band's dark style is reminiscent of Joy Division and contemporaries such as Editors and Interpol, but they have their own brand of "euphoric and uplifting", says lead singer Harry McVeigh.

It has that "big sound", crisp vocals crying out honestly curious words, and a pace that runs ahead, then waits for you. It builds up and climaxes with a measured bang, and the words tell of something that everyone thinks of at one point in their short lives.

Put your headphones on, close your eyes, and listen to this song.

"Yes this fear's got a hold on me."

Photo by: RCRD LBL

1. "11th Dimension"- Julian Casablancas (from Phrazes for the Young [RCA])

For those who also nod instead of shaking hands, I feel you. I've waited for this song since I first heard that Julian Casablancas was doing a solo project, and since I got it, I've played it infinitely many times (it's my ringtone too), just ask my to-be roommate DP. Even though it's not very Strokes-esque like some might expect, it is a beautiful amalgamation of so many skillfully layered musical elements that all the pieces of this song come together so well. The synths, the drums, the keys, the guitars: it's like BAMBAMBAM!

This song is my pick-me-up, day 'n' nite, anywhere.

Listen to the man. He's saying something important.

The vid is pretty sweet also.

Photo by: Culture Bully

Top 10 Tracks of 2009

2009-12-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

Dylan's List

1) La Roux – I’m Not Your Toy [Polydor]
2) Metric – Sick Muse [MMI]
3) Black Moth Super Rainbow – Born on the Day the Sun Didn’t Rise [Graveface]
4) Young Money – Every Girl [Cash Money]
5) Dirty Projectors – Cannibal Resource [Domino]
6) Drake feat. R. Kelly – Best I Ever Had [October’s Very Own]
7) The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Everything With You [Slumberland]
8) Beyoncé – Ego [Columbia]
9) Gui Boratto – No Turning Back [Kompakt]
10) Moderat – Rusty Nails [BPitch Control]

Naked Melisma Reading

2009-12-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

Now that the latest issue of Melisma is out, we're hosting a naked Melisma reading Monday, December 14 at 12:15pm in the Remis Sculpture Court. Hope to see you there. All of you.

A sneak peek from the upcoming issue of Melisma!

2009-11-22T19:32:00.001-08:00

Just like all the vampires in Twilight, Melisma lives! Look for it in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please enjoy this photo:

From the Faceful series by Devin Ivy

2008-07-22T13:12:00.001-07:00

Decrepit Macrocosm

2008-04-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

HOLY MOLY! This new album from these masters of darkness is so awesome! CHECK IT!!!! Decrepit Macrocosm truly hails the beast with their new album Wicked Sindrum!

for immediate release

2007-11-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

i am unilaterally declaring that "Witchcult Today" by Electric Wizard is the album of the year.

Editing: WOW!

2007-11-07T01:03:00.000-08:00

Holy crap.

It seems that each semester, we always somehow forget exactly how quantitative it is to run a magazine. By that, I mean that we have tens of pieces that we need to forge through, tweaking until we feel that they're just right. And I don't know what I'd do without our editing staff; Michelle, Dan, and Amanda have to be three of the smartest and most perceptive editors I've ever met. And the comments on the drafts are endless sources of nerdy humor.

Don't worry, though. We're not poking fun at you, we just start to go a bit delirious with the amalgamation of commas and periods that editing seventy pieces inevitably becomes.

Anyway, the issue is really shaping up. Molly, next semester's EIC and the brains behind the amazing covers that we've had, is going to be doing a production orientation next week so we can get the ball rolling. It's weird how deadlines that seemed so far away planning have literally snuck up and arrived with a bang.

Until next late night update.

"hard" rock

2007-10-31T21:27:00.001-07:00

Students,

Professor Batmatiks has been overhearing much talk of "hard" rock these days. Many names have been mentioned (Glove/Special Sauce, Muse, HELLYEAH, etc.), but none of these stay true to the classics. These new, experimental acts are quite progressive. Hard? Certainly not. Progressive? Certainly. But can something be progressive and HARD? Yes! However, how many hard progressive bands are there these days? Besides Mr. West, not too many. Dwell on this, friends.

the Professor

Show Tonight!

2007-10-31T08:05:00.001-07:00

We couldn't be more excited to present tonight's Halloween show at Oxfam Cafe:

Circle Takes The Square

Transistor Transistor

Junius

Trap Them

It's going down at 7:00, doors at 6:30. Wear costumes!

On Shuffle: Exploding Hearts, "Sleeping Aids and Razorblades"

2007-10-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

sup internet. Welcome to On Shuffle, where I hit shuffle and write about the first song that comes up. This time it's "Sleeping Aids and Razorblades" off of the Exploding Hearts' excellent and only LP Guitar Romantic (2003).

Like the rest of the album, "Aids" is a catchy simple punk song in the Buzzcocks vain. It stands out, however, because it has probably the best lyrics on the whole album. The song details the aftermath of a breakup, and is full of telling, hilarious details: "The house doesn't look the same/I put new posters all over the walls/And the dog don't remember your name" for example, or this particularly cutting line from the bridge, "The first night after you left babe it was so hard (so hard!)/Didn't help that you told all my friends I'm a retard!"

But "Sleeping Aids and Razorblades" is just one pretty great song on an album full of them. Guitar Romantic is probably the best punk album of the decade before (and the half-decade since) it came out. A few months later the band's tour bus flipped and everyone except the guitar player died. So this song is awesome and tragic. Listen to it before you go see Control.

Exploding Hearts - Sleeping Aids and Razorblades

Fall Issue is Shaping Up!

2007-10-23T06:32:00.001-07:00

So, as yesterday was the deadline for fall issue articles, the content has been rolling in. I'm astounded and thrilled about the breadth that this issue is going to cover; from ambient noise to ska to blazing hardcore (and even a little bit of Springstein), Melisma is filling in our mission of bringing every sound from the independent walk of life under one, uh, roof?

Culture is also a huge thing this year. We have op-eds looking at some very different type of issues. Can't wait to see the final product.

Blog Action Day

2007-10-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

So since today is Blog Action Day, we want to send a thank you out to all of the bands that are doing their environmentally conscious thing, be it through their music, touring practices, or production.

There are a zillion environmental activists in music, but I want to give a shout out to Boston rockers Piebald, who, through their incredibly long career, have continued to be dedicated to finding alternative fuel sources for their tour vehicle. Their campaign, Grease Not Gas, endures even after their August 19 break-up this past summer. They've even been featured in a national advertising campaign for vegetable oil in their famous RV.

If you're not familiar with Piebald's mission, click over to their site. And, of course, if there are any other environmentally conscious bands that you want to shout out, link us!

Because it's great

2007-10-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

Instant dance party. Probably the craziest old-school punk band of them all. Ladies and Gentlemen, The B-52s

fuck...

2007-10-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

high on fire w/ mono tonight...am i supposed to dress as a hipster or a metalhead?

dear blog,

2007-10-02T20:22:00.001-07:00

for those hipper than i am, obscure private press psych-folk albums from the 70s are the next big thing. i'm a relative (read: complete) neophyte here, but i'm digging "Red Hash" by Gary Higgins, an album that was apparently recorded on the eve of a prison stay for drug charges. The closest comparison i can make is with early Tim Buckley. also, can anybody think of any bad shoegaze albums? it doesn't count if it's a non-shoegaze album by a shoegaze band, eg. "This is Your Bloody Valentine."

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

2007-09-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

Despite Marty's review of Amy Winehouse's Back to Black in last semester's issue, there was something about her that simply creeped me out; something that, rather vapidly, stopped me from listening to her.

But this weekend, I had to sort through her record in a desperate attempt to find a song to sing for November's Tufts Burlesque Troupe performance. As I flipped through the tracks - first, the two singles, "Rehab" and "I'm No Good" - I was extremely surprised to find that some of the tracks actually spoke to me. It's true; there's something extremely genuine and strangely authentic about her voice. The juxtaposition of the idea of modernity and the current state of pop music against Winehouse's soulful croon and the Daptones' backup makes the record not only rich, but deep.

While some of the tracks were difficult to get through and ultimately lent me to skipping them, "Me and Mr. Jones" quickly became a favorite for me. It's become the song I'm going to (try) and sing for the show. Though I'll certainly never be Amy Winehouse. And you know, while I'm sad about the fact that my pathetic attempt to belt like her will never match up at all, I'd never want to end up in rehab.

I say no, no, no.

Daydream Nation

2007-09-29T04:50:00.000-07:00

Today I helped Thurston Moore buy an iPhone case.

Cool.

Hello Internets

2007-09-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who has a pet jazz record that I trot out whenever the genre comes up so that I won’t seem like a total philistine? Mine is Money Jungle, and I actually think it’s a great session. Just don’t get too deep into the matter with me or I’ll probably end up covering my ass by saying that I only really enjoy fusion and free jazz, which is true, but it implies that I’m versed in the more traditional forms, which would be a bit of a stretch. The previous three sentences are dripping with false humility and are obviously designed to inform the reader about my musical knowledge, not my lack thereof.

Emerging Thoughts: Anna Deem

2007-09-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine with whom I went to high school, Anna Deem, was just hired as a writer for the indie staple EmergingThoughts.com. She, too, is a blogger and writes about some of the weirder things in indie culture: a very Melisma-esque kind of thing.

Head over to the Emerging Thoughts Entertainment page to read her blog entries. They're fabulous! And you've always wanted to know the worst lyrics in indie, n'est pas?

This Week's Obsession: Black Kids

2007-09-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

What's up internet.

Lately I've been listening to the Black Kids, a band from Floria somewhere. I really like their sound, two parts Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me one part Go Team fuzz. I have more to say about them later but for now here's an ~~mp3~~ myspace link. Solid gold.

www.myspace.com/blackkidsrock

Moving Mountains - Pneuma

2007-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Moving Mountain's Pneuma was my summer romance. While everyone at Insound jammed along to their Panda Bear and Belle and Sebastian - or ironic 80s music (of which there was a lot) - I immersed myself on repeat with this small, local band from suburban NYC, my stomping grounds.

Every track on Pneuma is a veritable harmony of perfection; each note, perfectly placed. Composition flawless. And it's one ball of somewhat unintentional genius. From the resounding prowess of "Alastika" to the sweeping splendor of "8105," I can barely think of a single record in my collection that makes me so excited to listen to straight from start to finish. No skipping tracks. Every song better than the last, culmintaing in the categorically epic "Ode We Will Bury Ourselves," my current favorite 8 minutes in music.

I heard back from Mitch of Moving Mountains last night on our MySpace. He confirmed an interview with Melisma for our Fall issue, which totally rules. On top of that, it looks like they're going to be playing here this semester as long as I can get some dates worked out for them. I'm trying to grab them for our Halloween show (Circle Takes The Square, Transistor Transistor, and Junius). Updates as they come.

In the meanwhile, go listen to them and fall in love, too, so I don't seem like a creepy obsessor. That's an order.

Welcome to the new Melisma blog!

2007-09-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Melisma Magazine blog!

This is something new we're trying this semester to add a live and interactive piece to our print magazine, which comes out twice a year in conjunction with Tufts University.

In this blog, we're aiming to provide live show reviews, CD reviews, and whatever indie musings we feel like writing (or bitching) about as they strike us. All Melisma staff members have access to contribute. We'll also use this space, along with the MySpace page, to announce administrative happenings and publishing dates.

If you'd like to become a contributer to the blog or the magazine, make sure to shoot us an e-mail at melismamagazine@gmail.com.

Happy blogging and happy reading!

-Meredith Turits

Editor-in-Chief, Melisma Magazine