As we move through our third week of classes, here are some recommendations — in the form of singles, a Netflix series and more — chosen by our arts and entertainment writers.
“KEEP IT UP” by Rex Orange County: The poster child of indie pop is back. We haven’t heard much from Alex O’Connor, a.k.a. Rex Orange County, since the release of his album “Pony” in 2019, but a new era is upon us. He recently dropped a bubbly new single, “KEEP IT UP,” which came alongside the announcement of his fourth studio album, “WHO CARES?” The album is set to release on March 11, featuring 11 tracks and even a collaboration with Tyler, the Creator. But new music isn’t all that’s in store for Rex Orange County this year — he’ll be hitting the road on tour through North America, Ireland and the U.K., with a stop in Minneapolis on June 16. Give the new single a listen if you need something upbeat to get you through these cold days, or if you just want to keep up on the latest in the indie pop sphere. – Macy Harder
“Archive 81” on Netflix: Based on the spooky sci-fi podcast of the same name by Dead Signals founders Daniel Powell and Marc Sollinger, this eerie limited series follows archivist Dan Turner in his attempts to restore a set of Super 8 video tapes made by grad student Melody Pendras in the 90s. The tapes document the Visser, your average New York City apartment building, until it burns down under “unusual” (read: occult) circumstances. As Dan restores more and more of the footage, he uncovers secrets about the fire his own family died in and begins to question his sanity. If you enjoy story-in-story narratives and the unnerving intrigue that comes with found footage, give the show a try. Even if you’ve already listened to the podcast, the show departs from the original narrative quite drastically by the end, warranting a fresh approach. – Bel Moran
“A liquid breakfast” deluxe edition by Audrey Nuna: After being added to Spotify’s “POLLEN” playlist in 2021, releasing songs featuring Jack Harlow and Saba and accumulating over 14 million streams on her single “damn Right,” Audrey Nuna’s album, “a liquid breakfast,” has reserved the right to be added to any underground rap fan’s current playlist. The rapper has busted through the seals of the male-dominated rap scene to speak on the hardships floating above her everyday choices, finding relationships that go past the casual “hello” and accepting the success that she’s deserved. Released via Arista Records, the 17-track deluxe album added an additional seven songs to its original release. Needless to say, from one female-empowered rap fan to another, Audrey Nuna’s most recent album release is a must-listen. – Carly Quast
Walks with friends: It can be convenient to shut yourself out from the world and create your own little version of it in your bedroom as the weather turns foul. Why would anyone leave their house when the wind slaps you in the face with frigidity every time you open your front door? Here’s one reason: with the lack of sunlight and these treacherously cold days, loneliness is ever-present and human interaction is essential. To simultaneously catch some sunlight and socialize, a friend of mine and I have started planning an hour to walk around a different lake each weekend. We bundle up to get in some light exercise, talk about our weeks and get away from our beckoning devices, if only for an hour. This weekend we decided on a Lake Harriet stroll, and to our surprise we happened upon the Art Shanty Project taking place (until Feb. 6) on the lake. We explored the different outdoor art exhibits and then walked the perimeter of the lake. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and Minnesotans flocked to the walkways and the art shanties. I wouldn’t have witnessed it all if I was cocooned in blankets, avoiding the cold from the comfort of my apartment. – Nina Raemont
“Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Iamdoechii: After breaking into the mainstream spotlight with her trending TikTok song, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” Iamdoechii cultivated many fans, myself included. Iamdoechii is a rapper based in Los Angeles. In her latest body of work, “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” she uses clever rhymes and catchy beats to express herself. Most of the songs possess an unapologetic attitude that proves to her audience that she deserves recognition. On other songs on the album like “God,” she opens up about her beliefs and shows her audience her vulnerable side. Iamdoechii is a talented, multifaceted female rapper who was able to use her impressive writing skills to break boundaries in the rap genre with her latest work. – Harry Madden
The St. Paul Winter Carnival: Head to Rice Park in downtown St. Paul for winter festivities and fair food. Enjoy live music while viewing the stunning ice sculptures on display throughout the plaza. Local artists chisel away at ice blocks with picks and other tools to create impressive figures such as dragons and Old Man Winter. If snow sculptures are more up your alley, you can visit the State Fairgrounds for even more winter art. Along with the event kickoff on Jan. 29, special carnival activities including parades, scavenger hunts and a puzzle contest have brought hundreds of Minnesotans outside to enjoy this tradition. As a bonus, tempting food trucks line the sidewalks to satisfy all of your greasy food cravings. If you missed the fun this weekend, don’t worry: the sculptures are on display through Feb. 6, allowing for plenty of time to stop by and brighten up this cold season. – Sarah Horner
