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TOO COOL 4 SKOOL
The delicate balance that a Cleveland State University student dances upon as a learner by day and a musician by night. Written by Kylee Herrick He meets grueling deadlines, types furiously to finish a 10-page paper and still manages to arrive at a gig unscathed – ready to play his heart out for Cool Party, an “indie grungegaze bagel rock” band that represents an unforgiving silliness and childlike excitement. Mario Benjamin, a senior studying popular music, has been a membe
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May 46 min read


Ease your way into Spring with “honey blossom,”
A gentle, reflective soundtrack for shedding winter heaviness and welcoming longer days. Written by Kodi Reynolds The transition from winter to spring carries a strange emotional weight. Even as the days grow longer, the lingering effects of the cold, grey months don’t disappear overnight. Especially in Cleveland, where winter is notorious for its icy winds and lake effect snow that stay way past their welcome, the seasonal fatigue can feel more heavy. Scan the QR code below
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Mar 24 min read


‘Music’s Highest Honor:’ Who’s Next?
It is anyone’s guess who will be a part of the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, but certain artists lie in the hot seat – or have for a long, long time. Written by Kylee Herrick Within the glass pyramid that hovers over Cleveland’s downtown region, resides an ecosystem of musical history and relics of legendary artists. To be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a privilege only bestowed upon those considered to have left a monumental effect on the music indu
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Jan 206 min read


Playlist for the Pathetically Passionate
Wondering if your love letters got lost in the mail? Listen to this playlist instead. Written by Nicole Wloszek-Therens Link to the playlist here ! This Valentine’s Day, forget calling up your favorite ex or hoping for roses on your doorstep. Instead, check out these songs that explore love’s imperfect reality rather than its shiny, polished surface. “Do You Really Like Me” - Junior Varsity This introspective track asks the question, “Do you really like me?,” while simultane
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Jan 204 min read


Returning to Inconvenience
As music lovers reluctantly part with their streaming service subscriptions, it is crucial to provide alternatives that allow people to sustainably keep up with their favorite musicians and albums. Written by Kylee Herrick Amidst controversies surrounding the music streaming service, Spotify, individuals are coming to a stark realization that they may be paying too much for too little. Artists are pulling their content off of the platform, and users crave the means to escape.
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Jan 204 min read


Music and the Mind
How music can promote mental health in peak seasonal depression months. Written by Ava Brennan The air grows cold, and daylight grows scarce. Getting out of bed in the morning is often hard enough without the promise of a bone-chilling breeze as you walk down Euclid Avenue. The months of December, January and February are often perceived as peak times for seasonal depression. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression trigger
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Jan 205 min read


A cinematic symphony
A look at live music in a movie theater. Written by Jalen Hobson On March 29, there was a screening of 2018’s “Black Panther” at the...
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May 5, 20252 min read


Into the Woods
CSU’s School of Music and Department of Theatre and Dance presents their production of the classic Stephen Sondheim show this spring....
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May 5, 20253 min read


Women's History Month 2025 playlist
A playlist with all songs about empowering women. Written by Julia Lastic For those who don’t know, March is Women’s History Month! What...
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Apr 7, 20252 min read


Vindi Valentine's Day Playlists
Songs for the lovers and haters in the world. Written by Sophie Farrar There are two types of people in the world: those who love...
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Mar 3, 20252 min read


Current Cleveland State Musicians
Interviews with three CSU students highlighting their bands and musical careers. Written by Kirsten Kimbler “There are a lot of great...
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Jan 20, 20254 min read


CODA: Live music venue and bar
Rock out with friends and family at CODA in Tremont every Wednesday for open mic night! Written by Evan Peters “It's all about the...
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Jan 20, 20254 min read


The Vindi wrapped
The Vindicator staff shares their top artists of 2024. Written by Kirsten Kimbler At the end of every year, Spotify releases their...
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Nov 21, 20243 min read


Liam Payne, parasocial relationships and the nuances of grief
Exploring the internet’s reaction to the One Direction member’s death. Written by Sophie Farrar You’re 9 years old and screaming as you...
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Nov 21, 20245 min read


“Urinetown” to check out CSU’s Fall Musical
A “pee”-lightful preview of the musical world where water cannot afford to be wasted. Written by Evan Peters “Urinetown” is a satirical...
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Oct 20, 20243 min read


Cleveland is punk: A forgotten story
Aaron Lange’s graphic novel " Ain’t It Fun ” takes us on a wild ride through the underground world of Cleveland’s punk scene. Written by...
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Oct 20, 20242 min read


SPRING into Summer Playlist
Songs to seamlessly carry you from this season into the next. Written by Sophie Farrar Find The Vindicator on Spotify @vindi_csu or...
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Apr 22, 20241 min read


Black Artists in the Rock Scene
Five Black-led acts who should be on your punk, rock and alternative playlists. Written by Benvolio Nichols Playlist below!...
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Feb 21, 20245 min read


The Black History of Modern Music Genres
Black creativity is the bedrock of American culture. Written by Olivia Schwab Almost all American music can be tied back to Black...
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Feb 21, 20244 min read


Songs for Sad Girl Season
Ten albums to get you through the winter blues. Written by Olivia Schwab Listen to the playlist! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ul2C6...
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Jan 22, 20243 min read
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