The past year has been especially difficult for the artists of the world. Stevens used to have events all over its scenic campus, putting the creative works of the students and faculty on display. Although events have been put on hold for the foreseeable future, this has not stopped our artists from relentlessly creating. The art itself has been shaped by the world around us, and it is important we find a way to showcase this talent until we can all be together again.
A journey through music and poetry, Randiel Zoquier’s “Night” EP
An EP is a common way for artists to experiment with new ideas and to release songs with little rhyme or reason. However, that could not be further from the case on “Night.” This collection is designed with a unique poem-song-poem format, featuring a clear narrative throughout. The collection of four songs and five poems spans just over 20 minutes.
Randiel “Randy” Zoquier is a third-year student pursuing a Music and Technology major with a Visual Arts and Technology minor. He has been releasing music on all major streaming platforms for just over three years now, and this is his most powerful and polished release to date.
This EP is supposed to convey a dream sequence, spanning a variety of emotions and scenery. The opening track “Clarity” brings the listener to a forest setting with the message that everything is bigger than oneself, which brings a feeling of relief, putting all problems in a new perspective. This track features an airy texture taking cues from some of Coldplay’s greatest works. As expected, “Sirens” features aquatic imagery and is more unsettling as some of the clarity achieved in the previous song is fading. The track bears heavy Radiohead influence with its dissonant chords and uneasy 5/4 time signature. The dream continues until the final song “Reflection” wraps up the dream. The narrator has woken up and left the dream both traumatized and enlightened by the experience. They are now relieved to be awake, but as stated in the opening poem “The Window,” the potential to return is always there.
Zoquier claims that his intention for this EP was for it to be an experience with a clear narrative instead of just a collection of singles. All parts were played, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Zoquier with third-year civil engineer Kyle Castillo contributing his voice for poetry readings. The EP is accompanied by original art hand-drawn by the artist.
“Impossible year” by Alex Markoulis — the power of a single voice
The perfect song for 2020.
Around June of 2020, the world was in crisis as the coronavirus raged and protests for racial justice were happening across the globe. It was this overwhelming feeling of chaos that inspired Markoulis to cover the grandiose “Panic! At the Disco” track “Impossible year.” While the original features the vocalist accompanied by a plethora of orchestral instruments including piano, strings, and horns, Markoulis decided to place his own spin on the track by building the texture using only his voice.
Markoulis is also a third-year Music and Technology student who is primarily a vocalist who performs in Stevens Acapella groups, the Stevens Choir, and the school musicals. This was his official debut on major streaming platforms.
After creating the vocal arrangement over the summer, he began the recording process. Many artists have adapted to the home studio DIY culture as most professional recording spaces are restricted due to COVID-19. The collection of vocal tracks were recorded in his laundry room because it was the only one that was soundproofed. The result is a well-tuned sea of voices supporting the strong baritone melody.
Both Randiel Zoquier and Alex Markoulis’s latest releases can be found on all major music streaming platforms.
If you would like for this Opinion column to showcase your work as a Stevens artists, please reach out to tladue@stevens.edu.
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