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Mayhem Review: How Lady Gaga’s new album restyles her signature sound

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By Julia Vetsch

 

Calling all Monsters — Lady Gaga has shaken the pop scene once again with her new album, Mayhem. The album, released on March 7th, 2025, explores a return to Gaga’s original sound many fans know and love, reinventing her electronic and industrial roots. Fans of pop, rock, and techno are all sure to find something to love in this grungy masterpiece. 

Mayhem opens with “Disease”, a classic Lady Gaga electro-pop anthem. After a few opening bars of background vocals, the listener is hit with a powerful synth beat that sets the tone for the entire album and signals that Mother Monster is back and better than ever. 

“Abracadabra”, the second single of the album, exploded in popularity online with fans appreciating its lyrical reminiscence of Gaga’s 2009 track “Bad Romance”. A comment on a promotional TikTok video for the single exclaims “Lady Gaga is singing gibberish again, we’re so back”. With “Abracadabra”, Gaga recycles her own familiar yet unique musical ideas from the past by melding them into something new and refreshing. One listen to “Abracadabra” and you’ll feel like you’re in the club, the building beats and catchy chorus inviting anyone who hears it to get up and dance. 

Gaga reflects upon the turmoil, expectations, and resentment of her fame with rageful “Perfect Celebrity”. Fury is undeniable in her voice as she sings cutting lyrics like “I’m made of plastic like a human doll / You push and pull me, I don’t hurt at all” and “You love to hate me / I’m the perfect celebrity”, spitefully encapsulating the dehumanization endured by those in the music industry. The song flawlessly explores the difficulty of balancing her personal life with her public persona, exemplified by the metaphor of her “clone”, (“I’ve become a notorious being / Find my clone, she’s asleep on the ceilin’”).

One of my personal favorites, “Vanish Into You”, shows a more romantic side of Gaga. The song opens with her singing a capella, and eventually incorporates some soft yet striking piano chords as she jumps right into the chorus, giving listeners a taste of what’s to come. Suddenly, a beat is added, as well as drums, a synthesizer, and bass, and the song grows into a pop-rock masterpiece. Gaga’s raw powerhouse vocals, combined with touching chord progressions and longing lyrics (“Saw your face and mine / In a picture by our bedside… We were happy just to be alive / Can I-I-I-I / Vanish Into You?”) evokes a sense of wistfulness and nostalgia. 

Gaga takes a sharp U-turn with “Killah (featuring Gesaffelstein)”, singing the part of a femme fatale with an intentional and distinctive quiver in her voice. “Killah” incorporates elements of R&B along with techno, proving Gaga’s musical versatility and ability to transcend boundaries. 

Track 9 on Mayhem, “How Bad Do U Want Me”, makes it impossible to sit still. Compared to a Taylor Swift song by fans on the internet, “How Bad Do U Want Me” has it all: a synth beat, a catchy chorus, and an impeccable bridge. With this track, Gaga definitely uses the Swift formula of creating a perfect pop ballad that hooks you in and doesn’t let go. Be warned — if you listen to this song, prepare to be humming it in your head for the rest of the day. 

Mayhem is living proof that familiar doesn’t mean tired; the album transforms a sound that Lady Gaga herself invented years ago into something new and inspired. Almost 20 years after her debut album, Gaga confidently shows the world that she isn’t going anywhere — and after hearing Mayhem, I couldn’t be happier that she’s here to stay. 

The Biggest TV Series Drops of February

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By KitKat Brown

Yellowjackets, The White Lotus, Invincible, Cobra Kai…it’s safe to say that February 2025 was a phenomenal month for television. This past month we got to see a lot of our favorite shows come back for another season. These new releases had been highly anticipated, especially since these series’ critical acclaim and dazzling storytelling has made them insanely popular. Discourse and reactions have spread across the internet concerning whether or not these shows have lived up to their previous seasons. So, let’s break it all down.

The White Lotus was probably the most anticipated drop on this list. The series returned on February 16th for its third season, with season four already confirmed. Through electric storylines and wry humor coupled with the absolute starpower that adored actors bring to the series, The White Lotus has become a massive hit. It is also highly decorated, boasting achievements such as the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film. The series itself is an anthology that surrounds different guests staying at the White Lotus resort, with each season at a different location. The drama manifests through thrilling mystery and shocking character progression as the story moves forward. Seasons one and two are widely regarded as fantastic works of television, so season three garnered sufficient hype. This time around, in Thailand, things have started off mysterious as always, boding well for the rest of the season. The show is airing every Sunday on Max and four episodes are out now.

On the other hand, Yellowjackets has been subject to mixed reviews after returning for season three. Many folks agree that the series has jumped the shark. Sam Adams from the Slate journal writes: “But three seasons in now…the writers can’t seem to find their footing” (Adams 2025). The article points out the show’s seemingly absent master plan for how the plot is going to be resolved. Episodes are currently airing weekly on the Showtime network, so the big ending for the season is still ambiguous. 

Fans of comic books and action were surely pleased last month, with shows like Invincible and Cobra Kai finally returning to the screen. Invincible’s third season is a non-stop adventure, with all eight episodes currently out now on Amazon Prime. This animated superhero show based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman is cinematically astounding. This season was massively impressive, with epic story arcs coming to fruition, and big celebrity voice acting cameos. A Cobra Kai star, Xolo Maridueña, actually voiced twin superhero characters called Fightmaster and Dropkick. Now the Cobra Kai Netflix series, a beloved continuation of the iconic Karate Kid films, has returned with part three of its sixth and final season. The season had been turned into a finale event split into three parts, with parts one and two airing in July and November of 2024, and part three finally released on February 13th. By now this exciting series has concluded, but the new Karate Kid movie entitled Karate Kid: Legends is being released later this year. 

Final Reflections: My Internship and Time in London 

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By: Sami Mahfood

 

As my internship comes to an end, I can’t help but reflect on what an incredible journey this has been. Living and working in London these past few months has been nothing short of amazing, and here were some of my favorite parts!

London’s Vibrant Energy
From the iconic landmarks to the cozy hidden gems, London has been a city of endless discoveries. Whether it was enjoying a stroll in Hyde Park, exploring the diverse food scene, or simply soaking it all in, the city’s charm has left a lasting impression. I have loved being able to do different things each weekend, such as going to see some amazing theatre shows and live music performances, and I will miss London very much. 

My Internship Experience
My internship at Paddington Arts has been truly unforgettable. I’ve gained hands-on experience in Marketing and Journalism and tackled challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s been a privilege to contribute to meaningful projects and see all the work that goes on behind the scenes at Paddington Arts.

If I had to sum up what I’ve learned during this semester abroad I would say:

  • You have to be able to adapt. Adaptability is key—every day was different, and embracing change was essential.
  • Go into situations with an open mind. You never know what will inspire you or what you will learn if you just try new things.
  • Learn to enjoy your own company; personal growth comes from stepping into the unknown and being able to go on adventures by yourself

I am so grateful to Paddington Arts for this opportunity and for welcoming me into their team. A huge thank you to the friends I’ve made along the way who made this chapter even more special. While I’m excited for the next adventure, leaving London is bittersweet. This city and this experience have shaped me in ways I’ll carry forward for years to come.

Exploring London’s Magical Christmas Markets

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By Sami Mahfood

London’s Christmas markets are a must-visit during the holiday season, turning the city into a festive hotspot. From the massive Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the amazing lights and live entertainment at Covent Garden, each Christmas market brings something new to the table. Here are my reviews of some of London’s most magical Christmas Markets. 

 

Winter wonderland 

The Christmas event that London is most famous for would be Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a must-visit during the holidays and offers way more than just a Christmas market. It is a combination of christmas markets, food halls, arcades, and an amusement park. There’s something for everyone, from shopping for handcrafted gifts, enjoying festive treats, over the top roller coaster rides, an enormous ice rink, and even themed bars like the Carousel Bar. There are also various entertainment options including live music, circus shows, and the incredible Magical Ice Kingdom. It’s perfect for a fun day out with friends or family, or even as a festive date spot. It starts to get more crowded and chilly later on in the day so I suggest going in the early afternoon. I went around 2pm with a group of friends and it was the perfect time to go! The entry tickets were 5 pounds, it was the perfect temperature, and not too busy. Although the food and games can be a bit pricey, its definitely a fun activity for all and something everyone should experience at least once while visiting London!

Covent Garden 

Covent Garden’s Christmas Market is the perfect mix of holiday magic and upscale charm. Famous for its dazzling Christmas lights and giant centerpiece tree, the market offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere. While it’s not a traditional sprawling market with rows of wooden stalls, Covent Garden features pop-up shops and boutiques alongside its permanent stores, offering a range of unique gifts, artisan goods, and luxury items. Live performances, including carol singers and occasional street entertainment, add to the festive vibe. It’s a great spot for an evening visit, especially if you’re into shopping and soaking up the holiday atmosphere. However, it can get quite crowded on weekends, so make sure to plan accordingly. Covent Garden Market also directly connects to the Jubilee Christmas market which has more pop-up stores continuing to offer a wide range of potential Christmas gifts. Surrounded by restaurants with seasonal food and drink and an arcade of various stores, Covent market might be my pick for number one Christmas market in London 2024. 

 

Leicester Square 

Leicester Square Christmas Market is a cozy festive spot right in the heart of London’s West End. Though it is a smaller market, it has charming wooden chalets with hand crafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. The highlight of this market is the location. You can walk through and grab a bite of festive food before you see a West End show or after your day of shopping. The gorgeous glow from Christmas Lights and the big screens illuminates the market making it a shining light in the center of London. This market also has Santa’s Grotto which young kids and families can enjoy. A statue of Mr. Bean on his bench is at the entrance of this market which adds a unique touch of British culture to this already very British tradition of Christmas markets. While it can get crowded because of the location and size, its intimate vibe and great entertainment make it worth a visit.

Lights, Camera, Action!: Behind the Scenes with Paddington Arts Students

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By: Sami Mahfood

 

The magic of the performing arts often unfolds in the spotlight, but the real story begins behind the curtain. Every standing ovation is built on countless hours of hard work, creativity, and collaboration by passionate students dedicated to their craft. But what inspired these kids to take this journey into performance? And how has Paddington Arts been a beacon for them to express themselves?

Last Thursday, me and my colleague Karina had the pleasure of interviewing some of the older Paddington Arts students and asked them about their journey through this program. We wanted to focus on the impact that Paddington Arts has had on them, so we stuck to one simple yet significant question:

What skills or lessons did you learn at Paddington Arts that you still use today?

When asked this question, 19 year old Zion responded with “It’s [Paddington Arts] helped me with my people skills and actually like working within a team. So us like making choreography, putting in input, helping each other with what looks good and what looks bad”.

Shanice, 23, started paddington arts at 10 and is currently a GE manager at a restaurant. She responded to our question saying “I feel like the lesson I learnt through dancing, especially for me anyway, is a big stress relief. So I feel like if I’m stressed with anything or if anyone else is stressed with anything, the best thing to do is just dance”.

Jackson 19, who started when he was 5 says, “I was learning how to public speak and be confident in front of people, I’ve definitely used that skill up till now”. Similarly, 19 year old Joshua, “learned how to be more creative and confident in my ongoing life”. 

Elina, 21, started Paddington Arts at 16, “learned skills off my teacher on how to choreograph, so now I create routines with my other dance groups and I’m able to teach”.

Through these responses we are able to see the importance of performing arts and how it contributes to our growth as people and adds to our character. Below is a compiled picture of these talented dancers who have evolved their talents through Paddington Arts.

Pictured left to right – Joshua, Shanice, Zion, Elina, and Jackson.

What the 2024 Presidential Election Results Means for America

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By: Sami Mahfood

 

The choice was: a 34 count convicted racist felon and sexual assaulter or an overqualified former district attorney that happens to be a Black woman. For anyone with sound judgment and a strong moral compass, the answer was obvious, at least that’s what we thought. In a 316 to 228 electoral vote, Donald Trump became America’s 47th president, and I am not sure that voters know what they have just set into action. 

Kamala Harris took over the Biden campaign after he backed down just 107 days before election day. With such a short period of time, her campaign worked overtime to connect with young voters and appeal to them through social media. Her campaigns and rallies were successful and lively, as a variety of celebrities, politicians, and even former president Obama endorsed her. On the contrary, Trump’s rallies were smaller and filled with a lot more hatred and racism. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who spoke at Trump’s final rally in Pennsylvania, made countless racist remarks, including calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage”. This was only one of many speakers that contributed to the hate and racism being spread through this campaign. 

The biggest threat that the Trump presidency poses to America is through Project 2025. Project 2025, developed by the Heritage Foundation, is a policy blueprint intended for future Republican administrations, continuing a tradition the Foundation began in 1981 during Reagan’s presidency. While administrations commonly propose policy agendas, Heritage has historically influenced Republican administrations, with nearly two-thirds of its 2016 proposals adopted by the Trump White House. Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts, close to Vice-President-elect JD Vance, oversaw the project, which received contributions from over 100 conservative groups. Its four main goals are strengthening family as a societal cornerstone, reducing federal bureaucracy, protecting national sovereignty, and ensuring individual freedoms. Below is a picture of just some of the policies wanting to be implemented through the Project 2025 plan.

Giving the police immunity, defunding the department of education and revoking the right to an abortion is what voters chose for the future of America. It is hard to believe that with this public information of what Trump plans to do during his presidency, he still won by quite a large gap.

Many people have wondered how Trump won the popular vote regardless of all the damaging things he has said, and it is important to acknowledge the influence that people in power have on the public. Elon Musk has been a huge campaigner for Trump and started spreading democratic disinformation through his app X. He did this by banning some left-wing news reporters and creating an algorithm to boost his posts, meaning whatever he said was seen by more people than if the news said it. According to the Economic Times “Since Trump’s win last week, Musk’s net worth has increased by approximately $60 billion, the company’s stock rose by roughly 39%, pushing its market value above $1 trillion (ET Online, 2024). This is a truly shocking statistic that shows the ulterior motives many of Trump’s campaigners have, as they immediately benefit from his presidency. 

Overall, I am scared for the future of America. As a 20-year old college student, not originally from America but living there now, the idea of moving to Europe is constantly on my mind. If the policies in project 2025 begin to pass there is no telling or predicting what America will look like in the next 4 years. 

Theatre show reviews by Sami Mahfood

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There’s a unique thrill in sitting in a darkened theatre, just moments before the lights go up. The hushed whispers fade, the curtain rises, and suddenly we’re transported—whether to a lively city street, a mysterious mansion, or a whole new world entirely. Over the past few weeks in London, I have had the pleasure of seeing a few productions, and I’m here to review which ones are a must see and share every memorable moment from these standout performances.

Taming of the Shrew – The Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe, located on the South bank, is the home to many productions of Shakespeare’s various works. Although this is a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe, it still has the Elizabethan era finishes which makes experiences more immersive. The Taming of the Shrew is suspected to be Shakespeare’s first ever play which tells the story of the courtship of the fiery, headstrong Katerina and the brash Petruchio. Petruchio accepts the challenge of marrying rebellious Katerina and through clever manipulation, he “tames” her wild spirit. While Kate ultimately agrees to conform to her expected role as a wife, the play explores themes of marriage, power dynamics, and social expectations, often leaving audiences debating whether the ending is sincere or satirical. This modernised version shown at the Globe takes an experimental route when portraying this story. Instead of traditional Elizabethan dress and props, this story is set in a child’s room, with each character dressed up as a toy. Although this interpretation is hard to understand, it makes the story more digestible to audiences and is interesting for Shakespeare fanatics to see a classic work through such an abstract lens. Seeing a play at the Globe is a must, and this was a fun, comedic and artistic show that I would recommend seeing.

The Play that goes wrong – The West End
If you are a first timer to theatre or looking for a family show, I would recommend ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’. This interactive and extremely playful show is a great introduction to the world of theatre. The play was written by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Saye, and has been on at the Dutchess Theatre in the West End for almost 10 years. This production takes on the ‘play within a play’ style of show, and it tells the story of an amateur drama troupe, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, attempting to put on a murder mystery play called The Murder at Haversham Manor. However, everything that could possibly go wrong during the performance does: actors forget lines, props malfunction, the set falls apart, and physical mishaps abound. Despite these escalating disasters, the actors desperately try to continue, creating a hilarious chaos that combines farcical errors with unexpected twists. If you see this play, I would recommend taking family or friends that have no idea what this play is about, and watch their reactions as they see this play go wrong!

The Lehman Trilogy – The West End
For anyone who is trying to convince their businessman boyfriend, friend, or partner, who is uninterested in theatre to see a play, The Lehman Trilogy is the way to go. This play is a real life adaptation of the story of the Lehman brothers’ business ventures starting from the late 19th century until the fatal financial crisis of 2008. It is a story of family and culture and how that, as well as greed, affects the way you run a company and can potentially lead to its demise. The play consists of a total of 3 actors and a digitalized rotating office space stage. Throughout the play the three actors, who originally play the three Lehman brothers, eventually take on new roles as the timeline progresses. This shows just how talented these actors are as they take on 3 – 5 characters each throughout the show. This is a play that shows just how dynamic theatre can be, as it can be adapted to portray any story no matter the genre. I would recommend this play to an older crowd that is interested enough to see the adaptation of the Lehman story through theatre.

Interview with carnival artist Carl Gabriel

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Reflecting on My Internship Experience

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By George Clyde

My experience with Paddington Arts has been brief but filled with learning experiences across the board. I went into my abroad program in London with the intention of getting a chance to try my hand at journalism for the first time outside of a school setting. As it turned out, my placement couldn’t have been more perfect. The staff at Paddington Arts welcomed me in and guided me towards stories as well as providing me with the equipment I needed. 

One of the struggles for me with journalism has always been inserting myself into situations that are unfamiliar to myself and I think that’s where I’ve had the most growth. My first project with Paddington Arts was never published, but it was still a good experience. I was tasked to go out and take photographs of people and shops on Harrow Road. I felt uncomfortable at first pulling out my camera in front of people. I didn’t know any of the unspoken social rules in this country, and so I felt like I didn’t know who would be offended and when. The more I took photos though, the more I realized how little people cared. 

In my second assignment I was once again thrown into unfamiliar territory. Steve dropped me off at Grand Junction, where a folk performance was happening that night. With my camera in hand and a few broad questions ready, I really had no plan. Once again though, I just started asking around and taking pictures of whatever I wanted to take pictures of. The headliner, Frankie Archer, was happy to talk to me, and I even set up another interview with the artist before her.

In Journalism, you’re always working outside of the routine. Any good piece is going to have something unique to say, and you don’t have unique things to say if you don’t step outside of the monotonous flow of what people expect you to do and say. I think that in my later assignments I was much more comfortable with going after what I needed and putting aside my nerves. Those experiences also gave me the confidence to go out and record my own project in Hyde Park centered around friendship.

Toward the latter half of my internship I got the chance to get some valuable film and editing experience when I went to interview the sculptor Carl Gabriel nearby. I was given plenty of opportunities to practice photography as well, including during Paddington Arts’ production of the musical Annie. 

I do wish I had another month or so here. I feel like I’m just hitting my stride, and I’d love to go out and take the initiative to find more stories in this community. I am happy though with what I’ve accomplished in this month or so, and I’ve appreciated being a part of such a tight knit and committed community here. You never know, maybe I’ll cross paths with Paddington Arts again in the future.

Tomorrow’s Hope: Paddington Arts Makes Annie Their Own

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By George Clyde

The opening night of Paddington Arts’ production of the musical Annie was a celebration of what Paddington Arts has meant for so many in this community. Parents, many of whom had been through the program as children, greeted each other with warm smiles and gathered under the comfort of familiarity to watch their kids perform.  “It’s a sense of belonging,” said Melissa, who joined the program when she was 6 and now helps teach, “When you come here you feel a part of something, and I think that’s really important for young people…It just feels like home.” 

The play is loosely based on the original plot of Annie, but the script is new and a lot of the story has changed as well. It features explosive dance routines and musical numbers ranging from Drill remixes of It’s a Hard Knock Life to Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal. The story starts out with Annie in the orphanage, longing to find her parents one day. She escapes to look for them but eventually returns back to the orphanage and hatches a plan to get the abusive head, Ms. Hannigan, arrested. The plan ends up working and the orphanage is reformed and renamed as Paddington Arts. 

The circumstances were made up, but the theme of young kids searching for a home rang true to what Paddington Arts has provided for many young children in this area whose families wouldn’t have been able to afford other programs. “People talk about young people just hanging on the corners smoking and what not. They don’t have places like this,” Steve Roberts said, one of the staff members at Paddington Arts, “Do you know how many kids are out there that have nowhere to go, no interaction with parents?…Young people need places like this.”

What was really special about this production was that it brought together kids across all age ranges and included children with hidden disabilities like autism and ADHD, sometimes fairly severe. “It’s hard work. This is one of the hardest projects I’ve done with Paddington Arts,” Eldora said, the script writer and director of the play. “I don’t think I could stand here and tell you everything that we’ve learned. It’s a lot.” 

Eldora ran through story after story of hurdles that the team had to overcome in order to make the play happen. One kid had an emotional breakdown when he wasn’t able to come in first for rehearsal. Another kid took three weeks to be comfortable sitting behind the curtain and even longer to get comfortable without her wool hat that she wears every day. She now has one of the bigger roles in the play. “Month number 1 and 2 it was like we’re never gonna pull this off,” Eldora said. “The journey we’ve been on to get to this point, it’s amazing.” 

While the older kids were hesitant at first to do a play with the younger ones, many of whom had disabilities and took much longer to get the hang of simple lines and directions, they’ve now formed a real bond with each other. Everybody involved with the play expressed how heart-warming it’s been to see the older ones embrace the younger ones and support them when they need help. “These young people have broken barriers, formed bonds, and where differences were not accepted, they have been celebrated,” Eldora said in her opening speech, “It was incredible to see how mainstream youth and those with hidden disabilities supported each other, learned from one another, and grew together.”

For some with disabilities, Paddington Arts is the only place they have to work at something and be able to express themselves in front of others. One father pulled Eldora aside and told her, wiping away tears, how much of an impact this play has had on his child’s ability to express himself. Another parent told her “I can’t believe how extroverted my child has become. He’s like an entirely new person.”

As the play went on, the invisible wall between acting and reality became thinner and thinner. Here were these young kids acting out a play about finding a home amongst each other amidst constant turmoil in their lives, and here they were at Paddington Arts, finding that very home.

“The orphanage still stands today under the new name of Paddington Arts,” Annie announced at the end, as the fictional world began to blend in with reality. After applause and bows, Asia, the actress who played Annie, whose two younger siblings and mother have all been a part of Paddington Arts, comes out on stage to sing the theme one last time.

Looking into the audience, with a few teary eyed parents and a stillness throughout the room, she sang the song’s hopeful lyrics one final time: “The sun’ll come out tomorrow. So you gotta hang on till tomorrow, come what may. Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow. You’re always a day away.”