Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago, Author at Study Breaks

“We Were Good, We Were Gold”: 66th Annual Grammy Awards Predictions

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Predictions for music’s biggest night across 10 categories. …

January 28, 2024

Evolution or Devolution? The Changing Structure of Songs

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Over time, music has varied in length and structure. In the current digital age, where does music clock in? …

January 24, 2024

What’s Behind Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s Massive 2023?

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Both veteran entertainers broke into new levels of popularity and success with their mammoth tours and film releases. …

January 5, 2024

Dark Cafes and Big Yellow Taxis—The Everlasting World of Joni Mitchell

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Now in her 80th year on earth, Mitchell’s work continues to influence young generations of fans. …

December 20, 2023

REVIEW: Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday 2’ Takes Listeners on a Turbulent Flight to Gag City

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Minaj’s long awaited fifth studio album gets dragged down by agonizing samples and blurred artistic vision. …

December 12, 2023

The Grit, Glam and Mess of Lady Gaga’s ‘ARTPOP,”’ 10 Years Later

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Exploring Gaga’s commercial “failure” by going “behind the burqa" a decade after its release. …

December 6, 2023

For an article about "Piece of Me" by Britney Spears and "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, three photos of blonde hair Britney with her left hand up are in the bottom row. three photos of blonde Taylor on the top (upper left corner with mascara running, middle in action smashing a car hood, on right yelling with a kitchen knife in hand). In the top right corner, text in bright yellow letters, "Pop Idols Off the Deep End!" On the bottom a pink better with yellow text, "Bank Space Breaks Records. Piece of Me Breaks Britney."

How Britney Spears’ ‘Piece of Me’ Laid the Groundwork for Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Taylor Swift found herself in a somewhat similar position to Spears’ mid-2000s public scrutiny.…

November 15, 2023

In a review of "Black Friend: Essays" by Ziwe, a black woman with pink hair clips and lipstickn stands with a pink sweater. The background repeats "Ziwe" in pink letters.

REVIEW: Ziwe Affirms Her Own Actions in ‘Black Friend: Essays’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The Showtime starlet’s astonishingly witty and comedic literary debut dissects the concept of being a “Black friend”.…

October 26, 2023

In album review of Yoke Lore's "Toward A Never Ending New Beginning," a man stands in shadowy light staring into the camera.

Album Review: Yoke Lore Leads Listeners ‘Toward a Never Ending New Beginning’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The indie star delivers his first full-length project stocked full with nostalgia and experimentation…

October 10, 2023

In an Article about AI in Music, a teal robot carrie a trumpet, guitar, drumset, and horn.

AI in the Future of Music

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

As more artificially generated music circulates online, the concern for artistic property and originality come into question. …

October 3, 2023

In an album review of "Starfucker" by Slayyyter, a woman stands with black sunglasses and a cigarette in her mouth.

Album Review: Slayyyter is Hollywood’s Latest (and Hottest) ‘STARFUCKER’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The internet sensation swaps her signature DIY sound for opulent glamor on her second studio album. …

September 30, 2023

In an article about autumn songs, a black vinyl sits against a goovy retro 70s background.

10 Songs Perfect for Any Fall Playlist

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Bid summer anthems adieu and welcome the return of cool and cozy songs for autumn.…

September 22, 2023

In an article about Tinashe's new album 'BB/Angel,' a woman with blonde hair looks up. She wears a white tee shirt with a slip dress over it. A hand-drawn angel halo is above her head.

Album Review: Tinashe Keeps it Solid on ‘BB/ANG3L’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The R&B empress delivers a divine collection of seven forward-thinking earworms. …

September 19, 2023

In an article about Ariana Grande, the singer is drawn in black-and-white in front of an enormous moon and the words "ten years."

A Decade of Ariana Grande

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Ten years after the start of Ariana Grande's career, let's take a trip down "Honeymoon Avenue" to revisit her six studio albums.…

September 13, 2023

In an article about Noah Cyrus, the singer, dressed in all white, stands in front of her name, spelled in red letters on a black background.

Noah Cyrus Is Exactly What Music Needs

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Noah Cyrus has battled the pressures of addiction and being forced into fame at a young age, but has emerged triumphant as a rare lyrical talent.…

September 10, 2023

In an article about Vegas residencies, the infamous "Welcome to Las Vegas," sign stands in front of palm trees and several large hotels.

How Las Vegas Residencies Have Changed Live Music

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

After realizing the advantages of performing in Vegas, more performers are turning Sin City into the entertainment capital of the world.…

September 5, 2023

The Future of the Music Video

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

After over 100 years, the music video is devolving.…

August 28, 2023

In an article about concert etiquette, an arm tosses a phone over the heads of a faceless crowd.

Is Concert Etiquette a Thing of the Past?

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

From airborne iPhones to hospital trips, concert etiquette is being replaced by every-man-for-himself attempts at snatching a moment of fame.…

August 19, 2023

In an article about Madonnas birthday an illustration of Madonna

The ‘Queen of Pop’ Turns 65

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Revisiting 10 pivotal moments in Madonna’s 40 year career. …

August 16, 2023

In an article about 'Endless Summer Vacation,' Miley Cyrus stands in a black bathing suit. She has blond short hair and wears black sunglasses. Against a blue background, a glimmer of sparkly white goes across the photo.

‘Endless Summer Vacation’ Tests the Traditional Album Cycle

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Once a necessity to succeed, the album cycle evolves with streaming.…

August 15, 2023

In an article about Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour show in Chicago, a woman with curly hair stands against a black background, stencil drawn in a ruffled garment. She holds a microphone with her right hand and holds her left hand out. Two horses stand behind her, facing outward.

Beyoncé Brings the “RENAISSANCE” to Chicago

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

In the midst of her "RENAISSANCE" tour, Queen Bey “releases the wiggle” at Chicago’s Soldier Field.…

August 1, 2023

In an article about Lorde's album "Melodrama," three beautiful, dramatized silhouettes of Lorde singing against a black background.

Lorde’s ‘Melodrama’ Captures the Modern Coming of Age

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Six summers later, Lorde’s sophomore album remains a razor-sharp representation of being “19 and on fire."…

July 31, 2023

In an article about Kim Petras' new album, a black-and-white sketch f Petras alongside a brief list of the album's most popular titles.

Kim Petras Instructs Us To ‘Feed the Beast’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Petras' first major-label album ranges from darkly exciting Europop to upbeat dance numbers.…

July 8, 2023

In an article about her new album, Janelle Monae lounges on a lip-shaped pool inflatable.

Janelle Monáe Ushers in ‘The Age of Pleasure’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Janelle Monáe's new album celebrates queer love in the form of confident, upbeat summer anthems that are sure to get you up and moving.…

July 7, 2023

‘Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz’ Is a Forgotten Gem

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Although there is definitely some filler across the record's 23 tracks, the musician's 2015 album is a daring, experimental picture of the singer's life at the time.…

October 7, 2022

in article about Holy Fvck by Demi Lovato, a screenshot from the video skin of my teeth

Demi Lovato Is More Authentic Than Ever on ‘HOLY FVCK’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The musician returns to their pop-rock roots for an introspective album that finds the artist taking control of their life.…

September 21, 2022

The VMAs Aren’t What They Used To Be

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

It used to be American music’s biggest awards ceremony and party. Unfortunately, it has taken a turn for the worse in recent years.…

September 15, 2022

in article about documentaries and biopics about musicians, a scene of Prince from Purple Rain

8 Great Documentaries and Biopics About Musicians

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

When sound becomes pictures.…

September 9, 2022

30 Years Ago, Madonna’s Album ‘Erotica’ Revolutionized Music

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Although it was regarded as a commercial flop, her 1992 album blazed a new path for female artists who wanted to express their sexuality in their music.…

September 2, 2022

Lady Gaga Takes Chicago to ‘Chromatica’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Mother Monster returns!…

August 25, 2022

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Contributing Writer

Avery Heeringa

Columbia College Chicago
Communication, Minor in Journalism

"Avery Heeringa is a senior at Columbia College Chicago studying Communication and Journalism. He’s passionate about all things music and pop culture related, and enjoys frequenting local record stores when not writing."

“We Were Good, We Were Gold”: 66th Annual Grammy Awards Predictions

What’s Behind Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s Massive 2023?

Dark Cafes and Big Yellow Taxis—The Everlasting World of Joni Mitchell

REVIEW: Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday 2’ Takes Listeners on a Turbulent Flight to Gag City

The Grit, Glam and Mess of Lady Gaga’s ‘ARTPOP,”’ 10 Years Later

How Britney Spears’ ‘Piece of Me’ Laid the Groundwork for Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’

REVIEW: Ziwe Affirms Her Own Actions in ‘Black Friend: Essays’

Album Review: Yoke Lore Leads Listeners ‘Toward a Never Ending New Beginning’

AI in the Future of Music

Album Review: Slayyyter is Hollywood’s Latest (and Hottest) ‘STARFUCKER’

10 Songs Perfect for Any Fall Playlist

Album Review: Tinashe Keeps it Solid on ‘BB/ANG3L’

A Decade of Ariana Grande

Noah Cyrus Is Exactly What Music Needs

How Las Vegas Residencies Have Changed Live Music

The Future of the Music Video

The ‘Queen of Pop’ Turns 65

‘Endless Summer Vacation’ Tests the Traditional Album Cycle

Beyoncé Brings the “RENAISSANCE” to Chicago

Lorde’s ‘Melodrama’ Captures the Modern Coming of Age

Kim Petras Instructs Us To ‘Feed the Beast’

Janelle Monáe Ushers in ‘The Age of Pleasure’

‘Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz’ Is a Forgotten Gem

Demi Lovato Is More Authentic Than Ever on ‘HOLY FVCK’

The VMAs Aren’t What They Used To Be

8 Great Documentaries and Biopics About Musicians

30 Years Ago, Madonna’s Album ‘Erotica’ Revolutionized Music

Lady Gaga Takes Chicago to ‘Chromatica’

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Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Contributing Writer

Columbia College Chicago Communication, Minor in Journalism

"Avery Heeringa is a senior at Columbia College Chicago studying Communication and Journalism. He’s passionate about all things music and pop culture related, and enjoys frequenting local record stores when not writing."

Columbia College Chicago
Communication, Minor in Journalism