Features

Q&A: What are you listening to?

Lauren Zerella and Andie Wong • September 25, 2024

Emily Milotich ’28

“I have a couple [of favorite artists]. I definitely like Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish. I feel like their style, I guess, and their voice is a little different, how they sing [and] their pitch. My friends actually requested me to listen to them. I really like ‘HOT TO GO’ by Chappell Roan, and then maybe I like ‘My Strange Addict [by Billie Eilish].”

Sammy Kakala ’27

“My favorite artist is SZA. I think her lyrics are very relatable, and her background music is very calming … My favorite song is ‘Snooze’ because … I just put on the song whenever I want to calm down, and I think my favorite album is her most recent one, [which is called ‘SOS’]. I started listening to her music because my sisters usually listen to her and I usually get my music from them.”

Jolie Girgis ’26

“[My favorite artist is] probably currently Tate McRrae … Her lyrics are clearer and easier to understand than other artists. Sometimes, the words blend into each other, and it’s hard to listen [because] they don’t fully articulate the words, and they sort of, like blend into each other. Me and my friends went to her concert, so we all started listening to her music … and actually really liked it.”

Gabby Lonardo ’25

“I have two [favorite music artists], which are Migos and 21 Savage. … My friends showed me them, and I thought, ‘Omg, this is so good.’ I just like their style, which is hype music, because I’m usually really tired, and it gets me in a good mood. From 21 Savage, my favorite song is ‘Spiral’ … and [my favorite album] from Migos is ‘Culture.’”

82 NDB students shared their musical preferences through a poll sent out by The Catalyst. Responses led to the creation of the pie chart depicting how popular musical genres are within the community. From pop to classical, students’ responses create a view of how diversified the school population is. The second question regarded the Song of the Summer, and although the original list included nine songs and a box to write-in a response, the top five were chosen to be listed as NDB’s choices, with the first being the most popular answer amongst students.

About the Contributors

Lauren Zerella, Managing Editor

Lauren Zerella is a senior at NDB and is the Managing Editor for The Catalyst. She has been a member of the Journalism Club since her freshman year and is excited to strengthen her writing skills and learn more about Journalism throughout this school year. Lauren participates on the NDB cross country, track and field and soccer teams along with being a member of the National Honor Society Board. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Andie Wong, Editor in Chief

Andie Wong is a senior at NDB and serves as the Editor in Chief for The Catalyst. She was the News Editor in junior year and became an active member of the Journalism club in her sophomore year. This year, she is especially looking forward to deepening her passion for writing, interviewing students around campus and, most importantly, amplifying our community's voices. Apart from The Catalyst, Andie is the president of Key Club and enjoys running on the NDB Cross Country and Track teams. She also loves crocheting, playing the piano and going out for brunch with family and friends.