Arts & Entertainment
One Student's Notes on Music
This UC San Diego student has a hectic schedule, but his studies aren't the only reason he is busy. Check out a few things on this active musical mind.
From Radio Disney beginnings to taking on the role of student media liaison for the 2011, this Tune Tracker participant continues to blaze a music-centric trail. Even while immersed in studies as a third year undergraduate, Oliver Zhang still finds time to work as a part-time college and lifestyle marketing rep for Universal Music Group, and help plan and execute one of the biggest annual events on campus (Sun God).
Zhang’s earliest music credentials involved making mixed tapes compiled from radio tracks. Starting from his earliest poppy preferences like NSYNC to a death metal phase in high school, which he admittedly attributes to the hankerings of a crush he had at the time, Zhang remembers always having an interest in listening to new stuff.
So, you ask, what is he listening to now? Well, somewhere between the madness of Sun God planning and the pressure of finals, Zhang took time out to ponder our Q&A. Without further ado:
Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Full Name: Oliver Zhang
Occupation: UC San Diego student, part-time college & lifestyle marketing rep for Universal Music Group and media liaison for Associated Students Concerts & Events. (Phew! Busy guy).
Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In a word, sum up your taste in music: “Fluctuating. It depends on a lot of things – mood, what other people are listening to, the time period.”
What is your castaway disc (the one CD or album you would take with you to a deserted island)? Hail to the Thief, Radiohead. “My friends would give me a hard time for picking this Radiohead album over their others, but I like it.”
Favorite live music performance – artist, venue and year: Patrick Watson, The Loft at UC San Diego, 2009. “It was a super intimate show, maybe 15-20 people. Another thing was they brought their own lights and did so many cool things with that element during their set.”
If you were an instrument, what would it be and why? “A bass guitar – I picked it up because I’m not somebody that would be the front man. It contributes in a subtle way that isn’t showy, but still essential.”
Your guilty music pleasure: “I listen to pop radio, but pop music is like an art of its own. There’s a reason it’s catchy and gets people to listen. I don’t really consider it guilty. I also really like Drake.”
Name the three artists getting the most airtime on your iPod right now:
- Tyler the Creator
- Yuck
- James Blake
