This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little bit), then we’ve done our jobs.
THIS MONTH has blessed us with big releases in music, books, games, and film. From long-awaited debut albums to a collection that puts a twist on contemporary poetry, here are Vantage Magazine’s picks for the month of November.
Photo sourced from Goodreads
I Hope This Finds You Well by Kate Baer
Release: November 11
I’ve been getting more interested in poetry lately, but have been reading mostly modernist poets from the early to mid-20th century like Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf. I had been meaning to explore contemporary poetry more, so when I stumbled upon this, it felt almost like fate. I Hope This Finds You Well is a collection of poems written by Kate Baer—except she didn’t exactly write them. The poems are a curated compilation of the misogynistic messages she has received online throughout her career as a writer, sewn perfectly into infuriating coherence thanks to Baer’s wit. – Jia
Photo sourced from Pitchfork
Absolutely (2021) by Dijon
Release: November 5
Dijon first shot to fame in 2018 with the release of the track Skin, which has accumulated over 58 million streams on Spotify since; I’m almost certain several dozen were my own doing. Three years later, he has finally come out with a full-length album, entitled Absolutely—and the long wait has proven worth it. In his new work, Dijon shows off the kind of control he has as a vocalist through the distinct modulation of his singing voice; something that got me hooked on his earlier tracks. I recommend listening to the album in its entirety, but a few personal favorites are The Dress and Talk Down. – Jia
Photo sourced from the Silk Sonic Official Website
Release: November 12
Did angels just sing into my ears, or is it the new Silk Sonic album? R&B tandem Silk Sonic (composed of hit artists Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) just released their 70’s nostalgia album An Evening with Silk Sonic—the smoothest roller coaster ride of certified bangers yet.
The album comprises nine tracks, including two songs that were released earlier this year: “Leave the Door Open” and “Skate.” The mood throughout the album varies with more upbeat, strollin’ down the sidewalk-type beats such as “Fly As Me,” but also has pop-ballad type tunes with a hint of comedic lyrics in “Smokin’ Out the Window.” My pick from this album would have to be “After Last Night” (with Thundercat & Bootsy Collins). Thundercat, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and Bootsy Collins in one track? Sign me up! – Rome
Photo Sourced from NintendoLife
Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2.0
Release: November 5
Pester your villagers no more–we finally have new content in Animal Crossing: New Horizons! If you haven’t picked up your Nintendo Switch in months (as I am guilty of), now’s the perfect time to brush the dust off that screen and greet the new features of Animal Crossing.
From grabbing coffee made by a pigeon barista to venturing off into new islands accompanied by a singing kappa, the new free update is full of features bound to keep you occupied. Personally, enjoying the virtual fall has made this update all the more fun! -Rome
Photo sourced from IMBD
All Too Well: The Short Film (2021)
Release: November 12, 2021
Taylor Swift released her first-ever music video short film, and you can say that it broke me like a promise.
The much-awaited launch of her re-recorded album, Red (Taylor’s Version), included a 10-minute version of All Too Well—a track we never knew we needed. That said, Swift made her debut as a filmmaker with this tear-jerker of a feature starring Dylan O’Brien (“Teen Wolf”), Sadie Sink (“Stranger Things”), and herself.
‘All Too Well: The Short Film’ recounted a whirlwind romance that ended in a fated heartbreak. Oh, and a lot of gaslighting. Make sure to prep a box of tissues before viewing. – Noelle
Photo sourced from Listen Notes
Reset with Liz Tran
New episodes weekly
Hosted by wellness coach and founder of Reset NYC (@resetnyc), Liz Tran takes her listeners on 30-minute auditory journeys as she shares tips on wellbeing, mindfulness, and how to live a full life. From personal stories to testimonials of her clients, each episode leaves you feeling a little less alone. Plus, her voice is so soothing– like a mother reading you to sleep.
This time of the year, I grow a lot more overwhelmed as obligations begin to pile up. Whether early in the morning or after a hard day’s work, this podcast serves as my breath of fresh air. I’d recommend the Stop Keeping Yourself Small episode to get you started. – Noelle
