The Western Howl, Author at The Western Howl

Trippy visuals and bass guitars come together

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Music artist Brent Faiyaz has gained traction for his talents and recognition in the music industry following the huge response from his album, “F–k the World,” which was released in February 2020. Fans have been long anticipating another album or single, and when the time finally came, Faiyaz didn’t disappoint. Released on Jan. 27, Faiyaz’s latest hit, “Gravity,” comes stacked with vocals and lines from DJ Dali and Tyler, the Creator, and has Steve Lacey on the guitar and bass.

Through the song, both Faiyaz and Tyler describe their lifestyle on the road and the way it impacted their relationships. Both artists experience a type of “gravity” from their partners, who try to pull them back home from the rush of a luxe lifestyle, and the amount of energy it takes to maintain that balance.

Faiyaz boasts a bit about his fame in the chorus with, “I’m on (Don’t act like I’m average)/ But you want me home (Home)/ I’d get you what you want (Superstar status)/ But you want me alone (I’m gone, baby, I’m active).” And Tyler, the Creator echos the message of finding a balance between here and there in the third verse, “Now when I’m gone, and I roam ’round the globe for three months/ That’s too long without somethin’ that’s sweet/ So I phone, little treats, that’s a snack, not a feast/ They don’t mean much to me/ ‘Cause I know that I have a bakery back at home.”

There are effortless transitions between verses paired with strong vocals and unique melodies, which all together form a trippy auditory time-warping experience. Following this theme, the album cover includes fluorescent colors that look like a psychedelic oil spill, resulting in a warbling and eye-catching artwork.

The melodies, layers of instruments and laid back vocals create a pop song that will hit the top of the music charts and stay there. As of right now, fans wait to hear if an official music video will be released within the coming months. While they wait, a video of the audio alongside engaging visuals is currently on YouTube.

Find Brent Faiyaz’s ⏤ and other accompanying artists’ ⏤ latest music on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

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These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Growing a garden can be a rewarding hobby, though winter makes it all but impossible to grow greens outdoors. Luckily, many herbs and small vegetables can be grown indoors, a win-win for those without outdoor spaces and those looking for year-round fresh goods. Here are some steps to starting a personal indoor garden.

Firstly, map out the perfect spot in the house. Most plants will grow best in a south facing window with full sunlight. If no such window is available, investing in incandescent, fluorescent or full spectrum LED lights is also an option.

Pick out which greens are going to be planted. The possibilities are endless ⏤ from scallions to basil to oregano to microgreens. According to gardentherapy.ca, the easiest herbs to grow indoors include chives, mint, parsley and Vietnamese coriander. Seedlings tend to be less fickle than seeds — a good option especially for novice gardeners. Buy seeds and seedlings from the gardening center at a grocery outlet or home improvement store.

Next, acquire other necessary supplies; use pots, containers or window boxes at least four inches deep, and make sure they have drainage holes with a drip tray underneath. Get organic potting soil and some type of watering can or mister, and buy fertilizer if desired.

Pat down about two inches of soil into a pot, then scatter many seeds over the soil. Top with a thin layer of soil, then water and add optional fertilizer. If repotting seedlings, make sure the roots get fully covered with dirt. Place the pots in adequate light; if using artificial light, set it on a timer for about 16 hours per day.

Each plant is unique, so follow growing instructions provided on the seed packet or online. Most plants will need to be watered every couple of days. Many greens will pop up in about one week, and some may be ready to harvest in as little as three weeks; cuttings can be taken starting when the plant reaches at least four inches tall.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp scissors to cut lower outer leaves and stems. Harvest often, but cut less than one third of the plant at a time to encourage growth. Enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables in meals, soups and salads all year-round.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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Brilliant nearby Black-owned businesses to support

Shop local at these five Black establishments

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

As the COVID-19 pandemic carries on, supporting small and local businesses continues to be more important than ever. In the spirit of supporting local shops and in recognition of Black History Month, here are a variety of local Black-owned businesses near Western.

Creative Credit & Auto Sales: 4045 State St., Salem. Tyrone Jones started Creative Credit & Auto Sales car dealership to help customers buy and lease cars even without great credit. Check out their selection online at creativecreditautosales.com, or visit them on site where they also have a mechanic shop.

Flourish Spices and African Food: 1555 Hawthorne St. NE, Salem. Olajumoke Elkanah opened this African whole foods store and restaurant after noticing a need in Salem for food from her heritage. Flourish offers shipping of their African food products through their website, flourishafricanmart.com; check out their catering and cooking class services as well.

Jojo’s Soul Food & Memphis BBQ: 4106 State St., Salem. This food truck from owner Ricky “Jojo” Tufuku brings the taste of traditional southern foods to Oregon. Find their mouth watering menu on their Facebook page, @Jojo’s Soul Food & Memphis BBQ.

Pets Unleashed: 488 E Ellendale Ave. Suite 2, Dallas. This pet supply and grooming store is Dallas’s first, opened by Jayden Jones. They offer professional and self service grooming, and they are fully stocked with toys, food, accessories and even small animals. Find them on Facebook @Pets Unleashed.

Q’s Corner Barbershop: 651 High St. NE, Salem. Two businesses live at Quandary Robinson’s Salem shop: Robinson’s barber shop for children and adults alike, and Earl “Drako” Drake’s soul radio station, KSOS. Follow their Facebook page @Q’s Corner Barber Shop.

Dirty Radish: Willamette Valley. Chevonne Ball offers exclusive wine tours, tastings and seminars throughout the Willamette Valley with her travel company, Dirty Radish. The company plans to take clients on trips to France as well beginning in the spring of 2022. Check out their website dirtyradish.com for more information.

Epilogue Kitchen: 130 High St. SE, Salem. Open Friday through Sunday, Epilogue Kitchen offers an array of comfort food as well as cocktails to go. Epilogue Kitchen also provides numerous resources for anti-racism actions, including offering book rentals. Check out their website epilogue-kitchen.square.site to order.

Sanders Styles: 2195 Hyacinth St. SE #194, Salem. Christiane Sanders does more than style hair at her salon; Sanders Styles sells beauty products on site and offers classes for both adults and children. Their website sandersstyles.weebly.com shares their services and pricings.

So Cheesy: 865 Marion St. NE, Salem Saturday Market. Owner Gary Cooper takes customers back to childhood with his food truck’s decadent grilled cheese sandwiches. Find their full menu on their website socheesy.guru, and follow their Facebook page @So Cheesy for hours and location updates.

Uncle Troy’s BBQ: 440 State St., Salem. Located in the Fork Forty Food Hall, Troy Campbell’s shop offers classic barbecue taste. Visit their website uncletroysbbq.com for their full menu and online ordering option.

Know anymore local Black-owned businesses? Comment them below and help us highlight them.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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This week in completely made up horoscopes

The Western Howl Staff

Theme: Random!

Aries 3/21-4/19

We used to live in an electric world

Taurus 4/20-5/20

Avatar: the Last Airbender IS anime. Argue with the wall

Gemini 5/21-6/20

hehehe

Cancer 6/21-7/22

I’m getting more depressed by the second, let’s wrap this up

Leo 7/23-8/22

I miss you debbie come back

Virgo 8/23-9/22

This is your final warning.

Libra 9/23-10/22

If I see one more WOU student that I know on my TikTok fyp I will scream

Scorpio 10/23-11/21

Do: watch a cooking show

Don’t: go to school

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

F–K YOU GABI

Capricorn 12/22-1/19

sorry i was busy playing a game abt ghosts and cults, what did you say?

Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

*f a l s e*

Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

“I hate to say it but I think I’m getting too old”

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Valentine’s at Valsetz

Campus dining has altered its traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

During the holidays, Western’s campus bakery is bustling with activity; from baking sweet treats for various functions on campus to filling special orders for students, staff or faculty, the bakery makes frosted smiles for all during the holidays.

Valentine’s at Valsetz Dining Hall in no exception. Students have their pick of cookies, cakes, brownies or specialty desserts. This year however, Valsetz has downsized their celebration as a result of COVID-19.

As an alternative to the big heart cookies with personal messages and special Valentine’s Day grams, Valsetz is packaging half a dozen Otis cookies in three varieties for $3, lemon bars covered in a berry drizzle for $1 and packaging half a dozen vegan and gluten free truffles for $4.50.

“This is where I show the most love to the students,” explained baker Pam Flippo. “I care very much about desserts I put out and I care very much about my baked goods.”

According to Flippo, to ensure student safety during COVID, all deserts will be packaged. For students interested in ordering for Valentine’s Day, email flippop@mail.wou.edu by Feb. 13 to customize any of the desserts being offered.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

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A sign of love from the ASL Club

Stop by ASL Club’s Valentine’s Day tabling event

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

The Werner University Center has permitted clubs to hold small tabling events, which the American Sign Language Club is taking advantage of. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the ASL Club is hosting a pre-Valentine’s Day tabling activity on Feb. 10 from 12 to 3 p.m. to inform students about the club and answer any questions people have in regards to the Deaf community.

“We really wanted to try to do something in person,” said junior ASL/English interpreting major and ASL Club treasurer Shayla Barnes. “We just want to provide a little beacon of friendliness and personal connection in a time where Zoom reigns supreme.”

According to Barnes, the purpose of this event is to connect like minded people interested in developing their knowledge of ASL; Barnes explained all experience levels are welcome to join. For people who are new to ASL and are not completely comfortable with their level of signing, the Office of Disability Services was able to provide interpreters to attend the club meetings in addition to the students that are already in the club.

“I would encourage people to look into ASL for numerous reasons,” said Barnes, “first it’s a wonderful language with a wonderful community around it. Secondly, there’s a huge Deaf population.”

Barnes recalled her own experience learning more about the Deaf community, citing how surprised she was at the amount of famous people associated with ASL.

Additionally, students who attend the tabling can expect club members to offer free Western merchandise.

If a student needs an accommodation to participate in the tabling, contact the ODS at least 72 hours in advance at 503-838-8250 or ods@wou.edu.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

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IndyMo celebrates a month of buying from local businesses

IndyMo businesses reward locals with utility bill discounts and in-store coupons

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Monmouth and Independence have come together to dedicate the entire month of February to the purchase of products from local businesses, known as the “Love Local” event. In each town, residents are rewarded with different benefits.

For Monmouth, all patrons who purchase $20 worth of goods from local retail stores, restaurants, fitness facilities or personal service businesses with a physical storefront will be credited with $10 towards their next utility bill. Participants can earn this $10 credit up to three times per account.

“(We’re) trying to get some recreational things happening out here,” said Dancing Muse Costume Shop owner and Vice President of the Monmouth Business Association James Martin.

“I have to remind people that there’s fun still. Even if you are stuck in the house because of COVID-19, you can still go to a Zoom meeting and hang out in different costumes.”

Martin explained he intends for his patrons to escape the mundane life activities brought on by COVID.

“I enjoy dressing up and having fun and I want to have other people dress up too,” said Martin. “Drinking a mug of ale with a bunch of friends and singing sea shanties while dressed as a pirate, well there’s nothing better, even if it is through Zoom.”

Photo courtesy of City of Monmouth – Love Local Challenege

For businesses in Independence, patrons who make purchases from any of the 14 participating businesses will receive a scratch it ticket worth $1, $5, $10 or $20 that will go towards their next purchase.

For more information on the event, contact Suzanne Dufner at 503-838-0722.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Trip out over Brent Faiyaz’s latest single, “Gravity”

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

Brilliant nearby Black-owned businesses to support

This week in completely made up horoscopes

Valentine’s at Valsetz

A sign of love from the ASL Club

IndyMo celebrates a month of buying from local businesses

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