There is a very subtle but important distinction between sound and noise. In many situations, the two words are identical. When it comes to music, however, the connotation associated with noise is far more negative. Even the dictionary definition of noise is “a sound that lacks agreeable musical quality, or is noticeably unpleasant." Why is it, then, that there are entire music genres dedicated to noise? Harsh noise, noise pop, and noise rock might all sound unappealing or even ironic, but the truth is that there are few genres that can match their intensity and innovation. Innovation is key here, and it’s why noise rockers HEALTH have remained a powerhouse for 15 years.

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Fashion is one of the key ways we express ourselves. Grunge, goth, athletic, preppy it's the easiest and most recognizable way to tell the world what we want them to see. It would make sense that fashion designers would be held in such high esteem. Even more so fashion designers who specialize in creating designs for major life milestones. Moroccan fashion designer Somaya Akbib has carved herself into the world of wedding dress designers in the Spanish capital.

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“It was confusing at first, I was like I have the drive. I have the energy…’why not me?’”

-Chef Kia Damon

Chef Kia Damon, also known as Kia Cooks, said it took her a while to figure out why people weren’t taking her seriously in the world of culinary arts at the very beginning of her career in Florida.

“No one saw me as anyone serious and it was really confusing for me at first because I had the drive and the energy to do it, so why not me? It took a little while to be like ‘oh okay’ it's because I’m a Black woman, and that’s weird for a lot of people,” she explained.

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Mental health is an issue glazed over and forgotten about, even though it affects nearly everyone. The artistic world reveres its historical “tortured” geniuses, such as Vincent van Gogh or Kurt Cobain, but often fails to address the mental health issues within its own community. Artists must fight on their own to promote mental healthcare and promote awareness, as the world around them seems to ignore it in favor of the work they produce. One of these artists is Shanina Dionna, a Philadelphia based artist who works in education and mental health awareness.

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