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-|* m—pT -j- THEY SAID IT » /1 I “Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song ■ /■ I W forme. I’m not sleepy and there is no Page 9 VI I /\ place I’m going to.” Friday, November 19,2004 -L?_l__l—^ singer/songw™" Sole Survivors When artists embark on their own, success is anything but a sure thing BySHANA TILL THE GAMECOCK For reasons sometimes unbeknownst to fans, recording artists leave the security blanket of a well known band name to venture into the land of solo projects. As the front woman for No Doubt, Gwen Stefani has attracted legions of fans with her sultry yet feminist lyrics. After the success of No Doubt albums “Tragic Kingdom” and “Rock Steady,” Stefani is releasing her first solo effort, “Love, Angel, Music, Baby.” Collaborating with Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes fame, Stefani uses kitschy Japanese synth pop lines and over-the top sweetness on tracks such as “Bubble Pop Electric.” New wave sounus aiso surrace through her collaboration with New Order. While some may miss the baby-barrette days ol ska’s leading lady, others are clamoring for the new Stefani that we were given a glimpse of on “Rock Steady.” For some artists, such solo stints only heighten fan expectations. Beyonce Knowles has rejoined the rest of her Grammy-winning girl trio Destiny’s Child, putting to rest rumors of a permanent split. While Beyonce achieved acclaim for her solo work and paired herself with another leading man, Jay Z, she returned to the other two-thirds ol Destiny’s Child for the album fans have been waiting for, “Destiny Fulfilled.” But if history serves as a guide, Stefani and other budding solo projects will likely fall into one of four categories. The first category of solo work: A member leaves the group to discover equal or better success. The archetypal example of this is Michael Jackson and his exit from The Jackson 5. Jackson has been able to re-create his identity multiple times to keep PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Grammy-winning members of Destiny's Child, who recently took a break to pursue solo projects, are reuniting on the “Destiny Fulfilled” album. up with the ebbing tide of pop culture fads. Other recording artists, including Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, have met this requisite. Both got their start as the front man for Genesis, and each followed with equally innovative solo projects. Other artists who have achieved equal or improved success upon leaving a band include Eric Clapton, Morrissey and Justin Timberlake. Fan support is crucial to a newly minted solo artist’s success. For many, the reaction from fans loyal to their respective bands is less than positive. Third-year psychology student Will Bovender said he doesn’t understand the logic behind leaving one’s band. “If you’re the primary songwriter/singer, what’s the point in leaving the band — unless it’s an ego trip or something.” While Stefani and Knowles seem to be bucking this trend, there are groups whose many fans would be less than willing to support a solo member. Case in point — John Frusciante and Dave Navarro. While creating some of the best guitar riffs in mainstream rock, Frusciapte and Navarro have made fleeting attempts at solo albums. However, fans continue to extend heart-felt welcomes when they return to the studio with their bands, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane’s Addiction, respectively. In some instances, an artist will leave a band to do the solo thing only to join another band. Take Billy Corgan — not long after going solo, he organized another band, Zwan. Never attaining the success level of ‘90s rock staple Smashing Pumpkins, Zwan’s lifespan was short but sweet. Scott Weiland, formerly of Stone Temple Pilotsy joined Slash and Duff KcKagan of vjuns in looses to rorm me rock sup>er group Velvet Revolver, after Welland's short stint as a solo recording artist. The same goes for Chris Cornell, who joined Rage Against the Machine minus lead singer Zach de la Rocha. After Soundgarden’s dissolution, Cornell made recordings on his own, before taking the reins of Audioslave. And then there are the solo albums, from artists such as Dave Matthews, Roger Waters and Stephen Malkmus that succeed thanks to fans who clamor to buy anything associated with the group, third-year Russian student James Beard said. “Fans will buy albums based on name recognition, he said, “because you can assume the sound will be similar to what you already know you like.” Whether artists choose to go solo for greater artistic license <?r For monetary reasons, such projects often reveal the depth of their individual talents — or<at least their ability to drive blind faith fans to the record stores. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gwm.sc. edu PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Gwen Stefani, lead singer of the ska band No Doubt, is pursuing solo pursuits on her new album, “Love, Angel, Music, Baby." Triennial exhibit paints portrait of S.C. art Work from the Upstate, Midlands and Low Country will be displayed at the State Museum By JULIA SELLERS THE GAMECOCK It is difficult to look at another’s artwork and be objective about, its subject matter. Imagine having to choose the best out of 242 entries, varying from drawings to paintings to photography to sculpture. The field was narrowed down to 29 artists whose work will compose Triennial 2004, one of South Carolina’s most highly esteemed art exhibits. The exhibit begins today and runs through Feb. 27, spotlighting artists from the state’s three distinct regions. It includes 10 Upstate artists, 10 from the Midlands and nine Low Country artists. The works must have been created during the past three years. “I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and high volume of great work that was submitted,” said Paul Matheny, South Carolina State Museum chief curator of art, in a news release. “The jurors had a truly challenging time making selections.” Beginning 15 years ago, the event is held every three years so artists have time to grow and cultivate their talent. “The goal was to organize a show that represents some of the best work within the communities of South Carolina and exhibit it all under on< roof,” Matheny said. This year’s Triennial is breaking new ground, having received the highesi number of applications in its history This was also the first year that artist: could submit work on CD. Encompassing the enormous amoum of talent in the state, the show wil highlight both traditional and moderr styles of art. “South Carolina has extremely rich traditions in clay, textiles and basket making, and some of that will certainl) be included,” Matheny said. PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCK Jj Basket weaver Pati English of ■ Greenville will show her work at the ■ Triennial. South Carolina has traditions * in clay, textiles and basket weaving. “This show also will represent a broad range of artists working in more contemporary methods and artists working in fine craft, painting, drawing and installation.” The art was chosen by a panel of three jurors: Andrea Van Laer Feeser, associate professor of modern and contemporary art at Clemson University; Brad Thomas, gallery director and curator of the Van Every/Smith Galleries at Davidson College; and Gwendolyn Everett, assistant professor at Howard University and adjunct professor at Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. The 29 artists’ works will be displayed at the South Carolina State Museum, which “I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and high volume of great work that was submitted. The jurors had a truly challenging time making selections.” PAUL METHENY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM CHIEF CURATOR OF ART -----‘-----—----—r collaborated with the Carolina Arts Commission on the project. For more information, contact Matheny at 898 4921. Comments on this story ? E-mail gamecockfeatmes@gwm.sc. edu Literary journal offers young writers a chance ultimately benefit the journal as it moves away from the level of an individual thesis project and increases its scope.” The new name references the state’s shell. The review has featured poetry, short fiction and an interview with acclaimed fiction writer George Singleton. Saylor said the review is expanding to include non-fiction essays. Saylor said the staff looks for writing that reflects care and effort. “We appreciate authors who avoid cliches and excessive sentimentality,” she said. “Like any literary journal, we look for originality, stylistic quality and relevance — works that provoke emotional, intellectual, spiritual reactions from our readers.” The Lettered Olive provides an opportunity for salient writers to publish their works, interact with other writers and foster creativity. Saylor noted that the magazine provides “a much-sought publishing opportunity and a starting off point for undergraduates.” She said the journal was needed on campus. “This campus is full of aspiring “We appreciate authors who avoid cliches and excessive sentimentality.” SARA SAYLOR EDITOR. THE LETTERED OLIVE writers, but in the absence of an official creative writing major for undergraduates, it may be difficult for students to find and connect with a network of people who share this interest.” Maxcy Press printed the review last year. Located at the Studio for Book Arts and Printing History, the Maxcy Press is an old-fashioned letterpress, adding a distinct visual quality to the magazine. • Not only does The Lettered Olive provide a forum for aspiring writers, it offers artistic students a chance to develop their skills. Students can work on projects related to the journal’s publication such as this year’s special edition letterpressed chapbook of award-winning poetry. There are many outlets for composition at USC, such as the ♦ Please see LETTERED, page 10 By JAIME McSWEENEY THE GAMECOCK Amid a scholarly world in which mainstream literary journals often snub young writers for assumed inexperience and naivete, Sara Saylor and the rest of the staff at The Lettered Olive are catering exclusively to the raw, youthfiil and oftentimes neglected, undergrad wordsmith. Established in 2003 as a senior thesis project by English student Elizabeth Catanese, the journal was originally titled the Three Rivers Review. The magazine was maintained last year by a group of students working to continue and expand Catanese’s vision of an undergraduate-oriented literary magazine. This year’s issue is in the works, under its new moniker. Since Three Rivers is a common title of many organizations around Columbia, Saylor said, the magazine staff considered a name change to distinguish it from other Three Rivers organizations around the city. Saylor said that while the name change may cause some temporary confusion, “We feel that it will CD REVIEW PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCK Guitarist Kyle Cook takes a break from matchbox twenty to explore his side project, the New Left. The band will be at New Brookland Tavern on Saturday at 8 p.m. Old friends turn out fresh tunes on The New Left debut release “WALLPAPER MUSIC” EP The New Left ★★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ By MEG MOORE THE GAMECOCK It’s a natural progression: Join a rock band, sell millions >?f records, pursue a side-project. iuiv.1 iiit.ii 11111 ti diuuiu, “More Than You Think You Aren in 2002 and spending the next year touring the globe, the members of mainstream favorite matchbox twenty decided to do their own things for while. For guitarist Kyle Cook, that meant returning to his rock star roots and reconnecting with former banA mates Brett Borges, drummer and bassist John IVXUXCI. The three met during high school in rural Indiana. Under the name Downpour the group played proms and parties, but parted ways once graduation came around. Although Cook soon hooked up with his matchbox band mates, the trio kept in touch and recorded demos ♦ Please see WALLPAPER, page 10