Why Ariana Grande's music is so important

On Monday night, Ariana Grande fans — AKA "Arianators" — excitedly gathered for a shared purpose; to watch her perform the songs they love. But, the awful events which transpired that night meant that some of those fans didn't make it home.
                                   

Grande fans are now mourning the loss to their fanbase; a community whose shared love of her music spans several generations. And, that curious ability to transcend generations stems from her own evolution from an innocent teenage Nickelodeon star to a grown-up pop star who appeals to adults and children alike.

I didn't grow up watching Victorious, but rather grew to love Grande's songs about sex and relationships. Her most recent album Dangerous Woman was my anthem as I sat teary-eyed on the London Underground in the aftermath of a breakup. But, her songs are more than just songs about sex and love. As I strut along to the beat of "Be Alright" and "Everyday", I feel strong and empowered. And, yes, pop songs really do make you feel those things.

Grande's fans are keen for her to not be dismissed as yet another sexy pop star singing about her bedroom antics. 26-year-old super-fan Elisabeth Joffe says that the reason people underestimate Grande is because "people undermine women who look like young girls" and she says people think that Grande "plays up the sexy baby thing". But, though she be little — 5 foot 3 inches, to be precise — she is fiercely inclusive, says Joffe.

For other super-fans, Grande represents strength. "Ariana's music is more than just someone singing over a musical beat. Ariana's music is strength, love, empowerment," says 17-year-old fan Stephanie. "She has songs like "One last time" and "Thinking of you" which now hold such a strong meaning to our fanbase since the Manchester tragedy."

Classical music concert extends the hand of friendship

AN UPCOMING concert in Caloundra will use beautiful classical music as the instrument to help raise funds to support refugees living in Queensland.
                                         

The Refraction Quartet will perform sublime music, including piano quartets by Beethoven and Brahms, at a concert organised by the Sunshine Coast's Buddies Refugee Support Group.

After dropping “Chanel” and “Biking,” Frank Ocean unleashes two version of “Lens,” a new song premiered through blonded Radio. The first is a solo edition, while the second is a Travis Scott-assisted remix.

Over a soothing beat, an Auto-Tuned Frank harmonizes about Mariah Carey, Rally’s, and freeways, before touching on his partner’s timeless qualities.

Buddies raises awareness and money to support refugees living in Queensland - many of whom fled Syria and Iraq where conflict is still raging.

The Refraction Quartet's pianist Stewart Kelly, violinist Nigel Bardsley, cellist Dominic Fitzgerald and violist Iris Doo exemplify the spirit of chamber music playing as a conversation in this contrasting selection of exquisite works.

The Beethoven that begins the concert (his Piano Quartet No. 3 in C major) is a youthful work written when he was just 15. It is clearly from the pen of a young genius, overflowing with passion, energy and enthusiasm.

Where Beethoven is youthful and unburdened, the Brahms (Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor Op. 60) is a mature work weighed down by tragedy.