Kian Ravaei is taking lines from etiquette books and transforming them into whole songs. Ravaei, a third-year music composition student, wrote two original songs for the July 24 and 25 New Explorative Oratorio Voice Festival, which brings together musicians to engage in exploratory music. Read more...

Photo: Third-year music composition student Kian Ravaei wrote two songs that will premiere virtually for the New Explorative Oratorio Voice Festival. They focus on the oppressive nature of women’s etiquette books. (Niveda Tennety/Daily Bruin senior staff)

The Aces are back – and they’re more comfortable with themselves than ever. The indie-pop band released its sophomore effort “Under My Influence” on Friday as a follow-up to its 2018 debut record, “When My Heart Felt Volcanic.” Trust, honesty and relatability fill out the new record’s core themes – concepts made possible only through the members’ childhood relationships growing up in Provo, Utah. Read more...

Photo: The Aces discuss the raw emotions and unflinching honesty behind their new album, “Under My Influence.” (Courtesy of Red Bull Records)