Fresh Friday: Thrilling

The Fresh Friday portion of the CrossCurrent blog covers stunning musical acts that continue to make headlines and tour the world.

So this week's featured band, Empire of the Sun, doesn't exactly make radio music. Luckily for you it's SO MUCH BETTER. This Australian-native electronic duo is gaining fame in North America and even in Europe. Just go with me - it's like KISS for hipsters. It's so Generation Z (Wikipedia it) I feel like every sentence I write about the group should include a hashtag somewhere.

Do you have a smartphone? How many recording artists have an app worth downloading:

This isn't performance art like Lady Gaga or Circ de Sole, it's all about the music. The weird costumes, the make up, the over the top props doesn't really have some complicated message - it's just trendy (at least to me). I like the face-value vibe the performances give off. 

Empire of the Sun Quick Profile:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/empireofthesun

Twitter: @EmpireOfTheSun

Love it or hate it. Like I said before, Empire of the Sun is Generation Z's KISS:

While they haven't released an album since 2008, it's still widely played as it reaches more ears in North America. You probably haven't heard of this band - they don't have a record label here in the US - yet. Production on their second album has been in progress since 2010. Can't wait to hear (and see) more.

Demystify: College Loans

Ahh! I hate not having money and I'm sure you do too. I'm always skeptical about clever marketing campaigns aimed at college students and hate wasting my time logging on to websites that are only trying to sell you more useless product rather than help you figure out what financial situation you are in. So when a financial website is easy to understand, informational, and free it's time to jump on board.

Take a look at the entertaining ad yourself for the National College Finance Center : 

Truly, I have not found a more student-centered website. I've spent a couple of hours on the site already and have not come across ads or solicitations. Not only is it really great if you can't figure out how to repay student debt or what the terms of your loans are, you can find great resources on the steps to take and questions to ask if you're considering taking out federal or private loans. 

Five-minute Q&A worth watching. Actress Jane Lynch is a great moderator:

Click away! National College Finance Center link:

collegefinancecenter.org/