Assistant professor Jessica Uscinski has been part of AU’s Department of Physics for six years. From astronomy to general physics, she loves sharing her enthusiasm with students. This week, Uscinski sat down with The Eagle’s Lauren Hain to chat about her music interests, most notably The Avett Brothers.
Favorite band/artist
JU: Music is really important to me, and it’s really hard for me to say “all-time favorite” band or artist. It depends on what my mood is or what is going on in my life at the time, so there are certain albums I listen to for specific tasks.
Favorite concert you’ve attended
JU: I really liked this band called the Avett Brothers. I saw them at a small venue in Charlottesville and it was great. I don’t really like going to huge concerts, so it was more intimate. It was nice.
E: How did you discover The Avett Brothers?
JU: I think I discovered the Avett Brothers maybe nine or 10 years ago when my friend sent me something from Pitchfork. Back when I was younger, I think I used to be more in-tune with new music. I used to pay a lot of attention to it, and I would try to see what was new. I would read Pitchfork, and I discovered NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, which I love. The Avett Brothers were the first Tiny Desk concert I ever saw. NPR has an upcoming band come into [its] office space and perform for the staff, and ]NPR] records it and posts it on the internet. You should check it out, you’d be surprised who has come through.
Favorite album
JU: If I had to pick a favorite album of the moment, I’d say “Mignonette.” Lyrically, the songs tell stories, and I really appreciate their insight and what they have to say. They have a lot of songs about family and love; I don’t want to say coming-of-age because it sounds so corny but in a way, they sort of are.
One song all AU students should listen to
JU: “Holocene” by Bon Iver because it is one of the most calming, cathartic and uplifting songs I’ve ever listened to.
