Who Is Beach Bunny?

photo courtesy of @beachbunnymusic Instagram

Sunday, Sept. 13, wasn’t the norm for Syracuse students. Skytop was empty, there were no mosh pits (a blessing in disguise), and you couldn’t hear the screams anticipating 21 Savage from 10 miles away. Juice Jam, the fall event of the year, was a glorified Zoom call. 

Even though Juice Jam was online this year, each artist showcased their unique style on stage. We know a lot of you were waiting for A Boogie, but the opening acts were just as good. Ari Lennox and Beach Bunny have styles that are worlds apart, but these women have soul. After all, University Union usually has pretty impeccable taste when selecting with their acts (Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q ring any bells?). 

So, who exactly was the first act, Beach Bunny?

The lead singer, Lili Trifilio, is most known for her song, “Prom Queen,” which speaks to women’s struggles with insecurities and eating disorders. It breaks the pop mold, especially when most songs today focus on a love interest. 

The lyrics, “Shut up, count your calories. I never looked good in mom jeans. Wish I, was like you, blue-eyed blondie, perfect body,” have even made their way to Tik Tok. Girls use the sound to track their weight loss (kinda problematic, but okay), and even better, to show self-love.

Even though her song “Prom Queen” is great, her music is much more than that. It’s pop with a rock and indie twist that makes you want to sit in your bedroom (or dorm room), and think about life, a crush, drama, you name it. The pop structure of the music is extremely catchy and the punk instrumentals and lyricism of her music perfectly blend the alternative and pop worlds. 

Oh, and just a quick PSA: We strongly suggest going to Thornden Park at sunset and blasting her new album, “Honeymoon.” It’s down to earth and grungy, which will be perfect for those Syracuse winter nights.