Brandon Mattesich

Under The Rug: Art, Happiness and The Journey of a Lifetime

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
March 15, 2025

When I was about 5 years old, I remember walking to school and realizing I didn’t know what would happen if I were to die. I thought about a car careening off the street and crashing right into me, where...

An Interview with CWU President Jim Wohlpart

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
March 13, 2025

Sound Bite Volume 26

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
March 13, 2025

Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week we will be covering Lady Gaga, JENNIE, Doechii and Wu-Tang Clan in a classic return to format for Sound Bite. I had a ton of fun listening to the music this week,...

Roy Ayers: The Legacy of A Soul Musician lives on in Hip Hop

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
March 6, 2025

This past week, Roy Ayers passed away at the age of 84. Born in 1940 Ayers was a cornerstone of the soul and jazz combo genre, and who I believe to be one of the most influential artists of the past 100...

Let’s talk about dining: Dining Services addresses student complaints, changes to come

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
March 6, 2025

Last week, The Observer polled students with the question, “In which area would you most like to see change from CWU?” Dining was the majority answer, with 31.8% of the responses. Dining at CWU...

Sound Bite Volume 25 – Anniversary Edition

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
March 6, 2025

Welcome back to Sound Bite! This is a very special issue to me, as it officially marks the halfway point in what I consider to be Sound Bite’s ultimate journey. When I started this column, it was mainly...

Nash Fung: The magic of being an empathetic leader

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
March 6, 2025

Nash Fung is a public speaker, magician and CWU alum that came to speak and perform at CWU’s leadership conference on Saturday. From his time on the Seattle Crisis Line, to speaking at TEDx, Fung’s...

[Photo] Coming to America: Fang Wang (王芳)

Astor Powell-Pedersen, Copy Desk Lead/Opinion Editor
March 6, 2025

Photo courtesy Fang Wang (王芳)

Campus Consensus: CWU students take issue with dining, tuition and more

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 27, 2025

In a survey of 85 students conducted this week on campus and online via a Google form, CWU students most often cited dining and tuition as areas needing change, and finances and mental health as the biggest...

Sound Bite Volume 24

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
February 27, 2025

Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week I’ll be covering a new album from Tate McRae, as well as singles from J. Cole, JENNIE and Joey Bada$$. Plus, a huge update on A$AP Rocky to close out this issue....

[Photo] Donald Trump violated the First Amendment when he barred The Associated Press from the White House

Kyley Glenn, Columnist
February 27, 2025

Estudiantes de CWU reaccionan a la represión contra la in-migración

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
February 20, 2025

Historia actualizada el 6 de enero, tras la publicación de un comunicado oficial por parte de la oficina de relaciones universitarias. Para su protección legal, así como por el carácter sensible...

The SURC Pit Takeover: A Conversation about Black History, Music and Education

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 20, 2025

Recently the Diversity and Equity Center hosted a “SURC Pit Takeover” in which they showcased a plethora of musicians throughout history, all of whom have made big impacts on black history and music. “The...

Senior VP of Finance & Administration Joel Klucking speaks on staffing reductions, budgets and more

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 20, 2025

CWU’s University Administrative Leadership Team (UALT) and shared governance leaders recently held a meeting to plan for the 2025-2027 biennium budget. The meeting, which happened just over two weeks...

Sound Bite Volume 23

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
February 20, 2025

This Week In Music Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week we will be covering releases from Westside Gunn, Drake (sadly), Bon Iver and Freddie Gibbs in what I can only describe as the most mismatched...

“Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” shines a new light on a classic tale

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 20, 2025

CWU Theatre’s latest production, “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really”, is a complete retelling of the classic Dracula story, serving as a feminist revision of the piece. The production,...

[Photo] Coming to America: Claudia Mendez Wright

Astor Powell-Pedersen, Copy Desk Lead/Opinion Editor
February 18, 2025

[Photo] From Pain to Purpose. From Dreams to Reality: Shaquem Griffin talks about overcoming adversity

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 20, 2025

No half measures at halftime: A review of Kendrick Lamar’s historic halftime show

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
February 13, 2025

Football is an all-American sport and the Super Bowl is the biggest event of its kind in sporting history. But to many Americans, the Super Bowl is secondary to one thing and one thing only, the halftime...

[Photo] Radical Indoctrination: Students Thoughts on Executive Order

Kyley Glenn, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2025

Photo courtesy of Pexels

[Photo] Open Mic Nights: Where The Magic Happens

Asia Long, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2025

Photo Courtesy of Pexels

CWU students react to Trump’s crackdown on immigration

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
February 6, 2025

Story updated Jan. 6, following the release of an official statement by University Relations. "For their legal protection, as well as due to the sensitive nature of the story, all students who volunteered...

Sound Bite Volume 21: The Grammys Review

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 6, 2025

Welcome back to Sound Bite! A lot happened this week, but this issue we are focusing on one event and one event only. That's right, this week is Grammy coverage. From Beyonce to Doechii, this year's grammys...

Sound Bite Volume 20

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 30, 2025

Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week I’ll be covering single releases from Travis Scott, Bruno Mars and Djo as well as covering Central Cee’s latest album “CAN'T RUSH GREATNESS”. But before I...

Trump, TikTok and The Future of the US: College Students Share Their Perspectives

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 23, 2025

In less than 24 hours the most downloaded app in the world, TikTok, was subsequently banned and then unbanned just a couple days before Donald Trump began his second term as president of the United States....

Sound Bite Volume 19

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 23, 2025

Welcome back to Sound Bite! If this week’s music had a theme, it would be sad. In this issue we’ll be covering Mac Miller, JPEGMAFIA and MIKE. Music tends to reflect the reality of the time, and so...

[Photo] Cross campus commutes: Transportation challenges caused by winter weather

Katherine Lewis, Staff Reporter
January 23, 2025

[Photo] Coming to America

Astor Powell-Pedersen, Copy Desk Lead/Opinion Editor
January 21, 2025

El Reloj corre para TikTok: Lo que significa su posible prohibición para los ciudadanos estadounidenses.

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 21, 2025

Final translation Group: Gissele, Suhei, Ana, Sophie, Jennifer TikTok es una plataforma que cuenta con más de 1 billón de usuarios activos, es usada por alrededor del 50% de adultos bajo la edad...

(Live🔴) Scooter theft across CWU campus: Police Chief Provides Update

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 17, 2025

According to an email sent out by CWU police, multiple motorized scooters have been reported stolen starting on Wednesday. The email details two possible suspects, both listed as male and around the ages...

Sound Bite Volume 18

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
January 16, 2025

This Week In Music Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week I’ll be catching you up on everything you missed over Winter Break, and catching up with some artists I feel like deserve another listen....

The Fire Inside: A story worth telling

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
January 16, 2025

This past winter break was a great time to go to the movies. From Robert Eggers chilling take on the classic film “Nosferatu”, to James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown” there was a little something...

The clock is ticking on TikTok: What a potential ban means for US citizens

Brandon Mattesich, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 16, 2025

TikTok is a platform with over 1 billion active monthly users. It is used by over 50% of adults under the age of 30 and unless the Supreme Court acts soon it is facing a nationwide shutdown. Why is...

GNX: The Observer’s review

Brandon Mattesich and Trent Meacham
January 14, 2025

Brandon’s Reviews: hey now: This might actually be my favorite song off the album, the beat is chilling, the vocals are aggressive and then right when you’re least expecting it Los Angeles takes...

Wicked: A Musical The Theaters Needed

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
January 14, 2025

I went into “Wicked” knowing absolutely nothing about the musical. The most I had seen about the film came from the one trailer I had seen at a separate screening of “Gladiator II.” However the...

Gladiator Two: Are you not Entertained?

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
January 14, 2025

Spoiler alert, I was entertained. This film is action packed, full of amazing performances, jaw dropping spectacle and ultimately builds on the legacy of the original without feeling like it was pandering...

[Photo] Too Hot Too Cold: Heating Issues in Brooks Library?

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 16, 2025

[Photo] Should I stay or should I go? Holidays for students on campus

Hayley James, Staff Reporter
January 14, 2025

People serving themselves at the CWU Friendsgiving event.

[Photo] The renovation and reopening of the Fitterer’s store

Catherine Bell, Staff Reporter
January 14, 2025

Kelly and Adam Rynd, the new owners of the historic Fitterer's building.

Sound Bite Volume 17

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
November 21, 2024

This Week In Music Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week I’ll be covering three major album releases that I think everyone should listen to. Musically this has been one of my favorite weeks so far,...

‘One Emergency Away From Drowning’ – CWU’s Budget Cuts Leave Staff Positions Vacant

Brandon Mattesich and Lexie Barker
November 21, 2024

Budget cuts at CWU have led to reduced staff and increased workloads across campus. For the 2024-2025 school year, there have been budget cuts due to low enrollment rates and retention of students. On...

Joel Klucking speaks on key factors in funding

Astor Powell-Pedersen and Brandon Mattesich
November 21, 2024

CWU is home to multiple Colleges each with their own programs and achievements. However, not every college receives equal funding. For example the College of Arts & Humanities received a total budget...

[Photo] ‘John Proctor is the Villain’ Commentary on power over women’s voices

Lee Beck, Scene Editor
November 21, 2024

The ensemble cast for "John Proctor is the Villain."

[Photo] Art and Design faculty discuss their pieces in new exhibition

Catherine Bell, Staff Reporter
November 21, 2024

"Conspiracy of Raven" by Gregg Schlanger.

[Photo] CWU lead climbing clinic teaches students safety while climbing

Nalanie Pecora, Staff Reporter
November 21, 2024

CWU's rock climbign wall in the SURC. (Photo by Brandon Mattesich)

Sound Bite Volume 16

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
November 15, 2024

This Week In Music Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week I'll be covering two singles and one full album release. If you didn't read last week's soundbite, check it out online! And if you did read...

Sound Bite Volume 15

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
November 12, 2024

This Week In Music Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week we have a couple new albums to look over as well as an update on some news from the past! Halloween week is always a fun week for music because...

The Observer woke up and listened to ‘Chromakopia’

Brandon Mattesich and Trent Meacham
November 12, 2024

Brandon’s Reviews: Rah Tah Tah: “The biggest out the city after Kenny, that's a fact now,” could not be more true. This track is bold, it's in your face and it's unapologetic. Tyler wants you...

[Photo] CWU Student Media travels to New Orleans for National Media Convention

November 11, 2024

The city of New Orleans.

[Photo] The election of your lives

Isaac Hinson, Editor-in-chief
November 6, 2024

Sound Bite Volume 13

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
October 25, 2024

This Week In Music Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week we are going a bit of an unconventional route and covering some new and old releases that I feel deserve to have been covered. From country...

Cheech Marin: Arte chicano, Expresión y Futuro

Brandon Mattesich and Hayley James
October 20, 2024

Traducido por Olivia Krause y Abby Limonteco-Tlatelpa Para celebrar el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, que se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, CWU organizó, “Una Noche con Cheech...

Behind the Budgets: Chief financial officer Joel Klucking offers a peek Into CWU’s financial past, present and future

Brandon Mattesich, Staff Reporter
October 17, 2024

In an interview with The Observer, Joel Klucking, CWU’s Chief Financial Officer, discussed plans for the university's monetary future as well as how they are dealing with its complicated past. From the...

Sound Bite Volume 12

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
October 17, 2024

Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week we have a couple major releases, an update to some long-running rap beef and a couple standouts that deserve a shout! GloRilla just released her latest album “GLORIOUS”...

[Photo] Exploring CWU’s Bilingual and Dual Language Education

Christoph Belford, Staff Reporter
October 9, 2024

President Jim Wohlpart speaking at the State of the University Adress.

Sound Bite Volume 11

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
October 8, 2024

This Week In Music Welcome back to Sound Bite! With summer officially over things have slowed down quite a bit in the music scene, but there is still plenty to cover in this first back-to-basics...

Cheech Marin Speaks on Chicano Art, expression and the future

Brandon Mattesich and Hayley James
October 5, 2024

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, CWU organized, “An Evening with Cheech Marin, A Life of Art, Culture, and Entertainment.” The event served as an outlet...

Sound Bite Volume 10

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
October 3, 2024

Summer Recap Welcome back to Sound Bite! After a long summer full of music and drama, I am excited to be bringing back Sound Bite bigger and better than ever before. This special extended...

[Photo] A Decade of Drag

Lee Beck, Scene Editor
October 3, 2024

Judas the Beslayer

[Photo] Voting in Washington State

Astor Powell-Pedersen, News Editor
October 3, 2024

Ballot box outside of the SURC.

Sound Bite Issue 9

Isaac Dobmeier and Brandon Mattesich
May 30, 2024

This Week in Music Welcome to this quarter's final issue of Sound Bite! With summer just around the corner, I’ll be using this issue to highlight some upcoming releases that we won't be able to...

A Deep Dive With Snorkel

Brandon Mattesich, Staff Reporter
May 30, 2024

Chances are, at some point during your time at CWU, you’ve caught wind of Snorkel, the popular tortoise who hides out in the greenhouse most of the week. You may have even been lucky enough to catch...

[Photo] Disclose, divest, disrupt

Isaac Dobmeier and Astor Powell-Pedersen
May 30, 2024

Barge Hall with chalk drawings during the protest.

[Photo] Broken lights, old cameras … action?

Isaac Hinson, Editor-in-chief
May 16, 2024

Damaged HDMI cable box.

Sound Bite Issue 7

Brandon Mattesich and Isaac Dobmeier
May 16, 2024

This Week in Music Welcome to this week's issue of Sound Bite! This week Donald Glover dropped his latest album under his persona Childish Gambino. The album, titled “Atavista,” is a finished...

Sound Bite Special Edition

Brandon Mattesich, Columnist
May 9, 2024

This week's issue of Sound Bite is going to be a little different than normal. I'm solely focusing on the Kendrick and Drake situation, and I will be giving my opinions on the matter. Since our last...

Sound Bite #4

Brandon Mattesich and Isaac Dobmeier
April 30, 2024

Brandon Mattesich This Week in Music Welcome to this week's issue of Sound Bite, where we’re talking big developments on the beef front. Kendrick Lamar finally dropped a response to Drake,...

Brandon Mattesich, Editor-In-Chief

The Observer