I’m a sucker for a cute coffee shop. There’s just
something about the smell of espresso beans and glow of dreamy twinkle lights
that brings out the cliché college-girl in me. So, naturally, when I moved to
Lubbock, I immediately started searching for the hidden gems.
I haven’t been to all of them, but it’s Lubbock, so I’ve
been to most of them, and I decided to spill the secrets on where to go—
whether it’s to study, chat, or just relax.
1. Yellow House Coffee
This quaint café is my best-kept [now,
not-so-secret] study space. Yellow House Coffee is the epitome of “cute coffee
shop”… in the best way. It’s character and charm can be found in the twinkle-lights
that drape the ceiling, the warm-welcome of their lovely employees, and their
on-point playlists. Not to mention their fantastic coffee, tea, and baked
goods. Located at 3017 34th Street, it’s just a short trip from
campus and definitely worth checking out.
2. Yoga Bean
Another hidden jewel is Yoga Bean. This
shop is just down the street from Yellow House Coffee, located at 3135 34th
Street. Half yoga studio, half coffee shop, you can come here to relax in more
than one way (or, you know… just get a latte and do your homework.) Yoga Bean
is eclectic and just plain cool. Mismatched lounge chairs and love seats,
artwork lining the walls, and coffee-bag curtains, this place is unique and
fun. Think of it as Lubbock’s own “Central Perk.”
3. Gatsby’s Coffee House
Tucked away in Cactus Alley, Gatsby’s
Coffee House is another place that is full of character. Located at 2617 Salem
Avenue #17, this shop is a two-story treasure that’s definitely worth a visit.
This place feels like a home-away-from-home as you walk into the kitchen and up
the stairs. Pick between a comfy couch, or grab a table and chair, and
settle-in with your coffee, or if it’s mealtime, your yummy breakfast, brunch,
or lunch.
4. J&B Coffee
In other words, “the trophy of Tech Terrace.”
Located at 2701 26th Street, J&B Coffee is a classic college
hangout and a great study environment. Coffee, tea, smoothies, baked goods, and
actual food, J&B has what you
need to fuel your study time. I won’t lie, you’ll probably run into a friend or
two, as close as it is to campus, so social butterflies be strong, plug in
those headphones, and get in the zone. Overall, J&B is super welcoming and
makes you feel like it’s always Christmas, with the lights that line the shop year-round.
5. Starbucks
Last, but not least, Starbucks has to be on the list. The most
convenient is located at 801 University Avenue, right across from campus, but
I’ve been to three others around Lubbock as well, and feel great about all of
them. The others I’ve been to are located off of Slide, Milwaukee, and 82nd
Street. Yes, Starbucks is a massive chain, but it’s still a great place to go
when you need to focus and want something yummy to help you do so. The
locations further away from campus are more likely to have seating (and plugs
for forever-dying laptops), but all of them are great options when it’s crunch
time.
Welcome back
Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends
or
LOG IN WITH FACEBOOKNo account? Create one
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
StableDiffusion
The Illusion of Creativity
AI-generated music is often marketed as “artistic” or “educational.” But what does it really teach?
- That style can be replicated without understanding.
- That emotion can be simulated without feeling.
- That effort can be bypassed with a prompt.
For young creators, this sets a dangerous precedent. Why learn to play guitar when an algorithm can do it faster? Why study harmony when AI can generate chord progressions in seconds? The risk isn’t just laziness — it’s the loss of depth, discipline, and the tactile joy of creation.
I have listened to several AI-generated music covers. My initial reaction was one of considerable impressiveness, particularly regarding the reimagining of classic pop hits in diverse genres with novel arrangements. Here is one good example a-ha — Take On Me
However, after engaging with several such Ai generated song covers, a sense of emotional detachment emerged, attributable to the perceived absence of human artistry and genuine sentiment, resulting in a technically flawless yet ultimately soulless auditory experience.
Copyright in Crisis
What does the copyright law say about AI generated music, especially in field of music covers. Who is liable for copyright in this case, AI developers, people who used AI to generate music or people who published it on music platforms?
Recent lawsuits show that the music industry is pushing back hard:
- Universal, Sony, and Warner sued AI music platforms Suno and Udio in 2024 for allegedly training their models on copyrighted songs without permission Ars Technica The Lyon Firm.
- They’re seeking up to $150,000 per infringed song, arguing that the AI outputs resemble famous tracks and voices (e.g., Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson).
- These lawsuits target the developers of the AI tools — but they raise broader questions:The legal gray area is training data. Courts haven’t yet ruled definitively on whether using copyrighted songs to train AI counts as infringement or fair use Sites at USC.
But who’s liable?
Role | Legal Risk | Why |
AI Developers | ✅ High | For training on copyrighted material without licenses. |
Users | ⚠️ Moderate | If they intentionally recreate protected works. |
Publishers/Platforms | ✅ High | For distributing infringing content. |
The grey area lies in training data. Courts haven’t yet ruled definitively on whether using copyrighted songs to train AI counts as infringement or fair use. Meanwhile, AI-generated works themselves aren’t eligible for copyright unless a human provides substantial creative input — leaving them in legal limbo.
The Educational Mirage
Some argue that AI music helps people learn genres, production styles, or vocal techniques. But this “education” often lacks context. It’s like learning to paint by watching a printer — technically impressive, but creatively hollow.
True musical education involves:
- Struggle and iteration: Learning through mistakes.
- Emotional connection: Expressing what words can’t.
- Cultural lineage: Understanding the roots of sound.
AI shortcuts bypass all of this. And in doing so, they risk flattening the rich terrain of human creativity into a sterile landscape of algorithmic mimicry.
Why This Fight Matters
This isn’t just about music. It’s about the future of art, storytelling, and human expression. If we allow machines to dominate creative spaces, we risk turning culture into content — optimized, monetized, and devoid of soul.
We must ask: Do we want a world where art is made by machines, or one where machines help humans make better art?
5 Key Takeaways
- AI-generated music blurs the line between innovation and erosion in the creative arts
- AI-generated music raises questions about copyright, culture, education, and artistic expression
- AI-generated music can replicate style without understanding, simulate emotion without feeling, and bypass effort with a prompt
- AI-generated music sets a dangerous precedent for young creators by potentially leading to a loss of depth, discipline, and joy of creation
Trending Topics
Trending Stories
Best of Student Life![Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.]()
![Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.]()
![Towson University]()
![Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.]()
