In the autumn of 1970, Bob Dylan released an album that critics dismissed as slight, even frivolous. Coming after the raw confessionalism of John Wesley Harding and the country detour of Nashville Skyline, New Morning seemed to many observers like Dylan retreating further into domestic comfort, away from the prophetic voice that had defined the… Continue reading Bob Dylan’s misunderstood masterpiece: the moral sunrise of ‘New Morning
Once John Lennon said: “You’re all freaks anyway. You’re all weirdos. But I’m free!” And for that, he can be called a trendsetter of freedom, and as history knows, not only freedom but peace and endless lovemaking instead of war. While the times Lennon lived through are now often described as the wildly swinging 60s… Continue reading What did the British ‘60s swinging scene actually consist of?
Born in 1915, the 5 ‘4 powerhouse that was Billie Holiday is still in today’s world seen as one of the most influential jazz singers to have graced the planet. In her short, arguably tragic life, she recorded many songs which are incredibly famous to this day, telling stories of heartbreak and the struggles of… Continue reading Listening to Lady Day: why Billie Holiday still speaks to America
In an unexpected turn of events, BBC’s University Challenge has found its way into the music scene, with its new presenter Amol Rajan becoming an unwitting icon for DJs and music producers. During an episode of the quiz show, Rajan, known for his journalistic prowess, sparked a viral sensation after he made a comment about… Continue reading “Can’t except drum and bass, we need jungle I’m afraid” – how University Challenge went viral on the rave scene
Bastille have unveiled their fifth album, &, a beautiful and ambitious synchrony of sound and storytelling. This 14-track record weaves together narratives of both real and imagined figures, such as the biblical Eve, the mythological Narcissus, the painter Edvard Munch and the lesser-known Chinese pirate Zheng Yi Sao. & is a treasure trove of lyricism… Continue reading “&” (ampersand): Bastille’s beautiful symphony of storytelling
I didn’t put in my headphones or listen to any music for a week. This is what happened. If you are of my generation (Gen Z), then you have probably been a chronic music listener for as long as you can remember. Since I got my first pair of headphones in my early teens, I have… Continue reading Take off your headphones, get out of your head
London’s renowned inclusive club night, The Beautiful Octopus Club, is set to make its debut at the Wellcome Collection this summer in a free special one-night-only event. Hosted by the award-winning creative arts charity Heart n Soul, the event will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 7 to 11 pm, promising an immersive… Continue reading London’s most inclusive club night, The Beautiful Octopus Club
Childish Gambino has released the album ‘Atavista’. The finished version of his 2020 record, ‘3.15.20’, which comes with the new track ‘Little Foot Big Foot’, featuring Young Nudy, is the 40-year-old singer, rapper and actor’s penultimate release before Donald Glover retires his stage moniker with one last LP, ‘ ‘Bando Storm and the New World’,… Continue reading Childish Gambino drops penultimate album under stage moniker
Halsey shared a video on TikTok with tinny music in the background, the on-screen text reading: Basically I have a song that I love that I wanna release ASAP but my record label won’t let me. I’ve been in this industry for 8 years and I’ve sold over 165 million records. And my record company… Continue reading Halsey’s record label wouldn’t release a new song until it went viral on TikTok. Is this the future of the music industry?
Justin Bieber is the latest artist in a growing list of musicians who have sold the rights to their music. This move is typically made by more seasoned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, who reportedly received US$500m (£406m) for the sale of his life’s work in 2021, or Stevie Nicks who sold a share of… Continue reading Justin Bieber sells his back catalogue – an expert explains why artists give up rights to their music
