From the muddy banks of the Wishkah in Aberdeen, Washington, Kurt Cobain, a troubled teen rooted with angst and spirit, began writing melodies and lyrics to release and express the frustrations of his day-to-day life, from his disillusionment with society to the slow burnout of his familial breakdown. He began to meet others, fellow punk-rock… Continue reading “Nirvana — live at the Paramount” — retrospective of the grunge movement, Nirvana & the live at the Paramount Show”
As early as the 14th Century, a woman exhibiting signs of sexual confidence, prosperity or self-expression was deemed inherently evil. An excerpt from 1486’s Malleus Maleficarum — perhaps the most notorious “witch hunter’s manual” — reads: “All witchcraft comes from carnal lust, which is in women insatiable… What else is a woman but a foe… Continue reading She’s a witch — influential women, mysticism and reversing misogynistic narratives in music
It will come as no surprise to any regular gig-goer that concert prices have risen dramatically in recent years — with many summer stadium shows for 2026 already on sale, it seems this trend is only continuing. For example, pop superstar The Weeknd is charging a huge £176 for front standing tickets at his Wembley… Continue reading The gig economy — why have concert prices gone so crazy?
Throughout 2025, mostly thanks to the film A Complete Unknown hitting cinemas and a further exploration of his career, there has been a rekindling of interest in Bob Dylan. A whole new generation of youngsters has discovered that nasally voiced, mysterious Jewish boy who roamed Greenwich Village in the folk clubs and coffeehouses all those… Continue reading The politics of Dylan
As someone who grew up feeling “uncool”, whatever that entails, to see Cameron Crowe brand himself with that very title seems paradoxical. Nobody had a coming-of-age like his. Crowe spent his formative years engulfed by his boundless love for music, something I relate to myself. Crowe’s passion for music propelled him into the intoxicating world… Continue reading An elixir of rock and roll — Cameron Crowe’s The Uncool
Throwing a party in a country where corruption and crime run rampant and costs soar ever-higher is not for the faint of heart. Good thing Jozi is brimming with resilient, hearty humans who love to groove. Dance music culture in South Africa has black roots planted deeply in the soil of rebellion, as is true… Continue reading The tubes of Johannesburg
London-based punk band Sisters of Hysteria aren’t just making noise with their music—they’re making a statement with their style. Known for their striking monochrome aesthetic and effortlessly coordinated looks, the band balances punk aggression with a playful, feminine energy. In this interview, drummer Madeleine Marston, guitarist Hanna Serwiak, singer Lily Crook and bassist Jessica Ingram… Continue reading Sound and style — how Sisters of Hysteria craft their signature aesthetic
Bob Dylan’s early 1970s period is often viewed through the lens of a man in retreat. Following the era-defining snarl of Highway 61 Revisited and the enigmatic isolation of the Woodstock years, Dylan released Self Portrait (1970)—an album so intentionally confounding that Rolling Stone famously opened its review with: “What is this shit?” However, just… Continue reading Bob Dylan’s misunderstood masterpiece — the moral sunrise of New Morning
The internet has been buzzing with rumours of a possible Oasis reunion, with the release of a cryptic post on the band’s X account that features only the date of 27 August 2024 at 8 am, in the band’s iconic logo font. It was announced earlier this month that the band will be reuniting for… Continue reading The band is getting back together: 10 Oasis songs you should know, beyond Wonderwall
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
