Jul 21, 2021
By Lily Moayeri
Web Exclusive
Serious music lovers—at least “serious” in their own minds—generally have a snobbish attitude toward pop music. It’s shallow and doesn’t have any substance. It should not be considered in the same way and at the same level as “real” music. The Netflix docu-series
This Is Pop smashes through all those lofty ideas in its eight 44-minute episodes.
Jul 12, 2021
By Jake Uitti
Web Exclusive
If you’ve ever flipped channels on regular television, or if you’ve ever briefly looked through streaming services for something funny to watch, or if you grew up in the ‘90s, then it is safe to assume at least two things about you: you know of the sitcom series,
Seinfeld, and you’ve imitated the show’s catchy, slap bass theme song, like, “
Bunka-der, deka-der-der!”
Jun 24, 2021
By Jake Uitti
Web Exclusive
Songwriter and actor,
Victoria Blade, has probably been on your television screen during the pandemic. For those millions of
WandaVision fans, she was the neatly attired “Commercial Woman” who appeared in all of the fake commercials embedded within the Marvel series that traveled through the American sitcom decades, from the 1950s through today. But Blade is also more than an actor. She is a songwriter and performer. She is also something of an amateur videographer. And we’re happy to premiere Blade’s latest single and music video, “Road Trip.”
Jun 15, 2021
By Matt Conner
Web Exclusive
The core of a great song—a truly great composition that reaches beyond typical marketplace constraints—is all about connection. Somehow in the span of a few minutes, the listener is given language and imagery for their own emotions and experiences. It’s company for the journey, so to speak, and it’s the substance that makes a track memorable even in a digital era.This same connection is at the heart of NBC’s musical dramedy
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Not only does the show itself use many songs that would fit the aforementioned description, but show creator
Austin Winsberg aspires for the Emmy-winning show to provide the same connection for viewers.
Jun 04, 2021
By Mark Redfern
Web Exclusive
To end out the week, we ask Ben Schneider, frontman of
Lord Huron, some questions about endings and death.
May 28, 2021
By Jake Uitti
Web Exclusive
When HBO first partnered with now-world-famous show-runner, Issa Rae, for her television show,
Insecure, the sky was the limit. Today, with
Insecure headed into its fifth and final season, having made its way into the hearts of many adoring fans, Rae’s footprint on HBO remains large. Thankfully. In her own way, she has helped to usher in more diversity to the channel and a keener eye for more so in the future. One of the shows Rae has helped bring to HBO is
A Black Lady Sketch Show, which stars the quartet of Robin Thede,
Ashley Nicole Black,
Gabrielle Dennis, and Quinta Brunson.
May 20, 2021
By Mark Moody
Issue #68 - Japanese Breakfast and HAIM (The Protest Issue)
When the members of the Japanese four-piece band
CHAI were younger they never would have imagined collaborating with their idols. Twins Mana and Kana along with high school pal, Yuna, and future friend, Yuuki, were happy just to be making their own music. But with an infectious stage show along with a message of pink positivity, friends came quickly.
May 05, 2021
By Jake Uitti
Sarah Jarosz is one of the few people who is as successful as she is talented. While the two don’t often come hand-in-hand, unfortunately, Jarosz boasts both in spades. The nine-time Grammy nominated artist, who has won the award four times, has released five records, all of which imbue prowess in technical ability and artful intuition.
Apr 15, 2021
By Jake Uitti
Web Exclusive
Comedian,
Erica Rhodes, cares about the things she says. Growing up, her mother cared obsessively about grammar. Her father was witty, sharp, and made people laugh. Early on, Rhodes realized the power communication can have between people—whether that meant bursts of laughter or depth of a conversation.
Apr 05, 2021
By Jake Uitti
Web Exclusive
In a way, longtime comedian
Eddie Griffin is the King of the Colloquial. Listening to the man talk or watching his new comedy special,
Laughin’ Through Your Mask, which came out last week, one gets the sense that Griffin cares deeply about the (his?) idea of common sense.