Taylor Swift the Musician Became Taylor Swift the Institution on ‘Red’
In the ten years since Red‘s release, it’s easy to take for granted just how pivotal it was in solidifying the visage of Taylor Swift—the woman, the myth, and the machine.
Michael Savio
Michael Savio is a comedian and writer based in New York. He is
currently pursuing a master's degree at NYU in media and humor
studies.
Drag Queen Alaska Thunderfuck Looks Back to Move Forward
Alaska Thunderfuck’s first musical wasn’t planned to arrive in the middle of a cultural war against drag queens, but the superstar’s story takes on striking new meaning.
Oliver Sim Gets Frank and Frightening on ‘Hideous Bastard’
The xx’s Oliver Sim goes solo with Hideous Bastard, which deals with deconstruction and learning to surrender to desire as a means of a resurrection.
Sylvan Esso Evolve Their sound on ‘No Rules Sandy’
Sylvan Esso’s No Rules Sandy disavows much of electropop’s iconography, preferring to disrupt the well-trodden paths of radio-friendly bangers.
Perfume Genius’ Ugly Season’ Questions the Accepted Meaning of “Ugly”
Michael Hadreas of Perfume Genius delivers his most experimental, wandering, and gorgeously unkempt album to date with Ugly Season.
Writer/Comedian Amy Silverberg Wants Freedom on the Stage and the Page
Amy Silverberg’s comedy is at once wry, playful, and at times beautifully filthy, like the trash-riddled Santa Monica Pier during a pink-tangerine sunset.
Ali Wong Is Reliably Riotous but Safe in ‘Ali Wong: Don Wong’
That delicious pompousness, often reserved for men in stand-up comedy, has been sharpened over the course of Ali Wong’s career.