Interviews

Interviews with popular culture creators in areas that include music, film, TV, books, games, comics, and more.

Kelley Mickwee’s Soulful, Spirit-Driven Affection

Kelley Mickwee’s Soulful, Spirit-Driven Affection

From the first song on Kelley Mickwee’s Everything Beautiful, you hear her expressive joy and feel her desire to create a cohesive and provocative piece of art.

Jazz Duo Bremer/McCoy Sow the Seeds of a Chilled-Out Future

Jazz Duo Bremer/McCoy Sow the Seeds of a Chilled-Out Future

For the dub-drenched and chilled-out vibes of Danish jazz duo Bremer/McCoy, a decade of dynamic LPs has resulted in a discography that feels displaced out of time.

Amadou & Mariam Merge Tradition with Innovation

Amadou & Mariam Merge Tradition with Innovation

Malian blues duo Amadou & Mariam just dropped a greatest hits album while noting how they’re intrigued by the sounds of Billie Eilish.

The New Freedom of Jawbox’s Zach Barocas

The New Freedom of Jawbox’s Zach Barocas

Drummer for post-hardcore legends Jawbox, Zach Barocas is living his best life creating jazz with friends in New Freedom Sound. He discusses his new music.

Kolumbo and the Quest to Tour Every Tiki Bar in America

Kolumbo and the Quest to Tour Every Tiki Bar in America

As a kid in landlocked Texas, Frank LoCrastro has wanted to make Exotica music. With Kolumbo’s sophomore LP, his dream of touring tiki bars is within reach.

Impermanent Candy: Xiu Xiu Aim for an Uncompromising Future

Impermanent Candy: Xiu Xiu Aim for an Uncompromising Future

Two decades out from their wild debut, Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart and Angela Seo reflect on their fans, band-free music videos, and uncompromising new LP.

Ambient Composer Rafael Anton Irisarri’s Dispersion of Belief

Ambient Composer Rafael Anton Irisarri’s Dispersion of Belief

For a record conceived of following the 2016 US election and a global pandemic, ambient maestro Rafael Anton Irisarri is ready to soundtrack our downfall.

Americana’s Shelby Lynne Writes Through the Pain

Americana’s Shelby Lynne Writes Through the Pain

Americana singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne talks to PopMatters about her acclaimed new album, Consequences of the Crown, and the long road it took to get here.

The Far-Reaching Legacy of Tonny Brasil’s Tecnobrega Song “Lana”

The Far-Reaching Legacy of Tonny Brasil’s Tecnobrega Song “Lana”

There are debates about technobrega’s origins, but tracking its history leads us to one artist and one song: “Lana” by Tonny Brasil.

Ionnalee’s Bilingual Gambit to Hear the End of Every Song

Ionnalee’s Bilingual Gambit to Hear the End of Every Song

Ionnalee has electronic LPs under multiple monikers, but she uncovers her full songwriting prowess by dropping a double-album split between English and Swedish.

Cursive’s Tim Kasher Discusses the Artist’s Life and ‘Devourer’

Cursive’s Tim Kasher Discusses the Artist’s Life and ‘Devourer’

“I fit through a pinhole of success,” notes indie rock titan Tim Kasher on Cursive’s ninth full-length album. “I’m lucky as hell that I’m able to do this.”

Jawbox Discuss ‘For Your Own Special Sweetheart’ at 30

Jawbox Discuss ‘For Your Own Special Sweetheart’ at 30

Jawbox’s major label debut is their most beloved album, a perfect marriage of songwriting and production that sounds as thrilling today as it did 30 years ago.