Spiritual Sonic Expression: An Interview with Surya Botofasina
Surya Botofasina’s new LP is a reflection on the Ashram where he was raised, which was founded by jazz legend Alice Coltrane. It is an exhilarating journey.
interview
Office Culture’s Sprawling New LP “Finds Beauty in the Shrapnel”
On the occasion of Office Culture’s ambitious fourth album, Winston Cook-Wilson talks about collaboration, influences, and making dumb sounds on a synthesizer.
Lou Reed’s Pre-Fame Quest to Create a National Dance Craze
Lou Reed and John Cale met while touring a novelty act trying to make a hit on a discount record label. A new compilation highlights Reed’s wild pre-fame journey.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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”
There are debates about technobrega’s origins, but tracking its history leads us to one artist and one song: “Lana” by Tonny Brasil.
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.”
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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.