Features
Independent Venues Can’t Hold On Much Longer For Federal Relief
On the day businesses could apply for $16.25 billion in Save Our Stages Act grants, the system glitched. They're still waiting for aid.
The Problem With ‘The Problem With Jon Stewart’
Can the beloved former host of ‘The Daily Show’ be relevant in 2021 without copying the work of his former staff?
Live Music Should Be More Accessible For Disabled Fans
Disabled and high-risk people want transparency, safety, and an option for livestreams when concerts come back.
Friendship Shines Through Moontype's Masterful Indie Rock Debut
On 'Bodies of Water,' the charming trio make dynamic and kindhearted songs that make them Chicago's best new band.
NFTs Won't Save Small, Independent Musicians—But the Blockchain Could
Non-fungible tokens have been touted as a way to rescue lesser-known artists from financial peril. Instead, they're mostly helping the rich get richer.
In Addition to a Pandemic, Texas Venues Must Now Survive Their Own Governor
After Gov. Abbott lifted mask mandates and COVID-19 restrictions, music venue owners, workers, and promoters are fighting back.
How Daniel Nigro Went From Indie Rocker to 'Drivers License' Co-Writer
The former As Tall As Lions frontman talks Olivia Rodrigo's record-breaking hit and how being in a band informed his pop songwriting.
Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen’s Podcast Is Another Empty Appeal to Unity
Spotify's 'Renegades: Born in the USA' lets the two riff about their legacies and try to figure out why we can't all just get along.
Nick Lutsko's Chaotic Comedy Songs Are the Soundtrack to 2021
With catchy tunes about Dan Bongino, Joe Rogan's podcast, and 'Gremlins,' the Tennessee musician thrives on absurdity.
What Feels Nigerian But Isn't Really Nigerian? Celine Dion
“Until you asked me about it, I didn’t even realise stanning Celine was optional.”
We Probably Won’t See Live Music in 2021
With a slow vaccine rollout, new virus strains, and not enough masking, an epidemiologist tells us why concerts might not come back this year.
Katy Kirby's Timeless Songs Are Wonderful Leaps of Faith
The rising Nashville indie rock songwriter grapples with God, family, and self-doubt on 'Cool Dry Place,' the best debut album of 2021 so far.