Mark Stenberg

The student-radio-run music festival in Austin is the first of its kind, and an absolute can’t-miss.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

You’ve probably forgotten about them, but you shouldn’t have.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

On the bright side, at least now you have the creative anguish you need to make some new music!

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Welcome to your go-to summer jams.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

It’s been over four years since their last release, and all I can say is ‘Finally!’

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Because love is more than just romance.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

It’s hard to be Puff, but it’s even harder being Puff’s son.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

From rap to jazz to soul, this up-and-coming artist does it all.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

In three videos on Instagram, the 31-year-old rapper explained why he had been on a yearlong hiatus.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

Dylan Minnette, of ’13 Reason Why’ fame, flexes his musical chops on the band’s wobbly first project.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Will the ‘You Say’ singer lead a worship session for the Lolla crowd?

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

You’re definitely gonna miss it all.

Mark Stenberg

The Nashville dark-pop savant is combining his confessional songwriting with a sultry, haunting sound.

Maya Butler, Baylor University

Take a chance on it!

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The ‘Pinata’ sequel, ‘Bandana,’ is slated to release next month.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Whether you’re on a road trip or a bender, they’re your soundtrack.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The Norwegian pop sensation’s debut is torn between her musicianship and her contractual obligations.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

For me and so many others, a twenty one pilots concert is a second home.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The shocking video for “Come Over Here” premiered live on YouTube, and fans are still beside themselves.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The bloated album did well on the charts, but its standards are clearly lower.

Sarah Diggins, Ithaca College

Plus which ones are likely to win, lose, shock and awe.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

His unique voice and clever lyrics seem guaranteed to lead to a successful future.

Grace John, Rutgers University

A fierce, multilingual, female rapper? Yes, please.

Mark Stenberg

This year more than ever, local acts shone.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

This August’s 50-year Woodstock reunion will feature some of the biggest names in the industry, but who?

Hannah Cullen, St. Cloud State University

The two projects, which are completely interrelated, break down the barriers between text, image, emotion and sound.

Grace Larson, Ripon College

The title is a clear instance of queer-baiting, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The song’s narcotic catchiness is no accident.

Jocelyn Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

His two visual albums, ‘Straight Outta Oz’ and ‘Forbidden,’ illustrate his personal struggle growing up gay.

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

She might be an award-winning musician, but country fans are hesitant to embrace the left-leaning songwriter.

Mark Stenberg

The diy musician and performance artist wants to radically transform the music industry, and so far she’s succeeded.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

He’s 16 and ‘Ready’ to Ruel the world.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Solange is home, and she’s working.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The Grammy-nominated artist known for ‘Take Me To Church’ has suddenly released a work of pure art.

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

It’s finally time for badass women to take the mic.

Jillian Morris, Chapman University

The project addresses romantic partners, children and friends, all relationships characterized by different kinds of love.

Michaela Shea-Gander, Denison University

To a trained eye, the pop star’s Instagram is littered with hidden clues.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The fan-girl in me is screaming.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

The self-taught musician and recovering addict turned her studio into a therapist’s chaise and her music into a sensation.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

They’re like a newer, better One Direction, at least according to Logan Paul.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Older rock stars are making good music for more people, and it’s an unequivocal good.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Whether you like Christian music or not, Franklin’s is worth a listen.

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Throw on some SHAED.

Britni Hones, Lindenwood University, Belleville

A line-by-line breakdown of Grande’s ode to splits.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

The newest project from Peter Sagar is his strongest, but also his softest.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The world is pretty scary, and that’s why we drink.

Grace John, Rutgers University

Each member of the girl group, without exception, has already begun to find solo success

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Prepare to learn some serious time-management skills.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Metaphorically, of course.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

‘break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored’ is deeper than you think.

Anna Sutherland, American University

Each song in the 12-track project offers a new perspective on feminism.

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

Moss has turned the high school ‘I want to start a band’ phase into a career.

Emma Uk, Brookdale Community College

He’s one of the few artists creating new, old, soul music.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The son of Rev Run has laid the groundwork for a successful career of his own.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Pro tip: Cleanliness is often an afterthought.

Hannah Cullen, St. Cloud State University

The new project from Mark Hoppus and Alex Gaskarth might tank, so here are some classics to fall back on if it does.

Grace John, Rutgers University

The k-pop times they are a changin’.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Prepare for chaos, friendly strangers and loud music.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The award show’s cryptic methodology has led to widespread criticism in recent years.

Jocelyn Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

It’s no ‘The Fault in Our Stars,’ that’s for sure.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

Hilarious, female-run and sex positive, Ellie Schnitt’s pod baby has it all.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

The real is back, the ville is back.

Hannah Cullen, St. Cloud State University

The New York City roommates spill raunchy and relatable advice every Wednesday.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Too busy to keep up with current events? Think again.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

Aside from a few scattered positives, the 13-track project feels like a throwaway.

Grace Larson, Ripon College

Who knew a singing, rapping, twerking flautist would be the key to inspiring body positivity?

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

Her upcoming album is taking a dark, macabre turn.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

It’s a modern album from a modern man.

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

The author won’t mind, and neither will your REM cycle.

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Turn on, tune in, stay in school.

Jenna Benchetrit, McGill University

The Austin-born, LA-based duo chats new cities, career analogies and potion recipes.

Sabrina Bogdan, Messiah College

Lovato’s milestone underscores the importance of perseverance, not perfection.

Meagan Bess, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The 23-year-old mother of two has spun every opportunity into a break, and now she’s on the verge of mainstream success.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Social media, love, vulnerability: the new release explores all the complexities of modern teendom.

Shannon Robinson, University of Colorado Denver

Just block them and they’re gone … kind of.

Layan Sasa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Two actors, one spectacular opera.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The hip-hop community is nonplussed, to say the least, with Grande’s latest sampling choices.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

The group’s new album, ‘Father of the Bride,’ is set to release later this year.

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

It’s time to get excited about everyday objects.

Yoni Yardeni, Pierce College

Did someone say six-peat?

Sierra Zareck, Haverford College

Sasha Sloan, Allie McDonald, Willow Smith and Billie Marten will all be household names soon.

Zachary Truesdale, University of Texas at San Antonio

These / right here / are his / receipts.

Candace Baker, University of Texas at Austin

Yes, much of our lives are driven by FOMO, but isn’t that better than materialism?

Lexi Anderson, Pratt Institute

So much for Mr. Brightside.

Katie Farrell, Queens University of Charlotte

Her Cinderella-esque story is the stuff of fairy tales, but her music is even better.

Lexi Anderson, Pratt Institute

How a soulful Austin pop band makes transcendence feel like dancing.

Michelle Dreyer, Southern New Hampshire University

The ‘America’s Got Talent’ alumni are primed for the spotlight.

Lexi Anderson, Pratt Institute

Kelly’s past seems to have finally caught up to him.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The timing isn’t the only thing off.

Sara Perkins, University of Indianapolis

The podcast explores celebrities’ teenage years and proves that adolescence was awkward for everyone.

Marianne Quijano, Texas A&M University

The rapidly popularizing genre is plagued by the same sexism that permeates American music.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

On his new album, the 26-year-old finally leaves the gimmicks behind.

Allison Kestler, Augustana College

Reading slumps happen, but these podcasts can help.

Nicole Andrasko, University of Pittsburgh

The YouTube-famous duo have returned with another pop-culture-bashing album.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The album has head-banging potential, but the 22-year-old’s work still needs some polishing.

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

What a time to be a hip-hop fan.

Brandon Sasserson, University of New Hampshire

The MC’s sophomore project, ‘NOIR,’ is brimming with promise.

Michelle Dreyer, Southern New Hampshire University

And it sounds marvelous.

Lexi Anderson, Pratt Institute

It’s about time the man who embodies jazz makes his own mark on the genre.

Gracie Riley, University of South Carolina-Columbia

You’ll find that the lovely singer only gets sweet[en]er.