By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

If you’re into electronic dance music, you know artists like Calvin Harris and Flume. But do you know the names of the vocalists featured in their songs?

By Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Queen Bey is back with a new visual album that aims to uplift Black culture, but not everyone is excited about it.

By Tamara Kamis, Cornell University

Want to get even more from your reading experience? Let your ears in on the fun.

By Emilia Chavez, Rice University

Check out Politico’s podcast to hear diverse and empowering messages from women in business and politics.

By Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

Using beautiful melodies, catchy beats and lyrics that stick with you, this music reflects the struggles of these tumultuous times.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

With virtual music festivals and concerts on the rise, these up-and-comers are starting to gain traction as fans tune in to their livestreams.

By Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The self-proclaimed ‘one man boy band’ has kept busy by making music and advocating for mental health amidst the global pandemic.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The famous country singer, who has been called the Great Unifier, has a diverse group of fans because of her all-encompassing love for humanity.

By Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

On her commanding second album, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter writes about the fears that come with depression and a life of touring.

By Farah Javed, CUNY Baruch College

Ryan Tedder’s band has been releasing versatile hits for nearly two decades, but they still remain under the radar.

By Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

The Washington D.C. trio puts catchy piano melodies at the center of their sound, and wears their love of Queen on their sleeves.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

So, you want to make music? The first steps don’t have to be hard or pricey when you know where to start.

By Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Minneapolis-born country-folk artist uses his music to create narratives worth sharing.

By Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Whether it’s with their happy music or their inspiring lyrics, these songs will help keep you afloat through all of life’s stresses.

By Hannah Docter-Loeb, Wesleyan University

The video-sharing app uses a variety of different types of sounds and phrases, but just where exactly did these catchy snippets come from?

By Tamara Kamis, Cornell University

Whether you’re strapped for time, want to learn more about the environment or have the need to comprehend how the mind works, there’s something for you.

By Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

American pop culture has been defined by black excellence for decades. From Gordon Parks to Aaliyah, black artists continue to influence the new generation.

By Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

By Mitchell Tanaka, Chapman University

Acting as an anthem for protests around the world, the rap duo’s latest album is far from the first time the group has encouraged social change.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

While country music has grown overproduced and glamorous, this young, gritty musician embodies the traditions that built the genre.

By Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

Throughout Perfume Genius’ latest album, Mike Hadreas embraces emotional excess and channels it into one of the best indie pop efforts of the year.

By Emma Tavangari, UC Berkeley

With her new album, many listeners had hoped the artist would create music that cemented her genius. Instead, fans were left underwhelmed.

By Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

Virtual concerts are proving popular as major players in the musical world work hard to find new ways to engage their fans despite the need for social distancing.

By Megan Stager, University of Pittsburgh

One of the most visionary acts in electronic music is back with a new release that renews and alters elements of their previous work.

By Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Boasting poetic lyrics and lighter melodies, the Brooklyn native’s latest album is a concept record exploring what it means to have everything.

By James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

The actor and musician’s fourth studio album shows just how much he has matured both musically and creatively throughout his career.

By Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

In a bold statement about the absurdity of the current music industry, this musical duo takes their sound to satirical extremes.

By Reem Farhat, Fordham University

Fans of Korean idols and idol groups are organizing around the world to crash alt-right Twitter hashtags and boost black activism on YouTube.

By Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Some say that the release runs a little long, but its experimentation, as well as lyrics that are both sentimental and politically charged, make it something memorable.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

Hailing from the U.K., the band mixes hip-hop, jazz, indie rock, pop and ambient house — and they haven’t let quarantine dampen their prospects.

By Asha MacKay, Wellesley College

The up-and-coming artist shares her distinctive voice and style with her livestreamed performances and new EP, ‘Otherside.’

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

Contemporary rhythm and blues has been one of the most prominent musical styles over the past few years — what are these global newcomers adding to the mix?

By Kali Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College

The Canadian singer took the world by storm, and now with a newfound voice, she is determined to defeat the odds set upon her by the media.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The single may have come out two years ago, but the song remains even more relevant today.

By Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

After two decades and traversing multiple genres, the rock duo has stayed loyal to the musical tradition that got them started.

By Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

The latest iteration of the long-running reality show franchise mixes song and romance.

By Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

Whether he’s playing drums in Dead Weather or fronting his own White Stripes, the storied musician retains his own undeniable sound. 

By Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

The rapper and comedian, real name Dave Burd, opens up on his autobiographical FXX television show.

By Nina Dutta, Occidental College

The British singer remained mysterious and kept his fans engaged while he hinted at his music video drop.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The band has managed to create a unique sound and aesthetic with every new album, leaving many wondering what else they might have in store.

By Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

The K-pop group’s loyal fan base, known as the BTS ARMY, has run into some pushback in their quest to pump up views on platforms like YouTube.

By Nanda Illahi, Okayama University

With British, Spanish and Korean members, the UK band has people everywhere divided on what it means to be a K-pop group.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The Florida rapper joins Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X as the latest artist accused of having a manufactured stardom. Are we too quick to affix the label of inauthenticity to popular musicians?

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

The lo-fi artist’s extended play is unapologetically emotional and honest, providing an exploration of what it means to move on from heartache.

By Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

The genre gets a bad rap, but those willing to dig deeper will find some clever ways of composing tight, compelling stories.

By Nina Dutta, Occidental College

The band’s latest album is their first full-length in seven years, and depending on who you ask, it’s either a derivative retread or a much-need return to the sounds of the 2000s.

By Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

The versatile musician has moved beyond her ‘Whip My Hair’ days, and she deserves a lot more recognition.

By Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

These two California twins draw from a huge range of influences to make a sound that may not be commercial, but remains true to their artistic vision.

By Vaishnavi Kalyana, College of DuPage

It’s not just festival cancellations that hurt. As COVID-19 continues to spread, the future of the business is starting to get dark.

By Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

The trailblazing style of the late guitar player can be seen in both blues and rock ‘n’ roll, including in artists like the Black Keys.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

Once made up of musicians recording songs at home, the style is now infiltrating the mainstream.

By Nina Dutta, Occidental College

The musician’s latest release, ‘Fetch the Bolt Cutters,’ fights against perfection but still gets a rare 10.0 review from the long-running music site.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

Because of the web, aspiring producers and musicians can go from making beats in their bedroom to featuring on tracks by big name artists.

By Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Everything from just making sounds to the actual process of practicing can be life-changing.

By Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

The Korean American rap duo’s latest music video comments on the surge in xenophobia directed at Asian Americans in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

The electronic artist’s latest record draws on personal experiences and mixes a wide range of genres to create something mesmerizing and boldly experimental.

By Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

It’s been decades since the Mexican American singer was tragically killed, but her cultural impact lives on in many ways.

By Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

The former contestant on ‘The Voice’ is making parodies that we can all relate to while we’re under lockdown.

By Asha MacKay, Wellesley College

The title track begins, ‘You want a timeless song, I want to change the game.’ Over the course of 11 tracks, the British pop star accomplishes her goal.

By Kayla Johnson, Bradley University

The song is blowing up all over social media, but as a piece of music, it doesn’t have much going for it.

By Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

In a time when it seems impossible to stay sane because self-isolation, music is one of the best things to help us through.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

Hailing from Australia, this teenager is carrying on the legacy of his former mentor, Juice WRLD.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The Chicago-based music video director and his homemade, low-budget aesthetic is in high-demand among SoundCloud rappers.

By Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

Events that are months away are being canceled because of COVID-19, but many artists are stepping up to give fans something in return.

By Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

These musical numbers, which have little relevance to the plot, can be fun, but ultimately perpetuate debilitating social roles for women.

By Asha MacKay, Wellesley College

Her turn toward social commentary  has received praise, but every artist should be taking on these issues — and many already do.

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

On their latest album, the K-pop superstars blend genres as they explore growing pains and the dark side of high ambitions.

By Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

Calling all music and art lovers — you won’t want to miss out on these six gatherings for the upcoming season.

By Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

Whether you think the genre is long gone or still thriving, it continues to influence artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator.

By Daniel Reed

Just because the King of Pop is gone doesn’t mean he isn’t still making serious money.

By Victoria Acosta, Southern Adventist University

The singer-songwriter dives deep into life, post-breakup, and gives her listeners the authentic healing she discovered.

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

In spite of an overly-loose concept, the album immerses listeners into a world of aggressive electronic beats and ethereal vocals.

By Victoria Acosta, Southern Adventist University

Back in 2018, the singer-rapper asked you, ‘Got milk, b–ch? Got beef?’ Now, the ‘70s disco queen wants to know, ‘Why don’t you say so?’

By Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

Many of us remember the viral sensation. What most don’t know are the consequences of this teenager’s overnight infamy.

By Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

They say it’s not good to keep it bottled up, but is letting it out doing more harm than good?

By Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

After a year off, the indie rock band will once again headline their own fest in their hometown of Cincinnati.

By Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

The 22-year old EDM artist is making waves by bringing the traditional and the modern together on intoxicating tracks.

By Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

We’re clearly not okay (in a good way).

By Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

She entered the spotlight in 2013 but has since taken a break from the public eye. Is the New Zealand singer about to make a comeback?

By Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

Even though the service has been pushed out of the limelight by Spotify for the time being, the platform’s versatility allows users to find plenty of hidden gems.

By Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

The scandal involving the 16-year-old rapper and a shady watch company doesn’t seem to be getting any attention.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The self-awareness of a new generation is propelling this internet-age style of music into the mainstream.

By Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

These two powerhouses have challenged what it means to be a girl group in South Korea.

By Kali Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College

It’s easy to romanticize Taylor Swift’s extremely successful life. What many of us fail to remember is that it can be hard to be famous.

By Janella Tibbetts, Framingham State University

K-pop and K-dramas might be expanding America’s cultural horizons, but does it come at a price?

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

Music is often categorized into rigid genres but here are some artists who are crafting distinctive styles.

By Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

The author who can do it all is telling the stories of humanity — and rating each of them on a five-star scale.

By Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

The outspoken critic of the country music industry has returned with an experimental tour de force of an album.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

With so many unique music options out there, it can be a life changing experience to add some international love to your playlist.

By Nina Dutta, Occidental College

The musician’s accessible tunes belie an artist bent on showcasing a real rock ‘n’ roll energy and confronting gender roles and heteronormativity.

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

The rich diversity of Korean music isn’t limited to the country’s most popular musical export.

By Sarah Stager, University of Pittsburgh

Even with a new sound, the Irish musician continues to use poetic lyrics and a masterful blending of rock, pop and electronic music to connect with audiences.

By Vaishnavi Kalyana, College of DuPage

The past four years have not been easy for the pop star, but she’s back in the music world and she’s making her mark.

By Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The social media platform, which seems engineered for virality, is displacing streaming services like Spotify when it comes to finding new songs and artists.

By Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Her new single finds the country singer caught between her Tennessee home and the fast-paced life of Los Angeles.

By Meredith Day, Davidson College

Forget Taylor Swift. The real artist of the decade was Hannah Montana.

By Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

These two have been working hard for their whole careers. It’s time to see them work together.

By Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The event was overshadowed by the death of Kobe Bryant and looming allegations about the Recording Academy.

By Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

The indie pop band’s newest single will make a fine addition to their upcoming album out this February.

By Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

Skip Coachella. Here’s why these festivals with under 10,000 attendees are the best.