indie music - Page 8

This ‘Superbloom’ Almost Blossoms … but Not Quite

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Ra Ra Riot has some good ideas and some mediocre songs.…

August 20, 2019

The Sweet Sound Of Sammy Rae & The Friends

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

One up-and-coming artist and her Friends are fusing pop and jazz into musical masterpieces, one song at a time.…

August 15, 2019

On his debut, Austin-based Lonesome Rhodes Fights to Untangle Himself From His Past and Future

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

With 'Phantom Palace,' Kevin Johnson introduces his own brand of 'time travel pop.'…

August 15, 2019

Greta Thunberg and The 1975 Just Released the Most Important Collab of 2019

Clarence Dodge, Sarah Lawrence College

The chilling climate change warning is a stunning blend of activism and art.…

August 9, 2019

‘Solutions’ by K.Flay Offers an Honest Response to Struggle

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

The musician’s latest release reframes our issues as an opportunity for self-improvement, rather than an excuse for self-pity.…

August 7, 2019

Chance the Rapper’s ‘The Big Day’ Takes a Big Swing, and Falls Flat

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

The Chicago MC’s debut album is a 22 track love letter to God, marriage and his wife that’s heavy on enthusiasm and light on most everything else.…

August 6, 2019

A Witness of Evolution: Hip-Hop and the African Diaspora

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

Rap and hip-hop is once again turning to Africa for inspiration.…

August 3, 2019

Pure Joy Is Coming Straight From the ‘King’s Mouth’

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

The Flaming Lips still have it decades later.…

July 30, 2019

Early Grammy Nomination Predictions in the Four Big Categories

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

As the eligibility period comes to a close, Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish look to dominate.…

July 27, 2019

‘Stranger Things 3: The Game’ Is a Mess That Only Die-Hard Fans Will Enjoy

Brandon Suss, University of South Carolina

In a world where the show doesn't exist, and this isn't a tie-in product, it would just be a boring video game.…

July 24, 2019

11 Songs that Tackle the Realities of Mental Health

Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

These artists are shedding light on a subject that is often left in the dark.…

July 21, 2019

10 Electro-Pop Jams to Get You Out of Your Midsummer Slump

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

Hot girl summer isn’t over yet. Keep the energy going with these jams.…

July 18, 2019

So You Want To Write A Video Game: College Edition

Isador Pinto, Ringling College of Art + Design

Start your writing in the virtual realm while navigating the reality of the semester.…

July 5, 2019

Spike Lee Sets Another Standard With Season 2 of ‘She’s Gotta Have It’

Christine Bushart, Georgia State University

She’s gotta have it, but you should know about it.…

July 5, 2019

‘Late Night Feelings’ Album Feels Late in the Night

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Mark Ronson’s latest work is a fun sort of sad.…

July 4, 2019

Blood Cultures Teases New Album With Single Release ‘Best For You’

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

Meet Blood Cultures, the elusive electro-pop band that aims to play with your nostalgia.…

July 4, 2019

The Killers’ Debut Album, ‘Hot Fuss,’ Just Turned 15, Feel Old Yet?

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

I’ve been coming out of my cage for the past decade and a half, and I’m not doing just fine!…

July 2, 2019

Mandolin Orange Plays Americana With Their Heart on Their Sleeve

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

The duo's music combines their Appalachian influences with poignant lyrics about nostalgia and loss.…

July 1, 2019

Taylor Swift and the Controversial Politics of the Ally Anthem

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

When straight singers write LGBTQ+ anthems, can the final product ever do more than pander?…

June 30, 2019

What We Might Expect From Harry Styles’ Sophomore Solo Album

Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Two years after Styles teased new music, the follow-up to his successful 2017 debut album has been shrouded in mystery.…

June 25, 2019

A Primer on Vaporwave + the Genre’s 4 Need-to-Know Names

Christopher Duggan, Boise State University

Time to meet Chuck Person, Blank Banshee, Saint Pepsi and George Clanton.…

June 21, 2019

The Second Coming of 2000s Pop Is Here, and Her Name Is Slayyyter

Isador Pinto, Ringling College of Art + Design

Born from Stan Twitter and the ashes of early Britney rises Slayyyter, in all her glittery glory.…

June 19, 2019

At the Year’s Halfway Mark, Here Are 2019’s Best Albums (So Far)

Amber Amortegui, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Did your favorite make the cut?…

June 8, 2019

The Subtle, Radiating Feminism of Maggie Rogers

Carli Moses, Union University

In her lyrics and life, Rogers exudes a confident self-assurance.…

June 7, 2019

5 Artists Whose Laidback Vibes Are Perfect for Any and All Summer Playlists

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

The search for the song of the summer has officially begun.…

May 28, 2019

Newsflash: Hating on Billie Eilish Isn’t a Personality Trait

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

Eilish's music might not be for everyone, but it's also not required listening.…

May 20, 2019

Jade Bird’s Self-Titled Debut Album Showcases a Raw Poignancy

Keely Cohen-Breen, SUNY Plattsburgh College

At just 21-years-old, Bird seems poised for a vertiginous career.…

May 13, 2019

Clint Mansell Is a Composer for the Millennial Ear

E.L. Meszaros, Brown University

You probably love his music, even if you don't recognize his name.…

May 9, 2019

Crumb’s Two Latest Singles Are Psychedelically Invigorating

Colin Boyd, Ithaca College

Crumb's melding of psychadelic rock and groovy rhythms has produced an original, refreshing sound.…

April 29, 2019

5 Alternative Artists Who Are So Much More Than Their One Hit Wonders

Bekah Black, Spring Arbor University

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

April 17, 2019