alternative music

In this article, analyzing Noah Kahan's hit song "Dial Drunk" and debating how we define "country music" as a whole, a cowboy in orange pants looks confusedly at a bearded man with long hair and an tropical turquoise jacket. The scene is a combination of a desert and an island, the oranges and yellows of the former seamlessly melding with the blues and greens of the latter. The cowboy rides a horse, a dog sits by the bearded man's side and music notes dance around their head as the sun sets in the background.

Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk” and What Makes Country Music

Noah Kahan’s music, although labeled alternative, sounds country through acoustic instrumentation and allusions to alcohol.…

February 4, 2024

In an article analyzing Noah Kahan's "Stick Season," a forest of pine trees sits inside the hole of a guitar, with guitar strings covering it.

Noah Kahan on Growing Up and Being Left Behind

Anne Bannon, Scripps College

In his third studio album, the singer-songwriter muses on his perpetual case of small town blues.…

July 5, 2023

Cannons frontwoman Michelle Joy in music video

Cannons Took Off Slowly, but Now They’re About To Explode

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

Michelle Joy and her bandmates continue to flourish almost 10 years down the line.…

September 13, 2022

In an article about Drake's Honestly, Nevermind, career, a person lying on a bed listening to a record

What Drake’s ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Says About the State of His Career

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

Despite attempts to try something new, the Canadian rapper’s newest project is mediocre at best.…

July 2, 2022

Scene Queen sitting at a table lighting candles in her video for Pink Rover

Scene Queen Puts a New Spin on Metal and Alternative

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

This musician offers an empowering take on tough topics like harassment and misogyny.…

May 11, 2022

Why You Shouldn’t Judge an Album by Its Cover

Aly Walters, Michigan State University

The images do more than just make the music stand out; they can also signify the musician’s journey throughout their career and even tell a story of its own.…

April 20, 2022

The Hype Around Twenty One Pilots Is Well Deserved

Tori Barney, Columbia College Chicago

While the American musical duo may seem like any other band on the surface, their electrifying performances and devotion to their fans make them special.…

December 13, 2021

Weakened Friends band proves that musicians can be popular and talented.

Weakened Friends Emphasizes the Beauty of Indie

Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

The underground band creates meaningful connections with their fans while still producing quality music.…

October 1, 2021

Billie Eilish in article for Happier Than Ever

‘Happier Than Ever’ Hopes To Put an End to Whispers of Billie Eilish’s ‘Flop Era’

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

On her latest album, the young musician will hopefully put a stop to critics' insistence that she's entered a period of artistic stagnation.…

July 31, 2021

‘OK Orchestra’ Is a Coming-of-Age Album for a Lost Generation

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

Indie-pop sensation AJR’s newest EP explores self-reflection and what it means to be a grown-up — whatever that means.…

July 29, 2021

In an article about Sarah Kinsley, a girl plays guitar in the spotlight with a red crown over her head.

Sarah Kinsley Begins Her Reign as ‘The King’ of the Music Industry

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

This promising indie music star's latest EP tells a story about growth and demonstrates a positive turning point in the artist’s rising career.…

July 21, 2021

Twenty One Pilots with album Scaled and Icy

‘Scaled and Icy’ Continues the Lore of Twenty One Pilots With Questionable Success

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

The band’s latest album might attempt to follow up on the stories started with past projects, but to many fans' dismay, it certainly doesn’t sound like them.…

June 19, 2021

"Never Take It" is a new, colorful aesthetic change for the band twenty one pilots

On ‘Never Take It,’ Twenty One Pilots Asks Listeners To Think Critically About Media

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The band's latest song pushes politics and critical thinking to the forefront in the midst of political turmoil.…

June 17, 2021

Art of Billie Eilish, framed and surrounded by blue flowers.

‘Lost Cause’ Shows Us a Billie Eilish That Is Happier Than Ever Before

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

The singer roasts a former lover and celebrates the acceptance stage of grief with a group of girlfriends in her most recent track and music video, both worthy precursors to her upcoming album.…

June 11, 2021

Mother Mother Is Growing in Popularity After 15 Years, and You Can Thank TikTok

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

While popular in their home country of Canada, they have long been a niche band in other parts of the world. Thanks to the popular social media platform, they are finding success in the U.S.…

June 7, 2021

2021 Will Be Defined by Empowering Women in Music

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

With plenty of highly anticipated releases and online concerts slated for this year, here are the female artists to keep an ear out for.…

February 7, 2021

An image of Taylor Swift in an article about Evermore

Does the Storytelling on ‘Evermore’ Stack Up To ‘Folklore’?

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

Taylor Swift surprised fans with a second 2020 album, but is this one as good as her previous release?…

December 24, 2020

‘1000 Gecs and the Tree of Clues’ Embodies the Hyperpop Aesthetic

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

100 gecs' latest release is a remix album that features artists like Charlie XCX, Fall Out Boy and Kero Kero Bonito.…

July 29, 2020

OneRepublic Is an Underrated Band That Deserves More Recognition

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.…

July 8, 2020

Easy Life Defies Genre While Evoking Nostalgia and Escape

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.…

June 9, 2020

Willow Smith Is Still Making Music, and It’s Better Than Ever

Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

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

May 7, 2020

Will 2017 Be the Year of the Indie Music Revival?

Mattie Winowitch, Waynesburg University

A slew of powerhouse indie bands have record releases slated for the next few months.…

March 19, 2017

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