Jacob Puestow, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

Not all gifts are created equal, especially when buying for the musician in your life.

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

In this latest trend, people are embracing villainy and choosing to put themselves first.

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.

Jordan Oulela, University of Texas at San Antonio

Oftentimes, the hype around a highly anticipated album is ruined when it’s leaked to the public without the artist’s consent. But recently, stars like Ariana Grande and Maisie Peters are using the practice to give them an edge and fuel more excitement for future releases.

Jake Sanders, Rhodes College

How can a child be better than most adults at playing an instrument? The answer lies not in skill but rather in pure emotion and talent.

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

Although some people are claiming that the genre has reached its end, several others counter that it’s simply changing.

Kiera Baity, Kennesaw State University

With a number of artistic spaces closed due to COVID-19, many innovators are finding new ways to turn their extended time at home into an advantage.

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

Concert and other music documentaries give us access to the lives behind the public faces of artists such as Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift and more.

Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

The R&B icon’s memoir is a story chronicled by a woman who has known brokenness and imprisonment, but has found her light at the end of the tunnel.

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The musician pairs the melancholy with the joyful aspects of life, creating a balance of carefree nostalgia.

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.

Nina Dutta, Occidental College

Staying home for the greater good —  the social media platform has become the next Madison Square Garden.

Bryan Lance, Liberty University

You know you’ve made it when your drink of choice is your own booze.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Released just moments after her Sweetener World Tour ended, this recording perfectly captures the intensity and skill of the musician’s live performances.

Megan Thompson, Montclair State University

The young singer brought fans down a road toward the weird and wonderful world of the average teenage girl.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

From the casual lyric drops to dragging misogynists, the musician took important stands and summed up an influential, storied career (so far).

Gabriel Egbert, University of Louisville

The multi-talented musician and ‘Hamilton’ cast member is one of the most innovative artists working today.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

A ‘Fine Line’ opinion that’s as unbiased as I can be.

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

The pop star’s presence was inescapable.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

“I’d take a personal connection of 10,000 people over a commercial audience of a million.”

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

We all love when we get to see our favorite artists on the screen, but what happens when the reality doesn’t live up to the hype?

Indigo Holmes, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The artist’s latest release, ‘Our Place,’ has all the hallmarks of a viral hit.

Mark Stenberg

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

Mark Stenberg

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

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.

Adriana Luna, Northwest Vista College

Inspired by modern-day visual art, Max Vinetz strives to impact others.

Plamedie Ifasso, Texas Woman’s University

The New York University sophomore composes beautiful songs that make an impact on all who listen to them.

Kathleen Danielson, Carleton College

These artists are redefining queer music.