Music
How to survive as an independent festival in 2019
Can it still be done? — With more and more festivals crowding the cultural calendar, it’s hard to survive, let alone stand out. But among the noise, a number of DIY events are carving out their own distinct space – thriving in the process.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
A treasure trove of amateur gig posters from the ’90s
To Evelyn — Evelyn Short was a local legend in the village of Dinnington, known for her treasured archive of gig posters. A new book explores the sheer scale of her archive – while also telling a wider tale of community and fame.
Written by: Jacob Charles Wilson
Ten quick questions with Damon Albarn & Paul Simonon
The Good, the Bad & the Queen — Two musical giants talk fame, insecurities and grappling with a broken Britain.
Written by: Cian Traynor
EarthGang makes otherworldly hip hop rooted in reality
Block rockin' beats — EarthGang is a larger-than-life rap duo with a simple aim: telling stories that represent the real Atlanta, while pushing what that sounds like to the outer limits.
Written by: Ciaran Thapar
What #AlexFromGlasto shows us about race in the UK
Black and white — After being plucked from the crowd at Glastonbury to rap alongside Dave, the teen became a national treasure – but would it have happened if he was black?
Written by: Jeffrey Boakye
‘America is going through a genuine crisis now’
Martin Rev in conversation — As one half of experimental punk group Suicide, Martin Rev offered a voice to downtrodden, working-class Americans. He looks back on his legacy, capitalist critiques, and what’s changed since 1977.
Written by: Jeremy Allen
How hip hop took over and transformed fashion
Street dreams — A new exhibition, curated by Patta Brand Director Lee Stuart, examines how the genre has revolutionised style through customising, sampling and inclusivity.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Marianne Ihlen: the woman and muse behind Leonard Cohen
Words of Love — Filmmaker Nick Broomfield discusses his new documentary, Marianne and Leonard, which follows one of the most enduring love affairs in music history.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
The unsung musical history of Elephant and Castle
London underground — While E&C has played a pivotal role in London’s dance music and club scene, its contribution is often overlooked. However, in the face of sweeping redevelopment, figures from its past and present are shining a light on the area’s story.
Written by: Eric Thorp
Buzzcocks’ Steve Diggle: life lessons from a punk pioneer
‘I thought I was going to die’ — The Buzzcocks guitarist reflects on life, death, and the group’s indelible legacy: ‘I joined a punk band and was sniffing speed. The world fucking changed’
Written by: Jeremy Allen
