Music
This long-awaited debut album is already one of 2017's best
Defeating self-doubt in style — Sir Was never took himself seriously as a musician, refusing to share his work. But just as opportunity threatened to pass him by, he's dropping a gem of a record that's been 10 years in the making.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Musician Naomi Pilgrim says it's time to ditch that racist friend
Do it, do it now — It's time to leave your comfort zone and confront bigots, no matter how close they are to you, says Swedish-Barbadian rising star Naomi Pilgrim.
Written by: Marta Bausells
John Vanderslice: An analogue diamond in the digital rough
Things I learned along the way — Ten solo records and a cult following won't keep producer and musician John Vanderslice from finding true fulfilment behind the scenes.
Written by: Casey Jarman
In the studio with art maverick Raymond Pettibon
Moving in mysterious ways — From Black Flag to Sonic Youth, Raymond Pettibon helped define what punk looks like when it's hung up on a wall. Now he's taking us inside his fantasy world, where the only ticket is a pencil and a piece of paper.
Written by: Jamie Brisick
Moondog: The vagabond who became a countercultural icon
The Viking of Sixth Avenue — NYC's most distinct underground figure is the stuff of urban legend: a blind homeless composer, dressed as a viking, who influenced a wave of seminal artists. Now a film is finally bringing his story to light.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
Bad Religion's Greg Graffin on navigating life under Trump
A punk with perspective — At a time when freedom of thought is under attack, and science is on the back foot, this punk-icon-turned-professor shares some much-needed words of wisdom on why we shouldn't sweat it.
Written by: Cian Traynor
How a creative reboot saved Jens Lekman's songwriting
A conquest over self-doubt — After a crisis of confidence, the Swedish pop musician – celebrated for dispensing nuggets of advice to fans – has learned some new life lessons of his own. Here Jens reveals the benefits of being a wedding singer and tackling your fears in a dark political climate.
Written by: Cian Traynor
How to start your own creative scene as an outsider
Things I Learned Along the Way — Growing up on the outskirts of a scene spurred Gang of Four’s Andy Gill and music photographer Anton Corbijn to cement themselves at the centre of their own creative worlds.
Written by: Josh Jones
The band turning pie shops and abandoned hospitals into DIY venues
Making space — With small music venues shutting down, soul synth duo Night Games have taken a DIY approach to performing at a time where live music could be disappearing for good.
Written by: Bryn Evans
Sinkane pays tribute to musical enigma William Onyeabor
A legend shrouded in mystery — Ahmed Gallab, musical director of Onyeabor tribute project the Atomic Bomb! Band, sheds light on a groundbreaking figure he drew inspiration from up-close.
Written by: Sophie Church
