Music
PS Picks: Yaeji's Cutting Commentary on Beauty Routines
PS Picks is a selection of the best things that the magazine's staff and contributors are reading, watching, or otherwise paying attention to in the worlds of art, politics, and culture.
Can a Tribute Album to a Fallen Artist Help Us Heal?
Reflections on suicide, survival, and the new tribute album to Scott Hutchison.
Taking a Music Course Could Help Students Boost Grades in Other Subjects
Research on 112,000 Canadian students finds that high schoolers who took more music courses did better in math, science, and English.
A Generation of Hip-Hop Was Given Away for Free. Can It Be Archived?
They won't be lost to fire, like much of the Universal Music catalog, but who will save the mixtapes?
Mourning Dr. John
Mac Rebennack was a musical preservationist. That work is especially important in places like New Orleans, where, for many reasons, it is all too easy for people and history to be forgotten.
'A Dangerous Odyssey': How the Fisk Jubilee Singers Became an International Sensation
Tazewell Thompson's new play, Jubilee, tells the story of the black singers who braved mob violence to perform all over the world—and thereby save one of America's first black universities.
Jamila Woods' New Album Brings Iconic Black Artists Back to Life
"Legacy! Legacy!" is a revelatory concept album that puts Jamila Woods' voice in conversation with black creators from the past.
Carly Rae Jepsen Empowers Women's Emotions in a Society That Too Often Dismisses Them
Jepsen gives dimension to wrangling with small but powerful feelings where pop culture would, especially with women, rebuke it.
'Knife to the Heart': The Deep Empathy Behind Chris Orrick's Witty, Working-Class Hip-Hop
The Detroit rapper's willingness to listen to other people, and to see himself from their perspective, is one of the hallmarks of his music, his career, and his politics.
Country Hits Increasingly Objectify Women and Glorify Whiteness
New research finds that country hits in recent years show an increased emphasis on short-term sexual conquest—and on the celebration of whiteness.
The Resurrection of Aretha Franklin in 'Amazing Grace'
The newly released concert film is a joyous celebration of faith—and of how Aretha moved even secular audiences toward the holy.
Viewfinder: Nipsey Hussle's Celebration of Life and Funeral Procession in Los Angeles
Masons attend a memorial celebration for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle at the Staples Center arena on April 11th, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Girl Ultra Takes Mexican R&B Beyond the Border
Operating out of Mexico City, Nan de Migel is one of the few artists producing contemporary R&B south of the U.S. border
Honoring Hal Blaine—and the Other Unseen Laborers in the Music Industry
Often relegated to the small print, session musicians helped create the most iconic songs of the last century. Hal Blaine was one of the greatest, and quietest, among them.
Ximena Sariñana Doesn't Want to Be the Only Woman in the Room
One of Mexico's biggest indie-pop artists discusses her new album and the state of the music industry for Latinx artists.
Pop Music Lyrics Are More Violent Than Those in Hip-Hop
New research finds that contemporary songs in both genres are the most likely to contain violent imagery.
Listening to Music Impairs Creativity
New research suggests that background music, with or without lyrics, "consistently disrupts creative performance."
Neo-Soul Musician Rayana Jay Is Over Capitalism
The R&B artist refuses to conform to the world's expectations for plus-sized black women, and she creates music as sensual as it is empowering.
Black Belt Eagle Scout Writes Songs About Heartbreak and Post-Colonial Anger
The indie musician uses her wistful rock music to explore, and reclaim, her indigenous and queer identity.
Middle School Music and Theater Students Get Better Grades
New research presents the best evidence yet that taking arts classes benefits kids academically.
Pop Artist Wafia Is Done Wishing She Was White
The Syrian-Iraqi, queer singer-songwriter discusses family, representation, and why she won't compromise on artistic independence.
'You Know Who I Am': Rapper Saweetie Demands Recognition
Saweetie's brash attitude is more than bravado—it's an essential part of her plan to dominate rap.
Electronic Artist TOKiMONSTA Refuses to Live With Regret
Producer Jennifer Lee is nominated for a Grammy this year for an album she wrote in the aftermath of life-saving brain surgery.
Women Remaking the Music Industry
A running series in which women musicians of color discuss art, labor, and representation in the music industry.