Music

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.

Reflections on suicide, survival, and the new tribute album to Scott Hutchison.

Research on 112,000 Canadian students finds that high schoolers who took more music courses did better in math, science, and English.

They won't be lost to fire, like much of the Universal Music catalog, but who will save the mixtapes?

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.

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.

"Legacy! Legacy!" is a revelatory concept album that puts Jamila Woods' voice in conversation with black creators from the past.

Jepsen gives dimension to wrangling with small but powerful feelings where pop culture would, especially with women, rebuke it.

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.

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 newly released concert film is a joyous celebration of faith—and of how Aretha moved even secular audiences toward the holy.

Masons attend a memorial celebration for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle at the Staples Center arena on April 11th, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Operating out of Mexico City, Nan de Migel is one of the few artists producing contemporary R&B south of the U.S. border

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.

One of Mexico's biggest indie-pop artists discusses her new album and the state of the music industry for Latinx artists.

New research finds that contemporary songs in both genres are the most likely to contain violent imagery.

New research suggests that background music, with or without lyrics, "consistently disrupts creative performance."

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.

The indie musician uses her wistful rock music to explore, and reclaim, her indigenous and queer identity.

New research presents the best evidence yet that taking arts classes benefits kids academically.

The Syrian-Iraqi, queer singer-songwriter discusses family, representation, and why she won't compromise on artistic independence.

Saweetie's brash attitude is more than bravado—it's an essential part of her plan to dominate rap.

Producer Jennifer Lee is nominated for a Grammy this year for an album she wrote in the aftermath of life-saving brain surgery.

A running series in which women musicians of color discuss art, labor, and representation in the music industry.