Ideas 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. Hanif Abdurraqib
News in Brief Viewfinder 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. Pacific Standard Staff
Ideas Special Projects Women Remaking the Music Industry Girl Ultra Is Taking 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 Alexa Lee
Ideas The Unassuming Greatness of Hal Blaine 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. Hanif Abdurraqib
Ideas Special Projects Women Remaking the Music Industry 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. Alexa Lee
News in Brief 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. Tom Jacobs
News in Brief Listening to Music Impairs Creativity New research suggests that background music, with or without lyrics, "consistently disrupts creative performance." Tom Jacobs
Ideas Special Projects Women Remaking the Music Industry 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. Alexa Lee
Ideas Special Projects Women Remaking the Music Industry 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. Alexa Lee
Education Middle School Music and Theater Students Get Better Grades New research presents the best evidence yet that taking arts classes benefits kids academically. Tom Jacobs