Music

May 24, 2021

Record Recap: The Best and Worst of Music in the Pandemic (So Far)

By Artsweek Staff

While this year may be one everyone wants to forget, these are some of the moments that will be remembered. 

May 23, 2021

A Conversation with Santa Barbara Musician Conner Cherland

By Shereen Mohammadzadeh

With his new LP, “Love Songs by Conner Cherland,” set to release in June, Cherland shared some backstory about the project and about his career as a singer-songwriter.

May 22, 2021

In Review: St. Vincent Gets Down and Out

By Sam Franzini

“Daddy’s Home” adopts a completely new persona by traveling back in time to create new stories.

April 14, 2021

In Review: Demi Lovato Dances With The Devil And Comes Back Stronger Than Ever

By Sam Franzini

If there’s anyone who deserves a triumphant comeback album story arc, it’s Demi Lovato.

April 13, 2021

On This Day: Van Cliburn, The Pianist That Broke The Cold War

By Jadon Bienz

As cheesy as it sounds, Cliburn became the epitome of the commonality of art between all of humankind, pushing past extremist notions of anti-Communism.

March 31, 2021

On This Day: “Carrie & Lowell” By Sufjan Stevens

By Evan Gonzalez

Despite having only a 43-minute runtime, the album covers a lifetime of the complicated relationship between Stevens and his mother, along with the sadness that follows the death of a loved one.

March 9, 2021

In Review: Tash Sultana’s “Terra Firma” Flares Up Worldwide

By Shereen Mohammadzadeh

On this multiple-listens-through type of record, something beyond the songs themselves will linger in your thoughts.

March 4, 2021

Record Recap: 50th Anniversary Of “Tago Mago” by CAN

By Derek Mejia

The widespread influence of “Tago Mago” is reflected in the subsequent records of musicians who were inspired by the record’s creative exploration.

February 18, 2021

In Review: “For the first time” By Black Country, New Road

By Derek Mejia

Black Country, New Road has established itself as one of the most exciting new British exports, frequently drawing comparisons to the American post-hardcore band Slint. 

December 27, 2020

In Review: Taylor Swift’s Storytelling Saves 2020, Again

By Sam Franzini

Swift’s new album, “evermore,” both lyrically and sonically picks up where “folklore” left off.

December 2, 2020

In Review: “Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞” By Kali Uchis

By Marisol Cruz

Uchis not only proves her artistic creativity and her ability to blend genres but also successfully embraces and highlights her Colombian roots in defiance of criticism.

November 15, 2020

In Review: Kylie Minogue’s Victory Lap With “DISCO”

By Sam Franzini

Minogue has reinvented herself once again with “DISCO,” bringing retro sounds to the future.

November 4, 2020

In Review: Tomberlin’s Musical Craft Projects in Her Latest EP

By Shereen Mohammadzadeh

The EP may be disappointing for those seeking pioneering melodies, but it does not fall short of sophistication or sincerity. 

November 3, 2020

In Review: “Positions” Is The Return of Classic — Albeit More Sultry — Ariana

By Joshen Mantai

“Positions” proves itself to be a succinct 41-minute album that is a strong resurgence of classic Grande, in all of her textural and high soaring vocals.

November 1, 2020

In Review: “Featuring Ty Dolla $ign” Proves Ty $ is More than a Background Artist

By Carrieanne Mamba

"Featuring Ty Dolla $ign" is undoubtedly an album to vibe to, a concoction of catchy songs that are short enough to leave you craving the next, but long enough to make you appreciate Ty’s mastery.

October 12, 2020

In Review: Róisín Murphy Tells Her Own Story on “Róisín Machine”

By Sam Franzini

On “Róisín Machine,” the music is stripped back and drawn out, but still has the essence of her personality through these slow disco and house anthems.