Music
The rise of Sampa the Great: hip hop's brightest spark
Giving into greatness — Sampa Tembo's family hoped she’d lead a conventional life: one where music was just a backup plan. But that was never going to happen. Instead she started opening for the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Joey Bada$$, winning acclaim for her socially conscious rhymes. Now, with a debut album on the way, the 24-year-old is primed for a major breakthrough.
Written by: Niall Flynn
How Beach House evolved into their best and boldest selves
Lessons learned — The Baltimore duo reflect on 13 years of making music on their own terms, from learning to say 'no' to finding beauty in chaos.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Up close and personal with Iceland’s black metal heroes
Into the darkness — Disillusioned by a lack of coverage back home, photographer Verði ljós decided to become Icelandic black metal’s documenter-in-chief, shooting its stars over a period of three years for an all-encompassing portrait of the genre and scene.
Written by: Niall Flynn
Spaced-out stargazing: Lost in the cosmos with Polychrome
The Monday Mix — The London electronic duo – made up of Victoria Harrison and Oliver Price – take the decks for the latest Monday Mix, sharing a selection inspired by moonwalks, space travel and the Kuiper belt.
Written by: HUCK HQ
George Clinton: Life lessons from a funked-up superstar
Tales of Dr. Funkenstein — George Clinton altered the course of multiple genres, became one of the most sampled artists in history and mentored the likes of Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kendrick Lamar. Now he just has one thing left to do: keep that legacy alive.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Downtempo drifting: The sonic influences of boerd
The Monday Mix — Stockholm-based Bård Ericson – also known as Boerd – shares a tribute to mellow electronica for the latest Monday Mix, pulling together tracks from Röyksopp, DJ Shadow and Burial.
Written by: HUCK HQ
The Gidi Tribe: Nigeria’s most exciting new youth movement
Gidi Culture Fest — Everyday Africa photographer Tom Saater gets lost in the crowds at Gidi Culture Fest – Lagos’ multi-sensory art, music and cultural experience.
Written by: HUCK HQ
Late night lullabies: Winding down with Skinny Pelembe
The Monday Mix — Giles Peterson favourite Skinny Pelembe serves up a selection of soft, offbeat gems for the latest Monday Mix, with contributions from John Frusciante, Deltron 3030 and Blossom Dearie.
Written by: HUCK HQ
The Midwest basement band scene of the ’90s & ’00s
Doing it themselves — Photographer Mark Murrmann spent nearly two decades documenting the thriving basement band scene of the US, hosting gigs in his own home and shooting acts on the road.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Desert raving at Jordan’s first ever Techno festival
Twisted traditions — In March this year, 200 techno lovers from Jordan and abroad descended on the mystic Wadi Rum desert for WRE: a unique festival experience combining local tradition with modern dance music.
Written by: Flora Mory and Laure Van Ruymbeke