Music
Hip-hop has always been the voice of the streets, but now you're finally listening
Vince Staples digs deep — Vince Staples makes music about what matters: racism, inequality, the daily struggle of just getting by. Despite this, Vince says he's not making music that's political, as far as he sees it it's just common sense.
Written by: Michael Segalov
Africa’s phoenix from the flames: a creative renaissance in Rwanda
Rwanda Rising — Two decades after genocide, Rwanda has risen from the ashes. But as the country’s artists push past the panic that once turned neighbours into enemies, what does the future hold for a nation scarred by a history of divide and rule? As President Paul Kagame tightens his grip over the country, can the country’s creatives escape the growing repression?
Written by: Alex King
Xenia Rubinos dances in the face of fear to survive
On the hunt for joy — A mother from Puerto Rico, a father from Cuba, born and raised in the US – Xenia Rubinos' identity is as diverse as the music she creates. Here, the New York singer-songwriter talks about her new album, influenced by American culture but motivated by the survival of fear.
Written by: Taylor McGraa
Go-to guitar hero: An interview with Matt Sweeney
A wolf among wolves — What do Johnny Cash, Adele, Cat Power and Run the Jewels have in common? They've all relied on guitarist Matt Sweeney - a nomadic talent who knows how to get the most out of life.
Written by: Steven T. Hanley
Myanmar’s punk pacifists are healing their divided country
Punk Buddha — Punk’s pacifist roots have endured around the world, from anti-war protestors to Riot Grrrls. Now that history is continuing in Myanmar, a country divided by religious conflict, where a group of altruistic rebels are refusing to give into fear of ‘the other’.
Written by: Adam White
Mourn: A brash band fighting to be heard
Catalonian spirit at its fiercest — As Catalonian teenagers performing post-punk in English, Mourn quickly found a worldwide following. Then the real work started. Forced to self-fund a second album, they’ve become embroiled in a battle over rights that’s become a familiar saga in the broken music biz.
Written by: Álvaro García Montoliu and Cian Traynor
Rising MC Loyle Carner is bringing sensitive soul to London’s hip hop scene
Fresh, honest beats — Unapologetically open about his personal life, the South London rapper talks to us about his experience with ADHD, a future cooking project with teens, and an adopted younger sister on the way.
Written by: Taylor McGraa
Behind the scenes on a DIY punk tour around the globe
A photo diary — Denmark's DIY trailblazers Yung share their tour adventures, shot by frontman and creative powerhouse Mikkel Holm Silkjær.
Written by: Alex King
Reggae is taking root in the streets of New Delhi
Catching up with the Reggae Rajahs — Jamaica’s greatest export is being tailored to India’s ears, thanks to a party-starting deejay crew who preach the reggae gospel.
Written by: Amrita Riat
Rag N’ Bone Man: The MC building a refuge for his past loves
Talking inspiration, former flames and a debut album — Raised on a diet of Steptoe and Sons and blues music in a small Sussex village, Rag N’ Bone Man doesn’t exactly fit the normal picture of an MC. But digging deeper reveals Rory Graham is a true hip hop renaissance man.
Written by: Robbie Wojciechowski