Music
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
Glastonbury 2016 will have its first ever women-only venue
A woman's revolutionary clubhouse — Glastonbury is set to launch its first woman only venue, when the UK’s largest music festival kicks off later this month. The Sisterhood champions itself as a space run by and for women, as reports of assault and harassment continue to rise. But do we need a safe space at such a politically aware festival?
Written by: Saoirse O'Leary
The power of deviation: An interview with Kimbra
Music in constant development — For many artists, winning a Grammy would mark the beginning of a life in the spotlight. For Kimbra it marked a time for different type of change - she quickly moved to an LA sheep farm.
Written by: Julia Martincic
Big Momma is the Florida Rapper tapping into the dark horrors of life
"The voice of the voiceless" — Rapper Big Momma, aka Maurice Montgomery, has always been something of an outsider. As a child he was fascinated by serial killers, bullied by his peers, the only black kid on his scene. With an aesthetic he describes as a combination of Lil' Kim and WWE's The Undertaker, his music sings to a harrowing past and a difficult future.
Written by: Edward Siddons
Seeking justice for the victims of Bhopal through music
It's time for action — Activist and rapper Sofia Ashraf made headlines last summer when she called out Unilever for poisoning the soil and water of her town. In her newest video denounces the US Department of Justice for failing to support India in their fight for justice after the Bhopal chemical disaster.
Written by: Taylor McGraa
DJ Shadow: Five creative principles to live by
Things I Learned Along the Way — DJ Shadow believes in following your instincts at all costs, steering clear of crowd-pleasing even if it makes life more difficult. Twenty years on from his seminal album Endtroducing…, the production pioneer talks us through the mentality that's shaped a singular career.
Written by: Cian Traynor
In conversation with GOAT: the Swedish voodoo sect who make the best party tunes ever
Pre-Field Day chinwag — We catch up with psychedelic rockers Goat ahead of their highly anticipated Field Day performance – possibly their last London show ever.
Written by: Shelley Jones
A Primavera Festival guide to the reunions of the summer
Don’t call it a comeback — As one of Europe's most respected festivals Primavera calls in more 'specials' than most. 2016 is the year of old favourites getting back on it. Here's the lowdown.
Written by: Shelley Jones
The euphoria of James Blake live
Technicolour in Anything — James Blake breathes life into his new album, at small hometown show.
Written by: Gabriela Helfet
Filmmaker Andrew Kidman on the magic of surf cinema
Surf filmmaking with soul — Artist, photographer and filmmaker Andrew Kidman steps back and takes a look at where surf filmmaking is at today.
Written by: Alex King