Music
How the pulse of house music keeps South Africa connected
Township Two-step — Deep-house DJs are superstars in South Africa, where more house music is consumed than in any other country. But limited internet means that regional scenes and showcase parties remain crucial.
Written by: Mohato Lekena
From the archives: The Deftones album that became a turning point
A story of staying power — In the late '80s Deftones were just a bunch of friends - some skater kids from Sacramento who came together to create sound. Today they are a global rock force that continues to blast through boundaries imposed by genre tags. They’ve fought tension, tragedy and the vices of success. Now, at the dawn of a new album, Deftones are standing tall. To celebrate the release of 2016's Gore, we look back on the story of Diamond Eyes, the 2010 album that helped them push past their most challenging years.
Written by: Tom Bryant
LA punks Plague Vendor share new album influences
Tracks that made Bloodsweat — From Underworld to Fugazi and The Stooges, guitarist Jay Rogers shares the influences that shaped Plague Vendor’s new Bloodsweat LP.
Written by: Alex King
Mastering the Flow: An interview with musical powerhouse Colin Stetson
Exceptional Experimentation — While taking a bath, experimental multi-instrumentalist and composer Colin Stetson talks to Huck about the pressures of being a prodigy, defying preconceptions and his physically punishing live performances.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Live Report: Discovering Cape Town's house music scene
Shining a light on underground upstarts — Producer Mohato Lekena uncovers the latest party in the Stay True Journeys series, a showcase of emerging electronic artists and pioneers from around the world.
Written by: Mohato Lekena
Ten mesmerising collaborations between musicians and directors
Sound + Vision — Electronic duo Solar Bears and filmmaker Michael Robinson have teamed up for one of this year's best albums so far. In the spirit of collaboration, Huck asked them to rate each other's favourite partnerships between filmmakers and musicians.
Written by: Cian Traynor
For the Record: After 10 Years, one of Cuba’s first female DJs returns home
This is DJ Leydis — DJ Leydis was born in Cuba, but made the dangerous journey to the U.S., leaving her young daughter behind to follow her dream. She's now been allowed to return to Cuba, and dreams of bringing her music to the people she had been missing for so long. This is her story.
Written by: Amberly Alene Ellis
Kirkuk's only metal band are defying ISIS in Iraq
Death and metal in a divided state — Forged in the crucible of oil-rich and conflict-ridden Kirkuk, the story of Iraqi band Dark Phantom is pure metal. But in a city littered with Isis sleeper cells, going underground is no affectation. It’s a means of survival.
Written by: Campbell MacDiarmid
Five songs of underrated genius, as championed by Lust for Youth
Under the Influence — Danish synth-pop trio Lust for Youth have reached a turning point in their career, letting their melodies and lyricism emerge from the darkness of previous albums. Here they select a handful of cutting-edge productions that have inspired them in one way or another.
Written by: Cian Traynor
What's beneath the bullshit at South by Southwest
James Joiner is no stranger to SxSW - he's worked the Austin festival for over a decade and snuck in plenty of times before. He looks back at another year, and asks what's really pulling in the crowds: corporate sponsorship, new music junkies, or the tacos, parties and wild stories you take home after another year.
Written by: James Joiner