The queer Persian pop princess we’ve all been waiting for has been solidifying herself as our latest obsession. Gia Woods is ridiculously talented, undeniably sexy, and sooooo gay. With hypnotizing vocals and a nostalgic hyper-pop sound, she’s going to be at the top of all of our post-pandemic going out playlists.  Originally debuting (and coming out of the closet) in 2015 with her song “Only A Girl,” she is by no means new to the music scene, but certainly staying exciting and innovative as an artist....

Singer/songwriter and Louisville-native Marzz is setting the tone with the release of her debut EP, Love Letterz. A project about self-love, healing, and the practice of vulnerability, Love Letterz comes after an array of impressive singles from Marzz, including “So Frequently," “Countless Times," and “Cleopatra." I had the pleasure of getting to know Marzz as we discussed more about her EP, her creative process, and potential future collaborations.  How does it feel to know that this EP is coming out so soon?  I’m definitely excited. It’s also something that...

“The men who rule the world have made a fucking mess,” sings Shirley Manson, matter-of-factly, in the opening line of No Gods No Masters—Garbage’s seventh full-length since releasing their eponymous debut in 1995—appropriately setting the tone for an album forged by the raw emotions of a band still trying to make sense of a world consumed by racism, sexism, and capitalism. This rebellious spirit is present in Manson’s refusal to sugarcoat lyrics and the sonic inclusion of unexpected synths and heavy guitars, culminating in 11...

The sophomore LP from Red Ribbon (the project of songwriter Emma Danner) sounds like how many of us are currently feeling: lost, but with a sense of wonder. Having moved from Seattle to L.A. while working on the album, Danner’s songs are noticeably more sonically informed by the new locale. The opener “Weight of Man” is reminiscent of a Neil Young piano ballad during his Laurel Canyon days, while “Renegade” shifts to a more classic-Fleetwood-Mac-with-the-windows-down kinda vibe. Whether it’s how she uses her voice, or...

With Megan Thee Stallion and MARINA releasing music this week, summer is set. Here is a list of songs to add to your playlist that are guaranteed to elevate your summer.  1. "Keep It Movin’ " by Olivia O’Brien Making her name known through songs like “Josslyn” and “NOW,” Olivia O’Brien has made it very clear that nothing is off-limits when writing about her previous relationships. While her new album “Episodes: Season 1” has many anthems that can help anyone through a breakup or heartbreak, “Keep It...

Japanese Breakfast goes big on Jubilee, an album featuring billowing orchestral arrangements, smooth ’80s flourishes, and lush shoegaze sounds. Michelle Zauner’s previous two albums under this moniker dealt with grief and loss, but it’s apparent from the cheerful horns on the first track that Jubilee is bold and triumphant. Japanese Breakfast has always displayed a wide range, and this is no exception: from the danceable (“Be Sweet”) to the brooding (“Sit”) to the political (“Savage Good Boy”), Jubilee contains an impressive array of genres, moods,...

I love all eras of Liz Phair, and Soberish is no exception. Her first full-length record in a decade finds Phair combining her early work’s inventive, intimate jump-rope-rhyme sounds with her innate pop hit-making ability by enlisting Exile in Guyville/Whip-Smart/whitechocolatespaceegg producer Brad Wood. Soberish has everything Phair fans love: explicit desire within complicated love, rebellious lyrics sung in striking melodies, and even a nod to Henry, the bartending friend from 1998 favorite “Polyester Bride.” Phair wrote, when introducing 2010’s delightfully weird Funstyle: “This is my...

A lot goes into making a live performance memorable and worthy of watching. Whether it’s the talent that’s being showcased, the set design, or even the use of lighting, everything about making a good show is crucial. What many people may not question is who tackles all of the fine details into producing and designing something like a concert or a live music production. That is where Laura Escudè comes in.  Multi-talented artist and world-famous live show designer, Escudè is a woman with a vision of...

Timeless songs aren't just about whoever happens to be performing them. They're also about catchy song lyrics that have the capacity to make us laugh, cry, and dance like nobody's watching. Songwriting is a craft that should be honored, and listed below are five Black women songwriters who've given us some of the best bops of our generation. Know their names, support their solo work, and take note of just how talented they are.  1. Victoria Monet Born in Georgia and raised in Sacramento, California, this singer-songwriter’s...

This collection of David Bowie covers by an array of artists purportedly seeks to spotlight the late, great performer’s lesser-known appreciation for soul, R&B, jazz, funk, and gospel. But was Bowie’s appreciation for said genres truly obscure? He famously performed on The Dick Cavett Show backed by R&B powerhouse Luther Vandross and was later produced by Nile Rodgers of disco/funk paragon Chic. From the instrumental “Life on Mars” to the milquetoast rendition of “Soul Love,” if there’s an overarching theme here, it’s melancholy. Meshell Ndegeocello...