Artist Spotlights

by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur photo by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur LA based indie-pop artist, Kevian Kraemer, just wrapped up his “Only if it Matters” North American tour. Kevian and his band were on the road for about a month, starting in Washington DC and closing out in Nashville on August 12th. I was lucky enough to experience Kevian’s iconic live energy on his second leg of the “Only if it Matters” tour in Phoenix, at the Valley Bar on August 2nd. Kevian and his band’s (Jenny Ali

by Rebecca Tregaskis On French Rap, the Grammy’s controversial new category and how western dominance of music diminishes appreciation of artistry Last week I ended up in an Uber running through Paris. My friend and I were adopted by 3 Parisians for the night. In the Uber, one of them strung himself over the seats to connect to the aux. French rap blasted through the speakers. I didn’t understand a word and it was the best music I’ve heard in a good minute. I’m not a strang

words and photos by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur New York based indie-rock band, Closebye, have officially made their way to the west coast to support Kevian Kraemer on the second leg of his North American tour. The four piece band features lead vocalist and guitarist, Jonah, guitarist and keyboardist, Julian, bassist, Margaux, and drummer, Simon. Closebye originally formed in Dallas, Texas where Julian and Jonah started making music together in high school. The two eventually moved

by Olivia Hanson Olivia for Pitchfork, shot by Collier Schorr Earlier this week, Olivia Rodrigo announced she will be running her very own music festival titled Daisy Chain Fields. Taking place on August 29 in Irvine, CA, it features an exciting all-women lineup with artists like Chappell Roan, Mitski, and Stevie Nicks. All proceeds will go to various charities supporting women and girls in need. The concept of the all-women music festival is rare, but not nonexistent. Americ

By Norah Jerinic-Brodeur Image by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur. Pictured Left to Right: Jackson August, Cisco Swank, and Sebastiano outside meeting fans before their sold out Bowery Ballroom show on March 13th, 2026 in New York, NY. Going to a show and not knowing the opener can truly be a toss-up. At the very minimum, you could enjoy your time at the set and go on your merry way to see the band you had planned for. In some lucky cases, you could end up being pleasantly surprised an

by Olivia Hanson Photo by Fred Siegel With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how it’s going to sound. It may be hard to top 2024’s Brat summer, but it’s looking like it could be a Y2K summer this year. The world is currently obsessing over artists like Zara Larsson, whose bright, tropical color palette shines through in her music. But there’s one duo who has truly taken the nostalgia game to the next level. After is an LA-based pop/trip-hop ban

by Rebecca Tregaskis The music scene is having a stunning year so far. From artists that have been quietly growing to ones that have just come onto the scene, some of the most creative and fresh work to come out of 2026 has been from female musicians. Here are five acts we've chosen from the UK and Ireland you need on your radar. Sade Olutola #1 Sade Olutola With her debut EP Arrow Heart released in February, Sade Olutola is already making a name for herself – earning a 5/5

by Lydia Tapias photo by Jason Kempin Released in the summertime, Blonde is a timeless staple defining the era of 2016. Blonde explores Frank Ocean presumably in his young adult years he explores loss, grief, love, heartbreak, sexuality, and at its core, duality. This cinematic, avant-garde album has dreamy production, a masterclass in minimalism. The production on this album is truly something that makes it stand out. For most R&B albums it’s not heavy in drums, featuring a

by Rebecca Tregaskis Music created by Irish artists has always held a certain uniqueness. Irish musicians have a bite to them, unflinching in their raw portrayal of identity, belonging and the individual experience. From acts like The Cranberries, whose songs have rolled through decades, to singers like Sinead O’Connor who was unapologetically bold in her art, Ireland has produced era defining musicians. Now, the country is having its moment again with a fresh wave of talent

by Lauren Chenette photo by The Cobrasnake Some artists aim for polish. Between Friends aim for feeling, and that difference is exactly what makes them so compelling. The indie pop duo, made up of siblings Savannah and Brandon Hudson, have spent the past few years carving out a colorful corner of the alternative pop world. Their music thrives in the messy middle between bedroom pop, glossy synths, and diary-level honesty. With their latest album WOW! , Between Friends double