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Shawn James' 'The Dark & The Light' Explores Balance and Healing (album stream + interview)

Built on elements of blues, soul, and gospel, Shawn James' new album, The Dark & The Light, explores the ways in which the listener can translate trauma.

Jedd Beaudoin

Music

Gaby Moreno Sings Immigrant's Songs at Lincoln Center

Based on her American Songbook teaser, Gaby Moreno's forthcoming record ¡Spangled! will likely be politically timely and rewarding.

Events

All Eyes Heavenward: The Enigma of Willis Earl Beal

A sensual, gossamer presence among the hovering musical chords, Willis Earl Beal gently presses the wealth of his soul's burdens into the wide, open skies...

Music

'Wasteland, Baby' Highlights Hozier As an Impactful Voice in the Art and Activism Sphere

Hozier needed Wasteland, Baby! to recapture the energy created by his previous releases then further light the artist's skill and vision of his craft. Wasteland, Baby! certainly delivers.

Music

Yola's Vocals and Songwriting Are Showcased on Her Strong Debut 'Walk Through Fire'

Yola's solo debut, Walk Through Fire, soars to showcase her dynamic and captivating vocals while delivering an evocative and playful mix of retro country and soul.

Music

"I'm Loved on All Sides": An Interview with Yola

British singer-songwriter Yola talks to PopMatters about emerging from a lifetime of straitened circumstances and emotional challenges to make 2019's most promising debut, Walk Through Fire.

Music

Yola's Staggering Voice Fuels Powerful Americana

Yola's New York City debut at Rockwood Music Hall showcased songs from her forthcoming album Walk Through Fire.

Events

Adia Victoria Raises Her Voice With Release of 'Silences'

Self-taught musician Adia Victoria who sings and plays the blues discusses in this in-depth interview what it took to find a voice that had been silenced.

Music

Adia Victoria Spins a Southern Gothic Epic on Her Tremendous Sophomore Album 'Silences'

Silences is an album greater than the sum of its genre-related parts, a masterpiece of musical control and an outstanding next step for Adia Victoria as storyteller and singer alike.

Music

On His New Single, Seth Walker Encourages Us to Look "Inside" (premiere)

Inspired by an artful trip to Havana, Americana artist Seth Walker basks in trippy, vintage blues throughout his cool new single "Inside".

Music

Sugaray Rayford Introduces the "The Revelator" (premiere)

Informed by classic and contemporary soul and blues, Sugaray Rayford gives us a taste of upcoming LP with "The Revelator".

Jedd Beaudoin

Music

Townes Van Zandt: 'Music, Genius, and Rage'

Townes Van Zandt's longtime road manager and producer, Harold F. Eggers, Jr., looks back on road-life with the haunted songwriter. He has more stories than most.

Books

Aretha Franklin: Context, Intersectionality, and the Rock Canon

Viewing Aretha Franklin's work through a focus on race, gender, and other categories of analysis can challenge us to do the same with all music, acknowledging how multiple points of oppression and privilege impact the production, consumption, and reception of a wide range of music.

Music

The Rolling Stones Curate 'Confessin' the Blues'

Confessin' the Blues highlights the importance of blues music, but next time, remove the Rolling Stones from the conversation.

Music

Barrelhouse Blues Powers Rock and R&B As This New Compilation Shows

This new Rough Guide compilation shines a light on early practitioners of an immensely influential style of blues.

Music

Slovakia's the Youniverse Thrill with Their Electro-Blues Sound on "Riverbanks" (premiere)

Slovakia's the Youniverse pair the blues with electro and build a unique sound that will carry the group far.

Music

Pop Ten

Jackie Chan's 10 Best Films

The 70 Best Albums of 2018

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 1: 100 - 81

MetalMatters: March 2019 – Beware the Ides of Metal

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