music news
COVID-19 Will Definitely Be at Music Festivals This Year
This is the reality of live music in a pandemic. Full vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others.
Vinyl Is More Popular Than Ever. Surprisingly, That's a Problem
Pressing plants can't keep up with unprecedented demand, and big box chains are selling LPs now, resulting in devastating delays.
Ronald Reagan’s Would-Be Assassin Is Actually a Decent Songwriter
John Hinckley Jr. has been posting original songs and covers to a YouTube page since November 2020.
COVID Isn’t the Only Reason Live Music Workers Won’t Return to Their Jobs
The pandemic made people find new work with stable hours, better pay, and benefits. Some aren't coming back to their old gigs when concerts return.
Will You Need to Prove You’re Vaccinated to Go to Shows This Year?
Despite rampant misinformation, there’s not going to be a federal vaccine passport. But you should still get your shot.
Here’s Why People Are Mad at This Viral Pop Punk Band Tramp Stamps
This Nashville trio was accused of everything from being industry plants, racism, co-opting feminism for PR, and working with Dr. Luke.
Lil Nas X Isn’t the First Pop Star to Spark a Satanic Panic
From the Beatles and KISS to Nicki Minaj and Billie Eilish, reactionaries have been freaking out about the devil in pop culture for decades.
It’s Probably OK to Be Optimistic About Bands Announcing Fall Tours
With Dinosaur Jr. and more planning shows, vaccination rates need to improve and masks stay necessary if live music comes back this year.
In Addition to a Pandemic, Texas Venues Must Now Survive Their Own Governor
After Gov. Abbott lifted mask mandates and COVID-19 restrictions, music venue owners, workers, and promoters are fighting back.
Live Music Workers Want to Help With Vaccine Distribution
NIVA, Live Nation, and Senator Amy Klobuchar think President Biden should mobilize an unemployed workforce and shuttered music venues.
China's Bandcamp Block Is a Blow to Chinese Independent Music
For Chinese musicians, Bandcamp was an easy way to directly upload their music and gain international support. Now they can't access it.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Is Sick of Getting Roasted
With its most diverse nominee class in years featuring Tina Turner and Jay Z, it's hard to be mad at the museum ticket-selling apparatus.