For a decade James Blake has crafted an idiosyncratic sound. His early work as a minimalist electronic producer fused lush R&B chords with lyrical collage and unfiltered synthesizers. He describes his hit 2013 song “Retrograde” as apocalyptic yet also romantic. This single was in stark contrast to the bubblegum pop of the early 2010s. But other artists recru ... Show More
Nov 3
A unified popstar theory from Tinashe
On her eighth studio album Popstar, the criminally underrated multihyphenate Tinashe finally asserts herself as a Main Pop Girl, crafting a record about what it means to be a celebrity in the modern era. For her, it’s about grinding for years, living in the fantasy, and connectin ... Show More
46m 44s
Oct 27
The 'bummer hope' of midwest emo (ft. Yvette Young and Mike Kinsella)
A few months ago, Nate came across a glittering guitar riff unlike anything he had ever heard before; it managed to perfectly balance careful optimism with plaintive melancholy, stirring the spirit. That melody, played by guitarist Yvette Young, was a shining example of the “midw ... Show More
30m 20s
Feb 2015
Must-Hear Music: Drake, Imagine Dragons, Kanye, Roisin Murphy, Sufjan Stevens & More
Billboard staffers discuss Drake's surprise album, Imagine Dragons Coldplay-esque title track, and Kanye's "Wolves" ft. Sia & Vic Mensa. Plus the returns of Sufjan Stevens and Roisin Murphy, and promising newcomers Moon King. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform ... Show More
35m 47s