Interviews

The New Freedom of Jawbox’s Zach Barocas

The New Freedom of Jawbox’s Zach Barocas

Drummer for post-hardcore legends Jawbox, Zach Barocas is living his best life creating jazz with friends in New Freedom Sound. He discusses his new music.

Kolumbo and the Quest to Tour Every Tiki Bar in America

Kolumbo and the Quest to Tour Every Tiki Bar in America

As a kid in landlocked Texas, Frank LoCastro has wanted to make Exotica music. With Kolumbo’s sophomore LP, his dream of touring tiki bars is within reach.

Impermanent Candy: Xiu Xiu Aim for an Uncompromising Future

Impermanent Candy: Xiu Xiu Aim for an Uncompromising Future

Two decades out from their wild debut, Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart and Angela Seo reflect on their fans, band-free music videos, and uncompromising new LP.

Ambient Composer Rafael Anton Irisarri’s Dispersion of Belief

Ambient Composer Rafael Anton Irisarri’s Dispersion of Belief

For a record conceived of following the 2016 US election and a global pandemic, ambient maestro Rafael Anton Irisarri is ready to soundtrack our downfall.

Americana’s Shelby Lynne Writes Through the Pain

Americana’s Shelby Lynne Writes Through the Pain

Americana singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne talks to PopMatters about her acclaimed new album, Consequences of the Crown, and the long road it took to get here.

The Far-Reaching Legacy of Tonny Brasil’s Tecnobrega Song “Lana”

The Far-Reaching Legacy of Tonny Brasil’s Tecnobrega Song “Lana”

There are debates about technobrega’s origins, but tracking its history leads us to one artist and one song: “Lana” by Tonny Brasil.

Ionnalee’s Bilingual Gambit to Hear the End of Every Song

Ionnalee’s Bilingual Gambit to Hear the End of Every Song

Ionnalee has electronic LPs under multiple monikers, but she uncovers her full songwriting prowess by dropping a double-album split between English and Swedish.

Cursive’s Tim Kasher Discusses the Artist’s Life and ‘Devourer’

Cursive’s Tim Kasher Discusses the Artist’s Life and ‘Devourer’

“I fit through a pinhole of success,” notes indie rock titan Tim Kasher on Cursive’s ninth full-length album. “I’m lucky as hell that I’m able to do this.”

Jawbox Discuss ‘For Your Own Special Sweetheart’ at 30

Jawbox Discuss ‘For Your Own Special Sweetheart’ at 30

Jawbox’s major label debut is their most beloved album, a perfect marriage of songwriting and production that sounds as thrilling today as it did 30 years ago.

The Beat Goes on for Jimi’s Woodstock Pal Juma Sultan

The Beat Goes on for Jimi’s Woodstock Pal Juma Sultan

Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock percussionist, Juma Sultan, discusses his life with Hendrix, his experience in the New York free jazz scene, and current music.

Musical Experimentalist Jessica Ackerley Is Blazing Trails

Musical Experimentalist Jessica Ackerley Is Blazing Trails

Ever-evolving experimental guitarist and composer Jessica Ackerley talks about – among other things – their eclectic and ambitious new solo album.

Manfred Mann, the Synthesiser Man, Hates AI in Music

Manfred Mann, the Synthesiser Man, Hates AI in Music

Manfred Mann doesn’t think he’s the best synthesiser player in the world, but he brings a distinctive voice to the old technology. Just keep AI out of music, dammit.