Culture
Music
On their new album, Vampire Weekend are in a gloomy state of mind
Where Ezra Koenig might’ve once skewered the world’s absurdity, he’s now clearly affected by it.
- by Barry Divola
Latest
How a group of blind gospel singers from Alabama conquered the world
Gospel legends The Blind Boys of Alabama have remained constant in a changing world.
- by Nick Galvin
Exclusive
Live music
Less than $6000 a year: Australian musicians in dire straits, survey shows
Australian musicians are making less money than during the pandemic, and the collapse of the festival circuit is only going to make life harder.
- by Linda Morris
‘Worst show in 42 years’: Elvis Costello disappoints fans
Multi-award winning singer-songwriter and rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Famer Elvis Costello gives a disappointing performance at the Sydney Opera House.
- by Bernard Zuel
Opinion
Music festivals
From Splendour to surrender: why music festivals are out in the cold
The demise of Splendour in the Grass will shock no one who has been listening to music industry warnings.
- by Benjamin Potter
‘We’ll be standing here next year’: Bluesfest boss defiant despite industry on its knees
Just days after the shock cancellation of Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay’s Bluesfest opened its doors, but the festival’s boss pleaded for financial support.
- by Nick Galvin
Punk icon Carrie Brownstein happy to see next-gen riot grrrls
The musician, actor, author and comedian is heartened to see young women adopting and reconfiguring the tenets of the movement she helped pioneer with punk trio Sleater-Kinney.
- by Michael Dwyer
Analysis
Streaming
TikTok in the sights as Universal and Spotify announce new partnership
A new Universal deal is aimed squarely at TikTok’s sweet spot, promising to “amplify music discovery and social interaction and enhance fan experiences” via Spotify.
- by Karl Quinn
Beyonce’s epic Cowboy Carter is outlaw country in the truest sense
The singer has a clear message on her country music pivot: country’s whatever she wants it to be.
- by Robert Moran
His music drives some of the world’s best films. In the latest, he is the star
Ryuichi Sakamoto scored – and even starred in – groundbreaking films. A year after his death, he is the subject of a loving tribute from the son he inspired.
- by Stephanie Bunbury
Analysis
Music festivals
Splendour’s cancellation will send shockwaves through Australia’s music industry
A week after tickets went on sale, the Live Nation-backed Splendour in the Grass became the latest music festival to pull the pin. What is going on?
- by Karl Quinn