Articles by Max Freedman
St. Vincent’s “Strange Mercy” at 10: How Annie Clark Brought Life to Not Feeling Alive
Her first of many albums in a highly tailored musical and narrative costume, Clark’s third and most consistent LP set her on a mercurial, cryptic path that continues today.
Mykki Blanco Is Here To Stay
The genre-defying artist discusses the freedom they felt on “Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep,” their first release in five years.
SOPHIE’s Loss Is Devastating for Pop Music, LGBTQ+ Culture, and Everything Between
SOPHIE massively impacted 21st century music and queer discourse, and the musician’s sudden death leaves a vast, heartbreaking gap.
The Most Surprising Collaborations of 2020
10 head-turning guest verses to match these strange times.
Jesse Kivel’s Guide To Los Angeles Via the Landmarks of “Infinite Jess”
Kivel’s new LP is his memory map of LA, so we invited him to walk us through his version of the city.
Knot on Returning to Music and Living an Explicitly Political Life
The Boston rock band Krill is back with a new name, a new member, years of activist experience, and plenty to say about living politically.
On “Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea,” PJ Harvey Accidentally Predicted America
As the mercurial British artist’s fifth album turns 20, its unintentional foreshadowing of the U.S.’s bleak future remains unsettling.
Sooper Records Gives Back to Chicago
NNAMDÏ, Sen Morimoto, Glenn Curran, KAINA, and Blacker Face, the label’s co-founders and artists, wind up succeeding as activists without thinking too much about it.
How Artists Are Making Some of the Year’s Best Music Videos in Quarantine
Evanescence, Glass Animals, Jessy Lanza, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, and their video directors talk about transcending quarantine’s creative limits.
IDK, RMR, Warner Records Executives, and Partners Discuss the Music Industry Fight for Black Lives
The town hall meeting addressed injustice, the power of donating, and mentoring Black youth.
Caroline Rose Is (Carefully) Becoming a Superstar
The narrator of “Superstar” is an ostentatious caricature, but their journey speaks to real concerns.
Don’t Worry, U.S. Girls Is Still an Anti-Capitalist Project
Meg Remy’s newest album may at first seem apolitical, but it’s just a different take on longtime interests.
Caribou’s Dan Snaith: the Family Man Surrounded By Change
His long-awaited seventh album, “Suddenly,” is an exercise in empathy.
Best Coast: Feeling OK for the First Time
In our new digital cover story, Bethany Cosentino talks “Always Tomorrow” and how she got to the point of finally feelin’ good and getting sober.
With Three Reissues, Deerhoof Is Challenging Their Own Critical Narratives
Deerhoof is said to have grown more accessible over its twenty-five years. Greg Saunier and Satomi Matsuzaki couldn’t agree less.
Shepard Fairey Is Here To Stay
With a new mural and a 30-year retrospective in Downtown LA, the massively influential artist is moving forward while looking back.
House of Vans Mastered the Free Show
After closing their Brooklyn hub, the concert and visual arts series lives on as a pop-up event.
Omni Is as Retro as Ever in Their “Courtesy Call” Video
Frankie Broyles and Philip Frobos talk about the “Networker” single and its “Top of The Pops”–recalling video.
For New Deal 1990, Andy Howell Gets A Little Help From His Friends
To honor New Deal Skateboards’ legacy, the skating icon is turning to longtime friends, new followers, and one especially legendary street artist.
On “The Practice of Love,” Jenny Hval Reaches Out
In inviting collaborators to the table, Hval has crafted her most evocative and pop-structured record to date.
The WORLDZ Interview: Red Light EVP and New Era Managing Partner Matt Ringel
Ringel doesn’t just partner brands with artists—he unites household names with shared values.
The WORLDZ Interview: Bandsintown CEO and Co-Founder Fabrice Sergent
Sergent believes that anyone should be able to find live music anywhere, anytime.
Blanck Mass Doesn’t Want to Sell You Anything
On “Animated Violence Mild,” Benjamin John Power praises drag and laments consumerism.
With “Dolphine,” Mega Bog Uses the Surreal to Reflect On Death
In contemplating multiple recent losses in her life, Erin Birgy tightens her grip on the bizarre.
Weyes Blood Isn’t Afraid of Climate Change
The Los Angeles–based musician’s fourth album confronts humanity’s bleak future head-on.
Cate Le Bon Finds Reward in Isolation (and Woodworking)
In cutting herself off from society to study woodworking, Le Bon accidentally wrote her most direct songs to date.
Pile Goes Full-Time
Seven albums in, Pile is finally Rick Maguire’s only gig. He never quite expected to make the leap.
SASAMI Is a New Artist, But You’ve Heard Her Before
Although her self-titled record is her solo debut, she’s contributed to the works of countless others—and her prowess is apparent.
