The Action Issue

Fairey also discusses engaging in activism through public art in our new video interview.

Orange County-based surfer bros employ radical kindness, an “aura of stoke,” and hilarious city council appearances to slyly promote grass-roots engagement.

The incendiary music-making trio from Colombia’s Caribbean coast fuse Afro-house and Indigenous rhythms with a frank, humanist political stance.

Founder Aaron Huey and Executive Director Cleo Barnett on how the Seattle-based design lab harnesses the change-driving power of analog art in a digital age.

Halsey’s South Central LA hub provides her neighborhood with just what its name suggests—resources spanning from fresh produce to martial arts training.

The “Informer” and “Industry” actor discusses the political motivations for his hip-hop alias El Huxley, and why he’s adopted Solange’s mantra “nothing without intention.”

The Kali Uchis and John Carroll Kirby collaborator reclaims the witchcraft aesthetic with her soothing harp music.

Directors Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine and subjects Steven Garza and René Otero reflect on the new doc about the American Legion’s Boys State program.

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.

Producer Dem Jointz and the thirteen-year-old vocalist discuss Bryant’s powerful viral hit “I Just Wanna Live” and collaborating on a full EP.

What does taking social, political, or artistic action look like for you? Rain Phoenix reached out to Melody Ehsani, Grouplove, Aloe Blacc, and other creative activists for their input, as well as to learn what causes they’re most passionate about.

The “Succession” actor is using his first proper foray into music as a means to help underserved communities fight COVID-19.

The Kentucky-born-and-bred singer-songwriter is shutting down small-minded prejudices.

Juan Wauters recalls his immigration from Uruguay to Queens, which he commemorates on his recent LP “Introducing Juan Pablo.”

Flaming Lips’ leader on COVID, community, and promoting pet causes on social media.

Eaddy and theOGM trace the lineage of conservative fear-mongering in music to the present day, which sees the release of the punk-rap duo’s politically charged “BLURR” mixtape.

Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Terrace Martin on how their new supergroup is fit for the post–George Floyd world.

Organizers of HeadCount, Rock the Vote, and other youth-empowering voter education groups—and some of the artists they work with—share how music continues to push for democracy.

Director Mary Wharton and producer Chris Farrell discuss their new documentary, which showcases the former President in a new light.

The Chicago-reared rapper returned home before recording his latest project, the “V TAPE” EP, and engaging in the city’s turbulent moment in politics.

“We Are Not Divided,” the new project from Byrne’s solutions journalism site “Reasons to Be Cheerful,” finds lots of ways to heal our political divisions—and to feel a lot better.

Our latest print issue focuses on artists engaged in all forms of activism, including features with Wayne Coyne, Keedron Bryant, Dinner Party, Ho99o9, and Lauren Halsey. All proceeds from the issue benefit the NIVA’s emergency relief fund.

The two songwriters talk collaboration, inspiration, and fighting the good fight.

With artists and venue staff at the forefront of the fight to keep live music alive, we talked to Best Coast, Phantogram, illuminati hotties, and more artists and club owners about the industry’s future.