The-Dream On Why We All Need R&B
Terius Nash, better known as The-Dream, has written some of the most memorable recent pop hits, from Beyonce's "Single Ladies" to Rihanna's "Umbrella." But when he writes songs for himself, he makes R&B.
The Musicians
The job of a musician is changing as quickly as the industry. We talk to people who make music for themselves, for a living and for every reason in between.
Heartbreak Takes John Vanderslice To 'Dagger Beach'
by Litsa Dremousis
The avant-indie rock veteran confronted his biggest fear — being alone in the middle of nowhere — and ended up with his first album outside the label system.
Johnny Smith, Revered Guitar Player, Has Died
by Tom Cole
Though mainly a jazz player, wrote the surf guitar anthem "Walk, Don't Run," which became a Top 10 hit for The Ventures on two occasions.
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It's A Process: Mount Kimbie On Making Their New Album
by Andrew Matson
The British duo struggled, broke through and got by with a little help from its friends.
Georges Moustaki, Who Wrote Songs For Edith Piaf, Dies
One of France's most beloved songwriters, Moustaki died Thursday in Nice after a long illness. He was known for infusing French song with sounds from around the world.
Kanye West Stands Alone
On his new songs, the rapper points fingers in every direction, including back at himself.
The Doors' Keyboard Counterpoint Goes Silent
Raised on the South Side, Manzarek brought Chicago sound to L.A.'s beaches with the trailblazing band. He died Monday at age 74.
The Canadian Astronaut's Accompanist
by Ann Powers
Canadian pop Singer Emm Gryner has known astronaut Chris Hadfield for years, which made her a perfect collaborator on his cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity." It doesn't hurt that Gryner has worked with Bowie himself, as well.
The MIDI Revolution: Synthesizing Music For The Masses
by Sami Yenigun
The language used to translate sound into digital information celebrates its 30th anniversary. Today, MIDI is everywhere, including nearly every pop song on the radio and the fountain at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Big Songs, Big Hype (Oh Yeah, They're Women)
by Lizzy Goodman
Three heavily hyped new bands have little in common, except being led by women. How important is that?
