Snail Mail - "Tractor Beam" (Live at WFUV)
On April 2024, indie rock singer‑songwriter Snail Mail performed “Tractor Beam” live on New York’s college station WFUV. The set, recorded in the station’s intimate studio, offered fans a rare, unfiltered version of the track from her recent album. The arrangement stripped back the studio production, leaving a minimalist guitar line, subtle synth pads, and a soft drum brush. Lead vocalist Lindsey Jordan’s nuanced delivery emphasized the song’s lyrical melancholy—lines about “skyward on a tractor beam” and “dragging me into the night” convey longing and a desire for escape. A standout moment came when Jordan lingered on the refrain, allowing the echo to swell, prompting a quiet applause from the studio audience. The lyric “Future looks so bright” resonated, underscoring the juxtaposition of hope and isolation that defines the record. The performance illustrates Snail Mail’s evolution toward more atmospheric songwriting while retaining her confessional edge. For industry observers, the live rendition signals the artist’s capacity to translate studio ambience into a compelling, low‑key concert experience, bolstering her credibility in the indie‑rock circuit.
Beliebers From Around the World Are Already Camped Out for His Coachella Set
Day two of Coachella saw hundreds of Justin Bieber devotees staking out the main‑stage area hours before his 11:25 p.m. performance. The early‑morning crowd, ranging from teenagers to parents, set up makeshift camps with blankets, fans and portable mist devices,...
We Sent Our Reporters to See Coachella From the Goodyear Blimp
The video follows a team of reporters who boarded the Goodyear blimp to capture aerial footage of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Their mission was to provide a bird’s‑eye view of the sprawling fairgrounds, showcasing both the scale...
Kit Wilson on the Future of Pretty Deadly #ComplexGraps
In a recent interview, Kit Wilson addressed the future of Pretty Deadly following teammate Elton Prince’s injury, discussing whether the duo will resume tag‑team action or continue as singles competitors. Wilson highlighted their long‑standing friendship, noting that “it was us against...
The Curious Case of Kanye West
The video examines why Kanye West remains a box‑office draw even as he faces bans and widespread condemnation. Despite being barred from venues in the UK and having a festival canceled, West’s recent Los Angeles shows grossed near‑record numbers, placing the...
First Look at Coachella's Radiohead Bunker Looking Back at 'Kid A' And 'Amnesiac'
Coachella’s 2024 lineup includes a brand‑new underground installation dubbed the Radiohead bunker, a 30‑ to 40‑foot deep space nestled between the Sahara Tent and the Dool Lab. The bunker houses a curated visual experience that stitches together imagery from the band’s...
Kendrick Lamar Song Reviews (that Aren't About the Battle) COMPILATION
The video is a tongue‑in‑cheek review by “Rap Critic” of Kendrick Lamar’s latest single from his surprise GNX album, positioning the track against the backdrop of Drake’s chart‑dominant pop rap. The critic praises the song’s lush Luther Vandross sample, soaring violins...
Tomorrowland Winter - Steve Angello and Agents of Time Full Sets
Tomorrowland Winter staged a two‑hour live broadcast from the Alpe d’Huez ski resort, featuring Swedish House Mafia member Steve Angello and Italian melodic duo Agents of Time. The show was produced by BBC Radio 1 and streamed on its YouTube channel...
Kevin Cole on the Power of Music #DJKevinCole
Kevin Cole uses a new documentary as a platform to argue that music functions as a universal therapeutic and mobilizing force. He outlines how rhythm can provide comfort in crisis, lift spirits, and physically move bodies, thereby reshaping personal energy...
Young Miko Talks Breakthrough Year, "Do Not Disturb", & Beauty Secrets | The Rolling Stone Studio
Young Miko, the Puerto Rican rapper‑singer highlighted in Rolling Stone’s Future of Music list, reflects on a career‑defining 2023 that saw her rise to mainstream attention. Her sophomore album Do Not Disturb topped charts, driving a 45% surge in global...
Zayn Shares 'My Life in 10 Songs,' Talks Lil Wayne, Amy Winehouse, 50 Cent, and More
Zayn Malik uses his "My Life in 10 Songs" series to map the soundtrack of his personal and artistic evolution, highlighting tracks that defined his childhood, cultural roots, and creative aspirations. The video opens with a tribute to Donell Jones’s...
In Downtown LA, Dancer Lil Buck and Music Artist Ode Reflect on Choosing Change in a Shifting World
The video pairs renowned dancer Lil Buck with music artist Ode to explore the urgency of personal transformation in today’s fluid cultural landscape. Set against a rhythmic backdrop, the duo uses lyrical affirmations—“Going to change my life tomorrow” and “be the...
XBrooklyn Rocking Iowa | Iowa Life
The video follows Tobi Parks, a musician who left New York for Iowa and founded the nonprofit venue xBrooklyn (xBk). He leveraged his background in music and law to create Station One Records and a 250‑seat space that prioritizes community...
The Mystery Chord That Made Toto’s “Africa” A Mega-Hit
The video dissects the “mystery chord” that gives Toto’s 1982 hit “Africa” its unforgettable verse hook, focusing on a specific voicing that most listeners never notice. Rick Bato identifies the chord as an E major 7 sus 2 over G♯ (functionally B major over G♯) with...
Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf 2026: Episode 3 with Madison McFerrin
Episode three of the Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf brings back alum Madison McFerrin as host, revisiting her own Tiny Desk performance and setting the stage for a deep dive into this year’s standout entries. The series highlights the contest’s...
Lecrae: Tiny Desk Concert
Lecrae’s Tiny Desk concert showcases the Grammy‑winning Christian rapper using NPR’s intimate stage to fuse gospel themes with gritty hip‑hop beats, positioning faith as the centerpiece of a mainstream music format. Throughout the set he weaves personal anecdotes of loss, prison,...
Rolling Stone Editor Reacts to Exclusive Stevie Nicks Relics | Sotheby's
Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony J. Curtis previewed items slated for Sotheby’s upcoming Rock & Pop auction, focusing on legendary Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks. The preview showcased a stage‑used, signed tambourine, one of Nicks’ signature flowing outfits, and the original artwork for...
Is Paul Cauthen Country’s Reformed Rebel? | Rolling Stone Nashville Now
Texas‑born singer‑songwriter Paul Cauthen drops his latest record, The Book of Paul, on which he embraces a defiant, autobiographical tone. In Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast, Cauthen explains the album’s “trials and tribulations,” reveals the origin of his “Big Velvet”...
Rose Paradise - "Tangerine" (Live at WFUV)
The video captures Rose Paradise’s live performance of “Tangerine” on New York’s WFUV, a college‑radio station known for spotlighting emerging indie talent. Front‑woman delivers the song in a stripped‑down setting, allowing the poetic lyrics and delicate guitar work to take...
NY Slice Sessions: Rose Paradise
Rose Paradise, a Bay‑Area‑raised singer‑songwriter, discusses her DIY path from childhood piano lessons on YouTube to releasing her first album at ten and preparing a new EP this month. She credits a mix of folk‑rock legends—Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Neil Young...
Rose Paradise - "Sweet Devotion" (Live at WFUV)
The video captures Rose Paradise’s live rendition of “Sweet Devotion” recorded at WFUV, spotlighting the band’s frontwoman delivering the song’s plaintive verses with a stripped‑down arrangement. The performance leans into the rawness of a radio‑studio setting, allowing the vocalist’s emotive...
Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie — Private Lives (Live at The Current)
Adam Weiner, frontman of Low Cut Connie, performed “Private Lives” live at The Current, delivering a gritty, autobiographical anthem that explores the tension between public performance and personal survival. The song’s verses weave images of side‑hustles, hidden vices, and the...
Are AI Artists the Future of Music? A Look Into the Upside and Risks. | AI: Promise or Peril
The video explores whether AI‑generated artists will dominate music, noting a projected market surge from $440 million in 2023 to $2.79 billion by 2030. It examines the mechanics of creating an AI hit, from character building with ChatGPT to full‑song generation on...
Who's Flyer: Ye or Kanye? #complexnews
Complex News host Isel frames the conversation around Kanye West’s recent name change to ‘Ye’—sometimes stylized as ‘Yay’—and asks viewers to decide which persona is currently ‘flying’ in the fashion world. The segment contrasts the ‘old Kanye’ era, marked by high‑profile...
Arlo Parks - Stateside (PinkPantheress Cover) in the Live Lounge
In a recent Live Lounge session, British singer‑songwriter Arlo Parks tackled PinkPantheress’s breakout track “Stateside,” delivering a stripped‑back rendition that diverged from the original’s hyper‑pop production. Parks re‑imagined the song with a minimalist piano and subtle synth backdrop, allowing her hushed,...
Arlo Parks - 2SIDED in the Live Lounge
Arlo Parks took the stage at the BBC’s Live Lounge to perform a stripped‑down version of her single “2SIDED,” offering fans a raw, unfiltered take on the track. The setting, known for its minimalist production, allowed her delicate vocals and...
Aterciopelados: Tiny Desk Concert
The video captures Colombian alternative rock duo Aterciopelados performing a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR Music, blending Spanish‑language lyrics with a spontaneous, spoken‑word interlude. The set is framed by sponsor Capital One and serves as a platform to showcase the...
The BTS Homecoming: Does Korea's Soft Power Work? | The Impossible State
The Impossible State episode shifts from North‑Korea security to South‑Korea’s cultural clout, using BTS’s highly publicized homecoming concert as a case study. Host Victor Cha invites Wall Street Journal bureau chief Tim Martin, who attended the live event in Seoul’s central...
From the Archives: Musician and Gambler Chip Taylor
The archival interview revisits the eclectic life of Chip Taylor, the 1960s‑70s songwriter behind "Angel of the Morning" and "Wild Thing," who later became a professional gambler at New York’s Belmont Park. Taylor recounts how he learned to read a...
Dermot Kennedy - "Funeral" (Live at WFUV)
Dermot Kennedy’s performance of “Funeral” on WFUV captured a stripped‑down, acoustic interpretation that foregrounded his raw vocal delivery and the song’s stark lyrical themes. The college‑radio broadcast reached a predominantly young, engaged audience, providing a platform beyond his typical streaming...
Dermot Kennedy - "Lost" (Live at WFUV)
Dermot Kennedy’s live rendition of “Lost” at New York’s WFUV radio station offered a stripped‑down showcase of his signature blend of folk‑rock and soul, emphasizing the song’s lyrical depth and emotional resonance. The performance, captured in a single‑camera video, foregrounds...
Dermot Kennedy - "Blue Eyes" (Live at WFUV)
The video captures Dermot Kennedy’s live performance of “Blue Eyes” recorded at New York’s WFUV studio, offering fans an intimate glimpse of the Irish singer‑songwriter’s latest single in a stripped‑down setting. Kennedy delivers the song with a hushed, breath‑laden vocal that...
Hold Your Breath | David Bennett (Music Video)
David Bennett’s latest visual, “Hold Your Breath,” drops as a stark, lyric‑driven music video that leans heavily on the recurring word “Heat” to craft a sensory brand experience. The clip pairs a minimalist set—smoke, red lighting, and close‑up shots—with a...
Yungblud on the Biggest Lie in the Music Industry
Yungblud argues the biggest lie in music is the acceptance of the status quo, saying "that's just the way it is" stifles progress. He uses his own experience to illustrate how entrenched practices limit both artists and fans. He highlights ticket...
Celine Dion Breaks Presale Ticket Record • FRANCE 24 English
The headline of the France 24 segment was Celine Dion shattering ticket‑presale records ahead of her highly anticipated Paris concerts. The Canadian diva announced ten shows at the La Defosse Arena, starting September 12, and opened a lottery‑based pre‑sale that drew an...
'Early Success Was Freeing' - Arlo Parks
In a candid interview, British singer‑songwriter Arlo Parks reflects on how early acclaim liberated her creative process and set a personal north‑star for her career. Parks explains that the success of her debut record allowed her to trust her own taste,...
Imminence: Show Day in London
The video offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at Imminence’s “Show Day” in London, illustrating how the Swedish metalcore outfit structures a typical concert day at the historic Roundhouse. Over the past two years the band has accelerated its global footprint, criss‑crossing continents...
Frank Ocean - Ivy (Noobody Remix)
The video showcases Noobody’s remix of Frank Ocean’s “Ivy,” stripping the original’s lyrical depth and replacing it with an atmospheric, electronic reinterpretation. The production leans heavily on looping vocal fragments and a persistent “Heat up here” chant, turning the introspective...
India’s $70 Billion Spiritual Market Fueled by Bhajan Clubbing | Asian Insider Podcast
The Asian Insider podcast spotlights India’s burgeoning $70 billion spiritual economy, focusing on the phenomenon dubbed “bhajan clubbing” – devotional hymns re‑imagined with EDM, rock and disco beats and staged in stadium‑sized concerts. Reporters note that the trend is youth‑driven, offering a...
Swae Lee's South Rap Mount Rushmore #complexnews
In a brief segment titled “South rap Mount Rushmore,” Swae Lee convenes a rapid-fire poll to crown the genre’s most influential Southern artists. He quickly lands on four names—Young Thug, Future, Lil Wayne and Two Chainz—before opening the floor to additional contenders. Lee...
Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf 2026: Episode 2 with Anamaria Sayre
Episode two of the Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf series spotlights the 12th annual search for unsigned talent, with longtime host Bobby Carter welcoming new judge Anamaria Sayre—Alt‑Latino host, Tiny Desk radio producer, and veteran of the series. The episode...
Why I Didn't Release This Part Of The Flea Interview
In an unreleased segment of a November interview, Flea discusses the creation of his first solo trumpet album, a project that debuted last Friday and diverges sharply from his Red Hot Chili Peppers work. He recounts a two‑year daily‑practice regimen that...
JBL Music Academy Artists Talk New Music, Breakthroughs, SXSW Experience | The Rolling Stone Studio
The Rolling Stone Studio filmed a live segment at South by Southwest featuring three emerging musicians from the JBL Music Academy—Sokya, Chase, and Gary—who shared how the program propelled their careers. The conversation highlighted the Academy’s rigorous application process, a...
Bush: Tiny Desk Concert
The video captures Bush’s latest appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, a stripped‑down live set recorded in the iconic office space. The performance, sponsored by Capital 1 and Rivian, blends spoken‑word verses with distorted guitar loops, delivering a raw, intimate...
Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie — Little Freakers (Live at The Current)
The Current captured a live performance by Adam Weiner, front‑man of Low Cut Connie, delivering the track “Little Freakers.” Set in the station’s intimate studio, the band leaned into their garage‑rock roots, with Weiner’s gritty vocals cutting through a backdrop of driving...
New York City Reviews Ye's 'Bully' #complexnews
The video captures a round‑table of New York City music enthusiasts reacting to Kanye West’s newly released album, “Bully.” The conversation opens with immediate, visceral praise, as participants describe the record as a “masterpiece” and note its rapid ascent into...
Taylor Swift Debuts 'Elizabeth Taylor' Music Video
Taylor Swift released a music video for her single “Elizabeth Taylor,” pairing her modern pop sound with archival footage of the Oscar‑winning actress. The video stitches scenes from Cleopatra, Giant, The Father of the Bride and Who’s Afraid of Virginia...
Fetty Wap on His 2015 Run, "Zavier," And Life After Prison | Complex News
In a candid Complex News interview, Fetty Wap reflects on the breakout 2015 trap‑melody wave that catapulted him to mainstream fame, his willingness to sing on rap tracks, and how his career has evolved since serving time in prison. Wap insists he...
Melissa Etheridge on Norman's Rare Guitars #MelissaEtheridge
In a candid interview, singer‑songwriter Melissa Etheridge reflects on her long‑standing relationship with Norman’s Rare Guitars, the Los Angeles boutique that has supplied vintage instruments to generations of rock musicians. She recalls that in the early 1980s, after Bonnie Raitt warned...
Will Oldham on His Artistic Alter Ego, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy #music #bonnieprincebilly #folk
In a candid interview, singer‑songwriter Will Oldham explains why he adopted the moniker Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy as an artistic alter ego, framing it as a strategic separation between his personal identity and the voice listeners hear. Oldham argues that audiences naturally...