Adam Mac and His Courageous Brand of “Queer Country” | Rolling Stone Nashville Now
Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast features Adam Mack, a queer‑identified country artist from Russellville, Kentucky, promoting his third album Southern Spectacle and a new single “Hate to See Me Coming.” The conversation explores his rural roots, early exposure to gospel and country, and the personal tragedy that launched his songwriting career. Mack recounts a pivotal 2020 “fuck it” moment when he abandoned the straight‑narrow persona he’d cultivated since 2012. Embracing his gender‑fluid style, makeup, and unabashedly queer lyrics, he fused his love of disco, funk, and classic country into a distinctive sound that defines Southern Spectacle. A dramatic episode unfolded when a local pastor threatened to block his headlining slot at the Tobacco Festival. Mack’s candid video about the cancellation went viral, prompting an outpouring of support from stars like Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini, and ultimately secured an opening slot on Morris’s tour. He later returned to Russellville, turning the controversy into a charity benefit that raised $8,000 for the Isaiah House. Mack’s story illustrates a shifting Nashville landscape where LGBTQ artists can command mainstream attention, leverage controversy into opportunity, and use their platform for community impact. His success signals broader commercial viability for queer narratives within country music.
Ragtime: Tiny Desk Concert
The video captures the Broadway cast of “Ragtime” performing a stripped‑down set at NPR’s Tiny Desk, introducing the show’s narrative of families chasing the American Dream at the turn of the 20th century. The performers emphasize the musical’s dual focus on...
How Billie Eilish Feels Watching Herself on the Big Screen “I Had to Look Away” | Interview
In a recent Triple J interview, Billie Eilish discussed the release of the 3‑D “Hit Me Hard and Soft” concert film, describing how the immersive format captures both her performance and the audience’s reaction. Eilish revealed that fan footage was her...
Metric - "Help I'm Alive" (Live at The Bitter End)
The video captures Metric’s live performance of “Help I’m Alive” at New York’s iconic Bitter End venue. Front‑woman Emily Haines leads the band through a visceral, drum‑driven rendition that amplifies the song’s original urgency. The crowd’s reaction is immediate and loud,...
Metric - "Victim of Luck" (Live at The Bitter End)
The video captures Metric’s live rendition of “Victim of Luck” at New York’s iconic Bitter End, marking the band’s first performance at the historic club. The song’s lyrics juxtapose triumph and self‑doubt, with the refrain “Am I a victim of luck?”...
Our Gen Z Reporter and Her Millennial Boss Try to Get Tickets to Olivia Rodrigo's Tour
The video follows a Gen Z LA Times reporter and her millennial boss as they line up on Ticketmaster for the pre‑sale of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Unravel” tour at the Intuit Dome, while noting the platform’s ongoing antitrust scrutiny. The pair confront a virtual queue...
Brother Wallace — You're The Man (Live at the Forum at Minnesota Public Radio)
The video captures Brother Wallace performing “You’re The Man” live at the Forum, broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio, showcasing his raw vocal delivery and atmospheric staging. The performance emphasizes the song’s themes of isolation and existential dread, using repetitive hooks and...
Ak Says Rory & Mal Are only Relevant because of Drake 👀 #ReRank
The video critiques a recent hip‑hop ranking that places Rory and Mal in the top ten solely because of their proximity to Drake. The speaker argues that a genuine assessment should be based on individual merit, not on who they...
French Montana Talks VERZUZ with Rick Ross, Mixtape Rapper Mount Rushmore, and New Music
French Montana sat down with Complex host Jordan Rose to preview his upcoming VERZUZ showdown with longtime mentor Rick Ross, describing the event as a “celebration” rather than a battle and recalling how Ross first brought him onto MMG. The rapper...
Lucinda Williams Recalls Meeting Bob Dylan for the Very First Time
Lucinda Williams sat down to recount the moment she first met Bob Dylan, a meeting that took place in the mid‑1970s at New York’s iconic Folk City. She had just finished opening for folk‑rocker Tom Pacheco and was approached by...
I'm in NASHVILLE | Fender Custom Shop Roadshow
The Fender Custom Shop Roadshow kicked off in Nashville with a high‑energy event at Carter Vintage, marking the brand’s 75th anniversary of both the Telecaster and Precision Bass and its 80th overall birthday. The gathering introduced new CEO Bud Cole,...
Noah Kahan Goes Fishing in Tennessee, Talks Songwriting, Mental Health, & More | Cover Story
In a candid Cover Story interview, singer‑songwriter Noah Kahan reflects on the rural Tennessee retreat that shaped his latest album, describing how a month of fishing, hiking and simple daily routines helped him reconnect with music after a taxing tour. Kahan...
Billie Eilish
In a candid interview, Billie Eilish reflects on a new 3‑dimensional video that captures her concert‑goers up close, a perspective she rarely experiences while performing. She explains that bright stage lights and the distance between the stage and the crowd make...
Holly Humberstone on Learning From Olivia Rodrigo & Girl in Red #interview
In a candid interview, emerging British singer‑songwriter Holly Humberstone reflects on two pivotal 2020 experiences that reshaped her artistic outlook: touring with Norway’s indie‑pop act Girl in Red and later joining Olivia Rodrigo’s arena tour in the United States. Humberstone says witnessing...
2026 Terrace Hill Piano Competition
The 2026 Terrace Hill Piano Competition, held at Iowa’s historic governor’s mansion, highlighted the state’s most promising young pianists. Sponsored for nearly four decades by the Terrace Hill Endowment for the Musical Arts and funded by Iowa PBS, the Friends...
Whitney - "Won't You Speak Your Mind" (Live at WFUV)
Whitney delivered a stripped‑down live version of her track “Won’t You Speak Your Mind” on New York’s college‑radio station WFUV, turning the song’s studio polish into an intimate acoustic set. The performance leans heavily on repetition—“Won’t you speak your mind?”—to underscore...
Whitney - "Back to the Wind" (Live at WFUV)
Whitney delivered a stripped‑down live version of her new single “Back to the Wind” on New York’s public radio station WFUV, drawing attention to the song’s introspective lyrics and her vocal command. The performance leans on minimal instrumentation—sparse piano chords and...
Whitney - "Dandelions" (Live at WFUV)
The video captures Whitney’s live performance of the song “Dandelions” during a WFUV session, offering a stripped‑down, acoustic take on the track. The intimate setting, with minimal instrumentation, puts the singer’s nuanced vocal timbre at the forefront, allowing the lyrical...
Bob Mould — If I Can't Change Your Mind (Live for The Current)
Bob Mould performed a live acoustic version of “If I Can’t Change Your Mind” on Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current, offering a stripped‑down take on the 1990s alt‑rock staple. The rendition is marked by a hushed vocal delivery and minimal instrumentation,...
Sexyy Red and Snoop Dogg Name Their GOAT Rappers #GOATTalk
Sexyy Red and Snoop Dogg teamed up for a light‑hearted #GOATTalk, naming the rapper they consider the greatest of all time. Both artists converged on Future, citing his music as a defining soundtrack from middle school through early adulthood. The conversation...
Youssou N'Dour and Fatoumata Diawara Headline FEMUA 2026 • FRANCE 24 English
France‑24’s Arts 24 covered the Anoumabo Urban Music Festival (FEMUA) in Abidjan, marking its 18‑year “coming‑of‑age” edition. Organised by Magic System frontman Asalfo, the three‑day event expects more than 100,000 fans and positions itself as a continental hub for Afrobeat,...
Why Willie Nelson Keeps Going at 93
The video reflects on Willie Nelson’s decision to keep touring at age 93, highlighting his relentless work ethic and the emotional weight of recent personal losses. Nelson has lost several close collaborators—Bobby, Jody Payne, and Paul—yet he channels that grief into...
Friko Talk About Leaning Into Dynamics on Song Arrangements
Friko discusses the band’s deliberate use of dynamics, notably delaying the drums in "Guess" until about two‑and‑a‑half minutes to maximize impact. They view dynamics as a natural extension of their playing style and Niko’s songwriting, which already embeds contrast; the band’s...
Brother Wallace — Who's That? (Live at the Forum at Minnesota Public Radio)
Brother Wallace performed his single “Who’s That?” live at the Forum of Minnesota Public Radio, delivering a stripped‑down set that foregrounds his vocal nuance and lyrical focus. The song narrates a night of spotting an ex‑partner with a new lover, mixing...
Malcolm Todd – ‘I Saw Your Face’ (Live for Like A Version)
Malcolm Todd appeared on Triple J’s “Like a Version” segment, delivering an acoustic rendition of “I Saw Your Face.” The stripped‑down performance, recorded live, showcased his raw vocal tone against minimal guitar accompaniment, aligning with the show’s tradition of re‑imagining songs...
Malcolm Todd Covers Audrey Hobert’s ‘Phoebe’ for Like A Version
Australian singer‑songwriter Malcolm Todd appeared on Triple J’s ‘Like A Version’ to cover Audrey Hobert’s indie‑pop track ‘Phoebe.’ The live rendition, streamed to a global audience, placed the relatively obscure song in the spotlight and highlighted Todd’s penchant for emotionally...
Behind Malcolm Todd's Cover of Audrey Hobert's 'Phoebe' For Like A Version (Interview)
Australian indie‑rocker Malcolm Todd sits down to discuss his upcoming rendition of Audrey Hobert’s “Phoebe” for Triple J’s iconic “Like A Version” segment. He explains how the song first struck him during a flight with Hobert, turning the moment into...
Joyce Manor on Working with Brett Gurewitz #JoyceManor
In a candid interview, Joyce Manor explains how longtime collaborator Brett Gurewitz, founder of Epitaph Records, became directly involved in producing their latest record. Gurewitz has acted as an informal A&R figure on every Joyce Manor release, listening to demos and...
Steve Stoute Dishes On Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Brent Faiyaz, Hailey Bieber, & More | Part 2
Steve Stoute, longtime music executive turned branding visionary, sat down with Rich Kimman to unpack his philosophy on cultural influence, brand stewardship, and the evolving economics of hip‑hop‑driven businesses. He argues that true cultural impact—exemplified by ventures like Skims—transcends fleeting...
Eladio Carrión Breaks Down His New Album, 'Corsa' #complexnews
Eladio Carrión uses a recent interview to unpack his upcoming album, Corsa, highlighting its eclectic sound palette and high‑profile aspirations. He frames the project as a fusion of classic LA trap, Afro‑Jersey rhythms, and freestyle experimentation, positioning it as a...
Milo J: Tiny Desk Concert
Milo J’s Tiny Desk Concert brings the Argentine singer‑songwriter and his Uruguayan murga collaborators, Agarrate Catalina, to NPR’s iconic stage. The set weaves together folk‑rock, carnival percussion, and spoken‑word poetry, centering on the new track "Niño" while paying homage to...
Niall Horan Joins The Rolling Stone Interview: ‘There’s Only So Much of Yourself That You Can Give’
Niall Horan sat down with Rolling Stone to discuss his latest record, "Dinner Party," and the evolving balance between his life in London and Los Angeles. The conversation touched on his recent pop‑rock‑infused album, a surprise coffee‑shop pop‑up, and the...
Sophia the Robot Makes Classical Music Debut
The video documents Sophia, the humanoid robot, making her classical music debut. Partnering with music coach Yvanka and a roster of human musicians, she co‑writes lyrics and performs in a traditional style while retaining her distinctive spark. The collaboration emphasizes human‑AI...
'Iceman' Isn't Drake's Most Important Album. Here's Why #complexnews
The video argues that Drake’s 2018 album Scorpion, not his upcoming Ice Man, is the pivotal record in his catalog. Host Jordan Rose references Steve Stoute’s claim that Ice Man will be Drake’s most important album because of post‑rap‑war stan culture, then...
How Jay-Z & Jimmy Iovine Inspired Steve Stoute to Change the Music Industry #music #rap #jayz
Steve Stoute explains how conversations with Jimmy Iovine, who was building Beats Music’s Daisy platform, and Jay‑Z, who was acquiring Tidal, convinced him that the traditional record‑label model was being upended by streaming. He argues that digital distribution lets artists find...
J Balvin & Ryan Castro Talk New Album, Brotherhood, Colombian Pride | The Rolling Stone Studio
Colombian reggaeton heavyweight J Balvin and rising star Ryan Castro announced their joint album "OMERTA", slated for release on May 7, which coincides with Balvin’s 41st birthday. The duo describes the project as an organic extension of a four‑year friendship, built...
NY Slice Sessions: Celeste Krishna
Celeste Krishna, a young singer‑songwriter, shares a candid recollection of how a spontaneous piano session at her mother’s house in Birmingham became the seed for her latest album, “The New Room.” She cites Aretha Franklin’s 1967 recording “Never Loved a Man”...
Celeste Krishna - "NYC & The South" (Live at WFUV)
In a live session on WFUV, singer‑songwriter Celeste Krishna performs “NYC & The South,” a reflective piece that juxtaposes the bustling energy of New York City with the slower, rooted cadence of the American South. The song serves as a...
Holly Humberstone on 'Cruel World', Collaborating with Dodie and Coachella | Interview
The Triple J interview spotlights Holly Humberstone’s sophomore album Cruel World, released fresh from her Coachella appearance. The conversation weaves together her set placement between Fake Mink and Just Kline, her disappointment over missing a “shoey,” and the album’s launch strategy. Humberstone explains that the record emerged...
Brother Wallace Explains and Performs the Song "Who's That?"
In a candid YouTube segment, independent artist Brother Wallace explains the origin of his latest single, “Who’s That?” and delivers a brief performance. The video blends storytelling with a live rendition, positioning the track as the catchiest song he’s heard...
Anna the Magician Reads Billie Eilish’s Mind 😳🎩 #IWAM
The video features TikTok creator Anna the Magician performing a mentalism routine where she appears to read a viewer’s mind and name the exact song they listened to before bed. Anna starts with a vague prompt, asking the participant to think...
Why Nas Called Steve Stoute The Commisioner #nas #interview #business #music
Steve Stoute, a veteran music‑industry executive, was dubbed “The Commissioner” by rapper Nas during a candid interview, a nickname inspired by Batman’s iconic red phone. The moniker reflects Stoute’s perceived authority over a sprawling cultural sector. Stoute describes his core mission...
Brother Wallace Performs a Live Set at the Forum at Minnesota Public Radio
The video captures Brother Wallace performing live at the UBS Forum, part of Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current, introducing his band and previewing his upcoming debut album. Wallace discusses his musical journey—from church piano in West Point, Georgia, to teaching K‑12...
Billie Eilish Gets Her Mind Blown | Interview with a Magician
The video captures a playful interview between pop star Billie Eilish and magician Anna, where Anna teaches Billie a simple card‑trick that culminates in a signed three of spades. The segment blends casual banter with behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes, including a surprising...
Classic Metal Class Session 46 | Conflicts and Rivalries Between Heavy Metal Bands and Musicians
The session explores long‑standing conflicts among heavy‑metal acts, ranging from public feuds between iconic frontmen to volatile internal band dynamics. The hosts cite classic examples such as Ozzy Osbourne’s attacks on Ronnie James Dio after the latter’s Black Sabbath tenure, the imagined...
How Tigran Hamasyan Combines Metal, Polyrhythms and 3,500-Year-Old Folk Music
In a candid interview, pianist‑composer Tigran Hamasyan explains how he fuses 3,500‑year‑old Armenian folk traditions with modern metal and intricate polyrhythms, creating a sound that defies conventional jazz categories. He traces his musical DNA to a household saturated with Led...
Why Drake's New Album Is His Best Shot to Beat Kendrick Lamar #rap #drake #kendricklamar #music
The video centers on Drake’s latest record, framed as his most ambitious attempt to eclipse Kendrick Lamar’s recent critical acclaim. Host Jay references a GQ interview on battle rap to illustrate how high‑stakes competition can define an artist’s trajectory, then...
Usher Asked Kehlani to Redo Their Song Together #complexnews
The video captures Kehlani recounting a surprising phone call from Usher, in which the R&B legend bluntly told her, “I hate our song.” The admission came during a break in an Apple Music interview, prompting Kehlani to pause the conversation...
Cynthia Erivo Loves Fans Elphaba Hand Signal #wicked #musical #movie
Cynthia Erivo opens up about an unexpected, niche aspect of Wicked fandom – the Elphaba hand signal that fans flash in public venues. The video captures her reacting to strangers who quote obscure lines, perform the signal, and even...
Iron and Wine - "Singing Saw" (Live at The Loft at City Winery)
Iron & Wine took the stage at The Loft at City Winery to debut a brand‑new piece titled “Singing Saw.” The folk‑rock act, fronted by Sam Beam, introduced the song in a casual, off‑the‑cuff manner, inviting the seated audience to...