10 Minutes Backstage with Rostam at the Ford
Rostam Batmanglij debuted his new album "American Stories" at the Ford Theatre in Los Angeles, delivering a set that included a surprise duet with Fleet Foxes' Robin Pecknold on Bob Dylan’s "Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right." In the interview he explained the record’s eclectic sound palette—pedal steel, saz, and occasional sax—while rejecting the notion of a strict concept album. He also discussed the bi‑coastal creative process, splitting time between Los Angeles and New York, and hinted at a forthcoming New York studio. The conversation touched on his lyrical philosophy, future memoir ambitions, and the influence of Coldplay’s "Viva La Vida" album on his track sequencing.
Álvaro Díaz Dares Latin Trap Fans to Expand Their Palates in 'Omakase'
Puerto Rican rapper Álvaro Díaz released his genre‑bending album “Omakase,” framing each track as a dish served by a chef who trusts the diner. The 16‑song project blends merengue, reggaeton, cumbia, synth‑pop and rock references—from Tyler, the Creator to Deftones—while...
After 40 Years, the Afghan Whigs Still Sound Like No One Else — and They're Not Done Yet
The Cincinnati‑born Afghan Whigs are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a nationwide tour that blends classic hits from the 1990s with two brand‑new singles, “House of I” and “Duvateen.” Frontman Greg Dulli says the band’s renewed creativity stems from the...
Junior H Addresses Corrido Controversy with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
Junior H appeared alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum at a daily news conference to endorse México Canta, a binational music competition aimed at highlighting regional Mexican talent while moving away from violent corridos. The 25‑year‑old artist reflected on his own controversial...
Are Men OK? Actor Jena Malone Genuinely Hopes so on a Beguiling New Album
Jena Malone, the actor‑musician known for roles in *Donnie Darko* and *The Hunger Games*, has released her first album in nine years, *Flowers For Men*. The record blends experimental folk, electronic textures, and heavily processed vocals to examine masculinity and...
No Doubt Throws It Back — Way Back — at the Las Vegas Sphere
Alternative rock band No Doubt began a month‑long residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, performing for roughly 20,000 fans each night. The shows blended classic hits like “Just a Girl” with deep‑cut tracks that haven’t been played live in almost three decades,...
Billie Eilish, Intimate in Even James Cameron's Eye: Our Critics Weigh in on 3D Concert Doc 'Hit Me Hard and...
Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)” opens in theaters, capturing her sold‑out 106‑show world tour that drew 1.5 million fans. James Cameron co‑directs, applying the high‑frame‑rate 3D technology that powered Avatar Fire and Ash. The film strips back...
With 'Eterno,' Calle 24 Is Ready to Move on From the Glitz
Diego Millán, known as Calle 24, released his fourth studio album “Eterno,” a 15‑track project that strips back the brass‑heavy sound that defined his earlier hits. The record pivots toward personal themes—wealth fatigue, mental‑health struggles, heartbreak, and a stark commentary on Mexico’s...
Stanley Clarke and Stewart Copeland Reunite for the 'Serendipitous' Santa Monica Jazz Festival
Jazz bassist Stanley Clarke has launched the Santa Monica International Jazz Festival, debuting May 1 and running through Saturday at multiple city venues. Curated in partnership with BroadStage, the city and SM Festivals, the program features a John Coltrane centennial tribute and a...
This Historian Dug Into Old Records and Found a Lost Chapter of Chicano L.A. Music Culture
Ruben Molina’s latest book, *The Dreamy Side*, reveals a lost chapter of 1950s Chicano rhythm‑and‑blues culture in Los Angeles, using a trove of 78‑rpm records tagged by teenage friends in Azusa. The work blends personal interviews, vintage photos, and scanned record sleeves...
Why a CBS News Veteran's New YouTube Show Could Be a Model for the Future
Veteran CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason is launching “Alchemy,” a biweekly YouTube series that dives into the creative process of musicians, authors, artists and filmmakers. The show, produced from his Manhattan apartment, gives Mason full ownership of the content while...
No Longer Detained by ICE, the Mariachi Brothers Will Perform with Kacey Musgraves in Texas
The Mariachi Brothers, a trio of teenage musicians from McAllen, Texas, were released from ICE detention after a two‑month hold and will now open for country star Kacey Musgraves at Gruene Hall on May 3‑5. Their detention sparked bipartisan criticism, with...
Remember This Banger: Ricky Martin's 'María,' Remixed
Ricky Martin’s 1995 single “María,” remixed by DJ Pablo Flores and engineer Javier Garza, transformed a flamenco‑styled ballad into a techno‑samba club hit that sold roughly 5 million copies worldwide. The remix propelled the track onto the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 88, marking Martin’s first...
10 Minutes Backstage with Gavin Rossdale at Stagecoach
Gavin Rossdale took Bush to the Stagecoach country music festival, joining a lineup of 1990s rock acts performing for a traditionally country audience. While backstage, he teamed with Guy Fieri for a live cooking demonstration, highlighting his newly launched TV...
What Lainey Wilson Did After the Wind Briefly Shut Down Stagecoach
Lainey Wilson headlined the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio after a brief, wind‑induced shutdown that forced an hour‑long evacuation. Despite the delay, she delivered a high‑energy country‑rock set, featuring hits like “Can’t Sit Still” and “Watermelon Moonshine,” and incorporated a...