Culture
Music
His brother and friends were murdered. Now he only sings to remember them
Recorded between two senseless murders, Mustafa’s new album finds faith as a salve amid overwhelming grief.
- by Nick Buckley
Latest
Analysis
Music festivals
In Bluesfest we trust? The art, and cost, of Peter Noble’s backflip
At a time when many music festivals are doing it tough, comments by Bluesfest founder Peter Noble have done no favours to the sector.
- by Karl Quinn
Unreleased Michael Jackson music found in abandoned storage unit
The late King of Pop recorded 12 tracks while working on his Dangerous album, but the tracks are unlikely to see a wide release.
- by Michael Idato
This is the artist everyone will be talking about in 2025
The 26-year-old is up for four Grammys, and she’s suddenly every pop star’s go-to feature artist.
- by Robert Moran
Focus on NAPLAN stifles arts and music education: report
Perceptions that art and music are “bludge” subjects are among factors depriving NSW students of a well-rounded arts and music education, a parliamentary inquiry has found.
- by Linda Morris
The MSO has a new chief. Just don’t ask him about art and politics
A bassoonist by trade, the New Zealand-born CEO says he’s preoccupied by change.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
How rock’s coolest woman blew Olivia Rodrigo’s mind
Kim Deal says opening for big headliners is to “watch people find their seats”. But Olivia Rodrigo made a sweet gesture for her supporting act.
- by Michael Dwyer
Why we’ll never see anything like the Eras Tour again
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour wasn’t just the most successful concert tour of all time. It was a “magic moment” that could be impossible to replicate.
- by Meg Watson
Australia’s own K-pop superstar bucks pop girl perfection on a hit-filled debut
Blackpink’s Rosé looks to break free from the industry pressures of her day job on her new solo album.
- by Barry Divola and Annabel Ross
‘Fighting the good fight’: King Stingray finds new ears for an enduring campaign
They may have new-found fame in the US (and partied at the NBA), but the Yolngu surf rock band’s heart remains in the Northern Territory.
- by Michael Dwyer
Taylor Swift dominates 2024 Spotify charts with 26.6 billion streams
Spotify Wrapped 2024 shows listeners were obsessed with Swift, female artists, collaborations and country music reimagined by big names.
- by Kerrie O'Brien