Rob Arcand
Here's the Story of the Bizarre 80s Rowboat Song That's Blowing Up TikTok
"Break My Stride" first climbed the charts thanks to a payola scheme. Nearly four decades later, it suddenly went viral—organically.
The Story of the Very First Thing Securely Sold on the Internet
25 years ago, a college kid named Dan Kohn had the novel idea to let people buy things online. The first thing he ever sold was a Sting solo album.
You Need to Listen to More Bossa Nova
After the death of João Gilberto, one of the Brazilian genre's founding fathers, we look back on how the style's mid-century success changed pop music forever.
The Guide to Getting Into City Pop, Tokyo’s Lush 80s Nightlife Soundtrack
Once derided as MOR muzak for yuppies, the glitzy genre that drew on funk, soul, disco, and lounge has become beloved by collectors and experimenters. Here's where to start.
The Guide to Getting into Haruomi Hosono, Japan's Vibrant Pop Shape-Shifter
In his groundbreaking bands and in his solo work, the Japanese experimenter changed the shape of pop music, avant-garde electronics, and more. Here's where to start with his vast catalog
Trace Mountains' New Album Is Insular Indie Rock for a World That's Fucked
Dave Benton, one-fourth of the Brooklyn band LVL UP, took a rest and returned to his solo project to reconnect with his community on 'A Partner to Lean On.'
The Guide to Getting Into Yellow Magic Orchestra
Sampled by J Dilla, covered by Michael Jackson, and a key influence on Detroit techno, the genre-defying Tokyo trio shaped the formative years of electronic music.
The Quiet Brilliance of Talons', Ohio's Most Underappreciated Songwriter
For 15 years, Mike Tolan has been making sad, slow music about heartbreak, listening to Steely Dan, and eating Taco Bell. He knows its not cool, but that's not the point.
The Guide to Getting Into Yellow Magic Orchestra
Sampled by J Dilla, covered by Michael Jackson, and a key influence on Detroit techno, the genre-defying Tokyo trio shaped the formative years of electronic music.
Is Lo-Fi House the First Genre of the Algorithm Age?
How YouTube's related video algorithm helped shaped the strange rise of hazy acts like DJ Boring, DJ Seinfeld, and Ross From Friends.
Neil Cicierega and the Tricky Business of Making Meme Music
The Smash Mouth-sampling artist's latest unsettling full-length raises questions about the longevity of the mashup as a form.
How Nightcore Became Your Favorite Producer's Favorite Genre
The ultra-simple, fast-paced form has been around for over a decade, but a new wave of producers is granting it a second wind.