Malcolm Young, co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and soulful driving force behind the legendary rock group AC/DC, passed away on November 18, 2017. He died peacefully at the young age of 64 after an extended battle with dementia, surrounded by family members. AC/DC is one of the greatest rock groups of all time, both culturally and financially. […]
Tom Petty, the iconic American songwriter and guitarist music icon, whose hits like “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin’” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” have blown the lid off rock music’s canon, died unexpectedly on October 2 at the age of 66. He was found unresponsive in his home after a cardiac arrest and could not […]
By Brad Allen Williams Rudy Van Gelder died 25 August, 2016 at the age of 91, having made some of history’s most enduring sound recordings. If you’ve explored the variegated tapestry of 20th century recordings lumped together under the criminally reductionist banner of “jazz,” you probably know the name. If you’ve dug through crates and slid […]
Ian and Sofia Hultquist are LA-based contemporary composers whose work has been featured in the Vogue documentary, The First Monday in May.
To most of his students Robert Aguilar, aka Rob Swift, is something of a legend, a true DJ. Having come up during the original days of hip-hop in New York City, Rob Swift was one of just a few artists who defined turntablism. His unique skill helped transform DJing from a gimmick into an art form. […]
Radiohead’s new release “Burn the Witch” marks the end of a long period of silence from the band. It is a patient, driving piece with an engaging form that seamlessly incorporates orchestral string instruments into the music. Often when rock songs use strings, they feel like an extra topping daubed on at the end of […]
What I’ve Been Digging Lately has been gone for a minute, but now we’re back with the jump off. While 2016 has notably seen some untimely artist passings, this year has also already been an incredible year for music. April, specifically, brought us songs and sounds from every genre that we believe that you should […]
Ever wondered what would be the perfect track to lip sync on a moon rat while doing a space dance across an alien planet? Well, I’m glad to say Guardians of the Galaxy pretty much nailed the answer. In the opening scene the Star Lord rocks out to the infectiously joyful and funky tune, “Come and Get Your Love” by […]
Prince is gone. Honestly, I’m still tongue-tied. As is the case for most musicians I know, Prince has been an unwavering pillar of my musical life. Maybe the only one, in fact. For my wedding, all my friends recorded themselves singing “Purple Rain,” which my sister- and brother-in-law mashed up with the real song and […]
I often get asked about my favorite bassists. It makes sense — I’m a bass player. The truth is though, my answers have changed almost constantly throughout my musical development. But despite my shifting interests, ever since I first heard The Shining, J Dilla has consistently had an impact on my playing, and has been the first name that pops into my […]
