The best stories have great characters at the center of them, and musicians might be some of the greatest characters of all. That’s why when we’re not writing about music, we’re reading about it. From illuminating interviews to riveting think-pieces, we’ll bring you our favorite stories from around the web each month. Here’s what shone in June.
“I Interviewed Mark Kozelek. He Called Me a Bitch On Stage”
By Laura Snapes via The Guardian
At what point does the assholery of a person overtake the way we perceive their music? Snapes reports on Sun Kil Moon’s latest artistic developments while also delving into this question in a fascinating way, reminding us that people of privilege are allowed individual complexity that others are not, and that great music does not necessarily make a great man.
“Fall Down Laughing: The Story of Majical Cloudz”
By Jenn Pelly via Pitchfork
As the Canadian duo prepares to release their upcoming album, Pelly writes this enthralling narrative about their path from small clubs in Montreal to the stadium circuit, opening for Lorde. It’s filled with tidbits about Devon Welsh’s views on intimacy, performance and the music world at large. Plus, you can’t deny Pitchfork’s feature treatment — widescreen animated photos and that vaguely ’20s-era font — is a pleasure to read.
“In Praise of the Unhinged Protest Song”
By Spencer Kornhaber via The Atlantic
As we inch toward the next election cycle (and inevitably toward politicians misusing great songs), this reflection on musical activism is extremely on point. It’s no secret that we’re into the new Desaparecidos album, and Kornhaber’s piece brings the possible impact of their sound into the deserved spotlight.
“What is an Industry Plant?”
By Justin Charity via Complex
“Industry Plants, Raury, and the Importance of Artist Development”
By Confusion via Pigeons and Planes
This pick is more of a two-fer, because the varied sides of this argument are just so damn interesting. Charity’s piece came first, detailing his frustration with “industry plants”: artists in the hip hop world that are cultivated by record labels to be hit-makers. Confusion came back with the point that record labels investing in artists isn’t a bad thing, and that putting stock in upstarts is a good way to make sure they make music that sticks. Either way you lean, it’s fascinating.
“Streets of Philadelphia: How the Former ‘Sixth Borough’ Became Rock’s First City”
via Stereogum
The Philadelphia scene is one of the finest in rock ‘n’ roll right now, so it’s no surprise that that stems from of a long history of great artists spreading their wings in the city. Stereogum talks to a variety of local personalities — including members of Cayetana, Modern Baseball, Hop Along, Beach Slang, The War on Drugs, Dillinger Escape Plan and more — about how the scene came to be and where it’s going.