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 August.
“Pop Music, Teenage Girls and the Legitimacy of Fandom”
By Brodie Lancaster via Pitchfork
Most of the time, music journalism seems buoyed by hyperbole. But this article actually, seriously — literally — shined a bright fricking light into my eyes. Do teenage girls comprise some of the greatest fan bases of all time? Without a doubt, they do. Do they get the credit they deserve? Without a doubt, they don’t.
Also from Pitchfork in August: “I Wasn’t Brought Here, I Was Born: Surviving Punk Rock Long Enough To Find Afropunk” by Hanif Abdurraqib
“Born to Run and the Decline of the American Dream”
By Joshua Zeitz via The Atlantic
Joshua Zeitz shows us that even at 40, the Boss’ Born to Run is as musically — and socially — relevant as it’s ever been.
“A Highly Scientific, Real-Life Exploration Into How Anyone Could Possibly Like J. Cole”
By Shea Serrano via Grantland
Shea Serrano is one of my favorite writers and tweeters. A thing he often tweets about is how much he hates J. Cole, and I can never tell whether he’s being semi-serious or super-serious. While this article doesn’t relieve my confusion, it’s amusing and lighthearted in the way that Shea’s best work often is.
Also from Grantland in August: “Mac Miller Finds the Way” by Rembert Browne
“Here’s What’s Missing From Straight Outta Compton: Me and the Other Women Dr. Dre Beat Up”
By Dee Barnes via Gawker
Say what you will about Gawker, but its operating style does give articles like Dee Barnes’ reflection on Straight Outta Compton both a space and a large audience. If you’ve seen the movie — or even if you haven’t — this is a must-read.
“Alternative nation’s last stand: Lollapalooza 1995, an oral history”
By Allison Stewart via The Washington Post
The Lollapalooza you went to in August wasn’t the Lollapalooza you would’ve attended in 1995. Trust me.