Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Let’s say the quiet part out loud. The reason so many artists are living off nostalgia instead of putting out new music isn’t just an industry problem. Fans play a role too. Across the industry, nostalgia has become the safest option. Anniversary tours sell out instantly. Full album playthroughs move merch. Entire festivals are built around who we listened to in high school. It works because nostalgia is powerful and comforting, especia

Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Photo Contributed by 1824 / UMG During a press conference with Em Beihold, she opens up about her upcoming debut album, Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter, set for release on February 27, 2026. Throughout the conversation, Beihold offered an honest look into her creative process, the themes behind the album, and the personal growth that shaped the project. Who is Em Beihold? Em Beihold is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who has built h

The Wishbone Tour transformed Prudential Center into a haven for Sad Internet Teens and the stories that shaped them. Article & Photography Contributed by Miranda Wyman On February 27, Conan Gray brought the Wishbone Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark and from the moment the doors opened, it was clear this would not be just another pop concert. Before the show even started, the “Conehead” community inside the arena was impossible to ignore. Fans gathered in front of the

Photo by Sasha Camacho Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Lexa Gates’s “I Am” unfolds like a conversation you don’t rush through. It’s an album that takes its time not because it’s unsure of itself but because it understands that self-definition isn’t something you arrive at all at once. This project moves with patience and purpose; tracing the quiet evolution of someone learning how to live inside their own truth. It doesn’t posture or over-explain. It simply exists con

Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Photo: Spotify Charlie’s Natural Gift Charlie Puth has a way of drawing listeners in without relying on big moments and “Beat Yourself Up” is an example of that confidence. As the second single from his upcoming album Whatever’s Clever, the track doesn’t rush to make an impression. Instead, it eases in self-assured allowing the mood to settle before the message fully lands. The song rides a smooth, steady groove that feels almost convers

Article & Photos by Rachel Catherine SZN4 performing at El Club in Detroit. Photos by Rachel Catherine (@ rachsgalleryy on IG) A Valentine’s Day Evening to Remember February 14th, I spent my Valentine’s Day evening on a Saturday night with SZN4 and it was quite the spirit lifter. On a “holiday” that’s particularly not my favorite, you could feel the love emulating off of the group from the love they have for each other as well as the people supporting them in the crowd. A Ho

A reflection on impermanence, cinematic pop, and the new chapter ahead. Article Contributed by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Sarah Kinsley shot by Florence Sullivan Sarah Kinsley has built a career around capturing fleeting moments — and with nearly one million monthly Spotify listeners, she’s clearly not the only one listening closely. During our recent chat, she spoke about time the way some people speak about weather: ever-present, uncontrollable, and quietly shaping everything

Nick Jonas did not ease us into 2026. He went straight for the feelings. “Gut Punch”, released January 1, 2026, is the first single off his upcoming album Sunday Best, out February 6, 2026, and it feels like a song you accidentally put on and then suddenly you’re staring at the wall thinking about your entire inner dialogue. Artwork by Steven R. Gilmore The song starts immediately with a soft piano and Nick’s voice sounding almost fragile. Like he’s letting a thought slip bef

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano There’s something in the air lately. Girl groups are popping up and it appears they are growing in popularity. This phenomenon hasn’t been seen since the Fifth Harmony and Little Mix days, at least for non-KPop girl groups. The rise of K-pop in recent years has opened doors to many girl groups internationally. Blackpink held the title of the biggest female K-pop group and NewJeans was following closely with their rise in stardom until th

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano It is widely known that T-Pain carried the early 2000’s through his auto-tuned club music. The prominence of auto-tune in his music became his signature sound and in part what propelled him to fame. He blended different genres and influences which led him to carve his own path in the music industry. His use of auto-tune was used as an enhancer rather than a necessary tool for his vocals. He laid a strong groundwork with his storytelling,

Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt The music industry runs on hustle. It runs on nonstop promo cycles, back to back tours, brand partnerships, soundtrack placements, movie cameos, clothing lines, skincare lines, energy drinks, and whatever the next big viral thing is. Fans watch their favorite artists jump from one opportunity to another and it starts to blur into this giant machine where the artist feels more like a product than a person. We see it happen every year. Someone b

Article By Ernesto Raul Aguilar Q101 kicked off its week-long Twisted Xmas 2025 series at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom with a high-voltage opening night that blended indie cool, alt-rock energy, and full-on pop spectacle. Three bands, each with a distinct voice and presence, took the stage and delivered a night that felt as festive as it was electric, setting the tone for the rest of the holiday concerts ahead. The evening opened with Los Angeles band Out in Front, who wasted no

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano Lately, it can feel as though all artists do more than just music. The blending of professions is common since they can be fully established within different creative or business ventures. Being multi-hyphenate can be a way to stay relevant, have various sources of income, or pursue other dreams. Artists now easily launch companies in beauty or fashion as well as reach high levels of success as actors, podcast hosts, or entrepreneurs. Ima

It’s impossible to not have heard the name Julia Michaels or a song written by this talented songstress. The music she’s written is internationally listened to by millions of people. She dominates the charts through catchy melodies, powerful penmanship and an overall grasp on feeling out loud.

Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt & Ilana Bornstein Photo Provided by Ken Phillips Publicity Group David Archuleta is entering his jolly pop era and honestly, we’re obsessed. My Only Wish doesn’t follow the cookie-cutter “holiday album” formula. Instead, it feels like David took festive energy, sprinkled it with pure joy, and built a sound that could genuinely be its own genre. It’s warm, upbeat, and unmistakably holiday, but in a way that makes you want to dance around your li

Article and Photography Contributed by Fernando Flores Grant Knoche performing at the Meadows in Brooklyn, NY - Photography by Fernando Flores (IG: @fernandofloresphotography ) So good it's on AUTOPILOT Grant Knoche’s rise from kid-friendly pop prodigy to a fully realized alt-pop force has been nothing short of electric. His latest tour stop in Brooklyn proved exactly why audiences are so drawn to his world, kicking the night off with a burst of warmth and charisma from Taylo

Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt There is something magical about stepping into a venue early, grabbing a drink, and discovering an artist you have never heard of. That is the point of an opener. It is the spark before the headliner. It is where so many lifelong fans realize they just stumbled into their next obsession. Crowd at All Time Low in Detroit, MI - Photography by Laura Jean Portnoy (IG: @ljportnoy ) But somewhere along the way, major artists started treating openers

Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Keeping it Short n’ Spooky A few months ago, SoundCheck Mag had a special interview with Amber Mark, highlighting the release of her new album, Pretty Idea, which dropped on October 10, 2025. Today, we have the privilege to deep dive into her set while touring alongside Sabrina Carpenter, making the Short n’ Sweet Tour just a little bit sweeter. Amber kicks off the performance coming out in a stunning Black Cat-inspired bunny outfit whic

Paul Bergen / Redferns / Getty The same fans who stream songs into existence can also tear an artist down in 280 characters. Stan culture is the reason many artists still have careers in 2025, but it’s also why some can’t sleep at night. Passion is powerful, and online communities have turned that passion into entire ecosystems. But when love turns into possession, the same force that fuels a career can start to quietly destroy it. No label marketing plan can compete with an

Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Quotes and Photos Courtesy of Ken Phillips Publicity Group If you thought David Archuleta’s latest chapter couldn’t get any more vibrant, think again. The pop favorite just revisited two of his Earthly Delights standouts — “Crème Brulée” and “Can I Call You” — with brand-new Spanish versions plus a bilingual remix of “Crème Brulée” featuring Colombian alt-pop icon, Esteman. Fans might remember that “Crème Brulée” already flirted with a