As we look back on 2020, here is a list of my picks for MVPs of the year from a variety of media, but primarily related to music.
Author Archives: Kevin Loo
A Tale of Two Sydneys // How Onefour and The Kid Laroi Took Australian Hip-Hop to the World
Onefour and Kid Laroi have similar beginnings. From rough neighbourhoods in typically maligned hoods around Sydney, to global audiences in a remarkably short time span. For Onefour, their road has been followed an organic, homegrown recipe for success. For The Kid Laroi, he chose to shoot straight for the big leagues to pursue success Stateside.
The Vocal Journey of Bring Me The Horizon // From Deathcore to Stadium Rock: A Numerical Analysis
An analysis of lyrical content and vocal style for British post-hardcore alt-rock group Bring Me The Horizon.
Taylor Swift & The Evolution of Pop Country Realpolitik
Less than a year since the release of her last album Lover, the blonde one released a surprise album recorded and produced in quarantine isolation. She has taken it back to her storytelling country roots for an album literally titled folklore. Soaked in sepia tones of forestry and lace, the album lives up to its name, and isContinue reading “Taylor Swift & The Evolution of Pop Country Realpolitik”
Interview // ALICE: “Smoke It Out”
During quarantine in LA, ALICE was inspired to write “Smoke It Out” as a call for everyone to just…chill out! In the midst of an increasingly maddening 2020, it’s a positive message to consider.
Kanye 2020
Narcissistic, manic, provocateur, unpredictable, barely able to string a coherent sentence together…and then there’s Kanye!
Interview // Scythe Gang 666
We live in a time when pigeonholing artists into a singular genre is increasingly meaningless. From emo rap, to lofi chillwave pop, to neo nu metalcore, the global interconnectivity of the internet has allowed artists to experiment and create new styles in a way that we have never seen before. Out of the nexus ofContinue reading “Interview // Scythe Gang 666”
“Who Will Survive in America?” // A Jazz Prophet’s Story
Gil Scott-Heron may not be a familiar name to many, but you can feel the impact of his poetry and music from the work of Kanye West to the protest cries of Black Lives Matter. If you see yourself as a citizen of conscience, he is an artist you need to know. Born in ChicagoContinue reading ““Who Will Survive in America?” // A Jazz Prophet’s Story”
Lyrical Breakdown: “I Can’t Breathe” // How a Man’s Last Words Became A Rallying Cry
“I can’t breathe” became a rallying cry not just in the streets, but also in politically oriented lyrics c. 2015. Five years later, these songs and lyrics are still relevant as ever.
KSI // From Internet Fame to Rap Star
Knowledge. Strength. Internet fame*. These are the three defining characteristics of gaming/vlogging/amateur boxing star Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji (aka KSI). After more than ten years in the digital entertainment business, and a string of hot singles, his debut album Dissimulation is due out next week, and it’s touted to be one of the biggest releases ofContinue reading “KSI // From Internet Fame to Rap Star”
