“Ugh, what is this?” That’s the typical response that I get when I play Tobacco’s music for anyone who hasn’t heard it before. It’s an understandable reaction. I can’t say I liked Tobacco’s music much myself the first time I heard it. This is due to the fact that his music is just as […]

During my senior year in high school, my life was changed when I saw Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox (better known as Panda Bear) perform live in Los Angeles. The music of Animal Collective was the exact antidote that I required to all the turbulence and discomfort of high school. The concert provided confirmation of what I already knew; […]

A common criticism of experimental music is that it’s difficult to listen to and lacks catchy hooks. While this is often true, it is possible for music to be experimental and pop-influenced at the same time. Canadian singer/songwriter Claire Boucher, better known by her stage name Grimes, is a perfect example. If anyone asks me […]

Of all my favorite current artists, the name that people seem most likely to recognize when I list them is Flying Lotus. This is not because his music is any less challenging or experimental than the other music I listen to. It’s simply because he draws from diverse influences and incorporates elements from different styles […]