From forward-looking electronic and experimental to new approaches in the ever-evolving R&B scene, from hip-hop and punk to rock and pop, 2019 bestowed an embarrassment of musical riches upon us.
For the man behind some of the most memorable hip-hop productions of the last few decades, a new challenge hits Daniel M. Nakamura in the form of coming up with the emotional soundtrack for the stellar new teen comedy film "Booksmart."
The Drums' frontman Johnny Pierce always seems to be heading somewhere unexpected. Seemingly out of nowhere, the band's mix of jangly 1980s indie guitar, lo-fi drum machines, and sparkling melodies all coated in washes of reverb set them on a wild course as one of the most heavily lauded new bands at the turn of the decade.
With every new album, Steve Mason steps further from the enormous shadow cast by the critically lauded Beta Band. Now with his new album "About the Light" releasing on Friday (Jan. 18), Mason talks about his career, new found contentment and his thrilling new record.