PinnedTurning to Surrealism Under QuarantineIn these trying times, looking to art and history gives me a temporary feeling of solace. It not only lets me look to ideas of the past…May 4, 2020May 4, 2020
PinnedPublished inThe Riff26 Years Later: Elliott Smith (1995) and Substance UseMental health through the lens of Elliott Smith’s self-titled album.Feb 16, 20212Feb 16, 20212
Published inThe RiffFolk Music: Past and Present18 Artists: From Odetta and Bob Dylan, to Lianne La Havas and Phoebe BridgersFeb 23, 20216Feb 23, 20216
Published inThe Shadow27 Years Later: I can never truly understand Nas’ IllmaticMy friend and I walked into the venue excited to attend Nas’ Illmatic Anniversary Tour back in 2014. We were 20, restless, and avowed…Feb 8, 20211Feb 8, 20211
Published inThe Shadow28 Years Later: Nirvana’s In Utero is Sadboi Hours Music“Teenage angst has paid off well / Now I’m bored and old.”Feb 3, 2021Feb 3, 2021
Published inThe RiffBlood Orange Got Me Through 2020Our past year was clustered with death — COVID-19 victims, old friends, more black bodies from the police, Kobe, and more recently, MF…Jan 29, 2021Jan 29, 2021
Published inThe RiffKevin Morby’s Singing Saw in my MemoriesOn the Trans-Canada Highway, we headed west. Drifting between the state of somnolence and serenity, everything felt in its right place…Jan 23, 2021Jan 23, 2021
10 Years Later: Beach FossilsIn the shrinking landscape of lofi indie rock, beach pop has moved to the sidelines. Instead, lofi hip hop and the “lofi-ification” of…Aug 6, 2020Aug 6, 2020
Published inInvisible IllnessDepression During A PandemicIt’s one of those phases again. Once or twice in the year, I’ll get into a deep depression. Something small will usually trigger it — a…May 20, 2020May 20, 2020