On Plagiarism in Pop Music Are artists actually stealing from each other?

It’s been more than a year since Olivia Rodrigo gave songwriting credits to Paramore’s Hayley Williams and Josh Farro for ‘good 4 u’. Personally, I recall being extremely surprised by the similarities between the two songs’ choruses upon their release. … Continue reading On Plagiarism in Pop Music Are artists actually stealing from each other?

Was Mark Fisher right about pop music? The critical theorist claimed the 2000s would soon be recognised as a low point for popular music.

Originally published in print February 2021. Mark Fisher was a writer and teacher, whose books are often cited as some of the best introductions to critical theory. His brilliant Capitalist Realism explores how capitalism is commonly regarded as the only … Continue reading Was Mark Fisher right about pop music? The critical theorist claimed the 2000s would soon be recognised as a low point for popular music.

BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge: The Highlights Live Lounge month has all our fave artists channelling their inspirations.

This past September was Live Lounge month at BBC Radio 1 in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Nearly every day over the course of the month a massive pop icon took to the microphone, creating some moments of pure musical … Continue reading BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge: The Highlights Live Lounge month has all our fave artists channelling their inspirations.

Taylor Swift doesn’t give a damn about her bad reputation A far cry from “Shake It Off”, “Look What You Made Me Do” has a hook about not liking you, getting harder, and many references to karma.

“Sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now… Why? Because she’s dead.” Taylor Swift is savvy. After her social media was mysteriously wiped clean over a week ago, snippets of a writhing snake appeared –  a signal … Continue reading Taylor Swift doesn’t give a damn about her bad reputation A far cry from “Shake It Off”, “Look What You Made Me Do” has a hook about not liking you, getting harder, and many references to karma.