Music

Fordism Comes to the Gallery—and AI Comes for the Artists

Fordism Comes to the Gallery—and AI Comes for the Artists Fordism Comes to the Gallery—and AI Comes for the Artists

Though hyped in the media as the latest thing, the images generated by AI art are actually old, trapping the viewer in a time loop of kitsch.

Jun 14, 2023 / Dwayne Monroe

Michael Franti of Michael Franti & Spearhead performs

How Michael Franti Finds Hope in Troubled Times How Michael Franti Finds Hope in Troubled Times

A music legend, and longtime Nation reader, talks about music, optimism, and Howard Zinn.

Jun 13, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Dave Ashton

David Byrne

“This Ain’t No Disco,” Broadway Tells David Byrne “This Ain’t No Disco,” Broadway Tells David Byrne

The former Talking Heads front man is battling the local musicians' union over a production that relies on prerecorded music.

Jun 2, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Tina Turner performing at the

When Tina Turner Rocked Out for George McGovern When Tina Turner Rocked Out for George McGovern

The “Queen of Rock and Roll” usually stayed out of politics. But in 1972, she headlined a remarkable rally for the anti-war senator’s presidential campaign.

May 26, 2023 / John Nichols

Members of the Bandcamp Union during a public campaign update on April 3, 2023.

Workers of the Music World Are Uniting—and Winning Workers of the Music World Are Uniting—and Winning

Last week, staffers at Bandcamp voted to form a union. It’s the latest sign that a real labor movement is starting to take shape in the music industry. ...

May 22, 2023 / Jael Goldfine

Chuck D and Rosa Clemente.

After 50 Years, What’s Left for Hip Hop to Teach? After 50 Years, What’s Left for Hip Hop to Teach?

Chuck D and Rosa Clemente discuss the past and future of music and politics.

May 17, 2023 / Q&A / Laura Flanders

The Conviction of Lucinda Williams

The Conviction of Lucinda Williams The Conviction of Lucinda Williams

The Nation spoke with the singer-songwriter about her political commitments, her battles with the music industry, and her new memoir Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You.

May 4, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Emma Hager

Hazel Jane Plante

Hazel Jane Plante’s Novel of Art, Sex, and Rock and Roll Hazel Jane Plante’s Novel of Art, Sex, and Rock and Roll

Any Other City, a fictionalized memoir of a trans musician, interrogates the conventional narrative possibilities offered to trans writers.

Apr 27, 2023 / Books & the Arts / McKenzie Wark

Harry Belafonte singing at a civil rights rally in Manhattan

Harry Belafonte Never Betrayed His Revolutionary Spirit Harry Belafonte Never Betrayed His Revolutionary Spirit

The singer and actor lived a radical life that never denied and never forgot the lessons he learned while standing at the side of his cherished mentor Paul Robeson.

Apr 27, 2023 / John Nichols

Harry Belafonte, seated in an armchair, with Joan Walsh and Yoruba Richen standing behind him. All three are smiling.

The Gifts Harry Belafonte Gave Me The Gifts Harry Belafonte Gave Me

The singer, actor, and activist gave generously of his time and wisdom—not just to me but to the world.

Apr 26, 2023 / Joan Walsh

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