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
“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
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
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
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 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’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 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
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
The End of the Music Business The End of the Music Business
A century of recorded music has culminated in the infinite archive of streaming platforms. But is it really better for listeners?
Apr 10, 2023 / Feature / Ethan Iverson