Music
Cultural Reverence
Comedian Donald Glover is serious about rap, and he’s got the lyrics to prove it
Q+LA Esa-Pekka Salonen
The L.A. Phil conductor laureate returns home with a newly unearthed Shostakovich opera.
Once Bitten
How Carter Burwell conjured up the atmospheric strains of the Twilight climax, Breaking Dawn.
Uncrowded House
When the kids left home, Neil Finn and wife Sharon birthed another—the Pajama Club.
Image: Trend Report Rock Style
The enduring sartorial influence of musical pioneers, from David Bowie to Prince to Lady Gaga. Everything old is new again.
When Country Was King
Long before Nashville was Nashville, the home of good old honky-tonkin’ was right here in Southern California.
The World Is Our Playlist
International music writers weigh in with their picks for the one song Americans should know from beyond our borders.
Troubadour of Troubled Times
Finding beauty in the most unlikely of California’s corners, Dave Alvin proves he’s far more than a blast-from-the-past roots rocker.
Ready to Pop
Six indie bands that are beyond breakout but not quite household names—complete with audio of each.
50 Best L.A. Bands
We pick the ultimate homegrown groups—get video of all 50, and vote for number one.
Q+LA RedOne
The producer behind some of music’s biggest names tells how he came to be the force behind the fame.
Editor’s Letter—June 2011
Los Angeles is saturated in music, and its influences are universal. Herewith, the many sounds of our city—all in LA.
Outlier Goddess
Kylie Minogue’s not quite superstar status here has unique benefits for her U.S. fans.
Q+LA Idris Elba
Drug dealer or cop, salesman or Nordic god, American or Frenchman, this Brit plays both sides of the line.
Power of Two
With a deceptively lo-fi sound and a bluesy-punk vibe, indie band the Kills is, well, doing just that; plus, this month’s song picks
Hip-Hop’s Reluctant Hero
A kid from the projects of Chicago, Lupe Fiasco is a musical bridge between ballers and NPR listeners; plus, monthly song picks.
Q+LA Jerry Weintraub
Hollywood’s most prolific multihyphenate wants you to know...well, just about everything he’s learned.
WEB EXCLUSIVE On the House
Everyone talks about house music...but what is it, exactly? We go to the experts.
Visionary Vixen
The bewitching Brit Florence + the Machine casts her spell stateside; plus, L.A. experts make their song picks.
Intrepid Traveler Big Night Out
For an over-the-top New Year’s Eve, there is still one go-to destination: Vegas, baby...Vegas.
Video Troupe Vertigo
See the magical elements that make this street-style circus larger than the sum of its parts.
Culture(d)—December 2010
Los Angeles Times critics, writers and contributors share their 2010 moment of transcendence.
Tête-à-Tête Bryan Ferry
The spotlight this month is on Roxy rocker Bryan Ferry, who's bringing in the biggies on his new solo effort; plus, our panel picks the tunes you should know.
Tête-à-Tête Jesca Hoop
Jesca Hoop couldn't get a foothold in the States, so she made music in England. With a new CD, she's back for another go.
The Greatest Guitarists Ever
We anted up the contenders, and you ranked them. So, who is number one? Click and see!
Culture(d)—August 2010
An emphasis on the good old days, from 1960s Palm Springs to classic Disney cartoons to the venerable Gay Men’s Chorus of L.A.
The Chords That Bind
For Laraine Newman and her daughter, rock music became the currency with which they traded a profound unspoken intimacy.
Soul Mates
You won’t find any retro-soul laudings on the press material for these rising stars, and yet the vivacious pair are champions of the genre.
Hear and Now
Quadraphonic sound systems were a failed experiment launched in 1970. But now they're back and ready to roar.
Right Here Right Now
Who will be the next great indie band in L.A.? Our pundits weigh in with their picks.
Mix Master Work
This year, the Ojai Music Festival is a tuneful blend of old, new—and Frank Zappa.
Incoming: Lilith Fair
After an 11-year absence, Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair is fully reloaded for a new genre-busting century.
Mexican Revolution
Reb Kennedy knows a good thing when he hears it, so he started Wild Records, L.A.'s little indie label that could. And the listeners are flocking.
Tête-à-Tête Natalie Merchant
Nic Harcourt talks with the erstwhile 10,000 Maniac about her renewed music horizons; plus must-mix music.
Tête-à-Tête Wes Anderson
A chat with Wes Anderson, plus reviews of Nneka, the Raveonettes, Maata Haari and more.
Tête-à-Tête Damien Rice
He usually lets his music do the talking, but we caught up with the politically inspired rocker to see what makes him tick; plus, must-mix tracks.
Michael JacksonOff the Wall
Our exclusive first look at The Official Michael Jackson Opus—a leather-bound 400-page tribute sanctioned by the star.
Tête-à-Tête Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig
Nic Harcourt catches up with Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig on the eve of their sophomore releases, Contra.
Tête-à-Tête: Ennio Morricone
Even if you don’t know him by name, you’ve definitely heard Ennio Morricone’s scores...and he's still going strong at 80. Plus, must-mix tracks.
Tête-à-Tête: Imogen Heap
Since announcing her arrival in 1998 with her first solo release, iMegaphone, Imogen Heap’s voice is everywhere. Step into her ethereal world; plus, must-mix tracks.
Kabul Lullaby
Against many odds, laws and safety risks, Richard "Dobbs" Hartshorne is quietly bringing music to Afghanistan.
Jeff Greenberg
Nic Harcourt interviews the 40-year music vet about his favorite memories and revitalizing the Village Recorder studios in West L.A.
Gustavo DudamelPassion Play
Editor in Chief Annie Gilbar’s one on one with Gustavo Dudamel, the incoming Los Angeles Philharmonic Maestro.
Tastemakers 2009 Andreas Mitisek
“When you go see a film, you want to see something new,” says Long Beach Opera director Andreas Mitisek. “So, why should you always want to see the same opera?” He's got a point.
Greg Kurstin
Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Greg Kurstin has worked with artists as diverse as Ben Harper, Jane’s Addiction, Kylie Minogue and Pink. Now he's producing Lily Allen. What's his secret?
L.A. Story: The Musical
A chronological breakdown of every major music event in Los Angeles history, from the Philharmonic's first concert in 1919 to Prince's residency at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in 2007.
Jazz, Baby
Hugh Hefner shares his favorite memories of the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
