Raul Delapena Setiawan 
How does one mourn an abusive, alcoholic parent? It is a complex, harrowing, and morally ambiguous question that sits at the jagged intersection of trauma, duty, and filial obligation. French writer Anne Pauly confronts this profound emotional labyrinth head-on in her striking debut novel, Before I Forget. Beautifully and deftly translated into English by Dina … Read more
Executive Overview In the contemporary digital landscape, the phrase "This site uses cookies" has evolved from a technical disclosure into a ubiquitous digital formality. To the casual internet user, these pop-ups and banner notices are little more than friction—minor annoyances to be dismissed with a swift click of an "Accept All" button. Yet, beneath this … Read more
Executive Overview In the upper echelons of contemporary improvised music, a compelling ensemble lineup can often telegraph its artistic ambitions long before a single note is struck. With Floating, acclaimed French soprano saxophonist Emile Parisien has assembled a veritable super-quartet of bandleaders and virtuosos, each bringing a distinct cultural, rhythmic, and harmonic lexicon to the … Read more
Executive Overview The alternative music community is mourning the loss of Chad Gilbert, the foundational guitarist, chief songwriter, and creative engine of the seminal pop-punk group New Found Glory, who passed away on September 20 at his home in Nashville at the age of 45. Gilbert’s death comes six months after he shared updates regarding … Read more
Executive Overview In the shadowy corridors of modern world music preservation, few labels carry the uncompromising curatorial vision of Afro7. Founded by Norwegian vinyl collector Fredrik Lavik as a Finnish-based sister imprint to Jazzaggression, Afro7 carved its initial reputation out of unearthing and recirculating rare East African 45s—sparking archival projects like Soundway’s definitive Kenya Special. … Read more
Executive Overview On Friday, July 10, 2026, Wembley Stadium did not merely host a concert—it became the capital of a fictional, authoritarian state. My Chemical Romance’s long-awaited return to London transformed the historic grounds into a sprawling, post-Soviet, nuclear-dystopian theater. Bringing their legendary 2006 masterpiece, The Black Parade, back to life on an unprecedented scale, … Read more
Executive Overview In a watershed moment for contemporary British music, the London-based quintet Ezra Collective has officially rewritten the history books. Securing the Number One spot on the UK Official Albums Chart with their latest release, Here Because of Hope, the trailblazing group has become the first-ever UK jazz act to claim the country’s most … Read more
Executive Overview One hundred years to the day after John Coltrane drew his first breath in Hamlet, North Carolina, the global jazz community stands suspended between retrospective reverence and radical forward-motion. Tonight, Swedish saxophonist and composer Elin Forkelid takes to the stage at Brussels’ prestigious Ancienne Belgique (AB), anchoring a landmark festival dedicated entirely to … Read more
Executive Overview The festive television landscape is set to receive a heavy dose of Regency-era romance and wit, as the BBC officially releases the first promotional imagery from the highly anticipated The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special. Following the runaway success of its debut series—which captured the imagination of 7.3 million UK viewers within its … Read more
Executive Overview In a monumental convergence of pop music royalty, the undisputed Queen of Pop, Madonna, has teamed up with contemporary trailblazer Charli XCX for a thrilling new rendition of her Confessions II standout track, "Danceteria." Entitled "Danceteria Afterhours," the collaborative single is slated for release on Thursday, September 24, via Warner Records. The track … Read more
