Turnstile at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles

By Jordan Edwards

Turnstile were nominated for three Grammy Awards earlier this month, capping an unlikely two-year rise to become one of America’s biggest bands. But was it really out of nowhere?

Sure, they don’t have a hit radio single. "HOLIDAY" doesn't appear in a crucial Netflix series scene (it should). But a popular song on social media or streaming platforms doesn’t always translate to a building a giant fanbase. Louis Theroux isn’t selling out The Shrine.

Instead of charting how the Baltimore band got to this point, let’s talk about why they became so popular.

Keep ReadingShow less

Interview and Photos by Jordan Edwards

Los Angeles based singer-songwriter KILLBOY just released the EP MY CRUSH. It includes seven tracks, including the previously released "NAILS" and "DADDY ISSUES."

MY CRUSH marks KILLBOY's first EP for Atlantic Records. The Texas-born, Los Angeles-based musician gained a following over the past few years with viral songs like "U + ME" and "HOW YOU GON'." Working with legendary rock producer John Feldmann, she's now created a rock sound that fits perfect.

KILLBOY is on the road with Sueco on his "It Was Fun While It Lasted" tour through the end of October. Before she hit the road, we met up to talk about the evolution of her music, and yes, the story behind that purple hair.

Keep ReadingShow less
Music Lists

The 10 Best Songs of 2021 So Far

These songs have made a huge splash in 2021.

Jazmine Sullivan, Japanese Breakfast, Olivia Rodrigo, Polo G

Photo by Antoine J. on Unsplash

Believe it or not, 2021 is already just about halfway over.

From an unorthodox Grammy Awards show to tour announcements finally rolling out, the music industry seems to be slowly but surely getting back on its feet. With brighter skies ahead, there's been no shortage of great music to help weather the storm.

Keep ReadingShow less
New Releases

Indie Roundup: Five New Albums to Stream Now

Here's what to listen to this weekend.

Photo by William White on Unsplash

If you're anything like us, you're probably overwhelmed by the sheer number of albums being released on a weekly basis.

Popdust's weekly column, Indie Roundup, finds the five best albums coming out each week so that you don't have to. Every Friday, we'll tell you what's worth listening to that might not already be on your radar.

Keep ReadingShow less
Music Features

So, You Want to Get into Radiohead?

The alt-rock legends' fifth album Amnesiac turns 20 years old today.

By: Chris Lever/Shutterstock

When it comes to a band as versed as Radiohead — whose fifth album Amnesiac turns 20 years old today — it's nearly impossible to imagine the sheer quantity of all their recorded material.

Much to the appeal of diehards, the British alt-rock legends have made their intimidatingly expansive history a little easier to parse. In January 2020, they launched the Radiohead Public Library, an infinite-scroll database filled with virtually every TV performance, newly-reissued merchandise, iconic live shows, B-sides, music videos, and plenty more. It's all neatly sorted by studio album, making it easy for fans to fully dive into their favorite era. But, for those not in the loop, the Radiohead Public Library might make getting into the band even more daunting.

Keep ReadingShow less
Photo by Caleb George on Unsplash

At just 18 years old, Olivia Rodrigo is well-versed in her pop-rock forebears.

The "drivers license" phenom's most obvious musical inspiration is Taylor Swift, with whom she shares a knack for lyrical storytelling, as well as an undeniable ability to write an affecting hit breakup song. Even while watching Rodrigo's arsonry-filled music video for "good 4 u," it's easy to remember a teary-eyed Swift destroying her ex's property in "Black Space."

Keep ReadingShow less