August 11, 2025
The Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards, two cornerstone events celebrating Black music and culture, have been suspended by BET. The news was confirmed by BET CEO Scott Mills in an interview with...
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When Memphis rapper GloRilla's October 2024 debut album Glorious, one track left everyone talking; "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra...
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The Juno Awards are officially recognizing the powerful rise of Latin music in Canada. Starting in 2026, the annual awards ceremony will feature a brand-new category: Latin Music Recording of the...
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Read moreAugust 7, 2025
Guitarist, songwriter, and frontwoman of Covet, Yvette Young, is known for her intricate tapping technique, genre-bending sound, that creates a calm presence. But in a new interview, the math rock...
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A June 13, 2025, Baptist News Global article highlights the long-standing conflicts between traditional Black gospel music and contemporary Christian music (CCM), which are exacerbated by racial...
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In April 2025, The Who unexpectedly fired long‑time drummer Zak Starkey during a Royal Albert Hall show, reportedly over performance issues. Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been...
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The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations have been announced, boasting a diverse lineup with 33 first-time nominees. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé even earned artist of the year nods without...
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From church pews in Northampton to crowds in Zimbabwe, DC3 is more than just a popular TikTok artist; he is a devout musician who is setting a new standard for UK rap. Through ingenious videos...
Read moreAugust 7, 2025
Under the blazing Chicago sun, HYBE’s rising stars KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR didn’t just perform at Lollapalooza—they owned it. From viral on-stage chemistry to career-defining sets, the two groups...
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Since its inception in 1999, the National has meticulously crafted a sound that resonates with the subtle complexities of human emotion, blurring the lines between melancholy and a peculiar sense of comfort. This article explores the band's history, their unique songwriting process, and how their journey through the realms of sadness and existential musings has led to a deeply loyal fan base.
The National's formation in Brooklyn marked the beginning of an unlikely success story. Comprising two sets of brothers, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, Scott and Bryan Devendorf, along with lead vocalist Matt Berninger, the band initially emerged during a time when the New York music scene was dominated by bands with a more ostentatious style. In contrast, The National's presence was decidedly more understated, marked by their studious appearance and a sound that leaned heavily into introspection and nuance.
Central to The National's appeal is their songwriting process, a collaborative effort that often starts with instrumental sketches by the Dessner twins. Berninger then adds lyrics, often drawing from personal experiences and a deep well of literary influences. This method has resulted in a catalog of songs that feel both intimately personal and widely relatable. The band's ninth album, "First Two Pages of Frankenstein," is a testament to this process, showcasing a maturity and depth that only decades of collaboration can bring. Berninger's partnership with his wife, Carin Besser, a former fiction editor at The New Yorker, adds another layer of literary sophistication to the lyrics, making The National's songs resonate with a poetic depth rarely seen in the rock genre.
A defining moment in the band's history came with the creation of "Boxer," their fourth LP. The album's release marked a turning point, propelling The National from a beloved secret among indie circles to a band capable of selling out shows across the globe. The nuanced storytelling and atmospheric instrumentation of "Boxer" captured the imaginations of a wider audience, establishing The National as a formidable force in the indie rock landscape.
However, it hasn't been a journey without its challenges. The article highlights Berninger's struggle with depression and writer's block during the creation of "First Two Pages of Frankenstein," offering a raw glimpse into the difficulties of creative work. Berninger's openness about his mental health struggles adds a layer of vulnerability to the band's narrative, making their music all the more powerful for its honesty.
The National's influence extends beyond their discography. Aaron Dessner's recent work as a producer, most notably with Taylor Swift, has introduced The National's melancholic aesthetic to a broader audience. This cross-pollination of artistic talents speaks to the band's versatility and the respect they command within the music industry.
In live performances, The National transforms their introspective songs into cathartic experiences. Fans describe concerts as emotional journeys, where the weight of Berninger's lyrics is lifted in collective moments of release. This ability to connect, to transform personal sadness into a shared experience, is perhaps The National's greatest charm.
As the band continues to evolve, their journey offers a fascinating study in the power of music to articulate the complexities of the human condition. Their meticulous approach to songwriting, combined with a willingness to explore the depths of human emotion, has cemented their place as one of the most compelling bands of their generation.