The best stories have great characters at the center of them, and musicians might be some of the greatest characters of all. That’s why when we’re not writing about music, we’re reading about it. From illuminating interviews to riveting think-pieces, we’ll bring you our favorite stories from around the web each month. Here’s what shone in July.
“The Lost Girls”
By Jason Cherkis via The Huffington Post
The story that rocked the music world last month, “The Lost Girls” is an expose about the horrifying rape Jackie Fuchs (aka Jackie Fox) of the Runaways experienced at the hands of the group’s manager, Kim Fowley. The piece brings in Fuchs’ discussion of the aftermath and fallout, and testimony from others of Fowley’s victims. It’s a long and gut-wrenching read, but very much worth your time.
“Taylor Swift is Not Your Friend”
By Dayna Evans via Gawker
The way the media feels about Taylor Swift seems to careen wildly from day to day, but she took a little more-than-usual heat this month after her infamous Twitter snafu with Nicki Minaj. However you feel about T-Swift, Evans’ thoughts on how she is co-opting feminism for personal gain turn into a fascinating reflection on the industry’s capitalistic motives.
“New Traditions and Old Ways: A Visual Guide to Turkey’s DIY Scene”
By Ebru Yildiz via Pitchfork
Yildiz, a Turkish music photographer, travels back to his homeland to explore the nooks and crannies of Turkey’s DIY music scene. These artists face obstacles their American counterparts rarely come up against, like stringent government regulations and a scarcity of venues that host non-cover bands. His black and white photos are both illuminating and beautiful.
“The Dude Abides: At Home with Mac DeMarco”
By Ryan Leas via Stereogum
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to hang out with Mac DeMarco?
“Grimes in Reality”
By Emilie Friedlander via The Fader
Grimes’ long-awaited follow-up to Visions is due to drop in October via 4AD. Celebrate with this super interesting in-depth interview with Claire Boucher, who apparently is a well-versed techie, former Wiccan and terrible driver.
“Forever I Love Atlanta: Young Jeezy’s ‘Thug Motivation 101’ at 10”
By Rembert Browne via Grantland
One part show review, one part profile and one part personal retrospective, Rembert’s piece is a breath of fresh air in the overly stylized world of music journalism. The jumping off point is Young Jeezy’s Thug Motivation 101 tenth anniversary show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta; from there, just take Rembert’s hand and follow along.