ALL ARTICLES — afterglow

Artist Spotlights: Shabaka and the Ancestors Are Sent Here By History

Shabaka and the Ancestors embrace their multiculturality to create conscious spiritual jazz.

DIVERSITYAfterglow ATXJuly 9, 2020C.S. Harper, C.S. Hayter

Sans crunchy hair and neon leg-warmers, the end of the ‘80s said goodbye to many trends — the art of the mixtape wasn't one of them

Afterglow ATXJuly 8, 2020srija reddy

Album Anniversaries: 15 Years of Feeling the ‘Illinois(e)’ with Sufjan Stevens

The stumbling ode to Midwestern rapport remains as impressive and chaotic as ever, echoing timely themes of American liberation and political unrest.

ANALYSISAfterglow ATXJuly 4, 2020sufjan stevens, zoe judilla

Album Anniversaries: 25 Years Ago, A Demo Tape Launched Dave Grohl’s Second Act

On July 4, 1995, one of rock’s biggest bands officially debuted. Foo Fighters dominate rock radio and fill stadiums today, but it all started with a lo-fi demo tape Dave Grohl recorded on his own.

ANALYSISAfterglow ATXJuly 4, 2020foo fighters, nirvana, carys anderson, dave grohl

5 Sizzling Picks for July's Bandcamp Day

From our ears to yours, Afterglow Staffers compiled a list of Bandcamp-friendly indie artists who have been recently dominating our playlists.

What’s in a Name?: “Sunflower”

Sunflowers — symbols of light, power, adoration, and loyalty — have taken center stage in music as of late, but not all “Sunflower” songs are created equal.

Afterglow ATXJuly 3, 2020myah taylor

Playlist: Feeling Emotional? Don’t Worry, It’s Cancer Season!

Turn your feelings up to level 10 with these hot-blooded songs.

PLAYLISTSAfterglow ATXJune 30, 2020zodiac2021, carys anderson

6 Black American Artists to Support during Bandcamp’s Juneteenth Fundraiser (and Every Day)

Bandcamp is donating 100% of their share of sales this Juneteenth to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Make the most of the fundraiser by purchasing music and merch from Black artists.

Afterglow ATXJune 18, 2020bandcamp, carys anderson, laiken neumann, andrew zhang, annie lyons, delaney davis

Here Come the Tone Police

Noname would be smarter to "treat people like children" when discussing capitalism with full grown adults, according to J. Cole.

Afterglow ATXJune 17, 2020selome hailu, noname, j cole, snow on tha bluff

Album Review: Chloe x Halle Ring in the ‘Ungodly Hour’

Chloe x Halle reclaim their power and define their artistry in their best album yet.

REVIEWSAfterglow ATXJune 16, 2020delaney davis, album review

Austin Resources and Ways to Support the Movement for Black Justice

A guide for protesters seeking assistance and others hoping to support them and Austin’s Black community.

Afterglow ATXJune 12, 2020

An Open Letter From Afterglow

Afterglow stands in firm solidarity with everyone in Austin and across the nation protesting state violence and police murder of Black people.

Afterglow ATXJune 8, 2020

Songs of Protest: J. Cole Condemns Systemic Racism on “Neighbors”

Throughout pockets of America exists a perception — subconscious or otherwise — that simply being Black is a crime. In his thought-provoking 2017 single “Neighbors,” rapper J. Cole articulates how racial injustice infects every level of society, making it truly skin deep.

CULTURAL CONTEXTSAfterglow ATXJune 8, 2020myah taylor, j. cole

The Aquadolls And The Power Of “Mermaid Rock And Roll”

The Aquadolls not only granted me access into their fantasy world, but reminded me that rock and roll is for everyone to enjoy and create.

Afterglow ATXJune 5, 2020katie karp

Album Review: Lady Gaga Finds Healing on the Dancefloor in ‘Chromatica’

Lady Gaga soothes her pains with pounding basslines and catchy melodies in her sixth studio album.

REVIEWSAfterglow ATXJune 1, 2020album review, delaney davis

Playlist: Embracing the Gemini Season Chaos

Sure, you can call us two-faced — or you can join the fun with a tongue-in-cheek playlist that careens around with the nonstop energy of a carnival ride.

PLAYLISTSAfterglow ATXMay 31, 2020zodiac2021, annie lyons