STRFKR’s Josh Hodges on Turning a Side Project Into a Career

Over the past ten years, STRFKR’s Josh Hodges has subtly fostered a cult following, but it’s unclear whether this was deliberate. In 2008, Hodges began what was then known as Starfucker in Portland, Oregon. He intended it to be a fun, loose, creative outlet removed from the more serious stylings of his band Sexton Blake.

Ether’s Sophomore Effort Reflects Our Times

Borne of necessity and honed in darkness, Ether’s sophomore release, There Is Nothing Left for Me Here, is a logical progression for a five-year-old band that formed with feet firmly planted. Citing personal turmoil, change, and introspection, the band is set to release the album July 7 and support it with a monthlong tour.

Cyndi Lauper’s Songwriting Career Outlasted Her Quirky Public Persona

Cultural icons never die. As generation after generation outgrows teenybopper fixations and digs deeper into record store bins, the timeless work of beloved artists is renewed era after era and time after time. But immortality comes at a cost, and its price is often caricature. Prince’s death and the subsequent outpouring of tribute showed us that the seminal genius of a generation, who spent decades bending genres in the studio, in the end became frozen in amber as the Purple One in a studded latex jacket and ruffled shirt.

The Best Concerts in Miami This Week, July 3-9

It’s Independence Day week, and Miami’s music calendar is loaded. Today, Electric Karnival promises to bring Caribbean riddims and electronic beats together with a lineup that includes Walshy Fire, Bunji Garlin, Brenmar, Ape Drums, and many others. Tonight, Heart and Space will go head-to-head with sets by Chus & Ceballos and Sasha, respectively.

Jay-Z and Sprint Give Miami Fans a Peek at His New Album, 4:44

Samsung, Nokia, Budweiser, General Motors — what do these things all have in common? They all know Jay Z loves corporate partnerships! Back with a new album, a newly stylized stage name, and a new sponsorship with Sprint, Hova is pulling out all the stops to make sure his forthcoming record, 4:44,…

DeGreaser Defends the Planet With Rock ‘n’ Roll on New EP

Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser has never been a band to step aside and let industry gears decide its fate. In fact, Katzman started his label, BUFU Records, in part to influence the direction his band went and on what terms. He believes fortunate hands he’s been dealt have been random.