Jenessa Williams
Jenessa is a freelance music journalist, fandom academic and the writer of Subtweets, our weekly column that dissects the trending topics setting Music Twitter alight. She likes millennial hip-hop, noughties emo and advocating for a new era of diversity and representation in both.
With her album anti-rollout, Billie Eilish wants us to respect albums – and Mother...
When the industry zigs, Billie Eilish likes to zag. Whether it’s refusing to conform to perceptions of what a female-identifying popstar ‘should’ be wearing...
Queerchella: Why fans are calling this year’s festival a ‘sapphic dream’
Amidst all the usual internet grumbling about dull crowds, pricey food and stifling heat, there was one big rainbow-coded talking point at this year's...
English Teacher – ‘This Could Be Texas’ review: a subtly brilliant debut from the...
If you haven’t heard of English Teacher yet, there might be a universe in which you could be forgiven. Rather than TikTok virality, beef-seeking...
Is there any room for fantasy in pop music these days?
You’ve got to feel a tiny bit sorry for that old Jolene. More than 50 years after Dolly Parton first begged her not to...
45s of the week – Chappell Roan, Hope Tala, London Grammar and more!
Chappel Roan - 'Good Luck, Babe'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ-oGLluGAc
Going from strength to strength on both the Olivia Rodrigo tour and an appearance on TinyDesk, Chappel Roan is...
Dua Lipa and what it takes to be a Main Pop Girl
For those of us who are chronically online, the phrase ‘Main Pop Girl’ is likely a familiar one.
Used to delineate It-girls-in-training from established superstars,...
Musicians and politics – good idea, right?
When fans line up for an Olivia Rodrigo concert, many will be anticipating a life-changing experience. In giving so many young women the opportunity...
45s of the week – Charli XCX, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus & more!
Charli XCX – 'Von Dutch'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZ1L_0QLjw
“It’s okay to just admit that you’re jealous of me.” A thumping new era of Charli XCX is upon us,...
In a dull BRIT Awards year, Raye speaks truth to power
From the very off, the 2024 BRIT Awards was always going to rely on women to do its heavy lifting. Moving away from significant...
LE SSERAFIM and the satanic panic
This week, K-pop breakout stars Le Sserafim have found themselves in hot water after the release of their music video for comeback single ‘Easy’,...