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Jenessa Williams

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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.
Sam Smith

There is nothing condemnable about Sam Smith’s expression of queer, body-positive joy

Content warning: Mentions of misgendering, queerphobia, fatphobia A staple of mainstream UK pop, the idea of Sam Smith being a particularly controversial or debatable figure...
Beyonce

Critiquing Beyoncé is not the same as calling for her cancellation

At this point, everybody knows that an era-opening performance from Beyoncé is going to go down in history. Shrouded in secrecy, Knowles-Carter returned to...
BBC Introducing

BBC Introducing is an institution we can’t afford to lose 

How do you find your new music? It might be TikTok, YouTube, copping a look at Spotify’s latest ‘trending’ playlist or taking a recommendation...
Coachella 2023

Coachella’s 2023 world focus is a shrewd sign of the times

Coachella is an event that has always seemed to do its own thing. Negative connotations persist — the flower crowns, the endless dust, the...
Beyonce

2022 in review: The year of house and home 

In the uncertain, emotional years of 2020 and 2021, it is no surprise that heartfelt singer-songwriters reigned supreme. Phoebe Bridgers, Sam Fender, HAIM, Olivia...
Glorilla

Meet GloRilla, rap’s newest rising star

Every year, there are a few artists who appear to define the year, lighting up social media and cementing the biggest cultural trends. There...
Self Esteem

45’s of the Week – Self Esteem, Kaeto, Memphis LK and more

Self Esteem – 'The 345 (Choose You Edit)' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvrhYjcq488 As anyone who has attended a Self Esteem show in the last 18 months will attest, ‘The...
FLO

The BRITs Rising Star nominations prove that the future of homegrown R&B is bright 

If you live in the UK, you will know that an artist winning a BRIT award is still a pretty big deal. Introduced in...
Wet Leg 2022

2023 GRAMMY nominations: has The Academy got it right this year?

Now in its 65th year, the release of the GRAMMY nomination longlist has always been a big day for the industry, a way to...
Dylan fan project

Project Fandom: Meet the fan organisers lighting up your favourite concerts

The day of the concert has finally arrived. You’ve got your tickets, lightstick and phone, and are ready to dance the night away to...