China COVID-19 shut-in tunes in to the world via radio

Mar 9, 2020
Our Shanghai correspondent, forced to stay home like so many others, shares what she's hearing about the virus on the airwaves.
Although it's hard to breathe while wearing a face mask for an extended period of time, they're now required in all public spaces in Shanghai.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

What the Beatles taught us about tax policy

Feb 20, 2020
The Fab Four were saying something about British public policy with the lyrics, "There's one for you / Nineteen for me."
The Beatles pose at the BBC Television Studios in London before the start of their world tour in 1966.
Central Press/Getty Images

The musician turned hologram could be the future of live entertainment

Jan 16, 2020
Some startups are hoping the concept reignites the music industry’s profits.
A hologram performance of Roy Orbison during The Hologram UK Tour.
Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images for BASE Holograms

Thoughts on creativity from lyrical powerhouse Rakim

Sep 27, 2019
The influential emcee reflects on his life, his creativity and his career.
"I loved every aspect of the culture and tried my hand at all of it," Rakim says of growing up with hip-hop.
Photo courtesy Rakim & Associates

Ben Folds worries about becoming uncool (not really)

Aug 7, 2019
"As satisfying and safe as it can feel to have mastered a craft, it also can be a sign that it’s time to learn a new trick," the musician writes.
"I cannot grow artistically if I am beholden to the opinions of an industry I’ve outgrown," Ben Folds writes in his memoir.
Joe Vaughn

Song lyrics are a big business online. Here's how it works.

Jul 9, 2019
Once upon a time, lyrics were extras. If you were lucky they were stuffed inside the sleeve of an LP. Now, they’re all over the place.
The original handwritten lyric sheet for the song "Royals" by New Zealand musician Lorde.
Phil Walter/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

For violinist Keiko Tokunaga, her instrument is more than just a tool for work. "It is a part of me," she says.
Arthur Moeller

Billboard takes a closer look at bundling

Jun 11, 2019
A recent spat with DJ Khaled is making the music industry question what really counts as a sold copy of an album.
Rich Fury/Getty Images

Taylor Swift proves that, on YouTube, it's all about "ME!"

Apr 29, 2019
The artist used a new feature of YouTube's to launch her latest single.
Taylor Swift performs onstage during The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images