What happens when we starve our artists

Musical renaissance woman Miranda Mulholland offers eloquent observations — Kate Taylor, The Globe and Mail

The glorious trickery of Perfume Genius

His fourth album, No Shape is the sound of a benevolent empath who has tired of having so much to know, and has built himself a retreat — Sasha Frere-Jones, Village Voice

Harder? Better? Faster? Stronger? Why is every trailer soundtracked by Kanye?

The first look at moody Netflix thriller Ozark is yet another preview backed by a Kanye track — Stuart Heritage, The Guardian

The important questions: What makes for the perfect karaoke song?

The off-key eager belter will always sound better in the karaoke bar than the listless pitch-perfect pro — Calum Marsh, National Post

Shakira finds liberation, one song at a time

Not long ago, the Colombian songwriter and pop star didn’t know if she would ever make another album —Jon Pareles -- New York Times

Toronto Symphony Orchestra sees success in Europe, Israel

The orchestra's seven-city, four-nation tour was, in part, a celebration of the country’s 150th birthday — William Littler, Toronto Star

Siouxsie Sioux at 60: more than a monochrome goth-pop priestess

Mysterious and misunderstood, the singer of goth pop’s sacred texts outlasted her Banshees peers, and outwitted anyone who would second-guess her. There is much to celebrate —  Ben Hewitt, The Guardian

Justin Townes Earle talks Nashville, country lore and finally growing up

With a new album, the singer passes his experience down  — Geoffrey Himes, Paste

Jeffery Straker admits new album Dirt Road Confessional is his most personal to date

“Sonically and lyrically, over the past two years I’ve had a lot of life experiences" —  Jeff DeDekker, Regina Leader-Post

The Weeknd takes a victory lap in front of a delirious Toronto crowd

Drake shows up as surprise guest at the triumphant show —  Ben Rayner, Toronto Star

A record label growing strong and free in Nunavut

Members of the Jerry Cans have started the region’s first label — Carly Lewis, The Globe and Mail