Eiko Ishibashi glows through the ashes on Antigone

Eiko Ishibashi glows through the ashes on Antigone

The Japanese artist’s first album of songs since 2018 softly delivers dark messages. Eiko Ishibashi. Photo by Shuhei Kojima.   “Ashes fall in August / In October, the blood shines,” Eiko Ishibashi sings in Japanese near the end of “October,” the opening track from Antigone. “Covered with ashes, long winter / Spring is yet to…

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The toughest lineup conflicts at Big Ears 2025

The toughest lineup conflicts at Big Ears 2025

Breaking down the most difficult musical overlaps at Big Ears festival in Knoxville this weekend. (L)ANHONI (M) Cass McCombs (R) Waxahatchee. All photos via Big Ears.   From March 27–30, amid the University of Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball teams’ dominant runs in the 2025 NCAA tournament, downtown Knoxville will be overrun with experimental music,…

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#Maajins’ symphony splits Jersey Club like an atom

#Maajins’ symphony splits Jersey Club like an atom

The teenage rapper and producer’s experiments with his hometown sound reap searing, exciting rewards. There are levels to Maajins. In his most public-facing side, he’s a 17-year-old rapper and producer from New Jersey with cotton-candy sweet vocals wrapped around mischievous lyrics: “Way I throw that bitch out like I’m Pat Mahomes,” he sings on his…

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#Stream Japanese Breakfast’s For Melancholy Brunettes… and more albums for New Music Friday

#Stream Japanese Breakfast’s For Melancholy Brunettes… and more albums for New Music Friday

Stream every standout album released this Friday with The FADER’s weekly roundup. Japanese Breakfast. Photo by Pak Bae.   Every Friday, The FADER’s writers dive into the most exciting new projects released that week. Today, read our thoughts on Japanese Breakfast’s For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), YHWH Nailgun’s 45 Pounds, Dutch Interior’s Moneyball, and…

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