Top Stories
Stories in Beat that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
From Lou Reed to M*A*S*H: The Status of Bootlegs in 1980. Created with: OG Collection.
The current era of bootleg media includes illegal recordings of Broadway shows shared through Google Drive, feature films leaked while in theaters due to early streaming dates, and a seemingly impossible amount of times Lana Del Rey has had her laptop stolen. There is a thoroughline from these stories into the past, as fans have secretly shared prized recordings throughout many iterations of media.
By OG Collection 3 years ago in Beat
When I met Harry Belafonte
It was the spring of 2011 — a dozen years ago, almost exactly — when I met Harry Belafonte at a London hotel. Mayfair; a bright spring day. He had just published his eloquent autobiography, My Song; a documentary about his life, Sing Your Song, was about to be released. I’ve been fortunate enough to interview a great many remarkable people in my time, but spending time with Harry Belafonte was a truly extraordinary experience; and to feel a real personal connection with him, even more so.
By Erica Wagner3 years ago in Beat
The Rhythm of Change
The Rhythm of Change Sitting on the couch, contemplating my crumbling marriage - he was an asshole, I blamed myself - I was watching late night tv and drinking too much wine. An awkward woman appeared on the show. She had long, red hair and a captivating energy. She played the piano and sang a very strange and haunting song. Her lyrics spoke to me. Her musical sound, intriguing: different. I couldn’t turn away.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Beat
Why You Should Write Out Lyrics to Songs You Like as a Songwriter
If you're anything like me, you spend/spent a lot (I mean a lot) of time in class growing up writing the lyrics to your favorite songs on hand outs and in notebooks during class. Sure, sometimes I drew eyes or those 3-D boxes, but mostly I just wrote the lyrics to "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift and marveled at their beauty.
By Robin Owens3 years ago in Beat
Rick Henry's Rock Show
Welcome to Rick Henry's Rock Concert! Or as I like to call it, "Rick's Trip Down Memory Lane, with a Side of Rock." So, buckle up, folks, because we're about to take a ride through the ages and stages of my life. And don't worry, there won't be any pit stops for diaper changes, I promise.
By Rick Henry Christopher 3 years ago in Beat
A Gen-Xer Speaks about Music
It started in a hallway. I was teaching a session one semester at a college. My students, when not passively absorbed by their cellphones and laptops, tried to be studious. One student in particular was often picking my brain about assignments and material that needed to be completed for the course. He was a young man running his own business, and happily continuing his education both in class and outside of those bare walls.
By Kendall Defoe 3 years ago in Beat
Is Walking 500 Miles (And Then 500 Miles More) Really Romantic?
I love The Proclaimers. Really, I do. Craig and Charlie Reid. They are Scottish. They are twins. They are fantastic singers, write beautiful pop songs, often with very pointed socio-political lyrics and have at least one bonafide end-of-party singalong anthem in "I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)".
By Paul Stewart3 years ago in Beat
Bold Beautiful Black Voices
Black women consistently make their mark on the music industry throughout the centuries. The Black female musicians highlighted here represent a sense of the past, present and future. These three iconic Black female singers leave me in awe of the barriers they breached; standards they set; and progress they made, much during very difficult political and historic times. I present these bold, beautiful black voices in order of when they arrived on the scene—their birthday, that is.
By Stephanie J. Bradberry3 years ago in Beat
The Wheels of Motion Don't Slow Down
I will tell You that I personally enjoy the song "Wheels of Motion" by Dj Fabio & Moon. This is a song that I've enjoyed many a time while studying, working out, driving (some of the best times), or when I'm just straight up chilling having those baller conversations with a group of new friends that I've just met or with old friends that only adds to the memory track.
By Thavien Yliaster3 years ago in Beat
Four Playlist Ideas For You
Creating a playlist is like sculpting a statue. It’s something that you created something personal to you and has your staple of what defines you. Making a playlist for yourself or someone else is the most personal way to learn about someone else's taste in music. But how often do you think about going a little bit farther in creating a playlist? There are driving playlists, "getting ready" playlists, and songs for the broken heart playlists.
By Samantha Parrish3 years ago in Beat
