Some pop songs are built for escapism. They offer a three-minute vacation from the weight of things. Paul Jenner, the creative force behind the musical project 50mething, seems uninterested in this kind of holiday. His work is consistently grounded in the here and now, tackling the social and political agitations of our time with a composer’s ear and a critical eye. His 2026 single, “You Can’t...

Menol HNC, a talented artist born to Dominican parents on the idyllic island of Saint Martin, has emerged as a vibrant force in the music industry. Inspired by the rich cultural diversity of his upbringing, Menol HNC draws inspiration from various traditions, including those of Jamaica, Guadalupe, and Africa, infusing his music with a captivating fusion of sounds. From a young age, Menol HNC discovered the...