Zany Waves
Celebrating diversity in music
Freely Fest Must-Knows - playlist by Zany Waves | Spotify
Freely Fest Must-Knows - playlist by Zany Waves | Spotify
Playlist · Zany Waves · 15 items
Noah Kahan Gives Fans a Taste of What’s to Come!
Noah Kahan Gives Fans a Taste of What’s to Come!
Noah Kahan’s new single, The Great Divide, was released on January 30, 2026 and is also the namesake of his 17-track 4th studio album. Not being able to speak more on the album, Kahan claimed on TikTok that “The Great Divide” is a song that “feels like the summer’s last sunset“ or the feeling of “distance between words.“ Kahan’s team has been teasing the chorus of “The Great Divide“ for some time now, whether it’s playing in the background of an Instagram reel or as a voice memo snippet. During
Reflections on the 68th Grammys: Artists Speak Out on Immigration and Tyler, The Creator’s Meaningful Lyric Change
Reflections on the 68th Grammys: Artists Speak Out on Immigration and Tyler, The Creator’s Meaningful Lyric Change
This year’s Grammys were full of notable highlights. From the outfits (I, for one, loved Chappell Roan’s bodysuit) to the performances (more on Tyler, The Creator’s later), it was one of my favorites in recent years. I also enjoyed that there were no major sweeps this year, which almost made each award feel more earned. Despite all this, awards shows can feel tone deaf and closed off from the realities beyond their own bubble, making those involved seem detached from broader social and political
Delaney Bailey Turns Inward on her Debut Album “Concave”
Delaney Bailey Turns Inward on her Debut Album “Concave”
Last week, Chicago-based singer-songwriter Delaney Bailey released her debut album Concave. It’s a vulnerable work, chronicling loss, desire, anger and joy across eleven songs. The record unfolds gently but deliberately, enveloping you in warmth and comfort and making it easy to get swept up in the gentle rhythms of each track. The emotions throughout Concave can be felt as much as they are heard. Bailey’s expressive vocals sit at the center of each track, while the production swells and recedes
Gregory Alan Isakov at The Anthem, Washington D.C.
Gregory Alan Isakov at The Anthem, Washington D.C.
Power to the Pop: Sharp Pins and Te Vista in Philly
Power to the Pop: Sharp Pins and Te Vista in Philly
Jerry’s on Front holds about 50 people, and its entrance is not immediately obvious. When I finally found the door and walked inside, it felt like I was in on a secret. Chicago’s Sharp Pins were bringing their shimmery, lo-fi power pop to the tiny space for two sold out shows. I had my eye on the second performance of the night, which was being opened by South Jersey janglers Te Vista. With the release of their debut album, House, at the end of December, Te Vista introduced the audience to some
The Kid: A Tribute to The Life of Bob Weir
The Kid: A Tribute to The Life of Bob Weir
“A life well lived” is an adage used in times of grief, used to console others and help them mourn their loss. On January 10th, Bob Weir, notoriously known as the co-founder of the Grateful Dead, lost his battle to late-stage lung cancer at 78 years old. Though never public knowledge (until his passing), Weir was diagnosed with lung cancer in July, before Dead & Company’s (Members of the Grateful Dead with the addition of John Mayer) final shows in San Francisco to celebrate 60 years of the Grat
Shame’s “Cutthroat” Tour Comes to the Basement at Philadelphia's First Unitarian Church
Shame’s “Cutthroat” Tour Comes to the Basement at Philadelphia's First Unitarian Church
As the First Unitarian Church basement began to fill up, I started to wonder about the logistics of this show: there doesn’t look to be enough room for Josh to throw himself into a somersault mid-song. The stage and the ceiling are too low for Charlie to dive and stand on top of the crowd like he often does. Where’s all that energy going to go? This would be Josh Finerty and Charlie Steen, bassist and lead singer of South London post-punk band Shame. Currently touring their fourth studio album,
Khalid’s Living His Truth On “after the sun goes down”
Khalid’s Living His Truth On “after the sun goes down”
Khalid’s never been afraid to express his feelings in his music. His fourth album, after the sun goes down, is no exception. It’s honest and stays true to who he is.A few months after Khalid released his album, Sincere, in 2024, he was outed by someone he had been in a relationship with. Many don’t know how to deal with that, but Khalid proudly admitted to being gay. While he could’ve laid low, he took to writing and creating after the sun goes down.The album was released on October 10, 2025, a
Local Weatherman Are Putting Things Together On New EP “Right One”
Local Weatherman Are Putting Things Together On New EP “Right One”
Brooklyn rockers Local Weatherman capture the uneasy in-between moments of growth on their newest EP, Right One. Across just five songs, the band makes a compelling case for themselves, grounding the EP in a cycle of trying, failing, and trying again that gives the release its emotional core. Formed in 2018, Local Weatherman began as a solo project for singer-songwriter Fritz Ortman before gradually expanding into a full band. Over time, the project has grown beyond its early roots into somethin
Allen Stone and Ripe Bring Warmth to The Pagent on Their Co-Headline Tour
Allen Stone and Ripe Bring Warmth to The Pagent on Their Co-Headline Tour
Winter is a challenging season for many of us. The sun sets far too early, you’re shivering constantly, and much of the fun events and activities get put on pause until springtime. While concert season does tend to slow down as well during this time, luckily it never fully stops. For the community of St. Louis, venues like The Pageant continue to host concerts year round so you never have to go an entire season without seeing your favorite live performances. Earlier in December, Allen Stone and
PLAYLIST: December Soundtrack
PLAYLIST: December Soundtrack
Playlist · Zany Waves · 17 items
Gov Ball Announces a Stacked 2026 Lineup; See Full Lineup & How to Get Tickets
Gov Ball Announces a Stacked 2026 Lineup; See Full Lineup & How to Get Tickets
Governors Ball returns to New York City this June, taking over Flushing Meadows Corona Park with an impressive and wide-ranging lineup.This year’s headliners include Lorde, Baby Keem, Stray Kids, Kali Uchis, A$AP Rocky, and BLACKPINK’s Jennie. Notably, each of the festival’s three days includes a female headliner – a welcome distinction among several male-heavy lineups announced for next year.Beyond the top billing, Governors Ball brings together major acts spanning K-pop, rock, hip-hop, indie p
Zany Waves 2025 Awards: Best Creative & Music Moments
Zany Waves 2025 Awards: Best Creative & Music Moments
In addition to highlighting our favorite music of the year, we wanted to celebrate some of the most unforgettable creative and live music moments of 2025! Keep reading for our picks for Best Album Covers, Best Creative Directors, Best Tour Photographers, and, last but certainly not least, our standout Music Moments – performances and events that shaped the year and left a lasting mark on pop culture.Best Album Covers of 2025Forever Is A Feeling by Lucy DacusAn original oil painting by New York a
Zany Waves 2025 Awards: Best of Music
Zany Waves 2025 Awards: Best of Music
As 2025 comes to a close, we can’t help but reflect on a wonderful year of music. From songs that stayed on repeat to albums that demanded our full attention, the year was full of standouts. To mark the moment, the Zany Waves team came together to share our nominations for Best Albums, Best Tracks, Best New Artists, Best Comebacks, and Best Soundtracks of 2025. Each pick reflects personal favorites from across our team, with a few honorable mentions along the way. Whether your favorite made the
MVRROW: Unraveling the Lore Behind Minnesota's Underground Metal Band
MVRROW: Unraveling the Lore Behind Minnesota's Underground Metal Band
Dogpark at Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
Dogpark at Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
Memphis May Fire at The Majestic Theatre, Detroit
Memphis May Fire at The Majestic Theatre, Detroit
A Cozy Night With The Beths in Philadelphia
A Cozy Night With The Beths in Philadelphia
Q&A: Dela Kay on “Guilty Conscience,” Inspirations, and Leaning Into Theatrics
Q&A: Dela Kay on “Guilty Conscience,” Inspirations, and Leaning Into Theatrics
On November 19, alt-pop artist Dela Kay released “Guilty Conscience,” an anthem for anyone who has lived through a messy breakup. Although she’s been making music for over a decade, this past year has marked a period of refinement, with singles like “Between The Lines,” “Anybody Else,” and “Remedy” signaling a clearer, more confident artistic direction. Her latest release captures that evolution, pairing guitar-driven pop-punk energy with 80s-tinged synths and lyrics that confront betrayal, obse
Almost Monday and The Band CAMINO at Kemba Live, Columbus
Almost Monday and The Band CAMINO at Kemba Live, Columbus
Damiano David Delivers a Powerful Solo Show at The Fillmore Philadelphia
Damiano David Delivers a Powerful Solo Show at The Fillmore Philadelphia
MX LONELY Talk Queer Wrestling, Graveyard Photoshoots, and "All Monsters"
MX LONELY Talk Queer Wrestling, Graveyard Photoshoots, and "All Monsters"
Inside the Dreams and Discoveries of Boy Golden’s Next Album "Best of Our Possible Lives"
Inside the Dreams and Discoveries of Boy Golden’s Next Album "Best of Our Possible Lives"
Jessie Reyez Brings the Heat to Montreal
Jessie Reyez Brings the Heat to Montreal
An Intimate Night with Sydney Rose in Washington D.C.
An Intimate Night with Sydney Rose in Washington D.C.
Waterparks at Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia
Waterparks at Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia
When It Feels Right: A Conversation with Edwina van Kuyk
When It Feels Right: A Conversation with Edwina van Kuyk
Motherfolk Bring Eternal Joy to Old Rock House
Motherfolk Bring Eternal Joy to Old Rock House
Wax Jaw at Ukie Club, Philadelphia
Wax Jaw at Ukie Club, Philadelphia
The Macks in Motion: The Portland Band on Touring and Their New Album
The Macks in Motion: The Portland Band on Touring and Their New Album
Playing Dress Up in New Orleans with Olivia Barnes
Playing Dress Up in New Orleans with Olivia Barnes
Arcy Drive at Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
Arcy Drive at Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
Zara Larsson at Gasometer, Vienna
Zara Larsson at Gasometer, Vienna
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Zany Waves | Music Magazine
Zany Waves | Music Magazine
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