Opinion – Swift relationship criticism shows unfair expectations of women
The backlash against Swift’s alleged coupling with Matty Healy demonstrated how women are often viewed as extensions of their partners. Taylor Swift has long been in the public eye for reasons beyond her illustrious music career. In fact, fascination with Swift’s love life has arguably been as instrumental in her...
Current in Media
Opinion – Mizzy’s rise sets a dangerous precedent for young creators
Meet Mizzy, the epitome of chasing attention and clout at all costs. His illegal ‘prankster’ antics have garnered a cult-like following online and ignited concern that aspiring creators may follow his blueprint. ‘Hate brings likes, hate brings views,’ says 18-year-old Bacari-Bronze O’Garro, aka Mizzy. Like millions of youngsters, Mizzy has shunned...
Paul McCartney says a new AI Beatles record is on the way
It seems we’ll be hearing a new Beatles record later this year. Paul McCartney has confirmed via BBC Radio 4 that he used AI to pull John Lennon’s vocals from a previously recorded demo. Legendary songwriter Paul McCartney says a new Beatles song is scheduled for release later this...
Could music be contributing to a toxic work environment?
A US federal court is allowing a lawsuit brought forward by warehouse workers who say their workplace has become ‘more hostile’ as a direct result of music. Could our favourite artists be causing problems in our offices? Raunchy, explicit, or misogynistic music could be an illegal workplace practice, a...
The studio aiming to make Hollywood productions sustainable
Atlanta based movie studio, Electric Owl, is aiming to lower Hollywood’s hefty carbon footprint by offering green amenities to production companies. Watching movies and television is far and away the biggest pastime within the United States, with adults consuming an estimated 17% more of this content than 25 years ago. Our...
MTV News becomes latest outlet to permanently shut down
The beloved, old-school division MTV News has shut down for good. It follows Vice, Vox, Buzzfeed, CNN, and others in laying off staff and shrinking workforces, leaving a gap in legitimate news coverage that caters to younger audiences. MTV News has officially closed down. Once a hub for older millennials...
Ed Sheeran wins lawsuit against Marvin Gaye’s heirs for copyright
The world-renowned singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has faced multiple legal allegations of theft, most notably for his single ‘Thinking Out Loud.’ His win clears him of any wrongdoing, and ensures other artists are still free to use chord progressions in any manner they see fit. Ed Sheeran has won a court case in New York this week and was ruled not liable for copyright infringement. He was accused of ‘ripping...
Barbie’s latest attempt at inclusivity has mixed reviews
Mattel announced its latest Barbie last week, a doll with Down’s Syndrome. But customers are undecided on whether this new stab at inclusivity has been successful. Toy company Mattel has been churning out Barbie’s of all shapes and sizes recently. From a Barbie with hearing aids, to the first transgender doll, 2022 was a year of inclusivity for Barbie fans the world over. Adding to the roster, Mattel announced...
Are sustainability documentaries really that radical?
Becky Hutner’s new documentary ‘Fashion Reimagined’ follows a designers efforts to create a purely sustainable clothing line. But are these kinds of projects more self-congratulatory than profound? Fashion designer Amy Powney has made a name for herself as the creative director of Mother of Pearl, a sustainable, London-based luxury brand. Powney has been vocal about her sustainability goals since taking the helm, and Mother of Pearl has made a name...
Should we criticise musicians for entering high luxury fashion?
Frank Ocean’s $27,000 USD sex toy left many fans disappointed and muddled. At what point does a popular musician’s entry into fashion and other high-end avenues become exploitative? Frank Ocean unveiled a $27,000 USD male genital sex toy last year - complete with a nude photography demonstration, obviously - leaving many fans feeling deflated. It’s been six years since the release of Ocean’s last full length LP Blonde, which has...
