The 100 Best Albums of 2020
2020 may have taken away live music, but it couldn't stop artists from putting out great albums. Here are the best records this year had to offer, handpicked by the Noisey staff.
Videos
Is this the Future of Concerts?
Covid-19 has put a stop to any parties, live music, nightlife, and while the virus rages on cultural events are put on hold indefinitely.
NOISEY & Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Showcase Songs Off the Game's New Soundtrack | Remastered
"Remastered" is a celebration of the comeback of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and the evolution of its timeless soundtrack.
‘Flamboyant’ Pop Star Dorian Electra Gets Dressed to Go Nowhere
We check in with rising Gender Fluid Hyper-Pop star Dorian Electra and ask them to take us on a in depth tour of their one of a kind closet.
Interviews
Q's Electric R&B Is a Safe Space for Black Men to Own Their Feelings
After spending years battling anxiety, the South Florida singer realized music was the only thing he could control.
Masego Wants to Be More Than A Sax-Wielding Ladies Man
The traphousejazz singer spoke to VICE about how his new EP 'Studying Abroad' is a first-class ticket exploring his shortcomings in love.
This R&B Duo Made a Whole Album About Dating Women Named Amanda
With 'The Amanda Tape,' THEY. deliver an emotional 10-track offering about the same-named women in their lives.
Noisey Next
Q's Electric R&B Is a Safe Space for Black Men to Own Their Feelings
After spending years battling anxiety, the South Florida singer realized music was the only thing he could control.
Jean Dawson Made a Record for His 17-Year-Old Self
When the 24-year-old artist set out to soundtrack to his teenage life, he had nostalgia—not genre—in mind.
Arlo Parks Brings Light to Life's Darkest Moments
The 20-year-old singer counts Billie Eilish and Michelle Obama as fans, and landed a feature on HBO's 'I May Destroy You.' She's just getting started.
Features
Bad Deals Are Baked Into the Way the Music Industry Operates
We broke down the three most common types of contracts an artist might sign today, offering a window into how the “bad deal” isn’t an anomaly—it’s by design.
Coronavirus Won’t Kill Independent Record Stores
Independent retailers have battled streaming services, Amazon, and now a pandemic. Record store owners told VICE what they're doing to survive the crisis.
There’s Nothing More Goth Than Being Black
“As soon as I found [the goth] community… it really surprised me at how much of it stemmed from Black culture.”
the means of production issue
The Last of New York City's Jukebox Repairmen Are Searching for Their Successors
There are only five people in New York capable of fixing antique jukeboxes. Unless they can find someone to carry on their line of work, it might go extinct.
By the People, for the People
What do car assembly, Fiesta dinnerware, and fans have in common? They’re all made by people whose names we will never know.
New Music
The 100 Best Songs of 2020
In 2020, we consumed music like late-night pizza: sloppily and alone. Here are the tracks that made the best company.
Buy Some Albums on the Last Bandcamp Friday of 2020
It's time to put your money where your streams are.
We Reviewed Pornhub's Christmas Album
From "Holiday Freak Shit" to "Stuff Our Stockings Santa," the compilation—featuring A$AP Ferg and KentheMan—is for the ho ho ho's on the thotty list.
News
Why Would Bob Dylan Sell His Entire Catalog?
At an estimated $400 million, this is a move that likely makes sense for both the artist and Universal Music Publishing Group.
We Reviewed Pornhub's Christmas Album
From "Holiday Freak Shit" to "Stuff Our Stockings Santa," the compilation—featuring A$AP Ferg and KentheMan—is for the ho ho ho's on the thotty list.
The 2021 Grammy Nominations Remind Us How Awful 2020 Has Been
The Academy made some bizarre choices, snubbing Fiona Apple and BTS, and nominating veteran acts for Best New Artist again.
Essays
Autumn Is Shoegaze Season
October is the perfect time to throw on some Slowdive and sink into weird, blissful, nostalgic melancholy.
Is Grimes Really Making 'Silicon Valley Propaganda'?
She says 'Miss Anthropocene' is about making "climate change fun"—and she can't stop talking about her hopes for an AI-driven future. But she might just be playing with our perceptions.
Filipinos Made This Plastic-Free Cup From Pineapple Leaves
The paper can be in direct contact with food, helps lessen agricultural waste, and provides more livelihood to farmers.