Latest news with #JonCaramanica
New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Justin Bieber's Experimental ‘Swag' Resurgence
Earlier this month, Justin Bieber surprise-released his seventh album, 'Swag,' and it is his most idiosyncratic and musically adventurous release to date. Early in his career, he was a superstar by force, and later by will, or something like it. Now, after a few years out of the spotlight, he's verging toward tastemaker, or at least someone who pays close attention to actual tastemakers. Midcareer artist rebrands are a dime a dozen, but in the current algorithmically-driven moment, rarely do they veer in such uncertain directions. But Bieber's work with the guitar innovator the soul provocateur Dijon, the frisky hip-hop producer Cash Cobain and more indicates a willingness to disrupt his fame a little if it means potentially making something interesting. On this week's Popcast, a conversation about Bieber's tug of war between pop success and R&B passion; how his tabloid life influences his musical directions; and whether any artist can actually navigate the level of fame Bieber has experienced. Guest: Joe Coscarelli, New York Times pop music reporter Connect With Popcast. Become a part of the Popcast community: Join the show's Facebook group and Discord channel. We want to hear from you! Tune in, and tell us what you think at popcast@ Follow our host, Jon Caramanica, on Twitter: @joncaramanica. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
New York Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Does Lorde Still Want to Be a Star?
Lorde's fourth album, 'Virgin,' recently made its debut at No. 2 on the Billboard album chart, a reflection of the fan enthusiasm she's held tight to for the decade-plus since she shook up pop's insider-outsider balance with her breakthrough single 'Royals.' But on this album — and really, each album since her debut — she's implicitly pondered whether being famous is all it's cracked up to be, in terms of what the musical and personal expectations are. 'Virgin' is maybe the most musically scattered of her albums, but in moments, she accesses an emotional directness that manages to turn this sometimes confused music into something direct and appealing. On this week's Popcast, a conversation about how 'Virgin' figures into the Lorde lore; whether making hits is a worthwhile endeavor; and whether knowing the circumstances of an album's creation can enhance someone's listening experience of it. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, New York Times pop music reporter Hazel Cills, an editor at NPR Music Connect With Popcast. Become a part of the Popcast community: Join the show's Facebook group and Discord channel. We want to hear from you! Tune in, and tell us what you think at popcast@ Follow our host, Jon Caramanica, on Twitter: @joncaramanica. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
New York Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Reacting to the Sean Combs Verdict
On Wednesday, the eight-week trial of Sean Combs came to a close with a mixed verdict. Mr. Combs was found guilty on two counts of transporting people for prostitution and was acquitted of the remaining charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The result was widely seen as a victory for the music mogul, who was facing the possibility of life in prison if convicted on all charges. On this week's Popcast, a conversation about the strategies of the prosecution and the defense throughout the trial; how Mr. Combs has molded tragedy into tales of triumphing over personal adversity throughout his career; and about what avenues of public rehabilitation might now be available to him. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, New York Times music reporter Connect With Popcast. Become a part of the Popcast community: Join the show's Facebook group and Discord channel. We want to hear from you! Tune in, and tell us what you think at popcast@ Follow our host, Jon Caramanica, on Twitter: @joncaramanica. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
