About a month ago, I was stepping out of the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn when I caught a flicker of a familiar face. Not one I could match to a specific voice, name, or glance shared in the past few weeks, but important enough to stir a vague sense of recognition. I took a double take […]

SINGLES… Good 🏆Daniel Caesar, Rex Orange County – “Rearrange My World/There’s a Field (That’s Only Yours)” is shockingly reminiscent of Dominic Fike (in the best way), harnessing his verse structure and vocal qualities. The songs within this set complement one another and beautifully construct the performing duo’s view of love with a stripped-back instrumental matched […]

SINGLES… Good 🏆LISA, Doja Cat, RAYE – “Born Again” is a classic pop banger that beautifully incorporates a grittier-voiced brief feature from Doja Cat. Although somewhat repetitive, the tune is catchy and easy to follow.  Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra” follows suit with her last single “Disease.” With house-style production reminiscent of old Gaga — an […]

“The Roster” is a series created by Aneesh Batchu. Each week, a tier list of the best, most average, and worst new releases is published alongside blistering hot takes. The best of the best receive a trophy, and the worst of the worst are tossed in the bin. First, Batchu tackles the latest singles. Then, the team comments […]

Vanderbilt’s The Deltamen is the university’s first independent Chinese pop-rock band. Formed in the fall of 2022, they have since released multiple singles, an EP, and a full-length album, all of which showcase their range. Reminiscent of The Smiths and The Beatles, songs “Handan” and “After the Rain” cast a simple melody against a mellow […]

This weekend, Vanderbilt Off Broadway presents (VOB) their mainstage show: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 by Dave Malloy, presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. This week, The Amp was invited to preview the production. Purchase tickets for the show here. A weighty curtain folds back from the facade of Langford Auditorium’s stage. […]

Circa highschool, some three-odd years ago.  I slid my punch card into the time clock one last time, and the digits read like a cipher: You made it out! In a strange ecdysis, I tore myself out of a hibernation body, limb from limb until I was shiny-new. I shook myself out a premature resignation […]

Yo soy de P fuckin’ R. “LA MuDANZA,” Track 17 on Debí Tirar Más Fotos Benito Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, is one of the decade’s highly acclaimed artists. His trademark mix of reggeatón, Latin Trap, dembow and pop into a singular sound has generated billions of streams, catapulting him beyond Latin Pop […]

2021: After the release of his bluegrass epic-in-miniature, The Ballad of Dood and Juanita, I had the misfortune of falling in love with the music of Sturgill Simpson. His discography had it all: confession booth wisecracking lyrics, an I-Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Waylon! growl, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard-esque genre-hopping. Immediately, I introduced Sturgill to my parents […]

I grabbed a seat in the checkerboard-tiled Fido Café, nervously checking the time and monitoring the noise level. A few other patrons were bustling about, the environment lively but subdued — an ordinarily comforting coffee shop environment. But I was paranoid; anything could go wrong with this interview, it being my first conducted in the […]

Imaginal Disk Magdalena Bay Mag Bay’s newest album encapsulates autumn with its perfect blend of synthpop, psychedelia, and weird glitches. I was not crazy about my introduction to the album, “Vampire in the Corner,” but when the drums kicked in towards the end of the song, I was completely blown away. The infectious rush of emotions […]

“The Roster” is a series created by Aneesh Batchu. Each week, a tier list of the best, most average, and worst new releases is published alongside blistering hot takes. The best of the best receive a trophy, and the worst of the worst are tossed in the bin. First, Batchu tackles the latest singles. Then, […]

Though best known for work with pop and indielectronica band The xx, member Jamie xx has also garnered success as a solo artist in the past decade. Most notably, Jamie’s UK Bass debut In Colours (2015) amassed great commercial success and critical appeal. Track nine, a collaboration with Young Thug titled “I Know There’s Gonna […]

Al’s latest record flexes his lyrical muscles. Boasting a discography that extends longer than a CVS receipt, The Alchemist has established himself as one of the most prolific figures in the current landscape of hip-hop music. In 2023, he teamed up with frequent collaborator Earl Sweatshirt to drop VOIR DIRE, a project that has remained […]

“The Roster” is a series created by Aneesh Batchu. Each week, a tier list of the best, most average, and worst new releases is published alongside blistering hot takes. The best of the best receive a trophy, and the worst of the worst are tossed in the bin. First, Batchu tackles the latest singles. Then, […]

Headquarters Coffee is a gem sandwiched between eclectic, industrial antique storefronts. The café calls out to you with its handpainted windowpanes, but you would miss it anyhow, passing by the shop in a few paces. Unbeknownst to you, you are missing out on pure magic. This is Oliver Wingate’s favorite spot. Oliver is the foreman […]