COACHELLA 2026 AND ‘‘OBLIVIOUS’’

Julian Casablancas is the musician which current and future musicologist, music historians and protest music fans will write about. After a few decades have passed or 100 years, his musical influence and political ideas will be evaluated in the same seriousness as those of Joe Hill, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan or Kurt Cobain.

I’m revisiting this article because The Strokes have reunited for their new album Reality Awaits (26 June, 2026), marking their first performance together in 15 years. And how do they celebrate this ? By headlining Coachella and closing their set on weekend two with powerful political messages.

The band performed ‘‘Oblivious’’ for the first time in 10 years and throughout the visuals showcased photos of influential political figures: Mohammad Mosaddeg (former Prime Minister of Iran), Patrice Lumumba (Former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Juan José Torres (Former President of Bolivia) and Martin Luther King Jr. (American civil rights activist). After each photo with text stating that the CIA and U.S government was involved in their death and the overthrow of their governments. All whilst singing and asking the crowd ‘‘What side you standing on?’’

Music Conference for all!!!!

I am inviting all music writers, no matter what stage of your career you’re in, to apply to the Grunge Included Conference. Whether you’re a professional musician, critic, an emerging journalist, or someone who explores music as a passionate hobby, your voice and perspective are welcome and important!

The conference brings together diverse thinkers and creators to discuss music as a powerful social, political, and economic force shaping our world today. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, share your insights, and connect with a vibrant network of fellow writers, artists, and industry professionals. It will be a completely open and supportive environment: free of judgment!

You can also present your work through a recorded video or zoom call, if you can’t make it to York, UK! Worldwide applicants welcome!☀️

‘’I was right there when all this [grunge] started, I remember this so vividly, and it shaped who I am, so I almost feel like I have a responsibility to chronicle that’’

First grunge included episode of 2026! Author of ‘’SLACKER - 1991, Teen Spirit Angst, and the Generation It Created’’ (2025), guest speaker at Grunge Included conference and music historian Rob Janicke joins me to discuss the subject we all love – GRUNGE. We talk conspiracy theories, the 27 Club, grunge’s lasting influence, new bands Rob recommends, motivation and even his upcoming projects. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.

The Grunge Included Conference 2026 invites music writers, scholars, students, researchers, musicians, critics and cultural commentators to submit abstracts for presentations exploring the multifaceted legacy of grunge music and culture. This multidisciplinary conference aims to examine the evolution, context and continuing impact of the grunge movement from its origins in the Pacific Northwest to its lingering influence in global music and culture today. We welcome contributions from a wide range of disciplines, including (but not limited to) musicology, music, ethnomusicology, sociology, fashion studies, history, political science, media studies, graphic design and cultural studies. Whether you're dissecting the distortion pedals of Mudhoney or tracing the lineage from Cobain to contemporary alt-pop, we want to hear Your voice.