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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Directors open up about identity, risk and emotional storytelling at Disney's FYC fest
Some of the season's most acclaimed directors came together for Disney's 'Meet the Experts Live: In the Director's Chair,' part of the studio's FYC Fest on May 29 at the Directors Guild Theater. Moderated by Gold Derby, the lively discussion offered an inside look at the creative choices and personal experiences behind their work. For Out of My Mind, a Disney+ adaptation of Sharon M. Draper's novel, the story's emotional center required a personal touch. Amber Sealey, who directed the project, spoke about her unique approach to capturing the inner life of an 11-year-old nonverbal girl with cerebral palsy. 'I actually went back to my diaries from when I was that age,' she said. 'Lists of people I had crushes on, people I hated — that sort of specificity was really important.' Known for her indie films No Man of God and How Does It Start, Sealey emphasized authenticity, drawing on her experience as a parent. 'I wanted to capture that fleeting time where you're not quite a kid and not quite a teen, but you think you're an adult. It's such fertile ground.' More from GoldDerby 'M*A*S*H' star Loretta Swit dies at 87, and more of today's top stories 'Maybe Happy Ending' star Darren Criss on his Tony nomination for playing a robot: 'Getting to do this is the true win' Taylor Swift's rights drama explained: What happened and why it matters Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for Disney A similar sense of personal connection shaped Elisabeth Moss's experience directing the series finale of The Handmaid's Tale. Having starred in and produced the show for so many years, stepping behind the camera for its emotional conclusion was especially meaningful. 'I still can't believe I was asked to do that,' she said. 'This show has been my life 365 days a year. Getting to direct that finale meant being with the cast and crew in a new way.' Though already an established actor and producer, Moss found that directing only deepened her creative perspective. 'As an actor, you often feel alone in front of the camera. As a director, you realize how much of it is a team sport.' The desire to tell a story rooted in real life informed Michael Lennox's approach to Say Nothing, a political thriller set in his hometown of Belfast. The series, adapted from Patrick Radden Keefe's nonfiction best-seller, resonated on a deeply personal level. 'This was about real people. People I know, stories I've lived around,' he said. 'We still struggle in Belfast to talk about the Troubles and the silence around them. This was a way to give voice to that history.' Directing the opening and closing episodes, Lennox described the project as a rare and meaningful career milestone. Nisha Ganatra shared her experience directing Deli Boys, the FX comedy about two brothers navigating a family deli empire and discussed how the impact of her work extended beyond genre or inspiration. 'I called 'action' and all these heads whipped around,' she recalled. 'At lunch, a bunch of women told me it was the first time they'd heard a female voice say it. That was less than five years ago.' For Ganatra, working in her native language and cultural comfort zone marked a shift. 'Usually I'm convincing people I can tell a story even if I'm not what they expect. But this time, my culture was a superpower.' Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for Disney New creative territory also defined Aletha Jones's work on High Potential, a procedural focused on a woman with an abnormally high IQ who begins consulting for the police. The project, starring Caitlin Olson, stood out to Jones for its emotional layers. 'It was such an emotional script,' she said. 'What made it work was that Caitlin really went there. She was vulnerable, and that vulnerability made the show soulful. You sit down to a procedural for comfort, but you stay for the humanity. We had to get both right.' Visual ambition took center stage with Paradise, directed by longtime collaborators John Requa and Glenn Ficarra. Known for Crazy, Stupid, Love and This Is Us, the duo tackled Dan Fogelman's dystopian vision of a billionaire who builds an underground city in response to personal tragedy. 'Dan handed us something totally unique. It was wild,' Requa said. Though not involved in writing the series, their partnership with Fogelman felt like a natural extension of their creative history. 'Dan trusted us completely, even when we told him something just wasn't going to work. And he'd say, 'Great, rewrite it.' That kind of trust makes it worth it.' Moss says she hopes to continue directing in the future but doesn't plan to give up acting. 'I love acting so much and part of that process is working with the directors. Directing is something I definitely would love to keep doing. I did fall very much in love with it. It's very, very difficult job, but it is very rewarding and so I hope to get to do it again. I'd love to do a feature. I'm looking at a couple of things. It has to be something that you feel like only you can do," she said. "You have to feel like in five years, you're still going to want to tell this story and you honestly feel like you're the only person who can do it." Best of GoldDerby 'I cried a lot': Rob Delaney on the heart and humor in FX's 'Dying for Sex' — and Neighbor Guy's kick in the 'zone' TV directors roundtable: 'American Primeval,' 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,' 'Paradise' 'Paradise' directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra on the 'chaos' of crafting 'the world coming to an end' Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Baby Reindeer,' ‘Shogun' win at the 2025 Peabody Awards: See the full winners list
Reigning Emmy champs Baby Reindeer and Shōgun were among the winners at the 2025 Peabody Awards, announced on Thursday. This year's winners will be honored during a formal ceremony June 1 in Los Angeles, hosted by Roy Wood Jr. The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors selected the prestigious honorees in the categories of arts, children's/youth, documentary, entertainment, interactive and immersive, news, public service, and radio/podcast. Baby Reindeer and Shōgun are among the seven entertainment winners, with the others being Fantasmas, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Ripley, Say Nothing, and We Are Lady Parts. More from GoldDerby 'Thunderbolts' is set to kick-start summer box office and take down 'Sinners' 2025 News and Documentary Emmy Awards nominations include the Biden-Trump debate, plus '60 Minutes' in Outstanding Edited Interview How one 'obsessive' reality TV fan created 'Crypto: The Game,' an emerging media contender that's poised to shake up the Emmys The winners were chosen by a unanimous vote of 27 jurors from more than 1,000 total entries. Together, they "encompass a wide range of contemporary and historical issues, including the war in Gaza, rural healthcare, a focus on disabilities, authoritarianism, and sexual violence,' said Jeffrey Jones, executive director of Peabody. The eligibility period was the 2024 calendar year. Here is the full winners list for the 85th annual Peabody Awards: Photographer (National Geographic) The first season of National Geographic's Photographer showcases renowned photographers like Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, and Anand Varma, who use their art to highlight issues such as environmental threats, the wonders of nature, and the representation of the African diaspora. Through beautiful and probing documentaries directed by notable cilmmakers, the series explores the deeper implications of photography, emphasizing how images are crafted to advocate for visibility and awareness. Out of My Mind (Disney+) Director Amber Sealey's film Out of My Mind follows sixth-grader Melody Brooks, a nonverbal teen with cerebral palsy, as she asserts her independence, showing how adults often overlook her efforts to communicate. The cilm's heartfelt storytelling and sensitivity emphasize the importance of treating individuals with special needs with respect and empathy. Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (Crave) Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story creatively chronicles the life of pioneering trans soul and R&B singer Jackie Shane, who has largely been forgotten due to the scarcity of video footage from her performances. Through inventive rotoscoped animations, audio of her conversations with co-director Michael Mabbott, and interviews with her relatives, the documentary explores Shane's complex identity and her reasons for stepping away from the spotlight. Black Box Diaries (MTV Documentary Films/Showtime) Shiori Itō , a young journalist in Japan, tells her own harrowing story of bravely confronting the powerful male journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi after he rapes her, despite facing disbelief from the police and media. Her relentless pursuit of justice, using her smartphone to document conversations and gather evidence, imbues the documentary with an intense intimacy and determination. Bread & Roses (Apple TV+) The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 severely restricted the rights of more than 20 million women, preventing them from accessing education and employment while facing harsh public limitations. Sahra Mani's documentary Bread & Roses highlights the resilience of Afghan women in these circumstances, showing their organized resistance as well as the joy they insist on cinding in their everyday lives. Daughters (Netflix) Daughters, directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, explores the Date With Dad program, which hosts dances for girls and their incarcerated fathers, creating a temporary sense of home in a prison setting. The cilm poignantly highlights the emotional struggles of these girls and their families, emphasizing that while the event fosters connection, it cannot replace the presence of a father throughout their childhoods. Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (Netflix) This film tells the inspiring story of Lhakpa Sherpa, who balances an ordinary life working at Whole Foods in the United States while nurturing her extraordinary passion for climbing Mount Everest, where she has made multiple record-breaking summits. The documentary not only highlights her remarkable achievements against the backdrop of personal struggles, but also vividly showcases her resilience and spirit, her tenacity and connection to the mountains. Night Is Not Eternal (HBO Max) In Night Is Not Eternal, filmmaker Nanfu Wang explores the complexities of dissent and solidarity through her procile of Cuban activist Rosa Marı́a Payá Acevedo, highlighting their shared experiences in authoritarian regimes. As Wang documents Payá Acevedo's journey during the Trump administration and the 2020 election, they confront growing ideological divides, ultimately revealing the challenges and compromises individuals make in the pursuit of "freedom" and "democracy." One With the Whale (Independent Lens, PBS) One With the Whale follows 16-year-old Yupik tribal member Chris Apassingok as he celebrates his cirst harpooned whale, a significant coming-of-age milestone and means of provision for his village, only to face a wave of hateful online backlash from an environmental group when photos of his accomplishment are posted on social media. Directed by Jim Wickens and Peter Chelkowski, the cilm powerfully illustrates the challenges faced by indigenous communities in preserving their traditions amidst climate change and external judgement from an increasingly connected world. Queendom (Galdanova) Queendom follows Jenna, a gifted performance artist whose bold self-expression becomes an act of resistance against oppression and violence in Putin's Russia. Through Agniia Galdanova's powerful storytelling, the documentary captures both Jenna's painful struggles and her triumphant perseverance. Stax: Soulsville U.S.A. (HBO Max) This powerful four-part HBO documentary chronicles the rise, fall, and cultural impact of the iconic Memphis soul label, showcasing legendary artists such as Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. By weaving together music, history, and the era's racial and political forces, the series delivers a poignant, soulful, and deeply American story. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (Netflix) Benjamin Ree's The Remarkable Life of Ibelin explores the enriching impact of video games through the life of Mats Steen, a Norwegian man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who cinds community and meaning in World of Warcraft. By juxtaposing Steen's virtual and real- life experiences, the cilm serves as a poignant tribute to his journey and highlights the profound connections that can be formed in digital spaces. The Truth vs. Alex Jones (HBO Max) Director Dan Reed provides an exclusive look at the trial of radio host Alex Jones as he faces a lawsuit from the parents of Sandy Hook victims for promoting false claims about the shooting. The cilm not only highlights Jones's manipulative tactics for fame and procit but also critiques a society where trust in shared truths is deteriorating, resulting in a compelling examination of truth versus conspiracy. Will & Harper (Netflix) In Will & Harper, comedy writer Harper Steele navigates her gender transition while reconnecting with longtime friend and collaborator Will Ferrell, who offers unwavering support despite the challenges posed by societal bigotry and transphobia. Their cross- country trip becomes a humorous and heartfelt exploration of friendship, trans allyship, and the complexities of identity. Baby Reindeer (Netflix) Starring Richard Gadd as flailing stand-up comedian Donny Dunn, Baby Reindeer explores his tumultuous relationship with Martha, a fan whose clattery quickly escalates into stalking. Based on Gadd's own experiences, the series offers a darkly comedic yet poignant examination of abuse, trauma, and the complexities of autociction, showing the potential for storytelling as a means of healing. Fantasmas (HBO Max) Julio Torres's HBO show Fantasmas blends absurdity and humor in a surreal world where the protagonist, Julio, grapples with the need for a "proof of existence" to validate his talent and identity amidst bizarre societal norms. Featuring a talented cast and a satirical take on conformity through its sketch-like structure, the series cleverly critiques everything from bureaucracy to reality TV. Mr Bates vs the Post Office (Masterpiece/PBS) In Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Toby Jones portrays Alan Bates, a seemingly ordinary subpostmaster unjustly accused by the British government of theft due to faulty software, showcasing his resilience and determination to cight for justice. The miniseries expands from Bates' individual struggle to expose a broader conspiracy, revealing the government's prioritization of corporate interests over citizen welfare. Ripley (Netflix) Ripley creator Steven Zaillian employs a stark black-and-white aesthetic to explore the moral complexities and deceptions inherent in human nature, focusing on the sociopathy of the titular character, masterfully portrayed by Andrew Scott. This adaptation stands out among previous versions of Patricia Highsmith's novel by integrating an unexpected connection to 16th-century painter Caravaggio, capturing the mid-century sensibility of Highsmith's work and offering a visual portrayal of grifting as a consequence of the American dream. Say Nothing (FX/Hulu) Say Nothing is a nine-episode limited series that chronicles the Northern Ireland conclict known as "The Troubles," focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1972. The series weaves together multiple narratives, including the stories of the Price sisters and Gerry Adams, exploring the deep social impacts of political radicalism, secrecy, and the emotional aftermath of violence. Shōgun (FX/Hulu) FX's reimagining of Shōgun, which adapts James Clavell's novel, shifts the focus from the English navigator John Blackthorne to the rich narratives of its Japanese characters, particularly Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko, thereby challenging the original's white-savior narrative. This innovative approach results in a captivating and complex epic primarily in Japanese, a remarkable example of global collaboration and storytelling prowess. We Are Lady Parts (Peacock) We Are Lady Parts returns just as brilliantly in its second season, using the story of an all- female, all-Muslim British punk band to explore the nuanced challenges of maintaining authenticity while navigating success. With sharp wit, bold music, and intimate character portrayals, the show breaks stereotypes and offers a rare, multifaceted depiction of Muslim women unlike most representations in Western media. 1000xRESIST 1000xResist is a narrative adventure game set a thousand years in the future, focusing on themes of time, memory, and intergenerational trauma as it explores the aftermath of the 2019 Hong Kong demonstrations. Players, taking on the role of Watcher, delve into the memories of Iris the ALLMOTHER and her clones to confront the unsettling truths of their society, ultimately prompting reclection on the past and the future. Inside the Deadly Maui Inferno, Hour by Hour After the devastating wildcires in Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, which resulted in at least 99 fatalities, The New York Times produced this in-depth report, showcasing innovative storytelling and investigative journalism. The comprehensive account combines more than 400 resident and tourist videos, interviews, and thorough analysis to reveal the failures that led to the disaster. One Day in Gaza: Close Up Al Jazeera English's One Day in Gaza: Close Up is a powerful social video capturing life in a besieged city through the phone cameras of Palestinian citizens, showing both daily resilience and the devastating impact of conflict. By empowering locals to tell their own stories when traditional journalism was restricted, the cilm offers an intimate, essential perspective. What Does Racial Bias in Medicine Look Like? Social media is clouded with health misinformation, particularly affecting people of color, as highlighted by "medical mythbuster" Dr. Joel Bervell. Through concise videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, he exposes racial bias in medical practices and algorithms, aiming to educate both healthcare professionals and patients. Confronting Hate (WTVF-TV) Phil Williams of WTVF-NewsChannel 5 conducted extensive investigations into the rise of right-wing extremism in Tennessee, uncovering the influence of neo-Nazis and white Christian nationalists, all while facing targeted harassment online. His impactful reporting not only highlighted a pressing issue in American politics but also led to a state investigation into a local police ofcicial promoting conspiracy theories. Policing Phoenix (ABC15 Arizona [KNXV-TV]) ABC 15 Arizona conducted a groundbreaking investigation into the Phoenix Police Department's brutal treatment of Black Lives Matter protestors, resulting in the dismissal of 39 felony cases and triggering a three-year U.S. Department of Justice investigation. Following up with a detailed 32-part series on the DOJ's final report, the journalists provided critical context and additional evidence of police misconduct. Surviving Nova (Vice TV) On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on the all-night Nova music festival in Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the taking of more than 200 hostages, which sparked a brutal siege of Gaza. The documentary Surviving Nova by Vice News captures the chilling events through smartphone footage and survivor testimonies, exploring the deep emotions and varied reactions of those affected. The Night Won't End (Fault Lines/Al Jazeera English) Al Jazeera's The Night Won't End highlights the harrowing experiences of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, documenting the relentless attacks on civilians by the Israeli military using U.S.-provided weaponry. By following three families and collaborating with organizations such as Airwars and Forensic Architecture, the broadcast provides comprehensive evidence that underscores the absence of "safe zones" in Gaza while holding America accountable for its complicity. The Only Doctor (Reel South/PBS) The Only Doctor prociles Dr. Karen Kinsell, who runs the sole medical clinic in impoverished Clay County, Ga., highlighting the stark health care disparities in one of the wealthiest countries. Documentarian Matthew Hashiguchi captures her commitment to treating uninsured patients, while also critiquing the procit-driven health care system that threatens her clinic's existence. Blindspot: The Plague in the Shadows This powerful podcast reframes the AIDS crisis as a widespread, deeply interconnected struggle too often ignored by mainstream society. Through six episodes cilled with cirsthand accounts, it highlights the resilience and solidarity that emerged in the absence of national leadership. In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha In the Dark: The Killings in Haditha delves into the tragic 2005 massacre in which U.S. marines killed numerous Iraqi civilians in Haditha, revealing the profound anguish of the victims' families and the lack of accountability from the American government. Through nine meticulously researched episodes, reporter Madeleine Baran and her team uncover the dismissive and revealing responses from military ofcicials, highlighting the damaging impact of the U.S. wars on terror. Pulse: The Untold Story The 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, initially portrayed in the media as a hate crime driven by shooter Omar Mateen's struggles with his sexuality, is revealed by reporter Trevor Aaronson to be instead a crime that stemmed from his opposition to U.S. military actions in Iraq and Syria. Through extensive investigation, Aaronson uncovers how the FBI's narrative shaped public perception and obscured its own failures, leading to critical questions about institutional accountability and the politicization of memory. Yousef, Youmna, Banias, and Majd: Four Lives in Gaza Chana Joffe-Walt's collection of stories for This American Life emphasizes the individual human experiences often overshadowed by the statistics surrounding the Gaza conflict, focusing on the personal struggles of people like aid worker Yousef Hammash and reporter Youmna El Sayed. Through intimate phone conversations, Joffe-Walt captures their raw vulnerability and resilience, witnessing and conveying the realities of life in a war-torn region. SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby How one 'obsessive' reality TV fan created 'Crypto: The Game,' an emerging media contender that's poised to shake up the Emmys 'I felt my blood boil': Nicholas Alexander Chavez on playing Lyle Menendez in 'Monsters' 'I've gotten a high from the gavel': Melissa Rauch on bringing 'Night Court' back to life and crafting Judge Abby Stone Click here to read the full article.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Joyce Prescher Releases Her 2nd Single With Lachlan Bryan
Joyce Prescher was born and raised in the Netherlands but has lived in Melbourne for over a decade. Her albums, Home (2017) and Out of My Mind (2022), are filled with songs of isolation and alienation, delivered with a delicacy befitting their lilting melodies, meandering time-signatures and often melancholic lyrics. Last month Joyce released the first of her recording collaborations with Lachlan Bryan, a cover of Absynthe Minded's ' My Heroics '. The song, with it's hypnotic groove and intimate vocals, has been played across Australian community radio, on Double J and ABC Country, and on more than 50 American public radio stations via The International Americana Music Show. The second single in this collaborative series is ' Nothing Really Ends ', which premiered on Vital Bits/ 3RRR. It's a track originally recorded by Belgian band dEUS, and the first song Joyce recorded with Lachlan – a beginning marked by a song about endings. For Joyce, dEUS are more than just a band, they're part of the fabric of her youth. ' I've listened to them since the mid-90s,' she says. ' They've been with me throughout my life, and I always come back to them. This song, to me, has this depth, this melancholy, but also a sense of calm and peace." There's a cinematic feel to this version – layered guitars, strings, and a rhythm that simmers just below the surface. It doesn't rush. It unfolds. Lachlan and Joyce trade lines like two people trying to make sense of a shared memory, their voices weaving together and pulling apart. It's richer than a stripped-back ballad, but still intimate – the kind of arrangement that reveals more with each listen. ' We recorded this song fast, in a very instinctual kind of way,' says Lachlan. ' We would grab hold of the instrumental hook from the original and try and reimagine it, but because I didn't know the song very well it quickly became its own thing. I was learning it from Joyce rather than from dEUS, and I think that's part of the charm." The emotional terrain of 'Nothing Really Ends' – longing, ambiguity, resignation – felt like a perfect mirror for Joyce and Lachlan's long walks and long talks through the empty streets of Melbourne during the pandemic. There's a tension in the song, but also acceptance. ' It doesn't scream, it just lingers,' Joyce reflects. ' That's what I love about it. To me it's about understanding that endings aren't always clear. Sometimes, the things we think are over never really leave us. They're always there, in some form.' 'Nothing Really Ends' captures the fragile beauty of that idea—a reflection on the things that persist, long after they've passed. It's a re-imagining of a song that's always felt deeply personal to Joyce, and through her collaboration with Lachlan, it becomes something even more intimate and reflective. With this second release, Joyce Prescher continues to reveal new layers of herself – not just as a songwriter, but as an interpreter, curator, and collaborator. These aren't just songs she admired from afar; they're part of her personal history, now reshaped and re-voiced with care. JOYCE PRESCHER Following the release of her first album, Joyce signed to independent record label Cheersquad Records & Tapes in July 2022. She released the singles 'Paper and Pen' and 'Black on White', prior to releasing her 13-track album Out Of My Mind in October 2022. Upon release the album charted in both the ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums and the Australian Independent Record Labels Association 100% Independent Albums chart. Joyce was a finalist in the 2022 and 2023 Australian Folk Music Awards (AFMA), has toured and performed a project called Sing a Song of Sixpence, with other artists including Abby Dobson, Freya Josephine Hollick, Charm of Finches, and Van Walker. She had performed as part of the sold-out tribute shows to Justin Townes Earle at the Brunswick Ballroom, and shared the stage with many Australian favourites, including Tim Rogers, Kylie Auldist, Mick Thomas, Debra Byrne, Sarah Carroll, Kerryn Fields, and XANI. LACHLAN BRYAN Over more than a decade, Lachlan Bryan has built a reputation as a master storyteller, regardless of whether he's performing solo, fronting his band The Wildes, or collaborating with country music icon Catherine Britt in The Pleasures. His songs range from hard-hitting social commentary to deeply personal musings, but each contains a unique turn of phrase, dark humour, and an ever-present sense of romance. Lachlan has toured with artists such as Justin Townes Earle, John Hiatt, Shawn Colvin, and Henry Wagons, as well as headlining his own tours and performing at festivals all over the world. He's released five full-length albums with The Wildes, all of which have received critical acclaim, featured in yearly top ten lists, and in some cases even charted strongly in the ARIA Official Australian Albums charts.
The Guardian
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Add to playlist: Kashus Culpepper's ‘southern sounds' and the week's best new tracks
From AlabamaRecommended if you like Luke Combs, Tony Joe White, Charles BradleyUp next Supporting Leon Bridges in the US Kashus Culpepper's story has something of the Hollywood movie about it. A former firefighter who went on to enlist in the US Navy, he only picked up a guitar five years ago to entertain his fellow troops when they were locked down in barracks during the pandemic. On his return to the US, he began working for a cement company while posting clips of covers and his own songs to social media: one attracted the attention of Samuel L Jackson, who reposted it to his 9 million followers. Within a few months, Culpepper had both a record deal and a co-sign from another navy veteran, country star Zach Bryan. By the end of last year, Culpepper was performing at Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry. It's obvious why his career has been fast-tracked. The handful of songs he's released so far take a smart, often witty route through the classic Nashville topics of romantic despair, boozing and the struggles of everyday life, performed in a style he classifies as 'southern sounds', based on 'the music in the cars on the freeway, in the restaurants and in the churches' in his home town of Alexander City, Alabama. More traditional and rootsy than the current wave of country-pop, it flits between country, blues, soul, folk and southern rock, occasionally over the course of a single song, as on 2024's Out of My Mind. Most importantly, Culpepper has an incredible voice: raw, vulnerable, the product of an upbringing in a Baptist church. He's referred to his approach to performance as 'singing like it's my last day on Earth', but his future looks assured. Alexis Petridis SL – Paranoia The balaclava'd south London MC has such endearingly musical inflections to his raps – quizzical then crestfallen – even when slowly rolling through a brooding, smoke-filled track like this. Durand Jones & the Indications – Flower Moon The classic soul revivalists' drummer Aaron Frazer takes the lead vocal here, with doo-wop levels of harmonised romance over a funk backing as crisp yet soft as a hearthside rug. Zara Larsson – Pretty Ugly Reminiscent of glorious high-street-nightclub trash such as Hollaback Girl, Like a G6 and Christina Aguilera's Dirty, the Swede's return has the dizzy buzz of a Wednesday-evening round of shots. Full of Hell – Knight's Oath Relatively clean and accessible business here from the returning grindcore band – which is to say that despite the big, bright riffing, it's still got its fair share of hellacious screaming. Kara-Lis Coverdale – Freedom Trumpet lines wobble in heat haze and French horns sound hopeful notes through an almost tropically lush wall of strings and synthesised sound: another imaginative work by the Montreal composer. Quadeca – Monday Once a YouTuber and video-game commentator, then a rapper and now a singer-songwriter, Quadeca tries to get through a rocky relationship patch over Sufjan-leaning cellos, flutes and more. Annea Lockwood – On Fractured Ground The octogenarian NZ composer visited the peace walls that divided zones in Belfast, 'playing' them with hands, leaves and stones: history shivers through this nape-prickling work. Ben Beaumont-Thomas and Rachel Keenan Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify.
