How Hip Hop Culture Became a Global Force in Black Creative Expression
Take an in-depth look at the rise of Hip Hop Culture—from Bronx block parties to global stages—as a powerful expression of Afro-Diasporic identity, resilience, and artistry in this lesson excerpt from Black Creative Expression.
Eight Questions, One Conversation: Revisiting Berklee Online’s 4/4 Interview Series
What happens when you ask musicians four serious questions and four unexpected ones? Berklee Online’s 4/4 interviews deliver candid stories, creative insights, and memorable moments. From JR Robinson and Alex Isley to rising artists and esteemed Berklee instructors with a few tales to tell, this roundup revisits standout conversations from the video series.
Saxophonist Leon Silva on Justin Timberlake, the Bosstones, and Earning His Berklee Degree
Leon Silva has played sax with Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Ariana Grande, and more, but he may be even prouder of earning his degree from Berklee after a 20-year absence.
Can You Copyright Choreography? Inside the Murky Legal Landscape of TikTok Dances
Navigating copyright infringement and protecting your choreography in the era of TikTok dances is becoming increasingly important. See how Berklee Online instructors advise you on laying down the law when trying to get your dance to trend.
Modulation 101: Berklee Online Instructors on How to Leap into a Key Change
Modulation can inject a song with a jolt of interest, but it takes skill to make a key change work. Be advised, songwriters: Use modulation in moderation. And learn from these Berklee Online instructors, sharing their favorite songs to feature key changes.
Huey Lewis and the News on His Hearing, the Power of Love, and More
Huey Lewis: Some of his lies are true, including the ones about stowing away on a plane to Europe, playing soccer with Black Sabbath and Ozzy, and being dressed by Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. He also touches upon his meteoric rise to fame in the 1980s and his struggles with Ménière’s disease.
Framing Britney Spears: What it Teaches Us about the Disparity between Male and Female Performers
The New York Times documentary “Framing Britney Spears” demonstrates how mental health, addiction, and sexuality are considered shameful for female performers and detrimental to their music careers.
28 Black Musicians Whose Names You Should Know
In honor of Black History Month, we highlight 28 Black musicians whose names you should know, from unsung heroes to up and comers who you’ll hear from soon.
Joe Wong on ‘The Trap Set,’ Scoring for Netflix, and Solo Debut
Joe Wong has been in and out of indie bands since the late 1990s, starting a touring life at the age of 17. He has played drums for the likes of Marnie Stearn, Parts and Labor, and Mary Timony. At the age of 40, it seems like he has finally arrived, with a solo debut and scoring gigs for popular Netflix shows.
Janet Billig Rich on Management (Nirvana, Hole) and Music Supervision (‘Rock of Ages,’ ‘Moulin Rouge’), and More
Janet Billig Rich discusses her long career in the music business, which started in merch sales, grew to an internship at Caroline (where she signed Hole), led to a career in management (where she managed acts like Nirvana and Dinosaur Jr.) and now has settled into music supervision.
