People are craving comfort. Amid what can feel like a state of constant crisis – a layering of traumatic societal events – it can sometimes seem like we’ve lost a sense of scale and cohesion. In the face of this, the desire to retreat into nostalgia is more seductive than ever.

From decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) run on Discord to city-wide mutual aid groups, people are finding safety and optimism in numbers. For growing numbers of people, collective action is emerging as the only viable solution to compounding crises and deepening alienation.

British music collective Sault released five albums that were available to download for just five days. Despite having minimal promotion, the launch attracted widespread attention online for going against the grain of all-you-can-eat streaming, creating hype through the fear of missing out.

In the wake of the pandemic, which suddenly halted live events, Americans are renegotiating their relationships with music and the spaces they engage with it. Canvas8 spoke to eight people across the country to find out how digital and IRL communities affect their connection with music subcultures.

Though the Grammys celebrate the best in music, for a real understanding of who’s on the rise in the industry, TikTok may be a better barometer. Why is the platform so integral to Gen Z’s musical exploration? And how is TikTok changing the way they listen to and show love for their idols?

Brazilian musician Anitta's raunchy persona and impactful stage presence have seen her become a highly-celebrated modern artist with significant global appeal. But why is her genre-fusing, cross-cultural approach to music and strong online presence appealing to international audiences?