Mikael Wood writes about pop music in all its ever-quickening splendor. Prior to joining the Los Angeles Times in 2012, he was a freelance contributor to Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Spin and the Village Voice. He grew up in Little Rock, Ark., graduated from Northwestern University and knows every word to “Mo Money Mo Problems.” He was named pop music critic in 2016.
Latest From This Author
Ice Spice has finally dropped her debut album, two years after the rapper broke out with the bracingly nonchalant ‘Munch (Feelin’ U).’
July 26, 2024
With his first country-radio hit taking shape, Koe Wetzel talks about revealing a new side of himself on his latest album, ‘9 Lives.’
July 25, 2024
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers incubated some of rock’s biggest talents, including Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood. He was 90.
July 23, 2024
Amid Dead & Company’s ballyhooed Las Vegas residency, John Mayer and Bob Weir discuss the show’s beginnings and its future.
July 10, 2024
As the music industry wrestles with the use of artificial intelligence and performers’ pay, Universal Music CEO Lucian Grainge is charting a path into the future.
July 7, 2024
Ahead of a show with the L.A. Phil at the Hollywood Bowl, Beck takes a look back at his decades-long career.
July 3, 2024
Ahead of a gig at the Wiltern, the members of L.A.’s Diiv talk about their new ‘Frog in Boiling Water’ and a recent viral social-media thread.
June 29, 2024
Sam Beam stops with his band Iron and Wine at the Bellwether in L.A. for shows on Friday and Saturday.
June 27, 2024
Ahead of a SoFi Stadium gig with the Rolling Stones, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of the War and Treaty talk about finding a home in Nashville.
June 27, 2024
In a year crowded with activity by veteran A-listers, a trio of not-quite-newcomers — Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan — are making their mark.
June 25, 2024