A $5 modular drum circuit, a free online course, and how it grows into more

No need to brave the Arizona heat: Glitch’n is a course in electronics that even absolute beginners can enjoy, assembling oscillators, generative beats, filters, and noise on breadboard circuits. But it also helps young people to learn crucial skills that can lead to teaching others and getting jobs. And, for that matter, it could do the same for you. Let’s have a look.

For May Day, United Musicians and Allied Workers shares wins, goals

Today is May Day, the original date for Labor Day, or a pagan date to drive away evil spirits. Actually — why not both? For today’s International Workers’ Day, United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) is sharing some optimism, as it takes on justice for musicians in the era of streaming and AI.

Peter Kirn - May 2, 2026

Chappell Roan used the Grammys to call out industry, demand a living wage

Chappell Roan didn’t just win a Grammy: she used that stage as a platform to call out industry abuse and demand a living wage for artists. And she did it in an enormous hat. There is a call to action for just this kind of change inside the USA – one that’s relevant advocacy worldwide.

Peter Kirn - February 3, 2025

Sudan, with millions at risk: music and listening after one year of war

Peter Kirn - April 15, 2024

FACTS report: women, nonbinary artists still face inequality at festivals

Peter Kirn - March 8, 2024

Aslice, system to compensate producers, added its first performing rights org

Peter Kirn - July 27, 2023

Bandcamp workers won their union – and it could be a sign of things to come

Peter Kirn - May 24, 2023

As crisis continues, albums bring Turkey and Syria earthquake relief

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2023

Beirut 20/21 presents a music production scene in its own image, with Khyam Allami

Peter Kirn - July 2, 2021