PAPER Magazine

Anyone who has known me during an Olivia Rodrigo album cycle has heard and/or seen me call her a prophet. I generally mean this in the tongue-in-cheek way that people on the Internet deify musicians — Megalation's logic, if you will. Olivia Godrigo suffices, as does Livsus Christ, and I grew up in the church, so I’m allowed to say all this. Underpinning that winkiness, though, is the remarkable position the former Disney star has carved for herself in the business.

Hay actores que interpretan personajes y hay quienes encuentran en ellos una forma de reconocerse. Para Alejandro Puente, cada nuevo papel llega como una invitación a explorar otras épocas, sensibilidades y formas de entender el mundo.

Después de tres años lejos de la música, DaniLeigh regresa con una mirada distinta sobre quién es y, sobre todo, sobre lo que quiere contar. With Love from Dani, su próximo álbum, nace de una etapa marcada por la pérdida, la maternidad, el crecimiento y el deseo de volver a encontrarse a través de la creación. El proyecto funciona como una carta abierta a quienes han acompañado su trayectoria y como el retrato de una mujer que hoy crea desde un lugar más consciente, libre y personal.

“Bye to the kids in line for the new Supreme,” Lorde sang softly on “California,” one of her stellar Solar Power ballads. She cooed about the give and take, love and hate relationship she has with the golden state, fondly bidding adieu to all the signature snapshots her memory holds for it: the models, the bottles and, well, the clout climbing. I am the proud owner and wearer of two Supreme T-shirts.

Are you afraid? HBO’s newest show Lanterns delves into primal fear through the story of John Stewart and his journey and training in hopes of becoming the next Green Lantern. The first two episodes showcased John’s unwavering fearlessness supported through brilliant performances from Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler and the entire cast across the board.

It came home, alright. To Victoria Park. “Get ready for herstory,” Zara had purred. Even after London’s very own Pink hugged goodbye and left, Zara effortlessly — sometimes earnestly, often excitedly — asserted why she is the pop icon of the moment. “Pretty Ugly” got the girls, on stage and off it, busting a whine; the expected roll call, a tour favorite, was received with thunderous applause. I didn’t catch DJO’s set, but his mates from Stranger Things did.

Popularity is relative, especially in the digital age. For our series, Coolest Person in the Room, we pinpoint all the people whose energy is contagious regardless of their following count or celebrity. Carey: Yeah. I was just saying, I've only met you in person once, and it was that one time. Jeremy: Wait, was that really the only time we've met in person? Carey: Yes. Jeremy: That's so crazy. You have such an indelible spirit.

Jacket: God Era, Shorts: Matters, Boots: Francesca Bellavita Because it is an interesting time for women in music, having more power behind the scenes of their music. We’ve seen Zara Larsson and Charli xcx taking control over their artistry. Yeah, they’re so cool. Also, PinkPantheress. She’s so sick. She’s so cool. But I have to stay on track because I could talk to you about this forever. So, let’s run it back. Your first single, “Build a Bitch.” It’s been five years. Yeah, that’s crazy.

Aterrizamos en la mítica Bogotá. Era un sábado grisáceo pero la adrenalina estaba cargada. El olor a montaña, café y los altos edificios terracota adornaron la llegada. Nos subimos al auto y como acto del destino, en la radio empezó a sonar “Tan fácil que es enamorarme y tan difícil olvidarte…” inmediatamente confirmé que no hay nada como vivir la música desde la ciudad natal de un artista. Esta sería una gran noche. La hora había llegado y el Movistar Arena estaba iluminado de colores.

It is the day before iKeda’s sophomore EP, Bangs N Braces, is released, and her new music video is still in the edit. “I’m a perfectionist,” she admits after apologizing for the chaos surrounding her during our conversation. Filmed earlier in the week for the single “Tiger Tiger,” the video is easily the rising star’s boldest offering yet: a sexy, desaturated Rococo tea party shot like a particularly editorial snuff film.