Jenessa Williams
Jenessa Williams is a freelance music journalist and a PhD-holding academic in the field of media and communication. She writes about music, feminism and fandom for the likes of NME, The Guardian, Pitchfork and The Forty-Five.
In 2024, pop stars told invasive fans to back off. How did we get here?
Pop fandom reached a tipping point of toxicity this year – fuelled by the allure of social media virality and the monetisation of parasocial obsession
Doja Cat live in Glasgow: pyros and poise from one of rap’s most interesting protagonists
Beyoncé – ‘Cowboy Carter’ review: country reinvention strikes gold
Ms Carter unlocks yet another infinity stone with a heartfelt, expansive take on country music
Sophie May – ‘Worst Thoughts In The World’ EP review: pop with an outsider defiance
On her bold and brilliant second EP, the London singer-songwriter exerts gentle power over her intrusive thoughts
FLO: “We hope anybody who hears our music – especially young Black girls – gets our message”
In less than a year, the London trio have navigated the journey from unknown entity to one of the most-talked about groups on the planet. Now, they land the top spot in this year’s NME 100
Tendai: spellbinding R&B vocalist and producer is Stormzy’s secret weapon
Fusing free-flowing alt-pop with sublime R&B, the 0207 Def Jam signee is about to reach a far wider audience
Connie Constance – ‘Miss Power’ review: heartfelt adventurer finds a home at the indie-disco
Her 2019 debut didn’t best represent the Londoner’s sonic palette; a recalibration sees Power fully embrace her British indie heroes
Connie Constance: “In 10 years’ time, I want a mixed-race kid making indie music to just not be ‘a thing’”
Ahead of the arrival of her new album ‘Miss Power’, the Watford artist talks 'Skins' parties, punk inspirations and exploring her own gender identity
The Beths – ‘Expert In A Dying Field’ review: New Zealand indie-rockers push the envelope
On their third album, the four-piece prove themselves to be as vital as ever
Dressed as Meadowhall, Self Esteem’s Glastonbury performance was iconic – here’s why
Rebecca Lucy Taylor prioritises pleasure in an accomplished John Peel set
Fontaines D.C. live at Glastonbury 2022: A stoic performance of string-backed cinematics
The Irish band serenade Glasto's Other Stage with an orchestral set
Easy Life on Kevin Abstract joining them at Glastonbury 2022: “He’s a very inspiring dude”
Easy Life were joined at Glastonbury by the Brockhampton singer, but he forgot the words to his guest verse