Matthew Trzcinski

Music

A Linguistics Professor Broke Down Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’

There was a time when academics saw pop music as beneath them and now is not that time. Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" inspired a long-form analysis from a linguistics professor.

"American Pie" singer Don McLean in black-and-white

Music

Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ Took 10 Years to Write

Classic rock music has produced few songs as layered, mysterious, and intertextual as Don McLean's "American Pie." The tune took many years to complete.

Ghostface from Wes Craven's 'Scream' with a phone

Movies

Quentin Tarantino Said Wes Craven Stopped ‘Scream’ From Being Great

Quentin Tarantino felt that he could have directed Wes Craven's 'Scream'. He took some shots at Craven's version of the story.

Entertainment

Avril Lavigne’s Greatest Hits Album Has 1 Glaring Omission

Avril Lavigne's greatest hits album has all the singles that fans would expect ... except one. The "Girlfriend" singer decided to keep one track off the album that made numerous headlines.

'Radical Optimism' star Dua Lipa wearing an earring

Entertainment

How Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ Was Inspired by 1990s Rock

Classic rock songs from the 1990s definitely had a huge impact on the rap-rock of today. However, its influence on Dua Lipa's 'Radical Optimism' is less obvious.

'Radical Optimism' star Dua Lia turning her head

Music

How Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ Was Inspired by Sad Motown Songs

The music from Dua Lipa's 'Radical Optimism' sounds very modern. Despite this, one of the album's creators explained how Motown songs inspired it

"Like a Prayer" singer Madonna wearing a hat

Music

A Hit From Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ Is About a Little Girl

Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ was the most personal album of her career thus far. Her co-writer discussed the inspiration behind one of its most unique songs.

'Radical Optimism' star Dua Lipa smiling

Music

Dua Lipa’s Producer Said ‘Radical Optimism’ Is Designed Not to Be ‘Algorithmic Pop’

So much modern music feels like it was created by a computer algorithm to appeal to as many people as possible. Dua Lipa's Radical Optimism is the antithesis of that.

"Frozen" singer Madonna at the microphone

Music

Why Madonna’s ‘Frozen’ Was Banned in Belgium

Long before anyone had heard of Queen Elsa, Madonna took the world by storm with "Frozen." It's a haunting ballad that’s emotionally provocative rather than sexually provocative.

"Holiday" singer Madonna in black-and-white

Music

Madonna’s ‘Holiday’ Was a Gift From God, Say Writers

Everyone has their own idea of what constitutes religious music. Madonna's "Holiday" probably wouldn't make the cut for most people.

"New Rules" singer Dua Lipa wearing a sparkly outfit

Music

How Naomi Campbell Inspired Dua Lipa’s ‘New Rules’ Music Video

The best music videos take inspiration from unexpected places. For example, Dua Lipa's "New Rules" video was partly inspired by iconic model Naomi Campbell holding someone on her back.

"Like a Virgin" singer Madonna with a microphone

Music

What the Writers of Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ Thought of Her Version

Madonna's "Like a Virgin" could have been recorded by one of many other artists. The musical geniuses who wrote the track revealed what they thought of Madonna's take on it.

"Dance the Night" singer Dua Lipa promoting 'Barbie' while wearing a ponytail

Music

Did Dua Lipa Write ‘Dance the Night’ for ‘Barbie’?

2023 was the year Barbie took over cinemas, but few would have predicted she would take over music. Barbie: The Album featured hit songs, including Dua Lipa's "Dance the Night."

"Dance the Night" singer Dua Lipa wearing a necklace

Music

Why Dua Lipa Felt ‘Really Good’ Writing ‘Dance the Night’ For ‘Barbie’

Dua Lipa contributed "Dance the Night" to the soundtrack of Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie'. Lipa explained what she was trying to accomplish with the song and how she felt making it.

"Holiday" singer Madonna wearing a necklace

Music

2 People Are Set For Life Because of Madonna’s ‘Holiday’

Madonna's "Holiday" is so good that two people were set for life after it became a hit. Subsequently, they didn't find success with the Material Girl or anyone else.

'Radical Optimism' star Dua Lipa wearing jewelry

Music

Dua Lipa Used ‘Hotter Than Hell’ to ‘Flip the Script’ on a Terrible Ex

The best dance music takes pain and sets it to a groove. Dua Lipa's "Hotter than Hell" has a fun title but it came from some dark places.

"New Rules" singer Dua Lipa wearing cross earrings

Music

Dua Lipa Didn’t Write ‘New Rules’ — Here’s How She Felt Singing It

Dua Lipa said she prides herself on writing her own songs. However, the "Cold Heart" singer had no role in writing "New Rules."

Music

Why the Writers of Madonna’s ‘Holiday’ Gave Away the Classic Dance Track

Madonna’s "Holiday" was written by members of a band who gave the song away. Here's what they thought of the Queen of Pop's take on their tune.

Music

Why Dua Lipa References Harry Houdini on ‘Radical Optimism’

Harry Houdini had nothing to do with Dua Lipa until Lipa released her song "Houdini" from 'Radical Optimism'. Still, referencing a stage magician is an odd move for a singer.

"Like a Virgin" singer Madonna with long hair

Music

Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ Copied Smokey Robinson to Become a Hit

Madonna has many obvious predecessors but Smokey Robinson is not one of them. Despite that, Robinson influenced one of the key ingredients of Madonna's "Like a Virgin."