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
Ahead of a Sept. 8 show at L.A.’s Greek Theatre, the 84-year-old Beatles legend remembers how he put the All-Starr Band together.
Sept. 6, 2024
Seven years after the death of frontman Chester Bennington, Linkin Park announced Thursday that it’s reformed with a new singer.
Sept. 5, 2024
The annual country music festival will take place April 25-27 at Indio’s Empire Polo Club. Tickets go on sale Sept. 13.
Sept. 5, 2024
Nearly a decade after the death of his 15-year-old son, the Australian post-punk bard has a new album, ‘Wild God,’ that he says finds a path to joy.
Sept. 5, 2024
Fall promises plenty for music fans to get excited about. Here are 19 albums, shows and books to look forward to.
Sept. 4, 2024
With dozens of acts including Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan, Saturday’s inaugural Fool in Love festival drew a crowd in the tens of thousands.
Sept. 2, 2024
Ahead of their Hollywood Bowl debut on Sunday night, Steve Lukather, David Paich and Joseph Williams of L.A.’s Toto look back at the band’s singular career.
Aug. 31, 2024
The polished R&B crooner and the elusive indie-folk auteur joined forces to create Legend’s new album, ‘My Favorite Dream.’
Aug. 28, 2024
The prolific country songwriter discusses his new rock album, ‘Quit!!,’ and the fallout from a serious bus crash in 2022.
Aug. 26, 2024
Despite appearances by Pink and the Chicks, Beyoncé’s absence dominated the conversation about the DNC on Thursday — and illustrated politicians underestimate pop fans at their peril.
Aug. 22, 2024