TAYLOR SWIFT
The 22-year-old shrugs aside mega success to focus on what matters most—her growth as an artist.
SOUNDGARDEN – The seminal rock band’s first studio record in 16 years proves they haven’t forgotten how to rock.
JOHN HIATT – One of music’s most revered singer-songwriters gets even more passionate about his work.
DONALD FAGEN – The Steely Dan co-founder finds new creative freedom and reward on his latest solo effort.
PETER FRAMPTON – Thirty-five years later, the ace guitarist can finally embrace his monster career achievement.
NAS – After decades of success this hip-hop storyteller inspires artists to do the unexpected.
SPECIAL FEATURES
26 HOLIDAY INSTRUMENT
& GEAR GUIDE
From guitars to gadgets and gizmos, check out the latest must-haves for this holiday season.
Q&A
22 AIMEE MANN
For her latest album, the veteran singer-songwriter had to start back at square one.
34 LIFEHOUSE
Experimenting with sound in the studio leads to a stylistic stretch on their latest album.
50 BENNY BLANCO
He’s the man behind monster hits for Rihanna, Katy Perry and Ke$ha—and he’s only 24.
68 MARTHA WAINWRIGHT
Drawing on her enviable pedigree, the singer-songwriter finds inspiration in her family.
GEAR
54 Q&A: RECORDING DRUMS
56 TOP GEAR
60 REVIEWS
DEPARTMENTS
8 SOUNDCHECK
12 WHO’S NEXT
Morgan James
Zeiss
Alisha Zalkin
16 SPOTLIGHT
Black Country Communion
Ryan Bingham
Keyshia Cole
Kylie Minogue
Paul Kelly
70 REVIEWS
75 INDIE SCENE
Victor Wooten
78 BEHIND THE
CLASSICS
The Kinks
80 ENCORE
Blondie
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