NGN (2025). Allegations of sexual misconduct have hit the Christian music community. At least five men accused internationally known Christian musician Michael Tait of sexual assault, in what Andrew Mall, associate music professor at Northeastern University, called “the highest-profile case” he’s seen in this section of the music industry.

NGN (2025). After Taylor Swift announced her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” fans began pre-ordering limited-release vinyls, CDs and even cassette tapes. While it may have been a while since the average person has bought a cassette tape, Andrew Mall, associate music professor at Northeastern University, says cassettes have percolated on the music scene and have become popular again over the last 10 to 15 years.

NGN (2025). Experts explain what makes the subject of “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley” one of the most legendary artists of his generation, despite only releasing one studio album before his premature death. Despite only releasing one studio album, “Grace,” prior to tragically drowning at the age of 30 in 1997, Buckley remains one of the most legendary — and subtly influential — artists of his generation.

NGN (2025). “Buckingham Nicks” was released in 1973 to minimal fanfare; the couple’s label, Polydor Records, dropped it within months of their release. The following year, the couple joined Fleetwood Mac, making them the notable figures they are today. But while you can easily find copies of or stream all of the duo’s other work — both in Fleetwood Mac and as solo artists — “Buckingham Nicks” was never reissued. Why reissue “Buckingham Nicks” now, after decades that were filled with breakups, makeups, reunion tours, and lawsuits for the pair? Andrew Mall, an associate professor of music at Northeastern University, thinks it could be a sign that things are thawing between the two exes.

NGN (2025). Andrew Mall, associate professor of music, has a collection of 1,500 records. He gives his top tips for those venturing into the world of buying vinyl records.

The Rumors Are True (podcast, 2025). Host Jeremy Alan Gould interviews Dana Bollen and Andrew Mall about making their new podcast, Live Free or DIY.

Fortune (2025). Billy McFarland’s Fyre Festival chapter has come to a close. The disgraced owner of the brand behind the disaster luxury music festival sold its intellectual property for $245,300 on eBay. The sum falls far short of some of the ticket options McFarland previously promised for a planned Fyre Festival event, including a $1.1 million package. The final bid falls further still than the $26 million in restitution following McFarland’s wire-fraud conviction.

NGN (2025). “If you have 10,000 people at a concert and 8,000 of them are holding a phone, there’s something deeply disconnected,” said Tobias Forge, the frontman of Swedish rock group Ghost. Forge was explaining why the band’s world tour is mandating a no-phones policy. A music expert, philosopher and psychologist explain what is going on when artists restrict what their fans can do at their performances.

TicketNews (2025). A major shift in how ticket prices are displayed went into effect this week, as the Federal Trade Commission’s newly adopted “all-in pricing” rule requires businesses to include all known fees and charges before asking for payment. This move is largely seen as a win for consumers and a step toward fairness among ticket sellers—though it won’t necessarily bring costs down.

CNBC (2025). The Federal Trade Commission’s new rule requires ticket sellers to disclose total prices upfront, including fees, prohibiting them from concealing add-on charges until the last minute. “More transparency is always a win for consumers,” says Andrew Mall, an associate professor of music at Northeastern University. However, “if there are any consumers who have been expecting fewer fees as a result, they will be disappointed.”

Northeastern Global News (2025). The doomed festival’s founder Billy McFarland said the brand can be purchased, but one Northeastern expert said it’s “poisonous.” Could someone purchase the Fyre Fest brand and revive it? It would be a difficult endeavor, said Andrew Mall, associate professor of music at Northeastern University.

Portland Press Herald (2025). Anyone who has bought a ticket to live entertainment in the past few years has likely racked up as many questions as they have credit card debt. We talked to industry experts, arts professionals and concert promoters to demystify what third-party ticket sellers are doing and to help you get the best seat for your buck.

The Washington Times (2025). Songs are becoming shorter as artists tailor their tracks to fit the algorithms of TikTok and Spotify, where quick hooks and replay-friendly formats drive plays and chart success. “Artists, especially new young artists, are simply just creating hooks and trying to circulate those on TikTok,” professor Andrew Mall, who studies music and media at Northeastern University, told The Washington Times.

CNBC (2025). 2025 promises to be another big year for live music events. That may also mean concertgoers will be shelling out more for their favorite shows. After rising steadily post-pandemic, admission to movies, theaters and concerts jumped 20% since 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index data. And yet, consumers have demonstrated a high tolerance for the increasing price tag, also known as “funflation.”