Music

MTV’s final music-only channels are gone, but the ritual of watching music videos doesn’t have to disappear with them. This RIOT Journal article explores what was lost when the curated channel gave way to the algorithmic feed, and why AltSounds TV exists as a human-led alternative built for discovery, context, and culture.

Culture doesn’t arrive fully formed. It leaks, mutates, and travels hand to hand long before it’s visible. An essay on remix, lineage, and how the underground shapes the mainstream.

Last night, I saw PRESIDENT live in Amsterdam. Not just a band. Not just a show. It felt more like walking into a temporary state. A rally. A ritual. A reminder that creation, when done with intent, still bends reality in small but meaningful ways. The room was packed. Sold out show, max capacity 350 people. Flags waved. Symbols everywhere. A masked figure at the centre of it all, pulling the crowd into something that felt larger than music. Less “concert,” more collective agreement that we were all here for the same reason, even if none of us could quite articulate it yet. “You’re about to witness history” over the speakers. Tonight, everything lined up. And when you’ve been doing creative work long enough, you learn to pay attention when that happens. Twenty-two years isn’t an accident The venue was celebrating its 22-year anniversary. 2026 is also the 22nd year that AltSounds still breathes life into its unique form. Stronger, more creative than ever. AltSounds, for context, is the original creative outlet of RIOT’s founder and creative directorThe visionary leader—creative directors shape the concept, guide the team, and ensure every idea meets the brand’s highest potential., MUG5. It’s where I first […]

The sticker was never a warning. It was a promise. How the PMRC’s crusade against explicit music accidentally gave a generation its loudest, truest voices.

Robert Del Naja — aka 3D — is more than the visual architect of Massive Attack. From Bristol graffiti to Blue Lines, Mezzanine, Heligoland and beyond, his work fuses sound, politics, and visual insurgency. This deep dive traces his evolution: graffiti pioneer, trip hop originator, activist, technologist, and cultural saboteur.

Meet President—the mysterious band blending Fightstar energy with Sleep Token aesthetics. Here's why they’re the future of masked rock.

Marchin’ Already by Ocean Colour Scene remains a defining Britpop album, famously knocking Oasis from the top of the charts. With its re-release, we revisit its impact, sound, and lasting influence.

Limp Bizkit’s 2013 comeback was a full-force stampede. In this exclusive Fred Durst interview, we explore the band’s rebirth, their lost album "Stampede of the Disco Elephants," and why their legacy still thrives.

The robots have clocked out. "404 Work Not Found" is the soundtrack to their break—a playlist of 110 robotic bangers paired with a whimsical illustration of dancing droids. Celebrate the mechanical groove with us.

Damon Albarn's creative legacy transcends generations. From Blur’s Britpop anthems to Gorillaz’s genre-defying innovation, his relentless experimentation and refusal to conform have made him a true visionary in modern music. Dive into the story of an artist who continually pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible.

1993’s Come On Feel The Lemonheads isn’t just an album—it’s a time capsule of nostalgia, collaboration, and raw emotion. From Evan Dando’s golden touch to Juliana Hatfield’s harmonies and Rick James’ surprise funk groove, the record resonates across decades. Dive into its creation and cultural impact, as celebrated by RIOT.

The Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication broke boundaries, blending punk, hip-hop, and funk while pushing creative limits. This piece captures their rebellious, boundary-pushing energy that inspired generations.