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
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
Ahead of a show with Journey at SoFi Stadium, the Def Leppard frontman talks about why his band has stuck together.
Aug. 22, 2024
The veteran pop star will play 10 shows at Resorts World starting Dec. 30.
Aug. 21, 2024
The L.A. producer’s moment in hip-hop has been a lifetime in the making. He explains how his grind in the world of West Coast rap prepared him for the runaway success of Kendrick Lamar’s smash “Not Like Us.”
Aug. 21, 2024
Maxie Solters represented clients including the Hollywood Bowl and the Kia Forum. She died unexpectedly on Thursday.
Aug. 16, 2024
Jack Russell scored hard-rock hits in the 1980s with his band Great White but was also known for a nightclub fire that killed 100 people in 2003.
Aug. 16, 2024
The pop-soul hitmaker played the first of two shows on Thursday night to welcome fans to the Clippers’ new $2-billion home.
Aug. 16, 2024
Olivia Rodrigo just brought her Guts tour to L.A. for six shows. Here are nine highlights from Night 1.
Aug. 14, 2024