Add to playlist: the buzzy bildungsromans of boy wonder Superfan and the week’s best new tracks

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Kali Flanagan was handpicked by Julian Casablancas to support the Strokes – now, at 21, he’s writing songs full of the rushing emotions of youth</p><p><strong>From</strong> New York <br> <strong>Recommended if you like</strong> Cameron Winter, Adrianne Lenker, Alex G <br> <strong>Up next</strong> My Piledriver Heart album out now; UK tour beginning 4 November</p><p>Making coming-of-age music as a young person can feel strange after a pandemic. So here are a few more curveballs. Imagine the breezy, youthful indie you post online in your early teens gets you a record deal. Covid happens. You move to New York, change your artist name, and then Julian Casablancas eyes you at an open mic and invites you to open for the Strokes in Colorado, aged 18, solo.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/oct/16/add-to-playlist-the-buzzy-bildungsromans-of-boy-wonder-superfan-and-the-weeks-best-new-tracks">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.