Hi, I'm Alex. I'm an artist, writer and editor based in California. I mainly write music criticism, keep a newsletter called Black Sheep Memo and edit nonfiction for Sunstroke Press. Check out my work by clicking through the headers below.
I'm on Bluesky, but you can also reach out via email at hi@alexramos.xyz. Thanks for dropping by! 🌀
Album Reviews
- BLACKPINK, DEADLINE EP (Pitchfork, Mar. 2026)
- Rosé, rosie (Pitchfork, Dec. 2024)
- Laufey, Bewitched (Pitchfork, Sept. 2023)
- BLACKPINK, Born Pink (Pitchfork, Sep. 2022)
- Half Waif, The Caretaker (Slumber Mag, Oct. 2020)
- Ginger Taylor, Yuppie (Slumber Mag, Sep. 2020)
Song Reviews
- Girls' Generation, “Paper Plane” (Pitchfork, Aug. 2022)
- Snail Mail, “Valentine” (NPR Music, Sep. 2021)
- STAYC, “Stereotype” (NPR Music, Sep. 2021)
- BTS (feat. Megan thee Stallion), “Butter” (NPR Music, Aug. 2021)
- Clairo, “Blouse” (NPR Music, Jun. 2021)
Features
- S.F.’s Bindlestiff Studio explores Filipino American identity through food (San Francisco Chronicle, Jun. 2022)
- Oakland post-punk band Fake Fruit is hitting its stride after trip to South by Southwest (San Francisco Chronicle, Jun. 2022)
- Pop Pianist Chloe Flower Makes Music as an Exercise in Gratitude (Cultured Magazine, Oct. 2021 Issue)
- Life In Plastic: The Sweet And Sinister World Of Pom Pom Squad (NPR Music, Jun. 2021)
- On ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams,’ Arlo Parks Welcomes Endings And Change (NPR Music, Feb. 2021)
Essays
- How Paramore’s ‘Brand New Eyes’ Helped Me Envision A Future For Myself (NPR Music, Nov. 2021)
- Mitski as vessel, character, and creator (CCA Arts Review, Dec. 2020)
- Becoming an Artist with Fiona Apple (Self-published, May 2020)
Concert Reviews
- Kehlani brings out surprise guests for stellar homecoming concert in Oakland (San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 2022)
- Beach House embodies the trust between artist and audience at sold-out Berkeley show (San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 2022)
Podcast Appearances
- Records That Changed Our Lives: Finding hope in Tracy Chapman and ‘Brand New Eyes’ (All Songs Considered, Mar. 2022)
- Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ Is Pretty Sweet (Pop Culture Happy Hour, May 2021)