Mica Levi From underground pop star to acclaimed film composer, the artist also known as Micachu is a modern polymath. By Frances Morgan

Inside Red Bull Music Academy In Tokyo, Derek Walmsley investigates the utopian ideals of the global music brand’s banner event

The Primer Hiphop mixtapes A user’s guide to the major playas in rap’s underground economy, from 50 Cent to Lil B. By Jack Law

Invisible Jukebox John Carpenter The veteran film maker and composer is spooked by The Wire’s mystery record selection. Tested by William Hutson

Novelist Word power from grime’s most literate. By Daisy Hyde

Senyawa Javanese traditional music gets a refit. By Clive Bell

Heather Phillipson Wayward narratives and beastly obsessions. By Nathan Budzinski

Global Ear Florence The avant garde makes some noise in the Renaissance city. By Alessandro Michelucci

Collateral Damage Stewart Morgan calls on music documentary makers to sing more like their subjects

On Screen New films and DVDs: footwork documentary I’m Tryna Tell Ya and Looking For Johnny: The Legend Of Johnny Thunders

Print Run New music books: Bowie in Berlin, new perspectives on Christian Marclay, and an art rock masterpiece reassessed

On Site Recent exhibitions: Yusef Lateef’s Towards The Unknown and Otomo Yoshihide’s Between Music And Art

On Location Recent festivals, gigs and clubs, including Opal Tapes, Fire! Orchestra, GIOfest VII and more

The Inner Sleeve Peter Strickland on Organum and The New Blockaders’ Raze

Epiphanies The journey from punk to improv collapses categories for Tony Rettman

Soundcheck A–Z