Today's Music Pulse
Ty Segall Announces Full‑Band Album ‘Chrome’ with New Single “Black Paint”
Ty Segall will release his next full‑band album, Chrome, on August 28, 2026 via Drag City, accompanied by the EP Love Fuzzz. The record was recorded in six days at Sonic Ranch in Texas with longtime collaborators Ben Boye, Evan Burrows, Mikal Cronin, Emmett Kelly and producer Cooper Crain, and the lead single “Black Paint” drops with a gritty video.
Gen Z Is Rewriting Fandom: From Gigs as Social Hubs to a Return to Physical Culture
Live Nation’s 2026 Love Song study reveals Gen Z treats concerts as social hubs, with almost 90 % comfortable attending alone and 96 % valuing pre‑ and post‑show moments. Fandom has morphed from hobby to identity, driving attendees to seek tangible connections and community through shared culture. Brands are being urged to create 360‑degree experiences that extend beyond the stage, turning events into ongoing content engines. The trend also sparks a revival of physical artifacts—journals, ticket stubs, merchandise—blending digital hype with real‑world memorabilia.
Kimbal's Epic Drop Show Hits Austin April 17‑18
Austin peeps: @kimbal is doing an epic drop show on April 17th & 18th! Ticket link and discount code in reply tweet https://t.co/YvDSRhBSYW
Dystopia Gently – “Chimeras Tonight (Too Mercury)”
Brighton‑based queer, non‑binary singer‑songwriter Dystopia Gently has dropped their debut single “Chimeras Tonight (Too Mercury).” The track fuses shoegaze textures with indie‑pop hooks, delivering a wistful yet hopeful take on infatuation. Accompanying the song is a hand‑drawn animated video by...
SYLIANRUE – ‘Reflection’
Tokyo‑based composer Yuichi Nishikawa, formerly an industrial rock vocalist, releases his solo project SYLIANRUE’s debut full‑length album “Reflection.” The record fuses post‑classical piano, ambient textures, and unsettling electronic noise, moving from serene soundscapes like “Lost in Thought” to darker pieces...
Cries of Redemption – ‘Patterns’
Cries of Redemption, the Ed Silva‑led project founded in 2007, has issued *Patterns*, a double‑decade archive LP that showcases unreleased material. The record pairs Italian classically trained vocalist Chiara A with a hybrid sound that merges gritty nu‑metal, trance‑inspired synths,...
The Casbahs – ‘Peasants of the Show’
British indie rock quintet The Casbahs released their sophomore album *Peasants of the Show* on April 1, 2026, expanding their sound with mandolin, harmonica, and alt‑country textures. The record follows a string of successful 2025 singles and strong support from BBC Introducing,...
New Zealand Will Be the Focus Country at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton
For the first time, New Zealand is the focus country at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton on Thursday, 14 May, with ten Kiwi acts performing from 12 pm to 4 pm. The New Zealand Music Commission and Live Nation New Zealand are co‑presenting the showcase,...
Playlist: My Favorite Releases of March 2026
Music blogger launches a March 2026 themed roundup centered on a ‘take a break’ vibe. The post spotlights James Blake’s newly released album, praised for its layered production and soothing atmosphere. It also mentions several surprise releases that delivered either...
Pan•American – Fly the Ocean in a Silver Plane
Mark Nelson, the post‑rock veteran behind Pan•American, has released his latest solo effort, *Fly the Ocean in a Silver Plane*. The album, described as a reflection of journeys and travel, weaves gentle guitar, gauzy synths, and occasional trip‑hop beats across...
Bruce Springsteen Live in Minnesota 3/31/26 OK Google when Was Bruce Springsteen
The episode captures Bruce Springsteen’s live performance in Minnesota, framed as a rallying call for American ideals amid political turmoil. Springsteen opens with a prayer for troops overseas and a critique of the current administration, urging listeners to choose hope,...
The Hummingbird Conspiracy – The Hummingbird Conspiracy
Venezuelan musician Jose Roman Duque, known for his jazz‑fusion project JORODU, has released The Hummingbird Conspiracy, an eight‑track self‑titled album that marks his transition to hard‑rock and new‑wave influences. Produced by Grammy‑winner Erik Aldrey and featuring guest solos from Kako...
Hence Phillips – Heaven or Nashville
Country singer Hence Phillips drops his fourth independent album, Heaven or Nashville, on March 5, 2026. Produced by Grand Ole Opry music director Kerry Marx and recorded at Nashville’s The Parlor Studio, the 40‑minute record blends banjo, fiddle, mandolin, organ,...
Billy Corgan and Courtney Love Bond over Their Kim Gordon Grudges
Billy Corgan and Courtney Love reunited on Corgan’s podcast *The Magnificent Others* to air longstanding grievances against former Sonic Youth bassist Kim Gordon, coinciding with her new solo album *Play Me*. Both artists recalled personal slights and alleged financial betrayals,...
YB Hoodrich X Fedarell – Quarter Block Vol. 2
Hip‑hop duo YB Hoodrich and producer cousin Fedarell released their follow‑up album Quarter Block Vol. 2 on March 14, 2026. The 18‑track record chronicles the harsh realities of growing up in East Palo Alto, once dubbed the "murder capital of...
Taylor Swift Drops Surprise 'Elizabeth Taylor' Video, Honors Iconic Actress
Taylor Swift unveiled a surprise music video for her song "Elizabeth Taylor," stitching together iconic film scenes and archival footage of the late star. The video, released exclusively on streaming platforms, channels royalties to the Elizabeth Taylor estate, underscoring a...
Emil Mark – Mellemtid
Swedish composer Emil Mark released the EP *Mellemtid*, built around vintage practice organs he uncovered in the Danish National Academy of Music’s basement. The record leans into the instruments’ childlike timbres, delivering carnival‑esque melodies that oscillate between whimsical pop and wistful,...
Jade Ring – Pills
Cleveland‑based solo artist Jade Ring released the debut album Pills, a 24‑minute collection of five experimental tracks that fuse spoken word, choral singing, industrial riffs and EDM‑pop influences. The project is a staunch anti‑AI statement; the artist recorded all instrumentation...
BTS’s ‘2.0’ Music Video Is The Definitive Visual of Their New Chapter
BTS’s new single “2.0” from the album *Arirang* marks a deliberate reset, pairing their early hip‑hop roots with polished, mature production by American hitmaker Mike WiLL Made‑It. The accompanying music video channels Park Chan‑wook’s *Oldboy* with noir‑inspired visuals, shifting from sleek suits to...
Guns N' Roses' Massive Reunion by the Numbers
Guns N’ Roses shocked fans by reuniting their classic trio—Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan—in April 2016, ending a 23‑year hiatus. Since that Troubadour show the band has performed over 340 concerts, grossed roughly $965 million and sold more than 9 million tickets worldwide. The reunion...
Kanye's Post‑release Updates Pioneered, yet Remain Rare Today
It’s been 10 years since The Life Of Pablo. After its release, Kanye updated several tracks via streaming. Remember his tweet “Ima fix Wolves”? This was new ground. Living art. Many thought this would become common. But for various reasons, it’s rarely...
Static Dress Tap Underoath for New Single “Nostalgia Kills”
Static Dress announced their new album injury episode, dropping May 29 on Sumerian Records, alongside a limited‑edition vinyl (200 copies) and cassette (50 copies) sold through Alternative Press. The release was previewed at a phone‑free fan screening of the band’s...
'Too Gringa for Latinos, Too Latina for Gringos,' Becky G and the Punishment of the Bicultural Latina
Becky G has transitioned from English‑language teen pop to a bilingual Latin powerhouse, scoring 29 top‑10 Latin Digital Song Sales hits and earning a 2026 Latin Women in Music honor. Critics debate whether she is too American for Latino fans...
Lupe Fiasco to Headline Friday Night Concert at Acura Grand Prix in Long Beach
Lupe Fiasco will headline the Friday Night Concert at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 17, offering a free performance for race ticket holders. The event serves as a warm‑up for his Food & Liquor 20th‑anniversary tour...
A Place To Bury Strangers – Rare And Deadly
A Place To Bury Neighbours has issued Rare And Deadly, a 12‑track compilation of B‑sides, unfinished experiments and tape‑room outtakes drawn from Oliver Ackerman’s personal archive. The collection functions as their first full‑length release since 2024’s Synthesizer, delivering raw noise‑rock...
Sturgill Simpson Announces 2026 Tour as Johnny Blue Skies
Sturgill Simpson will tour North America in 2026 under the Johnny Blue Skies moniker, supporting his new album *Mutiny After Midnight*. The 29‑date “Mutity for the Masses Tour” runs from September 4 to October 30, hitting major markets from Austin to New York. Tickets go...
The Rolling Stones Seem To Be Teasing Intimate Live Shows
The Rolling Stones are teasing a series of intimate live performances under their 1977 alias “The Cockroaches”. Mysterious posters featuring a QR code direct fans to a website that displays a countdown to an April 11, 2026 announcement. The site...
King & Prince’s ‘Waltz for Lily’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Japan Hot 100
Japanese boy band King & Prince secured the top spot on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 with their single “Waltz for Lily,” which opened with 284,138 physical copies sold. The track also led the download chart, placed third in radio airplay,...
Quincy Jones Estate Sells MJ Catalog Rights to Investors
The Quincy Jones estate sold a large portion of his music rights to HarbourView Equity Partners, which included an interest in Michael Jackson’s albums: Off The Wall, Bad, and Thriller. Jackson’s catalog is believed to be one of the most valuable...
Easter Sunday 2018: NBC Airs Jesus Christ Superstar Live
📺 April 1, 2018: “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” was first broadcast live on NBC on Easter Sunday. Based on the 70’s Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera, the Emmy-winning special starred John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Brandon Victor Dixon...
Sara Bareilles Signs With CAA
Grammy‑winning singer‑songwriter Sara Bareilles has signed with talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The deal adds a multi‑award‑nominated composer, performer and producer whose catalog includes over three million albums, 15 million singles and 3.5 billion global streams. Bareilles is currently developing a musical adaptation...
Springsteen Turns Tour Into Full‑Scale Protest Journey
Bruce Springsteen Isn’t Just Doing Protest Songs — With His ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ Trek, He’s Embarked on a Whole Protest Tour: Concert Review https://t.co/l8kOIG5DLO via @variety
Jorge Drexler’s ‘Taracá’ Revives Uruguay’s Musical Roots
As an Uruguayan journalist, there's no greater honor than writing about my paisito's culture. I spoke w/ @drexlerjorge about his new album, Taracá, that's filled with traditional Uruguayan sounds like candombe, murga, and milonga for @remezcla. https://t.co/dnFrlX0Pku
Havells mYOUsic Aims to Be a Talent Hunt with a Difference
Havells mYOUsic is an Indian talent hunt that welcomes singers, music producers, lyricists and instrumentalists to submit original work. Shortlisted participants attend a three‑day bootcamp featuring masterclasses on creative and business aspects of the music industry. The final cohort will...
SXSW 2026: The Sounds, Part 1
SXSW 2026 showcased a blend of legacy acts and emerging talent, highlighted by the poignant final performance of Texas songwriter Jon Dee Graham, who passed away shortly after his set. Texas country band Silverada delivered a packed preview of their...
Documentary Series Charting 100 Years of Japan's Listening Bar Culture Premieres in London
"A Century In Sound," a three‑part documentary tracing a hundred years of Japan’s listening‑bar culture, opened at London’s Barbican Centre with screenings on March 22, April 2 and April 18, 2026. The series, first shown at Sheffield Doc Fest in May 2025, follows New Zealand directors...
Listen to Frankie Knuckles’ Last-Ever Recorded Mix
To commemorate the 12th anniversary of Frankie Knuckles' death, Mixmag has resurfaced his final recorded set from March 22, 2014 at Miami’s Winter Music Conference. The hour‑long house mix, released as the magazine’s Christmas Eve 2015 “In Session,” blends original...
Metric’s ‘Crush Forever’ Is An Ode To Femme Energy
Canadian indie-rock band Metric has released the electro‑infused single “Crush Forever,” the latest preview from their forthcoming album Romanticize The Dive. Frontwoman Emily Haines describes the track as a love letter to strong women, pairing crisp guitar with seismic vocals....
Joyce Manor Join the Latest Episode of AltPress: In Session
Alternative Press has partnered with Joyce Manor to issue a limited‑edition vinyl of their latest album, I Used to Go to This Bar, capped at 500 copies. The record, produced by Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz, showcases the band’s matured punk...
Wu Lyf Share “Simple, Sweet Love Song” With ‘The Fool’ – While Trolling Spotify with Homer Simpson Version
Manchester indie band Wu Lyf has released the stripped‑back love single “The Fool,” the lead track from their long‑awaited second album “A Wave That Will Never Break,” due April 10. The band also uploaded a meme‑style AI‑generated Homer Simpson version to...
UADA Announces 10th Anniversary Edition Of Devoid Of Light
Uada is marking the 10th anniversary of their seminal 2016 black‑metal debut *Devoid of Light* with a deluxe reissue slated for July 17, 2026 via Eisenwald. The edition, remastered by Arthur Rizk, adds unseen photography, archival material, extended liner notes and an exclusive...
Collective Soul Announce New Album Touch and Go, Inspired by New Wave Music
Collective Soul announced their new album *Touch and Go*, slated for a Record Store Day exclusive release on April 18. The record marks a stylistic shift toward New Wave, drawing inspiration from The Cars, diverging from the band’s alternative rock...
CROWBAR Is Itching To Work On New Music
Crowbar frontman Kirk Windstein confirmed that a follow‑up to 2022’s *Zero And Below* is in the works, while the band enjoys a surge in streaming, now hitting roughly 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners. Their spring 2026 co‑headlining tour with EyeHateGod is nearly sold...
Are the Strokes Planning To Release New Music, or Is This an Elaborate April Fool’s Joke?
The Strokes posted a cryptic Instagram Story on March 31 featuring pixelated cassette imagery and a link to a Laylo‑hosted text‑message sign‑up, hinting at new music ahead of their 2026 festival slate, including Coachella. The sign‑up asks fans for phone...
Birding
London trio deary released debut album “Birding” on Bella Union, reviving shoegaze aesthetics. The record channels 4AD icons Cocteau Twins, Lush, and Slowdive while emphasizing clearer, pop‑friendly songwriting and crystalline guitars. Critics note the album’s lightness, hook‑laden singles “Smile” and...
From En Vogue to ‘Café Mocha’ & Beyond: Industry Veteran Sheila Eldridge on Staying ‘In a Learning State of Mind’
Industry veteran Sheila Eldridge, longtime PR chief for En Vogue, now leads Miles Ahead Entertainment, owns radio stations, and produces the Café Mocha syndicated show. She says the upcoming "Iconic" tour featuring TLC, Salt‑N‑Pepа, and En Vogue will be a...
Eric Church Played a Totally Unexpected Song at Opry Debut
On April 1, 2006, Eric Church made his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing his lead single “How ’Bout You” before unexpectedly segueing into Leadbelly’s classic “Black Betty.” The surprise cover, approved on the spot by his band, earned an enthusiastic response from...
5 Rock Songs That Started Out as Jokes (Until They Became Hits)
The article highlights five iconic rock tracks—Led Zeppelin’s “D’yer Mak’er,” Radiohead’s “Karma Police,” Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus,” and Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck In The Middle With You”—that originated as jokes, parodies, or casual jams before becoming chart‑topping hits. Each...
Tom Misch on Returning and Recovering From Burnout: “If I’m Not Enjoying It Then There’s No Point”
Tom Misch has returned to the spotlight with his first solo album in eight years, "Full Circle," after a self‑imposed hiatus to recover from burnout. The London‑based artist stepped away in 2022, taking jobs as a barista and gardener while...
How Massive Attack's Classic Album Mezzanine Nearly Broke the Band (Podcast)
Massive Attack’s 1998 album *Mezzanine* marked a stark departure from their bright trip‑hop roots, embracing darker electronic, industrial, and gothic‑distorted guitars. The shift mirrored growing digital‑age anxieties and redefined the band’s sonic identity. Internal tension rose as the new direction...
Kneecap Share New Single "FENIAN", Album Moved to May 1
Irish hip‑hop duo Kneecap released their third single, "FENIAN," accompanied by a trippy, Balaclava‑centric video filmed in West Belfast. The track serves as a reclamation of the historically anti‑Irish slur, turning it into a rallying cry for national pride. Kneecap...