Today's Music Pulse
Oliver Tree Dies at 32 in Rio Helicopter Crash
Singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree was killed at age 32 when his helicopter crashed in Rio de Janeiro, according to Deadline. The incident was also reported by Clash Music.
13 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Bladee, Fakemink, and Eli
Pitchfork’s latest roundup spotlights 13 fresh releases spanning hyper‑pop, experimental jazz, indie rock, and world‑inspired guitar music. Highlights include Bladee’s eighth album “Sulfur Surfer,” Fakemink’s genre‑bending LP “Terrified,” and Eli’s deluxe pop collection “Girl Of Your Dreams (Not a Dream Anymore). The list also features cross‑cultural projects like Marisa Anderson’s folk anthology and Visible Cloaks’ Japanese‑ambient record “Paradessence.” Together, the selections illustrate how artists are leveraging surprise drops and streaming platforms to push genre boundaries.
Album Review – William Alexander’s “Along The Boundary Line”
Australian singer‑songwriter William Alexander releases his new album *Along The Boundary Line*, a collection of nine self‑penned tracks and a Slim Dusty cover that leans heavily into traditional Aussie country. Alexander, a 2025 CMAA Thorton Young Award winner, draws on...
CMU Selects - the Last Week’s Standout Releases
CMU Selects highlighted five standout releases this week, ranging from Helena Gao’s cheeky 2‑step single “lao shi 老师” to Charli XCX’s grunge‑infused “SS26.” Olivia Rodrigo unveiled “the cure,” a slow‑building track she calls her album favorite, while Hyd delivered the...
Joey Bada$$ Drops New 60-Second Freestyle
Joey Bada$$ released a 60‑second freestyle filmed at Red Bull Studios, delivering a razor‑sharp performance that reaffirms his lyrical prowess. The brief track arrives after a year packed with new music, high‑profile acting roles, and a strong touring schedule. By...
Lucky Break Shares Video for “Pictures of Herself”
Indie singer‑songwriter lucky break has dropped the official video for “Pictures of Herself,” the lead single from her debut album *made it!* on Fire Records. The clip, directed by longtime collaborator Margaret Elle, alternates between a pink bedroom and open...
Ital Tek, “Mind Abandon”
Ital Tek’s eighth album, “Mind Abandon,” marks a departure from his usual computer‑centric production, as Alan Myson re‑introduces guitar, voice, and analog effects into his IDM framework. The record blends dark, distressed beats with melancholic melodies, retaining Planet Mu’s signature...
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘The Cure’ Boosts Album Anticipation
Why the new @oliviarodrigo song is heightening anticipation for the new album... Olivia Rodrigo Is Heartsick Again With ‘The Cure’ and, Well, That’s a Little More Like It: Single Review https://t.co/3skhNwCXJR via @variety
Álvaro Díaz Dares Latin Trap Fans to Expand Their Palates in 'Omakase'
Puerto Rican rapper Álvaro Díaz released his genre‑bending album “Omakase,” framing each track as a dish served by a chef who trusts the diner. The 16‑song project blends merengue, reggaeton, cumbia, synth‑pop and rock references—from Tyler, the Creator to Deftones—while...
Terrified: The 5 Best Tracks on Fakemink’s New Album
British producer fakemink released his highly anticipated album Terrified, delivering a five‑track ranking that showcases his most daring material. In the weeks leading up to the drop, the artist promised a record that would force critics to backtrack and described...
Juni Habel :: Evergreen In Your Mind
Norwegian singer‑songwriter Juni Habel releases her third album, Evergreen In Your Mind, a haunting folk collection built on trembling vocals, sparse guitar and ambient room tone. The record balances pastoral melancholy with dream‑state solitude, evoking the stark clarity of 1960s...
Olivia Rodrigo Shares Melancholic New Track ‘the Cure’
Olivia Rodrigo has unveiled "the cure," a brooding pop‑rock single that previews her forthcoming album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, slated for June 12. The track follows last month’s opening song "drop dead" and leans...
Review: Paul McCartney, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Paul McCartney’s latest record, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, received a glowing review in Uncut, praising its blend of nostalgic storytelling and experimental pop. The album revisits McCartney’s Liverpool roots, referencing Forthlin Road and Speke, while featuring Ringo Starr on...
Westside Cowboy Share New Single ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ and Announce Debut Album ‘It Goes On’
Westside Cowboy has dropped a new single, “Kick Stones (The Boys),” and announced their debut full-length album, “It Goes On,” set for a summer release. The track showcases tender guitar openings, layered drums, and shared vocals from Aoife Anson O’Connell...
Add to Playlist: The Virtuoso Prog-Metal-Folk of Brazil’s Papangu and the Week’s Best New Tracks
Brazilian quintet Papangu is set to release their third album, Celestial, recorded live in just nine days with no computer assistance, positioning the band as a vocal opponent of AI‑generated music. The group blends bossa nova, forró, progressive rock and...
Don Toliver’s ‘OCTANE’ Becomes First 2026 Hip‑Hop Album to Go Platinum
Houston rapper Don Toliver’s eighth‑track album OCTANE has crossed the one‑million‑unit threshold in the United States, making it the first hip‑hop release of 2026 to earn platinum certification. The milestone follows a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 and underscores...
Watch Dua Lipa’s Concert Film ‘Dua Lipa (Live From Mexico)’
Pop star Dua Lipa released a two‑hour concert film, “Dua Lipa (Live From Mexico),” on her YouTube channel for free. The film captures the finale of her Radical Optimism Tour in Mexico City and showcases 21 tracks, including a duet...
Hammock ‘The Second Coming Was A Moonrise’ | Track By Track
American ambient/post‑rock duo Hammock released their latest album, “The Second Coming Was A Moonrise,” a sprawling 14‑track record that fuses their signature atmospheric textures with industrial‑sounding drums and post‑punk elements. The album features high‑profile collaborators including The Flaming Lips, Slow...
Doja Cat Review – Pop Superstar or True Freak? US Iconoclast Plays the Tension to Perfection
Doja Cat’s latest tour in Glasgow showcases her fifth album *Vie*, where she fuses bubblegum pop‑rap with darker rock influences. The performance features elaborate costumes, a ten‑person band, and a 20‑metre train, highlighting her command of both mainstream appeal and...
Mabe Fratti and Bill Orcutt: Almost Waking Review – Cellist and Guitarist Unite for Tender Harmonies and Torrid Tangles
Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti and veteran noise guitarist Bill Orcutt have released the collaborative album *Almost Waking*. The record pairs Fratti’s experimental cello and occasional vocals with Orcutt’s signature overdriven, four‑string guitar work, creating a dialogue that swings between aggressive...
Phillip Golub – Partisan Ship
Phillip Golub’s new album Partisan Ship is a concept record that imagines a sea voyage through experimental avant‑garde jazz. The work features a large ensemble of brass, woodwinds, strings and electronics, anchored by Golub’s custom Flexichord which enables shifting microtonal...
Seven Wonders, Seven Voices: Spell Songs Take Flight with “In Thin Air”
The folk collective Spell Songs returns with its third album, *In Thin Air*, out on 4 September via Hudson Records. The record is a musical companion to Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’s new field guide, *The Book of Birds*, which spotlights the rapid...
Interview: Beau Nectar
Indie‑pop duo Beau Nectar, composed of Marie‑Clo and éemi, has released their first full‑length English album, Dandy, accompanied by the lead single Artichoke. The project weaves eco‑feminist synth‑pop with playful narratives that personify flora and fauna, addressing ecological collapse and...
On Wilding (Part One), Jessica Pearson and the East Wind Turn Resistance Into Momentum with Standout Track “Do It”
Jessica Pearson and the East Wind released the EP *Wilding Part One*, a folk‑Americana collection created entirely by women. The record centers on the track “Do It,” which confronts domestic and gender‑based violence with stark storytelling. Produced by JUNO‑winning Hill...
Libby Ember Lingers in Emotional Aftermath on Dreamy Bedroom Pop Single “I’ll Stand in the Doorway”
Montreal singer‑songwriter Libby Ember releases the dreamy bedroom‑pop single “I’ll Stand in the Doorway,” following two Spotify‑editorial‑backed tracks earlier this year. The song captures the limbo of a post‑breakup relationship, using layered guitars, synths, and drums to create a dense...
Paul McCartney Interview on ‘Late Show’ Gets Interrupted by Giant Wormhole
Paul McCartney stepped in as Stephen Colbert’s final guest on The Late Show, sharing memories of the Beatles’ U.S. debut and his upcoming album. Mid‑interview, a staged “giant wormhole” appeared, prompting Colbert to leave the stage while Neil deGrasse Tyson...
Charli XCX Commemorates Spring and Summer in High Fashion ‘SS26’ Video
Charli XCX has dropped her new single “SS26,” accompanied by a high‑fashion runway video directed by Torso. The visual showcases the pop star in avant‑garde outfits before she walks off the catwalk into an abyss, echoing the song’s apocalyptic lyric....
Visible Cloaks – Paradessence
Visible Cloaks, the Portland duo of Spencer Doran and Ryan Carlile, returned in 2026 with Paradessence, their first full‑length album since 2017. The record builds on their signature blend of globally sourced samples and hyperreal synth textures, while the title...
Prateeksha Srivastava Drops Playful Love Song ‘Sajna Ve,’ Signs to Warner Music India
Prateeksha Srivastava has signed a deal with Warner Music India and launched her debut single “Sajna Ve.” The pop‑infused love track follows her work as a songwriter for hits like Sunidhi Chauhan’s “Aankh.” Warner announced a slate of additional singles...
LE SSERAFIM Drops Second 'BOOMPALA' Teaser Ahead of May 22 Comeback
LE SSERAFIM released a second teaser for their title track 'BOOMPALA' at midnight KST on May 21, intensifying anticipation for the group's May 22 comeback with the album PUREFLOW pt.1. The teaser, posted on HYBE Labels’ YouTube channel, showcases surreal...
Neo Dimes – ‘Alone’
Neo Dimes, the Denver moniker of Stephen Edmunds, has launched his debut full‑length album *Alone*. The record merges alternative‑rock vigor with industrial darkwave textures, delivering a moody yet energetic sound. Tracks like “Beasts,” “Angels,” and “Don’t Think” critique digital surveillance,...
Marley’s Ghost – ‘Honky Tonk’
Seattle‑based collective Marley’s Ghost releases "Honky Tonk," an Americana record produced by veteran Larry Campbell. The album leans heavily on classic country, Western swing and folk standards, reinterpreting songs by Ray Price, Webb Pierce, Hank Williams Jr., and others. Twin fiddles, pedal...
TikTok Partners with Paul McCartney for Album Launch
TikTok announced a live Q&A with Sir Paul McCartney ahead of his new album “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” scheduled for May 27 at 10:30 am EST. The former Beatle, who has over 1.2 million followers on the platform, will discuss the album’s inspiration and...
Watch: The String Cheese Incident Preview Forthcoming Docuseries ‘Into The Incidents’
The String Cheese Incident has launched a four‑part docuseries, "Into The Incidents," on the streaming platform nugs as of May 21. The series pulls back the curtain on the band’s rehearsal space, known as "The Lab," revealing songwriting sessions, recording work,...
YG Plus Extends Domestic Distribution Deal with HYBE, Securing K‑pop Catalogs for Three Years
YG Plus announced a three‑year renewal of its domestic distribution agreement with HYBE, extending the partnership that began in 2018. The deal keeps YG Plus responsible for delivering music from HYBE’s marquee artists—including BTS, SEVENTEEN and NewJeans—to South Korean fans,...
Westside Cowboy Announce Debut Album, Share Video for New Song “Kick Stones (The Boys)”
Manchester‑based quartet Westside Cowboy announced their debut album *It Goes On*, set for release on August 21 via Island Records. The band simultaneously premiered the video‑driven single “Kick Stones (The Boys)”, directed by Edie Lawrence and filmed with local side‑kick FC...
Aubrey Jane – Starshiner
Aubrey Jane’s sophomore album *Starshiner* expands on the raw vulnerability of her debut *Calamity* by merging folk‑inflected indie rock with confessional bedroom‑pop textures. The record was crafted with a cadre of collaborators—including Teddy Tietze, Giovanni Ventello, and a rotating rhythm...
Lola Young, Elton John, Rosalía & More Honored at 2026 Ivor Novello Awards: Complete Winners List
The 2026 Ivor Novello Awards were held at London’s Grosvenor House, honoring top songwriters across a range of categories. Elton John was named the Ivors Academy’s first president while Sam Fender took Songwriter of the Year amid his hit “Rein...
Rosco P. Coldchain & Nicholas Craven Talk New Tape, Chemistry and Mainstream Vs. Underground
Veteran rapper Rosco P. Coldchain returns with the tape “Play With Something Safe,” fully produced by underground beatmaker Nicholas Craven. Recorded largely in Vermont and featuring guests Malcolm Kamal, Jimmie D, Bruiser Wolf and Ab‑Liva, the project blends Craven’s soulful sample loops with Rosco’s...
Feeble Little Horse Announce New Album Bitknot Dropping Next Week
Feeble Little Horse, the Pittsburgh noise‑pop trio, announced their third album *Bitknot* will be released on May 26, 2026. The band has sent fans a free download of the new single “Poison” via Dropbox and teased the record with a retro‑styled...
Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, Mon Rovîa, Ken Pomeroy Among Leading Americana Honors & Awards Nominees
The 25th Americana Honors & Awards nominees were announced for the September 16 ceremony at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Brandi Carlile, Margo Price, Charley Crockett, Molly Tuttle and Jesse Welles contend for Artist of the Year, while Tyler Childers, Kathleen Edwards, S.G. Goodman, Ken Pomeroy and Price vie...
Analyzing ARIRANG’s Hidden Track “Come Over”: Stanning BTS Podcast
BTS’s hidden track “Come Over,” exclusive to the deluxe vinyl of ARIRANG, has become a focal point for fans and the group’s World Tour setlist. The Stanning BTS podcast dissects the song’s lyrical layers, highlighting verses from Suga, RM, and...
Wiki Announces First Solo Album in Seven Years
New York rapper Wiki ends a three‑year recording hiatus by announcing his first solo album in seven years, "Ancient History," slated for release on June 12, 2026. The record arrives on his own imprint, Wikset Enterprise, and is preceded by...
Watch Kevin Morby and Carrie Brownstein Perform Sleater-Kinney’s “Modern Girl”
Kevin Morby surprised Portland fans at Revolution Hall on May 20 by inviting Sleater‑Kinney founder Carrie Brownstein onstage for a rendition of the band’s 2005 anthem “Modern Girl.” The performance was recorded and posted online, drawing attention to both artists’ enduring...
Big Freedia to Release SOPHIE-Produced Record This Summer
US rapper and singer Big Freedia announced a new EP entirely produced by the late avant‑pop pioneer SOPHIE. The three‑track record, recorded in 2016, will be released on June 19, with the lead single “Blaze That Ass” arriving May 22. The posthumous...
German House Mainstay Philipp Jung, Co-Founder of M.A.N.D.Y. and Get Physical, Has Died
Philipp Jung, co‑founder of the house duo M.A.N.D.Y. and the seminal label Get Physical Music, died at age 55. He helped shape Germany’s house and tech‑house scene from the 1990s onward, launching influential releases such as the 2005 "Body Language"...
DEVIN TOWNSEND Talks To Metal Injection: "I'm Following The Creative Compulsions Where They Lead Me."
Devin Townsend’s upcoming 24‑track rock opera The Moth, due May 29, 2025, represents his most ambitious project yet, involving orchestras and choirs across ten countries. The Canadian’s self‑described "life’s work" blends progressive metal with symphonic elements, demanding a new level of orchestration...
Questlove Enlists Michelle & Barack Obama To Dissect The Genius Of Earth, Wind & Fire In First Trailer For HBO...
HBO has released the first trailer for Questlove’s documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire, featuring commentary from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The film traces the band’s evolution from its 1970s origins through its nine Grammy...
10 New Songs Out Today to Listen To: Vince Staples, Kelsey Lu, and More
Our Culture’s May 21 roundup spotlights ten fresh tracks spanning hip‑hop, indie, and post‑punk, from Vince Staples’ “White Flag” previewing his Cry Baby album (out June 5) to Kelsey Lu’s tender single “Comfort” ahead of So Help Me God. The list also introduces...
Milky Brings 00s Summer Vibes To Birmingham For 99 Launch
Milky revived its 2002 summer anthem "Just The Way You Are" with a TikTok‑driven remix, turning the track into a campus‑wide sensation in Birmingham. The US‑origin brand 99 staged a pop‑up activation at the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City...
Elim Chan Becomes First Female Music Director of San Francisco Symphony
Elim Chan, a Hong Kong‑born conductor, has been named music director of the San Francisco Symphony, becoming the orchestra’s first female leader. She will serve as music‑director‑designate starting June and assume the full role in September 2027 for a six‑year term. Chan takes...