Today's Music Pulse

Drake Nears Record‑Breaking Billboard 200 Streak
Drake is closing in on Morgan Wallen’s record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, according to The Source. Forbes adds that this also matches Adele’s historic tally of debut‑at‑number‑one singles.

On This Day in 1974, Ray Stevens Was at No. 1 With a Song That Was Boosted by a Headline-Making...
On May 18 1974 Ray Stevens’ novelty single “The Streak” began a three‑week reign at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, inspired by the 1970s streaking craze, also reached #3 on the country chart and topped charts in Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. A high‑profile naked run by Robert Opel at the Academy Awards five days after the release generated massive media buzz, further propelling the track’s popularity. The hit became Stevens’ second and final chart‑topping single.

ADULT. & A Place To Bury Strangers Announce Co-Headline Fall Tour
ADULT. and A Place To Bury Strangers have unveiled a co‑headlining fall tour across the United States. The 15‑date run kicks off on Nov 5 in Kingston, NY and concludes on Nov 21 in Detroit, with stops in major markets such as...

Don Omar Announces 2026 “The Last King” Tour
Puerto Rican reggaetón icon Don Omar has unveiled a 21‑date North American arena trek titled “The Last King Tour,” kicking off on September 25, 2026 at Reading’s Santander Arena and concluding November 8 in Phoenix. The itinerary hits major venues such as...
Performing Arts Laboratory to Host Conversation with Composer Raúl Esteban Ardila Pineda on New Opera ‘Buscando/Seeking El Dorado’
The Performing Arts Laboratory will host a Spanish‑language conversation with Colombian composer Raúl Esteban Ardila Pineda on May 20, 2026, as part of its “A Coffee with Diego” series. Hosted by Maestro Diego Barbosa‑Vásquez, the event will explore Ardila Pineda’s diverse career and the...

Full Album Stream: Abandon Agony –Endbringer
Swedish melodic death‑metal quartet Abandon Agony is self‑releasing their debut full‑length album *Endbringer* on May 22, 2026. The record expands their 2024 EP *Dark Matter* by adding six new tracks, delivering ten songs recorded at Eternal Studios and mixed by Robin...

Does Drake Still Matter? A Consequence Chat
Canadian rapper Drake returned to the spotlight with a surprise triple‑album megadrop—Maid of Honour, Habibti, and Iceman—following a widely mocked Super Bowl halftime performance. The releases span dance, R&B, and rap, and early industry chatter suggests they could claim the...

Drake Accused of Ripping Off a Beat From Another Rapper for His New Album: ‘You Got Me F***ed Up’
Rapper 1900Rugrat alleges Drake lifted the beat from his 2025 album intro for the track “Little Birdie” on the new triple‑album release ‘Iceman’. Rugrat posted an Instagram video and DM screenshots showing Drake’s interest in the loop and a promised...
SKORTS Showcase Jagged Indie Rock At The Basement
SKORTS opened a packed night at Nashville’s The Basement, delivering a volatile mix of post‑punk tension, jagged indie rock, and kinetic stage presence. Front‑woman and guitarist Alli Walls anchored the set with hypnotic vocals while bassist Emma Welch and guitarist...

AARON LEWIS To Release 'Patriotic' New Single, 'Give My Country Back', This Friday
Aaron Lewis, the multi‑platinum country singer and former Staind frontman, will release his new solo single “Give My Country Back” on Friday, May 22, through Big Machine Label Group. The track is the lead single from his forthcoming sixth studio country...

Weekly Listening: May 2026 #3
The weekly roundup highlights a wave of new indie releases across Bandcamp and boutique labels. Bella Cloud’s reflective single “Spin” opens 2026 with themes of renewal, while Cameron Knowler offers a lo‑fi Nagra‑demo “Placer Camp Blues.” Fugue State teases their...
TikTok’s New Campaign Showcases Viral Hit’s Global Impact
TikTok launches Behind The Breakthrough spotlight on viral hits @tiktok has launched a new Behind The Breakthrough campaign spotlighting rising, starting with @siennaspiro and her hit “Die On This Hill” The track generated over 6 million TikTok creations and 16 billion...

Marco Antonio Solís Announces 2026 “Tour Gratitud”
Marco Antonio Solís announced a 23‑date North American "Tour Gratitud" that kicks off on July 24 in Austin and runs through October 11 in Highland, California. The itinerary spans major U.S. markets and includes two Canadian stops in Laval and Hamilton. Exclusive...

Here's Why Cody Johnson Won ACM Entertainer of the Year In 2026
Cody Johnson captured the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year award on May 17, 2026, marking his first win after previous CMA nominations. The honor reflects his disciplined touring schedule, punctual media presence, and a partnership with Warner that...
SPELLMAN -“Philly Sweat”
Mike Spellman’s sophomore album Floralia arrives on May 22, released digitally and on cassette through indie label Aural Canyon. The record’s opener, “Philly Sweat,” mixes spectral funk with skeletal blues, echoing the mood of his debut while embracing a looser groove. Spellman...

Maya Hawke on New Album Maitreya Corso, Marriage, and Post-Stranger Things Depression: Podcast
Maya Hawke’s new album *Maitreya Corso* marks a shift from career‑focused themes to intimate storytelling, inspired by her marriage to songwriter Christian Lee Hutson and a year‑long depression after wrapping *Stranger Things 5*. The record, featuring tracks such as “Dreamhouse” and “Love of My Life,”...
Charley Pride Celebration at MGM Grand Signals Country Music’s Inclusivity Push
Amazon MGM Studios, Amazon Music and the Academy of Country Music hosted the third annual "I'm Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion" at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, honoring artists, executives and cultural shapers who embody Charley...

Ex-IRON MAIDEN Guitarist DENNIS STRATTON Says 'Burning Ambition' Documentary 'Rushed Through' The Band's Early Days: It's 'A Little Bit Sad'
The new feature documentary "Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition" premiered in May 2026, chronicling the band’s five‑decade career. Former guitarist Dennis Stratton praised the film’s fan focus but lamented that the early years were rushed, especially the portrayal of Blaze Bayley’s tenure. Band members,...
Mon Rayon – One of a Kind (Feat. Vira Milton)
Swedish indie act Mon Rayon has dropped the single “One of a Kind,” featuring vocalist Vira Milton. The track channels 1960s‑era alt‑pop while layering brass and lush harmonies that sound cinematic. Released in summer 2026, the song is being promoted...

INTERVIEW: Frozen Soul On Gerard Way, Vulnerability & New Album ‘No Place Of Warmth’
Frozen Soul’s new album “No Place Of Warmth” arrives with high‑profile guest spots from My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way and Machine Head’s Robb Flynn. The band abandoned longtime collaborator Daniel for a seasoned producer, compressing recording into a two‑and‑a‑half‑week sprint. Chad Green describes a shift...
![SPOTLIGHT: Emily Nenni - "What Have I Done Wrong" [VIDEO]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://storage.ghost.io/c/18/d0/18d08e58-3b1b-4720-ae25-a31b44e69d4b/content/images/2026/05/EMily-Nenni-Spotlight.png)
SPOTLIGHT: Emily Nenni - "What Have I Done Wrong" [VIDEO]
Emily Nenni, the singer‑songwriter behind the new LP Movin’ Shoes, released the album on May 1 through New West Records. She is the featured Spotlight Artist for May 2026 in No Depression, a leading indie‑folk publication. A recent video shows her performing a...

Album Review – Ryan Bingham’s “They Call Us The Lucky Ones”
Ryan Bingham returns with *They Call Us The Lucky Ones*, his first full‑length release in seven years, backed by his touring band the Texas Gentlemen. The record leans into gritty, slide‑laden Americana, trading polished production for a raw, sweaty feel....

Cristale Assumes Form On New Single ‘Top 3’
South London rapper Cristale has released her latest single “Top 3,” produced by Young Chencs and built on a jittery Sinogrime‑infused beat. The track follows her recent high‑energy collaboration with Skrillex and ISOxo on “Smoke” and continues her pattern of blending rap...
Festival News: All Things Go Reveals All-Female Lineup
All Things Go announced its third New York edition will feature an all‑female lineup. The three‑day event at the 13,000‑capacity Forest Hills Stadium will be headlined by Zara Larsson, Brandi Carlile and Muna, with supporting acts such as Rebecca Black,...

Marisa Anderson’s (Tunefully) Un-American Activities
Portland guitarist Marisa Anderson turned a brief visit to the Bob Dylan Center into a nine‑day archival sprint, digitizing roughly 90 obscure world‑folk LPs from Harry Smith’s private collection. Backed by the Tulsa Artist Fellowship, she used dual turntables to preview...

Lowertown Have Announced a London Oslo Headline Show with New Single ‘Mice Protection’
New York duo Lowertown unveiled their next single “Mice Protection,” the lead track from the forthcoming album *Ugly Duckling Union* slated for release on May 22 via Summer Shade. The song, recorded in a basement studio that doubled as Avsha Weinberg’s...

In Photos: The Great Escape 2026 – Saturday
The Great Escape 2026 Saturday showcased a vibrant new‑music marathon in Brighton, drawing hundreds of emerging artists from around the world. Canadian acts dominated the Green Door Store stage, while Australian and Japanese performers added fresh tracks for CLASH. Photographer...

Haruomi Hosono Details New Album Yours Sincerely
Japanese music pioneer Haruomi Hosono announced his 23rd studio album, Yours Sincerely, slated for release on September 11 through Ghostly International. The record’s title reflects the Japanese concept of omoiyari, which blends shared suffering with collective joy. At 78, Hosono...

Blondshell Launches New Era with Bruising Single ‘Heart Has To Work So Hard’ and Biggest UK, European and North American...
Los Angeles singer‑songwriter Sabrina Teitelbaum, performing as Blondshell, released the bruising single “Heart Has To Work So Hard,” the first taste of an upcoming album. The track explores the strain of a fraught friendship with her trademark monotone vocals. Simultaneously,...

BV Interviews: Robyn Hitchcock Celebrates Collapse, Polka Dots & New Album ‘The Confuser’
Veteran singer‑songwriter Robyn Hitchcock announced his 25th studio album, *The Confuser*, recorded in Nashville with a cadre of session musicians. He describes the record as a ‘celebration of collapse,’ reflecting artistic change. To support the release, Hitchcock is launching his...

“It’s a Masochistic Way of Recording. Working in the Studio Isn’t Always Fun”: Prog Metallers Amorphis Rehired a Notoriously Picky...
Finnish prog‑metal outfit Amorphis reunited with Swedish producer Jens Bogren for their 13th album, Queen Of Time. Bogren, known for his exacting standards and work with Opeth, Katatonia and Babymetal, pushed the band through painstaking studio sessions that stretched recording timelines. The partnership...

Pamela’s ‘Better Than Before’ Is Sweetly Uplifting
Australian indie duo Pamela has released their new single “Better Than Before,” an upbeat breakup anthem that blends pop hooks with reflective lyrics. The track arrives ahead of their forthcoming EP “It’s Nice To See You Here,” slated for release...

Spencer’s Gifts
Vic Spencer, a Chicago‑born rapper who grew up in the state foster system, has become one of the most prolific independent artists in underground hip‑hop. Backed early by UCAN and the Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network, he released two Uhlich Voices...

Death Kneel, “Remembering Well”
Experimental noise artist Death Kneel, the solo project of Max Klebanoff, drops his latest album "Remembering Well" on the avant‑garde imprint Chondritic Sound. The record consists of six sub‑minute tracks that fuse field recordings, harsh feedback, and rain‑soaked ambience, inviting...
Monday Morning Video – Gabe Lee
Gabe Lee staged a one‑man Off‑Broadway show at New York’s Café Wha?, pairing storytelling with his original song “Surrender to the Rain.” The performance, recorded at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café, reflects his personal journey from dropping out of music school...
Florence Road Rides Wave of US Success After Opening for Olivia Rodrigo
Irish indie quartet Florence Road have turned a garden‑shed cover video into a sold‑out US tour, opening for Olivia Rodrigo and landing a spot on the NME 100 list. Their rapid rise, fueled by a 52‑million‑view TikTok hit and high‑profile support slots,...
No Pterodactyls Return with Imposter
No Pterodactyls released a new pop‑punk single titled “Imposter,” which opens with a plodding, angular breakdown before launching into a high‑energy chorus. The track is praised for injecting fresh dynamics into a genre that has grown formulaic, drawing comparisons to acts...

Lip Critic’s ‘Theft World’ Is Beautifully Structured Chaos
Lip Critic’s second album, Theft World, emerged from a bizarre real‑life incident where an obsessed fan stole frontman Bret Kaser’s identity to buy the band’s catalog, prompting the group to interview the fan and turn those tapes into music. The...

Metric Look Back and Learn to ‘Romanticize the Dive’
Metric marks its 25th anniversary with the release of "Romanticize the Dive," the band’s first album in several years. The record leans heavily into synth‑driven indie rock while preserving the big‑hook sensibility that defined their earlier hits. Lyrically, frontwoman Emily...

Lars Danielsson Liberetto V – ‘Echomyr’
Swedish bassist and composer Lars Danielsson releases the fifth Liberetto album, Echomyr, on 17 April 2026. The record maintains the series’ chamber‑jazz and European folk aesthetic, featuring the core quartet of Magnus Öström, Grégory Privat, John Parricelli and guest trumpeter Arve Henriksen. Tracks...
The Lagniappe Sessions :: Resavoir & Matt Gold
The episode titled "The Lagniappe Sessions :: Resavoir & Matt Gold" appears to consist primarily of brief interjections and a thank‑you message, with no discernible discussion topics, guest insights, or substantive content. No clear themes, takeaways, or expert perspectives are...

Timbaland Says Janice STFU’ Will Be “Timeless” As Fans Decode Viral ‘ICEMAN’ Track
Drake’s surprise album *Iceman* dropped on May 15, 2026, led by the breakout single “Janice STFU.” The track vaulted to No. 5 on Spotify’s global chart, logging more than 9.5 million streams in its first 24 hours. Fans quickly dissected the title, viewing it as a...

Molly Santana Is a Rising Star On Drake and Future’s ‘Ran to Atlanta’
Molly Santana, the 21‑year‑old Los Angeles‑born rapper, gained mainstream exposure after appearing on Drake and Future’s hit “Ran to Atlanta” from the album *Iceman*. The track debuted at No. 3 on Spotify’s global chart with over 10.8 million streams in its first day...

Drake’s “Ran To Atlanta” Projected to Debut at No. 1 on Hot 100
Drake’s new single “Ran To Atlanta,” featuring Future and emerging artist Molly Santana, is projected to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The launch would give Drake his 12th chart‑topping hit, extending his record‑setting run on the flagship list....

Lauryn Hill Details Reasons For Not Dropping Another Studio Album
Grammy‑winning Lauryn Hill explained why she hasn’t released a follow‑up to her 2000 debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. She cited the emotional drain of fame, restrictive corporate structures, and the difficulty of finding a safe creative space. Hill likened...

CATTY Has Shared Gothic Pop Single ‘Pavlov’s Dog’ Ahead of Her Biggest Headline Tour Yet
Welsh singer‑songwriter CATTY released the gothic‑pop single “Pavlov’s Dog,” which went viral on TikTok with over 620,000 teaser views. The track drops via independent distributor AWAL, following her 2025 EP “Bracing For Impact.” Simultaneously, she announced a UK headline tour...
Beach Boys Mark 60 Years of 'Pet Sounds' With New Vinyl Editions and Capitol Celebration
The surviving Beach Boys gathered at the Capitol Records building on May 11, 2026 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of 'Pet Sounds.' The milestone is marked by a slate of new vinyl reissues—including a zoetrope picture disc and a numbered...

Chloe Qisha Leans Into Heartbreak on Her Brooding New Single ‘Surprise Surprise’
Chloe Qisha has released the brooding pop ballad “Surprise Surprise,” her first single after the 2025 EP “Modern Romance.” The track drops through Columbia in the UK and RCA in the US, accompanied by a black‑and‑white visualiser that gains colour...

"There’s This Idea that Metal Is the Devil’s Music and All that Kind of Nonsense." Meet the Metal Singer-Turned Vicar...
Emily Kolltveit, former frontwoman of symphonic metal band Pythia and backing vocalist for Dragonforce, is now a vicar at St Jude’s in London. Her lifelong devotion to Iron Maiden began after a teenage encounter with a magician’s TV special featuring the band....
After 40 Years, the Afghan Whigs Still Sound Like No One Else — and They're Not Done Yet
The Cincinnati‑born Afghan Whigs are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a nationwide tour that blends classic hits from the 1990s with two brand‑new singles, “House of I” and “Duvateen.” Frontman Greg Dulli says the band’s renewed creativity stems from the...
Cascading Zithers and a Trancelike Groove: Rattling Ark Share “Coleraine Jig”
Irish alternative folk trio Rattling Ark has issued “Coleraine Jig,” the second single from their upcoming debut album Top of a Mountain, slated for release on 19 June 2026. The track foregrounds a cello‑led melody, layered with cascading zithers and a trance‑like groove, featuring Kevin Murphy of Slow Moving Clouds...