Today's Music Pulse

Oliver Tree dies at 32 in Rio de Janeiro helicopter crash
Singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree was killed in a helicopter accident in Rio de Janeiro at age 32. The tragedy was reported by multiple outlets, confirming the location and cause of death.
Madonna’s ‘Confessions II’ Track List Surfaces on Street Posters
Madonna’s latest guerrilla campaign plastered major cities with posters that unveil the full 12‑track list for her upcoming album *Confessions II*. The vinyl‑styled artwork splits the songs into Side 1 and Side 2 and confirms a July 3 release with two preorder configurations – a 12‑track and a 16‑track edition. The posters also highlight the lead single “Bring Your Love,” a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter that has already entered the Billboard Hot 100, and “I Feel So Free,” the project’s first released track. The rollout coincides with her announcement as a headliner for the 2026 World Cup halftime show.
KORN Have Almost 40 Songs Written For New Album
Korn is deep into writing a follow‑up to 2022’s Requiem, with guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer saying the band has nearly 40 songs in the vault. The group is meticulously revising material to preserve their signature guitar‑driven, bass‑heavy sound. For the...
.jpg)
Watch an iPod and a Floppy Disk Dance in the Avalanches’ New Video
The Australian trio the Avalanches have broken a six‑year silence with the single “Together,” featuring vocalists Nikki Nair, Jessy Lanza and 18‑year‑old producer Prentiss. The track’s visualizer stars an animated iPod and floppy disk, directed by longtime collaborator Jonathan Zawada. The release follows...

Jorja Smith Has Enlisted AJ Tracey, Knucks and Nadia Rose for Her ‘What’s Done Is Done’ Video
British singer‑songwriter Jorja Smith has dropped the single “What’s Done Is Done,” produced by P2J and accompanied by a visually striking video directed by KC Locke. The clip showcases a roster of UK rap and grime talent, including AJ Tracey, Knucks and...
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Celebratea 60th Anniversary With Guest-Filled Grand Ole Opry Farewell
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band marked its 60th anniversary with a star‑studded concert at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on May 14, 2026. The show featured guest appearances by Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown, Kathleen Edwards and Suzy Bogguss, who joined the band...
Genesis Owusu Drops Maximalist Third Album ‘Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge’
Genesis Owusu has released his third studio album, ‘Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge’, a 15‑track maximalist project that blends rap, rock, electronic and punk while skewering figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Kanye West. Critics praise its ambition...

This Pioneering Punk Band Had Some Surprisingly Kind Words About the World Leader They Were Protesting in a Very Political...
The Ramones released the protest single “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg” in 1985, condemning President Ronald Reagan’s controversial visit to a German cemetery that included Waffen‑SS graves. The track, initially a U.K. release, gained traction on U.S. college radio after appearing...

Planningtorock and Romy Team up for New Version of ‘The One’: “She’s Managed to Take Its Original Queer Longing for...
Planningtorock has released a reworked version of their 2011 track “The One” featuring vocals from Romy of The xx. The new mix replaces the original’s pizzicato strings with lush synths, adding a tender, soulful dimension. Both artists describe the collaboration...

Lizzo Hits Out at “Racist and Fatphobic” Algorithms for “Destroying the Music Industry” And Her Album Promo
Lizzo used a TikTok video on May 12 to condemn social‑media algorithms as "racist" and "fatphobic," arguing they scramble release timelines and cripple album promotion. She warned that the shift away from chronological feeds leaves fans unaware of new music, even...

JASON NEWSTED Doesn't Believe METALLICA's 'Justice' Album Should Ever Be Officially Remixed: 'I Don't Think You Should Go Back And...
Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted told SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation he has no interest in remixing the band’s 1988 album “…And Justice For All.” He argues the record should remain untouched, citing its historical significance and the artistic choices made at...
Dua Lipa Announces Live Album and Concert Film From Radical Optimism Tour’s Mexico City Shows
Dua Lipa announced a live album and concert film captured during the Mexico City finale of her Radical Optimism Tour. The concert film will stream on her YouTube channel on May 21, followed by the album release on May 22. The tour concluded...
Wheels Up: Kilby Block Party
The Kilby Block Party, a boutique indie festival in Salt Lake City, is drawing attention for its curated mix of emerging acts and nostalgic headliners. Organizers promise a community‑focused experience that feels intimate compared to larger events. Highlights include post‑punk...

D’Lee – “I’d Bet on You”
Fort Worth‑based indie artist D’Lee drops her sophomore album Fifty‑Five, debuting today with the single “I’d Bet on You.” The Nashville‑recorded track mixes smoky vocals, twangy guitars, synth layers and clap‑driven percussion to create a country‑pop crossover sound. Lyrically, the...

On This Day in 1987, Three Legendary Voices Finally United for a No. 1 Country Album a Decade in the...
On May 14, 1987 Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris finally released their long‑awaited collaborative album *Trio*, which vaulted to No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart. The project, stalled for a decade by scheduling conflicts and label politics, debuted at No. 6 on the...
‘CBS Mornings’ Explores ‘Blue Dot Fever’ & Talks Touring Challenges With Andy Frasco
On May 14, 2026, CBS Mornings aired a segment on “blue dot fever,” a slang term for the blue‑dot markers Ticketmaster uses to flag unsold seats. Singer‑songwriter Andy Frasco discussed how recent high‑profile tour cancellations—Post Malone, Zayn, Meghan Trainor—have amplified anxiety among touring artists....

Watch: SEPULTURA Joined By BIOHAZARD's EVAN SEINFELD For 'Slave New World' Performance In Reading
Sepultura’s North American leg of the "Celebrating Life Through Death" farewell tour featured a surprise appearance by Biohazard frontman Evan Seinfeld, who performed the classic track "Slave New World" in Reading, Pennsylvania. The tour, which began in April and runs...

Holding Absence Announce New Album ‘Modern Life Is Lonely’
Holding Absence, the UK‑based post‑hardcore band, announced their fourth studio album, “Modern Life Is Lonely,” due August 28, 2026 on Sumerian Records. The record follows 2023’s “The Noble Art Of Self‑Destruction” and features the previously released single “Whisper Of A Dream” plus...
Mýa Drops First Album in Eight Years, 'Retrospect' Revives 70s‑80s Funk
R&B singer Mýa released her tenth studio album, 'Retrospect,' on Friday, marking her first full‑length project in eight years. The record leans heavily on 1970s‑80s Minneapolis funk, pop and soul, while she insists on an independent, sample‑free production. The comeback...
He Faced a Wave of Loss in Recent Years, But This New York Punk Never Gave Up
Julian Pratt, frontman of punk‑rap outfit Show Me the Body, is gearing up for the band’s fourth album, Alone Together, slated for release on July 10, 2024. The record, produced by Kenneth Blume and Klas Åhlund, blends the group’s aggressive sound with more...

This Is the Best Drake Song of the 2020s
The article crowns Drake’s “Fucking Fans” from Certified Lover Boy as the standout track of the 2020s, arguing it captures the raw emotional honesty of his early “Heartbreak Drake” era while employing modern production. It revisits the mixtape‑style R&B scraps...

Chance the Rapper Just Announced the Coloring Book 10th Anniversary Tour for 2026
Chance the Rapper announced a 37‑date North American tour to mark the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking 2016 mixtape Coloring Book. The itinerary launches on August 11 in Cleveland and wraps on October 11 in Pittsburgh, covering major U.S. and...
.png)
Watch the Rolling Stones De-Age Themselves for “In the Stars” Video
The Rolling Stones have unveiled a deep‑faked, de‑aged version of themselves in the short video “In the Stars,” starring actress Odessa A’zion. Directed by François Rousselet, the clip shows the band at a house party while A’zion dances and even licks a...
Leah Senior – “Softly, Once Again”
Australian folk songwriter Leah Senior returns with “Softly, Once Again,” the second single from her forthcoming album Pt. Roadknight. The track swaps the baroque textures of her previous work for stripped‑back strums, flute, and pillow‑soft harmonies, positioning itself as a...
Daddy Yankee Drops By Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour Stop In Puerto Rico
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour made a stop at San Juan’s Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot, marking his first performance in Puerto Rico in nine years. The concert featured a surprise appearance by reggaeton icon Daddy Yankee, who joined Sheeran for the...

ALBUM REVIEW: With ‘Fondness, Etc.,’ Shakey Graves Reembraces His Lo-Fi Roots
Shakey Graves, the moniker of Alejandro Rose‑Garcia, drops his latest album "Fondness, Etc." as a deliberate return to the lo‑fi, garage‑style sound that launched his career. The record contrasts sharply with the polished production of his 2023 effort "Movie of...

My Chemical Romance Announce Deluxe Edition Of ‘Danger Days’
My Chemical Romance announced a deluxe edition of their 2010 album Danger Days, slated for release on July 10 through Reprise/Warner Records. The package includes the fully remastered original tracklist plus nine bonus songs that are appearing on streaming services and vinyl...
Northern Lights – “Morning Comes”
Swedish folk‑rock duo Northern Lights released their new single "Morning Comes" on May 14, 2026. The track mixes porch‑side guitar, piano, and brass to create an Americana‑infused sunrise vibe. It is available for purchase and streaming on Bandcamp, allowing the...

ALBUM REVIEW: Ramsey Thornton’s Debut LP 'I Called It' Reveals a Fully-Formed Folk Fusion Songwriter and Composer
Ramsey Thornton’s debut album *I Called It* showcases a fully formed folk‑fusion style, blending fingerstyle guitar, jazz‑informed percussion, and banjo‑derived textures. The record’s circular song structures reinforce lyrical themes of relational tension, creating a cohesive artistic statement. Drawing on his...
Rilo Kiley Announces Encore Reunion Tour with Original Lineup
Rilo Kiley confirmed an encore reunion tour featuring the original quartet—Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder and Jason Boesel. The band will play additional U.S. venues this month before heading to London and Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, reigniting a fanbase...

No Expectations 146: Wild World
The No Expectations newsletter’s 146th issue spotlights a curated playlist and five standout 2025 albums spanning indie rock, experimental rap, folk‑pop, and garage‑rock. The author shares a jam‑packed personal calendar of Chicago shows, recaps recent gigs, and promotes the reader‑supported...

Billy Idol Set For American Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Honor
Billy Idol, newly announced as a 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd American Music Awards. The ceremony, hosted by Queen Latifah, airs live from Las Vegas on May 25 via CBS and...
Steep Canyon Rangers – Next Act
Steep Canyon Rangers’ new album *Next Act* is billed as a return to their bluegrass roots while simultaneously pushing the genre forward. The record opens with modern‑leaning tracks like “Rumble Strips,” featuring drums and electric bass, before settling into more...
Touch Girl Apple Blossom
Touch Girl Apple Blossom, an Austin‑based indie pop quartet, debuted its first album "Graceful" in 2026. The record mixes jangly C86‑era twee with a punchy punk undercurrent, highlighted by Olivia Garner’s airy vocals and John Morales’s distorted guitars. The band...

Henry Parker – The Dark Peak
Yorkshire guitarist Henry Parker released his self‑produced album The Dark Peak on May 1, 2026. The record captures eighteen minutes of solo acoustic guitar recorded on the Peak District moors, interwoven with ambient wildlife sounds. The CD/LP adds a bonus track, extending...

Soltera & Sonido Sex, “Soltera Y Su Sonido Sexual”
Los Angeles duo Soltera & Sonido Sex released their debut album *Soltera y Su Sonido Sexual*, a 9‑track blend of punk, techno and drum‑and‑bass that foregrounds queer and Latine perspectives. The record, issued through their Casa/Teca collective, revisits earlier songs and adds high‑profile collaborations with...
Discussing Yu Su’s Groundbreaking Album ‘Foundry’
I had a fantastic time talking to Yu Su (@yuyuyvr) about her incredible new album Foundry, on Short Span https://t.co/okJ44mKCmk

Track Premiere: Fimbul Winter – “Crowned In Ash”
Swedish supergroup Fimbul Winter, featuring three former Amon Amarth members, has dropped the single “Crowned In Ash,” the follow‑up to their 2025 debut EP *What Once Was*. The track showcases aggressive melodic death metal with soaring leads, thunderous drums, and Clint Williams’...

Track Premiere: Getting Cosmic with The Conflux Collective’s “In the Wake of Saturn”
The Conflux Collective, a Montreal‑based supergroup of technical death‑metal veterans, announced the June 19 release of its debut full‑length, In the Wake of Saturn. The band unveiled the album’s lead single, “Reincarnation,” accompanied by a lyric‑visualizer video. Featuring guitarist Chase Fraser...

INTERVIEW: Basement On Biding Time, Handling Virality & New Album ‘WIRED’
British rock trio Basement has broken an eight‑year silence with their new album “WIRED,” a record that blends their classic sound with fresh grit and tenderness. Vocalist Andrew Fisher describes a creative process rooted in honest collaboration, deliberately shunning trend‑chasing...
KPop Demon Hunters Set to Tour Arenas Globally
AEG Presents and Netflix announced the KPop Demon Hunters World Tour, bringing the hit Netflix film to arena stages worldwide. The movie, the platform’s most‑watched release, and its soundtrack, which topped the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy, have generated...
Forbidden Fruit 2026 Is Sold Out - Here's the Full Festival Lineup, New Acts and Night Info
Forbidden Fruit 2026, Dublin’s flagship electronic music festival, sold out ahead of the May 30‑31 bank‑holiday weekend at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The 14‑year‑old event unveiled a packed lineup featuring headliners Kaytranada, Kettala, Nia Archives and Joy Crookes, alongside new...
Life Share Wild Grasses Single
Life’s newest single, “Wild Grasses,” marks a stylistic shift for the post‑punk outfit, marrying an acoustic‑ballad intro with synth‑laden, thumping drums. The track showcases stretched, stomping vocals and a bobbing bass that give it an off‑kilter, dynamic feel. It serves...

Paul Simon Live at the Royal Albert Hall – Classics Old and New, Stunningly Reimagined by a Band of Light-Touch...
Paul Simon, 84, continues his world tour with a 12‑piece ensemble at London’s Royal Albert Hall, delivering two full sets that blend new material from his 2023 album Seven Psalms with re‑imagined classics. Despite significant hearing loss in his left...

Saapato – Willow
New York‑based composer Brendan Principato, performing as Saapato, will release his latest ambient album *Seasons Turn Like Pages* on May 22. The record, issued by Window Sill Records with a limited cassette run from Aural Canyon, chronicles a year’s worth of...
The War on Drugs Nears New Album Release and Announces 2026 U.S. Tour
Frontman Adam Granduciel revealed that The War on Drugs is "almost done" with a new, largely homemade album, their first studio LP since 2021, and announced a 2026 North American tour with dates in Wilmington, Asheville, Birmingham, Las Vegas and...

Bleeker Announce New Album ‘ELEPHANT’
American rock band Bleeker announced their upcoming album ‘ELEPHANT’, set for release on September 4 via indie label Known Accomplice. The record follows 2024’s ‘Messed Up’ and features a heavyweight title track that frontman Taylor Perkins calls the band’s heaviest song yet....

Bella Alubo’s “Abo Le (How Are You?)” Is a Love Letter to Jos
Bella Alubo’s new single “Abo Le (How are you?)” is a heartfelt tribute to her hometown of Jos, Nigeria, blending personal memory with a broader cultural portrait. The song deliberately sidesteps political rhetoric, instead foregrounding the everyday lives of Jos...

First Floor #312 – The Seductive Embrace of Cultural Status and Institutional Power
Shawn Reynaldo’s First Floor #312 blends cultural critique with industry news, opening his Eurovision‑Biennale essay to all readers and spotlighting the clash between avant‑garde rhetoric and institutional power. The newsletter announces his participation in Lyon’s Nuits Sonores Lab, where a round‑table...
AE MAK - 'Last Night You Cried to Bach'
Irish singer‑songwriter AE MAK drops “Last Night You Cried to Bach,” the fourth and final single ahead of her debut album Folk Songs For Mama & Papa, arriving on May 29 via Spacer Records. The track pairs a theatrical piano waltz with...

Daisy Rickman & Magpahi: Ceremonial County Series Vol. XXIII – East Sussex | Lancashire
Folklore Tapes released the penultimate installment of its Ceremonial County series, Vol. XXIII, featuring two region‑specific psych‑folk compositions. Daisy Rickman’s “Salamander Salamandr” draws on East Sussex bonfire‑night myths, with the artist performing every instrument herself. On the flip side, Magpahi (Alison Cooper)...