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.
Vedang Raina Pens Heartfelt Note for Imtiaz Ali, A. R. Rahman and Irshad Kamil After ‘Maskara’ Releases: “Grateful Beyond Imagination”
Actor Vedang Raina’s rendition of “Maskara” from Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film “Main Vaapas Aaunga” has resonated with audiences for its soft romantic tone. Raina posted a behind‑the‑scenes video and a heartfelt Instagram note thanking director Imtiaz Ali, composer A.R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil. The track’s growing online traction adds to the buzz around the film, which reunites the celebrated trio after previous successes. “Main Vaapas Aaunga” is scheduled to hit theaters on June 12.
Ariana Grande Announces Eighth Album 'Petal' For July 31 Release
Ariana Grande announced her eighth studio album "Petal" will be released on July 31, during her Eternal Sunshine tour. The pop star described the record as a “little feral” writing experiment that breaks away from past constraints. The surprise reveal...
The SLEEVES' New Album Explores Existential Borders
I asked THE SLEEVES about the perimeters of their fabulous new album — close, delicate music that invites us to wonder about the borders of existence and/or which string is best https://open.substack.com/pub/thefutureisourstomake/p/open-to-any-eventuality
Who To Catch at The Great Escape 2026
The Great Escape 2026 returns for its 20th anniversary, kicking off festival season at Brighton’s So Young HQ. The guide highlights must‑see acts across four days, from Canadian duo Angine de Poitrine on Wednesday to indie‑rock favorites Westside Cowboy on...
‘Using His Terminator Voice, Arnie Said: “Your Song. Give It to Me. Now”’: Bad to the Bone’s Creation – and...
The Guardian profile details how George Thorogood, once a blues‑cover act, pivoted after touring with the Rolling Stones to write the iconic riff‑driven anthem “Bad to the Bone.” Inspired by the Stones’ “Start Me Up” and a tongue‑in‑cheek “Terminator” demand for a...
Miss Grit Creates Hallucinatory Electro From the Soul
Miss Grit, the project of Korean‑American musician Margaret Sohn, releases the album *Under My Umbrella* after a grueling tour for *Follow the Cyborg*. The new record abandons the cyborg persona in favor of raw, hallucinatory electronic soundscapes that blend synth‑wave,...
Charli XCX: Alone Together
Charli XCX: Alone Together, a five‑year‑old Blu‑ray documentary, chronicles the making of her 2020 album how i’m feeling now. The film shows how the COVID‑19 lockdown forced Charli to record from her Los Angeles home, crowdsourcing lyrics from fans via...
Mondays with Morgan: Ben Markley – New Big Band Album ‘Tuesday Morning Feeling’
Pianist‑arranger Ben Markley released his first all‑original big‑band album, Tuesday Morning Feeling, on May 1 via OA2 Records. The record showcases Colorado core players plus guests such as Terell Stafford, Steve Davis and David Wong, highlighting Markley’s shift from tribute projects...
Blood Countess Create a Generic Black Metal Masterpiece
Blood Countess releases *Imperatrix Sanguinis*, a second‑wave black metal album that leans heavily on raw tremolo riffs while sprinkling thrash‑style chugs. The record revisits classic Bathory‑inspired themes, narrated from Countess Bathory’s daughter, Anna Nádasdy, adding a fresh lyrical angle. Production...
Maria Clara Laet on the Fusion of Brazilian Rhythms and Tap Dance
Maria Clara Laet, a Rio‑born tap dancer and historian, is merging Brazilian rhythms such as samba with the precision of American tap. Her career spans high‑energy Carnaval blocos, the Apollo Theater stage, and a leading role in New York’s kamrDANCE...
Songwriters Sue HYBE, NewJeans, Claiming Elements of ‘How Sweet’ Were Taken From Their Rejected Demo
Four Los Angeles‑based songwriters have filed a copyright lawsuit in federal court against HYBE, its NewJeans unit ADOR, the creative agency BANA and even Coca‑Cola, alleging that the K‑pop group’s 2024 single “How Sweet” incorporates the topline of their rejected...
Setting :: S/T
Setting releases a self‑titled album three years after their debut, showcasing a refined blend of exploratory electronic Appalachian drone. The trio—Nathan Bowles, Jaime Fennelly, and Joe Westerlund—build on their chemistry to deliver richer, more immersive soundscapes. The record is highlighted...
The Assembly – Album by E-40, Cousin Fik, and Hitta Slim
West Coast rap icon E‑40 has launched a new trio called The Assembly with California rappers Cousin Fik and Hitta Slim. The group released a self‑titled debut album on May 8, 2026, featuring ten tracks and no guest appearances. The record showcases...
Sparta Announce UK/EU Headline Tour
Sparta, the Texas‑based alt‑rock band, announced a 15‑date headline tour across the UK and Europe for October 2026, with fellow act Hammok opening every show. The tour follows the May 29 release of their sixth studio album, Cut A Silhouette, on...
Trippers & Askers – Tried To Do’s
Jay Hammond’s sophomore Trippers & Askers record, Tried To Do’s, drops May 8, 2026 on Sleepy Cat Records. The album pivots toward a quieter, song‑centric folk sound while retaining the experimental edge of his 2021 release Acorn. Written amid profound personal loss...
Rosa Brunello – ‘We Are Surging Waters’
Italian bassist Rosa Brunello has released her latest album, “We Are Surging Waters.” The record showcases her partnership with drummer Tommaso Cappellato and adds trumpeter Yazz Ahmed, delivering a mix of energetic, orchestral, and funk‑infused compositions. Tracks such as “Hearts...
IQ 144 Out Now: Behind Olivia Dean’s Arena Coup, Giddings on 50 Years, Swiss Market Report
IQ Magazine’s 144th issue arrives with a deep dive into Olivia Dean’s breakthrough arena headline tour, illustrating how instinct and rule‑breaking can catapult a pop artist to large‑scale venues. The edition also honors John Giddings’ five‑decade career, offering his perspective...
Joe Budden Gets Hilarious Response After Asking If Drake Will Diss Him On “ICEMAN”
Joe Budden used his podcast to ask whether Drake will take a shot at him on the upcoming album “ICEMAN.” His co‑hosts responded with a unanimous, tongue‑in‑cheek “Yes,” sparking laughter and further speculation. The album, slated for May 15, remains shrouded...
Billy Corgan Announces ‘A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness’ 2026 UK and European Shows Celebrating the Smashing Pumpkins...
Billy Corgan is taking his operatic reinterpretation of the Smashing Pumpkins’ 1995 album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness to the UK and Europe in September 2026. The show pairs the frontman with a 60‑piece orchestra, Grammy‑nominated conductor James Lowe, and costumes by House of Gilles....
The Weekend Unveils Dates For Asian Final Leg Of His “After Hours Til Dawn” Tour
The Weeknd announced the Asian leg of his After Hours Til Dawn tour, slated to run from September 20 in Tokyo to November 4 in Kuala Lumpur. The schedule includes stops in Jakarta, Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong and other...
Beatles Hamburg Drama From ‘Succession’ Writer Starts Production in Germany
Filming has started on the BBC's six‑part drama "Hamburg Days," which dramatizes the Beatles' formative years in early‑1960s Hamburg. The series is written by "Succession" creator Jamie Carragher and directed by Christian Schwochow and Laura Lackmann, with production split between...
Sunny, I Was Wrong
Joe Pernice’s new album *Sunny, I Was Wrong* arrives on New West as his first solo release under his own name since 2020, following two years of Substack demos. The record features a rotating roster of musicians, including longtime collaborators...
Michael Jackson Biopic Passes $500 Million at Global Box Office – as Sony Music Reaps Streaming Windfall From Catalog Stake
The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" has amassed $577 million worldwide in three weekends, becoming the highest‑grossing music biopic domestically and the second ever to top $500 million. Its release triggered a 95% surge in streams of Jackson’s catalog, adding five million monthly...
Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ Enters Grammy Hall of Fame
Janet Jackson accepted the Grammy Hall of Fame induction for her 1989 album ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ on May 8, with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis presenting the honor. The accolade places the record alongside other seminal works and highlights...
Better to Be a ‘Fenian’ than Vote Labour: Kneecap Bring the Noise to Liverpool
Irish anti‑terrorist rap trio Kneecap staged back‑to‑back shows in Liverpool to launch their new album “FENIAN.” The performance, steeped in Irish nationalist references, drew a multigenerational crowd and highlighted the group’s shift toward darker, politically charged lyrics. Kneecap chose Liverpool...
The Weeknd Announces Final Leg of ‘After Hours’ World Stadium Tour with Asia Dates
The Weeknd has added the final leg of his "After Hours Til Dawn" stadium tour, covering six Asian cities from September 20 in Tokyo to November 4 in Kuala Lumpur. Produced by Live Nation and sponsored by Nespresso, the leg...
Watch Former Arch Enemy Singer Alissa White-Gluz Make Her Debut with Power Metal Heavyweights Dragonforce as Frontman Marc Hudson Misses...
Former Arch Enemy frontwoman Alissa White‑Gluz made her live debut with power‑metal giants Dragonforce on May 9 at the Welcome To Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, stepping in after frontman Marc Hudson withdrew due to tinnitus. The band delivered a high‑energy set featuring...
Is the ‘American Idol’ 2026 Finale Airing Live Tonight (May 11)?
The season finale of *American Idol* airs tonight, May 11, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The episode features a star‑studded lineup including Alicia Keys as guest mentor, plus performances by Mötley Crüe, Jason Mraz, Nelly and others. The competition narrows to...
CLASH Returns To The Great Escape
British music platform CLASH will host a two‑stage takeover at Patterns during The Great Escape festival in Brighton on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Downstairs stage will feature acts such as Really Good Time, Clothesline From Hell and South Korean...
Remembering When Ringo Starr Got His First Songwriting Credit With The Beatles in 1965
Ringo Starr earned his first Beatles songwriting credit in 1965 with “What Goes On,” a track on Rubber Soul co‑written with John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The song originated from a 1963 Lennon demo that was revived and fleshed out...
Scene Queen Drops Deliciously Heavy New Single ‘Tracksuit’
Scene Queen has dropped “Tracksuit,” her heaviest single to date, mixing aggressive riffs with her trademark sardonic humor. The track riffs on Y2K fashion and betrayal, positioning the song as a chaotic narrative from a stolen tracksuit to a murder‑themed...
BST Hyde Park Has Unveiled the Stacked Support Line-Ups for Lewis Capaldi’s Summer Headline Shows
London’s BST Hyde Park announced the full support line‑ups for Lewis Capaldi’s two‑night headline run on July 11‑12, 2026. The Scottish singer will be joined by Conan Gray, Jacob Alon and Absolutely on both evenings, with a distinct roster of...
Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood and The Rajasthan Express – Ranjha
Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood and The Rajasthan Express have released their long‑awaited follow‑up album, Ranjha, on May 8, 2026 via World Circuit Records. The record was recorded in Greenwood’s Oxford studio with the same ensemble that created the 2015 Junun project,...
Influential Cellist, 98
Renowned Portuguese cellist Henrique Fernandes died at 98 on May 10, 2026. He spent four decades as principal cello of the NBC Symphony Orchestra and founded the Estoril Chamber Orchestra, where he regularly performed as a soloist. From 1967 he...
Vulfpeck Play Vicar Street Dublin This July
American funk quartet Vulfpeck will headline Dublin’s Vicar Street on Monday, July 6, 2026. Tickets go on sale May 15 at 10 a.m. and are priced at €65.25 (approximately $71) plus a booking fee for both ground‑floor standing and balcony sections. The band, renowned...
Max Cooper Releases New ‘Feeling Is Structure’
Max Cooper has released his new album “Feeling Is Structure” on his Mesh imprint, a project born from a custom performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The record explores how architecture and other physical structures shape emotional experience, translating the...
London Rooftop Where Beatles Played Last Gig to Become Museum
Apple Corps announced that 3 Savile Row – the former Beatles headquarters where the band recorded “Let It Be” and delivered its final rooftop performance in 1969 – will be transformed into a public museum opening next year. The venue will showcase seven...
Big Time: Lise Goes Arena
Lise Davidsen, the world’s most sought‑after Wagnerian soprano, will stage her first arena concerts this Christmas, performing at Norway’s DNB Arena in Stavanger on December 2 and Oslo Spektrum on December 5. She will be accompanied by the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, the Stavanger...
Any Young Mechanic Share New Song ‘Captain And Compass’
Australian indie‑folk band Any Young Mechanic released the new single “Captain And Compass” as a final preview of their upcoming album The Modern Shoe Is Ruining The Foot, scheduled for June 5. The track blends sun‑kissed songwriting with Appalachian folk, delivering...
Keli Holiday Says U.S. Entry Was Revoked Mid-Tour, Forcing Cancellation of New York Show
Australian singer Keli Holiday, the solo project of Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde, was denied re‑entry into the United States at the Canada‑U.S. border despite holding a valid visa, forcing the cancellation of a New York City show and an early...
Ella Mai Teases Upcoming Do You Still Love Me Tour: ‘We Want to Step It Up a Bit’
British R&B star Ella Mai announced a nearly 40‑date "Do You Still Love Me" tour that kicks off on July 7 in Toronto, featuring rising acts Ama and Girlfriend as openers. The trek marks her first major outing since giving birth...
Reverend & The Makers – Is This How Happiness Feels
Reverend & The Makers' new album Is This How Happiness Feels? reflects Jon McClure's recent personal upheavals, including his father's death and an ADHD diagnosis. The record pivots from polished indie pop to a live, roots‑driven soul sound, rebuilt with...
Ken Carson Kicks Off ‘The Xperiment’ Rollout With Star-Studded Rolling Loud Orlando Set Feat. Playboi Carti, Young Thug, Destroy Lonely...
Ken Carson stepped in as the Sunday night headliner at Rolling Loud Orlando after NBA YoungBoy withdrew, using the slot to launch his "The Xperiment" era. The 26‑year‑old performed 13 songs, including unreleased snippets like “Grow Apart,” and debuted new...
Live Gallery: Tame Impala – The O2 Arena, London
Kevin Parker’s Tame Impala delivered a high‑octane performance at London’s O2 Arena, showcasing the new electronic direction introduced on the ‘Deadbeat’ album. The set blended house‑infused beats with the band’s signature psychedelic rock, earning praise as one of their most...
Hrishikesh Hirway and the Perfect Song Myth
In this episode, host Jeremy chats with musician and creator Hrishikesh Hirway, best known for the acclaimed podcast Song Exploder. They explore Hirway's journey from his early 1 AM Radio projects to feeling stuck, which led him to launch Song...
Kno You – Song by 2Slimey
Underground rapper 2Slimey dropped the single “Kno You” on May 8, 2026, continuing his reputation for experimental, hard‑to‑digest music. The track leans into abrasive, blown‑out beats and a heavily autotuned vocal style that has split listeners. While some Gen Z and Gen Alpha fans...
The Monday Morning Brew #154
The Monday Morning Brew #154 newsletter released a two‑hour playlist curated by Alex Gallacher, spotlighting new releases from Lemoncello, Robyn Hitchcock, Abigail Lapell, Maisy Owen, Aldous Harding, Josienne Clarke, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Zoh Amba. The issue also features an “Off the Shelf” interview where Lapell...
Daniel Schmidt
Daniel Schmidt, an American composer and gamelanist, has been instrumental in popularizing Javanese gamelan in the United States. After studying composition and Javanese music at Cal Arts, he innovated low‑cost aluminum and brass gamelan instruments, making the tradition more accessible....
Murder Rate – Song by Rocket Rese
Rocket Rese released the single “Murder Rate” on May 8, 2026, delivering a hard‑hitting hip‑hop track that blends a thumping instrumental with aggressive, shouted lyrics. The song’s claustrophobic vibe aims to shock listeners, positioning it within the underground scene’s push for extreme...
"It's Been an Incredible Journey to Get to This Place." Squeeze Guitarist and Singer Chris Difford on the Band's Great...
Squeeze’s Chris Difford has finally re‑recorded and released “Trixies,” a lost 1974 concept album captured when he was 19 and Glenn Tilbrook 16. The cassette, stored in Difford’s loft for decades, showcases jazzy art‑pop songs set in a fictional Deptford nightclub...