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.

Recorded in Just 36 Hours, Led Zeppelin’s Self-Funded Debut Album Changed Rock Forever on This Day in 1969
Led Zeppelin’s self‑funded debut album was recorded in just 36 hours and released in May 1969. The band paid roughly $61,000 out of pocket, giving them full creative control. The record entered the UK chart at No. 6, peaked at No. 10 in the United States, and lingered for 71 weeks. Though Rolling Stone initially dismissed it, the album now ranks among the most influential rock debuts of all time.
Bruce Dickinson’s Solo Albums Get Dolby Atmos Upgrade
Bruce Dickinson's 'Skunkworks' and 'Tattooed Millionaire' are out now in Dolby Atmos. Two essential solo records, newly mixed and sounding bigger than ever. https://t.co/nyBUQK8Hn0
Mariposa Folk Festival Returns July 3-5 with Star-Studded Lineup
Mariposa Folk Festival returns July 3-5 in Orillia with Father John Misty, Sharon Van Etten, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Billy Bragg, Taj Mahal, and a stacked supporting lineup. Tickets are on sale now. https://t.co/5AULbyzjKP
Phoebe Bridgers Returns to Stage After Three Years, Debuts New Songs
Phoebe Bridgers made her first solo appearance in three years on Friday at the Liberty club in Roswell, New Mexico, where she introduced four new songs likely from her upcoming album dubbed “PB3.” Fellow singer‑songwriter Noah Kahan praised the comeback,...
Foo Fighters Announce Australia‑NZ Take Cover Tour
Foo Fighters are bringing the Take Cover Tour to Australia and New Zealand this November, hitting stadiums across both countries with 16 handpicked local acts sharing the bill. Tickets are on sale now. https://t.co/uwuh7HRGcx
AI-Generated Fake Drake Tracks Flood After “Taylor Made” Freestyle
the proliferation of fake ai drake album snippets is what he deserves after "taylor made freestyle"

Dave Matthews Band Open 2026 Tour by Digging Deep Into Their Catalog
Dave Matthews Band kicked off its 2026 U.S. tour with two Texas shows, delivering a 20‑song set in The Woodlands and a 22‑song set in Dallas that featured rare and unreleased tracks. The band revived "Only Takes a Moment," "Broken...

SHHE ~ THALASSA
Su Shaw’s new album "Thalassa" (released under the moniker SHHE) frames the Mediterranean Sea as a living, breathing entity, using inhalations and exhalations as rhythmic motifs. The project grew from a thwarted hydrophonic study in Alexandria into a climate‑focused soundscape...
Billie Eilish Delivers Intimate Masterclass on Arena Stage
Not about the movie... but could be. Billie Eilish Brings a Master Class in Intimacy to the Arena Stage https://t.co/ty111z8zYl

How Vanilla Fudge's 1967 Cover of 'You Keep Me Hanging On' Shaped Heavy Metal and Led to Their Downfall
In 1967 Vanilla Fudge turned The Supremes’ pop hit “You Keep Me Hanging On” into a seven‑minute psychedelic metal epic, propelling the band into the US Top 10. The track’s slow, heavy arrangement became a template for early heavy‑metal sounds, influencing...

Heidi Curtis Has Tapped Into Something “Ancient, Wild and Supernatural” On Her New Single ‘Behind The Door’
Heidi Curtis has released the new single “Behind The Door,” the lead track from her debut EP Hollow Heart, which drops on May 29 through independent distributor AWAL. The song emerged from a dream and Curtis describes it as “ancient, wild and supernatural.”...

“People Are Becoming Weirder”: The Kinks’ Dave Davies Pushes Back on Controversy Surrounding This 1970 Classic
The Kinks’ 1970 hit “Lola,” which reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 in the UK, has resurfaced amid controversy after electronic artist Moby called the track transphobic. The criticism ignited a swift backlash, with many in the trans...

On This Day in 1974, Eric Clapton Reluctantly Recorded the Only US No. 1 of His Career (Inadvertently Infuriating Bob...
On May 10, 1974 Eric Clapton released a blues‑rock rendition of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff,” which climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—his only U.S. chart‑topping single. The cover blended reggae rhythm with Clapton’s signature guitar work, exposing American audiences to the genre....
Aretha Franklin Performs Curtis Mayfield’s “The Makings Of You” (1994)
Aretha Franklin covering "The Makings Of You" by Curtis Mayfield on Video Soul with Donnie Simpson (1994) https://t.co/wsx1WbhWLT

DIMMU BORGIR's SILENOZ: 'We Have Never Taken The Easy Way Out' And 'We Have Never Compromised'
Swedish symphonic black‑metal veterans Dimmu Borgir announced their ninth studio album, Grand Serpent Rising, slated for May 22 on Nuclear Blast Records. Guitarist Sven “Silenoz” Kopperud explained the band’s eight‑year gap since 2018’s Eonian stems from a commitment to quality, not...

These 3 Live Duets Are So Bittersweet (If You Know the Context Behind Them)
The article highlights three iconic live duets—Sonny & Cher’s 1987 rendition of “I Got You Babe,” Fleetwood Mac’s 1997 performance of “Silver Springs,” and George Jones & Tammy Wynette’s 1980 version of “We’re Gonna Hold On.” Each song was performed years after the artists’ divorces, turning the stage...

“That Feeling Must Be Spat Out”: Really Good Time Have Announced Their Debut Album ‘Affirmations’
Irish indie trio Really Good Time announced their debut album ‘Affirmations’, slated for release on 7 August 2026. The announcement coincides with the launch of a new single, ‘Do It’, accompanied by a video directed by Sophie O'Donovan. The band’s breakout...

Porches Has Returned with ‘MASK’, Recorded on a Four-Track in a New York Basement
Aaron Maine, the mind behind Porches, announced the mixtape ‘MASK’ for release on May 14, 2026. The collection was recorded on a four‑track tape machine in a Wooster Street basement, a deliberate choice that shapes its raw, lo‑fi aesthetic. The...

Zzzahara Has Shared the Windswept New Single ‘Speedracer’ Ahead of Album ‘Distant Lands’
Los Angeles‑based Zzzahara has dropped the single “Speedracer,” the latest teaser for the forthcoming album “Distant Lands.” The track follows the earlier single “Chinese Tobacco” and arrives with an official, neon‑lit video. “Distant Lands” is scheduled for release on June 5,...

Remember When Michael Jackson Released His First Solo Single in 1972?
In 1972, ten‑year‑old Michael Jackson launched his solo career with the single “Got To Be There,” which climbed into the Billboard Top 5. The follow‑up “Rockin’ Robin” also reached the Top 5, confirming his appeal beyond the family act. Jackson balanced his...

4 Elton John Lyrics From ‘A Single Man’ That Are Seriously Slept On
Elton John’s 2024 album *A Single Man* marks a rare departure from his long‑time partnership with Bernie Taupin, enlisting lyricist Gary Osborne for the entire record. While the album received mixed reviews, four tracks—“Shine On Through,” “Part‑Time Love,” “Georgia,” and...
La Roux Announces Fourth Album ‘Old Flames’ with Lead Single ‘Cabin Fever’
British synth‑pop act La Roux has announced her fourth studio album, ‘Old Flames’, due November on Vertigo Records. The record is anchored by the lead single ‘Cabin Fever’ and will be promoted with arena dates alongside Hilary Duff across the...
SAOSIN Take Home First Gold Album
Saosin, the California post‑hardcore band, has earned its first RIAA gold album for its debut record, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of that release. The certification follows a new single, “Starting Over Again,” their first in a decade, and a...

Cast Change: Marta Torbidoni Joins Teatro Alla Scala’s ‘Nabucco’
Marta Torbidoni has been announced as the new Abigaille for Teatro alla Scala’s revival of Verdi’s Nabucco, stepping in for the June 4, 6, and 9, 2026 performances. She replaces the originally slated Russian soprano Inara Kozlavskaya. Torbidoni is a veteran of La Scala, having sung in...

The Mosfets Ignite Euphoric Garage Rock Energy on “Radio, Turn Me On”
The Mosfets have issued their second single, “Radio, Turn Me On,” ahead of a self‑titled EP slated for May 29 2026. The track opens with an unexpected bossa‑nova groove before erupting into frenetic garage‑rock, reflecting the band’s playful storytelling and raw energy....

“Zeppelin Was Primarily an In-Person Band… That’s What It Was Really About”: The Greatest Led Zeppelin Album No One Ever...
Led Zeppelin’s September 4 1970 concert at the Inglewood Forum was captured by fan bootleggers and released as the legendary “Live On Blueberry Hill” album. The double‑LP, issued by the Blimp label and other bootleg series, showcases extended improvisations, early versions of Zep III songs, and eclectic...

Montreal Composer Cédric Dind-Lavoie Finds Resolution Through Sound on New Album Collages (2019–2022) Feat. Serene Focus Track “Lignes”
Montreal composer‑producer Cédric Dind‑Lavoie released *Collages (2019–2022)*, an album that reassembles pieces originally written for contemporary dance and documentary film. The record pivots from his usual pre‑composed approach, favoring studio‑driven improvisation and a tactile palette of modified guitars, a Mexican...

GrimSkunk Ignite Momentum on “United & Strong,” Unveil Double Single “Nice Dice”
Montreal alt‑rock veterans GrimSkunk have dropped a double‑single featuring the anthemic “United & Strong” and the hard‑rock‑tinged “Nice Dice.” The first track was penned in just 30 minutes after the band watched an Agnostic Front documentary, channeling classic New York hardcore...

BIFF BYFORD Reveals Release Date For New SAXON Album; First Single To Arrive In September 2026
British heavy‑metal veterans Saxon announced their 25th studio album will drop on Friday, Jan 22 2027, with the lead single and a seven‑inch vinyl slated for September 2026. The record, mixed by longtime producer Andy Sneap, follows 2024’s “Hell, Fire And Damnation.”...

Lauren Minear Revisits Deep Wounds on Raw, Acoustic Reimagining “Bruise (Made of Glass Version)”
New York‑based indie singer‑songwriter Lauren Minear has issued an acoustic reinterpretation titled “Bruise (made of glass version).” The track was recorded live at Brooklyn’s Studio 42, preserving the original key to highlight the fragility of her vocals and guitar. Minear describes...

Ryan O’Reilly Explores Introspection and Transience on New Album Native Companion Feat. Poetic Focus Track “Fear of Flying”
Berlin‑based songwriter Ryan O’Reilly has issued his fourth studio album, *Native Companion*, entirely independent of label support. The record weaves Canadian, Irish and English alt‑folk textures while exploring themes of collaboration, movement and perspective. Its lead focus track, “Fear of...

Satya Channels Grief Into Strength on Empowering Pop Single “Won’t Let Go”
Indie artist Satya released the pop single “Won’t Let Go” on May 10, 2026. Inspired by the death of her grandfather, the track blends polished pop production with raw lyrics about grief, resilience, and enduring love. Accompanied by artwork showing Satya and...

ARK IDENTITY Captures the Feeling of Chasing Your Dreams on Euphoric New Single “Closer”
Toronto‑based dream pop artist ARK IDENTITY, aka Noah Mroueh, has dropped the euphoric single “Closer,” marking his first fully self‑produced release. The track fuses synthwave, indie pop and dream pop, using analog synths and spacious reverbs to create an expansive...

Kendrick Lamar Reflects on What He Believes To Be His Musical ‘Superpower’
Kendrick Lamar told SZA in a Harper's Bazaar interview that his greatest musical asset is the ability to tap into both masculine and feminine energies. He describes this balance as his "superpower," allowing him to communicate authentically with a wide...

SKID ROW's RACHEL BOLAN Reflects On Experience Of Recording Backing Vocals For ACE FREHLEY's 'Trouble Walkin'' Album
Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan reminisced about his 1989 backing‑vocal stint on Ace Frehley’s solo album “Trouble Walkin’,” recalling a studio session that featured KISS legend Peter Criss and producer Eddie Kramer. In the same interview he announced his own debut solo record, “Gargoyle...

How LL Cool J Stayed in the Game After He Felt Like Giving up Due to Multiple Label Rejections
LL Cool J recounts how a string of label rejections in the mid‑1980s nearly drove him to quit rap. His mother intervened, buying a $300 rhythm machine that enabled him to record a demo of “I Need A Beat.” The...

DEVIN TOWNSEND: 'The Hardest Part About Being A Singer Is That You Can't Hide'
Canadian musician Devin Townsend announced the May 29 release of his ambitious rock opera “The Moth” via InsideOut Music, a 24‑track project split into a core album, an orchestral‑choral “Afterlife” version, and a live “War” recording. In a Home Studio podcast...

Calling All Readers: The Greatest Covers List
The Lessons blog published a reader‑driven "Greatest Covers" list, inviting subscribers to nominate and rank cover versions of popular songs. Over 200 suggestions poured in, revealing a diverse mix of genres and eras. The post generated lively debate about artistic...

Lou Gramm Kicks Off 2026 Solo Tour: Set List and Video
Veteran rock vocalist Lou Gramm launched his 2026 solo tour on May 9 at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Indiana. The 15‑song set leaned heavily on Foreigner classics, opening with “Feels Like the First Time” and closing with “Hot Blooded.” Gramm...

A Taste of the Met’s Coming Women
The Metropolitan Opera is set to premiere two new operas by women composers: Gabriela Lena Frank’s "El Último Sueño" opens this week and Missy Mazzoli’s "Lincoln in the Bardo" will debut in October. Frank, a recent Pulitzer winner, reimagines the mythic love of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, while Mazzoli...
Wax Motif Drops 14‑Track ‘House of Wax II’ with North American Tour
Wax Motif released his sophomore 14‑track album House of Wax II on May 8, 2026, and announced a 20‑date North American headline tour. The record blends house, hip‑hop, Brazilian funk and R&B, signaling a broader push toward genre‑fluid dance music.

Charli XCX Drops New Song “I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night”
Charli XCX released a new B‑side titled “I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” available only on limited‑edition vinyl and her Instagram B‑sides feed. The track serves as a slower, softer counterpart to her recent single...

Chance The Rapper Candidly Opens up About Living in His Hometown of Chicago: ‘It’s More Than Just a City’
Chance The Rapper opened up about his hometown Chicago, describing it as a "situation" where gun violence is normalized. He highlighted the city’s rich musical lineage while condemning the daily reality of shootings, citing Chief Keef and Kanye West as...

JOHN 5 On His Approach To Performing MÖTLEY CRÜE Songs: 'I Wanna Play It Exactly, Exactly Like How It Was...
John 5, the newly appointed guitarist for Mötley Crüe, insists on playing the band’s classic tracks exactly as recorded, a stance he also applied while touring with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. He spent months mastering every solo note‑for‑note, treating the original recordings as...
Read Southall Wrote a Song About His Family Losing Their Farm. He Says It Saved His Future
Oklahoma country‑rock outfit Southall returns with *Kinfolk*, their first album in three years, after rebranding from the Read Southall Band. Recorded at Norman’s 115 Recording with producer Wes Sharon, the nine‑track record adopts an “anything goes” studio philosophy, blending electric...

Watch: GODSMACK's New Lineup Headlines 2026 MMRBQ In Camden, New Jersey
Godsmack headlined the 2026 MMRBQ festival in Camden, debuting new drummer Wade Murff and confirming guitarist Sam Koltun as a full‑time member. The band’s live album “Live At Mohegan Sun” captures the final performance of original members Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola, who have retired after...
MORGAN ROSE Confirms That SEVENDUST Had A Blueprint To Calling It Quits: "It Was Absolutely Discussed"
Morgan Rose confirmed that Sevendust had a concrete plan to retire after their fifteenth album, but a strong European fan response prompted the band to continue. The group has scheduled a 16‑date European headline tour, its first in eight years,...

Review: Asake’s ‘M$NEY’
Nigerian star Asake released his fourth album *M$NEY* under his new Giran Republic imprint, following a high‑profile split from Olamide’s YBNL label and a relocation to Los Angeles. The record leans heavily on Magicsticks’ lush, cinematic production, while Asake’s lyrics...
Molly Johnson Drops EP ‘Long Time Running’ with Notable Collaborations
Molly Johnson releases the new EP ‘Long Time Running,’ featuring collaborations with Haviah Mighty and Jim Cuddy, alongside the original composition “Slipped Away.” https://t.co/PduhiOpLTi
Asthma Kids Drop Anthem for Unity and Class Resistance
Ontario punk duo Asthma Kids release “The People United and Strong,” a blistering new anthem about solidarity, class inequality, and turning anger into collective action. https://t.co/EMU14HftC6