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.

Ballhooter Festival Offers Beefy New Lineup for 2026
The Ballhooter Festival returns to Cheat Mountain’s Snowshoe Resort for a three‑day summer edition on Labor Day weekend, September 4‑6, 2026. Headliners Turnpike Troubadours, 49 Winchester and Morgan Wade will anchor a lineup that also includes Sam Bush, The Record Company and a host of Appalachian‑root acts. The event shifts the historic winter‑season “hootenanny” to a summer backdrop, promising mountain trails, lift rides, a bike park, golf and lake activities. Tickets are on sale through Snowshoe’s official portal, targeting both music fans and outdoor‑recreation seekers.
Rick Ross on Writing, Hustling, and Hip‑Hop Success
.@RickRoss on coming up in this game as a writer and being a hustler in this HipHop thing … Special @verzuzonline recap episode of #RapLifeReview out now https://t.co/DQeXyIDSp2

FIFA Announces
OFFICIAL: @FIFA announces the @FIFAWorldCup 2026 will open with a USA ceremony in Los Angeles headlined by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla with more artists to be announced for June 12 https://t.co/dImL8qQwpV
DJ Whoo Kid Says Rap Game Needs Drake: ‘When He’s Here, We’re on the Charts’
DJ Whoo Kid told Diverse Mentality that hip‑hop is missing Drake’s chart‑pulling power, noting the Toronto rapper’s recent request to use his drop on a Kendrick Lamar diss track. Whoo Kid highlighted how Drake’s presence historically lifts rap songs onto...
Kelela Unveils Third Album 'New Avatar' With Single 'Linknb' And Star Collaborations
Kelela announced her third studio album, 'New Avatar', set for release on July 10 through Warp Records. The launch is anchored by the Oscar Scheller‑produced single 'linknb' and includes collaborations with PinkPantheress, A.K. Paul and Fousheé, signaling a fresh blend...

Ptastvo ~ The Grit
"The Grit" is a debut album recorded by Ukrainian veteran Volodymyr Ponikarovskyi under the moniker Ptastvo. The project fuses ambient techno, field recordings, and live war sounds—rocket explosions, air‑raid sirens, and choir vocals—to convey the daily reality of combat. Each...

Split Enz Tease New Album Ahead of First Tour in 17 Years: ‘We’d Make a Really Good Record Now’
New Zealand rock pioneers Split Enz have embarked on their first tour in 17 years, kicking off in Auckland before heading to Australia. The band is supporting the tour with a new box set, "Enzyclopedia," and an 18‑month vinyl reissue...

Rare Footage: Remember When Iggy Pop Took a Documentary Crew on a Tour of the Lower East Side in 1993?
In 1993 Dutch filmmaker Bram van Splunteren and a small crew followed Iggy Pop on a nostalgic tour of New York’s Lower East Side. The footage captures Pop pointing out bodegas, streets and landmarks that shaped his early career and the broader...

Buildings and Food – ‘Yutori’
Ambient project Buildings and Food, led by Japanese‑Canadian artist Jen K. Wilson, released the album Yutori, a minimalist collection inspired by the Japanese concept of slowing down. The record employs pentatonic scales, sequencer textures, and field recordings to create spacious,...

Tonneau – “O Father, O Mother”
Amsterdam‑based trio Tonneau released the single “O Father, O Mother” on May 8, 2026, a haunting blend of broken piano, violin and electronic‑tinged vocals that reflects the joys and strains of parenthood. The track opens with wordless vocal textures before moving into...

Televised Mind – “Rumours”
Televised Mind, a UK rock outfit, released the single “Rumours,” recorded live at Leeds’ Eiger Studios and produced by Gordon Raphael—renowned for his work with The Strokes, The Cribs, and The Libertines. The track delivers a raw, confrontational anthem that...

Xeno Ray JNB – ‘Mono Modern’
South Carolina artist Xeno Ray JNB has released the full-length album “Mono Modern,” a self‑produced project that fuses industrial glitch, experimental hip‑hop, and avant‑garde electronic textures. Drawing on influences such as Radiohead, Prince, Kendrick Lamar and Yves Tumor, the record...

EverWill – “Sure Thing”
EverWill, the Nebraska‑born project of multi‑instrumentalist Will Griffey, has dropped the high‑energy pop‑punk single “Sure Thing.” The song draws directly from Griffey’s twelve‑year relationship and recent marriage, even incorporating lines from his wedding vows. Featuring aggressive guitars, bustling bass, and...
Mick Jagger Reveals Which Zara Larsson Song Got Him Hooked on Her Music
Mick Jagger told the *Today* show that he’s been a fan of Zara Larsson since her 2018 breakout single “Ruin My Life.” The rock legend’s surprise clip aired alongside Larsson’s promotion of her new remix album *Midnight Sun (Girls Trip)* and...
Caribbean Fans Urge NPR for Alison Hinds Tiny Desk
Caribbean family: Has @alisonhinds done a Tiny Desk yet?? If not, @nprmusic what do we need to do?!

21 Years Ago Today, Bruce Springsteen Took What Might Be His Most Audacious (And Controversial) Record to No. 1 With...
On May 8, 2005 Bruce Springsteen’s acoustic album *Devils & Dust* debuted at No. 1, marking his seventh chart‑topper and the first to reach the summit without the E Street Band. The record, featuring songs written a decade earlier, earned five Grammy nominations and won Best...

On This Day in 1965, The Rolling Stones Inspired the Greatest Southern Rock Band in History on Their First US...
On May 8, 1965 the Rolling Stones performed at Jacksonville Coliseum, a show that profoundly impacted a young Ronnie Van Zant. Witnessing the Stones’ stage presence and fan frenzy convinced Van Zant to abandon his athletic aspirations and pursue a music career. Inspired by...

Gene Simmons Teases New KISS Song Ahead Of Avatar Show Launch
Gene Simmons announced that KISS has entered the studio and recorded a new song written by guitarist Paul Stanley, marking the band’s first original material since the 2012 Monster album. The group also confirmed plans for avatar‑driven concerts beginning in...

3 Rock Hits From 1976 That Every 70s Kid Can Still Sing From Memory Today
The article highlights three 1976 rock hits—Johnnie Taylor’s “Disco Lady,” Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now,” and Leo Sayer’s “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.” Each song topped charts, earned certifications, and remains recognizable to listeners who grew up in...

On This Day in 2015, Rush Kicked Off a Landmark Tour, Taking Fans Back in Time to Their Humble Beginnings
On May 8 2015 Rush opened the 35‑stop R40 tour at Tulsa’s BOK Center, marking 40 years since drummer Neil Peart joined the band. The concert featured a reverse‑chronology setlist that began with 2012’s *Clockwork Angels* and wound down to the debut‑era anthem...
Future Will Perform At 2026 FIFA World Cup For USA’s Opening Ceremony
Rapper Future has been added to the roster of performers for the United States opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ceremony is scheduled for June 12 at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, will run about 13 minutes and...

BONUS TRACK: New Allison Russell LP, The Mavericks Tribute Tour, and More Roots Music News
Allison Russell announced her third solo album, *In The Hour of Chaos*, set for release on July 10 through Fantasy Records and featuring a roster of twelve guest artists including Norah Jones and Joy Oladokun. The Mavericks will embark on...
Dexter and the Moonrocks – Freakin’ Out
Dexter and the Moonrocks' new single "Freakin’ Out" entered the Hot 100 with a 5.43 rating, marking a rare chart appearance for an indie act. The track’s rise is driven by a YouTube‑centric buzz campaign that turned fan comments into streaming...

Our Favorite Songs of the Week (Playlist)
BrooklynVegan launched its weekly Spotify playlist, highlighting 22 newly released tracks spanning indie, pop, punk, and legacy acts. The list includes songs from high‑profile artists such as the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr, Charli XCX, and emerging names like RIP Magic and Dazy....

The Weeknd Confessed That He ‘Relates’ to a Famous Comic Book Villain, but Isn’t ‘Out To Destroy the World’
Canadian singer‑songwriter The Weeknd revealed in a 2015 interview that he identifies with the Joker, calling the comic‑book villain his favorite because of the character’s shifting back‑story. He likened his own mysterious public persona to the Joker’s tendency to reveal...

Camper Van Beethoven’s 1986 Live Kinks Cover Released
Happy to share today Camper Van Beethoven's cover of The Kinks’ ‘I’m Not Everybody Else’ recorded live in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1986. On the tour we were opening for REM. https://t.co/LG87Hcu9uQ As featured on Camper Van Beethoven's 40th anniversary II &...

Robert Johnson Turns 115; Only Three Photos Remain
The delta blues crossroads sorcerer Robert Johnson was born 115 years ago today. These are the only three photos of him in known existence. https://t.co/5dYj4239XE

Staff Picks: Best Songs of the Week May 2nd – May 8th
Consequence’s weekly "Songs of the Week" roundup spotlights ten new tracks spanning indie‑folk, funk, hip‑hop, indietronic and indie‑rock. Aldous Harding releases “Coats,” the final single ahead of her fifth album, while Chaka Khan returns with the Godzilla‑themed funk anthem “Chakzilla.”...

No Doubt’s Tony Kanal on Las Vegas Sphere Residency, Why They Haven’t Toured in Years and Whether New Music Is...
No Doubt began an 18‑show residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, debuting a two‑hour, four‑act production that chronicles the band’s 40‑year journey. The show mixes classic hits with deep‑cut fan favorites and incorporates extensive archival video curated by longtime documentarian Eric Keyes. Production...

The Rolling Stones Go ‘Back to Black’ With an Amy Winehouse Cover on ‘Foreign Tongues’
The Rolling Stones announced their 25th studio album, *Foreign Tongues*, featuring a cover of Amy Winehouse’s 2006 hit “You Know I’m No Good.” The tracklist was revealed on *The Tonight Show* with Jimmy Fallon, who also performed an a‑capella rendition...
Miserere Luminis Fall From the Heavens on “Sidera” (Interview)
Miserere Luminis released their third album, *Sidera*, in March, expanding beyond black‑metal roots into cinematic post‑metal and classical textures. The eight‑plus‑minute tracks weave orchestral strings, piano motifs, and layered atmospheres, reflecting a split from the earlier *Ordalie* sessions that together...
Artist of the Week: Claudia Boyle
Belgian opera house La Monnaie launched the world premiere of Iain Bell’s new opera “Medusa,” starring Irish soprano Claudia Boyle. The production portrays Medusa as a reborn, emotionally nuanced woman surrounded by stone statues of her would‑be conquerors. Boyle, a First...
13 Best Songs of the Week: Father John Misty, Boards of Canada, Spacemoth, Yard Act, and More
The weekly roundup spotlights 13 standout tracks released in the past seven days, featuring new singles from Father John Misty, Boards of Canada, Spacemoth, Yard Act, Iceage, Kurt Vile, and Broken Social Scene among others. Notable releases include Boards of Canada’s first album in...

Psychedelic Furs Cancel Spring and Summer 2026 Tours Due to “Serious Medical Issue”
The Psychedelic Furs have abruptly canceled both their spring and summer 2026 U.S. tours, citing a serious medical issue affecting a band member. The cancellations come just days after the band announced the summer dates with Living Colour and the...
Danylo Matviienko, Carolina Lopez Moreno, Gregory Kunde, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Erika Grimaldi, Johanni Van Oostrum Lead Teatro Regio Di Torino’s 2026-27...
Teatro Regio di Torino unveiled its 2026‑27 season, kicking off on Oct. 27 with Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. The program features a mix of staples such as La Traviata, Carmen and Eugene Onegin, alongside rarer works like Iris and...
The War and Treaty Sign with Atlantic Outpost, New Album Arrives June 19
Acclaimed Americana duo The War and Treaty have signed to Atlantic Outpost and will drop their first album for the label, "The Story of Michael and Tanya," on June 19. The record, featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Valerie June and Wynonna, follows...
Kunal Kemmu Releases Lullaby 'Nindiyan' Inspired by Fatherhood
Actor‑filmmaker Kunal Kemmu has launched his second single, 'Nindiyan', a lullaby shaped by his experiences as a dad to daughter Inaaya. The track, produced with Universal Music India, marks a personal artistic turn that blends parenting and music.

Juan Diego Flórez, Nadine Sierra, René Pape, Cecilia Bartoli, Franco Fagioli, Josep Bros, Lea Desandre, Magdalena Kožená & David Butt...
The Palau de la Música Catalana unveiled its 2026‑27 season, showcasing a star‑studded lineup that includes Juan Diego Flórez, Nadine Sierra, René Pape, Cecilia Bartoli, Franco Fagioli, Magdalena Kožená and David Butt Philip. The program spans October 2026 through July 2027, mixing baroque operas, Romantic masterpieces, contemporary commissions and large‑scale choral...
French Montana’s Confidence Finally Paid Off During “Verzuz”
French Montana faced Rick Ross in a highly publicized Verzuz showdown and emerged the victor, winning by a clear margin. The win underscored that most of his strongest performances stem from collaborative tracks such as “Lockjaw,” “Unforgettable,” and “Freaks.” While...

STANLEY SIMMONS, Featuring Sons Of KISS's PAUL STANLEY And GENE SIMMONS, Shares Third Single 'Temporary Love'
Stanley Simmons, the collaborative project of Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons—sons of KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons—released their third single “Temporary Love” and announced their debut album Dancing While The World Is Ending, due August 28. The duo’s...
Young Thug Addresses Rich Homie Quan’s Family After Brother’s Diss
Young Thug used Instagram Stories on May 8 to address Rich Homie Quan’s family after a tribute post sparked criticism from Quan’s brother and close affiliates. He defended his earlier tribute, denied any role in Quan’s death, and expressed continued love for his...

21st Century Miles Davis – Tuesday 26 May, Sadler’s Wells East.
In 2026 the jazz world marks the 100‑year anniversary of Miles Davis, and the National Jazz Archive is commemorating the milestone with a forward‑looking concert on 26 May at Sadler’s Wells East. The David Kayode Quintet – featuring rising talents...

Olivia Murphy – ‘Fateful Birds & Fledgling Stories’
Olivia Murphy, a Peter Whittingham Jazz Development Award winner, has completed her debut album with the Olivia Murphy Jazz Orchestra, recorded in October 2024 and slated for release. The record, backed by Help Musicians UK, showcases a 14‑minute two‑part suite...

Baby Keem Makes a Big Promise to Fans About His Next Album: ‘We’re Going To Be Coming in Hot’
After a five‑year silence following 2021’s *The Melodic Blue*, Baby Keem returned in February 2026 with the introspective album *CA$INO*, named for his Las Vegas roots. The record delves into personal hardships and aims to empower listeners, marking a stark...

PinkPantheress Review – Singer Proves She’s Ready for Pop’s A-List at Sensational New York Show
PinkPantheress turned Brooklyn Storehouse into a pop‑culture spectacle, confirming her ascent to A‑list status. The concert combined winking visuals, self‑aware humor and surprise guest appearances, drawing a crowd dressed in Union Jacks and tartan. Critics note her performance reflects a...

Bruce Allen Given Lifetime Achievement Award At Departure Honours In Toronto
Vancouver‑based manager Bruce Allen, 80, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Departure Honours ceremony in Toronto’s Koerner Hall. Allen’s four‑decade‑plus career includes guiding Bryan Adams, Michael Bublé, The Offspring and other multi‑genre acts. The award, presented by FACTOR CEO Meg Symsyk, highlighted his...
RZA Gets Tested On His Knowledge Of Random Wu-Tang Clan Affiliates—There’s A Lot
In a recent appearance on The Adam Friedland Show, Wu‑Tang founder RZA was put on the spot to name the collective’s myriad affiliates. While he instantly recognized figures like Remedy and Warcloud, he admitted he couldn’t recall several obscure names...

Post-Poptimism vs Hyper-Rock
Charli XCX’s new single, which blends electronic synths with a brief guitar riff, amassed over 3 million views in its first twelve hours and entered the YouTube Trending chart at #17. The track’s lyric “the dance floor is dead” mirrors a...

AP A-Sides: 10 Songs You Need to Hear
AltPress’s AP A‑sides series released its May 8, 2026 playlist, spotlighting ten tracks that span indie, alternative, and emerging‑genre sounds. The curated list includes songs from Chanpan, Dazy, GILT, Hayley Sakkara, hey, nothing, Jawdropped, Midrift, nightlife, Porches, and RIP Magic. Editors sift through hundreds...
CROSSBREED Plan to Release Cover of EMF'S "Unbelievable"
Florida industrial‑metal duo Crossbreed announced a June 1 release of their cover of EMF’s 1990s hit “Unbelievable.” The track will lead the band’s first album in 17 years, Radiation Therapy, slated for August 4. The project features award‑winning producer Seven Dunbar and...