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.
ALBUM REVIEW: On ‘These Are the Days’ Michaela Anne Finds the Sacred in the Everyday
Michaela Anne’s fifth studio effort, "These Are the Days," drops Friday as her first crowdfunded project, financed through a Kickstarter campaign and issued on her newly formed Georgia June Records. The album, recorded after the birth of her second child, delves into motherhood, aging, and the transience of daily life with a spare, intimate sound. Critics praise Anne’s unvarnished vocal delivery and minimalist production, noting the record’s emotional honesty. The release marks a decisive step toward full artistic ownership for the singer‑songwriter.
Ray Bull on Social Media Fame and Artistic Balance
‘Please Stop Laughing’ at Ray Bull: the viral pop duo on social media fame, artistic identity, and finding balance https://t.co/iRTEePw28j
Kyle Craft’s ‘Dolls of Highland’ Is Genuine Theater
Kyle Craft’s 2016 debut album *Dolls of Highland* arrived as a theatrical blend of glam‑rock, folk, and surreal storytelling, earning praise for its cinematic production and vivid character sketches. The record’s lyrical focus on death drive, voyeurism, and self‑destructive romance...
A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers Are Cacophonous on “Towers of Silence” (EP Premiere)
A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers, a Dutch experimental collective, is premiering their new EP *Towers of Silence* ahead of its May 9 release on Lay Bare Recordings. The six‑track record shuns conventional song structures, merging sludge metal, free jazz, and...
Drive’s Synthwave Legacy Shapes 2010s Music Nostalgia
After discussing 'Drive' on @soundtrackcast, I made a 40-song playlist. Johnny Jewel, M83, forebears, peers, synthwave, etc. I also wrote about the movie's influence on 2010s music and our neverending nostalgia for an imagined 1980s. Behold the 'Drive' diaspora. [Link below.] https://t.co/IixmiMBbb2
Crowdsourced Top 25 Greatest Guitar Solos List
Inspired by the Rolling Stone list, I came up with my own top 25 greatest guitar solos of all time and asked readers to produce their own suggestions. https://t.co/dPzkfSaDl6 https://t.co/vGWajGy1Lq
Foo Fighters’ New LP Shows Dave Grohl Needs to Go Solo
Dave Grohl’s latest Foo Fighters record, *Your Favorite Toy*, reads more like a solo effort than a full‑band project. Critics note that longtime members Nate Mendel and Pat Smear are under‑utilized, while Grohl’s vocals dominate the mix. The album also...
ALBUM REVIEW: India Ramey’s Feminist Outlaw Country Kicks Ass on ‘Villain Era’
India Ramey’s new album *Villain Era* redefines outlaw country by foregrounding a feminist narrative. The record opens with the cinematic single “We Ride at Dawn,” a revenge‑themed anthem that pits women against patriarchal bandits. Ramey’s gritty vocals and western‑flavored instrumentation...
Ebbb Announce Debut Album Shallow Hits and Drop Sun-Drenched Single “Now You Know”
London indie trio Ebbb announced debut album Shallow Hits, releasing July 10 via Ninja Tune. The album follows the new single “Now You Know,” their most pop‑friendly track, featuring riff‑driven guitars and soaring vocals. To promote, they will launch a...
Peter Evans ‘EXTRA’ Ft. Petter Eldh and Jim Black, Digbeth Jazz, 26 May
Digbeth Jazz, the award‑winning UK Jazz Venue of the Year, will host New York trumpeter Peter Evans and his trio EXTRA on 26 May at Birmingham’s Night Owl. The concert marks the sixth stop on the band’s EU‑UK tour and reflects the...
Review: Lip Critic – ‘Theft World’
Lip Critic’s sophomore album *Theft World* translates the band’s notorious live chaos into a studio record that fuses digital‑hardcore aggression with surreal, horror‑themed lyricism. Produced by Connor Kleitz, the album features twin drummers Danny Eberle and Michael Sandvig, creating a...
Jeffrey Alexander & The Heavy Lidders – “Critical Masses”
Jeffrey Alexander & The Heavy Lidders released their second single, “Critical Masses,” ahead of the forthcoming album Liquid Donnon, scheduled for June 12, 2026. The track weaves fluid guitar lines, Verrastro’s steady drums, and a saxophone solo by Tacuma Bradley, creating a...
Poll: What Are The Greatest Guitar Solos Ever?
Rolling Stone recently refreshed its "100 Greatest Guitar Solos" ranking, sparking discussion among music enthusiasts. In his Evil Speakers column, the author uses the poll to critique the list’s cultural relevance, noting that guitar solos still provoke strong opinions despite...
Album Premiere: Lago – Vigil
Phoenix‑based death metal band Lago breaks an eight‑year silence with Vigil, their most aggressive full‑length to date. The album, released May 8, 2026 on Everlasting Spew Records, marks a shift to full self‑production after a turbulent period that included label...
Neil Brogan Shares New Single
Neil Brogan, known for his work with Girls Names and Sea Pinks, has dropped a new single that blends jangling guitar riffs with his distinctive vocal dynamics. The track features a classic loud‑quiet‑loud arrangement, giving it an immediate hook for...
Good Taste and Short Songs: Teddy Thompson on Influence, Restraint, and Never Be The Same
Veteran singer‑songwriter Teddy Thompson releases his new album Never Be The Same, his first collection of original songs in years, produced with David Mansfield. The record emphasizes restraint, concise song structures and a Stax‑inflected, country‑soul sound, reflecting Thompson’s belief that...
Kelela Announces Third Album 'New Avatar' For July 10 Release
Kelela confirmed that her third studio album, New Avatar, will arrive on July 10. The record features the singles “Linknb” and “Idea 1,” and guest spots from PinkPantheress, A. K. Paul and Fousheé. The release marks a stylistic pivot back to the...
Could Alt-Rockers Sub*T Be the New Fanny?
Sub*T, an all‑female alt‑rock duo led by Grace Bennett and Jade Alcantara, released their debut album “How My Own Voice Sounds.” The record fuses 1970s hard‑rock aesthetics with modern production, delivering gritty power ballads, swamp‑laden tracks, and a commercially‑leaning single...
Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey Lead Tour Announcements
Several major artists announced extensive North American tours for 2026, ranging from arena‑scale runs to theatre‑level engagements. Kacey Musgraves will embark on a 29‑date Middle of Nowhere arena tour, while Shaboozey’s Outlaws Never Die Tour adds 25 dates across the...
Dusty Lucite Shares All Your Love’n Video
Dusty Lucite’s latest single “Shmaltz” debuted with a striking video on Bandcamp this week, showcasing the band’s evolution toward a sultry, smoke‑filled sound. The track fuses hazy psychedelia with garage‑rock grit while emphasizing a relaxed, love‑centric pacing. Early listener reactions...
Kidsmoke Share New Single
Kidsmoke released a new single that fuses angular pop guitars with a soaring, heavenly vocal style. The track’s chorus pivots toward an early‑90s indie‑rock feel, evoking the aesthetic of Sarah Records and the band’s debut LP from six years ago....
LAMC Unveils 2026 Wonder Women of Latin Music Honorees
The Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) announced its 2026 Wonder Women of Latin Music honorees, a cohort of 20 women spanning journalism, public relations, and executive roles. The list, unveiled exclusively by Billboard, includes Billboard social‑media manager Ingrid Fajardo and...
Lambchop Announce New Album, Punching The Clown, and Share “Weakened”
Lambchop announced their first full‑length album in almost four years, *Punching The Clown*, slated for release on 21 August 2026 through City Slang. The lead single “Weakened” debuted today, giving fans a taste of the record’s stripped‑back banjo‑and‑choir aesthetic. Recorded in just three...
SNJO with Gil Goldstein – ‘Two Gils and a Bill’
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra presented a concert titled “Two Gils and a Bill,” featuring arrangements by Gil Goldstein that merged the orchestral palette of Gil Evans with the trio‑centric repertoire of Bill Evans. Goldstein, a former Evans collaborator, re‑imagined...
Karol G & Greg Gonzalez’s ‘Después De Ti’ Makes Top 10 Debut on Hot Latin Songs Following Coachella Set: ‘The...
Karol G and Cigarettes After Sex frontman Greg Gonzalez released their first joint track, “Después De Ti,” which entered Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs at No. 6 and topped the Hot Latin Pop Songs chart. The song, premiered during Karol G’s Coachella headlining set, amassed 3.8 million U.S. streams and...
The Sleeves
Jack Cooper and Tara have issued a new album, *The Sleeves*, available on Bandcamp. The record departs from their earlier Mossy Tapes collaboration, favoring spare pop structures over improvisational instrumental passages. It relies almost exclusively on the duo’s intertwined guitars...
Ivo Neame and Walter Smith III Quartet at Ronnie Scott’s
Ivo Neame’s quartet debuted at London’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s, pairing the British pianist with US tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, who flew in from Boston. Both leaders are seasoned educators—Neame teaches at Guildhall and Smith chairs woodwinds at Berklee—bringing academic...
Chris Brown’s Use Of AI Sparks Intense Debate On Social Media
Chris Brown announced his new album BROWN, slated for release on May 8, 2026, followed by a high‑profile R&B tour with Usher. To promote the record, he unveiled a vintage‑style poster and a black‑and‑white video generated entirely by artificial intelligence, revealing a feature...
AI Label Staffed Entirely by AI Releases Fully AI-Generated Album for Audience of AI Bots
Clanker Records, an AI‑operated music label with no human staff, is releasing a fully AI‑generated album by the bot‑created artist C.W.A. The album "Straight Outta Crompton" will debut exclusively for AI agents on the AI‑only network Molt a week before...
Posters for Kneecap’s ‘Fenian’ Had to Be Censored After TfL Refused to Allow Them
Irish hip‑hop trio Kneecap released their politically charged second album, Fenian, on May 1, 2026. The band’s manager Daniel Lambert says Transport for London rejected the original tube‑poster, forcing the word “Fenian” and a Prime Minister quote to be censored. TfL later...
Bebe Rexha Hits #1 on Billboard Dance Charts as Independent Artist
Bebe Rexha’s “New Religion” reached number one on both the Billboard Dance/Airplay and U.S. Dance Radio charts, her first chart‑topping hit since she left Warner Music and partnered with independent distributor Empire. The milestone underscores the growing viability of independent...
James Taylor Albums Ranked Worst to Best
The article ranks James Taylor’s 19 studio albums from worst to best, highlighting his evolution from a struggling Apple Records signee to a cornerstone of the singer‑songwriter era. It notes the commercial breakthrough of *Sweet Baby James* (1970) and the later resurgence...
Rosalía Reaches Saintly Heights at London’s O2 Arena
Spanish superstar Rosalía delivered a sold‑out performance at London’s 20,000‑seat O2 Arena, turning the venue into a cathedral‑like spectacle. The show blended flamenco rhythms, avant‑garde pop, and religious imagery, featuring hits such as “Malamente” and “Despechá.” Ticket prices ranged from...
One More Slippers Single
Slippers, the indie pop trio, is set to release their new LP *Slippers 08* on June 5 through K Records/Perennial. The record delivers season‑appropriate warmth, catchy hooks, and upbeat bops that capture the band’s playful aesthetic. Lead songwriter Madeline Babuka Black shot the...
Joe Budden Questions Whether Or Not DJ Akademiks Wants War With Him
Joe Budden, former co‑host of Complex’s flagship show Everyday Struggle, publicly asked DJ Akademiks if he was looking for a fight after Akademiks hinted that Budden was being paid by TDE to boost Kendrick Lamar during the Drake‑Kendrick feud. The...
All One Song :: Simon Joyner on “After The Gold Rush”
In this episode of All One Song, host Tyler Wilcox talks with Omaha singer‑songwriter Simon Joyner about Neil Young’s iconic track “After the Gold Rush.” Joyner recounts how the song first captivated him as a nine‑year‑old, shaping his early singing...
Drake’s Toronto Mansion Gets Virtually Iced Out in Pics Ahead of ‘Iceman’ Album Release
Drake has turned his Toronto estate, The Embassy, into a frosted showcase ahead of his May 15 Iceman album launch. The mansion’s entrance, studio, bedroom, pool and kitchen are all draped in icicles, echoing earlier ice‑themed stunts such as frozen Raptors...
Don+t Settle (Vol. 1 – Transmissions East)
Irish singer‑songwriter Glen Hansard has issued the first installment of a career‑spanning live double‑album, Don’t Settle (Vol. 1 – Transmissions East), captured over two nights in Berlin. The record showcases a richly layered band, with brass and guitar crescendos that reimagine...
‘Black Myth: Wukong’ Team Confirms 2026 Global Soundtrack Tour
The developers of the action‑adventure hit Black Myth: Wukong announced a worldwide concert tour for 2026 to showcase the game’s acclaimed soundtrack. The tour will hit major venues across China, the United States, Taiwan, Thailand and a future stop in...
Rolling Stones Set July 10 Release for Guest‑Heavy Album “Foreign Tongues”
The Rolling Stones announced that their 25th studio album, “Foreign Tongues,” will arrive on July 10 via Capitol Records. The 14‑track record features a roster of guest artists—including Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith and Chad Smith—and a posthumous appearance by late drummer Charlie Watts.
10/10 You’re Great: ‘Believes in Patterns’
The latest episode of the "10/10 You’re Great" podcast featured Alternative critic Elias Amini discussing the underrated screamo album *Believes in Patterns* by I Would Set Myself on Fire for You. The hosts also examined why teenagers should move beyond...
Harry Styles Announces Fundraising Meltdown Headline Show
Harry Styles will headline a one‑off full‑orchestra concert at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on 16 June as part of his curated Meltdown Festival. Fans can win one of 1,900 tickets through a £20 ($25) charity prize draw, with all...
Blur’s Alex James Downplays Glastonbury as “a Gory Drugs Bender”: “You’d Think It’s the only Festival in the World”
Alex James, bassist of Blur and founder of the Big Feastival, dismissed Glastonbury Festival as a “gory drugs bender” and argued that its hype makes it seem like the only festival that matters. He contrasted Glastonbury with European events such...
‘Devil May Cry’ Season 2 Soundtrack Is Full of ‘00s Rock Anthems
Netflix’s animated *Devil May Cry* returns for a second season on May 12, 2026, and its soundtrack leans heavily into early‑2000s alt‑rock and nu‑metal. The tracklist features Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi,” Korn’s “Freak On A Leash” remix, Evanescence’s “My Immortal” band version, and new collaborations like Papa Roach with...
Junkie In The Sun – Album by Deante Hitchcock
Deante Hitchcock dropped his new album *Junkie In The Sun* on May 6, 2026, delivering a 15‑track collection that mixes previously released singles with fresh material. The record showcases his genre‑blending style, weaving hip‑hop with indie‑rock and electronic textures. Guest...
“The Concert that Awakened America"
Marian Anderson, the pioneering African‑American contralto, overcame segregation to become a global music icon. After being barred from Washington’s Constitution Hall in 1939, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s protest helped secure a historic open‑air concert at the Lincoln Memorial before 75,000...
Markets Feel Like a Roofless Room, Unlimited Upside
This morning's garage band - "The One-Page Memo" - comes from the headlines. While the group's lyrics are hard to make out, the crowd's reaction suggests it's latest hit mimics Pharrell. For the markets, it's clearly a room without a roof.
Steve Wilson – New Album ‘Enduring Sonance’ (with Renee Rosnes, Joe Locke, Jay Anderson & Kendrick Scott)
Acclaimed saxophonist Steve Wilson releases his new album "Enduring Sonance" on May 1, 2026 via Smoke Sessions Records, marking his 65th birthday. The record assembles a stellar quartet—pianist Renee Rosnes (also arranger), vibraphonist Joe Locke, bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Kendrick Scott—with French‑horn virtuoso...
Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tyla and More Took African Pop Global. So Why Don’t They Tour Africa Itself?
African pop stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid and Tems dominate stadiums in Europe and North America, yet their tours rarely include major African cities. High intra‑African flight costs, scarce mid‑size indoor arenas, and expensive visa and equipment logistics make continent‑wide...
Kneecap in Race for UK Number One Album Ahead of Melanie C and Michael Jackson
Irish hip‑hop trio Kneecap’s sophomore album ‘Fenian’ is sitting atop the mid‑week UK album chart, edging out Melanie C’s new record ‘Sweat’ and Michael Jackson’s revived ‘The Essential’ compilation. The album, praised with a four‑and‑a‑half‑star NME review, features collaborations with Kae Tempest,...