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.
Today In Hip Hop History: The B-Boy Flick ‘Breakin” Hit Theaters 42 Years Ago
Breakin’ marks its 42nd anniversary, celebrating the 1984 film that thrust breakdancing into mainstream cinema. The movie paired rising Hollywood talent with street‑culture icons like Ice‑T and Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers. It follows classically trained dancer Kelly as she discovers hip‑hop crews, battles rival groups, and bridges the divide between ballet and street style. The film’s success helped legitimize street dance and inspired a generation of dancers and filmmakers.
Jack Antonoff Comments on Ticketmaster Claiming They “Caught Scalpers” Buying Harry Styles Tickets: “You Caught You?”
Ticketmaster announced it had identified and cancelled thousands of illegal Harry Styles tickets for the artist’s Madison Square Garden residency, promising to re‑release them to genuine fans. Musician Jack Antonoff responded on X with a sarcastic "You caught you?" and...
Weird Nightmare’s New Album ‘Hoopla’ Is A Crunching Power Pop Delight
Canadian guitarist Alex Edkins, known for his work with post‑punk band METZ, has unveiled his solo project Weird Nightmare’s new 10‑track album “Hoopla.” The record, co‑produced with Spoon’s Jim Eno at Providence’s Machines With Magnets studio, showcases a blend of crunchy...
Diles Que No Me Maten Share Perquisidor
Diles Que No Me Maten released a new single titled “Investigator,” which leans into a jazz‑breakdown sound, diverging from the post‑rock poetry of their earlier release. The track is accompanied by a DIY video that underscores the band’s collaborative, independent...
ALBUM REVIEW: Hiss Golden Messenger Promise Hope Amidst Trying Times with ‘I’m People’
Hiss Golden Messenger frontman MC Taylor has unveiled his ninth studio album, *I’m People*, delivering a folk‑infused record that balances raw storytelling with warm, honeyed vocals. The album’s centerpiece, “Mercy Avenue,” showcases Taylor’s lyrical focus on everyday people navigating hardship, aging, and...
Discover Acetone's 1993 Debut “Cindy” – Your Next Favorite
Excited about this month's Catalog Club act, one of the great unsung bands of the 1990s: Acetone. I'll be talking about a different LP every Monday. This week it's their 1993 debut CINDY. If you're unfamiliar, this will be probably...
Mondays with Morgan: T.S. Monk – New Thelonious Monk Archival Album Live in Paris, 1967
Thelonious Monk’s estate released a new archival record, "Monk Live in Paris, 1967, Volume One," on April 24 via Rhythm‑A‑Ning Entertainment. The album documents the November 3, 1967 Salle Pleyel concert, featuring Monk’s core quartet plus guests Johnny Griffin, Phil Woods, Clark Terry...
The Guest List Announce Debut Album ‘Something Real’
British indie‑pop quintet The Guest List is set to release their debut album *Something Real* on August 28. The record, recorded in Bergen, Norway with collaborator Matias Tellez, is anchored by the upbeat single “You Should Care.” The band will...
Review: Grace Ives – ‘Girlfriend’
Grace Ives drops her second studio album, “Girlfriend,” marking a bold evolution from 2022’s “Janky Star.” The record features four standout singles—“Avalanche,” “Dance With Me,” “My Mans,” and the fan‑favorite “Stupid Bitches.” Produced in part by Grammy‑nominated John DeBold, the...
Mikaela Davis
Mikaela Davis releases her new album Graceland Way, turning her improv‑jam background into a genre‑bending country‑pop record. Produced by Dan Horne and John Lee Shannon, the album features guests such as Madison Cunningham, Tim Heidecker, and members of Circles Around...
Pleased to Meet You: Avid Fan
Avid Fan, a Manchester‑based band, released a new track that fuses post‑punk heritage with contemporary noise textures. The song escalates over three minutes, culminating in a powerful drum‑driven climax that creates a wall of discord. Critics note the band’s ability...
Monday Morning Video – Nathan Bess
Nathan Bess, a Charleston firefighter turned solo acoustic artist, released his first music in 2024 and quickly earned a spot opening for a major rock act. His debut single, "Something About the Smell," offers a raw look at addiction and...
PARADISE LOST's NICK HOLMES Doesn't Party On The Road Anymore: 'The Only Thing That Matters Is The Show'
Veteran gothic‑metal frontman Nick Holmes told the Slowhands Rock Talk Show that he has abandoned the hard‑living party lifestyle of his early career, focusing instead on sleep, vocal care and sobriety while on tour. He noted that modern festivals are...
Olivia Rodrigo Hosts SNL, Debuts ‘Begged’ as ‘Drop Dead’ Tops Billboard
Olivia Rodrigo made her SNL hosting debut on May 2, unveiling two songs from her forthcoming album and delivering a performance of “Drop Dead” that vaulted the single to a fourth Billboard Hot 100 No. 1. The appearance also featured a surprise cameo...
Girl Tones Share Stubborn Mouth Video
Girl Tones, a two‑sister duo, are carving a niche in pop‑garage‑rock with infectious hooks and a bold sonic identity. Their latest track features a tension‑building riff that flips into sugary sweetness, echoing the style that once defined Cherry Glazer. Critics...
New Music From The Simple Present
German indie‑pop outfit The Simple Present is set to release their new album Early Days on May 23. The record arrives as a joint effort between respected niche labels KUS and Shelflife, signaling a strong collaborative push. Reviewers highlight the album’s...
Vorhex Angel – “Okie’s Song Part I”
Vorhex Angel has dropped its first single “Okie’s Song Part I” ahead of the upcoming album DRAIN, marking a notable shift from the abrasive noise of their debut Heavenly toward a more melodic pop‑infused sound. The track blends somber strings...
Bolbec :: Foutu Félin
Aquarium Drunkard’s latest review spotlights Bolbec’s new single “Foutu Félin,” noting its cinematic flair reminiscent of Piero Piccioni’s classic scores. The track weaves a recurring piano waltz with expansive, incandescent soundscapes, while producer Sven Wunder adds atmospheric depth. The write‑up...
Vancouver Opera Celebrates Chorus Member’s Final Performance After 168 Productions
Vancouver Opera will honor chorus veteran Don Wright during the Sunday matinee of Puccini’s La Bohème. Wright is retiring after 51 years and 168 productions with the company, having joined the chorus in 1975 and also contributed to the Opera in...
Opera Company of Middlebury Unveils Spring 2026 Showcases
The Opera Company of Middlebury announced its spring 2026 season, featuring Verdi’s “La Traviata” from June 5‑13 under conductor Filippo Ciabatti and a 1920s‑inspired production. The Young Artist Program will stage the U.S. premiere of Xavier Montsalvatge’s one‑act opera “Babel 46” on June 12 and 14, a...
Tucker Wetmore on Overseas Concerts: 'They're Super Respectful'
Country newcomer Tucker Wetmore closed the first leg of his Brunette World Tour on April 28 at London’s O₂ Forum Kentish Town, noting that overseas audiences tend to be more respectful and focused on the performance. He contrasted this with the...
In Pictures: Louis Tomlinson Triumphs At The O2 Arena, London
Louis Tomlinson headlined a sold‑out show at London’s O2 Arena, marking the biggest night of his current solo tour. The performance followed the release of his third album, “How Did I Get Here?”, which debuted at number one in multiple...
Superfan Subscription Bubble Has Burst: What Will Replace It
Superfan subscription models championed by Vault, Patreon, and Spotify are collapsing as the monthly‑fee structure proves misaligned with how musicians create and how fans spend. Vault dropped its $5‑a‑month plan after two years, Patreon shifted focus to free memberships and...
Ant Thomaz’s ‘Gaia’ Is a Warm Embrace of Rhythmic Reflection
Ant Thomaz released his sophomore solo album *Gaia* in 2026, weaving Cajun‑flavored rhythms with folk‑pop and occasional rap verses. Named after his daughter, the record centers on father‑child connections and broader community bonds, delivering tracks such as “Believe,” “Drawn to...
Evil Warriors Travel the Entire Spectrum of Extreme Metal
German extreme‑metal outfit Evil Warriors has progressed from a thrash‑centric debut, *Expressions of Endless Dreams*, to a genre‑spanning sound on their third self‑titled album. Their sophomore effort, *Fall From Reality*, already hinted at a deeper black‑metal immersion, but the new...
"Freddie Said, Darling, Leave It to Me. I Believe in This." The Story Behind Another One Bites The Dust, Queen's...
In 1979, Chic’s funk anthem “Good Times” inspired Queen bassist John Deacon to craft a new bass‑driven track during sessions for The Game. Freddie Mercury championed the song despite bandmates’ reservations, leading to its release as “Another One Bites The...
Talking Music DATA with Chris Dalla Riva
In this episode of House of Strauss, host Royce Webb chats with data‑driven music analyst Chris Dalla Riva about his book *Uncharted Territory*, which uses Billboard Hot 100 data to uncover hidden patterns in popular music. They explore why 1950s hits...
Joshua Redman, Matt Carmichael and Theon Cross at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Joshua Redman opened the Cheltenham Jazz Festival with his quartet from the recent Blue Note releases, featuring the lyrical "A Message to Unsend" and a surprise cadenza into Hoagy Carmichael’s "Stardust." The town‑hall’s inadequate acoustics muffled the ensemble’s detail, especially...
Yan Huichang to Step Down as Head of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra After 30-Year Run
Yan Huichang will relinquish his role as artistic director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in July 2027 after a 30‑year tenure, the longest in the ensemble’s history. He will remain as honorary artistic director, chairman of the artistic committee and head...
Maybe Not Tonight
Lime Garden released their second album, "Maybe Not Tonight (So Young)", blending sharp alt‑rock with glossy electronic elements. Critics praised tracks such as “23,” “Cross My Heart,” and the title song, but called other cuts filler reminiscent of 90s indie....
‘Views’ Turns 10 as Drake’s ‘Classic’ Album Continues to Shape Modern Sound
Drake’s fourth studio album *Views* celebrated its 10‑year anniversary on April 29, 2026, reaffirming its status as a commercial juggernaut and cultural touchstone. It remains the last rap record to debut with over one million units sold in a week and spent 13...
Noah Kahan's 'The Great Divide' Tops Billboard 200 with Record 389,000 Units
Noah Kahan earned his first Billboard 200 No. 1 with 'The Great Divide,' moving 389,000 equivalent album units in its debut week. The tally includes a streaming record for 2026, the largest vinyl sales week for a rock album, and underscores...
This Historian Dug Into Old Records and Found a Lost Chapter of Chicano L.A. Music Culture
Ruben Molina’s latest book, *The Dreamy Side*, reveals a lost chapter of 1950s Chicano rhythm‑and‑blues culture in Los Angeles, using a trove of 78‑rpm records tagged by teenage friends in Azusa. The work blends personal interviews, vintage photos, and scanned record sleeves...
The Decibel Magazine Tour 2026 @ Brooklyn Monarch, Brooklyn, New York, US, May 1, 2026
Cryptopsy headlined the Decibel Magazine Tour 2026 in Brooklyn, marking the second stop of a month‑long trek and celebrating the 30th anniversary of their seminal 1996 album *None So Vile*. The show featured a setlist heavy on the classic record,...
Lucy Liyou – Mr Cobra
Lucy Liyou’s new album *Mr Cobra* is an experimental monodrama that fuses pulsing house beats, free‑jazz piano, Korean strings and robotic nursery rhymes. The record tells a personal story of a predatory high‑school romance through two vocal personas, Babygirl and Mister Cobra,...
Piano Star Has ‘Unexpected Surgery’
The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra announced that pianist Alice Sara Ott will miss this week’s concerts after undergoing a minor, unexpected surgery. Ticket holders who are dissatisfied with the substitute program will receive full refunds. Ott, who publicly disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis...
Chasing Stardom in Korea Nearly Destroyed Ejae. Then Came ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’
South Korean singer‑songwriter Kim Eun‑jae, known as Ejae, co‑wrote and performed the hit song “Golden” from the animated film “K‑Pop Demon Hunters.” The track swept the Golden Globe, Grammy and Oscar, catapulting her from a decade‑long trainee grind to global...
The Zen of Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton will release “Carry the Light” on May 15, his first album of new material since his 2021 diagnosis with Inclusion Body Myositis. The record, co‑written with his son Julian, marks the first collaboration between the rock legend and...
Ana Roxanne – Poem 1
Ana Roxanne’s new album Poem 1 transforms her sound from the ambient, reverb‑heavy style of her 2019 Leaving Records debut into a stark, piano‑driven break‑up record. The singer‑songwriter format foregrounds her soulful vocals with minimal accompaniment—primarily piano, occasional strings, and subtle...
The Monday Morning Brew #153
Monday Morning Brew #153 spotlights a wave of new releases in British folk, from Jim Moray’s synth‑laden track on Gallants to Henry Parker’s field‑recorded EP The Dark Peak. The newsletter also highlights The Furrow Collective’s reinterpretation of a 16th‑century Gaelic...
Seefeel – Sol.Hz
Seefeel, the seminal ’90s post‑shoegaze outfit, has released *Sol.Hz* on Warp, marking their first full‑length album in 15 years. The record follows a string of 2020s reissues and two 2024 mini‑LPs, *Everything Squared* and *Squared Roots*. Spanning nine abstract compositions,...
Monsta X's "Heal" Poised for Fourth Billboard Pop Airplay Hit
Another monster at radio: @OfficialMONSTAX's "Heal" is likely to enter Billboard's Pop Airplay chart this week, which will be Monsta X's fourth entry on the radio chart https://t.co/R0YcaqiNmU
GIRLSE Poised for First Billboard Pop Airplay Hit
"Tweak" to Top 40: @GIRLSETofficial is likely to enter Billboard's Pop Airplay chart this week with "Tweak" and earn their first official hit at Top 40 pop radio https://t.co/D1Nah32EDw
Yu Su (Interview)
Chinese‑born, London‑based electronic musician Yu Su released her latest album Foundry, a 40‑minute record that fuses Chicago house sensibilities with Chinese folk motifs and meticulous sound design. The album was crafted primarily in Ableton using a MiniFreak synth, alongside vintage gear...
Taemin's “Long Way Home” Breaks Into US Top 50 Pop Radio
Taemin to radio: @Taemin_Xoalsox_ is on his way to his first official U.S. pop radio hit as "Long Way Home" has entered within the Top 50 of Mediabase's Top 40 pop radio chart https://t.co/YCpu482Wxe
CORTIS' “Go!” Breaks Top 30 Ahead of New Album
Can't stop CORTIS: Just ahead of the release of @CORTIS_BIGHIT's new 'GREENGREEN' album today, CORTIS' "Go!" has cracked the Top 30 of Mediabase's U.S. Top 40 pop radio chart https://t.co/mQAcYg87eD
Shakira’s Free Concert Draws 2 Million to Rio De Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach
Colombian pop star Shakira performed a free, 30‑song concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, drawing an estimated two million attendees. The show featured Brazilian icons Anitta, Maria Bethânia and Caetano Veloso, continuing a recent streak of high‑profile female artists...
Fans Choose Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Bring Your Love’ as This Week’s Favorite New Music
Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter’s new duet “Bring Your Love” topped Billboard’s weekly best‑new‑music poll, capturing 88.99% of fan votes. The track, co‑produced by longtime collaborator Stuart Price, was first performed live during Madonna’s surprise appearance at Carpenter’s Coachella set before...
MAITREYA CORSO
Maya Hawke’s fourth album, *MAITREYA CORSO*, marries folk‑pop sensibilities with synth‑laden textures, delivering a candid exploration of ambition, identity and self‑doubt. Inspired by Leonard Cohen’s poem “How to Speak Poetry,” the record leans into radical honesty, especially on tracks like...
Setting
Setting, the North Carolina improvisational trio, has issued a new studio album that expands their electro‑acoustic palette with banjo, synth, and percussion. The record channels the avant‑garde dialogue of 1970s Don Cherry and Terry Riley while retaining the group’s spontaneous,...