Today's Music Pulse
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Grammys Revamp Best New Artist Category and Add Five New Awards
The Recording Academy is overhauling the Best New Artist eligibility rules and introducing five additional categories for the 2027 Grammy Awards, a move that critics say will make the category even more confusing. The changes were detailed in coverage by Pitchfork and Deadline Music.
Towa Bird Announces North American Tour
Singer‑songwriter Towa Bird announced a nine‑show North American tour this fall to promote her 2026 album "Gentleman." The tour kicks off on September 13 at The Independent in San Francisco and concludes on October 3 at The Foundry at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, hitting major markets including Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Montreal, New York, Cambridge, and Washington, D.C. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. local time on June 11, with Mother Soki opening each performance. Bird is represented by CAA agents Shirin Nury and Ryan Thomson.
SERJ TAKIAN, ROMAN & TOM MORELLO Say "Adjourn It" Is A Response To ICE Raids And Their "Absolute Reign Of...
Tom Morello, Serj Tankian, and Morello’s 15‑year‑old son Roman released the protest single “Adjourn It.” The track was born out of the wave of ICE and DHS raids sweeping Los Angeles, which the artists describe as a “reign of terror” on...
My Raining Stars Return with Toy Club
After a ten‑year hiatus, indie pop band My Raining Stars has resumed releasing music and this week unveiled the single “Fine,” a dual‑guitar‑driven track that previews their upcoming album Toy Club. The song showcases layered guitars and crisp vocals, aiming...
Hammok ‘When Does This Place Become Our Scene’ | Track By Track
Norwegian hardcore outfit Hammok has unveiled a new, genre‑bending album, detailed track‑by‑track by vocalist Tobias Osland. The record mixes aggressive riffs with pop‑leaning references to Bleachers, Justice and Korn, while lyrics critique post‑COVID internet capitalism. Songs draw on early‑2000s influences such...
Lady A Announces December Holiday Tour
Country trio Lady A has announced the 2026 “This Winter’s Night Tour,” a ten‑day holiday concert series running from Dec 10 to Dec 21. The itinerary kicks off in Northfield, Ohio, and concludes with two back‑to‑back shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Fan‑club pre‑sale...
Post Your Questions for David Byrne
David Byrne is releasing a one‑night, 4K cinema version of his acclaimed *American Utopia* tour on August 5, a remastered Spike Lee‑directed concert film that originally ran on Broadway. To promote the event, Byrne will field fan questions for a July 10 interview,...
Niklas Lukassen – ‘Still Waters’ at Jazz Cafe Posk, 12 June
German bassist Niklas Lukassen has issued his debut leader album *Still Waters* on Kurt Rosenwinkel’s Heartcore Records, with the guitarist co‑producing and appearing on several tracks. The record showcases Lukassen’s original compositions performed by an international quartet featuring Ben Van Gelder, Kit Downes and Francesco Ciniglio, plus guest...
Album Review – Charlie Marie’s “Signs”
Charlie Marie’s second album *Signs* arrives as a self‑financed, pandemic‑inspired record that expands beyond her classic country roots. Drawing on a solo cross‑country road trip, the project fuses traditional country vocal stylings with folk, rock, and spiritual motifs. Produced with...
Pitchfork Festival London 2026 Announces Lineup
Pitchfork Festival London 2026 unveiled a multi‑day lineup that runs from November 2‑8 across venues such as Roundhouse, KOKO, Hackney Empire and the Royal Festival Hall. Headliners include The Avalanches, Noname (with a special “10 years of Telefone” set), Tortoise, Olof Dreijer and Hania Rani,...
BTS's 'ARIRANG' Sets Record: Every Track Charts on Spotify Global for 62 Days
South Korean boy band BTS achieved a historic streaming milestone as their March 20, 2026 album ARIRANG saw every track appear on Spotify’s Global Chart for 62 consecutive days. The feat coincides with strong physical sales and Billboard dominance, highlighting...
Another Track From Dusty Lucite
Portland‑based indie outfit Dusty Lucite has released a new track from their latest album *Shmaltz* via Bandcamp. The song showcases a blend of pensive, slow‑burning jams and more traditional indie‑rock energy, reflecting the band’s evolving songwriting over recent years. Critics...
BST Hyde Park Announce Norman Jay, Dub Pistols, Daft Funk and Loads More as Part of Free Open House 2026...
BST Hyde Park has unveiled its free Open House 2026 programme, running from June 29 to July 9 in London’s iconic park. The schedule blends a stacked music roster—including Norman Jay, Dub Pistols, Daft Funk, Garth Brooks, ATEEZ, Maroon 5, and Duran Duran—with outdoor cinema, live Wimbledon...
Widowspeak Remain Hypnotic, Brightening Their Sound
Widowspeak’s new album *Roses* arrives with brighter, pop‑tinged textures while preserving the band’s hazy, melancholic core. Molly Hamilton’s vocals blend wistful melancholy with a subtle country cadence, exploring themes of impermanence. Guitarist Robert Earl Thomas delivers solos that reference George...
‘The Indigenous Setlist’ Podcast Will Spotlight Thriving Native and Indigenous Music Scene
Indigenous House and Little Bear Audio are debuting *The Indigenous Setlist*, a weekly podcast spotlighting modern Native and Indigenous musicians. The series kicks off on June 22 with Halluci Nation and will feature artists such as Maoli, THRONE, Aysanabee, Shawnee Kish,...
Victor Vieira-Branco’s Bark Culture :: The Giant Is Awkward
Bark Culture’s latest album, *The Giant Is Awkward*, introduces pianist Sam Yulsman, widening the group’s sonic horizon. The record intertwines ambient textures with post‑rock intensity, delivering a mysterious and disorienting listening experience. Critics note the band’s chemistry has deepened, making...
Spotify Expands Into Live Tickets and Concert Streaming
Spotify is the most popular music service in the world. But it's never been a big player in artists' most lucrative business: live. The company wants to change that, starting with tickets and live concert streaming.
Digital Footprint – Song by BLP Kosher
BLP Kosher released the single “Digital Footprint” on June 5, 2026, marking the latest evolution of the viral rapper’s catalog. The track features razor‑sharp production paired with a more subdued, traditional vocal delivery, while still showcasing his trademark clever wordplay. Critics note...
Spotify Seeking Rights to Show Live Video of Music Festivals (Report)
Spotify is negotiating with concert promoters, including a multi‑year deal with Live Nation, to license live‑video rights for music festivals, adding a new video dimension to its platform that previously offered only live‑audio streams. The initiative coincides with Spotify’s "Reserved"...
Spotify Wants to Have More Video Content, and It Could Start Streaming Live Concert Footage Soon — but My Scepticism...
Spotify is preparing to stream live concert footage directly within its app, targeting a shift toward video content. The company has begun negotiating licensing deals with promoters and has already trialed pre‑recorded shows such as Dua Lipa’s Mexico City performance. This...
EQ Are the New Face of Argentina’s Electronic Underground
Argentine duo EQ has become the face of their country’s underground electronic scene, drawing global attention with a sold‑out performance at Berlin’s Oxi club. Their high‑energy set, marked by post‑genre production and Latin‑infused rhythms, resonated with a youthful crowd dressed...
Portishead’s Geoff Barrow Says ‘Gone’ Composer Admits Ripping Off His ‘Devs’ Score
Geoff Barrow, co‑composer of the 2020 Hulu series *Devs*, says composer Harry Escott admitted to copying a cue from that score for ITV’s thriller *Gone*. Barrow posted an Instagram video juxtaposing the two pieces and alleges the director, Richard Laxton,...
Olivia Rodrigo and The Cure’s Robert Smith Debut Duet at Primavera Sound
Olivia Rodrigo surprised fans at Primavera Sound in Barcelona on June 6 by unveiling a brand‑new duet, “What’s Wrong With Me,” with The Cure frontman Robert Smith. The live debut, part of a secret set, has set streaming numbers soaring and...
Scorcher’s ‘All Dorks Must Die’ Is Completely Unfiltered
Scorcher has returned to the UK rap scene with his new album “All Dorks Must Die,” a concise 10‑track project that leans into his gritty roots. The record follows the buzz‑worthy Giggs collaboration “Ups,” which reignited interest in the veteran...
Culture Clash: Widowspeak
Widowspeak, the Brooklyn‑origin indie duo, releases their seventh album *Roses* after more than 15 years of touring and recording. The record reflects a shift from city‑center hustle to suburban life, blending mature lyricism with the band’s signature melodic hooks. A...
Converge Release ‘Hum Of Hurt’ – Their Second Album Of 2026
Converge has unleashed ‘Hum Of Hurt,’ their second full‑length album of 2026, arriving only months after the metalcore‑focused ‘Love Is Not Enough.’ Frontman Jacob Bannon said the band amassed enough material during the earlier sessions to craft two separate records,...
Folk Collective Brown Wimpenny Release Their Titanic Debut Album
Manchester‑based folk collective Brown Wimpenny has released their debut album, Long Live Brown Wimpenny, through the Broadside Hacks label. The group evolved from informal living‑room sessions to a stable 11‑musician ensemble after briefly expanding to 25 members. Drawing on North‑West...
Berlin-Based Baby Smith Share New Single ‘Walkie Talkie’
Berlin‑based indie duo Baby Smith, the project of Australian expats Ray Sonder and Saxon Gable, has dropped their new single “Walkie Talkie.” The track serves as a preview for their debut album “Lately, Love Is Dead,” slated for release on...
Slim Drops New Mixtape ‘The Final Call’
South London rapper Slim released his 13‑track mixtape ‘The Final Call’, positioning it as his most personal work yet. The project follows his viral collaboration ‘In My Bag’ with M Huncho, which has surpassed 50 million streams. Featuring UK drill heavy‑hitters...
Niall Horan Hints at Australian Return as New Album ‘Dinner Party’ Arrives
Niall Horan announced that an Australian tour is imminent, with dates expected early next year, following the release of his fourth solo album, Dinner Party. The album, his first since 2023’s The Show, continues his string of Billboard 200 successes....
Morgan Wallen Appears to Grab Phone and Toss It During Pittsburgh Concert
Country star Morgan Wallen sparked a viral moment on June 5 when he snatched a cellphone from a security guard and hurled it across the stage at Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium. The incident followed a turbulent week that included a piano malfunction...
Skrillex Drops Surprise Album 'SOMA' With 13 Global Collabs
Electronic music pioneer Skrillex released his surprise album SOMA on June 5, delivering 13 new tracks and a roster of international collaborators. The drop follows his recent CONTRA event platform launch and a high‑profile Primavera Sound set, underscoring a strategic...
Kodak Black Reveals New Album “Kodak The Blessing” Dropping Soon
Kodak Black unveiled his upcoming album "Kodak The Blessing," a 26‑track project slated for release on June 12, 2026. He shared the tracklist and cover art on Instagram, revealing guest spots from up‑and‑coming artists such as G Thugg, Shadea Charai,...
Ariana Grande Fans Divided Amid Growing Concerns Over Singer’s Appearance: ‘This Is Not OK’
Pop star Ariana Grande kicked off her Eternal Sunshine tour in Oakland, promoting her upcoming album “Petal” slated for July 31. While many fans celebrated her first live performance in seven years, a segment of the audience took to X to criticize...
Sarah Sharp's Debut Features Dylan Cover Amid Personal Loss
Sarah Sharp began singing "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" during her Austin residency when a former boyfriend was dying of cancer. Her reading of the Dylan song opens her debut 'Deja Vu,' recorded in guitar legend Eric Johnson's studio.https://t.co/VQJijHkCi9
Just Played: A Column About Vinyl Records #71
The column spotlights a flood of fresh vinyl releases, ranging from Norwegian producer Les Imprimés’ soulful second album *Fading Forward* to Harry Styles’ synth‑leaning *Kiss All The Time. New label Music Saves launches with Late Transmissions & Eva Quarterman, while legacy acts like Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, and...
Phoebe Bridgers Holds $1 Anti‑Spectacle Secret Show at Madison Square Garden
Phoebe Bridgers transformed Madison Square Garden into a $1 charity lottery concert on June 4, 2026, locking 18,000 fans’ phones in Yondr pouches. The acoustic, phone‑free show served as a stealth launch for her upcoming Lost Tour and raised funds...
Is Australian Music at Risk of Extinction? Here’s What the Data Tells Us
Australian representation on the ARIA singles chart has slumped from roughly 30% in the early 1990s to single‑digit levels today, with only five Australian artists appearing in the 2024 Top 100. The shift from physical sales to streaming—now accounting for over...
Live Report: Doja Cat – The O2 Arena, London
Doja Cat returned to London’s O₂ Arena for the opening night of her "Vie" tour, delivering a 1‑hour‑45‑minute show that blended theatrical entrances, elaborate costumes and nonstop choreography. The performance featured a suspended white winged outfit, a Union‑Jack ensemble, and a full‑hit...
Drake’s “ICEMAN” Stays At Number One On Billboard 200 In Its Third Week
Drake’s surprise album ICEMAN logged roughly 171,000 album‑equivalent units in its third week, keeping the record at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for a third consecutive week. The run ties the longest‑running 2026 chart‑toppers—Noah Kahan’s The Great Divide and BTS’s ARIRANG—at three...
Hear Bob Dylan Play ‘Basement Tapes’ Gem ‘You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere’ for First Time in 14 Years
Bob Dylan opened his Woodinville, Washington show on the Long Hot Summer Tour 2026 with the Basement Tapes classic “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” marking his first live performance of the song since 2012. The rendition featured harmony vocals from guitarists Doug...
Drake’s ‘ICEMAN’ Scores Third Week Atop Billboard 200
Drake’s seventh studio album *ICEMAN* remained atop the Billboard 200 for a third straight week, moving 171,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during the week ending June 4, a 24% decline from the prior period. Streaming accounted for 170,000...
DON BROCO Vocalist ROB DAMIANI Joins PAPA ROACH On Stage At Rock AM Ring
English rock singer Rob Damiani of Don Broco joined Papa Roach onstage at the Rock AM Ring festival, delivering guest vocals on “Between Angels and Insects.” The appearance coincided with Don Broco’s release of their fifth studio album, “Nightmare Tripping,” their first record in five years and...
Carly Pearce Honors Her Bluegrass Roots With Surprise Guests Ricky Skaggs and Molly Tuttle During CMA Fest Performance
Carly Pearce turned her CMA Fest set into a bluegrass showcase, inviting legends Ricky Skaggs and Grammy‑winner Molly Tuttle to the stage. The performance also featured 15‑year‑old mandolin prodigy Shay Morgan on the song “From Now On,” and ended with a surprise duet...
CHARLIE BENANTE On ANTHRAX's Upcoming Album 'Cursum Perficio': 'It's A Culmination Of Different Eras, Different Moods, Different Ideas'
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante discussed the upcoming twelfth studio album "Cursum Perficio," set for September 18 release via Megaforce in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast in Europe, marking the band's first full‑length record in a decade since 2016's "For All...
Earl Sweatshirt on the Evolution of Music Streaming Services and Big Data’s Impact on the Industry: ‘These Algorithms Are Weird...
Earl Sweatshirt, reflecting on his tenure with Columbia Records, lambasted modern music‑streaming services for relying on opaque, "weird and undefeatable" algorithms powered by big‑data analytics. He argued that these systems create a power vacuum that skews exposure toward a few...
Ariana Grande Kicks Off “The Eternal Sunshine Tour: See Setlist + Photos
Ariana Grande opened her first headlining tour since 2019 with the Oakland stop of the “Eternal Sunshine Tour,” a 41‑concert residency‑style rollout across North America and Europe. The setlist featured 23 songs, including 11 tracks from her 2024 album *eternal sunshine*...
63 Years Ago Today: Legendary Rock Band Released Its First Single
On June 7, 1963 the Rolling Stones released their debut single ‘Come On’, a Chuck Berry cover recorded at Olympic Sound Studios. The track peaked at No. 21 on the UK charts, securing the band’s first national exposure and prompting Decca Records to...
Kanye West Draws 40,000 Fans in Netherlands Concert Amid European Backlash
Kanye West played to a packed audience of 40,000 in the Netherlands, even as many European venues and festivals have distanced themselves from the rapper over recent controversies. The turnout highlights the split between fan loyalty and industry pressure to...
Jason Ross Says ‘True North’ Is a Compass for Creative Growth
Jason Ross reveals that his new 2026 album ‘True North’ is built around an internal compass, blending melodic bass, trance, and progressive house to showcase emotional honesty. He stresses the role of collaboration and self‑reflection in pushing artistic boundaries, underscoring...
Watch Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten Join Kneecap on Stage and Rock Out to The Cure at Primavera Sound 2026
Irish rap trio Kneecap invited Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten onstage at Primavera Sound Barcelona on June 6, 2026, to perform their 2023 single “Better Way To Live.” The surprise collaboration echoed previous live renditions on Ireland’s Late Late Show, Glastonbury...