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.
SXSW London Announces Full 2026 Lineup, Spotlighting Global Emerging Acts
SXSW London has released its entire 2026 music roster, confirming performances from K‑Pop idol YUNJIN, Afrobeats star Oxlade, and grime pioneer Jords among others. The six‑day festival runs June 1‑6 in East London venues, positioning the event as a key spring showcase for emerging global talent.

Lucy Dacus Shares Record Store Day Exclusive Track ‘Planting Tomatoes’ on Streaming Services
Lucy Dacus has made her Record Store Day exclusive 7‑inch vinyl, "Planting Tomatoes," available on all major streaming services. The track, first issued on April 18 as a limited vinyl, was originally performed live at the Auckland Laneway Festival in...

Madonna Teams up with Grindr for Exclusive Vinyl of ‘Confessions II’
Madonna has partnered with LGBTQ dating app Grindr to offer an exclusive picture‑disc vinyl of her upcoming album Confessions II, available only to Grindr users via a dedicated in‑app square. The album drops on July 3 in standard (12 tracks) and deluxe...

How Will BTS Endure a Grueling World Tour? We Asked Their Ex-Trainer.
BTS launches the U.S. leg of an 11‑month world tour that will hit 34 cities and 80 concerts. The schedule demands high‑energy performances, endless rehearsals, media duties and as little as four hours of sleep each night. Former conditioning coach...
Jimmy Barnes, INXS Lead Tributes to James Valentine Following Death at 64
Australian saxophonist and broadcaster James Valentine died at 64 using voluntary assisted dying, two years after a cancer diagnosis. Best known for his work with the 1980s new‑wave band Models, he later became a fixture on ABC radio, hosting the...
Fact-Checking ‘Michael’: What the Biopic Gets Right and Wrong About Michael Jackson
The new biopic "Michael" attempts to dramatize Michael Jackson’s rise, family conflict, and cultural impact while navigating legal constraints imposed by the Jackson estate. Fact‑checking shows the film gets several key details right—Joseph Jackson’s belt abuse and the real‑life truce...
Boyz II Men Join Cody Johnson for Surprise ‘On Bended Knee’ Performance at Stagecoach
Cody Johnson’s headlining set at Stagecoach 2026 turned into a surprise duet when Boyz II Men joined him onstage to perform the 1994 R&B classic “On Bended Knee.” The impromptu collaboration delighted the crowd and highlighted a growing trend of cross‑genre moments...
Misconceptions – Song by FattMack
FattMack dropped his newest single, “Misconceptions,” on April 24, 2026, continuing a prolific release streak. The hip‑hop track showcases smoother production and more confident songwriting, earning praise for its melodic hook and lyrical depth. While not attached to an album, the song...
Xaviersobased Announces Debut Australia Tour With Vivid LIVE Date
New York rapper‑producer xaviersobased announced his first Australian leg of the Riverside Tour, with three shows scheduled for June 3‑7, 2024. The dates include Brisbane’s Princess Theatre, Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre, and Sydney’s Metro Theatre as part of Vivid LIVE. The tour follows...

When Did Northern Soul Get so Southern?
Northern soul, the 1970s dance movement rooted in industrial northern England, is experiencing a resurgence driven by Gen‑Z. Youth‑led clubs in London, Bristol, and other southern cities now dominate the scene, posting viral dance videos and all‑night events. Meanwhile, the...
BigXthaPlug Leads a Sing-a-Long to Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas,’ Delivers the Hits to Stagecoach
BigXthaPlug headlined Stagecoach 2026 with a high‑energy set that blended his country‑rap hits and early hip‑hop tracks, culminating in a massive sing‑along to Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas.’ The performance highlighted his third album’s singles, including the chart‑breaker ‘All the Way,’...
Jackson's 1984 Victory Tour: A Chaotic Legend
The Jackson’s 1984 Victory Tour could have been its own movie: • Pepsi incident • Backlash over $30 tickets, sold in 4-packs • Promoter went bankrupt, sold NE Patriots • Don King being Don King • Jackson family drama Legendary tour, but also wild.

AI-Generated Band “Shunned at a Funeral” Surprises Viewers
Stumbled across this band on YouTube called Shunned at a Funeral and it took me way too long to realize it was AI. https://t.co/A1wstMQedg

Where’s Tom Petty From?
In 1976 Tom Petty recorded his first single in Gainesville, Florida, putting the small college town on the rock‑and‑roll map. The Gainesville‑born singer‑songwriter formed the Heartbreakers shortly after, launching a career that spanned three decades and produced hits like “Free Fallin’” and...
HTSI Editor’s Letter: How Many Jobs Do You Do?
The HTSI editor’s letter celebrates the rise of multi‑hyphenate professionals who juggle several distinct roles. It profiles Dutch model‑designer Marte Mei van Haaster’s crossover into phytoremediation art, Australian pop star Troye Sivan’s fragrance launch, podcaster Chris Black’s fashion line, and architect Bill Bensley’s rainforest‑conservation foundation. Each...

“Throw Some D’s”
"Throw Some D’s" was a 2007 breakout single by Rich Boy, produced by Polow da Don, built around a three‑chord loop sampled from Switch’s 1979 soul track “I Call Your Name.” The song’s intricate layering—multiple keyboard tracks, 808s, and a hidden tom...
Noah Cyrus Makes It a Family Affair at Stagecoach With Billy Ray and Braison Cyrus
Noah Cyrus headlined Stagecoach 2026, bringing her brother Braison and father Billy Ray onstage for a multi‑generational set. The show featured live renditions of her recent singles and a duet of Braison‑co‑written "Don’t Put It All on Me." Billy Ray debuted the...
“Margaret in Love and War”: An Opera Premiere
Composer Laura Schwendinger and librettist Ginger Strand’s new opera “Margaret in Love and War” premiered in a semi‑staged production at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia on April 28, 2026. The work dramatizes 19th‑century journalist Margaret Fuller’s 1847 Italian sojourn, her frontline...

Joe Cocker's 1969 Cover Redefines Beatles Classic
On this day in 1969, Joe Cocker released ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’, featuring his gripping take on The Beatles’ song, transforming it with raw emotion and powerhouse vocals into something entirely his own. https://t.co/THwrbXvdPQ
12 Best Songs of the Week: Beth Orton, Man / Woman / Chainsaw, Francis of Delirium, Friko, and More
Under the Radar’s 12 Best Songs of the Week spotlights fresh releases from Beth Orton, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Francis of Delirium, Friko and Modest Mouse, among others. Orton announced her new album "The Ground Above" (June 26) and shared the single "Waiting,"...

1983: “Come On Eileen” Tops Charts, Wins Brit Award
On this day in 1983, "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also earned Best British Single at the Brit Awards. https://t.co/sE1f0QceB4
Ella Langley Brings Out Theo Von for ‘You Look Like You Love Me’ Duet at Stagecoach
Ella Langley made a striking Stagecoach debut, surprising fans by bringing comedian Theo Von onstage for a lively duet of “You Look Like You Love Me.” The set featured tracks from her new album Dandelion and highlighted her chart‑topping single “Choosin’...

Carnegie Hall & NYC Department of Education Revive All-City High School Music Showcase on Main Stage
Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute and the NYC Department of Education will host the All‑City High School Music Program End‑of‑Year Showcase on May 10, marking the first main‑stage performance at Stern Auditorium since 1990. More than 300 high‑school musicians from six...

‘Sing Democracy 250’ Set for David Geffen Hall This May
The Sing Democracy 250 concert will bring more than 175 singers from across the United States to New York’s David Geffen Hall on May 24. Conducted by G. Phillip Shoultz III, the program features two newly commissioned world premieres that set texts...

After The Verge – “Dark Day”
After The Verge dropped the single “Dark Day” as part of its newly released EP Inopportune Enlightenment on April 24, 2026. The track fuses buzzing synths, vibrant rhythms, and moody piano with dystopic lyrics that comment on societal control. Critics highlight its catchy,...

Sound Science – “Open Late Drifter”
Sound Science, an Iowa City‑based producer, has dropped “open late drifter,” the lead single from his forthcoming album *at the end of the day*. The lo‑fi pop track combines mellow keys, a solemn bass groove, and introspective vocals that evoke...

Winston Orz – “Red Wine”
Winston Orz, a Wilmington, NC alt‑rock and post‑punk artist, released the single “Red Wine.” The track blends ghostly vocals with jangly guitars, delivering a climactic, emotive experience. It follows the buzz generated by earlier songs like “Blue Saint River” and...

Baby Moon, Jr – “Poor Shelter” + “The Sun King Is Dead”
Baby Moon, Jr released the "Portals" EP on April 24, 2026, blending folk and atmospheric rock. The closing track “Poor Shelter” opens with birdsong and gentle acoustic strums, creating an outdoor‑inspired soundscape. “The Sun King Is Dead” follows with lyrical...

Glimmer and Fold – “Flying Objects”
German indie outfit Glimmer and Fold, formerly known as The Taste, released the single “Flying Objects.” The track blends subdued guitar jangles, dreamy vocals and a hook‑laden chorus, building to a harder‑rocking final minute. Critics praise its hypnotic allure and...

Hart – “over My Head”
Hart’s new single “over my head” drops with a blend of moody synth‑pop and bright, anthemic hooks, recalling the sounds of M83 and MGMT. The track pairs soaring vocals with jangling guitars and dreamy lyrical themes about fleeting success and...

No Stupid Questions – “Taught Me the Game”
NYC indie rock outfit No Stupid Questions dropped the two‑minute single “Taught Me the Game,” showcasing twangy guitar riffs, shimmering organ textures, and anthemic vocals. The track’s concise arrangement blends introspective verses with a soaring chorus, delivering a memorable rock...

Watch Matt Corby Join Mumford & Sons On Stage in Melbourne
Australian singer‑songwriter Matt Corby joined Mumford & Sons onstage at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, delivering a live rendition of the band’s track “Here.” The appearance came hours after Corby’s fourth studio album, *Tragic Magic*, debuted at No. 1 on the Australian...

Petrichor – “The Richest Witches of the West”
Petrichor, a DC‑based teenage quartet, has dropped “The Richest Witches of the West,” a two‑minute single that fuses post‑hardcore aggression with a lounge‑funk groove. The track channels sharp political anger, targeting ICE’s enforcement tactics and the wealth‑extraction policies of the...

Pocket Lint – “Cyanometer”
Pocket Lint’s Mark Heffernan launches his upcoming album *Wunderkammer* with the track “Cyanometer.” The opener blends 80s‑style drum machines, soaring guitars, and atmospheric synths to create a sonic device that measures emotional “blueness.” Heffernan frames each song as an exhibit...
Carl Craig’s Ambient LP ‘Meditations’ Lands on Streaming Services
Detroit techno legend Carl Craig has made his ambient LP “Meditations” available on all major digital platforms, ending years of vinyl‑only access and giving fans both old and new a way to stream the seminal work. The release marks the...

Christina Vantzou ~ The Reintegration of the Ear
Christina Vantzou has released the ambient album “The Reintegration of the Ear,” accompanied by limited‑edition stainless‑steel votive ears crafted in Greece. The work features an ensemble of voice, flutes, synthesizers, double bass and cello, emphasizing slow, embodied listening to micro‑sound...
Stagecoach Livestream Dates: Catch Post Malone & More
Stagecoach Livestream Schedule: When and Where to Catch Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Post Malone and Other Festival Stars Online https://t.co/fBsnxUyiIF via @variety
Watch Full Chat with Niall Official on YouTube
this moment with @NiallOfficial 😂 full chat is out now on YouTube x https://t.co/9jZfQ9qEQd https://t.co/IdBPpwstFR

Angelo De Augustine – “Pet Cemetery”
Angelo De Augustine returns with his fifth studio album, *Angel in Plainclothes*, after a multi‑year recovery from an undiagnosed illness. The record delves into life’s fragility, second chances, and personal renewal, anchored by his signature vocal timbre and weighty compositions....

Little Image – “THE REAPER”
Dallas-based indie rock group little image released their second album KILL THE GHOST last month. The track “THE REAPER” stands out for its blend of piano‑driven orchestration and raw vocal delivery, exploring grief, forgiveness and resilience. Drummer Troy Bruner says...

Our Favorite Songs of the Week (Playlist)
BrooklynVegan launched its latest weekly playlist, aggregating more than 30 newly released tracks from a mix of indie, rock, and pop artists. The collection spans emerging acts like Mary in the Junkyard and Sundayclub, as well as veteran names such...

Behemoth’s ‘The Godless IV’ Tour Held a Dark Ceremony at Portland’s Roseland Theater and Basically Opened a Portal to Hell
Polish black‑metal titans Behemoth headlined their ‘The Godless IV’ tour at Portland’s Roseland Theater on April 18, 2026, delivering a sold‑out, ritual‑like performance. The night featured death‑metal stalwarts Immolation, Greek outfit Rotting Christ, and iconic Deicide as opening acts. Behemoth’s set mixed classic anthems...
Francis of Delirium Shares Video for New Song “Requiem for a Dying Day” And Announces Tour Dates
Luxembourg‑based artist Francis of Delirium (Jana Bahrich) unveiled a self‑directed stop‑motion video for the new single “Requiem for a Dying Day,” a track from her forthcoming album *Run, Run Pure Beauty* slated for release on May 29 via Dalliance Recordings. The...

MARC LOPES Explains His 'Anger' Over METAL CHURCH Exit: 'None Of My Phone Calls Or E-Mails Were Ever Answered'
Former Metal Church frontman Marc Lopes publicly aired his frustration over being cut out of the band after the 2023 album “Congregation Of Annihilation.” Lopes says he held a 20% ownership stake and was denied any conversation about the band’s...

Jack Harlow Reflects on Drake’s Influence: “Cool To See A Rapper Really Be A Rapper”
Jack Harlow openly credits Drake as a major influence, noting the legendary rapper’s blend of rap and melody shaped his own artistic direction. He sampled Drake on the track “Lovin On Me” and highlighted Drake’s minimalist, spacious production style during...
Jesse Malin Confirms Final Extension of ‘Silver Manhattan’ Run, New Music Video “Hollywood Forever Cemetery”
Jesse Malin announced that his autobiographical stage show Silver Manhattan will play its final dates through May 10 at New York’s Bowery Palace. He also released a new single, “Hollywood Forever,” accompanied by a video directed by Marti Wilkerson that honors his...

Drake’s ICEMAN ‘Ice’ Installation Turns Into Viral Hunt and High-Priced Resale Phenomenon
Drake’s ICEMAN campaign turned a massive ice installation in Toronto into a viral scavenger hunt, culminating in the reveal of his album’s May 15 release date. Fans chipped away at the sculpture, uncovering a cryptic “202426 will be my year” message...

More Best Song Not The Single-SiriusXM This Week
The Lefsetz Letter announced a live SiriusXM Faction Talk segment titled “More Best Song Not The Single” scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 4 PM Eastern (1 PM Pacific). The hour‑long show invites listeners to call in and discuss albums where the...
Naomi Scott Launches Debut Album “F.I.G.G.”, Announces World Tour
Actress Naomi Scott reintroduces herself as a recording artist with the release of her debut album “F.I.G.G.”. The album drops on June 14, 2026, and is supported by a 15‑city world tour beginning in London on July 5. The move underscores...
Jackie Jackson Refutes Claims Dad Joe Forced Siblings Into Music
Jackie Jackson told PEOPLE that his late father, Joe Jackson, never forced the siblings into a music career; they wanted to be entertainers. The clarification comes as the Michael Jackson biopic draws renewed scrutiny of the family's early dynamics.