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.
The 1975 Wanted to Write This Album ‘From the Gutter,’ but They Changed Their Mind—Here’s Why
The 1975’s sophomore album *I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It* was originally envisioned by frontman Matty Healy as a gritty, “from the gutter” record. Healy admitted he flirted with a hard‑drug relapse to achieve that rawness but ultimately rejected self‑destruction, opting for broader, universe‑inspired creativity. The decision produced a grandiose, genre‑blending album that spawned seven singles, earned a Grammy nomination for its packaging, and secured a British Album of the Year nod. The record marked a pivotal artistic shift for the band.
3 Indie Rock Beefs: Who Would Win in a Fist Fight?
The Vice piece spotlights three notable indie‑rock confrontations: Pavement’s 2010 live‑stream blackout tied to guitarist Scott Kannberg’s feud with Pitchfork, Pearl Jam’s historic 1994 lawsuit against Ticketmaster that resurfaced with a 2026 antitrust verdict, and Billy Corgan’s outrage over Pavement’s “Range Life” lyric...
Felipe Prado, Emma Berggren, Carlos Oliva to Headline Guild Opera Company’s ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’
Guild Opera Company will present two free performances of Verdi’s “Un ballo in maschera” on April 24 and 25 at River of the Valley in Canoga Park, California. The production is directed by Gabriel Reoyo Pazos with musical direction by Helen Wu,...
Why the Rolling Stones' 'Black and Blue' Divided Fans
In April 1976 the Rolling Stones released *Black and Blue*, an album that marked a stark stylistic shift toward funk, soul, and reggae after a string of classic rock records. The record arrived amid internal turmoil, including Mick Taylor’s departure...
Watch Holly Humberstone Cover Harry Styles At BBC ‘Live Lounge’
Holly Humberstone appeared on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, delivering a piano‑driven cover of Harry Styles’ “Coming Up Roses” and an intimate rendition of the title track from her freshly released sophomore album, Cruel World. The album dropped on April 10, 2026, and features 12 songs co‑written with...
Fanbase API: “Artists Aren't Just Musicians, They're World-Builders”
Openstage has launched Fanbase API, a toolkit that lets artists build custom fan experiences on their own domains, retaining full control over design, data, and monetization. The API already powers Yungblud’s YBHQ community and Gorillaz’s Kong Studios virtual world. By...
Ringo Starr – Long Long Road
Ringo Starr, the former Beatles drummer, has issued his 22nd solo record, “Long Long Road,” continuing his deep dive into Americana. The album reunites longtime collaborators guitarist Billy Strings, bluegrass vocalist Molly Tuttle, and veteran producer T Bone Burnett, delivering jangly country‑and‑western arrangements. Lyrically, the project...
QUICKSAND Announces First New Album In Five Years, Streams Two New Songs
Quicksand announced their first album in five years, *Bring On The Psychics*, slated for July 17 on Equal Vision Records. The release marks the trio’s debut with the label and follows a series of reunion shows and EPs. Two new tracks,...
Justin Vernon Covering Bob Dylan at Eaux Claires 2026: “I’m Trying to Turn Bon Into Bob”
Eaux Claires, the Wisconsin festival co‑founded by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner, is returning in July 2026 after an eight‑year break. The lineup features a unique act called “Bon Dylan,” where Vernon will perform as Bob Dylan circa...
CoSign: Friko’s Something Worth Waiting For Is Worth Every Mile
Chicago indie rock outfit Friko returns with its sophomore album Something Worth Waiting For, building on the buzz generated by 2024 debut Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here. The record showcases a fuller band—guitarist Korgan Robb and bassist...
ALBUM REVIEW: Rachel Brooke ‘This One’s For You’ Is Classic Country with Modern Flare
Michigan songwriter Rachel Brooke releases her latest album, “This One’s For You,” delivering classic country songwriting infused with contemporary production. The record features a yodel‑driven title track that lampoons the music‑industry grind and dismisses artificial intelligence as a threat to...
‘Leaving Neverland’ Director Says ‘Michael’ Moviegoers Turn ‘Deaf Ear’ to Molestation Allegations
Documentary filmmaker Dan Reed slammed the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic for omitting the singer’s child‑molestation accusations, calling audiences a "deaf ear." He highlighted that a settlement with the Jackson estate bars the film from addressing the allegations, while director Antoine Fuqua...
“You Can’t Beat Vince Gill” But Luke Combs Came Awfully Close With This Cover of Gill’s Infectiously Catchy 1992 Hit
Country star Luke Combs delivered a heartfelt rendition of Vince Gill’s 1992 chart‑topping hit “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” first sharing the cover from his couch and later joining Gill onstage at CMA Fest 2023. Gill’s original reached...
Alt‑Country’s 2020s Revival: Essay and 50‑Track Road‑Trip Playlist
Hey, I wrote a big essay about alt-country in the 2020s, writing about dozens of bands/artists in the process. Also compiled a soundtrack playlist with 50 twangy favorites (or 3 1/2 hours of music, perfect for a spring break road...
White Fence
Tim Presley, performing as White Fence, releases his first album since 2019, titled Orange. The record is produced by longtime collaborator Ty Segall, who also shares drum duties with Dylan Hadley, while newcomer Alice Sandahl adds keyboards. Orange blends psych‑pop,...
Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter Confirms New Album ‘MIRAGE’
Thomas Bangalter, former Daft Punk member, will release his first solo album “MIRAGE” on June 5. The record doubles as the score for a new ballet of the same name, created with choreographer Damien Jalet and artist Kōhei Nawa. Influenced by avant‑garde...
Michael Jackson’s Nephews Defend ‘Michael’ Biopic Before It’s Even Out
The Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," starring Jaafar Jackson—Michael’s nephew—opens this Friday amid a wave of family support and critical backlash. Nephews TJ and Taj Jackson took to social media to defend the film, arguing that audiences should decide the singer’s...
SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM Announce U.S. Tour & Vinyl Reissues
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, the avant‑prog‑metal collective that reunited in 2024, announced a 25th‑anniversary U.S. tour and a long‑awaited vinyl box set of their first three albums. The tour launches on May 21 in Los Angeles and runs through August 1,...
The Afghan Whigs Share New Single “Duvateen”; Tour with Mercury Rev Starts This Weekend
The Afghan Whigs have dropped their second new song of 2024, "Duvateen," a widescreen rock track that showcases Greg Dulli’s soulful vocals. The release precedes a 24‑date North American tour co‑headlined with Mercury Rev, kicking off in Woodstock, NY on...
Olivia Dean Covers Curtis Mayfield’s ‘Move On Up’ At Tour Opener In Glasgow
British singer‑songwriter Olivia Dean kicked off The Art Of Loving Live Tour at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, inserting a surprise cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up.” The setlist featured nearly every track from her Grammy‑winning 2025 album, selections from her...
3 Years Ago, We Said an Unexpected Goodbye to the Beloved Country Music Giant Behind Your Favorite George Jones and...
On April 23, 2023, acclaimed Nashville songwriter‑musician Keith Gattis died in a tractor accident at age 52. Gattis, who penned hits for George Strait, Kenny Chesney and others, also served as lead guitarist for Dwight Yoakam and founded Pioneertown Recording. His modest solo...
Album Review – Struggle Jennings – “Last Name”
Struggle Jennings released his new album “Last Name” on April 23, 2026, signaling a shift from his country‑rap roots toward a faith‑focused contemporary country sound. The record leans heavily on collaborations with Grammy‑winning Jelly Roll and blends redemption‑themed lyrics with...
UNDEATH Signs To Relapse Records, Teases "Fastest And Darkest" Album Yet
Rochester death‑metal outfit Undeath has officially signed with Relapse Records, a label renowned for its heavyweight metal roster. The band is finalizing its fourth studio album, produced by Colin Marston, which they describe as their fastest, darkest record yet. To support...
DAVE GROHL On His Daughter VIOLET's Music Career: 'I Didn't Wanna Be A Stage Dad'
Dave Grohl told SiriusXM’s Lithium and Radio X that he played a purely supportive role in his daughter Violet’s music career, providing only encouragement and a notebook. Violet began writing songs at 13, taught herself multiple instruments, and partnered with...
A Visit With Michael Jackson in 1977: ‘There’s Threats Against My Life’
In a 1977 Boston Phoenix profile, a 19‑year‑old Michael Jackson described living under constant guard and "threats against my life" while filming *The Wiz* in New York. The piece captures his transition from teen Motown star to a young adult...
Michael Tilson Thomas, L.A.-born Maestro Who Led San Francicso Symphony, Dies at 81
Grammy‑winning conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, famed for his dynamic leadership of major orchestras, died at 81 in San Francisco from glioblastoma. His 25‑year tenure as music director of the San Francisco Symphony elevated the ensemble’s international stature and introduced innovative...
Across the Terrain of the Mind: Alex Zhang Hungtai Announces Double Album Orion/Mother
Alex Zhang Hungtai announced a double album, Orion/Mother, slated for release on June 19 through the American Dreams label. The project fuses home recordings made with New York improvisers and new trumpet improvisations, employing a Butch Morris‑style conduction approach. Two preview tracks,...
Blu & Exile - Time Heals Everything
Blu & Exile’s new album *Time Heals Everything* arrives as a competent addition to their West Coast catalog, offering smooth production and solid verses but no major artistic leap. The record follows a prolific 2024 for Blu, who released multiple...
No Expectations 143: Something Worth Waiting For
The No Expectations newsletter returns with its Taste Profile interview series, featuring Chicago indie rock band Friko’s frontman Niko Kapetan. Friko’s new album “Something Worth Waiting For,” recorded with producer John Congleton and released on ATO Records, is highlighted as...
Guitar Solo Ghosts: A 2020s Alt-Country Survey
The 2020s alt‑country scene has surged, with British bands like Brown Horse, Fazed On A Pony, and Westside Cowboy embracing a twangy, all‑American indie rock aesthetic. Brown Horse’s third album, Total Dive, deepens their Crazy Horse‑style guitars and stormier tempos, confirming...
Gov’t Mule & Larkin Poe Honor Dave Mason In Nashville
Gov't Mule closed their Nashville tour with a joint performance alongside Larkin Poe at The Pinnacle, delivering a 10‑minute rendition of Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright?” as a tribute to late co‑founder Dave Mason. Mason, who died at 79 on April 19,...
ALBUM REVIEW: Terry Allen Brings a Family Full of Blood Sucking Maniacs on Latest Album
Terry Allen, the legendary Texas songwriter and visual artist, releases his first family‑band record, *Blood Sucking Maniacs*. The album weaves five generations—from great‑grandson Lucky’s prenatal heartbeat to late mother Pauline’s 1970s piano—into a 20‑track tapestry of reimagined classics, spoken‑word interludes,...
The Art of the Libretto: A Conversation with Nilo Cruz
Metropolitan Opera will debut *El último sueño de Frida y Diego* on May 14, a new opera that imagines Frida Kahlo returning from the underworld to meet Diego Rivera on the Day of the Dead. The libretto, written by Pulitzer‑winning...
Inside Baz Halpin’s Spectacular Visions for Taylor Swift, No Doubt, and More
Irish producer Baz Halpin, CEO of Silent House Group, is designing No Doubt’s immersive residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, opening May 6, 2024. Known for high‑profile visual work on Taylor Swift’s Red and Eras tours, the Eagles, Backstreet Boys, and Super Bowl halftime...
These Are Spotify’s Most Streamed Artists, Songs and Albums of All Time
Spotify marked its 20th anniversary by publishing its all‑time most streamed artists, albums and songs. Taylor Swift tops the artist list, Bad Bunny’s 2022 release ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ leads the album chart, and The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ remains the most streamed track. The...
The Amity Affliction, ‘House Of Cards’ | The Album Story
Australian metalcore veterans The Amity Affliction released their ninth album, “House Of Cards,” amid personal loss and a near‑breakup. Frontman Joel Birch’s mother died in 2024 and founding vocalist Ahren Stringer left in 2025, prompting the band to confront grief...
Retracing Belgian New Beat’s Accidental Explosion
Belgian new beat emerged in the mid‑1980s when DJs accidentally slowed records by pitching them up, creating a hypnotic, slowed‑down sound that ignited clubs across Belgium. Pioneers like Dikke Ronny and Marc Grouls sparked the trend at venues such as...
MARIUSZ DUDA Quits RIVERSIDE Citing Internal Tensions, Doesn't See The Band Continuing Without Him
Founding bassist and vocalist Mariusz Duda announced his exit from Polish progressive‑rock band Riverside after a 25‑year tenure, citing internal tensions that stifled his creative drive. In his statement, Duda said the band’s current atmosphere forced a false, smiling image...
Taylor Swift Is Most-Streamed Artist Of All Time, Says Spotify; Bad Bunny, Drake Also Make Grade
Spotify marked its 20th anniversary by publishing its first ever all‑time most‑streamed rankings across music, podcasts and audiobooks. Taylor Swift emerged as the platform’s most‑streamed artist, while Bad Bunny’s 2022 album *Un Verano Sin Ti* claimed the top album spot and The Weeknd’s...
Keith Urban Teases New Music: 'Something Extra Smooth'
Country star Keith Urban posted a beach‑side video on April 22, hinting at a new release slated for April 29. He described the upcoming work as "something extra smooth" and linked it to a yacht‑rock concept, featuring mostly cover songs with a...
Keith Urban Teases New Music: 'Something Extra Smooth'
Country star Keith Urban posted a beach‑side video on April 22, hinting at new music with the tagline “something extra smooth.” He announced a launch date of April 29, 2026, and described the project as a yacht‑rock album featuring mostly cover songs...
Office Dog Deliver Another Hit
New Zealand indie rock outfit Office Dog has released a new single, “Gold Things,” showcasing a heavier, sludgier sound than previous releases. The track features louder drums, gritty bass lines, and distorted guitars, signaling a shift toward a more aggressive...
Justin Bieber More Than Doubles His Hits On One Billboard Chart
Justin Bieber dominated Billboard’s Top Streaming Albums chart this week, occupying four spots after his Coachella headline set. His surprise 2025 album *Swag* vaulted from #50 to #5, while three older projects—*Purpose*, *Believe* and *My World 2.0*—debuted at numbers 30, 31...
Prince Estate Drops Long‑Sought ‘With This Tear’ on 10‑Year Death Anniversary
Prince’s estate issued the vault recording ‘With This Tear’ on April 21, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the legend’s death. The piano‑driven ballad, written for Céline Dion in 1992, was remastered by Grammy‑winning engineer Chris James and released through...
New Tune From Beck Zegans
Beck Zegans released his new single “Engraving of Armor” on May 22 through Exploding in Sound Records. Critics highlight the track’s balanced melody, nuanced vocal shifts, and polished indie‑scene craftsmanship. The song demonstrates Zegans’ growing command of songwriting and production techniques....
No Peeling – “Mascot Fight”
No Peeling is set to release its second EP, “Mascot Fight,” on May 1 through indie label Feel It Records. The record continues the band’s aggressive blend of No Wave, post‑punk, and synth‑driven textures, building on the high‑energy momentum of their...
Music as a Mirror: Kurt Cobain & Nirvana ‘Unplugged’
The piece reflects on the 1993 MTV Unplugged performance by Nirvana, describing how Kurt Cobain’s raw, acoustic set left a lasting imprint on a 21‑year‑old viewer and, a decade later, on her child. It weaves personal memories with cultural observations,...
SLAYER Adds Second Reign In Blood Celebration Show In Los Angeles
Slayer announced a second Los Angeles concert at the Kia Forum for September 14, adding to the two‑night celebration of the 40th anniversary of their 1986 classic, Reign In Blood. The band will perform the entire album live, mirroring the...
Blue Lab Beats Share Double-Single ‘Slow Heart’, ‘Fire Up’
UK production duo Blue Lab Beats has dropped a double‑single comprising “Slow Heart” and “Fire Up,” signaling progress toward an upcoming album. “Slow Heart” showcases a moody horn‑driven arrangement with Chicago vocalist Jamila Woods, while “Fire Up” delivers an upbeat,...
Products Band Share Winner
Products Band, a pop‑rock outfit from Minneapolis, dropped a new single today that critics describe as a tension‑filled guitar‑driven track. The song’s tight riffs and vocal bursts create a winding energy that sets it apart. Simultaneously, the group launched a...