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.
Album Review – The Red Clay Strays – “Grateful”
The Red Clay Strays released their new album *Grateful*, earning an 8.1/10 rating and solidifying their reputation as genre‑defying Americana leaders. The record weaves gospel, Southern rock, Sun‑era rock ’n’ roll, and classic roots music, reflecting the band’s refusal to be labeled strictly country. Their recent CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year wins underscore a rare industry endorsement for an act that thrives without mainstream radio support. Produced by Dave Cobb, the album showcases textured arrangements that appeal to both traditional fans and younger listeners drawn in by viral TikTok moments.
On This Day 7 Years Ago, Future Released One of His Darkest, Most Underrated Projects To Date
Future’s seven‑year‑old EP *SAVE ME* resurfaced as a dark, introspective entry in his catalog, highlighting themes of grief, drug use, and emotional isolation. The project’s fragile vocal delivery and blues‑infused production set it apart from his more commercial releases like...
My Top 30 Songs for June 7-13, 2026
Death Cab for Cutie’s single “Riptides” jumps to #1 on the weekly Top 30, propelling their newly released album *I Built You a Tower* into the streaming spotlight. Five new tracks entered the chart, including debut entries from Ships Have Sailed, Beck,...
Madonna Unveils 'Confessions II' Album via Tribeca Short Film Premiere
Madonna launched her forthcoming album Confessions II with a 13‑minute short film at the Tribeca Film Festival, featuring 16 celebrity cameos and samples of new tracks. The visual debuted on a Friday night, weeks before the album’s July 3 release, and was...
Busan Hotels See Booking Surge as BTS Concert Draws Foreign Fans
Busan’s top hotels reported a dramatic spike in foreign bookings ahead of BTS’s June 12‑13 concerts, with Hanwha’s Matie Osiria seeing foreigners occupy 42% of its rooms and Paradise Hotel reporting over 90% occupancy. The surge pushed June’s overall foreign‑tourist...
Watch: KITTIE Kicks Off First Full North American Headlining Tour In Over 10 Years, Enlists Stand-In Bassist RACHEL GONZALES
Canadian metal pioneers KITTIE kicked off their first full North American headlining tour in over a decade on June 6, 2026, with a 16‑date "Legacy Of Fire Tour: 30 Years Of Kittie" celebrating three decades since their 1996 formation. Bassist Ivana...
Ariana Grande Embraces Every Version of Herself on Eternal Sunshine Tour: 5 Best Moments
Ariana Grande kicked off her Eternal Sunshine Tour on June 6 in Oakland, drawing nearly 20,000 fans for her first live shows since the 2019 Sweetener World Tour, which grossed $146 million. The new tour is deliberately scaled back to 41 dates,...
Holly Humberstone Re-Imagines Second Album Cruel World With Four Track EP
British singer‑songwriter Holly Humberstone has issued a four‑track EP that reimagines selections from her Interscope‑released second album, Cruel World. The EP presents fresh arrangements of “White Noise,” “Red Chevy,” “Cruel World” and “To Love Somebody.” Concurrently, she announced a North...
Best Australian and New Zealand Music of the Week: BOY SODA, WHO SHOT SCOTT, Inertia and More
Rolling Stone has combined its Australian and New Zealand weekly music round‑ups into a single ANZ list, spotlighting the most compelling releases from June 1‑7. The roundup features a diverse slate—from BOY SODA’s R&B‑infused single “Elements” with producer MXXWLL to The Avalanches’ Jamie xx...
Ariana Grande's Oakland Opening Night Setlist Revealed
Ariana Grande Setlist: Every Song Played at ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Tour’s Opening Night in Oakland https://t.co/n5exeMn0HF via @variety
Laura Marling Drops Surprise Children’s Album “Laura Sings Raffi”
Laura Marling surprised fans on Friday, June 5, by releasing “Laura Sings Raffi,” a 17‑song children’s album that reinterprets Raffi’s beloved tunes. The record arrives as her first new material since the 2024 album “Patterns In Repeat,” and signals a growing...
David Vélez ~ The River Calder
Composer David Vélez has issued a physical release titled “The River Calder,” accompanied by Lina Velandia’s line‑drawn illustrations. The 70‑minute sound work derives from two months of field recordings that have already been presented in three international installations. It weaves...
Boards of Canada :: Inferno
Scottish electronic duo Boards of Canada broke a decade‑plus silence with their new album Inferno, a release that feels more like a philosophical sci‑fi narrative than a club‑floor record. The record leans into ambient textures, field recordings, and fragmented melodies,...
Olivia Rodrigo Debuts New Song with Robert Smith During Surprise Set at Primavera Sound
Olivia Rodrigo surprised Primavera Sound attendees with a pop‑rock popup set that introduced her first-ever collaboration, a new song with The Cure frontman Robert Smith titled “what’s wrong with me.” The track appears on her forthcoming album you seem pretty...
Duffy Announces First Live Show in 15 Years After Kidnapping Ordeal
Welsh singer Duffy announced her first live performance in 15 years, set for July 5 at a secret intimate London venue. Fans can apply for a limited‑capacity spot via a free ballot, with winners notified on June 15. The show will feature...
Keith Urban Brings Out Michael McDonald to Perform “We Go Back” At CMA Fest
Keith Urban surprised CMA Fest attendees by bringing Michael McDonald onstage to perform their new duet “We Go Back.” The song appears on Urban’s upcoming yacht‑rock album *Flow State*, slated for release on June 12. Urban highlighted the album’s collaborative spirit, noting...
Matt Corby Unveils "Tragic Magic" Album and Returns to Live TV After 19 Years
Matt Corby announced his forthcoming album "Tragic Magic" and confirmed a live performance on ABC's New Year's Eve broadcast, his first TV appearance since 2007. The move marks a personal breakthrough and a fresh creative chapter for the multi‑ARIA‑winning artist.
Vince Staples Trashes His Old Label for Trying To Keep Him Boxed Into ‘Straight Hip-Hop’
Vince Staples publicly criticized his former label for forcing him to produce a conventional hip‑hop record, prompting him to release his politically charged, punk‑infused album "Cry Baby" independently. The Long Beach rapper explained he avoided press tours because he was tired of...
Trump‑revived 2008 Slogan Powers The Arrivals’ Comeback Album
A phrase Isaac Thotz wrote after the 2008 RNC, then watched get resurrected by Trump, anchors The Arrivals' first new album in 15 years. The Chicago punk veterans return with "Drill Baby Drill" off 'Payload.'https://t.co/PjvtIvnPQn
Doja Cat and Massive Attack Say They’re “Absolutely Crushed” By Primavera Sound Cancellation
Doja Cat and Massive Attack publicly lamented the abrupt cancellation of their Primavera Sound headlining performances on June 4 after severe wind and rain made the Barcelona venue unsafe. Their statements highlight the tension between artist‑fan expectations and the logistical realities of...
Madonna Hopes ‘Confessions II’ Visualizer Makes Fans “Put Your F*cking Phones Down And Connect”
Madonna debuted the visualizer for her upcoming album *Confessions II* at the Tribeca Film Festival, ahead of the album’s July 3 release. The 13‑minute short, directed by David Toro and Solomon Chase, features the first six tracks and a star‑studded cameo lineup. To reinforce...
Former OZZY OSBOURNE Guitarist JOE HOLMES Releases New, Self-Titled Solo Album Featuring ROBERT TRUJILLO And MIKE BORDIN
Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Joe Holmes has issued a self‑titled solo album that reunites his past bandmates—Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo and Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin. The record features vocalist Robert Locke and was co‑produced with longtime collaborator Rich Mouser, who recorded it at his...
Hard-Fi Release Latin Inspired Single Digo Nada
British indie rock band Hard‑Fi returns with their first studio album in 15 years, “Sweating Someone Else’s Fever,” slated for June 19 release on V2 Records. The lead single, “Digo Nada,” marks a surprising Latin turn, incorporating Cumbia rhythms and a...
Taylor Swift Drops Animated ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ Video Tied to Toy Story 5
Taylor Swift released the animated music video for her Toy Story 5 single “I Knew It, I Knew You” on June 5, streaming exclusively on Spotify and Apple Music. The clip stitches classic Toy Story scenes with a Jessie‑centric narrative, underscoring a high‑profile music‑film...
JOHN BUSH Hopes To Play European Shows Celebrating His Era Of ANTHRAX, Confirms Plans For Second CATEGORY 7 Album
Veteran metal vocalist John Bush recently wrapped a three‑city U.S. tour where he performed Anthrax songs from his 1992‑2005 tenure, backed by his current band Category 7. The shows featured a dual‑set format, with Category 7 opening before joining Bush for the...
Madonna Launches Club‑Ready Single “Love Sensation” With Times Square Debut
Madonna introduced her pounding house track “Love Sensation” during an impromptu Times Square performance that drew roughly 50,000 onlookers and was streamed live on Grindr. The debut kicks off promotion for her upcoming album Confessions II, slated for July 3, and underscores...
Rob49 Teams Up With Skillibeng for New Summer Anthem “Bad B*tch”
New Orleans rapper Rob49 has dropped the summer‑ready single “Bad B*tch,” featuring Jamaican dancehall star Skillibeng. The track is released through Geffen and Interscope Records after a series of teaser clips sparked online buzz. It merges Rob49’s gritty Southern flow...
Emo Grae’s ‘Grae’s Anatomy’ Is A Mosaic Of Varying Emotions
Nigerian producer‑artist Pheelz unveiled his emotionally charged EP “A Rii Set,” emphasizing live performance and spiritual themes. Meanwhile, Lagos‑based singer Rigo Kamp announced a six‑month live music residency beginning June 6, 2026, to showcase emerging talent. In a cross‑genre protest effort, Afrobeat veteran Seun Kuti...
Taylor Swift, Madonna: 9 Songs We’re Talking About This Week
This week’s music roundup highlights fresh releases from pop icons and 1990s indie stalwarts alike. Taylor Swift contributes a folk‑rock‑tinged song to the upcoming Toy Story 5 soundtrack, while Madonna returns with a dance‑floor sequel produced by Stuart Price. Simultaneously, Death Cab for Cutie,...
Converge Release Second Album Of 2026: Hum Of Hurt
Converge’s second full‑length album of 2026, “Hum of Hurt,” drops on Deathwish/Epitaph, following earlier this year’s “Love Is Not Enough.” The record leans toward emotional hardcore, offering raw vocals and dynamic structures distinct from its metal‑leaning predecessor. It includes a...
Strangeways Take Aim with ‘Sgt. Citizen’
UK indie outfit Strangeways has dropped their latest single “Sgt. Citizen,” continuing a two‑year climb that includes viral tracks like “The Ponds” and “Modern Art.” The band has earned praise from Clash Magazine, Wonderland and BBC Introducing while headlining venues...
Eternal Dream Machine Make Their Mark ‘Halle Doo-Wah’
San Diego‑based indie rock quartet Eternal Dream Machine has dropped their new single “Halle Doo‑Wah,” a three‑minute, genre‑bending track that fuses stoner, krautrock, and shoegaze elements. The song opens with thunderous drums from Albert Sanchez, followed by layered guitars, bass,...
Chelle – “TROUBLE”
Irish singer‑songwriter Chelle drops the single “TROUBLE,” a noir‑pop track that fuses mid‑century Motown soul grit with dark synth‑pop and reggae‑tinged rhythms. The production layers heavy bass, pulsing new‑wave synths, and lush guitars around her introspective vocals, which oscillate between...
Sarah Kirkland Snider’s ‘Hildegard’ Wins Music Critics Association of North America’s Best New Opera for 2026
Sarah Kirkland Snider’s two‑act chamber opera “Hildegard” won the Music Critics Association of North America’s 2026 Best New Opera award. The accolade, decided by a panel of leading critics, highlights works that excel musically and theatrically. “Hildegard,” commissioned by Beth...
LE SSERAFIM Sets K‑pop Record with Fifth Billboard 200 Top‑10 Album
South Korea’s LE SSERAFIM saw its second full‑length album ‘PUREFLOW pt.1’ debut at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, extending a streak that began with their debut studio album. The feat makes them the first fourth‑generation K‑pop girl group to post five consecutive...
Taylor Swift’s ‘Toy Story 5’ Song Gets Music Video With Footage Of Joan Cusack’s Jessie; Breaks Streaming Records
Taylor Swift released “I Knew It, I Knew You,” an original song for the upcoming *Toy Story 5*, accompanied by a music video featuring Joan Cusack’s Jessie. The video is exclusive to Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services, propelling the track to become the most‑streamed country song in a...
Baby Keem Reveals the Real Reason Why He Disappeared From Hip-Hop for 5 Years
Rising hip‑hop star Baby Keem vanished from the public eye for five years due to a serious health condition that left him unable to create music. He resurfaced in February 2026 with the personal album *CA$INO*, a departure from the...
Joe Budden Apologizes to Latto for Making It Seem Like She Doesn’t Write Her Own Raps: ‘I Wasn’t Tryna Play...
Joe Budden issued an on‑air apology to rapper Latto after his comments suggested she might not write her own verses, implying influence from Drake. The remark sparked backlash on social media, prompting Budden to clarify that he was not questioning...
Phoebe Bridgers’ Madison Square Garden Return Was Unforgettable
Phoebe Bridgers delivered a surprise concert at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, announced just four days earlier with $1 lottery tickets. The show marked the climax of a month‑long pop‑up tour that brought the 31‑year‑old singer back to the stage...
Hitsujibungaku Talk New Single ‘Dogs,’ Finding Cool Beyond Gender: Billboard Japan Women In Music Interview
Japanese rock duo Hitsujibungaku released the hard‑edged single “Dogs,” the theme for Netflix’s series *Sins of Kujo*. The track marks a rawer sound compared with their earlier polished material and coincides with a shift to denim‑based stage wear that reflects...
JESSE LEACH Says KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Will 'Probably' Work On New Music In Early 2027
Jesse Leach confirmed that four songs omitted from Killswitch Engage’s 2025 album “This Consequence” will surface as B‑sides and possibly on limited‑edition EPs. The band is exploring shorter releases—EPs, seven‑inch and ten‑inch vinyl—to keep fans engaged between full‑length records. Leach...
Syd Announces Third Solo Album ‘Beard’ and Drops New Single ‘Callin’
Former The Internet vocalist Syd announced her third solo LP, Beard, slated for July 17 on Free Lunch/Warner Records, and premiered the lead single “Callin” with Blu June. The project, billed as a coming‑of‑age record, signals a new artistic chapter...
Dylan Gossett Drops Love Single “Honeys
Dylan Gossett just released his new single "Honeysuckle," a love song to his wife written on the tour bus after his Stagecoach debut. The Austin native heads out with Mumford & Sons this weekend before tours with The Red Clay...
Jeff Goldbl
Jeff Goldblum just dropped 'Night Blooms' with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, a late-night set of standards featuring Cynthia Erivo, Charlie Puth, Melody Gardot, dodie and a surprise Ariana Grande turn. Golden-era Hollywood, reimagined after dark.https://t.co/nM9shg18Iz
90s Rock Singer Says Putting Out Albums Is a ‘Waste of Time’ These Days
Kevin Martin, frontman of 90s grunge band Candlebox, told the Pod Scum podcast that releasing full-length albums is now a waste of time. He argues that artists should drop three-song batches as soon as they’re ready, since record sales have...
Niall Horan Drops “Dinner Party” Album, Title Track Praised
Niall Horan's fourth solo album 'Dinner Party' is out now via Capitol Records, executive produced by Julian Bunetta and John Ryan. Critics are calling the title track a lost Crowded House gem. He hits Fallon June 10 and the TODAY...
Dea Matrona – Hate That I Care
Irish duo Dea Matrona have dropped their sophomore album “Hate That I Care,” a 12‑track collection written, recorded and produced on the road. The record channels 80s‑era rock and alternative sounds, drawing comparisons to The Cranberries and Fleetwood Mac while tackling...
This Is The Deep Share Playful New Song ‘Darkness And The Dawn’
British‑Brazilian‑Japanese collective This Is The Deep has unveiled its new single “Darkness and the Dawn,” released through indie label 5dB Records. The track serves as the opening piece for the band’s debut album *Everything*, slated for a September 9 launch. Produced...
Gracie Abrams’ “The Look at My Life Tour” Is Selling Out — Here’s How to Still Get Tickets
Gracie Abrams’ "The Look at My Life Tour" is a 64‑date global run supporting her third album, Daughter from Hell, kicking off Dec 2 2026 in Denver and concluding May 28 2027 in Barcelona. The tour features multi‑night stops in major U.S. markets and...
New Music Friday: Fivio Foreign, Loui Paso, and Jon Z Bridge Drill and Latin Trap on “Untouchable”
Brooklyn drill star Fivio Foreign, rising rapper Loui Paso, and Puerto Rican trap veteran Jon Z have dropped the single “Untouchable,” a high‑energy blend of drill bass and Latin trap cadence. The track debuted on New Music Friday and is already streaming worldwide,...