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.
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 mainstream production, yet Jennings’ raspy vocal delivery limits its appeal to traditional country radio. Despite his connection to the Jennings legacy and the high‑profile partnership, the album has struggled to gain traction, earning a modest 5/10 rating from critics.
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...
Odd Marshall – Seconds
Odd Marshall’s second album, *Seconds*, dropped last month, featuring Blind Melon guitarists Christopher Thorn and Rogers Stevens. The record leans heavily into rock‑and‑roll, with tracks like “Run” and “Way Out” delivering heavy riffs and socially‑charged lyrics. Marshall, a filmmaker and novelist turned musician,...
David Byrne Teaches FKA Twigs His Signature Moves in Coachella’s New ‘Artist on Artist’ Series
Coachella launched a new YouTube series called Artist on Artist, pairing musicians for in‑depth conversations and creative exchanges. The debut episode features DJs Armin van Buuren and Adam Beyer discussing post‑COVID EDM trends. Next week, the series will showcase FKA Twigs...
PLTFRM: David Armada
London‑born rapper David Armada has evolved from a 2017 bedroom producer to a rising voice in UK rap, gaining traction after his 2020 collaboration "Hash Brown" with Deema. His 2024 project southerngothic showcased a hybrid of digital playfulness and modern...
Arborist Maps Belfast’s Late-Evening Ghost Town on New Single “Looking 4 Love”
Belfast‑based songwriter Mark McCambridge, under the moniker Arborist, has dropped the new single “Looking 4 Love,” the lead track from his forthcoming fourth album of the same name. The accompanying video, filmed in a Belfast Holiday Inn without AI or green‑screen, captures the...
Surusinghe Details New EP ‘Cutting Thread’
London‑born producer Surusinghe is releasing a new EP titled “Cutting Thread” on the dh2 imprint, a club‑focused offshoot of Dirty Hit founded by The 1975’s George Daniel. The six‑track collection arrives this summer and revisits the gritty, system‑driven sound that...
Jazz Trumpeter Dave Douglas Discusses His Latest Music
Jazz trumpeter Dave Douglas is set to release his new album *Transcend* on April 24, expanding his core quartet into a quintet with cellist Tomeka Reid. The record revisits Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert repertoire, adding original pieces inspired by visual...
NEQUIENT Streams Brutal New Album Avarice
Chicago grindcore outfit Nequient is set to drop its third full‑length album, Avarice, on Friday, April 24 through Nefarious Industries. The record channels frustration with corporate greed and algorithmic culture, delivering relentless riffs and aggressive drumming. Produced by Sanford Parker...
Lady Twostar’s The Great Planes: Living Up To The Hype
Lady Twostar exploded onto the scene when a mid‑2025 TikTok of their debut single “Fortunes Found” amassed nearly half‑a‑million views. A year later the band released their first EP, “The Great Planes,” which mixes grunge‑laden riffs, 70s‑rock aggression, and acoustic...
BandPitch Platform Aims to Streamline Artist Discovery
VIP Booking, a Danish live‑music services firm, launched BandPitch, a new artist‑discovery platform that taps its global network of over 22,000 verified agents, managers and bookers. The site lets musicians create detailed pitch profiles and matches them with relevant industry...
Hurray For the Riff Raff Are at a Vibrant, Outspoken Peak
Indie rock collective Hurray for the Riff Raff released the live album *Live Forever*, recorded over two sold‑out nights at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. The double‑disc set presents the entire 2024 studio album *The Past Is Still...
Seven American Orchestras Will Serenade Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie
The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg has unveiled its tenth‑anniversary season, featuring seven premier American orchestras. Highlights include the Cleveland Orchestra with Golda Schultz, the New York Philharmonic’s debut under Gustavo Dudamel, and the Boston Symphony’s Beethoven‑Stravinsky dialogue. Composer Missy Mazzoli will...
Public Opinion Announce New Album ‘The Curse Of Public Opinion’
British punk outfit Public Opinion announced their next full‑length, “The Curse Of Public Opinion,” slated for an August 7, 2026 release on SideOneDummy. The record runs a tight 23 minutes across ten tracks, promising a fast‑paced, furious listening experience. Lead vocalist Kevin...
The Moss Choose Their Own Path on ‘Big Blue Moon’
The Moss release their third full‑length album *Big Blue Moon*, a nine‑track record that shifts from their nomadic, surf‑rock/emo blend to a more grounded, self‑reliant sound. Frontman Tyke James, known for a restless lifestyle, anchors the record with lyrical themes of autonomy...
Smerz Announce New EP ‘Easy’
Norwegian electronic duo Smerz will drop their follow‑up EP “Easy” on May 15, 2024, after the critical success of their debut album “Big City Life”. The new record is described as more diaristic and open‑ended, originating from a song written...
Does Stephen Emmer Share George Harrison’s DNA?
Dutch composer Stephen Emmer releases *Asymmetrical Dot*, a 14‑track ambient instrumental album that weaves Indonesian percussion, Germanic piano, and global vocal textures. The work draws a thematic line to George Harrison’s 1979 self‑titled record and his 1968 *Wonderwall Music* soundtrack,...
Alan Osmond, Who Led His Brothers in Song, Dies at 76
Alan Osmond, the eldest Osmond brother and original leader of the 1970s pop group, died at 76 in Salt Lake City. His brother Merrill announced the death on Facebook; cause was complications of multiple sclerosis, according to collaborator Debbie Ihler...
Dublin Risers Cable Boy Share New Album ‘Forever’
Dublin‑based indie outfit Cable Boy has released their sophomore album “Forever,” a self‑described “time‑capsule” of the band’s evolving sound. The five‑member lineup—original school friends Semilore Olusa and Liam Murray plus Corneille Tshibasu, Jason Aikhionbare and Fionn McLoughlin—melds shoegaze, indie, electronics...
Newly-Launched Ivors Composers Awards Will Honor Video Game Composers
The Ivors Academy announced the inaugural Ivors Composers Awards, set for November 17, 2026 in London. The ceremony will honor composers across film, television, video games and streaming music, expanding the historic Ivor Novello brand. Entries open June 1, 2026 and are limited to...
Lainey Wilson Has a First Planned for Stagecoach - and It’s Big!
Country star Lainey Wilson will headline the 2026 Stagecoach Festival with her biggest show yet, featuring pyrotechnics and surprise guest appearances. The performance is slated for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 9:30 PM PDT on the Mane Stage, where she expects around 100,000...
Pan•American – Fly the Ocean in a Silver Plane
Chicago‑based composer Mark Nelson, performing as Pan•American, has issued his latest solo album “Fly The Ocean In A Silver Plane” on the Kranky label. The record unfolds as a series of cinematic soundscapes that evoke air travel, memory, and personal...
Romanticize the Dive
Canadian indie‑rock stalwarts Metric have released their tenth studio album, Romanticize the Dive, reuniting with longtime producer Gavin Brown. The record opens with “Victim of Luck,” a reflective track that sets a tone of artistic self‑examination, while later songs blend...