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.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Announces Summer/Fall 2026 Leg Of 'American Crusade' Tour With ZAKK SABBATH And DARK CHAPEL
Black Label Society announced the second leg of its “American Crusade” tour, kicking off in August 2026 and running through early October. The shows will feature Zakk Sabbath as the support act, with frontman Zakk Wylde handling both his band and the tribute project, while Dark Chapel opens each night. The tour promotes the band’s March‑released album “Engines Of Demolition,” their first record on MNRK Heavy. A limited Blabbermouth.net presale starts April 22, followed by general ticket sales on April 24.
From ‘Confessions II’ Reveal to Sabrina Carpenter Coachella Cameo, Madonna Is Back On the Dance Floor
Madonna announced the sequel to her 2005 dance classic, Confessions II, with a July 3, 2026 release date. She unveiled the album’s lead single, “I Feel So Free,” on Friday, marking the first full taste of the project. The pop icon then...

Wayne Moss – Guitarist on “Pretty Woman” And “Jolene” – Has Died
Wayne Moss, the legendary Nashville session guitarist who contributed iconic riffs to songs by Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and many others, died on April 20 at age 88. Starting in 1959, he became a go‑to musician for country and rock artists, earning credits...
Chester Watson’s Psychedelic Beats Serve as Witchcraft Study Soundtrack
The "Psychic Warfare Department" instrumentals. Surreal and psychedelic spells summoned from the liminal mind of Chester Watson. Beats to study witchcraft to. https://t.co/EQqRoKGDXa @swampmonti

Billie Eilish's 'Wildflower' Hits 2 B Streams, 72‑week Hot
Billie Eilish’s "Wildflower" has reached 2 billion streams on Spotify. The song peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 in the U.K. It became her longest-charting Hot 100 hit with a 72-week run. https://t.co/AvpB6Cz39o
Spotify Launches Three New Features to Deepen Listener Engagement
Spotify rolled out three beta features—About the Song, an upgraded Ask DJ, and SongDNA—to Premium listeners in ten countries. The tools deliver story cards, conversational context, and interactive sample maps, aiming to turn passive listening into a deeper, more informed...
The Charlatans Return with “We Are Love” Tour
The Charlatans UK are back in North America this September with 'We Are Love,' their finest album in years. The Dandy Warhols open the West Coast shows. Presale Wednesday. General on-sale Friday. https://t.co/2TEenqmia2
Chayanne Announces 22‑Date US Arena Tour
Chayanne's "Bailemos Otra Vez" tour is back in the US for 22 arena dates, August 28 through October 31. Presale opens April 23. General on-sale April 24 here: https://t.co/NIb3TlL4g6
Baby, This Changes Us
Frog’s new track “Je Ne Sais Pas” showcases polished 80s‑style songwriting wrapped in a lo‑fi, deliberately unfinished production. The song opens with a shocking line—“I want to fuck / I want to sick your duck”—before shifting to a witty, self‑deprecating...

How a Drunken Car Ride Turned Into One of Hank Williams’ Most Popular Religious Songs
In January 1947, a drunken car ride inspired Hank Williams to write the gospel song “I Saw The Light,” as recounted by promoter Leaborne Eads and biographer Colin Escott. Williams’ mother nudged him awake with the line “I just saw...

Charbel Haber ~ May a Soft Sun Bless Your Sky While You Wait for the Inevitable
Charbel Haber’s new ambient album *May a soft sun bless your sky while you wait for the inevitable* was recorded in Paris, mixed in Beirut with Fadi Tabbal, and mastered in Montreal by Harris Newman. The record unfolds as a...
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ZAKK SABBATH & DARK CHAPEL Announce American Crusade 2026 Tour
Black Label Society announced the American Crusade 2026 tour, joined by Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel—both projects that include members of the flagship band. The 20‑date trek kicks off on August 25 at Albany’s Palace Theatre and concludes on October 2 in Bend,...
An Interstellar Chain Reaction
Ruth Garbus debuted her new single "I Think I’m Ready Now" opening for Fievel Is Glauque at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. The track opens with a provocative line that immediately grabs attention, then shifts into a vivid blend of...

On The Up: Napier’s Paisley Stage to Host New Monthly Hawke’s Bay Blues Nights
The Hawke’s Bay Blues Club will host a curated blues night each month at Napier’s Paisley Stage, beginning May 6. Each event gives local musicians a 20‑minute slot to showcase a range of blues styles, from Chicago to a‑cappella. Founder David McCall,...

Tour News: Sparta, Violent Femmes, Mac DeMarco, Wednesday, Book of Love, Balmora, More
BrooklynVegan’s latest tour roundup shows a surge of live‑music announcements across rock, indie, metal and pop. Sparta added September dates with Jimmy Eat World, while Slayer will headline US shows performing Reign in Blood in full. Major festivals such as...
FIELDY Reveals Why He Stepped Down From KORN, Might Return Someday
Korn bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, who left the band in 2021, confirmed his departure stemmed from COVID‑related concerns and a personal decision not to tour. He still contributed bass to Korn’s 2022 album Requiem and recently hinted he might return,...

17 New Songs Out Today
BrooklynVegan’s daily roundup spotlights 17 freshly released songs spanning indie rock, metal, and experimental pop. Highlights include Pulp’s long‑awaited instrumental “Open Strings,” Show Me The Body’s socially‑charged single “Dance in the USA,” and Modest Mouse’s first new album track since...
The Weeknd Fuels New Music Rumors Amid Drake’s “ICEMAN” Rollout
Drake’s ninth studio album ICEMAN is slated for a May 15 release after a blue bag was discovered inside an ice sculpture in Toronto. On the same day, The Weeknd posted cryptic Instagram photos that have fans speculating he may...

The Story So Far Announce Fall Tour with The Starting Line & Ultra Q
The Story So Far announced a U.S. fall tour supporting their first album in six years, 2024’s “I Want to Disappear.” The pop‑punk outfit will be joined by The Starting Line and Ultra Q for a 18‑date run that kicks off...
Shakey Graves Adds Summer 2026 Tour Dates With Dope Lemon
Shakey Graves has expanded his 2026 summer tour, adding a series of July dates that feature Australian act Dope Lemon and Nashville duo Texino. The new leg kicks off on July 20 in Des Moines and runs through July 26, ending...

“There Is No Tribute to Women in Country That Could Ever Top This” Carrie Underwood Medley at the Grand Ole...
Carrie Underwood headlined the 2020 ACM tribute to the Grand Ole Opry, delivering a medley that honored six legendary female country artists—Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Barbara Mandrell, and Loretta Lynn. She seamlessly transitioned between classics like...

Not All the Jacksons Wanted to Be in Michael
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, titled *Michael*, will omit several key family members who have declined participation, most notably Janet Jackson. Randy and Rebbie Jackson also chose not to be involved, while Michael’s daughter Paris publicly criticized the film’s emphasis...

CANDLEBOX's KEVIN MARTIN On Why He Reversed His Decision To Retire: 'I Still Have Things That I Wanna Talk About...
Kevin Martin, frontman of Candlebox, reversed his retirement plans after rejoining original guitarist Pete Klett and touring with the 2024 BUSH lineup. The reunion sparked fresh creative energy, leading the band to release a deluxe edition of *The Long Goodbye*...
Spafford Expands Summer Tour 2026
Spafford announced an expansion of its 2026 Summer Tour, adding seven new shows across the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic. The added dates include five consecutive July concerts in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and New Jersey, followed by two August...

Just Turned 27!
Kalpit Veerwal celebrated his 27th birthday by releasing a new single, “Only With You,” on Spotify. The track, a reflective ode to savoring moments with a loved one, coincides with his personal milestone to boost listener engagement. Veerwal also promotes...

Grimes’ Album Announcement Reveals Contradicting Feelings Toward AI: ‘People Have Really Misunderstood Me’
Canadian artist Grimes has revealed her first full‑length album since 2020, *Psy Opera*, slated for release later this year. In a recent Interview magazine feature, she disclosed she had considered quitting music and even becoming a stay‑at‑home mom before returning...

Baauer’s Announces First Album in Six Years, Shares New Single
Baauer announced his first full‑length album in six years, titled “U,” set for release on June 10 via LuckyMe. The 16‑track record features collaborators Aluna, Kučka, Brazy, Betsy and pianist Eli Teplin, and is anchored by the Eurodisco‑infused single “Better.” Inspired by...

More Bob Dylan 2026 Tour Dates Just Dropped: Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Legendary singer‑songwriter Bob Dylan announced additional 2026 tour dates, expanding his summer U.S. leg. The new schedule kicks off with a July 8 performance in Chicago and runs through an August 1 show in Nashville. Several concerts will feature guest appearances by...

11 New Songs Out Today to Listen To: Modest Mouse, Friko, and More
Our Culture’s April 21 roundup spotlights eleven fresh tracks, ranging from veteran indie icons to emerging acts. Modest Mouse announced their first album in five years, “An Eraser and a Maze,” debuting the single “Picking Dragons’ Pockets.” Beck returns with “Ride...

Country Stars Who Could Sing the National Anthem at Nashville’s 2030 Super Bowl
A rumor sparked by sportscaster Dan Patrick suggests the NFL could award the 2030 Super Bowl to Nashville, leveraging the Titans’ new $2.1 billion, 60,000‑seat stadium slated for February 2027. The prospect has ignited speculation about a country‑music‑centric halftime, with several top...

Corey Feldman Performs “Smooth Criminal” With Alien Ant Farm, Shows Off His Michael Jackson Moves: Watch
Corey Feldman joined rock band Alien Ant Farm onstage for their signature cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood. Dressed in the iconic white suit, hat and blue shirt from the 1988 video,...
Obituary: Conductor Víctor Eloy López Cerezo Dies 43
Spanish conductor Víctor Eloy López Cerezo died at 43 from cancer after a year‑long battle. He served as principal conductor of the Spanish Philharmonic and the Andalusian Symphony, and guest‑conducted leading European ensembles such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra. López...
Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra to Honor Denyce Graves at the Spring Legacy Awards
The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra will present mezzo‑soprano Denyce Graves with its National Legacy Award at the Spring Legacy Awards dinner on June 4 in Easton, Maryland. Graves, who retired from the Metropolitan Opera on Jan. 24, 2026, is celebrated for iconic roles like...
Anna Netrebko, Sondra Radvanovsky, Saioa Hernández, Brian Jagde, Ludovic Tézier, Lisette Oropesa, Jakub Józef Orliński, Sonya Yoncheva, Marina Rebeka, Xabier...
Teatro Real de Madrid unveiled its 2026‑27 season, featuring a star‑studded roster that includes Anna Netrebko, Sondra Radvanovsky, Lisette Oropesa and Benjamin Bernheim. The program mixes heavyweight staples such as Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra and Wagner’s Tannhäuser with rarer works like Stradella’s San Giovanni Battista and Busto’s Bodas de Sangre. Performances run...

The Story Behind the Only Song Toby Keith Co-Wrote With His “Idol” Merle Haggard
In February 2016, Toby Keith stepped onto stage to help a ailing Merle Haggard finish a Las Vegas concert, just two months before Haggard’s death. The two had previously co‑written the bittersweet ballad “Some of Us Fly,” the only song they...
Justin Bieber’s ‘SWAG’ Re‑enters Billboard Top 10, Extending Record‑Breaking Chart Run
Justin Bieber’s comeback single “SWAG” re‑entered the Billboard 200 at No. 7 following his headline performance at Coachella 2026. The surge adds to his already historic chart tenure, underscoring his enduring commercial pull and the impact of live‑event promotion.
Michael Jackson Biopic Stirs Debate Ahead of Release
The forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic has ignited controversy as critics and fans question whether the film will present a complete picture of the singer's life. Industry observers note strong box‑office potential despite the backlash.
Trampled by Turtles Schedule Fall 2026 Tour Dates With Last Revel & Futurebirds
Bluegrass‑folk band Trampled by Turtles announced an eight‑date fall 2026 tour covering the Mid‑Atlantic and Southeast. The run begins Oct 8 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington, NC, and wraps Oct 18 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC. Supporting act The...

Dutch Progressive Noise-Rock Band Grote Geelstaart Share New Track "Vracht 7"
Dutch progressive noise‑rock outfit Grote Geelstaart dropped the frenetic single “Vracht 7,” previewing an EP slated for release this fall. The track follows their September debut EP Van Reijnst and February single Maalstroom, and arrives as the band embarks on a packed...

Drake Confirms Iceman Release Date
Toronto rapper Drake has officially set the release date for his ninth studio album, Iceman, for May 15, 2026. The date was revealed after a giant ice sculpture he installed melted, with Twitch streamer Kishka uncovering the hidden note. Iceman follows 2023’s...

100 Demons Announce First LP in over 20 Yeras, Share “Meat for the Beast”
Connecticut metalcore veterans 100 Demons are releasing their first full-length album in more than two decades. The LP, Embrace the Black Light, arrives on June 5 through independent label Closed Casket Activities and features the new single “Meat for the...
Thundercat Goes ‘Walking On The Moon’ For ‘Fallon’
Thundercat appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform his new single “Walking On The Moon.” The song is the ninth track on Distracted, his first full‑length album in six years, released April 3 on Brainfeeder. Distracted showcases a...

‘If Oasis Can Get Back Together, Then Anybody Can Do It’
The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction class features the storied Joy Division/New Order lineup, reigniting hopes for a historic reunion onstage. Co‑founder Peter Hook, still embroiled in trademark disputes with former bandmates, confirmed he will attend the November ceremony...

DAVE GROHL Praises New FOO FIGHTERS Drummer ILAN RUBIN: 'His Capabilities Are Off The F***ing Charts'
Foo Fighters announced Ilan Rubin as their new drummer in July 2025, replacing Josh Freese. Rubin, a veteran of Nine Inch Nails and a 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, made his live debut on September 14, 2025 at the Fremont Theater in...

Item Removed From Iceblock Reveals Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Is Set for May 15
Drake’s upcoming album *ICEMAN* will drop on May 15 after a viral stunt in downtown Toronto. Streamer Kishka climbed a massive ice block, retrieved a blue case labeled “Freeze the World,” and delivered it to Drake’s home, where the release date...

MJ Biopic Serves Legal Agenda, Not Storytelling
Lionsgate’s buzzy biopic is, amid legal peril (as opposed to commercial pressures), mostly just an (entertaining) IMAX-friendly musical montage, a prologue to a theoretical sequel that’s (mostly) intended to publicly relitigate Michael Jackson’s later years. (Review of #Michael, via @scott_alan_mendelson) https://scottmendelson.substack.com/p/review-michael-jackson-movie-shuts-up-and-sings

If You Love the Outlaw Country Sound of Waylon Jennings, These 3 Songs Still Carry It
Outlaw country remains vibrant, with modern artists echoing Waylon Jennings' gritty style. Cody Jinks' "Loud And Heavy" blends rock edge with rebellious lyricism, while Charley Crockett's "Welcome To Hard Times" channels a 1970s traditional sound. Colter Wall's "The Devil Wears...

Chayanne Extends ‘Bailemos Otra Vez,’ Adds US Arena Shows
Latin pop icon Chayanne is extending his “Bailemos Otra Vez” U.S. arena tour with 22 additional dates from August 28 to October 31, 2026. The run, promoted by Cárdenas Marketing Network, will hit major venues in the Midwest, East Coast,...

7 Hip-Hop Songs From the 2010s That Should’ve Been Bigger Hits
Vice’s Noisey highlights seven 2010s hip‑hop tracks that never broke out despite strong line‑ups and production. The list includes Playboi Carti’s “Mileage” with Chief Keef, Goldlink’s “Got Friends” featuring Miguel, Trouble’s “Bring It Back” with Drake, Lido & THEY.’s “Not Enough,” Ty Dolla $ign’s...

Deezer Says It’s Getting Spammed with AI Songs
Deezer reports that AI‑generated tracks now account for 44% of its daily uploads, even though they represent only 1‑3% of listener consumption. Roughly 75,000 AI songs are added each day, amounting to about two million per month, creating sizable moderation...