Today's Music Pulse

Oliver Tree dies at 32 in Rio de Janeiro helicopter crash
Singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree, 32, was killed in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro. The tragedy was reported by Deadline and echoed by Clash Music.
Ella Langley's 'Dandelion' Debuts at No.1 on Billboard 200, Sets Artist 100 Record
Ella Langley's debut album Dandelion entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 with 169,000 equivalent units, simultaneously topping the Artist 100 and delivering 15 Hot 100 entries. The sweep makes her the sixth woman ever to lead all three flagship Billboard charts in the same week and underscores a surge for female country artists.
Terence Blanchard – ‘A Requiem for Katrina’
Terence Blanchard’s *Requiem for Katrina* received its first UK performance, joining his jazz quintet with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The 13‑piece suite, originally scored for Spike Lee’s 2006 documentary, blends personal grief with a celebratory tribute to New Orleans. Conductor Daniela...

Inside the Making of Midival Punditz Long-Anticipated New Album ‘Love And Machines’
After a decade without a full-length release, Indian electronic pioneers Midival Punditz unveil their new album *Love And Machines*. The 13‑track record weaves ghazal, Sufi, Rajasthani folk and Bengali classical into the duo’s signature synth‑driven soundscape. Star vocalists such as...

Asmik Grigorian Lights up the Met’s Onegin
The Metropolitan Opera’s revival of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin spotlights Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian as Tatiana, delivering a luminous, emotionally charged performance that dominates the production. Grigorian’s nuanced portrayal—marked by a subtle vibrato and deep lyricism—reimagines the heroine as a solitary,...
Tacoma Park – Baltimore
Tacoma Park, the North Carolina duo of John Harrison and Ben Felton, release their sophomore album "Baltimore," a 40‑minute journey that fuses acoustic Americana with ambient, kosmische improvisation and Krautrock. Mastered by Chuck Johnson, the record showcases meticulous editing, cutting...

Real Thick Rock and Roll: An Interview with Sparrow Blue
Sparrow Blue, an Edmonton‑based six‑member rock band, is expanding its footprint with a coast‑to‑coast North American tour in 2025 while preparing a third LP at Toronto’s Noble Street Studios. Their high‑octane “real thick rock & roll” shows have drawn sizable...

Catching Up with First Floor
First Floor temporarily removed the paywall on four in‑depth music interviews—Caterina Barbieri, Shackleton, Mammo, and Visible Cloaks—each exceeding 5,000 words. The free access runs through Saturday, giving subscribers and casual readers a chance to catch up on content that often...

‘I Saw Her From Outside’: Mumtaz Recalls Last Visit to Asha Bhosle, Singer Died 10 Minutes Later
Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle died at 92 on April 12, 2026, after a brief hospitalization for exhaustion and a chest infection. Her funeral on April 13 featured full state honours and drew Bollywood heavyweights such as Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh....

Graham Coxon to Share Previously Unreleased Solo Album ‘Castle Park’
British musician Graham Coxon will issue a previously unreleased solo album titled “Castle Park” on 19 June 2026 via Transgressive. Recorded in 2011 during the sessions for his 2012 LP “A+E,” the 10‑track collection was shelved as Coxon focused on Blur...
Beats and Jennie Are Back Together With an Unreleased Song and New Headphones
Beats and K‑pop icon Jennie are releasing a new onyx‑black special‑edition headphone on April 24, paired with an exclusive, unreleased track. The design features attachable black bows, music‑inspired ear‑pad symbols, and a matching carrying case. A Seoul pop‑up will let fans...

Iggy Pop: “I Wanted More Aggression for the Music”
In a 2006 Uncut interview, Iggy Pop reflects on his four‑decade career, emphasizing his drive for greater aggression and complexity in the Stooges’ early albums, especially "Fun House." He recounts using precisely timed LSD to sharpen studio performances and details...
Is Thriller the Best Album Ever?
Michael Jackson’s 1982 album *Thriller* continues to dominate conversations about the greatest record of all time, thanks to its unprecedented sales, iconic music videos, and cultural footprint. While Rolling Stone’s Top 500 list places it at #12, fans and industry analysts...
Frog – Frog for Sale
Frog’s eighth studio effort, "Frog for Sale," drops on April 17, 2026, marking the band’s fourth release since 2023’s "Grog." The Bateman brothers weave Buddy Holly, Paul McCartney, Motown, and folk‑rock textures into piano‑driven tracks like "Dark Out" and "Je Ne...
Jazz and Beyond… 2026 Proms Programme Announced
The BBC has unveiled its 2026 Proms season, spotlighting a robust slate of jazz‑centric concerts alongside its classic orchestral offerings. Highlights feature a Miles Davis centenary tribute with trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, a live ’Round Midnight’ show of John Coltrane’s music, and...
How John Dowland Built a Music Career on Tearful Melancholy
John Dowland, the Elizabethan lutenist and composer, built his enduring reputation on the melancholic “tear” motif, epitomized by his 1604 *Lachrimae* collection and the famed “Lachrimae Pavan.” The piece began as a wordless lute dance and gained lyrics in his...

American Idol Judge Talks ‘Insane’ Return After 20+ Years
Jennifer Hudson reappeared on American Idol as a guest judge, marking her first on‑screen role with the franchise since finishing seventh in its third season 22 years ago. The EGOT‑winning singer‑actress reflected on the "insane" feeling of moving from contestant...

Justin Bieber’s ‘SWAG’ Returns to No. 7 on Billboard 200
Justin Bieber’s surprise album *SWAG* vaulted from No. 55 to No. 7 on the Billboard 200 after his Coachella 2026 performance, logging 43,000 equivalent album units. The surge was driven largely by streaming, with 42,000 units coming from 41.48 million on‑demand plays across...
Southern Grit Meets Metal Fury in The Devil's Cut
What do you get when you cross Southern Country with Heavy Metal? One hell of a debut album by Kentucky based band The Devil's Cut. Check out my review for Roadkill in Screamer Magazine here: https://screamermagazine.com/reviews/album-dvd-reviews/devils-cut-roadkill-album-review/

Remembering Prince on the Anniversary of His Passing
Remembering Prince who died on this date April 21 in 2016. Photo by Yves Lorson. #OTD #MusicGuterman ☔️ https://t.co/KuVR5cLSzR
Combustible Material: Siouxsie and the Banshees’ Tinderbox at 40
Siouxsie and the Banshees released *Tinderbox* in 1986, an album they produced themselves after rejecting external producers. Though the band never embraced the goth label, the record’s dark, texturally rich sound reshaped the genre’s direction during a period of stagnation....

Decoding ‘Arirang’: The Links Between BTS’ Latest Era and Their Past Hits
South Korean boy band BTS released their ninth studio album Arirang, which immediately claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 and secured a perfect all‑kill on Korean charts. The record also topped the Official UK Albums Chart and saw multiple...

Why Is the Deleted Stuff Always the Best
Modular Records recently spotlighted a collection of deleted tracks, dubbing them the label’s hidden gems. A fan‑quoted comment praises Kevin’s “throwaway” songs as pure gold, suggesting they rival official album cuts. The post links the B‑sides to major streaming services,...
Billy Idol Live Tomorrow on Apple Music Show
Billy Idol joining me live on the show tomorrow.. gonna be a big one, tune in on @AppleMusic
Graham Dunning – Quern
Graham Dunning’s new album *Quern* showcases his signature mechanical techno, built from turntables, electric motors and found objects. The record blends 90s techno, acid, dub and global‑south rhythms while embracing deliberate analog imperfections. Dunning’s PhD‑level research underpins the experimental sound‑art...

Janis Joplin Gets Arrested, Patti Smith Breaks Her Neck, and Bob Dylan Prepares for Prime Time
The blog revisits the first three shows of the 1976 Rolling Thunder tour, all staged within a 45‑minute drive across Lakeland, St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida. It highlights three headline‑grabbing moments: Janis Joplin’s on‑stage arrest, Patti Smith’s neck injury during...

Coral Head – “Hiding in a Fog” (Feat. SIKADE)
Oslo‑based dream‑pop artist Coral Head has dropped the EP *The Worst That Could Happen*, now streaming and purchasable on Bandcamp. The record closes with “Hiding in a Fog,” a collaboration with vocalist SIKADE that fuses 90s‑era trip‑hop beats with hazy...

Outsideness – ‘…From What?’
Outsideness, the new collaboration between Azalias and Freidrich$, releases its debut full-length album “…From What?”. The record fuses off‑kilter R&B, dance‑pop, and darkwave textures, opening with the emotive single “Remedy”. Throughout the 12‑track run, the duo blends dreamy synths, layered...

Present Paradox – ‘A Vibrant Sea’
German indie artist David Kleinekottmann, performing as Present Paradox, releases his second full-length album, “A Vibrant Sea.” The record mixes layered delay guitars, subtle orchestral touches, and synth‑driven post‑punk elements while probing themes of isolation and modern anxiety. Critics note...

Van Sur Les – “Soikkola”
Van Sur Les, the Amsterdam‑based project of composer Dmitry Surugin, released the single “Soikkola,” a three‑minute track that fuses Ingrian runo‑song fragments with contemporary neo‑classical production. The piece blends hammered dulcimer, felt piano, upright bass, gentle percussion and subtle vocals...

Hey Look Listen – ‘Dystopian Days’
Detroit‑based artist Hey Look Listen, the project of songwriter Gwen Katherine, has released her new album Dystopian Days. The record merges shoegaze textures with indie rock hooks, using noisy guitars to explore 21st‑century economic and ecological crises. Standout tracks such...

E.G. Phillips – “Please Don’t Make Me Come Back From the Moon”
San Francisco songwriter E.G. Phillips releases the single “Please Don’t Make Me Come Back From the Moon,” a jazz‑infused alt‑Americana track that mixes trumpet, radio‑static textures, and warm bass. The song’s lyrical narrative imagines a comfortable lunar exile, contrasting Earth’s...

Delta Fire – “Eyes Burn Gold”
Glasgow‑based indie rock quartet Delta Fire released their second single, “Eyes Burn Gold,” on April 20, 2026. The track blends 60s‑inspired percussion, jangly guitars, and soaring vocals to create a cinematic, fantasy‑themed rock anthem. It follows their debut “Lady Danger” and is...

Annabelle Tiffin – “Whiplash”
Gold Coast singer‑songwriter Annabelle Tiffin has dropped her new single “Whiplash,” co‑produced with Julian Feifel. The track melds folk‑leaning verses with an anthemic rock‑infused climax, showcasing her evolving vocal range and lyrical depth. Drawing on influences such as Lizzy McAlpine and...

Hit the Mill Head-On – “We Walked a Long Way Together”
Belgian post‑rock collective Hit the Mill Head‑On has dropped a new single titled “We Walked a Long Way Together.” The track unfolds in three emotional phases—loss, acceptance, and reconstruction—delivered through cinematic guitar builds reminiscent of Explosions In The Sky. It...

This Feels Big: Miranda Lambert Inks New Deal with MCA
Miranda Lambert has signed a new recording contract with MCA, marking her first major label shift since her debut with Sony imprints. While her 2024 album *Postcards From Texas* under Republic/Big Loud peaked at #8 on the country charts, the...
Karol G’s Coachella Set Highlights Global Hit Status and U.S. Touring Chill for Latin Stars
El‑Balad reported on April 20, 2026 that Karol G’s appearance at Coachella underscored her status as a global hit and revealed a broader “U.S. touring chill” that Latin superstars confront. The piece frames the festival slot as both a showcase...

Taroug ~ Chott
Taroug’s new album *Chott* draws on his Tunisian heritage, translating the salt‑lake landscape into immersive soundscapes. The record blends organic field recordings, family voice memos, and analog synths to explore memory, loss and identity. Tracks such as “Wehmut,” “Saraab,” and...

Montréal’s Piknic Électronik Makes Grand 2026 Season Return
Montréal’s Piknic Électronik returns for its 2026 season, kicking off on May 17 with 20 curated Sunday dates through October at Parc Jean‑Drapeau. The lineup spans house, techno and related genres, featuring rising artists like Brunello alongside veterans such as...

Violent Soho Return From Hiatus for Exclusive Australian Headline Shows
After a four‑year hiatus, Australian rock stalwarts Violent Soho announced a three‑date headline tour across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in September 2026. The shows, presented by Triple J, will feature local acts Beddy Rays, Teenage Joans and Secret World as support. The band...

Vinyl: Dan Fogelberg, Souvenirs
Dan Fogelberg’s 1974 sophomore album Souvenirs, discovered at a church rummage sale, showcases a blend of folk, country and bluegrass under the “easy‑rock” banner. The record was produced by Joe Walsh and features vocal contributions from Eagles members Don Henley and...

Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman
Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman wrapped a sold‑out Philadelphia show, closing with the collaborative track “Right Back to It.” The pair are on an 18‑date spring co‑headlining tour that alternates solo sets with joint acoustic performances. Their stage is dressed like...

Kita Alexander Announces Australian Tour
Australian singer‑songwriter Kita Alexander announced a national tour to support her upcoming album *Rage*, slated for release on June 26 through Warner Music Australia. The tour kicks off at Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre on September 12 and will visit Sydney, Brisbane,...
Lorenz Okello-Osengor, Taz Modi, Mahya Mahroomi at Daylight Music
Daylight Music celebrated its 403rd lunchtime concert, featuring three distinct pianists who pushed the boundaries of the instrument. Mahya Mahroomi delivered a solo program of Satie and contemporary Iranian works, highlighting Persian rhythmic influences. Taz Modi, joined by violinist Phoebe...

M4TR Featuring AJ Solaris – ‘Reimagination: The Remixes, Vol. 1’
M4TR’s AJ Solaris releases *Reimagination: The Remixes, Vol. 1*, a ten‑track EP that reworks five songs from the *Love Is the Revolution* album into club‑ready anthems. Grammy‑winner Philip Larsen and Billboard‑chart‑topper Mr. Mig provide high‑profile remixes, adding synth‑rich, dancefloor‑friendly textures to the...

Madonna Offers Reward for Missing Coachella Outfits: ‘They Are a Part of My History’
Madonna made a surprise appearance at Coachella during Sabrina Carpenter’s set, recreating her iconic 2006 performance by wearing the same boots, corset and jacket from that era. After the show she discovered the vintage pieces had vanished from her personal...
Celebrating Cal Scruby’s Fresh Sound and Personal Growth
My guy @calscruby has another **banger** Nice to see some new stuff from him. Cal, if you see this, hope life has been good. Sounds like you been through some things. Props to what you’ve built. I like the new you. PS....

Extreme Human Talent Becomes AI's New Competitive Moat
This Quebec band Angine De Poitrine is going viral for being so weird… it feels impossible to replicate. In my latest newsletter: why “extreme human” might be the new moat in the age of AI. https://t.co/D2WNLGZpvD https://t.co/DifLYVBki5
Taemin's Solo Debut at Coachella 2026 Marks First K‑Pop Member Stage
SHINee’s Taemin delivered his first solo performance at Coachella 2026, becoming the inaugural member of a major K‑pop act to take a solo stage at the festival. The concept‑driven set highlighted his artistic identity and underscored the growing presence of...
Lost In The Masquerade: Unreleased Method Man‑Lauryn Hill Gem
This is "Lost In The Masquerade," an unreleased Method Man & Lauryn Hill collab, produced by Wu-Tang affiliate 4th Disciple. The "Star Wars” sampling track initially appeared on J-Love’s legendary bootleg Method Man mixtape series, but never saw an official...
Aspiring Artist Seeks Missy Elliot’s Songwriting Path
.@Dopebyaccident told me she wanted to come in the music game a songwriter like Missy Elliot did... Now Missy is one of Jozzy's mentors... 🔥🔥🔥 Full convo: https://t.co/5txoVnzuLB https://t.co/8uuJGCPtQR