Rostam — American Stories
Rostam Batmanglij’s third solo album, *American Stories*, arrived on May 15, 2026 via Matsur Projects, earning a four‑star rating from Luke Morgan Britton. The record fuses American folk‑country with Persian musical motifs, reflecting the artist’s Washington‑born, Tehran‑rooted heritage. While tracks like “Like a Spark” showcase seamless East‑West interplay, later songs drift toward conventional indie‑folk, and the Clairo duet “Hardy” feels under‑leveraged. Themes of identity, fragility, and muted protest run through the lyrical landscape, positioning the album as a thoughtful, if imperfect, cultural experiment.
Kevin Morby — Little Wide Open
Kevin Morby’s eighth album, *Little Wide Open*, drops on May 15, 2026 via Dead Oceans, shifting his lyrical focus to the American Midwest’s sprawling yet turbulent landscapes. Produced by Aaron Dessner, the record blends stripped‑back folk with subtle indie‑pop textures...
Towa Bird — Gentleman
Interscope released Towa Bird’s sophomore album Gentleman on May 15, 2026, earning a lukewarm 2‑5 star rating. Reviewers argue the record leans aggressively toward radio‑friendly pop, marking a perceived step back from the critically praised 2024 album American Hero. While...
Linda Perry Talks ‘Let It Die Here’ Documentary & Album, Plus 4 Non Blondes’ ‘What’s Up?’ Viral Moment: ‘You Can’t...
Linda Perry’s documentary *Let It Die Here* debuted at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and is now playing in select theaters, coinciding with the release of her first solo album in more than a decade. The film, born from director...
Meghan Patrick Cancels Tour to Focus on Pregnancy: ‘My Health & My Baby Girl’s Well-Being Have to Come First’
Country singer‑songwriter Meghan Patrick, known for the Billboard Country Airplay top‑20 hit “Golden Child,” announced on Instagram that she will cancel the remainder of her 2026 tour starting in June to prioritize her health and upcoming baby. The decision follows...
The Drake & Future Fallout Was Never Built To Last
The article revisits the decade‑long, on‑and‑off rivalry between Drake and Future, highlighting how their early clash over the 2017 "Tony Montana" remix evolved into a series of mutually beneficial collaborations. Recent rumors suggest Future could feature on Drake’s upcoming ICEMAN...
‘Creativity Is Not a Confession’: Maryland Governor Signs Law to Keep Rap Out of Criminal Cases
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Protecting Artists’ Creative Expression (PACE) Act, a law that sharply restricts when prosecutors can introduce rap lyrics as criminal evidence. The legislation mandates judges to confirm that lyrics are literal, relevant, and pertain to...
Ice Cube, Mike Epps Announce Friday 30th Anniversary Hip-Hop and Standup Show
Ice Cube and comedian Mike Epps are staging a one‑night, hip‑hop and stand‑up celebration of the 30th anniversary of the cult classic *Friday* on July 17 at the Long Beach Amphitheater. The "Everyday’s Friday: Lyrics, Loungin’ and Laughing" show will feature...
Mystery Jets Return with Raucous Single ‘Black Sage’: “There Is Beauty to Be Found in the Broken”
British indie-rock outfit Mystery Jets have broken a six‑year silence with the raucous single “Black Sage,” released via Fiction Records. The track, produced by Leo Abrahams—renowned for collaborations with Brian Eno—features feedback‑laden guitars and a psych‑rock edge. Frontman Blaine Harrison frames...
Comedian Shane Gillis To Star In Drake’s Upcoming Music Video
Drake’s highly anticipated album ICEMAN is slated for release on May 15, and buzz is building around its visual component. Comedians Joe List and Mark Normand claim that stand‑up star Shane Gillis was spotted in Toronto filming a cameo for...
Tom Morello Blasts Trump, ICE Abuses at NYC Event: ‘It’s Fucking Fascism’
Rock guitarist Tom Morello joined the Hands Off NYC coalition at 26 Federal Plaza to denounce the Trump administration’s ICE practices. He labeled the policies “fascism,” recounted a personal story of a family friend detained by ICE, and urged a...
DJ and Label Founder Chris Stoker Has Died Following Cancer Battle
London‑based DJ and Not An Animal co‑founder Chris Stoker died on May 7 after a three‑year battle with cancer. He had been treated for stage‑three kidney cancer and later developed type‑one diabetes from the therapy. A community fundraiser raised over £50,000...
Bruce Springsteen’s Tour Is an American Revival That Succeeds Where Democrats Fail
Bruce Springsteen’s Land of Hope and Dreams tour opened at Madison Square Garden with a politically charged set that blended classic rock anthems and new protest material. Guest guitarist Tom Morello joined the E Street Band for a fiery rendition...
Duran Duran Refuse to Play Glastonbury Unless They Can Headline
British new‑wave icons Duran Duran have told Glastonbury organizers they will only perform if placed on the headline bill. The band, which has sold more than 100 million records and earned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, has never appeared at the festival...
Overmono Detail New Album Pure Devotion
Welsh electronic duo Overmono announced their sophomore album *Pure Devotion*, slated for release on August 7, 2026 via XL Recordings. The record drops with the lead single “Lockup,” a club‑ready reinterpretation of Fast Relief’s “What A Waste.” Featuring guest spots from...
SCENE QUEEN On Her Murderous New Single: "If I Was In Jail, You Bet I’m Selling A Mugshot T-Shirt"
Scene Queen, the metal project of Hannah Rose Collins, has dropped her latest single “Tracksuit,” a two‑minute blend of Y2K‑era pop flair and ferocious riffs. The track narrates a cheater’s violent retaliation, mixing sweet melodic hooks with harsh screams and...
Don’t Sleep on Gozu’s New Stoner Metal Rager, Gozu VI
Boston’s veteran stoner‑metal quartet Gozu is set to release its sixth LP, Gozu VI, on May 15 through Blacklight Media, a Metal Blade subsidiary. Frontman Marc Gaffney says the record reflects an unusually intense songwriting period, with daily guitar sessions shaping the...
Band Of Horses Book Final Leg Of Everything All The Time 20th Anniversary Tour
Band of Horses announced the final leg of their Everything All The Time 20th Anniversary Tour, kicking off on November 10 in Portland and wrapping with two hometown shows in Charleston, South Carolina on November 25 and 27. The tour...
Festival Fever: Sexyy Red and True Religion Take Over Rolling Loud
St. Louis rapper Sexyy Red appeared in True Religion’s VIP gifting suite at Rolling Loud, styling fans in the brand’s Cherry Shrunken Zip denim. The moment is featured in True Religion’s new episodic series “True Spotlight,” with the next episode premiering...
Old Crow Medicine Show Extends Union Made Tour Into Fall 2026
Old Crow Medicine Show has expanded its 2026 Union Made Tour with a fall leg that runs from October 1 to November 1, adding a dozen new U.S. dates. The extension supports the band’s upcoming album *Union Made*, slated for release on...
Divorce Become a Two-Piece as Two Members Depart to Focus on “Personal Lives” And Band Enter “New Era”
Alt‑country band Divorce announced that drummer Kasper Sandstrom and lead guitarist Adam Peter Smith are leaving to focus on personal matters, reducing the group to a two‑piece of Felix Mackenzie‑Barrow and Tiger Cohen‑Towell. The band, known for their 2024 debut...
Madonna to Chronicle a ‘F–Ked Up Night Out’ in ‘Confessions II’ Film Premiering at Tribeca
Madonna is returning to the Tribeca Festival with a 10‑minute cinematic piece titled *Confessions II*, which visualizes the first six songs of her upcoming album. Directed by David Toro and Solomon Chase, the film will debut on June 5 at New York’s...
SALIVA's BOBBY AMARU: 'Anytime You Replace A Singer, There's Always Gonna Be Doubters Or Haters'
Bobby Amaru, Saliva’s frontman since 2011, told That Metal Interview that replacing original vocalist Josey Scott was both a blessing and a curse, but the internet has turned doubters into new fans. He highlighted how social media and streaming let...
49 Years Ago, a Groundbreaking Punk Band Signed to Their Third Label in 9 Months, but One Finally Stuck
In May 1977 the Sex Pistols finally secured a lasting record deal with Virgin Records, which released their sole studio album *Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols*. Prior to Virgin, the band was dropped by EMI and A&M...
Metallica Launches 2026 World Tour In Athens: Setlist & Videos
Metallica opened the 2026 leg of its M72 World Tour at Athens' Olympic Stadium, drawing a record‑breaking 90,000 fans. The setlist leaned heavily on Black Album and Ride the Lightning classics while sprinkling in newer tracks like “Lux Æterna.” A special...
The Rolling Stones Reveal New Album Tracklist – but in Foreign Tongues
The Rolling Stones announced their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, slated for a July 10 release via Polydor/Universal. The 14‑track record features guest spots from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood and posthumous contributions from Charlie Watts, with titles translated into a variety of languages. Lead...
ALICE COOPER Announces Reissues Of 'Along Came A Spider' And 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' Albums With Bonus Material
Shock‑rock legend Alice Cooper is reissuing two classic albums, “Along Came A Spider” and “Welcome 2 My Nightmare,” through earMUSIC. Both titles are offered in premium physical formats—CD and high‑quality 45 rpm vinyl—each packed with bonus material, including three new tracks on the...
REZZ Cancels Remaining 2026 Tour Dates, Starts Indefinite Touring Hiatus
Electronic‑dance music producer Rezz announced she is canceling the remainder of her 2026 tour, including the flagship Red Rocks concert, and will enter an indefinite touring hiatus due to health concerns. The decision was shared via a social‑media post describing...
Pharrell Williams Name-Dropped a Rapper He Thinks Is ‘This Era’s Bob Dylan’ and We Have To Agree
In 2012 Pharrell Williams tweeted that Kendrick Lamar was "this era’s Bob Dylan," praising the rapper’s masterful storytelling. Lamar’s interviews reveal his intent to expose the complex realities of Compton, turning personal experience into broader social commentary. The endorsement was...
Carlos Santana Adds September 2026 Las Vegas Residency Tour Dates
Carlos Santana announced eight additional September 2026 performances for his ongoing Las Vegas residency, “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live,” at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. The new dates—September 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26 and 27—join the previously scheduled May shows, extending the run to 16 Las Vegas concerts in its...
DAVID ELLEFSON On AI-Generated Music: "Things Created On A Computer Don't Have Emotion. They May Be Smart, But They Don't...
Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson warned that AI‑generated music lacks emotional depth, emphasizing that only human performance can truly connect with listeners. He reiterated that his own recordings, though digitally processed, remain human‑played. Ellefson also said he remains willing to...
Shania Twain Says Forthcoming Album Is About Something She’s “Never Shared” With Fans Before
Country legend Shania Twain announced that her upcoming album will delve into her childhood and personal history, topics she has never shared with fans before. The 60‑year‑old says the record reflects the environment she grew up in and marks a...
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Unveil First Live Album, ‘Ryman to Robert’s,’ with “Blame the Train”
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country announced its first live album, “Ryman To Robert’s,” slated for release on August 28 through Retrace Music. The double‑disc set compiles the full 18‑song performance at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and selected cuts from an after‑show at...
This Is Lorelei Just Announced a 2026 Fall Tour
Indie band This Is Lorelei announced its "Singer in My Band" fall 2026 tour, launching on September 22 in Columbus, Ohio. The itinerary blends headlining dates with opening slots for Bleachers across the Midwest, followed by solo shows supported by Colin...
Sondre Lerche Announces New Album & Tour, Shares “Little Kids”
Norwegian singer‑songwriter Sondre Lerche announced his first album in four years, *Acrobats*, slated for release on August 21 through PLZ/Virgin. The record was recorded across nine studios, features string arrangements by Sean O’Hagan of The High Llamas, and is led by...
This Is Lorelei Have Signed to Matador and Announced a UK Tour
This Is Lorelei, the project of New York songwriter Nate Amos, has signed a recording contract with Matador Records and announced a headline tour across the UK and Ireland for November 2026. The tour will culminate with a London show...
Pixies Unveil ‘Complete B-Sides: 1988-97’ Reissue
Pixies' 2001 compilation Complete B‑Sides: 1988‑97 is getting its first vinyl pressing, remastered for a 26 June 2026 release. The reissue will also be issued as a double‑CD, preserving the original 25‑track lineup of rare B‑sides and live cuts. The collection spans...
PEARL JAM, EDDIE VEDDER & FRIENDS, BILLY IDOL, BAD RELIGION Set For 10th-Anniversary Edition Of OHANA FESTIVAL
The Ohana Festival marks its 10th anniversary with a three‑day lineup at Doheny State Beach, featuring headliners Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder & Friends, Billy Idol and Bad Religion among more than 30 acts. The event runs September 25‑27 and offers...
68 Years Ago, The Everly Brothers Started a Four-Week Run at No. 1 With a Song Penned by a Famed...
On May 12, 1958 the Everly Brothers’ “All I Have To Do Is Dream” surged to No. 1 on Billboard’s Best Sellers in Stores chart and simultaneously topped the country, R&B, Top 100 and Most Played by Jockeys charts. The song, penned by husband‑wife...
Walt Disco Have Returned with “Horny, Chaotic” New Single ‘Coup De Foudre’
Glasgow indie outfit walt disco has returned with the single “Coup de foudre,” their first release on EMI North. The track leans into a faster, 2000s dance‑floor aesthetic, described by frontperson Jocelyn as “horny, chaotic,” and blends Yeah Yeah Yeahs‑style...
Pearl Jam Announce First Concert Since Matt Cameron Departed at Ohana Festival
Pearl Jam will headline the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California, marking the band’s first live appearance since longtime drummer Matt Cameron left in July 2025. The three‑day, 10‑year anniversary event runs Sept. 25‑27 and features a diverse roster including Eddie...
Pixies Are Celebrating 40 Years with a Remastered Reissue of ‘Complete B-Sides: 1988-97’
The Pixies are issuing a remastered version of their 2001 compilation ‘Complete B‑Sides: 1988‑97’ on June 26, 2026 through 4AD. The set will debut on vinyl for the first time, offered in double‑black and double‑clear LP formats alongside a double...
![What It’s Like Backstage on Luke Combs’ Tour [Exclusive]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2026/05/attachment-untitled-design-2026-05-12t063947-575.jpg?format=natural)
What It’s Like Backstage on Luke Combs’ Tour [Exclusive]
Country star Luke Combs’ My Kinda Saturday Night Tour is being lauded for its exceptional backstage environment, with opener Ty Myers praising the crew’s hospitality and five‑course meals that even include daily hot‑dog livestreams. The tour’s emphasis on fan‑friendly service...
‘Wanderstop’ Soundtrack to Get Vinyl Release
Wanderstop, the cozy tea‑shop simulation released in March 2025, is getting its first physical editions for Nintendo Switch ($49.99) and PlayStation 5 ($39.99) with stickers and a fold‑out poster, shipping August 28, 2026. The game’s lo‑fi soundtrack by C418 will also be issued...
Sea Shanties Actually Help People Work Together Better
A team of cognitive scientists at Central European University published evidence that work songs, such as sea shanties, can eradicate the phenomenon known as joint rushing—when groups unintentionally speed up a shared task. In controlled lab tests, pairs of participants...
3 Rock Hits From 1974 That Every 70s Kid Can Still Sing From Memory Today
An article by Gayle Thompson highlights three 1974 rock singles that remain cultural touchstones: Eric Clapton’s cover of “I Shot The Sheriff,” Rufus’s “Tell Me Something Good,” and Andy Kim’s “Rock Me Gently.” Clapton’s version earned multi‑platinum sales and Grammy Hall...
Video Premiere: Achryma – “Hollowlight”
Belgian post‑black metal collective Achryma has quietly emerged, unveiling its debut EP Hollowlight in March and now premiering a stark black‑and‑white video for the title track. The quartet, composed of members from several established European metal acts, self‑produced the EP...
SLAYER Exclusive "Hell Awaits" (40th Anniversary Edition) Vinyl Box Sets & More Available For Pre-Order
Slayer is commemorating the 40th anniversary of its seminal 1985 album Hell Awaits with a series of deluxe physical releases. Fans can pre‑order a 3×12‑inch vinyl box set featuring fire‑splatter vinyl, a restored original master, and an unreleased full live...
On This Day in 1968, the Rolling Stones Played Their Final Show With Their Founding Guitarist
On May 12, 1968 the Rolling Stones performed their final concert with founding guitarist Brian Jones at the NME Pollwinners’ Concert in Wembley’s Empire Pool. The two‑song set—"(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" and the unreleased "Jumpin’ Jack Flash"—marked Jones’ last appearance before his dismissal in June 1969 and his death...
Fakemink Addresses Rolling Loud Set Critics, Cites Unknown “Health Conditions”
UK artist Fakemink’s high‑profile Rolling Loud set drew sharp criticism after clips showed a sluggish performance and off‑beat choreography. The rapper defended himself on Tumblr, citing a grueling schedule of four to five shows per week and undisclosed health conditions that...