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 new, unreleased material alongside her classic hits, marking a public comeback after her 2020 disclosure of a kidnapping, rape and drug‑assault ordeal. A Disney+ documentary is also slated to detail her rise, trauma, and return to music.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Stream Skrillex’s New Surprise Album SOMA
Skrillex surprised fans on June 5, 2026 by dropping his 13‑track album SOMA, a collection that showcases a worldwide roster of collaborators including Anita B Queen, BEAM, Chris Lake and Feid. The release follows a string of successful singles such as “Duro,” “Smoke” and “Thistle,” building...
The Paradox Share Sensational New Track ‘Good For Me’
The Paradox released the pop‑punk single “Good For Me,” their first new music since the 2025 EP “NSFW.” The track blends classic genre hooks with modern production, delivering an infectious chorus designed for repeat listening. It debuted alongside a SXSW...
Jesse Welles: Unmasking the News, Technology and Pete Seeger’s Hudson River Legacy
Folk singer Jesse Welles is set to release his sixth album, *Masks Off*, on June 12, a collection of politically charged songs that tackle immigration enforcement, AI, and global crises. The album was recorded in three fast‑paced sessions with veteran engineer...
Madonna’s Surprise Times Square Takeover Debuts New ‘The Square’ Performance Space
Madonna surprised New York City with a six‑song performance that unveiled "The Square," a new multi‑use venue in Times Square. The space features a retractable stage that opens onto the iconic intersection, an 18,000‑square‑foot digital billboard, and proprietary Square Stream...
Charley Crockett Goes Full Gonzo to Get “Clovis” To Fans
Charley Crockett independently released his new album *Clovis* on April 28, just weeks after Island Records issued *Age of the Ram*. Island pulled *Clovis* on May 6, alleging contract violations, while continuing to promote the earlier record, which now sits at #3...
OSEES Surprise Release New Album ‘OFF COURSE’ (Listen)
OSEES, led by John Dwyer, surprise‑released the album OFF COURSE today on the Deathgod label. The record was assembled from live jam sessions recorded to tape, then refined with vocals and contributions from Tom Dolas and Brigid Dawson. The five‑track...
THEORY OF A DEADMAN Announces New EP 'Part 1: Funeral Songs'
Canadian rock veterans Theory of a Deadman announced a six‑track EP titled “Part 1: Funeral Songs,” slated for release on September 4, 2026 through independent distributor ONErpm. The announcement follows the rollout of the new single “Winnebago (Lay Low)” and its music video, which...
Phoebe Bridgers Announces 2026 UK, Europe and North America Arena Tour with “No Phones”
Phoebe Bridgers has unveiled “The Lost Tour,” a 30‑date arena trek across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and mainland Europe beginning September 15, 2026. The tour uniquely bans phones, requiring attendees to lock devices in pouches for...
Electric Callboy Join Forces With The Offspring’s Dexter Holland On ‘Let The Good Times Roll’
German metalcore outfit Electric Callboy has dropped a new single titled "Let The Good Times Roll," featuring guest vocals from The Offspring frontman Dexter Holland. The track blends the band’s high‑energy hooks with Holland’s punk‑rock flair, echoing the Offspring’s 2022...
KLOF No. 86 (Folk, Experimental, Alternative)
KLOF’s latest mixtape, No. 86, opens with Frankie Archer’s new album "The Dance of Death" and features a diverse roster of folk, experimental and alternative artists, including a 15‑minute finale by Brown Wimpenny. The collection also spotlights a benefit compilation, *The...
On AI in Hip-Hop
AI‑generated visuals have become a staple in both underground and mainstream hip‑hop, from Kasher Quon's surreal "Transported" video to high‑budget releases by Kanye and YoungBoy. Artists and DIY editors tout AI for its speed and sub‑$300 production costs, while labels...
Randy Travis Cuts The Ribbon On Room Named In His Honor At The Nashville Palace
Country music legend Randy Travis officially opened the newly dedicated Randy Travis Room at Nashville Palace, marking the 40th anniversary of his debut album *Storms of Life*. The ceremony gathered longtime band members, rising stars and artists from other genres...
NO DEPRESSION SESSIONS at Wild Coyote: Cat Clyde
Canadian singer‑songwriter Cat Clyde used a brief break between shows in Brooklyn and Cambridge to debut two songs from her fourth album, Mud Blood Bone. In a video for No Depression, she explained the album’s creation, highlighting producer Drew Vandenberg’s...
Oregon Country Fair’s All-Star Celebration of Bobby Weir to Feature Steve Kimock, Jay Lane, and More
The Oregon Country Fair will host an All-Star Celebration of the late Grateful Dead rhythm guitarist Bobby Weir on July 12, 2026, featuring veteran Dead‑associated musicians such as Steve Kimock, Jay Lane, Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz, and others. The tribute will...
CARICATURE (SIX FEET UNDER, BIONATOPS, BLACK HEART SUTRA) Point Fingers On, "Let The Devil In"
Eccentric metal veterans Ray Suhy and Joseph Spiller have launched Caricature’s new single “Let The Devil In,” a politically‑charged track that denounces community decay. The song was recorded using only analog techniques—no digital edits, quantization, or AI assistance—emphasizing a raw,...
Steve Lacy Teases Upcoming Album with “the Feeling”
Steve Lacy dropped the single “the feeling,” the lead track from his forthcoming third album *Oh yeah?*, slated for July 17 release on RCA Records. The album, entirely written and produced by Lacy, follows his 2022 breakthrough *Gemini Rights* and is...
New Exclusive Vinyl: Codefendants (Fat Mike, Get Dead, Ceschi) ‘Lifers’ Canary Yellow & Tangerine LP
Codefendants—Fat Mike, Sam King and rapper Ceschi—have issued an exclusive canary‑yellow and tangerine vinyl of their sophomore album Lifers, limited to just 400 copies and sold through BrooklynVegan’s shop. The release coincides with an ambitious 2026 tour that hits major...
Album Review – Colby Acuff’s “Handmade Horsepower”
Colby Acuff drops his seventh studio effort, "Handmade Horsepower," as a fully independent release after parting ways with a major label. The album leans heavily into outlaw‑country aesthetics, pairing twangy two‑tone beats with sharp, industry‑focused protest lyrics. Critics praised its...
Essential Releases, June 5, 2026
June 5, 2026’s Essential Releases roundup highlights a wave of independent music launches, from Pressure Sounds’ deluxe reissue of Cedric Brooks’ 1978 reggae classic to a slew of self‑released albums on Bandcamp. Veteran label Ninja Tune veteran Machinedrum announced his departure to issue...
DEF LEPPARD Guitarist PHIL COLLEN's MANRAZE Releases 'Lock, Stock & Barrel' Five-CD Box Set
MANRAZE, the supergroup featuring Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, GIRL bassist Simon Laffy and Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook, has issued a five‑CD box set titled “Lock, Stock & Barrel” through Cherry Red Records and HNE Recordings. The collection compiles...
14 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Vince Staples, horsegiirL, Modest Mouse, and More
Pitchfork’s latest roundup spotlights 14 fresh releases, from Vince Staples’ Loma Vista debut "Cry Baby" to Modest Mouse’s first independent album in three decades. The list showcases genre‑bending projects such as horsegiirL’s electronic‑rich "Nature Is Healing" and the posthumous Lee...
HorsegiirL – NATURE IS HEALING
Berlin‑based DJ/producer horsegiirL released her debut album “NATURE IS HEALING” in June 2026. The record features collaborations with A.G. Cook, Novak (Charli XCX), Casey MQ and Luvhunter, merging hyperpop, electronic beats and field recordings of birds, insects and mammals. Critics gave it an 8/10,...
How T-Pop Is Blowing up the Global Charts
Thai pop (T‑pop) is surging globally, with label‑collective revenue projected at roughly $310 million in 2026 and $364 million by 2029. Superfans—about 2% of an artist’s audience—contribute up to 42% of total earnings, driven by strong live‑ticket and merchandise sales. Gen Z dominates...
The Afghan Whigs Hint at a Reckoning on “Jungle Roux”
Greg Dulli’s Afghan Whigs have unveiled “Jungle Roux,” the lead preview from their forthcoming album Soft Control. The track showcases a nine‑piece lineup, soaring chorus and backup vocals, signaling a confident return after the personal‑turmoil‑laden 1965 record. Dulli notes the...
11 New Albums Out Now From Modest Mouse, Death Cab For Cutie, Bedouine & More
A wave of new releases hit the market on June 5, 2026, featuring 11 albums from indie and alternative acts such as Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Bedouine, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Lizzo. Modest Mouse returns after a five‑year gap with *An Eraser And A Maze*,...
South Arcade Share Cutesy New Track ‘DEADMEAT’
South Arcade has unveiled a new single titled “DEADMEAT,” a sugary‑sweet, ear‑catching track that frames a modern Romeo‑Juliet love story with an optimistic twist. The band released the song ahead of their main‑stage slot at the June 11 Download Festival, using...
Vince Staples Launches Independent Era With New Album ‘Cry Baby’
Vince Staples has launched his new album *Cry Baby* through Loma Vista Recordings, offering a 10‑track project on digital platforms and a limited red‑vinyl edition with an exclusive bonus track. The release signals the start of his "independent era," marked...
Taylor Swift: I Knew It, I Knew You Review – Giddy Up! Song for Toy Story Cowgirl Jessie Is Swift’s...
Taylor Swift’s new song “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Pixar’s *Toy Story 5* has been hailed as her strongest soundtrack effort in years, matching the emotional depth of Randy Newman’s classic “When She Loved Me.” The track blends nostalgic lyricism with organic instrumentation, featuring Jack Antonoff’s production and a subtle...
Sleeping With Sirens Announce 2027 UK/EU Headline Tour
American post‑hardcore outfit Sleeping With Sirens has unveiled a 2027 headline tour across the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, kicking off in February and wrapping in early March. The trek will feature 12 dates in major venues from Paris to...
Laura Marling Surprise Releases New Album… of Raffi Covers
British folk‑pop star Laura Marling returns with her first album since 2024, releasing a 17‑track collection titled “Laura Sings Raffi.” The record consists entirely of covers of children’s classic Raffi songs, self‑produced in her London home studio. Marling frames the...