1968 Elvis Presley Track Almost Went Unreleased Because He Hated the Song
Elvis Presley recorded the song “Dominick” in 1967 for the ill‑fated film *Stay Away, Joe*, which premiered in 1968. He detested the track, believing it would tarnish his carefully curated image, and pressed RCA executives to keep it shelved. The song remained locked in the vault for more than a decade before finally appearing on a 1982 compilation. The episode highlights the tension between an artist’s personal standards and commercial pressures in the 1960s music‑film crossover market.
I Tried Explaining Kendrick Lamar’s Discography to Someone Who Only Listens to Drake—This Is What We Both Learned
The VICE piece examines the 2024 Drake‑Kendrick Lamar feud, highlighting how staunch fan loyalty fuels a polarizing "stan" culture. It contrasts Drake’s chart‑driven rise via major label backing with Kendrick’s critically lauded, cinematic albums supported by institutional acclaim. By walking...
Former EXCITER Guitarist JOHN RICCI: 'I Don't Think A.I. Should Play A Part In Songwriting'
Former EXCITER guitarist John Ricci told Talkin' Bout Rock that he believes AI should stay out of songwriting, arguing that music’s human factor must remain authentic. He clarified his neutral stance, accepting AI for visual art but rejecting it for...
ANTHRAX's SCOTT IAN: 'It's Always Odd To Me' Which Songs 'People Know And Don't Know Off Our Records'
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian discussed the setlist for the band’s upcoming Australian headlining tour, revealing a blend of staple tracks and deep cuts such as “Deathrider” and “Metal Thrashing Mad.” He noted that fan recognition of songs is heavily influenced...
"It's Our Most Emotional and Moving Song." In 1986, Pearl Jam Frontman Eddie Vedder Taped Something Off the TV. Years...
Pearl Jam’s final track on Vitalogy, “Hey Foxymophandlemama, That’s Me,” incorporates a field recording Eddie Vedder captured from a 1986 PBS documentary about mental‑illness patients. The eerie collage, dubbed “Stupid Mop,” blends the raw audio with Jack Irons’ drums and a minimalist bass line, creating a...
Crobot Announce New Album, Share First Single “Foot Off”
Crobot announced their ninth studio album, *Supermoon*, slated for a May 1 release on Megaforce Records. The band debuted the lead single “Foot Off,” recorded at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Recording Studio and The Machine Shop in Texas. Frontman Brandon Yeagley framed...
24 Modern Artists Who Prove Traditional Country Music Is Alive
A new wave of modern country artists is championing traditional sounds, proving that classic twang remains commercially viable in the 21st‑century music landscape. The list spans established names like Sturgill Simpson and emerging talents such as Triston Marez, many of...
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA's JEREMY DEPOYSTER Doesn't Believe In Relying On Backing Tracks During Live Performances: 'We Literally Hate That'
Jeremy DePoyster, guitarist and vocalist for The Devil Wears Prada, said the band despises relying on pre‑recorded backing tracks and only used a laptop for bass after their bassist quit in August. The group returned to the stage on March 13...
Jeezy Explains Why He Decided To Get Political for His 2008 Album ‘The Recession’
In September 2008, Young Jeezy released his third album, The Recession, directly addressing the U.S. financial crisis, ongoing wars, and political climate. The record features overtly political tracks such as “My President,” which anticipated Barack Obama’s election. Jeezy explained that...
TESTAMENT's CHUCK BILLY On Retirement: 'I'm Gonna Let My Mind, Body And Soul Tell Me When It's Time'
In a recent interview, Testament frontman Chuck Billy said he will let his mind, body and soul decide when to retire, noting he feels at the top of his vocal game and is healthy enough for touring. Guitarist Eric Peterson...
Crowbar Announces 2026 European Tour Dates
American sludge metal veterans Crowbar have unveiled an extensive 2026 tour schedule, kicking off a U.S. leg on March 19 alongside Eyehategod. The itinerary expands into Europe with nine festival dates spanning June and July, including stops at Graspop, Copenhell,...
HEALTH Drop R-TYPE II Remix EP
Industrial pioneers HEALTH have issued the R‑TYPE II Remix EP, a six‑track collection reworking songs from their recent CONFLICT DLC album and earlier material. The EP follows the R‑TYPE I release and continues the band’s tradition of video‑game inspired titles. Featuring remixers such...
ANTHRAX Guitarist SCOTT IAN Reveals Painful Back Injury After Freezing Cruise Show
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian disclosed a serious back injury sustained during the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise in late January, when an unexpected cold snap forced the band to perform outdoors in freezing, windy conditions. The injury left him barely able to walk...
CRADLE OF FILTH Set To Record A New Album, No Word On New Lineup
Swedish extreme metal outfit Cradle of Filth is poised to enter the studio within three weeks to record their fifteenth studio album, with frontman Dani Filth confirming that songwriting is nearly finished. The new record will again be produced, mixed...
Why Marvin Gaye Almost Quit Music and Never Made Classics Like ‘Distant Lover’
Marvin Gaye stepped away from the spotlight for three years in the early 1970s, grappling with depression and disillusionment. During this hiatus he reflected on America’s social turmoil, which fueled the creation of the seminal album "What’s Going On." The...
‘You’ve Got to Be Able to Laugh at Yourself’: Jamie Oliver Stars in Video for CMAT’s The Jamie Oliver Petrol...
Jamie Oliver appears in Irish pop star CMAT’s video for her song “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station,” a tongue‑in‑cheek track that references his line of Shell sandwiches. The video was shot at the newly refurbished Jamie’s Italian outlet in Leicester...
The Music Never Stops. How One Group Is Helping Artists Replace Instruments Lost in the L.A. Fires
A group called Altadena Musicians launched the Instrumental Giving app after the January 2025 L.A. wildfires destroyed homes, studios and instruments. The platform connects donors with fire‑affected musicians, and has already delivered roughly 3,500 instruments to 1,200 families. Corporate partners such...
Photos: Celebs Snapped at at the Launch of the Music Album ‘Allah Hoo Allah Hoo’
Bollywood’s entertainment circle gathered in Mumbai to unveil the devotional album “Allah Hoo Allah Hoo.” The launch featured a live performance by composer‑singer Tanishk Bagchi and a star‑studded photo‑op with actors, singers and producers. Ramadan‑themed backdrops and branding from Bollywood Hungama...
Today in Hip-Hop History: Kool G. Rap and DJ Polo Dropped Their Debut LP ‘Road to the Riches’ 37 Years...
Queens legends Kool G Rap and DJ Polo celebrate the 37th anniversary of their debut album *Road To The Riches*, originally dropped in 1989 on Cold Chillin Records. The record arrived amid the Juice Crew’s golden‑era surge, with Marley Marl...
Today in Hip Hop History: 2Pac Dropped His Third LP ‘Me Against The World’ 31 Years Ago
On March 13, 1995 Tupac Shakur released his third studio album, *Me Against the World*, while serving a prison sentence. The record diverged from his earlier “thug life” persona, offering introspective lyrics and a subdued production style. It debuted at...
PHIL CAMPBELL, MOTÖRHEAD Guitarist, Dead at 64
Phil Campbell, the longtime guitarist of Motörhead, died at age 64 following complications after a major operation. Campbell joined the band in 1984 and contributed to 16 studio albums, including iconic releases like Orgasmatron, 1916, and Inferno, up to the...
Boosie Badazz, Kodak Black and Young Thug Trade Words Over Protective Custody Debate
Prominent rappers Boosie Badazz, Kodak Black and Young Thug have entered a heated online dispute over the use of protective custody in prison. Boosie accused Kodak of seeking protective custody, calling his music invalid, while Kodak countered by pointing to Young Thug...
Muthoni The Drummer Queen: Sometimes You’re Not Wrong; You’re in the Wrong Stadium
Muthoni Ndonga, known as Muthoni The Drummer Queen, turned a modest Ksh 36,000 college gig at age 21 into a lifelong pursuit of music entrepreneurship. After an internationally praised but locally misunderstood debut album, she leveraged European tour insights to launch...
Rhythm Shaw Goes At It With ‘Nothing to Lose’ on Towering New Album
Indian guitarist‑composer Rhythm Shaw releases his sophomore album, Nothing to Lose, an 11‑track instrumental journey that weaves orchestral grandeur, jazz improvisation, and prog‑metal aggression. The record features a 42‑piece Budapest Symphony Orchestra and up to 14 layered guitar tracks, some...
Wallis Giunta to Headline Ensemble Modern’s ‘Weimar’
Ensemble Modern launches its first U.S. tour since 2011 with a program titled “Weimar,” spotlighting Kurt Weill’s music and the broader Weimar Republic era. The centerpiece is a new chamber arrangement of Weill’s “The Seven Deadly Sins” for 15 players,...
Boy George Tells Chappell Roan To “Own Your Fame” After Moment With Photographers “Harassing” Her
Pop icon Boy George publicly advised rising singer Chappell Roan to "own your fame" after she confronted a group of paparazzi in Paris. The incident, captured on a viral video, shows Roan demanding photographers stop harassing her. Boy George, drawing on his decades‑long...
Paris in the Spring
Alexis Taylor’s seventh solo album, "Paris in the Spring," drops a ten‑track mix that roams from synth‑pop ballads to nu‑disco and a Rolling Stones cover. Recorded in Paris with collaborators like Air’s Nicolas Godin and Étienne de Crécy, the record emphasizes freedom from...
NEOPOP Shares Initial 2026 Line-Up Featuring Helena Hauff, Goldie and Octave One
Portugal’s NEOPOP Festival has unveiled its first‑wave lineup for the 2026 edition, scheduled for August 6‑8 at the historic Forte da Barra in Viana do Castelo. The three‑day event celebrates two decades of electronic‑music programming and promises its most ambitious production...
The Best DJ Mixes Of The Year 2026 So Far
Mixmag has launched its inaugural guide to the best DJ mixes of 2026, offering a curated selection that spans house, techno, UK garage, amapiano, jungle, drum‑and‑bass, ambient, rap, grime, R&B and more. The feature includes club recordings, radio residencies and...
Domani Has Always Been An Underrated Force In Hip Hop
Domani Harris entered the spotlight when he released two diss tracks aimed at 50 Cent during the T.I.‑50 Cent feud, defending his stepmother Tiny. The tracks, “Ms. Jackson” and “PU$Y,” showcased a more aggressive side but retained his signature lyrical control. Beyond the...
The All-American Rejects’ Tyson Ritter & Nick Wheeler Talk Backyard Tour, Independence & New Album at Billboard House @ SXSW
The All‑American Rejects announced their first album since 2012, "Sandbox," set for release on May 15, 2026. In a Billboard House interview at SXSW, Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler explained their shift from Interscope to an independent model after the...
Shakey Graves Plays Free Show at Sagebrush Ahead of New Album
Austin‑based singer‑songwriter Shakey Graves headlined a free concert at the Sagebrush honky‑tonk on March 13, drawing crowds that wrapped around the venue. The performance was part of SXSW’s programming and featured opening sets by Tenille Townes, Travis Bolt, Tyler Halverson...
The All-American Rejects on New Music, House Party Tour Success & Advice for New Artists | SXSW 2026
At SXSW 2026, All‑American Rejects frontman Tyson Ritter and guitarist Nick Wheeler revealed details about their upcoming album and highlighted the unexpected commercial success of their recent House Party tour. The duo discussed how the band has sustained relevance in...
Cast Change: Larissa Diadkova Joins Cast of ‘Eugene Onegin’ at Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera announced a second cast change for its spring production of Eugene Onegin, naming veteran mezzo‑soprano Larissa Diadkova as the new Filippyevna. Diadkova, who debuted at the Met in 1996, brings a rich repertoire that includes major Verdi and...
Latvian National Opera to Host Star-Studded ‘Aida’ with Marina Rebeka, Elīna Garanča & Ludovic Tézier
The Latvian National Opera will present Verdi’s Aida on March 15 and 17, featuring home‑grown sopranos Marina Rebeka and Elīna Garanča in the title roles, baritone Ludovic Tézier in his Latvian debut, and tenor Irakli Kakhidze as Radames. Italian conductor Lorenzo Passerini will lead the orchestra. Board...
Cast Change: Vasilisa Berzhanskaya Joins Gran Teatre Del Liceu’s ‘Semiramide’
Gran Teatre del Liceu announced a cast change for Rossini’s “Semiramide.” Soprano Adela Zaharia withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, and mezzo‑soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya will assume the title role. Berzhanskaya, currently singing the part at Palermo’s Teatro Massimo, is renowned for...
Lise Davidson, Angel Blue, Francesca Dotto, Wallis Giunta & Raffaele Pe Lead New CD/DVD Releases
This week’s opera‑focused releases span new live recordings, historic revivals, and contemporary commissions. Decca issues Lise Davidsen’s Met recital, while Deutsche Grammophon presents the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra’s Beethoven 5 and Kolomiiets suite in support of Ukraine. The Azrieli Music Prizes volume...
Elīna Garanča, Christian Van Horn, Chen Reiss & Catriona Morison Lead Munich Philharmonic’s 2026-27 Season
Munich Philharmonic unveiled its 2026‑27 season, featuring eight concerts from October 2026 through July 2027. The program highlights leading vocalists Elīna Garanča, Christian Van Horn, Chen Reiss and Catriona Morison alongside conductors such as Thomas Hengelbrock, Barbara Hannigan, Manfred Honeck,...
Superstar Q&A With Don Toliver: ‘Octane,’ Travis Scott, Y2K Pop & More | SXSW 2026
Don Toliver sat down with Billboard at SXSW 2026 to discuss his fifth studio album, Octane, which debuted at No. 1 with 162,000 units sold. All 18 tracks from the record entered the Hot 100, underscoring his streaming power. He detailed his...
Friday Dance Music Guide: The Week’s Best New Tracks From Kenya Grace, Claude VonStroke & More
This week’s dance music roundup highlights several major live‑event announcements and a key label acquisition. French pioneer Jean‑Michel Jarre will open ADE 2026 with an immersive performance, while LP Giobbi makes history as the first woman to lead Okeechobee’s superjam....
Jorge Drexler Breaks Down 5 Essential Tracks From ‘Taracá’: ‘An Album of Mourning With a Clear Celebratory Nature’
Uruguayan singer‑songwriter Jorge Drexler released his new album Taracá on March 13, his first record made in Uruguay in two decades. The 11‑track project weaves candombe percussion with themes of grief and celebration, reflecting the loss of his father and a...
‘We Are The Shaggs’ Review: Ken Kwapis’ Endearing Doc Tells The Strange True Story Behind The Best “Worst Album” Ever...
Ken Kwapis’s new documentary *We Are the Shaggs* premiered at SXSW, chronicling the bizarre rise of the 1960s all‑girl band formed by the Wiggin sisters under their father’s obsessive direction. The film details how their sole album, *Philosophy of the...
Paris Jackson on Where She Stands With Colman Domingo Amid ‘Michael’ Biopic Drama: ‘Things Get Twisted’
Paris Jackson clarified her stance with actor Colman Domingo after a public spat over the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson, messaged her to explain that his earlier comment was taken out of context, and she expressed...
Doja Cat Commends Chappell Roan’s ‘Attitude’ in Paparazzi Confrontation: ‘She Hasn’t Hurt One Person’
Doja Cat used a TikTok video to defend pop singer Chappell Roan after a viral Paris paparazzi confrontation, praising Roan’s unapologetic attitude. In the same clip, Doja disclosed her borderline personality disorder diagnosis and linked her own experiences to Roan’s handling of...
3 Hip-Hop One-Hit Wonders From the 90s Who Deserved More Recognition
90s hip‑hop produced several artists who scored a single breakout hit but never achieved lasting fame. The article spotlights Craig Mack, whose “Flava in Ya Ear” was outshone by a Bad Boy remix featuring Notorious B.I.G.; Onyx, whose hardcore, punk‑infused...
On This Day in 1971, a Forgotten Folk Duo Entered the Charts With a Controversial Hit That Featured Jerry Garcia...
On March 13, 1971 Brewer & Shipley cracked the Billboard Hot 100 with “One Toke Over the Line,” peaking at No. 10 despite widespread radio bans. The FCC’s warning memo triggered a purge of songs perceived as glorifying drug use, forcing stations in multiple states to drop the track. The...
The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde Shares Exciting News About a New Album by the Band and Other Recording Projects
Frontwoman Chrissie Hynde announced that The Pretenders will begin recording a new album, tentatively titled Outlaw, within months. She also revealed two side projects: a Brazil‑based +3 collaboration with artists Moreno Veloso, Alexandre Kassin and Domenico Lancellotti, and a second...
Our Favorite Songs of the Week (Playlist)
BrooklynVegan has released its latest weekly playlist, a curated collection of 27 new tracks spanning indie, punk, rap and experimental music. The list features artists such as Iceage, Drug Church, Lykke Li, Arlo Parks and a Rolling Stones cover by Alexis Taylor, among others....
3 Current Artists Every Diehard Nine Inch Nails Fan Should Introduce to Their Rotation
Nine Inch Nails’ enduring influence on industrial‑metal has spawned a new wave of artists that echo its genre‑bending ethos. Vice highlights three acts—Model/Actriz, 3TEETH, and Pixel Grip—each delivering distinct takes on industrial, noise, and electronic sounds. Model/Actriz fuses alt‑rock and...
“Who’s That Little Pisser?”: Dolly Parton Addresses Health, Dating Rumors During First Major Public Appearance of the Year
Dolly Parton made her first major public appearance of the year at Dollywood's 41st‑season kickoff, addressing recent health setbacks and the loss of her husband, Carl Dean. She confirmed postponing her Las Vegas residency and other engagements to focus on...