"It Was Construed as Being About a Sex Worker." The Story Behind the Blondie Classic that Everyone Misunderstood
Blondie's 1976 single "X Offender" was originally titled "Sex Offender" but was renamed to secure radio airplay. Debbie Harry clarified that the song narrates a teenager facing a statutory‑rape charge, not a story about a sex worker, a point often missed by listeners. Released on June 17, 1976, it opened the band’s debut album and became a staple of their live shows. The track helped cement Blondie's place in the CBGB underground and launched their mainstream breakthrough.
Thundercat Is The Second Face Of CLASH 133
Thundercat returns as the second face of CLASH 133, unveiling his first album in six years, Distracted. The new record shifts toward a broader, pop‑facing sound while preserving his signature cosmic oddities and genre‑mutating flair. In a CLASH interview, he frames...
Sombr Summons Joe Jonas For ‘Cake By The Ocean’ In London
Joe Jonas made a surprise appearance with indie act sombr at London’s O2 Academy Brixton, performing the DNCE hit “Cake By The Ocean.” The guest spot followed a previous collaboration at the Jonas Brothers’ Brooklyn show last December. After the...
Molly Tuttle and Maggie Rose Outline Co-Headlining Tour Dates
Molly Tuttle and Maggie Rose announced an eight‑city co‑headlining tour running May 7‑16, kicking off at Houston’s Heights Theater and concluding in Lexington, Kentucky. The itinerary threads through Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio, targeting mid‑size venues that match their growing...
'68 Announces Their Farewell Tour, Set To Play "Very Last Show" In Atlanta
Noise‑rock duo ’68, led by Josh Scogin, announced a farewell tour following the release of their fifth studio album. The 30‑date run begins May 13 in Orlando and concludes with a "very last show" on June 20 at Atlanta’s Masquerade....
J. Cole’s The Fall-Off Tour: How to Get Tickets
J. Cole announced The Fall‑Off Tour to support his new album, launching July 11 in Charlotte and spanning North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Demand surged, prompting the addition of 19 extra shows and causing many dates to sell...
SPREAD EAGLE Announces New Studio Album 'The Brutal Divine', Shares First Single 'Street Noise'
Hard rock veterans Spread Eagle announced their fourth studio album, The Brutal Divine, slated for release on June 12, 2026 through Frontiers Music. The band unveiled the lead single “Street Noise” alongside a video, setting an aggressive tone for the...
Chris Stapleton Earns His First No. 1 On A Chart He’s Never Ruled
Country star Chris Stapleton achieved his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Digital Song Sales chart with the Mumford & Sons collaboration “Here,” which also topped the Rock Digital Song Sales list. The track leapt from No. 4 to No. 1 on Alternative and from...
The Academy Is… Release Blossoming New Track ‘L Train’
The Academy Is… has unveiled a new single, “L Train,” as a preview for their forthcoming album “Almost There,” slated for release on March 27 through I Surrender Records. The track blends breezy psychedelia with lyrical introspection, reflecting the band’s 20‑year...
Ariana Grande’s Latest Album Makes It To A Chart Milestone
Ariana Grande’s seventh studio album *Eternal Sunshine* has logged 104 weeks on the Billboard 200, matching the two‑year run of her 2020 record *Positions*. The album slipped from No. 124 to No. 136 this week but remains on the chart, making it her...
Wendy Eisenberg Shares “Vanity Paradox” Video Ahead of Self-Titled Album
Wendy Eisenberg released "Vanity Paradox," the third single from the self‑titled album arriving April 3 on Joyful Noise Recordings. The accompanying video, directed by Ruby Mars, was shot around Lucy the Elephant, a 65‑foot landmark on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Eisenberg describes...
Thomas Dollbaum Nabs MJ Lenderman For Southern Rock Ode ‘Dozen Roses’
Thomas Dollbaum’s new album *Birds Of Paradise* drops on May 22 through Dear Life Records, marrying Southern rock roots with off‑kilter indie textures. The record features his longtime band—Nick Corson, Josh Halper—and guest guitarist MJ Lenderman, who delivers a standout solo on...
Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders Mingle on Forthcoming Live LPs, ‘GarciaLive Volume 22: September 25th, 1971, Lion’s Share’
Garcia Family Provisions will issue GarciaLive Volume 22 on May 1, 2026, documenting Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders’ September 25, 1971 performances at San Anselmo’s Lion’s Share nightclub. The double‑LP captures early and late sets recorded on analog reel by Betty Cantor‑Jackson and Bob...
FEAR FACTORY Announces Fall 2026 Headlining Tour With DARKEST HOUR & BROTALITY
Fear Factory has unveiled its Fall 2026 Cybernetic Domination Tour, a twelve‑city U.S. headline run from November 13 to November 29, with Darkest Hour as direct support and thrash outfit Brotality opening each show. The band will precede the fall leg with a...
American Football Reveal LP4 Tracklist with Turnstile, Wisp, and Rainer Maria
American Football has unveiled the tracklist for their upcoming LP4, a 10‑song record produced by Sonny DiPerri and featuring guest vocals from Turnstile’s Brendan Yates, Rainer Maria’s Caithlin De Marrais, and Wisp’s Natalie Lu. The band also announced a limited‑edition vinyl...
The Black Crowes Have No Time for AI Songwriting: ‘It’s Lazy Bullshit’
The Black Crowes are set to release their new album *A Pound of Feathers* on Friday, recorded entirely using traditional methods. Frontman Chris Robinson publicly denounced AI‑generated songwriting, calling it "lazy bullshit" during a Rolling Stone podcast. The record was tracked...
Hollywood Undead Share Slayer-Sampling Anthem ‘1×1’
Hollywood Undead has dropped a new single titled “1×1,” which incorporates a sample of Slayer’s legendary “Raining Blood” riff. The track, described as the band’s hardest work in years, centers on a resilience theme and marks their first release since...
Modest Mouse Return with First New Song in Five Years
Modest Mouse has broken a five‑year silence with the single “Look How Far…,” released on GP Records. The track features veteran drummer Janet Weiss, known for her work with Sleater‑Kinney and Quasi. It follows the band’s 2021 album The Golden Casket...
Korn’s Jonathan Davis to Be Grand Marshall at This Weekend’s NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400
Metal band Korn’s frontman Jonathan Davis will serve as grand marshal for the NASCAR Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15. The appointment was announced on Instagram, featuring a video of Davis in a Sick New World‑branded...
Full Album Stream: Lesotho – “A Flashing on Plain Glass”
Boston‑based instrumental collective Lesotho has dropped its third full‑length, A Flashing on Plain Glass, on March 13. The album delves into themes of impermanence, pairing quiet, introspective passages with sudden, heavy riffs. Tracks such as “Marigold” and “Frail Weapon” showcase dynamic loud‑quiet...
Empire of the Sun Announce 2026 North American Tour
Australian synth‑pop duo Empire of the Sun unveiled their “Ask That God: Afterlife” 2026 North American tour, kicking off at Red Rocks on August 11 and wrapping in Las Vegas on October 9. The itinerary spans more than 30 venues, including major festivals...
Jacksonville Community Calls for “Lil Poppa Day” To Honor Late Rapper
Community members from Jacksonville’s Eastside petitioned city officials to name March 18, the late rapper Lil Poppa’s birthday, as “Lil Poppa Day.” The proposal, presented at a public council meeting, emphasizes his influence on local youth and his advocacy for mental‑health...
Circles Around the Sun Announce Summer Spin Tour
Circles Around the Sun announced their Summer Spin tour, launching on June 19, 2026 at the Northlands Music & Arts Festival in Swanzey, N.H. The six‑stop itinerary will travel through Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Brooklyn, Westport and conclude at Ardmore Music...
Violet Grohl Announces Debut Album Be Sweet To Me
Violet Grohl has announced her debut album *Be Sweet To Me*, slated for release on May 29 through Aurora Records and Republic Records. The record features the single “595,” a track that probes power dynamics, loneliness, and the commercialization of...
Colter Wall Says He’s ‘Mentally Unwell’ and Is Taking Hiatus From Touring
Colter Wall announced an indefinite hiatus from touring, canceling the remainder of his 2026 concert schedule to address his deteriorating mental health. The Canadian singer‑songwriter shared the decision on social media, emphasizing that continuing to tour had worsened his condition....
Kibo Shares ‘SHUBZONLINE’ Video, Plans His Debut UK Tour
London rapper Kibo has dropped the full video for his new single “SHUBZONLINE,” a surreal track that reflects his constant‑online persona. The release follows a series of genre‑blending grime and drill singles that have built his digital following. Kibo announced...
Tedeschi Trucks Band Open Beacon Run with Three-Piece ‘Future Soul’ Preview, First-Time Cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Ohio”
Tedeschi Trucks Band kicked off its Beacon Theatre residency in New York by previewing material from the forthcoming album *Future Soul*, slated for release on March 20, 2026. The set featured debut live performances of the new songs “Hero” and...
Behind The Campaign: Breathe
Australian electronic duo Breathe released their debut album For Your Darkest Days on 30 October, shifting from an initial singles‑only plan to a full album campaign. The pivot was enabled by a partnership with music distribution and artist services firm Group...
‘I’ve Always Had This Blind Faith’: Morgan Nagler on Writing with Alt-Rock’s Biggest Names – and Making Her Solo Debut...
Veteran songwriter Morgan Nagler, known for co‑writing hits for Haim, Phoebe Bridgers and Kim Deal, released her first solo album, I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, and I’m Losing It, at age 47. The Americana‑leaning record features guest performances by Courtney Barnett, Madi Diaz and...
A.A. Williams Announces New Album ‘Solstice’
A.A. Williams announced her new album *Solstice*, slated for release on June 5, 2026, marking her first full-length project with the RPM label. The announcement includes the third single, “Hold It Together,” which blends piano‑driven atmospheres with post‑rock textures. The...
Today Im Hip Hop History: Killer Mike Released His Debut Solo Album ‘Monster’ 23 Years Ago
On March 26, 2003 Killer Mike debuted his solo album *Monster* on Columbia and Aquemini Records, marking his emergence from the OutKast‑linked Dungeon Family. Executive‑produced by Big Boi, the record blended soulful instrumentation with hard‑hitting Southern beats and featured collaborators such as...
Gouge Away Sign To Run For Cover Records, Release New Song
Gouge Away has officially joined Run For Cover Records and debuted the new single “Figurine.” The track, recorded live to tape in Portland with Larry Crane and featuring guitarist Theo Hartlett, showcases the band’s raw, angular punk sound. It is...
SIX FEET UNDER Streams "Unmistakable Smell Of Death", Announces New Record Next To Die
Veteran death‑metal act Six Feet Under announced their fifteenth studio album, *Next to Die*, slated for release on April 24. The 12‑track record blends the band’s classic groove‑heavy style with fast, aggressive death‑metal songs. Guitarist Jack Owen and vocalist Chris Barnes co‑produced the...
The Source Magazine Remembers Legendary Detroit Femcee Boss Two Years Later
The Source Magazine commemorated Detroit rap pioneer Lichelle Marie Laws, known as Boss, two years after her death. A trailblazing female MC in the early 1990s, she released the gritty album *Born Gangstaz* in 1993, featuring the standout single “Deeper.”...
ALBUM REVIEW: Sweet Petunia Gets Raw and Real About Mental Health on 'Foggy Mountain Mental Breakdown'
Boston‑based duo Sweet Petunia released their debut album Foggy Mountain Mental Breakdown, a raw exploration of mental health struggles. The record mixes traditional bluegrass instrumentation with punk energy and shoegaze textures, highlighted by sleeplessness‑themed lyrics like “Heels.” Vocalists Maddy Simpson...
10 Years After Promising a “Symphony of C*cks and V*ginas and Death”, Devin Townsend Has Finally Announced His Life’s Work...
Devin Townsend has finally unveiled his long‑promised magnum opus, *The Moth*, a 24‑track concept album slated for release on May 29 via Inside Out. The record blends heavy prog‑metal with choirs, orchestras, and the provocative single “Enter The City.” After a decade...
See Lunachicks’ Punk-Rock Origin Story in ‘Pretty Ugly’ Doc Trailer
The new documentary *Pretty Ugly: The Story of the Lunachicks* premieres on April 24, streaming worldwide and in limited theaters across major U.S. cities. It chronicles the all‑female New York punk band’s formation, raw energy, and the challenges they faced...
Today in Hip-Hop History: Scarface Dropped His Fourth LP ‘The Untouchable’ 29 Years Ago
On March 11, 1997, Houston legend Scarface released his fourth solo album, *The Untouchable*. The record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200—the first southern rap album to achieve that milestone—and topped the Top R&B/Hip‑Hop Albums chart for two weeks. Featuring...
Audrey Hobert’s Beauty Secrets? Water, Lip Gloss and Gum
Audrey Hobert, the rising alt‑pop star, champions a "low effort chic" beauty routine anchored by water, ILIA Overglaze lip gloss, and gum. In a Dazed Digital interview she emphasizes nightly skincare and draws inspiration from everyday people rather than polished...
Bill Orcutt, “Music in Continuous Motion”
Bill Orcutt’s new solo album *Music in Continuous Motion* expands on the multi‑guitar concepts of his 2022 release *Music for Four Guitars*, but this time he records all four parts himself. The record juxtaposes razor‑sharp, bell‑toned guitar lines with surprisingly...
DAVE ELLEFSON – Irritated With DAVE MUSTAINE Again
Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson opened up on the Quemar Un Patrullero podcast, recalling a close friendship with Dave Mustaine that resurfaced when he rejoined the band in 2010. He revealed that Mustaine removed his bass tracks and lyrical contributions...
Video Premiere: Vanta – ‘Alchemy’
Australian metal outfit Vanta released the video for their new single “Alchemy,” a lead track from their debut full‑length Perpetual Selection arriving March 13. The song merges razor‑sharp melodic death‑metal riffs with blast‑driven urgency while drawing lyrical inspiration from Warhammer...
To Pay the Bills, a Cult Band Becomes a Doors Tribute Act
The Brewis brothers, frontmen of the cult indie act Field Music, have launched a Doors tribute project called the Fire Doors, performing roughly one show each month. Despite a two‑decade catalog, critical acclaim and celebrity fans such as Prince, the...
DoYeon Kim Announces Debut Album Wellspring Feat. Tyshawn Sorey, Mat Maneri & Henry Fraser
South Korean‑born improviser DoYeon Kim announced her debut album, Wellspring, slated for May 1 on the TAO Forms label. The record features Kim on the traditional gayageum alongside drummer Tyshawn Sorey, bassist Henry Fraser and violist Mat Maneri, merging Korean folk...
GENE SIMMONS: "Do Your Art And Shut Up"
Kiss co‑founder Gene Simmons told TMZ that entertainers should focus on their craft and stay silent on politics. He dismissed celebrity activism as out‑of‑touch lecturing by wealthy figures, arguing audiences aren’t interested in their opinions. The remarks, delivered amid ongoing...
"To Create Something From Nothing Is One of the Greatest Feelings. It's Heaven." Why Prince Turned Down a Partnership Deal...
Prince turned down Activision's offer to feature his catalog in Guitar Hero, citing a desire for kids to learn real guitar rather than profit from a video game. The deal would have granted a modest share of the franchise’s $2 billion...
Phoenix Symphony Selects L.A. Phil Alum As Its Next Music Director
The Phoenix Symphony announced that Chilean‑Italian conductor Paolo Bortolameolli will become its Virginia G. Piper Music Director beginning in the 2027‑28 season, after serving as Music Director Designate for 2026‑27. He was chosen from a three‑year, 100‑candidate search, emerging as the clear...
INXS Reissues Breakthrough 'Kick' LP on Limited-Edition Vinyl
INXS will reissue their 1987 breakthrough album *Kick* on 180‑gram vinyl on May 1, limited to 5,000 numbered copies. The record is cut from the original master tapes and remastered by Kevin Gray, with new gatefold packaging and liner notes by...
TikTok Now Lets Apple Music Subscribers Play Full Songs without Leaving the App
TikTok announced a partnership with Apple Music that lets Apple Music subscribers play full tracks directly within the TikTok app via a new “Play Full Song” button. The integration uses Apple’s MusicKit, so playback occurs in Apple Music and streams are counted as...
David Garland Picks His Bandcamp Favorites
David Garland, former host of WNYC’s Spinning on Air, curates a personal Bandcamp Daily roundup that showcases his eclectic taste. He highlights his own 2018 four‑CD set Verdancy alongside a mix of folk, acoustic, electronic, and experimental releases from artists such...