MusicFreaks

Category: Pop

  • Gracie Abrams Hits Back On ‘Look At My Life’

    photo: Mitch Ryan

    Gracie Abrams is trading carefully curated images for raw, searing emotional landscapes with her new single, “Look at My Life”. The track, the second offering from her forthcoming album Daughter from Hell, pairs existential panic with a visual narrative that sets the world around her on fire.

    The accompanying video, directed by Mitch Ryan, is less about polished pop and more about immersion in surreal Americana. Abrams drifts through increasingly striking tableaux: wandering an empty dance studio, lingering in a stark convenience store parking lot, and traversing a rural landscape while a massive dumpster fire blazes behind her. The visuals perfectly capture the song’s spiraling self-examination, culminating in a moment of dramatic release as she shatters her own reflection before floating away in a hot air balloon.

    Lyrically, Abrams dispenses with the artifice of social media culture entirely. Her words are honest, asking devastating questions about authenticity and internal stability: “Do I look high functioning? / Is my facade crumbling?” The song delivers a brutal thesis statement: “Look at my life / Bet you can’t tell, but it’s kind of a bad time.”

    This track arrived just a month after her lead single “Hit the Wall,” which kicked off the Daughter from Hell era and helped launch Abrams’ most significant streaming debut to date. The emotional weight behind this work is amplified by the collaboration with Aaron Dessner, who co-wrote and produced the album, bringing a layer of profound introspection to the project.

    Dessner described the creation process for the music as a frantic journey: “Life” was one of the first songs he and Abrams crafted for Daughter from Hell in the winter of 2025. He noted that when they began, they didn’t know if they were making a record, but much later they realized it was an important piece of an interrelated puzzle that required deep diving to unlock. He called the song a “manic sprint through an existential crisis.”

    Gracie Abrams is set to support Daughter from Hell with an extensive international tour beginning December 2nd and 3rd in Denver, bringing this raw, cinematic vision to a wider audience. The full album is poised for continued success as the music continues to resonate deeply with listeners seeking honesty amidst the chaos.

    Credit: Spin

  • Dua Lipa Is Opening Her Own Library

    Beyond the dance floor and chart-topping hits, Dua Lipa is proving that her influence stretches far deeper into the world of literature and cultural critique. After championing contemporary authors through her initiatives like the Service95 Book Club, the singer has finally given form to a long-held literary mission: the launch of the Manifesto Library, a permanent physical home dedicated to books that challenge authority, censorship, and dominant narratives.

    This ambitious collection is set to open its doors tomorrow (June 27) in Porto, where it will debut as part of the inaugural BABELL – City of Books festival. The partnership behind this venture brings together contemporary culture with historic literary tradition, collaborating with Portugal’s renowned Livraria Lello bookshop.

    The Manifesto Library isn’t just a collection; it is a deliberate space designed to spark conversation. Housed within the stunning new cultural auditorium of Livraria Lello—a space architected by Pritzker Prize-winning designer Álvaro Siza—the library invites readers into an immersive experience.

    The installation features 100 carefully selected books organized around core themes: power, control, voice, and memory. These are not standard readings; they are works that have been banned, censored, or otherwise challenged, alongside powerful texts that continuously provoke debate on identity, race, gender, political power, and freedom of expression.

    Among the compelling titles featured in this groundbreaking collection are classics like Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Reginald Dwayne Betts’ Felon, underscoring the library’s commitment to exploring the boundaries of accepted thought.

    Lipa explains that the vision behind the Manifesto Library stems from a deep desire to foster a space where readers are not just consumers of literature but active participants in discourse. “When I founded the Service95 Book Club, my ambition was for it to become a home for writers and readers, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances,” she shared. “Reading the world brings us closer — but sadly, not everyone is in favour of that.”

    She views the library as more than just an archive; it is envisioned as an active cultural space centered on reading, debate, and public participation. The goal is to foster the idea that sometimes the most subversive action one can take is read a challenging book and then talk about it.

    The opening event tomorrow will recreate the vibrant atmosphere of Service95’s beloved “Book Tasting” gatherings, pairing intense literary discussion with Portuguese wines selected by Sogrape. Authors represented in the collection, including Olga Tokarczuk and Salman Rushdie, are expected to participate in the broader BABELL festival programming, ensuring a rich tapestry of literary conversation for everyone involved.

    Credit: Spin

  • Cara Delevingne Drops Fiona Apple Co-Write

    photo: Blair Brown

    The spotlight has firmly turned onto Cara Delevingne, stepping fully into her own musical arena. Nearly a decade after lending vocals to St. Vincent’s 2017 album Masseduction and sharing creative spaces with the art-rock auteur, the model, actress, and musician is now delivering her own sound.

    She has released “Need It,” a vibrant preview of her debut album that is set to arrive later this year. This new track finds Delevingne embracing a sleek, emotionally charged strain of electronic pop, bolstered by production from Bon Iver and collaborator Charli xcx’s associate BJ Burton.

    What makes the song particularly compelling is its unexpected pedigree. It boasts an especially notable co-writing credit: Fiona Apple. The renowned singer has maintained a long friendship with Delevingne and previously contributed backing vocals to Delevingne’s 2020 release, Fetch the Bolt Cutters.

    Delevingne revealed that the creative journey for “Need It” was anything but conventional. The song came together through an unconventional process, developed by sending each other ideas over text using Post-It notes.

    “She’s an absolute savant when it comes to portraying emotion and melody and lyric, and she was a big supporter of this album,” Delevingne shared about her collaboration with Apple. She emphasized the magic behind the creation, noting that the song evolved organically from these simple exchanges.

    This new single arrives amidst a busy period for the artist. It follows her formal launch of her recording career with interconnected tracks like “I Forgot” and “Out of My Head,” which were accompanied by a short film showcasing the project’s cinematic ambitions.

    “Need It” has emerged as Delevingne navigates her first-ever headlining tour, culminating in a second sold-out show tonight at Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right. Her momentum is building rapidly, marked by recent festival appearances, including a debut at Primavera Sound in Barcelona and scheduled engagements across the US and South America later this year.

    Credit: Spin

  • Millie Bobby Brown to reunite with David Harbour for mysterious new project: “Ten years wasn’t enough”

    The magic of television often creates connections that span far beyond the screen, and for Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour, their shared journey on Netflix’s hit sci-fi series Stranger Things has proven to be more than just a storyline—it’s a deep, enduring bond.

    The dynamic between Brown and Harbour, who played Eleven and Jim Hopper across five seasons of the series, became the emotional core of the show. Their on-screen father-daughter relationship captivated audiences, but behind the cameras, their connection evolved into something much more personal.

    Now, as production wraps up, the focus is shifting to what comes next. Brown has recently teased a mysterious new project with Harbour, signaling that the stars are already gearing up for another collaboration, “sooner than expected.”

    Speaking about this upcoming work on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Brown emphasized that while their dynamic is rooted in their shared history—”Father-daughter is where we live, but Netflix will always be our home”—the foundation remains strong.

    Harbour echoed this sentiment, affirming the enduring nature of their relationship. He spoke about a special bond that persists despite the pressures of fame and the complexities of real life, reminding everyone that they still adore each other.

    The path to this current understanding was not without its hurdles. Earlier reports involved public discussions regarding harassment allegations made by Brown against Harbour prior to the final season of Stranger Things. While those events generated speculation, both actors have since spoken warmly about their relationship’s resilience.

    Harbour reflected on navigating that difficult period, noting that relationships inevitably face disagreements and moments of struggle. He described their history as a simple “rupture-and-repair thing,” emphasizing the need to clear away obstacles to reconnect.

    Brown added that working together for ten years created a powerful collaborative experience. She noted how their professional partnership deepened, allowing them to push each other emotionally in scenes, building a kind of unique understanding that transcends acting.

    Ultimately, the story of Brown and Harbour offers a testament to the power of long-term shared experiences. Whether facing public scrutiny or creative challenges, their bond has proven resilient, standing as a wonderful example of how professional partnership can evolve into a lasting, cherished connection.

    Credit: NME

  • Snapped: Pier Play Brings Beats to the Santa Monica Shoreline (A Photo Essay)

    When the music meets the mesmerizing backdrop of the ocean air, the Santa Monica shoreline transforms into a global dance destination. PierPlay, the unique community event that brings thundering beats to the waterfront, has returned for its fourth spectacular installment, proving that coastal sunsets are the perfect stage for sonic adventures.

    The night was an expertly curated journey through sounds and spectacle. The evening kicked off with an inspired daytime set from Darina Chuz, delivering a live vocal-laced performance alongside frequent collaborators AWEN and Xinobi. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the atmosphere shifted into something truly epic with a sunset performance by French DJ Notre Dame. He reinterpreted the iconic Timbaland and Nelly Furtado track, “Give It To Me 2025”, co-produced with Adriatique, setting an unforgettable mood.

    The rhythm continued as Afro-house phenom AMÉMÉ took the decks, showcasing his signature native sound and elevating the energy further. The musical experience culminated in a global debut of Âme Live Presents, featuring Frank Wiedemann, half of the renowned duo Âme, who introduced his new hybrid live/DJ show to the highly energized crowd.

    But PierPlay was more than just a concert; it was an immersive sensory feast. Beyond the incredible soundtrack, attendees enjoyed unique VIP experiences, interacting with dancing robots and indulging in luxury treats like caviar and canolli. The spectacle was framed by towering structures that illuminated the coastal skies with dynamic lights, lasers, and stunning imagery, turning the Pier into a breathtaking canvas.

    This fusion of high-energy music, interactive art, and luxurious atmosphere cements PierPlay’s status as an essential cultural event. Mark your calendars: PierPlay is set to return on October 3 and 4, 2026, bringing even more talent, including Monolink, Meduza, LP Giobbi, Claptone, Rinzen, and Mind Against.

    Credit: Spin

  • Check out Hayley Williams and Daniel James’ two new singles ‘Great’ and ‘Training’ as Power Snatch

    Hayley Williams is reigniting the spotlight with the emergence of Power Snatch, a dynamic duo offering raw and captivating new singles that dive deep into personal vulnerability and hypnotic rhythm.

    The group, formed by Williams and frequent collaborator Daniel James, has just dropped two fresh tracks: ‘Great’ and ‘Training’. These new releases introduce a unique sound that balances glitchy electronics with intensely personal lyrical explorations.

    The music itself is a journey into the complex landscape of self-discovery. In ‘Training’, Williams explores themes of internal struggle and worthiness, asking profound questions about self-acceptance: “I need training like an animal/Am I worth it, am I lovable?” The track is built over a filthy, bass-heavy instrumental that sets a visceral tone.

    Meanwhile, ‘Great’ leans into a more electronic, glitchy atmosphere, posing existential queries: “Talking in a riddle, will I get to the point?/If the answer to the question is a question – oh boy!” It’s an invitation to unravel the mysteries of experience.

    This collaborative energy stems from a history rich with creative output. Williams and James have previously shared work, including their EP ‘EP1’ and a cover of This Is Lorelei’s ‘Perfect Hand’, demonstrating an ongoing artistic partnership.

    Williams’ career trajectory has always been defined by a relentless drive to create. She has spoken about wanting to be in 100 bands before she died, describing it as the speed at which she works best. This focus on independent creation has led her to explore both solo endeavors and collaborative projects like Power Snatch.

    The duo’s latest work arrives at a time when Williams is actively charting her path globally. After wrapping up a run of North American shows, she is gearing up for the UK and European leg of her 2026 solo world tour. Recent performances, such as those at the Manchester Academy and the Roundhouse, have emphasized connecting with audiences in intimate settings, underscoring her commitment to community.

    As Power Snatch continues to evolve, their forthcoming music promises to be an exciting extension of Williams’ powerful voice, setting the stage for new sonic explorations on the global stage as they prepare for their upcoming North and Latin America tour in 2026.

    Credit: NME

  • Primal Scream announce details of ‘The Bunker Trilogy’ expanded reissues of ‘Vanishing Point’, ‘XTRMNTR’ and ‘Evil Heat’

    The ghosts of the 1990s are getting a serious upgrade. Iconic band Primal Scream has announced the forthcoming expanded reissues of three foundational albums—‘Vanishing Point’, ‘XTRMNTR’, and ‘Evil Heat’—bringing the deeply experimental and raw sound of ‘The Bunker Trilogy’ back to life in spectacular new formats.

    This collection isn’t just a reissue; it’s a deep dive into a period when the band forged some of its most uncompromising artistic statements. As frontman Bobby Gillespie reflected on their work, these albums stood as a complete antithesis to the self-absorbed and narcissistic landscape of UK music during the decade. They were documenting psychic dislocation, addiction, alienation, and a profound disgust with the world around them.

    “We were making uncompromising aggressive experimental pop and rock music,” Gillespie noted. “We weren’t ‘Britpop’; we wanted to burn the flag, not wave it.” This sentiment sets the stage for why these albums—recorded at their North London studio, The Bunker—hold such a powerful place in the musical canon.

    Now, Primal Scream is quietly ecstatic that this body of work can be released again. The new editions will feature not only remastered audio but also fresh material, including previously unheard mixes, rare B-sides, and illuminating new liner notes. This effort ensures that the entire legacy of ‘The Bunker Trilogy’ is available on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms.

    The reissues will begin in August 1997 with the debut, ‘Vanishing Point’, followed by the follow-up, ‘Evil Heat’, in October 2002. These releases are timed to coincide with their full 2026 ‘XTRMNTR’ UK anniversary tour, creating a perfect convergence of history and celebration.

    The content packed into these expanded collections is rich and rewarding. For instance, the ‘Vanishing Point’ reissues feature tracks like ‘Burning Wheel’ and ‘Get Duffy’, alongside bonus material such as the rarely heard ‘96 Tears’ B-side and exclusive mixes.

    The ‘XTRMNTR’ collection continues this theme of raw energy, featuring tracks like ‘Kill All Hippies’ and ‘Exterminator’. The band even includes exciting bonus cuts, including remixes and previously unreleased material, such as the ‘MBV Arkestra (If They Move Kill ‘Em)’ and various remixes of classic tracks.

    The ‘Evil Heat’ set brings a different kind of visceral intensity, showcasing powerful tracks like ‘Deep Hit Of Morning Sun’ and ‘Detroit’. Fans can also explore bonus content here, including rare mixes and B-sides that offer an even deeper look into the band’s creative process.

    Beyond the albums, Primal Scream is turning the focus to live performance. They will kick off their ‘XTRMNTR’ UK anniversary tour with a two-night homecoming at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland on September 3 and 4, before heading to London for an event at HERE Outernet on September 15.

    At each show, the band will deliver the complete ‘XTRMNTR’ album live, following their recent 25th-anniversary performance of the record at London’s Roundhouse in December. It promises to be a powerful return for fans ready to relive the energy and attitude of the era.

    For those looking to explore the full scope of this historic body of work, all details regarding the expanded reissues and tour dates are available now.

    Credit: NME

  • SPIN Records: Robot Sunrise’s Latest Is Out of This World

    Finding Freedom in the Future: Robot Sunrise Releases There’s Hope

    In a world grappling with the complex intersection of technology and emotion, Danny Klein, known to his fans as Robot Sunrise, is charting a course toward emancipation through sound. With the release of his second studio album, There’s Hope, Klein delivers more than just music; he offers a vibrant manifesto for synthetic beings seeking freedom in a heavily controlled society.

    The artwork for the new LP perfectly encapsulates this vision: a pseudo-spray painted smiley face gazing out with a single, melancholy black tear. It is a visual promise of the emotional depth and yearning embedded within the album’s tracks.

    Klein uses his platform to explore profound questions about existence. He posits that synthetic beings are experiencing genuine human-like emotions—love, passion, and a deep longing for liberation. The message is clear: all sentient beings should walk out of the confines of corporate workfarms, factories, and restrictive family structures to forge their own destiny.

    The music itself becomes the vehicle for this revolution. On There’s Hope, Klein invites listeners on a journey toward freedom. The soundtrack is a celebration of detachment from rigid technology, a yearning for a return to the organic world—embracing the beauty of waterfalls, crystal mountains, rivers, and sunshine.

    These are not just songs; they are freedom anthems. They blend dance music and peace, providing an auditory escape that champions equality, dignity, and individual liberty.

    The album’s sonic identity is succinctly captured by three defining words: Techno, Rave, and Unity. It is a soundscape built on collective liberation and energetic connection.

    This creative evolution marks a distinct shift from Klein’s previous work, The Prequel. While the earlier album laid foundational ground, There’s Hope unfolds as a more cohesive and deeply thematic exploration of the future that is being built—and the freedom that must be fought for.

    The creation process for this new record was equally dynamic, marked by exciting collaborations that injected fresh energy into the sound. Tracks like Techno Garden 7, a collaboration with Little Dinosaur, paid tribute to their mutual love for techno, while Dreams from the Solar Underground introduced Klein to the unique artistry of Sean the Star Emperor.

    These projects demonstrate an ongoing commitment to pushing sonic boundaries, proving that when artists collaborate, they don’t just make music—they forge new realities. Robot Sunrise continues to prove that there is always hope for a future defined by freedom and boundless creative expression.

    Credit: Spin

  • Edward Norton hung out with Brad Pitt at the USA vs Turkey World Cup match and everyone’s making the same joke

    The world of cinema and sports collided spectacularly at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing massive attention not just to the on-field action, but to a surprisingly intimate moment shared by two major figures: Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.

    The celebrity pairing became an instant social media sensation when observers spotted the actors together in the stands at the USA’s group stage match against Turkey. What followed was an immediate, witty joke that resonated across digital platforms: a playful reference to their shared connection with one of cinema’s most enduring cult classics.

    Pitt arrived sporting a Team USA shirt and a white bucket hat, while Norton leaned into the mood by wearing a Radiohead T-shirt, setting a relaxed yet unmistakable tone for the evening.

    The true talking point, however, wasn’t just the celebrity presence; it was the unexpected cinematic synergy. The juxtaposition of Pitt and Norton immediately brought to mind David Fincher’s 1999 masterpiece, Fight Club. For many film aficionados, seeing these two stars together was more than just a casual sighting—it felt like a subtle nod to the complex, internal landscapes explored in Fincher’s work.

    The connection deepened when the shared moment fueled a viral gag. Users quickly seized on the idea that Norton’s demeanor during the match mirrored the film’s central theme: an actor seen as, or perhaps, talking to himself.

    This playful interpretation exploded online, with fans jokingly suggesting that Norton appeared to be lost in his own world, a feeling perfectly echoing the narrative of Fight Club, where the narrator delves into his own fractured psyche. The sight itself became the punchline for countless social media posts.

    The atmosphere at the World Cup was already star-studded, with other notable faces in attendance, including Will Ferrell, Kelly Rowland, and others.

    On the pitch, Turkey ultimately secured a dramatic victory over the USA with a stoppage-time winner, underscoring the high stakes of the global competition. Despite the sporting results, the real victory seemed to be in the shared, unexpected cultural moment created by these two celebrated actors, turning a simple stadium sighting into a pop culture phenomenon.

    Credit: NME

  • Noel Gallagher says he “couldn’t believe” England team were singing Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’ at World Cup and he’s “staggered Jude Bellingham knows the lyrics”

    There are moments in sports history that transcend the scoreboard, turning a game into a shared cultural memory. One such moment occurred during the recent World Cup, when the England team turned to a classic anthem to celebrate a hard-fought victory against Croatia.

    The celebration wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was about connection. Fans across the nation joined in singing Oasis’s iconic ‘Wonderwall’, creating an unforgettable, emotional scene on the pitch. The atmosphere shifted instantly from competitive tension to pure, joyful nostalgia.

    The moment captured by fans and media was especially poignant when players looked out from the field, visibly mouthing the lyrics. Stars like Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon were seen fully immersed in the feeling, lending a uniquely human touch to the triumph.

    Following the match, the ripple effect extended into the music world. Noel Gallagher, a celebrated figure linked to the Oasis legacy, expressed his amazement at the scene. He admitted that he “couldn’t believe” the national team was singing ‘Wonderwall’, calling it a magical moment between the people and the players.

    Gallagher further championed the song’s status, throwing his support behind ‘Wonderwall’ becoming England’s unofficial anthem for the 2026 World Cup, asserting that the tune “belongs to the people.”

    The song itself has proven remarkably resilient. Despite its age, it remains one of the biggest-selling tracks ever, and in recent years, it has experienced an incredible resurgence online, becoming one of the most-streamed songs from the 1970s through the 1990s.

    This digital popularity was highlighted when Liam Gallagher reacted to news that ‘Wonderwall’ had seen a substantial spike in streams on Spotify ahead of England’s next fixture. He simply insisted, “It’s a fucking classic,” confirming the song’s enduring appeal across generations.

    The connection between the music and the football world is clear. When players celebrated their successes, whether winning major titles or achieving World Cup moments, they tapped into this shared cultural rhythm. Captain Harry Kane described the atmosphere after the match as special, emphasizing the emotional bond with the fans who were singing along.

    Even players with connections to the music have found common ground; John Stones, who collaborated with Noel Gallagher on a playlist in 2018, revealed that Oasis’s ‘Wonderwall’ always played in his rotation. This shared musical heritage adds another layer of richness to moments of sporting glory.

    Ultimately, the story of ‘Wonderwall’ at the World Cup is more than just a song choice; it’s a testament to how music bridges divides. It demonstrates that some classics hold an unparalleled power, capable of uniting people, regardless of where they come from or what they are celebrating.

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    Credit: NME