MusicFreaks

Category: Rock

  • New Doc Revisits Wham!’s Historic China Visit

    There are certain moments in history that defy simple categorization, blending music, politics, and profound cultural exchange into one unforgettable tapestry. One such moment involves two musical legends: George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of Wham!, and their historic journey across the world.

    A new documentary is bringing this extraordinary chapter to life: WHAM! 10 Days in China. This film chronicles a landmark 1985 trip when the duo became the first Western pop act to perform in China, opening an unlikely cultural door between East and West.

    The documentary delves into the magic of their concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou, events that unfolded under unique circumstances when Western pop music was virtually unknown to Chinese audiences. These performances were far more than simple concerts; they marked a pivotal moment for the duo, expanding their international reach while facilitating a rare cultural exchange at a critical juncture in China’s modern history.

    Directed by Mike Christie and produced by Supercollider (a Zinc Media company), the film draws upon newly restored and digitized archival footage. It features interviews with band members and eyewitnesses, reconstructing a moment where “East meets West, pop meets politics and two young stars come of age on the world stage.”

    Rather than functioning merely as a concert film, WHAM! 10 Days in China offers an immersive exploration of China during a period of profound transformation, viewed through the fresh eyes of both the musicians and the local audiences encountering Western pop culture for the very first time.

    The project was executive produced by Krista Wegener and Ian Sharpe for Sony Music Vision and Tanya Shaw for Supercollider. The documentary is now available to view in cinemas worldwide starting July 28 through Trafalgar Releasing, with tickets currently available.

    For those who wish to explore this fascinating intersection of music and history, the film will also be broadcast later this summer on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

    Credit: Spin

  • Watch Babymetal join Bring Me The Horizon on stage for ‘Kingslayer’ at Graspop Metal Meeting

    The music world is full of electrifying connections, and the bond between Bring Me The Horizon and Babymetal is a prime example. These two powerhouse acts have carved out a unique space together, moving from shared studio work to explosive live performances that redefine metal collaboration.

    Their history as a pairing dates back to 2019 when the Japanese kawaii metal group expressed a desire to collaborate with Bring Me The Horizon. This dream soon materialized into the blistering track Kingslayer, which became a staple on BMTH’s 2020 album, Post Human: Survival Horror.

    The chemistry between the bands is palpable. Frontman Oli Sykes has openly shared how much he valued this connection, noting that despite not speaking the same language, there was a special rapport. “We’ve got a really special connection with them, even though we don’t speak the same language,” he explained, adding that their sound aligns perfectly with the cyber-punk theme of the record.

    This shared musical journey has led to memorable live moments. The duo has performed Kingslayer together on a handful of occasions, including in Japan in 2023 as part of Bring Me’s headline set at the WORLD Kinen Hall.

    Most recently, the bands came together three years later to break out the track again, delivering an immense live rendition at the annual Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium. The energy was undeniable, showcasing the powerful synergy between the groups.

    This spirit of collaboration isn’t limited to their own sphere. The Sheffield metal icons have also demonstrated a willingness to cross boundaries, recently teaming up with Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos to perform ‘Antivist’ with them at Hellfest.

    Looking ahead, Bring Me The Horizon is gearing up for some major milestones. They are preparing to play their 2006 debut album, ‘Count Your Blessings’, in full during the Outbreak Festival 2026 at Manchester’s BEC Arena. This celebration will coincide with a re-recording of the LP and support new material, including a recent version of ‘Black & Blue’ that has been shared ahead of the album release.

    The journey of these artists proves that when true musical connection is found, it creates something truly unforgettable, bridging worlds through powerful sound and shared experience.

    Credit: NME

  • PJ Harvey Embarks On A New ‘Voyage’

    Polly Jean Harvey is steering her musical journey toward new horizons with a sweeping single titled Voyager, an ambitious piece that arrives three years after her Grammy-nominated album I Inside the Old Year Dying.

    This new track is far more than just a song; it’s an interstellar voyage, born from a fascinating collaboration that sent Harvey’s imagination deep into the cosmos. The creation began when physicist Brian Cox approached Harvey to contribute music for his ongoing Emergence tour, igniting a partnership that blurred the lines between music and the vastness of space.

    The resulting composition, which carries the name of NASA’s iconic Voyager probes, is an auditory tapestry woven from celestial string arrangements and pulsing synth signals designed to evoke messages drifting through the universe. It was brought to life with a full orchestra at the prestigious Miraval Studios in Provence, where the ethereal soundscape perfectly mirrored the themes of distance, fragility, and sheer wonder.

    Harvey embraced this unusual assignment with enthusiasm, envisioning the spacecraft itself speaking. She explored what Voyager 2 might share about its journey, seeking to capture the profound sense of awe associated with humanity’s place in the universe. In the final piece, she found a simple yet powerful conclusion: choose light and choose love.

    The emotional core of Voyager delves into existential themes, contemplating our smallness—likening ourselves to “a flake of snow, dust in a sunbeam”—while ultimately advocating for connection. The track beautifully integrates the narrative of the probes’ journey with the timeless philosophy expressed by figures like Carl Sagan, grounding the cosmic sweep in deeply human emotion.

    Credit: Spin

  • Tom Verlaine’s Record Collection Up For Sale

    Tom Verlaine at the Breekend Festival in Bree, Belgium, in 1985 (photo: Gie Knaeps / Getty Images).

    The sonic landscape of a truly singular musical mind is often best preserved in the silence after the final note. Three years after the passing of guitarist, singer, and poet Tom Verlaine, his famously discerning ear is finally being opened to the public. Fans and collectors are now getting a chance to explore the restless curiosity that defined his work by accessing his personal vinyl archive.

    This carefully curated collection, amassed over decades, offers another profound glimpse into the downtown New York milieu from which Television emerged. It’s more than just music; it’s an artifact of a cultural moment, reflecting the eclectic tastes that shaped Verlaine’s unique sound.

    The opportunity to delve into this hidden world begins Friday, June 26, as records from Verlaine’s private collection become available for purchase through Discogs. For those seeking an immersive experience, a curated in-person selection will also land at Brooklyn institution Academy Records on July 10 and 11.

    Verlaine’s library is a stunning cross-section of musical history, spanning jazz, avant-garde, garage rock, psychedelia, experimental music, and underground classics. It paints a vivid portrait of the era that birthed Television, showcasing diverse influences alongside the groundbreaking sounds that defined his career.

    Among the treasures awaiting discovery are Verlaine’s own copies of Television‘s debut single Little Johnny Jewel and its towering 1977 album Marquee Moon. The archive also includes rare releases by influential acts such as the 13th Floor Elevators, Nico, Albert Ayler, the Sonics, Love, and Slint.

    Purchases made via Discogs come complete with certificates of authenticity confirming provenance, ensuring that these treasures are handled with the respect they deserve. Unsold inventory will return to the marketplace for a final round starting July 31.

    The connection between the collection and the record world is deeply personal. As one participant noted, Verlaine’s trust in certain shops paved the way for this incredible release. He had known Academy Records owners Mike and Cory Feierman for two decades, sharing an undeniable passion for records that spanned their entire lives.

    Another observer noted that Verlaine approached his buying with a spirit of adventure rather than simply chasing established rock idols. This sense of discovery is what makes this archive so compelling—a true testament to the beautiful, trusting nature of record culture itself. The legacy of Tom Verlaine continues to resonate, now available for anyone ready to listen and explore the depth of his musical journey.

    Credit: Spin

  • Everything Is Recorded Raps With Peter Gabriel, .idk

    Richard Russell (photo: Aliyah Otchere).

    Richard Russell’s project Everything Is Recorded is back, bringing another deliciously unexpected collaboration to the table. The XL Recordings founder has teamed up with Peter Gabriel and Maryland rapper .idk. for the new rap single “Beyond the Brilliant Haze,” which is now available everywhere via XL.

    This track marks a vibrant departure from the spectral folk and soul textures that defined Russell’s acclaimed 2025 album Temporary. While Temporary was steeped in atmosphere, “Beyond the Brilliant Haze” throws a sharp left turn, introducing an electrifying blend of disparate musical worlds.

    The collaboration itself is a masterclass in sonic juxtaposition, uniting three distinct artistic voices. The song showcases how wildly different sounds can fuse into something stunningly cohesive.

    Before this new venture, Russell had explored creative chemistry with Gabriel on “Four Kinds of Horses” from Gabriel’s 2023 album i/o. This latest pairing continues that successful dynamic, building on a foundation of shared musical vision.

    The resulting single was mixed by Grammy-winning producer Mike Elizondo, perfectly capturing the contrasting energies at play. For .idk., born Jason Mills, the opportunity felt like an unexpected adventure. “Working with Peter and Richard was a complete honor,” he shared, describing the final result as a beautiful mess of juxtaposition.

    Gabriel echoed this sentiment, appreciating how disparate elements can be fused together. He noted that bringing .idk. into the project was an inspired choice, injecting strong musical contrasts that elevated the song. The track ultimately demonstrates that when true creative friction is embraced, the most brilliant melodies emerge.

    Credit: Spin

  • Springsteen, Santana, Joel Honor Clive Davis

    The world of music pauses to mourn a titan, but it also celebrates a visionary whose influence spanned six decades and reshaped the very landscape of popular culture: Clive Davis.

    Following the passing of the legendary music executive at the age of 94, artists whose careers he helped forge—from Janis Joplin and Bruce Springsteen to Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and Outkast—have joined in paying heartfelt tributes to a figure who touched lives far beyond the recording studio and boardroom.

    Davis’ six-decade run was not merely a business deal; it was a crucible for musical genius. He possessed an uncanny ability to nurture raw talent, believing fiercely in the potential of every artist he signed. This unwavering faith became the bedrock upon which some of the greatest sounds of our time were built.

    For many, the bond with Davis transcended commerce. Bruce Springsteen, who was signed to Columbia Records under his guidance, recalled the executive as the great record man and close friend, noting how Davis supported him through every high and low of a demanding career. For Springsteen, this loss is personal, recognizing the profound impact of someone who believed in his vision.

    The mentorship extended deep into the soul of the music itself. Alicia Keys, who found her voice under Davis’s stewardship at J Records, expressed immense gratitude, describing him as a transformative force. She credited his vision and unwavering belief for teaching her how to trust her gift and lead with heart, giving many artists the courage to dream bigger.

    Beyond specific careers, Davis’ legacy is woven into the fabric of musical history. He championed groundbreaking ideas, famously helping to establish The Great American Songbook, a collection that sold nearly 40 million copies. This testament speaks to his unique ability to see beyond the immediate trend and recognize the enduring power of music.

    Artists across genres found common ground in their admiration for his influence. Barry Manilow called him a giant among men, while Carlos Santana celebrated him as a true light, thanking him for believing in music’s power to heal and unite. Fellow musicians like Dionne Warwick and Michael Bublé also described him as a visionary whose passion for music was simply unmatched.

    Clive Davis leaves behind not just a catalog of hits, but a powerful legacy built on mentorship, courage, and an enduring belief in the limitless potential of creative expression.

    Credit: Spin

  • Turnstile Taps Eclectic Cast For Fall Tour

    Turnstile

    One year after delivering a seismic shift to the music world, Turnstile is back on the road, and this time, the journey is anything but predictable. Following their celebrated release of NEVER ENOUGH, which secured major Grammy recognition for their work, the band is kicking off a spectacular NEVER ENOUGH Tour Pt. 2—a sixteen-date North American run designed to be as genre-bending and unexpected as their music.

    Forget fixed packages; Turnstile is assembling city-specific lineups that reflect the expansive vision of the group. This tour isn’t just a concert series; it’s an orchestrated collision of sounds, bringing together heavyweights like Clipse, Vince Staples, Thundercat, Slayyyter, Ceremony, Hatebreed, Yves Tumor, Pennywise, Cold World, and Texas Is the Reason. Every stop promises a unique sonic experience, blending hardcore energy with diverse global influences.

    Beyond the music, the tour is deeply committed to community engagement. The band plans to partner with local nonprofit organizations in each market, ensuring that the impact extends beyond the stage and into the communities they visit.

    The anticipation builds as the group continues their momentum. They have already successfully navigated major festival stages like Coachella, Primavera Sound, and Bonnaroo, setting a high bar for what’s to come. Now, the focus shifts to this intense live experience, with upcoming stops stretching from Milwaukee in September all the way to Santa Ana, California in October.

    While the music takes center stage, an intriguing parallel narrative is unfolding. This period of global travel runs alongside a high-profile legal drama involving former guitarist Brady Ebert, who currently faces an attempted first-degree murder charge stemming from an incident involving Brandon Yates’ elderly father.

    This juxtaposition of artistic exploration and personal legal turmoil adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Turnstile continues to push boundaries both on stage and off, demonstrating resilience while navigating these demanding timelines.

    The tour schedule is packed with high-energy dates, including performances in Detroit, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Queens, Portland, and Las Vegas. Whether it’s diving into the unique collaborations planned for Milwaukee, or witnessing the synergy between Hatebreed and Cold World in Florida, the upcoming run promises to be a defining moment for fans of experimental rock.

    Credit: Spin

  • DOMi, JD BECK Ready First LP Since ’22

    DOMi Louna and JD Beck have always operated outside the lines, chasing sonic landscapes that defy easy categorization. Their journey began as an exciting experiment, where the duo embraced a restless creative philosophy, stating early on that they were simply trying to make the music they heard, positioning themselves as one of the most unpredictable acts emerging from jazz’s modern fringe.

    Four years after the release of their acclaimed debut, NOT TiGHT, the keyboard-and-drums tandem is ready to deliver their sophomore effort. They are set to release WHO ASKED? on July 31, a collaboration facilitated through Anderson .Paak’s APESHIT imprint and Blue Note Records.

    NOT TiGHT established the duo as breakout stars, earning two Grammy nominations by refusing to neatly fit into traditional jazz boundaries. Now, with WHO ASKED?, they are expanding that maximalist musical language, taking a fascinating detour from their previous work while maintaining an equally ambitious scope.

    While the sound of NOT TiGHT was defined by a star-studded guest list, the new album features a different kind of collaboration. Instead of leaning on external talent, DOMi and JD have enlisted a larger internal cast, incorporating a chamber-sized ensemble of classical musicians to realize their increasingly ambitious orchestral ideas.

    The resulting sound of WHO ASKED? is simultaneously stripped-down and highly elaborate. It weaves together jazz-fusion muscle with a kaleidoscopic indie-tronica sensibility, filtered through impossible time signatures. It’s chamber pop if you squint hard enough at the rhythm.

    This fusion creates an auditory experience that is both sophisticated and dizzying, pushing boundaries in a fresh way. The project maintains their experimental streak while exploring richer harmonic territory than before.

    Fans already had a taste of this evolution when the duo debuted instrumental versions of several tracks at the Toronto Jazz Festival. As anticipation builds for the full release, more previews are slated to arrive in the coming weeks with scheduled appearances at the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival.

    Beyond the music itself, DOMi and JD Beck are also offering a unique visual experience through a series of cinematic vignettes that provide cryptic glimpses into the world surrounding WHO ASKED?, further deepening the immersive reality of their sophomore project.

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    Credit: Spin

  • Brandon Flowers Turns Rootsy On Solo LP

    photo: Chris Phelps

    Brandon Flowers is ready to trade the neon glow of Las Vegas for the warm embrace of Americana, announcing the release of his first solo album in over a decade, THRASHER. This new project isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s an intimate journey that pulls Flowers deep into the heart of American tradition, delivering what he describes as some of his most personal and vulnerable material yet.

    The sonic landscape of THRASHER is steeped in the country-western sounds that have long informed Flowers’ life story. While his public persona has often been defined by arena rock grandeur, this album steps back to explore the heritage that shaped him, tracing a path from his adolescence in Nephi, Utah, where he absorbed post-punk influences alongside the sounds of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.

    This deep connection to the American landscape informed every note recorded. The sessions were held in Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, providing an authentic backdrop for Flowers to weave tales rooted in family and history. He brought together an impressive group of Nashville heavyweights to help craft this earthy sound, including guitarist David Rawlings, pedal steel master Bruce Bouton, and the legendary harmonica player Charlie McCoy, whose unmistakable voice echoes through Bob Dylan’s Nashville albums.

    The album is a tapestry woven from real-life narratives. Tracks like “Plans” prompt contemplation on cosmic luck, while “One Of Us” honors a lost family member, and “Miss America” explores the complicated memories of childhood milestones. Other songs delve into the bittersweet realities of life in Vegas casino environments with wry humor, as heard in “Paradise.”

    The thematic range is expansive, moving seamlessly between rural landscapes and glittering city dreams. Tracks like “Red Ground” introduce mariachi flourishes, while “Tiger’s Blood” blends the album’s raw textures with Flowers’ signature arena-rock energy. The sprawling closing track, “An American Dream,” serves as a surreal meditation on memory, family, and fleeting moments of eternity.

    The first taste of this journey arrives on June 26th with the single “Plans.”

    Credit: Spin

  • Minogue, Tarantino, RZA Are Getting ‘Tangled Up’

    Kylie Minogue in 2017 (photo: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images).

    The cinematic landscape just got a splash of unexpected color, as director Quentin Tarantino has found an unconventional detour for his long-awaited next project. Instead of settling on one final film, the auteur has teamed up with pop icon Kylie Minogue, hip-hop legend RZA, and the spirit of Bob Dylan to craft something entirely new: Tangled Up in Blue.

    This ambitious new feature is helmed by British filmmaker Jamie Adams, whose vision brings a wildly eclectic cast to the screen. The movie draws its thematic inspiration from Bob Dylan’s iconic 1975 classic, promising a narrative rich with musicality and emotional complexity.

    The ensemble cast is already packed with recognizable talent, including Allison Williams, Jason Isaacs, and Sofia Boutella, while Wu-Tang Clan principal RZA will grace the story as himself. Minogue joins Tarantino in this venture, adding an undeniable pop sensibility to what promises to be a deeply textured narrative.

    Filming for this unique collaboration is taking place in Wales, where the creative process is unfolding amidst stunning scenery. Reports indicate that scenes were shot in the seaside town of Porthcawl, including sequences set during a wake at the Saltwater Inn and another filmed at a church in nearby Newton.

    For Tarantino, the project represents another exciting collaborative step, moving him further along his journey as a director. Adams, who recently worked with Tarantino on other projects like Only What We Carry, described the experience of working with the director as feeling “like Disneyland for filmmakers.”

    In Tangled Up in Blue, Tarantino steps into the role of Jake Stroud, a veteran music manager forced to confront deep emotional truths while stranded in a hotel bar between an old flame and a lost soul. The casting brings diverse perspectives to this intimate drama.

    Kylie Minogue brings her unique blend of pop stardom and dramatic acting experience to the project, expanding her foray into the world of cinema. Having built a career that spans from television appearances on Neighbours to iconic films like Moulin Rouge! and Street Fighter, she is now exploring new avenues in acting.

    While the creative process continues, there is no official release date announced for Tangled Up in Blue. It remains a fascinating example of how high-profile figures and legendary music can intersect to create a truly unique cinematic experience.

    Credit: Spin