Epic Music Tour News: The National, Icona Pop & Festival Lineups

The music world is buzzing with announcements for tours, festival lineups, and long-awaited releases. From industrial chaos to shoegaze nostalgia, artists are hitting the road, celebrating new work, and bringing massive events to life across the continent.

Summer and fall are shaping up to be epic stages for musicians. The upcoming Cold Waves festival is set to ignite three cities: Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin, featuring a dynamic mix of industrial and goth sounds from bands like Stabbing Westward, Pig, 16 Volt, and Acumen Nation.

Meanwhile, established legends are back in the spotlight. Shoegaze icons Ride are kicking off a UK run of shows in February, marking their first performances in nearly two years—a fitting reunion for a group known for its sonic brilliance.

Major acts are also set for massive live experiences. Jimmy Eat World and The Format are slated to take the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on November 7, promising an unforgettable outdoor performance.

The scene is also seeing powerful new material emerge. THAO has announced her first studio album in six years, accompanied by a series of release shows, signaling a fresh chapter for the artist.

On the dance and indie-pop front, Swedish duo Icona Pop is gearing up for a US run supporting their new album Ritual. They will be showcasing their hit Baby’s All Right on tour this fall, including a stop in Brooklyn on September 25.

The indie dance group Friendly Fires, known for hits like “Paris,” are currently touring with the Two Door Cinema Club and have announced a headline show at Elsewhere Zone One in Brooklyn on September 28.

For hard rock history fans, Rocket from the Crypt is announcing a new run of dates to celebrate the release of Scream, Frankenstein, Scream!, a collection of early configurations that would eventually lead to their seminal release, Scream Dracula Scream.

Other noteworthy announcements include Santa Cruz emo band Racecourse, who have announced an East Coast tour supporting their debut album July, December. Furthermore, Mount Eerie is planning a series of West Coast shows in September, with Mirah and Ruth Garbus joining them for stops on the East Coast.

The appetite for sad indie rock is high, as The National prepare to deliver their first show in two years in San Sebastián on October 18. This performance also serves as a special celebration for Aaron and Bryce Dessner.

Finally, electronic composer Locust will be celebrating his new album with shows across NYC and LA, while Rachel Chinouriri announces her second LP and several North American dates supporting the new work.