MusicFreaks

Tag: Music

  • beabadoobee Details Star-Studded ‘Pylon’ LP

    Photo of Erika Kamano

    In a move that proves some creative connections are simply meant to be, beabadoobee and The Marías recently delivered a dreamy single, “All I Did Was Dream of You.” But the creative momentum doesn’t stop there, as singer/songwriter Beatrice Laus is ready to open a brand new chapter in her story.

    Laus is gearing up for her fourth album, Pylon, which is set to drop on September 18th via Dirty Hit and Interscope. Following the success of 2024’s U.K. chart-topper This Is How Tomorrow Moves, this new record promises a sonic evolution, previewed by the latest single “Sun Has Set” and a compelling first-person video directed by longtime visual collaborator Jake Erland.

    The concept behind the album title, Pylon, draws inspiration from the towering electrical structures that crisscross the globe. For Laus, these lines evolved into a powerful symbol—a tether to home amidst the isolation experienced while on the road. The pylons served as a reminder of family and friends even as touring created a sense of disconnect, ultimately inspiring the album’s jagged, forceful identity.

    Musically, Pylon deepens Laus’ established love for rock music while inviting an eclectic lineup of alternative talent. The track “Nothing To Prove” features Paramore’s Hayley Williams, delivering an anthem about reclaiming power from temporary friendships. Brendan Yates of Turnstile lends his voice to the brooding “Powerlines,” while guests include Pinegrove’s Evan Stephens Hall, Deftones’ Chino Moreno, and Title Fight’s Shane Moran. Adding to the creative tapestry, Matty Healy and George Daniel of the 1975 contributed production work on the track “Write Me a Letter.”

    This new material is set to hit the road with the Powerlines tour this fall, marking Laus’ first arena trek and biggest headlining run to date. Beginning October 1st, the journey will take her to massive venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, and London’s O2. The tour is supported by Wisp and Violet Grohl across North America, Canada, and the U.K., with Violet Grohl joining the European leg.

    Fans can secure tickets through a presale beginning June 29th, with general tickets available July 2nd. Get ready for an experience that is both deeply personal and explosively loud.

    Credit: Spin

  • beabadoobee announces new LP ft. Hayley Williams, Brendan Yates, Chino Moreno, more ++ arena tour

    beabadoobee Unveils Pylon, A Soulful New Chapter of Pop

    Indie powerhouse beabadoobee is ready to launch into new territory with the announcement of their fifth studio album, Pylon. Following the success of 2024’s This Is How Tomorrow Moves, Pylon is set to arrive on September 18th via Dirty Hit/Interscope. This record isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a deep dive into the complex emotional landscape that defines beabadoobee’s distinctive sound.

    The album itself promises a rich tapestry of introspection, featuring tracks like Sun Has Set and Estranged. Lead single Sun Has Set immediately sets a reflective tone, exploring themes of unexpressed feelings and the sting of missed opportunities. The lyrics delve into that feeling of petty tunnel vision—a stark acknowledgment of what remains unspoken, making the track a poignant reflection on regret and internal conflict.

    The sonic architecture of Pylon is amplified by a collection of impressive collaborators. The album features contributions from a diverse group of artists, including Hayley Williams (Paramore), Brendan Yates (Turnstile), Chino Moreno (Deftones), Evan Stephens Hall (Pinegrove), Shane Moran (Title Fight), and Andrew Fisher (Basement). This cross-pollination of talent adds layers of grit, melody, and raw emotion to the project.

    Further enhancing the album’s production is the involvement of major names in the music scene. Matty Healy and George Daniel of The 1975 contributed production to the track “Write Me a Letter,” lending an undeniable edge and polish to the soundscape. This blend of experimental indie sensibility and polished pop creates a truly unique listening experience.

    Beyond the studio, beabadoobee is gearing up for an epic live adventure with the Powerlines Tour. This tour marks their first arena run and promises to bring the emotional depth of Pylon to massive venues. The journey will be accompanied by exciting support from fellow artists Wisp and Violet Grohl, offering a truly dynamic experience for fans.

    Fans eager to immerse themselves in the new music can preorder the album, including the Sea Foam green vinyl, directly through the official shop. The full tracklist includes songs such as Switchblade, Write Me A Letter, and Satellite, promising a journey of powerful, honest sound.

    The tour dates are already filling up, with major stops including performances at the Madison Square Garden on October 5th in New York City. Mark your calendars for these unforgettable moments as beabadoobee and their supporting acts bring Pylon to life across the country.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Fuming Mouth – “Cheat Death”

    Some stories are etched into the fabric of the people, not just through music, but through sheer, defiant endurance. For frontman Mark Whelan of Fuming Mouth, one such story is a testament to fighting back against the odds, making a powerful comeback that resonates long after the battle is over.

    In 2021, Whelan faced a monumental challenge when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. It was a period marked by intense medical battles, including rigorous chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, tests of will and resilience that few could have imagined.

    Yet, from the crucible of that experience emerged an unbreakable spirit. Following his incredible recovery, Mark Whelan returned to the stage in 2022, bringing Fuming Mouth back to life with renewed energy and raw intensity.

    The return was not just a musical reappearance; it was a powerful statement. In 2023, the band followed up with the release of their album Last Day Of Sun, an album that captures the grit and raw emotionality that defines their sound.

    The theme of survival and rebirth is woven into the narrative of Fuming Mouth’s work. This sentiment is perfectly encapsulated in the song Cheat Death, which has recently drawn attention and sparked conversation.

    As the band prepares for their next major release, anticipation is building around an upcoming LP. The news is that this new project will open with the explosive track “Cheat Death“, promising a fresh chapter built on triumph, intensity, and unforgettable music.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Nicole Atkins Announces New Album Drama: Hear “When The Night Falls”

    Nicole Atkins doesn’t just sing; she crafts sound. Hailing from New Jersey, her musical fingerprint is steeped in classic pop sensibilities, yet it shimmers with a vitality and charisma that elevates it far beyond mere pastiche. She possesses a rare gift for writing unforgettable hooks, seamlessly weaving emotional depth into her melodic structures.

    With over two decades immersed in the music world, Atkins has built a career defined by collaboration and enduring artistry. Her history includes working alongside iconic figures, lending her work a distinctive, soulful texture through partnerships with artists like Britt Daniel of Spoon and the late Mark Lanegan.

    Her journey is marked by thoughtful releases, most recently highlighted by her 2021 album Memphis Ice. This body of work established her as an artist capable of delivering both nostalgic warmth and contemporary edge.

    Now, Atkins is stepping into an exciting new chapter, aligning with a legendary lineage. She has signed with Wicked Game Records, the new imprint operating under the historic Sun Records label, promising a rich sonic foundation for her next endeavor.

    Anticipation is building as she prepares to release her forthcoming album, Drama, later this year. Fans are already getting a taste of this forthcoming project, with tracks like “When The Night Falls” offering an evocative glimpse into the mood and melody that awaits.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Robyn Hitchcock’s Tale of Two Obsessions

    The Obsessions That Shaped Robyn Hitchcock’s World

    When diving into the landscape of musician and writer Robyn Hitchcock’s life, one might expect a straightforward chronicle of his musical career. But the true beating heart of his acclaimed memoir, Stranded in the Future, lies not in the chronology of his gigs or albums, but in two profound obsessions that fueled his creative spirit and shaped his worldview.

    These internal preoccupations serve as the powerful lens through which Hitchcock examines the complex tapestry of memory, melancholy, and artistic freedom. They are the unseen forces that drove him to put his unique perspective onto the page, transforming personal experience into something universal and deeply resonant for readers.

    What exactly are these obsessions? While they are deeply personal, they touch upon themes that define the idiosyncrasy of his art—a fascination with the ephemeral nature of time and a deep engagement with the strange and the overlooked corners of existence. These aren’t mere hobbies; they are intellectual and emotional anchors that provided the necessary fuel for introspection.

    Hitchcock uses these compelling focuses to peel back the layers of his own life, revealing how the seemingly mundane details of experience can become epic narratives when viewed through a heightened sense of desire and yearning. The memoir becomes an exploration of finding meaning amidst the beautiful disorientation of human existence.

    By centering the narrative around these specific preoccupations, Stranded in the Future moves beyond simple autobiography. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an artist wrestling with the paradoxes of reality—a world both richly observed and subtly unreal. These obsessions are, ultimately, the true score of his journey.

    Credit: PopMatters

  • Phoebe Bridgers Announces New Album ‘Lost Weekend’

    For long-time fans of Phoebe Bridgers, anticipation often feels like waiting for a perfect summer day—a moment when something truly special is about to unfold. After the critical success and emotional resonance of her previous work, the musical landscape paused briefly while she prepared for what many are already calling a deeply anticipated next chapter.

    Bridgers is finally ready to unveil plans for her third studio album, Lost Weekend. This new project promises to build upon the intricate emotional tapestry that defined her previous work, leading listeners into an experience that is poised to be both familiar and delightfully surprising.

    Lost Weekend will arrive on August 14, available through Dead Oceans. The music will follow her stellar 2020 release, Punisher, solidifying her place as a master of nuanced, introspective songwriting.

    The excitement surrounding the new record is amplified by the creative direction itself. A recent press release framed the album as Bridgers operating at the height of her powers, taking nothing more seriously than the craft while refining motifs that have previously distinguished her artistry. This suggests an evolution, a continued deepening of the emotional themes that fans have come to cherish.

    Beyond the album itself, the promotional rollout is already buzzing. To give fans a taste of the new sound, a single from Lost Weekend will be premiered online. Mark your calendars for a digital event set for June 25 at 7 p.m. ET, where the video for the title track will debut.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Phoebe Bridgers announces new album ‘Lost Weekend’

    After a period of quiet reflection, Phoebe Bridgers is back with a fresh wave of sound, announcing her first studio album in six years. Titled Lost Weekend, the double LP will be released on August 14 via Dead Oceans, promising a deep dive into her evolving artistic vision.

    The news arrived following performances that leaned into intimacy, taking fans on quieter, more personal journeys through new material at surprise shows and smaller gatherings. This focused approach set the stage for what feels like a deeply personal artistic statement.

    While details about the record remain intentionally sparse—with only sixteen tracks released and no immediate song titles or liner notes available—Bridgers has offered a glimpse into the creative process by confirming that her first single will be released tomorrow, inviting immediate anticipation from fans eager to hear the new work.

    The aesthetic of the album is already generating buzz, with accompanying artwork providing an evocative visual representation of the mood and emotion woven through the music.

    Beyond the studio release, Bridgers is gearing up for a significant live experience with The Lost Tour this fall. The tour features Alex G opening the way, promising an immersive experience that blends her critically acclaimed songwriting with a vibrant stage presence.

    The autumn leg of the tour includes highly anticipated Brooklyn dates at the Barclays Center on September 25 and 26, setting the stage for a spectacular run across the country. The schedule is packed, featuring sold-out performances in major cities including Indianapolis, Chicago, Boston, and Nashville, culminating in an extensive run through the East Coast and European venues.

    This extensive tour schedule demonstrates the immense demand for Bridgers’ music, offering fans countless opportunities to experience her latest work live as she takes them on a journey with new music and familiar melancholy.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • ‘Weekend’ At Phoebe’s: Bridgers Brings Forth New LP

    Phoebe Bridgers (photo: Dead Oceans)

    Phoebe Bridgers has delivered a massive wave of excitement, finally revealing the highly anticipated new album that has captivated fans across North America and the U.K. in a flurry of activity. After selling out arenas in a matter of hours, the mystery is officially over: the project is titled Lost Weekend, set for release on August 14th via their longtime partners at Dead Oceans.

    While the full lineup of the sixteen tracks remains a closely guarded secret, anticipation is high, especially since the title song was already unveiled on YouTube in a preview to generate buzz. This sudden reveal follows a recent string of surprise acoustic pop-up shows and a sold-out appearance at Madison Square Garden earlier this month, suggesting that Bridgers has been deep in the creative trenches, exploring new musical territory before the grand launch.

    Lost Weekend marks Bridgers’ first full-length release since her critically acclaimed 2020 album, Punisher. This new work is seen as a potent culmination of her songwriting mastery, refining the deeply personal themes that have defined her previous output while embracing unexpected creative turns.

    The sound of the album is layered with collaborative brilliance. Production assistance came from Jack Antonoff, and tour mate Alex G contributed to the sonic landscape, pushing Bridgers’ music into richer and more adventurous emotional spaces. It represents an expansion on the songwriting prowess that first brought her acclaim with Stranger in the Alps and continued the evolution seen on Punisher.

    Bridgers will support the album on The Lost Tour, a journey designed to offer an intimate experience for her audience. Kicking off on September 15th in Indianapolis, the tour will sweep across North America before heading to the U.K. and Europe later in the year.

    The touring experience is being handled with a deliberate focus on community and presence. In line with her recent surprise performances, the entire upcoming tour will be phone-free. Audience members are asked to place their smart devices and phones into Yondr pouches upon entering venues, ensuring that the focus remains entirely on the shared, communal atmosphere of the performance.

    This commitment to connection extends to social responsibility. For every North American ticket sold, $1 will be donated to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. It is a powerful gesture that ties the music directly to meaningful advocacy.

    The tour also features compelling musical partnerships; Alex G opens the North American dates, while former Black Country, New Road frontman Isaac Wood supports the overseas legs of the journey. Lost Weekend and The Lost Tour promise to be more than just an album release—they are an immersive, deeply connected event built on creative evolution and compassionate performance.

    Credit: Spin

  • PJ Harvey’s New Song Is Sung From The Perspective Of NASA’s Voyager 2

    With her latest single, Polly Jean Harvey continues to send ripples through the music world. Three years have passed since she released her celebrated album I Inside The Old Year Dying, a testament to her enduring alt-rock power. While she has continued to share incredible music for the stage and screen—including collaborations and adaptations—her focus is now shifting inward, exploring new dimensions of artistic expression.

    This evolution takes a fascinating turn with the release of “Voyager,” a powerful new song penned by Harvey from the unique perspective of the NASA probe Voyager 2. This move elevates her songwriting, taking it beyond personal introspection into the vastness of space and cosmic wonder.

    The concept behind “Voyager” offers a breathtaking contrast to her signature sound, marrying deep emotional complexity with the immense scale of the universe. It is music that invites listeners to contemplate distance, exploration, and the epic narrative of human reach into the cosmos. This new work highlights Harvey’s ability to channel profound philosophical themes through raw, compelling musical expression.

    The announcement of this project brought attention to the unique storytelling capabilities of her music. The story behind “PJ Harvey’s New Song Is Sung From The Perspective Of NASA’s Voyager 2″ quickly resonated with audiences, underscoring how timeless and relevant her creative vision remains. It proves that even as an artist continues to evolve, there is always room for unexpected and profound narrative journeys in the music she creates.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • 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