MusicFreaks

Tag: Pop music

  • Miranda Hope from ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Is Making Music Now

    When fans of SLOMW”>The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are asked about their favorite cast member, the answer often involves two names. But one of those names has just stepped into the music spotlight with a debut single that promises to be anything but tame.

    Meet Miranda Hope (née McWhorter), who is officially launching a career in country music with her new track, “FU4THAT“. This isn’t your typical ballad; it’s anthemic, infidelity clap-back country pop designed for those who enjoy a little sass and a lot of attitude.

    While the song might require a dirty soda to truly appreciate its flavor, it certainly serves as a powerful statement. It stands in stark contrast to the earlier covers Miranda participated in on the reality show, such as Demi and Bret Engemann’s rendition of “True Colours.”

    This release marks the first single to emerge from the SLOMW”>SLOMW franchise, signaling a fresh direction for the reality star. The music taps into a narrative that resonates with her public image while introducing a new facet of her personality.

    The timing of this debut is particularly interesting. It arrives amidst ongoing developments surrounding Miranda’s castmate, Taylor Frankie Paul. News has recently emerged regarding the airing of The Bachelorette season, following claims of domestic violence against Paul.

    Miranda Hope’s musical launch comes at a moment when public attention is focused on complex interpersonal dynamics and high-stakes personal stories. Her music provides an outlet for raw emotion and a confident voice that cuts through the noise.

    It’s a fascinating intersection of reality television, celebrity culture, and the desire for unapologetic self-expression. Miranda Hope is proving that even when the spotlight shines on personal drama, there is room for powerful, catchy artistry.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Justin Bieber Surprise Releases Live Album ‘SWAG LIVE FROM COACHELLA (WEEKEND I)’

    Justin Bieber Delivers a Coachella Masterclass with New Live Album

    The stage was set for a spectacle last weekend when Justin Bieber delivered an unforgettable performance at Coachella, capturing the energy of his first headlining appearance. Now, fans can immerse themselves in that electrifying experience with his new live album, SWAG LIVE FROM COACHELLA (WEEKEND I), which is available across all major streaming platforms.

    This collection serves up a vibrant snapshot of Bieber’s set, featuring a carefully curated selection from his recent work, including tracks from his 2025 record SWAG and its companion piece, SWAG II. The live album is not just a performance; it’s a showcase of musical versatility, blending Bieber’s signature pop sound with deep cuts and collaborative magic.

    Beyond the main setlist, the live recording features intimate acoustic performances and stellar guest appearances that elevate the entire experience. Fans get to enjoy stripped-down versions of hits alongside collaborations with major figures in the music world, including Kid Laroi, Dijon, Tems, and Wizkid. This mix demonstrates Bieber’s ability to move effortlessly between stadium anthems and soulful, intimate moments.

    The tracklist itself is a journey through diverse sounds, ranging from high-energy tracks like SPEED DEMON and GO BABY to deeper cuts such as ALL I CAN TAKE and TOO LONG. The album also highlights acoustic gems like THINGS YOU DO (Acoustic), GLORY VOICE MEMO (Acoustic), and ZUMA HOUSE (Acoustic).

    The live album provides a complete view of the performance without including the section where Bieber played tracks directly from YouTube, allowing listeners to focus purely on the spectacle of the live event. For those who missed the main event or wish to relive the magic, the full performance is available to stream directly on his official YouTube channel.

    Fans can stream the full performance whenever they are ready, with the live broadcast currently available on YouTube at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET. It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the energy and talent that made this Coachella moment legendary.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Boy Harsher share very ’80s new single & video “Jeans”

    Boy Harsher, the duo of Jae Matthews and Augustus Muller, are back in the spotlight after a four-year hiatus, dropping their latest musical offering: the single “Jeans.” This new release is a vibrant trip down memory lane, capturing the bright, shiny aesthetic of the 1980s with infectious energy.

    The track immediately conjures vivid imagery—one can almost smell the nostalgia. It’s music that taps into the glossy, optimistic feeling of the era, reminiscent of teen films and iconic pop culture moments. The sound manages to blend a sweet, throwback sensibility with a modern polish, creating something instantly accessible and wonderfully nostalgic.

    “Jeans” is not just a catchy tune; it’s a conversation about the complex nature of chasing dreams. Jae Matthews explains that the song emerged from two distinct life experiences: one spent navigating the pressures of a “small town,” seeking freedom, and another spent pursuing aspirations in the bustling environment of the Big Apple. The track speaks to the shared human quest for dreams, framed through the lens of commodifying those ambitions.

    To bring this duality to life, Muller directed the accompanying video, which elevates the song from a simple release to a full-blown aesthetic statement. They aimed to encapsulate that feeling of simultaneous yearning and aspiration by blending disparate influences—from the playful glamour of latex and hot hands to the dreamlike distance of an inaccessible metropolis. The resulting visual narrative is a stylish exploration of longing, successfully bottling the bittersweet essence of chasing an ideal.

    Boy Harsher’s creative vision extends beyond the studio and into the live experience. They are preparing to take this nostalgic energy on the road with a dynamic lineup, touring this fall alongside Choir Boy, Evanora Unlimited, True Blue, and Kassie Krut. This tour promises a chance for fans to experience their polished sound in an energetic setting.

    The journey is extensive, taking them across the country and into major urban centers, culminating with dates that reach as far as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and beyond. Fans eager to witness this vibrant return are invited to follow the full schedule for this ambitious run, which includes appearances at venues like The Knockdown Center in New York and various stops across the Midwest and West Coast.

    With their latest single, captivating visuals, and an exciting fall tour lined up, Boy Harsher is proving that blending nostalgic charm with contemporary energy still hits a home run. Keep your eyes peeled for more music from the duo as they continue to explore the vibrant landscape of sound.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Charli XCX on her “mini-break” in Paris with Madonna: “I found it very inspiring to hang out with her”

    The drama surrounding pop superstar Charli XCX and Madonna has cooled considerably, thanks to a spontaneous trip to Paris that reportedly defused weeks of speculation about tension between the two titans.

    The break came after the pair were spotted together in the French capital, signaling that their recent public sparring was likely just noise. The impromptu Parisian getaway served as a much-needed reset for the two artists, demonstrating an undeniable chemistry amidst the intense demands of their careers.

    This seemingly innocent excursion offered a chance to talk openly about their shared musical philosophies. It is worth remembering that Charli XCX had recently stirred conversation by releasing her single Rock Music, which posed a provocative statement about the state of dance music.

    Madonna’s comments suggested a parallel perspective on the music scene, implying that if the dancefloor feels stagnant, it might simply be playing the wrong kind of music—a subtle nod to the evolving landscape of pop art.

    During their time together, the conversation quickly turned to inspiration. Charli shared that hanging out with Madonna was incredibly inspiring, particularly regarding how music functions as art and the exploration of artistic expression. She admitted that her deeper appreciation for Madonna began when she started exploring the idea of music as something deeply artful.

    This creative synergy extended beyond music. The two stars were seen mingling at high-fashion events, including the Saint Laurent menswear show, where they shared moments of connection with other industry figures. Later that night, they danced together to Madonna’s iconic hits like ‘Thief of Hearts’ and ‘Hung Up’.

    Charli later clarified her stance on the title of her new work, explaining that the lyrical choice was less about dismissing dance music entirely and more about her personal experience with the era reflected in her album ‘Brat’. She acknowledged that this period of creative evolution coincided with navigating some personal challenges, admitting she was ‘struggling’ while pivoting into a new chapter across music, fashion, and film.

    As both artists continue to navigate their respective creative paths—with Madonna preparing for her Confessions II and Charli XCX releasing Music, Fashion, Film—their shared journey serves as a vibrant reminder that even in the most competitive world of pop stardom, true inspiration and genuine connection remain the most powerful forces.

    Credit: NME

  • Lilyisthatyou Returns with New Single, Announces 2026 Tour Dates

    Get ready to feel the bloom! Pop sensation Lilyisthatyou is embarking on an expansive global journey with her new project, The Flowers Have Feelings Tour, bringing fresh music and deep emotional resonance to audiences across Europe and North America.

    The adventure kicks off in September with a thrilling ten-date run across Europe and the UK. Fans will get to experience this vibrant sound firsthand as Lilyisthatyou hits cities like Warsaw, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Dublin before moving on to new territories.

    As the tour unfolds, she is previewing a captivating new era with her latest single, EMPTY UNIVERSE. This track delves into the complex theme of wanting validation while simultaneously knowing one can find strength in self-sufficiency—a deeply relatable and powerful message for her listeners.

    Once the European leg concludes, Lilyisthatyou brings the energy back over the pond in early October to conquer North America. The American dates begin with a high-energy stop in San Francisco before moving through major markets like Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, and Phoenix.

    The journey continues with an incredible stretch across Canada, ensuring that fans in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto will also experience the magic of this tour. The Canadian dates extend through late November, culminating in shows in cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto.

    This extended itinerary means that music lovers will have a truly unforgettable opportunity to catch Lilyisthatyou live, spanning continents and delivering a full spectrum of musical experiences. Whether you are following the tour dates across Europe or North America, prepare for an emotional and exhilarating display of new music.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Steve Lacy Enlists SZA For ‘Cool’ Duet

    Steve Lacy has spent the better part of a decade navigating the vibrant, often messy intersection of R&B, indie rock, and pop. Now, on his latest single featuring SZA, “is it cool?” doesn’t just blur those lines—it dares to tell the truth.

    Released via RCA Records, the track serves as a tantalizing preview of Lacy’s forthcoming album Oh yeah?, set for release on July 17th. The song dives deep into the often complicated landscapes of intimacy, vulnerability, and self-sabotage, bringing two of contemporary music’s most compelling voices to unpack these messy realities.

    The collaboration has been a long-brewing affair, fueled by months of speculation after Lacy and SZA were spotted working together in the studio earlier this year. “is it cool?” delivers on that anticipation with a fluid arrangement that effortlessly blends bedroom soul traditions with confessional singer/songwriter sensibilities.

    The lyrical exchange is raw and honest. Lacy confronts his own shortcomings with disarming candor, admitting, “I just cheat every now and again / That was hard for me to admit / ‘Cause I really want to commit.” SZA’s response perfectly captures the exhausting nature of emotional exposure: “Being vulnerable is exhausting, babe / Can we get naked instead of talking, babe?”

    This single offers another window into what Lacy describes as his most personal creative project to date. The album Oh yeah? emerged from a four-year period where the artist felt more at home abroad than in his immediate surroundings. While “the feeling” hints at those complex emotions, the track list promises an adventurous collection of sounds, featuring collaborators like Erykah Badu on “pure colour” and experimental pop artist Cecile Believe on “lovesexdrugbomb.”

    Lacy, 28, has already established himself as a significant figure in the music world, having secured two Grammy awards and multiple entries in Spotify’s Billions Club. He is widely celebrated as music “for guitar kids who love synths and synth kids who love guitars.” This new work follows his acclaimed 2022 project Gemini Rights, which launched the worldwide smash “Bad Habit.”

    As Lacy prepares for the release of Oh yeah?, he is embarking on a significant tour, supporting the album with a run of Asian dates starting August 13th in Tokyo. These shows will include headlining appearances at major festivals like Summer Sonic in Japan and the Lalala Festival in Manila and Jakarta, marking his first such extensive schedule since early 2024.

    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

  • Charli XCX shares cheeky new single & video, “Wink Wink”

    Charli XCX is back with a fresh dose of unapologetic energy, dropping a highly anticipated new single that promises to be as electric as her signature sound. The track, titled Music, Fashion, Film“>Music, Fashion, Film, is set to arrive next month and immediately pulls listeners into a world defined by playful rebellion and honest self-reflection.

    The song steps away from traditional rhyming structures, opting instead for a conversational, driving indie backing track. Charli talks her way through the verses, inviting the listener into her unfiltered thoughts. The lyrics tackle themes of personal change and evolving identity with a dose of cheeky humor. For example, the opening lines set an irreverent tone: “I used to lick cream off strawberries in the summer / And maybe I fucked your dad.” This playful juxtaposition is perfectly balanced by the central message that people can change, reflecting on past behaviors and present realities.

    The track hits a sweet spot of catchy honesty with its chorus. The hook, “Here’s the truth, and I gotta be honest / I’m not a bad girl anymore…Wink, wink, wink, wink,” serves as an anthem for self-acceptance, delivering a confident punch that resonates across generations. Musically, the song taps into familiar yet refreshingly modern influences, drawing a clear parallel to The Teenagers’ 2005 early blog-era hit, “Homecoming,” demonstrating Charli’s knack for blending nostalgic charm with cutting-edge production.

    Adding to the magnetic appeal of the single is the accompanying video, directed by collaborator Aidan Zamiri. It mirrors the song’s mood perfectly, being as playful, saucy, and cheeky as the lyrics themselves. The visual narrative captures Charli XCX in a state of joyful feasting and freedom, cementing the track’s vibrant atmosphere.

    With the release date set for July 24, the single is poised to kick off an exciting run, leading into her upcoming tour this fall. Charli XCX will be taking the stage with Underscores opening, bringing her dynamic energy to audiences across the country.

    Fans can catch Charli XCX live soon, with highly anticipated dates including appearances at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on September 14 and 15. This tour continues her momentum, offering a chance for concert-goers to experience the unique blend of music, fashion, and film that defines her artistry.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Carly Rae Jepsen Ascends with the Heavenly “On Wires”

    Carly Rae Jepsen has spent a decade navigating the pop landscape, often under the intense spotlight of her previous works like E•mo•tion, Dedicated, and The Loneliest Time. But as she looks toward her next creative leap, Jepsen is doing more than just following a trend; she is boldly setting a new course.

    Her latest offering shatters those previous boundaries with the release of On Wires. This track isn’t just another pop song; it’s a vibrant sonic collision, expertly blending jazzy piano with dubby triplets and an intriguing sampled chant that adds an unexpected layer of mystery.

    Musically, the song builds beautifully. It soars dramatically on the chorus, featuring Jepsen’s voice ascending into a space filled with god-like reverb, all while dramatic blasts of guitar distortion provide the necessary edge.

    This captivating new sound comes from the dawn of her upcoming double album, Day and Night. The track serves as an exciting departure, perfectly embodying the concept for the “Day” side of the project.

    Yet, there’s a delightful paradox at play: while the song is packed with surprises and deep mystery, it is positioned on the “Day,” which seems odd for something so full of nocturnal intrigue. It challenges expectations, proving that true artistic genius knows exactly how to mix light and shadow into an unforgettable whole.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Clairo’s On A Bunch Of Ryan Beatty’s New Album Sweet Fortune: “This Man Had Me Belt On A Song For The First Time”

    LA-based singer-songwriter Ryan Beatty is weaving a sonic tapestry that effortlessly blends the lush, heavily orchestrated sounds of classic 1970s pop with the intimate, whispery aesthetics of modern bedroom-pop. His music manages to feel both nostalgic and immediately current, setting him apart in the crowded landscape of contemporary music.

    Beatty has established a strong presence in the industry, noted for his creative collaborations, including work alongside groups like Brockhampton, showcasing a versatile range that speaks to diverse musical sensibilities.

    Most recently, Beatty released his new solo album, Sweet Fortune, which continues this trajectory of sophisticated and approachable songwriting. What makes the project particularly engaging is the surprising infusion of indie energy into his sound, thanks to some unexpected partnerships.

    The creation of Sweet Fortune was not a solo endeavor; Beatty brought in collaborators from the indie scene, bringing fresh perspectives to the tracklist. Perhaps the most notable addition was his friend, Clairo. She contributed vocals to multiple songs on the album, sharing an anecdote that perfectly captures the spirit of musical discovery: she recounts having to “belt on a song for the first time.”

    This collaboration highlights Beatty’s ability to bridge different artistic worlds—the polished sheen of classic pop influences meeting the raw, honest energy of indie creativity. The resulting album feels like an invitation to explore both grand, orchestral sounds and deeply personal, intimate melodies, proving that true musical innovation often happens at the intersection of seemingly disparate styles.

    Credit: Stereogum