Author: Musicians Today Contributor

On June 27, 2025, New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde unveiled her fourth studio album, Virgin, signaling a significant shift in her musical and personal journey. Departing from the sun-soaked tones of 2021’s Solar Power, Virgin embraces a minimalist, synth-driven soundscape, delving deep into themes of identity, transformation, and self-exploration. Co-produced with Jim-E Stack, known for his work with artists like Bon Iver and Charli XCX, the album features contributions from a diverse array of collaborators, including Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Dan Nigro, Fabiana Palladino, and Buddy Ross. The production is characterized by its stripped-down instrumentation, allowing Lorde’s…

Rising shoegaze artist Wisp, born Natalie R. Lu, has officially announced her debut studio album, If Not Winter, set for release on August 1, 2025, through Music Soup and Interscope Records. The album signifies a pivotal moment in Wisp’s musical evolution, blending her shoegaze roots with pop and electronic influences to create a cohesive and expansive sound. If Not Winter is described as a “complete realization of a boundary-exploding vision for shoegaze,” incorporating elements of medieval fantasy and diaristic lyrics. The album features a fusion of melodic pop songwriting, folk narrative poetry, and the communal ideals of hardcore music, resulting…

Boston-based Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys unveiled their thirteenth studio album, For the People, on July 4, 2025, delivering a fervent collection of tracks that resonate with themes of unity, social justice, and working-class solidarity. This release marks a significant moment for the band, as it features the return of longtime vocalist Al Barr, who contributes to the track “The Vultures Circle High” after a hiatus to care for his ailing mother . The album, produced and mixed by Ted Hutt, is a testament to the band’s enduring commitment to addressing societal issues through music. The cover art, designed by…

On June 20, 2025, New York-based indie rock band Hotline TNT released their third studio album, Raspberry Moon, marking a significant shift in their musical journey. Departing from the lo-fi shoegaze aesthetic of their earlier works, the album embraces a more polished blend of power pop and alternative rock. This release is particularly notable as it represents the first time frontman Will Anderson collaborated with a consistent band lineup—guitarist Lucky Hunter, bassist Haylen Trammel, and drummer Mike Ralston—resulting in a cohesive and dynamic sound. A Collaborative Turn in Creation Previously, Anderson had been the sole creative force behind Hotline TNT,…

Bruce Springsteen has once again opened his archives to fans, releasing Tracks II: The Lost Albums on June 27, 2025. This extensive collection unearths a treasure trove of previously unreleased material recorded between 1983 and 2018. With 83 tracks—74 of which had never been heard before—the release offers a sweeping view of Springsteen’s creative evolution over more than three decades. A follow-up to his 1998 box set Tracks, this new release differs significantly by compiling entire unreleased albums rather than standalone outtakes. Each of the seven featured albums—meticulously preserved but left in the vault until now—reflects distinct phases in Springsteen’s…

Maroon 5 has officially re-entered the pop music spotlight with the release of their new single “All Night,” which debuted on June 23, 2025. The track offers a preview of the band’s upcoming eighth studio album, Love Is Like, set to launch on August 15 under 222 Records and Interscope Records. Known for their seamless fusion of pop, rock, and funk elements, Maroon 5 continues to evolve their musical style with “All Night.” The song weaves Adam Levine’s distinct vocal performance over layers of punchy basslines, crisp percussion, airy synths, and a standout saxophone solo—infusing a retro flair into a…

On June 28, 2025, Gary Numan, a pioneer of synth-pop and industrial rock, made his long-awaited debut at the Glastonbury Festival, performing on the Park Stage. This appearance marked a significant milestone in his nearly five-decade career, coinciding with the 45th anniversaries of his seminal albums “Replicas” and “The Pleasure Principle.” Numan’s hour-long set commenced at 6:00 PM, delivering a performance that was both a retrospective of his influential past and a showcase of his evolving musical journey. The setlist featured a blend of classic hits and newer material, including “Halo,” “The Chosen,” “Metal,” “M.E.,” “Pure,” “Cars,” “Haunted,” “Down in…

Synth-pop icon Gary Numan delivered a captivating debut performance at the Glastonbury Festival on June 28, 2025, thrilling audiences on the Park Stage with a set that spanned generations and musical eras. Celebrating 45 years since the release of his landmark albums Replicas and The Pleasure Principle, Numan proved that his influence on electronic and industrial music remains as potent today as it was in the late 1970s. With his distinctive stage presence and signature gothic aesthetic—featuring tight drainpipe jeans and tattered mesh tops—Numan cut a striking figure as he took the stage amid atmospheric lighting and brooding synth lines.…

Maroon 5 is poised to make a major comeback with their eighth studio album, Love Is Like, scheduled for release on August 15, 2025. This highly anticipated project represents the band’s first full-length release since 2021’s Jordi, and signals a refreshed artistic direction for the Los Angeles-based pop-rock group. Alongside the album, Maroon 5 will embark on an extensive U.S. arena tour starting this fall, kicking off on October 6 in Phoenix and wrapping up November 25 in Detroit. The new album campaign began building momentum with the release of two lead singles: “Priceless,” a collaboration with Lisa of BLACKPINK,…

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The LadyLand Festival returned to Brooklyn on June 27 and 28, 2025, with a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, music, and artistry. Headlined by global superstars Cardi B and FKA twigs, the two-day event transformed Under the K Bridge Park into a pulsating hub of inclusivity and expression during Pride Weekend. Organized by nightlife icon Ladyfag in collaboration with The Bowery Presents, LadyLand has evolved since its 2018 inception into a cornerstone of New York City’s Pride Month festivities. This year’s edition featured over 40 artists across three stages, showcasing a diverse array of genres and performances…