Author: Musicians Today Contributor
Musicians Today Contributor
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San Francisco-based indie rock group Deerhoof has taken a definitive stand against Spotify, announcing the removal of their entire music catalog from the streaming platform over ethical concerns. The decision, made public in early July, is rooted in opposition to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s financial investment in Helsing, a defense technology firm developing artificial intelligence systems for military applications. Ek’s investment, estimated at $700 million via his venture firm Prima Materia, has drawn scrutiny due to Helsing’s role in developing software for military drones and combat systems. Although Ek has defended the investment as an effort to modernize European defense…
Pop icon Kesha has made a triumphant return with the release of her sixth studio album, Period, on July 4, 2025. This marks her first independent project under her own label, Kesha Records, symbolizing a significant milestone in her career as she embraces full creative autonomy. The release of Period coincides with America’s Independence Day, a deliberate choice reflecting Kesha’s personal liberation from past constraints. After a decade-long legal battle with former producer Dr. Luke, which concluded in 2023, Kesha parted ways with RCA and Kemosabe Records. This newfound freedom allowed her to establish Kesha Records, providing a platform to…
On July 1, 2025, pop provocateur Kesha and glam-rock revivalists Scissor Sisters kicked off their high-energy “Tits Out Tour” in West Valley City, Utah. The co-headlining tour marks a milestone for both acts—supporting Kesha’s sixth studio album Period, and heralding Scissor Sisters’ first major return to the stage in over a decade. With an eclectic supporting lineup and a message of joy, identity, and connection, the tour is being hailed as one of the year’s most colorful and celebratory live events. Period, released on July 4 via Kesha’s own label, Kesha Records, reflects her unfiltered creative control and genre-defying sensibilities.…
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…