Author: Musicians Today Contributor

After a 15-year hiatus, Grammy-nominated R&B artist Keri Hilson has made a triumphant return with her third studio album, We Need to Talk: Love, released on April 18, 2025. This long-anticipated comeback marks the first installment of a three-part musical trilogy that will also include Drama and Redemption. Complementing her return to music, Hilson has also expanded into acting with a starring role in the Lifetime original film Fame: A Temptations Story, which premiered shortly after, on April 26, 2025. Rediscovering Her Voice Hilson’s new album, We Need to Talk: Love, brings a fresh yet reflective voice to the R&B…

April 12, 2025, marked the return of Record Store Day, a beloved annual event that shines a spotlight on vinyl culture. As record stores across the globe filled with eager music lovers, it was clear that the appeal of physical music formats continues to thrive, despite the dominance of digital streaming platforms. Record Store Day celebrates the rich history of vinyl, showcasing exclusive releases, special editions, and unique collectibles that fans eagerly seek out each year. For many music enthusiasts, Record Store Day has become a cherished tradition. It’s a chance to rediscover the tactile pleasure of flipping through vinyl…

As the music industry moves further into 2025, the conversation surrounding mental health has grown louder, but more needs to be done. Musicians, who often face immense pressures from touring, public scrutiny, and the demands of the industry, are increasingly speaking out about the toll that their careers are taking on their mental health. Despite this shift in awareness, the industry still lacks comprehensive and accessible support systems for those who struggle with mental health issues. As more artists begin to open up, the time has come for the music industry to take concrete steps toward offering better support for…

TikTok has launched a groundbreaking feature called “BeatChain,” giving content creators the ability to license trending music directly using in-app credits. This new functionality, which debuted in April 2025, aims to simplify music rights management while opening fresh monetization paths for independent musicians. This move marks a significant evolution in the platform’s handling of music, signaling a new era of user empowerment and legal clarity for creators who rely heavily on sound to elevate their content. Transforming the Creative Process With BeatChain, TikTok creators no longer need to navigate complex music licensing agreements or risk legal penalties for using copyrighted…

Actor and musician Joe Keery, known for his role in Stranger Things, has released his third studio album under the moniker Djo, titled The Crux. Dropped on April 4, 2025, the album marks a significant evolution in Keery’s artistic journey, blending elements of psychedelic pop, soft rock, and introspective lyrics. With this release, Keery continues to define his unique voice in the music industry, independent of his acting fame. A New Chapter in Keery’s Musical Evolution The Crux follows Keery’s earlier works, Twenty Twenty (2019) and Decide (2022). Both albums introduced listeners to Djo’s signature blend of synth-pop and thoughtful…

SZA has released Eclipse, her highly anticipated album that expands her sound and musical depth, further establishing her as one of the most innovative voices in modern R&B. Known for her ability to merge soulful R&B with experimental sounds, SZA’s latest offering takes listeners on a sonic journey through lush melodies, atmospheric production, and emotionally raw lyrics. Eclipse is a testament to her continuous evolution as an artist, blending vulnerability with artistry in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The album’s lead single, “Moonlit Shadows,” immediately captures attention with its smooth blend of soulful vocals and intricate production.…

Indie rock enthusiasts were overjoyed with the announcement of The Zutons’ return to the stage, marking their highly anticipated UK tour. Kicking off in Leeds on April 3, the band traveled across the UK, performing in iconic venues before concluding their eight-date tour in their hometown of Liverpool on April 12. This was the first time in years that the band had performed such an extensive run of shows, sparking nostalgia and excitement among longtime fans while attracting a new generation of listeners. The tour, which included stops in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and London, was a testament to…

The rise of artificial intelligence in music production has reached a tipping point, overwhelming major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. The influx of AI-generated songs has created a chaotic environment, as these platforms struggle to cope with the sheer volume of content. According to Deezer, over 20,000 AI-generated tracks are being uploaded daily as of April 2025. This flood of music has led to a surge in fraudulent activity, with bad actors manipulating these services for profit. Fraudulent individuals and networks are exploiting AI tools to mass-produce music and then use both automated and human listeners to…

As we head into 2024, music streaming continues to define how we access and enjoy music. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have made it easier than ever to listen to our favorite songs, leading to a boom in digital music consumption. But as streaming becomes the norm, the industry’s financial structures, particularly artist compensation and algorithm-driven discovery, are raising concerns. Is it time for a change in the streaming model, or is it simply the future of music consumption? The Impact of Royalties on Independent Musicians A major issue in the current streaming model is the low royalties…

In 2025, the traditional model of releasing full-length albums is increasingly being questioned, as artists shift towards more frequent, shorter releases like singles and EPs. With the rise of streaming platforms and the changing demands of listeners, the question arises: is the era of the album, once the cornerstone of the music industry, over? As the music landscape continues to evolve, the way artists release their work is being redefined, leading to significant shifts in both music distribution and how albums are perceived in the digital age. For decades, the release of a full album was considered a monumental cultural…