Author: Musicians Today Contributor
Musicians Today Contributor
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The summer of 2025 has been dubbed “Pop Girl Summer,” as a wave of female pop artists dominate the global music scene, headlining major festivals and reshaping the genre with autonomy, varied musical styles, and a renewed sense of creative control. This movement, led by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, and Chappell Roan, signifies a broader cultural shift toward embracing self-expression and artistic independence in mainstream pop music. At just 22 years old, Olivia Rodrigo made history as the second-youngest headliner of Glastonbury Festival, following Billie Eilish’s record in 2022.…
After a 16-year hiatus, British rock band Oasis has reunited for their highly anticipated ‘Live ’25 Tour,’ marking their first live performances since their split in 2009. The tour commenced on July 4 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and is set to conclude on November 23 in São Paulo, Brazil. The reunion features the original lineup, including brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, along with Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and drummer Joey Waronker. The tour celebrates the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Definitely Maybe, and includes 41 shows across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. Fans…
The 45th annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert illuminated the nation’s capital with a vibrant display of music, patriotism, and fireworks, drawing thousands to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and millions more via broadcast and streaming platforms. This year’s event marked a significant milestone, celebrating nearly half a century of honoring America’s Independence Day with a blend of tradition and contemporary flair. A Diverse Lineup of Musical Talent Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, known for his roles in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” the concert featured an eclectic mix of performers spanning various genres. Legendary…
In a momentous return to the stage, British rock band Oasis reunited for their first live performance since 2009, captivating a crowd of over 74,000 fans at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The concert marked the commencement of their highly anticipated “Live ’25” reunion tour, celebrating the band’s enduring legacy and the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Definitely Maybe. A Nostalgic Setlist and Symbolic Moments The evening opened with “Hello,” a track whose lyric “it’s good to be back” resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and emotion. The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel,…
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…