Rising indie darlings Prima Queen have done it again, dropping the absolutely sublime title track from their forthcoming debut album ‘The Prize’.

The track, which apparently materialised like some kind of beautiful sonic apparition during studio sessions with producer Steph Marziano, serves as a gorgeously empowering reminder that we’re all worthy of the top spot. Following previous offerings ‘Fool’ and ‘Ugly’, it’s another indicator that their debut full-length is shaping up to be something rather special indeed.

The dynamic duo of Louise Macphail and Kristin McFadden will be bringing their prize-winning tunes to stages across the UK this spring, kicking off at Bristol’s Thekla on 21st May and wrapping up at Glasgow’s Nice N Sleazy on 29th May. They’ll also be joining The Maccabees at All Points East on 24th August. The album ‘The Prize’ lands via Submarine Cat Records on 25th April.

Philadelphia’s finest pop-punk veterans The Wonder Years have announced a special intimate show at London’s The Underworld.

Fresh off supporting Neck Deep on their massive UK arena tour, Dan Campbell and co. are rewinding the clock back to 2007, when they first graced the hallowed Camden venue as wide-eyed newcomers. Now, they’re coming full circle with Beauty School and Greywind in tow for what promises to be a properly sweaty night of pop-punk perfection.

Mark your calendars for 1st February – tickets for the show go on sale this Wednesday (10th January) at 10am.

Supergroup-of-sorts The None (featuring members of Bloc Party, Blue Ruth, Cassels and Frauds, in case you’re keeping score) have announced their new EP ‘CARE’ will land on 14th February – because nothing says romance like a collection of raw, minimal-overdub bangers.

Leading the charge is new single ‘On Automatic’, which the band nearly binned for being “too jock-rock” before some rhythmic wizardry from Gordon Moakes and Chris Francombe saved its soul.

The band will be properly busy in the coming months, kicking off with a support slot for The Jesus Lizard at London’s Electric Ballroom on 11th January, before launching into their own headline tour from 14th February at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach. The run includes stops at Manchester’s YES, Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club, and London’s Oslo, plus festival appearances at Portals, Bearded Theory and Deer Shed. Valentine’s Day plans = sorted.

You can read more, and listen to that new single, here.

K-pop rising stars RIIZE have dropped their take on TVXQ!’s 2004 debut single ‘Hug’. The cover comes as part of SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary celebrations, with the track set to appear on a special commemorative album that’s basically going to be the ultimate K-pop party playlist.

The release ties in with SM Entertainment’s absolutely massive SMTOWN LIVE 2025 world tour. Kicking off with a double-header in Seoul this January (11th-12th), the run will bounce through Mexico City (9th May) and Los Angeles (11th May) before landing in London for a massive show at an as-yet-unannounced venue on 28th June. The whole shebang wraps up with two nights in Tokyo on 9th and 10th August.

Taking Back Sunday are going to need a new timekeeper, as drummer Mark O’Connell has announced his departure from the band.

The sticksmith, who’s been keeping the beat since 2001, shared the news via Instagram with a heartfelt statement that touches on his journey towards sobriety and hints at creative differences within the camp. It’s not all doom and gloom though – O’Connell’s already teasing new musical ventures, both solo and with “some old friends”.

The announcement comes just months after the release of Taking Back Sunday’s latest album ‘152’, which now stands as O’Connell’s final record with the band. Fans will still get to catch Taking Back Sunday in action this summer, as they’re set to headline 2000trees Festival in July alongside PVRIS, Alexisonfire, Coheed And Cambria and Kneecap – though who’ll be behind the kit remains to be seen. Watch this space, as they say.

Chappell Roan has been tapped as the performer for Elton John’s legendary Academy Awards viewing party. The ‘Pink Pony Club’ star will bring her theatrical flair to the AIDS Foundation benefit, with Sir Elton himself gushing about her “bold and authentic” artistry – which, coming from the man who once performed at Dodger Stadium in a bedazzled baseball uniform, is basically the highest praise possible.

The star-studded shindig is set for March 2025, with a guest list that reads like someone’s fever dream fantasy dinner party – we’re talking Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, and Mick Jagger all in one room (imagine that queue for the loo!).