Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
-
Dear Santa… Love, ‘The Bands’
We asked ‘The Bands’ what they want for Christmas. Turns out it’s mostly a new My Chemical Romance album. Lambrini Girls Photo Credit: Derek Perlman Dear Santa, Fire ants Bathtub filled with mayonnaise The total collapse of society in order to rebuild it from the rubble in order to dismantle late stage capitalism Bringing back…
-
The Agenda Setter: Christmas Special Part 1 with Emily Burns
WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THIS WEEK From self doubt to seasonal sparkle, Emily Burns has had quite the year. Words: Stephen Ackroyd.Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett. FOLLOW THE AGENDA ON SPOTIFY In the cosy glow of year end, somewhere between the first mince pie and an urgent need for a New Year’s resolution, Emily…
-
Vote for the best metal album of 2024
Whether you’ve loved Judas Priest or Linkin Park, Poppy or Kerry King, we want to know what albums have excited you most in 2024 (LouderSound)
-
“My friends are cyborgs, but that’s okay” by Photographer Ramona Jingru Wang
Ramona Jingru Wang …
-
Big Big Train release new Winter version of Brew & Burgh
Big Big Train re-record Brew & Burgh, originally recorded with late singer David Longdon, for the 2020 reissue of The Underfall Yard (LouderSound)
-
“In our heavy metal world, he’s almost as important as Elvis Presley”: Blaze Bayley remembers fellow Iron Maiden alumnus Paul Di’Anno
Iron Maiden’s 90s singer pays tribute to his fallen predecessor, who died in October at the age of 66 (LouderSound)
-
“The most successful symphonic metal band in the world.” Every Nightwish album ranked from worst to best
The biggest symphonic metal band of them all have had a glittering career so far. Here is every Nightwish studio full-length ranked (LouderSound)
-
Pallas announce one more album (at least) but the end of the road as far as gigs go…
Scottish neo proggers Pallas announce intention to record more but it’s all over as far as playing live goes (LouderSound)
-
“We did it!” Anti-Britpop icons Pulp sign first record deal in 20 years
Jarvis Cocker’s pop-rock stars haven’t released a studio album since 2001, but have started debuting new songs live (LouderSound)
-
Watch Gracie Abrams perform ‘That’s So True’ and ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’ on Saturday Night Live
Gracie Abrams has made her Saturday Night Live debut, performing on the Chris Rock-hosted episode of the long-running sketch show. The singer-songwriter delivered two tracks from her latest album ‘The Secret of Us’, performing both ‘That’s So True’ and ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’ during her appearance. The performance follows Abrams’ recent stint supporting Taylor…
-
“Four words describe this album best – Adrian Smith’s Finest Hour”: Iron Maiden successfully embrace guitar synthesisers on Somewhere In Time
Released between two major metal milestones, Somewhere In Time is something of an underrated fan favourite (LouderSound)
-
The OG of Breakfast: Cornelius the Cockerel struts Kellogg’s into a new era
If you remember the classic Jayou from Jurassic 5, prepare to feel old—it’s just entered the advertising realm for the first time. It forms the backdrop of Kellogg’s new campaign, which launches today alongside its bold new visual identity for its cereal range, created by Landor. In a move to build on its 117-year legacy…
-
More than 30 minutes of live Black Sabbath footage from 1976 has appeared online
Watch it quick, before it’s gone (LouderSound)
-
Naughty Naughty unleash creative chaos in their designs for Delhi’s secret bar
The Mumbai agency drew on the tradition of Indian miniature paintings to create an atmosphere that is at once notorious and hypnotic. Inspired by the tradition of making a perfect cocktail, Pass Code Only (aka PCO) is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar located in Vasant Vihar, D-Block Market, in South Delhi, India. True to its cryptic…
-
New documentary reveals the soulful craft of a master guitar maker
Journey of Wood, created by Oh Brother Creative, tells a fascinating story of meticulous craftsmanship in south London. Anyone with a love of music will find it fascinating. Tarik and Hax of Oh Brother Creative is a London-based team specialising in video production and commercial photography. They make content with a distinct natural look based…
-
“It was a clever tactical manoeuvre, selling an album at the price of a single. Many people bought it to play frisbee with! But it worked”: For Faust, music has always been just a part of the art
Progressive in word and deed, the German group have never achieved the acclaim they deserve – but that’s never stopped them (LouderSound)
-
Three Rules of Authentic Trappist: the beer bottle that’s a work of art
How Tête de la Course embraced the concept for a special edition Trappist beer and used it to craft an object of desire Golden artworks gleam on deep brown glass. Meticulously drawn gothic ornamentation. A sense of quiet, craftsmanship, and quality. Corked and sealed with a classy black muzzle. It sounds like the brief for…
-
The best new rock songs you need to hear right now
Including The Darkness, Black Eyes Sons, Those Damn Crows and five other bohemian rock’n’roll rhapsodists (LouderSound)
-
“Check this out! Amazing!” Gene Simmons would like you to watch this video immediately
In which Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s sons conjure up their inner Simon & Garfunkel (LouderSound)
-
The numbers are in on the biggest grossing tours of 2024
It’s not just Taylor Swift making money out there (LouderSound)
-
Watch Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron reunite onstage in Seattle to play a set of Soundgarden songs
Billed as Nudedragons, the Soundgarden trio were joined onstage by singer Shaina Shepherd and Duff McKagan (LouderSound)
-
Watch Sid WIlson and Kelly Osbourne’s son Sidney in adorable backstage moment with masked-up Slipknot
Little Sidney Wilson joins Slipknot’s backstage bonding ritual – and it’s the cutest thing you’ll see today (LouderSound)
-
Dork’s tracks of the year 2024: 90-81
If anyone tells you 2024 was anything less than an absolute win for new music, they clearly spent the year with their head stuck in a bin. While the world outside might have been doing its best impression of a dumpster fire, our headphones have been blessed with an embarrassment of riches. From bright-young-things becoming…
-
“Roger asked, ‘Who’s singing it?’ ‘Ice-T.’ ‘Approved!’” How Ice-T got Roger Waters and David Gilmour to stop bickering with a cover of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb
How David Gilmour ended up playing with Body Count (LouderSound)
-
“A good heavy metal song is like a good horror movie, and vice versa. Heavy metal sounds evil and horror movies are evil!“: Inside Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett’s lifelong love of horror
When it comes to horror Metallica’s Kirk Hammett is the man (LouderSound)
-
“There’s nothing that annoys me more than when people don’t think their emojis through”: Charli XCX on upping your WhatsApp game, why dancing at parties is compulsory, her teenage diary and more
The superstar shares her guide for living so you too can get your Brat on (LouderSound)
-
“My father wrote the parallel universe theory”: the Ant-Man-starring rocker whose dad invented the idea of the multiverse
You may have been wondering why this beardy indie veteran popped up in a Marvel film last year, and now you can find out (LouderSound)
-
“It always pulls something out of you. Even if the winds are blowing in the wrong direction, it still sounds good”: The Freddie Mercury song that Queen’s Brian May never gets tired of playing
Spoiler: it’s not Bohemian Rhapsody! (LouderSound)
-
“It could have gone either way… I figured that if this was going to be my last hurrah, we should really go for it and make something that would be astonishing to listen to”: How Big Big Train broke through with The Underfall Yard
Their sixth album, released in 2009, was their first with singer David Longdon and drummer Nick D’Virgilio – and it nearly broke the band (LouderSound)
-
“I could spend hours going through the mistakes we made and were made on our behalf. We all truly felt we could be big”: The tumultuous history of Testament, thrash metal’s greatest nearly-men
If there’s a thrash metal Big Five, Bay Area bangers Testament ares strong contenders (LouderSound)
-
Watch Metallica perform rarities at 2024 Helping Hands event in Los Angeles
The 4th edition of Metallica’s Helping Hands charity show featured guest appearance from Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament (LouderSound)
-
“Sometimes the ‘you’ in my songs is me talking to me. Other times I can be talking to somebody else. It’s up to you to figure out who’s who”: The epic story of Bob Dylan’s holy trinity of mystical, magical mid-60s albums
How Bob Dylan changed the course of music forever with Bringing It Back Home, Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde On Blonde (LouderSound)
-
“People have tried to copy it and rip it off, but no one has come close. No one will ever beat it”: The cult metal album Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison said was as good as Reign In Blood
High praise indeed from the late Slipknot drummer (LouderSound)
-
“A rousing counter-narrative to the usual depictions of Krautrock.” New book shines different light on the kosmiche genre
Krautrock Eruption has been written by former Eruption member Wolfgang Seidel (LouderSound)
-
David Gilmour shares new live video for The Piper’s Call
David Gilmour’s new live video for The Piper’s Call was recorded from performances in Brighton, Rome, London, Los Angeles and New York (LouderSound)
-
Dork’s tracks of the year 2024: 100-91
If anyone tells you 2024 was anything less than an absolute win for new music, they clearly spent the year with their head stuck in a bin. While the world outside might have been doing its best impression of a dumpster fire, our headphones have been blessed with an embarrassment of riches. From bright-young-things becoming…
-
“We had a plan. Jesus Christ, are you kidding? My whole plan was to make an album that sells more than the last one”: How Whitesnake shed their skin and made a solid gold hard rock classic with the 1987 album
David Coverdale looks back on the making of Whitesnake’s hair metal-era classic 1987 (LouderSound)
-
“Keith Moon was schizophrenic. I saw many sides of him in half an hour. If that‘s not a split personality, I don’t know what is”: Late keyboard legend Ian McLagan’s wild tales of the Stones, Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan and more
Jamming with Keith Richards, laughing at Bob Dylan’s gags, buying Rod Stewart’s drinks – former Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan did it all and more (LouderSound)
-
“There’s all these secret passages where staff seem to just appear and disappear again”: what it’s like to stay at Elton John’s house
An ex-housesitter spills the beans on the “nerve-wracking” experience of lodging at Elton’s pad (LouderSound)
-
“Nick Cave has this spiritual fervour with the audience”: Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood on becoming a Bad Seed
The Radiohead bassist has just completed a stint in Nick Cave’s band and opens up on “the best time with the loveliest people” (LouderSound)
-
“Unfriendly immigration officers read ‘musician’ and ask, ‘Anything I should know?’ I say, ‘Oh yeah!’ They remember Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and it’s OK”: Yello’s offbeat synth prog ethic gets Dieter Meier round the world
The “Dada version of Bryan Ferry” – who says he uses bandmate Boris Blank’s audio imagery to find structure then leap off into chaos – admits he was never a tortured artist (LouderSound)
-
Julien Baker and TORRES have released their debut country duet, ‘Sugar in the Tank’
Julien Baker and TORRES have released their debut collaborative single ‘Sugar in the Tank’ via Matador Records, following their performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The track draws from both artists’ southern roots and country music influences, with Baker playing banjo and TORRES on guitar as they share vocal duties. The song features…
-
Biig Piig has shared her emotional new sad banger, ‘Ponytail’
Biig Piig has shared her new single ‘Ponytail’, which arrives ahead of her debut album ’11:11′, which is set to arrive in early 2025. The new single, created with longtime collaborator Mac Wetha, explores themes of being caught in a difficult relationship. “I was thinking about the feeling of tied to someone and wanting to…
-
Celeste has directed her debut music video for new single ‘This Is Who I Am’
Celeste has made her directorial debut with a new video for single ‘This Is Who I Am’. The darkly cinematic short film, which premiered on NOWNESS, was shot in Winchester and features collaborations with artist Edward Rollitt, choreographer Holly Blakey, and designer Sonia Trefilova. “The initial thinking behind the idea is that there is a…
-
FLETCHER has released ‘The Antidote: Fletcher Live’, her first live album
FLETCHER has released ‘THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE’, a new 21-song double live album capturing performances from her recent In Search of The Antidote Tour. The live album documents FLETCHER’s global tour in support of her second album, ‘In Search of The Antidote’, which included sold-out UK dates and two shows at London’s Hammersmith Eventim Apollo…
-
“Playing at War” by Photographer Matthew Troyer
Matthew Troyer Matthew Troyer’s Website Matthew Troyer on Instagram
-
Gleb Kolyadin shares handcrafted, animated video for uplifting new single Glimmer
Iamthemorning pianist Gleb Kolyadin will release his new solo album Mobula in February (LouderSound)
-
Everon release video for No Embrace, their first new music for sixteen years
German prog rockers Everon will release their new album Shells in February (LouderSound)
-
“I was stunned and angry and told them I couldn’t even consider it”: Why Marty Friedman turned down potential Megadeth reunion in 2015
Friedman claims an insultingly low salary offer prevented Megadeth’s most legendary lineup from regrouping 10 years ago (LouderSound)
-
“I think I just need to stick some Christmas words on it and get it out there!” Have The Cure written the feel-bad holiday hit of the year?
Robert Smith claims he’s written a “really catchy” pop song, and it could be the next Christmas chart-topper (LouderSound)
-
Exploring Birdsong share video for plaintive piano-led ballad All I Lack
UK prog pop trio Exploring Birdsong are currently working on debut full-length album, expected next year (LouderSound)
-
“I keep telling Clown that I’m just gonna throw it up on Youtube”: Slipknot guitarist Jim Root often threatens to leak long-delayed album Look Outside Your Window
Sick of waiting for Slipknot’s atmospheric rock album to come out? So is guitarist Jim Root! (LouderSound)
-
“Far ahead of the 80s art-rock curve… forward-looking, new wave electronic music with trace elements of prog and glam”: Bill Nelson’s Quit Dreaming And Get On The Beam Deluxe Box Set
Ex-Be Bop Deluxe leader’s 1981 solo release is greatly expanded to impressive effect (LouderSound)
-
Witch Post: A tale of two towns, two artists, and one supernatural connection
Dylan Fraser and Alaska Reid’s unlikely partnership transforms coincidence into indie-rock gold. Read the latest cover feature for our New Music Friday edit PLAY. Words: Felicity Newton. FOLLOW PLAY ON SPOTIFY Witch Post’s existence feels like a cosmic joke turned prophecy – two musicians from different Livingstons (one Scottish, one Montanan) colliding in a trans-Atlantic…
-
Fred again.. concludes his ‘ten days’ chapter with a new two-track release, ‘two more days’
Fred again.. has released new project ‘two more days’, comprising two new tracks that close the chapter on his recent album ‘ten days’. The release features ‘light dark light’, a collaboration with Angie McMahon that reinterprets her track ‘Making It Through’, and ‘little mystery’, which pays homage to John Martyn’s ‘Sweet Little Mastery’. McMahon’s original…
-
070 Shake has released a new video for ‘Vagabond’, from the ‘Petrichor’ album
070 Shake has shared a new music video for ‘Vagabond’, taken from her latest album ‘Petrichor’. The video, directed by Bennett Watanabe, features scenes set against a black background with motifs of flashing light bulbs and falling rain. ‘Petrichor’, released via Def Jam Recordings, was executive-produced by Shake and Dave Hamelin. The album features collaborations…
-
Dead Pony have dropped a Batman-inspired video for their single ‘Everything Burns’
Dead Pony have shared a new music video for their single ‘Everything Burns’, alongside news of their debut appearance at Download Festival in 2025. The track appears on their debut album ‘IGNORE THIS’, which arrived earlier this year via LAB Records. Speaking about the new single, the band explain: “Everything Burns is our most fun…
-
Olly Alexander has released his optimistic, 80s-inspired new single ‘Archangel’
Olly Alexander has shared ‘Archangel’, the latest single from his upcoming album ‘Polari’. The track, created with producer Danny L Harle, features 80s-inspired synths and drum patterns. It follows previous singles ‘Cupid’s Bow’ and ‘Polari’. “This is a song about how an angel saved me at my darkest moment, I don’t mean a mythical angel…
-
The 50 Best Rock Albums of 2024
A-listers, established artists, up-and-comers, previously unknowns and more (LouderSound)
-
“All over the shop… The template for The Rutles is clearly there, and there’s a bridge between The Goons and Monty Python”: The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band’s Still Barking
17 CDs and three DVDs provide everything you need to know about a counterculture band many have heard of, but fewer have listened to (LouderSound)
-
Neil Young launches 107-minute Xmas playlist with accompanying cosy fireplace video
Neil Young knows who’s been naughty and nice (LouderSound)
-
“I don’t know how much time I have left”: Disney+ documentary Elton John: Never Too Late finds Reg in reflective rather than acerbic form
Elton John muses on his life, streaming now (LouderSound)
-
“An apocalyptic masterpiece”: Neil Young’s haunting On the Beach is bleak, stoned and bleary
Shakey gets the blues on this limited edition 50th anniversary vinyl reissue (LouderSound)
-
Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks announce live album of classic-era Yes songs
Live – Perpetual Change will be released in March (LouderSound)
-
“What technology has done to disrupt the music business in terms of not only how people listen to music but the value they place on it is defeating.” Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor offers damning critique of the state of music in 2024
“Music feels largely relegated to something that happens in the background” (LouderSound)
-
Watch BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ perform ‘APT.’ and ‘toxic till the end’ on Fallon
ROSÉ has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing tracks from her debut solo album ‘rosie’. The BLACKPINK member delivered performances of ‘APT.’ and ‘toxic till the end’, both taken from her first full-length solo record. Despite the absence of collaborator Bruno Mars, ROSÉ performed ‘APT.’ solo, beginning her performance from Fallon’s desk…
-
Dead Poet Society have shared a new version of ‘Hurt’ featuring The Warning
Dead Poet Society have shared a new version of their single ‘HURT’, featuring The Warning. The original track appears on Dead Poet Society’s second album ‘FISSION’, released earlier this year via Spinefarm. The collaboration emerged after The Warning’s Paulina was spotted singing along to the song on social media during ShipRocked, leading to a live…
-
LANDMVRKS have announced their new album ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’ with two teaser singles
LANDMVRKS have announced their fourth album ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’, set for release via Arising Empire on 24th April, alongside two new singles: ‘Sulfur’ and ‘Sombre 16’. The Marseille-based metalcore band have shared both tracks alongside a music video, following their previous single ‘Creature’. The new material continues the narrative established by their…
-
CocoRosie have booked several European tour dates for next year
CocoRosie have announced a European tour for 2025, including UK shows in Bristol and Brighton. The announcement follows the release of their new single ‘Least I Have You’ via Joyful Noise Recordings. The sister duo, consisting of Sierra and Bianca Casady, have released seven studio albums to date, with their eighth record set to arrive…
-
Kawala have announced their break-up and final tour
Kawala have announced they are set to disband following their upcoming farewell tour in 2025. The band will release ‘The Kawala Collection’ on 31st January as their final release. The nine-track collection includes songs ‘American Adrenaline’, ‘What’s Up’, ‘Time Slipping Away’ and ‘Old Me’. The band’s announcement follows a busy 2024, which saw them perform…
-
Babymorocco is redefining British club culture: “I was born to be trashy”
DORK MIXTAPE COVER STORY British party culture and clubland classics shaped the world of Babymorocco and his debut album, ‘Amour’. Read our latest Dork Mixtape cover feature. Words: Abigail Firth.Photos: Iris Luz. FOLLOW DORK MIXTAPE ON SPOTIFY It’s a rainy, freezing cold late-November evening, but inside London’s Kentish Town Forum, things are heating up big…
-
Bilk have shared a new video for their indie-punk single ‘Tommy’
Bilk have released a video for their new single ‘Tommy’. The Essex trio’s new album, ‘Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll’, will arrive on 24th January, following up on their self-titled debut from 2023. The record has already been previewed by singles ‘Summer Days’, ‘F Up’ and ‘On It’. “‘Tommy’ is the story of an…
-
black midi’s Geordie Greep has shared a live performance film from his New York show
Geordie Greep has shared a new live concert film recorded at TV Eye in New York, alongside announcing additional dates for his world tour, including two nights at London’s Koko (15th, 16th April). The black midi guitarist and vocalist’s performance features his US touring band, comprising Santiago Moyano on percussion, Charlie Shefft on drums, Cameron…
-
Pulp have signed record deal with Rough Trade after 30 years of management
Pulp have signed a new record deal with Rough Trade Records. The Sheffield band, who have been managed by Rough Trade for over three decades, have now officially joined the label’s roster. “Rough Trade have managed Pulp for over 30 years so it feels great to be finally on the label. We did it!” the…
-
Luvcat has dropped a theatrical new video for her latest single ‘Dinner @ Brasserie Zédel’
Luvcat has shared a new video for her single ‘Dinner @ Brasserie Zédel’, following a series of sold-out November headline shows and support slots with The Last Dinner Party and Paris Paloma. The video, inspired by her experience as a waitress in Liverpool, transforms a greasy spoon café into a theatrical dreamscape. Drawing influence from…
-
Sex Pistols and Tiësto lead Exit Festival’s 25th anniversary lineup in Serbia
Exit Festival have announced the first wave of acts for their landmark 25th anniversary edition, set to take place from 10th to 13th July 2025 at Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. The initial lineup features Sex Pistols performing with Frank Carter, alongside electronic music heavyweights Tiësto and Eric Prydz. Pop duo Hurts are also…
-
The 10 best hip-hop albums of 2024
From Los Angeles to London, Belfast to Tampa, the hip-hop world has thrown up some of 2024’s most thrilling, imaginative and essential releases (LouderSound)
-
Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Bluetooth wireless headphones
Marshall take a serious shot at rival premium noise cancelling headphones with the company’s third generation Monitor III A.N.C. over-ears (LouderSound)
-
“I can’t marry you, but we can totally have an affair sometime”: Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale is open to singing with Skid Row again
Hale will probably never join Skid Row full-time, but she says she’ll be there if the glam veterans ever find themselves in dire straits (LouderSound)
-
Dani Filth’s mum wants Cradle Of Filth’s Nymphetamine played at her funeral
“She’ll be dead by then, so we can change the tracklisting” (LouderSound)
-
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai and formed a band together and you’ll never guess what it’s called
The SatchVai band will embark on a UK and European tour next summer (LouderSound)
-
“I remember trying to work out what extra notes he’d put in. I was so infatuated…” Gun guitarist Jools Gizzi on his prog hero Alex Lifeson
Scottish rocker discovered Jethro Tull fan, Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream as a teenager – but Rush really stood out to him as he learned to play (LouderSound)
-
New branding for probiotic drink celebrates mothers everywhere
Designed by award-winning creative director Chris Chapman, adam&eveDDB’s new brand identity for Agua de Madre’s fizzes with joy and purpose. Agua de Madre is a water kefir traditionally brewed in small batches in London. Naturally low in sugar, this sparkling beverage offers numerous health benefits derived from the fermentation process. Firstly, it’s naturally low in…
-
The Bristol Dinosaur roars again in Cabot Circus
Formed from the architecture of Bristol itself, this stomping tyrannosaur marks 20 years of Andy Council’s gigantic Cretaceous assemblages. Bristol-based illustrator and mural artist Andy Council has unveiled the latest in his ongoing series of dinosaur images in the city’s Cabot Circus shopping centre. Covering 60 square metres, it’s one of the biggest yet and,…
-
From Pamela Anderson to Zaha Hadid, the Design Museum explores a century of swimming culture
Subversive Sirens. Photo by Ackerman + Gruber Swimming is integral to our culture, from TV and sport to public life. Splash!, curated by Amber Butchart, brings all those aspects together in an upcoming must-see exhibition. One of the best things about London is the number of museums and art galleries which are absolutely free to…
-
Illustrator Maya Ish-Shalom’s silent book explores the elusive concept of belonging
Photography by Aya Wind In her debut graphic novel, Home Bound, the Tel Aviv-based illustrator explores the complex, fragile nature of belonging via a word-free odyssey in which the visual language speaks for itself. Maya Ish-Shalom is an illustrator from Tel-Aviv, Israel, who’s known for crafting digital and hand-drawn illustrations for books, brands, ad campaigns,…
-
Killing Joke’s Jaz Coleman will celebrate his 65th birthday by presenting a version of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon with one of Switzerland’s leading orchestras
All roads lead to Geneva (LouderSound)
-
10 brilliant rock albums that last less than 30 minutes
Only got half an hour to spare? These mighty producers of musical brevity are here to answer your prayers (LouderSound)
-
“Our first show we made two songs last for fifty minutes”: Meet Sacri Monti, the psychedelic rockers who don’t know where they’re going but dig the journey
From Oceanside, California, Sacri Monti met in high school in the early 2000s and have been jamming (and other things) ever since (LouderSound)
-
Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Shinedown, Nickelback and more confirmed for inaugural Boardwalk Rock festival
Boardwalk Rock will take place in Ocean City, Maryland, next May (LouderSound)
-
Iron Maiden unleash recap video to thanks fans for success of The Future Past Tour
After 81 shows in 25 countries, Iron Maiden’s latest globe-straddling tour has come to an end (LouderSound)
-
Envy Of None share video for new single Under The Stars featuring “an unmistakable ‘Alex’ guitar solo!”
Art rock quartet Envy Of None plan to release their second album in Spring 2025 (LouderSound)
-
jasmine.4.t, BIG SPECIAL and Master Peace are among 160 new artists added to SXSW 2025
SXSW have announced over 160 additional artists for their 2025 festival, taking place across Austin, TX from 10th-15th March. Notable additions include jasmine.4.t, Gen and The Degenerates, Famous, Cliffords, Big Special (pictured), Freak Slug, Master Peace, No Windows, Sam Ryder and CVC. “The SXSW Music Festival lineup provides a unique opportunity to discover artists from…
-
Watch Julien Baker and Torres perform their new song ‘Sugar in the Tank’ on Fallon
Julien Baker and Torres have performed their new collaborative track ‘Sugar in the Tank’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The pair delivered the debut television performance of the track on 10th December, ahead of their show tonight (11th December) at New York’s Mercury Lounge. Both artists recently launched a new website for their…
-
Slam Dunk Festival has expanded to include several new European locations for 2025
Slam Dunk Festival have announced their biggest European expansion to date, with the independent rock festival set to visit seven cities across six countries in 2025. The festival will debut in Belgium, Netherlands, and Switzerland, while returning to France and Italy following successful launches in 2022. The European leg follows the UK edition, which takes…
-
Stella Rose has shared new single ‘Drugstore Romeo’ ahead of her imminent EP release
Stella Rose has unveiled her latest single ‘Drugstore Romeo’, accompanied by a video directed by German cinematographer Fynn Stoldt. The track serves as the third single from her upcoming EP ‘Hollybaby’, set for release via KRO Records on 13th December, following previous singles ‘Hollybaby’ and ‘MS.45’. “Love can feel like a disease, itching down your…
-
The Vaselines, Honeyglaze and Prima Queen are going to play new London festival Footsteps
A new London multi-venue festival, Footsteps, has announced its first wave of artists, including The Vaselines, John Roseboro, Kate Bollinger and Prima Queen (pictured). The five-day event will take place across several of London’s independent music venues, including Moth Club, Paper Dress Vintage, Scala, Islington Assembly Hall, and EartH Theatre. The festival, created by the…
-
“I’ve always existed between two cultures.” Meet Lowen, 2024’s breakout prog metal sensation inspired by System Of A Down and Akercocke
Lowen’s Nina Saedi is reclaiming a cultural heritage she is exiled from through a stunning mix of doom and prog metal (LouderSound)
-
Alex Henry Foster shares new live video for the epic Shadows Of Our Evening Tides
Canadian post-rocker Alex Henry Foster has just released the A Whispering Moment EP (LouderSound)
-
Artist Spotlight: Jessica Vollrath
Jessica Vollrath Jessica Vollrath’s Website Jessica Vollrath on Instagram
-
King Diamond is bringing his Myrkur-assisted live show to Europe and the UK next summer with a stellar backing lineup
Paradise Lost, Angel Witch and Unto Others will support King Diamond at select headline shows in 2025 (LouderSound)
-
Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate announce new studio album The Uncertainty Principle
UK prog boffins Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate will release new album The Uncertainty Principle in May (LouderSound)
-
Oli Sykes says Bring Me The Horizon are considering going on hiatus: “We need time to recharge our batteries and have that time away”
Metalcore heroes Bring Me The Horizon may be taking a break soon, frontman Oli Sykes says he’s “so fried” (LouderSound)
-
Gojira share official music video for Grammy-nominated Olympic single Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)
French metal heavyweights Gojira have released the official music video for their Grammy-nominated single Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!) (LouderSound)
-
Kerry King rules out future Slayer activity and names the much-missed metal icons he wishes he’d collaborated with. “We’re never gonna make a record again, we’re never gonna tour again.”
Kerry King reaffirms that Slayer won’t be making a full-scale comeback (LouderSound)
-
Justin Timberlake and Justice are among the headliners for Electric Castle 2025
Electric Castle have announced the first wave of artists for their 2025 edition, with Justin Timberlake, Queens of the Stone Age, Justice, and Bicep set to headline the five-day festival in Transylvania. Taking place at Banffy Castle near Cluj-Napoca between 16th-20th July, the event will mark both Justin Timberlake and Queens of the Stone Age’s…
-
Vukovi have shared a video for their emotional new single ‘SNO’
Vukovi have shared a new video for their latest single ‘SNO’, taken from their upcoming album ‘MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN’. “‘SNO’ is a raw, emotional journey that captures the fragility and power of confronting your inner shadows. Vulnerability dancing with heavy-as-fuck guitars felt like the perfect soundtrack for an exorcism of trauma,” says…
-
Kaytranada has added UK shows in Manchester and London to 2025’s Timeless tour
KAYTRANADA is set to bring their Timeless Tour to the UK and Europe in 2025, announcing two headline shows on British shores. The producer and DJ will perform at Co-op Live, Manchester and Alexandra Palace, London, following the release of their album ‘Timeless’ earlier this year. The shows will feature special guests Sango, Lou Phelps,…
-
JAWS have shared nostalgic Christmas single ‘Like This Year’ ahead of their farewell shows
JAWS have announced a new Christmas single, ‘Like This Year’, alongside news of their farewell shows set for 2025. The Birmingham dream-pop four-piece’s new track arrives as a reflection on the festive period. “I wrote this song a couple of Christmas’s ago at my parents’ house after seeing a close friend I’d not seen for…
-
“It won’t win over the doubters, but it’s neither as lightweight nor cheesy as some would have it”: The Jethro Tull Christmas Album – Fresh Snow At Christmas
Box set edition of 2003 release proves that, even though it was viewed as a curio, it’s in line with Ian Anderson’s regular musical explorations (LouderSound)
-
“I lie to them and change the goalposts… you build up techniques of throwing the curveball of discomfort. If it gets comfortable I change it”: David Thomas calls Pere Ubu “avant-garage” – but how prog are they?
They’re unmistakably American, but their lead visionary names Henry Cow, Soft Machine, Gentle Giant and Van der Graaf Generator among his motivators, and explains why his band is definitely not punk (LouderSound)
-
Through David Hockney’s Eyes: An immersive celebration of art brings joy to Manchester
© Justin Sutcliff 2023 The groundbreaking exhibition Bigger & Closer transforms Manchester’s Aviva Studios into a canvas of artistic discovery. We went to its grand opening this week, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Walking into David Hockney’s Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) felt like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colour,…
-
Porto Rocha celebrates gay culture with boldly explicit new mag, Brazilian Homo
The New York-based agency unveils a bold new NSFW publication celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community through innovative visual storytelling. You don’t see a lot of new print magazines released these days. Gone are the times when publishers could launch 20 new titles a week, hoping that at least one of them would find a mass audience.…
-
Creative director’s unusual cookbook challenges cultural boundaries
Book photography by Robbie Maynard This side project by Olly Wood of McCann London confronts some sacred cows… both metaphorically and literally. If you’ve ever read any of the career tips articles we share on Creative Boom, you’ll probably have heard a lot of positive noises about side projects. They’re a great way to give…
-
“His mouth moved, but I’d have to say he gave me only 30 percent”: The Night Bob Dylan trolled David Letterman and a TV audience of millions
When The Late Show celebrated its 10th anniversary they organised the starriest of all-star bands to back Bob Dylan. It did not work out (LouderSound)
-
The 10 best King Crimson songs, by Jakko Jakszyk
King Crimson guitarist and singer Jakko Jakszyk picks his 10 favourite tracks by his favourite band (LouderSound)
-
For years Tommy Henriksen has played guitar for others: Now’s he’s spreading the gospel of Crossbone Skully, avenging superhero from outer space
Welcome to Alice Cooper guitarist Tommy Henriksen’s Mutt Lange-produced 80s-rock-leaning project (LouderSound)
-
“I told Thunder that if they wanted to replace me, I was fine with that”: Danny Bowes on the long road to recovery and his return to the stage
Back from the brink: Thunder vocalist Danny Bowes returns after major medical trauma (LouderSound)
-
“We can choose to make the world a better place while we’re here”: Those Damn Crows launch powerful new single Still ahead of huge headline show
Still comes from Those Damn Crows’ upcoming album God-Shaped Hole (LouderSound)
-
The Darkness launch self-loathing new single I Hate Myself
I Hate Myself comes from The Darkness’s upcoming eighth album Dreams On Toast (LouderSound)
-
TesseracT share new live video for War Of Being
Tesseract will release an expanded edition of latest album War Of Being, featuring new live tracks, in January (LouderSound)
-
Matt Maltese and others reimagine Chet Baker classics on tribute album
Matt Maltese has joined a diverse lineup of artists for ‘Chet Baker Re:Imagined’, a new tribute collection celebrating the 70th anniversary of ‘Chet Baker Sings’. The project brings together fifteen international artists from across genres including R&B, pop, soul and jazz to reinterpret Baker’s work. The collection features British artists dodie, Matt Maltese, Matilda Mann,…
-
Horsegirl announce 2025 UK and European tour, share new single ‘Julie’
Horsegirl have delivered a new single, ‘Julie’, alongside a run of UK and European tour dates for 2025. The video for ‘Julie’ has been created by Amsterdam-based animator Daphna Awadish Golan, exploring themes of moving to a new city, winter’s cold, and unrequited love. Golan’s distinctive process involves printing individual frames of background footage before…
-
Turnover announce 10th anniversary tour for ‘Peripheral Vision’ in 2025
Turnover have announced a 10th anniversary tour celebrating their album ‘Peripheral Vision’, set to take place across 2025. The band will perform their sophomore album in full across six dates, including their biggest venues to date. The run includes performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Greek Theatre. ‘Peripheral Vision’, which was released via Run…
-
“I got so tired of all these different hybrid categories, I created my own”: Ice-T names the one thing he’d change about heavy metal if he could
The outspoken Body Count frontman also names his favourite rap and metal albums in the new issue of Metal Hammer (LouderSound)
-
“Defiantly lo-fi, reassuring us that wrongness can feel so right sometimes”: The Flaming Lips’ Blu-ray edition of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
Lauded concept album from Oklahoma City’s finest has lost nothing in 22 years, while gaining new nuance in Dolby Atmos (LouderSound)
-
“I’m sure you all appreciate that I hate you all!” Iron Maiden share heartfelt backstage video of Nicko McBrain’s final concert
After announcing his intention to retire from the live stage, McBrain played his last show with Iron Maiden over the weekend (LouderSound)
-
Sea Power have confirmed a UK tour performing soundtrack works from games and films
Sea Power have announced a UK headline tour for 2025, focusing on their soundtrack work including music from their BAFTA-winning score for Disco Elysium, alongside pieces from Man Of Aran and From The Sea To The Land Beyond. The Brighton-based sextet, who released their seventh studio album ‘Everything Was Forever’ in 2022, have established themselves…
-
Tom Rasmussen and Self Esteem have teamed up for new single ‘Rescue Me’
Tom Rasmussen has shared a new single ‘Rescue Me’, featuring Self Esteem. The track is taken from Tom’s new album ‘Live Wire’, which is out now via Globe Town Records. The collaboration explores themes of friendship in the modern world, accompanied by a video directed by Vic Lentaigne. It follows Rasmussen’s previous collaboration with Romy…
-
SIPHO. has released his celebratory new single ‘STAIN (Golden Tears)’
SIPHO. has unveiled new single ‘STAIN. (Golden Tears)’, following his recent collaboration ‘Crawl’ with Douvelle19. “Sound wise it really represents how it’s time to make space and simplify. Something soulful and sweet to celebrate my mistakes, triumphs and my friends,” SIPHO. explains. The Birmingham artist first emerged in 2021 with singles including ‘MOONLIGHT PT. 1…
-
The next Korn album will take some time: “Maybe next summer, maybe next year, the next winter – I don’t know!”
Korn have a lot written for the followup to 2022’s Requiem – but they aren’t quite sure when it’s coming out (LouderSound)
-
“Anyone who loves epic, powerful and ingenious metal needs this in their ears immediately.” Hold those end of year lists: Múr just put out one of the best metal debut albums of 2024
Another uniquely mesmerising metal band from Iceland has entered the chat (LouderSound)
-
New Rush book charts a very personal fan journey
Finding My Way by Jump bassist Andy Faulkner tells his story as a Rush fan from hearing 2112 to the band’s farewell show (LouderSound)
-
Deftones have confirmed two new UK shows for summer 2025
Deftones have announced two new UK headline shows for summer 2025. The band are set to perform at The Piece Hall in Halifax on 24th June as part of TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall. The performance marks their first UK appearance since 2022. They’ll then also take part in 2025 Eden Sessions…
-
Deftones announce two more UK headline shows for summer 2025
Didn’t get tickets to Deftones’ blockbuster London date? The quasi-nu metal beloveds have just announced extra stops in Yorkshire and Cornwall (LouderSound)
-
McFly are going to headline Rock N Roll Circus festival in Norwich next summer
McFly are set to headline the opening night of Rock N Roll Circus as the festival makes its Norwich debut this summer. The pop group will top the bill at Earlham Park on 14th August, joining previously announced headliners Courteeners and Olly Murs across the three-day event. “We can’t wait to return to Norfolk next…
-
Glass Animals have shared a live performance video of ‘A Tear in Space’ from The Gorge
Glass Animals have shared a new live video for ‘A Tear In Space’, filmed during their performance at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. The track, taken from their fourth album ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’, was performed to 30,000 fans at the outdoor venue during their recent Tour of Earth. “The live show…
-
Lauren Mayberry has performed ‘Something In The Air’ on Jimmy Kimmel ahead of her UK shows
Lauren Mayberry has performed ‘Something In The Air’ on Jimmy Kimmel Live, following the release of her debut solo album ‘Vicious Creature’. The CHVRCHES frontwoman and recent Dork cover star’s performance arrives ahead of her upcoming tour dates, which include both intimate record store shows and a full UK headline tour in 2025. “So much…
-
Shygirl has announced her ‘Club Shy Room 2’ EP with new single featuring Yseult
Shygirl has announced new EP ‘Club Shy Room 2’, set for release on 14th February via Because Music, alongside new single ‘F*Me’ featuring Yseult. The track, produced by Mura Masa and Oscar Scheller, arrives as the second single from the forthcoming EP, following ‘Immaculate’ featuring Saweetie. The full project will feature additional guest artists to…
-
English Teacher embrace fisherman chic for their new ‘Not Everybody Gets To Go To Space’ live video
English Teacher have shared a new live performance video for their track ‘Not Everybody Gets To Go To Space’, filmed in collaboration with Pinterest Predicts 2025. The Mercury Prize-winning Leeds band’s performance was captured at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham & Dungeness Beach, with direction from Simon Lane. The video’s aesthetic draws inspiration from Pinterest’s predicted…
-
Unfound goes beyond superficial stereotypes for collagen brand Ingenious
The beauty tropes of old are nowhere to be found in Ingenious’ new brand – only science, wellness, and super sleek packaging. Like most naturally occurring supplements, collagen has been around for a long time. However, it has seen a surge in popularity in recent years that shows no signs of slowing. In the UK…
-
“I was twelve, on the bus, and someone said it was angel dust, and I thought ‘That sounds great’”: Fantastic Negrito has poured his upbringing into his extraordinary and beautiful latest album
Xavier Dphrepaulezz on Sion Of A Broken Man, the concept album inspired by his tumultuous relationship with his late father (LouderSound)
-
“I don’t have many rock’n’roll stories for you – that was always someone else’s job”: Phil Collins was pranked by George Harrison, outdrunk by John Martyn, blown away by Robert Fripp and well-behaved with Eric Clapton
He may not always have been life and soul of the party, but he’s been the heartbeat behind songs across a huge range of genres – to his lasting pride (LouderSound)
-
“I had never heard of Cats In Space because I no longer listen to music”: Cats In Space and Willie Dowling are on tour and cannot get enough of each other
Pop-leaning rock band Cats In Space and multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and producer Willie Dowling have four dates together this month (LouderSound)
-
“We played to more than 350,000 fans in stadiums”: Those Damn Crows are used to big crowds, but their next show is another step up
Welsh rockers Those Damn Crows are going from strength to strength – we check in ahead of the biggest show of their lives (LouderSound)
-
“If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks then I will have a crack at it”: Watch the trailer for the new documentary about the drumming life of Phil Collins
The Phil Collins documentary Drummer First will premiere later this month (LouderSound)
-
Miley Cyrus releases dreamy new song ‘Beautiful That Way’ for The Last Showgirl
Miley Cyrus has unveiled new track ‘Beautiful That Way’, taken from the soundtrack of Gia Coppola’s forthcoming film ‘The Last Showgirl’. The song features orchestral elements, including strings and piano arrangements, alongside guitar work, building to a crescendo that showcases Cyrus’ vocals. The track follows several musical appearances from Cyrus in 2024, including her cover…
-
Katy Perry announces intimate London show ahead of 2025 European tour dates
Katy Perry has announced a one-off show at London’s Central Hall Westminster on 11th December. The intimate performance, billed as ‘Night Of A Lifetime’, comes following the release of Perry’s seventh studio album ‘143’. The show forms part of a limited run of performances for December, which also includes appearances at Z100 Jingle Ball in…
-
Kerry King adds summer 2025 headline shows in the UK and Europe, plus Gojira support slot, to his solo band tour schedule
More chances to hear monster tunes from From Hell I Rise played live by some of metal’s finest musicians (LouderSound)
-
Life After Music School: How to Use Your Skills in the Real World
Graduating from music school can feel both exhilarating and daunting. After years of training in performance, theory, composition, and music history, music graduates often face a unique question: What’s next? Whether they dream of being on stage, teaching, producing, or creating something entirely new, the transition from school to career requires a creative, adaptable approach…
-
Here’s How Music Helps Keep Students’ Mental Health in Check
The pressures of academic life, personal growth, and social expectations make college an exhilarating yet often overwhelming experience for students. Struggling to keep up with assignments and exams while maintaining a healthy social life while figuring out their identities can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Amid these challenges, many students have turned to…
-
“Attention UK & Europe!” Jack White reveals where and when he’ll be playing in the UK and Europe in 2025
The No Name tour will include four British gigs (LouderSound)
-
“There is an irony in the best British film being Irish.” Kneecap triumph in seven categories at the British Independent Film Awards, with their self-titled biopic winning the top prize, Best British Independent Film
We told you it was the best film of the year back in June (LouderSound)
-
“Mesas and Valleys” by Photographer Chris McPherson
Chris McPherson Chris McPherson’s Website Chris McPherson on Instagram
-
Big Big Train announce US tour dates for April 2025
Big Big Train will also play their very first live shows in Canada and Portugal in 2025 (LouderSound)
-
Korn, Muse, Scorpions, Linkin Park, Judas Priest and more for Hellfest Open Air 2025
Hellfest has announced another heavyweight lineup for next year! (LouderSound)
-
Sebastian Schub has released a stripped-back piano ballad about missed romantic opportunities
Sebastian Schub has shared his new single ‘I Can’t Believe We Never Went Out Dancing’ via Island EMI Label Group/Capitol Records. The London-based German artist’s latest track follows his debut single ‘Sing Like Madonna’. Produced in collaboration with Steve Fitzmaurice, the new release was recorded live at Dean Street Studios in Soho. “I Can’t Believe…
-
Master Peace is the special guest on tonight’s festive edition of Down With Boring
Down With Boring is gearing up for the festive season, bringing an early Christmas present to all Dear Readers from across the land. The latest episode of our essential podcast-slash-radio-show dives into the archives to unpack what makes our annual Christmas Night Out such a treasured tradition, as well as catches up with our latest…
-
System Of A Down announce three co-headline stadium shows with Korn, Avenged Sevenfold and Deftones
American and Canadian metal fans will be spoiled next year, thanks to these three blockbuster events (LouderSound)
-
Babymorocco has dropped a new video for ‘Body Organic Disco Electronic’
Babymorocco has shared a new video for the single ‘Body Organic Disco Electronic’, taken from his debut album ‘Amour’, out now via True Panther Records. The video, directed by Charlie Rutherford – known for his work with PinkPantheress, Central Cee and Lil Nas X – follows previous singles ‘Bikinis and Trackies’, ‘Babestation’ and ‘Crazy Cheap…
-
Circa Waves have released their new single ‘Like You Did Before’
Circa Waves have shared their new single ‘Like You Did Before’. The track follows previous singles ‘We Made It’ and ‘American Dream’ from new album ‘Death & Love Pt.1’, drawing influence from the 2000s New York scene. “This song is a reminder of a moment in my life that many people don’t know about,” Kieran…
-
The Agenda Setter: As he steps out of his comfort zone and into the solo spotlight, Damiano David digs deep to drive forward
WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THIS WEEK The Italian rock icon trades leather for luxury in a stunning solo transformation. Words: Ciaran Picker.Photos: Barbara Oizmud. FOLLOW THE AGENDA ON SPOTIFY When they won Eurovision in 2021, Måneskin became global superstars overnight. After four years of non-stop touring, an MTV VMA victory, and even a…
-
Geezer Butler names one “cringy” Black Sabbath song: “Maybe because I wrote it, and I hate listening to stuff that I’ve written”
The beloved bassist also reveals how Black Sabbath’s lyrics have been “misinterpreted” over the years (LouderSound)
-
Viva Sounds 2024 has the kind of energy that’s needed the world over
Viva Sounds is everything a festival should be. Words: Minty Slater Mearns.Photos: Donna Lee (KULT Magasin), Elena Perota, Estefânia Silva (Of Silver And Light), Mattias Eliasson. Now in its seventh year, Gothenburg’s Viva Sounds is a festival all about making connections. By day, there’s a conference for industry folk to get some insight into what…
-
Unitopia announce new live release Alive And Kicking to be released in March
New Unitopia live release Alive And Kicking was recorded at the band’s 2023 show at Boerderij (LouderSound)
-
Whores announce UK and European dates as part of their World War Tour
Whores unveil 2025 World War Tour schedule (LouderSound)
-
The 10 best metalcore albums of 2024
From UK greats Bring Me The Horizon and While She Sleeps to young innovators like Heriot and Scene Queen, metalcore has had a hell of a year (LouderSound)
-
Jack White announces 2025 UK and European tour dates for ‘No Name’ album
Jack White has announced a series of UK and European tour dates for 2025 in support of his latest album ‘No Name’. The newly announced European leg begins with three performances at La Cigale and Le Trianon in Paris, followed by shows at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht. White will then head to the UK for dates…
-
Ethel Cain has announced a vinyl release of ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ ahead of new project ‘Perverts’
Ethel Cain has announced plans for a vinyl release of ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ following her upcoming project ‘Perverts’. The new project is preceded by lead single ‘Punish’, which showcases a darkly ambient sound. Written, produced, and mixed by Cain herself, ‘Perverts’ explores sonic negative space while examining transcendence through physical and spiritual sensation, simulacrum, and vice.…
-
“You better believe Snoop could be the new MasterChef judge.” Snoop Dogg wants to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef, saying that this could be “the perfect opportunity” for him to host the popular British TV show
With long-time presenter/judge Gregg Wallace stepping down from MasterChef amid allegations about inappropriate behaviour, Snoop Dogg is sensing an opportunity (LouderSound)
-
Viagra Boys have announced their global ‘Infinite Anxiety Tour’ for 2025
Viagra Boys have announced their ‘infinite anxiety tour’, set to take place across Europe and North America throughout 2025. The Swedish band will begin the extensive run of shows with appearances at Coachella Festival in California this April, before heading to Europe for dates including Paris and Brussels. UK and Ireland shows are scheduled for…
-
Judas Priest announce mega London show with support from Alice Cooper
The Metal Gods will be joined by the master of shock rock when they play their biggest-ever London show in July (LouderSound)
-
“He kept sneaking into our studio and hanging out with us. And then, the minder would come in like, ‘Have you seen Ozzy?’” Metallica’s Robert Trujillo explains how he met Ozzy Osbourne
Apparently the Prince Of Darkness enjoyed wandering off when he was supposed to be recording music… (LouderSound)
-
The 10 best black metal albums of 2024
You may as well rename Ihsahn, Zeal & Ardor and Witch Club Satan “Spinal Tap”, because there was none more black in 2024 (LouderSound)
-
Charli XCX calls The Velvet Underground & Nico ‘the apex of fine art’
Charli XCX has shared her admiration for The Velvet Underground’s 1967 album ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ during her acceptance speech at Variety’s Hitmakers Awards. Speaking as she collected the Hitmaker of the Year prize, Charli discussed the album’s commercial performance and cultural impact. “In March 1967, The Velvet Underground released their album ‘The Velvet…
-
The Connection Between Musical Training and Cognitive Skills
Music is such a part of life for many people that it accompanies them everywhere. And this is not surprising, because it can both inspire and relax. For some, it helps to express their emotions. For others, it helps to calm them down if they are too much. Another non-trivial question is whether music can…
-
Guns N’ Roses announce 2025 tour dates including first-ever show in Saudi Arabia
Guns N’ Roses will play 24 shows across the Middle East and Europe next summer (LouderSound)
-
Kate Bush’s only live performance on US TV didn’t transform her fortunes, but she did inspire a Hollywood actor’s recipe for braised spare ribs
in 1978 Kate Bush appeared on Saturday Night Live, impressing a budding musician and inspiring a future cinema star (LouderSound)
-
Hotlist 2025: the 25 most popular graphic designers, as voted for by their peers
Tad Carpenter, image courtesy of the designer. Need a creative boost? Get inspired by these 25 talented graphic designers whose innovative work has earned them recognition and admiration from their fellow creatives. In an ever-evolving creative landscape, graphic designers can’t sit still for long. So, the best in the business are constantly pushing boundaries and…
-
JKR brings ‘unique perspective’ to the B2B tech space
Data centre company Centersquare’s new identity features assets created by a custom data visualisation tool and a UI system designed to eliminate confusion. Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) is behind the naming, positioning, and visual identity of the new B2B data centre company Centersquare. It is designed to emphasise adaptability and stand out among the rigid,…
-
Why networking should be your top priority in 2025 (and how to do it)
Networking tips for creatives. Image licensed via Adobe Stock Networking may seem scary, but building genuine connections is key to unlocking new opportunities and accelerating your career in 2025. We share tips from the community on how to go about it. For many creatives, networking can feel daunting. Especially if you’re shy or introverted, the…
-
“The NME said, ‘There’s one of your Rutles songs on this Beatles bootleg album.’ I got them to play it to me over the phone. I said, ‘That’s me on Saturday Night Live!’” How prog were Neil Innes and the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band?
The Bonzo Dog and Rutles man discusses his career and recent studio album Nearly Really… (LouderSound)
-
Mapping the design history of the underground
Annotated maps by famed designer Harry Beck shed new light on the history of London’s transport system and make their public debut in this new gallery exhibition. A new exhibition at The Map House is giving visitors the chance to explore the evolution of London’s Tube system and the iconic London Underground map over 160…
-
“The sound of a band that knew its influences and leaned into them unapologetically”: Detective’s debut album paints them as the original Greta Van Fleet
Michael Des Barres leads Detective through an album that sounds a little like their Led Zeppelin paymasters (LouderSound)
-
The best new rock songs you need to hear right now
Including The Wildhearts, Larkin Poe, Dorothy and five other guardians at the rock’n’roll gates (LouderSound)
-
Rush’s Alex Lifeson has returned to the stage to play a Christmas-themed Black Sabbath cover with Barenaked Ladies
It’s all kicking off in Toronto (LouderSound)
-
“He was a drummer before I was a singer, a pilot before I was a pilot”: Watch Bruce Dickinson pay tribute to Nicko McBrain during his final Iron Maiden show
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has retired from touring after 42 years (LouderSound)
-
Taylor Swift performs with Gracie Abrams at final Eras Tour shows in Vancouver
Taylor Swift performed with Gracie Abrams during her final Vancouver dates of ‘The Eras Tour’, delivering a mash-up of Abrams’ ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’ and Swift’s ‘Last Kiss’ from her 2010 album ‘Speak Now’. The performance took place at BC Place Stadium, where Swift addressed the crowd about the significance of the moment. “This…
-
“Nothing ever came of this because McCartney couldn’t recognise good stuff.” Why Paul McCartney’s dream of making a sci-fi musical film about earth-invading aliens with legendary author Isaac Asimov never got off the launch-pad
The story behind Paul McCartney’s 1974 vision of making a sci-fi musical film about music-loving aliens (LouderSound)
-
“Jimmy Page allowed Eric to unleash the power he had”: How Eric Clapton helped reinvent the blues with The Bluesbreakers’ landmark Beano album
The epic story of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers’ 1966 blues rock milestone Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton (LouderSound)
-
Les Penning and Robert Reed share video for new single, their cover of Xmas fave Fairytale Of New York
Les Penning and Robert Reed’s new five-track EP Fairytale Of New York is out now (LouderSound)
-
“A name familiar to many of our fans.” Iron Maiden announce new touring drummer following departure of Nicko McBrain
A day after the sad news that Nicko McBrain will be retiring as Iron Maiden’s full-time drummer, his replacement has been revealed (LouderSound)
-
“He had a level of charisma beyond what you normally experience”: Christopher Nolan on working with David Bowie
The Oppenheimer director worked with Bowie on 2006’s The Prestige, but the rock’n’roll icon needed some convincing first (LouderSound)
-
“He wasn’t a phoney. He didn’t have to be somebody else – he felt comfortable being himself“: We lost Dimebag Darrell 20 years ago today. His brother Vinnie Paul never let his memory die
Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell died 20 years ago today, on December 8, 2004. In 2007, his brother Vinnie Paul paid tribute to a giant of metal (LouderSound)
-
“He’s one of the most gifted songwriters that ever lived. What can I say? I’m not worthy!”: The eccentric prog icon who blew Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris’s mind
The greatest ever songwriter to stand on one leg! (LouderSound)
-
“I said, ‘No way, I’m not having a song on some show we’ve never heard of’ and my publisher pretended that conversation never took place”: how Stephen Fretwell came to have one of his songs as the Gavin & Stacey theme tune
In short: the singer-songwriter is very lucky to have a publisher who doesn’t pay any attention to his instructions (LouderSound)
-
“They didn’t do the posing rock thing – that attitude has stuck with me ever since”: Ruts DC drummer David Ruffy explains why Edgar Broughton Band are his prog heroes
He hails their punk ethic, their experiments with electronica, and their way of writing songs about real people (LouderSound)
-
“It’s a beautiful song with a bit of a dark edge.” Comic Chris McCausland on why he chose Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters for his latest performance on Strictly Come Dancing
Watch Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell wow the Strictly judges with Viennese Waltz set to Metallica classic (LouderSound)
-
“His ear was very crusty.” Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne on meeting Paul McCartney for the first time
Flaming Lips singer Wayne Coyne smoked a joint with Beatles icon –and was fascinated by Sir Paul’s “crusty” ear (LouderSound)
-
Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan cover Wham!’s Last Christmas for Netflix special
Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan have performed Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ together as part of Carpenter’s new Netflix special. The duet features in ‘A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter’, which arrived on the streaming platform on 6th December. The performance marks the 40th anniversary of the George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley-penned festive classic. Chappell Roan and…
-
Sky Ferreira has dropped a new song, ‘Leash’
Sky Ferreira has released new track ‘Leash’, her first new material since 2022’s ‘Don’t Forget’. The song features on the soundtrack of upcoming A24 film Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn. Speaking about the track, Ferreira said: “[Nicole Kidman’s] character is very self-destructive and destructive with other people’s lives, but she kinda has to go through…
-
Billie Eilish responds to Rihanna naming her as her dream collaboration partner: “Riri!? I’ll literally do anything you want”
Billie Eilish has responded to Rihanna naming her as a dream collaboration partner, revealing the feeling is mutual. The exchange began when Rihanna told Access Hollywood that Eilish was her ideal collaborator, praising her artistic approach. “In my mind she doesn’t listen to commercial music. I feel like she’s just creating her diary vocally. You…
-
MØ has shared a cover of Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’
MØ has shared a new reimagining of Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’. The Danish artist’s cover follows her recent single ‘Who Said’, marking another step in her ongoing musical journey ahead of new material expected next year. Speaking about her connection to the late producer and her decision to cover the track, MØ explains: “Avicii’s music…
-
“If we weren’t tied to the whims of another band, things would be different. There’s been a lot of bumps in the road”: The story of Brad, the greatest Seattle band no one ever talks about
Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard’s other band Brad should have been as big as Pearl Jam themselves (LouderSound)
-
“There were fire, floods and riots. We saw LA being destroyed. We channelled that into the record”: How Fear Factory predicted the apocalypse with industrial-metal masterpiece Demanufacture
The story of Fear Factory’s Demanufacture, the album that rewired metal forever (LouderSound)
-
“Put this band in any venue and they will play like their lives depend on it”: While She Sleeps reiterate their place among the metalcore elite with exhilarating London show
While She Sleeps’ second of two nights at O2 Forum Kentish Town may not have the scale of their Ally Pally concert last year, but what’s lacking in size is made up for in killer songs and blinding lights (LouderSound)
-
“It was a reaction to a life of being bullied and also a celebration of fun. A lot of the metal world didn’t understand that”: How Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst became nu metal’s biggest star – and lived to tell the tale
With his red cap and hip hop swagger, Fred Durst was the biggest and most divisive star of the nu metal era. But that’s only half the story (LouderSound)
-
“Today will be my final gig with Iron Maiden.” Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain retires from band after 42 years
Beloved Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is officially stepping away from the band (LouderSound)
-
“I’m told that I introduced Ozzy to cocaine when Black Sabbath opened for Mountain on their first American tour”: Leslie West’s wild tales of Ozzy Osbourne, Mick Jagger, Jimi Hendrix and Tom Hanks
Playing with The Who, jamming with Hendrix, partying with Bowie, Jagger and Lennon -late Mountain man Leslie West did it all and more (LouderSound)
-
“Whether as a solo performer or part of a band, his remarkable playing and strident yet emotive voice remains a remarkable legacy”: John Wetton’s Concentus live box set, volume one
Expansive 10-disc collection is the first of three charting decades of his onstage work (LouderSound)
-
“Confidence Man are ridiculous. They’re also one of the best live acts on Planet Earth right now.” Melbourne’s EDM party starters turn Brixton Academy into a delirious rave with one of the gigs of the year
Confidence Man are a dazzling, ludicrous triumph in Brixton. Surely arenas beckon? (LouderSound)
-
Savatage announce London Shepherd’s Bush Empire show for June
US prog metal legends Savatage will play their first live shows in over a decade with singer Zak Stevens throughout Europe next year (LouderSound)
-
“Given the state he was in I would have given him two years, tops. But Sharon literally rescued him”: Inside the booze-soaked 35-year friendship between Lemmy and Ozzy Osbourne
Drink, drugs, urinating up unsuspecting keyboard players’ legs – fellow hellraisers Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy were partners in crime for decades (LouderSound)
-
“I grew up around rock stars. My dad’s mates were Mark Knopfler and Thin Lizzy… and Christopher Biggins was a mainstay in our house!”: the indie-pop superstar who had a slightly different upbringing than your average frontman
A famous frontman looks back on a childhood surrounded by rock stars, actors and welders that his dad had brought home from the pub. (LouderSound)
-
“Don’t blame me for glam metal. Most of those bands played their hairspray cans better than their instruments”: The wild story of Hanoi Rocks’ Back To Mystery City, the glam-punk classic that helped invent Guns N’ Roses
Hanoi Rocks were the cult Finnish livewires who accidentally helped invent the glam metal scene – and 1983’s Back To Mystery City album was their crowning glory (LouderSound)
-
“I just see a pie hit me in the grill”: Metallica’s Robert Trujillo on the rock legend who caked him in the face onstage
It was the Metallica man’s birthday and an iconic rock veteran wanted to make sure it was properly celebrated (LouderSound)
-
“The sort of thing which got prog a bad name, but which now seems increasingly bold and ambitious”: 10 essential Greg Lake songs
From King Crimson to ELP and beyond, he left a catalogue of impressive creations from an extraordinary musical journey which included that Christmas song (LouderSound)
-
Masters of mischief Hippo Campus are bringing naughty back: “I just wanna be fucking devious”
With their recent fourth LP, ‘Flood’, giving the band a solid excuse to once again trot around the globe, Hippo Campus spill the details on the lessons learned over the two and half years since their last UK visit. Words: Finlay Holden. It’s a cold Tuesday night in December, and Hippo Campus sit backstage at…
-
“Just got a hernia singing with a metal band in Austria”: Talk show host extraordinaire Conan O’Brien fronted an extreme metal band last night
He welcomed Slipknot, Lamb Of God and more onto The Tonight Show – now, Conan O’Brien has followed in their footsteps and played with a metal band (LouderSound)
-
Ghost Of The Machine’s second album will “scratch that prog itch” promises singer Charlie Bramald
UK prog sextet Ghost Of The Machine will release second album Empires Must Fall in March (LouderSound)
-
Olivia Dean has announced a live album recorded at London’s Eventim Apollo shows
Olivia Dean is set to release ‘Live at Eventim Apollo’, a new live album recorded during her triple sold-out London shows at the venue. The collection, arriving on 20th December, will be available as both a vinyl LP and digital download, capturing performances from her headline dates at the historic venue. The release follows her…
-
Laufey has released a new concert film and surprise soundtrack from her Hollywood Bowl symphony show
Laufey has released both a concert film and surprise soundtrack album documenting her performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. ‘A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl’, directed by Sam Wrench, captures the GRAMMY-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist performing alongside the orchestra at the iconic venue. The film, which is now showing in select…
-
Swim Deep have shared their new song ‘Hard To Come Back’, and announced some special shows
Swim Deep have released new track ‘Hard To Come Back’ and announced two special shows featuring producer Bill Ryder-Jones. The track arrives as a bonus song from their recent album ‘There’s A Big Star Outside’, which was produced by Ryder-Jones and released via Submarine Cat Records. Frontman Austin Williams explains the personal nature of the…
-
Issey Cross explores long-distance love in her new single ‘Different Planets’
Issey Cross has unveiled her latest single ‘Different Planets’. The new track sees Cross move away from her recent dance music output, including collaborations with K Motionz on ‘Energy In My Town’ and Songer on ‘Sleepwalking’, for a more stripped-back sound. The release follows a busy year for Cross, who supported Becky Hill on her…
-
Bat For Lashes has released harp versions of ‘The Dream of Delphi’ songs with Lara Somogyi
Bat For Lashes has released a new EP of harp reimaginings from her sixth studio album ‘The Dream Of Delphi’, collaborating with harpist Lara Somogyi. The EP features five tracks from Khan’s latest album reworked with Somogyi, alongside five instrumental versions. The collaboration came about after Khan witnessed Somogyi perform in London, leading to a…
-
The 10 best prog metal albums of 2024
Leprous, Opeth, Slift and others have presented some truly forward-thinking excellence this year (LouderSound)
-
“Paradise” by Artist Jazz Keillor
Jazz Keillor Jazz Keillor’s Website Jazz Keillor on Instagram
-
“This is a piece of Asian metal history and we’re proud to share it with the world!” Hear New Delhi metal sensations Bloodywood team with Babymetal on new single Bekhauf
The biggest metal bands in India and Japan have joined forces to make an absolute anthem (LouderSound)
-
Surviving Bonzos feature in hilarious new Still Barking unboxing video
A 20-disc, career-spanning Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band box set Still Barking is released in December (LouderSound)
-
Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk recruit skate legend Tony Hawk to announce North American tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of their game-changing Autobahn album
German electronic music legends Kraftwerk promise “Gesamtkunstwerk – a total work of art” for 2025 multi-media tour (LouderSound)
-
The 20 Best Songs by The Sisters of Mercy – as chosen by former members, collaborators & more
Band members past and present, plus collaborators and peers, choose the greatest Sisters of Mercy songs (LouderSound)
-
“Sometimes a gig is more than just a gig.” Friends of the late, great Mark Lanegan – including Josh Homme, Dave Gahan, Chrissie Hynde and Bobby Gillespie – assemble in London for an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime celebration of a truly singular talent
On what would have been Mark Lanegan’s 60th birthday, friends and peers salute a much-missed musical maverick (LouderSound)
-
Wardruna share typically striking video for new single Birna
Norse folk shamen Wardruna will release new album Birna in January (LouderSound)
-
Doom veterans My Dying Bride end hiatus, announce first show of 2025 – with a different singer
My Dying Bride are back! There’s just one enormous caveat… (LouderSound)
-
From Memphis rap to Gaelic folk: Mallrat’s kickboxing her way to genre-bending pop magic
Aussie alt-popster Mallrat – aka Grace Shaw – is breaking boundaries and having fun with her new album, ‘Light Hit My Face Like A Straight Right’. Read the latest cover feature for our New Music Friday edit PLAY. Words: Martyn Young. FOLLOW PLAY ON SPOTIFY Australian alt-pop star Mallrat is a quick thinker. Perceptive and brilliantly…
-
Machine Head’s next album seems to be right around the corner…
The groove metal behemoths previously teased a new album for April, and now they’ve offered a glimpse inside the studio (LouderSound)
-
The Aces have shared their new disco-pop single ‘Jealous’
The Aces have shared new single ‘Jealous’, a disco-pop track produced by the band’s lead guitarist Katie Henderson. The song follows their September release ‘The Magic’, marking their first new material since their third studio album ‘I’ve Loved You For So Long’. The latter featured 11 tracks exploring themes of childhood, closeted love, and religious…
-
Rebecca Black has announced her new project ‘Salvation’ and shared club single ‘Sugar Water Cyanide’
Rebecca Black has announced her second album ‘Salvation’, set for release on 17th January, alongside new single ‘Sugar Water Cyanide’. The seven-track record follows her debut album ‘Let Her Burn’, and features recent single ‘TRUST!’ alongside five other new songs including ‘American Doll’, ‘Tears In My Pocket’, ‘Do You Even Think About Me?’, and ‘Twist…
-
Inhaler have dropped the title-track from their upcoming third album ‘Open Wide’
Inhaler have shared ‘Open Wide’, the title-track from their forthcoming third album. The Dublin quartet’s new single follows recent release ‘Your House’, with both tracks set to appear on their new full-length ‘Open Wide’, which will arrive early next year via Polydor Records. “Open Wide was originally a short electronic house demo that was lying…
-
Bilk have released new single ‘Tommy’ ahead of their second album in January
Bilk dropped a new cut from their second album ‘Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll’, sharing new single ‘Tommy’ ahead of the record’s release on 24th January. The track combines hip-hop-influenced verses with punk hooks, and follows recent singles ‘Summer Days’, ‘F Up’ and ‘On It’ from the upcoming album. “‘Tommy’ is the story of…
-
ODD LUKE – Surface Tension EP
Label: Verdigris RecordsReleased: 6th December 2024 On his debut EP ‘Surface Tension’, Glasgow’s latest purveyor of carefully curated danceable melancholy ODD LUKE – aka musician, songwriter and producer Andy Black – has mastered the art of turning his many (many) complaints into pristinely produced pop songs. His time as Lewis Capaldi’s touring mate has clearly taught…
-
Metalcore champions Shadows Fall return with first new song in 12 years, In The Grey
The New Wave Of American Heavy Metal beloveds were twice Grammy-nominated before going on hiatus in 2012 (LouderSound)
-
Sabrina Carpenter is going to headline BST Hyde Park with support from Clairo and beabadoobee
Sabrina Carpenter has been announced as the latest headliner for American Express presents BST Hyde Park, set to perform on 5th July 2025. The six-time Grammy-nominated artist – and former Dork cover star – will top the bill with Clairo and beabadoobee confirmed as special guests, joining already-announced headliners Olivia Rodrigo, Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan,…
-
“Eccentric characters at the centre of songs was all the rage… maybe it was all the acid!” Steve Howe’s bandmate, a tragic grocer and an unfinished concept album – was Excerpt From A Teenage Opera the strangest prog hit single ever?
Tomorrow singer Keith West found himself at No. 2 in the Top 40 in 1967 with a song he’d never been meant to sing (LouderSound)
-
Classic Rock magazine’s best rock albums of 2024
The Black Crowes’ comeback album Happiness Bastards has been voted the album of the year in Classic Rock magazine’s annual end-of-year writer’s poll (LouderSound)
-
The best albums, the biggest shows, and the megastars who rocked our world – only in Classic Rock’s Best Of 2024 special edition
Also in this issue: AC/DC, David Gilmour, Foreigner, Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Ghost Bruce Dickinson, Hawkwind, the Black Crowes and more – and three exclusive gifts (LouderSound)
-
From before he used the Elephant Man’s spine for a marimba: Tom Waits’ The Heart Of A Saturday Night still sounds smoky on anniversary coloured vinyl
Be-bop, beat and ballads (LouderSound)
-
“I know it will be inspirational to young people and legacy-defining for generations to come”: Watch the trailer for the long-awaited movie Becoming Led Zeppelin
That Led Zeppelin film everyone’s been waiting for finally has a release date, but there’s a catch (LouderSound)
-
“Filled with ghosts from rock’n’soul’s illustrious past”: True believers DeWolff express their love of music on Muscle Shoals
Soul power: Dutch rockersDeWolff tap into the musical ley lines on tenth studio album (LouderSound)
-
Pearl Jam announce ten-date, five-city North American tour
Seattle legends Pearl Jam have scheduled another run of dates in support of their Dark Matter album (LouderSound)
-
Travis Scott and Chappell Roan to headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2025
Reading & Leeds Festival have announced four headliners for their 2025 edition, set to take place between 21st-24th August at Richfield Avenue, Reading, and Bramham Park, Leeds. Chappell Roan and Travis Scott will perform as English headline and European festival exclusives respectively, while Bring Me The Horizon and Hozier are both confirmed as UK festival…
-
“We are going to bring hands down the greatest show of our careers.” Bring Me The Horizon will be headlining Reading and Leeds as their only UK shows in 2025
Travis Scott, Enter Shikari, Amyl & The Sniffers, Chappell Roan, Hozier, among other main attractions for the twin town festival, to be held on August 21-24, 2025 (LouderSound)
-
Myles Smith has won the BRITs Rising Star award for 2025
Myles Smith has won the BRITs Rising Star award for 2025, becoming the first winner to be announced for next year’s ceremony. The news was revealed by Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1’s New Music show, with Smith receiving the Gabriel Moses-designed award ahead of fellow nominees Elmiene and Good Neighbours. “Winning the BRIT award…
-
“The lyrics come from articles about near-death experiences. They all follow a similar thread… they read like a metaphor for discovering true meaning and purpose”: Stuckfish’s fourth album contains a collection of firsts
Inspired by hold music, movie scenes, Sarah Bernhardt, Carry On Wayward Son and more, the Northumberland-based proggers have a new line-up and a new energy to go with their new music (LouderSound)
-
Polly Money, The Pill and Vincent’s Last Summer join Welly on the Dork Hype List Tour 2025
Get ready for a Really Very Big 2025, Dear Reader. As we told you last month, Dork‘s iconic Hype List Tour is back-Back-and-indeed-BACK(!!!), and it’s set to be louder and wilder than ever. Headlined by electric upstarts Welly, tickets are available now, below. But we’ve got much, much more than that in store, as we add…
-
Hippo Campus bring complete jubilation to their UK fans at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
The Minnesotan indie heroes are currently touring the world in support of their revelatory fourth LP, ‘Flood’. Words: Finlay Holden. In the two and a half years since Hippo Campus last touched British soil, the group have been through a fairly major metamorphosis. Back in 2022, they were running high off the joy of ‘LP3’,…
-
“They’re very special to me, probably my favourite band in the world.” Oscar-winning Irish actor Cillian Murphy on the band he adores, and the “remarkable” song that he listened to “five times in a row” when it was released
Cillian Murphy’s music taste is every bit as low-key cool as the man himself (LouderSound)
-
Moonchild Sanelly has shared her playful new tequila-themed video for new break-up single ‘To Kill a Single Girl (Tequila)’
Moonchild Sanelly has shared her new single ‘To Kill a Single Girl (Tequila)’. It’s taken from her upcoming album ‘Full Moon’, set for release next year via Transgressive Records, and arrives alongside a video directed by Jesse Roth, filmed in London during Sanelly’s recent UK club tour. “I had to let go. I’m always truthful…
-
Thus Love have shared a new video for ‘Get Stable’
Thus Love have shared a new video for their track ‘Get Stable’. Taken from their second album ‘All Pleasure’, which is out now via Captured Tracks, the Brattleboro, Vermont quartet’s latest video, directed by Min Soo Park, follows previous singles ‘Birthday Song’ and ‘On The Floor’ from the album. The band played a run of…
-
New Killswitch Engage album is “angry, dark and aggressive” because that’s “what the world needs right now”, says Jesse Leach
“I think a lot of us can relate to frustration, anger, betrayal, all those things, and that’s kind of what I highlighted lyrically with this album” (LouderSound)
-
Introducing Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025
According to the global colour experts, the “evocative soft brown” sums up how we’re all feeling—how we’re all hankering after some much-needed comfort and calm. Pantone’s Colour of the Year is considered one of the most closely guarded secrets of the creative industry, and it’s just been officially announced. For 2025, we bring you Mocha…
-
“There’s few institutions in this world who stand strong and unyielding against oppression. Bohemian F.C. is one of them.” Fontaines D.C. and Bohemian Football Club collaborate on new shirt to raise money for humanitarian aid for Palestine
Profits from the Fontaines D.C. x Boheman F.C. shirt will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians for their emergency response action for what is most needed in Gaza (LouderSound)
-
Hear folk metal heroes Eluveitie’s first new single in two years, Premonition
The song will be on the Swiss outfit’s next album, expected in 2025, and they’ll probably play it on their impending European tour with Arch Enemy, too (LouderSound)
-
Gracie Abrams, Deftones and 11 more acts join Rock Werchter 2025 lineup
Rock Werchter have announced 13 new additions to their 2025 festival line-up, including Deftones, Iggy Pop, and Gracie Abrams. The Belgian festival’s Thursday bill now includes Deftones, Iggy Pop and Jacob Collier, while Underworld, Purple Disco Machine and Mark Ambor join Friday’s line-up. Saturday sees the addition of Maribou State, Amenra, Blanco White and Goldband,…
-
Blood Incantation’s Absolute Elsewhere is the Metal Hammer album of the year! See our full top 50 here
Blood Incantation’s progressive death metal opus tops the Metal Hammer 2024 album of the year list. See the other 49 entries here. (LouderSound)
-
“Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me.” The love-in between Bob Dylan and Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet, who’s playing Dylan in the forthcoming biopic A Complete Unknown, is a pure and precious thing
“Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me.” The love-in between Bob Dylan and Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet, who’s playing Dylan in the forthcoming biopic A Complete Unknown, is a pure and precious thing (LouderSound)
-
“It’s about finding inner strength to fight in immensely hard times. To call on our ancestors when going up against the impossible.” On the evidence of new single Platinum, Penelope Trappes’ forthcoming record A Requiem could be one of the albums of 2025
“All of the elements of my album are in this video. Mourning of the growing distance between family, homeland, mortality awareness, and the inevitability of death” (LouderSound)
-
Fontaines D.C. and Bohemian FC are releasing a charity jersey for Palestinian medical aid
Bohemian FC have partnered with Fontaines D.C. to release their 2025 third jersey, with profits going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. The collaboration between Ireland’s oldest fan-owned football club and the Dublin-formed band sees guitarist Carlos O’Connell design the shirt alongside Bohemian FC’s design team. The jersey pays homage to Fontaines D.C.’s album ‘ROMANCE’, featuring…
-
Brooke Combe visits where she grew up with her new video for ‘This Town’
Brooke Combe has shared new single ‘This Town’, from her debut album ‘Dancing At The Edge Of The World’, set for release in January via Modern Sky Records. The track, which opens the album, was produced by The Coral’s James Skelly, who worked with Combe across the album. “I wanted the video for ‘This Town’…
-
Slipknot, Ghost, Nightwish, Gojira and more star in Metal Hammer’s blockbuster end of year issue, which comes with an Iron Maiden Powerslave patch, a Nightwish notebook and a 2025 heavy metal calendar
The new issue of Metal Hammer is our biggest of the year and it’s on sale now! (LouderSound)
-
Martin Luke Brown considers escaping to live in the woods with his new single ‘animal’
Martin Luke Brown has released new single ‘animal’, taken from upcoming album ‘man oh man!’, due 21st February via AMK. The track arrives following Brown’s recent US tour supporting Emily King, while he’s currently on a European run with Sam Tompkins. “About once a week I get a deep urge to retire from capitalism and…
-
Alessi Rose has dropped anti-imposter syndrome anthem ‘Pretty World’ ahead of her upcoming EP
Alessi Rose has shared new single ‘pretty world’, the third track to be unveiled from her upcoming EP ‘For Your Validation’, set for release on 17th January via AWAL. The Derby-born, London-based Dork cover star has also recently announced a sold-out UK and European tour for March 2025, with 13,000 tickets purchased within minutes of…
-
DITZ have shared a new Taxi Driver-meets-German expressionism video for ‘Taxi Man’
DITZ have shared a new video for their latest single ‘Taxi Man’, taken from their upcoming album ‘Never Exhale’, set for release via Republic Of Music with Domino Publishing. The monochromatic video, directed by Harry Steel of Haunted Mattress, draws inspiration from classic cinema. Steel explains, “I teamed up with Clump Collective on this video…
-
Dork’s Down With Boring Live is coming to Rockaway Beach 2025
Inside Butlin’s Bognor Regis, where salt-tinged air mingles with decades of British holiday memories, Rockaway Beach is gearing up for its most ambitious celebration yet. The festival’s tenth birthday isn’t just another seaside shindig; it’s a curated collision of indie royalty and emerging talent. Between headline acts Leftfield, RIDE and Spiritualized, festival-goers will find the…
-
Caribou, Self Esteem, Father John Misty and Sharon Van Etten are going to headline End of the Road 2025
End Of The Road Festival have announced the first wave of artists for their 2025 edition, with Caribou, Self Esteem, Father John Misty and Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory set to headline. The festival, taking place at Larmer Tree Gardens from 28th-31st August, will also feature Mount Kimbie, Black Country, New Road, and…
-
Hayley Kiyoko to direct and co-write film adaptation of ‘Girls Like Girls’
Hayley Kiyoko has announced she will direct and co-write her first feature film ‘Girls Like Girls’ with Focus Features. The film, which shares its name with both Kiyoko’s 2015 single and 2023 novel, will be produced by ‘Wicked’ producer Marc Platt. The script has been co-written by Kiyoko alongside Stefanie Scott, who previously starred in…
-
girl in red, Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C. and more join Chappell Roan at Øya Festival 2025
Oslo’s Øya Festival have announced their latest wave of artists for 2025, with Charli XCX, Queens of the Stone Age and girl in red set to play the event at Tøyenparken. The festival, running from 5th-9th August, will see Charli XCX headline Thursday night, bringing tracks from her album ‘Brat’ including singles ‘360’, ‘Apple’ and…
-
Charli XCX and Fontaines D.C. lead Flow Festival Helsinki 2025’s first lineup announcement
Flow Festival Helsinki have announced the first wave of artists for their 2025 edition, with Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., and Khruangbin among the names. The festival, taking place at Helsinki’s historic Suvilahti power plant area between 8th-10th August 2025, will also welcome Bicep, who are set to bring their Chroma AV/DJ show to the Finnish…
-
2024: a year in review for the creative industries
Jaguar’s rebrand was the most talked-about rebrand of the year We look back at the biggest creative stories of 2024, what was behind them, and why they mattered. It’s been a rum-old year, hasn’t it? The challenges facing creatives and agencies have been multifold, from economic disruption to political change and a rapidly evolving media…
-
8 ways to achieve your creative goals in 2025
Image licensed via Adobe Stock The coming year is a great opportunity to do things differently and unlock your career potential. We share practical strategies from the creative community to help you do so. New year, new you. It’s a nice idea, right? But just because the date changes on the calendar doesn’t mean anything…
-
“Pure alchemy – and rendered in Vangelis’ Atmos mix, it makes Armageddon sound surprisingly inviting”: Aphrodite’s Child witness the end of the world again with a repackaged 666
The Greek trio’s musical take on the apocalyptic Gospel of John returns 52 years on with far less controversy and unbroken artistic impact (LouderSound)
-
“Phil wouldn’t be afraid to throw a punch, but it was Eddie who gave people a battering”: How Motörhead made their game-changing Overkill album and the anarchic tour that followed
An exclusive extract from Kris Needs’ biography Make My Day: The Rock n Roll Story of Eddie Clarke (LouderSound)
-
Former Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet has just told the most disappointing Ozzy Osbourne story ever
Rock, and indeed, roll (LouderSound)
-
Soundgarden’s surviving members are reuniting for a show in Seattle
Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron will reunite onstage at a benefit for Seattle Children’s Hospital (LouderSound)
-
Nonô – +55 EP
Label: Helix RecordsReleased: 6th December 2024 Nonô’s ‘+55’ EP lands with the grace of someone who’s mastered the art of cultural collision. Named for Brazil’s international dialling code, these four tracks chart a course between Rio’s rhythms and London’s electronic pulse, creating something thrillingly distinct in the process. ‘ALÔ’ sets the coordinates with crystalline intent –…
-
Babymorocco – Amour
Label: True Panther RecordsReleased: 6th December 2024 Babymorocco’s debut album ‘Amour’ exists in that sweet spot between sticky-floored basement raves and late-night Tumblr scrolling sessions. It’s a glitter bomb of millennial nostalgia that transforms bedroom daydreams into club reality, all wrapped in the kind of knowing wink that comes from someone who’s spent equal time studying…
-
Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature
Label: EMI RecordsReleased: 6th December 2024 For someone who felt to spend years almost actively dodging the spotlight’s singular glare, Lauren Mayberry has made one hell of an entrance into pop’s solo sphere. After a decade of carefully deflecting the world’s attempt to make CHVRCHES The Lauren Show™, she’s finally decided to step forward on her…
-
Pulp, Kylie Minogue and RAYE are going to headline Bilbao BBK Live 2025
Bilbao BBK Live have announced the first wave of artists for their 2025 festival, with Pulp, Kylie Minogue and RAYE confirmed as headliners. The Spanish festival, taking place between 10th-12th July at Kobetamendi, Bilbao, will also host Michael Kiwanuka, Nathy Peluso and Bad Gyal. Plus, Alice Phoebe Lou, Amyl And The Sniffers, Jalen Ngonda, Jessica…
-
Live Is But A Dream…: Avenged Sevenfold announce European summer tour for 2025
The hard rock/heavy metal titans will play arenas and festivals across the continent in June (LouderSound)
-
Dead & Company announce 10th anniversary shows at Sphere in Las Vegas
Grateful Dead spin-off Dead & Company will be the first band to play a second residency at the revolutionary Las Vegas venue (LouderSound)
-
“A compelling journey… expansive use of ambience, drones and sequenced electronic rhythms”: Klaus Shulze’s 101 Milky Way
80-minute work from 2009 – of which just a fraction was used in a movie soundtrack – was rescued from his vault following his 2022 death (LouderSound)
-
“Over the last 10 years, I’ve been a bit disillusioned by popular music. The business sucks.” A revitalised Trent Reznor is ready to to be “back in the driver’s seat” again with a new Nine Inch Nails project
Nine Inch Nails might be back with us sooner than we had imagined (LouderSound)
-
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory have shared their new single ‘Southern Life (What It Must Be Like)’
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory have announced details of their self-titled debut album, alongside sharing new single ‘Southern Life (What It Must Be Like)’. The track arrives as the second preview of their forthcoming self-titled record, set for release on 7th February via Jagjaguwar, following previous single ‘Afterlife’. “‘Southern Life (What It Must…
-
Mary In The Junkyard have dropped their final song of 2024, ‘Bear Walk’
Mary in the Junkyard have released their final song of 2024, ‘Bear Walk’, via AMF Records. The track marks a return to the band’s roots, where they began as a project started by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Clari Freeman-Taylor. The trio explain: “bear walk is the story of someone trying to make their lover stay with…
-
“This one shifts gears from the fast and furious energy of our two recent singles”: Hear Arch Enemy put the “melodic” into “melodic death metal” on new single Blood Dynasty
The stomping track is taken from the Arch Enemy album of the same name, out next year (LouderSound)
-
“I’m now feeling fine and dandy and very much looking forward to these new shows.” Adam Ant reveals Antmusic UK tour plans
Adam Ant’s rescheduled Antmusic tour will kick off at Bournemouth Pavilion on October 23, 2025 (LouderSound)
-
Clockenflap 2024: Where Hong Kong’s skyline becomes the ultimate festival backdrop
Festivals don’t need fields. Words: Jake Hawkes. As far as festival backdrops go, Hong Kong’s Clockenflap has got to be up there with the most spectacular. Huge skyscrapers loom behind the main stage, each festooned with the names of companies most of us don’t pay much attention to until they cause a global financial collapse.…
-
Lexus unveils Crafting Plastics collaboration in Miami
Made from a 3D-printed bioplastic called Nuatan, the living, breathing sculpture responds to both users and the environment. At this year’s much anticipated Miami Art & Design Week, Lexus has unveiled Liminal Cycles, a multi-sensory and responsive installation created in collaboration with Bratislava-based research and design studio Crafting Plastics. The project marks the automotive brand’s…
-
“Dismissed by some as too lightweight, time has reframed it as a pivotal album musically and historically”: Marillion’s This Strange Engine Deluxe Edition
Marking an and and a beginning for the band, this extended version of the 1997 original states its case as an elegant outlier in their catalogue (LouderSound)
-
“It’s the perfect driving song, an essential on any road trip.” Stuckfish share new video for the rocking Just For Kicks
UK prog rockers Stuckfish released their latest album IV earlier this year (LouderSound)
-
zzzahara’s ‘Spiral Your Way Out’ turns bedroom pop inside out
With ‘Spiral Your Way Out’, zzzahara trades solitary recording sessions for star-studded studio collaborations, turning emotional turbulence into their most expansive work to date. Check out our latest Hype digital cover feature. Words: Felicity Newton.Photos: Pooneh Ghana. FOLLOW HYPE ON SPOTIFY Some people process breakups with ice cream and sad playlists. Others transform their personal…
-
Miya Folick has announced her new album ‘Erotica Veronica’
Miya Folick has announced her new album ‘Erotica Veronica’, set for release on 28th February via Nettwerk. The LA-based vocalist and songwriter’s self-produced album features the lead single ‘Erotica’, which arrives alongside a video directed by Antonio Marziale. “‘Erotica’ is a song about fantasy and pleasure – It’s not just about sex, it’s about a…
-
Vote for the best metal song of 2024
From Judas Priest to Poppy, Spiritbox, Ghost and beyond, 2024 has offered some great new metal tunes. But now we need your help deciding the best of the best (LouderSound)
-
Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter top Spotify’s most streamed artists and songs of 2024 as this year’s Wrapped drops
Spotify has unveiled its annual Wrapped feature for 2024, allowing users to explore their listening habits from the past year through the platform’s ‘Celebration Of Your Year’ experience. The streaming service has introduced new features for this year’s edition, including an AI innovation that provides users with deeper insights into their top songs, artists, and…
-
“At almost eight minutes long, it’s pretty brave for the record company to pick it as a single!” The Wildhearts return with epic new single Failure Is The Mother Of Success, about “getting back on your feet after things have gone wrong”
“A new chapter in Wildhearts history – new music, new line-up, new label, new focus…” (LouderSound)
-
Illustrator Spotlight: Chalzea Xu
Chalzea Xu Chalzea Xu’s Website Chalzea Xu on Instagram
-
Take a break with Ocheeflow, a wellbeing app that takes over your entire screen
Jason and Nile Kelly – taking a break. This simple wellbeing app from the London creative studio Ochee, helps creatives take regular breaks and was created by a father-son team. Graphic designers, illustrators, web coders, and even copywriters—we all know what it’s like working in the creative industry. We spend long hours staring at a…
-
“This is definitely terrible!” Watch Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst drink hot dog-flavoured water
The beverage was served with a side of legitimately chocolate starfish, because how could it not be? (LouderSound)
-
Bob Vylan. Alt Blk Era, Kid Bookie, Spider among nominees for Best Alternative Music Act at MOBO Awards 2025
Native James and Hak Baker complete the nominations in the Best Alternative Music Act category at the 2025 MOBO Awards, to be staged in Newcastle on February 18 (LouderSound)
-
“Our schedules have caused this to take longer than expected, thanks for bearing with us”: Former Killswitch Engage bandmates Howard Jones and Adam D’s new project has a name, album almost finished
The former metalcore cohorts have been hard at work on their first album together since 2009 (LouderSound)
-
“Often mesmerising, sometimes strange but never less than compelling.” Sleep Token show London why they’ve become metal’s biggest success story in over two decades
The mysterious masked metallers put on a dazzling second show at a packed-out London O2 (LouderSound)
-
The busiest band in metal? One day before Slipknot support tour, Bleed From Within announce next album, release new single and add special guest to old one
The Scottish metal aggressors have released In Place Of Your Halo following its live debut last week, and the bagpipe-backed track will appear on new album Zenith next year (LouderSound)
-
Julian Casablancas and The Voidz have announced London and Paris shows for 2025
Julian Casablancas + The Voidz have announced two European live shows for 2025. The band are set to perform at LE CENTQUATRE in Paris on 5th March as part of Les InRocks Festival, followed by a show at London’s Troxy Theatre on 8th March. The announcement follows the release of their new album ‘Like All…
-
Winona Fighter: DIY, raw, and on their terms
UPSET COVER STORY With $50 mics and a garage full of dreams, Nashville’s newest punk heroes are rewriting the rulebook with their debut album ‘My Apologies To The Chef’. Read the latest Upset cover feature now. Words: Dan Harrison.Photos: Lindsey Byrnes. FOLLOW UPSET ON SPOTIFY Most artists record their debut albums in proper studios. Winona…
-
HotWax reflect on their own destructive behaviour with new single ‘I Wanna Be A Doll’
HotWax have released new single ‘I Wanna Be A Doll’, taken from their upcoming debut album ‘Hot Shock’. The track arrives ahead of the band’s first full-length record, set for release on 7th March via Marathon Artists. The song was regularly performed during the group’s recent support slots with The Libertines and Warmduscher. “This was…
-
The Early Purple has released a new indie-folk single featuring Sam Fender on backing vocals, mandolin, bouzouki, and acoustic guitar
The Early Purple has released his new single ‘The Greek Key’, featuring guest contributions from Sam Fender. The track sees Northumbrian indie-folk artist Matt Saxon collaborating with Fender, who provides backing vocals, mandolin, bouzouki, and acoustic guitar. Saxon shared the song with Fender while finalising its lyrics and instrumentation. The Early Purple’s 2024 has included…
-
Dayglow has booked a trio of UK tour dates for March 2025
Dayglow has announced details of a UK tour set for March 2025, including a headline London show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. The indie-pop project, led by Texas native Sloan Struble, has recently completed an extensive tour across North America in support of their self-titled album, which is out now via Mercury / Polydor Label…
-
Heriot have announced a 2025 UK tour
Heriot have announced a headline UK tour for April 2025, following their current European run with Fit For An Autopsy, Sylosis and Darkest Hour. The tour will support their debut album ‘Devoured By The Mouth Of Hell’, with the band promising to perform new material during the shows. “We’re excited to announce our second ever…
-
Dork cover stars Good Neighbours have released a stripped-back version of their hit single ‘Home’
Good Neighbours have released a stripped-back version of their debut single ‘Home’. The new take on the track, titled ‘Home (Soft Version)’, was recorded in a Berlin hotel room. “We wanted to pay homage to the song that helped break us this year and make a version that gives people a chance to connect with…
-
MOBO Awards 2025: Jorja Smith, Sampha, Central Cee, Ghetts, Bashy, Odeal and Cleo Sol lead the charge in a triple-nomination takeover
The MOBO Awards have announced their nominations for 2025, with the ceremony set to take place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 18th February. Jorja Smith, Sampha, Bashy, Ghetts, Cleo Sol, Central Cee and Odeal lead this year’s nominations with three nods each. Smith and Sol feature in multiple categories including Best Female Act and Album…
-
Justice and Disclosure are leading the Electric Forest 2025 lineup in Michigan
Electric Forest have announced the initial lineup for their 2025 edition, set to take place from 19th-22nd June in Rothbury, Michigan. The festival’s first wave of artists includes headliners Justice, FISHER, Disclosure performing a DJ set, Khruangbin, and Louis The Child. The String Cheese Incident will perform two sets across the weekend. The lineup features…
-
The Horrors have released Bowie-esque new single ‘Lotus Eater’ ahead of their upcoming sixth album
The Horrors have shared new single ‘Lotus Eater’, taken from their upcoming sixth album ‘Night Life’. The track marks the third preview of the record, which arrives via Fiction Records on 21st March. The release comes as the band continue a sold-out run of UK dates, including a recent show at London’s ICA. Speaking about…
-
BLACKPINK’s Rosé has covered Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge
BLACKPINK’s Rosé has appeared on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, performing her single ‘APT.’ alongside a cover of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’. The Australian-Korean singer delivered a stripped-down rendition of the festive classic, accompanied by backing vocalists, drums and keys. The performance coincides with the track’s 40th anniversary. The Live Lounge appearance follows the release of…
-
Clairo builds a campfire and befriends a Yeti in her new ‘Sexy to Someone’ video
Clairo has shared a new music video for her single ‘Sexy to Someone’, taken from her album ‘Charm’. The video features the singer-songwrite building a fire in the woods alongside a Yeti character, with the costume provided by ‘Charm’ producer Leon Michels. ‘Charm’ arrived in July, marking Clairo’s first release since her previous album. The…
-
Start your neck warmups now: UK metalcore hellraisers Heriot announce biggest-ever headline tour
One of this country’s best up-and-coming metal bands will hit the road in April (LouderSound)
-
Raven Milo: The reinvented Rotterdam artist takes flight
“I focus on creating what I want instead of what I think the industry expects of me,” says the multi-talented Dutch illustrator Robin Raaphorst. Over the last couple of years, Robin Raaphorst’s portfolio has transformed in terms of breadth, themes, and quality. A graduate of HKU Utrecht’s game art programme, she has mastered areas such…
-
“We were limited by venues, by the number of people in the band. We wanted to play louder. Everyone had been talking about going electric as Dylan had. None of us had the budget…” Maddy Prior’s history of Steeleye Span
From breaking out of local clubs to touring with Jethro Tull and attracting guest spots from David Bowie and Peter Sellers, the leading light of British folk looks back – and forward (LouderSound)
-
BrandOpus refreshes McCain’s packaging portfolio
A bespoke font and hand-printed illustrations created using real potatoes take centre stage in the new designs. BrandOpus has refreshed the design of McCain Foods’ whole GB and EU packaging portfolio, which now includes a new bespoke typeface and printed brand assets. As the long-term brand agency partner of McCain Foods, BrandOpus had recently worked…
-
“As I have from the beginning, I deny the allegations”: Axl Rose settles sexual assault lawsuit, maintains innocence
Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose was accused of assaulting former Penthouse model Sheila Kennedy in 1989 (LouderSound)
-
“They all lived on half a pigeon’s egg each in the morning”: The extraordinary life of Bill Wyman: WW2 evacuee, RAF airman, hit solo artist, bandleader, author, restaurateur, archaeologist, cricketer and Rolling Stone
Bill Wyman’s time in The Greatest Rock’N’Roll Band In The World was storied, but there’s been much, much more to his life than that (LouderSound)
-
“A profoundly, even exhilaratingly stupid idea”: A six-and-a-half-hour track assembled from 50 versions of Television’s Marquee Moon has made the world a better place
It’s exactly why the internet was invented (LouderSound)
-
Slipknot announce shows in Australia and New Zealand
The Nine will play sideshows in Adelaide and Auckland in addition to already-announced Knotfest dates (LouderSound)
-
“The progressive rock-ness of this huge epic pushed me in a whole new direction”: Slash and Duff McKagan just have combined forces on a colossal new song
Slash and Duff McKagan appear together on I Can Breathe, a new charity single by Gibson Brand (LouderSound)
-
Father John Misty expands his 2025 touring plans with new UK & Ireland dates
Father John Misty has announced a series of UK and Ireland tour dates set for June and August 2025. The Maryland singer-songwriter, real name Joshua Michael Tillman, will perform across multiple cities including Leeds, Nottingham, Gateshead, Liverpool, Galway, Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Glasgow. These dates follow his previously announced European and UK tour in April,…
-
Sports Team have been robbed at gunpoint while on tour in the US
Sports Team have been robbed at gunpoint in Vallejo, California, outside of San Francisco. The band were stopped at a Starbucks this morning (Tuesday 3rd December) when they were alerted that their tour van was being ransacked. When they tried to intervene, they were met with an armed assailant and forced to take cover. The…
-
Fontaines D.C., Gracie Abrams, Inhaler and Wet Leg are among the new names for TRNSMT 2025
TRNSMT have announced their 2025 headliners, with 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro and Snow Patrol set to top the bill at Glasgow Green from 11th-13th July. The festival’s eighth edition will also feature performances from Fontaines D.C., The Script, Gracie Abrams (pictured), Inhaler, Confidence Man, Kneecap, The Kooks, The Lathums and Wet Leg across the weekend.…
-
jasmine.4.t has shared the title-track from her debut album ‘You Are The Morning’
Manchester-based singer-songwriter jasmine.4.t has shared the title-track from her debut album ‘You Are The Morning’. The new single follows previous tracks ‘Elephant’ and ‘Skin on Skin’, with the album marking her position as the first UK signing to Phoebe Bridgers’ label Saddest Factory Records. “One of my oldest and closest friends, Han, supported me through…
-
Freak Slug has announced 2025 UK, European and North American tour dates
Freak Slug has announced details of extensive UK, European and North American tour dates for 2025, including a London show at Moth Club. The Manchester-based artist, who is currently on tour in the US, will embark on a North American run in March and April 2025, including stops at New York’s Bowery Ballroom and LA’s…
-
“Above all, it was detested by the critics”: A beginner’s guide to yacht rock in five essential albums
Yacht rock, soft rock – call it what you will. Here are five brilliant albums that define the genre in all its bearded, Hawaiian-shirted glory (LouderSound)
-
Kings of Leon are going to headline Newcastle’s Come Together Festival
Kings Of Leon have been announced as the second headliner for Newcastle’s inaugural Come Together Festival, set to take place at Town Moor. The band will top the bill on 8th June 2025, joining previously announced headliner Robbie Williams at the new event. Courteeners have also been confirmed as special guests for Kings Of Leon’s…
-
Reading & Leeds are announcing their first wave of names for 2025 this week
Reading & Leeds Festivals have confirmed that their first wave of artists for the 2025 edition will be announced this week. The dual-festivals are set to take place between 21st and 24th August at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Braham Park in Leeds. Following the conclusion of the 2024 edition, early bird tickets for next…
-
Spiritbox have announced a 2025 North American tour with Loathe and Dying Wish
Spiritbox have announced their ‘Tsunami Sea North American Tour’, set to take place across spring 2025 with support from Loathe, Dying Wish, and GEL. The Canadian band’s upcoming trek shares its name with their forthcoming album ‘Tsunami Sea’, which arrives on 7th March. The announcement follows their recent Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for…
-
Kendrick Lamar and SZA announce 19-date North American stadium tour for 2025
Kendrick Lamar and SZA have announced their joint ‘Grand National’ North American stadium tour for 2025. The 21-date run will see the pair perform across major venues, including two nights at both East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium and Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. SZA recently confirmed plans for new music, telling Kai Cenat’s livestream that “a whole…
-
Pierce The Veil announce 2025 world tour with Cavetown, Crawlers and Hot Mulligan
Pierce The Veil have announced their ‘I Can’t Hear You’ world tour, set to visit arenas across the UK in September 2025. The run of shows will see the band perform at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, Manchester’s Co-op Live, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro and Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, with support from Cavetown, Hot Mulligan and Crawlers. “We’re…
-
Waterparks’ Awsten Knight releases instrumental video game music albums
Waterparks’ Awsten Knight has released two instrumental albums inspired by video game soundtracks through his A.K. Art Projects brand. The collection, titled ‘Video Game Music’, comprises two volumes featuring 24 tracks in total, with Knight handling both the music production and cover artwork. The albums will be available exclusively for purchase through A.K. Art Projects…
-
“Take a breath, say hello to a stranger, give a dog a pet, it’s the wee things that add real wealth to life.” Whether or not you like their music, politics or humour, Kneecap’s 10 Rules To Live By could change your life for the better
Kneecap unveil their manifesto for a better way to live (LouderSound)
-
Spiritbox announce 2025 North American tour with stacked list of support acts
The Grammy-nominated metalcore stars will trek across the States and Canada shortly after the release of new album Tsunami Sea (LouderSound)
-
The Hard Quartet have confirmed their first European and UK tour for 2025
The Hard Quartet have announced their first UK and European tour, set to take place in June 2025. The four-piece, consisting of Emmett Kelly, Stephen Malkmus, Matt Sweeney, and Jim White, will perform across multiple countries including the UK, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The announcement follows news of…
-
Dream Theater share hard-hitting video for new single A Broken Man
Dream Theater’s first new album with Mike Portnoy for 16 years, Parasomnia, will be released in February (LouderSound)
-
“Our team are continuing to work on new projects with Iron Maiden that we are excited to share with you somewhere down the line”: Iron Maiden mobile game Legacy Of The Beast is shutting down after eight years
The role-playing game, which lets players control multiple eras of iconic mascot Eddie, will no longer be playable or downloadable after December 31 (LouderSound)
-
The Ocean share new collaboration with darkwave artist Sierra
The Ocean and Sierra release a limited edition 7″ single featuring reworked versions of Boreal and Traum (LouderSound)
-
“I said, Don’t f**k with me, Phillip! You can’t pull that s**t on me, you a**hole. This is me, Cher, okay?” That time producer Phil Spector pulled a gun on Cher, and Cher was in absolutely no mood for his nonsense
A Public Service Announcement for anyone who needs to hear it: Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to f**k with Cher, ever (LouderSound)
-
girlpuppy takes a swing at failed friendships with her new single ‘Champ’
girlpuppy has signed to Captured Tracks and marked the announcement with new single ‘Champ’. The Atlanta-based project of Becca Harvey, girlpuppy’s latest track draws influence from Liz Phair, My Bloody Valentine, and Alvvays, featuring fuzzy guitars and production from Alex Farrar (Wednesday, MJ Lenderman, Indigo De Souza, Snail Mail, Waxahatchee). Harvey explains: “It’s happening again,…
-
“They wouldn’t have a clue.” Kiss bassist Gene Simmons believes that no-one aged 20 or younger can name a single song by Nirvana or Pearl Jam
Gene Simmons: “Ask the first young person you meet, ‘Name me anybody in Pearl Jam.’ Good luck with that” (LouderSound)
-
Candacraig announce a new livestream for December
UK prog folk duo Candacraig will perform their retelling of Marilllion’s Brave and their own material in new livestream (LouderSound)
-
“The album has a very spooky touch.” Epica say they’re embracing “dark fantasy” themes on their next album
Symphonic metal heroes Epica offer a peek behind the curtain of their upcoming ninth album (LouderSound)
-
“I was on Battersea Bridge when the pig broke free. I drove to the power station and saw this look of schoolboy glee on Roger Waters’ face… ‘You sort this out, Po’”: Aubrey Powell’s Hipgnosis story
Storm Thorgerson’s right-hand man on breaking the law, pushing creative concepts, refusing to work with record labels, watching Pink Floyd get rich and staying friends by never taking sides (LouderSound)
-
4 brilliant new metal bands you need to hear this month
From Italian power metallers Alterium to French psych metal from Slift, Brighton’s prog metal mavericks El Moono and death metal horror fanatics Fulci, these are the bands you need to hear in December 2024 (LouderSound)
-
Suns Of The Tundra announce remixed re-release of iconic self-titled debut album
UK prog rockers Suns Of The Tundra celebrate the 20th anniversary of self-titled debut album with new reissue (LouderSound)
-
“We’ve got a new lot from Leighton Buzzard who’re going to do their best for you.” Keith Richards playing tuba on Sonny and Cher’s I Got You Babe while The Rolling Stones’ manager professes his love for Mick Jagger is peak ’60s TV
How Mick Jagger helped Sonny and Cher get discovered, then wound up miming to their biggest hit on primetime television in 1965 (LouderSound)
-
“Challenging gender and religious norms is something she’s comfortable with”: Firda Marsya Kurnia of Indonesian metal stars Voice Of Baceprot is one of the BBC’s “100 women” of 2024
The annual list honours “inspiring and influential women from around the world” (LouderSound)
-
Ericdoa has confirmed Manchester and London shows for March 2025
Ericdoa has announced two UK headline shows for March 2025, with performances set for Manchester and London. The Los Angeles alternative artist will perform at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on 4th March, followed by London’s Underworld on 5th March. The announcement follows the release of his latest album ‘Why Suffer For Us?’, which arrived in November…
-
Jaguar reveals Type 00 at Miami Art Week, bringing its new brand to life
What does Jaguar’s future look like? Bold, dramatic, and utterly unexpected if today’s big reveal is anything to go by. Type 00 is a fearless vision of modern luxury, featuring cutting-edge innovation alongside striking artistry. It gives us more of the new identity in all its glory. When Jaguar launched its new visual identity last…
-
“If it scared you, good”: Knocked Loose’s Bryan Garris celebrates making America’s children cry on national TV
Knocked Loose vocalist Bryan Garris has responded to viral comments following the band’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The Kentucky hardcore punk outfit performed tracks from their third album ‘You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To’ on the ABC programme. Following the performance, which marked one of the heaviest bands to appear on the show,…
-
CATTY, Indoor Pets and milk. are going to headline CloseUp Festival 2025 in London
CloseUp Festival have announced CATTY (pictured), Indoor Pets and milk. as headliners for their tenth-anniversary edition, set to take place at Colours Hoxton in London. The three-day new music festival will run from 22nd to 24th May 2025, with additional acts including beaux, Scout, Eades, Carpark, LALA HAYDEN, The Hubbards, cruush and Victors. CloseUp founder…
-
East 17’s Tony Mortimer has released some festive charity items for ‘Stay Another Day’ 30th anniversary
East 17’s ‘Stay Another Day’ songwriter Tony Mortimer has partnered with music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins to mark the track’s 30th anniversary with a series of special releases. The collaboration includes a limited edition minifigure bauble featuring four figures dressed in replicas of the band’s iconic white parka jackets from the original music video.…
-
Tangerine Dream announce more Phaedra at 50 live shows
German electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream continue to celebrate their groundbreaking Phaedra album with shows in Birmingham and Manchester (LouderSound)
-
Kings of Leon are going to headline Portugal’s NOS Alive festival in 2025
Kings Of Leon have been announced as headliners for NOS Alive 2025, marking their return to Portugal after over a decade absence, on 12th July. The festival has also confirmed a wave of new additions to the line-up, including Amyl and The Sniffers, Girl In Red, Glass Animals, Mark Ambor, and The Teskey Brothers, who…
-
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is set to return to Greater Manchester in March 2025
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is set to return to Greater Manchester from 26th-29th March 2025. The annual flagship event, which has been permanently based in Greater Manchester since 2023, will take over various venues across the region for four days of live performances and DJ sets. BBC Radio 6 Music presenters will broadcast their…
-
Gracie Abrams has announced her first Asia tour dates for ‘The Secret Of Us’
Gracie Abrams has announced her first Asia tour, set to take place in spring 2025. The singer-songwriter will perform across seven countries as part of ‘The Secret Of Us’ tour, including stops in Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Japan and Thailand. “We are finally bringing our show to Asia for the first time…
-
These 25 Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are still going strong – but you’ll have to be quick to grab them
Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be over for another year, but some price drops are still hanging around. Here’s my pick of the best discounts (LouderSound)
-
Sky Ferreira: “They kept me from putting out music for 10 years”
Sky Ferreira has opened up about being dropped from Capitol Records, revealing she is working to reclaim ownership of her songs. In a new interview with Vogue, Ferreira discussed her departure from the label, which was communicated via an automated message on the 10-year anniversary of her debut album ‘Night Time, My Time’. “[Capitol Records]…
-
The eight things illustration agencies are looking for in 2025
By Kyle Platts, Brilliant Artists We picked the brains of experienced illustration agents at Pocko, IllustrationX, Illozoo, Brilliant Artists, Handsome Frank and Norte for their take on the coming year. While 2024 has been pretty morale-sapping for many illustrators, perhaps 2025 will bring new hope and enthusiasm to the sector. We are settling down to…
-
The eight things illustration agencies are looking for in 2025
By Kyle Platts, Brilliant Artists We picked the brains of experienced illustration agents at Pocko, IllustrationX, Illozoo, Brilliant Artists, Handsome Frank and Norte for their take on the coming year. While 2024 has been pretty morale-sapping for many illustrators, perhaps 2025 will bring new hope and enthusiasm to the sector. We are settling down to…
-
Karlotta Freier draws with such freedom her imagery seems to float on air
A piece for the New York Times. For this Brooklyn artist, creating an illustration is about spending time with it, exploring it, and finding that moment when things fall into place. The subtle tilt of a woman’s smile, gentle hatching that shades and textures an unusual leaf, the breeze catching some fabric so it floats…
-
The best 2024 Christmas cards by independent artists and designers
6 x A6 Christmas Cards – Cable Car Cosy by Lucy Hariades Forget generic, mass-produced products! This year, celebrate the season with beautifully crafted cards that tell a story, support independent creators, and bring joy to your loved ones. The art of sending Christmas cards is more than just a seasonal ritual; it’s a chance…
-
“There are hardly any solos here… it has to feel like we have something new to say”: Why the Von Herzen Brothers dropped wizard-cloak synths but added sax to In Murmuration
Ninth album deals with two different concepts, as the Finnish group look forward to a future of total control over their catalogue (LouderSound)
-
Taxi Studio designs stand-out identity for Carlsberg Elephant
The new design tackles challenges unique to India’s retail environments, including low lighting and visibility. Taxi Studio has revealed its work on Carlsberg Elephant, which was designed to communicate its new premium position in India’s evolving drinks market. With an incredible annual growth rate of 40%, Elephant is one of India’s best-loved brews and an…
-
“Ultimately, you realise that people will forget about you”: Myles Kennedy on being in three bands, how Jim Carey changed his life, and why he worries about Billie Eilish
For some people, travelling life’s road is easy. For lifelong worrierMyles Kennedy it’s anything but (LouderSound)
-
All hail the goth Led Zeppelin: Every album by The Cure ranked from worst to best
The Cure have gone from sullen outsiders to stadium-sized riff monsters via all points in between (LouderSound)
-
If you’d like to know how it’s all going with artificial intelligence, you can now listen to a version of Led Zeppelin II that sounds like it was made in the 1950s
And we still don’t have personal jetpacks (LouderSound)
-
A year on from their final show, Kiss have shared a pyro-spectacular 20-minute video recap
Watch 20 minutes of highlights and explosions from Kiss’s final blow-out in New York City – as Gene and Paul talk about the future (LouderSound)
-
There are a ton of retro WWE shirts included in Hot Topic’s Cyber Monday sale that are pushing all my nostalgia buttons
You still have a few hours to pick up some vintage WWE shirt designs if you’re based in the US (LouderSound)
-
UK metalhead? This is your last chance to get some deals on tickets to Napalm Death, Bill Bailey, Biohazard/Life Of Agony and more
Ticketmaster have a few metalhead-friendly acts in their 2-4-1 Cyber Weekend offer – but you’ll need to be quick to get them! (LouderSound)
-
I never go to a gig without these earplugs and now they’re 20% off for Cyber Monday, they’re even better value
The Loop Experience 2 earplugs are down below $30 this Cyber Monday – an essential for all gig-goers. Get them before the deal door slams shut (LouderSound)
-
Lana Del Rey becomes the highest-selling solo artist of 2025 after stadium tour sellout
Lana Del Rey has sold out her entire 2025 UK and Ireland stadium tour, becoming the highest-selling solo artist of 2025 in the region. The string of shows, which come in support of her upcoming album ‘The Right Person Will Stay’, initially included dates in Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin and London. Following significant demand during…
-
St. Vincent shares a bit of wisdom on CBeebies: ‘Stay curious and the world will be a better place’
St. Vincent has appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Stories, reading Isabelle Marinov and Olga Shtonda’s ‘Henri And The Machine’. The musician, whose real name is Annie Clark, introduced the story on the programme, saying: “Hi, I’m St. Vincent, but my real name is Annie, and I’m a musician. I love writing songs because it gives me…
-
CDs are back! Here are ten essential rock and metal albums you can still get in Amazon’s Cyber Monday CD sale before the end of tonight
Replacing beloved classics or jumping on the unexpected CD boom bandwagon? Here are ten discs you need in your collection (LouderSound)
-
Make your home more epic with up to 41% off these metal wall art prints from Displate this Cyber Monday
Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, Sleep Token: Displate have you covered for epic wall art posters this Cyber Monday – but you’ll have to be quick (LouderSound)
-
One of our favourite Audio-Techinca turntables has received a huge price drop as Cyber Monday winds down
The Cyber Monday sales are drawing to a close, but there’s still time to save 21% on the high regarded Audio-Techinca LP5X turntable (LouderSound)
-
In Photos: Dork’s Night Out with Home Counties, GIRLBAND! and Adult DVD
Dork’s Night Out returned to London’s legendary 100 Club last week (Wednesday, 27th November) for our latest blockbuster edition, featuring a killer bill in one of the nation’s most historic music venues. Headlining were the magnificent Home Counties, fresh from the release of their Really Very Brilliant debut album ‘Exactly As It Seems’ – a record that,…
-
This is one of the best turntable deals I’ve seen this Cyber Monday, but you’re going to have to be really quick if you want to grab one
This very popular Denon turntable has had its prices slashed, but be quick, because the deal won’t be around for much longer (LouderSound)
-
Here are the most disgustingly ugly Christmas jumpers you can bag in EMP’s Cyber Monday deal – if you have the guts to wear them in public
From a truly atrocious Metallica monstrosity to a One Piece number that’ll make your eyes bleed, these are the jumpers to go for on Cyber Monday if you want to ruin Christmas for everyone (LouderSound)
-
Some of Bose’s most popular headphones have 40% off for Cyber Monday, but you’ll need to be quick if you want to nab them
Bose have slashed prices on some of their most popular speakers – including their lowest ever price on Ultra Open Earbuds – for Cyber Monday, but hurry, because they won’t be around for long (LouderSound)
-
“I loved it as an egg, I loved it as a caterpillar, I loved it as a pupa, and I still love it.” Blur’s Damon Albarn on Pure Love, his collab with dance producer DJ Koze
Damon Albarn, the gift that keeps on giving (LouderSound)
-
I took advantage of this Cyber Monday Kindle deal just so I could explore my collection of music books – and bought 5 more while I was at it
With 26% off the all-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, I’ve finally upgraded from my creaking 2012 model – and there’s money off some brilliant books too (LouderSound)
-
“My health and wellbeing are of paramount importance to myself and my family”: Original Venom guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn leaves Venom Inc. over health and “personal issues”
Dunn has suffered two heart attacks since 2018 but says “personal issues” have also made him step away (LouderSound)
-
The Beatles have launched a Christmas knitwear collection ahead of Christmas Jumper Day
notjust clothing and Earth Merch have launched an officially licensed knitwear collection featuring designs inspired by The Beatles. The collection includes a Beatles Abbey Road Christmas jumper, featuring the band members wearing red Christmas hats while on the famous zebra crossing, ahead of Christmas Jumper Day on 12th December. Additionally, the range includes a red…
-
“I wasn’t ready for it to be over.” Avril Lavigne announces new North American Greatest Hits tour
“Round two let’s fking gooooo!!” (LouderSound)
-
Be quick if you want to grab a deal on record players and turntables with Walmart’s Cyber Monday offers
With limited stocks and an even more limited time span, you won’t want to linger too long before grabbing a record player from Walmart (LouderSound)
-
The Black Keys will embark on a UK and European tour next summer
The Black Keys have announced a series of headline shows and festival appearances across the UK and Europe for summer 2025. The GRAMMY-nominated duo will begin their tour in Denmark on 26th June, visiting cities including Berlin, Zurich, Manchester, London, and Rome throughout July. The European dates follow The Black Keys’ recent release of ‘Ohio…
-
Parcels have announced a European tour, including their biggest-ever UK show at Wembley Arena
Parcels have announced a European arena tour for 2025, including their biggest UK show to date at London’s OVO Arena Wembley. The five-piece band – comprising keyboardist Louie Swain, keyboardist/guitarist Patrick Hetherington, bassist Noah Hill, drummer Anatole “Toto” Serret, and guitarist Jules Crommelin – will embark on a six-date run of shows across major venues…
-
“Steve Lillywhite deserves credit for forcing our hand on that one”: Bono on the huge U2 hit that they saved from the scrapheap
U2’s frontman says their producer forced the band to record it live, and he’s glad he did (LouderSound)
-
“Who wouldn’t want to battle against the Martians?” Busted/Fightstar frontman Charlie Simpson to join Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds in The War Of The Worlds
The travelling adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi epic has now got added post-hardcore/pop-punk cred (LouderSound)
-
Some of my favourite rock and metal records ever are included in Walmart’s big Cyber Monday vinyl sale
Maiden, Sabbath, Sepultura and Alice In Chains are just some of the artists whose classic albums are included in these cut-price Walmart deals (LouderSound)
-
Photographer Spotlight: Charlotte Rainville
Charlotte Rainville …
-
AC/DC announce details of first US tour in nine years
The North American leg of the rock legends’ Power Up tour will see Angus & co. work their way across the country next spring (LouderSound)
-
Bagpipes and a metal breakdown?! It happened this weekend, when Bleed From Within debuted unreleased song In Place Of Your Halo live
The muscular track will come out later this week as the firebrands prepare to Europe with Slipknot (LouderSound)
-
“Sure, that will be nice.” Noel Gallagher reveals his mum Peggy’s fabulously understated reaction to the news that Oasis have reformed
If you ever wondered who the coolest Gallagher is, it’s Peggy, Liam and Noel’s mum (LouderSound)
-
Damnation festival announces first bands for 2025, including Perturbator, The Haunted, Pig Destroyer and Crippling Alcoholism
34 bands, including all of the Manchester weekender’s headliners, are still to be announced (LouderSound)
-
The Agenda Setter: Knocked Loose, Spiritbox and Sleep Token are pioneering heavy music’s renaissance
WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THIS WEEK No apologies here. Words: Ali Shutler.Cover photo: Adamross Williams. FOLLOW THE AGENDA ON SPOTIFY Last week, Knocked Loose and Poppy took to family-friendly late-night TV show Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform their ferocious collab ‘Suffocate’. Sure, some viewers found the screaming vocals and aggressive breakdowns shocking, with…
-
“I can’t stop reading it, cos I’m a hypochondriac it affects me, makes me want to cut my nose off”: Kurt Cobain on the book he was obsessed with and how it inspired a Nirvana classic
The 1985 novel that rarely left the Nirvana frontman’s pocket and became the basis for one of In Utero’s heaviest tracks (LouderSound)
-
Quick! These 7 brilliant Lego sets are still available this Cyber Monday – but only while stocks last
Lego has been holding a big sale over the weekend, and there are still excellent deals to be nabbed for Cyber Monday – but you’ve got to be quick as the sale is ending at midnight (LouderSound)
-
“I was so looking forward to going as a fan and enjoying these amazing bands with you guys”: Sick New World festival will return despite 2025 cancellation, says System Of A Down drummer
The co-founder of Sick New World is the CEO of System Of A Down’s management company, making John Dolmayan something of an insider (LouderSound)
-
The Black Keys announce summer 2025 UK and European tour
Ohio rock ‘n’ roll fundamentalists The Black Keys will cross the Atlantic for 15 shows in June/July. (LouderSound)
-
“An album drenched in musical innovation that proves quality is not defined by quantity”: The Clash used the musical language of prog to make the statement that is Combat Rock
Even as they began spiralling out of control, the cut-down double album delivered 46 minutes of creativity, complexity and power (LouderSound)
-
“I managed to beat a tactful retreat”: the fan request that shocked Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood
The Radiohead man also says he’d love the band to get back on the road in 2025, but there is a caveat… (LouderSound)
-
Kraftwerk and Billy Idol are among the acts playing new Milton Keynes festival, Forever Now
A new alternative music festival, Forever Now, is set to debut at The National Bowl, Milton Keynes on 22nd June 2025. The one-day event, which serves as a UK sister festival to America’s Cruel World, is set to feature performances from Kraftwerk, The The, Billy Idol, and Death Cult. “Forever is Now! Looking forward to…
-
“Hope the masses are ready for the crushing you all are about to deliver!” Days after viewers raged over Knocked Loose’s performance, Body Count are announced to play Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Pearl-clutching Facebook parents haven’t stopped the ABC chat show from booking Ice-T’s outspoken rap metal icons. Or perhaps they’ve encouraged it? (LouderSound)
-
Sam Fender has dropped new single ‘Wild Long Lie’ from his upcoming album ‘People Watching’
Sam Fender has shared new track ‘Wild Long Lie’. Taken from his forthcoming third album ‘People Watching’, the track sees Fender exploring themes of homecoming and returning to familiar haunts during the festive period, following on from the record’s title-track. The album was produced by Fender alongside bandmates Dean Thompson and Joe Atkinson across a…
-
Greentea Peng has announced a lengthy new headline tour for spring 2025
Greentea Peng has announced details of a UK, Ireland and European tour alongside sharing a new video for her latest single ‘One Foot’. The track is taken from her upcoming album ‘Tell Dem It’s Sunny’, set for release on 21st March via AWAL Recordings. The new video, shot in monochrome across London, was directed by…
-
“We’ve got unfinished business with you!”: The Temperance Movement announce reunion with singer Phil Campbell and tour dates
The Temperance Movement have a UK and European tour lined up for March next year (LouderSound)
-
“He sent me an email that said, I watched. I laughed. What do I do now?” How David Bowie ended up starring in one of the most memorable TV comedy scenes of all time
Just when you thought you couldn’t love David Bowie more, along came his surprise cameo in a hit British comedy series (LouderSound)
-
Babymorocco has released new single ‘Body Organic Disco Electronic’ ahead of his imminent debut album
Babymorocco has shared new single ‘Body Organic Disco Electronic’, taken from his upcoming debut album ‘Amour’. The new track, produced by Lucy Blomkamp and Frost Children, follows previous singles ‘Bikinis and Trackies’, ‘Babestation’ and ‘Crazy Cheap / Really Hot’. The album is set for release on 6th December via True Panther Records. “Amour is a…
-
Fontaines D.C. have booked a Newcastle Exhibition Park show for July 2025, with support from English Teacher
Fontaines D.C. have announced a new outdoor headline show at Newcastle’s Exhibition Park on 13th July 2025, with special guests English Teacher set to support. The 10,000-capacity show marks one of only two remaining opportunities to catch the band’s headline performances in the UK during 2025, alongside their previously announced Manchester Wythenshawe Park date on…
-
Kraftwerk, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Death Cult, The Damned, Public Image Ltd, The The and more to play first Forever Now
New UK festival Forever Now, a celebration of alternative culture, will take place at The National Bowl, Milton Keynes on June 22 (LouderSound)
-
It may be The Dare’s biggest show yet, but the party is still only just getting started
The Dare arrives at London’s Kentish Town Forum. Words: Abigail Firth.Photos: Patrick Gunning. They say you only become iconic when you’re recognisable as a silhouette, and if that’s the case, The Dare has managed that feat this year. Behind endless clouds of smoke, he’s immediately identifiable at six-foot-odd, in skinny trousers, wayfarer sunglasses and no…
-
Blossoms have confirmed two new headline shows in Aylesbury and Wolverhampton for 2025
Blossoms have announced two new headline shows for 2025, with performances set for Friars, Aylesbury on 7th March and The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton on 18th April. The Stockport band are currently performing in support of their latest album ‘Gary’, which came out earlier this year and marks their fourth UK Number 1 record and fifth…
-
“I have lost my eyesight”: Elton John speaks about his deteriorating vision at London gala event
The Rocket Man was speaking at a performance of his new musical The Devil Wears Prada, which he says he can only listen to (LouderSound)
-
Kings of Leon are going to headline Lytham Festival 2025, alongside Justin Timberlake and Alanis Morissette
Kings of Leon have been announced as headliners for TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival 2025, joining the North West’s largest live music festival on 2nd July. The band will perform alongside previously announced headliners Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake, and a co-headline performance from Simple Minds and Texas across the five-day event. Kings of Leon have…
-
Gwenno and rEDOLENT are Independent Venue Week’s ambassadors for Wales and Scotland
Independent Venue Week have announced Gwenno and rEDOLENT as their Artist Ambassadors for Wales and Scotland, respectively, for their 2025 event. The annual seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues is set to return between 27th January and 2nd February 2025, with hundreds of live shows taking place across the UK. They join overall…
-
‘Storytelling and emotional connection matter more than aesthetics,’ says illustrator Fangfang Han
For the Polish pop band Big Bike Orchestra. From digital painting to cut-paper stop-motion animation, this award-winning Chinese artist is passionate about creating visual narratives with energy, positivity, and a sense of life. The pandemic was awful, let’s make no bones about it, but just how many talented creatives discovered their true calling during lockdown?…
-
“A phrase that works on every occasion is an invaluable exit strategy”: Bono on the priceless advice he was given by a hard rock, harder-drinking legend
U2’s frontman on being enlightened by a true rock’n’roll sage (LouderSound)
-
How to wrap up creative work like a pro before the festive holidays
Image licensed via Adobe Stock You need a break… so don’t waste your time off because you didn’t prepare! Follow our easy tips for closing down the year with precision, peace, and professional prowess. Christmas is coming… isn’t that great? Unfortunately, this is a sentence you rarely hear creative professionals say. Because while we all…
-
The best new typefaces for December from leading foundries and designers
Seeking typographical inspiration? These fresh and feisty font releases bring a sense of warmth and character to the festive season. As the festive holiday season approaches, we just have time to share some of the best new typefaces for December. And boy, are they worth checking out. This December, independent type foundries are pushing the…
-
Reflections on 2024: creative wins, and the lessons we can all learn from them
Image licensed via Adobe Stock We share stories of success from the Creative Boom community and discuss how they can help us all prosper in the year ahead. As 2024 draws to a close, it’s natural to take stock of the year behind us. For the creative community, it’s been a year of challenges, growth…
-
“There are many things I like to express musically that aren’t related to Dream Theater. It’s important that I can find my voice”: Jordan Rudess hopes the band he gathered for Permission to Fly becomes a permanent part of his world
Keyboard master – who took the plunge and played guitar on his new solo album – on his decision to lay aside some of the crazy and create a song-based work (LouderSound)
-
“Chris Cornell shows why he was one of the premier vocalists of his era”: Temple Of The Dog’s eulogy for a fallen friend still shines
Rooted in tragedy, Temple Of The Dog’s 10 original tracks are a kind of catharsis through music (LouderSound)
-
The best new rock songs you need to hear right now
Including Crossbone Skully, Three Days Grace, Eisbrecher and five other leaders of the rock’n’roll pack (LouderSound)
-
If you ever wanted to hear a whiskey-voiced Gene Simmons crooning a jazz standard, now’s your chance
Gene Simmons’ sultry cover of Stormy Weather comes from the soundtrack of the Dennis Quaid movie Reagan (LouderSound)
-
“I do like to complain, and I will complain”: Ritchie Blackmore has given his official verdict on Taylor Swift
Former Deep Purple man Ritchie Blackmore has spoken (LouderSound)
-
King Crimson purists, look away now: Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox have just mangled a Christmas carol
Ding dong merrily on high indeed (LouderSound)
-
“The guy’s a complete prick!… He’s very damaged. He’s obviously very, very deeply insecure”: Roger Waters lashes out at Thom Yorke over Israel-Palestine stance
Former Pink Floyd man Roger Waters does not hold back (LouderSound)
-
The Cure announce new live album plus expanded edition of #1 album Songs Of A The Lost World
The Cure’s royalties from sales of Songs Of A Live World Troxy London MMXXlV will be donated to War Child (LouderSound)
-
Deck your halls with a brand new record player this Cyber Monday
Amazon are offering deals on a range of vinyl record players this Cyber Monday (LouderSound)
-
You don’t get Something For Nothing, but you can get 25% off the vinyl hologram edition of Rush classic 2112
You may already have Rush’s 1976 masterpiece 2112 on your vinyl shelf, but do you have the awesome Hologram Edition? If not, now’s your chance (LouderSound)
-
Cyber Monday Lego deals 2024: Lego kits for little rockers up to adults are on sale for Cyber Monday
The early Cyber Monday Lego sales have already started, making it the perfect time to grab something for yourself or an early Christmas present (LouderSound)
-
Cyber Monday CD player deals: Save a bundle on a top CD player in this year’s sales
We’ve picked out a selection of our favourite discounted CD players that offer great value for money ahead of this year’s Cyber Monday (LouderSound)
-
Cyber Monday CD deals: Box set bargains, classic crowd-pleasers and new releases for less
The Cyber Monday CD deals have started to filter through – here’s the Louder team’s favourite sales (LouderSound)
-
Paramount Plus have launched a 77% off Cyber Monday deal which is surprisingly good if you’re a music fan
Paramount Plus have slashed their prices for Cyber Monday, and there’s plenty of excellent music content to discover (LouderSound)
-
New documentary Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary just hit HBO Max – watch it for a total steal thanks to this unmissable early Cyber Monday streaming deal
The story behind the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock has hit HBO Max. Here’s the cheapest way to watch it, with 70% off for Cyber Monday (LouderSound)
-
“I remember Jimmy yelling at us and calling us hooligans”: Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, Jeff Beck and the chaotic session that sowed the seeds for Led Zeppelin
In a small London studio, two Yardbirds, one member of The Who and a pair of passing session maestros united to record a spontaneous instrumental track. Things would never be the same again. (LouderSound)
-
“Whatever response it gets is irrelevant to us”: revisiting The Stone Roses 1994 comeback interview for their long-awaited, hugely-anticipated second record
Second Coming turns 30 this week but the Mancunian indie-rockers’ resurrection didn’t last long (LouderSound)
-
Vagabonds, kings, fools and madmen: The Thin Lizzy albums you should definitely listen to
Thin Lizzy: A charismatic frontman, a glorious twin-guitar attack, and some of the most enduring anthems in rock (LouderSound)
-
“All the poise and balance they exude in the studio flies out the window once they get their dander up”: Tears For Fears’ Songs For A Nervous Planet blends stunning live tracks with four powerful new songs
As 2022’s The Tipping Point confirmed, they’ve always known how to go big without ever going over the top (LouderSound)
-
Sick New World 2025 cancelled with organisers citing “unforeseen circumstances”
Las Vegas festival Sick New World was due to feature Metallica, Linkin Park and more (LouderSound)
-
Former My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar dead at 44
Bob Bryar played on My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade and Danger Days (LouderSound)
-
Wanna get your kids off their phones? Buy them a decent set of headphones
I thought my kids would be a little army of music nerds but social media and video games had other plans for them. And then I got them a serious pair of headphones… (LouderSound)
-
Amazon’s cyber weekend deals prove you can never own too many band shirts
Save on iconic designs from bands including AC/DC, Blondie, Black Sabbath and more with Amazon this Cyber Weekend (LouderSound)
-
There are still some excellent Black Friday deals to be had if you’re a Lego fan on a budget
Lego can be pricey, even in the Black Friday sales – but we’ve rounded up some of the best sets which are reduced to under $25 (LouderSound)
-
Zavvi are running a 3 for £20 deal on Funko Pop! Vinyl, collectables and action figures, so it might be time to finally complete some of those collections
Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Stranger Things, Power Rangers and some horror icons are all included in this special Black Friday Zavvi deal (LouderSound)
-
Amazon is offering 3-for-2 on more than 1,000 gifts this Black Friday, including 10 of my favourite rock and metal albums
Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and Metallica’s Black Album aren’t just generational albums – they can be bought cheap in this massive deal for Amazon US customers (LouderSound)
-
There’s currently up to 40% off some of our all-time favourite Marshall headphones – but you’ve got to get ’em quick
There’s still a little bit of time to snag some bargains in Marshall’s Black Friday sale, but we recommend acting quickly because the best deals are time-limited (LouderSound)
-
Here’s every Marvel set still available in this year’s official Lego Black Friday sale – and whether it’s actually a good deal or not
Lego have a nice little wedge of Marvel sets available in their Black Friday sales this year. But which are must-haves? (LouderSound)
-
Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band’s traditional Christmas dates will be their last
Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band announce An Evening of Carols and Capers – The 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour (LouderSound)
-
“Never less than joyously entertaining and utterly committed… a warm-hearted tale of the power of music and community”: Solstice’s Return To Cropredy video edition
Glorious visual celebration of the neo-prog survivors in the present, accompanied by New Light, a fascinating documentary of their past (LouderSound)
-
Everything you need to be a guitar hero! Fender’s offering up to 50% off instruments, cases, amps, bundles and more in this enormous Black Friday sale
From guitars to plectrums, amplifiers to bags, you can get it at a major discount thanks to Fender’s Black Friday deals (LouderSound)
-
Who will be playing in Oasis next summer? Your essential guide to who might be joining Noel and Liam onstage in 2025
From Bonehead to Andy Bell and Guigsy to Gem, your essential guide to the contenders to join the Oasis Live ’25 bandwagon (LouderSound)
-
“Two huge centrepieces are guaranteed to delight prog’s stopwatch brigade”: Neal Morse breaks out more sumptuous melodies on No Hill For A Climber
Transatlantic leader’s latest album sees him working with younger musicians and letting them work their own magic – while adding plenty of his own (LouderSound)
-
“The idea was to not make it shit”: the story of Band Aid 20, the only Radiohead and Rachel Stevens crossover you’ll ever need
Producer Nigel Godrich on the “clusterf**k” that was putting together the 2004 charity single (LouderSound)
-
10 brilliant vinyl deals you won’t want to miss this Black Friday
From legendary Metallica albums to landmark releases from Oasis, Green Day, Type O Negative and more, you need to check out these massive deals (LouderSound)
-
Just getting into vinyl? Then I have just the turntable for you with the added bonus of a neat 15% Black Friday discount
The entry-level Fluance RT81 is a sturdy, slick-sounding vinyl-slinger, and a veritable steal with this 15% Black Friday discount (LouderSound)
-
Call The Mandalorian and tell him I have his Lego Razor Crest starship… and I got it with $184 off its market value
Imperial Credits are not required to snaffle one of the most famous ships in the Lego Star Wars galaxy – get Mando’s pride and joy with a deep discount this Black Friday (LouderSound)
-
Expand your record collection for less with Amazon this Black Friday
Save in excess of up to 50% on releases from Sleep Token, My Chemical Romance, Type O Negative and more (LouderSound)
-
Some of my favourite albums have 50% off in Amazon’s massive CD & vinyl sale – here’s what I’m picking up
Amazon have shredded prices on a mountain of CD and vinyl – don’t miss your chance to fill your shopping basket for less (LouderSound)
-
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett’s signature Gibson Flying V is available with $6000 off at Sweetwater… and frankly, Nothing Else Matters any more
Buy the Metallica lead guitarist’s signature model for $8,999 in Sweetwater’s Black Friday sale (wah-wah pedal not included) (LouderSound)
-
Have we found the best Black Friday vinyl sale no-one’s talking about?
Move over Amazon – Townsend Music’s Black Friday music sale is offering some of the biggest discounts we’ve seen this year (LouderSound)
-
My go-to earplugs for live music are on sale for Black Friday – save 25% on the Vibes High Fidelity earplugs
Ringing in your ears? Not anymore; that’s the sound of savings! 25% off, to be exact, on quality ear protection courtesy of Amazon’s Black Friday sale (LouderSound)
-
“It’s really very disrespectful… the artistic value is zero.” Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser blasts his former bandmates Max and Iggor Cavalera for their decision to re-record the Brazilian band’s early albums
Max and Iggor Cavalera’s re-recordings of Sepultura’s Bestial Devastation EP, Morbid Visions and Schizophrenia aren’t appreciated by guitarist Andreas Kisser (LouderSound)
-
“Scream for me Long Beach!” One of the best live albums of all time is currently 27% off for Black Friday
Iron Maiden’s Live After Death – one of the greatest live albums of all time – is currently available for a total steal (LouderSound)
-
The best music magazines on the planet just got a hefty 50% discount for Black Friday
Want the best music magazines ever made, for cheap? Step this way, friend (LouderSound)
-
Becky Hill has dropped a new MK remix of ‘Swim’
Becky Hill has shared a new reworking of ‘Swim’ with producer MK. The track, which features on Hill’s album ‘Believe Me Now?’, has been reimagined by the Detroit producer, who’s also previously worked on her 2016 single ‘Piece of Me’ and 2018’s ‘Back & Forth’, a collaboration with Jonas Blue. MK explains, “Becky Hill; that’s…
-
“I blagged my way into this band from the beginning”: Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan on tricking his future bandmates into letting him join
The story goes that the other members heard him singing Bowie’s “Heroes” in the room next door – but was it Gahan on the mic or not? (LouderSound)
-
Redefine your wardrobe with 25% off watches, hats, wallets and more at Nixon
Nixon Watches are offering 25% off on everything online, including pieces inspired by Nirvana and the Rolling Stones. Here’s what you need to buy… (LouderSound)
-
Kesha has shared her new single ‘Delusional’, and unveiled some 2025 live shows
Kesha has shared her new single ‘Delusional’, produced by Zhone and co-written with Madison Love. The track follows this summer’s ‘Joyride’, which was accompanied by an action-packed music video directed by Dimitri Basil, Cooper Roussel, and Laura Gorun. ‘Delusional’ arrives via Kesha Records, marking another chapter in the artist’s independent journey following her 2023 album…
-
Chloe Slater has released her new single ‘Fig Tree’, and announced 2025 tour dates
Chloe Slater has shared her new single ‘Fig Tree’ via Stolen Juice (AWAL Recordings), following her recent track ‘Tiny Screens’. The Manchester-based songwriter’s latest offering arrives alongside a video directed by Ruby Harris. “Fig Tree is an exploration of choice feminism and how it feels to be a woman in a society that frowns upon…
-
Earth, Pallbearer, Elephant Tree, Hippie Death Cult, Lust Ritual among new additions to Desertfest London weekender
Desertfest 2025 just got darker, doomier, heavier and more exciting with the addition of 20 artists to the line-up (LouderSound)
-
Go record-shopping for less this Black Friday! EMP is offering up to 28% off on selected rock and metal vinyl
Rock out and save with these deals on records by Foo Fighters, Lamb Of God, Amon Amarth and more (LouderSound)
-
Photographer Spotlight: Barbara Rossi
Barbara Rossi Barbara Rossi’s Website Barbara Rossi on Instagram
-
The Vans Black Friday sale is in full swing – and it includes up to 60% off absolutely everything
Everyone’s favourite totally gnarly skate shoes are up to 60% off this Black Friday (LouderSound)
-
“It’s been a big inspiration for what I try to do with Nine Inch Nails. Make you feel bad. The whole time.” Trent Reznor picks his favourite films of all time
It may not surprise you to learn that there is no place for Love Actually, Titanic, or The Muppet Christmas Carol on Trent Reznor’s all-time favourite movies list (LouderSound)
-
Dork, December 2024 / January 2025 (Welly cover)
-
It’s Dork’s bumper end of year double issue, with the Hype List 2025, Best of 2024 and loads more!
The double December/January issue of Dork is here, and it’s the perfect way to wrap up 2024 while diving headfirst into what’s next. Packed with everything you need to know about the biggest and buzziest names in music, it’s a festive feast of brilliance, chaos, and pop nonsense – just the way we like it.…
-
Dork, December 2024 / January 2025 (Good Neighbours cover)
-
Dork, December 2024 / January 2025 (Alessi Rose cover)
-
In Photos: Thomas Headon’s (Christmas) Dork shoot
As a thanks to our beloved dearest Dork+ members, we’re making an effort to share more of the original imagery we create when making the magazine. That’s what we’re doing with these photos from our shoot with Thomas Headon, taken from our December 2024 / January 2025 double-issue, shot by Sarah Louise Bennett. All we ask…
-
In Photos: Good Neighbours’ Dork shoot
As a thanks to our beloved dearest Dork+ members, we’re making an effort to share more of the original imagery we create when making the magazine. That’s what we’re doing with these photos from our shoot with Good Neighbours, taken from our December 2024 / January 2025 double-issue, shot by Nici Eberl. All we ask is…
-
In Photos: Welly’s Dork shoot
As a thanks to our beloved dearest Dork+ members, we’re making an effort to share more of the original imagery we create when making the magazine. That’s what we’re doing with these photos from our shoot with Welly, taken from our December 2024 / January 2025 double-issue, shot by Patrick Gunning. All we ask is that…
-
In Photos: overpass’ Dork shoot
As a thanks to our beloved dearest Dork+ members, we’re making an effort to share more of the original imagery we create when making the magazine. That’s what we’re doing with these photos from our shoot with overpass, taken from our December 2024 / January 2025 double-issue, shot by Sarah Louise Bennett. All we ask is…
-
In Photos: Chloe Slater’s Dork shoot
As a thanks to our beloved dearest Dork+ members, we’re making an effort to share more of the original imagery we create when making the magazine. That’s what we’re doing with these photos from our shoot with Chloe Slater, taken from our December 2024 / January 2025 double-issue, shot by Patrick Gunning. All we ask is…
Got any book recommendations?