‘Blackstar Rising and the Purple Reign,’ edited by Daphne A. Brooks, arrives April 14, 2026 as the first critical anthology dedicated to the legacies of David Bowie and Prince. Spanning 520 pages, the collection brings together essays, interviews, and experimental criticism from writers, scholars, and artists including Greg Tate, Ann Powers, Greil Marcus, Kara Keeling, and Jack Halberstam. The book explores how Bowie and Prince reshaped popular music and culture through their approaches to race, gender, sexuality, performance, and authorship, while interviews with collaborators such as Sheila E. and D.A. Pennebaker provide firsthand perspective. The volume is part of the Refiguring American Music series and will be released in hardcover.
New Anthology Examines The Afterlives Of David Bowie And Prince
Bruce Springsteen Releases “Streets Of Minneapolis” In Direct Response To Events
Bruce Springsteen has released a new song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” written, recorded, and shared within days in response to events unfolding in the city. In a statement accompanying the release, Springsteen said the song is “dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.” Built from acoustic guitar and voice before expanding to a fuller arrangement, the track continues his long tradition of using timely songwriting to address American public life, arriving without advance notice and framed plainly as a gesture of witness and solidarity.
Oh our Minneapolis, I hear your voice
Singing through the bloody mist
We’ll take our stand for this land
And the stranger in our midst
Here in our home they killed and roamed
In the winter of ’26
We’ll remember the names of those who died
On the streets of Minneapolis
O’Keefe Music Foundation Covers Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” With Next Generation Talent
and that’s exactly what happens in this performance from the O’Keefe Music Foundation. Led by 11-year-old vocalist Veronica Seibert, the song is handled without drama or display, her delivery calm and direct, the band content to let the melody and space do the talking. It’s not about imitation or reinvention, just an understanding of why the song still lingers more than thirty years on.
Melanie Martinez Unleashes “POSSESSION” And Signals A Bold New Era
Today, Melanie Martinez returns with “POSSESSION,” a candy-coated gut punch from the multi-platinum, multi-hyphenate global alt-pop phenomenon. With razor sharp lyricism tucked inside glossy melodies, the track peels back the ways power can masquerade as love. The song is haunting, satirical and spotlights Melanie’s trademark blend of charm, mischief and bite. Welcome to Melanie Martinez’s new world order – Cry Baby is dead.
With 30 billion+ global streams, 5.54 billion official YouTube views and 62.2 million+ followers across platforms, Melanie Martinez has stretched, shaped, and molded alternative pop into an immersive, innovative, and inimitable world of her own design. Since emerging in 2012, the New York-born Latin-American singer, songwriter, director, and visionary has not only blurred the lines between genres, but also between reality and fantasy, beckoning audiences into the warm embrace of her singular artistry. Martinez broke ground with her iconic 2015 debut LP, CRY BABY. The 2x-Platinum album, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and is mother to the 3x-Platinum “Dollhouse,” 2x-Platinum staples “Pity Party,” “Play Date” “Pacify Her,” “Carousel,” “Mad Hatter,” and “Soap,” and Platinum favorites “Training Wheels,” “Sippy Cup,” “Alphabet Boy,” and “Tag, You’re It.” After vaulting to #6 on the Billboard 200, this debut has gone on to log 208 non-consecutive weeks on the chart. In its wake, she notched two consecutive Top 3 debuts on the Billboard 200 with the Platinum-certified K-12 (2019) and PORTALS (2023). All three albums debuted #1 on the Billboard Alternative chart. Upon release of K-12 Melanie also made her film debut with an accompanying musical of the same name which upon its release was #6 at the box office world-wide. On her tour for this record, she donated a dollar of every ticket to The Trevor Project. PORTALS debuted on The Billboard 200 at #2 and spawned “VOID” and “DEATH,” her first original songs to debut on the Billboard Hot 100. 2023 also saw Melanie release a perfume line in partnership with Flower Shop Perfumes. This is after her original perfume, CRY BABY, which was self-released in 2016, was a sold-out success. The collection has since expanded to include candles, body sprays, and perfume pendants. Her fragrances have quickly emerged as a standout in the category, ranking among the top five best sellers at ScentBar, the nation’s leading indie fragrance retailer. In 2024, Martinez embarked on her first-ever global arena headline tour, The Trilogy Tour, packing legendary venues on multiple continents, including sold-out successive nights at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. 2024 also saw the artist headline the world-famous Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago and the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City.
Dion And The Belmonts Reunite On ‘Together Again’ After Nearly Six Decades
Dion & the Belmonts return to the spotlight with the long-awaited digital release of ‘Together Again,’ now streaming for the first time in 59 years. Originally recorded in 1966 at Regent Sound in New York and released in January 1967, the album captures a rare reunion between Dion DiMucci and his original group, Fred Milano, Carlo Mastrangelo, and Angelo D’Aleo. Available now in its original mono mixes, the eleven-track collection traces a moment when the group’s classic harmonies met the shifting sounds of the singer-songwriter era. The release stands as a vital document of a legendary group in transition, and it resonates as a richly rewarding listen.
Reflecting the changing musical landscape, ‘Together Again’ features four Dion originals alongside an eclectic set of covers and outside compositions. Highlights include Bob Dylan’s “Baby You’ve Been On My Mind,” “For Bobbie,” written by H.J. Deutchendorf before he emerged as John Denver, and the Brazilian classic “Berimbau.” Dion recalls, “I had written a group of songs and I thought it would be fun and interesting to record them with my Bronx boys as Dion & the Belmonts.” The album also includes “My Girl The Month of May,” later covered by members of Fairport Convention and Fotheringay, and “All I Wanna Do” by Mort Shuman, whom Dion calls “my blessed friend.”
Dion & The Belmonts – Together Again Track Listing:
Movin’ Man
Berimbau
Come To My Side
All I Wanna Do
But Not For Me
New York Town
Loserville
For Bobbie
Jump Back Baby
Baby You’ve Been On My Mind
My Girl The Month Of May
Goldie Boutilier, Daniel James McFadyen, Cassie And Maggie, And Mallory Johnson Lead 2026 ECMA Nominations
The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is pleased to announce the 2026 ECMA nominees for the 38th annual East Coast Music Awards, celebrating the best in East Coast music and industry excellence.
The East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference will take place in Sydney, Nova Scotia, from May 20–24, 2026, and will include the East Coast Music Awards Gala presented by Rogers, along with festival performances, industry programming, and networking events.
The five-day celebration will feature performances, industry conferences, and international networking opportunities, highlighting the depth and diversity of East Coast music talent.
Leading this year’s nominations is Goldie Boutilier with seven, followed by Daniel James McFadyen with six, and Cassie and Maggie and Mallory Johnson with five nominations each. A full list of nominees follows. Together, this year’s nominees represent a wide range of genres, communities, and regions, reflecting the ongoing strength and diversity of East Coast music.
“Nova Scotia has a proud tradition of diverse musical talent, which is why we’re proud to support the ECMAs again this year. Welcoming outstanding Atlantic Canadian musicians, along with their teams and fans, will kick off five days of celebration across Sydney. The ECMAs are more than an awards show — they’re an opportunity to learn, connect, and reflect upon the cultural, social, and economic impact of East Coast music.”
— The Honourable Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
The marquee event of ECMA 2026 is the 38th annual East Coast Music Awards Gala presented by Rogers. The Gala will take place on Thursday, May 21, at Centre 200 in Sydney, Cape Breton.
“The passion for music in Canada’s Atlantic provinces is incredibly powerful,” said Edith Cloutier, President, Atlantic Canada. “Rogers is proud to continue to support the East Coast Music Festival, including the talented artists, deep cultural roots, and unique storytelling that it brings to Sydney, Nova Scotia.”
Public voting for 2026 TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and 2026 TD Fans’ Choice Video of the Year begins January 28 and closes March 31, 2026. Fans can vote online at ECMA.com.
“For more than 10 years, TD has been proud to support the ECMAs as it commemorates and elevates the incredible talent that defines Atlantic Canada’s music scene. At TD, we understand the power of music to break down barriers and spark connections that unite communities. The ECMAs create the stage for the diverse artists of this region to tell their stories and inspire audiences, and we are thrilled to be a part of this year’s celebration.”
— Jenn Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD Canada Trust
Returning home to host the Awards Gala are Sydney favourites Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison. The award-winning performers and longtime collaborators are well known for their work in television, theatre, and live performance, and bring a strong connection to Cape Breton audiences and East Coast culture.
Tickets for the 38th annual East Coast Music Awards Gala presented by Rogers are on sale now at ECMA.com. The Gala will also be live-streamed worldwide at ECMA.com.
The 2026 East Coast Music Award & Industry Award nominees are as follows:
Artiste acadien(ne) ou francophone de l’année
• HieroPhunk & Wuzzô
• Jacques Surette
• Kristen Martell
• La famille LeBlanc
• Pierre Guitard
African Canadian Artist of the Year
• Blessing Tangban
• Judith Ifeadi
• JupiterReign
• Mayaya
• Michael J Foxx
• Rightflow
Album of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
• Daniel James McFadyen – Back to the Country
• Goldie Boutilier – Goldie Boutilier Presents… Goldie Montana
• Kellie Loder – Transitions
• Morgan Toney – Heal The Divide
• The Irish Descendants – Those Were The Days
Blues Release of the Year
• Aging Disgracefully – Shatter the Mirror
• Angelo Spinazzola – Harp-Centric
• Geoff Arsenault – Hired Hand
• Jon Hines – Memphis Sun
• JP LeBlanc – All In My Blood / Je l’ai dans l’sang
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
• Ben Chase
• Elyse Aeryn
• Goldie Boutilier
• Lindsay Misiner
• Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen
• Sean Michael Ryan
Children’s Artist of the Year
• Donna & Andy
• Heather Feather
• Molly Whuppie
• Port-Aux-Poutines
• Sugarwoods
Classical Release of the Year
• Catherine Little & Greg Myra – Light and Dark
• Duo Concertante – MAIER FRANCK SCHUMANN: Sonatas for Violin and Piano
• India Gailey – Butterfly Lightning Shakes the Earth
• Jean-Guy Boisvert – Album pour la jeunesse XXI
• Jennifer King – Souvenance
Classical Composer of the Year
• Amy Brandon
• Andrew Staniland
• Bekah Simms
• Jason Noble
• Jim O’Leary
Country Release of the Year
• Danny Drouin – Five O’clock Shadow
• Jamie Fontaine – Jamie Fontaine
• Mallory Johnson – Over the Party
• The Mainlanders – Just About Ready
• The Martin Boys – Burn the Boats
Dance Release of the Year
• Apryll Aileen – Take Me
• Cloverdale – Dream Operator
• PINEO & LOEB – Love Yourself
• potem – What I Gotta Be
• Will Rad – Wonderland
Electronic Release of the Year
• Andrew Staniland – Dancer Portrait No. 4
• Green Eyes, Witch Hands – Gin
• HieroPhunk & Wuzzô – Fait de Terre
• Lee Rosevere – Float (Part 3)
• Rich Aucoin – Frequency Modulation
2026 TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year
• Andre Pettipas
• Bailey Jordan-Neil
• Cassie and Maggie
• Charlie A’Court
• Daniel James McFadyen
• DeeDee Austin
• Goldie Boutilier
• Kellie Loder
• Mallory Johnson
• Rachel Cousins
• Richard Wood
2026 TD Fans’ Choice Video of the Year
• Aaron MacDonald – Beaches and Bands
• Ben Chase – Small Town Talking
• Brett Matthews – Lucky Ones
• Burry – TV Glow
• Daniel James McFadyen – Landmine
• Elyse Aeryn – Unstoppable
• Goldie Boutilier – Favorite Fear
• Justin Fancy – Break My Heart Again
• Kellie Loder – When We Kiss
• Mallory Johnson – fck that
Folk Release of the Year
• Daniel James McFadyen – Back to the Country
• Joel Plaskett – One Real Reveal
• Lennie Gallant – Shelter From the Storms
• Logan Richard – Character Traits
• Mallory Johnson – Over the Party
Fusion Release of the Year
• Claire Porter – Time Alone
• Diana Delirio – Junto a mí
• Jason Noble & Steve Cowan – Folk Suite
• Morgan Toney – Golden Regalia
• Sacred Wolf Singers & Simon Walls – Powwow Crow Hopper
Global Music Release of the Year
• Ana Luísa Ramos – Clareia (Live)
• Dee Hernandez – Danzón
• Diana Delirio – Junto a mí
• HieroPhunk – Dragon Bone
• XIA-3 – Interworlds
Group of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie
• Les Hay Babies
• Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts
• The Irish Descendants
• Two Hours Traffic
• XIA-3and Steve Cowanand Steve Cowanand Steve Cowan
Indigenous Artist of the Year
• Bailey Jordan-Neil
• Gearl
• Joseph Rue
• Little Stone Crow
• Morgan Toney
• Summer Bennett
Instrumental Release of the Year
• Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan – Lyrique
• Andrew Staniland – The Laws of Nature
• Jennifer King – Souvenance
• Joel Miller – What If?
• Richard Wood – Richard Wood Live! An Evening of Celtic Music
Jazz Release of the Year
• Atlantic Jazz Collective feat. Norma Winstone & Joe LaBarbera – Seascape
• Claire Porter – Time Alone
• Joe Bowden – Music Is Life
• Joel Miller – What If?
• Kevin Brunkhorst – After the Fire
Loud Release of the Year
• Dali Van Gogh – Wicked Way
• Direwolf – Thunder Calls
• The Order of the Precious Blood – Dark Hallucinations
• Thunderor – Cape Breton Home
• Where Giants Once Stood – Dead To You
Pop Release of the Year
• Brett Matthews – Lucky Ones
• DeeDee Austin – Somebody New
• Logan Richard – The Grass Is Blue (Everywhere I Go)
• Maggie Andrew – How to Sing for Money
• Rachel Cousins – Nora
Producer of the Year
• Aaron Lewis
• Clint Curtis
• Cloverdale
• Colin Buchanan
• Daniel Adams
R&B / Soul Release of the Year
• Demixx – MY MEDICINE
• Judith Ifeadi – Fooling Me
• JupiterReign – All Mine
• Lindsay Misiner – I Saw an Angel
• Mayaya – Tha Vodou
Rap / Hip-Hop Release of the Year
• Gearl – Gearl Ji’j
• HINCH – Poetry Is the Art of Death
• Michael J Foxx – Off the Stoop Vol. 1
• Siddhu Sneh – i am
• Todd. – Plus One
Release of the Year
• Ben Chase – Saltwater Cowboy
• DeeDee Austin – Somebody New
• Elyse Aeryn – Unstoppable
• Kelly McMichael – Open (Hurts to Have a Heart)
• Mallory Johnson – the circus
• Rich Aucoin – Synthetic: Season 4
Rock / Alternative Release of the Year
• Absolute Losers – In the Crowd
• Goldie Boutilier – Goldie Boutilier Presents… Goldie Montana
• Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts – Nostalgia Attack
• Strange Plants – Strange Plants
• Two Hours Traffic – I Never See You Anymore
• XIA-3 – Interworlds
Roots Release of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
• Charlie A’Court – San Palarino
• Mike McKenna Jr. – Smokey Mountain High
• Morgan Toney – Heal The Divide
• Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen – The Way We Roll
• Shane Pendergast – Winter Grace
Solo Artist of the Year
• Daniel James McFadyen
• Goldie Boutilier
• Kelly McMichael
• Logan Richard
• Maggie Andrew
Songwriter of the Year
• Carleton Stone
• Daniel James McFadyen
• Goldie Boutilier
• Kellie Loder
• Maggie Andrew
• Rachel Cousins
Traditional Release of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
• La famille LeBlanc – Perdrais-je mon temps…
• Matthew Byrne – Stealing Time
• Richard Wood – Richard Wood Live! An Evening of Celtic Music
• The Irish Descendants – Those Were The Days
INDUSTRY AWARD CATEGORIES
Artist Management of the Year
• Faye Williams
• Hilda Cousins
• Jayden Duplessis (NoLoveNorthern)
• Nik MacDonald
• Roger Lockyer
• Tiffany Martin
Event of the Year
• Celtic Colours International Festival
• Lawnya Vawnya 15
• Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
• Makin’ Waves
• The Shediac Lobster Festival / Le Festival du homard de Shediac
Innovator of the Year
• Ben Chapman-Smith Music
• Chuck Boudreau
• Eirinn Fraser
• Katrina Lopes
• The Marigold Cultural Centre
Media Excellence Award
• Andrew Shaver
• Darcy Walsh
• Greg Smith
• Matt Harris
• Richard Lann
Recording Engineer of the Year
• Jamie Foulds
• John D.S. Adams
• John Mullane
• Matt Dines
• Mike “Sheppy” Shepherd
Technical Excellence Award
• Ben Czenze
• Devin Farrell
• Donnie MacNeil
• Nick Decker
Venue of the Year
• Chester Playhouse
• Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College
• Sanctuary Arts Centre
• The Majestic Theatre
• The Ship Pub
Visual Artist of the Year
• Anita Cazzola
• Ashley Anne Clark
• Max Kearns
• Richard Lann
• Sandra-Lee Layden
Beck Shares ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,’ A Valentine’s Day Collection Of Rare Gems
Beck marks Valentine’s Day with the release of ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,’ an eight-song mini-album gathering rarities, deep cuts, soundtrack favorites, and cover versions. Available digitally now, the collection brings together some of his most tender recordings, including his beloved take on “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,” first heard in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The release also features faithful renditions of classics like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and the Flamingos’ “I Only Have Eyes for You,” alongside tributes to John Lennon and Caetano Veloso.
The set includes two never-before-released recordings: Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and Daniel Johnston’s “True Love Will Find You in the End,” adding rare depth to the tracklist. Beck’s own “Ramona,” from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, stands as the lone original composition, anchoring the collection with understated emotion. ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’ will receive a physical release on opaque red vinyl February 13, offering a carefully curated Valentine’s Day keepsake that highlights Beck’s enduring gift for reinterpretation and restraint.
Beck’s ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’ tracklist:
1. ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’
2. ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’
3. ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’
4. ‘Ramona’
5. ‘Michelangelo Antonioni’
6. ‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’
7. ‘Love’
8. ‘True Love Will Find You In The End’
Brad Paisley Joins American Idol As Guest Mentor For Top 20 Episodes
Three-time Grammy winner Brad Paisley is set to appear this season on American Idol as a guest mentor, joining Keke Palmer in guiding the show’s Top 20 contestants. Paisley made an early appearance during the season premiere, surprising his longtime friend Carrie Underwood with a prank during Nashville auditions held at his alma mater, Belmont University. His mix of musical insight and humor adds a seasoned voice to the competition at a pivotal stage.
Paisley’s mentoring role continues in episode 908, Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii – Part 1, airing Monday, March 16, followed by episode 909 on March 23. This season also marks the first time Hollywood Week heads to Nashville with Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover, featuring a single high-stakes round and the largest cut in the show’s history. American Idol airs Mondays from 8–10 pm ET/PT on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
Sons Of Town Hall Set Sail With “The Rocky Shores Of England” And A New Album
Sons of Town Hall return with their new single, “The Rocky Shores of England,” a quietly devastating moment from their upcoming album ‘Of Ghosts and Gods’, out March 6, including vinyl. The song is the most stripped-down recording on the album, captured with only their two voices and two old Gibson guitars, recorded together in the old style around three microphones. It’s a wistful ballad shaped by love lost and lingering regret, letting experience and harmony carry the weight.
The single arrives alongside news of an intimate U.S. tour in support of ‘Of Ghosts and Gods’. Known for their theatrical live performances and richly imagined characters, Sons of Town Hall will bring their storytelling and close harmonies to rooms built for listening. The run kicks off February 18 in Atlanta and wraps March 8 with a special appearance on Mountain Stage in Charleston, West Virginia.
Of Ghosts and Gods US Tour Dates:
Feb 18 – Eddie’s Attic – Atlanta, GA
Feb 20 – The Green Room at Crosstown Arts – Memphis, TN
Feb 22 – The Mansion at Strathmore – North Bethesda, MD
Feb 24 – City Vineyard by City Winery – New York, NY
Feb 25 – The Kate – Old Saybrook, CT
Feb 26 – BNH Stage at the Colonial Theatre – Concord, NH
Feb 27 – Spruce Peak Arts – Stowe, VT
Feb 28 – Studio 9 – North Adams, MA
Mar 01 – Peabody Essex Museum – Salem, MA
Mar 03 – Club Passim – Cambridge, MA
Mar 04 – Portsmouth Music Hall Lounge – Portsmouth, NH
Mar 07 – Purple Fiddle – Thomas, WV
Mar 08 – Mountain Stage – Charleston, WV
Starting 2026 Strong As Ally Evenson Flips Online Hate Into “Lucky Day”
Ally Evenson kicks off 2026 with momentum on her new single “Lucky Day,” out now. Blending distorted edges with breezy acoustic guitar, the track sharpens her alt-pop instincts while staying effortlessly catchy. It arrives ahead of her sophomore album ‘SPEED KILLS,’ due February 20, and lands as an immediate high point.
“Lucky Day” turns a moment of online vitriol into pointed, self-aware pop. “This song is about a man who called me a b*tch online. That’s all,” Evenson says. That blunt humor drives the track forward, pairing lyrical bite with melodic ease. The result is bold and unfussy, a song that embraces confrontation without ever losing its sense of fun.
Directed by frequent collaborator Anthony Muse, the official video marks the fourth chapter in the SPEED KILLS visual universe. Set within a traveling theater troupe, Evenson’s character disrupts a chaotic production of Julius Caesar after developing unrequited feelings for another woman in the group. “She’s bossy, loud, and causing chaos to the troupe,” Evenson explains. “This video documents the mayhem that ensues.” The concept leans theatrical and playful with precision.
ALLY EVENSON TOUR DATES SUPPORTING SPORTS:
5/5 – Quartyard – San Diego, CA
5/6 – Roxy – Los Angeles, CA
5/8 – Catalyst (Atrium) – Santa Cruz, CA
5/9 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA
5/10 – Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA
5/12 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA
5/13 – Polaris Hall – Portland, OR
5/14 – Shrine Social Club – Boise, ID
5/16 – Urban Lounge (Kilby Block Party After Party) – Salt Lake City, UT
5/17 – Bluebird – Denver, CO
5/19 – Beer City Music Hall – Oklahoma City, OK
5/21 – Club Dada (Outdoor) – Dallas, TX
5/22 – Bronze Peacock – Houston, TX
5/23 – Mohawk (Outside) – Austin, TX