When worlds collide, magic happens. Duran Duran once slipped “Rio” inside Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” and the result is pure rock-and-roll wonder. A secret gig video finally surfaces, and it’s glorious.
Hagen Brüggemann Releases Final Double Single Ahead of Debut Album ‘Dysthymia,’ Out September 5, 2025
Hagen Brüggemann releases his final double single, “Riding On The Waves / Lost In You,” following the previous singles “Hold On Me / Seizure.” The songs are taken from the full album, Dysthymia, due out on September 5, 2025.
With his fifth and final double single, the Hamburg-based musician offers a last taste of his debut album Dysthymia. Both tracks impress with their acoustic alternative sound and highlight the album’s stylistic range.
“Riding On The Waves” is a dreamy, psychedelic-tinged song that explores ignorance of outside intervention. “Lost In You” is a tender love declaration wrapped in raw grunge sounds. Both songs showcase Brüggemann’s ability to blend singer-songwriter depth with unpolished rock aesthetics—building anticipation for the full album.
Dysthymia is an intimate journey through the years 13 to 25 in the life of Hagen Brüggemann – told across 21 songs filled with loneliness, rejection, heartbreak and the defiance of refusing to conform.
Musically, the album blends grungy guitar riffs with unconventional harmonies. Despite its 78-minute runtime, the album remains varied and offers a raw sonic landscape that shifts between fragility and rage. Each track is a slice of lived experience – sometimes quiet and vulnerable, sometimes loud and unrelenting – but always uncompromisingly honest.
Hagen Brüggemann first came to national attention in 2011 with a guitar performance on Wetten, dass..?. He went on to perform on major stages – including Wacken Open Air and Signal Iduna Park in front of over 80,000 people – but initially chose to focus on finishing school and further developing his musical craft. Today, his focus lies entirely on his solo work: honest, unfiltered, and emotionally charged.
Steve Aoki and Gabry Ponte Reunite With High-Energy Anthem ‘Stewpid’ on Armada Music
One year after their explosive debut collaboration, dance music heavyweights Steve Aoki and Gabry Ponte reunite to unleash new single ‘Stewpid’ on Armada Music.
Channelling festival season energy 365 days a year, ‘Stewpid’ is an upbeat dancefloor anthem that thrives on party adrenaline and zero self-consciousness. Lucious dance-pop vocals leave a lasting impression with smooth breakbeats nodding to a warm glow of nostalgia, and a four-to-the-floor rhythm that is irresistibly uplifting.
“Gabry and I always have a blast together,” says Steve Aoki. “Last year’s collab lit up dancefloors, and when our paths crossed again, we knew we had to run it back. Stewpid is pure fun, high-energy chaos.”
In today’s hyper-curated, Insta-worthy era, ‘Stewpid’ is a reminder that dance music has always been about those unfiltered moments of pure, unapologetic fun. Getting lost in the beat and experiencing lifelong dancefloor memories takes place in real-time.
Gabry Ponte recalls early demos immediately sparking a core summer memory: “That sunny, euphoric energy instantly brought me back to the night Steve and I shared the stage at Praja in Gallipoli. Letting loose, soaking up the crowd’s energy, and feeling dance music in its purest form.”
Adding: “I’m stoked for the release of my new collab with Steve! Working with him last year was an absolute blast. We poured our hearts into this new track, and I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be lit!”
If anyone can shake up dancefloors, it’s Steve Aoki and Gabry Ponte. Two-time Grammy-nominated DJ, producer, fashion designer and entrepreneur Steve Aoki is a modern icon of electronic music. Notoriously adored for his serotonin-surging live performances, the Dim Mak label boss is a must-see headliner at the world’s biggest events, from Tomorrowland Festival to Coachella, and a go-to name in the studio amongst fellow revered collaborators, from David Guetta, AFROJACK and Armin van Buuren to Kid Cudi and Linkin Park.
Of the same legendary status is Gabry Ponte. A founding member of Eiffel 65, responsible for the Grammy-nominated record ‘Blue (Da Ba Dee),’ Gabry Ponte remains at the top of his league with over 6 billion streams to his name and a catalogue of A-list collaborations with Tïesto, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and more. 2025 has proven a record-breaking year so far for Italy’s highest-streamed DJ/producer, leading San Marino to the grand finale of The Eurovision Song Contest, before becoming the first DJ to headline Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium to a sold-out crowd of 56,000 party-goers.
The Black Keys and Gary Clark, Jr. at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on August 31, 2025
All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.
Annahstasia Delivers Intimate Live Set at KEXP
Annahstasia is a rising indie-soul artist known for her rich, emotive voice and poetic songwriting. Blending soul, folk, and alternative textures, her latest album Tether carries both intimacy and power. With heartfelt performances, she’s quickly earning a devoted following (including myself, as I found her on KEXP!)
MASON Release New Single “Waiting for You” as Album ‘Seconds to Impact’ Drops September 1 via Eonian Records
Eonian Records is excited to unveil “Waiting for You,” the powerful new single and music video from melodic AOR rock band MASON. This adrenaline-charged track marks the third single from the group’s new album, ‘Seconds to Impact’, which officially drops TODAY, September 1, 2025 through Eonian Records and global retail outlets.
Led by Canadian-born multi-instrumentalist Marcus Mason, MASON delivers a bold, modern take on classic hard rock, blending soaring hooks, rich melodies, and anthemic arrangements. The core lineup features Mason (lead vocals, bass, rhythm guitar), Jimmy Katone (drums), Peter Penhallow (keyboards), and Josef “Peppi” Gebhard (lead guitar), a seasoned ensemble known for their tight musical chemistry and high-octane performances.
Following the success of their 2024 debut I Can’t Wait (Lions Pride Music), MASON returns with Seconds to Impact, a record that pushes their signature sound to new heights. From stadium-ready rockers to emotionally charged ballads, the album promises a dynamic listening experience for AOR and melodic rock fans worldwide.
“This album takes everything we started and elevates it,” says Marcus Mason. “Every track is crafted to stay with you, whether it’s a hard-hitting anthem or a smooth, melodic cut.”
Featuring an All-Star Lineup:
In addition to the core band, Seconds to Impact showcases an impressive roster of guest musicians:
Rick Mead on Guitars (Helix, Syre, Platinum Overdose)
Markus Pfeffer on Guitars (Barnabas Sky, Atlantis Drive, Lazerus Dream)
Jon Willoughby on Guitars (Bombay, Rio, Big Talk, Leo Lyons Band, Starseedz)
John McAfee on Guitars (The Affair, Big Game, Whitehead & Mac)
Steve Rodford on Percussion (Rio, Leo Lyons Band, John Verity, Asia, The Zombies)
tSooraj (Snarm) on Backing Vocals
Tim Thompson on Backing Vocals (Aces Wild, Abandoned Souls)
“Working with this incredible group of artists has been a career highlight,” Mason adds. “They each brought something exceptional to the music.”
Pottermore and Audible Reveal New Casting for Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions Ahead of November 2025 Launch
Pottermore Publishing, the global digital Harry PotterT publisher, and Audible, Inc., a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today revealed further casting of fan favourite roles in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions.
Today’s announcement includes:
- Mark Addy (Game of Thrones) as Rubeus Hagrid
- Daniel Mays (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Line of Duty) as Dobby
- Alex Hassell (The Boys, Rivals) as Lucius Malfoy
- Sara and Avni Deshmukh (Iconicakes) as The Patil Twins
The iconic roles of Hagrid, Dobby, Lucius Malfoy and The Patil Twins were initially announced during the Back to Hogwarts 2025 Showcase.
1st September marks Harry Potter’s yearly return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and has become a date uniting fans around the world in celebration of their shared love of these stories.
Mark Addy said, “Hagrid has a special place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans worldwide, and it’s an honour to bring this cherished character’s lines to life in these imaginative audio productions from Pottermore and Audible. The humanity and warmth that Hagrid displays is integral to the stories, and listeners will be captivated by how this amazing sonic world captures his larger-than-life presence and emotional depth.”
This news follows the first casting announcement for Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions which included Golden Globe Award winner Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA Award winner Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, Academy Award winner and Emmy Award winner Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, BAFTA Award nominee Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, and Laurence Olivier Award and Critics Choice Award nominee Cush Jumbo OBE as the narrator. Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger respectively in audiobooks one, two, and three. Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis will assume the roles of the beloved trio (Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively) beginning in audiobook four, carrying through to the epic conclusion.
Additional cast members will be announced this fall. These brand-new productions of the original seven stories by J.K. Rowling will showcase the listening experiences as never heard before—offering immersive audio entertainment through high-quality sound design in Dolby Atmos, stunning scoring, captivating performances from A-list actors, original music, and real-world sound capture. Casting was completed in early 2025 and production is nearly wrapped with over 2,000 recording hours logged to date to create these complete, unabridged editions.
Following Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s [Philosopher’s] Stone releasing on November 4, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets releases December 16, 2025; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban releases January 13, 2026; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire releases February 10, 2026; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix releases March 10, 2026; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince releases April 14, 2026; culminating with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on May 12, 2026.
iMused.ai Launches Ethical AI Music Platform to Protect, Credit, and Pay Artists
iMused.ai, powered by the social impact venture 144K Collective and by 9th Ward Production and Promotions Company, today debuts the first ethical AI music platform designed to protect, credit, and pay artists every time their creative DNA inspires a new track, ushering in a game-changing model for AI-powered music creation and copyright compliance.
iMused.ai launches amid industry headlines of artists losing control and compensation as their sounds are replicated by AI without permission or payment. In direct contrast, iMused.ai puts fairness and transparency at its core, leveraging technology to ensure original creators are always valued both financially and artistically.
Redefining AI Music Creation
iMused.ai enables musicians and creators to go from concept to a fully produced, studio-quality song in just three minutes, dramatically accelerating the music development process without sacrificing authenticity or quality. At its heart lies Musical DNA Technology™, which analyzes an artist’s creative fingerprint such as their vocals, harmonies, chord progressions, and lyrics across 12+ dimensions to generate truly original and high-fidelity tracks.
A Platform Built for Artists—Not Just Algorithms
- Artists whose styles inspire new AI-generated songs (“muses”) automatically receive an auditable 10–20% royalty split and official co-producer credit on all works their Musical DNA powers every time a commercially exploited song is created.
- iMused.ai elevates ethical standards beyond itself: when a creator produces their song on iMused.ai and then generates or replicates that song on any other platform or studio, that platform is effectively creating a legally compliant and ethical work. Designed to operate seamlessly with any method of music creation (artificial or real) the app ensures both legal and ethical compliance across the board.
- iMused.ai requires Performing Rights Organization (PRO) registration, public attribution via ledger, and full industry compliance on all commercial releases, proactively supporting rights management and transparent recordkeeping.
- Output is tailored for both pure AI workflows and hybrid collaborations, bridging the gap between human musicianship and next-gen AI tools.
- The platform cultivates active collaboration: musicians, producers, and fans can share DNA profiles and co-create new music seamlessly.
A Social Impact-Driven Model
As a flagship product of 144K Collective and 9th Ward, iMused.ai exemplifies a business model rooted in purpose: 90% of profits are reinvested into community and impact initiatives rather than traditional profit sharing. This commitment is reflected not just in how iMused.ai’s technology is developed, but in every promotion.
“Our mission is simple: protect the art, empower the artist, and enable creators to innovate without compromise,” said Jay Davis, Founder of 144K Collective. “We’re reshaping the music industry so that AI-driven production is practical, profitable, and, most importantly, fair.”
A New Creative Economy for the AI Age
iMused.ai is not just a tool for faster production. It’s a movement to empower artists with new ways to monetize their influence, while upholding the rights and recognition they deserve. By making sure every “muse” is paid, credited, and celebrated, iMused.ai ensures a sustainable, transparent, and collaborative future for music.
For more information or media inquiries, please visit https://imused.ai/.
Lenny Kravitz to Headline The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar, October 22–26, 2025
Baha Mar, the leading resort destination in the Caribbean, is proud to announce 4-time GRAMMY® Award-winning writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, around multi-hyphenate icon and proud Bahamian Lenny Kravitz as this year’s headline performer for The 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. The highly anticipated celebration of world-class culinary talent and Caribbean artistic expression will take place Wednesday, October 22 through Sunday, October 26 at Baha Mar. The festival will feature an impressive roster of world-renowned chefs alongside the celebrated FUZE Caribbean Art Fair.
The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival kicks off with A Taste of Baha Mar, the weekend’s famed opening event for Weekend Passholders. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails and delicious fare by Baha Mar’s resident celebrity chefs along with an unforgettable private performance by the legendary Lenny Kravitz. A proud Bahamian with deep roots through his mother’s family, Lenny Kravitz is returning to the islands that have long been his home and creative muse. As a lifelong visitor who now often resides in Eleuthera, Kravitz famously penned his hit song “Fly Away” in The Bahamas. This performance is a homecoming, as he brings his legendary rock and roll spirit to the very place that helped shape his iconic sound.
“We are honored to welcome home one of the world’s greatest musical icons, Lenny Kravitz, to The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival stage,” said Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. “His deep personal connection to The Bahamas resonates with us all, and his performance is a full-circle moment. This is more than a concert; it’s an extraordinary celebration of Bahamian talent and island spirit, and we are ecstatic for our guests to experience it.”
“The Bahamas has always been my home, as well as heartfelt inspiration for my music,” said Lenny Kravitz, songwriter, musician, actor and record producer. “I’m humbled to join fellow Caribbean artists, creatives and innovators for The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, and I look forward to sharing this experience with a community that means so much to me.”
Following the exclusive evening performance by Kravitz on October 24, the festival welcomes a dazzling lineup of globally acclaimed chefs such as Marcus Samuelsson (Baha Mar Fish + Chop House), Daniel Boulud (Café Boulud The Bahamas), Dario Cecchini (Carna), and Scott Conant (Leola), along with Bahamian favorite Simeon Hall Jr. and popular Food Network stars Amanda Freitag, Carla Hall, Maneet Chauhan, and Geoffrey Zakarian. These culinary masters will lead interactive demonstrations, intimate dinners, master classes, and tastings alongside festival guests.
Tickets for the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival presented by Baha Mar are now available for purchase, offering attendees a curated selection of experiences to suit every preference. The Weekend Pass provides an all-access entry to events and exclusive activities throughout the festival, while single-event tickets are available for those who wish to attend specific culinary and artistic showcases. For a truly immersive experience, Baha Mar encourages guests to consider the exclusive Hotel Packages, which bundle a Weekend Pass with discounted accommodations at the Rosewood, SLS, or Grand Hyatt hotels.
To secure attendance to this unparalleled celebration of culinary arts, live music and culture, visit the official website to purchase tickets: https://festival.bahamar.com/festival-events/.
XG Announce Debut Full-Length Album ‘X-Pop’ Out January 23, 2026, Following A-Nation Headline Set
Hip-hop and R&B-inspired girl group XG will release its debut full-length album in January 2026, via XGALX. The ladies shared the news during their appearance this weekend at A-Nation 2025, Japan’s largest summer festival, in Tokyo.
This marks XG’s first music festival appearance since Coachella 2025 (Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival) in April this year. Their performance at America’s largest music festival garnered high praise from both domestic and international media outlets, trending at number two on the global X trend chart and creating a major sensation worldwide.
XG, welcomed by thunderous audience applause as the headlining act, appeared in costumes specially prepared for the day, fully expressing XG’s unique personalities. They kicked off with the danceable tracks “TGIF” and “Something Ain’t Right,” instantly painting the venue with XG’s signature color. During the summer-tinged dance track “New Dance,” audience members swayed and danced along. Jurin hyped up the crowd, saying, “Since this is the last show today, I hope it’s a truly wonderful time where we can all feel like we’re traveling through space together!”
For “GRL GVNG,” the first track by a Japanese artist ever to top the US Billboard chart, and “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter — they thrilled the audience with a sophisticated performance with choreography using chairs. From “Hesonoo + X-Gene,” XG’s first all-rap song “Woke Up,” which went viral worldwide, delivered a breathtaking stage performance that instantly raised the venue’s energy levels.
During “IYKYK” and “Puppet Show,” they mesmerized the audience with dynamic, energetic performances. On stage, Hinata commented, “This is actually XG’s first live stadium performance, and we’re having so much fun being able to perform in front of so many people!” For the popular Japanese track “Mascara” and “Million Places,” which celebrates the special journey of their world tour, the members rode on moving platforms to further energize the entire venue.
“Is This Love,” the global campaign song for Shiseido’s “Anessa” that ranked on Billboard Japan’s comprehensive Hot 100 chart for 22 consecutive weeks, enveloped the venue in a frenzy with a performance mixing piano and original versions. They also performed “Left Right,” which became the first track by a Japanese female artist and Japanese group to rank on the US radio chart Mediabase Top 40 Radio Airplay Chart. They concluded with “Shooting Star,” ending their approximately 50-minute, 13-song set with fireworks.
After the members left the stage, the large screen displayed footage of member Harvey opening her eyes amid rising smoke, announcing that XG would release their highly anticipated first full-length album on January 23, 2026. This surprise announcement caused a stir in the venue and was met with loud cheers. Being XG’s first full album, anticipation is high for what kind of work and concept it will showcase. A special website for the project was also launched alongside this announcement.
The project will serve as a bold statement, capturing the group’s deepest essence. The album moves freely across genres, weaving together different eras and spaces to create a boundless musical journey. At the heart of these transformations remains XG’s unwavering identity and distinctive energy.
It stands as a declaration of X-pop, a new genre crafted by XG themselves. Guided by the belief that “good music holds value on its own,” the album expresses a timeless journey that transcended boundaries of time, space, and culture.
This release represents the most candid reflection of who XG was at that moment and marks a powerful starting point for the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
Starting September 1st, the world tour of The First Howl exhibition will begin at Harajuku Laforet Museum in Tokyo. This exhibition will feature carefully selected photos taken during the tour, displays of actual stage costumes, video content, and sales of new limited merchandise, so please be sure to check it out.
XG will also embark on their China Festival Tour, performing consecutively at major Chinese music festivals in Beijing on October 2nd, Guangzhou on October 4th, and Luzhou on October 7th. On October 11-12, they will perform at Coca‑Cola X Fes 2025 held at Saitama Super Arena.