In August 2025, RAYE took the stage at Lowlands Festival in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands, and delivered exactly the kind of performance that turns festival crowds into converts. The half-hour set drew on the emotional depth and R&B-pop power of ‘My 21st Century Blues,’ her six-Grammy-winning 2023 album, with vocals that hit hard and stage presence that filled every corner of the grounds. Lowlands, running since 1993 and drawing over 60,000 attendees annually to the Walibi Holland site, gave RAYE the perfect stage, and she made every moment count.
Josh Groban Takes On “Skyfall” as New Album ‘Cinematic’ Prepares for Liftoff
Josh Groban just dropped his rendition of “Skyfall,” the iconic title track from the James Bond film, and it’s exactly the kind of bold, cinematic swing you’d expect from an artist who’s built a career on making big songs feel even bigger. It’s the third release from his upcoming album ‘Cinematic,’ arriving May 8th via Reprise Records, and it lands with real weight.
‘Cinematic’ is a 10-track collection dedicated to the music of the silver screen. Produced by Greg Wells (credits include ‘Wicked,’ ‘The Greatest Showman,’ and records with Adele and Dua Lipa), the album was recorded in both Los Angeles and London. The tracklist pulls from decades of film history, drawing on songs from The Godfather, Casablanca, The Lion King, Stand By Me, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and more.
The album’s highlights are genuinely compelling. Groban delivers a Sicilian-language rendition of “Brucia La Terra” from The Godfather, performs a duet of “Unchained Melody” with Jennifer Hudson, and brings his father Jack Groban in for the trumpet solo on “Moon River.” These aren’t gimmicks. They’re thoughtful choices that give the project real emotional range.
Earlier singles have already set the tone. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, arrived first, followed by a sweeping take on “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca. Now “Skyfall” completes the pre-album rollout.
Groban’s GEMS World Tour wrapped last week after a run that spanned Hawaii, Asia, Australia, Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe. He heads back out in June for a North American run with Jennifer Hudson as special guest, hitting major rooms from Montreal to Salt Lake City. This fall, he returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for GEMS The Las Vegas Residency. Tickets and information are at joshgroban.com.
Off the road, Groban’s Find Your Light Foundation recently announced over $1.5 million awarded to 257 nonprofit organizations across 40 states in its most recent grant cycle, supporting arts education access for more than 600,000 K-12 students. In 20 years, the foundation has contributed over $7.5 million to more than 500 arts education organizations across the U.S.
‘Cinematic’ Tracklist:
- As Time Goes By (Casablanca)
- Skyfall (James Bond’s Skyfall)
- Brucia La Terra (The Godfather)
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King) featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
- When You Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio)
- Unchained Melody (Ghost) with Jennifer Hudson
- Remember Me (Coco)
- Moon River (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) featuring Jack Groban
- Against All Odds (Against All Odds)
- Stand By Me (Stand By Me)
North American Tour with Special Guest Jennifer Hudson:
June 2 – Montreal, QC – Place Bell
June 4 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
June 6 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
June 7 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
June 10 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center
June 12 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
June 16 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
June 17 – Atlanta, GA – Gas South Arena
June 19 – Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
June 20 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
June 24 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
June 25 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
June 27 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
June 28 – St Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena
July 1 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
July 3 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
Josh Groban: GEMS The Las Vegas Residency:
October 2 – Las Vegas, NV – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
October 3 – Las Vegas, NV – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
October 7 – Las Vegas, NV – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
October 9 – Las Vegas, NV – The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
BeachLife Festival 2026 Brings Duran Duran, Sheryl Crow, and James Taylor to Redondo Beach
BeachLife Festival 2026 hits the Redondo Beach waterfront May 1-3, and the lineup says everything. Duran Duran, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, The Offspring, My Morning Jacket, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, The Chainsmokers, Grouplove, Peach Pit, Flipturn, and dozens more are converging on 239 N Harbor Drive for three days of music, food, and coastal California energy. This is Southern California’s biggest live music weekend.
Four stages run across all three days. The HighTide Stage presented by Fiji Airways anchors the weekend with headliners Duran Duran (Friday), The Offspring (Saturday), and James Taylor (Sunday). The LowTide Stage presented by Cove Soda delivers The Chainsmokers, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, and My Morning Jacket on their respective nights. The RipTide Stage presented by LA Chargers and the SpeakEasy presented by STōK Cold Brew Coffee round out a schedule packed from early afternoon through late evening.
For those who can’t make it to Redondo Beach, BeachLife is livestreaming select performances for free at ions.com, presented by Music Gives to St. Jude Kids. Donations are encouraged, with all proceeds going directly toward supporting St. Jude families who never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
The festival experience goes well beyond the stages. The California Surf Club, the first-of-its-kind fine-dining membership club on the festival grounds, returns with Executive Chef Chase Carlson overseeing a gourmet dining experience with views over the LowTide stage and the Redondo Beach coast. Captain and Captain Plus ticketholders access the Captain’s Culinary Experience in the Captain’s Bungalow, featuring South Bay restaurants including Tin Roof Bistro, AttaGirl Hermosa Beach, and California Surf Club North Grill.
The beloved California Craft Brew Tent is back, with Embolden Beer Company serving as the official craft beer partner. New this year, the Aperol Garden brings a relaxed Italian-coast atmosphere to the grounds, while Cove Soda hosts the Cove Bar and Cove Soda Shoppe at the LowTide Stage. STōK Cold Brew Coffee rolls in with a custom vintage cold brew truck, games, and giveaways at the SpeakEasy Stage.
New partners joining the 2026 festival include Fiji Airways, whose on-site Kava Bar celebrates authentic Fijian culture, along with a chance to win a trip for two to Fiji. Citizens Private Bank joins as the official financial services partner, hosting VIP ticket holders on the High Tide VIP Deck. Aboard brings its reimagined all-new RV for an exclusive first look. Returning partners include Skechers, DAOU, Hendrick’s Gin, Jack Daniel’s, Tequila Herradura, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.
Practical details: the festival runs Friday May 1 from 2pm to 10:30pm, Saturday May 2 from 12pm to 10:30pm, and Sunday May 3 from 12pm to 9:15pm. Rideshare is strongly encouraged, with drop-off and pick-up at Dive N Surf parking lot (504 N Broadway). A free bike valet operates near the main entrance. A clear bag policy is in effect, and lockers with mobile chargers are available for all ticket levels. Tickets are on sale now at beachlifefestival.com, with some tiers already sold out. All ages are welcome, and children six and under are free with a ticketed adult.
2026 Performance Schedule:
Friday, May 1
HighTide Stage presented by Fiji Airways
9:00 PM Duran Duran
6:20 PM Grouplove
4:20 PM Fitz & The Tantrums
2:20 PM Jeremy Buck
LowTide Stage presented by Cove Soda
7:30 PM The Chainsmokers
5:20 PM Flipturn
3:20 PM BØRNS
RipTide Stage presented by LA Chargers
7:30 PM The Schizophonics
5:20 PM Willowake
3:20 PM The Only Bay Allstars
SpeakEasy presented by STōK Cold Brew Coffee
6:30 PM Jen Pop (The Bombpops)
4:30 PM Triple Bueno
2:40 PM Taft Buckley
Saturday, May 2
HighTide Stage presented by Fiji Airways
9:00 PM The Offspring
6:15 PM Slightly Stoopid
4:10 PM Switchfoot
2:10 PM Sugar Ray
12:20 PM Landon McNamara
LowTide Stage presented by Cove Soda
7:35 PM Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
5:10 PM Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
3:10 PM Bad Suns
1:15 PM Fortunate Youth
RipTide Stage presented by LA Chargers
7:50 PM Surfer Girl
5:15 PM Makua
3:10 PM Easy Honey
1:15 PM Pawnshop Kings
SpeakEasy presented by STōK Cold Brew Coffee
6:30 PM Jason Devore (Authority Zero)
4:25 PM Mike Watt (Minutemen)
2:25 PM Jim Lindberg (Pennywise)
12:30 PM Water Tower
Sunday, May 3
HighTide Stage presented by Fiji Airways
7:45 PM James Taylor
4:55 PM Sheryl Crow
2:35 PM Poolside
12:20 PM Chris Pierce
LowTide Stage presented by Cove Soda
6:20 PM My Morning Jacket
3:45 PM Peach Pit
1:20 PM Buena Vista Orchestra
RipTide Stage presented by LA Chargers
6:20 PM Winyah
3:40 PM Daniel Bonte
1:20 PM Dogpark
12:20 PM Greg In Good Company
SpeakEasy presented by STōK Cold Brew Coffee
5:15 PM Hendrix Frankenreiter
2:45 PM The Spinouts
12:45 PM Righteous Waves
Foo Fighters Deliver High Intensity Festival Masterpiece At Paris Rock En Seine
Foo Fighters turned the Domaine de Saint-Cloud into a massive high-voltage circuit during this definitive 2005 performance. Captured at the peak of the ‘In Your Honor’ tour, the set captures a group operating with a level of sonic density that few of their peers could match. Dave Grohl’s vocal intensity serves as the anchor, but it’s the rhythmic interplay between Taylor Hawkins’ percussive power and Pat Smear’s guitar work that pushes the show into the red. They move through staples like “Best of You” and “Everlong” with a professional grit, proving exactly why they transitioned from post-grunge contenders to permanent stadium fixtures. This recording stands as a visceral document of the band’s ability to command a crowd of thirty thousand through sheer melodic weight and relentless momentum.
Video: Blink-182 Tear Through High-Octane Festival Set At The Forum In Inglewood
Pop-punk legends Blink-182 turned the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO festival into a clinic on high-velocity nostalgia and modern muscle. This 2020 set at The Forum captures a specific, potent era of the group, with Matt Skiba locking in alongside the foundational engine of Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. The trio didn’t just lean on their massive catalog; they revitalized it, sandwiching newer cuts like “Darkside” between the heavy-hitting anthems that defined a generation. From the opening blast of “Feeling This” to a chaotic finale that mashed “Dammit” with a surprise nod to TLC, the performance moved with a frantic, controlled energy. It remains a testament to the band’s enduring ability to command an arena through sheer percussive force and undeniable hooks.
Michael Stipe Confirms Debut Solo Album After Performing New Track “The Rest Of Ever” On The Late Show
Michael Stipe just shattered a fifteen-year silence with a single television appearance. Sitting across from Stephen Colbert, the legendary frontman confirmed his first-ever solo album arrives late this year. It’s a seismic shift for a voice that defined the alternative rock landscape for three decades. He didn’t just talk, though. He brought a brand new song to the stage, giving us the first real glimpse into his private creative world. This isn’t a nostalgia trip. It’s the beginning of a completely new chapter.
The transition from frontman to solo identity has been a long time coming. Since R.E.M. dissolved in 2011, we’ve only seen fragments of Stipe’s musical output. He spent years working in photography and visual art, but the pull of the studio finally took hold. He admits the pressure of his previous catalog created a high bar for this project. That tension has resulted in something far more idiosyncratic than anything we heard on ‘Collapse Into Now’. The record is officially on the calendar for late 2026.
Stipe is leaning heavily into experimental textures and found sounds. He described a process where he recorded a tree in his Georgia backyard and fed it through MIDI. The result apparently sounds like Daft Punk (nature hearing itself for the first time). It’s a surreal feedback loop that replaces traditional guitar frameworks with digital manipulation and organic field recordings. This approach highlights his current interest in the intersection of biology and electronic music. It’s a bold departure from the jangle-pop of his Athens roots.
There’s a certain playfulness in the new material as well. He revealed that a sea shanty motif based on “Drunken Sailor” made its way onto the record. During the interview, he shared misheard lyrics involving duct tape and donkey ears. It’s clear he’s having fun with the structural constraints of songwriting. He even joked about Billie Eilish playing a younger version of him in a biopic. That humor translates into a tracklist that feels both experimental and human.
The live debut of “The Rest Of Ever” landed with immediate melodic weight and a sophisticated rhythmic pulse. Performed with Louis Cato and The Great Big Joy Machine, the track showcased Stipe’s evolving spoken-sung phrasing. It’s an early indicator that the album will focus on texture and atmosphere rather than radio-ready singles. The collaboration with Colbert’s house band provided a lush, live anchor for his abstract compositions. The performance felt urgent, confident, and entirely necessary.
Despite the solo focus, the bond with his former bandmates remains a cornerstone of his life. He emphasized that the members of R.E.M. are still best friends who talk constantly. Their 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction was a rare moment of public unity, but this new work is a solitary path. Stipe is authoring this world on his own terms without the democratic requirements of a group. It’s the sound of a legacy artist finding a new frequency.
Swedish Melodic Rock Force The Devil Wears Nada Drop “Elephant In The Room”
The Scandinavian rock resurgence found its new champions in the heart of Falköping. The Devil Wears Nada are pushing the boundaries of melodic hard rock with a cinematic vision that prioritizes massive hooks and theatrical flair. It’s a sound that bridges the gap between the neon-soaked 1980s and the high-fidelity production of the modern era. They aren’t interested in simple revivalism; they’re building something far more atmospheric and enduring.
The latest transmission from the group arrives in the form of a grand, hook-driven power ballad titled “Elephant In The Room” on April 24. Co-written with Eurovision winner Sampsa Astala, the track leans into the cinematic grandeur of the 80s dancefloor. It’s a deliberate pivot toward a more expansive, emotionally charged sound that feels both nostalgic and vital. The collaboration brings a sense of scale that’s often missing in contemporary rock releases.
Working with a veteran like Astala has clearly sharpened the songwriting edge of these Swedish rockers. They’re drawing inspiration from the likes of Roxette while maintaining the macabre, dramatic energy that defined their debut. Guitarist Henrik Westergren describes the sound as a mix of raw pulse and a fascination for the bizarre. It’s an intoxicating combination that works because it refuses to compromise on melody or muscle.
This single serves as the first major entry point for the upcoming sophomore album ‘In Lust We Thrust’. Arriving July 3 on Eonian Records, the project promises to raise the creative bar for the quartet. It follows the global success of ‘Postalgia’, a record that quickly became a coveted collector’s item for melodic rock purists. They’ve captured a specific kind of lightning here, blending polished harmonies with arena-sized ambition.
The Devil Wears Nada aren’t just looking back at the golden era of glam and AOR. They’re reawakening it for a new generation of listeners who demand professional-grade arrangements and high-impact energy. The track lands with a staggering melodic weight that positions them as a formidable force in the European rock circuit. It’s a bold statement from a group that’s just getting started.
‘In Lust We Thrust’ Track Listing:
96.2 FM Postalgia Radio
Brat With a Baseball Bat
Last Forever
Misery Is You
In Lust We Thrust
Elephant In the Room
Victoria (Featuring Evan Stanley)
Dead & Breakfast
Shotgun Wedding
Wednesday
Ms. Black Widow
Kehlani Drop Massive Self Titled Album Featuring High Profile Collaborations Today
The evolution of modern R&B reaches a definitive peak today as Kehlani celebrates their birthday with the release of the fifth studio album, ‘KEHLANI’. This project isn’t just another addition to a discography; it’s a self-titled manifesto that strips away the industry gloss to reveal an artist in total command of their narrative. After a run of singles that dominated the charts and the awards circuit, the full body of work has finally arrived to anchor the cultural conversation. Listen here.
The momentum behind this release is undeniable, fueled by the staggering success of the double Grammy-winning anthem “Folded”. That track alone has moved the needle with over 800 million global streams and a persistent presence at the top of the Rhythmic and Urban radio charts. It set a high bar for the rest of the album, establishing a sonic palette that balances sophisticated vulnerability with the kind of heavy, infectious grooves that define the current era.
The collaborative spirit on ‘KEHLANI’ is exceptional, bringing together a roster of icons and innovators that read like a hall of fame ballot. From the rhythmic interplay with Missy Elliott on “Back and Forth” to contributions from legends like Usher, Lil Wayne, and Brandy, the album feels like a curated celebration of the genre. These aren’t just features for the sake of names; each guest adds a specific texture to Kehlani’s expansive vocal arrangements and sharp songwriting.
Beyond the digital landscape, the connection to the fans remains grounded in real-world community. In Toronto, the local favorite Pho Ngoc Yen on Adelaide St W is hosting a unique activation today between 12-6pm. Fans dropping by for a meal have the opportunity to secure signed vinyl, exclusive apparel, and posters. It’s a smart, grassroots nod to a city that has long championed the artist’s work.
This release follows a year of significant accolades, including the Alchemist Award at the Femme It Forward Gala and a forthcoming Impact Award at Billboard Women in Music. With over 5 billion global streams already in the books, the arrival of ‘KEHLANI’ isn’t just a release date, it’s a victory lap. The music hits with a profound emotional weight and a polished, world-class execution that justifies every bit of the anticipation.
‘KEHLANI’ Tracklist:
- Intro
- Anotha Luva (feat. Lil Wayne)
- No Such Thing (feat. Clipse)
- Folded
- I Need You (feat. Brandy)
- Oooh
- Back and Forth (feat. Missy Elliott)
- Shoulda Never (feat. Usher)
- You Got It
- Out The Window
- Still
- Call Me Back (feat. T-Pain & Lil Jon)
- Pocket (feat. Cardi B)
- Lights On (feat. Big Sean)
- Sweet Nuthins (feat. Leon Thomas)
- Cruise Control
- Unlearn
Boy Blu Arrives Fully Formed With Six-Track Debut EP ‘Eye of Desire’
Boy Blu claims his space in the pop landscape with a debut that functions as a high-intensity transmission from the intersection of the dance floor and the psyche. ‘Eye of Desire’ is out now, arriving as a six-track collection that refuses to play it safe. The project moves with a calculated friction, blending the grit of late-night club culture with the shimmering veneer of top-tier pop production. Listen here.
The music operates on a level of theatricality rarely seen in a debut. It draws a direct line from the industrial-pop blueprints of the mid-2000s to the current hyper-digital sounds of the underground. The songwriting doesn’t hide behind metaphors, instead choosing to tackle the complexities of longing and self-possession with total transparency. It’s a sonic environment where vulnerability is treated as a position of strength.
The rhythmic foundation of the EP pulls from a wide variety of influences, including the heavy syncopation of the Atlanta scene and the cold precision of European electronic music. Every arrangement feels intentional, moving between breathy, intimate moments and massive, synth-driven crescendos. This isn’t just background music; it’s a fully realized world-building exercise from a performer who understands the power of a visual and sonic brand.
Recent appearances have already positioned the artist as a significant figure within the creative community. The momentum built through the release of singles “Platinum Pleasure” and “Love Me Down” has culminated in a project that feels earned. By combining the physical discipline of a professional dancer with the instinct of a songwriter, the tracks carry a natural momentum and a heavy melodic weight.
There’s a specific kind of magnetism in the way the production handles tension. “Eye of Desire came from me trying to understand what it feels like to watch yourself change just to be desired,” says Boy Blu. The result is an unapologetic, sensual, and forward-facing body of work that demands immediate attention. It’s a rare debut that arrives with this much confidence and stylistic clarity.
‘Eye of Desire’ Track Listing:
- Eye of Desire
- Platinum Pleasure
- Love Me Down
- Hurricane
- Whiplash
- Hot Honey
Top Gun Returns to the Big Screen for Its 40th Anniversary, and This Time It’s in IMAX
Top Gun turns 40 this year, and Paramount Pictures is sending it back to theatres the right way. Starting May 13th, the 1986 original returns for a one-week-only theatrical event in 4DX, ScreenX, Premium Large Formats and IMAX, marking the first time the film has ever been presented in any of those formats. Tickets are on sale now.
The re-release pairs the original with Top Gun: Maverick, the 2022 sequel that earned over $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office, landed as the number one film of that year and became the highest-grossing film in Paramount Pictures’ history. Two films, one big screen event, back to back.
Tony Scott’s original still holds. Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Val Kilmer as Iceman, the F-14s, the volleyball scene, the Giorgio Moroder soundtrack, all of it lands differently at scale. Seeing it in IMAX for the first time is a legitimate reason to go.
May 13th is also Top Gun Day, with a limited-edition collectible print available at participating theatres while supplies last. Showtimes and listings are at topgunmovie.com.