A heavy new voice rises from the American South with no interest in playing it safe.
Broadslab deliver their full-length album ‘The Fifth Essence’ on June 26, pushing forward a sound they call Hellacious Soul Metal. It’s a raw fusion of Southern groove, psychedelic weight, and straight-ahead heavy metal drive. Pre-save it here.
The rollout is already underway. Lead single “Keep on Rollin’” is out now, with “Leslie” arriving May 22. Both tracks hit with grit and force, laying down the band’s identity with zero hesitation.
Broadslab lean into deep roots. Their sound pulls from classic rock traditions while pushing into darker, heavier territory. Thick riffs meet swampy rhythm, creating something that feels lived-in and unfiltered.
Their name carries history. Drawn from a region tied to moonshine culture, Broadslab channel that outlaw energy into every track. The music moves with stories of backroads, late nights, and a lifestyle that runs outside the lines.
The album was recorded and mixed by Mike Dean, with production handled by the band alongside Dean. The approach keeps everything direct. No gloss, no overproduction, just heavy, grounded sound that hits hard.
North Carolina promoter Tony Leonard puts it plainly: “If the Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath and Captain Beyond had a threesome, Broadslab would be the dirty result.” It’s a description that matches the band’s weight and attitude.
This release lands with impact. ‘The Fifth Essence’ holds together as a full statement, packed with groove, pressure, and a clear sense of identity. Broadslab are moving forward with force, carving out space on their own terms.
Chicago’s end-of-summer soundtrack locks into place with the return of Summer’s Last Dance.
The independent festival is back for its third year on September 19, with tickets on sale now. Built from the ground up by promoter Bobby De Maria, the one-day event has quickly carved out space as a defining sendoff to the season.
Summer’s Last Dance moves with a clear identity. It brings together electronic, hip-hop, and house under one banner, reflecting the city’s deep and diverse music culture. Past lineups have featured names like Destructo, The Knocks, Slushii, and Chicago pioneer Marshall Jefferson, alongside global acts like Cheat Codes and KSHMR.
That cross-genre approach continues to drive the festival forward. Each edition pulls from different corners of the scene while keeping the focus on energy, connection, and a shared experience across audiences.
Tickets start at $24, opening the door to a wide range of fans. The accessibility is intentional, keeping the event grounded in community while still delivering a full-scale festival atmosphere.
The festival also carries a deeper connection beyond the stage. Summer’s Last Dance once again partners with the Miracle Michael Fund, supporting families affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. A portion of every ticket and sponsor dollar goes directly toward support and research.
“Summer’s Last Dance is all about bringing people together for one final sendoff to Summer, but it’s also about showing up for something bigger than ourselves,” says De Maria. “That’s been part of the mission from day one, and it’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Miracle Michael again this year.”
Now in its third year, the festival continues to stand as one of Chicago’s last independently operated major music events. It delivers a more intimate, community-driven experience without losing scale.
The 2026 lineup arrives May 27, adding the next chapter to a festival that’s building momentum with each edition.
The Black Keys just pushed their gritty aesthetic into a new gear with the arrival of ‘Peaches!’ today. This collection hits the streets via Easy Eye Sound as a raw look at where Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney stand today. Alongside the record, they’ve debuted a music video for “She Does It Right.” You can watch it now to see the duo performing outside Memphis’s iconic Hernando’s Hideaway. It’s an immediate signal of where they’re heading creatively.
Energy is already high for this project. The lead single “You Got To Lose” held the top spot at Canadian Active Rock Radio for four straight weeks. It joins “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire” as an immediate staple in their massive catalog. These tracks prove that their knack for gritty, infectious blues rock remains untouched after two decades. The album lands with a raw urgency that highlights their ability to turn grit into essential rock.
This record feels more natural than anything they’ve done since their 2002 debut. It grew out of a heavy personal period for Auerbach during his father’s illness. Carney stepped in to ensure his lifelong friend had a creative outlet in the studio. They cranked the amps and tapped into something purely instinctive. It’s a 10-song set that prioritizes feeling over perfection.
Their obsessive record-collecting habit fueled the sound of ‘Peaches!’. The duo spent time digging for 45s to play at their famous Record Hang DJ parties. Some of those discoveries turned into the foundations for these new tracks. You can hear that archival energy in the jagged riffs and pummeling drum fills. It’s a deep dive into the musical archaeology that keeps them inspired.
The visual identity of the album keeps things in the family and the history books. Iconic photographer William Eggleston provided the cover art, following his work on ‘Delta Kream’. Michael Carney handled the art direction, returning to the style of their early Grammy-winning releases. This aesthetic choice mirrors the raw, unrefined spirit found inside the music.
The “PEACHES ‘N KREAM WORLD TOUR” is currently moving through North America. They’ve debuted a brand new live lineup that breathes fresh air into early favorites like “Busted.” Fans are seeing jammed-out versions of classic hits alongside the new material. Demand is so high that they’ve added a third show at the British Airways ARC in London this September.
They’re currently taking over New Orleans for Jazz Fest. After headlining the Gentilly Stage tonight, they’ll host a late-night Record Hang at Toulouse Theatre. It follows a special warm-up show at Red’s Lounge in Mississippi where they played with blues legends yesterday. This band lives for the stage and the deep history of the music they play.
Peaches! Tracklist:
“Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire”
“Stop Arguing Over Me”
“Who’s Been Foolin’ You”
“It’s a Dream”
“Tomorrow Night”
“You Got To Lose”
“Tell Me You Love Me”
“She Does It Right”
“Fireman Ring the Bell”
“Nobody But You Baby”
2026 Tour Dates:
5/1 New Orleans, LA at New Orleans Jazz Fest
5/3 Louisville, KY at The Louisville Palace Theater
5/4 Columbus, OH at Mershon Auditorium
5/5 Columbus, OH at Mershon Auditorium
5/7 Port Chester, NY at The Capitol Theatre
5/8 Niagara Falls, ON at Fallsview Casino Resort
5/9 Philadelphia, PA at Franklin Music Hall
5/11 Brooklyn, NY at Brooklyn Paramount
5/12 Brooklyn, NY at Brooklyn Paramount
5/27 Troutdale, OR at Edgefield Amphitheater
5/29 Carnation, WA at Remlinger Farms
5/30 Carnation, WA at Remlinger Farms
5/31 Vancouver, BC at Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
6/3 Edmonton, AB at Rogers Place
6/5 Calgary, AB at Spruce Meadows
6/6 Calgary, AB at Spruce Meadows
6/8 Jackson, WY at Snow King Resort
6/9 Ogden, UT at Ogden Amphitheater
6/11 Stateline, NV at Harveys Lake Tahoe
6/12 Las Vegas, NV at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
6/13 Santa Barbara, CA at Santa Barbara Bowl
7/16 Chicago, IL at The Salt Shed
7/17 Saint Paul, MN at Minnesota Yacht Club Fest
7/19 Chesterfield, MO at The Factory
7/20 La Vista, NE at The Astro
7/21 Oklahoma City, OK at The Zoo Amphitheatre
7/23 Dallas, TX at Bomb Factory
7/24 Houston, TX at Lawn at White Oak Music Hall
7/25 New Braunfels, TX at Whitewater Amphitheatre
7/28 Clearwater, FL at Coachman Park
7/29 St Augustine, FL at The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
Lizzo just redefined the pop landscape with the arrival of “Bitch.” This title track lands as a heavy-hitting preview of her third studio album (also titled ‘Bitch’) arriving June 5, 2026. It’s a massive statement from a performer who’s already secured her place in the history books. She’s not just making music, she’s steering the entire cultural conversation.
The production team features heavyweights Ricky Reed, Blake Slatkin, and Zack Sekoff. They’ve crafted a sound that interpolates the Meredith Brooks classic while keeping it firmly in Lizzo’s signature wheelhouse. This track carries a relentless infectious energy that proves exactly why she dominates the global charts. It’s a sharp, polished anthem that feels instantly essential.
Accompanying the song is a striking new visual directed by child. It features the superstar and her entourage as circus performers, adding a high-concept layer to the release. This follows the momentum of her previous single “Don’t Make Me Love U” which arrived last month. That track already established the tone for this new era of reflection and growth.
Her recent live run confirms the massive demand for her presence on stage. She recently wrapped 12 sold-out performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club in both Los Angeles and New York. This intimate series preceded a staggering show at the Houston Rodeo where she played to over 70,000 fans. She remains one of the most versatile and engaging performers working today.
The expansion of her brand continues with a first ever children’s book titled ‘Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’’. It hits shelves on September 8, 2026, through Simon & Schuster. On top of the literary launch, she’s stepping into a massive film role as Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The movie (titled “Rosetta”) comes from Amazon MGM Studios and further cements her status as a multi-threat powerhouse.
Chico’s delivered a jolt to the system with the arrival of “Too Late.” This release through New Morality Zine marks a significant shift for the California quintet. They’ve moved from their early college-era sounds into a space of high-intensity alternative rock. It’s a track that demands your full attention from the very first second.
The music runs for less than two minutes. This is a concentrated burst of punk energy and melodic aggression. Blistering guitars collide with a vocal performance that moves from raw power to a bluesy growl. You’ll find no wasted notes here.
Drummer Tony Rangel wrote the lyrics during a period of financial hardship. It’s a blunt examination of a system that keeps people in a cycle of repetitive labor. The line about throwing away your brain hits hard for anyone working through the daily grind. It’s a completely honest reflection on the reality of the modern workforce.
Rangel also directed the visual for the track (which you can stream now). It uses VHS footage to create a nostalgic aesthetic that eventually shifts into a surreal trip. The video matches the frantic pace of the music perfectly. It captures the energy of a group that’s hitting a new creative peak.
The road beckons immediately for this group. They’ve scheduled a West Coast run this month with Dreamcast and Free Concern. Later this year they join Death Lens for a series of dates across Texas and California. These shows promise to be high-energy affairs based on the speed of the new material.
The rhythm section provides a jagged foundation that keeps the energy levels high. It’s an impressive display of technical skill paired with raw emotion. They’re making music that feels necessary right now. This is a call to pay attention to one of the most exciting groups in the scene.
Cody Johnson commands the spotlight with the release of “Hello Lonesome” today. It’s the second offering from his upcoming collection ‘Banks Of The Trinity’ which arrives June 26, 2026. This track follows the massive success of his 2024 CMA Album of the Year ‘Leather’. He’s moving with a level of momentum that defines the current country landscape. Listen here.
The songwriting muscle on this track comes from Jimmy Yeary, Seth Mosley, and Matt Roger. It’s a heavy hitting combination that fits perfectly with his rugged vocal delivery. With 10 billion global streams already in the books, he’s found a sound that resonates on a massive scale. His current single “The Fall” holds a firm spot in the Top 5 this week.
The live energy matches the intensity of the studio recordings. He joins George Strait tomorrow at Memorial Stadium in Clemson for a historic in-the-round performance. This is the first concert at “Death Valley” since 1999. It’s a massive milestone that highlights his status as a top tier headliner in the game today.
Ticket demand is forcing his team to add more dates across the board. New shows are now on the calendar for Columbus, Jacksonville, and Oklahoma City to keep up with the rush. He’s coming off a year where he moved 400,000 tickets globally (including two sold-out nights at Bridgestone Arena). People want the real thing, and he’s delivering it every night.
Industry recognition continues to pile up for the Texas native. He heads into the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards with four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. The ceremony happens May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It’s another chance to see one of the genre’s best vocalists take center stage.
“Hello Lonesome” hits with a melodic weight and traditional grit that feels immediately essential. It’s a standout performance that confirms his place at the top of the industry.
A major cultural force meets a cause that continues to drive real change.
Snoop Dogg takes the stage at the 33rd annual Race to Erase MS Gala on June 5 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The announcement adds global star power to one of the most impactful fundraising nights supporting multiple sclerosis research.
Founded by Nancy Davis in 1993, Race to Erase MS has raised more than $58 million and helped accelerate over 26 FDA-approved therapies. The gala fuels the Center Without Walls program, a collaboration between leading research institutions working toward treatment advances and long-term solutions.
Snoop Dogg brings a career that spans decades and disciplines. With more than 40 million records sold and 22 studio albums released, his influence reaches music, film, television, and philanthropy. His presence adds weight and visibility to a night already defined by its mission.
“Each year, the Race to Erase MS Gala unites a passionate community dedicated to finding a cure,” says Davis. “We’re thrilled to welcome Snoop Dogg, a true icon, whose exciting performance will bring incredible energy to an all inspiring evening.”
The event also honors Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul with the Medal of Hope, recognizing leadership and impact in the entertainment industry. Jesse Palmer hosts the evening, which includes a fashion show from L’AGENCE, a silent auction, and a full dinner program.
The Center Without Walls continues to drive collaboration across Cedars-Sinai, UCSF, Harvard, Yale, and other major institutions. That collective approach has already shaped research breakthroughs and continues to push the field forward.
Race to Erase MS stands as one of the most important nights in Los Angeles philanthropy. With Snoop Dogg on stage, the 2026 gala carries both cultural impact and a clear message, the work continues and the momentum is real.
A sharp turn into rock grit defines Jimi’s next move.
The Toronto-based rock-blues force announces her new single “Leather Jacket,” out now, marking the first release under a global distribution partnership between Headwater Music Group and ADA Canada. It’s a major step that pushes her sound and reach forward at the same time. Listen here.
“Leather Jacket” leans into a harder-edged direction. The track carries weight and drive, a confident shift that builds on her live reputation across Canada. It lands with punch and presence, a strong statement from an artist tightening her grip on the rock space.
Jimi’s rise on stage has been steady and undeniable. Her recent Western Canada headline run included her first hard-ticket show, selling out opening night and continuing through eight more sold-out dates. That momentum now feeds directly into this release.
The single also moves into major league territory. “Leather Jacket” is one of three Canadian tracks featured throughout the 2026 Toronto Blue Jays season, with placement during home run celebrations and across Sportsnet broadcasts. It’s a high-visibility platform that amplifies her reach in real time.
Her path has already crossed with rock heavyweights. Jimi has shared stages with The Black Crowes and Def Leppard, while Bryan Adams remains a guiding presence in her corner. Those connections underline the foundation she’s building.
“I am beyond excited to be signing with Headwater Music Group and ADA Canada, this the beginning of a new era and I’m thrilled to be partnering with such an amazing team,” Jimi says.
Eric Wong, President of Warner Music Canada, adds: “Jimi is a talented artist who has built a strong foundation through her musicianship and a genuine connection with her audience. We are pleased to partner with her and the team at Headwater Music Group, whose innovative approach to artist development aligns with our mission at ADA.”
Her 2026 calendar is already filling fast, including a festival run highlighted by Ottawa Bluesfest alongside Ella Langley and Sheryl Crow. The pace is locked in, and the rollout continues through the year.
This release marks a clear step forward. Jimi is moving with force, expanding her sound and stepping onto a wider stage with control and confidence.
The ACM Awards are loading up for a major return, and the performance lineup just got deeper.
A new wave of names joins the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, expanding an already stacked roster. Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, and Thomas Rhett bring chart history and stage command, while rising voices like Avery Anna, Carter Faith, and Tucker Wetmore add fresh momentum.
The additions land alongside previously announced performers including Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Cody Johnson. That mix of established power and emerging talent gives the show real range across the current country landscape.
Shania Twain steps in as host, anchoring the broadcast with one of the genre’s most recognizable voices. The show streams live worldwide from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with a global reach that continues to expand the ACM footprint.
This year’s lineup also reflects major moments for several performers. Avery Anna hits the stage after earning New Female Artist of the Year, while Tucker Wetmore arrives fresh off his New Male Artist of the Year win. Both represent a new generation stepping into the spotlight with authority.
The Red Clay Strays make their ACM Awards debut, adding a distinct edge to the night. Jordan Davis, Ella Langley, and Zach Top round out a lineup that balances radio mainstays with fast-rising names.
Beyond the main show, ACM Awards week stretches across Las Vegas with multiple events, including the Whiskey Jam Welcome Party and Country on the Green. Keith Urban headlines the beach bash, keeping the energy moving through the entire weekend.
The 61st ACM Awards land as a full-scale celebration of where country stands right now. The lineup hits with depth, variety, and real star power, a strong snapshot of the genre in motion.
“Thriller” – Michael Jackson (feat. Vincent Price)
Vincent Price’s closing monologue and maniacal laugh is one of the most recognizable moments in pop music history. Jackson specifically sought out Price for the part, and the actor recorded it in one take. The laugh alone has become a cultural landmark.
“Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne
That manic, high-pitched cackle that opens the track sets the tone for everything that follows. Recorded for Osbourne’s debut solo album ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ in 1980, the laugh was entirely in character for a man building a reputation as rock’s ultimate wild card.
“Brain Damage” – Pink Floyd
The haunting, building laughter was provided not by any band member but by Peter Watts, the band’s road manager. It remains one of the most perfectly placed sonic details on ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ an album that left nothing to chance.
“Rock With You” – Michael Jackson
Jackson’s infectious, high-pitched giggle appears throughout his catalog, and this track captures it at its most natural and warm. It was rarely scripted, often left in because producers knew it added a personality no production trick could manufacture.
“Super Freak” – Rick James
That cheeky, funky laugh in the intro tells you everything about the song before a single lyric lands. Rick James was known for his flamboyant personality, and this opening moment is pure him, loose, confident, and completely in control.
“Wipe Out” – The Surfaris
One of the most manic laughing intros in rock history, immediately recognizable and impossible to mistake for anything else. The laugh was reportedly performed by drummer Ron Wilson, and it became as famous as the drum break that follows it.
“Feel Good Inc.” – Gorillaz (feat. De La Soul)
The sinister, echoing laugh that opens this track somehow makes the song both more unsettling and more irresistible at the same time. It was crafted to reflect the song’s themes of distraction and manufactured happiness, and it lands exactly right.
“Roxanne” – The Police
Sting’s brief laugh at the very top of the recording was entirely accidental. He sat on a piano before the take began, the sound startled him into laughter, and producer Nigel Gray kept it in. It’s now inseparable from one of the band’s most iconic songs.
“Hungry Like the Wolf” – Duran Duran
The playful laugh woven into this track carries a looseness and energy that adds real texture. Recorded during the ‘Rio’ sessions in 1982, it reflects the band at their most confident and adventurous, chasing a sound that was entirely their own.
“Sweet Emotion” – Aerosmith
Tom Hamilton’s bass-heavy, laid-back laughter opens this track before the iconic riff even kicks in. It’s one of rock’s great understated moments, setting a mood that perfectly previews everything the song delivers.
“That’s Life” – Frank Sinatra
Sinatra closes this classic with a laugh of pure swagger and resilience that lands like a final punctuation mark on one of his most defiant vocal performances. It sounds spontaneous, but everything Sinatra did in the studio was intentional.
“Sadeness (Part I)” – Enigma
A haunting, whispering laugh is buried deep in this atmospheric track, surfacing like something from a fever dream. It adds to the song’s deeply mysterious, cinematic quality and is easy to miss on first listen.
“The Situation” – Yazz
The laughter woven into this late-80s dance track carries an infectious energy that matches the song’s euphoric, celebratory spirit. It’s one of those details that makes the recording feel genuinely alive rather than just produced.
“The Message” – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
One of hip-hop’s most important recordings carries moments of dark, knowing laughter that cut through the song’s grim urban narrative with uncomfortable clarity. The laugh here tells you more than the words ever could.
“Mama” – Genesis
The opening of this 1983 track features one of the most unsettling laughs in rock history, a sinister, distorted cackle from Phil Collins processed through a LinnDrum machine. Collins has stated the laugh was directly inspired by the dark, knowing laughter woven through Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message,” making it one of the great cross-genre influences in pop music history. The combination of that laugh, the pulsing drum machine, and the brooding synths makes “Mama” one of Genesis’s most haunting recordings.
“Everybody Needs Love” – Bobby Womack
Womack’s laugh is deeply soulful and entirely his own, warm and lived-in in a way that only someone who has truly felt the music can produce. It’s a small moment that reveals everything about who he was as an artist.
