Daily Music Headlines

aespa released “WDA (Whole Different Animal)” featuring G-Dragon, the first single from upcoming album LEMONADE. The synth-heavy track explores reality vs. digital identity; video shows the group reclaiming themselves amid chaos.Daz Dillinger is suing Tupac Shakur’s estate over alleged unpaid royalties tied to All Eyez on Me. He claims a 2024 payment of $91K is insufficient and is seeking a full audit.Anthrax will release Cursum Perficio Sept. 18, their first album in over a decade. The band cites touring and the pandemic for the gap since 2016’s For All Kings.Hannah Harper won American Idol Season 24. The finale featured Alicia Keys and judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie; Harper performed with Lee Ann Womack.Hawaiʻi musicians are pushing back on AI airport music. Roger Bong released Music for the Airport, a 17-track human-made compilation spotlighting local artists.The James Brown Family Foundation announced a Broadway musical, Papa Didn’t Take No Mess, co-written by daughter Deanna Brown-Thomas, promising a candid portrayal of his life.Sony Music Publishing is acquiring Recognition Music Group’s catalog (45K+ songs) for ~$2B, including works from Fleetwood Mac, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.An Oasis reunion tour documentary will hit IMAX and theaters Sept. 11, featuring new interviews with the Gallagher brothers and footage from the Live ’25 tour.Def Leppard is working on a new album for early 2027, featuring diverse styles, orchestration, and their fastest song to date, using a remote recording approach.Devin Townsend announced a UK/Europe solo tour for Sept.–Oct., marking his return to live performances.Gustavo Dudamel led the New York Philharmonic with the Spanish Harlem Orchestra in NYC, blending classical and salsa in a push for broader community engagement.Top 5 Albums:The Great Divide – Noah KahanDandelion – Ella LangleyMiddle of Nowhere – Kacey MusgravesI’m the Problem – Morgan WallenThriller – Michael JacksonDiscord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscord

Red Hot Chili Peppers sold their recorded catalog (13 albums) to Warner Music Group for $300M+ as part of a $650M deal with Bain Capital, underscoring continued high value of legacy catalogs.WNBA star Caitlin Clark joined Morgan Wallen’s Indianapolis concert walkout on May 10, continuing his celebrity intro tradition on the Still the Problem Tour.Noah Kahan’s “The Great Divide” holds No. 1 for a second week (163K units). Kacey Musgraves debuts at No. 3; Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “Number Ones” return to the top 10 amid biopic buzz.Greta Van Fleet denied breakup rumors by teasing new song “Play Your Games,” easing fan concerns after cryptic online clues.Charli XCX released vinyl/Instagram-only B-side “I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” a softer companion to “Rock Music,” with a Kyoto-shot video.Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum launches Hammered festival (May 16–17), celebrating hammered dulcimer traditions worldwide with performances and talks led by Amir Amiri.Bastl unveiled a kalimba-style synthesizer combining physical modeling and FM synthesis, with touch-sensitive tines, built-in effects, and a looper.Altadena Music Theatre hosts May 24 benefit concert featuring Stephen Schwartz, Katharine McPhee, and Joey McIntyre to rebuild after fire damage.Dua Lipa filed a $15M lawsuit against Samsung, alleging unauthorized use of her likeness on TV packaging and false endorsement.The Beatles will get their first official museum/fan experience in 2027 at London’s 3 Savile Row, site of their 1969 rooftop concert.Top 5 Singles:#5 Ella Langley – “Be Her”#4 Olivia Rodrigo – “Drop Dead”#3 Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”#2 Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”#1 Ella Langley – “Choosin Texas”Join the Daily Music Headlines Discord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscord

The 2026 American Music Awards added KATSEYE and SOMBR to this year’s performer lineup, joining Hootie & the Blowfish, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, Teddy Swims, and Twenty One Pilots when the show airs live on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.variety.comMiley Cyrus will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, May 22, marking another major milestone in her career and tying neatly into her recent Something Beautiful era and “Walk of Fame” visual.billboard.comShakira teased “Dai Dai,” her upcoming collaboration with Burna Boy tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding to her long history with the tournament after “Waka Waka” and “La La La.”billboard.comYe testified in federal court during a copyright trial over early demo versions of his Donda songs “Hurricane” and “Moon,” saying his team followed the normal sample-clearance process and that people often try to take advantage of him financially because of his fame.music-news.comNo Doubt launched their Sphere residency in Las Vegas, with Gwen Stefani becoming the first woman to headline the venue as the band paired its biggest hits with immersive visuals built for the massive wraparound screen.music-news.comHayley Williams announced a fall 2026 tour across North and Latin America in support of her latest solo music, marking a return to headlining shows outside Paramore.variety.comParamount Pictures and Warner Music Group signed a multi-year first-look deal for theatrical films based on Warner Music artists and songwriters, though no specific biopic projects have been announced yet.variety.comNew Releases:“Una a la Vez” - J Balvin and Ryan Castromusic.apple.com“Rock Music” - Charli xcxmusic.apple.com“Boots” - Russell Dickerson feat. Fetty Wapmusic.apple.com“In the Stars” - The Rolling Stonesmusic.apple.com“Happy Now” - Lykke Limusic.apple.com

Drake Announces Final Iceman LivestreamDrake will livestream “Iceman Episode 4” on May 14, one day before the release of his upcoming album Iceman. The livestream series has been a major part of the rollout, previewing new music and cinematic visuals tied to the album’s icy theme. billboard.comThe Chemical Brothers Get Apex Streaming BoostThe Chemical Brothers’ 2015 song “Go” has surged after being featured in the Netflix thriller Apex, with Billboard reporting a 429% jump in streams following the film’s release. billboard.comBTS Meets Mexico’s PresidentBTS met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City ahead of their sold-out concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros. Sheinbaum praised the group’s messages of friendship, peace, and love, calling their return to Mexico “a historic moment.” koreatimes.co.krMichael Biopic Passes $420 MillionThe Michael Jackson biopic Michael has grossed more than $420 million worldwide in under two weeks, making it one of the highest-grossing music biopics ever and putting it within reach of Bohemian Rhapsody’s record. digitalmusicnews.comAustin City Limits Reveals 2026 LineupAustin City Limits Music Festival announced its 2026 lineup, led by Charli XCX, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The xx, Skrillex, and Kings of Leon. The 25th anniversary festival takes place Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 at Zilker Park. usatoday.comShakira’s Rio Concert Boosts Local EconomyShakira’s free Copacabana Beach concert in Rio de Janeiro drew roughly two million fans and generated an estimated $160 million for the local economy, according to city officials. music-news.com

Keityn took Songwriter of the Year for the third time at the 2026 ASCAP Latin Music Awards, while Romeo Santos earned Songwriter-Artist of the Year. Daddy Yankee extended his record as the most awarded Latin ASCAP songwriter with two more wins.Linda Perry will receive the international songwriter prize at the Ivor Novello Awards on May 21, honoring her work with 4 Non Blondes and hits for Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and P!nk.The Rolling Stones previewed their new album “Foreign Tongues” at a Brooklyn event with Conan O’Brien. The July 10 release features collaborators including Paul McCartney and Robert Smith.Ella Langley holds the top three spots on Hot Country Songs with “Choosin’ Texas,” “Be Her,” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore” (with Morgan Wallen), becoming the second woman after Beyoncé to do so. Her album “Dandelion” logs a third week at No. 1.Tori Kelly announced her sixth album “God Must Really Love Me,” due June 12, inspired by motherhood and featuring collaborators including DIXSON and Nija Charles.Avery Anna won New Female Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards, marking her first major industry honor.Jello Biafra is recovering well after a hemorrhagic stroke in March, regaining most speech and cognition.A coalition of 81 French cultural organizations is pushing for passage of the Darcos bill, which would require AI firms to prove they didn’t use copyrighted material in training, shifting the burden of proof in IP disputes.Cyma Forma introduced RND, a €125 one-button digital synth that generates randomized musical ideas; shipping begins in June.Van Halen will be the subject of a limited-edition book by Alex Van Halen via Genesis Publications, covering the band’s early years through “1984.”Top riffs played in Guitar Center stores (per MusicRadar):“Master of Puppets” – Metallica“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” – John MayerJoin the Daily Music Headlines Discord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscordFor Hammond Chamberlain, working behind the scenes, this is Brian Ibbott.Thanks again for listening.

Britney Spears pleads guilty to misdemeanor DUI, avoids jail; gets 12 months probation and DUI class after March arrest in Ventura County.Richie Sambora’s stolen 1976 Gibson Explorer resurfaces in a Paris vintage shop after 40+ years; will be played at Unbridled Eve Derby Gala.ABKCO settles lawsuit with Behr Paint over unlicensed use of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black” in an Instagram ad; terms undisclosed, licensing costs highlighted.Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion adds 25 artists to 2026 lineup including Old Crow Medicine Show and Sierra Ferrell; festival runs Sept. 11–13.Dolly Parton cancels Las Vegas shows due to ongoing health issues; treatment progressing but not ready to perform.Greta Van Fleet sparks breakup rumors with cryptic “Thanks for the wild ride” post; fans also speculate new music teaser.The Pussycat Dolls cancel North American reunion tour over low ticket sales; international dates continue, L.A. Pride appearance remains.AI startup Udio admits scraping YouTube audio for model training; Sony Music lawsuit ongoing despite some settlements.Gabriela Lena Frank wins Pulitzer Prize for “Picaflor: A Future Myth,” a 10-movement work inspired by Incan mythology and environmental themes.Miranda Lambert announces new single “Crisco” out May 15, blending country and disco with a nod to Loretta Lynn.Top 5 Albums:5. BTS – Arirang4. Kehlani – Kehlani3. Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem2. Ella Langley – Dandelion1,Noah Kahan – The Great DivideJoin the Daily Music Headlines Discord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscordFor Hammond Chamberlain, working behind the scenes, this is Brian Ibbott. Thanks again for listening.