Music news

Short summaries of current music and artist stories, with links back to the original reporting.

Forbidden Announces New Self-Titled Album and Single 'Psyclops'

distortedsoundmag.com · Aug 12, 2026

Bay Area thrash metal veterans Forbidden have announced a new self-titled album, scheduled for release on October 23 via BLKIIBLK. According to Distorted Sound Magazine, guitarist Craig Locicero described the recording process as an odyssey aimed at capturing raw energy and melody. The band has also released a new single, 'Psyclops,' which Locicero noted was the final song completed for the record. An official music video for the track is now available. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story and to watch the video.

Jimmy Buffett Posthumous Album in the Works

al.com · Aug 12, 2026

AL.com reports that a new posthumous album by the late Jimmy Buffett is currently being developed. According to Billboard, close collaborator Mac McAnally confirmed he and Michael Utley are compiling a release featuring material that has never appeared on a Buffett album. The collection reportedly includes songs recorded since 2003, some of which were originally created for specific television or film projects. This news arrives just before a major Jimmy Buffett exhibition opens at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. For the complete details on the album's scope and release timeline, readers should follow the original source link.

AI Music Volume Strains Industry Infrastructure

musicbusinessworldwide.com · Aug 12, 2026

Music Business Worldwide reports that the music industry faces significant infrastructure strain due to the massive volume of AI-generated tracks. Recent data indicates Deezer now processes approximately 90,000 AI tracks daily, a figure that represents a meaningful share of new uploads. While many of these tracks are demonetized, they still consume system resources, creating challenges for data handling and attribution. The outlet notes that while AI companies are securing licenses to compensate rightsholders, the sheer number of tokens used in generation adds complexity to tracking and payments. The report suggests the current system may struggle to handle this data deluge. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story.

Family Alliance in Music and Back Blocks Music Launch Postnatal Care Grant

celebrityaccess.com · Aug 12, 2026

CelebrityAccess reports that Family Alliance in Music (FAM) and Back Blocks Music have partnered to launch the Postnatal Care Grant. This new initiative provides $25,000 to support postnatal care for families working within the music industry. The donation comes from the Back Blocks Music Fund and commemorates the label's achievement of securing its 10th No. 1 single in five years. While the announcement highlights this specific charitable effort, the outlet's snippet also lists other industry updates, including Dolly Parton receiving an award and Kehlani starting a tour. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story and additional details on these developments.

Drexel Professor Monika Julien Launches Ears We Trust Label

xpn.org · Aug 12, 2026

WXPN reports that Drexel University music industry professor Monika Julien has launched a new venture called Ears We Trust, focusing on orchestral psych rock and proto-ska. The outlet notes that this initiative follows a May release of a 1972 master tape by Choice 4 Inc., recorded at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios. That project was part of Drexel's Mad Dragon Records and involved students Adriana Criswell, Cole Herrmann, Harper Risch, Hayden Clark, and Bella Kaminsky reissuing an album recorded and produced by Billy Jackson. For the full story on Julien's new label and the student-led reissue project, please follow the original source link.

Music Industry Hires: Sony Music, FCC, and More

digitalmusicnews.com · Aug 12, 2026

Digital Music News reports a roundup of recent music industry appointments as of August 7, 2026. The outlet highlights that Sony Music has promoted longtime legal executive Stephanie Yu to general counsel and EVP of business and legal affairs. The article also covers new hires and promotions across other major entities, including the FCC, Triangle Group, Asobisystem, Music Venue Trust, and iHeartMedia. This weekly recap serves as a central hub for tracking leadership changes within the sector. Readers should follow the original source link for the complete list of executives and their new roles.

Live Music Industry Updates: Agency Swaps and New Launches

hypebot.com · Aug 12, 2026

Hypebot reports significant movement in the live music sector, noting that major agencies CAA and WME have swapped acts, while ROSTR and Hive have formed a new partnership. Additionally, Triangle has expanded its operations. The outlet highlights Spotify's release of statistics regarding its Reserved pre-sale service, which has reportedly sold nearly 100,000 tickets for a few artists so far. In management news, punk veteran Dan Oestreich has launched Superglue Music, a new agency and booking firm. The touring division is led by Oestreich alongside Greg Benedetto and John Scanlon, with a roster including bands like Béton Armé and Gorilla Biscuits. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story and complete details on these industry shifts.

Mick Gordon to Perform Doom 2016 Soundtrack Live at RADAR 2027

ign.com · Aug 12, 2026

IGN reports that Doom composer Mick Gordon is set to perform the game's soundtrack live for the first time at the RADAR 2027 festival in Sheffield, UK. Gordon stated he aims to recreate the energy of a rock or metal show using tracks that redefined video game soundtracks. The event, confirmed via an Instagram post in late July, will feature Gordon and his band alongside his custom-built Doom Machine. He noted that visual effects like fire and projection mapping are under consideration to make the experience epic. Readers should follow the original IGN article for the full story.

Reddit users debate perfect gaming soundtracks including Hades and Doom

nme.com · Aug 12, 2026

NME reports that Reddit users are actively debating which video games feature the most perfect soundtracks. Popular choices mentioned in the discussion include Hades, Doom, and Stardew Valley. The article highlights community engagement regarding game music without providing specific chart data or new release dates. Readers should follow the original source link for the full discussion and additional titles.

Billboard previews Madden NFL 27's historic 80-song soundtrack

billboard.com · Aug 12, 2026

Billboard reports that the upcoming Madden NFL 27 soundtrack represents the franchise's biggest lineup to date, featuring 80 tracks spanning superstars, rising talent, and unreleased music. The article notes the game launches on August 13 across multiple platforms. This release highlights the evolution of video game music, where artists now define the player experience rather than merely filling background noise. Readers are encouraged to follow the original Billboard link for the full tracklist and cultural impact analysis.

How the Music Industry Engineered Rap’s Absence from Top 40 Charts

google.com · Aug 12, 2026

An investigative report suggests the music industry deliberately sidelined rap from mainstream charts like the Top 40 through strategic label decisions, playlist curation, and marketing shifts. The piece, published by Emerald Pages, argues that commercial pressures and genre boundaries have pushed hip-hop to the margins despite its cultural dominance. The outlet reports this trend has been accelerating since the early 2020s. Readers should follow the original source for full context and data.

Celebrate 808 Day With These 13 Essential Hip-Hop Tracks

google.com · Aug 12, 2026

The Roland TR-808 drum machine is a cornerstone of hip-hop’s sonic identity. To honor 808 Day, this roundup highlights 13 foundational hip-hop songs that showcase the 808’s influence. From classic boom-bap to modern trap, these tracks demonstrate how the machine shaped the genre. Perfect for fans and producers alike, this list offers a deep dive into the rhythm that defined hip-hop’s evolution. Follow the link for the full playlist and deeper insights.