Music News

Live Nation has announced that a “FireAid” benefit concert is set for the Intuit Dome in California on January 30th, to help rebuild the communities that have been impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. The planned concert is described as an “evening of music and solidarity.” Proceeds from the concert will go toward supporting displaced families, advancing fire prevention technology, and rebuilding infrastructure. Performers, as well as ticket information, is set to be announced in the coming days. (Variety)

 

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The Weeknd may be gone soon, but Abel Tesfaye will carry on. The quirky superstar tells Variety that the guise he’s worn since attaining stardom is getting uncomfortable and that he may ditch it before too long. After talking several times about trying to close a chapter in his life, he’s asked if he intends to quit music totally. He responded “I would say I’d [end] my existence as The Weeknd. It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for. I feel like it comes with so much. You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all. It becomes this rat race: more accolades, more success, more shows, more albums, more awards and more No. 1s. It never ends until you end it.”
Whatever the truth, his next album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, drops on January 24th.

Trent Reznor’s top pick for best song of 2024 might surprise you. The Nine Inch Nails frontman declared on the Golden Globes red carpet, “I’m gonna have to go with ‘Espresso,’” praising the chart-topping hit from Sabrina Carpenter’s album “Short N’ Sweet.” The song, released last April, is up for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the GRAMMYS. Reznor has praised pop stars in the past, crowning Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” THE song of 2023. Reznor recently won Best Original Score at the Globes for “Challengers.” So with GRAMMY nods for Carpenter and Oscar buzz for Reznor, both artists are on a roll this year! (nme.com)

Ariana Grande is opening up about what to expect from Glinda in the next installment of “Wicked” and her plans beyond the film. Speaking on the “Variety Awards Circuit” podcast, she revealed the sequel, “Wicked For Good,” flying into theaters on November 21st, will feature a brand-new original song for Glinda. “It’s a pivotal moment in her journey,” Grande revealed, teasing “it shows a side of her we’ve never seen before. In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage. But in the movie, we get to see her make the decision that defines who she is.”
Grande also talked about the deluxe version of her album “Eternal Sunshine,” saying it’s “in the can” and will include a few new tracks teasing “The new tracks are short, but they really count.” As for live performances Grande says “I want to let my children miss me for two seconds,” as she’s prioritizing acting for now. The “yes, and?” singer goes on to say “I want to focus on this chapter of storytelling through film,” adding that acting “feels like home to me in a way I didn’t expect…I want to keep growing and exploring.” (Variety)

Justin Bieber might be gearing up for a major musical comeback this year. According to Matthew Belloni’s “What I’m Hearing” newsletter, an insider says Bieber has new music, a new lawyer, and plans to hit the stage. “I’m told Bieber needs the money and wants to work,” Belloni wrote. This comes despite Bieber’s reported $200-million payday from selling his music catalog in 2023. While financial rumors remain unverified, producer Mk.gee confirmed in September 2024 that new music from Bieber was in the works. Bieber postponed his “Justice” tour before ultimately cancelling it back in 2022 after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome and then in 2024 he welcomed his first child, Jack Blues, with wife Hailey Bieber. (uproxx.com)

J-Hope of BTS will extend his solo streak with the over-the-top Hope on The Stage tour — on which he’ll have some new music to hype. The singer-rapper hit his socials for the big reveal, in which he promised to drop “something new” in March. He posted a video showing him listening to some new beats with backing vocals, but no rhymes from him. As far as the tour, the North American leg will kick off with a two-might stand in Brooklyn on March 13rh and 14th and wrap with two nights at L.A.’s BMO Stadium, April 4th and 5th.

Record Store Day has been announced for 2025. The Record Store Day organizers have revealed that this year’s vinyl celebration is set for April 12th. This will be the 18th year the big day is celebrated. Last year saw a ton of great special releases dropped to entice people to go and visit their local record shop. Last year Olivia Rodrigo covered Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” and Kahan covered her song “Lacy.” Paramore also dropped “Re: This Is Why” in multiple colors. And Wilco released “The Whole Love: Expanded Edition”…transforming “The Whole Love” album into a three-LP with all the bonus tracks from the original deluxe edition last year! So get your calendars marked for another big Record Store Day later this year. (uproxx.com)