TAYLOR SWIFT'S 'The Life of a Showgirl' EARNS BIGGEST FIRST WEEK IN MUSIC HISTORY WITH OVER 4 MILLION U.S. AND OVER 5.5 MILLION GLOBAL ALBUM EQUIVALENT UNITS

#1 ALBUM WORLDWIDE

DOMINATES ACROSS ALL PLATFORMS WITH OVER 1.5 BILLION GLOBAL STREAMS FOR LARGEST DEBUT OF 2025

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED BY CRITICS WORLDWIDE

Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, earns the biggest first week in music history with over 4 million U.S. and 5.5 million global album-equivalent units. Upon release, the album shattered countless records and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking another historic milestone in Swift’s career. Dominating across all platforms, The Life of a Showgirl amassed more than 1.5 billion global streams, securing the largest debut of 2025.

Taylor Swift commented, “I’ll never forget how excited I was in 2006 when my first album sold 40,000 copies in its first week. I was 16 and couldn’t even fathom that that many people would care enough about my music to invest their time and energy into it. Since then I’ve tried to meet and thank as many people as I could who have given me the chance to chase this insane dream. Here we are all these years later and a hundred times that many people showed up for me this week. I have 4 million thank you’s I want to send to the fans, and 4 million reasons to feel even more proud of this album than I already was. Thank you for going out to celebrate this project in the movie theaters, investing in vinyl, streaming, watching the video, buying CDs, reading the poems I wrote inside the packaging, and immersing yourselves in The Life of a Showgirl. I’ll cherish this feeling forever.”

See below for other key highlights and listen to The Life of a Showgirl - HERE.

Billboard 200 Achievements

●       The Life of a Showgirl posts the largest sales week for any album in US music history.

●       Marks Swift’s 15th No. 1 album, breaking the record for the most No. 1 albums in the 21st century.

●       Sets the record for the most No. 1 albums by a solo artist.

●       Extends her record as the female artist with the most No. 1 albums in Billboard 200history.

●       Continues her streak of 11 consecutive studio albums debuting at No. 1, beginning with Fearless (2008). Including four “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings, Swift has now achieved 15 consecutive No. 1 debuts.

●       With this release, Swift reaches her 87th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, extending her records for:

○       Most weeks at No. 1 in the 21st century

○       Most weeks at No. 1 by a solo artist in history

○       Most weeks at No. 1 by a female artist in history

Billboard Hot 100 Achievements

●        “The Fate of Ophelia”

○        13th #1 single on the Hot 100

○        Ties for fourth most #1 hits in chart history

○        Third most for a female artist

○        Ties for second most #1 hits in the 21st century

○        Ties as the only soloist to have 13 #1 singles and 13 #1 albums

●        Album

○        First album in history with all its songs appearing uninterrupted from #1 through #12

●        Joins Taylor’s ‘Midnights’ and ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ as the only albums in history to produce #1 through #10 on the Billboard Hot 100

Vinyl Records

●       The Life of a Showgirl earned the largest vinyl sales week in Nielsen history, surpassing 1 million units sold - the first album ever to achieve this milestone.

Streaming Records

●       Spotify:

○       “The Fate of Ophelia” set the record for the most daily and weekly streams of any song in Spotify history.

○       The album achieved the largest standard edition debut in Spotify history with 250 million streams.

○       Swift now holds the top 19 biggest song debuts and the top 4 biggest album debuts in Spotify history.

○       “The Fate of Ophelia” also became the fastest song to surpass 100 million streams.

○       Swift is now the only artist to simultaneously hold the platform’s top single-day and weekly records across song, album, and artist categories.

○       Taylor Swift holds the top 4 biggest album debuts in Spotify history

○       “The Fate of Ophelia” fastest song to surpass 100 million streams in Spotify history

○       Taylor Swift now holds top song, album and artist single day and weekly records on platform

○       Taylor Swift now holds top 3 fastest albums to 1 Billion on Spotify

○       “Opalite” fastest non-single to reach 100 million streams in Spotify history

●       Apple:

○       The Life of a Showgirl posted the largest iTunes and Apple Music debuts of 2025.

○       “The Fate of Ophelia” posted the largest Apple Music debut of 2025.

●       Amazon:

○       The album achieved the largest debut in Amazon Music history.

Global Performance

●        #1 Debuts reported as of Sunday

○        #1 UK

○        #1 Australia

○        #1 Canada

○        #1 Germany

○        #1 France

○        #1 Austria

○        #1 Belgium

○        #1 Denmark

○        #1 Finland

○        #1 Ireland

○        #1 Italy

○        #1 Netherlands

○        #1 New Zealand 

○        #1 Norway

○        #1 Portugal

○        #1 Spain

○        #1 Sweden

○        #1 Switzerland

●        UK

○        With 423k sold, The Life of a Showgirl surpasses The Tortured Poets Department, as the biggest debut since 2017

○        Taylor is the first artist in history to consecutively hold the #1 album,  #1, #2, #3 singles, and #1 airplay song in the UK

○        Taylor is officially the international artist with the most No.1 albums in UK chart history (14)

○        The Life of a Showgirl is the biggest selling week one album by an international act in UK chart history

○        ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’ biggest Week 1 streams by an international artist ever

○        ‘The Fate of Ophelia’, ‘Opalite’ and ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ 3 biggest Week 1 singles sales of 2025 in the UK

●        Australia

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts with the biggest week one sales since 2015

○        Taylor Swift extends her record for most #1 albums by a female artist in Australian history (14), and ties for the most #1 albums for an International artist (14)

○        Taylor Swift extends her previous record as the only artist to hold the #1 album and #1 single simultaneously, now for the 8th time. 

○        The Life of a Showgirl breaks record for biggest streaming week in Australian history

○        Taylor Swift becomes first artist to capture the entire Top 12 on the Official Singles Chart in Australian history

●        Germany

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts #1 in Germany with the highest grossing week for an international solo artist since the current German chart (GFK) launched 25 years ago

○        First International Artist to ever debut at #1 on both the Album and Singles charts

○        First artist to ever land 8 singles in the Top 10

○        Biggest weekly vinyl sales in German chart history

●        Canada

○        The Life of a Showgirl is the biggest album debut in Canada (of the modern streaming era) and the biggest album debut in Canada since 2015

○        Taylor Swift now holds the Top 5 highest album debuts (of the modern streaming era) 

○        This is Taylor Swift’s 15th #1 album in Canada. She is now tied for the most #1 albums of all-time in this country and is the only non-Canadian artist to reach this milestone in this country

○        “The Fate of Ophelia” becomes the most streamed song in a single day and a single week in Canadian History

○        The 12 songs on The Life of a Showgirl capture the top 12 spots on the Billboard Canada Song Consumption Chart

●        France

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts as the biggest selling English-language album since 2015

●        Austria

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts at #1 and singles at #1, #2 and #3 single - the first non-GSA artist in history to consecutively hold the #1 album, and #1, #2, #3 singles, in Austria

●        Ireland

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts with the biggest week one sales since 2017

○        Taylor Swift has the most #1 albums in Irish history

○        Taylor Swift is the only artist to consecutively hold the #1 album, and #1, #2, #3 singles, this decade

●        Italy

○        The Life of a Showgirl is the biggest selling debut by an international act in Italian chart history

○        The Life of a Showgirl is the biggest selling debut by any female artist (Domestic and International) in Italian chart history

●        Netherlands

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts with the biggest week one sales since 2015

●        New Zealand

○        Taylor’s 15th #1, extending her record with the most #1 albums in the market.

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts with the biggest week one sales since 2017

●        Sweden

○        The Life of a Showgirl debut’s #1, surpassing The Tortured Poets Department as the biggest debut ever by an international artist

●        Switzerland

○        The Life of a Showgirl debuts at #1 and singles at #1, #2 and #3 single

 WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT The Life of a Showgirl

“5 Stars” – Rolling Stone, Maya Georgi

“With her twelfth studio album, the musician shoots into a fresh echelon of superstardom — and hits all her marks.” – Rolling Stone, Maya Georgi

“Just when the world thought Swift couldn’t climb any further, she did.” – Rolling Stone, Maya Georgi

“A catchy and substantive but unflashy album, it takes the songwriting intimacy of her “Folklore”/“Evermore” era and renders it with more clarity and oomph.” – The New York Times, Jon Caramanica

“In 2025, with the world at her feet, Swift can finally say with certainty that her place in pop history is guaranteed. The Life of a Showgirl is her well-earned victory lap.” – BBC, Mark Savage

“It is a combination of compelling songwriting and whip-smart production that easily clears the high bar Swift has set for herself.” – BBC, Mark Savage

“...another triumph for the ultimate showgirl.” – USA Today, Melissa Ruggieri

“Taylor Swift is both dreamy and defiant on new album” – USA Today, Melissa Ruggieri

“With its cheeky lyrics, infectious melodies, and upbeat Max Martin- and Shellback-produced tracks that somehow manage to sound everything and nothing like Swift has done before (an impressive feat so far into such a prolific career), it's safe to say the only thing on listeners' lips at curtain call will be: "Encore!"” –  Entertainment Weekly, Lauren Huff

“The songs on The Life Of A Showgirl are mean little pleasure-machines, energetic displays of mathematical force. The record is full of grand-scale endorphin-rush moments, choruses that sound great now and will sound even better when she’s got a stadium full of people screaming back at her. There is nobody else on this planet who can write and deliver a bridge like Taylor Swift. You just have to marvel at it.” – Stereogum, Tom Breihan

“For Taylor Swift, The Life of a Showgirl would seem to be a master class in world domination, massive bangers and whispered triumphs. Recorded as her Eras tour crossed Europe, Showgirl is a very in-the-moment rendering of the lightning-rod blonde who came to prominence as a wide-eyed country songwriter and evolved into a full-force pop supernova.” – Hits Daily Double, Holly Gleason

“And nobody does it better, now or at any recent time, when it comes to delivering world-dominating pop that feels all the feels” – Variety, Chris Willman

“It’s giddy, funny, touching, silly, haughty and moving in about equal measure, but most of all, it’s got a sunstruck kind of love that seeps through the orange LP grooves.” – Variety, Chris Willman

“Taylor Swift as Western pop's definitive presence, the star that couldn't be dimmed.” – NPR, Ann Powers

“Who is Taylor Swift’s heir apparent? Her 12th album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” offers an answer. It’s Taylor Swift.” – Maria Sherman, AP News

“On these 12 tracks, she’s approximating glitz and glamour with humanity and humor. She spends no time waiting in the wings. So let the show begin.” – Maria Sherman, AP News

“No notes.” – Vogue, Florence O’Connor

“…a delicious, and at times scandalous, collection of mellow-pop hits.” – The Hollywood Reporter, Nicole Fell

“...a collection of songs that are immediately engrossing and among the most affecting of Swift’s career, while also focusing on topics like Hamlet and suburban bliss.” – Billboard, Jason Lipshutz

“The Life of a Showgirl is one of the most grounded, well-rounded projects of Swift’s career” – Billboard, Jason Lipshutz

“The Life of a Showgirl serves to remind us that, at this chosen task, Swift is a master whose powers are only growing stronger and more acute.” – The Australian, Andrew McMillen

“5 Stars” – The Irish Times, Ed Power

“Reputation was dark and brooding. By contrast, this album glows with warmth and a cosy joy.” – The Irish Times, Ed Power

“5 Stars” – Daily Mail, Adrian Thrills

“An ode to her record-breaking Eras Tour, The Life Of A Showgirl is an electric and addictive return to pop for Taylor Swift.” – Daily Mail, Adrian Thrills

“5 Stars” – RTÉ, Sarah McIntyre

“Taylor Swift's The Life Of A Showgirl is an utterly joyful ode to love.” – RTÉ, Sarah McIntyre

“5 Stars” – EUPHORIA., Nmesoma Okechukwu

“...an album filled with the type of bangers that only Swift is capable of giving us.” –EUPHORIA., Nmesoma Okechukwu

“4.5 Stars” – Metro, Danni Scott

“The Life of a Showgirl feels like a return to form, blending her best elements from Reputation, 1989, and Midnights.” – Metro, Danni Scott

“…the album is emotional, honest, witty, brutal, and downright fun. This is exactly what I wanted from the queen of pop.” – Metro, Danni Scott

“Taylor Swift knows that the show must go on.” – People Magazine, Jeff Nelson

“Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' presents pop phenomenon at the peak of her power” – Reuters, Dawn Chmielewski

“In a stodgy year for pop smashes, Taylor has returned to shake us free: Wake up, babe, we’re going dancing!” – NJ.com, Bobby Oliver

“It combines the earworm melodies of 1989, the hard-edged defiance of Reputation, the character narratives of Folklore, and literary references from The Tortured Poets Department into one sharp and cohesive package.” – Bustle, Jake Viswanath

“4 Stars” – The Independent, Roisin O’Connor

“As compelling as she’s ever been – the star, the ringmaster and the circus all in one.” – The Independent, Roisin O’Connor

“4 Stars” – The Times, Will Hodgkinson

“…this album is Swift at her happiest, and most fun.” – The Times, Will Hodgkinson

“4 Stars” – The Sun, Jack Hardwick

“Pop records are the hardest to perfect when it comes to both lyrics and melodies, but with producers Max Martin and Shellback by her side, Taylor has once again made magic.” – The Sun, Jack Hardwick

“On The Life of a Showgirl, a confident, infectious, succinct 12th record, Swift does away with the pretence that she is still the outcast underdog writing lyrics in her bedroom, and casts herself instead as the star of her own movie.” – The i Paper, Sarah Carson

“4 Stars” – The Daily Star, James Cabooter

“Taking fans on a transformative journey from romantic tragedy culminating in a celebration of life and love, this is peak Taylor. Closer in spirit to Red, she hones her pop skills to perfection on Opalite…” – The Daily Star, James Cabooter

“After her blockbuster Eras tour and a fairytale engagement, the star follows her lovelorn previous album with a set of punchy, clear-eyed odes to joy.”  – The Observer, Kitty Empire

“The joy oozing from the 12 tracks makes the message clear: Swift built this life, now she’s ready to enjoy it.” – Vanity Fair, Kase Wickman

“The Life Of A Showgirl is Taylor Swift’s most authentic, liberated album yet” — Stylist, Rose Gallagher

PEEZY & FRENCH MONTANA
TEAM UP FOR “THE WARM UP” 

MUSIC VIDEO

FROM THE RECENTLY RELEASED ALBUM 

STILL GHETTO

Detroit powerhouse Peezy drops the official video for “The Warm Up,” featuring French Montana, one of the standout collaborations from his recently released album Still Ghetto.

Set in the vibrant streets of Miami, the video finds Peezy and French Montana exuding effortless luxury as they count stacks of cash, shoot hoops, and cruise through the city in style. From private jets branded with Still Ghetto to sun-soaked basketball courts, “Warm Up” captures Peezy’s laid-back vibe and undeniable success, proving that no matter how high he rises, he remains grounded and connected.

Still Ghetto solidifies Peezy’s place as one of Detroit’s most influential voices. The album has received acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard, VIBE, BET, HotNewHipHop, and more, marking another major milestone in his journey as a defining voice in modern hip-hop.

With over 25 years in the game, Lupe Fiasco's influence as one of rap's most vital wordsmiths has stretched across the globe. Over the weekend, Lupe traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, to headline the 19th Annual Back To The City music festival, igniting the crowd with a scorching hot set filled with classic records like "Kick, Push" and "Superstar," plus songs from his recent catalogue like "SOS" and "High Note."

While staying in the South African capital city, Lupe connected with the local hip-hop and rap community, visiting the South African Hip-Hop Museum and participating in a conversation with Osmic Menoe, the founder of Back To The City, as well as the South African Hip-Hop Awards. Lupe also took a trip out to Soweto to the Nelson Mandela Apartheid Museum, After another sit down with local DJ and radio host, Nick Archibald of 5FM & The 5 drive team, he made a trip out to Soweto to visit the Nelson Mandela Apartheid Museum, capping off a culturally significant trip to Johannesburg.

GRAMMY-nominated global star Young Miko will join Billie Eilish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT THE TOUR as a special guest for select dates (listed below). This announcement comes as Young Miko teases her upcoming single “Meiomi” (available for pre-save HERE) across social media. 

With her unstoppable momentum, highly anticipated new music, and this tour with Billie Eilish that will take her to some of the most emblematic venues in the United States, Young Miko continues to cement her position as an artist in her own lane and an established cultural force of her generation.

Tour Dates:

Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

Thursday, Oct. 16 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center

Friday, Oct. 17 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center

Sunday, Oct. 19 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

Monday, Oct. 20 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

Thursday, Oct. 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena

Saturday, Oct. 25 – Long Island, NY – UBS Arena

Sunday, Oct. 26 – Long Island, NY – UBS Arena

HAYLEY WILLIAMS 

RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR 

“GLUM” 

COLLECTION OF 17 NEW SINGLES

OUT NOW

Photo Credit: AJ Gibboney

“A surprise release of 17 singles captures Hayley Williams as a superstar two decades in the making. The Paramore vocalists' new set of solo songs details a bold new direction for the best rock frontwoman of the millennium. 9.0” 

- Paste

“This brilliant, swaggering new chapter…is driven by curiosity and the need for community. *****” - NME

"Never has she sounded more certain with a sonic landscape that is all her own." 

- Rolling Stone

"Sonically, each track is truly idiosyncratic — though Williams’ heartfelt, personal style, a tug-of-war between all things rough and tender remains throughout." 

- Alternative Press

"She’s buffeted from left and right by dissonant guitars, defies them with a barreling punk-pop chorus and reveals serious misgivings" 

- New York Times

"The lyrics are some of Hayley’s most personal and vivid to date, with evocative imagery" 

- Brooklyn Vegan

​​Earlier this month, Hayley Williams surprised fans by dropping a collection of 17 singles, produced entirely by Daniel James. Today, she has unveiled a music video for the single “Glum,” directed by Paramore bandmate Zac Farro and AJ Gibboney - WATCH HERE. 

After 20+ years spent fulfilling their contract for Atlantic Records - a contract Williams signed as a mere teenager - Paramore announced in December of 2023 that they were finally an independent band. This surprise collection of songs is self-released by Hayley Williams on her new venture Post Atlantic, distributed via Secretly Distribution. Williams and Daniel James wrote, played and recorded a variety of instruments across each of the newly released tracks, with cross-project contributions from long-time collaborators Brian Robert Jones and Joey Howard, and contributions from Jim-E Stack on “True Believer,” which currently sits at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Digital Sales Chart. LISTEN HERE. She also has released a music video for “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party,” directed by Zachary Gray. The clip features a portrait of Williams’ hometown of Nashville, TN. You can see her contemplating the city at dusk with Representative Justin Jones, sifting through the crowds on Broadway and singing in a karaoke bar. 

These 17 singles put Hayley Williams’ full range on display. “Mirtazapine” is a late-’90s alt-rock love letter to antidepressants, while on “Glum,” she subverts her own voice—using vocal presets to striking effect as the track meditates on loneliness. Other standouts include “Whim,” an easy Americana earworm with a songwriting backbone that nods to her Nashville roots, and “Ice in My OJ,” a thoroughly modern track that pairs sharp production with some of Williams’ most biting and humorous lyrics to date. Long-time Paramore fans may quickly recognize the “Ice In My OJ” chorus, as it was first sung by Williams in 2004 on "Jumping Inside" by the Mammoth City Messengers. The collection captures all the dynamism Williams has shown throughout her career and collaborations. At its core, these songs are the work of a supremely gifted artist with a voracious, genre-defying appetite for music and creative exploration.

These songs come as the third batch of work released from Williams as a solo artist. The COVID-era saw her release two extraordinary albums - 2020’s Petals For Armor and 2021’s Flowers for Vases. Both albums were gorgeous and stark meditations on loss and offered up a contrast to the high-energy and up-tempo muscle she displays in Paramore. “The record—epitomizing vulnerability and transformative growth—reveals a more mature and introspective side of Williams,” said Pitchfork of Petals, and went on to say of Flowers “her voice is undoubtedly the standout feature… husky and gentle, dangerous yet warm,” and explained that the minimal production “makes this a purposeful reset.”

Hayley Williams is a 3x GRAMMY winning singer, songwriter and musician best known for her role as the frontperson of legendary rock band Paramore. With her incredible range and delivery,Billboard ranked her at #13 on their list of 50 Greatest Rock Singers of All Times saying, “when it comes to singers in contemporary rock, Hayley Williams reigns supreme.”  Frequently listed as a source of inspiration from contemporary performers as varied as Chappell Roan, Doechii and Billie Eilish - she’s also appeared on a wide variety of albums and singles as a collaborator and guest vocalist including Turnstile’s latest “Seein’ Stars”, Moses Sumney’s “I Like It I Like It,” and Taylor Swift’s “Castles Crumbling.” Swift went on to have Paramore open the first ever The Eras Tour show that debuted in Arizona and later they went on to open all dates on the European leg of her world tour. 

At just 16 she brought the band to the masses with the release of their album All We Know Is Falling which was certified Gold and just celebrated its 20 year anniversary last week. The band’s breakthrough came with 2007’s Riot!, powered by the success of the 6X certified platinum single “Misery Business.” In 2009, Brand New Eyes solidified their place in the rock landscape. Paramore’s self-titled 2013 album marked a commercial and critical peak, with the platinum single “Ain’t It Fun” earning Paramore their first Grammy win for ‘Best Rock Song’ in 2015 and further nominations for ‘Best Rock Album.’ 2017’s After Laughter introduced a polished, ‘pop-influenced sound that continued to attract acclaim with the breakout single “Hard Times.” After a long hiatus, in 2023, they returned with This Is Why, a full grown, alternative-leaning record that earned the band two Grammy wins for ‘Best Alternative Song’ and ‘Best Rock Album’ making Paramore the first female-fronted rock band to ever win the category in its 31-year history. 

Hayley Williams bandmate Zac Farro also recently released his first solo-work under his own name. Zac Farro - Operator is out everywhere now via his own label, Congrats Records.

Joey Valence & Brae

Release Third Studio Album

HYPERYOUTH

via RCA Records

PRESS HERE TO LISTEN

Featuring New Single “SEE U DANCE” with Rebecca Black

Just-Announced NYC Album Release Show

August 20 at Central Park SummerStage

HYPERYOUTH WORLD TOUR

Kicks Off September 24

“Joey Valence & Brae have painted the music industry red, firing on every cylinder.” – PASTE

“Balls to the wall, better than coffee.” – PAPER Magazine

“They are the best live show I have been to in years. It made me feel like it was the first show I’d ever been to. That unique, first-time energy that you feel when you go to your first gig. That’s a very special quality.” – Jack Saunders BBC Radio 1

“[The] music’s really f*cking good. The production is f*cking amazing and [their] voices are great. It’s very nostalgic in the best possible way, yet very present because the lyrical content is super relevant. It’s cool as sh*t.”

– Zach Sang

“Joey Valence & Brae are carving out their own lane in hip-hop with a sound that pays homage to the genre’s early days while pushing it into fresh territory. Their explosive style and throwback-meets-next-wave sound immediately transports listeners to an era when MTV still played music videos, capturing the fun and energy that made hip-hop irresistible.” – Rolling Out

“Nobody brings that hype, throwback rap energy in the way that Joey Valence & Brae do.” – The Needle Drop

“Joey Valence & Brae are taking us back to a time when names like Timbaland and Nelly Furtado were dominating the charts.”

– HotNewHipHop

“There’s a marked insistence on not taking themselves too seriously, bringing humor whenever possible and letting their personalities shine.” – CONSEQUENCE

Fast-rising, genre-defying alt/hip-hop phenoms Joey Valence & Brae have released their highly-anticipated third studio album HYPERYOUTH via RCA Records. PRESS HERE to stream and HERE to pre-order exclusive album merch and limited-edition vinyl. The pair will celebrate the album’s release on Wednesday, August 20 when they take over Central Park SummerStage for a free, just-announced pop-up show – more information can be found HERE.

In tandem with release week, Joey Valence & Brae also shared their new single “SEE U DANCE,” a collab with Rebecca Black that flawlessly bridges the underground and the mainstream while paying homage to bouncy club bangers of the early 2000s, complete with Daft Punk and FUBU references.

“‘SEE U DANCE’ felt like a smash to me on first listen,” said Rebecca Black. “I love JVB and was honored to put my spin on the hook and verse. Summer ain’t over yet, it’s just begun yallllll. Hope to get to crowd surf to this ASAP!”

With the volume turned up to max capacity, JVB is as eclectic and hard-hitting as ever on HYPERYOUTH while remaining undeniably themselves throughout. The collection was written, produced, mixed and mastered by the pair in Joey’s State College, PA bedroom and is jam-packed with all the hallmarks of the best of JVB. It’s a sample-heavy, maximalist rager threaded by boisterous raps, booty popping bars, catchy call and response hooks and EDM-infused beats, but it also digs deeper thematically. Woven throughout the album is the message of growing up without getting old – a marked, lyrical evolution and the duo’s most innovative work to date that still marries elements from their early hits and critically-acclaimed albums PUNK TACTICS (its title track was Certified RIAA Gold) and NO HANDS.

“‘HYPERYOUTH’ was born from our experience going out to clubs and looking around in astonishment that nobody else shared the same excitement we did,” said JVB. “14 songs about dance, love, expression and maturing. A club album about growing up. Nonchalantness is dead. Click play. Have fun. Dance. Cry.

Enjoy yourself.”

Stitched with a poignant, yet childlike Adventure Time clip, and sampling a major influence in Skrillex, the album’s title track is a frenetic, high energy celebration of the music and artists Joey Valence & Brae continue to be inspired by. Lead single “WASSUP” ft. JPEGMAFIA injects Peggy’s signature kineticism into a monstrous track brimming with energy and in-your-face chaos, and elsewhere, the anthemic “LIVE RIGHT” encapsulates the tone and themes of the album by showcasing the exciting-but-complicated relationship Joey & Brae have with growing up. The record also includes a standout collaboration with North Carolina rapper TiaCorine on “BUST DOWN” – an instantly catchy, Neptunes-esque, basement dance-floor buster that finds Braechanneling the spirit of Fatman Scoop with an instructive hook for ass-shaking and mayhem while Joey Valence takes aim at the critics who just don’t get it.

Following packed album release pop-up shows in Los Angeles and London, as well as standout performances at Lollapalooza, Osheaga, Gov Ball, Bonnaroo and more, the pair’s HYPERYOUTH WORLD TOUR Part 1, with special guests AG Club, will kick off September 24 in Portland and includes stops in Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Houston, Austin, Toronto, Philadelphia, New York City (SOLD OUT), Manchester, Leeds, London and more. Please visit www.jvbsucks.com for tickets and more information.

(HYPERYOUTH Album Art)

HYPERYOUTH TRACKLIST

HYPERYOUTH

BUST DOWN with TiaCorine

GIVE IT TO ME

IS THIS LOVE

SEE U DANCE with Rebecca Black

PARTY’S OVER

WASSUP with JPEGMAFIA

LIVE RIGHT

BILLIE JEAN

HAVE TO CRY

THE PARTY SONG

MYSELF

GO HARD

DISCO TOMORROW

HYPERYOUTH WORLD TOUR DATES

Sept 24 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

Sept 25 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre

Sept 26 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox

Sept 29 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom

Sept 30 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory OC

Oct 2 – Denver, CO – Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom

Oct 6 – Houston, TX – House of Blues Houston

Oct 8 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall

Oct 9 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage

Oct 15 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

Oct 17 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave / Eagles Club

Oct 18 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall

Oct 19 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre

Oct 21 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

Oct 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts

Oct 24 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza – SOLD OUT

Oct 25 – Allentown, PA – Archer Music Hall

Oct 30 – Leeds, UK – O2 Academy

Oct 31 – Bristol, UK – Bristol Electric

Nov 1 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute

Nov 3 – Manchester, UK – New Century Hall

Nov 4 – London, UK – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Nov 6 – Newcastle, UK – Newcastle University Student Union

w/ support from AG Club on all dates

UPCOMING JVB FESTIVAL DATES

Sept 19 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Festival

Oct 4 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Festival

Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Festival

Nov 8 – Reykjavík, IS – Iceland Airwaves Festival

CONAN GRAY 
RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM 
WISHBONE
 
UNVEILS “CARAMEL” MUSIC VIDEO 
 
THE WISHBONE PAJAMA SHOW TOUR 
KICKING OFF THIS FALL
 
PERFORMS NEW MUSIC ON 
TODAY SHOW SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
 
LISTEN TO WISHBONE HERE
 
 WATCH OFFICIAL “CARAMEL” MUSIC VIDEO HERE
 
GET TICKETS TO THE WISHBONE PAJAMA SHOW HERE

Today, multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter, Conan Gray releases his highly anticipated album, Wishbone via Republic Records.  Listen to Wishbone HERE.

On Wishbone, Conan Gray returns to his singer-songwriter roots after falling in love for the first time, showcasing his creative talents more than ever before. Wishbone is entirely written by Conan Gray, featuring previously released singles “This Song” and “Vodka Cranberry,” and executive produced by Grammy Award winning longtime collaborator Dan Nigro. Nigro has worked with Conan since 2018, producing his multi-platinum hits “Heather” and “Maniac”. Conan also worked with producers Ethan Gruska, Noah Conrad, Luka Kloser and Elvira on Wishbone.

This morning, Conan Gray made a special television appearance on the Today Show Summer Concert Series, performing songs from Wishbone for the first time on television.  Showcasing Wishbone to a jam-packed audience of fans in New York’s iconic Rockefeller Plaza, the set included “This Song”, “Vodka Cranberry”, “Caramel”, and Conan’s multi-platinum hit “Heather”.

The music video for “Caramel” follows the story of characters Wilson & Brando, the next chapter after the release of music videos for “This Song” and “Vodka Cranberry”, directed by Danica Kleinknecht (Mk.Gee), co-starring Corey Fogelmanis, and filmed in Conan’s home state of Texas.  Watch the official music video for “Caramel” HERE. 

Previously released singles “This Song” and “Vodka Cranberry” were received with delight from fans and critics alike.  Rolling Stone called “This Song”, “another evolution” for Conan, and Cosmopolitan observed the return to his “vulnerable bedroom pop songwriting roots.” The latest single “Vodka Cranberry” was touted by V Magazine for Conan’s “signature lyricism and vocals”, with Nylon describing the single as a “balancing act of pairing deeply specific lyrics with universally relatable emotions the way Conan Gray does.”

Since the announcement of Wishbone, Conan Gray has taken over the internet. Earlier this year, he stopped the internet as “Sally” during Role Model’s set at Gov Ball in one of the most viral moments from Gov Ball. The entire festival showed up to Conan’s main stage performance that weekend - check out this video of the HUGE crowd HERE ! Conan also appeared on the big screen as Charli XCX’s “Apple Girl” with a Vodka Cranberry in hand, and performed at Poland’s Open’er Festival with a surprise performance of “Vodka Cranberry” !

Conan Gray: The Wishbone Pajama Show with special guest hemlocke springs, will kick off on September 11 making stops across the U.S. including his first performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre on October 6. The tour concludes with Conan’s Mexico debut (support TBA), including headlines in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Full tour routing for the Live Nation promoted tour is below. Tickets available now at conangray.lnk.to/tour. 

The Wishbone Pajama Show – Tour Dates:
September 11             Cuyahoga Falls, OH   Blossom Music Center
September 13             Cincinnati, OH            Riverbend Music Center
September 14             Tinley Park, IL             Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
September 16             Pittsburgh, PA             Petersen Events Center
September 17             Clarkston, MI              Pine Knob Music Theatre
September 19             Bridgeport, CT            Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
September 20             Fairfax, VA                  EagleBank Arena
September 22             Hollywood, FL             Hard Rock Live
September 24             Nashville, TN              Ascend Amphitheater
September 26             Charlotte, NC              PNC Music Pavilion
September 28             St. Louis, MO              Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
September 29             Kansas City, MO         Starlight Theatre
October 1                    West Valley City, UT  Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
October 3                    Mountain View, CA     Shoreline Amphitheatre
October 4                    San Diego, CA            Viejas Arena
October 6                    Morrison, CO              Red Rocks Amphitheatre
 
[Support TBA for the following dates]
October 16                  Mexico City, MX          Palacio de los Deportes 
October 17                  Guadalajara, MX         Auditorio Telmex
October 19                  Monterrey, MX            Auditorio Banamex
 
Wishbone Tracklisting:
1.              Actor
2.              This Song
3.              Vodka Cranberry
4.              Romeo
5.              My World
6.              Class Clown
7.              Nauseous
8.              Caramel
9.              Connell
10.           Sunset Tower
11.           Eleven Eleven
12.           Care

THIRD MAN RECORDS

ANNOUNCES VAULT PACKAGE #65:

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN - PSYCHOCANDY

40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

BOX SET INCLUDES 2xLP 45 RPM VERSION OF PSYCHOCANDY,

A DETROIT LIVE RECORDING FROM 1987,

AND A METALLIC GOLD 7” FEATURING

“JESUS FUCK” B/W EARLY “JUST LIKE HONEY” DEMO

SUBSCRIBE BY JULY 31, 2025 AT MIDNIGHT CDT TO RECEIVE THIS PACKAGE

Third Man Records is proud to announce the 65th installment in their long-running quarterly vinyl subscription service The Vault, The Jesus and Mary Chain - Psychocandy 40th Anniversary Edition. Included in this set is a 2xLP version of Psychocandy cut at 45rpm, a live recording from St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit from 1987, and a metallic gold 7” featuring “Jesus Fuck" b/w an early (and previously unreleased) demo of “Just Like Honey.” Sign up is open now through July 31 at midnight CST.

SIGN UP FOR THE THIRD MAN VAULT PROGRAM

1985: As the last detached murmurs of post-punk slowly crest into the earliest whispers of shoegaze, standing there in a world all their own, cutting a profile both unique and incomparable is The Jesus and Mary Chain. With equal influence gleaned from The Stooges and The Shangri-Las, The Velvet Underground and The Beach Boys, the band releases the unassailable godhead album, Psychocandy.

In celebration of this recording, one of the most important and watershed albums of all time, Third Man Records is humbled to announce Psychocandy: 40th Anniversary Edition as the 65th release of their Vault quarterly subscription series.

Anchoring this set is a 2xLP version of Psychocandy cut at 45rpm. It is not hyperbole to say this might be the loudest cut…not only of this record, but of any record…you will ever hear. The high speed treatment here affords the sonics a heretofore unseen clarity in the band’s utilization of controlled feedback. And such dynamic range! A record better-suited for this treatment you will struggle to find. Crank it loud and it just does not break up. Distortion has never sounded so clear. Cut by Warren Defever at Third Man Mastering using super high definition 192khz transfers of the original 1985 mix and featuring the classic JAMC line-up of Jim Reid, William Reid, Douglas Hart and Bobby Gillespie.

Additionally, unearthed specifically for the anniversary is a crystalline live recording from St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit from 1987. Perfectly balanced with songs from Psychocandy and its equally as beautiful follow-up Darklands, two takes here (“Taste of Cindy” and “April Skies”) appeared as non-album b-sides in 1988, but the rest of the songs on this 2xLP swath are all previously unheard and absolutely mind-blowing in all the best of ways. Mixed back in the day by William Reid and Brian Young, from multitrack soundboard recordings.

The original album is packaged in a sumptuous two pocket, gatefold jacket housed in a slipcase and pressed on 180-gram psychocandy colored vinyl with the live discs on darkest black 180-gram vinyl and living in a classic double-wide spine single-pocket jacket.

And the metaphorical cherry on top, the pairing of the the absolutely savage improvisational fan favorite “Jesus Fuck” with the wildly early (and previously unreleased) demo of “Just Like Honey.” These two songs, better than any, highlight the brilliant musical chiaroscuro of the Jesus and Mary Chain, the perfect tenuous blend of light and dark, unparalleled hypnotic pop melody and bombastic overdriven feedback noise. Pressed on metallic gold vinyl, this 7-inch quintessentially captures the contrasting beauty of what makes this band so groundbreaking.

Sign up now through midnight central time July 31st only at www.thirdmanrecords.com/vault.

The Jesus And Mary Chain

Psychocandy: 40th Anniversary Edition

(4xLP / 1 x 7-inch)

SIDE ONE - PSYCHOCANDY

Just Like Honey

The Living End

Taste The Floor

SIDE TWO - PSYCHOCANDY

The Hardest Walk

Cut Dead

In A Hole

Taste Of Cindy

SIDE THREE - PSYCHOCANDY

Never Understand

Inside Me

Sowing Seeds

My Little Underground

SIDE FOUR - PSYCHOCANDY

You Trip Me Up

Something’s Wrong

It’s So Hard

JIM REID: VOCALS, GUITAR

WILLIAM REID: GUITAR, VOCALS

DOUGLAS HART: BASS

BOBBY GILLESPIE: DRUMS

SIDE FIVE - Live in Detroit November 20th, 1987

In A Hole (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Fall (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Happy When It Rains (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Cherry Came Too (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

SIDE SIX - Live in Detroit November 20th, 1987

Just Like Honey (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

The Hardest Walk (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

April Skies (live)

The Living End (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Taste Of Cindy (live)

SIDE SEVEN - Live in Detroit November 20th, 1987

Nine Million Rainy Days (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Down On Me (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

You Trip Me Up (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

SIDE EIGHT - Live in Detroit November 20th, 1987

Kill Surf City (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Who Do You Love (live) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

JIM REID: VOCALS, GUITAR

WILLIAM REID: GUITAR, VOCALS

DOUGLAS HART: BASS

DAVE EVANS: GUITAR

BONUS 7-INCH

SIDE 1

Jesus Fuck (LIVE @ MELKWEG, AMSTERDAM March 9th, 1985) PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

JIM REID: VOCALS, GUITAR

WILLIAM REID: GUITAR, VOCALS

DOUGLAS HART: BASS

BOBBY GILLESPIE: DRUMS

SIDE 2

Just Like Honey (EARLY DEMO) PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

JIM REID: VOCALS, GUITAR

WILLIAM REID: GUITAR, VOCALS

KAREN PARKER: VOCALS

Rio Da Yung OG Continues His Successful Homecoming, Sharing New Single "Sneaky 'B'"

"Sneaky 'B'" Will Appear on F.L.I.N.T. (Feelin' Like I'm Not Thru), the Red Hot Michigan Rapper's Next Album, Out This Summer via EMPIRE

The First and Only Rapper From Flint to Earn a Platinum Record ("Legendary"), Rio Continues to Enjoy His Freedom, Sharing His First New Single Since His Early 2025 Release RIO FREE (Something Happen)

The "Michigan Rap Titan" (Pitchfork) Prepares to Embark On His Epic "Welcome Home Tour," Spanning 60+ Dates, Launching in July

Critical Praise:

"...it’s good to have him back." - Pitchfork

"...the loose-lipped, punchline god from Flint who became a Michigan rap titan" - Pitchfork

#66 Best Album of the Decade So Far (City On My Back) - Pitchfork

Best Albums of 2025 So Far (RIO FREE (Something Happen)) - The FADER

"I cannot possibly list all the lines that made me laugh out loud" - Stereogum

"Even his offhand comments have the power to smack you with bitter truths while you try to hold back the laughter." - Passion of the Weiss

The Announcement:

Flint, MI's Rio Da Yung OG used his sharp sense of humor and candid authenticity to build a fanbase fervent enough to support him through legal issues that might have derailed a lesser artist's career. Now, finally on the verge of putting his troubles behind him once and for all, Rio is on a tear, dropping some of the best music of his career and preparing to launch his first ever tour.

The Michigan rap titan's comeback culminates this summer, with the release of his upcoming album, F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I'm Not Thru). The follow-up to his 2025 EP RIO FREE, recorded shortly after Rio ended a bid in federal prison in December 2024, and its February expansion RIO FREE (Something Happen), F.L.I.N.T. is one of Rio's most focused and cohesive projects to date, paying tribute to the hardscrabble hometown that raised him and the fans who continue to hold him down. F.L.I.N.T. (Feeling Like I'm Not Thru) arrives this summer via #Boyz Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE.

Along with the announcement of F.L.I.N.T., Rio shares "Sneaky 'B'," the first single from the upcoming album. Produced by a frequent Rio collaborator, Michigan rap sound architect Danny G Beats, "Sneaky B" is a endless cascade of out-of-pocket punchlines, as Rio locks in over detuned synth strings and blown-out 808s. The song is a glimpse into Rio's one-of-a-kind mind, capable of stringing together flexes that nobody else could have conceived of: "Caught a body when I had a fade, I had to grow some hair/I stand on so much business, I don't own a chair."

Emerging out of Flint in the late 2010s, Rio Da Yung OG helped transform his working class city into one of the most exciting rap hotbeds of the past several years. Elevated by notable co-signs from Detroit rappers like Peezy and buoyed by fan excitement over his freestyles and guest spots, Rio stormed onto the national scene, garnering overwhelming critical acclaim for releases like 2020's City On My Back (named the #66 Best Album of the 2020s So Far by Pitchfork), Fiends Don't Matter, 2 FACED, and his Dum and Dumber mixtape series with fellow Flint punchline artist Rmc Mike. During this time, Rio released some of his scene's defining rap hits, including "Movie" ft. Louie Ray, "Chicken Coupe" ft. Peezy, and "1v1," his collaboration with Lil Yachty. Just as his career was hitting high gear, Rio hit an obstacle in the form of a 4-year prison sentence. In late 2021, he left words of wisdom for his fans in the form of his "Last Day Out" freestyle, and went away. Even prison couldn't stop Rio from putting in work. Fans rallied behind his 2019 hit "Legendary," which grew into his biggest hit, generating hundreds of millions of streams.

In December 2024, Rio returned to the scene with a bang, releasing the epic first day out freestyle "RIO FREE," racking up over 1 million views in a day and 8 million streams in just three days. The music video trended #1 on YouTube Music for three weeks straight. "RIO FREE" paved the way for the RIO FREE EP, which earned praise from Pitchfork, and its expansion RIO FREE (Something Happen), named one of the Best Albums of 2025 So Far by The FADER. In early January, Rio performed his first concert since 2021, selling out a star-studded show in Detroit, and in April, "Legendary" earned PLATINUM status from the RIAA, making Rio the first-ever rapper from Flint to earn a PLATINUM record. Rio has also been a willing collaborator, jumping on the viral "Shark" with Jorjiana, recently performed at the NBA Finals, appearing on Money Man's new album, and reuniting with Rmc Mike for "Bragging Rights," currently trending at #28 on YouTube for music with nearly 1 million views since its release last week.

In July, Rio embarks upon his first-ever nationwide tour: the "Welcome Home Tour," featuring support from Baby Money, FBLManny, and many special guests. The epic tour spans over 60 dates, kicking off in Detroit on July 17th (Music Hall Detroit) and passing through San Francisco on August 10th (Regency Ballroom), Los Angeles on August 12th (The Belasco Theater), Houston on August 30th (9pm Music Venue), and New York on September 24th (Webster Hall) before concluding in Chicago on October 11th (Patio Theater).

View a full list of tour dates and purchase tickets at https://www.touringwithrio.com/

With F.L.I.N.T. on the way and more excitement in the future, Rio looks to make 2025 his year. Stay tuned for more music and announcements in the coming weeks.

BABYMETAL is currently on their biggest North American tour yet and will be in Sterling Heights, MI on July 3 with support from Black Veil Brides, Jinjer, and Bloodywood. The 24-date run will hit major cities including Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, and San Francisco before wrapping up on July 23 in Phoenix.

Formed in 2010 as a sub-unit of idol group Sakura Gakuin, BABYMETAL quickly gained popularity in Japan for their explosive live shows. By 2013, they had become a force of their own opening for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn, and Lady Gaga, and bringing the ferocity of metal to a global audience. With over 15 years of history and a diehard international following, BABYMETAL isn’t just a band, they’re a movement redefining what heavy music looks and sounds like. Fronted by three dynamic women - SU-METAL, MOAMETAL, and MOMOMETAL - BABYMETAL has helped redefine the face of metal, inspiring a new generation of women and girls around the world who see themselves in this sound and on these stages.

Their upcoming album Metal Forth (out August 8 via Capitol) features collaborations with Tom Morello, Poppy, Spiritbox, and more. Their latest single "from me to u" feat. Poppy is out now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qayP_YUrf9I. More information on the tour and record below.