Listen up, music fans.
From must-see concerts to upcoming releases, reunions and more, we’re breaking down the hottest music news and events happening from Los Angeles to New York each month.
Follow along for the latest highlights featuring artists and bands across all genres.
August
Carrie Underwood unites with Papa Roach for new recording of ‘Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)’
Carrie Underwood and Papa Roach have teamed up for a good cause.
The newly-minted “American Idol” judge has joined the rock icons on a new recording of their multi-format hit single “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” – all in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Talk Away The Dark” campaign.
“Carrie told us she wanted us to be happy and she blew our minds with everything she sang. She is unparalleled as a vocalist with a dynamic range and a warm heart,” frontman Jacoby Shaddix exclusively told Page Six of the duet, which was recorded in Nashville, Tenn., over the summer and officially released on Aug. 2.
“Her team were the ultimate professionals and we were stunned by that recording session. We all knew the world would rally behind our cause.”
Shaddix – who has been vocal about his own struggles with mental health over the years – told us that Papa Roach originally wrote the song during the coronavirus pandemic, with everyone involved calling it a “game changer” at the time. Despite always envisioning the track with a duet partner in mind, the band went through with releasing a solo version in 2022 that was featured on their “Ego Trip” album.
“At the time it wasn’t being released as a commercial single but we wanted to do something special, so we teamed up with the AFSP to shine a light on their ‘Talk Away The Dark’ campaign, which coincided with the start of the tour that we were about to start with Shinedown,” Shaddix recalled.
“We decided to make a donation on behalf of each city – $5,000 per night – and the audiences were blown away … from the very first tour show in Kansas City to the last show in Denver, we saw that reaction every night and we knew we had to do more.”
Shortly after the song began to find success again when it was re-released as a single in November 2023, the “Last Resort” rockers discussed the idea of inviting Underwood on board for another version.
“We thought about reaching out to Carrie, who saw us perform in Nashville. I went to see her residency show in Las Vegas and I was ‘blown away’ by her voice and her production,” Shaddix exclusively told Page Six of how the duet came to be. “When I got home, I asked the band what they thought. They said, ‘Ask her,’ and [she accepted]. She is such a professional and lovely person.”
The new release coincides with the first anniversary of the AFSPs “Talk Away the Dark” campaign. The organization will receive royalties generated from both artists from the song while also raising awareness for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US and Canada.
“I’m such a huge fan of Jacoby and Papa Roach and was honored to be invited to record ‘Leave A Light
On’ with them,” Underwood shared in her own statement. “It’s a beautiful song and the message behind it and the band’s mission to shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness has never been more important.”
July
MGK and Jelly Roll debut new music video featuring Megan Fox and Bunnie Xo
MGK admits he “cried” making the music video for “Lonely Road,” an emotional new track that shows him trading in his edgy pop-punk side for a soft, in-your-feels country vibe.
The rocker teamed up with Jelly Roll for the song and video, both released on July 26, that samples John Denver’s 1971 hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
“Lonely road take me home / To the place where we went wrong,” MGK sings. “Where’d you go now / It’s been a ghost town / And I’m still here / All alone.”
The Sam Cahill-directed music video – which surpassed over 1.3 million views in the first 24 hours of its release – features cameos by MGK and Jelly Roll’s respective partners, Megan Fox and Bunnie Xo.
Some of the scenes feature Fox sporting a baby bump and later giving birth to a baby girl with MGK, seemingly alluding to the heartbreaking miscarriage they’ve been vocal about in recent years.
Meanwhile, Bunnie at one point shows Jelly Roll medical papers reading “infertility diagnosis and management.” The two announced in June that they were undergoing IVF in hopes of starting a family.
Both MGK and Jelly Roll spoke about how much the track meant to them in celebratory posts shared via social media on release day.
“Jelly you are [a] living breathing badass and a kindred soul who has shown me the path of redemption and what it looks like to believe in yourself against all odds,” MGK captioned an Instagram carousel showing a variety of behind-the-scenes images.
“From us beefing 12 years ago, and fast forward to us putting out what i believe will be the biggest hit of our careers yet im proud to call you my brother and life feels better knowing you got my back. this lonely road ain’t so lonely my friend.”
Jelly Roll echoed those sentiments in his own post, reflecting on his 15 years of knowing MGK but admittedly having a “tumultuous beginning” due to preconceived judgements.
“To my brother, I want you to know the positive energy radiating off of you. I can’t even shower you with enough praises for how incredible it has been to watch you become one of the greatest most multifaceted songwriters and musicians in the game,” he wrote in part.
“Thank you for picking me to be on this one brother. This song was going to be hit no matter who you called I’m just honored it was me,” he added. “I’m glad the world is getting to see your heart. You’ve been misunderstood for so long it feels a bit vindicating to watch the world see your soul.”
Lil Mosey releases new single ahead of full EP
Following the massive success of 2019’s “Blueberry Faygo,” Lil Mosey is back with another catchy track that will make you want to get up, snap your fingers and dance.
“Said you do your own thing / Shorty I could tell / I know you independent / So you don’t need no one else,” he raps on “By Yourself,” released on July 26 via his label Love U Forever and Cinq Music.
Lil Mosey shared in a statement that he created the song as an ode to “all the great women” in his life.
“The song is to express my appreciation and love for the women in my life and the women across the world,” the multi-platinum recording artist explained.
“Since the day I was born I was surrounded by independent women. Firstly, my mom, so this was for her and the rest of the independent women out there.”
The new track precedes Lil Mosey’s highly anticipated EP, “Love U Forever,” dropping Aug. 9.
Foster the People plots first live shows since 2021
Foster the People announced on July 26 that they will perform a pair of intimate live shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Aug. 12 and the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 14.
The concerts — their first since 2021 — will celebrate the band’s latest album, “Paradise State of Mind,” which is out on Aug. 16.
Foster the People is also scheduled to take the stage at the Austin City Limits music festival in October.
Post Malone takes over Nashville
Post Malone previewed his forthcoming country album, “F-1 Trillion,” with a one-night-only concert in Nashville on July 16.
The Bud Light-co-hosted show, dubbed “A Night in Nashville,” saw the Grammy nominee perform his recent singles “I Had Some Help” and “Pour Me a Drink” and bring out Blake Shelton for the latter.
Hardy, Joe Nichols and Sierra Ferrell were also special guests.
Blink-182 headline largest stadium show to date in Los Angeles
Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker hit a historic milestone on July 6 by headlining their largest stadium show yet during their “One More Time” tour stop in Los Angeles.
Taking the stage at SoFi Stadium, Blink-182 hyped up the star-studded crowd by playing a 25-song set list that featured hits like “Aliens Exist,” “All the Small Things,” “I Miss You,” “What’s My Age Again?” and “The Rock Show,” along with a mashup of their song “Dammit” mixed with Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
Page Six spotted numerous celebrities vibin’ out at the venue for the rock band’s performance – and opening sets by Hot Milk and Pierce the Veil – including Megan Fox, MGK, Tyler Posey and Phem.
Earlier in the day, Barker hosted a 5K across the street at the Kia Forum with his wife, Kourtney Kardashian, by his side. The inaugural “Run Travis Run” health and wellness event brought thousands of fans together in Inglewood, Calif., to witness the drummer’s pre-concert ritual firsthand.
Page Six spoke to Barker on site, where he dished about his 20-year-old son, Landon, joining Blink-182 as an opener for select cities on their ongoing tour.
“I love it. Nothing makes me happier,” the proud dad shared, when asked about his rocker son following in his footsteps. “He’s [been] rehearsing, doing all of the things so he can have great shows.”
Landon Barker joins dad Travis on the road as tour opener for Blink-182
Just one day after Blink-182 rocked SoFi Stadium, Travis Barker took the stage again – this time at The Vermont Hollywood – to support son Landon’s own headlining show in LA on July 7.
The musician assisted Landon and his band on drums for “Friends With Your Ex,” which was followed up with a surprise cameo from MGK. The “Hotel Diablo” rapper came out to perform “Die in California” with Landon, a track off MGK’s “Mainstream Sellout” album.
The concert kicked off just days before Landon hit the road with his dad. He performed his first opening set for Blink-182 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 11.
“Being on tour with my father is an absolute blessing,” Landon exclusively shared with us. “I’m playing my three released singles, ‘Friends With Your Ex,’ ‘Over You’ and ‘Die In California,’ plus some unreleased tracks.”
He added, “The shows are huge and I’m beyond proud of my dad as he continues to sell out each show.”
Last October, Landon’s mom, Shanna Moakler, also exclusively spoke to Page Six about how proud she was to see her and Travis’ son following his dreams.
“To see him doing what he was doing was so [special] after seeing him on stage with Travis his whole life, just rocking out,” the model told us moments after Landon wrapped his debut solo show at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.
“He’s such a talented drummer as well, but to see him as a frontman is so cool. I’m like, ‘Super proud mommy moment,’ and I haven’t stopped crying.”
June
GXTP teams up with Sueco for new single and tour
GXTP is back with another collaboration – this time, with Sueco.
Following the success of 2023’s “Contraband” (featuring Mötley Crüe legend Tommy Lee), the rock group has teamed up with the “Fast” rapper for “My Devil at Home.”
“You’re the high coursing through my veins / My air-supply, don’t wanna break these chains,” lyrics from the catchy track read in part. “Craving your bedroom-eyes when we’re alone / My angel in public, my devil at home.”
GXTP is made up of Jason Paul (aka Poo Bear), Sasha Sirota and Triple Sixx. The group was formed in 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and has been busy at work ever since.
“’My Devil at Home’ reflects the ultimate synergy between love and passion, in a relationship, that I think everyone can relate to,” Triple Sixx said of GXTP’s latest single, which will be followed up with another collaboration titled “Te’KillYa” with Killer Mike and Santana.
“Sueco brings such incredible energy that definitely makes this one of our favorite songs!”
The song precedes the release of Sueco’s forthcoming full-length album, “Attempted Lover,” out July 19 and a tour to follow. GXTP will hit the road with the “Loser” singer starting Sept. 14 in Jacksonville, Fla., and wrapping Nov. 2 in Charlotte, NC.
Last summer, Page Six exclusively spoke to Sueco backstage at Lollapalooza, where he was making his debut at the four-day music festival at Chicago’s Grand Park.
“I’ve never been to Lollapalooza. I figured the first time I would come is when I perform,” he told us ahead of the energetic, crowd-favorite set. “I’m stoked. It’s going to be sick. We’re going to f–king turn up.”
Charli XCX ‘works it out’ with Lorde in ‘Girl, so confusing’ remix
Looks like Lorde has finally made her way into Charli XCX’s “brat” squad.
The “Royals” singer is featured on the remix of “Girl, so confusing,” a track off the British pop star’s b-b-bumpin’ “brat” album. The surprise release, which dropped on June 21, seemingly confirms speculation that Charli XCX penned the song about her years-long feud with Lorde.
“Yeah, I don’t know if you like me / Sometimes I think you might hate me / Sometimes I think I might hate you / Maybe you just wanna be me,” Charli XCX sings on the original track, later proclaiming, “One day we might make some music / The Internet would go crazy.”
On the remix, Lorde responds by singing, “Well, honestly, I was speechless / When I woke up to your voice note / You told me how you’d been feeling / Let’s work it out on the remix.”
She then sings about how she’d “cancel last minute” whenever Charli XCX asked her to go out – claiming she was “so lost” in her head at the time and “scared” to be in pictures.
“’Cause for the last couple years / I’ve been at war in my body / I tried to starve myself thinner / And then I gained all the weight back,” Lorde continues. “I was trapped in the hatred / And your life seemed so awesome / I never thought for a second / My voice was in your head.”
Ariana Grande recruits Brandy & Monica for ‘the boy is mine’ remix
Icons unite!
Ariana Grande recruited powerhouse singers Brandy and Monica for a new remix of “the boy is mine” (off her “eternal sunshine” album) on June 21. The remix dropped just weeks after the ladies appeared in the Christian Breslauer-directed music video for Grande’s OG version.
“[I] cannot believe this is real … my deepest and sincerest thank you to Brandy and Monica, not only for joining me for this moment, but for your generosity, your kindness, and for the countless ways in which you have inspired me,” Grande gushed via Instagram of working with the musical legends.
“It is near impossible to say how much this means to me,” she adds. “This is in celebration of you both and the impact that you have had on every vocalist, vocal producer, musician, artist that is creating today.”
Grande took inspiration from Brandy and Monica’s hit 1998 single “The Boy Is Mine,” which instantly topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart at the time and stayed at No. 1 for 13 weeks.
The track went on to win the Grammy Award for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals and became the best-selling song of the year and the best-selling female duet of all time.
“Love you @arianagrande – Thank you for embracing us with so much warmth and kindness,” Brandy wrote via Instagram following the release of the new remixed version. “Overjoyed to celebrate this moment with you and @monicadenise.”
Falling in Reverse achieve biggest Hot 100 hit with Jelly Roll collaboration
Falling in Reverse’s country-metal banger with Jelly Roll has earned them a spot on the Hot 100 chart.
Since its release on June 7, “All My Life” has already spiked to No. 1 across all Hard Rock Billboard Song Charts, generating an impressive 25,000,000+ streams in just two weeks.
“Bonding over their shared roots, modest upbringing and rebellious spirits, the collaboration between Ronnie Radke and Jelly Roll tells a story of resilience through the ups and downs of life,” a press release from the metalcore band so perfectly puts it. “Southern-fried riffs, soaring guitar solos and singalong choruses make ‘All My Life’ a crossover smash.”
The track and its accompanying music video precedes the highly anticipated release of Falling in Reverse’s “Popular Monster” album, coming Aug. 16 via Epitaph Records.
“Yeah, I’ve been high and low, I’ve been sober, I’ve been faded / Searching for my love in all the wrong places,” Radke sings on “All My Life,” donning a full white cowboy suit while riding a horse in the video, which appears to be straight out of a western film. “Word up on the streets is I got a bad reputation / Yeah, I may have drew blood, but that was true love.”
In celebration of its success, we hear Radke and Jelly Roll will be heading to Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles on June 24 for a surprise pop up event. The VIP bash will include exclusive merchandise, karaoke, mechanical bull riding and more.
Post Malone announces ‘F-1 Trillion’ album, teams up with Blake Shelton
The “Rockstar” singer is going country.
On June 18, Post Malone announced that his sixth studio album, “F-1 Trillion,” will be released on Aug. 16 via Mercury Records/Republic.
Malone gave fans a teaser as to what they can expect from his new country era by teaming up with Blake Shelton for “Pour Me a Drink.”
The catchy track, which dropped on June 21, features the tatted star crooning, “Somebody pour me a drink, somebody bum me a smoke / I’m ’bout to get on a buzz, I’m ’bout to get on a roll.”
“Pour Me a Drink” follows the massive success of Malone’s previous country hit with Morgan Wallen. The two collaborated on “I Had Some Help,” which has remained No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks since its release on May 10.
Malone announced on June 25 that he is taking “F-1 Trillion” on the road with a 21-show tour stopping in cities including Boston, Wantagh, NY, Atlanta and Nashville. Tickets go on sale July 1 at 10 a.m. local time.
Scene Queen hitting the road for ‘bucket list tour’ with BABYMETAL
Dance metal meets bimbocore!
Scene Queen is hitting the road with Japanese kawaii metal band BABYMETAL for select dates this fall, Page Six has learned. The US tour kicks off Nov. 5 in Orlando, Fla., and wraps Dec. 5 in Anaheim, Calif.
“I got the tour offer while I was on tour in Europe and audibly screamed in the green room. This is a bucket list tour for me,” Scene Queen, whose real name is Hannah Rose Collins, exclusively told Page Six. “Honestly the level of professionalism from BABYMETAL is something I’ve idolized from years. The girls have totally perfected their craft and I’m just stoked to be a part of the show.”
Fans heading to the show can expect “lights, stunts and cuter outfits” from the “Whips and Chains” singer, who told us that she’s “going all in” on this tour opportunity. She also revealed that she’ll be playing songs from her debut full length album, “Hot Singles In Your Area,” which officially drops June 28 via Hopeless Records.
“This album sums up all the reasons I became Scene Queen, so getting to finally play those songs live has been very full circle,” she shared. “I’m for sure playing new songs on tour but will definitely keep my biggest songs in rotation.”
Scene Queen is best known for coining the style “bimbocore,” a subgenre of metalcore, alternative rock and pop with feminist themes. Meanwhile, BABYMETAL – made up of SU-METAL (Suzuka Nakamoto), MOAMETAL (Moa Kikuchi) and MOMOMETAL (Momoko Okazaki) – has previously made headlines for their history-making festival appearances and recent collaborations with bands and artists like Bring Me the Horizon, Tom Morello and Lil Uzi Vert.
Tove Lo and SG Lewis team up for summer EP
Tove Lo and SG Lewis are releasing a joint EP titled “Heat” on June 14.
The track list features four songs: “Heat,” “Let Me Go Oh Oh,” “Busy Girl” and “Desire.”
“We share a lot of fans in the queer community, and this EP is very much inspired by the energy we feel from the crowd. We wanted to celebrate that with these four bangers,” the “Habits (Stay High)” singer teased in a statement on June 4.
The “Lifetime” crooner shared that the duo “spent nearly a year tweaking the songs and rewriting certain parts” with the help of producer Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED).
“The writing process was always very fast and fluid once Tove found the hook; she would come up with incredible vocal ideas, and I would produce the beats around the lyrics she was writing in real time, until we were both on our feet dancing by the end of the session,” Lewis added in his own statement.
The pair previously collaborated on “Call on Me,” “Pineapple Slice” and “Love Bites.”
Cyndi Lauper announces farewell tour
Cyndi Lauper announced her farewell tour, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” on June 3.
The 23-city run begins on Oct. 18 at Bell Centre in Montreal and includes a stop at Madison Square Garden in Lauper’s native New York City before wrapping up at United Center in Chicago on Dec. 5.
Live Nation said in a press release that Lauper will be joined by special guests throughout the tour.
Tickets go on sale June 7 at 10 a.m. local time, with various presales earlier in the week.
May
Billie Eilish hosts back-to-back listening parties in NY and LA
To celebrate the release of her third studio album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” Billie Eilish hosted two back-to-back listening parties for fans in New York City and Los Angeles.
The singer kicked off the festivities at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on May 15, followed by a second party at the Kia Forum in Inglewood the following night, which Page Six attended.
Eilish appeared ecstatic as she made her grand entrance in front of the LA crowd just moments after the album was officially released worldwide. She brought the vibes by turning the iconic venue into a dark and dreamy atmosphere, complete with fog and shades of blue light, to match the aesthetic of her new project.
“I just thank you all so much and I love to see all of your faces. I am about to go over there and I’m going to press play and I’m going to let the entire [album] play, front to back, non-stop,” she excitedly told the sold-out audience of 17,000+, before joining her brother/producer, Finneas, on a couch.
Eilish then hit play and let the music speak for itself. The crowd cheered throughout the duration of the event as they listened to hits like “Birds of a Feather,” “The Greatest” and “Skinny” for the first time, with the singer running around the venue, dancing and flirting with the audience. At one point, she even brought out her dog, Shark, to help celebrate her and Finneas’ special night.
Before the LA show, Snap Nation invited Page Six to hang out in a special VIP area of the venue, where we spotted stars like Harry Jowsey, Alan Bersten, Austin McBroom and Catherine Paiz taking snaps and mingling with fans.
Snap Nation is an evolution of Snapchat’s partnership with Live Nation, aimed to curate “behind-the-scenes content from the biggest moments in music and give fans everywhere the on-the-ground experience.” Manny Adler, Snap Inc.’s Head of Music Strategy, told us he was thrilled to debut the exciting new collaboration with Eilish, who is one of their most beloved artists on the platform.
For more on Eilish’s new album, read our full review here.
Charli XCX recruits a group of baddies for ‘360’ music video
We’re calling it now – Charli XCX’s new single, “360,” is the song of the summer for the girlies.
The pop star released the catchy track on May 10, along with a music video starring a badass lineup of “It” girls including Julia Fox, Gabbriette, Emma Chamberlain, Chloë Sevigny, Rachel Sennott and more.
“The girls love @charli_xcx !!! Thank u for making all my dreams come true,” Fox wrote via Instagram in celebration of the release. “I’m not kidding when I say I’ve always wanted a mega shout out on a song and it couldn’t have come from a more iconic person!!!!! Truly such an honor.”
Gabbriette added in her own post, “Only @charli_xcx could get all the baddest bitches together ♥️♥️♥️ 360 OUT NOW get your wine glasses out!!!!!!!”
Charli XCX drops references to both of the models throughout the track, with lines like, “I’m your favorite reference, baby / Call me Gabbriette, you’re so inspired” and “When you’re in the mirror, you’re just looking at me / I’m everywhere, I’m so Julia / Ah-ah, ah.”
“360” will be featured on Charli XCX’s upcoming sixth studio album, “BRAT,” out June 7.
Amber Wild celebrates new single with electric show at the Viper Room
Rock band Amber Wild – made up of frontman Evan Stanley, guitarist Marshall Via, bassist Jacob Massanari and drummer Thomas Lowrey – released their new single, “Getting Started,” on May 8.
The multi-talented group of musicians celebrated by hosting a packed-out release show at legendary rock ’n’ roll hot spot the Viper Room on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles one night later. Fans in the crowd couldn’t seem to get enough of their electrifying set, which featured the first live performance of their new song, along with previously released singles like “Breakout” and “Silver.”
Other highlights included several guitar shredding moments between Stanley, Via and Massanari, and an insane drum solo that Lowrey dedicated to his late father, who introduced him to the drums and the world of music as a kid.
Amber Wild’s latest music news comes fresh off their exciting tour performances with KISS. They opened for the band’s End of the Road World Tour, including stops at LA’s Hollywood Bowl and the final back-to-back shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“Madison Square Garden is the ultimate venue. To play it under any circumstance would be incredible, but this is something else entirely,” Evan, who is the son of KISS frontman Paul Stanley, exclusively told us at the time. “It’s a huge moment in music history and an even bigger one for my family. My dad and I have always bonded over music and this is about as cool as it gets.”
Now, it’s Evan and his own band who are having their moment. If you’re a fan of rock music, get to know Amber Wild now – we have a feeling you’ll be hearing a lot more of them soon.
Post Malone and Morgan Wallen release country collab
Post Malone and Morgan Wallen released their long-awaited collaboration, “I Had Some Help,” on May 10.
To celebrate, the pair also premiered a rowdy, firework-filled music video for the song, which is sure to become a summer anthem.
Malone first teased the duet on social media on March 20 before debuting it live with Wallen at the Stagecoach music festival on April 28.
It will be featured on the “Circles” singer’s first-ever country album, which is expected to drop later this year.
Thomas Rhett drops new love song for wife Lauren Akins
Thomas Rhett released a new song titled “Beautiful as You” on May 10.
The upbeat lead single from the country singer’s forthcoming seventh album, set for Aug. 23, expresses how he feels he hit the jackpot with his wife, Lauren Akins, with whom he shares four daughters.
“There was one day a couple years back when I was looking at my wife, and I was like, ‘Why in the world did you choose me?’ I get to be with someone who could easily be on the cover of a magazine, and I get to see her in all her forms — a partner, a mother, a friend, even a philanthropist,” Rhett said in a statement.
“I just feel like I’ve got a first row seat at almost-perfection, if you will. And like the song says, ‘Seriously, what is somebody as amazing as you doing with somebody like me?’”
The “Die a Happy Man” crooner will perform “Beautiful as You” for the first time at the 2024 ACM Awards on May 16. He also is scheduled to hit the stage on the “Today” show on Aug. 23 as part of the Citi Concert Series.
Madonna makes history with concert for 1.6 million fans
Madonna made history on May 4 as she performed in front of a whopping 1.6 million fans in Rio de Janeiro, marking the largest audience ever for a stand-alone concert by any artist.
The Queen of Pop turned the famed Copacabana Beach into a massive dance floor during the final date of her “Celebration” tour, which featured many of her greatest hits from her four-decade career, including “Into the Groove,” “Like a Prayer,” “Hung Up” and “Music.”
Tickets to the show were free, and it was also livestreamed online. Diplo served as the opening act.
‘The Idea of You’ soundtrack spikes on Spotify
August Moon may be a fictional boy band, but that hasn’t stopped fans of “The Idea of You” movie from searching for their music in real life.
The pop group is featured in the new Amazon Original movie starring Nicholas Galitzine as frontman Hayes and Anne Hathaway as his onscreen love interest, Solène. Rounding out the group of heartthrobs is Adrian (Jaiden Anthony), Oliver (Raymond Cham Jr), Sam (Viktor White) and Rory (Dakota Adan).
Since the film’s streaming debut on May 2, searches for the “The Idea of You” content on Spotify has increased by +5,000% in the US, Page Six can confirm, with the hit “Dance Before We Walk” growing +400% just one day after the release.
The soundtrack features original songs from executive music producer Savan Kotecha (who has worked with artists like Ariana Grande, Britney Spears and One Direction) and music supervisor Frankie Pine (fresh off creating hits for “Daisy Jones & the Six”).
Additionally, we’re told streams of the audiobook by author Robinne Lee has also spiked by +160% on Spotify across the country. The Michael Showalter-directed film – which features a Page Six shout-out! – is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
Jessica Carter Altman releases new EP, ‘Aftermath II’
Jessica Carter Altman unveiled her latest EP, “Aftermath II,” on May 3 via Symphonic, featuring mesmerizing tracks titled “Smoke,” “Fake It,” “London Fog” and “Bad Energy.”
The singer, who is the daughter of legendary “Wonder Woman” star Lynda Carter, revealed she chose “Smoke” to serve as the centerpiece after she was “inspired by a vision” she had of Bonnie and Clyde.
“There is a famous Hunter S. Thompson quote that inspired me: ‘Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke… loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a ride!’” she explained. “I loved the idea of going up in a cloud of smoke. Sometimes we need to make a change and do something radical.”
In addition to the EP, fans can also look forward to Carter Altman’s long awaited full album, “Aftermath,” coming June 14. We hear the songwriter will celebrate the upcoming release with a party at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, Calif.
April
Stephen Sanchez is going back on tour
Stephen Sanchez shared on April 30 that he is embarking on a new tour this summer, beginning on Aug. 1 in Columbus, Ohio, and ending on Oct. 29 in Orlando, Fla.
Ray Bull, the Brook & the Bluff and the Paper Kites will join the “Until I Found You” crooner as special guests on various dates of the run.
Sanchez also will perform at several festivals, including Governors Ball in New York City on June 9.
The news comes on the heels of the release of the “Club Deluxe” edition of the rising singer’s debut album, “Angel Face.”
Black Veil Brides release title track and music video for ‘Sweeney Todd’-inspired EP
Andy Biersack is officially the new “demon barber of Fleet Street.”
The Black Veil Brides frontman has flawlessly stepped into the role of Sweeney Todd for the band’s upcoming “Bleeders” EP, inspired by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s classic musical about the fictional villain. The title track was released on April 26, along with a haunting music video that pays homage to the 2007 Tim Burton-directed film adaptation starring Johnny Depp.
“‘Sweeney Todd’ was one of my first loves as a kid. Truly, the original cast recording with Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury was something I listened to nearly every day as a little kid, and the songs and concepts of the show shaped a lot of what I enjoy as far as music and media goes,” Biersack exclusively told Page Six, noting that it’s been a “lifelong dream” of his to get to “play” Sweeney in some capacity.
“The song itself is certainly inspired by the themes. However, from a lyrical perspective, I wanted to write more broadly about the idea of revenge and how it affects us both positively and negatively,” he continued. “We are all fueled to some degree by the very human feeling of anger towards someone or something, or inversely, the idea that we’ve been slighted or misunderstood.”
Biersack gave us a sneak peek listen of the full “Bleeders” EP ahead of its official release on June 21. The project – which marks BVB’s first on Spinefarm – includes covers of U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “My Friends” from the Sondheim classic, perfectly encapsulating the thrilling essence of one of the darkest musicals ever written.
Fitting naturally with the bloody themes of their latest music, the band also revealed that they’ve teamed up with the American Red Cross to raise awareness for the nationwide blood shortage.
The band is currently on the road for their US “Bleeders” tour with special guests Creeper, Dark Divine and GHØSTKID, running April 30 through May 25.
Fans who’ve made a pledge and are attending one of the shows in person will receive an exclusive BVB package by visiting the merchandise table and showing proof of their blood donation.
“One of the things that’s been a core element of our band from a message perspective has always been an interest in just self-betterment and positivity, but also the ways in which we can benefit the greater world around us,” Biersack explained. “We hope that while the video and subject matter is definitely gory and horror-oriented that there is some positive stuff on a larger scale that can come from it.”
Phem releases new single, teases debut album via Hopeless Records
Alt-pop icon Phem unveiled her new single, “absolutely nothing,” on April 24, describing the track as her “most honest song” yet.
“In the past, I’ve wanted to say certain things and be brutally honest, but I’ve stopped myself in fear of judgement or offending people. I think with this song I just let it all out,” the musician exclusively told Page Six of her creative process. “I came to a realization about many things involving my life and the type of artist I want to be. I don’t wanna let what people think hinder how I make art anymore.”
With catchy lyrics like “life makes me laugh so hard so I guess I got a six pack” and “if I ever said I loved the grind I promise I was lying,” the Los Angeles-based artist clearly had a lot of fun with this one. She told us that creating the visuals with her team was just as gratifying as crafting the raw, funky phrases.
“We were buzzing with creativity, just me and my friend Puma,” she recalled. “It was a one-take video. Very simple, but with a beautiful backdrop.”
Next up, Phem is gearing up for the release of her debut album, expected via Hopeless Records.
The green-haired starlet – who has previously worked with artists like Avril Lavigne, Travis Barker, Machine Gun Kelly, Iann Dior and Awsten Knight of Waterparks – told us that conceptualizing this record has been all about “being honest” and “trusting” her instincts and intuition.
“I cant give a release date yet but more collabs [are] coming,” she teased, calling this project “the best music” she’s ever made. “It has been an amazing process so far. I also want to thank my fans, my phemily. Every single person who understands me and my he(art) – we are all in this together. Life is confusing. It’s nice to have a community of compassionate people.”
Phem confirmed to Page Six that her husband, Tyler Posey, already has a favorite song on the upcoming album, one that is, in fact, written about the actor. The two tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Malibu, Calif., last October, surrounded by their family and closest friends.
“It’s beautiful, amazing, safe. So much better than I would’ve ever imagined,” Phem said of what married life has been like thus far. “I feel very fulfilled. I feel like I have a home finally and that has allowed me to be more creative and relax into being an artist.”
She added, “I no longer feel like I’m just surviving. I’m able to enjoy my process more.”
VMAs returning to New York
UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, revealed on April 24 that it will host the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
The ceremony will take place at the Belmont Park venue on Sept. 10, marking the first time it has been held in New York since 2021.
“We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting-edge venues,” MTV executive Bruce Gillmer said in a statement. “Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul also celebrated the news, saying in part, “From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry.”
Jimmy Buffett tribute show brings out Snoop Dogg, Paul McCartney and more
The Hollywood Bowl was packed with A-listers on April 11 as a slew of musical icons came together in Los Angeles to pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett. The legendary singer, best known for hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” died last September at the age of 76.
The event featured special performances by artists and bands across all genres — with Sheryl Crow, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Snoop Dogg and more all taking the stage at the sold-out show — along with speeches from some of Buffett’s famous pals, like Jane Fonda, Will Arnett and Harrison Ford.
Musical highlights included Paul McCartney performing “Let It Be” on the piano, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl hopping on the drums for a cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” with Zac Brown and the Coral Reefer Band, and Pitbull joining forces with Jon Bon Jovi for an unforgettable rendition of “Thank God and Jimmy Buffett.”
“I had the great pleasure of knowing Jimmy, and like everyone else on the bill tonight has said, this is one great man,” McCartney told the audience. “He was generous, he was funny, he’d done just about everything in his life.”
The crowd at the “Keep The Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett” concert was just as star-studded, with celebs like Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Courteney Cox and Larry David all spotted in the audience.
Billie Eilish unveils third album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’
Billie Eilish announced on April 8 that she will release her third studio album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” on May 17.
The Grammy winner wrote on Instagram that she is not dropping any promotional singles because she wants fans to experience all 10 songs at once.
“finneas and i truly could not be more proud of this album and we absolutely can’t wait for you to hear it,” she added, referencing her brother and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell.
Eilish’s label, Interscope Records, described the follow-up to 2021’s “Happier Than Ever” as “her most daring body of work to date, a diverse yet cohesive collection of songs — ideally listened to in its entirety from beginning to end — does exactly as the album title suggests; hits you hard and soft both lyrically and sonically, while bending genres and defying trends along the way.”
Missy Elliott plots first-ever headlining tour
Missy Elliott announced on April 8 that she will embark on her first-ever headlining tour this summer.
Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience will also feature Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland.
“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my first headline tour,” the “Lose Control” rapper said in a statement.
“Fans have been asking me to tour forever, but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family!”
Beginning July 4, the tour will stop at venues including Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, and Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Tickets go on sale April 12 at 10 a.m. local time.
March
Beyoncé and Cher to attend iHeartRadio Music Awards
The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards will spotlight musical legends Beyoncé and Cher — and Page Six can confirm that both icons will be in attendance to accept their awards in person.
The “Crazy in Love” singer is set to receive the innovator award, while Cher will walk away with the prestigious icon accolade and a special musical tribute in her honor.
The annual awards show, which kicks off April 1 from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, will also feature performances by Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Tate McRae and more.
Fans can tune in to the show, hosted by Ludacris, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Fan voting is now open here.
Bryson Tiller announces self-titled album
Bryson Tiller announced on March 19 that he will release a self-titled album on April 5.
RCA Records described “Bryson Tiller” as a “masterpiece” that “promises to be a personal narrative that weaves together Tiller’s signature blend of trap and soulful R&B with fresh rap and pop elements.” It includes the lead single “Calypso” as well as the fan favorite “Whatever She Wants.”
“This project not only encapsulates Tiller’s journey and evolution as an artist but also sets a new standard for authenticity and emotional depth in his work,” the label said in a press release.
Tiller is also going on tour this spring and summer, with 30 concerts scheduled for North American cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Nashville.
Nominations revealed for the 2024 CMT Music Awards
On March 13, CMT announced the nominations for their highly anticipated 2024 CMT Music Awards.
This year’s event — hosted by Kelsea Ballerini — will air live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, beginning Sunday, April 7, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and available via streaming on Paramount+.
Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson and Ballerini have racked up the most nods for country music’s first fan-voted awards show, with three nominations apiece. See the full list of nominations and vote for your favorites at vote.cmt.com.
DE’WAYNE signs with Fearless Records, drops new song ‘synthesizer’
Rock artist DE’WAYNE has signed with Fearless Records, we’ve learned — and has already dropped his first single and music video with the label.
The Houston, Texas, native — known for blending elements of rock, pop-punk and soul — released “synthesizer” on March 13, which he describes as “a love letter” to his best friend. The genre-bending musician said he took inspiration from The Commodores’ “Brick House” for the sultry, guitar-heavy track.
“Once the word ‘synthesizer’ came into my mind, I got into the studio the next day. I thought it was strange and interesting but kind of hot to me,” DE’WAYNE (real name: De’Wayne Jackson) exclusively explained to Page Six, noting that the track was written about his friend June. “To anyone who listens to this, I hope they find the synthesizer in their life.”
Of his new era, DE’WAYNE teased this chapter feels “completely new” to him in every way.
“A new me, a new sound, new label, new energy, but my message is still the same,” he shared. “I’m just leading with love and I hope people still feel that. It means everything because it’s an opportunity to put something that I think is good into the world.”
DE’WAYNE — who has previously worked with artists like Willow, Good Charlotte and Chase Atlantic — also shared his dream bucket list of creatives he’d love to collaborate with one day: Thin Lizzy, The Cars and Lenny Kravitz.
“If I got a Lenny collab I would freak out!” he exclaimed.
Scheana Marie releases new single ‘Sweet & Sour’
Following the success of her catchy 2013 hit “Good as Gold,” the “Vanderpump Rules” star has returned to the music scene this year with new singles like “Apples,” “Boy Crazy” and her latest, “Sweet & Sour.”
Scheana Marie teamed up with vocalist Landis Daniels and guitarist Kevin Franklin of Los Angeles-based music group The 27s for the pop-punk bop, which was released on March 1.
“I’m so sweet with the cherry on top / Baggy ripped jeans and my T-shirt cropped,” the reality TV star sings on the track. “Mean girls mad ’cause they want what I got / And they say I’m the one that all the hot boys really want.”
Scheana Marie, Daniels and Franklin celebrated the release with a party held at the Gibson Showroom in West Hollywood, Calif., on March 7 with energetic performances, including a special DJ set from Fish, food by Banging Buns and an open bar.
The Bravolebrity told the crowd at the bash, presented by idobi Radio, that she had not rehearsed beforehand and was going to “wing it” like she usually does.
“Whose idea was it to write that many lyrics in a song [without] rehearsing,” she joked, as fans chanted for “one more song.”
2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards kick off at YouTube Theater
This year’s event, held March 6 in Inglewood, Calif., celebrated the impressive achievements of Karol G. The Colombian singer was awarded the night’s highest honor, woman of the year, at the star-studded awards show.
“This might be the most significant and important recognition of all my career, this is super special. This is woman of the year but this is the first time ever a Latina is named the woman of the year,” the “Amargura” singer said in part while accepting her award from actress Sofía Vergara.
“I look back now, all the time it has taken me to be here, 16 years, and I feel very at peace with myself because I followed my heart. I see the process, I wouldn’t take anything away. All the things, from the most beautiful to the most difficult, I am grateful today and they have made me the person I am.”
Other highlights from the evening included surprise appearances from Katy Perry and Demi Lovato, powerhouse award recipient Charli XCX performing her emotional new song, “So I,” for the first time and entertaining speeches from fellow winners Ice Spice (hitmaker), PinkPantheress (producer of the year), Kylie Minogue (icon), Tems (breakthrough), Maren Morris (visionary) and more.
Fifth Harmony in talks to reunite — with Camila Cabello
A source exclusively told Page Six on March 1 that Fifth Harmony is in talks to reunite.
We hear Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui and Normani are all set to get back together, along with Camila Cabello, who famously exited the girl group in 2016.
The news comes six years after 5H — formed on Season 2 of “The X Factor” in 2012 — announced they were taking an indefinite hiatus to pursue solo careers.
An insider told us that the conversation about reuniting sparked after their past hits, like 2016’s “All in My Head (Flex),” recently began going viral on TikTok.
Reps for the ladies did not immediately respond to our requests for comment.
Galantis reteams with David Guetta for 5 Seconds of Summer collaboration
Music producer Christian “Bloodshy” Karlsson’s EDM act, Galantis, reteamed with David Guetta for a new collaboration featuring 5 Seconds of Summer titled “Lighter,” which hit streaming services on March 1.
“‘Lighter’ is a special song because the creative momentum between myself, David and 5SOS aligned so well,” Karlsson said in a statement. “We let the collaboration flow into a piece of music that feels emotional and timeless.”
“Lighter” follows Galantis and Guetta’s gold-certified 2021 single “Heartbreak Anthem” with Little Mix.
“It’s always great working with David,” Karlsson shared. “After the amazing response we had with ‘Heartbreak Anthem,’ it’s exciting to be putting out another big record together.”
February
The Kid Laroi hosts pop-up concert at intimate LA venue
In celebration of his new Amazon Prime documentary, “Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About A Kid Named Laroi,” Australian singer The Kid Laroi performed an exclusive show at the El Rey Theatre on Feb. 26.
The “F*ck You, Goodbye” singer performed a selection of his hits old and new, including “Stay,” “Without You,” “Bleed” and “Sorry” to a crowd of fans who excitedly sang along to the lyrics throughout the duration of the concert.
“If there’s any song on the set list that you need to be 100 out of 10 for right now, it is this [one],” Laroi told the audience, encouraging concertgoers to open up the pit before performing “Diva” with assistance from his onstage DJs. “That’s the energy I want right there! Keep that s–t open.”
As for the new documentary, out now, the project showcases Laroi’s rise to international fame with help from mentors and collaborators like Justin Bieber, Post Malone and the late Juicewrld. It also features never-before-seen footage from his early days as an aspiring young artist, along with interviews with family members and longtime friends who’ve supported him since day one.
January
iHeartRadio’s ALTer EGO concert takes over the Honda Center
iHeartRadio always puts on a good show — and their 2024 ALTer EGO concert was no exception.
Held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Jan. 13, the lineup featured bands and artists like The 1975, Bush, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Yellowcard and Fall Out Boy.
One of the highlights from the jam-packed show was when Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park made a surprise appearance on stage to introduce Sum 41.
The rock band, made up of Tom Thacker, Jason McCaslin, Deryck Whibley, Frank Zummo and Dave Baksh, took the stage for “one of the band’s last” performances, belting out hits like “In Too Deep” and “Fat Lip” for the crowd of raging fans.
Sum 41 announced in May 2023 that they would be disbanding following their farewell tour. They’ve been together as a group since 1996.
“We are forever grateful to our fans both old and new, who have supported us in any way,” they shared in a statement posted to social media at the time.
A*Teens reunite to celebrate 25th anniversary of debut album
Page Six exclusively confirmed on Jan. 25 that the A*Teens — who originated as an ABBA cover band in Sweden in 1999 — were set to reunite in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their debut album, “The ABBA Generation.”
Insiders told us that the “Upside Down” singers would perform at the Swedish music competition Melodifestivalen on Feb. 3 to mark their first official appearance together in two decades.
The group’s original members, Marie Serneholt, Dhani Lennevald, Sara Lumholdt and Amit Paul, met up in Stockholm to prepare for their highly anticipated comeback.
Dead Poet Society hosts album release party in LA
Rock band Dead Poet Society — not to be confused with Taylor Swift’s latest project, “The Tortured Poets Department” — celebrated the release of their second studio album, “Fission,” in a big way.
The group, made up of lead singer Jack Underkofler, guitarist Jack Collins, bassist Dylan Brenner and drummer Will Goodroad, hosted a badass show for fans at Pico Union Project in Los Angeles on Jan. 24.
“This album is a lot about entering like a permanently altered state of mind, like a position in which you can’t change it. It’s like you’re forced to grow into a different person, and there’s no going back from that,” Underkofler exclusively teased to Page Six backstage.
“I hope that there’s people out there that have gone through similar things [that we’re exploring on the album]. It’s kind of the beauty of songwriting … the things we go through, although they feel very unique, they’re completely generic.”
Charli XCX and Julia Michaels write for new Britney Spears album
Sources told Page Six on Jan. 3 that Charli XCX and Julia Michaels had been tapped to write songs for Britney Spears‘ first album since 2016’s “Glory” — and the 2021 termination of her 13-year conservatorship.
Despite Spears’ team assembling songwriters for a potential project, our insiders cautioned that the Princess of Pop had not recorded any new material yet, as she has said she “will never return to the music industry.”
Got a music pitch? Contact Desiree Murphy for Los Angeles events and Nicholas Hautman for New York.