Did music videos matter more when we were younger - or do they just matter less now?
When I was younger I used to think a song wasn’t complete until I’d seen the music video, writes Music News Blitz’s Fatima Aziz.
The video wasn’t just an add-on, it was the version of the song that stuck.
You didn’t just hear it, you saw it.
You knew the outfits, the storyline, the exact moment the chorus hit because something dramatic happened on screen.
The song and the video became inseparable.
Music opinion: Record labels - The birth of a career and the death of autonomy
In 1993, O(+>, more famously known as Prince, appeared in public after having changed his stage name to an unpronounceable code and with the word ‘SLAVE’ drawn on his cheek.
This was not one of the pop star’s many artistic statements. Rather, it was a calculated effort to draw attention to the predatory relationship between him and his record label, Warner Bros.
More than three decades later, this dismal tale has unfortunately not stayed an anomaly.
It has become emblematic of the music industry at large and how record labels continue to create 'slaves' out of musicians.
Artists continue to sign their rights away, one exploitative contract at a time, writes Music News Blitz’s Arwen Lehmann.
Music news: Julia Jacklin announces new album The Gem with new single Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)
Julia Jacklin has announced her new album “The Gem” alongside its lead single “Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)”.
The 10-track record will be released on September 25 via 4AD.
The single introduces a project built around emotional tension rather than resolution, moving through a space where affection and doubt sit side by side, writes Music News Blitz’s Zinhle Radebe.
Music news: Famous songs that you didn’t know were originally sampled
Have you ever listened to a new song and wondered why it sounded so familiar? Most likely, you have heard it before, but through another artist.
Sampling is quite common within the music industry. Many artists draw inspiration from other artists' work and add their own style and flair, creating the hit songs we love and know today, writes Music News Blitz’s Tyler Lai Sai.
Music analysis: Why the ‘song of the summer’ does not really exist anymore
I miss when the song of the summer was obvious. Not in a deep, dramatic way. Just in the sense that everyone knew what it was, writes Music News Blitz’s Fatima Aziz.
You would walk into a shop and hear it. Get in someone’s car and hear it. Go on holiday and hear it. Sit in a restaurant, scroll through Instagram, watch TV, just exist in public, and there it was again.
Songs like ‘Despacito,’ ‘Call Me Maybe,’ ‘One Dance,’ and ‘Umbrella’ were everywhere.
Even if you hated them, you still knew every word by August.
Now, the idea of one official summer anthem feels a bit impossible.
Music analysis: Why are fans obsessed with unfinished songs?
From Harry Styles unreleased ‘Medicine’ to Ariana Grande’s leaked ‘Fantasize’ and countless Playboi Carti snippets circulating online, some of music's most talked about songs were never intended for release.
In an era where songs are instantly available at the touch of a button, fans are increasingly fixated on music that is incomplete, unofficial and never meant to be heard at all.
As online communities dissect demos, leaks and unfinished recordings, Music News Blitz’s Jessica Spilsbury explores why listeners are becoming obsessed with hearing music before it’s even finished.
Music news: Adele reportedly back in the studio
Adele is allegedly back in the studio after roughly two years as reports suggest she has returned to the United Kingdom.
The singer seems to have left her home in Los Angeles and is busy recording her next songs, writes Music News Blitz’s Tabitha Kongo.
Music analysis: Why are listening parties becoming music's hottest trend again?
When hundreds of fans gathered to hear new music from artists such as Charli XCX before its official release, it highlighted a growing trend within the music industry.
In an age where almost every song is available instantly at the touch of a button, artists are increasingly asking fans to slow down and listen together.
From sold-out album launch events to cinema screenings and exclusive first listens, listening parties have become a growing part of modern music culture.
As streaming continues to dominate the industry, Music News Blitz's Jessica Spilsbury explores why artists are turning album releases into events once again.
Music analysis: Are alternative music bands having to evolve to survive?
From Royal Blood embracing dance influences to Nothing But Thieves experimenting with synth-pop and electronic production, many of modern rock's biggest names sound very different to the bands that first made them famous.
As genre boundaries continue to blur and listening habits evolve, Music News Blitz's Jessica Spilsbury explores whether rock bands are changing simply because they want to - or because they have to.
Olivia Rodrigo wants to come to Leeds? Star-spotting around the city
Olivia Rodrigo was recently heard saying “I really want to go to Leeds this year, I think that would be fun” during her appearance on Hits Radio last Friday.
The ‘GUTS’ singer has previously made her love for the UK known, often seen hanging out in London and eating sausage rolls in Wales, writes Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton.
Music analysis: Why are listeners rediscovering longer songs?
From Taylor Swift’s 10-minute version of ‘All Too Well’ to classic epics like Telegraph Road by Dire Straits, lengthy songs continue to captivate audiences despite the rise of short-form content.
As streaming and social media reshape listening habits, Music News Blitz’s Jessica Spilsbury explores why listeners may be rediscovering long-form music.
Music news: 20 years on, Taylor Swift continues to write history
Taylor Swift has broken records once again, becoming the youngest woman ever to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
On June 11, exactly 20 years after the release of her first single, Swift has made history once again.
Music News Blitz’s Charlotte Cave has more on the story.
Music analysis: Can AI ever create a genuine hit song?
From AI-generated songs mimicking Drake, to platforms capable of producing new music in seconds, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly involved within the music industry, writes Music News Blitz’s Jessica Spilsbury.
What was once viewed as science fiction is now a reality, with AI tools able to generate lyrics, melodies and even imitate the voices of famous artists.
As the technology continues to develop, one question remains: can AI create a genuine hit song, or is there still something uniquely human behind chart success?
Music opinion: Five upcoming artists you should listen to before everyone knows them
Everyone is always talking about the biggest names in music. However, there are so many underrated, upcoming acts on the scene who deserve recognition.
Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore shares some of the talent that is on the rise across music at the moment.
‘Music, Fashion, Film’ - What we know about Charli xcx’s upcoming album
Charli xcx recently announced her new album, Music, Fashion, Film, her follow-up album to her iconic BRAT album, which was released in 2024.
The rollout of her new album has polarised her fanbase with many mixed reactions.
Some fans have stated how her newly released songs feel as though she is tapping back into her old style of musical experimentation before the release of BRAT, while others are more displeased with her new music.
Music News Blitz writer Tyler Lai Sai gives her thoughts.
UK festival tickets are costing more: Which ones are worth it this summer?
Festival season has officially arrived, and there are plenty to attend - but with rising prices, music fans are more hesitant to splurge.
So if you want to attend one this year, which festivals look like they are lined up to be the best?
Festival season is a major attraction for everyone. Despite claims that they are getting more expensive each year, that doesn't seem to stop thousands of us from paying to attend.
With such a variety of festivals happening each summer, there seems to be something for everyone.
However, if you are going to splash out your cash, which ones are looking to be the best?
Music News Blitz’s Charlotte Cave gives the rundown.
Music opinion: How Tame Impala has influenced an entirely new genre of music
Unlike typical artists who rely on melodies and instruments to define their sound, Tame Impala’s signature sound is created solely through production.
With lyrics more as the accompaniment of the rhythm, the layers and psychedelic waves come together to create a distinctive and unconventional sound that has become the soundtrack for 2026.
So, how has this unique blend become so popular amongst Gen Z audiences? Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan explores.
Music news: Phoebe Bridgers adds more dates to 2026 arena tour
American indie darling Phoebe Bridgers is making her solo comeback with a 2026 arena tour with special musical guests Alex G and Isaac Wood, writes Music News Blitz’s Arwen Lehmann.
Ariana Grande’s return to the stage with the Eternal Sunshine Tour
With a tour that has sparked ‘Eternal Sunshine’ for the summer of 2026, Ariana Grande has made an official comeback, kicking off the tour at Oakland Arena in California on June 6.
Music news: Olivia Rodrigo returns with third album ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’ out this week
Olivia Rodrigo took the globe by storm just five years ago when she released her debut single ‘Drivers Licence.’
Since then, the singer has reached many musical milestones, including selling out tours worldwide and winning three Grammy awards.
Rodrigo’s third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, will be released this Friday, June 12.
Here, Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore explains everything we know about the album so far.