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.
Music analysis: Has social media created a new type of pop star?
Artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Addison Rae and Chappell Roan have become some of the most recognisable names in modern pop music.
Unlike previous generations, many now build large audiences online before reaching mainstream success.
While talent remains essential, platforms such as TikTok have transformed how artists are discovered, promoted and discussed.
This has sparked debate about whether social media has created an entirely new type of pop star, writes Music News Blitz’s Jessica Spilsbury.
Music news: Steve Lacy is back! Singer releases new song ahead of upcoming album
Steve Lacy, the well-known R&B, neo-soul and funk artist, has returned to the music scene in 2026 with his new song, ‘the feeling’.
Fans have had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the track as Lacy explores themes of longing, nostalgia and lost love that strongly resonate with listeners.
In addition, the song utilises a range of musical and artistic elements that create a familiar atmosphere, making it an instant hit with listeners, writes Music News Blitz’s Tyler Lai Sai.
Music opinion: Why music biopics such as ‘Michael’ have become so popular
Since the release of the latest biopic, ‘Michael,’ based on the life of Michael Jackson, it has brought to light the growing trend of biographical films based on iconic musicians.
With narratives showcasing the legendary chapters of each star's life, audiences can witness the rise and downfall of fame, driving both nostalgia for older audiences, whilst simultaneously introducing younger viewers to some of the most influential performers in popular culture.
From Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ to Elton John in ‘Rocketman,’ and ‘Elvis,’ based on Elvis Presley, audiences have shown a strong interest in stories that explore the people behind the music, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
Music news: Five songs we predict will feature on Taylor Swift’s wedding playlist
Rumours have been swirling surrounding the wedding of Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce since the announcement of their engagement in August last year.
Given Swift’s tendency to hide “easter eggs” that hint at album release dates and song titles, fans believe the singer could be hiding clues about the upcoming wedding in plain sight.
‘Swifties’ speculate that the singer’s favourite number, 13, could be the wedding date.
While we don’t know when the wedding will take place, we do have an idea of what music Swift might request at the reception, writes Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton.
Music news: Olivia Rodrigo performs CMAT hit on Radio 1’s Live Lounge
American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo covered the song ‘When a Good Man Cries’ for her second appearance on Radio 1’s Live Lounge, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
The song, originally from the album ‘Euro-Country’ by Irish singer-songwriter CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson), was released last year.
Phoebe Bridgers announces surprise NYC show with tickets starting at $1
American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers is performing a special one-night-only show at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
Earlier this week, flyers started appearing across New York City, advertising a Phoebe Bridgers show at Madison Square Garden, set for Thursday, June 4.
Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore shares all there is to know.
Music news: Why cathedrals are becoming the new concert venue
In a move that some may view as controversial, more cathedrals across the UK are offering their space as music venues, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
As they continue to maintain worship and traditional religious practices, cathedrals have seen a gradual decline in visitors over the years, with people still going to cathedrals for Christmas or Easter, but with less people overall turning up on a Sunday.
Because of this, hosting a variety of musically based occasions has become embedded into cathedral activities, utilising this as a contemporary method of funding the historic buildings.