Music news: The mystery is fading - Alan Vuong is finally stepping into the spotlight
We can’t deny it, but there are some artists we want to gatekeep for ourselves.
Not because they don’t deserve the success, but because discovering them before everyone else feels like finding a secret world.
For years, Alan Vuong has existed in an unusual space.
Millions of streams. A devoted online following. Songs quietly circulating through late-night playlists and social media algorithms.
Yet, somehow, very few people knew anything about the artist behind them.
That anonymity, however, is beginning to fade, writes Music News Blitz’s Victoria Bruwer.
Music analysis: After crossing oceans - Ichiko Aoba’s busy year continues
Fresh off tour, Japanese folk singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba returns with a new single, an animated film soundtrack and another run of live performances.
For most artists, completing an international tour would be the perfect excuse to slow down, but not for Ichiko Aoba.
Aoba recently wrapped up her Across the Oceans tour, appearing in cities across Europe and North America before taking the City Stage at the Asian Pop Festival in South Korea.
After months of travelling and performing for her audiences in different countries, the singer wasted no time moving into her next creative chapter, writes Music News Blitz’s Victoria Bruwer.
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.
Glastonbury 2025 headliners: A look at Neil Young’s career and legacy
Neil Young has had one of the most influential and enduring careers in rock and folk music and will headline Saturday night at Glastonbury 2025.
His work is known for its emotional depth, raw guitar sound, and socially conscious lyrics.
Here, Music News Blitz takes a look into his musical journey…
Music opinion: Four UK artists that deserve more recognition
It’s easy to get into a rut and turn a blind eye to the smaller up-and-coming artists that could be the ‘next big thing’.
Here, Music News Blitz writer Amelie Da Costa looks at four Northern bands and musicians worth considering for your next music listening session.
Meet the Music News Blitz team part two: Fave songs, memories and ‘don’t-get’ artists
In part one of our Meet the Music News Blitz content team, we grilled them on their best and worst gigs, and asked which Festivals are on their bucket lists.
Here, part two delves into their favourite song in recent times, songs that evoke cherished memories - and revered artists they ‘just don’t get’.