Early in his career, John Mellencamp faced a pivotal decision: adopt a new stage name and release his debut album with MCA Records, or return to his hometown of Seymour, Indiana, for a low-paying job. At not even 25, Mellencamp was presented with the alias “Johnny Cougar” as his ticket to potential rock stardom. Mellencamp…
Name: Mike Edwards Famous for: Vocalist of Jesus Jones, known for the side project EMF. Current Location: I don’t reside in a city; the closest major city might be Birmingham, based on proximity to a cathedral. Dream Destination: I’d often prefer to be in Spain, enjoying the blue skies and warmth, especially with my bike…
The rock and metal touring scene is wrapping up 2025 with a surge of activity, featuring 17 newly announced tours in the past week, following 41 the previous week. Marilyn Manson has revealed a brief spring headlining tour for 2026 with VOWWS. Lacuna Coil is also planning a spring tour with VOWWS and additional acts….
Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s song “Lilac,” released in April 2024, has topped Billboard Japan’s 2025 Year-End Japan Hot 100. During the chart year, from November 25, 2024, to November 23, 2025, the track reached No. 1 on five occasions and recently achieved 800 million domestic streams, marking the second-fastest pace in history. In 2025, the band…
During a December 16 interview on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick discussed whether he was considered to rejoin the band after Ace Frehley departed in 2001. He explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “When I heard that Ace might not show up for the 2001 gigs, and Tommy [Thayer] was…
Independent Music Publishers Experience Revenue Growth in 2024 Revenue Increase for Indie Publishers Independent music publishers worldwide reported a 5.1% increase in revenue for 2024, as highlighted in a new report from the Independent Music Publishers Forum (IMPF). Released on December 17, the Global Market View report indicated that indie publishers generated EUR €2.7 billion…
Mon Laferte: Embracing Emotion Through Music “Sometimes I wish I didn’t feel so much,” expresses Mon Laferte. “On an average day, I might find myself in tears multiple times. I wake up, stroll into my garden, and suddenly I’m overwhelmed by everything: the sky, the clouds, a butterfly. I see beauty even in a garbage…
As 2025 concludes, we highlight the 25 albums that shaped the year with groundbreaking sounds, impressive debuts, and unforgettable tracks. Explore the full playlist on Spotify and share your top picks with us. Backxwash’s fifth release dives into more intense and expansive soundscapes, addressing themes of identity, faith, and oppression. She describes the songs as…
Chris Metcalfe: From Glass Collector to Global DJ At the age of 15, Chris Metcalfe found himself immersed in the heart of the UK’s club scene, observing the influential figures of electronic music who would later inspire his career. Early Beginnings Chris Metcalfe’s journey into music began in an unexpected place: the end of the…
Photo Credit: Eric Nopanen Lawsuit Filed Against ASCAP Over Radio Royalties A group of production music owners and publishers, including Alibi Music, Capp Records, and Manhattan Production Music, filed a $123 million lawsuit against the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in the New York Supreme Court. The lawsuit was submitted by entertainment…
