Hello July. We are once again halfway through the year, and that means it’s time to reflect on the best albums of the year (so far). Below, you will find both our combined staff top 30, as well as individual lists from our contributors and moderators. Hopefully, you will find something new to love.
Note: You can share your own list in our music forum.
Read More “The Best Albums of 2024 (So Far)”
Jessie Ware and Romy have shared the brand-new collaboration “Lift You Up.”
YouTube is in talks with record labels to license their songs for artificial intelligence tools that clone popular artists’ music, hoping to win over a sceptical industry with upfront payments. The Google-owned video site needs labels’ content to legally train AI song generators, as it prepares to launch new tools this year, according to three people familiar with the matter. The company has recently offered lump sums of cash to the major labels — Sony, Warner and Universal — to try to convince more artists to allow their music to be used in training AI software, according to several people briefed on the talks.
Devin Coldewey, writing for TechCrunch:
Like many AI companies, music generation startups Udio and Suno appear to have relied on unauthorized scrapes of copyrighted works in order to train their models. This is by their own and investors’ admission, as well as according to new lawsuits filed against them by music companies. If these suits go before a jury, the trial could be both a damaging exposé and a highly useful precedent for similarly sticky-fingered AI companies facing certain legal peril.
The lawsuits, filed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), put us all in the uncomfortable position of rooting for the RIAA, which for decades has been the bogeyman of digital media. I myself have received nastygrams from them! The case is simply that clear.
Avril Lavigne has been appointed to the Order of Canada.
Avril Lavigne is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, she paved the way for female-driven punk-rock music and continues to do so today. Generous with her time, she supports individuals with serious illnesses, disabilities and Lyme disease through the Avril Lavigne Foundation. A global ambassador for Special Olympics, she promotes inclusion and helps end the stigma around intellectual disabilities.
Real Friends have returned with a video for “Waiting Room.”
Read More “Real Friends – “Waiting Room” Video”
Sick of It All’s vocalist Lou Koller is receiving treatment for a tumor in his esophagus.
Read More “Sick of It All’s Vocalist Receiving Treatment for Tumor”
Ace Enders of The Early November is on the latest episode of the 100 Words or Less podcast.
Read More “Ace Enders on New Podcast”
The latest studio album from The Early November is a great encapsulation of all the styles, vibes, and feelings they have brought forth over their career. As front-man Ace Enders put it in an interview I conducted with the band, “It’s the exclamation point, versus the period, of where we are in our career.” It’s hard to not agree with this sentiment as The Early November features everything that the band has been known for, while still moving the needle forward in their creative process as this LP may just be their finest hour. From the crunchy opening chords of the Futures-esque “The Empress” to the tender acoustic guitar bliss of “It Will Always Be,” this record is filled with breathtaking moments from front-to-back that makes the journey for longtime fans of The Early November that much sweeter.
Read More “The Early November – The Early November”
Taylor Acorn will release Survival in Motion on September 13th. Today she’s shared the title track.
Read More “Taylor Acorn Announces Debut LP”
Amy Shark will release Sunday Sadness on August 16th. Today she’s shared “Two Friends.”
Read More “Amy Shark Announces New Album”
Tegan and Sara have covered David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel.”
Slowly Slowly have shared the new song “Gimme the Wrench.”
Read More “Slowly Slowly – “Gimme the Wrench””
Clairo has released the new song “Nomad.”
Read More “Clairo – “Nomad””
No Motiv have returned with “Pieces.”
Read More “No Motiv – “Pieces” Video”