Music Week in Review: January 27, 2025 – Major Releases, Industry Shifts, and Global Tours Announced

The week commencing January 27, 2025, proved to be a significant period for the global music industry, marked by anticipated album releases, critical commentary on economic models, legal discussions impacting artists, and widespread announcements regarding live performances and festivals planned for the coming year.

New Releases Hit Streaming and Stores

Several prominent artists delivered new projects to audiences this week. FKA twigs released her latest work, eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike. Post-rock veterans Mogwai also unveiled a new album, continuing their exploration of atmospheric soundscapes. Rounding out the major releases was Flipturn, adding their contribution to the week’s fresh music offerings across various genres.

Industry News and Artist Advocacy

The week was shadowed by the unfortunate news of the passing of DJ Unc at the age of 43. Tributes from across the hip-hop community and beyond remembered his influence.

Meanwhile, established artists voiced strong opinions regarding the economic landscape of music. Björk issued a pointed condemnation of Spotify, specifically addressing concerns about musician compensation on the platform. Her statement highlighted ongoing tensions between artists and streaming services over revenue distribution and sustainability in the digital age.

In the realm of legislative matters, Paul McCartney publicly stated his opposition to proposed AI copyright law. McCartney argued that certain legislative approaches to artificial intelligence and intellectual property could potentially harm artists, underscoring the complex challenges emerging technology presents to creators’ rights.

Separately, in an act of direct community support, Lucy Dacus announced a donation of $10,000 earmarked for gender-affirming surgeries, demonstrating artists’ increasing engagement in social causes.

Film, Television, and Special Events

The upcoming Sly Stone documentary, titled ‘Sly Lives!’, generated buzz with the release of its first trailer this week. The preview featured notable figures from music and culture, including André 3000, Q-Tip, and George Clinton, signaling a comprehensive look at the enigmatic artist’s life and impact.

High-profile performance announcements also captured headlines. SZA was confirmed to join Kendrick Lamar for the highly anticipated 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, setting the stage for a significant musical moment on one of the world’s biggest televised events.

In recognition of independent music retail, Post Malone was named the 2025 Record Store Day ambassador, a role that highlights the cultural importance of local record shops.

Tour Announcements and Live Music Plans

Looking ahead to 2025, artists unveiled extensive touring schedules and performance plans. Morgan Wallen detailed both new album and tour plans for the year, solidifying his presence in the country music landscape.

Indie favorites Bright Eyes announced a comprehensive 2025 UK & European tour, much to the anticipation of their international fanbase. The electronic music scene saw a major announcement as Carl Cox confirmed an Ibiza 2025 residency at [UNVRS], promising a summer of techno on the island.

Jam band icons Phish rolled out spring 2025 west coast dates, including multi-night runs. Notably, their planned Hollywood Bowl shows were announced with a charitable component, benefiting L.A. wildfire relief efforts, linking live music to community support.

Festival Updates Shape 2025 Lineups

The week also brought significant updates for major music festivals scheduled for 2025, offering glimpses into the diverse lineups being assembled globally. NOS Alive 2025 added industrial rock giants Nine Inch Nails and French electronic duo Justice to its bill, boosting the festival’s profile.

The lineup for Growing Up Is Dumb Fest was revealed, showcasing a specific segment of the independent music scene. Noise Pop 2025 announced significant additions, including St. Vincent, Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard performing solo, and Earl Sweatshirt, diversifying the festival’s offering.

Electronic music behemoth Tomorrowland unveiled its 2025 lineup, featuring an expansive roster of over 600 artists, reaffirming its status as one of the largest electronic music gatherings globally. Lastly, SXSW (South by Southwest) announced over 240 artists for their 2025 music festival, indicating the breadth of talent converging on Austin for the annual event.

Fresh Tracks Released

Beyond albums, a variety of new single tracks were released, providing listeners with fresh sounds. New songs arrived from artists including Luna Morgenstern, Avery Lynch, Geepers!, Mike Posner, The Lathums, and Isabel Pless, contributing to the continuous flow of new music hitting platforms.

The week of January 27, 2025, thus offered a comprehensive snapshot of the music world, balancing creative output with crucial industry discussions and setting the stage for a busy year ahead in live music and events.