Global Music Scene Unveils New Albums, Iconic Reunions, and Benefit Performances on February 1, 2025

February 1, 2025 — The global music landscape saw a flurry of activity today, marked by significant album announcements from established and emerging artists, a wave of new single releases, and high-profile live performances, including notable appearances at benefit concerts.

Major Album and EP Announcements Drive Industry Buzz

Several artists signaled upcoming releases, promising fresh material for fans. Prog-rock legends Rush announced Rush 50, billed as the band’s first-ever career-spanning anthology, a collection anticipated to survey their influential fifty-year trajectory. Lady Gaga confirmed details for her next studio effort, revealing the title to be Mayhem. Welsh rock veterans Stereophonics are set to release their new album, titled Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait, adding another chapter to their extensive discography.

Following a fourteen-year hiatus from full-length studio projects, Alison Krauss & Union Station unveiled plans for their next album. The announcement was accompanied by the release of a new song, offering fans a first taste of their long-awaited return. British experimental rock group Black Country, New Road also announced details regarding a new album and accompanying tour dates, concurrently sharing a new track titled ‘Besties’ to precede the release.

In collaborative news, Julien Baker & TORRES are preparing to release their debut collaborative album, titled Send A Prayer My Way. Meanwhile, metal stalwarts Biohazard provided an update on their much-anticipated new album, which is now reported as being “almost done.” On the EP front, re:abel released a three-track collection titled Flying Colours.

Additionally, Anna B Savage offered insights into her recently announced album, You & I Are Earth, by providing a comprehensive track-by-track breakdown, giving listeners a deeper understanding of the project’s themes and composition.

New Singles Span Genres and Styles

The day also brought a diverse selection of new tracks to streaming platforms, highlighting various genres and collaborations. Electronic artist DIIV shared the ‘Brown Paper Bag (upsammy Remix)’, offering a reimagined take on their original work. Pop duo joan released their latest single, ‘Magic’, while Australian rock band Vines debuted their new track, ‘I am my home’.

Other single releases included Ax & The Hatchetmen with their song ‘Stay // Honestly’, HWIN with ‘Love Is All I Need’, and The Gentle Good releasing ‘Ten Thousand Acres’. Goldkimono shared their new track ‘Lifetime’, and Sophia Kennedy released her single ‘Rodeo’. In the realm of electronic music, Rebūke & deadmau5 unveiled their collaborative single titled ‘Endless’, which features vocalist Ed Graves.

Stages Host Tributes and Benefit Concerts

Live music events featured prominently, with several artists participating in notable tributes and benefit performances. A MusiCares Tribute saw The War On Drugs and Vampire Weekend both performing covers of songs by the iconic band The Grateful Dead, honoring the legacy of the legendary group.

The FireAid Benefit Concert in Los Angeles featured a number of high-profile artists lending their talents for a charitable cause. A significant moment occurred when surviving members of Nirvana reunited on stage, joined by Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, offering a powerful and rare performance. Billie Eilish also performed at the FireAid Benefit Concert, delivering a rendition of her song ‘Birds of a Feather’ and notably paid tribute to the city of Los Angeles during her set. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were a key act, closing out the portion of the FireAid Benefit Show held at the Kia Forum. Veteran singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette also played a set at the FireAid L.A. Benefit Concert.

Beyond the benefit circuit, The Weeknd delivered a performance of his song ‘Open Hearts’ during an appearance on the television program “Kimmel,” reaching a wide audience through the broadcast.

February 1, 2025, proved to be a busy day across the music industry, setting the stage for upcoming releases and showcasing the power of live performance for both entertainment and charitable causes.