Global Music Scene Buzzes on January 30, 2025: New Releases, Major Tours, Festival Lineups, and Industry Debates Unfold

LONDON, UK – January 30, 2025 – The global music landscape presented a busy agenda today, featuring significant new track debuts, a wave of album and tour announcements from established and emerging artists alike, and updates on major festival lineups. Alongside these developments, the industry grappled with poignant losses and continued discussions around digital rights and performance.

Fresh Sounds: Singles Hit Airwaves

The day saw the release of several notable new singles. Jamie xx collaborated with the legendary Erykah Badu on the track ‘F.U.’, a highly anticipated pairing that blends electronic textures with soulful vocals. UK electronic artist Joy Orbison also dropped new music, releasing ‘bastard’ featuring rapper Joe James. Meanwhile, indie rock duo Momma offered their latest, the energetic track ‘I Want You (Fever)’, providing a taste of their forthcoming material.

Albums and EPs: Announcing Future Releases

A flurry of album and EP announcements highlighted future releases across various genres. Progressive rock icons Rush revealed details of ‘Rush 50’, a career-spanning anthology celebrating their extensive legacy. British experimental rock band Black Country, New Road confirmed a new album and accompanying tour, simultaneously sharing a new single titled ‘Besties’ from the upcoming project. Welsh rock veterans Stereophonics announced their latest studio effort, provocatively titled ‘Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait’. Beloved bluegrass and country artist Alison Krauss & Union Station also announced their first new album in 14 years, marking a significant return for the group. The collaborative project between singer-songwriters Julien Baker & TORRES unveiled their debut album, titled ‘Send A Prayer My Way’. Pop superstar Lady Gaga confirmed details surrounding her new album, reportedly titled ‘Mayhem’, generating considerable excitement among her fanbase. Lastly, atmospheric metal band Deafheaven announced their new album, preceding its release with the lead single ‘Magnolia’.

On the Road: Tour Announcements Fuel Live Music Anticipation

Tour news continued to build anticipation for live music events in 2025. Doom metal band Pallbearer announced a US tour scheduled for March 2025. Metalcore outfit Of Mice & Men detailed plans for a headlining tour set for May 2025. Critically acclaimed electronic rock band LCD Soundsystem confirmed a series of spring shows, featuring support from Nation of Language and Gustaf. Country music sensation Morgan Wallen revealed plans for both a new album and an extensive tour scheduled throughout 2025. Indie rock favorites Bright Eyes also announced a significant return to the live circuit with a comprehensive UK & European tour planned for 2025.

Industry Focus: Tributes and Digital Discourse

The music world paused to acknowledge the passing of influential figures. Reports confirmed the death of Atlanta rapper and producer DJ Unc, known for his hit single “2 Step”. The community also mourned the loss of Garth Hudson, the iconic keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist for the legendary group The Band.

Beyond tributes, industry discussions continued. Icelandic artist Björk issued a public statement condemning Spotify, raising concerns about streaming economics and artist compensation. Simultaneously, former Beatle Paul McCartney publicly addressed the burgeoning issue of AI copyright law, sharing his perspective on how artificial intelligence intersects with music creation and ownership rights. In performance news, singer SZA was confirmed to be joining Kendrick Lamar for the highly anticipated 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, promising a dynamic joint performance during one of the year’s biggest television events.

Festival Circuit: Initial Lineups Revealed

Initial lineup announcements for several key festivals provided glimpses into the 2025 summer season. Green Man Festival 2025 in Wales and Desertfest revealed their first waves of artists. The iconic Warped Tour also announced its initial lineup for a special 30th-anniversary celebration event. Manchester’s Parklife Festival shared its initial artist roster. Roskilde Festival 2025 in Denmark added significant acts to its bill, announcing the inclusion of industrial rock pioneers Nine Inch Nails and rising star Doechii. The LIDO Festival confirmed that British trio London Grammar would headline its 2025 edition, while NOS Alive 2025 in Portugal boosted its lineup by adding Nine Inch Nails and French electronic duo Justice.

Today’s news cycle underscores the constant motion and diverse activity within the global music industry, from creative output and live performance planning to critical industry conversations and the remembrance of artists who have shaped the soundscape.