Starsplash Music News

On Thursday (September 11), Gorillaz announced the details of their ninth studio album, The Mountain, which is set for release on March 20, 2026, via their new label KONG. The 15-track record features collaborations with Black Thought, Yasiin Bey, Johnny Marr, The Clash’s Paul Simonon, and the late actor Dennis Hopper, along with a guest appearance by Sparks on the project’s lead single, “The Happy Dictator.” Recorded across studios in London, India, and several international cities, the album will be available in multiple formats, alongside a book and art prints. According to a press release, “The band has turned its back on international pop stardom, as they navigate the mountainous terrain of this thing called life.” To support the album, Gorillaz – created by Blur’s Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett – will embark on The Mountain Tour across Europe, with the 10-date jaunt starting March 21 in Manchester and culminating with a June 20 show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with support coming from Trueno. (Variety)

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, drummer and co-founder of The Roots and acclaimed filmmaker, will receive the 2025 Peabody Trailblazer Award at a ceremony at The Sun Rose Hotel in Los Angeles on October 10. Presented by previous winner Quinta Brunson, the honor recognizes Thompson’s innovative storytelling across music, film, and cultural commentary, including his Oscar and Peabody-winning documentary, Summer of Soul, alongside his efforts to highlight Black musical genius and advocate for representation and cultural preservation. “

Through his prodigious output of creative work across documentary filmmaking, publishing, music, and more, Questlove has emerged as one our most important voices in understanding American culture of the past and present,” Peabody executive director Dr. Jeffrey Jones said in a statement. Following the award presentation, Questlove will discuss his life and career in conversation with civil rights activist Angela Davis. The Trailblazer Award annually “recognizes visionaries whose innovative storytelling styles impact culture and effect social change.” (Variety)

Doja Cat continues her ‘80s-themed rollout for her upcoming album, Vie, by adopting the persona of cult icon Max Headroom in an Instagram video announcing the iTunes exclusive deluxe edition which is available for pre-order. Embracing the retro aesthetic, including neon backgrounds and glitch effects, the promo teases snippets of new songs, exclusive content, and a surprise upon release. This follows her New Wave-inspired lead single, “Jealous Type,” with Doja delivering the live debut of the track during Sunday night’s MTV VMAs. That performance featured a surprise appearance by ’80s smooth jazz legend Kenny G, throwback breakdancers in 8-ball jackets, and an intro by her Max Headroom character, who has been credited as “the first computer-generated TV presenter.” Vie is set to drop on September 26 via RCA Records. (Uproxx)

On Thursday (September 11), a Los Angeles judge ruled that four housekeepers suing Smokey Robinson for sexual assault can proceed anonymously in their $50 million lawsuit, setting a trial date for October 2027. The 85-year-old Motown legend had sought to reveal their identities, arguing that they waived their anonymity by attending a press conference wearing masks and sunglasses while sharing some personal details. His defense also claims inconsistencies in the accusers' employment timelines. However, Judge Kevin C. Brazile emphasized the overriding interest in protecting the women’s privacy early in the case, given the serious allegations of repeated sexual assault and the potential risk from Robinson’s celebrity following. Robinson is counter-suing for $500 million in defamation and elder abuse. The lawsuit alleges multiple instances of rape, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and workplace harassment dating back to 2007. (Rolling Stone)

Ed Sheeran fueled speculation that he’s moving to America following a recent appearance on The 2 Johnnies Podcast, but he’s taken to his Instagram Stories to clear things up and let everyone know, “I’m not moving.” Sheeran’s prior comments on the podcast had fans wondering if he was leaving the U.K., with the pop superstar revealing: “I feel like I might be the only person moving to America. I’m going on tour there for a while and I have a family, so I can’t dip in and out. We’re going and settling there.” But he clarified those remarks on social media by writing: “Way easier to clear up stuff on here so here’s me setting the record straight. I’m not moving, I’m going on tour with my family and relocating to the continent I’m touring on, don’t wanna commute from London to San Diego obvz.” Sheeran has yet to announce U.S. tour dates tied to his new album, Play, which is out Friday (September 12). (Billboard)

The 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist was announced on Wednesday (September 10) at a launch event for the British press in central London, in recognition of twelve acclaimed albums released by U.K. and Irish artists over the past year. This year’s nominees include Sam Fender’s People Watching, Fontaines D.C.’s Romance, PinkPantheress’ Fancy That, Wolf Alice’s The Clearing, FKA Twigs’ EUSEXUA, CMAT’s Euro-Country, and Pulp’s comeback album More. Celebrating outstanding artistic achievement across genres, the Mercury Prize has a rich history of honoring both emerging and established acts since 1992, with recent winners including English Teacher (2024), Ezra Collective (2023), Little Simz (2022), Arlo Parks (2021), and Michael Kiwanuka (2020). The awards ceremony will take place on October 16 at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena – the first time the event will be held outside London – and will feature live performances from nominees before culminating with the announcement of the Mercury Prize winner. (Billboard)

Dua Lipa continued her tradition of honoring hometown artists during her Radical Optimism Tour stop in Boston on Tuesday night (September 9), as the pop superstar paid tribute to rock legends Aerosmith by covering their 1998 hit “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” at TD Garden. This follows similar city-specific tributes, including recent performances of Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” in Chicago, as well as covers of AC/DC, Lorde, and Kylie Minogue in Australia and New Zealand. Throughout the tour, Lipa has also collaborated with surprise hometown guests like Charli XCX and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, as well as paying homage to local icons like Enrique Iglesias in Madrid, The Beatles in Liverpool, and Sinéad O'Connor in Dublin. Lipa’s U.S. tour continues with two shows in Atlanta this weekend, before a high-profile four-night stand at New York’s Madison Square Garden from September 17-21. (Rolling Stone)

On Wednesday (September 10), Sabrina Carpenter took to social media to express gratitude to fans for embracing her new album, Man’s Best Friend, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking her second chart-topping record and highest debut ever. Sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the recording studio on Instagram, Carpenter credited collaborators Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff, and John Ryan for the album’s creation, describing the experience as a “pure wholesome electric” time. “To see the way you are all resonating with it just makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world,” Carpenter captioned her post. “Thank you for listening (top to bottom!!!) and thank you for bringing this album into your lives and having such a damn good time with it, I’m having fun too :’).” Carpenter is also rumored to be one of the headliners at Coachella 2026 alongside Karol G, with Kendrick Lamar, Dua Lipa, and Anyma also potentially receiving top billing at the high-profile music festival. (Rolling Stone)

Justin Bieber’s “Yukon” has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart this week, marking the pop superstar’s first radio chart-topper in three years, dating back to 2022’s “Ghost.” “Yukon,” from Bieber’s SWAG album, ascended from No. 5 to No. 1, becoming his sixth Rhythmic Airplay No. 1 of his celebrated career. The song also gained traction on multiple Billboard charts, jumping up four places to crack into the Top 20 of Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay at No. 19, while also reaching No. 21 on the audience-based R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, on the strength of receiving 3.7 million audience impressions, a 3% gain from the previous week. “Yukon” also climbed to No. 41 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart following a 4% audience increase, reflecting the song’s growing success across multiple radio formats. (Billboard)

Halsey’s 2015 debut album, BADLANDS, has reentered the Top 10 on five Billboard charts this week following its 10th anniversary deluxe reissue on August 29. The set ranks No. 5 on Top Album Sales, No. 6 on Top Alternative Albums, No. 4 on Vinyl Albums, No. 9 on Catalog Albums, and debuts at No. 7 on Top Rock & Alternative Albums. The album earned 17,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., with nearly 12,000 from traditional sales, including approximately 9,000 vinyl copies. On August 28, less than a week after she concluded the For My Last Trick Tour, Halsey announced a BACK TO BADLANDS TOUR. “Tiny venues. GA floors. 10 years later. I’ve been waiting a decade to re-live it all over again with you,” Halsey said of the tour, which kicks off on October 14 in Los Angeles, with stops in Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York City, before concluding on January 17 in Detroit. (Billboard)

On Tuesday (September 9), Lady Gaga announced the dates and details of the second North American leg of her Mayhem Ball Tour which is planned for spring 2026, including a rescheduled date for her recently postponed Miami show due to vocal strain. The 21-date tour will begin on February 14 in Glendale, Arizona, and continue with multiple-night stands at cities across the South and Midwest like Atlanta, Austin, and Saint Paul, as well as return stops in Los Angeles and New York. The Mayhem Ball Tour is currently finishing its first North American leg with a trio of upcoming shows in Toronto this week before finishing up in Chicago on September 15, 17, and 18, followed by dates in Europe, the UK, Australia, and Japan. To coincide with the tour announcement, Gaga dropped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday to help him celebrate the 10th anniversary of his recently cancelled show. Gaga performed a stripped-down version of Mayhem emotional standout, “Vanish Into You,” while seated at a piano. (Rolling Stone)

On Monday (September 8), 50 Cent took to social media to announce that he has acquired the rights to the cult classic 2002 crime film, Paid in Full, and is developing it into a TV series. Cam’ron, who starred in the original movie, has signed on to the project as executive producer. “I now have the rights to PAID IN FULL, im developing it into a premium Tv show,” 50 wrote. “if you like God Father of Harlem your gonna love this. Cam set to Executive produce along side me.” Numerous hip-hop stars have reached out in the comments looking to land roles in the show, including Maxo Kream and Conway the Machine. 50 is slated to star as Balrog in the Street Fighter movie, and will appear in Deon Taylor’s upcoming sports-themed Free Agents film, while Cam told Billboard in August that he’s currently “in the process of finishing up a couple TV shows and a couple movies.” (Billboard)

During a new interview with Nardwuar at Los Angeles’ Record Safari, Sabrina Carpenter had a humorous reaction to learning that only 200 vinyl copies of her 2015 debut album, Eyes Wide Open, were pressed. Most copies were distributed to record executives, and Carpenter revealed that she doesn't even own a copy. “Oh, I love this album. Every song’s a 10,” she said while clutching a vinyl copy Eyes Wide Open, before revealing, “I don’t even have it, that’s how rare it is.” When Nardwuar asked if her label gave her a copy, Carpenter replied: “No. Only 200 made? Damn. They really didn’t give a f**k about me!” Carpenter’s seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, debuted at No. 1 on this week’s Billboard 200 chart, while the Grammy-winning music superstar also won Best Pop Artist and Album Of The Year for Short N’ Sweet at the 2025 MTV VMAs on Sunday night, where she also delivered the live debut of her new single, “Tears.” (NME)

Hilary Duff is finally returning to music after a decade-long hiatus, signing a new deal with Atlantic Records that was announced on Tuesday (September 9). “Wake up… @hilaryduff is officially a part of the AMG family 🩵,” Atlantic revealed on Instagram. “We could not be more excited for this journey & for new music… or something 🪩✨🍒.” Duff also shared her own post, featuring photos of her in the recording studio alongside the similar caption, “new music … or something 🪩✨🍒.” The former Disney star and pop singer, known for hits like “Come Clean” and “Wake Up,” last released an album in 2015 and has focused on acting ever since. Alongside her musical comeback, Duff will be featured in an upcoming docuseries directed by Sam Wrench, chronicling her return to music and personal journey. With two Billboard No. 1 records – 2003’s Metamorphosis and the 2005 compilation Most Wanted – five Top 10 albums, and nearly 8 million total albums sold in the U.S., Duff’s reemergence marks an exciting new chapter in her career, and a welcome comeback for her longtime fans. (Billboard)

A body was discovered inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to singer D4vd at a Hollywood tow yard on Monday afternoon (September 8). The shocking discovery prompted a death investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, after officers initially responded to reports of a foul odor coming from the car, which had been on the property for a number of days. The identity of the deceased remains unknown, and representatives for the 20-year-old singer – known for viral hits like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide” – have not commented. Last week, D4vd partnered with Epic Games for Fortnite’s first official anthem, “Locked & Loaded (Official Fortnite Anthem),” which made it’s in-game debut alongside the announcement. D4vd recently began his Withered World Tour, and was scheduled to perform in Minneapolis on Tuesday night (Sept. 9), before concluding his North American tour in Los Angeles on September 20. (Variety)

In a new cover story feature for New York magazine, Lizzo revealed that she’s uncertain if or when her previously announced album, Love in Real Life, will be released. The multiple Grammy-winner explained that she wrote most of the album in 2022, and the project no longer reflects her current feelings or the changing world. “It just wasn’t what I was feeling right now,” Lizzo shared, saying that she is “going to just start following my instincts” in the future. After the album’s lead singles underperformed on the charts, Lizzo told Atlantic Records that she wanted to shelve the album in order to focus on music that feels authentic to her, which inspired the release of her rap mixtape, My Face Hurts From Smiling. “I’m in one of the most exciting, creative flows I’ve had as a human being on this planet,” Lizzo admits, while emphasizing her determination to continue making music on her own terms. (Billboard)

On Monday (September 8), Olivia Rodrigo announced the details of her first live album, Live From Glastonbury (A BBC Recording), which captures her triumphant headlining set at Glastonbury 2025. The 20-song live set will be released on December 5 on all streaming platforms and physical formats, including a special 2LP set pressed on magenta and periwinkle transparent vinyl that is exclusive to Rodrigo’s website. The album features her full festival performance supporting her Grammy-nominated 2023 album, GUTS, including the celebrated collaboration with Robert Smith on performances of The Cure classics “Friday I’m in Love” and “Just Like Heaven,” with proceeds from the sales of those live tracks benefiting Doctors Without Borders. To promote the release, Rodrigo shared professionally shot videos of her Glasto performances of “so american” and “Friday I’m In Love.” Rodrigo recently concluded her global GUTS Tour, and subsequently released the 136-page hardcover GUTS World Tour Book that features never-before-seen images, an exclusive poster, and commemorative tour trading cards. (Consequence of Sound)

In a nostalgic throwback to Midnight Madness sales at record stores in the ’80s and ’90s, Target will hold midnight sales at approximately 500 stores on October 3 to sell Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, including three exclusive CD editions with unique artwork and posters. Unlike traditional midnight openings, these stores will remain open past normal hours to make the album available precisely at midnight. Fans can also pre-order the exclusive editions online, but Target’s in-store midnight release offers a celebratory communal experience for Swift’s dedicated audience, with the chain already offering a store locator page showing which of its outlets will participate in the midnight sale. The move was likely inspired by the massive sales numbers Target saw on Black Friday 2024 when an exclusive vinyl edition of the deluxe version of Swift's The Tortured Poets Department went on sale along with an exclusive Eras Tour Book. (Variety)

HUNTR/X scores a fourth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Golden,” which is featured on the soundtrack to the hit Netflix animated film, KPop Demon Hunters. The compilation also continues its history-making run as the first soundtrack to generate four simultaneous Hot 100 Top 10s over the chart’s 67-year history, placing the same songs in the top of the tally for a third week, with Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” each dropping a spot to sit at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, while HUNTR/X’s “How It’s Done” maintains its No. 9 peak.

Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter places two songs in the Top Five this week, as “Tears” debuts at No. 3 and former chart-topper “Manchild” jumps up three spots to No. 4, propelled by the release of her new album, Man’s Best Friend, which premiered at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, becoming Carpenter’s second chart-topping album of her career. Elsewhere in this week’s Hot 100 Top 10, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” remains at No. 2, Morgan Wallen’s “What I Want,” featuring Tate McRae, falls four spots to No. 7, Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” drops two slots to No. 8, and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” slides down two places to No. 10. (Billboard)

On Friday, Tame Impala – led by mastermind Kevin Parker – announced the details of their fall 2025 U.S. arena tour. The 8-date Deadbeat Tour is in support of the Australian psychedelic pop rock outfit’s newly announced fifth studio album, Deadbeat, which is set for release on October 17. The project features the singles “End of Summer” and the just dropped track, “Loser,” which includes a Sam Kristofski-directed music video starring Stranger Things’ Joe Keery and features a brief cameo by none other than the original Loser, Beck. This marks the first new record from Tame Impala since 2020’s Grammy-nominated The Slow Rush. The Deadbeat Tour launches with a two-night stand at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on October 31 and November 1, then hits Chicago, Austin, and San Diego, before winding down with a doubleheader at Inglewood’s Kia Forum on November 11-12 and a final show at Oakland Arena on November 14. Fans can RSVP for pre-sale ticket access at tameimpala.com. (Rolling Stone)