By: Ben Watson
Welcome back to Music Mondays where I catch you up on what you missed in music last week. This week we mourn the loss of Liam Payne, previously apart of One Direction, as well as dive into other big stories from this past week.
1 A Loss in the Brooklyn Underground:
Born Kaseem Ryan, the underground rapper “Ka” has suddenly passed away at the age of 52. No cause of death has been announced yet. Ka was born in New York City, but Brooklyn would be his home growing up. He began rapping at just 8 years old. He began releasing music in 1998 and his debut solo album, Iron Works, came out in 2008. While being an underground rapper he was also a full-time firefighter and was reportedly one of the many fire-fighters at the scene of the September 11th attacks.
2 The Cure Calling It Quits:
Robert Smith of The Cure has announced that he and the band plan to retire in five years. Smith says that the band will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a massive 2028-2029 tour and then be done. The band currently has their first new album since 2008 coming out November 1st. Assuming the band focuses on touring in their final years this could likely be the final Cure album.
3 Crossfade’s Comeback:
While the band never officially broke up, they have spent the last number of years inactive. However, this past week they finally broke their 12-year long silence by announcing that they will be playing at Sonic Temple and Ink-Fest (both of which take place in Ohio).
4 UMG Takes a Bite Out of The Indie Scene:
Universal Music Group has officially upgraded its 49% stake that they purchased in 2022 to a full buyout of indie label group PIAS. PIAS was one of Europe’s biggest independent labels and was a huge part of boosting independent music distribution. It was founded in 1983 and now in the hands of the man.
5 Sick New World Lineup:
Sick New World, the metal sibling to When We Were Young Fest, has announced their full lineup for 2025. It features the return of Linkin Park as a headline act as well as Metallica, Evanescence, Queens of the Stone Age and many many others. You can find the full lineup on their social media or on their website.
6 Rest in Peace Liam Payne:
Former One Direction Member Liam Payne shocked the world when it was announced that the 31-year-old musician had passed away. Payne reportedly fell 3 stories from his balcony in Argentina. His sudden death has left many mourning. Each former member of One Direction has expressed their grief for their late brother.
7 Unlikely Pairing:
Snoop Dogg has announced that he and country music star Zach Bryan are currently working on a collaboration. While this may come as a shock to some, Snoop has been known to work within the country realm having done multiple collaborations with country legend Willie Nelson. To hear an example, their most popular collaboration is Nelson’s hit song “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me”.
8 Benjamin Booker is Back:
Benjamin Booker has announced his first album in over 7 years. The album will be titled Lower. Along with the announcement Booker also brought the album’s lead single and a music video to go with it. Booker will embark on his next tour in February in support of the upcoming album.
9 Back-to-Back Bejamin News Being Brought to You by Ben:
More Benjamin news, but this time it’s the band Breaking Benjamin who have released their first new song in 5 years. Titled “Awaken”, the song is said to be very similar to the band’s earlier work such as songs like “Diary of Jane”.
10 The Beginning of The End for When We Were Young Fest:
Just a couple days after All-American Rejects dropped out of the Las Vegas festival, Australian punk band The Distillers have followed suit. While they didn’t announce their reason for canceling, they have offered their own form of compensation to fans who bought tickets in hopes of seeing the band perform. While the festival took place this weekend could this begin to be a trend for future When We Were Young lineups?
11 Warped Tour Will Be Happening:
The beloved festival that launched the careers of many bands and artists in the late 90s and early 2000s will be returning in June 2025 after a short retirement. The festival will take place at 3 different locations with 2 days at each location. June 14th and 15th will be at the Festival Ground at RFK Campus, July 26th and 27th in Long Beach, California, and November 15th and 16th at the Camping World Stadium Campus in Orlando, Florida.
12Chromakopia is Coming:
Tyler the Creator has announced that his latest album will be released later this month on October 28th. It will be the follow-up to his 2021 album Call Me if You Get Lost. He hasn’t shared much else detail wise on album however he has shared a number of teaser videos up to this point.
Bon Iver:
Bon Iver have dropped their latest EP Sable. The songs were all written over the course of 2020-2023. It clocks in at 12 minutes and 17 seconds with just 4 tracks featured. So far it has been met with great reviews and is expected to chart on “Billboards Top 200”
Jerry Cantrell Wants Blood:
The Alice in Chains guitarist has officially released his fourth solo album. The album titled I Want Blood draws influence from Cantrell’s main band more than any of his previous work. It features haunting melodies and dirty guitar riffs from the metal/grunge guitar king himself.
MC5’s First New Album in 53 years:
The Michigan born 60s rock band have released their first album in 53. Titled Heavy Lifting, the album features 12 songs, one of which features guitar legend Tom Morello. The album marks the official end of the band’s 61-year-old tenure as the final two key members, Wayne Kramer and Dennis Thompson, both passed away earlier this year.
New DC The Don:
The Wisconsin rapper has released his latest album Rebirth. DC broke out in 2022 with the release of My Own Worst Enemy and has gained the reputation of carrying the torch passed on to him by Juice Wrld and XXXTentacion.
Rock and Roll Forever:
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just held its annual induction ceremony which featured the induction of legends such as Ozzy Osbourn, MC5, Jimmy Buffett, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more. It also featured legendary performances from the likes of Jelly Roll, Tom Morello, and others.
(Image from https://english.jagran.com/)