Major Label vs Indie Economics: MIDiA Research says indies hold 38% of global recorded-music share, pushing majors to chase a bigger slice as artists increasingly opt for simpler indie distribution deals. Chart Power Couple: Madonna’s Confessions II debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 while Michael Jackson’s Thriller returns to the top 10—only the second time they’ve shared that space. Madonna in the Clubs: She brought Confessions II energy to New York’s Knockdown Center with “Club Confessions,” reuniting with Stuart Price and a DJ-forward lineup. Rolling Stones Lore: Mick Jagger clarified his “mad mogul Mr Musk” lyric on Foreign Tongues was meant as a compliment to Elon Musk/SpaceX’s help with astronaut returns. New Releases: Jack White drops Frozen Charlotte; Shania Twain previews Little Miss Twain with “Faded Blue Jeans” featuring Josh Homme; Tesla shares “Never Alone” ahead of Homage. Live & Touring: Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells I, II & III tour adds spring 2027 UK dates; Ingrid Andress announces an eight-city fall run. Community Music: Lovegrass Music Festival returns Aug. 6–8 in Kansas; Kids From Wisconsin plays UWRF July 23; Brindle Band qualifies for UK national brass finals in September. Tragedy Watch: Bangkok’s Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar fire investigation continues after victims were found trapped in windowless bathrooms.