AGP Executive Report

Broadway on the move: “Frozen” opened in Seoul, bringing Disney’s ice-spectacle to the stage with big vocal moments and projection-heavy set pieces. Musical theater in NJ: “Come From Away” lands at Bell Theater at Bell Works for a Sept. 11 opening run through Oct. 4, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Pop-soul spotlight: Louis Baker announced his second album, Trouble, for Oct. 9, plus a 9-date Aotearoa tour ending in Wellington. Reggae momentum: Frassdon’s “We Are” is picking up steam after promo stops across Jamaica and the U.S., with new booking calls in New York. Live-music community: Bugs return to Brisbane with two shows in September to launch Head Noise, after bassist Jordan Brunoli shared his terminal cancer prognosis. Industry & culture: Erykah Badu and The Alchemist released “Witch Doctor,” previewing their collaborative project. Loss: EMF keyboardist Derry Brownson died at 55. DJ update: John Summit canceled the rest of his August dates to recharge before a major arena tour.

AI in Pop Hits: Tyga says his AI-assisted synths on “$tarface” are just another studio tool, as generative music keeps climbing the charts and artists stop hiding it. Festival Etiquette: NPR’s “Pop Culture Happy Hour” tackles the question everyone’s thinking—are we forgetting how to act at music festivals? Classical Spotlight: The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Nelsons dispute stays in the spotlight, with fresh debate over what the board did (and didn’t) explain. Live Music & Community: Philadelphia Folk Festival returns for its 63rd year with a big, boundary-pushing lineup. Local Scenes: Toronto’s year-round festival culture gets a spotlight, from major events to constant neighborhood celebrations. New Releases/Creative Process: Filipino pop-rock band NEXTONE turns breakup overthinking into the upbeat single “Nagkulang.” Tour News: Blossoms announce major Belfast and Dublin dates ahead of October’s “Songs From The Wedding Cake.” Industry/Business: War Child’s Help(2) lands a Mercury Prize nomination, while its Secret 7” push aims to top £1 million.

Festival Watch: Gussapolooza returns Aug. 21–23 to the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown with three days of live music, camping, art, food and late nights. Local Live Music: The Bronx Summer Concert Series keeps Orchard Beach rocking with free salsa and hip-hop sets, wrapping Sept. 6 with Elvis Crespo. Community Vinyl Culture: ‘Record Shows Maine’ is back as a four-event series bringing record lovers and vendors together across New England, with a Nov. 15 finale. New Music Poll: Ayra Starr’s ‘Starrgirl’ wins Billboard’s favorite new music poll, taking 87% of votes. Big Pop Tour Moment: Ariana Grande brought Cynthia Erivo onstage for “For Good” and “Happy Days” at London’s O2. Health & Music: Bugs bassist Jordan Brunoli says his stage four colorectal cancer is in its final chapter after treatments failed, as the band readies ‘Head Noise.’ Music + Film Business: YRF and Excel Entertainment are launching music labels and soundtrack releases, signaling more studio-to-music verticals. Classic Rock Spotlight: Fleetwood Mac tribute act Seven Wonders lands in Gwent Oct. 17.

Touring & Live: Arrested Development will bring its ’90s hits to Minneapolis with two Dakota shows on Nov. 6. New Music Spotlight: London post-punk outfit Nrvs drops “The Tanks Are Coming,” a dystopian, confrontational single. Album Buzz: Queens of the Stone Age tease “Perfecth” with a bloody clip and “Easy Street” follow-up, while Phoebe Bridgers returns with “Lost Weekend.” Country Milestone: Ella Langley’s Dandelion hits three straight Country Airplay No. 1s. Industry Drama: Diddy is out of solitary confinement and immediately countersues over alleged video theft. Metal Update: Slipknot confirms it’s no longer associated with Sid Wilson after rumors and fallout. Classical/Choral: The Gesualdo Six play St Asaph Cathedral Sept. 11, featuring Welsh folk song “Ar Lan y Môr.” Local Scene: Worcester’s beer festival added chess tables and live music for a big weekend crowd.

Solo Spotlight: YEONJUN brought his “NO LABELS” era to the Troubadour in Los Angeles, performing tracks like “GGUM” in an intimate one-night Billboard Live setting. Heavy Metal Shake-Up: Slipknot confirmed it will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson, effectively ending his near-30-year run as the band’s DJ/keyboardist. New Releases: Mastodon dropped “In The Ruins,” the third single from upcoming album Marrow Deep, while Royal Blood announced Dead Company (Nov. 13) and shared “Ten Over Ten.” Theater & Pop Culture: Disney’s The Greatest Showman musical is set for London’s West End at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in spring 2027. Campus Music Push: Nigeria’s Soundcity On Tour expanded to 20 tertiary institutions, pairing live sets with BIGI Music auditions and talent competitions. Local Live Scene: One Philly Music Festival returned as a free, genre-spanning community day, and Carson City’s Jazz & Beyond kicked off with a packed 10-day lineup.

AI Clash: Doja Cat went after Tyga over his AI-assisted album $tarface, calling him “a penis,” and Tyga hit back by branding her recent work “demonic,” reigniting the debate over how AI should (or shouldn’t) be used in music. Industry Watch: The Recording Academy says it’s been in talks with Asian music communities about a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance Grammy category after artists raised concerns it doesn’t fully reflect their work. New Releases: Saliva dropped the “Breaking Through” video from its upcoming album, while Extinction A.D. released “Insomnia,” and Graveyard, Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats, Mental Cruelty, and Marilyn Manson all unveiled fresh singles and clips ahead of upcoming projects. Tour/Live: Phil Collins teased the possibility of making new music; Katseye’s Wild Hearts concert film is out as the group navigates member hiatuses; and Slipknot confirmed Sid Wilson’s exit, then deleted the post that sparked major fan backlash. Community & Culture: KPC Ball 2026 honored top Filipino importers with live performances, and Scotland’s Big Noise program is set to join LA’s YOLA at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall under Gustavo Dudamel.

Musical Theatre: Kempenfelt Community Players says video auditions for Come from Away close Aug. 21 for its Feb. 4–14, 2027 run at the Georgian Theatre in Barrie. Community Live Music: Sweet Home, Oregon’s A&W turns 65 with a free Aug. 15 party featuring memorabilia, family activities, and the Blue Wave Band (5–8 p.m.). Latin Relief Effort: Artists including Maluma, Karol G, Feid and Carlos Vives are mobilizing for Colombia and Venezuela earthquake relief through events and fundraising. Local Venue Shake-Up: Fort Wayne’s Sons of the Pyre frontman Blaze Wenglikowski is launching Grand Summit Hall after Piere’s closure, with a September show already lined up. Touring Album Spotlight: The Hillbilly Thomists drop Strange Land while on their 10-city U.S. tour, blending Roots Americana with new electric guitar and full drums. Album/Artist News: Carly Simon’s new album Comes in Waves (Aug. 14) includes “Mother of Pearl,” inspired by her daughter Sally amid her divorce story. Fundraiser & Festivals: Berlin’s Grassroots Berlin hosts “Band Together” Aug. 23 for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, with live music, food, games, and family-friendly pricing. Big Anniversary: Janet Jackson will film Janet Jackson: Control 40 in concert on Dec. 12, 2026.

New Releases: Peking Duk finally drops debut album Paradise, a three-years-in-the-making party record packed with guests like Killer Mike, Rico Nasty, Phantogram and Matt Corby. K-pop Comeback: MEPC returns after eight months with single album PROTECTORS, continuing its sci-fi saga as “guardians” of a lost relic. Solo Spotlight: EVAN unveils mini album DEATH OF ME (Sept. 7) after leaving ENHYPEN, while Justin Hawkes readies Now Or Never (Aug. 14) with a narrative-driven drum & bass/future jungle cycle. Global Pop/EPs: Katseye supports Sophia and Manon during The Tonight Show ahead of third EP Wild (Aug. 14). Live Music & Culture: New Orleans launches discounted parking for Frenchmen Street performers; Wooster’s Levitt AMP season ends Aug. 19 with Tartan Terrors. Health & Career: South African singer Holly Rey opens up about renal failure and chronic kidney disease forcing her to step back. Streaming Debate (India): A new report digs into how free listening and social discovery are reshaping music monetization in India.

Concert Industry Economics: A new “Blue Dot Fever” trend is leaving empty seats on ticketing sites and pushing venues to cancel or scale back, hitting working musicians hardest. Local Music Infrastructure: The Gorge Amphitheatre founders are planning two new venues, including a 1,000–1,200-seat indoor theater and a 2,000-seat outdoor space. School Music Funding: Highland School Board approved $108,800 for replacement marching band instruments, including five sousaphones. New Releases & Reissues: Roxy Music will reissue 1973’s For Your Pleasure with unheard demos and outtakes; sEODo Band’s first full-length ONE arrives Friday. Touring & Live Dates: The Wood Brothers announce an 18-date fall tour supporting Puff of Smoke. K-pop/Global Pop: JYP terminated Xdinary Heroes leader Gunil’s contract amid fan allegations. Community Shows: A local theater group is staging We Will Rock You with 20+ Queen hits, while a bluegrass band heads to the Carter Family Fold. Advocacy Through Art: Becky G discusses how her visuals for “EPA” blend advocacy and music.

Album Announcements: Katie Gregson-Macleod is set to release debut LP Albatross on Nov. 6 via Last Recordings on Earth, sharing reflective opener “Nothing Really Changes” and confirming intimate UK dates. New Releases: Brandi Carlile will drop Returning To Myself (Sad Gay Version) on Sept. 25, while Strange Lot unveils debut album Strange Lot and a tour with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. Pop & Rap Updates: Megan Thee Stallion teases “Act III” as the final chapter of her trilogy, and Pitbull announces 14th studio album PITCOIN for Oct. 8. Tour News: 6LACK maps a 44-city world tour, and the Jonas Brothers land a major Australia moment—headlining the NFL Melbourne halftime show at the MCG. Live & Local: Philly Folk Festival powers through the weekend, and Chicago’s Beach Bunny co-headlines with The Beths in Spokane. Industry & Culture: UK research flags a record low in A-level music entries as many adults regret quitting music. Health & Safety: Country star Colt Ford was pulled through a windshield after a tour bus crash, and a GoFundMe is raised for Metal Hammer/Prog writer Dom Lawson after a heart attack at Bloodstock.

NFL Pop Crossover: The Jonas Brothers are confirmed as headline halftime performers for the 49ers vs. Rams regular-season game at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sept. 11, with the broader NFL Kickoff Festival lineup also announced. Album/Release Watch: Dayton band American Whale drops debut single “Idiot of the Cosmos,” with two more singles planned and a live Aug. 15 show at Yellow Cab Tavern. New Music Spotlight: Reserver’s self-titled album (out Aug. 14) leans into punk catharsis after personal loss, with the band framing it as “what’s left in the tank.” Local Scene & Venues: San Diego’s Brick By Brick is closing after 31 years, while Rochester’s Sole Sessions keeps building intimate live-recording culture. Live Music Calendar: Bourbon & Beyond set times are live for Sept. 24-27 in Louisville, and Hickory’s Sails Original Music Series returns with free concerts in September. Music Biz/Legal: Biggie’s former manager Wayne Barrow wins a legal battle over Faith Evans’ withholding of catalog payments. AI Debate: Queen’s Brian May blasts AI image generation, calling for less “inevitable” tech expansion.

Vinyl Anniversary: Tom Waits will reissue Small Change on vinyl for its 50th anniversary, with related new releases tied to the rollout. Local Live Scene: Broadwaters’ Hare & Hounds pub managers Abby Lawson and Chris Hartland are stepping down after two “incredible” years, with a handover planned for November 2. Celebrity Band Spotlight: Keanu Reeves’ Dogstar is on tour in support of All In Now, with Philly-area dates this week. Charity + Community Music: Westcliff’s Tash Fest (Aug. 15) raises money for the Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust, while Good Vibes Meditation Mental Health and Wellbeing Trust brings its “Good Vibes” traffic-cone fundraising idea to Boston. Big-Stage Pop: J-pop duo Yoasobi lands at Singapore’s National Stadium on Feb. 20, 2027, their only SE Asia stop. New Music + Culture: Ms. Rachel and Mr. Aron announce their debut album I’m So Happy for Sept. 25. Industry Moves: Bucks Music Group signs Will Gregory of Goldfrapp for film/TV and other projects beyond the duo. Touring + Releases: Pink Floyd tribute band Floyd Nation marks Wish You Were Here’s 50th with three new songs for a “director’s cut” concept. Music Business/Policy: BTS pulls Arirang from Grammy consideration in protest of a new Asian Pop category.

Legal Drama: Wayne Barrow won a Delaware court ruling against Faith Evans, gaining control over Biggie’s catalog and trust-related funds, reigniting the long-running estate fight. AI & Music Policy: A Valley music venue is pushing back on bands using AI-generated flyers, while Arizona’s schools grapple with how prepared they are for classroom heat. Radio Tech Troubles: Kyle Sandilands’ subscriber-only morning show launched with major audio/echo problems, with the host blaming a rushed build and limited rehearsal. Touring News: Dave Hill joins A Perfect Circle’s Australia/New Zealand run, and A Perfect Circle’s December dates mark their first AU shows since 2013 and NZ visit in 22 years. Live Music & Culture: Wicked is loading in for Kansas City’s run, and the U.S. Air Force Band of the West is touring north Louisiana and east Texas in September. Rights & Protest: The Kennedy Center has been ordered to pay jazz musician Chuck Redd $250K+ in legal fees after he canceled a concert over Trump’s name on the venue. New Releases: Shabazz Palaces announced It’s a Style Sport, and Haken set a 2027 Dublin headline date.

Album News: Cleo Sol is back with her fifth solo studio album, Gentlewoman, arriving Aug. 20. Local Live Music: Covington’s bluegrass jam moved indoors to beat the heat, keeping the “pickin’ and grinnin’” spirit alive at Lee’s Hamburgers. Indie Guitar Gear: Chicago indie duo Friko expands its sound on Something Worth Waiting For, leaning on tiny amps and pedal wizardry for big, fuzzy dynamics. Punk + Film: Green Day is turning its early touring dreams into the coming-of-age comedy Nimrods, with Billie Joe Armstrong and the band framing the story as a mirror of their rise. Tour/Health Updates: Rod Stewart postponed a Cincinnati stop after a “minor medical procedure,” with rescheduling underway. Big-Stage Announcements: Andrea Bocelli confirmed a one-off Cardiff stadium show for May 8, 2027, featuring a 5,000-voice choir for the new Land of Song Festival. R&B/Pop Tease: Megan Thee Stallion reignites “Tina Snow” energy with the Act: III rollout: “I’m back,” but no firm date yet.

Pop Culture & Politics: Taylor Swift’s music has been quietly removed from White House and “Team Trump” TikTok posts, with videos swapping in other audio or showing “sound isn’t available,” reigniting debate over artists’ control of their work. Artist Branding: The Weeknd says he’s reversing course on retiring his stage name, promising fans he will “never disappear” after previously hinting at stepping away. Live Music Safety: Billy Strings wore a hockey helmet after an object was thrown at him during a recent show, and he’s now taking extra precautions. Big-Stage Moments: Zach Top surprised the crowd at Madison Square Garden with a “Don’t Wanna Know” duet and later covered Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” with a live album release planned. Community Music: Omaha’s NOMAfest returns for its fifth year with free Saturday options and a lineup built around youth programming and jazz’s legacy. Local Concerts: Comox’s Music in the Park returns as a free, family-friendly Sept. 6 event, while Longville’s Music in the Park spotlights Figuring it Out on Aug. 16. Legal/Business: Biggie’s former manager won a court order forcing Faith Evans to share Primary Wave catalog money tied to Voletta Wallace’s stake.

Album & Identity: Role Model says he’s considering a stage-name change to his birth name, Tucker Pillsbury, and explains why he finally agreed to feature girlfriend Dakota Johnson on “Love I You.” New Music: Kodaline share “Back To Me,” a preview of their fifth and final album We Were Only Young (out Oct. 2), while K-pop quintet KiiiKiii drops mini-album WhyKiiiKiii led by the summer-ready “Pop Off Pop Off.” Science Meets Pop: Researchers at Seoul National University claim they can decode relative pitch from brain signals as people imagine familiar melodies. Tour Updates: Rose Tattoo’s Angry Anderson is in hospital, forcing the band to end its final European tour dates early. Live & Culture: Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen musical opens in San Diego after her “Giants” art exhibit closed at the same city. Industry & Awards: Baker Boy sweeps the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards, taking Album of the Year. Controversy: Boy George threatens to fire bandmates who refuse to perform his pro-Israel track “We Will Dance Again.”