A$AP Rocky performs at Lollapalooza 2025 in Chicago, IL (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
The Governors Ball Music Festival has officially revealed its 2026 lineup, and once again, New York City’s biggest summer festival is delivering a bold, genre-blurring bill. Returning to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens on June 5–7, 2026, Gov Ball’s three-day event brings together pop superstars, global acts, indie favorites, and hip-hop heavyweights for one of the most eclectic festival lineups of the year.
Friday: Lorde & Baby Keem Kick Things Off
Friday’s lineup is topped by Lorde and Baby Keem, setting the tone for a day that balances introspective pop with cutting-edge hip-hop. The day also features a strong mix of alternative and rock acts including Pierce the Veil, Turnover, The Beths, and Arcy Drive.
Pop-leaning and experimental names like Katseye, Mariah the Scientist, Audrey Hobert, and Confidence Man round out a packed opening day.
Saturday: Stray Kids & Kali Uchis Lead a Global-Forward Day
Saturday leans heavily into global pop and alternative energy, with K-pop powerhouse Stray Kids and genre-defying star Kali Uchis headlining the day.
The undercard is stacked with indie and alternative favorites, including Blood Orange, Wet Leg, Thee Sacred Souls, Japanese Breakfast, and Ravyn Lenae.
Acts like Amy and the Sniffers, Jane Remover, Snow Strippers, and Flowerovlove ensure Saturday stays unpredictable from start to finish.
Sunday: A$AP Rocky & Jennie Close Out the Weekend
Sunday’s headliners bring massive star power, with Harlem native A$AP Rocky and BLACKPINK’s Jennie closing out the festival.
Hip-hop fans will have plenty to celebrate with performances from Freddie Gibbs (alongside producer The Alchemist), Clipse, Dominic Fike, and Hot Mulligan.
Indie and rising-artist highlights include Geese, Holly Humberstone, Rachel Chinouriri, and Hemlocke Springs, making Sunday one of the most diverse days on the schedule.
Tickets & What’s Next
Presale tickets for Governors Ball 2026 are available now via the festival’s official website, with additional details, such as daily schedules, stage breakdowns, and aftershows, expected in the coming months.
With a lineup that blends global pop, hip-hop legends, indie staples, and emerging artists, Gov Ball 2026 once again proves why it remains one of the most forward-thinking festivals in North America. June can’t come soon enough.
Get ready Austin! Sips & Sounds Music Festival has officially announced its highly anticipated 2026 lineup, with the two-day event scheduled for March 13–14, 2026.
As part of Austin’s SXSW (although a separate ticketed event), Sips & Sounds once again offers a more traditional festival experience to complement the showcases and pop-up performances that define SXSW.
Blessing the state at this years Sips & Sounds, will be some major headliners like Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer and Foster the People. Also performing at the festival are names like Ravyn Lenae, Grouplove, Stephen Sanchez, Flipturn, The Runarounds, Jade Lemac, Between Friends and many more.
For years, Sips & Sounds has carved out a unique lane by blending big-name live and rising performances with curated experiences, food vendors, and an easygoing outdoor festival atmosphere with a beautiful view of the Austin skyline. While SXSW is known for intimate venues and discovery-focused showcases, Sips & Sounds delivers a full-scale festival environment, making it an ideal anchor event for fans who want both worlds in one trip.
Planning a SXSW + Sips & Sounds Weekend
Travel planning is key. Hotels and accommodations in Austin tend to fill up quickly during March, especially during festival season. Fans looking to lock in lodging early can find official hotel options and travel packages through Crewfare here.
Whether you’re traveling to Austin specifically for Sips & Sounds or adding it onto your SXSW itinerary, March 13–14, 2026 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss weekend for live music fans.
With the dates now locked in and the lineup announcement still ahead, Sips & Sounds 2026 is officially on the clock and Austin’s spring festival season just got even more exciting.
Check out some of our coverage from last year’s Sips & Sounds here and peep the full 2026 lineup below!
Benson Boone performing at Sips & Sounds 2025 in Austin, TX (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Austin’s festival season just got a little louder and tastier. Sips & Sounds Music Festival has officially announced that it will return in 2026, with the two-day event scheduled for March 13–14, 2026.
As the biggest music draw for Austin’s SXSW (although a separate ticketed event), Sips & Sounds once again offers a more traditional festival experience to complement the city-wide showcases and pop-up performances that define SXSW week.
Since its debut, Sips & Sounds has carved out a unique lane by blending big-name live performances with curated beverage experiences, food vendors, and an easygoing outdoor festival atmosphere. While SXSW is known for intimate venues and discovery-focused showcases, Sips & Sounds delivers a full-scale festival environment, making it an ideal anchor event for fans who want both worlds in one trip.
Lineup Still to Come
The 2026 artist lineup has not yet been announced, but past editions of Sips & Sounds have featured a mix of major pop, indie, and alternative artists alongside emerging talent, a formula that fits perfectly with SXSW’s music-first energy. Festival organizers are encouraging fans to sign up for updates now to be among the first to receive lineup announcements, ticket details, and festival news.
Fans can sign up for email updates and announcements here.
Planning a SXSW + Sips & Sounds Weekend
Travel planning is key. Hotels and accommodations in Austin tend to fill up quickly during March, especially during festival season. Fans looking to lock in lodging early can find official hotel options and travel packages through Crewfare here.
Whether you’re traveling to Austin specifically for Sips & Sounds or adding it onto your SXSW itinerary, March 13–14, 2026 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss weekend for live music fans.
With the dates now locked in and the lineup announcement still ahead, Sips & Sounds 2026 is officially on the clock and Austin’s spring festival season just got even more exciting.
Check out some of our coverage from last year’s Sips & Sounds here.
Nick Jonas is kicking off 2026 with a gut check, literally. The singer, songwriter, actor, and producer has released his brand-new single “Gut Punch,” officially ushering in a new solo era and offering the first taste of his upcoming album, Sunday Best, due out February 6 via Republic Records.
“Gut Punch” opens in a stripped-back, introspective space, built around sparse piano and lyrics that confront self-doubt head-on. As the track builds, it transforms into an emotionally charged, chant-ready chorus, with Jonas singing, “Hit me like a gut punch / I hurt my own feelings / How did I get so good at being mean to myself?” The result is a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable — a reflection on inner criticism, pressure, and the emotional weight that comes with growing older.
In discussing the song’s inspiration, Jonas shared that “Gut Punch” came from a place of self-examination rather than surface-level insecurity. He explains that the track reflects questions he asks himself about being the best version of who he can be, as a person, a husband, and a father. As life becomes more complicated, he notes, it’s easy to lose touch with the carefree version of yourself who once moved through the world with curiosity and optimism.
Fans got an early preview of the song late last year, when Jonas debuted “Gut Punch” live during a November run of shows in Las Vegas. He continued introducing it at select tour stops, including a special performance during the Jonas Brothers’ Samsung TV Plus New Year’s Eve celebration, making its official release a fitting way to ring in the new year.
Sunday Best marks Jonas’ first solo album in nearly five years and is shaping up to be his most open and reflective project to date. Written over the past two years, the album draws from both celebratory and challenging moments in his life, capturing the growth and perspective he’s gained during that time. Across the record, Jonas leans into unguarded storytelling and vulnerability, sharing moments he’s never previously put into his music.
Sonically, Sunday Best pulls from Jonas’ roots, including his early years singing in church choirs. That foundation shows up in the album’s warm, soulful arrangements, layered instrumentation, and rich lyricism, elements that highlight what may be his most emotionally resonant body of work yet.
“I’m so excited to share these new stories, candid thoughts, quiet walks home in the city, and snapshots of my life over these past few years,” Jonas said of the album. “And while this album was made over the course of the last two years, it was truly 33 years in the making.”
“Gut Punch” is available to stream now, with Sunday Best arriving February 6. If this first single is any indication, Nick Jonas’ next chapter is one defined by honesty, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Fresh off a massive 2025 and the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Who’s the Clown?, rising pop star Audrey Hobert is headed to Chicago for a headlining stop on her Staircase to Stardom Tour. She’ll take the stage at Lincoln Hall on December 9, an intimate room that rapidly sold out as Hobert’s fanbase grows from coast to coast.
The Chicago show arrives just as Hobert unveils her newest self-directed music video, “Sex and the city,” a cinematic and emotionally charged visual that showcases her deepening artistic voice behind the camera. The video, which also features actor Will Price, extends her run of self-directed hits, following earlier visuals for “Sue me,” “Bowling alley,” and “Thirst Trap.” Hobert’s flair for directing has quickly become one of her defining traits, and “Sex and the city” might be her most ambitious storytelling effort yet: moody, intimate, and filled with the kind of character-driven tension that mirrors the song’s emotional core.
It’s another major moment in a year full of them. In August, Hobert released Who’s the Clown? through RCA Records, a debut that instantly caught industry attention. Rolling Stone awarded the record four stars and praised Hobert as “one of pop’s great new voices,” while outlets like NPR, W Magazine, and Cosmopolitan echoed the acclaim. She’s since made her late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, further cementing her ascent.
Hobert’s rise may seem sudden, but it’s rooted in years of musical theatre training, dance, and a creative partnership with longtime friend Gracie Abrams. Before launching her own project, Hobert co-wrote several Abrams fan-favorites, “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” “Risk,” and the global hit “That’s So True”, and even directed their accompanying music videos. What started as a behind-the-scenes role transformed when Hobert realized the songs she was writing were meant for her own voice. With producer Ricky Gourmet, she built Who’s the Clown? from the ground up, a first-person artistic statement shaped entirely by Hobert herself, from songwriting to directing and editing.
Her first-ever headlining tour, Staircase to Stardom, kicked off this week at The Independent in San Francisco and will take her across the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Australia through May 2026. The Lincoln Hall date follows her appearance at Chicago’s Jingle Ball and marks her only standalone Chicago performance of the tour. Several stops have already been upgraded to larger venues due to overwhelming demand.
What to Expect at Lincoln Hall
The December 9 show promises a high-energy, deeply emotional night powered by Hobert’s theatricality and diaristic songwriting. With a debut album full of pop hooks, biting humor, and self-reflective storytelling, plus a brand-new video that fans are already buzzing about, this show offers a rare chance to catch a major new artist on the cusp of breakout stardom, in one of Chicago’s most beloved intimate rooms.
Fans can expect a setlist pulling from Who’s the Clown? alongside her earlier viral singles, with Hobert’s background in dance and theatre shaping a performance that’s as expressive as it is musically sharp. Given her history of crafting vivid visual worlds, the tour’s staging has also been a focal point, building on the eclectic, personality-driven aesthetic she brings to her videos.
With only one Chicago date on the calendar (not including her appearance at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball stop in Rosemont) and her profile rising rapidly, this Lincoln Hall show is poised to become one of December’s most talked-about performances.
Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and R&B visionary Eric Bellinger has released the deluxe edition of his acclaimed album It All Makes Sense, adding five new tracks that further blend Afrobeats and modern R&B. The project builds upon 2024’s It’ll All Make Sense Later and continues Bellinger’s creative journey that began in Cape Town, where he worked closely with African artists, producers, and songwriters.
The expanded album includes new collaborations with Projexx and Kheilstone, joining returning contributors like Tiwa Savage, BRNDN, Daecolm, PaBrymo, and VERBB. The fresh tracks, from the smooth confidence of “Money” to the emotional pull of “Without You,” showcase Bellinger’s gift for storytelling through rhythm and melody. Each song explores a different facet of love, faith, and self-discovery while maintaining his signature silky tone and polished production.
Reflecting on the creative process, Bellinger shared that this project reignited his love for music and pushed him to take bold risks. “Making this album has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career,” he said. “We managed to blend R&B with Afro Fusion so well, I couldn’t be more proud. These new five songs pushed the album over the top.”
To mark the release, fans can get their hands on a limited-edition double vinyl set pressed on purple and blue wax, celebrating both albums in the It All Makes Sense cycle. The drop also includes exclusive merch available for a short time, offering collectors a tangible slice of Bellinger’s latest era.
The momentum continues this fall as Bellinger embarks on the Cuffing Season Tour, joining ‘90s R&B icons Jagged Edge and Lloyd for a 17-city run kicking off November 6. Stops include Oakland, Nashville, Chicago, and Houston, promising soulful nostalgia and a showcase of timeless artistry.
Beyond his own music, Bellinger recently launched his independent label All Wins Entertainment, a platform dedicated to artist development and empowerment. “There’s been a void in artist development, and I’m dedicating my time and energy to bringing that back,” he explained.
With over 1.5 billion streams, songwriting credits for Usher, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber, and a Grammy win already under his belt, Eric Bellinger continues to evolve as one of R&B’s most innovative voices. It All Makes Sense (Deluxe) is another reminder that his creative journey is far from over—it is only growing stronger.
Listen to the deluxe album on all major streaming platforms and explore the vinyl and merch collection now.
U.K. producer and DJ Shadow Child is ushering in a bold new chapter of his career with the release of the “Say It Now” remix package, out now on London Records, featuring heavy-hitting reworks from Cinthie, Dusky, and S.P.Y.
The original track, a high-voltage collision of rave vocals and breakbeats, already proved that Shadow Child hasn’t lost his touch for crafting club-ready anthems. But the new remixes take things even further, each reshaping the song through a different lens of dance culture. Berlin favorite Cinthie, aka Vinyl Princess and owner of the famed 803 Chrystal Grooves label, infuses her signature deep-house polish, while British duo Dusky crank up the tempo with a pulsing techno edge. Brazilian producer S.P.Y. closes the package with a blistering drum & bass rendition that’s tailor-made for packed warehouses and festival main stages alike.
The remix drop follows Shadow Child’s recent signing to London Records, aligning him with a roster that bridges legends and innovators, from Orbital and Goldie to rising names like Alewya and Joalin.
Before adopting his now-iconic alias, Shadow Child made waves in the 2000s under his Dave Spoon moniker, dominating dancefloors and BBC Radio 1 playlists with electro-house hits and remixes for everyone from Pet Shop Boys to Dizzee Rascal. His 2012 reinvention as Shadow Child marked a shift toward a deeper, bass-heavy sound rooted in the rave and jungle energy of his youth and he’s since carved out a legacy as one of the U.K.’s most versatile producers.
Reflecting on his creative rebirth, he explains:
“I came out of the pandemic questioning my place in the dance music world and where I wanted to go next. I was inspired by the lo-fi explosion of artists like Mall Grab and DJ Seinfeld, it made me go back to my roots, exploring the raw, stripped-back sound of the jungle and rave tunes I grew up with.”
That spirit of reinvention and nostalgia pulses through “Say It Now” and its remix collection, proof that Shadow Child continues to evolve while staying true to the underground that shaped him.
Stream the full “Say It Now (Remixes)” now on all major platforms, and revisit the original version here.
Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, has announced the debut of a brand new original content series titled “Artist Portrait.” The project offers fans an immersive look into their favorite artists through exclusive performances and personal commentary filmed in meaningful, real-world locations.
The series officially launches with Conan Gray, who performs “Actor” from his highly anticipated new album Wishbone. The first installment is now available to stream, with two additional performances scheduled to arrive throughout October. The rollout will conclude with a short film combining both live performances and cinematic storytelling for a deeper portrait of Gray’s artistry.
In this debut episode, Gray performs “Actor” in a wood-paneled attic overlooking the sea, surrounded by his band and the comforting hum of nostalgia. Sitting cross legged with his guitar, he delivers a raw and heartfelt rendition of the song, which reflects on heartbreak and the disorienting feeling of watching someone act as if love never existed. The stripped down performance captures the intimacy and emotion that have defined his career.
Conan Gray and Vevo share a long creative history, including early performances for Vevo’s “DSCVR Artists to Watch” series in 2020, “Live from Vevo Studios” sessions in 2021 and 2024, and a “Vevo Footnotes” episode for This Song in 2025. With Artist Portrait, Vevo continues to deepen that collaboration, showing Gray in a new light that feels vulnerable, cinematic, and authentic.
“Vevo has a rich heritage and vast expertise in capturing beautiful, top quality content for artists,” said JP Evangelista, Vevo’s SVP of Content, Programming and Marketing. “With ‘Artist Portrait’, we bring the set to the artist, wherever they are. Fans get to experience their favorite musicians in the real world spaces that inspire them. Having worked with Conan since the early days of his career, it is such a pleasure to see him flourish, raw, authentic, and deeply personal.”
Chris Pereira, Executive Producer at Vevo, added, “This series delves into the inner creative life of an artist in the present tense. For the launch, we met Conan at a seaside writing cabin for quiet conversations and intimate performances that unfold with minimal setup, removing barriers between the viewer and the artist.”
The launch of Artist Portrait marks Vevo’s next evolution in its original content portfolio, following the success of its “Extended Play” series. The new franchise highlights artistry beyond the studio, providing a deeper sense of who musicians are, both creatively and personally.
Fans can watch Conan Gray’s “Artist Portrait” performance of “Actor” now on Vevo, with more episodes arriving later this month.
Photo by Scott Newton, Courtesy of Austin City Limits
Few artists can make a stage as storied as Austin City Limits feel like their own personal playground, but Role Model did just that. The rising indie pop star, known offstage as Tucker Pillsbury, delivered a magnetic set for a Season 51 taping of the longest running music program on television. Equal parts sharp, sentimental, and self aware, Pillsbury brought humor, vulnerability, and a natural flair for storytelling to the ACL stage, striking the delicate balance between pop polish and personality driven authenticity that has made him one of the most exciting new artists today.
Fans had been lining up outside the Moody Theater before dawn, many arriving as early as 6 a.m. to secure a prime spot inside the intimate venue. For some, it was the thrill of witnessing a bucket list moment for the “Divas,” Role Model’s affectionate name for his fanbase, while others were simply eager to be part of history. The crowd’s patience paid off. Backed by Mason Stoops and Taylor Mackall, acclaimed collaborators of Lizzy McAlpine, Role Model took the stage in a light button up shirt, brown jacket, and jeans, instantly winning over the packed house with his signature blend of awkward charm and confidence.
From the start, Pillsbury acknowledged the significance of the night with his trademark humor.
“Thank you all for coming. This will be the only show I’m serious, I think, ’cause it’s televised. Some of these people don’t know me, so I’m gonna be polite. I’m gonna be a good boy.”
Of course, “good” is a relative term, especially for a performer whose lyrics often revel in emotional chaos. Since PBS tapings don’t exactly encourage profanity, he cleverly deputized the audience to fill in any four letter gaps. During his cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else,” fans joyfully shouted “f— that, get money!” with unbridled energy, earning laughter from Pillsbury.
The setlist spanned the highs and heartbreaks of Pillsbury’s acclaimed sophomore effort, Kansas Anymore. Role Model gave fans something rare, a showcase of deep cuts and often shelved tracks that rarely appear even in his own headlining shows. Performances of “Compromise,” “A Little More Time,” and “Something, Somehow, Someday” offered a glimpse into the quieter corners of his artistry, moments where humor gave way to heartfelt vulnerability. Before the latter, he walked onstage with a stool and a leather bound journal in hand, explaining,
“I have a song of mine that I literally cannot remember all the words to, but it’s one of my favorites. I’d rather read it from a book, this feels cooler than a teleprompter.”
The crowd hung on every word, a mixture of laughter and reverence echoing through the theater. Between songs, Pillsbury’s playful banter kept the tone light. “This next song I want to bring out my new friend Ed Sheeran…” he teased to a wave of excitement before deadpanning, “You kidding me? Ed Sheeran’s not here, you freaks.”
Role Model performs at Weekend One of ACL Fest on October 3, 2025 (Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration).
Later, when “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” began, the audience collectively buzzed with anticipation. The track, often featuring surprise celebrity “Sally” cameos from Hilary Duff, Natalie Portman, and Conan Gray, ended up having none, perhaps a concession to the PBS cameras. Fans still enjoyed it all the same as Pillsbury danced alone, crowning himself the night’s “Sally,” a moment that felt oddly poetic.
As the show built momentum, songs like “Slipfast” and “Some Protector” reminded everyone that Role Model’s music thrives on contrast, heartbreak wrapped in humor and melancholy disguised as confidence. During the bridge of “Some Protector,” he urged fans to go all in. “I know some of you are shy with cameras around, but you can’t be shy for this part!” Within a couple minutes, the floor was bouncing with headbanging that would have made a Slipknot crowd proud.
What stood out most was how naturally Pillsbury seemed to fit into the legacy of Austin City Limits. Between the jokes and moments of vulnerability, there was a genuine sense that he understood the weight of the stage beneath him. He spoke with appreciation about performing on such an iconic show, one he said he often watches on flights between tour stops, and that admiration translated into a performance that felt both grounded and grateful. Even with his growing fame and busy schedule, he carried himself with the same down-to-earth charm that first drew fans to him, confident, but still humbled by where his music has taken him.
It has been a whirlwind season for Role Model. Fresh off his Weekend One performance at ACL Fest, he is gearing up for a Saturday Night Live appearance alongside host Amy Poehler, while also sharing the weekend with Austin for Weekend Two of ACL Fest. Between the touring, acting in Lena Dunham’s upcoming Netflix film Good Sex with Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo, and a growing discography of earnest and confessional pop songs, it is clear that Role Model’s rise is not slowing down anytime soon.
By the time the final chords of “Deeply Still in Love” rang out against the glowing Austin skyline backdrop, it felt like everyone in the room knew they had witnessed something special, a performance equal parts milestone and mirror, reflecting the sincerity that has always been at the core of Pillsbury’s artistry.
Fans should be sure to catch the episode when it airs on November 22nd on Austin PBS or the PBS app, and follow @acltv for updates. And in true PBS spirit, consider supporting public television by donating at AustinPBS.org/donate. With Austin City Limits facing a nearly three million dollar funding shortfall next year due to federal cuts to public media, every donation helps keep this cultural institution and unforgettable performances like Role Model’s alive for future generations. After all, as he might say himself, you would not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed one of the best ACL tapings of the year.
Setlist — Role Model at Austin City Limits (October 7, 2025)
Photo by Deanna DeSlover for The Early Registration
Madison got loud on Friday night as Garbage brought their Happy Endings Tour to The Sylvee for a sold-out show that reminded fans why the band remains one of alt-rock’s most fearless forces. Returning to Wisconsin with a mix of nostalgia, raw honesty, and new material, Shirley Manson and company filled the room with sound and soul, proof that their fire still burns just as bright decades into their career.
Performing in support of their latest album, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light, the show carried an undercurrent of resilience and renewal. The project was born from Manson’s recovery following a serious hip injury that forced her off the road, and that sense of fragility turned into power pulsed through the night’s set. Garbage balanced moments of vulnerability with the snarling confidence that’s long defined them.
The 20-song performance moved between eras with ease. Early favorites like “Vow” and “I Think I’m Paranoid” were met with roaring recognition, while deeper cuts like “Bleed Like Me” and “The Trick Is to Keep Breathing” carried new emotional weight in light of the band’s recent journey. Newer material, including “There’s No Future in Optimism” and “Chinese Fire Horse,” sat comfortably alongside the classics, blending reflection with rebellion.
Between songs, Manson was her signature mix of candid and commanding, telling stories about label rejections, old auditions, and the unpredictable road that’s kept Garbage moving forward. By the time the encore closed with “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When It Rains,” the crowd was completely in sync, echoing every lyric back toward the stage.
Garbage’s night at The Sylvee wasn’t just a concert, it was a celebration of endurance, artistry, and the beauty of imperfection. And for the thousands who packed the venue, it was clear that Madison will always make room for a little glorious noise.
Photo by Deanna DeSlover for The Early Registration
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