Check out this short summary of the latest news from Kylie Minogue, Skrillex, Spotify, Kevin Parker, Grimes and many more.
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As usual, we bring you the most intriguing music news, curating a list of the top 10 must-know stories we have found around the web. This roundup covers major updates, emerging trends, and a bit of industry buzz to keep you in the loop. Let’s explore the most interesting highlights from November 2024.
Kylie Minogue may be dominating the pop scene with her latest album Tension II and its dance-ready hits, but the pop icon recently reflected on the simpler days of the 1990s.
In an interview with The Times, the 56-year-old singer revealed her nostalgia for the era before social media, when dance music and nightlife were the heart of her world. “There were no phones, dance music was going nuts, and I was in it and among it, going to the clubs, going to markets. I wasn’t wasting time scrolling on socials or dealing with adulting,” Minogue shared.
Minogue also offered advice to her younger self: “Have fun, trust your instincts, and know that obstacles can be overcome in creative ways.” Despite being a pop legend for decades, Kylie proves her reign is far from over with Tension II topping charts globally and her upcoming 2025 tour.
The singer recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to ask for assistance in contacting one of her cinematic idols, director Quentin Tarantino. In a post, she explained that she has spent years trying different ways to get in touch with the filmmaker behind Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and Jackie Brown, but with no success.
Grimes shared her admiration for Tarantino, explaining that she just wants a conversation with him, praising him not only as a director but also as one of the best writers.
Fans responded with playful suggestions, including one about sending feet pics, referencing Tarantino’s alleged foot fetish. Others offered more practical advice, including reaching out through his Video Archives Podcast. Grimes, frustrated with previous failed attempts, said she was now planning to mail him directly.
Mark Zuckerberg has teamed up with T-Pain to create a rock version of Lil Jon’s classic “Get Low,” now under the name “Z-Pain.” The Meta CEO recorded the song as a unique anniversary gift for his wife, Priscilla Chan, explaining that “Get Low” was playing when they first met at a college party. Every year, they listen to the song, and this year, Zuckerberg decided to collaborate with T-Pain on a cover.
The new version features a slower tempo, acoustic guitar, and Zuckerberg’s auto-tuned vocals. While the original song’s explicit lyrics are still present, the cover has a surprisingly catchy twist.
Although it’s unlikely Zuckerberg is planning a music career, his “Z-Pain” collaboration is definitely one for the books. Check out the track, and decide for yourself if it’s a guilty pleasure.
Spotify has expanded its music video feature, now available in 85 new countries for Premium subscribers. Initially launched in beta earlier this year in 12 markets, the feature lets users switch between music tracks and videos with a simple tap. While the selection of videos remains limited, the update is aimed at enhancing the music discovery experience.
Premium subscribers can find videos on both mobile and desktop platforms by searching for a track or artist and tapping the “Switch to video” button. The video plays seamlessly alongside the song, and users can return to audio with another tap.
This update is part of Spotify’s ongoing effort to deepen connections between artists and fans, with new features aimed at enriching the overall music experience.
Five former Pitchfork writers have launched Hearing Things, a new online magazine focused on music and culture. Founded by Andy Cush, Dylan Green, Jill Mapes, Ryan Dombal, and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, the site promises to offer thoughtful, curated content, free from the overwhelming information overload of the internet.
Describing themselves as “a bulwark against all the bullshit,” the team aims to bring fresh perspectives to music journalism with album reviews, features, investigative reporting, and live event critiques.
Hearing Things is a subscription-based, ad-free platform with various tiers, offering virtual listening parties and in-person events to connect music fans and writers. The site’s goal is to revitalize music criticism, moving away from the often elitist tone of sites like Pitchfork, and provide more accessible, genuine insights into the music world.
The DJ and producer is cutting ties with long-affiliated label Atlantic Records after 15 years, calling the music industry “almost impossible to understand.” He shared his decision on Twitter, expressing how inspired and aligned he feels with his artistic intentions. Skrillex also reflected on the challenges of the industry, comparing it to politics and noting how many artists get caught up in its complexities.
Although he’s excited to release his upcoming album and focus on independent work in 2025, he acknowledged that “independent” is a complicated term, as he still relies on his team and collaborators.
With his next album nearly finished, he plans to rethink how music is shared, aiming to simplify the process and reduce the panic many artists face.
Paula Temple, the British techno DJ and producer, has announced she will step away from touring indefinitely at the start of 2025 due to burnout and a desire to focus more on music production.
In an Instagram post, Temple shared that, after 11 years of touring, she feels the need to change pace, get a dog, and explore new creative directions away from hard techno. She also expressed her dissatisfaction with the recent direction of hard techno, particularly the influence of social media and the “world of influencer performers” post-COVID. She’s uncertain about the future of her music but remains devoted to the creative process.
Temple will play her final 10 gigs, with her last performance in Bogotá in February 2025.
Paul Simon, now 83, has retired his iconic hit from live performances due to his ongoing struggle with hearing loss, which has significantly impacted his ability to perform. In a recent CBS Mornings interview, Simon explained that he has only about 6% hearing in his left ear and relies on multiple monitors during performances. This condition has forced him to select quieter, acoustic versions of his songs for shows, with “You Can Call Me Al” no longer part of his setlist.
Although Simon has retired from extensive touring, he remains hopeful about the future. He’s optimistic that advancements in hearing loss research, particularly at Stanford University, may allow him to perform full concerts again.
Despite the challenges, Simon believes creativity doesn’t stop with disability. He continues to focus on writing new music, and remains passionate about exploring new acoustic sounds.
After more than a decade of development, this innovative synthesizer is designed to be both simple and versatile, catering to both new musicians and experienced producers.
The Orchid features 13 keys, a range of voicing options, built-in speakers, and a rechargeable battery. It includes three different synths: a polyphonic virtual analog subtractive synth for classic tones, an FM synth for modulations, and a vintage reed piano emulation with mechanical noise samples.
The first limited edition of The Orchid will be available for $549 starting in December. Released by Parker’s Telepathic Instruments, the instrument also offers an exciting opportunity for early buyers to shape its future updates through an online community called The Garden.
Wiz Khalifa recently paused his performance at a club in Thailand after a fan threw money at him during a show. The rapper, who was performing at a Rolling Loud afterparty, stopped mid-set to address the fan.
“Stop throwing money on the stage,” he said. “I’m not a stripper, dog. Quit throwing money on the stage.” Despite the fan’s apology, Wiz reiterated that he had already warned him, adding, “If you don’t know, I’m Wiz Khalifa.”
The incident happened at Club 808 in Pattaya, where the rapper continued his performance after the brief interruption. This follows a previous legal issue for Wiz in Romania, where he was arrested for smoking marijuana at a festival.
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Luca is an underground music expert with more than ten years
of DJing and playlist curation,
focusing on new artists. He has appeared at Primavera Pro and BIME Pro, and he writes for the Playlo blog about music news,
tips, and independent artists.
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