Unveiling the Latest Buzz in Music: Album Announcements, Festival Highlights, and Artist Collaborations
Published: 10:00 am, January 13, 2025 | By Andrew Wescott, Dan Harrison, Lucy Phillips
Welcome to Dork’s rolling news feed, your go-to source for everything happening in the music world. Whether it’s a surprise collaboration, an exciting festival lineup, or the latest drama surrounding your favorite pop star, we’ve got you covered on all the major stories in music. Our commitment is to keep you informed, whether you’re a fan of massive stadium acts or an indie band that’s just starting to make waves in your local scene. Join us as we dive into the latest updates and uncover the stories that matter.
Julien Baker and TORRES Celebrate Queer Culture with Their New Video
Julien Baker and TORRES have hit the mark with their latest music video for ‘Sugar in the Tank’. The vibrant clip, directed by the talented Caity Arthur, showcases a collaboration with NYC’s renowned queer country dance party, Stud Country. The video not only features original choreography by Stud Country co-founder Sean Monaghan but also immerses viewers in a celebratory atmosphere where our favorite alt-rock artists learn line dancing alongside the party’s regular attendees.
This delightful collaboration comes on the heels of their performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where they first introduced their partnership to the world. Both Baker and TORRES are no strangers to Stud Country’s events, making this collaboration feel less like a calculated PR move and more like a heartfelt tribute to a community that’s fostering creativity within New York’s burgeoning queer country scene.
Down With Boring: A Rockaway Beach Special
In a refreshing twist for January, our favorite radio rascals are switching up their usual programming. They’re broadcasting live from the picturesque Butlin’s Bognor Regis for the Rockaway Beach festival special. Tune in tonight to catch the Isle of Wight’s rising stars, The Pill, who will be discussing their not-so-structurally-unsound bangers, along with Brighton’s indie sensations, Lime Garden.
Catch all the action tonight at 8 pm GMT on Dork Radio, available via our sleek app (iOS/Android), at readdork.com/radio, or through TuneIn. Missed the live broadcast? Don’t worry! The podcast version will be available on all the usual platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Say goodbye to those January blues and immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene.
Blondshell Takes the World by Storm with a New Tour
Blondshell is gearing up for an exciting 2025 with the announcement of her massive worldwide headline tour, supporting her highly anticipated second album, ‘If You Asked For A Picture’, set to drop on May 2 via Partisan Records. The new album promises to bring more questions than its “black-and-white” predecessor, showcasing her evolution as an artist.
The UK and Ireland leg of the tour kicks off at Dublin’s Whelan’s on September 2, before making stops in Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol, Brighton, and culminating at London’s Electric Brixton on September 12. Following the UK dates, Blondshell will head to the continent for performances in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 am local time—don’t miss out!
Bearded Theory Festival Expands Lineup with English Teacher
Derbyshire’s beloved Bearded Theory festival has just revealed an impressive second wave of acts. Leading the charge is the legendary Paul Heaton, who will bring along special guest Rianne Downey. Joining them will be the critically acclaimed Leeds band, English Teacher, who will grace the stage with their indie brilliance during Thursday’s headline slot.
The festival will take place at Catton Park from May 21-25, 2025, and boasts an already phenomenal lineup, including icons like Iggy Pop, Manic Street Preachers, and gothic legends The Sisters of Mercy. Other notable additions include Nadine Shah, Katy J Pearson, and Ezra Furman, alongside previously announced favorites such as Yard Act, CMAT, and Nova Twins. The festival promises an eclectic mix of talent, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
bdrmm Unveils New Single ‘Infinity Peaking’
The indie band bdrmm has just released a captivating new single titled ‘Infinity Peaking’, giving fans a taste of their upcoming album ‘Microtonic’. This new track marks a departure from their signature bedroom pop sound, embracing sun-soaked Balearic vibes while still retaining their shoegaze roots. ‘Microtonic’, set to be released via Rock Action on February 28, features guest appearances from Working Men’s Club’s Sydney Minsky Sargeant and Nightbus’ Olivesque.
The band is set to take their new sound on a European tour this March, kicking off at Newcastle’s Wylam Brewery on the 6th and wrapping up at Amsterdam’s Melkweg OZ on the 31st. With stops in key cities like Milan and Manchester, fans are in for an exciting live experience.
War Child’s Secret 7″ Project Makes a Triumphant Return
War Child’s innovative Secret 7″ project returns for 2025, featuring seven tracks that will be pressed into unique vinyl pieces. This year’s lineup includes The Cure’s ‘Warsong: Troxy Live 2024’ and an exclusive track from the beloved Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Each record will be pressed 100 times and adorned with unique artwork crafted by artists from around the world.
The vinyl art will be on display at Greenwich Peninsula’s NOW Gallery from April 11 to June 1, 2025. British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori will oversee the design process, ensuring each piece is a work of art. Artists and designers are invited to submit their sleeve designs from January 13 to February 28, 2025, providing an opportunity to create something meaningful for a charitable cause. Visit secret-7.co.uk for more details on how to get involved.
IVE Kicks Off 2025 with ‘Rebel Heart’
K-pop sensation IVE has begun the new year with a bang, releasing their latest single, ‘Rebel Heart’. The track serves as a powerful anthem for those who challenge norms, showcasing IVE’s signature confidence and charisma. Starship Entertainment describes it as a solidarity anthem for rebels of all stripes, perfectly capturing the spirit of defiance and empowerment.
Mark February 3rd on your calendars, as that’s when the full ‘IVE Empathy’ mini-album will be released. Despite the nine-month gap since their last release, IVE has been busier than ever, completing an impressive 37 concerts across 19 countries, making their debut at Lollapalooza, and collaborating with renowned DJ David Guetta. These ambitious plans highlight IVE’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the K-pop scene.
Charli XCX Advocates for LA Wildfire Victims
In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, pop superstar Charli XCX is leveraging her platform to make a meaningful impact. She has called on brands to redirect their promotional clothing gifts to those affected by the disaster, emphasizing that these resources could greatly benefit displaced individuals. Charli took to Instagram Stories to highlight the initiative, directing followers to a clothing drive organized by stylist Lana Jay Lackey.
As part of a broader industry response, a benefit concert titled FireAid is set to take place on January 30 at LA’s Intuit Dome, with proceeds supporting rebuilding efforts and assisting displaced families. Charli XCX’s proactive approach demonstrates the power of celebrity advocacy in times of crisis.
Trent Reznor Praises Sabrina Carpenter at the Golden Globes
In an unexpected turn, Nine Inch Nails’ frontman Trent Reznor shared his favorite song of 2024 during a red carpet interview at the Golden Globes, revealing it to be none other than Sabrina Carpenter’s infectious track, ‘Espresso’. This revelation highlights the cross-genre appreciation within the music industry, proving that even industrial rock legends are fans of pop hits.
Conclusion
As we venture further into 2025, the music industry continues to buzz with exciting collaborations, groundbreaking releases, and heartwarming acts of kindness. From Julien Baker and TORRES’ celebration of queer culture to Charli XCX’s advocacy for wildfire victims, the music scene is thriving with creativity and compassion. Keep following Dork for the latest updates, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of music as it unfolds. Whether you’re looking for new tunes, festival highlights, or artist insights, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
