Music

20 Mar 2023

Madonna & Max Martin Are in the Studio Together: ‘When in Doubt, Go to Work’

Madonna is letting the creative juices flow.

The Queen of Pop took to social media on Monday (March 20) to share a photo of herself writing in the studio with lauded music producer Max Martin. “When in Doubt go to Work,” she captioned the post. “Nothing shuts Down the Noise or the Naysayers More then being in the Creative Process.”

Madonna’s most recent studio album was 2019’s Madame X, which topped the Billboard 200 albums chart dated June 29, 2019. She also released a remix album, Finally Enough Love, in 2022.

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Madonna is gearing up to head out on a global tour this year, and the massive Celebration Tour — which will honor her four decades of hits — is set to span from July 15 all the way through Dec. 1.

Last month, the iconic superstar shut down haters who criticized her appearance at the 2023 Grammy Awards, accusing the “Vogue” singer of botched plastic surgery. “Many people chose to only talk about Close-up photos of me Taken with a long lens camera By a press photographer that Would distort anyone’s face!!” she wrote on Instagram. “Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny That permeates the world we live in. A world that refuses to celebrate women pass the age of 45 And feels the need to punish her If she continues to be strong willed, hard-working and adventurous.”

Madonna went on to note that she has “never apologized” for her appearance, and she’s “not going to start,” before referencing Beyoncé’s Renaissance hit, “Break My Soul.” “I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come,” she wrote.

20 Mar 2023

Jennifer Lopez Dazzles in Disco-Ready Metallic Gown With Thigh-High Slit

Jennifer Lopez officially celebrated the launch of her shoe partnership with Revolve on Saturday and turned up to the Beverly Hills house party in a gown fit for a disco queen.

The “Waiting for Tonight” singer dazzled in a gorgeous floor-length gown made of a metallic gold, silver and copper ombré fabric complete with dramatic pleating. The singer’s dress featured one very striking feature — a sky-high slit that extended to her upper thigh. To accessorize the attention-grabbing ensemble, Lopez wore gold chandelier earrings, a larger-than-life gray feathered coat and metallic copper platform shoes.

In a video posted from the event — where the superstar celebrated her new JLO Jennifer Lopez for Revolve shoe capsule collection — Lopez posed for photos alongside sister duo Chloe x Halle and was seen chatting it up with Christina Millian. As for the party itself, several decor finishes made a nod to her forthcoming studio album, This Is Me … Now, which is inspired in part by her reconciliation and marriage to husband Ben Affleck.

Affleck spoke about how Lopez supports him in a recent feature with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “[She] tells me today, ‘Relax, be yourself. Have fun. You’re actually a fun guy who is real and genuine and you just seem so serious.’ Do I seem serious? But as in many things, she’s really right. And she loves me. She’s looking out for me. She’s trying to help me. So it’s like, maybe I ought to f—ing listen to her.”

See photos of Lopez’s captivating dress below.

20 Mar 2023

Demi Lovato Is Putting a Rock Spin on This 2013 Track

It’s been 10 years since Demi Lovato unveiled their power-fueled pop hit, “Heart Attack,” and now that the 30-year-old superstar is thriving making rock music, they’re revisiting the older hit with a fresh update.

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Lovato revealed via Instagram on Monday (March 20) that the rock version of “Heart Attack” will be arriving this Friday (March 24). “Heart Attack, but make it Rock,” they captioned the post, which features a short, guitar-centered snippet of the new track.

Upon its original release in early 2013, the song peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart dated April 27, 2013.

The Grammy-nominated Disney alum’s latest record marked a stark shift in image and sound from their revelatory 2021 album — Dancing With the Devil… The Art of Starting Over. Led by the singles “Skin of My Teeth,” “Substance” and “29,” 2022’s Holy Fvck took on a more rock, edgy sound. Holy Fvck features collaborations with Royal & the Serpent, YUNGBLUD, and Dead Sara, as well as writing and production credits from Warren “Oak” Felder, Michael Pollack, and Lovato themselves.

In early 2022, Lovato hosted a “funeral” for their pop music days, sharing an image to their Instagram page posing with both middle fingers up, joined by music executives from Island Records and manager Scooter Braun. Every person in the picture wore all black. “A funeral for my pop music,” Lovato captioned the image. 

20 Mar 2023

10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week: Jimin, Aly & AJ, Phoenix, Clairo & More

Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.

These 10 tracks from artists including BTS’ Jimin, Phoenix with Clairo, Hozier, Aly & AJ and more will get you energized to take on the week.

Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of all 10.

Joy Oladokun & Noah Kahan, “We’re All Gonna Die”

The stately strings that open “We’re All Gonna Die” belie the impish charm of this delightfully dark duet between Joy Oladokun and fellow singer-songwriter Noah Kahan. Hard to argue with the message of this song, or its charming sing-song chorus. – Joe Lynch

Fred again.., Skrillex & Four Tet, “Baby again..”

Coming a month after the three dance artists played a pop-up concert at Madison Square Garden, the collaborative “Baby again..” finds the rather unlikely trio reimagining 2019’s “Baby” from Quality Control, DaBaby and Lil Baby as an insistent slice of rave that will carry you away. – J. Lynch

Jimin, “Set Me Free Pt.2”

Are ominous gospel choirs having a moment? Arriving on the sequined high heels of Sam Smith & Kim Petras’ “Unholy,” “Set Me Free Pt.2” opens with a dramatic choral section, before Jimin takes over and shifts it into an anthemic banger augmented by regal horns and an Auto-Tune breakdown.  – J. Lynch

Kyle, “Movin’”

In a repetitive, almost obsessive cadence, Kyle sings about “Movin’” over a skittering beat and an 8-bit-flavored hook, dropping a few lyrical gems along the way: “Whenever my heart’s broken, girl, I write the best lines / So thank you in advance when you hear this in Best Buy.” – J. Lynch

Phoenix feat. Clairo, “After Midnight”

“After Midnight,” a cut from the top half of Phoenix’s 2022 album Alpha Zulu, sees the group tapping into a euphoria that leaves the listener hyper and energized. But now, with the addition of Clairo’s breathy and weightless vocals, the song gains an additional layer of depth that serves as a serene contrast to the jittering synth instrumentals. Phoenix lead singer Thomas Mars and Clairo harmonize effortlessly, allowing for the 2023 update to stand firmly apart from its original version. – Starr Bowenbank

Melanie Martinez, “DEATH”

After a long waiting period following 2020’s After School EP, singer Melanie Martinez finally says a farewell to her Cry Baby persona and formally declares that she is “back from the dead” on new track “DEATH.” The clever track sees the star embracing a rebirth and electronic, synth-driven sound for her Portals album cycle, which — based on the alien-like visuals and various song teasers — promises to be one of her most sonically ambitious yet. – S. Bowenbank

Mitsume, “Chocolate”

Japanese indie band Mitsume – which consists of members Yojiro Suda, Moto Kawabe, Mao Otake and Nakayaan – embraces guitar-driven funk on its new single, “Chocolate.” The wistful track likens the sweet, bitter taste of quality chocolate to the experience of meeting someone exciting, only to have that feeling fade away. The accompanying instrumentals are just as sweet. – S. Bowenbank

Hozier, “Eat Your Young” 

“Eat Your Young” arrives as the title track off a three-song EP, the first bit of new music from Hozier since his 2019 second album Wasteland, Baby! The single, though lush, is even more apocalyptic as Hozier describes a frenzied feast, exploring the idea of gluttony. “I’m starving, darling … Let me wrap my teeth around the world,” he sings, as if anything less would never satisfy. — Lyndsey Havens 

Tash Sultana, “James Dean”

The glimmering production and crisp vocals from Aussie singer-songwriter Tash Sultana contrast with the picture that “James Dean” paints. The opening line offers a vivid image: “You burnt out all the cigarettes / Watching James Dean films on a monochrome screen.” As the artist continues to describe a dud, the song grows stronger and more layered — as if proving just how full her life already is without the extra weight. — L. Havens

Aly & AJ, “Blue Dress” 

Sister duo Aly & AJ recently released its folk-leaning pop-rock album, With Love From, which includes standout single “Blue Dress.” Through chilling harmonies, the pair describe the feeling of buying a new outfit solely for a partner — but with the intent of forgiving and forgetting past mistakes. Sure, it’s asking a lot of one blue dress, but it soon becomes clear only one thing really matters: “I just care that you get here,” they sing in a way that’s not quite pleading but more so at peace with whatever is to come. — L. Havens

20 Mar 2023

LALI on How Her Success Is Backed by a Female Team: ‘Empowerment Is a Collective Thing’

If her Instagram account is any indication, LALI is living her best touring life.

Most recently, the Argentine singer-songwriter — who’s on her Disciplina trek — made history with a sold-out concert at the Velez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in front of more than 45,000 people, becoming the first singer to sell out a show at that soccer stadium.

“It’s impossible to express what I feel after this sold-out show,” she wrote on social media. “Thanks to all who vibed with me. I am so proud of my dream team that is always by my side and made this happen. I’m also proud of myself for working hard to give you the best of me. A dream, that was once just a dream, came true.”

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LALI owes this career milestone, and others like it, to her female-led team that backs her up. “For me, empowerment is a collective thing,” she tells Billboard. “It’s not so individual or personal, it’s more what I learn from others and what I can spread to others.”

In honor of Women’s History Month, Billboard kicks off its “Las Poderosas” series featuring a select number of powerful Latinas who get real about the word “empowerment,” their space in Latin music, and more. The series launches Monday (March 20) with LALI. Read our exclusive Q&A below:

What does empowerment mean to you as an artist and as a woman?

Being able to develop freely and with that freedom generate a contagion effect on other colleagues. For example, not only those of us who are at the forefront of a project but also those who are working behind our projects. [Empowerment] means generating that feminine synergy in a work environment that not only embraces one as the main artist but also all the people who participate in the project, mainly the women who promote the artist. For me, empowerment is a collective thing. It’s not so individual or personal, it’s more what I learn from others and what I can spread to others.

What does empowerment NOT mean to you?

The opposite of what I just said… looking at empowerment as an egoic matter and of personal success. Using your role as a woman in the industry and if you only achieve it as your own success or for yourself, then I think it doesn’t make sense to talk about empowerment.

Lali Esposito, FIFA World Cup final, Qatar

Lali Esposito during a performance of the Argentine national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday December 18, 2022.

Nick Potts/PA Images/GI

What is the best advice you have received as a woman in music?

I don’t know if it was advice but I think that thanks to other women who set the trends, I realized that in the end, they had told us that there is always a guy behind the success of certain women. But finding out on my own by being behind my idols, I realized that no. That the ideas are generally theirs, that they have defended positions, and that to break structures you have to stand up as a woman and your vision, and for that, you need others on your team to elevate that.

Which woman has served you as a mentor or role model? Who do you admire and why?

Artistically, I feel that for me in my teens Beyoncé was very important because I realized that my dream was to do 360 of everything. There was content, there were lyrics, there was dancing, well… singing like her, but without a doubt, she was a woman who marked me a lot. And of Argentine national rock, there are many women who have marked my childhood, thanks to my mother who has made me listen to a lot of music such as Celeste Carballo and Fabiana Cantillo. They were women who at the time have been pioneers and came to occupy a place in a very difficult environment where normally it was all male.

Have things changed for Latin women in music in the last five years and how?

I don’t know if things have changed, I think there is a bit of everything. It was about time that there was a real force of women to occupy a leading role, to compete with men on the charts, or see that there really are Latina women today No. 1 in the world. That is incredible, it is necessary, and it also speaks of an audience that she has understood. Not only would it be possible for women to do a good job and place themselves there, but the public understood that women can occupy those spaces, and the public has re-educated itself and pushed women where they should be. I think it’s a collective effort.

What is your favorite “girl power” song?

Wow! They are a lot. I think Beyonce’s “Formation” could be it. It lifts me up!

20 Mar 2023

Swiftie Couple Gets Married During Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Stop in Arizona

Taylor Swift‘s The Eras Tour kicked off with a pair of dates in Glendale, Ariz., over the weekend and saw the pop star performing hits and fan favorites from her nearly two-decade career. The Saturday (March 18) concert date was extra special for one couple in attendance that got married during Swift’s performance.

In a fan-captured video of the nuptials, René Hurtado and Max Bochman used a break during the pop star’s set to get married, wearing a white dress and veil and tuxedo, respectively, to exchange their vows. While it’s unclear whether any “paper rings” were exchanged during the romantic moment, the newlyweds shared a kiss, which prompted the surrounding Swifties in attendance to cheer them on.

According to TMZ, the couple considered eloping the day of Swift’s concert and using the concert itself as the wedding reception. Ultimately, the lovers decided to get married during the show instead. Taking to Instagram following the show, Hurtado gushed about scoring such great seats and essentially having Swift play at her wedding (kinda). “Do you understand how close I was to her? I’m deceased,” she wrote via her Instagram Story.

Elsewhere during the show, fans were treated to a whopping 44 songs on Swift’s setlist, dazzling outfits and too many memorable moments to count.

The marriage comes after a fan proposed during Harry Styles’ concert in Singapore on Friday and another couple attending Adele’s Las Vegas residency in their dress and tux following their wedding (the “Easy on Me” singer signed the bride’s dress).

Watch the bride’s Instagram Story about getting married at last weekend’s Taylor Swift concert here and here before the posts disappear.

20 Mar 2023

Jonas Brothers Light Up Broadway With ‘The Album’: 5 Best Moments From the Marquis Theatre

Come on along and listen to the Jonas Brothers on Broadway! Throughout last week, the superstars took over the Marquis Theatre in midtown Manhattan for an exhilarating five-night residency on the very same stage where Nick Jonas made his Broadway debut as Little Jake two years into the 1999 revival of Annie Get Your Gun.

Each night, Nick, Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas shone the bright lights of Broadway onto one of their past albums — starting with 2007’s Jonas Brothers and moving chronologically through 2008’s A Little Bit Longer, 2009’s Lines, Vines and Trying Times and 2019’s Happiness Begins.

“It really is kind of an emotional experience because you’re walking through different chapters of your life and your journey, both as a band and also as family, and kind of where we were at those pivotal moments when we released those albums,” Nick dished to Billboard at SXSW ahead of the residency’s first night.

But those first four shows, filled with songs some of which the siblings hadn’t played in over a decade, were all leading up to Saturday night (March 18), when the JoBros debuted their forthcoming sixth album, The Album, live for the very first time for a select audience of friends, family and superfans lucky enough to snag a ticket. (Yes, Danielle Jonas, Sophie Turner and Priyanka Chopra were all present and accounted for to cheer their husbands on for the evening, as were Mama and Papa Jonas.)

Billboard was also on the scene to hear The Album ahead of its May 12 release via Republic Records. Read on for all the best and most exciting moments from the special, one-night-only occasion.

“Wings” is the One, the Sun, the Light of Day

It’s been less than a month since the Jonas Brothers kicked off their latest era with lead single “Wings.” But that was, of course, more than enough time for fans to memorize every word to the soft rock-laced bop. And though they performed it as part the set during each of the four preceding nights, “Wings” certainly hit differently in context with other songs from The Album. With Nick and Joe trading vocals and a theater full of Jonatics gleefully singing along, the earworm went all the way to the rafters.

It’s Always Love at the “Waffle House“

“Waffle House,” which the siblings have already started teasing on social media, just might be their most personal song yet. “One of the things that we used to do back in the day before we were old enough to go and decompress post-show at a bar, was we would just go to a Waffle House,” Nick explained while introducing the song, “and sit there and spend hours talking about those experiences on stage, life on the road, and it really became a foundation for our relationship as brothers outside of the music that we did together.”

As evidenced by the JoBros sneak peek on TikTok, the surefire highlight — which would be perfect as The Album‘s next single — jitters with a funky groove and harmonies fit for a gospel choir as Joe and Nick preach, “No, don’t get stressed, it’s gon’ get figured out/ Oh, deep conversations at the Waffle House/ Headstrong father and a determined mother/ Oh, that’s why some nights we try to kill each other/ But you know it’s always love.”

The Rest of The Album Is Going to Slap

Nick wasn’t kidding when he declared that the band’s sixth album would be pulling influences and musical inspiration from ’70s acts like the Bee Gees, America, Boston and Stevie Wonder. Track for track, the sneak peek of The Album was an instantly nostalgic thrill ride filled with plenty of harmonies, guitar and the most mature, intimate songwriting from the brothers to date — from the disco-lite pulse of “Sail Away” to the melodic, sensual “Vacation Eyes,” which Kevin adoringly dedicated to Danielle in the orchestra.

Tender ballad “Little Bird” — which the trio wrote from their newly shared perspective on fatherhood (“we’re all dads, but we’re girl dads,” Joe stated to an explosion of cheers from the crowd) — is primed to be a father-daughter dance of choice at Jonatic weddings for years to come, and the horn-infused “Celebrate!” earned the exclamation point in its title by getting the party started as the very first song of the night.

Jonas Brothers on Broadway

Jonas Brothers on Broadway

Cynthia Parkhurst

“Montana Sky”(the first song the brothers wrote for The Album) was perhaps the most immediate album cut outside of “Waffle House” thanks to its dueling America-style guitars, shoutouts from New York City to George and a lovestruck refrain of “You’re the one, you’re the one walkin’ in my head.” And even without its guest feature from Bellion, album closer brought the theater to a state of euphoria as it morphed from a thoughtful plea into a bombastic, arena-ready finale.

Took a Ship to the Year 3000

After a proper, Broadway-style intermission, Act 2 of the show played out like the greatest of greatest hits collections, including the requisite forays into Nick’s solo career and Joe’s work with DNCE. Especially for the occasion, the former resurrected the gospel version of his 2014 single “Jealous” to divine effect and the latter happily shared the spotlight with DNCE guitarist JinJoo Lee on fan favorites like “Toothpaste” and “Cake by the Ocean.”

But nothing could top classic JoBros hits like “S.O.S.,” “That’s Just the Way We Roll,” “Lovebug” and “Burnin’ Up,” complete with Nick’s iconic delivery of “red dress” which elicited Beatlemania-level screams of adoration from the audience. And yet, no other song from the band’s ’00s-era catalog got quite the same reaction as “Year 3000.” Every fan scream-sang every single word of the 2006 single, filling the Marquis Theater with an electric energy that could’ve super-charged a Flux Capacitor.

Jonas Brothers on Broadway

Jonas Brothers on Broadway

Cynthia Parkhurst

Kevin’s Lullaby of Broadway

Hysterically, much was made throughout the evening of Kevin finally making his Broadway debut years after his brothers. It even started with Broadway actors Sis, Alex Boniello and Andrew Barth Feldman reading from “The Book” as Nick, Joe and Kevin, respectively, at the start of the show. (“Yeah guys, we know you all did theater! We get it!”) But the running gag turned serious and sentimental when Joe — who took his first Broadway bow in Baz Luhrmann’s 2002’s production of La Bohème — paused the show midway through the second act to properly celebrate Kevin’s debut on the Great White Way. And naturally, he did so by singing the hook from Hilary Duff’s “What Dreams Are Made Of,” giving fans the Disney Channel crossover they didn’t know they needed for the night.

20 Mar 2023

John Fogerty to Receive Music for Life Award at 2023 NAMM Show: Exclusive

John Fogerty will be presented with the National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) prestigious Music for Life Award at the 2023 NAMM Show, the organization revealed on Monday (March 20).

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The Grammy-winning composer and musician will receive the entertainment technology industry’s highest honor on April 13 in Anaheim, California, in recognition to his lifelong contributions to music and his commitment to inspiring music makers worldwide. With the award, Fogerty will join a list of iconic past recipients including Quincy Jones, Garth Brooks, Melissa Etheridge, Jason Mraz, Graham Nash, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Yoko Ono, Henry Mancini, Bob Weir and Nancy Wilson. Most recently, Kenny Loggins was presented with the award in 2022.

“John Fogerty is a living example of inspiration and character, as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and artistic visionary,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond in a press statement. “When I was 10, my dad brought home the Creedence Clearwater Revival album Green River and said, ‘Play like this.’ That moment started my own musical journey, and I imagine many walking The NAMM Show floor can say the same thing. Honoring him with the Music for Life Award will be a personal highlight for me and a huge privilege for all NAMM members.”

The exciting news comes following an already great year for Fogerty, who gained worldwide control of his Creedence Clearwater Revival publishing rights in January after a half-century struggle. The treasure trove includes such rock classics as “Proud Mary,” “Down on the Corner,” Fortunate Son,” “Bad Moon Rising” “Up Around the Bend” and “Green River.”  

Fogerty and his band will also be hitting the road this year for The Celebration Tour, where he’ll be joined by his sons Shane and Tyler, as well as their band, Hearty Har.

Registration is open for the 2023 NAMM Show. Sign up here.

20 Mar 2023

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour: See All the Looks From Night One

Taylor Swift kicked off her much-awaited The Eras tour at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Friday night (March 17) and she did not disappoint. The pop superstar performed for a whopping 3 hours and 15 minutes, playing songs from all 10 of her studio albums for an incredible career retrospective.

“Tonight, we’re going to be going on an adventure, one era at a time!” Swift announced a few songs into the show, before showcasing a staggering 44-song setlist of major hits and deep cuts.

Of course, looking back on Swift’s nearly two decade-long career would not be possible without capturing her evolving looks throughout the years. The 32-year-old star channeled Fearless with a sequined, fringe-lined dress and Speak Now with long flowing gowns. She later opted for colorful crop tops for 1989 and a sexy black cut-out catsuit for Reputation. She brought her cottagecore fantasies to life for Evermore and Folklore, before celebrating her most recent release, Midnights, with blue sparkling dresses.

We’ve compiled all of Swift’s looks from night one of The Eras tour, which you can check out below.

20 Mar 2023

The 5 Dance Tracks You Need To Hear This Week

Every week, Billboard Dance gives you a look at the newest tracks you need to know about for the dancefloor days and nights to come. These are the five recently released tracks keeping the beat going as we ease back into the workweek.

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Aluna & TSHA, “Killing Me”

The Artists: Scene queens Aluna & TSHA.

The Label: Mad Decent

The Spiel: The first single from Aluna’s forthcoming sophomore album — coming later this year — is a collab with U.K. star TSHA. Lyrics about the struggles of love showcase Aluna’s ever-exquisite vocals (with hers being one the defining voices of dance music over the last decade) and also juxtapose them against an effervescent production.

The Artist Says: “Having been a huge admirer of TSHA’s production I was so thrilled to get the opportunity to work together,” says Aluna, “but what came out surprised us both — it’s a catchy bop, but it’s still wonky and fresh with that distinctive originality that TSHA has [that has] us all in a choke hold. It took a while with us throwing the song back-and-forth and even in the trash at one point, but our joint obsession pulled us through and finally it’s ready to join the world!”

The Vibe: Your romantic relationship is presenting challenges, but you’re kind of enjoying it.

Moon Boots, “On & On (Effortless)”

The Artist: New York genre veteran Moon Boots.

The Label: Anjuandeep

The Spiel: Coming from Moon Boots’ just out (and altogether excellent) LP Ride Away — the DJ/producer’s first album since 2019 — this one is slick and funky, disco-flavored dance music with an R&B twist via vocals from Toronto singer/songwriter Dope Earth Alien, who’s previously collaborated with artists including HoneyLuv.

The Vibe: Lovey living room dance party for two.

Manic Focus, “Introverted”

The Artist: Longstanding Denver-based bass producer Manic Focus.

The Label: Manic Focus Music

The Spiel: On his seventh studio album, Never Not Blue, bass favorite Manic Focus gives insight behind his artist name via an album that explores the thoughts and emotions — from extreme confidence to detachment to mania — of Bipolar I disorder, which the artist born was diagnosed with in 2007 and which has long informed his creative output.

The Artist Says: “This album is very special to me,” says the artist born John McCarten. “It will take you on a journey through many of the emotions I experience in a manic episode – from the confidence, through the chaos, to the euphoric states, but ultimately ending on a positive note.”

The Vibe: Swaggering power, with a celestial slant.

Francis Mercier & Black Uhuru, “Welcome to Dinner”

The Artist: Swiftly rising Haitian producer Francis Mercier and Jamaican reggae outfit Black Uhuru.

The Label: Insomniac Records

The Spiel: The latest production from Francis Mercier — his second release with Insomniac Records — is a warm-vibed jam featuring breezy guitar work reminiscent of Amadou & Miriam, an always-inviting vibe paired here with loads of hand percussion and a delicious reggae vibe courtesy of longstanding Kingston-based reggae outfit King Uhuru.

The Artist Says: “During my teenage years in Haiti, I was a big fan of Black Uhuru,” says Mercier. “I was listening to them quite often, and they would always uplift me with their incredible reggae sound. Fast-forward 20 years, to now be officially collaborating with one of the greatest reggae groups to ever exist, it is truly a full-circle life moment for me.” 

The Vibe: A beachside sunset dinna party — emphasis on the party.

Kx5 feat. Richard Walters, “Eat Sleep”

The Artist: Dance kings deadmau5 and Kaskade in tandem as Kx5, along with British singer Richard Walters.

The Label: mau5trap Recordings

The Spiel: While deadmau5 and Kaskade’s collaborative work largely veers into transportive and pretty progressive house, “Eat Sleep” (from the just out and eponymously titled debut Kx5 album), takes that style and makes it a bit more challenging, with verses falling into their well-trod sonic territory juxtaposing a chorus wrought from solely from mechanical percussion.

The Artist Says: “Ryan excels as a songwriter and in arrangement and structure, where I suppose I excel in mastering, engineering and the more technical components of sound versus the idea,” deadmau5 said in Billboard‘s recent Kx5 cover story. “He’s got his wheelhouse, I’ve got mine, and we don’t overlap a lot. Like, I would sooner shoot myself in the leg before I’m like, ‘Here, Ryan, master this.’ ”

The Vibe: Like being on the inside of the equipment this one was made with.