Month: August 2025

Bailey Zimmerman‘s building quite the buzz as one of the hottest up-and-coming names in country. His new single engages in that time-honored tradition of the genre: disguising a heartbreak ballad as an ode to a truck. “Chevy Silverado” asks, “Tell me how’d your heart get so cold? / Tell me, when did our young love get so old?” as Zimmerman embraces the only reminder he’s got left of the one who got away — and the hope of getting her back. “I ain’t got the girl in it, but I still have this white Chevy Silverado / And it’ll drive all night to get to you tomorrow,” he croons.

Zimmerman’s been plugging (no pun intended) his new album, Different Night Same Rodeo, for the past several weeks. In June, he shared its first single “Comin’ In Cold,” along with a cinematic music video set at an old-fashioned country roadhouse. Then, he followed up a couple of weeks later with “Ashes,” an unexpected collaboration with Diplo, who has been making inroads into the genre via his Honky Tonk residency at Stagecoach Festival.

In addition to sharing the video, Zimmerman also revealed the tracklist for the album, and a limited-edition vinyl which is available for pre-order on his website. You can listen to “Chevy Silverado” above and checkout the tracklist below.

Different Night Same Rodeo Tracklist

01. “Comin’ In Cold”
02. “Ashes” Feat. Diplo
03. “Chevy Silverado”
04. “Yours For The Breaking”
05. “Lost” Feat. The Kid LAROI
06. “Holy Smokes”
07. “When It Was”
08. “It’s All Good”
09. “Backup Plan” Feat. Luke Combs
10. “New To Country”
11. “At The Same Time”
12. “Hell or High Water”
13. “These Nights”
14. “Everything But Up”
15. “Before You”
16. “Holding On”
17. “Dare You To Try It”
18. “Happy Ever After Me”

Different Night Same Rodeo is out on 8/8 via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. You can find more info here

The Uproxx Music Travel Hot List series is sponsored by Priceline, where you can go to book your next music travel adventure.

Nothing brings people together quite like music, and when you mix that with a passport stamp? Well, let’s just say it makes for a memorable check off your bucket list. To help you catch both flights and beats, we asked travel influencers to share their most unforgettable musical experiences around the globe, from a campfire performance in the Sahara Desert to aprés ski in the Alps and a classical concert in a historic chapel.

Whether you’re chasing live sets, hidden karaoke lounges, or spontaneous dance parties with strangers, these stories will inspire your next sonic adventure abroad.

BRANDON (@theadventurepapi): Akamba Music Fest in Mexico’s Blue Agave Fields

Nestled in the middle of the UNESCO‑recognized blue agave fields of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico (yes, where tequila actually comes from), there is the annual Akamba Music Festival. It was actually founded by Jose Cuervo, and the one-day festival combines a mixture of house, techno, and electronic music alongside local Jalisco food stands and, of course, tequila for a completely immersive experience. You can even take the Jose Cuervo ‘Akamba Express’ train ride from Guadalajara to Tequila with live DJs and views through the agave fields on your way to the festival.

When I attended the festival in 2024, I was there for the ride, and Akamba delivered an amazing experience. Being in the heart of Mexico’s agave fields with the sun setting in the distance, tequila cocktail in hand, and great music on stage, made for a time I wouldn’t forget. Once nighttime hit, I got to see such artists as Disclosure and Sofi Tukker take the stage and play not only their hits but their tributes to Mexico’s heritage.

Akamba is a true gem in Mexico’s festival landscape, and you should definitely put it on your list of festivals and in your plans to visit Guadalajara and Tequila Mexico.

MARISSA STRANG (@marissa.daily): Classical Music at the Mirror Chapel in Prague

I went to a classical concert at the Mirror Chapel in the Klementinum, and it was one of the highlights of my time in Prague! The space itself is so gorgeous and historic. Baroque mirrors line the ceiling, and when the music starts, the reflections and acoustics make it feel completely surreal.

The chapel was built back in 1725 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and it has this rich mix of marble, gold, and ceiling paintings that you can’t stop looking at. It was originally a religious space, but now they use it for concerts, and it really does feel like stepping back in time. It’s definitely a must if you’re in Prague, even if you’re not usually into classical music!

COURTNEY BRADY (@journeywith.court): Any KTV Bar in Chengdu, China

During the two years I lived in Chengdu, China, working as an English teacher, one of the most memorable and culturally immersive experiences was spending time at KTV bars. Short for ‘karaoke television,’ KTV is a wildly popular pastime in China enjoyed by both locals and expats alike. Whether it was to celebrate a birthday, unwind after a long week, or take part in a team-building night with my training center, KTV quickly became a regular and super fun part of life.

What makes KTV in China especially unique is the setup. Rather than singing in front of a crowd, you and your group get your own private room, often decked out with plush seating, a microphone stage, a big screen, and even room service. The song selection is impressive, offering a mix of Chinese and English hits, so everyone could find something to sing, whether it was a classic Mandarin ballad or a pop anthem from home. These nights were always full of laughter, off-key singing, and the kind of shared joy that crosses language barriers. It’s not only karaoke, but such a fun way to connect. There are KTV places on just about every street!

JUSTIN WALTER (@yourbucketlistguide): Snowbombing — A Winter Ski Festival in the Austrian Alps

If you’re looking for the ultimate European music festival adventure, Snowbombing in Austria is it. Set in the breathtaking Austrian Alps, this week-long experience combines world-class skiing with nonstop beats across mountaintop igloos, alpine lodges, and late-night venues in town. One of the coolest festivals I’ve ever been to, we literally raved inside an igloo at the top of a mountain! From daytime shredding to dancing under the stars, Snowbombing is a one-of-a-kind blend of winter sports and music culture that’s absolutely mind-blowing.

ESTHER SUSAG (@estherelsewhere): Gnawa Music Around a Campfire in the Sahara Desert

Spending a night in the Sahara Desert was one of the most magical experiences of my life. After riding camels through the dunes at golden hour, which honestly already felt straight out of a movie, we arrived at a remote Berber camp just as the stars started to come out. We had the most delicious traditional Moroccan dinner (tajine, fresh bread, mint tea, the works). Then a group of local musicians gathered around the fire and started playing live Gnawa music. There was singing, drumming, clapping, and dancing. It was so cool to be a part of something that felt so authentic to their culture.

What I loved most was how unplugged it all felt. There was no cell service, no distractions, just good food, music, and connection under the stars. It didn’t feel like a performance; it felt like we were part of something really special.

If you’re heading to Morocco, this is something you have to do. It’s one of those nights that reminds you why you fell in love with travel in the first place.

CHLOE CALDWELL (@bychloecaldwell): An Intimate Cultural Show in Udaipur, India

When visiting Udaipur, India, I stayed at one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever experienced. My room at the Leela Palace overlooked the famous Lake Pichola, but aside from the luxurious room, impeccable service, and breathtaking lakeside views, I especially loved the hotel’s nightly ceremonial ritual.

Local musicians gather for an exclusive performance of Rajasthani folk music featuring traditional wooden instruments like a Pungi and Dholak. The vibrant beats and ballads tell the tales of love, loss, sacrifice, and heroism, and were once the pride of Rajasthan’s royal courts. It’s amazing to hear and see these creative songs up close and learn more about their significance to Rajasthan’s long-lived royal history.

Dancers also bring the music to life, twirling to traditional dances in sparkling dresses. You’ll even have the chance to get on stage with them and learn a few moves yourself. It was an excellent way to get a taste of Udaipur’s history and culture in an intimate environment.

JANINE LEE (@jetsetjanine): The Vibrant Heartbeat of Bali is the Barong Dance

During my breathtaking trip to Bali, I had the privilege of watching a captivating traditional Barong dance, brought to life by the rhythmic pulse of live gamelan music. Gamelan music is a traditional Indonesian ensemble that plays gongs, drums, and metallophones.

The air thrummed with energy as the elaborate, mythical creatures, representing good (the Barong) and evil (the Rangda), danced in cultural costumes. The gamelan orchestra, composed predominantly of tuned bronze percussion instruments like metallophones, gongs of various sizes, and drums, created a shimmering, layered soundscape.

It was mesmerizing to watch the vibrant costumes and dynamic movements, deeply intertwined with the music. The barong dance symbolizes the never-ending cosmic battle between positive and negative forces that exist within the world and within ourselves.

The performance was a profound cultural experience that beautifully conveyed the Balinese philosophy of Rwa Bhineda, the balance of opposing energies, while balancing cultural dance, costumes, and music.

Rema is on a roll in 2025, dropping the well-received singles “Baby (Is It A Crime)” and “Bout U” as he wrapped up his <em>Heis world tour, which included his Coachella debut. The final dates of the tour are this weekend, and to celebrate, Rema released his next high-energy new single, “Kelebu.”

The triumphant track introduces itself with swaggering horns, a breathless chant of the title, and then frantic drums influenced by traditional African rhythms. Lyrically, Rema warns listeners to stay focused on their goals while imploring them to move their bodies to the incorrigible rhythm.

“Growing up, I didn’t have a phone to create my music taste, my household had different music tastes,” he explains in the press release for the track. “I listened to what everybody played. In school parties, we used to dance to a lot of Caribbean and Francophone bounces. We didn’t care about what they were saying because most of them were not even in our local language in Nigeria. They just kept repeating one word with a fantastic instrumental backing it up, and we all danced. Making music now, I’m reliving those moments by expressing it with my art.”

It works.

You can listen to “Kelebu” above.

YG’s artistic growth over the past decade or so has been inspiring to see. From Mr. “Meet The Flockers” to this new, more mature, sonically adventurous version, the Bompton rapper has come a long way from Spruce Street.

The video for his new single “Lovers Or Friends” with Leon Thomas is a perfect example. Maintaining the grown ‘n’ sexy aesthetic of his other Gentleman’s Club era videos (“2004” and “Hollywood“), the video borrows lots of inspiration from Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” video, right down to including an impersonator doing the King of Pop’s iconic moves.

Meanwhile, in the song itself, YG and Thomas seek some clarity from a female companion, contrasting the variety of ways that they relate that could be misconstrued one way or the other. As YG says in his second verse, “But, goddamn, you so fine, girl / Make up your mind, girl, you waste time, girl / Lover or a friend, I’m gon’ slide, girl / Lover or a friend, I think you mine, girl.”

YG also used the opportunity provided by the new video’s release to announce the release date of his next album, The Gentleman’s Club, which is coming on October 3rd via 4Hunnid Entertainment.

You can watch YG’s “Lovers Or Friends” video featuring Leon Thomas above.

Talk about your culture clashes. Megan Thee Stallion is well-known for her love of Asian pop culture, and with K-pop bigger than it’s ever been (“Soda Pop,” anyone?), now’s the perfect time for her to really indulge.

The result is Kpopped, a new musical competition show for Apple TV+ in which K-pop groups are paired with Western stars to reimagine major hits and perform them in front of a studio audience (and judges). The show is hosted by Meg herself along with PSY, arguably the first artist from South Korea to cross over stateside. Apple shared the first trailer today, giving us a glimpse at just what it’ll all look like — and, in true K-pop form, the production value is high, the star power is evident, and what snippets of music we do hear is just as catchy as anything you’ve ever heard.

Among the pairings promised are Megan and Patti LaBelle working with Billlie, Mel B and Emma Bunton of Spice Girls collaborating with ITZY, Kesha and Eve teaming up with JO1, and ATEEZ linking with J Balvin and Kylie Minogue. Oh, Vanilla Ice is here too, as well as Boy George, Boyz II Men, and, in a coincidence of truly auspicious timing, “Hold My Hand” singer Jess Glynne. Does Jet2 go to Seoul?

Watch the first trailer for KPopped above.

Coming three months after the release of his debut album Withered, d4vd’s new video “L.O.V.E.U” makes a stark departure from clips he used to promote the album. In contrast to the dark, tortured visuals of songs like “Where’d It Go Wrong?” “One More Dance,” and “What Are You Waiting For?” the new visual is sunny and optimistic, as d4vd and guest vocalist Hannah Bahng frolic on the beach on a sunny summer day.

Perhaps this is d4vd’s way of saying that the upcoming deluxe version of Withered, Marcescence, will be more upbeat overall, reflecting his recent circumstances more than the tough life he lived prior to breaking out with “Romantic Homicide” in 2022. The song itself is certainly a shift from his usual fare, focusing more on the beginnings of a relationship than its dissolution.

“You’re pretty like the moonlight / You’re pretty like the sun,” he sings. “I’ve gotten used to losing things / But now I think I’ve won.” Bahng, an alt-indie singer-songwriter, echoes back, “I love the way you look at me / Like I’m the flower to your bee.” It’s simple but effective, evoking the feelings of a teenage crush gone right.

Watch d4vd’s “L.O.V.E.U” video featuring Hannah Bahng above.

Withered Deluxe: Marcescence is due this summer via Darkroom Records / Interscope

Saweetie is back with a new EP, Hella Pressure, and the video for her extra hyphy new single, “Boffum.”

The video is about what you’d expect from a song with that title: a string of tableaus featuring Saweetie in a variety of contrasting situations showing off her comfort with both luxury and low-end surroundings. While in one shot, she sits down to a marvelous buffet of five-star offerings, on the other side of the split screen, she munches on Hot Cheetos using a pair of chopsticks (gotta preserve that expensive manicure, right?). At the end, she splits the difference; instead of departing the mansion in a chauffeured limo or luxury car, she hops in the back of a Waymo — gotta rep the Bay.

Hella Pressure, meanwhile, presents four other new tracks showcasing what she’s been working on since the last update on her long-awaited debut, Pretty B*tch Music. Although some fans used the long wait as a reason to deride the Bay Area rapper, she’s remained as ubiquitous as ever, doing deals with Forever 21 and performing at the NBA All-Star Game.

Watch Saweetie’s “Boffum” video above.

Hella Pressure is out now via ICY/Warner Records. You can find more info here.

Earlier this week, Paramore singer Hayley Williams shared a bunch of new songs via her website, but locked them with passcode access. Among them was “True Believer,” a fiery anthem that makes her political position in our current tumultuous times clear as crystal. Although Williams received praise for the song, it was still largely unavailable for most folks until today, when it and the other 16 songs were officially pushed to DSPs.

Anyone expecting her to call this collection an “album” will be disappointed, though. Instead, all 17 tracks bear their own individual cover artwork, and are being treated as singles by streamers. That means you’ll have to put together your own playlist if you want to enjoy them all together — but that works out, too. Now, you can decide your own sequencing; as a certain super-helpful, super-strong, flying alien recently said, “Maybe that’s the real punk rock.” A recent post from Williams on Instagram Stories bears this theory out; she posted a screenshot of fans asking about the tracklist from Twitter, along with replies suggesting fans build their own tracklists.

Some other highlights from the collection include “Mirtazapine,” which was released ahead of the song dump, and “GLUM,” which is being pushed as a “focus track,” but really, the one getting all the attention right now is “True Believer.” Check it out above.

It has been said that the New York subway system is populated by some of the most interesting characters you’ll ever see, but in the video for Chappelle Roan‘s new single “The Subway,” she takes that concept to fun extremes.

Roan loves her costumes, and in this video, she wears a wig that practically turns her into The Addams Family‘s Cousin It. In fact, there’s a whole subplot with a chase scene between two hairy creatures, as well as an impromptu drag ball, because of course there’s a drag ball in a Chappelle Roan video.

Lyrically, the song is about “the girl that got away,” who Chappelle is reminded of by a stranger’s hair on the subway. The singer continues to be haunted by reminders of her ex throughout the city, until she makes a vow: “I see your shadow / I see it even with the lights off / I made a promise, if in four months this feeling ain’t gone
/ Well, f*ck this city! I’m movin’ to Saskatchewan!”

If you ask me, that’s not far enough from New York City; I hear Portland, Oregon is nice this time of year.

“The Subway” is Chappelle Roan’s second new release of 2025, following the country-fied “The Giver.” The Midwestern Princess promised fans she wasn’t going full country just yet, and here’s your proof. She’s the same heart-on-her-sleeve singer-songwriter she always was, and she has yet to miss this year — although we may have to wait a while for her next album.

Watch Chappelle Roan’s “The Subway” video above.

Steven and Ian open this week’s episode with Steven reflecting on his experience seeing Oasis in London. Ian counters with his own big concert experience — Waka Flocka at San Diego SeaWorld. From there, they touch on some news that they missed when Steven was overseas, including the death of Ozzy Osbourne, the new Tame Impala single, and the trend of indie artists leaving Spotify. They also do a “yay or nay” on music reunions. In the mailbag, they address Indigo De Souza’s reaction to a recent negative review.

In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the shoegaze band Bleary Eyed and Steven stumps for psych-rocker Cory Hanson.

New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 250 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at [email protected], and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here.