Category: News

Samia kept busy following the release of her 2023 album Honey: She toured with Boygenius and Bleachers, and last month, she released another new album, Bloodless.

The album is quite the statement, as it sees Samia dive deep into unsolved mysteries as she performs everything from stripped-down folk to more lush indie-pop. It’s an adventurous project, both thematically and aesthetically.

Following the album’s release, Samia sat down with Uproxx to talk about Fiona Apple, the best sandwich of all time, space, and more in our latest Q&A.

What are four words you would use to describe your music?

Rumpelstiltskin, angry then sorry.

It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?

I hope it’s soundtracking memories. I hope the words resonate profoundly with a few people and it makes them remember how it felt to live through some indelible moments.

Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?

Fiona Apple, probably. I think her lyricism exemplifies the perfect combination of craftsmanship and honesty.

Where did you eat the best meal of your life and what was it?

Primanti Bros in Pittsburgh has the best sandwich of all time.

Tell us about the best concert you’ve ever attended.

I’m obsessed with Heaven Is A Junkyard by Youth Lagoon — I listened to it every day of 2023 on my bike — so I used all my miles to fly to New York to see it live, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I’m pretty shy and not one to talk to strangers, but I made two friends at that show through being fans of his and got to talk to so many people there about that album. The band was perfect and his voice is nuts live — it was one of those rare, perfectly fulfilling experiences that exceeded all expectations.

What song never fails to make you emotional?

“Wicked Little Town” reprise from Hedwig (the movie version).

What’s the last thing you Googled?

Aimee Lou Wood.

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever crashed while on tour?

We stayed at a terrifying hotel in Louisiana once — there was blood all over my bed and the walls.

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform and what’s the city you hope to perform in for the first time?

New York is great because it’s home — I’d love to play in Mexico City or Berlin.

What’s one of your hidden talents?

I can do a baby freeze.

If you had a million dollars to donate to charity, what cause would you support and why?

Right now I’d give it to RAINN or the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.

You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location it would be held.

OK, it’s in Portland, Maine and the lineup is Dan Reeder, The Happy Children, Brittany Howard, Bjork, and Fiona Apple.

Who’s your favorite person to follow on social media?

My friend Esther, @polyesther71.

What’s the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?

I have habibi in my Sittoo’s handwriting in Arabic on my hip.

What is your pre-show ritual?

I do the Wim Hof YouTube breathing exercises and warm up for 30-45 minutes.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Kate Winslet.

What is your biggest fear?

Space.

Bloodless is out now via Grand Jury Music. Find more information here.

Fiona Apple goes at her own pace: She started her career in the ’90s, but she’s only released five albums. New music from her doesn’t arrive every day, but today (May 7) is one of those rare days as Apple has unveiled “Pretrial (Let Her Go Home).”

Apple shared a statement about the song, saying:

“I was a court watcher for over two years. In that time, I took notes on thousands of bond hearings. Time and time again, I listened as people were taken away and put in jail, for no other reason than that they couldn’t afford to buy their way free. It was particularly hard to hear mothers and caretakers get taken away from the people who depend on them. For the past five years, I have been volunteering with the Free Black Mamas DMV bailout, and I have been lucky to be able to witness the stories of women who fought for and won their freedom with the tireless and loving support of the leadership. I hope that this song, and the images shared with me, can help to show what is at stake when someone is kept in pretrial detention. I give this song in friendship and respect to all who have experienced the pain of pretrial detention and to the women of the group’s leadership who have taught me so much and whom I truly love.”

The song arrives alongside a video that, per a press release, shows “thousands of images of everyday hope and freedom – warm photos and videos provided by women who’ve lived through pretrial detention, capturing family moments, personal accomplishments, and community bonding.”

Apple has also set up a website with more information about the anti-bail movement.

Listen to “Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)” above.

Miley Cyrus can buy herself flowers, but the “Something Beautiful” singer’s hefty bank account does not seem to protect her from cyberattacks. With her forthcoming album slated to drop later this month, Cyrus is keeping her eyes out for hackers.

Today (May 6), Miley Cyrus revealed her new singular method to prevent her music from leaking online. During Cyrus’ Something Beautiful private preview event with Spotify Cyrus joked about her not so foolproof defense strategy.

“I have a whole note that says ‘Don’t hack me,’ on my phone.” said Cyrus (viewable here courtesy of Pop Crave). “[Oh my God] you all are probably going to try and hack me.”

Cyrus then laughed about if the kind message to potential mischief doesn’t work. “Well, all my demos are on YouTube,” she added. “So, if you ever wanted to them [they are there].”

Attendees then chimed in by shouting out the tracks they have enjoyed online to Cyrus’ dismay. “She I told you, you all hacked me,” she responded. “Listen, just love me released music, ok?”

Like many other musicians including SZA, Cyrus has frequently fought off hackers. The constant leaks of Cyrus’ music even led supporters to believe Cyrus released an album of experimental music under the name Clara Pierce.

For now, unless Cyrus officially shares something, she is begging fans to ignore releases from any other sketchy source.

Something Beautiful is out 5/30 via Columbia Records. Find more information here.

Since taking off her signature banana face mask, Leikeli47 has been having a ball. So much so that, now the “Chitty Bang” rapper is taking supporters behind the scenes of one.

Today (May 6), Leikeli47 revitalized the anticipation surrounding her previously announced album, Lei Keli Ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only. To match the velvety smooth nature of her new single, “Soft Serve,” for its official music video Leikeli47 and director Dana Rice transports viewers into the tantalizing world of LGBTQ balls.

As she raps, “Soft, serve / lick it up / J’adore mi amor / Taste the fame, feed me more / Say my name, I assure / I’m the light, I’m the lore,” the screen fills with glamorous shots of queer folks strutting their stuff for a panel of judges. While earning top scores is the desired outcome, everyone has already snatched the grand prize–supporters at home’s praise.

Back to the album (Lei Keli Ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only) in which this track is set to appear on. Initially, it was slated to drop in October 2024. Now, fans should expect to hear it on streaming platforms next month.

Watch Leikeli47’s official music video for “Soft Serve” above.

Lei Keli Ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only is due out via 6/13 via Acrylic /Hardcover. Find more information here.

Imitation is supposedly the highest form of flattery. For Halsey, musical homages are at the root of their new The Great Impersonator album. But the “Safeword” singer’s venture into the sonic past has led Halsey to a fun future collaboration.

Today (May 6), Halsey announced their new song with Evanescence’s frontwoman Amy Lee in an exciting post on Instagram (viewable here).

“‘Hands That Feeds’ a song by Halsey & Amy Lee,” wrote Halsey. “Out May 9th for @BallerinaMovie @lionsgate.”

Halsey gushed about the forthcoming track in a private text sent (obtained by Billboard) to supporters. “Here is something to hold you over … (the answer is yes, I am freaking out about it),” wrote Halsey.

Fans echoed Halsey’s excitement.

“What an incredible day for elder emos everywhere,” penned one user.

“I’m going to be so insufferable when this comes out,” chimed another.

“Best day ever for sad girlies,” added another.

Even the social media manager for the film’s Instagram shared their joy. “Vengeance never sounded so sweet,” wrote the account.

Halsey and Amy Lee are a match made in millennial music heaven.

From The World of John Wick: Ballerina starring Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves is set to hit theaters on June 6. Find more information here.

Latin music fans in the Midwest are upset. Today (May 6), organizers of the Chicago’s Latin music, Michelada Fest, announced this year’s installment previously scheduled for July 19 and 20 will no longer be held.

In a statement posted on its official website, organizers of Michelada Fest 2025, which was set to be headlined by Anitta, Grupo Firme, Danny Ocean, and Luis R. Conriquez, outlined why they decided to cancel the event.

“With sad hearts, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel Michelada Fest 2025,” read the announcement. “Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we’re no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists.”

The post continued: “Although we tried to push through, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to deliver the full lineup as planned.”

According to organizers refunds for ticket holders that purchased directly on the festival’s website or with Ticketon will automatically be sent to the original form of payment over the next 7-15 business days.

Read the full statement from the organizers below.

With sad hearts, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel Michelada Fest 2025.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we’re no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists. Although we tried to push through, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to deliver the full lineup as planned.

Your trust, time, and hard-earned dollars mean everything to us, and we believe in giving you the experience you deserve.

Refunds are our top priority. Full refunds will begin immediately to everyone who purchased tickets through our website or Ticketon. Refunds will go back to the original form of payment. Please allow up to 7-15 business days for processing.

This was not an easy decision for us to make. For seven years, we’ve poured everything into this festival to create something truly special for our community. Last year was our most incredible celebration yet, and we were ready to make this year even bigger, with more energy, creativity, and corazón. But as independent organizers, we can’t afford to take on a big risk with so much uncertainty ahead.

Canceling this year’s fest affects more than just us. It also impacts the local vendors, small businesses, artists, and community partners who help bring this fest to life–people we care about deeply and who are essential to the festival’s spirit and success. We are endlessly grateful for each and every one of you. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your support.

We’re heartbroken by the greater impact this will have on our involved community, with ripple effects reaching our neighborhoods, local economy and the culture we’ve built together. But despite this setback, we remain committed to our values. Michelada Fest will always be a safe place where our community comes together, united by pride and love of our culture and music. That won’t ever change. We’ll keep showing up, giving back, and uplifting our people in every way we can.

As music and fashion have become more closely entwined than ever in recent years, rappers have begun receiving invites into rooms previously unimagined. For instance, at last night’s Met Gala, the guest list ran the gamut from critical darlings like André 3000 to fan favorites like Future and Megan Thee Stallion, along with Met fixture ASAP Rocky.

One rapper who didn’t make it in — and seemed pretty upset about it — was Playboi Carti, who instead posted photos of his outfit on his secondary Instagram page, writing in the caption: “MET GALA BANNED ME FELT LIKE WE GOT KICKED OUT OF PROM BUT WE GOOD.” He also acknowledged his date for the night, self-declared blogger and model Giovanna Ramos, writing, “@ft.gioo WITH ME IM A HAPPY MAN F*CK EM”

Their ensembles were allegedly put together by the brand Chrome Hearts, according to Carti’s tags, and while they stretched the Met’s proposed theme of Black Dandyism, it’s not like all that many of the accepted guests were on-theme either (or even knew what it was).

However, some fans online are pretty skeptical of his declaration, openly wondering whether Carti was even invited (Chrome Hearts certainly isn’t one of the legacy design houses that normally warrants an invite to the fashion event of the year). Maybe next year, Carti.

Humanity cannot quit Godzilla. That much has been true since the nuclear lizard’s 1950s introduction, but he’s been ubiquitous lately. Not only is a Godzilla Minus One sequel in the works, but blockbusters will keep coming from Legendary’s Monsterverse, and Legendary’s partnership with Apple TV+ (which is always building its sci-fi supply) will yield more fruit, too.

A second season of Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters has been filming since last year after Kurt and Wyatt Russell portrayed Lee Shaw in different timelines, and the show hasn’t clarified whether Kurt will return for the second season after portal shenanigans resulted in an open-ended fate with no dead body to be seen. Ambiguity abounds there, but we do know that Kong will be heavily featured if not the outright star of the show’s next chapter, and one of the most important questions remains.

Does Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters Season 2 Have A Release Date On Apple TV+?

Nope. However, Apple TV+ recently revealed on Instagram that filming is complete as of March 18: “Pay no attention to the destruction in the background. That’s a wrap on Monarch Season 2.” Presumably, a heavy post-production phase awaits with a 2026 second season arrival likely.

Notably, that image does emphasize destruction at Skull Island (with Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, and Takehiro Hira signaling an official send off), but otherwise, that tells G-Fans nothing about whether their main guy will surface. However, there’s always room for Godzilla, and Apple TV+ surely knows that backlash would arrive without a cameo or more.

Also, Apple TV+ has additional spin offs on the way for this franchise, and Wyatt Russell has emphasized that there will be so many monsters in Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters‘ second season, so yeah, do not worry, G Fans. Your dude will be back. Sometime.

Rosalía has been making cinematic music videos for years, but her official acting debut will be in Euphoria season 3. It’s a role the “New Woman” singer takes very seriously, as she revealed at the Met Gala on Monday.

“It’s my first job. I’m learning. I’m figuring it out,” Rosalía told Vogue livestream co-hosts Teyana Taylor and Ego Nwodim. “It’s been very inspiring to be with these amazing actors. It’s great.”

The show’s “amazing actors” include Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Eric Dane, and 2025 Met Gala co-chair Colman Domingo, as well as fellow newcomers Marshawn Lynch and Sharon Stone.

“If there’s anything that excites me as much as creating a good melody or writing a great lyric, it’s becoming a better performer every day,” Rosalía said in a statement when her casting was announced. “Euphoria has been my favorite series over the last few years and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful to be acting alongside all of these incredibly talented people that I admire so much and contributing my ‘granito de arena’ to bring Sam’s vision to reality to make magic. I can’t wait to share what we’re doing!!! Besitos, Rosi.”

Euphoria season 3 is expected to premiere in 2026.

Rihanna stole the show at the Met Gala yesterday (May 5) when she showed up and flaunted her previously unrevealed third baby bump. Congratulations to her and ASAP Rocky, of course, but some can’t help but wonder what this means for the release of Rihanna’s highly anticipated upcoming album. Well, per Rihanna herself, progress on the project will be unaffected by the baby.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight (video above), the interviewer asked if the baby will put the album on pause, given that she’s been working on it recently. The singer responded, “No… maybe a few videos, but… I can sing.”

She was also asked how she’s feeling and she responded, “I’m good. I’m shockingly feeling OK and not too overwhelmed at the moment. […] I’m tired. I’m excited.” The interviewer also wondered if Rihanna’s recent new Savage X Fenty bridal collection was her hinting that wedding bells are in her future, but she shut that down, noting that it wasn’t the brand’s first bridal line and adding with a laugh, “No, girl, you know I don’t keep secrets very well.”

Meanwhile, Rocky said of the big pregnancy reveal, “We were tired of holding that, and it was time to show the people what we was cooking up. I’m glad everybody’s happy for us, because we’re definitely happy.”