Pressure makes diamonds. Amy Shark’s soft pop (via Wonderlick/Sony Music) might just be one of those rare gems.
The Australian singer and songwriter’s fourth studio album, out today (July 24) and featuring the previously-released singles “The Biggest Dick,” “Our Last Fight,” “Child of Divorce” and “It’s Kinda Hot,” was shaped by isolation, with strict time constraints, in a foreign land.
Pressure, all of it.
Shark, a proud Queenslander, born and raised on the Gold Coast, decamped to the Welsh town of Barry, where she cut the LP in the studio of longtime producer Dann Hume (Matt Corby, Tash Sultana, Troye Sivan), in an old, converted church.
The project, a sink-or-swim adventure, was thrust upon Shark by her husband and manager Shane Billings.
“I hadn’t written a song in a hot minute and I wasn’t even interested,” she recounts in a chat over Zoom. “I was just super-exhausted. Everyone goes through those moments, but I really hit a bit of a low and I found it really hard to get back up. He knew I was in this weird cycle, where what makes me happy is writing the song, but I don’t want to write the song. He knew I really want my happy places in the studio and making music.”
So, gentle pressure was applied. The studio was booked, with a hard start date. “I’m like, ‘yeah, but I’ve got no songs. So whatever. Just cancel, like, that’s embarrassing.’ I was just getting so mad at him. He said, ‘you’ve got a month. You just write it yourself.’”
There was no ducking out. With time ticking away, Amy committed, focused, got to work. The cone of silence descended for one month of writing, followed by that stretch in Wales where a local café was the only getaway. The magic returned. “It was such a rollercoaster, but I’m just so proud of myself. I really went for it,” she continues. While in Hume’s sessions, Shark set her phone to “do not disturb” for the entire month.
“I needed that project. I needed something to sink my teeth into.” And bite down she did, building a collection of 11 intimate songs, with no co-writes, no guest features, no drums.
Shark is coming in hot off three consecutive No. 1 albums, most recently 2024’s Sunday Sadness. Across her career, Shark has collected eight ARIA Awards and four APRA APRAs, including the coveted song of the year, and landed multi-platinum singles including “I Said Hi,” “Everybody Rise” and “Adore,” which established her as one of Australia’s outstanding pop artists.
The physical challenge that was the creation of soft pop hasn’t been her only pressure test of late. Shark made her feature film debut this year in the fight flick Beast, cast in a central role alongside Russell Crowe, Dan Macpherson and Luke Hemsworth. “I’m stoked that I’m a part of this amazing movie,” she enthuses. “Not every actress gets to experience their first role with an a-lister,” she says of Crowe, “let alone an a-lister that gave me the time of day, and really helped me so much.”
Whether soft pop flies to the top of the chart leaderboard like its predecessors, isn’t the point. “It would be great, because it feels special to get the No. 1, but I don’t think I’m gonna be as devastated as I might have been in the past,” she explains. “Another thing I’ve kind of learned over the years is to just, like, really enjoy the process and not rely so much on outcomes.” Also, Charli xcx is “coming in hot on the same day,” Shark says with a laugh.
Stream soft pop below.
Charli xcx‘s next era is here. The British pop star released her Music, Fashion, Film album on Friday (July 24), which follows Charli helming the Wuthering Heights soundtrack in February.
Charli’s new LP boasts 11 songs in total, including her four previously released singles: “Camera,” “SS26,” “Rock Music” and “Wink Wink.”
The album’s closer, “No One Lasts Forever,” features the project’s lone guest, a conversation with director David Cronenberg. Charli told Triple J that she paid him a visit in Toronto.
“We spoke for an hour,” she explained. “We kind of chose the parts that felt most related to the song. The entire conversation is just so interesting. He’s such an interesting person, and smart and kind. I could listen to him talk forever… I think he has a really interesting perspective on legacy and art and artists.”
Charli gave fans an early taste of the album when performing select tracks from the LP during her underplay shows in NYC and London earlier in July.
Following the arrival of Music, Fashion, Film, Charli will hit the road for a North American arena tour. The trek is slated to kick off in Philadelphia on Sept. 11 and will make stops in Brooklyn, Toronto, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Charli xcx leveled up in the pop zeitgeist with her Brat album in June 2024, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and won three Grammys. The project marks her highest-charting LP to date.
Stream Music, Fashion, Film below.
Charli xcx has spent the last two years staring down one of the most unenviable tasks a pop star can face: following up a universally acclaimed, commercially successful blockbuster album. Her strategy for moving on from the phenomenon that was 2024’s Brat was to get as much of a moment out of the album and its accompanying tour as she possibly could, then to clear the decks a little with a full-length soundtrack to a hit film (Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights adaptation) earlier this year, and then to make a hard turn for her next proper LP: the now-released Music, Fashion, Film.
So is the new set the pivot to rock music seemingly teased by some of her comments leading up to the album, as well as the sound of its lead single (and opening track), literally titled “Rock Music”? As one probably could have expected with Charli xcx, the answer is both yes and no.
The 11 new songs on Music, Fashion, Film are certainly more guitar-forward and less beat-heavy than past Charli sets — Brat in particular — but if you were expecting her to go full ’00s New York indie rock, well, there’s a Strokes album out this week for that. This album has its purely grungy moments, but it still carries the energy, the sonic meticulousness and the attitude of dance and pop as much as rock, and its overall sound will certainly be extremely recognizable to anyone who’s followed the career and work of Charlotte Aitchison up until this point.
Regardless of genre designation — which has never seemed overly important to Charli xcx in the first place — Music, Fashion, Film is another fascinating, addictive, singular catalog entry in a body of work that is quickly becoming one of the 21st century’s most formidable. Here’s how we rank the 11 tracks found on Charli’s latest, from worst to first.
Nivea revealed an unfortunate health update during a recent drive around Atlanta with CadillacChroniclesTV.
After she performed a couple of her classic hits plus a new track from an upcoming project, host Mr. Brian Freeman asked the R&B singer what she was thankful for and that when she broke the news that she’s been battling leukemia.
“Well, first of all, I was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, and I’m so grateful to God,” she told Freeman. “I’ve been going through treatment, and everything is going great, so far. And I expect it to continue. Amen, amen, amen. Very grateful for life. It’s so cliché to say you don’t know the time nor the hour, but it’s true and it just helped me put a lot of things in perspective, and I live in gratitude, like, religiously, and I’m just grateful for everything.”
She’s staying positive, though, as she’s back focusing on her music and is currently enrolled in audio engineering school. “I’m doing things I wanna do,” the 44-year-old mother of four said. “I’m definitely back into my music, and I’m going to school for audio engineering. I’ve always wanted to learn how to engineer, and mixing engineering in particular.”
Nivea then said that she’s trying to be “more present in the the moment” as she continues to love her kids while also being grateful and taking every opportunity that comes her way.
The Grammy-nominated artist did not specify which form of the blood cancer that she’s currently fighting.
PRS For Music has named Ben McOwen Wilson as the nonprofit collection society’s new CEO on Friday (July 24).
McOwen Wilson replaces Andrea Czapary Martin, who announced her departure from the role in March after seven years. McOwen Wilson will assume the title on Oct. 12.
Related
McOwen Wilson has previously held a number of key roles across technology, gaming and culture, most recently acting as the managing director EMEA for Google Play & Google Television from September 2022 onwards. Prior to this, McOwen Wilson operated in a number of key partnership roles for YouTube for over a decade.
He has also worked extensively with the U.K. government and industry through the U.K. Creative Industries Council and the Creative Industries Federation, with a focus on issues such as intellectual property, innovation and growth.
McOwen Wilson was selected by the PRS Members’ Council following an “extensive international search.” A press statement from the society highlights the areas of focus for McOwen Wilson in the new role, saying that “as AI, gaming, digital platforms and new forms of music consumption reshape the industry, he has spent the past 20 years building partnerships across complex digital ecosystems while working with rights holders, broadcasters, creators and policymakers.”
In its 2025 financial results, royalty collections for PRS’ 190,000 members — composed of songwriters, composers and publishers — increased by 7.7% year-on-year to £1.24 billion ($1.6 billion).
Earlier this month a case brought by Blur’s Dave Rowntree against PRS was thrown out of London’s Court of Appeal. Rowntree had sought to bring a class action suit against the society in relation to the distribution of its so-called ‘black box’ royalties; these royalties are distributed on a pro rata distribution to its writer and publisher based on the same proportions as identified royalties.
The Court of Appeal ruled that “there is nothing inherently unfair about the pro rata distribution” of unallocated royalties, recognizing that the system operates with incomplete information.
Speaking on the appointment Julian Nott, chair of the PRS Members’ Council said, “Songwriters, composers and publishers need a society working tirelessly to champion them and their rights. A society which embraces innovation and has the confidence to shape the future, not simply respond to it.”
He continued, “Ben is an outstanding leader with all the skills necessary to guide PRS for Music through the many changes in the music industry and the wider media market. Ben impressed us from the very beginning. He understands the technologies that are transforming the creative industries, but he also understands that innovation only succeeds if it works for the creators. We are confident that he will champion members’ interests at home and around the world, leading us boldly into the next phase of our evolution.”
McOwen Wilson added, “PRS for Music is built on trust, transparency, and a relentless commitment to its members,” said Ben McOwen Wilson. “It is a privilege to lead this organisation at a time when the voice of the creator must be louder than ever.”
“In the age of AI and accelerated digital distribution, protecting the integrity and value of human creativity is our most urgent priority. My focus will be on ensuring PRS serves as a catalyst for our members’ success, ensuring they remain at the centre of a sustainable and growing global music ecosystem.”
“My first priority will be to listen and learn. To understand the needs of members, customers, and partners, and with them shape an ambitious future for the society. I am excited by the opportunities ahead of us and committed to serve our members’ interests unswervingly.”
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Fresh off its World Cup spotlight, Adidas is expanding its Originals line with the debut of Originals Sport, a new womenswear collection that blends performance technology with the brand’s signature streetwear style.
Inspired by the iconic Superstar tracksuit, the collection features bras, leggings, tanks, onesies and layering pieces designed for versatile styling beyond the gym. The collection debuted in New York City on July 22 and became available July 23.
The campaign stars Tate McRae, Emilia Mernes and volleyball player Harper Murray, showcasing Adidas’ vision of women who move between sport, music and culture, while the collection updates Adidas Originals signatures, including Trefoil branding and three-stripe details, with feminine silhouettes and performance features like Climacool, AdiSoft and LYCRA Adaptiv.
SPORTY & STYLISH
Adidas Originals Sport Medium Support Bra
Medium-support bra with Adiflex stretch and removable padding.
Made for workouts and beyond, this Adidas medium-support bra features a streamlined bonded fit, breathable Climacool technology, stretchy Adiflex material and removable padding you can adjust as needed.
BUILT TO MOVE
Adidas Originals Sport Superstar 7/8 Leggings
No-front-seam leggings with CLIMACOOL comfort.
If you’re looking for leggings that can do it all, this Adidas pair checks every box. They combine CLIMACOOL technology for breathable comfort with Adimove 3.0 fabric that feels soft and supportive, while the mid-rise fit offers a sleek look you’ll want to wear long after your workout ends.
WORKOUT READY
Adidas Originals Sport Shorts
Lightweight training shorts with a relaxed fit and built-in mesh brief.
Part of the Adidas Originals Sport collection, these loose-fit shorts are designed for everything from workouts to weekend errands. They feature a comfortable mid-rise waistband with an adjustable drawstring, a built-in mesh brief for added coverage and signature satin 3-Stripes for a sporty finish.
PERFORMANCE PICK
Adidas Originals Sport Onesie
A sleek one-piece essential designed for training and beyond.
Taking activewear beyond the basics, this Adidas Originals Sport onesie combines a sleek silhouette with performance-focused details. The fitted design is made with Adiflex material for flexible support, while CLIMACOOL technology helps wick away sweat for a comfortable feel.
GYM-TO-STREET LAYER
Adidas Originals Sport Coverup
Relaxed half-zip pullover with Trefoil branding and snap-button pockets.
The perfect layer for transitioning from workouts to everyday plans, this Adidas Originals Sport coverup sweatshirt combines a relaxed fit with streetwear-inspired details. The half-zip design, hood and elasticized cuffs make it easy to adjust for comfort, while snap-button pockets keep essentials close and Trefoil branding adds a signature Adidas finish.
McRae’s involvement follows a breakthrough period for the singer, who has evolved from a teenage songwriter uploading music to YouTube into one of pop’s biggest young performers. Her 2020 hit “You Broke Me First” marked her first Billboard Hot 100 appearance, while her dynamic choreography and emotional songwriting have become key parts of her identity as an artist.
The singer recently completed her Miss Possessive arena tour, which grossed $110.8 million, according to Billboard Boxscore, and was named a Billboard Women in Music Hitmaker. She is also preparing new music and will headline Chicago’s Lollapalooza this summer.
Mernes joins McRae following her own rise in Latin pop. The Argentine artist launched her solo career with “Recalienta” in 2019 before releasing her debut album Tú crees en mí? (“Do you believe in me?”) in 2022 through Sony Music Latin. The eight-track project, which includes collaborations with Tiago PZK and Duki, helped solidify Mernes’ place in the music industry.
The Adidas Originals Sport collection is available online and in retail stores, with prices ranging from $45 to $70.
Grace Abrams is definitely an Arianator. In a clip from her recent interview with BBC Radio 1 posted Wednesday (July 22), the singer/songwriter praised Ariana Grande up and down for her artistry and devotion to fans.
Calling the pop powerhouse an “unmatched voice and presence,” Abrams said, “I do think her connection with her fanbase … it’s remained so intimate despite the fact that she’s the biggest star.”
Related
“I’m really in awe that despite the scale she’s at, there is still such a close attention to detail and wanting to give her fans the best possible version of the show,” she continued, calling herself a “big fan and deep admirer” of Grande’s.
In June, Abrams showed her love for the Wicked actress by covering “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),” which is one of Grande’s 10 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, at the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.
Grande is currently on her Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first proper trek in about seven years. At the end of the month, she’ll release her eighth studio album, Petal, which was led by single “Hate That I Made You Love Me.”
Abrams, meanwhile, is fresh off the release of her own new album, Daughter From Hell — two bonus tracks from which, “Out of Nowhere” and “Love Letter,” she dropped Sunday. In December, she’ll launch her Look at My Life Tour in support of the project, kicking off Dec. 2 in Denver and spanning dates in North America and Europe.
Watch Abrams gush about Grande below.
Tesyin Foo has been appointed president, global supply chain at Universal Music Group, the company announced Thursday (July 23). Foo previously served as head of global supply chain planning and strategy at Skechers.
Foo will report to UMG’s chief operating officer, Boyd Muir, out of the company’s Los Angeles office. Within her new role, she will help with the company’s artist and label services following Virgin Music Group’s acquisition of Downtown, which was completed in February and saw Downtown CEO Pieter Van Rijin named COO of Virgin Music Group.
Related
Several reshuffles have taken place since then, with former Downtown executives being named to key roles at Virgin Music Group.
“As we continue to create more opportunities for growth throughout the music ecosystem, it’s increasingly important that we operate as one global organization with greater speed, flexibility and precision,” Muir said in a statement. “Tseyin brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence and technology expertise that will help us deliver greater impact at greater scale, driving even more value for artist, songwriters, labels and entrepreneurs around the world.”
In her career, Foo has held senior roles at VF Corporation, including Timberland and Vans.
“I’m excited to join UMG at such an important moment in its evolution,” Foo said in a statement. “As the company continues to expand its global platform, there is a tremendous opportunity to use technology, data and world class execution to build even stronger capabilities that help our labels and teams move faster, adapt more quickly and create more value for artists, partners and fans around the world.”
It may drive him crazy just how fast the night changes, but One Direction‘s music will always live on in Louis Tomlinson‘s heart.
Related
Louis Tomlinson Thanks Fans for Making His Album U.K. No. 1 After Requesting Their Help to ‘Cut Through the Noise’
This Thursday (July 23) marks the 16-year anniversary of 1D’s formation on X Factor, kicking off what was arguably the biggest boy-band revival of the 2010s. In celebration of the milestone, the British singer-songwriter posted a number of songs from the group’s hit-filled discography on his Instagram Story and shared how he really feels about them, starting with 2012’s “Moments.”
“So many special memories with this one,” Tomlinson wrote of the Up All Night cut, which Ed Sheeran helped write.” Absolutely classic @teddysphotos Melody. First time I ever felt really proud of my own vocal on track.”
Of “Na Na Na,” Tomlinson said, “Peak lyricism,” and of “Kiss You,” he said: “Always loved this one.”
“Not my fav but huge pop song,” he added of “Live While We’re Young,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Still remember shooting the video clearly, some amazing memories that day!”
The musician shouted out a couple of tracks that he associates with individual bandmates in particular as well, noting that “Over Again” always “reminds me of Niall for some reason.”
“Pretty Sure this was when Liam first discovered his falsetto, I remember how proud we all were,” he added of “More Than This,” giving his late bandmate props. “He sounds incredible!”
After originating on X Factor, Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik would go on to achieve four-sold out world tours, four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and six top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It all started on July 23, 2010, when Simon Cowell invited the boys — each of whom had been cut as soloists from the competition show — to return as a band.
It’s now been a decade since 1D split up in 2016, throughout which all five of the members forged successful solo careers. Tomlinson is currently in the midst of touring in support of his most recent solo album, How Did I Get Here?, which debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 in February.
“Coming out of a band the size of One Direction, eyes are on you, and you’re expected to succeed instantly,” he told Billboard‘s Jason Lipshutz in his January cover story. Those things are normal to feel, but if you let it, it’ll steer you [toward] the wrong decisions. I’ve tried to come at this record with a bit more of a bird’s eye view.”
Selena Gomez celebrated another trip around the sun with plenty of love and a homemade Italian feast.
Related
Selena Gomez Is the ‘Happiest Girlie in the World’ on Her 34th Birthday: ‘My Heart Is So Full Today’
Benny Blanco Recalls His Mom Telling Him He Should Marry Selena Gomez Back in 2019: ‘My Mom Planted the Seed’
On Wednesday (July 22), Benny Blanco posted an intimate Reel documenting the couple cooking Gomez’s birthday dinner together, opening the video with a simple statement from Blanco: “Let’s make an Italian feast for my wife’s birthday.”
The newlyweds spend the video in the kitchen, preparing each course. They began by making fresh pasta dough, mixing together the ingredients before rolling, cutting and cooking the noodles. Once the meal was ready, Gomez tried a forkful of pasta and smiled with an unmistakable look of pleasure and approval. From there, the pair moved on to roasted squash blossoms stuffed with an herbed ricotta filling. Gomez helped pipe the cheese mixture into each blossom before the couple arranged them for roasting with olive oil, lemon and fresh herbs.
The centerpiece of the meal was a homemade eggplant parmesan, with Blanco and Gomez layering fried eggplant, tomato sauce and cheese before baking the Italian dish until bubbly and golden. Blanco noted that the eggplant parmesan is best served atop a slice of bread.
The birthday cooking took place the day of Gomez celebrating turning 34 on July 22. The singer and actress and Blanco, who collaborated on their joint album I Said I Love You First earlier this year (which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200), have continued giving fans peeks into their lovely life together since tying the knot, with their latest kitchen video diary proving to be equally affectionate and delicious.
Watch the two cook their romantic dinner together below.