Industry Scoop – Music

Festivals and Events 2025

Australia’s Party’s and festivals who do we think will turn it up.

The music industry is currently buzzing with legal drama, major deals, and strategic shakeups. Sony Music Publishing has acquired Hipgnosis Songs Group.

Taylor Swift: New Album & Master Control

The Life of a Showgirl — Her 12th Studio Album

Announcement & Reveal
At exactly 12:12 a.m. ET on August 12, 2025, Taylor revealed her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, during an appearance on the New Heights podcast. The hazy album cover and title dropped alongside a teaser clip involving a mint-green briefcase. EW.comHarper’s BAZAAR

Creative Details & Release Plans
The album, written during her Eras Tour, is described as energetic, bright, and reflective of her current happiness—especially her relationship with Travis Kelce. A collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter is confirmed, and production involvement includes Max Martin and Shellback—a notable shift from her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff. IndiatimesHarper’s BAZAARThe Times

Formats & Availability
Preorders for vinyl, CD (with poster), and cassette are live on her website, with deliveries expected before October 13. The official release date, however, is still pending.

Taylor Swift is not just launching a new album—she’s closing a pivotal chapter in music history. With The Life of a Showgirl set to illuminate her next era, she now writes it on her own terms—literally and figuratively.

JESSICA MAUBOY SHARES REFLECTIVE
NEW SINGLE ‘WHILE I GOT TIME’

HER FIRST RELEASE ON NEW LABEL, JAMALLY

LISTEN: JESSICA MAUBOY – ‘WHILE I GOT TIME’
WATCH: JESSICA MAUBOY – WHILE I GOT TIME (LIVE PERFORMANCE)

Pete Davidson Announces 2025 Australian Stand-Up Comedy Tour
American actor, writer, and stand-up comedian Pete Davidson has officially announced that he will be bringing his acclaimed stand-up comedy tour to Australia in September and October 2025. Known for his sharp humour, candid storytelling, and time as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, Davidson continues to build an international fanbase through both film and live performances.
The 2025 Australian tour will mark Davidson’s first full national run across the country, with shows expected in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Tour dates and ticket details are set to be released in the coming weeks via official ticketing platforms.
This tour follows a string of sold-out performances across North America and Europe and is expected to draw large crowds of comedy fans eager to see Davidson’s signature mix of raw, personal anecdotes and irreverent humour.
More information on venues and pre-sale registration will be available soon through Pete Davidson’s official website and local ticketing providers.
Kevin Hart Returns to Australia with His New Tour “Acting My Age”
Global comedy powerhouse Kevin Hart is heading back to Australia in September 2025 with his latest stand‑up tour, “Acting My Age”—his ninth headline special. The quick three‑city arena run kicks off in Perth at RAC Arena on Tuesday, September 23, before moving to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, September 25, and wrapping up at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, September 26
YUNG GRAVY RETURNS WITH HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SINGLE ‘I WRITE HYMNS NOT TRAVESTIES’
With over 7 billion global streams across his catalog, platinum-selling rapper Yung Gravy makes his triumphant return with the long-awaited release of ‘I Write Hymns Not Travesties.’ The track – a clever reimagining of Panic! At The Disco’s iconic hit – first exploded on TikTok, amassing over 100 million views across 25,000+ posts, fuelling massive fan demand for an official drop.
Known for his viral, sample-driven anthems like “Betty (Get Money)” (300M+ Spotify streams) and “Mr. Clean” (270M+ Spotify streams), Gravy once again taps into his signature blend of nostalgia, humor, and swagger. With its infectious production and undeniable hook, “I Write Hymns Not Travesties” is primed to join the ranks of his biggest records – delivering the same replay-worthy appeal as the classic it flips.
Yung Gravy’s ‘I Write Hymns Not Travesties’ is out now on all platforms.

For further info on Yung Gravy, visit:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SOUNDCLOUD
Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne
Raw emotion swept over Black Sabbath’s final show, Back to the Beginning. The farewell concert marked the end of an era for heavy metal, with Ozzy Osbourne’s heartfelt gratitude and visible emotion driving home the weight of the moment.
As the band returned to their hometown roots in Birmingham, the atmosphere was thick with nostalgia, reverence, and finality. With classic tracks like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs” echoing through the venue one last time, the performance wasn’t just a show — it was a closing chapter, a historic and deeply personal goodbye from the godfathers of metal.
Back To The Begging
The original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – will play for the first time in 20 years. The band will take to the stage to headline BACK TO THE BEGINNING on July 5^th at Villa Park Birmingham.
Buckle up because this is the last big rock legend show out for this life time Ozzy announces his last performance with original Black Sabbath members. The all-star event will celebrate the true creators of heavy metal and will see Ozzy Osbourne play his own short set before joining with Black Sabbath for his final bow.
This is sure to be unforgettable not only Ozzy and Black Sabbath but Metallica & Guns N’ Roses will also be preforming!
Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, Rival Sons and much much more…
Stream/watch/listen
US revokes visas of rap duo Bob Vylan over ‘death to IDF’ chant at Glastonbury
After the UK PM opposed kneecap to perform at Glastonbury but Bob Vylan pulled through and did exactly what they wanted to avoid. With the audience supporting pro Palestine flags waving chanting “Free Free Palestine” and “Death to the IDF”, this has started causing backlash for the duo but realistically its main stream media and politicians that are upset by the issue.
On a BBC segment about the chanting at the festival the news hosts made a comment “they were chanting free Palestine which is offensive to the Jewish people”. now if that’s the case the BBC host is basically saying on a national news channel Jews and Israeli’s can hate and kill Palestinians but to oppose the genocide in peaceful pro Palestine protests it is an offence? … What a strange world we live in.
British PM Keir Starmer Opposes Kneecap’s Glastonbury Performance Amid Ongoing Controversy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly expressed opposition to the Irish rap trio Kneecap performing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the group’s political messaging and recent legal troubles.
The Belfast-based group, known for its provocative lyrics and pro-Palestinian activism, has sparked debate in the UK and beyond. Their appearance at California’s Coachella festival earlier this year made headlines when their onstage political commentary—strongly in support of Palestine—was reportedly cut from the event’s livestream during its first weekend.
Amid mounting political pressure, several UK officials have called for Kneecap to be removed from major festival lineups. The group was recently dropped from Scotland’s TRNSMT festival following police safety concerns. However, Kneecap is still scheduled to perform at Glastonbury next Saturday, with their set expected to be broadcast live by the BBC—at least for now.
As debate intensifies, Glastonbury organizers and the BBC have yet to issue a formal response. Meanwhile, supporters of Kneecap argue that the trio is being unfairly targeted for their political views, while critics view their rhetoric as dangerous and inflammatory.
Kneecap’s scheduled appearance at Glastonbury now stands at the center of a broader national conversation about free expression, artistic responsibility, and the line between political protest and incitement.
Drake Files Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group
Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, his own label, following fallout from Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
On January 15, 2025, Drake initiated a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He claims the label was responsible for approving, releasing, and heavily promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which, according to Drake, spreads false and damaging accusations that depict him as a pedophile and sex offender. The lawsuit argues that UMG chose to prioritize commercial success over Drake’s personal safety and reputation by enabling the track’s high-profile rollout.
The lawsuit further claims that UMG orchestrated a campaign to make “Not Like Us” a viral hit, including promoting the song during high-profile events such as the Super Bowl halftime show and the Grammy Awards, where it won multiple awards . Drake asserts that the song’s promotion led to real-world consequences, including a shooting incident at his Toronto home and the need to withdraw his son from school due to safety concerns .
As of now, the lawsuit is ongoing, with a hearing on UMG’s motion to dismiss scheduled for June 30, 2025 .
Doechii Condemns Trump’s “Aggressive Response” During BET Awards Speech Amid L.A. Demonstrations
During her appearance at the BET Awards on Monday night, rapper Doechii used her platform to criticize President Donald Trump for what she described as repeated and forceful crackdowns on peaceful protests.
“as much as I’m honored by this award, I do want to address what’s happening right now outside of the building.”
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” she said. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest, and I want y’all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us.”
“What type of government is that?” Doechii questioned on stage at the 25th BET Awards.
Kneecap
Kneecap is making waves with their real and ‘controversial’ lyrics, but there’s more to it then just that they actually just have good music in general that worth listening to…
Kneecap, a Belfast-based hip-hop trio, has garnered significant attention for their politically charged lyrics and performances. Comprising Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Próvaí (J.J. Ó Dochartaigh), the group is known for rapping in both Irish Gaelic and English, often addressing themes of republicanism, anti-establishment sentiments, and support for Palestinian nationalism.
“Their balance between anti-establishment lyrics, explosive delivery, graphic humour and unrelenting charm is reminiscent of early Eminem” – LA Times
With relatable lyrics I would honestly compare Kneecap to a dj Britt grim version of Australian band The Chats
CYRIL TEAMS UP WITH JAMES BLUNT FOR MELANCHOLIC NEW SINGLE ‘TEARS DRY TONIGHT’
BUY/STREAM: CYRIL – ‘TEARS DRY TONIGHT’
Australian producer CYRIL has rapidly risen to global prominence, with his breakout tracks ‘Stumblin’ In’ and a remix of ‘Sound of Silence’ amassing over 1 billion Spotify streams
He topped Spotify Australia’s Global Impact List, and earned a second placement with his remix of Teddy Swims’ ‘The Door’.
Within just 18 months, CYRIL scored two #1 singles on the AU National Airplay Chart, most recently with ‘Fall At Your Feet’, and is currently at #3 with ‘Still Into You’.
Signing for one of this year’s most extraordinary collabs, Australian DJ/producer CYRIL has joined forces with UK hit singer James Blunt for the touching, originally penned new single ‘Tears Dry Tonight.‘ It’s a remarkable tune blending both artists’ trademark styles, respectively CYRIL’s gentle, soft-hearted deep house productions and Blunt’s warm, compelling songwriting. Effectively, ‘Tears Dry Tonight’ proves the ultimate comfort song, featuring tranquil guitar chords, subtle yet punchy rhythmics and affective, instantly moving vocals. A true shoulder to lean on, this gem out now on Warner Music.
For more info on CYRIL, visit:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
For more info on James Blunt, visit:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
Camila Cabello is heading down under!
Camila Cabello is heading down under! The global superstar has just announced two live shows in Australia for August 2025 as part of her Yours, C Tour.
The tour follows the release of her latest project, C,XOXO, which marks a bold new chapter for Camila. The album blends different sounds and styles, pulling from her Miami roots and pushing beyond traditional pop. She teamed up with El Guincho (known for work with FKA Twigs and Rosalía) and Jasper Harris (who’s worked with Jack Harlow and Post Malone) to bring the vision to life.
C,XOXO also features big names like Playboi Carti, Lil Nas X, and Drake, adding even more firepower to the project. And in 2024, Camila added her own spin to the hit dance track “Move” by Adam Port & Strv, showing she’s not afraid to experiment with new vibes.
Tickets here
LIL BABY
INFO & TICKETS
Popular american rapper Lil Baby is setting off on his WHAM World Tour travelling across the US, Europe, UK, Australia and New Zealand this is sure to be a concert you don’t want to miss. As well as all of this this mf is bringing BIGXTHAPLUG, LOE SHIMMY & NLE CHOPPER!!!
Dominique Armani Jones, known professionally as Lil Baby, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to prominence following the release of his 2017 mixtapes Harder than Hard and Too Hard — the former of which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 entry with its lead single, “My Dawg.”
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