Jun 27, 2017 By Christopher Roberts Julien Baker

Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds have organized a series of concerts in houses to raise awareness for the refugee crisis.

Jun 27, 2017 By Christopher Roberts ZZ Top

Xiu Xiu released a new album, FORGET, earlier this year via Polyvinyl. Now the band have taken part in A.V. Club’s Undercover series, in which bands pick a song to cover from a predetermined list.

Jun 27, 2017 By Christopher Roberts Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar released a new album, DAMN., back in April via Aftermath/Interscope/Top Dawg. The album features guest appearances from U2 (on “XXX.”) and Rihanna (on “LOYALTY.”).

Jun 27, 2017 By Christopher Roberts Shabazz Palaces

Pacific Northwest hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces are releasing two new interconnected albums, Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star and Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines, both due out July 14 via Sub Pop, as well as a graphic novel version of the latter due out August 18 via Fantagraphics.

Jun 26, 2017 By Christopher Roberts Benjamin Clementine

Benjamin Clementine won the 2015 Mercury Prize for his debut album, At Least For Now, beating out such bigger artists as Florence and the Machine,

Jun 26, 2017 By Christopher Roberts Widowspeak

Widowspeak have announced a new album, Expect the Best, and shared a video for its first single, “Dog.” They have also announced some tour dates. Expect the Best is due out August 25 via Captured Tracks.

Jun 26, 2017 By Julia Underwood Sled Island 2017

Last week Calgary, Canada hosted Sled Island.

Jun 26, 2017 By Christopher Roberts Lindstrøm

British psychedelic pop quartet Temples released their promising debut album, Sun Structures, back in 2014 and releasing their excellent sophomore album, Volcano, back in March via Fat Possum.

Jun 26, 2017 By Christopher Roberts HAIM

Los Angeles sister trio HAIM are releasing a new album, Something to Tell You, on July 7 via Columbia. Now they have announced some North American tour dates that include headliner dates and festival appearances.