COMIC-CON DAY 2: The streets of the Gaslamp Quarter come alive
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Condé Nast Traveler
28 minutes ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
10 Iconic Live Music Spots in Manchester for Peak '90s Nostalgia
As appealing as Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter are, it's hard to imagine die-hard fans of either artist becoming pawns in a pan-media class war anytime soon. Wind back three decades and the music scene, in the UK at least, was an infinitely more tribal place. Manchester and London, and their most venerated musical exports, became the hub of a vitriolic and, in retrospect, utterly bizarre period where your musical tastes became a definer of your social class. As the frothing tabloids framed it, Oasis were the authentic northern rabble rousers while Blur were the Southern pretty boys, and it made everyone involved a huge amount of money. Now Oasis are reuniting, though Blur got there first with their two gigs at Wembley two summers ago. And while London suffers from an evisceration of its clubbing and nightlife scene, Manchester seems to be handling the changing nocturnal habits of music lovers a little more resolutely. I grew up in Cheshire, just 40 minutes away from Manchester by train. And I've danced (appallingly) in the Hacienda, bought Stone Roses posters in Afflecks and even gone to see Blur live on enemy territory (aka the Manchester Academy)—albeit in 1994 when Oasis were still a year away from global, ubiquitous fame. Manchester is still a city that moves to its own distinctively stubborn, uncontrollable, wide-eyed shuffle, but is no less captivating for a visit than it was in the days when Ian Curtis was contorting himself on stage or when Ian Brown was laconically shaking his maracas. Below, I've rounded up my favorite Mancunian music spots, past and present. Morrissey may have stated not long ago that 'diversity means conformity'. But it's unlikely that he's spent much time at the Band on the Wall – for my money, the most eclectically interesting and user-friendly gig venue in Manchester – of late. Formerly known as the George and Dragon, musicians in the early days of live gigs being held here were forced to play on a stage built halfway up the pub's wall, designed to create more floor space for drinkers. Hence, the venue's current name and back history includes concerts by the Buzzcocks, the Fall and Joy Division. These days, the venue is a one-stop counterargument to the idea that every young musician in Manchester is still attempting to become a clone of Noel Gallagher. At the Wall, you'll hear world music, experimental dance, jazz and many sub-genres that have yet to be classified by what remains of the local music press.
WIRED
30 minutes ago
- WIRED
The Song of the Summer Is Dead
Aug 8, 2025 7:00 AM In an age of wavering consensus and widening divisions, music reflects the times more than ever. One factor missing from the discussion of this year's song of the summer? The Donald Trump of it all. Photo-illustration: Jacqui VanLiew; Getty Images Devon Powers says there is one significant data point no one has considered in the debate around 2025's Song of the Summer, or rather, why there doesn't really seem to be one this year: Donald Trump. As media has become less centralized—music streamers replaced radio stations, TikTok killed the music video, and so on—how people consume music, and who they listen to, has become even more fragmented. But today, Trump represents a reawakened avatar of cultural togetherness. He may be the closest thing in our society we have to a monoculture. In the US, he is the one thing a majority of people have all fervently rallied around, be they for or against what he stands for. His influence reaches far beyond the fractured political arena of Washington, DC, Powers says, and he could be having an effect on even the music charts. One of the reasons there is no song of the summer this year 'may have to do with Trump in a weird way,' a figure whose shadow looms large and has everything 'to do with the changing cultural dominant.' 'There was a lot of discussion towards the end of the election season and right after Trump got elected about did country music sort of predict Trump. And I think that there is something to that. There are now more conservative touch points in culture that people can't really ignore the way that they were before,' she says, mentioning the Paramount+ show Yellowstone , the return of trad wives in pop discourse, and the MAHA movement. 'It all fits into that.' But there are also other culminating factors—a perfect storm of circumstances—that have contributed to an unpredictable summer for music. For one, listening habits are again shifting on streaming services like Spotify and SoundCloud, where tastes are growing more eclectic, people are venturing outside their comfort zones, and loyalty to any one genre seems to be a dying trend. The industry is also suffering from what has amounted to an authenticity crisis over creative authorship as streamers are being inundated with AI slop, which has become a genre all its own. Then there's the Trump of it all, whose domineering influence may represent a new version of monoculture that not even the music industry can evade. Powers, who is a professor of media studies at the University of Michigan and author of On Trend: The Business of Forecasting the Future, says his influence could, in fact, be having an effect on the music charts. She's not far off either. According to Luminate's midyear survey on music trends, released last month, more music is being streamed than ever before, but overall growth has slowed globally. In spite of that, Christian music is on the rise. The genre is evolving fast, both in how it's defined and how it's discovered. 'Traditionally, it existed in a fairly closed ecosystem, with limited distribution, niche promotion channels, and a very specific audience, especially in radio and retail,' says JJ Italiano, head of global music curation and discovery at Spotify. 'But as younger, streaming-native listeners have become more dominant, there's been room for a new wave of Christian and faith-driven artists to explore a broader sound.' While the full MAGA-fication of music is still far off—rap and rock remain the most popular genres in the US by a wide margin—there has been a noticeable tide shift in consumer listening habits overall. Trump isn't the only reason we don't have a song of the summer, just the one nobody is talking about, Powers says. Billboard launched its Songs of the Summer chart in 2010, and it entered the zeitgeist in 2012. The phrase itself is a 'relatively recent vintage,' Powers says. The title has become a business proposition more than anything, a way of 'branding music and our relationship to the summer season.' Currently sitting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 is 'Ordinary' by Alex Warren, a YouTuber and founding member of Hype House, the former collective of Gen Z TikTok stars. The song is a choir-heavy ballad about love that echoes the rising wave of Christian music. But where Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Call Me Maybe' and Wizkid's 'Essence' once defined the breezy, irresistible atmospheres of summers past, 'Ordinary' is not necessarily what you'd consider song of the summer material. Songs like Warren's, despite their chart dominance, don't really capture the spirit of the season. It's a change that may forecast the future of the industry. 'It's harder to find cultural consensus overall,' says Dan Charnas, associate professor at New York University and author of The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop . Summer isn't as vital to the actual business model of the music industry as summer movies have been to the film industry, he says, which may explain why record labels aren't necessarily jockeying for chart dominance in the same way they do in the fall. 'Which doesn't mean it's impossible. Last year, Sabrina Carpenter defied the odds and created some seemingly ubiquitous musical moments. But convergence around one song is much harder in the streaming era when everyone is pretty much programming their own playlist.' That could be natural evolution. Today, streaming accounts for 92 percent of all music consumption in the US. Evolutions are the only guarantee in music, and 'the idea of a single 'mainstream' is expanding,' says Wyatt Marshall, senior director of music intelligence at SoundCloud. He believes listeners are becoming more 'genre-agnostic.' You've probably noticed some of that too. Despite a string of chart-worthy summer releases from acts as varied as HAIM, Burna Boy, Lorde, The Clipse—and even a surprise drop from Tyler, the Creator—listeners haven't been able to reach a unified accord. Some of that is due to ongoing genre fermentation, which has become a new constant. AI slop, for example, is overwhelming streamers, flooding platforms with bizarre song titles like 'Make Love to My Shitter' and 'Grant Me Rectal Delight,' mirroring the sounds of jazz and doo-wap with a terrifying proficiency. AI-generated bands like Velvet Sundown, which surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify, are finding substantial audiences online even as they raise legitimate questions about creative authorship. In June, an AI song landed on the US charts for the first time, reaching No. 44 on the TikTok Viral 50. The new genre of sound is posing questions over authenticity and authorship. SoundCloud's Marshall says he has also noticed a subtle shift in listening behavior. According to data the company shared with WIRED, only 43 percent of plays in the US have been to tracks released in the past 18 months—slightly down from the two previous summers. 'It suggests listeners may be revisiting favorites or balancing discovery with nostalgia a bit more this summer,' which may also explain 'recession pop,' the current resurgence of pop songs from the late 2000s. TikTok and Instagram have been a huge factor in lasting relevance, or reigniting old favorites, as viral sounds help create long-term staying power. Before 2020, no tracks spent more than 40 weeks in the top 10 of Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Then the pandemic forced everyone inside and on TikTok. According to The Wall Street Journal, eight songs have since cleared that 40-week benchmark, including 'Levitating,' by Dua Lipa, and 'Lose Control,' by Teddy Swims. One reason there may seem like there is less consensus this summer is because what's actually happening is a 'backlash to the last few summers,' Powers says. The explosion of social media in the 2010s and the rise of streaming—large cultural shifts that reengineered how people communicate, share, create, and come together—killed monoculture. That was the argument. But 'those theories are incomplete,' Powers says. Last year was all about the neon punk spirit of Charli XCX's Brat . Before that was Barbenheimer, 2023's joint box-office push behind summer blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer . Both were major marketing campaigns that 'undercut the fragmentation argument because people will say, 'Oh, we weren't fragmented last summer.' No, we were super fragmented last summer. All the same technologies that existed then exist now. Maybe we were a little less focused on AI, but we had that moment of togetherness.' She says young people may have lost some faith in larger music movements tied to political campaigns, like Brat Summer, and be in search of something new this year. In an age where mass consensus is dying out and divisions seem to be growing, fandoms ebb and flow, and often new genres, or even ones once relegated to niche audiences, grow in popularity. 'Genres are more porous than ever,' Marshall says. 'Listeners are more omnivorous, and fandom isn't siloed to one style of music.' On Spotify, Italiano says country music is also on the rise, which is finding a wider base. It is 'indicative of a younger generation being far more open to listening to music across a variety of genres as well as the constraints around what is considered country music continuing to fall away.' 'It's not a complete changing of the cultural guard,' Powers says. 'But I think that we're still figuring out how to talk about this cultural moment.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
10 best live bands in Singapore for your next event
The live band scene in Singapore is diverse, vibrant and influenced by both local and international music styles. Venues range from intimate jazz clubs to energetic rock bars, commonly reflecting the character of their surrounding estates. The scene is supported by government initiatives and thrives as a platform for established and emerging local artists. Check out our list of the 10 best live bands in Singapore to book for your next event. 1) Musical Touch Musical Touch is an organiser of live bands in Singapore, focusing on music for weddings and other occasions. They provide a diverse selection of wedding live bands, ranging from a basic 2-piece ensemble to a comprehensive 16-piece orchestra. They prioritise heartfelt music and have entertained at thousands of events since 2012. Their live bands perform at weddings, with starting prices from S$1,900 for a simple 2-piece band including a sound system. The wedding band is also capable of performing at corporate events and a wide range of musical genres, including Pop, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues (R&B), and Classic hits. Their skilled team will work with you to create a customised playlist that aligns with the vibe of your event. Additionally, their musicians can serve as emcees to help ensure that your launch event proceeds without a hitch. 10 Anson Road, International Plaza, #27-15, Singapore 079903 +65 9888 3007 Daily: 24 hours (Phone Enquiries) | | 2) Vocalise Since 2008, Vocalise has provided live entertainment for events of all sizes. After 16 years, the company boasts 2 flagship quartets with musicians who have been in the business for a long time. Their performers include DJs who are also proficient in electronic dance music and other artists who specialise in pop, rock, and jazz. At important local occasions, their musicians have drawn attention. These include, among other things, the Singapore Yacht Show, the Youth Olympic Games, the F1 Grand Prix, and Singapore Fashion Week. Additionally, Vocalise had the privilege of performing live for the President and Prime Minister of Singapore's guests at the Istana. Since they think every occasion is different, the live band in Singapore is particularly committed to making sure that every event has its own individual identity. They have the means to create a dynamic array of life-changing experiences for their customers, from the planning phase to the customised repertoire selection. 5A Pahang Street, Singapore 198606 +65 8887 0076 Mon to Fri: 11am – 5pm Closed on Sat & Sun | | 3) Merry Bees Merry Band, the talented musicians from the local entertainment agency Merry Bees, deliver a vibrant mix of enthusiasm for your event. With a range of soothing melodies to energetic tunes, they craft a memorable musical atmosphere that your guests won't be able to forget. They recognise that each programme is distinctive and offer customised packages, allowing you to create your own musical experience. Whether you desire an acoustic performance or a full-on concert, Merry Band adjusts to your wishes, ensuring your event is unique. Their highly favoured Dynamic Duo ShiLi and Adi is a 2-person band known for their fresh piano arrangements, smooth vocal harmonies and engaging stage presence. This pair can simplify an R&B duet with their rich voices or elevate their act to an energetic dance performance. They have headlined major festivals such as the Singapore Arts Festival. 60 Kaki Bukit Place, Suite 12, #10-16, Singapore 415979 +65 9232 9395 Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 6.30pm Sat & Sun: 24 hours (WhatsApp only) | | 4) Bella Entertainment Bella Entertainment is a local entertainment and event management agency based in Singapore. They provide entertainment solutions for both corporate and private events. They specialise in providing harpists for a range of occasions and festivities, from weddings and business gatherings to important concerts and festivals. Their gifted harpists are devoted to creating beautiful, moving music in addition to having a great deal of skill and expertise. The live band features skilled musicians with extensive experience. These artists hail from renowned music institutions globally and showcase a variety of musical genres, such as classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary. 21 Bukit Batok Crescent, WCEGA Tower, #15-75, Singapore 658065 +65 9428 4249 Sun, Mon & Wed: 8am – 8pm Fri & Sat: 7.30am – 8pm Tue & Thu: 8.30am – 8pm | | 5) Love Notes Since 2009, Love Notes, a subsidiary of High Notes, has been a maestro of musical enchantment. Their Cupid's Offer Wedding Package (S$1,388) includes 1 Wedding Vocalist, 1 Professional Musician (Keyboardist or Guitarist) and Professional Live Audio Support (1 pair front speakers, 1 live sound engineer, instrument rental, band support). One of their signature live bands is the Love Notes Treasures. They have performed for distinguished audiences, such as presidents and dignitaries and have teamed up with well-known celebrity singers and entertainers. Their unmatched adaptability guarantees to enthral guests of all tastes and blend in well with any wedding theme you have in mind. Their dedication extends beyond simply having musicians and artists present. They also assign a dedicated Show-Meister to assist you throughout the process. This expert is knowledgeable in event coordination, music, sound systems, and all the crucial elements needed to make an event outstanding. 50 Bukit Batok Street 23, Midview Building, #05-25, Singapore 659578 +65 8035 3288 | | 10 Best LIVE Music Restaurants & Bars in Singapore For an Eargasm 6) White Ribbon Live bands for weddings and other events are the speciality of White Ribbon, a live music agency based in Singapore. They may customize their live musical performances to fit different event kinds and tastes, and they provide a wide variety of musical styles, from pop and timeless favourites to jazz and classic ballads. Ruth Kueo, a local singer-songwriter, founded the live band agency, which is renowned for its staff of extremely skilled and adaptable musicians. One of their exclusive performers is Sean, a dynamic Taiwanese singer, celebrated for his electrifying performances that captivate audiences. Born in 1989, he honed his musical skills at the National Taiwan University of Arts, graduating with a degree in applied music. Another of their exclusive singers is Miaoru, a singer-songwriter for weddings and corporate events. She can switch between pop jazz, bossa nova and high-energy pop songs without a hitch. She is recognised for her ability to speak well and switch between 2 languages for live concerts. Beneath her mellow and meek demeanour lies a set of powerhouse vocals. 362 Joo Chiat Road, #02-01, Singapore 427607 +65 9150 4584 | | 7) Afterworkers Afterworkers is a Chinese live band specialising in Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien pop songs. They perform at various events, including weddings, functions and festivals. The band consists of pianist Yeo Ying Hao and vocalists Joelyn Koh and Shaun Wong. They also busk regularly, showcasing their talents and performing original songs. The pianist and arranger, Ying Hao (centre), has a remarkable talent for turning any song into a stunning musical composition. With more than a decade of experience in the field, he has collaborated with music ensembles ranging from string quartets to Chinese orchestras. The main female singer, Joelyn (left), possesses a soothing and gentle voice that resonates with her audience. The singer has sung a variety of Chinese pop songs for diverse crowds during live performances, including open houses, roadshows and university programmes. | | 8) La Vie Music At La Vie Music, it is believed that the essence of music is embedded in a complex network of experiences, ideas, and feelings. The blend of unique personal influences and life experiences creates a unique charm in live music, with every performance possessing its distinct character. Stella, their primary vocalist, has a smooth, sweet voice that is delightful to listen to. Moreover, her vocal ability carries significant heft. She exemplifies the idea that great talent can come in petite forms. In 2014, she launched her debut Extended Play, and in 2019, she released her first album, 《朋友说》. Versatile singer-songwriter Elton Lee is also part of their artist roster. He embarked on his musical journey professionally at the age of 17, when his composition 'Is This Alright' was published as the MediaCorp Channel 8 drama House of Fortune's sub-theme song. He is always looking to hone his craft in composition, arrangement, recording and production. +65 8286 7170 Daily: 24 hours | | 9) Singapore Funeral Live Band Funeral Live Band Singapore offers live music services, in particular, funeral bands. Instead of a sombre mood, they create a lively atmosphere by playing the deceased's favourite songs. This allows families and friends to acknowledge the life of the departed. A 2-piece band (1 singer and 1 instrument) will set you back by S$1,280, a 3-piece band (1 singer and 2 instruments) by S$1,690 and a 4-piece band (1 singer and 3 instruments) by S$2,080. All of their musicians come to work in a standard blue vest to appear more professional while performing at the funeral. They have also invested in a top-quality sound system to bring the best sounds to your guests with their live band. Song dedication slips are placed on every table for your guests to dedicate their favourite songs to the deceased with heartfelt messages. They are highly confident of their quality standards. They will give you a full refund if you are unsatisfied with their live funeral band. 100 Peck Seah Street, Oasia Hotel Downtown, #08-14, Singapore 079333 +65 8875 7111 Daily: 24 hours (Phone Enquiry) | | 10) Glittering Carousel Live Music Glittering Carousel Live Music is an entertainment agency specialising in weddings and events. They offer a spectrum of services, including live bands, wedding singers and client-tailored solutions. The company is known for its dedication to creating memorable events. Perfect Harmony is a 3-piece band known for their versatile performances. They play a mix of oldies, evergreens and Top 40 hits in bilingual, Cantonese, Hokkien and some Korean. The band features vocalists Fong and Si Ling, with Jian Li playing the keyboard and guitar. Your guests will be amazed by the musicians' amazing dancing performances in addition to their live music performances. Their flawless performances, which range from ballroom to modern, include coordinated routines. +65 9755 0302 Daily: 10am – 10pm | | 11 best family karaoke studios in Singapore to sing your lungs out The post 10 best live bands in Singapore for your next event appeared first on
