Taylor Swift continues her dominance on the album chart, securing the number one position for a fifth non-consecutive week, while Becky Hill celebrates the highest new entry.

As Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour makes its way to the UK, her album The Tortured Poets Department matches the 2023 success of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), both achieving five non-consecutive weeks at the top of the UK charts.

Billie Eilish’s previous chart-topping album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT climbs one spot to number two, while Becky Hill’s second studio album Believe Me Now? debuts at number three. This marks a career milestone for the British dance artist, surpassing her 2021 debut studio album Only Honest On The Weekend, which peaked at number seven, and her 2019 compilation Get To Know, which reached number 20.

K-pop group ATEEZ earns their third Top 10 entry on the Official Albums Chart with GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1, landing at number four. The South Korean octet, including members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho, make UK chart history as the first K-pop act to secure three Top 10 albums within a single year. Their earlier successes include THE WORLD EP.2 : OUTLAW (number 10) and THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL (number two) from 2023. In contrast, BTS achieved two Top 10 LPs in one year back in 2020 with MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA and MAP OF THE SOUL : 7.

Richard Hawley, known for his time with Longpigs and Pulp, achieves his fifth solo Top 10 album with In This City They Call You Love, which debuts at number five. Hawley previously saw chart success with albums like Lady’s Bridge (number six in 2007), Standing At Sky’s Edge (number three in 2012), Hollow Meadows (number nine in 2015), and Further (number three in 2019). In This City They Call You Love also claims the top spot on this week’s Official Vinyl Albums Chart, leading in vinyl sales.

Eminem’s 2005 album Curtain Call: The Hits resurfaces in the Top 10, climbing eight places to number seven, following the release of his new single Houdini. Additionally, Curtain Call 2, released in 2022, re-enters the Top 40 at number 24.

Australian rock band Crowded House debuts at number eight with their eighth studio album, Gravity Stairs. This marks their sixth Top 10 entry in the UK, joining previous albums such as Woodface (number six in 1991), Together Alone (number four in 1993), Recurring Dream: The Very Best Of Crowded House (number one in 1996), Time On Earth (number three in 2007), and Dreams Are Waiting (number six in 2021). Gravity Stairs also tops the Official Record Store Chart as the most popular physical release in UK independent record shops this week.

South London rapper K-Trap achieves a career milestone with his new album SMILE?, debuting at number 10. His previous peak was number 12 with the 2021 mixtape The Last Whip II.

Chappell Roan, riding the wave of her UK breakout hit Good Luck, Babe!, sees her debut album The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess rise ten places to number 23, edging closer to the Top 20.

Finally, as Liam Gallagher celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’s debut album Definitely Maybe with a full album tour, the 1994 Britpop classic re-enters the Top 40 at number 38. A 30th-anniversary Deluxe Edition reissue of the album is set for release on August 30 across various new formats.

The Rising Star from Los Angeles Set to Rock Alongside Legendary Band on Extensive Tour

In a widely-anticipated move, the Smashing Pumpkins have announced Kiki Wong as their new touring guitarist, following an extensive public casting call earlier this year. Wong, a talented musician hailing from Los Angeles, will join the iconic rock band for a series of electrifying performances, including shows alongside Green Day, Interpol, Weezer, and more.

Expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the search for a new guitarist, Billy Corgan, the frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, stated, “Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort. I want to extend my thanks to everyone who submitted materials for consideration.” Corgan expressed excitement about Wong joining the band, citing her exceptional talent and dedication.

In response to her selection, Kiki Wong shared her excitement, saying, “It’s been an absolute wild ride, but I am beyond honored and humbled to be chosen to perform alongside some of rock’s greatest and most influential musicians of all time.” Wong, known for her work with Vigil of War and her drumming performance for Taylor Swift at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.

The Smashing Pumpkins are gearing up for an extensive tour, with dates spanning across Europe and North America. Fans can catch them live at various iconic venues, including stadiums, arenas, and festivals, throughout the summer and fall of 2024.

Stay tuned for an unforgettable musical experience as Kiki Wong takes the stage alongside the legendary Smashing Pumpkins on their upcoming tour.

As the curtains rise on the anticipated MANTRAS Album 1 by Indian Trap and S. J. Jananiy, music enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in a unique auditory experience. Released under the moniker of iTrap Records, the album is a harmonic blend of ancient Indian traditions, modern music influences, and Jananiy’s soul-soothing vocals. Reflecting on the essence of yoga and meditation, the tracks promise to resonate with club aficionados and spiritual seekers.

J2 and S. J. Jananiy have coalesced different musical genres ranging from Spirituality, Hip Hop, Trap, to Bollywood vibes. The powerful confluence of these sounds sets the stage for an album where traditional Indian mantras find a contemporary voice. A total of 17 tracks grace this album, with seven primary tracks dedicated to the soulful Beej mantras, each representing a distinct chakra. Furthermore, several revered deities like Shiva, Durga, Parvati, and others are musically celebrated, creating a spiritual narrative.

The single “Shiva Mantra” stands out as it clinched the esteemed New Age Category award at The InterContinental Music Awards LA 2023.

J2’s musical journey is an embodiment of innovation and creativity. Several tracks from this album have already streamed in the thousands, and its release has been punctuated with visually striking animated videos showcasing Jananiy. Meticulously timed with Hindu festivals, these releases create a spiritual crescendo that resonates with audiences. J2’s expertise in music production and remixing includes collaborations with international names such as Shakira, Beyoncé, and Madonna.

Sharing his inspiration, J2 mentions, “Music today often misses the magical allure of the past. With this project, I sought to infuse the essence of ancient mantras into modern-day soundscapes, crafting melodies that bridge generations.”

Jananiy adds, “Working alongside Jay has been an exhilarating exploration. This album, with its manifold vocal layers and distinctive blends of traditional and contemporary sounds, has redefined how mantras can be represented in today’s music.”

It’s not just fans who are buzzing about this masterpiece. The 66th Annual GRAMMYⓇAwards has officially recognized MANTRAS Album 1 for consideration in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category.

As J2 recalls a transformative spiritual encounter that influenced this album, he states, “During a meditation session, I was graced by the presence of goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. This divine moment charted the course for MANTRAS, blending age-old mantras with my signature Indian Trap beats.”

About the Artists:

Jay Singh, or J2, is a powerhouse in the music industry, known for his collaborations with global artists and producing hit singles like “Dare La La La” for Shakira. Find out more about J2.

S. J. Jananiy, a Global-Award-Winning Composer and Singer, possesses a rich repertoire spanning Indian Classical, Indian Trap, Western Classical, and more. Holding multiple advanced degrees, Jananiy is also the proud owner of recording studios in Chennai, India. Discover Jananiy’s world of music.

Stream MANTRAS Album 1 here and connect with the artists on their respective platforms.

WEBSITE / INSTAGRAM / YOUTUBE / FACEBOOK

Shakira has been chosen as the Woman of the Year at the inaugural Latin Women in Music event, set to take place on May 7 in Miami, Florida. The award is in recognition of the Colombian singer’s accomplishments in the music industry and her philanthropic efforts.

Among her many achievements, Shakira’s hit song “La La La,” produced by Iconic Producers J2 and Dr. Luke, became a multi-platinum selling single and was also the official theme song for the 2014 World Cup. Attorney Chris Schmidt, Esq. spoke about the experience of working on the deal with J2 and Shakira:

“J2 was honored to be a part of creating such an iconic record with two legendary talents in the music industry. It was a great experience working with Shakira and Dr. Luke, and we are thrilled to see the record achieve such incredible success.”

Shakira’s career has spanned several decades and has helped pave the way for Latin artists to crossover into the international music scene. She has sold over 95 million records worldwide and is the top-selling Latin woman artist of all time. In addition to receiving the Woman of the Year award, Shakira has been named Billboard’s Top Female Latin Artist of the Decade twice, won three Grammys, 12 Latin Grammys, seven Billboard Music Awards, and 39 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

The Latin Women in Music event, which will air on Telemundo and Universo, will celebrate the contributions of Latin women artists, executives, and creatives. The two-hour special will feature performances and appearances by Ana Gabriel, Emilia, Evaluna, Goyo, Thalia, and other honorees.

Ronald Day, president of entertainment and content strategy for Telemundo, praised Shakira’s passion, talent, and creativity for breaking barriers and empowering generations to embrace their identity through music. The Latin Women in Music event will be held on May 6 at the Watsco Center in Miami and will air on May 7. The event will also be available to stream on the Telemundo app and Peacock.