Tag: Music Industry

Music

Diplo Confirms Involvement in BTS’ Upcoming ARIRANG Album, Calls It “Craziest Album Ever”

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

As anticipation builds for BTS’ upcoming album ARIRANG, international music producer Diplo has revealed his involvement in the project, describing it as the “craziest album ever” and one of the most significant collaborations of his career.


Speaking to media while attending the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, Diplo expressed admiration for the global K-pop phenomenon, citing reports that ARIRANG has already crossed four million pre-orders. Calling BTS “the biggest band in the world,” he said working with the group was both humbling and creatively rewarding.

Diplo highlighted BTS’ hands-on involvement in the studio, praising their creativity, professionalism and musical versatility. He singled out youngest member Jung Kook for his vocal ability, noting his natural talent and precision without reliance on AutoTune. The producer also described the group as experienced artists who bring maturity and authenticity to their work.

The collaboration marks another chapter in Diplo’s long association with K-pop. He previously worked with Jung Kook on the track “Close to You” from the singer’s solo album Golden, and has collaborated with artists such as G-Dragon, CL, Jennie and BLACKPINK over the past decade.

While BTS and their label HYBE have not officially confirmed all collaborators on ARIRANG, industry speculation suggests contributions from several high-profile names. Singer-songwriter Jon Bellion has revealed studio sessions with the group, while legendary producer Max Martin is also believed to be involved. Longtime BTS collaborator Pdogg is expected to play a key role in shaping the album’s sound.

According to Diplo, ARIRANG could be the biggest project of his life. He credited BTS and the HYBE team for fostering a creative environment rooted in trust and artistic freedom.

The album ARIRANG, featuring at least 14 tracks, is scheduled for release on March 20 under HYBE’s BIGHIT MUSIC, and is widely expected to make a major impact on the global music landscape.

Music

Kanye West May Be Planning First Performance-Led India Visit in April 2026

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Global rap icon Kanye West, also known as Ye, may be gearing up for his first-ever performance-led visit to India, according to industry chatter. Sources indicate that a concert is tentatively being planned for April 2026, though no official confirmation has been made so far.

If the plans materialise, the event could become one of the biggest live music spectacles India has seen, given West’s immense global influence and cult following. Known for pushing creative boundaries with large-scale stage productions, immersive visuals and unpredictable setlists, Kanye West’s arrival would mark a defining moment for India’s rapidly evolving concert ecosystem.

Over the last few years, India has emerged as a lucrative destination for international touring artists, hosting major acts across pop, EDM and hip-hop. A Kanye West concert would significantly elevate India’s profile on the global live music map, drawing attention from fans, promoters and international media alike.

Industry insiders believe that the potential show is being explored as a mega-scale production, aligning with West’s reputation for high-concept performances. While details around the city, venue and promoters remain under wraps, anticipation is already building among Indian fans.

Until an official announcement is made, the development remains speculative. However, the very possibility underscores the growing importance of the Indian market in global entertainment strategies.

Entertainment

MTV to Shut Down All Remaining Global Music Channels by December 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

MTV is preparing to shut down all of its remaining music channels worldwide by December 2025, marking one of the most transformative shifts in the brand’s four-decade history. What began in 1981 with the iconic debut of “Video Killed the Radio Star” is now giving way to a media landscape dominated entirely by streaming platforms. Paramount Skydance, MTV’s parent company, has confirmed plans to close channels including MTV Music, MTV Hits, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Europe. Similar closures will also take place in France, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Brazil, and Australia. The decision underscores how dramatically audience habits have shifted, with platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok replacing traditional music television as the primary mode of music discovery and consumption.

Over the past decade, MTV had already begun pivoting away from music programming, focusing instead on reality entertainment and digital content as linear viewership sharply declined. Advertising revenue for its music channels continued to fall, and the rise of on-demand audio and video platforms undermined the purpose of 24-hour scheduled music rotation. Industry reports note that this global shutdown represents the end of linear music TV as a mainstream format, closing the chapter on a broadcast model that shaped generations. With this transition, MTV’s global presence will now center on entertainment properties and digital platforms, further accelerating its evolution into a streaming-first brand. The shutdown not only concludes a significant era for the network but also symbolizes the broader transformation of the media and music landscapes worldwide.

Music

Ed Sheeran’s ‘Play’ Takes on a Bold and Playful New Era

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Ed Sheeran returns to the global stage with Play (2025), his eighth studio album and the first in a planned five-album series. This marks a bold step forward for the British singer-songwriter, whose recent work has leaned heavily on introspective and acoustic tones. With Play, Sheeran shifts gears—embracing a more vibrant, experimental, and culturally diverse soundscape that reflects his global travels and evolving artistic outlook.

The album opens with a track aptly titled “Opening,” serving as both a literal and metaphorical introduction to this new musical chapter. The song begins with familiar acoustic folk undertones, echoing the emotional depth of his past releases. But midway through, it morphs into an upbeat, electronic composition—signaling a departure from the past and the arrival of something fresh, fun, and unexpected.

What sets Play apart is its seamless integration of global influences. From Asian instrumentation to genre-fluid arrangements, Sheeran draws on a wide palette to paint his latest musical vision. This is not a collection of singles designed solely for radio play; it’s a cohesive body of work that explores rhythm, culture, and emotion through a diverse lens.

This ambitious project showcases Sheeran’s refusal to be confined by genre or expectation. It’s bold, playful, and deeply intentional. As the first of five planned albums in this new series, Play sets the tone for what could become Sheeran’s most creatively adventurous era yet.

From blockbuster stadium anthems to subtle sonic experimentation, Play shows that Sheeran isn’t just evolving—he’s playing by his own rules.

Events in Goa

Motoverse 2025 Returns to Goa with Diplo, Hanumankind, and a Genre-Bending Lineup

Tanisha Cardozo

Motoverse 2025, India’s definitive celebration of motorcycles, music, and counterculture, is set to roar back into Vagator, Goa from November 21 to 23. What began as Rider Mania has since transformed into one of the country’s most unique and immersive festivals, blending the thrum of Royal Enfields with the pulse of live music, experimental art, and shared journeys.

This year’s edition is the festival’s boldest yet, led by two powerful headliners: Grammy-winning global superstar Diplo and Indian rap phenom Hanumankind. Diplo’s return to India is more than just a show—it’s a personal homecoming. Once a Royal Enfield rider across India, Diplo’s exposure to the country’s music and street energy helped shape his genre-defying sound. His headlining set at the Main Stage is expected to deliver high-octane beats with a uniquely Indian twist.

Matching that energy is the homegrown return of Hanumankind, fresh off a breakout Coachella debut. Known for fusing hard-hitting hip-hop with the visceral sound of Kerala’s chenda drums, his headlining slot cements Motoverse’s mission to spotlight Indian voices on global stages.

The Main Stage lineup continues with crowd favorites including The Yellow Diary, genre-fluid legends Thaikkudam Bridge, rock fusionists Parvaaz, and the timeless Euphoria. A special collaborative set by MIDIval Punditz, Kutle Khan, and Karsh Kale promises a masterclass in live electronic fusion, blending Indian classical, folk, and electronica.

Meanwhile, the Hilltop Stage will offer a more intimate, unplugged vibe with artists like Kavya Trehan, Dot & The Syllables, Raman Negi, and Manipur’s breakout rapper Yelhomie, bringing his underground voice to a national platform.

Motoverse has evolved into much more than a music festival. With immersive bike displays, community rides, build culture, and artistic showcases, it is a celebration of individuality and community. This isn’t just about music or motorcycles—it’s about people who ride together, live freely, and express themselves boldly.

Early bird passes are available now via District by Zomato for ₹2,499. With this edition shaping up to be the most ambitious yet, Motoverse 2025 invites everyone—from die-hard bikers to music lovers—to be part of the ride.