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A new look has garnered major attention on social media, and it has the fashion world divided.

Barrel jeans have become the new “it” denim style thanks to its exaggerated horseshoe-like legs that have some people claiming it’s the shape of the summer, while others find the look practically impossible to style. Thankfully, TikTok has some ideas on the best way to wear the viral barrel jeans. While there are a slew of barrel styles to choose from, one seems to have risen above the rest.

More than 27 million TikTok videos have been made about the We the Free Barrel Jeans from Free People, with users showing off how to style the look in the most fashion-forward way. TikToker Julia Huynh has earned more than a million views on the platform, where the user claims the reason the style works isn’t a result of “my body — I think it’s the way I wear them.” She then proceeds to theorize that long and low-rise fits will look more flattering than a cropped style.

@julia.huynh

Replying to @tierney barrel jean theory is just getting a size bigger so they skim the floor 🙂‍↕️

♬ original sound – Julia Huynh

While the Free People denim, and barrel jeans in general, have fashion lovers questioning its stylishness, that hasn’t stopped people from stocking up on the look. Free People’s version is not just under $100, it also comes in 15 washes to choose from — and it’s already selling out fast.

To make sure you get your hands on a pair to test the look out for yourself, you can shop the exact barrel jeans below.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

Barrel jeans from Free People.


The We the Free barrel jeans not only come in a variety of shades, but feature three lengths: short, regular and long. The brand recommends staying true to your size or sizing up, depending on how loose and baggy you want the denim to feel. It’s also designed using Free People’s most rigid denim, which means there won’t be a lot of stretch. Find them for about $100 on Free People’s website or score a pair for $95 on Amazon.com.

The barrel jeans have even been curvy-approved, with TikToker Brieana Banks claiming, “I’m convinced that a thick girl invented barrel jeans.” If you’re already obsessed with the denim style or just want to add a few more to your rotation, we also rounded up similar styles from popular brands below.

Which Are the Best Barrel Jeans?

To help you build out your trendy jeans collection, keep reading to find some of the top-rated and bestselling barrel jeans online now.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

Women’s Adjustable Low Slung Barrel Rider™ Jean

Two-toned barrel jeans.


Lee’s Women’s Adjustable Low Slung Barrel Rider Jean is one of the more unique entries on our comprehensive barrel jean list. Retailing for $118.95, the pair are two-toned with light and dark-wash paneling, offering the piece ample dimension. It’s a subtle detail that makes a world of difference, especially when compared to other monochrome barrel styles. The high-waisted piece has that signature curved pant leg with a raw hem that leans bohemian. This piece is for those who want more from their barrel silhouettes.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

High-Waisted Barrel Ankle Jeans

$34.99 $49.99 30% off

Buy Now at gap

Black high-waisted barrel jeans.


We figured we’d add something moody to our barrel jeans list for the fall with these High-Waisted Barrel Ankle Jeans from Gap. Retailing for $34.99, the piece is high-waisted in a monochrome black hue. Per the usual barrel jean specifications, the denim is baggy with wide, curved legs and a hem that sits just above the ankles. The high-waisted style comes in a whopping seven other washes and sizes ranging from 00 to 28.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

Barrel Leg Jeans

Light-wash stretchy barrel jeans.


Spanx’s barrel jeans come with four-way stretch and their 360-Degree Shaping Technology, meaning your waist, tummy, and back all get a gentle contour—without you feeling like you’ve been stuffed into shapewear. The subtle barrel leg adds just enough curve to the silhouette to feel modern without veering into baggy territory. Sizing available ranges from XS to 3XL, while the inseam for this pieces goes from regular to tall. There’s truly a barrel style for everyone.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

Super Baggy Barrel Women’s Jeans

Dark-wash extra baggy barrel jeans.


Levi’s Super Baggy Barrel Women’s Jeans are, as the name suggests, extra baggy. The dark-wash style retails for $108 and is currently available in sizes 23 through 34. This entry is the comfiest denim can get with extra-wide legs and an ultra-relaxed fit allowing the wearer ample movement. The slouchy style is maybe the widest silhouette we have on this list, making it more of a stand-out as opposed to the more conservative barrel styles we’ve seen.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

All Saints Women’s Jett Barrel Jean

All Saints women’s barrel jeans in a light wash.


All Saints’ barrel jean comes in two washes — light indigo and washed grey — so you can show off the look year-round. The denim features a mid-rise fit and stitched and raw edge detailing. The rinse was also created to look vintage-like for a more retro appearance. Even better: these barrel jeans are 50% off right now on Amazon.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

Pilcro Heritage Curve Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

Baggy barrel jeans.


Anthropologie wasn’t messing around with its version of the famous barrel jean. The company provide four different fits to choose from — petite, regular, tall and plus — to help you get the most comfortable look. Plus, it has a lower rise and two vintage-inspired washes to choose from.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

Loose Barrel Boyfriend Jeans

White barrel denim.


Walmart’s barrel jeans embrace a laid-back look with a baggy style and mid-rise waist. If you’re looking outside of the classic denim blue look, these jeans come in a range of washes, including this versatile white shade you can dress up or down.

The Best Trendy Barrel Jeans From Free People, Levi's, Amazon and More

Greaidea Mid Rise Barrel Jeans for Women

$42.99 $48.99 12% off

Buy Now on amazon

White barrel jeans in a baggy style.


Amazon is keeping things crisp with these white barrel jeans you can wear to brunch or drinks with friends. The shade makes it easy to dress down with a crop top or pair it with a blouse for a dressier feel. Since it features a low-rise waist, it creates a more relaxed vibe, while the pockets in the front and back allow you to store small essentials such as your phone and cash. Bonus: apply the on-site coupon to take an additional 30% off.

What Are Barrel Jeans?

While TikTok has been labeling the jeans “barrel,” the style is known by a couple other names, including “balloon” and “horseshoe” jeans. What sets it apart from the classic wide-leg jean is the fact that the design flares out at the thighs and tapers off by the ankles. This gives it that rounded shape similar to a barrel.

Are Barrel Jeans In for 2025?

Barrel jeans have been going viral all over social media for months now, making it clear that the look isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Though it has the fashion community theorizing the best way to style the denim look, that hasn’t stopped people from clamoring to stock up on as many styles as possible.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best denim jumpsuits, slip dresses and jean shorts.

Kentucky bluegrass/country band The Creekers, known for their breakthrough hit “Tennessee,” has signed with Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records, Billboard can exclusively reveal.

The six-member group includes Anna Blanton (fiddle), Ashton Bowling (cajon), Jagger Bowling (bass/vocals), Allen Hacker (vocals/rhythm guitar), Tanner Horton (vocals/lead guitar) and Scott Sutton (banjo/vocals). The group formed in the Eastern coal field region of Kentucky, in Leslie County, located under an hour away from the famed coal mining area of Harlan, Kentucky that inspired the Darrell Scott-written, Patty Loveless-recorded classic, “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.”

The Creekers released their first album, the genre-melding Pour Me In The Creek in 2024 and followed with 2025’s River Rat EP, which included “Tennessee,” the soulful bluegrass song that rose to the top 5 on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart this summer.

The song’s bluegrass underpinnings, topped with Hacker’s burly voice, have led some fans to compare the group’s sound to the Chris Stapleton-led, early iteration of bluegrass group The SteelDrivers. Other songs on The Creekers’ River Rat EP include “Lay You Down,” “Hyden, KY” and “Alex’s Song.”

Warner Music Nashville is home to artists including Kenny Chesney, Dan+Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Braxton Keith, Cody Johnson, William Beckmann and Cole Swindell. Warner Records is home to artists including Zach Bryan, Billy Strings, Brandy Clark and Maddox Batson.

The signing comes as bluegrass, Americana and other roots-oriented music styles have surged in recent years, with the success of artists including Strings, Bryan, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson and more. Strings’s most recent album Highway Prayers debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s all-genre Top Album Sales Chart, marking the first bluegrass album in 22 years to top the chart, since the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack spent two weeks atop the chart in 2002 (and ruled the Bluegrass Albums chart for 15 weeks).

The Creakers

The Creekers

Brandon Campbell

In the final trailer for Wicked: For Good, Ariana Grande‘s character learns that a big price comes with being Glinda the Good.

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Released on Wednesday (Sept. 24) — about two months before the Wicked sequel finally premieres in theaters on Nov. 21 — the preview shows how the blonde leading lady wrestles with her new role as Oz’s spokeswoman, as Cynthia Erivo‘s Elphaba attempts to expose the Wizard’s evil agenda while living in hiding. At first, Glinda is “obsess-ulated” with the gorgeous gown, tiara and mechanical flying bubble her public-facing life affords her — but everything quickly comes crashing down when she realizes that she’s on the wrong side of history, and that she just might be too late to save her former schoolmate from the wrath of Oz’s brainwashed citizens.

“I’m a public figure now, people expect me to …,” Glinda tells Elphaba at one point, with Dorothy’s fallen house and the Yellow Brick Road visible in the background.

“Lie?” the green-skinned witch cuts in, to which Glinda says defensively, “Be encouraging.”

Grande’s character is less sure of herself when she is confronted by Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero, who accuses, “You can’t resist this.”

“Who could?” Glinda asks, to which the Winkie prince replies, “You know who could.”

Arriving one year after the first Wicked hit theaters and shattered movie-musical box-office records, For Good will serve as the film adaptation of the second act of the Broadway musical on which the live-actions are based. The soundtrack will also drop on Nov. 21, complete with two brand new songs sung by Grande and Erivo.

As revealed when the tracklist dropped a week prior to the new trailer, the title of Glinda’s bonus song is “The Girl in the Bubble,” while Elphaba’s added balled is called “No Place Like Home.”

Watch the final trailer for Wicked: For Good above.


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Louis Tomlinson is feeling sweet, but also a bit bitter. The former One Direction singer appeared to crank up the promo machine for his as-yet-untitled third solo album another notch on Tuesday (Sept. 23) when he dropped a 15-second teaser for the upcoming single “Lemonade.”

The song, due out on Tuesday (Sept. 30), is a soaring pop balloon, with Tomlinson singing, “She’s so bitter, she’s so sweet/ Lemonade, lemonade/ A little taste is all I need/ Lemonade,” over driving drums and a joyful arrangement. The accompanying peek at what looks like the music video, finds Tomlinson — his hair buzzed on the sides and grown out and shaggy on top —  hanging out in a field in front of a towering stack of speakers and a rusted-out old car.

The singer has been busy lately teasing the follow-up to his 2022 sophomore LP, Faith in the Future, telling fans earlier this month that the untitled album is nearly complete. “Just sat listening to the new record and I’ve got a really really good feeling this time around!” he wrote on X at the time. “Can’t wait for you all to hear it!!”

Faith in the Future featured the singles “Bigger Than Me,” “Out of My System” and “Silver Tongues,” and debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 album chart, while giving Tomlinson his first No. 1 on the UK albums chart.

At press time no title or release date have been announced for Tomlinson’s third LP, though he has some upcoming gigs where fans are hoping he’ll debut other new songs. In fact, when one commenter expressed frustration at the lack of information on the album earlier this month, Tomlinson teased, “or maybe I’m going to play something new at away from home,” following up with, “it’s about time isn’t it” and “Really really excited about it! Got a few surprises. Should be fun.”

Tomlinson will be among the headliners at the upcoming New York edition of his Away From Home Festival (Oct. 4-5) at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, where he’ll appear alongside his personally curated list of fellow performers, including Lauv, Steve Aoki, Plain White T’s, Daya, Circa Waves, Pale Waves and others. He will also take part in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge Month on Oct. 29, where guests typically perform one of their own songs as well as a cover song.

Check out the “Lemonade” preview clip below.


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José Cedeño has been promoted to executive vp and general manager of Interscope Capitol Miami, the label announced on Wednesday (Sept. 24). In his new role, Cedeño will continue to work closely with Nir Seroussi, head of Interscope Capitol Miami, and oversee the day-to-day of the Latin music division housed within Interscope Capitol.

“It’s been an amazing experience building this division from scratch working alongside Nir to execute his and John Janick’s vision,” Cedeño, formerly svp/general manager at the label, said in a statement. “The artists recognized the power of this idea from the very start, and the teams at the larger Interscope and Capitol labels have been supportive the entire way. I’m looking forward to continuing to give Latin talent access to the model that has fueled the careers of so many iconic artists.”

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Interscope Capitol Miami, launched in 2019, has signed an eclectic roster that includes música mexicana mavericks Ivan Cornejo and Xavi. The label — which was named Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards — has also scored major deals with superstars Karol G and J Balvin.

“Jose has been more than just a colleague — he’s been my partner since day one at Interscope Capitol Miami,” added Seroussi. “Together, we built this team from the ground up, and his leadership, creativity, and commitment have shaped every part of what we do. From building the frameworks that connect us seamlessly with the larger Interscope Capitol organization to championing our artists with insight and dedication, Jose’s impact is felt everywhere. This journey simply wouldn’t have been possible without him.”

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Prior to Interscope Capitol Miami, Cedeño served as SVP at Sony Music Latin, where he played a key role in the careers of Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Maluma, Ricky Martin, Shakira and Becky G, among others.

The Rolling Stones are going back to the vault for a refresh of their landmark 13th studio album, Black and Blue. The group will celebrate the 1976 LP with an upcoming definitive Super Deluxe box set due out on Nov. 14 through Interscope/UMe featuring five previously unreleased songs.

The set, remixed and expanded across multiple formats, will include a 5LP vinyl box set as well as a 4-CD box set, with both including a Blu-ray disc, replica tour poster and 100-page hardback book with a new essay by Stones expert Paul Sexton and exclusive photos from the album session and tour. A limited-edition vinyl version will be pressed on black and blue marbled vinyl, alongside streamlined two-disc and one-disc formats on CD and vinyl.

Black and Blue marked a turning point for the band following the departure of former guitarist Mick Taylor, who was eventually replaced by Ronnie Wood. As the band searched for Taylor’s replacement, they brought a series of guitar greats in to perform on the LP, including Canned Heat guitarist Harvey Mandel, songwriter and session great Wayne Perkins, as well as Yardbirds wiz Jeff Beck and Memphis blues guitarist Robert A. Johnson.

Wood would later join the band full-time, appearing on three tracks on the Billboard 200 album chart-topping LP, which mixes reggae, funk and soul into the Stones’ signature mix on songs including “Hot Stuff,” “Fool to Cry,” “Memory Motel” and “Melody.”

The box set will feature a six-track disc of previously unreleased songs, including Mick Jagger/Keith Richards composition “I Love Ladies,” a cover of Shirley & Company’s “Shame, Shame, Shame” and four instrumental jams from the 1975 sessions with the guest guitarists; a new video for “Shame, Shame, Shame” will debut on Thursday (Sept. 25) directed by Dutch filmmaker Camille Boumans. The box will include a full live concert from the band’s six-night residency at London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre.

The accompanying Blu-ray disc adds a previously unreleased TV broadcast of the Stones’ 1976 show at Les Abattoirs in Paris, as well as Dolby Atmos surround sound mixes of the studio album and the live Earls Court concert.

Producer Andrew Watt recently told Rolling Stone magazine that he’s working with the Stones again on what could be the follow-up to their Grammy-winning 24th studio album, 2023’s Hackney Diamonds. Without revealing many details, Watt said, “I’ve said it before, but it’s like working for Batman…when the tongue is up in the air, you just go… I can say we did some recording together, but that’s all I can say.”

Listen to “Shame, Shame, Shame,” watch the Black and Blue remaster trailer and see the full track listing for the Super Deluxe 4CD + Blu-ray version below.

Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025

1. Hot Stuff

2. Hand Of Fate

3. Cherry Oh Baby

4. Memory Motel

5. Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)

6. Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston)

7. Fool To Cry

8. Crazy Mama

Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams

1. I Love Ladies

2. Shame, Shame, Shame

3. Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel)

4. Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck)

5. Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson)

6. Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)

Disc 3: Live at Earls Court 1976

1. Honky Tonk Women

2. If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud

3. Hand Of Fate

4. Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood)

5. Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

6. Fool To Cry

7. Hot Stuff

8. Star Star (Starf–ker)

9. You Gotta Move

10. You Can’t Always Get What You Want

11. Band Intro

12. Happy

13. Tumbling Dice

14. Nothing From Nothing

15. Outa-Space

Disc 4: Live at Earls Court 1976

1. Midnight Rambler

2. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)

3. Brown Sugar

4. Jumpin’ Jack Flash

5. Street Fighting Man

6. Sympathy For The Devil

Blu-Ray Disc

1. Black and Blue (Steven Wilson Remix 2025)

2. Les Rolling Stones Aux Abattoirs, Paris-Juin 1976

  • Band Intro
  • 4. Honky Tonk Women
  • Hand of Fate
  • Fool To Cry
  • Hot Stuff
  • Star Star
  • You Gotta Move
  • You Can’t Always Get What You Want
  • Band Introductions
  • Happy
  • Outa Space
  • Jumpin’ Jack Flash
  • Street Fighting Man

3. Live at Earls Court Live 1976

  • Band Intro
  • Honky Tonk Women
  • If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud
  • Hand Of Fate
  • Hey Negrita
  • Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
  • Fool To Cry
  • Hot Stuff
  • Star Star (Starf–ker)
  • You Gotta Move
  • You Can’t Always Get What You Want
  • Happy
  • Tumbling Dice
  • Nothing From Nothing
  • Outa-Space
  • Midnight Rambler
  • It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
  • Brown Sugar
  • Jumpin’ Jack Flash
  • Street Fighting Man
  • Sympathy For The Devil


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For a band that has not released a proper new song in 16 years, any fresh Oasis content is like manna from heaven for the band’s die-hard fans. Especially if it’s a refresh of one of their all-time classics.

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On Wednesday morning (Sept. 24) the reunited Britpop icons dropped “Morning Glory (Unplugged),” a thrilling, stripped-down version of the title track from their 1995 sophomore album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? The song, which appears on the upcoming (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? 30th anniversary deluxe edition (Oct. 3), was produced and mixed by guitarist/songwriter Noel Gallagher and Callum Marinho from the original master recordings at Noel’s London studio, Lone Star Sound.

The acoustic guitar and tambourine jam puts the focus directly on singer Liam Gallagher’s urgent vocals until a mid-song piano break that adds a jazzy interlude to the otherwise driving, stripped-down arrangement. At press time no information was available on when the unplugged version was recorded or who performs on it.

In addition to the title track refresh, the 30th anniversary Morning Glory edition will feature unplugged versions of four other classics from the album, including “Cast No Shadow,” “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova” and the previously released live favorite B-side “Acquiesce.”

After a triumphant North American swing, Oasis will continue their sold-out reunion tour at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday (Sept. 27) and Sunday (Sept. 28), returning to the famed venue where they played to more than 400,000 over a five-night stand in July and early August.

The tour will then move on to a series of shows in South Korea and Japan in late October before a run of five concerts in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia and a wind-down series of November gigs in Buenos Aires, Argentina and São Paulo, Brazil.

Listen to “Morning Glory (Unplugged)” below.

Fontaines D.C., Gilles Peterson and Ezra Collective were among the winners at the 2025 Independent Music Awards on Tuesday evening (Sept. 23).

The ceremony, which took place at London’s Roundhouse, celebrated independent musicians and record labels in a number of categories. The awards are organised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) and winners selected by a jury panel.

DJ, broadcaster and label boss Gilles Peterson collected the outstanding contribution to music prize for his work in the U.K. dance and jazz scenes over the past four decades. Peterson hosts a regular show on BBC Radio 6 Music, founded the influential Acid Jazz and Brownswood Recordings labels, and in recent years began the We Out Here festival in Dorset, England. 

Commenting on his win on his Instagram, Peterson wrote, “There’s a lot to fight for in keeping the U.K. music industry and culture at the cutting edge both here and abroad. But this award is more than a recognition of one person – it takes a village.”

Fontaines D.C.’s fourth album Romance scooped the best album prize and was collected by bassist Conor Deegan III. The Irish band recently concluded touring for the LP, which landed at No. 2 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart and was nominated for two Grammy awards. The album was also named on the shortlist for the Mercury Prize, which will be awarded on Oct. 16 in Newcastle. The band’s current label XL Recordings also won the best independent record label.

Jazz group Ezra Collective earned the best independent track award for “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing” featuring Yazmin Lacey. The song appeared on Dance, No One’s Watching, the group’s third LP.  

Throbbing Gristle member and Industrial Records co-founder Cosey Fanni Tutti was awarded the innovator award, and used her speech to celebrate the U.K.’s indie creative scene. “Everything I’ve done has been totally independent,” she said. “This is really special because innovation and independence really are sisters with me. I’ve seen innovation as a lifeblood of the music world – without that there would be no inspiration.”

There were also wins for Bon Iver and his label Jagjaguwar (best creative campaign), corto.alto (best independent breakthrough), Shed Seven (best live performer) and more. See the full winners list below.

Outstanding Contribution to Music

WINNER: Gilles Peterson

Innovator award

WINNER: Cosey Fanni Tutti

Best live performer

Alison Moyet (Cooking Vinyl)
Elles Bailey (Cooking Vinyl)
Ayanna Witter-Johnson (Hill and Gully Records)
WINNER: Shed Seven (Cooking Vinyl)
Wunderhorse (Communion Records) 

Best independent video 

WINNER: Bricknasty – “Vinland” (FAMM)
Black Honey – ”Psycho (Foxfive Records) 
Fontaines D.C. – ”In The Modern World” (XL Recordings)
Ezra Collective – “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing” (Partisan Records)
Wet Leg – “Catch These Fists” (Domino Recording Co.)

PPL Award for most played new independent artist

Fat Dog (Domino Recording Co)
First Time Flyers (Lookout Mountain)
IN PARALLEL (Method 808)
NDOTZ (Chosen Flystr8)
WINNER: Popeth (Recordiau Cosh Records)

Best independent label 

Because Music
Communion Records
Modern Sky UK
Transgressive 
WINNER: XL Recordings

Best independent record store 

Art Beats (Saffron Walden)
A Slice of Vinyl (Gosport)
Raven Records (Camden, London)
Spinning Around Records (Wellington, Telford)
WINNER: Wax & Beans (Bury)

Best creative campaign 

NQ Records and Aitch (4)
WINNER: Jagjaguwar and Bon Iver (SABLE, fABLE)
XL Recordings and Fontaines D.C. (Romance)
The Leaf Label and Snapped Ankles (Hard Times Furious Dancing)
Transgressive and SOPHIE (SOPHIE)

Best boutique label

WINNER: AD 93
Clasico Records
Flystr8
Submarine Cat Records
Untitled (recs)

Independent music champion in association with PRS

WINNER: Bandcamp

Best independent track

anaiis, Grupo Cosmo, “B.P.E” (5dB Records)
WINNER: Ezra Collective, Yazmin Lacey – “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing” (Partisan Records)
JIALING, “Freaky Horns” (Clasico Records)
Jim Legxacy, “Father” (XL Recordings)
Jorja Smith, Maverick Sabre, “Loving You” (FAMM)
Miso Extra, Metronomy, “Good Kisses” (Transgressive Records)
Orla Gartland, “Mine” (New Friends Music)
Wet Leg, “Catch These Fists” (Domino Recording Co.)
Wunderhorse, “The Rope” (Communion Records)
Yannis & The Yaw, Tony Allen, “Rain Can’t Reach Us” (Transgressive Records)

Best independent album

Bon Iver, Sable, Fable (Jagjaguwar)
Ezra Collective, Dance, No One’s Watching (Partisan Records)
WINNER: Fontaines DC, Romance (XL Recordings)
Hope Tala, Hope Handwritten (Big Family Music)
John Glacier, Like a Ribbon (Young)
Maverick Sabre, Burn the Right Things Down (FAMM)
Moonchild Sanelly, Full Moon (Transgressive Records)
Nala Sinephro, Endlessness (Warp Records)
Oklou, Choke Enough (Because Music / True Panther Records)
TAAHLIA, Gramarye (untitled (recs))

U.K. independent breakthrough (in association with Amazon Music) 

WINNER: corto.alto (Ninja Tune)
Fat Dog (Domino Recording Co.)
Glass Beams (Ninja Tune)
Hope Tala (Big Family Music)
Sara Landry (HEKATE Records)

Best independent EP/mixtape

Fcukers, Baggy$$ (Technicolour Records)
WINNER: MRCY, VOLUME 1 (Dead Oceans)
Nectar Woode, Head Above Water (Communion Music)
Shygirl, Club Shy Room 2 (Because Music)
Zino Vinci, The Late Bloomer (Bawne London / Believe)  

Best independent remix

Fat Dog, “Peace Song” [TowerBlock1 mix] (Domino Recording Co.)
Home Counties, TATYANA, “Uptight” – TATYANA remix (Submarine Cat Records)
Koreless, “Seven” (Jorg Kuning Bicton Barns Remix) (Young)
WINNER: Nilufer Yanya, “Just a Western” (Boy Harsher Remix) (Ninja Tune)
Rosie Lowe, “Gratitudes” (D’Monk remix) (Blue Flowers Music)

One to Watch

anaiis (5dB Records)
WINNER: BINA. (TLD Records)
Chloe Qisha (VLF Records / Are You Serious) 
Cristale (Believe)
Fcukers (Ninja Tune)

Music Entrepreneur of the Year

WINNER: Karen Emanuel (Key Productions)

DEI Champion 

WINNER: ESEA Music


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Sarah McLachlan was the musical guest on Tuesday night’s (Sept. 23) very special episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

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The late-night talk show returned to the airwaves a week after ABC pulled the plug following criticism of Kimmel’s comments on the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk from the leader of the Federal Communications Commission and Donald Trump.

McLachlan was on song as she performed “Better Broken,” the title track from the three-time Grammy Award-winning Canadian artist’s first studio album in more than a decade. Seated at a grand piano with dramatic mood lighting giving the set an ethereal glow, McLachlan sang, “Maybe if I catch my breath/ Maybe if I wait a little/ I’d remember how it hurts/ And stop before I fall/ I’d forget to come apart/ And catch myself and hold on tightly.”

The emotional ballad about accepting romantic heartbreak in which she pledges to “forgive, but not forget,” was pitch perfect for an emotional evening in which Kimmel was frequently near tears during his monologue, in which he described his tumultuous week and the fall-out from his Kirk jokes.

McLachlan — who is doing the promo rounds for her equally moving ABC News doc Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery — was also a fitting choice because over the weekend the singer appeared to make a gesture of solidarity with Kimmel by refusing to perform at the doc’s premiere. “I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with,” she said in a statement at the premiere. “The stark contraction to the many advances we’ve made watching the insidious erosion of women’s rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech.”

“So happy that Jimmy Kimmel is back on the air and even happier to be performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live TONIGHT!,” McLachlan wrote in a social post before her appearance.  

Due out Friday, Sept. 19 through Concord Records, Better Broken has been described as “a soul-searching reflection on the fortitude that comes from weathering life’s constant storms.”

Primarily recorded at the legendary Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, the Halifax native enlisted help from esteemed musicians including drummer Matt Chamberlain (Bob Dylan, David Bowie) and pedal-steel guitarist Greg Leisz (Kacey Musgraves, Florence + the Machine) and expanded her creative circle by collaborating with producers Tony Berg and Will Maclellan, both known for their work with the indie pop super-trio boygenius.

Watch McLachlan’s “Better Broken” performance below.


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Spotify is now integrated into DJ software platform Serato.

This new deal will allow DJs who use Serato software to access the entirety of Spotify’s 100 million-plus song catalog, including personal playlists and liked songs, in their Serato DJ library, making it possible to stream and mix music from the DSP in real-time.

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The integration is available now on Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite and will support play on up to four decks simultaneously. Users can access the feature by linking their Serato and Spotify Premium accounts. Newly built Spotify playlists will also appear directly within a linked Serato DJ library.

A representative for Serato says the feature has been the longstanding New Zealand-based software company’s most requested addition in its 26-year history.

The announcement continues a trend of streamers integrating with DJ technology. In March, Apple Music unveiled DJ With Apple Music, an integration that makes it possible for DJs to build and mix sets directly from the DSP’s catalog of over 100 million songs. The technology was made in partnership with DJ software and hardware platforms Serato, AlphaTheta, and inMusic’s Engine DJ, Denon DJ, Numark and RANE DJ.

In August, Spotify released Mix With Spotify, a feature that makes it possible for users to blend songs within a playlist like a professional DJ. Mix With Spotify provides controls like echo, volume automation, EQ, and low and high pass filters for users of the Spotify Premium app.

The recently launched start-ups Hook and Mash-App also make it possible for users to mash up, speed up and slow down songs in their libraries.


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