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Episode Description
Generated entertainment podcast with host Cookie based on prompt: I want weekly music news. Highlight any new albums, industry news, or noteworthy information.
Episode Transcript
[Intro music fades in]
Hey, hey, hey, welcome to Cookie O'Clock! It’s your girl Brooke here, ready to sprinkle your day with the juiciest nuggets of music news from this week. We've got everything from new album drops to festival fever. So grab your favorite snack, sit back, and let's dive into the world of melodies and beats!
Kicking things off with some fresh tunes you won’t want to miss—Wu-Tang Clan has hit us with their latest masterpiece, *Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman*, thanks to a slick collaboration with Mathematics. And get this: Willie Nelson is notching up the numbers with his 77th—yep, you heard that right—77th solo album, celebrating Rodney Crowell’s incredible work. You gotta love the cowboy king of cool!
For those who prefer their punk with a twist, check out Rodeo Boys and their new album *Junior*. It’s a rollercoaster of queerness and angst that’s bound to get your heart thumping. Oh, and Ken Carson fans, rejoice! His fourth studio album, *More Chaos*, has burst onto the scene, grabbing that coveted number one spot on the Billboard 200. Go Ken, go!
Get ready to mark those calendars, because April 25th is shaping up to be a music paradise. Billy Idol is back, releasing *Dream Into It*—his first album in almost 11 years—and it’s packed with star power. Avril Lavigne, Alison Mosshart, and Joan Jett? Yes, please! Also hitting the shelves will be Ledisi’s *The Crown* and H.E.A.T’s hard rock extravaganza *Welcome to the Future*. And, shout out to The Raveonettes, who are continuing a saga with their sequel album *Pe’ahi II*. April’s gonna be lit!
Now, sliding into industry news with some very British flavor—UK Music is making waves, coaxing the government to open up those wallets and invest in music education. 'Cause, you know, who doesn’t want more banging tunes and budding talent? Plus, Ed Sheeran is back—better, brighter, and ready to rock your socks off with his latest album, *Play*. He’s on a mission, folks, launching the Ed Sheeran Foundation to amp up music education across the UK. Talk about using your platform for good!
Musical wanderers, let’s talk festivals. The Lovin' Life Music Festival 2025 is strutting into Uptown Charlotte from May 2nd. Picture this: Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Weezer, and Pitbull all in one place. Get your groove on and prepare for an epic three days of beats, sun, and musical magic.
And for all our Charlotte locals, the concert scene is buzzing! Tyga just lighted up the stage, and Amos Lee is ready to swoon his way into your heart on April 22nd. Also scheduled this month is the Tuck Fest—a unique blend of outdoor vibe and music mania. Don’t miss out!
That’s a wrap on today’s Cookie O'Clock. Remember, music is the cookie that makes life just a little sweeter. Until next time, keep those ears open and the grooves going!
[Outro music fades in]
Stay musical and stay magical! Catch you next time on Cookie O'Clock,
where it’s always time for a little tune and a laugh. Bye now!
[Outro music fades out]
Supporting Data
**New Album Releases:**
- **Wu-Tang Clan** released their latest album, *Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman*, in collaboration with Mathematics. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/90f280a171b99b3a9670e490d5c81d32?utm_source=openai))
- **Willie Nelson** unveiled his 77th solo studio album, celebrating the work of Rodney Crowell. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/90f280a171b99b3a9670e490d5c81d32?utm_source=openai))
- **Rodeo Boys**, a queer punk band, launched their new album *Junior*. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/90f280a171b99b3a9670e490d5c81d32?utm_source=openai))
- **Ken Carson** released his fourth studio album, *More Chaos*, on April 11, 2025. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking Carson's first US number-one album. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_Chaos?utm_source=openai))
**Upcoming Album Releases:**
- **Billy Idol** is set to release his ninth studio album, *Dream Into It*, on April 25, 2025. This marks his first album of new material in nearly 11 years and features guest appearances from Avril Lavigne, Alison Mosshart, and Joan Jett. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Into_It?utm_source=openai))
- **Ledisi** will release her twelfth studio album, *The Crown*, on April 25, 2025. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crown_%28Ledisi_album%29?utm_source=openai))
- **H.E.A.T**, the Swedish hard rock band, is releasing their new album *Welcome to the Future* on April 25, 2025, via earMUSIC. The first single, "Disaster," is out now with a music video directed by Patric Ullaeus. ([myglobalmind.com](https://myglobalmind.com/2025/01/24/h-e-a-t-is-releasing-new-album-welcome-to-the-future-on-april-25th-2025-via-earmusic/?utm_source=openai))
- **The Raveonettes** have announced their new album, *Pe’ahi II*, set for release on April 25, 2025. This album is a sequel to their 2014 release *Pe’ahi*. ([music.mxdwn.com](https://music.mxdwn.com/2025/03/17/news/the-raveonettes-announce-new-album-peahi-ii-for-april-2025-release-fall-2025-u-s-tour-dates/?utm_source=openai))
**Industry News:**
- **UK Music** has urged the UK government to significantly enhance investment in music education to preserve and expand the country's music talent pipeline. CEO Tom Kiehl proposed a five-point plan, including recruiting 1,000 new music teachers and upgrading rehearsal spaces in deprived areas. ([musicradar.com](https://www.musicradar.com/music-industry/without-investment-in-music-education-our-talent-pipeline-is-at-risk-of-drying-up-along-with-the-huge-opportunities-for-economic-growth-it-brings-uk-music-draws-up-five-point-plan-to-turbocharge-music-education?utm_source=openai))
- **Ed Sheeran** has rejuvenated his career following personal and professional challenges. His latest album, *Play*, represents a reset—focusing on joy, cultural fusion, and artistic authenticity. Sheeran has also launched the Ed Sheeran Foundation to advocate for enhanced music education in the UK. ([time.com](https://time.com/7277722/ed-sheeran-interview-time100-2025/?utm_source=openai))
**Upcoming Music Festivals:**
- **Lovin' Life Music Festival 2025** returns to Uptown Charlotte from May 2-4. The event features over 50 artists on three main stages, with headliners including Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Weezer, Pitbull, Dave Matthews Band, and Teddy Swims. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/04/charlotte-lovin-life-music-festival-2025-guide?utm_source=openai))
**Local Concerts in Charlotte:**
- **Tyga** performed on April 14, 2025.
- **Amos Lee**, blending folk, rock, and soul, is scheduled to perform on April 22, 2025.
- **Tuck Fest**, a three-day outdoor lifestyle and adventure festival, will take place from April 25-27, 2025, at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/01/live-music-charlotte-april-2025?utm_source=openai))
## Recent Music Industry Highlights:
- ["Without investment in music education our talent pipeline is at risk of drying up along with the huge opportunities for economic growth it brings": UK Music draws up five point plan to "turbocharge" music education](https://www.musicradar.com/music-industry/without-investment-in-music-education-our-talent-pipeline-is-at-risk-of-drying-up-along-with-the-huge-opportunities-for-economic-growth-it-brings-uk-music-draws-up-five-point-plan-to-turbocharge-music-education?utm_source=openai)
- [What to Stream: 'Andor,' 'Babygirl' and new Wu Tang Clan music](https://apnews.com/article/90f280a171b99b3a9670e490d5c81d32?utm_source=openai)
- [How Ed Sheeran Got His Groove Back](https://time.com/7277722/ed-sheeran-interview-time100-2025/?utm_source=openai)
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