Inside the Electric Energy of the underscores FADER Mix

Need proof that underscores — The FADER’s July 2026 cover star — is a true superstar? Hundreds of her dedicated fans, known as U-TOOs, lined up bright and early to secure a spot at her FADER cover release party at Elsewhere, snaking around the industrial Brooklyn venue hours before the doors even opened. When the July 9 party finally commenced, the energy was palpable; the mood on the Elsewhere rooftop shifted between giddy anticipation and a feverish intensity as fans danced the night away.

A Night of Genre-Defying Sound

The evening was a masterclass in curation, featuring sets by heartgaze, petal supply, and a thrilling back-to-back session with umru, milkfish (underscores’ DJ alias), Emile Fortune, and Tiam. When underscores finally took the decks for her solo set, the performance was as danceable as it was hilarious. She seamlessly blended her own hits like “bodyfeeling” with a vast array of genres, spanning Korean rap, American pop, and Latin music. From Keith Ape to Charli XCX, the set was a delirious journey that culminated in a brilliant mix of Camila Cabello’s “B.O.A.T” and oklou’s “choke enough.”

Charli xcx’s “Magic Metal Montana” is the beating heart of ‘Music, Fashion, Film’

“Magic Metal Montana” joins a pantheon of highly literal, highly endearing Charli xcx songs. Whereas so much of pop music today is mired in innuendo and cleverness, Charli is often at her best when eschewing any and all cheekiness and going straight for the sweat-soaked jugular.

On “Magic,” Charli XCX writes a song about her friendship and enduring collaboration with producer A.G. Cook. She details their creative connection (“We make music, we talk that way”), as well as smaller details about his taste (“You like old things, magic, metal and Montana”) and their shared commonality as “only [children].” There is little to analyze in these straightforward words, but much to emotionally react to, as she directly recounts their friendship and co-creativity.

The entire song, though, is colored by its most striking line: “I’d cry if you died,” she sings in a scraggly vocal fry before moving into something more soaring. The line immediately brings to mind SOPHIE, whose tragic 2021 passing created an irreplaceable vacuum in contemporary pop and in Charli’s own micro-scene. With the line about SOPHIE, the song, a simple, guitar-driven ode to A.G., takes on new emotional textures, becoming both a sincere appreciation of a central confidante, and an anxious expression about impermanence.

If Brat was about the self, how it shifts and shatters when trapped in the thrall of others’ perceptions, or when the realities of the perpetual party rub up against new desires, then this new album is about the experience of existing in community. Here that community is composed of friends and collaborators, namely A.G Cook and Finn Keane who she made the record with. She paints a picture of this group by relaying the day-to-day of their art-making, and there’s a quotidian quality to the music that is, compared to Charli’s last full-length, quite quaint. But deeper more looming concerns, like death, still hover.

With that, this almost diaristic portrait of her friendship with A.G. is both a straightforward look at an enduring relationship, and a more broad mediation on friendship itself. Overall, it’s just very, very sweet.

BBC Introducing Stage Axed from Reading & Leeds Festival After 18 Years

The BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival will be axed after 18 years, marking a significant shift for the long-running event. Since its inception in 2008, the stage has served as a vital platform for emerging artists, with roughly 70% of the acts on this year’s line-up having performed there at some point in their careers.

The decision comes as part of a massive staging and arena overhaul, which organizers have described as the most extensive in the history of the festivals. Both Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds will feature up to six stages, including a rebranded Main Stage known as The Grid, alongside new additions such as The Gallery and The Warehouse.

While the BBC Introducing stage is being removed, Festival Republic has stated that they remain committed to championing new talent, noting that the new Canopy stage will serve as the primary home for breaking acts. A BBC spokesperson confirmed that while the stage at Reading is being retired, they are exploring future collaborations with the event and will continue to host BBC Introducing stages at other festivals across the UK this summer.

Festival Republic boss Melvin Benn recently spoke to NME regarding the evolution of the event. “The whole stage change and the presentation of the way we’re making those stage changes, it’s made me as excited about Reading & Leeds as I’ve ever been,” Benn said. “This really is the next phase of Reading & Leeds festivals.”

Benn also reflected on the festival’s role in artist development, noting that many of this year’s headliners—including Florence + The Machine, Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye—honed their craft on smaller stages before reaching the top of the bill. The festival, which has also seen legendary performances from artists like Ed Sheeran and The 1975, is currently preparing for its upcoming edition, which runs from August 27 to 30.

Inside underscores and FADER’s Packed Out Sunset Rave

Rain and a 20% chance of thunderstorms didn’t stop hundreds from pulling up to Brooklyn’s Elsewhere to catch a sunset set from The FADER’s new cover star underscores. Giggly and high-spirited fans arrived as early as 9 a.m. to hold down the line, which eventually grew to stretch multiple city blocks around the venue.

If you ask us, the trek was worth it. N.Y.C.’s own heartgrazer kicked the festivities off with a sweet digicore set, which was followed by an inspiring techno showcase from petal supply. At 8 p.m. the woman of the hour — in boots and a leather jacket — parted the crowd to grace the stage as her DJ alias milkfish, where she and friends umru, Emile Fortune, and Tiam switched off behind the decks for a very Tumblr 2016 set: Charli xcx’s “Vroom Vroom” into Black Eyed Peas’ “Scream & Shout” into Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles.” By the time it hit 9 p.m., everyone was so thoroughly sweaty and hot, there’s was nothing else left to do but totally let loose for underscores.

Come back to thefader.com on July 14, 9 a.m. ET, to read underscores’s FADER cover story and other surprises.

Charli xcx Announces ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ North American Tour

Charli xcx is preparing to hit the road for a highly anticipated North American tour in support of her forthcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film. The project, which is scheduled for release this Friday, June 12, has already generated significant buzz with the debut of singles such as “Rock Music” and “SS26.”

The tour is slated to begin on September 11, 2026, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The run includes high-profile stops, such as two-night residencies at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. Joining the tour as the opening act for all dates is the rising pop sensation and producer Underscores, whose latest album U has been widely recognized as one of the standout projects of 2026.

Tour Accessibility and Charity Initiatives

In a move to prioritize fan accessibility, the tour will feature special, low-priced tickets. Furthermore, a limited number of charity tickets will be allocated in the first five rows of each venue. Notably, 50% of the net proceeds from these specific seats will be donated to the Transgender Law Center, underscoring the artist’s commitment to social advocacy.

Ticketing Information

Fans looking to secure their spots can sign up for the Artist Presale starting Friday, June 12, at 9 AM local time. Registration for the presale must be completed by Wednesday, June 10, at 11 PM ET. Any remaining tickets will be released to the general public on Friday, June 12, at 1 PM local time via Charli xcx’s official website.

Additionally, the tour introduces “Angel Tickets,” a limited batch of $20 tickets becoming available in August. These tickets will be sold in pairs, with seat locations revealed on the day of the show at the venue box office. These tickets are non-transferrable, ensuring they remain accessible to the fanbase.

Tour Dates

Sep 11 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
Sep 14 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Sep 15 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sep 24 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Sep 28 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Oct 02 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Oct 09 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct 14 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Oct 17 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum
Oct 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum
Oct 21 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Oct 23 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena

Songs You Need In Your Life: May 27, 2026

Each week, The FADER staff rounds up the songs we can’t get enough of. Here they are, in no particular order. You can find these tracks on our Spotify and Apple Music playlists, or hear them all below.

KRYSTAL, “PWLT”

f(x) fans rejoice: KRYSTAL is back. Her latest track, “PWLT,” is dreamy bedroom pop at its finest — featuring an addictive hook, guitar work by Kuo-Hung Tseng of Sunset Rollercoaster, and hypnotic synths from OHHYUK of Hyukoh. This marks a long-awaited return to music for the former f(x) member ahead of her forthcoming album.

Charli xcx, “Playboy Bunny”

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“All my music sounds the same, well it’s because I made it.” Charli xcx continues to challenge the way we critique music online, reminding us that sometimes the gift is simply that art continues to exist.

Fatt Smaxk feat. Playboi Carti, “Smaxk or Die [Remix]”

Following the success of “Butta B,” Playboi Carti has emerged to grace this remix with a Swamp Izzo-assisted verse. It is a high-energy collaboration that proves Fatt Smaxk is a force to be reckoned with.

mary in the junkyard, “New Muscles”

British band mary in the junkyard skirts the line between whimsical and haunting. “New Muscles” features clattering percussion and a march-like quality that perfectly complements Clari Freeman-Taylor’s fragile, emotive vocals.

Che Mario, “U Da Cake”

Melding Gqom, hip-hop, Amapiano, and Dancehall, “U Da Cake” is a strong contender for song of the summer. Che Mario delivers a vibrant performance that feels like an instant classic.

Torture Methods, “Her Pale Visage”

A departure from the craggly synths found elsewhere on his debut album, “Her Pale Visage” is a minimalist, piano-led piece that offers a moment of euphoric reprieve.

OsamaSon, “off that!”

OsamaSon returns with “off that!,” a bouncy, squiggly track that serves as our first look at his upcoming album, NOCTURNAL.

A Good Year, “Right Back”

Copenhagen duo A Good Year delivers a forlorn, heartful rock track with “Right Back,” featuring a touch of trip-hop panache that highlights their unique sound.

Eli feat. Ayleen Valentine, “Love U thru the DJ”

“Love U thru the DJ” is a quintessential pop anthem, complete with stacked vocal harmonies and heavenly synth arpeggios that make it an essential listen.

Charli XCX Shifts Gears: Why She’s Trading Dance Floors for Rock Music

Charli XCX has officially signaled a departure from the high-octane electronic sound that defined her 2024 cultural phenomenon, Brat. In a candid new interview, the artist revealed that she is currently deep in the creative process for her eighth studio album, and the direction is decidedly more guitar-driven. “The dance floor is dead, so now we’re making rock music,” she declared, marking a bold transition for the pop visionary.

A New Sonic Direction

The shift comes after a whirlwind period that saw Charli XCX headline major global festivals and inspire the viral ‘Brat summer’ craze. Having recently provided the score for Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights adaptation and released a companion project, the singer is now focused on pushing her boundaries. During a conversation with Vogue, she offered a glimpse into the upcoming record, playing unreleased tracks anchored by gritty electric guitar riffs.

“I think the dance floor is dead, so now we’re making rock music,” she explained, noting that her inspiration stems from the nocturnal energy of being out in the world. She emphasized that she is determined to avoid the trap of creating a ‘Brat 2.0’, preferring to explore new, more internal avenues of expression.

“I’ve been making music since I was 14. It’s nearly 20 years. I feel very spoiled saying this, but there is not much that can thrill me within music any more. For me, it’s fun to flip the form. We know there’s gonna be people who are bothered by it, but that’s fine.”

Finding Purpose Through Art

Charli reflected on the necessity of evolving her sound, even if it risks alienating those who preferred her previous work. She noted that the intense hype surrounding her last album actually fueled a craving for something more quiet and introspective. “Getting back to something more internal is really nice,” she shared. The new project aims to examine how art provides a sense of purpose, particularly when she looks beyond the domestic sphere of her life with husband George Daniel.

“I don’t really want to write songs about my husband forever,” she admitted. “If I write about our relationship, I’m probably only really interested in writing about some of the more obscure feelings of being married.” Instead, the album will grapple with the existential weight of her creative identity and what life might look like if her connection to art were ever severed.

Looking Ahead

While the new album has yet to be officially announced, the artist has been active in the studio, sharing glimpses of her progress with fans. This pivot aligns with her previous comments about feeling “stuck, empty and barren” following the overwhelming success of Brat, leading her to seek inspiration in film and more experimental indie pop textures. With producers like A.G. Cook and Finn Keane involved, the project is already being described as an “anti-Brat” statement.

As she prepares to make her headline debut at Reading & Leeds this August, fans can expect a fresh, perhaps more classic feel, as Charli XCX continues to challenge the expectations of modern pop music.

Charli XCX’s Team Confirms Work on Eighth Studio Album

A New Chapter Following ‘Brat’

Representatives for Charli XCX have officially confirmed that the pop visionary is currently in the final stages of completing her eighth studio album. This news arrives on the heels of the monumental cultural impact of her 2024 record, Brat, which not only dominated the charts but also inspired a widespread cultural phenomenon and a subsequent mockumentary, The Moment.

• READ MORE: Charli XCX – ‘Wuthering Heights’ review: delicious gothic pop for a winter of yearning

Expanding Into Film and Soundscapes

Since the release of Brat, Charli XCX has pivoted toward cinematic endeavors, most notably providing the score for Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. The project also saw the release of a companion album, which has recently been the subject of public discourse regarding songwriting credits.

Addressing recent claims made by Sky Ferreira regarding the Wuthering Heights soundtrack, Charli’s team issued a formal statement to Billboard: “All relevant parties were consulted throughout, and the album was played in full in advance of release to everyone. Songwriting credits and splits were determined and agreed collectively in writing, with reference to documented timelines and contributions.”

The Creative Direction of the Upcoming Record

While managing the complexities of her recent soundtrack release, the artist is simultaneously filming a new movie in Kyoto. Despite the exhaustion that followed the Brat era—a period she described as leaving her feeling “stuck, empty and barren”—Charli appears to be channeling her creative energy into a new sonic direction.

In previous interviews, the artist hinted that her next non-soundtrack record would likely diverge significantly from the hyper-pop aesthetic of Brat. “You can never really do the same thing twice and my next record will probably be a flop, which I’m down for to be honest,” she noted last May.

Collaborators, including A.G. Cook, Finn Keane, and George Daniel, have described the upcoming project as “anti-Brat,” with Keane noting that recent sessions have explored sounds “completely the opposite” of her previous work. Furthermore, Charli has teased that she is heavily incorporating string arrangements into the new material, signaling a sophisticated evolution in her sound.