When young jazz luminary Samara Joy accepted a golden gramophone for Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs, the sequence of expressions that flitted across her visage seemed to cover the entire spectrum of feeling.

The 23-year-old vocalist born Samara Joy McLendon had already won a GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the Premiere Ceremony, for her acclaimed second album and Verve debut, Linger Awhile. This win during the CBS telecast was an entirely different beast. 

The artist who just a few years ago had been a promising undergrad and audibly nervous on the phone now stood onstage at the Crypto.com arena before global megastars from Taylor Swift to Lizzo to Adele — not to mention 12.55 million people at home.

Speaking to GRAMMY.com in its wake, Joy likened the experience to living "in a parallel universe or a movie."

"I'm still in shock and disbelief because I truly didn't think that I would be in the position to receive such an honor," Joy said of the Best New Artist win, where she forged ahead of fellow nominees like Brazilian star Anitta, genre-blending singer/songwriter Omar Apollo, British indie oddballs Wet Leg, and her fellow rising jazzers DOMi & JD Beck.

"I am, however, grateful for the honor, because it reassures me of the fact that I want to continue pursuing music and growth as a musician," Joy continued. "This signifies the beginning of a musical journey that I'm nervous but excited to embark on."

While Joy's  post-show comments focused on her continued development as an artist, the effect of her win quickly became conspicuous. Less than two weeks after the Feb. 5 ceremony, she appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to perform the recitative standard and Linger Awhile cut "Guess Who I Saw Today."

But it's worth considering what this General Field win means not only for Joy, but the jazz community writ large. Like other genres that appear deeper down the GRAMMY nominees list — from classical to reggae to spoken word — jazz can be treated as a little niche, partitioned off into a corner of the music landscape. Even the most heralded rising talents seldom rocket to celebrity status.

It's only once in a while that jazz completely and utterly perforates the mainstream — like in 2020, when Pixar's Soul was released, featuring consulting work from real-deal musicians from deep in the NYC scene, like Jon Batiste and Terri Lyne Carrington.

Some of these breakthroughs have happened at the GRAMMYs. In 2003, the charismatic and versatile Norah Jones swept the General Field, winning GRAMMYs for Best New Artist, Album Of The Year (for Come Away With Me) and Record Of The Year (for "Don't Know Why"), on top of wins for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Vocal Performance.

Five years later, Herbie Hancock — one of the most brilliant harmonic thinkers of the 20th century, and 21st — won Album Of The Year for River: The Joni Letters, his tribute to his old collaborator and fellow game-changing genius Joni Mitchell. In that category, the album beat out Kanye West's Graduation and Amy Winehouse's Back to Black.

In 2011, bassist, composer and vocalist Esperanza Spalding won Best New Artist and has been a steady presence at the GRAMMYs ever since, winning right up to the 2022 GRAMMYs (Best Jazz Vocal Album, for SONGWRIGHTS APOTHECARY LAB) and landing a nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for her work with Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Leo Genovese on that year's Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

Additionally, at the 2022 GRAMMYs, Lady Gaga paid tribute to her collaborator, Tony Bennett, with a performance of "Love for Sale" and "Do I Love You" — both from their final duets album, which won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at that year's ceremony. (Previously, their album Cheek to Cheek won in the same category, at the 2015 GRAMMYs.)

On top of all that, other crossover artists with jazz connections, from Jacob Collier to Robert Glasper to Thundercat, have made big splashes at Music’s Biggest Night.

Despite operating under the "jazz" umbrella, all these artists are wildly divergent in almost every possible way. Joy is connected to a jazz-vocal tradition that snakes way back in history, back to when her heroes like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae were dropping jaws.

"I'm overjoyed at Samara's success. But not surprised," Lisa Goich-Andreadis, the Director of Awards and Jazz Genre Manager at the Recording Academy, tells GRAMMY.com. "The first time I heard her voice, I couldn't believe that it was coming out of a 22-year-old. It has the richness and depth of the legends that came before her. She channels something out of another era. Her rise is well-deserved."

What makes Joy fresh is that it's her doing this music, channeling it through her vibrant abilities and irresistibly vivacious spirit. There are a lot of singers doing standards, but there's only one Joy. 

"She f—ing deserves it, man," pianist Geoffrey Keezer, who took home a GRAMMY for Best Instrumental Composition at the same ceremony, tells GRAMMY.com. "She can sing her butt off, and I don't know her personally, but from everything I see, she seems like a really nice person, and really humble and down-to-earth. I think it's fantastic."

Keezer sees Joy's triumph at the 2023 GRAMMYs as a reminder, loud and clear, that jazz is no antiquated or peripheral artform. Rather, it is a vibrant and alive genre very much in the now. 

"The whole umbrella genre is Black American Music, and jazz is the branch of it that has a swing beat," he explains. "So, it's just as current and relevant as anything else. There's all these different branches of the same tree. When the one that swings wins, it's just nice to have that recognized as: Yes, we're still here. This is still part of it, and it's important, and it's where it all came from."

To Goich-Andreadis, Joy's win is significant because it shows that she's being noticed by a wide audience far afield from the jazz community — including that of such esteem as the pre-GRAMMYs MusiCares Persons Of The Year event, which honored Motown titans Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.

"She received a rousing standing ovation by the crowd, with honorees Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson leading the way," Goich-Andreadis remembers of her performance. "It's great to see a representative from this genre touching so many with her talent."

Keezer views Joy's ascent as part of a greater mass of acknowledgement, including that of Spalding, Hancock, and five-time GRAMMY winner Billy Childs — a rising tide that lifts all boats. "I think cumulatively, it opens doors," he says. "It gives the general public, I almost want to say, permission to like this music and think it's cool.

"Audiences are smart, man. People want to hear good musicianship," he continues. "You watch the Olympics to see Simone Biles, or tennis to see Serena Williams, or whatever. You want to see human excellence in real time, in front of your eyes. So, that's what we're seeing with Samara Joy. She's the real deal, and she's doing it right in front of you with no gimmickry and no Auto-Tune."

As to the wider impact of her big wins, Joy can't prognosticate. She only hopes to move the needle.

"I hope that this win means that jazz musicians will be paid a bit more attention and respect for their contributions to music as a whole," Joy says. "It really is a wonderful community that deserves some more shine than it's been given. It's a small step but a step nonetheless."

No matter what happens, perhaps the essence of this victory is simply that the flame is proudly preserved and bore by a worthy ambassador. "Samara is carrying on this very treasured and important musical tradition," Goich-Andreadis says. "Jazz is America's gift to the world."

No Accreditation? No Problem! 10 Potential Routes To Get Into Jazz As A Beginner

Amid the excitement of first-round voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs, we've reached the end of another week that's been filled with new music. 

Case in point: eschewing the traditional Friday release schedule, Maggie Rogers and J. Cole both dropped singles midweek to help fans get over the proverbial hump with new tunes.

In other news, James Blunt marks the 20th anniversary of his 2004 breakout debut Back to Bedlam — which spawned global smash "You're Beautiful" and remains the best-selling album of the 2000s in his native UK — with a special re-release. Plus, Rod Wave hits a new stride with his latest LP Last Lap, rising country stars Erin Kinsey and Carter Faith each deliver new EPs, respectively titled Gettin Away With It and The Aftermath, and EARTHGANG team up with T-Pain for "Love You More," the lead single off their upcoming album, Perfect Fantasy.

Below, dive into 10 of the best new releases of the week from JENNIE, The Kid LAROI, GloRilla, and more.

Remember late September? Maggie Rogers sure does. On her wistful new single "In The Living Room," which arrived by surprise on Tuesday (Oct. 8), the former Best New Artist GRAMMY nominee reflects on a lost relationship as she belts out, "All of the things, we pulled apart/ I let it go, it doesn't matter/ The seasons change, it broke my heart/ But I will always remember you/ When we were dancing in the living room."

Directed by Grant Singer, the accompanying music video brings Rogers' lyrics to life as she performs in a wood-paneled apartment complete with green carpet, a bare mattress and a brooding love interest played by Luka Isaac. 

"It's a song about the beauty and pain of memory, and the way that interweaves with reality when you're processing the exit of a person in your life," the "Alaska" singer/songwriter said in a statement upon the song's release.

Attention, BLINKs and RUBIES! JENNIE's first solo single since launching her Odd Atelier label is more than a "Mantra," it's a bonafide playbook for all the pretty girls to live by. "Pretty girls don't do trauma, no more drama/ We already got a full day/ Pretty girls that you gon' remember, know that you could never/ nothing ever trigger me/ This that pretty girl mantra, she's that stunna/ Everyone knows she is me," the K-pop idol sings over horn blasts and thumping bass on the chorus.

The high-fashion visual accompanying the track's release, meanwhile, is filled with fiery choreography and a cavalcade of colorful vehicles, from a creamy white Mercedes covered in a lace sheath to a cherry-red big rig. The latter might just rival the size of the glittering disco ball of a tank Jennie's famous for riding atop in the videos for BLACKPINK smashes "DDU-DU DDU-DU" and "Shut Down."

On his new single "Aperol Spritz," The Kid LAROI is double-fisting the fizzy orange cocktails on a trip to the club with his latest flame. While the singer doesn't explicitly name-drop girlfriend Tate McCrae on the swaggering track, he's certainly not shy about showing off his new love — as fans have recently seen everywhere from the MTV Video Music Awards to a romantic getaway in Bora Bora.

"There's a whole lot of girls up in here/ But can't nobody f— with my b—," he brags on the chorus, while the song's music video fittingly sees the Australian chased around a studio by a mass of shrieking female fans. Only when he trips and falls does the chase give way to an editorial-ready dogpile, with The Kid LAROI surrounded by the dozens of models as they all gaze coolly up at the camera.

After building substantial buzz for the past two-and-a-half years as one of the most explosive rappers to come out of Memphis, GloRilla finally delivers her debut album, GLORIOUS, via Interscope Records.

The long-awaited LP lives up to its title with a star-studded roster of guest features to support the viral sensation born Gloria Hallelujah Woods. For starters, girl power is out in full force, with the rapper's close pal and recent tourmate Megan Thee Stallion joining the fun for highlight "HOW I LOOK," while Latto and Muni Long each show up on respective cuts "PROCEDURE" and "DON'T DESERVE." Plus, GloRilla assembles Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard and Maverick City Music for gospel-infused outlier "RAIN DOWN ON ME" and declares herself "QUEEN OF MEMPHIS" with an assist from Fridayy on the album's triumphant closer.

Kane Brown slows things down to what's most important on his heartwarming new single, "Backseat Driver." The country star paints a sweet picture as the ballad opens early in the morning in a McDonald's drive-thru, "two muffins, one coffee and a little, bitty orange juice."

The backseat driver in question is Brown's 4-year-old daughter Kingsley Rose, who adorably peppers her famous dad with crucial questions like whether or not squirrels have houses in the trees and why God put stingers on honey bees. "It's crazy all the things she sees on the side of the road/ Out of that window beside her," he sings before concluding, "I wish I could be more like her/ My little danglin' feet, pretty in pink backseat driver."

The heartfelt track is the lead single from Brown's upcoming fourth studio album, The High Road, which will arrive Jan. 24, 2025. Along with revealing the album news on Oct. 9, the singer also announced a North American tour that will kick off March 13.

On Wednesday (Oct. 9), J. Cole dropped his latest single, "Port Antonio." Built over dual samples of Lonnie Liston Smith's spacey keyboard track "A Garden of Peace" from 1983's Dreams of Tomorrow and a pitched-up version of Cleo Sol's 2021 deep cut "Know That You Are Loved," the rapper revisits his autobiography by referencing "young Jermaine," who worked minimum wage jobs while watching everyone around him spend thousands on designer duds.

However, the root of the downtempo song — which precedes Cole's highly anticipated forthcoming project The Fall Off — sees him removing himself from the headline-making, diss track-filled feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that erupted earlier this year. (Back in April, Cole removed his own diss track "7 Minute Drill" after publicly apologizing to Lamar.)

Later in the song, Cole even name-drops Drake and gives credit where credit's due ("I ain't ashamed to say you did a lot for me"), before pointing out to his hip-hop peers and everyone listening, "F— all the narratives/ Tappin' back into your magic pen is what's imperative/ Remindin' these folks why we do it, it's not for beefin'/ It's for speakin' our thoughts, pushin' ourselves, reachin' the charts/ Reaching your minds, deep in your heart screamin' to find/ Emotion to touch, somethin' inside to open you up."

It's been almost exactly one year since BoyWithUke revealed his face to the world in October 2023, and the TikTok star who once wore an LED mask to conceal his identity is already preparing to burn it all down. "Gaslight" serves as the TikTok star-turned-independent artist's latest single off his upcoming fifth album Burnout, which he's promised will be his final body of work under the stage name that made him famous.

Following fellow singles "Can You Feel It?" and "Ghost," "Gaslight" is a volatile, churning breakup track dedicated to a sociopathic love interest that BoyWithUke is determined to cut ties with…but not before getting a little revenge of his own. The accompanying music video plays out like a haunted horror show, but the musician gets the last laugh with a lyrical twist of the knife that you simply have to hear to believe.

Samara Joy — 'Portrait'

Eighteen months after winning Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs, Samara Joy returns with her latest full-length album, Portrait. Co-produced by Brian Lynch and recorded at the hallowed Van Gelder Studio, the LP contains eight new tracks including pre-release singles "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" and "Autumn Nocturne."

Portrait paints a lively picture of the Bronx-born jazz starlet's prodigious talents, as well as her electric chemistry with her eight-piece touring band. In fact, the entire body of work was conceived and fine-tuned during the GRAMMY winner's near-constant touring schedule in the two years since she released her 2022 breakout album, Linger Awhile. "I'm often the fifth voice, the fifth horn," Joy said in a statement coinciding with Portrait's release, adding, "I hope listeners will see that I'm a musician too."

It's been 15 years since Major Lazer dropped their debut album, 2009's Guns Don't Kill People… Lazers Do, and they're marking the milestone with a 15th anniversary re-release featuring unreleased tracks from the era.

The first track the trio — now consisting of Diplo, Walshy Fire and Ape Drums — are dusting off from the vault is "Nobody Move," another collaboration with Vybz Kartel, who previously appeared on the original album's second single "Pon De Floor" alongside Afrojack. On the bonus cut, the group crafts a swaying tropical groove over Kartel's laid-back but threatening refrain of "Nobody move, nobody get hurt."

Love has Dylan Gossett's head in the clouds — or at least the foliage — on his toe-tapping new single "Tree Birds." In fact, the rising Americana sensation employs the perfect amount of harmonica to properly communicate just how head over heels in love he is on the giddy track, which follows his recent Songs in the Gravel EP.

"You remind me that there's something up above/ Do I deserve all your love?/ I swear I don't/ When you need me, just know that I'll show up/ Oh I'll go anywhere, state, city or town/ I promise you're the best damn thing from the South," Gossett vows before letting out an ecstatic "hey yeah!" on the final chorus. The jubilant love song is sure to be a highlight of the Austin, Texas native's ongoing Back 40 Tour, which runs across North America through the end of November.

Blink and 2024 will be over — that's the feeling when you realize the tenth month of the year is just around the corner. With falling leaves and jack-o-lanterns, October also brings with it an infusion of new music by icons and new artists, from country to EDM.

Right out the gate, stadium experts Coldplay will release their tenth LP, Moon Music, and FINNEAS (Billie Eilish's brother and creative partner) will come forth with For Crying Out Loud! on October 4. In the following week, new records from Becky G, The Offspring, Jelly Roll, and Justin Moore will hit the streaming platforms (and shelves) with the best of Mexican music, punk rock, and classic country.

The month will also feature the return of MC5 after 53 years with Heavy Lifting, Halsey's confessional The Great Impersonator, and Joe Jonas' sophomore solo, Music for People Who Believe In Love. Rapper Drake has also announced Untitled with PARTYNEXTDOOR — although there's no further info yet.

To make the best of this exciting season, GRAMMY.com compiled a list of 15 inspiring albums dropping in October 2024.

Coldplay — 'Moon Music' (Oct. 4)

October opens up with the arrival of Coldplay's tenth studio album, the Max Martin-produced Moon Music. Dropping Oct. 4, the LP is a sequel to 2021's From Earth with Love and part of their Music of the Spheres project and ongoing tour.

The band raised expectations with singles "feelslikeimfallinginlove" and "We Pray" featuring Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, and Tini, and also with a series of immersive listening pop-up events, which will happen in cities like San Juan, London, Beijing, Auckland, and Santiago between October 1–7.

As one of the most sustainably focused bands in the business, Coldplay maintains their commitment in making this record as eco-friendly as possible. Moon Music touts itself to be the world's first album to be released as 140g EcoRecord vinyl and EcoCD, originating from recycled PET-plastic bottles and polycarbonate, and providing an 85% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to usual productions.

Thee Sacred Souls — 'Got A Story To Tell' (Oct. 4)

With their sophomore record, Got A Story To Tell, San Diego-based Thee Sacred Souls want to show that they aren't just a fad. Following their 2022 self-titled debut and a lengthy tour through North America and Europe, the upcoming 12-track LP finds a "darker, more mature" tone to their music, according to a press statement.

Read more: Thee Sacred Souls' Self-Titled Debut Is A Sweet Soul Love Story

"As we got busier, we were all dealing with things back home, trying to balance life and music and touring," said drummer Salvador Samano. Got A Story was mostly written on the road, and vocalist Josh Lane said that all the emotions and personal stories they went through during the tour "were sprinkled into the songwriting to create a potent blend of truth and imagination."

For a preview of those tales, the trio shared the ethereal "Lucid Girl." One week following the release, they will hop back on a new tour through North America and Europe, including stops in New York, Toronto, Mexico City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Samara Joy — 'Portrait' (Oct. 11)

Samara Joy, Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs, will follow up on 2022's otherworldly Linger Awhile with her new album Portrait. Set to release on Oct. 11, Portrait sees the rising jazz star stepping up into the role of co-producer along Brian Lynch, as well as expanding her singing and songwriting skills into arrangements and leading her touring band.

Read more: 20 Live Events at the GRAMMY Museum This October: Experience Kacey Musgraves, Khalid, Tems, Samara Joy & More

"Eight musicians, eight fresh perspectives and musical backgrounds — all joined together in a context designed for growth and exploration," explained Joy of the ensemble in a press release. "I'm often the fifth voice, the fifth horn. I hope listeners will see that I'm a musician too." According to her, the band's work in this project represents "a well of inspiration that never runs dry because of the different streams that flow in."

Among their creations are new interpretations of "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" and "Autumn Nocturne," as well as fresh lyrics to music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra, and more. Joy will tour the U.S. for the remainder of 2024, including stops in Florida, New Jersey, California, Arizona, South Carolina, and New York, followed by her A Joyful Holiday Tour in December.

The Offspring — 'Supercharged' (Oct. 11)

Four decades deep, punk rock pros The Offspring are still Supercharged — or so goes their forthcoming album title. "We wanted this record to have pure energy," said frontman Dexter Holland in a press statement. "From the height of our aspirations to the depths of our struggles, we talk about it all on this record."

A celebration of "the life that we share and where we are now," Supercharged surges ahead with "Make It Alright," a single about relying on your "partners in crime," and "Light It Up," which channels punk rock's cathartic aggressions. Produced by Bob Rock, the album was recorded in Maui, Vancouver, and in the band's studio in Huntington Beach, California. "I feel like this is the best we have ever sounded!" added Holland. "We've been rocking out and headbanging to it for months! And we can't wait for you guys to hear it!"

After performances at festivals Louder Than Life and Oceans Calling in September, the band will head to San Diego's Punk in the Park on November 16, and then to a sold-out show in Melbourne, Australia, on November 24.

Jelly Roll — 'Beautifully Broken' (Oct. 11)

Following a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2024 GRAMMYs, a slew of CMA awards, and the record-breaking success of his country music debut, Whitsitt Chapel, Jelly Roll will keep the momentum going with his new album, Beautifully Broken.

Set to release on Oct. 11, the tracklist includes hits "I Am Not Okay," "Liar," and ESPN's 2024 College Football Season anthem, "Get By." "I'm looking for songs that have purpose," said the multifaceted singer in an interview with New York Times Magazine. "When I go to put out a song under the name Jelly Roll, I think to myself, Why? Because for the first time in my life, it has nothing to do with a financial decision. I'm well past putting out anything for money."

Beautifully Broken was named after Jelly Roll's ongoing tour, which launched Aug. 27 in Salt Lake City, UT, and will cross more than 30 cities in the U.S. before wrapping up on Nov. 23 in Jacksonville, FL.

Justin Moore — 'This Is My Dirt' (Oct. 11)

This Is My Dirt is an album about appreciating your hometown and the simple things in life. "There are some home sentimental, family value type songs on it but also of course some humor, beer drinking hell raising, stone cold country music on there!" shared Arkansas-born singer Justin Moore on Instagram. "It's also the first album that my touring band has recorded with me which is exciting for us, and something I'm very proud of."

Featuring collaborations by Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and Randy Houser, This Is My Dirt is one of Moore's "most confident records to date." Through 12 tracks, he "still sings about his small town USA," and keeps "true to his roots, honoring the military and even adding a fun, light-hearted tune or two" that put life as both a dad of four and touring artist in a nutshell.

Moore has been on the Country Round Here Tonight tour with Randy Houser since September, but still has a few dates scheduled for October and November, including stops at Indianapolis, Saint Louis Place, and Myrtle Beach.

The Blessed Madonna — 'Godspeed' (Oct. 11)

The Blessed Madonna's (aka Marea Stamper) debut studio album has been a long time coming, but Godspeed will finally see the light of the day on Oct. 11. The 24-track collection also features appearances from Kylie Minogue, A-Trak, Jamie Principle, and Shaun J. Wright.

The word Godspeed "marks the beginning of a journey and sometimes the end of one," Stamper explained on instagram. "After nearly a year in lockdown, when I signed the paperwork and knew that I was going to be allowed to make this album, I called my dad in Kentucky to tell him the good news. He could not contain his pride and in a way his relief. I was going to be ok. He says it better than I do at the beginning of the record."

Stamper lost her dad shortly before the first recording session, but states "his voice will live in Godspeed forever and make a million more journeys to everyone who hears it." The rest of the tracklist continues to balance "the twin flames of rave and religion" with personal themes, as can be seen in pre-releases "Godspeed" featuring DJ E-Clyps, "Serotonin Moonbeams," "Mercy" with Jacob Lusk, "Happier" with Clementine Douglas, and "Edge of Saturday Night" featuring Kylie Minogue.

MC5 — 'Heavy Lifting' (Oct. 18)

It's not everyday that a band releases a new record after 53 years, which makes MC5's posthumous Heavy Lifting even more anticipated. Plus, the album features the final studio recordings of founding guitarist Wayne Kramer and drummer Dennis Thompson, who both passed away earlier this year.

"It's very heavy," producer Bob Ezrin said in a statement. "It has a revolutionary message but also a good sense of humor. There's a little bit of heavy metal. There's quite a bit of funk. But it is a heavy record, and it's a guitar record left, right and center. Just a wall of guitars most of the time, and mostly driven by Wayne and his ethos." Ezrin also mentions that they feel "a responsibility to make sure his work is heard, and he is celebrated."

The LP is spearheaded by single "Boys Who Play With Matches," and features stellar guest appearances, such as Slash, William DuVall, Tim McIlrath, and Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello, who features on the title track.

Shawn Mendes — 'Shawn' (Oct. 18)

After the announcement of his much-anticipated fifth studio album, Shawn, Shawn Mendes shared on Instagram: "Music really can be medicine. 2 years ago I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago I couldn't step into a studio without falling into complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift…Life can be brutal but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better."

The Canadian star has always been honest about his struggles with anxiety, which led him to cancel his 2022 tour after just seven shows. Shawn was crafted in that aftermath, drawing "deeply from his travels and experiences over the last few years," per a press statement. "It represents his most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date, guiding listeners through a profound self-dialogue with each song."

So far, Mendes has shared "Isn't That Enough," "Why Why Why," and "Nobody Knows" off the project, where country-leaning riffs and soulful lyrics reflect his internal growth journey. To celebrate the beginning of a new chapter, the singer announced a series of intimate concerts in North America, taking place from Oct. 14 to Nov. 25.

Joe Jonas — ‘Music for People Who Believe In Love' (Oct. 18)

The first and last time Joe Jonas released a solo album was in 2011, with the club-ready Fastlife. "I have so much love for those songs — they actually aged pretty well!" Jonas told Billboard in a recent interview. "But it feels like a different person."

Since then, the Jonas Brothers' resident middle child founded the pop collective DNCE, reunited with the JoBros for the release of "Sucker," got married to actress Sophie Turner, welcomed two kids, and went through a turbulent divorce in 2023. "I was going through a lot of life changes," he reflected. "Finding out who I was as a person and father and friend, and living under the microscope of what the music industry can be. And I think, at such a crazy time in my life, I looked to music as an outlet."

The result is Music for People Who Believe In Love, Jonas' sophomore solo album, set to drop on Oct. 18. "It was scary at times, and also freeing," he said of the experience. "I'm not trying to come for anyone on this album. I'm not trying to put stuff on blast. I have a beautiful life that I'm grateful for. I've got two beautiful kids. I'm a happy person, and the music needed to resemble that — but also, the journey to get here."

Halsey — 'The Great Impersonator' (Oct. 25)

"I spent half my life being someone else. I never stopped to ask myself: Is this a person you're proud to leave behind? Is it even you?" singer/songwriter Halsey asks in the album trailer for her upcoming fifth LP, The Great Impersonator.

Described as a "confessional concept album," The Great Impersonator sees Halsey time-travel through the decades, reimagining what her sound and life could have been like. "I really thought this album might be the last one I ever made. When you get sick like that, you start thinking about ways it could've all been different," she says in the video, recalling her Lupus SLE and T-cell disorder diagnoses. "What if I debuted in the early 2000s, the '90s, the '80s, the '70s… am I still Halsey every time, in every timeline?"

She dares to find out in the Britney Spears-inspired "Lucky," the moody new metal of "Lonely Is the Muse," and, most recently, the pop rock of "Ego." The Great Impersonator follows Halsey's 2021's If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power.

Kelsea Ballerini — ‘Patterns' (Oct. 25)

Country popstar Kelsea Ballerini is also gearing up to release her fifth album, Patterns, out Oct. 25. Recently, she told The Associated Press that the album is an "accurate snapshot" of her life as a whole — not just its good parts. "I think that people probably expect this really happy-go-lucky, love, mushy, gushy record from me. That's not the case, and I'm really proud of that." Patterns is a record about "analyzing yourself and the people that you love the most in order to grow," Ballerini added. 

In the album trailer, she also reflects that "we have the ability to look at our patterns and find the ones that serve us, and then we look at the ones that we don't want to carry with us, and…change them. I think that we make patterns so they don't make us."

That perspective appears in singles "Two Things," "Sorry Mom," and "Cowboys Cry Too" with Noah Kahan — the only feature in the album. Ballerini will celebrate the release with a sold-out performance at New York's Madison Square Garden on Oct. 29.

Pixies — 'The Night the Zombies Came' (Oct. 25)

Just in time for Halloween, veteran indie band Pixies will drop their tenth studio album, The Night the Zombies Came. Following 2022's Doggerel, this is their first release with new vocalist and bassist Emma Richardson, formerly of Band of Skulls, who replaced Paz Lenchantin in March of this year.

Off the 13-track project, Pixies have shared an eclectic bundle of singles, including "Oyster Beds," "Chicken," "You're So Impatient," "Que Sera, Sera," and the recent '90s rock of Berlin-inspired "Motoroller." Of the track, vocalist Black Francis explained in a statement: "This is one of those kinds of songs where there's little threads you can follow and they take you somewhere, but they're not required for the experience. You can just start fishing around in the lyrics, and maybe you won't find exactly what the story is, but you'll find a story related to the city of Berlin. So just have fun with the clues that are there."

The band will go on tour with Pearl Jam in Australia and New Zealand this November, and announced a 2025 European tour kicking off on April 25 in Utrecht, Netherlands, and concluding on May 24 in Manchester, UK.

Amyl and the Sniffers — 'Cartoon Darkness' (Oct. 25)

Australian punk rock quartet Amyl and the Sniffers are gearing up to release their third LP, Cartoon Darkness, on Oct. 25. Recorded at Foo Fighters' 606 Studios in Los Angeles, it follows 2021's Comfort to Me, and sees the band take a layered approach to the world's current status.

"Cartoon Darkness is about climate crisis, war, AI, tip-toeing on the eggshells of politics, and people feeling like they're helping by having a voice online when we're all just feeding the data beast of Big Tech, our modern-day god," vocalist Amy Taylor shared in a statement. "It's about the fact that our generation is spoon-fed information. We look like adults, but we're children forever cocooned in a shell. We're all passively gulping up distractions that don't even cause pleasure, sensation or joy, they just cause numbness."

Singles "Big Dreams," "Chewing Gum" and "U Should Not Be Doing That" give a taste of Taylor's words, kicking the door open to the band's new era. "The future is cartoon, the prescription is dark, but it's novelty. It's just a joke. It's fun," Taylor adds. Following the release, AatS will embark on a European tour in November.

Soccer Mommy — 'Evergreen' (Oct. 25)

For her upcoming fourth LP, Evergreen, Nashville singer Sophie Allison — better known as Soccer Mommy — wanted a new approach to her delicate music. "I wanted to change things up a bit on this one and play around with some more organic textures," she wrote on Instagram. "It was really important for me that the songwriting shone through everything and came to the forefront."

Allison revealed "Lost," "M," and "Driver" out of the 11-track collection, showcasing that she's as atmospheric and poignant as ever, crafting even more intricate songs. The album was recorded at Atlanta's Maze Studios with the help of producer Ben H. Allen III, and will be out Oct. 25. 

Starting 2025, Allison will hit the road with a comprehensive tour across North America, including cities like Chicago, Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas, and her hometown of Nashville.

As October rolls in, the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles and New York City is set to host an exciting lineup of live discussions and performances. This month’s programming features a diverse array of artists, including Kacey Musgraves, Khalid, Tems, Samara Joy, and Shelby Lynne, along with icons like Slash and Laurie Anderson.

Whether you're a fan of soulful jazz, indie pop, or rock legends, these events offer an intimate look into the creative processes of some of the industry's most compelling artists. From Travis Barker to Will Smith, the GRAMMY Museum continues to be a hub for music lovers to experience one-of-a-kind performances and discussions with their favorite artists.

Check out the comprehensive list of must-attend GRAMMY Museum public programs for October 2024:

The Drop: Shelby Lynne

Oct. 1, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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Shelby Lynne joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening discussing her latest music, her career, and creative process, with a performance to follow.

Inside Deeper Well: An Evening with Kacey Musgraves

Oct. 2, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome seven-time GRAMMY-winning artist Kacey Musgraves to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing her latest album, Deeper Well, and her creative process and career, with a performance to follow. The discussion will be moderated by Melena Ryzik. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.  

Read more: Why 2024 Is The Year Women In Country Music Will Finally Have Their Moment

An Evening With Will Smith

Oct. 3, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome 4-time GRAMMY-winning artist Will Smith to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his upcoming music, creative process, and legendary career, with a performance to follow. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy the rooftop and a cash bar prior to the program.  

An Evening With Slash & Mike Clink

Oct. 4, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

L.A.

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Slash, the iconic, GRAMMY-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, guitarist, and songwriter will join guests at the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his latest album Orgy of the Damned, a star-studded, vibrant homage to the blues. GRAMMY Hall of Fame Producer and longtime Slash collaborator Mike Clink will join the conversation to discuss the creative process for the album, and an intimate acoustic performance will follow. Attendees can enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.   

A New York Evening With Arooj Aftab

Oct. 4, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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Arooj Aftab joins GRAMMY Museum guests at The Greene Space in NYC to celebrate her latest album, Night Reign. Aftab will detail her creative process and more in discussion with Jem Aswad, with a special performance to follow. 

Watch: Run The World: How Pakistani Singer Arooj Aftab Reimagined Genre & Made GRAMMY History

Spotlight: Jessica Pratt

Oct. 8, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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Jessica Pratt joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her career and discussing her latest album, Here in the Pitch, creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.

A New York Evening With Samara Joy

Oct. 8, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome three-time GRAMMY-winning artist Samara Joy to The Greene Space in NYC to celebrate her latest album, Portrait, her creative process and more. Joy will be in discussion with the author and music journalist Marcus J. Moore, with a special performance to follow.

Read more: Samara Joy Won Best New Artist At The 2023 GRAMMYs. What Could It Mean For The Wider Jazz Community?

Spotlight: Tems

Oct. 9, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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Nigeria-based singer/songwriter, and producer Tems will join guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening moderated by Billboard’s Gail Mitchell. Tems will discuss her debut album, Born in the Wild, her career, and creative process. A performance will follow her talk.

Learn more:Tems On How 'Born In The Wild' Represents Her Story Of "Survival" & Embracing Every Part Of Herself

A New York Evening With Ben Platt

Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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Ben Platt joins GRAMMY Museum guests at National Sawdust in Brooklyn to talk about his album Honeymind, his creative process behind the project, his career, and more, with a special performance to follow.  Platt is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast. "A New York Evening With" is generously supported by the Dawn and Brian Hoesterey Family Foundation.  

Read more: Inside Ben Platt's 'Honeymind': How Queer Love, Live Performance & More Led To His Most Authentic Album Yet

A Conversation With Deryck Whibley of Sum 41

Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 to the Clive Davis Theater for an evening of conversation discussing the stories behind his memoir, Walking Disaster" the creative process behind writing the book, and more with Matt Pinfield. Tickets to this event include admission and a signed copy of the memoir.

Read more: Sum 41 Says Farewell: Deryck Whibley Shares His Favorite Memories With The Pop-Punk Icons

Sensory Friendly Saturdays

Oct. 12, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m.

L.A.

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Experience Sensory Friendly Saturday on the second Saturday of every month. Families can enjoy our space with less crowding, quieter sound levels and lower lighting on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Guests can purchase tickets when they arrive at the Museum or they can purchase online for the applicable Saturday.

Reel to Reel: Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It

Oct.13, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m.

L.A.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host the Los Angeles premiere of Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It in the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater. There will be a post-screening panel discussion featuring Director Paris Barclay, artist Cory Henry and Producers Stephanie Allain and Jeanne Elfant Festa. 

Spotlight: Khalid

Oct. 14, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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Khalid joins guests at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his latest release, Sincere, in discussion about his career and creative process, with a performance to follow.

Spotlight: FLETCHER

Oct. 14, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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FLETCHER joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her latest sophomore album, In Search Of The Antidote, her creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.

Read more: FLETCHER Is "F—ing Unhinged" & Proud Of It On 'In Search Of The Antidote'

A New York Evening With Laurie Anderson

Oct. 16, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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Laurie Anderson joins GRAMMY Museum guests for an intimate conversation moderated by Anderson Cooper about her latest album, Amelia, with a performance to follow, at City Winery in New York City. Anderson is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast. "A New York Evening With…" is generously supported by the Dawn and Brian Hoesterey Family Foundation. 

A Conversation With Travis Barker

Oct. 16, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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Iconic drummer and producer Travis Barker joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating and discussing his career, latest music with blink-182 and others and a conversation about creative process, and more.

Read more: Blink-182 Essentials: 15 Songs That Prove They're Rock's Most Serious Unserious Band

The Drop: Pete Yorn

(Moderated By Matt Pinfield)

Oct. 17, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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Pete Yorn joins guests at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his career and discussing his latest album, The Hard Way, his creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.

An Evening With Vampire Weekend

Oct. 21, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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Vampire Weekend will be in discussion at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater to celebrate their latest album, Only God Was Above Us. Band members will also discuss their creative process, tour, and more, with a performance to follow.

A New York Evening With Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Oct. 22, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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In partnership with Americana Music Association, the GRAMMY Museum will host an intimate conversation with GRAMMY Award-winning artist Dave Alvin and GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Jimmie Dale Gilmore followed by a performance at The Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR in New York City. The conversation will include a discussion moderated by Warren Zane about the making of their new album, TexiCali, their collaboration, creative process, and more. 

A New York Evening With Kelsea Ballerini

Oct. 25, 2024 from 8 to 9 p.m.

N.Y.C.

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The GRAMMY Museum and Collective by 92NY will host four-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini for an intimate conversation about her album, Patterns, her creative process, and more, followed by a special performance at The 92nd Street Y: David Geffen Stage at Kaufman Concert Hall.

Kelsea Ballerini is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast.

Film Screening – A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Oct. 26, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

L.A.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to present a special screening of A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater, followed by a discussion with the film’s directors, legendary Wu-Tang Clan Founder RZA and Gerald K. Barclay (Gee-Bee), and moderated by Raqiyah Mays. The post-screening discussion will also spotlight RZA’s new classical music album, A Ballet Through Mud.

This free program will be hosted by Schyler O’Neal, Senior Manager of Education & Community Engagement at the GRAMMY Museum, and is presented in partnership with the Hip-Hop Education Center.

Reel To Reel: Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus

Oct. 28, 2024 at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host a special screening of Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus and a panel discussion about the legacy of Sakamoto with award-winning musician Flying Lotus and award-winning director Barry Jenkins.

The Drop: Andy Grammer

Oct. 30, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

L.A.

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The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome award-winning artist Andy Grammer to the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his latest album, Monster, with a discussion about his creative process behind the project and a performance.

"Honestly, I feel like a zaddy," Omar Apollo says with a roguish grin, "because I'm 6'5" so, like, you can run up in my arms and stay there, you know what I mean?"

As a bonafide R&B sensation and one of the internet’s favorite boyfriends, Apollo is likely used to the labels, attention and online swooning that come with modern fame. But in this instance, there’s a valid reason for asking about his particular brand of "zaddyhood": he’s been turned into a Bratz doll.

In the middle of June, the popular toy company blasted  a video to its nearly 5 million social media followers showing off the singer as a real-life Bratz Boy — the plastic version draped in a long fur coat (shirtless, naturally), with a blinged-out cross necklace and matching silver earrings as he belts out his 2023 single "3 Boys" from a smoke-covered stage.

The video, which was captioned "Zaddy coded," promptly went viral, helped along by an amused Apollo reposting the clip to his own Instagram Story. "It was so funny," he adds. "And it's so accurate; that's literally how my shows go. It made me look so glamorous, I loved it."

The unexpected viral moment came with rather auspicious timing, considering Apollo is prepping for the release of his hotly anticipated sophomore album. God Said No arrives June 28 via Warner Records.

In fact, the star is so busy with the roll-out that, on the afternoon of our interview, he’s FaceTiming from the back of a car. The day prior, he’d filmed the music video for "Done With You," the album’s next single. Now he’s headed to the airport to jet off to Paris, where he’ll be photographed front row at the LOEWE SS25 men’s runway show in between Sabrina Carpenter and Mustafa — the latter of whom is one of the few collaborators featured on God Said No. 

Apollo’s trusted co-writer and producer, Teo Halm, is also joining the conversation from his home studio in L.A. In between amassing credits for Beyoncé (The Lion King: The Gift), Rosalía and J Balvin (the Latin GRAMMY-winning "Con Altura"), SZA ("Notice Me" and "Open Arms" featuring Travis Scott) and others, the 25-year-old virtuoso behind the boards had teamed up with Apollo on multiple occasions. Notably, the two collabed on "Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All)," which helped Apollo score his nomination for Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs. 

In the wake of that triumph, Apollo doubled down on their creative chemistry by asking Halm to executive produce God Said No. (The producer is also quick to second his pal’s magnetic mystique: "Don't get it twisted, he's zaddy, for sure.") 

Apollo bares his soul like never before across the album’s 14 tracks,  as he processes the bitter end of a two-year relationship with an unnamed paramour. The resulting portrait of heartbreak is a new level of emotional exposure for a singer already known for his unguarded vulnerability and naked candor. (He commissioned artist Doron Langberg to paint a revealing portrait of him for the cover of his 2023 EP Live For Me, and unapologetically included a painting of his erect penis as the back cover of the vinyl release.) 

On lead single "Spite," he’s pulled between longing and resentment in the wake of the break-up over a bouncing guitar riff. Second single "Dispose of Me" finds Apollo heartsick and feeling abandoned as he laments, "It don’t matter if it’s 25 years, 25 months/ It don’t matter if it’s 25 days, it was real love/ We got too much history/ So don’t just dispose of me." 

Elsewhere, the singer offers the stunning admission that "I would’ve married you" on album cut "Life’s Unfair." Then, on the very next song — the bumping, braggadocious "Against Me" — Apollo grapples with the reality that he’s been permanently altered by the love affair while on the prowl for a rebound. "I cannot act like I’m average/ You know that I am the baddest bitch," he proclaims on the opening verse, only to later admit, "I’ve changed so much, but have you heard?/ I can’t move how I used to."

Given the personal subject matter filling God Said No — not to mention the amount of acclaim he earned with Ivory — it would be understandable if Apollo felt a degree of pressure or anxiety when it came to crafting his sophomore studio set. But according to the singer, that was entirely not the case.

"I feel like I wouldn’t be able to make art if I felt pressure," he says. "Why would I be nervous about going back and making more music? If anything, I'm more excited and my mind is opened up in a whole other way and I've learned so much."

In order to throw his entire focus into the album’s creation, Apollo invited Halm to join him in London. The duo set up shop in the famous Abbey Road Studios, where the singer often spent 12- to 13-hour days attempting to exorcize his heartbreak fueled by a steady stream of Aperol spritzes and cigarettes.

The change of scenery infused the music with new sonic possibilities, like the kinetic synths and pulsating bass line that set flight to "Less of You." Apollo and Halm agree that the single was directly inspired by London’s unique energy.

"It's so funny because we were out there in London, but we weren't poppin' out at all," the Halm says. "Our London scene was really just, like, studio, food. Omar was a frickin' beast. He was hitting the gym every day…. But it was more like feeding off the culture on a day-to-day basis. Like, literally just on the walk to the studio or something as simple as getting a little coffee. I don't think that song would've happened in L.A."

Poetry played a surprisingly vital role in the album’s creation as well, with Apollo littering the studio with collections by "all of the greats," including the likes of Ocean Vuong, Victoria Chang, Philip Larkin, Alan Ginsberg, Mary Oliver and more.

"Could you imagine making films, but never watching a film?" the singer posits, turning his appreciation for the written art form into a metaphor about cinema. "Imagine if I never saw [films by] the greats, the beauty of words and language, and how it's manipulated and how it flows. So I was so inspired." 

Perhaps a natural result of consuming so much poetic prose, Apollo was also led to experiment with his own writing style. While on a day trip with his parents to the Palace of Versailles, he wrote a poem that ultimately became the soaring album highlight "Plane Trees," which sends the singer’s voice to new, shiver-inducing heights. 

"I'd been telling Teo that I wanted to challenge myself vocally and do a power ballad," he says. "But it wasn't coming and we had attempted those songs before. And I was exhausted with writing about love; I was so sick of it. I was like, Argh, I don't want to write anymore songs with this person in my mind." 

Instead, the GRAMMY nominee sat on the palace grounds with his parents, listening to his mom tell stories about her childhood spent in Mexico. He challenged himself to write about the majestic plane tree they were sitting under in order to capture the special moment. 

Back at the studio, Apollo’s dad asked Halm to simply "make a beat" and, soon enough, the singer was setting his poem to music. (Later, Mustafa’s hushed coda perfected the song’s denouement as the final piece of the puzzle.) And if Apollo’s dad is at least partially responsible for how "Plane Trees" turned out, his mom can take some credit for a different song on the album — that’s her voice, recorded beneath the same plane tree, on the outro of delicate closer "Glow." 

Both the artist and the producer ward off any lingering expectations that a happy ending will arrive by the time "Glow" fades to black, however. "The music that we make walks a tightrope of balancing beauty and tragedy," Halm says. "It's always got this optimism in it, but it's never just, like, one-stop shop happy. It's always got this inevitable pain that just life has. 

"You know, even if maybe there wasn't peace in the end for Omar, or if that wasn't his full journey with getting through that pain, I think a lot of people are dealing with broken hearts who it really is going to help," the producer continues. "I can only just hope that the music imparts leaving people with hope."

 Apollo agrees that God Said No contains a "hopeful thread," even if his perspective on the project remains achingly visceral. Did making the album help heal his broken heart? "No," he says with a sad smile on his face. "But it is proof of pain. And it’s a beautiful thing that is immortalized now, forever. 

"One day, I can look back at it and be like, Wow, what a beautiful thing I experienced. But yeah, no, it didn't help me," he says with a laugh.