Taylor's 'Shiny Bug', Florence & The Machine's New Album, FKA Twigs' 'Afterglow'

Taylor Swift Unveils ‘Shiny Bug’ Album Variants

Taylor Swift has released two new vinyl variants of her album, The Life of a Showgirl, available on her webstore as part of “The Shiny Bug Collection.” Both editions, featuring the same showgirl album cover, sold out in under an hour, well before the 48-hour window they were advertised for. The two pressings are distinguished by their unique colors: one is on "violet shimmer marbled" vinyl, while the other is on "wintergreen and onyx marbled" vinyl.

These variants are labeled as one-time-only offerings, and the collection's name has sparked much discussion among fans. The meaning of “Shiny Bug” is still unknown, leading to speculation that it may be a reference in the album’s lyrics. This unexpected title adds another layer of intrigue to the album’s release, continuing Swift’s trend of offering cryptic clues for her fans.

Florence & The Machine Announce New Album

Florence + The Machine have officially announced their new album, Everybody Scream, which is set for release this Halloween, October 31st. The band confirmed the news on social media by revealing the album’s cover artwork. The image, photographed through a fisheye lens, shows singer Florence Welch in a black and white outfit, sitting casually amidst wooden walls.

The new record features a 12-song tracklist and will be available in various physical formats, including cassette, CD, and vinyl. Special "Chamber Versions" of the CD and vinyl will also be released, which will include four bonus tracks and an alternate cover for the album.

ICYMI:

• Spotify have announced new premium features that allow users to add customizable transitions. 

• The first batch of VMA’s performers have been revealed, including Sabrina Carpenter, Busta Rhymes, Alex Warren, Sombr, and more.

Anya Taylor-Joy and Meryl Streep Rumored for Joni Mitchell Biopic

Anya Taylor-Joy and Meryl Streep are reportedly being considered for starring roles in a biopic about folk icon Joni Mitchell, with Cameron Crowe attached to direct. The acclaimed actresses are rumored to portray the younger and older versions of Mitchell, respectively, in a film that will chronicle her illustrious life and career.

While very few details about the project have been officially confirmed, this film would mark Crowe's first feature-length directorial effort since 2015's "Aloha." Production was initially rumored to be scheduled for March of this year but was reportedly delayed due to the wildfires in Los Angeles, which impacted Crowe's residence. The current status of the film and a potential release date remain unannounced.

POP FACT: On this day in 2021, Cardi B and Lizzo released their collaboration “Rumors”

FKA Twigs Unveils New Project, Afterglow

FKA Twigs has announced a new musical project, revealing during her performance at the Lowlands Festival that she has a new album in the works. The artist shared with the crowd that the upcoming record will be titled Afterglow, hinting at a release in September 2025. Describing the creative process in a metaphorical way, she stated she was "ready to give birth" to the new project, with her "labour" set to commence the following week.

ICYMI:

• Cynthia Erivo is set to receive the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in December.

• Dua Lipa has revealed to Harper’s Bazaar that she recently recorded music with Mark Ronson.

• twenty one pilots have released their new single, ‘drum show,’ from their upcoming album, breach.

• Ben Stiller will not direct Season 3 of Apple TV+’s “Severance,” as he is busy working on a war film.

• A Justin Bieber impersonator tricked Las Vegas security into getting onstage for a live crowd at XS Nightclub. He performed several songs before being kicked out.

— Katie Macbeth

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