I’m a self-proclaimed rock chick, former rock programmer (of various rock formats), and frequent concertgoer. Especially a current-based rock concert crowd member, I love experiencing new talent.
It doesn’t matter if I’m programming a radio station or on the air. Whether I’m hosting my podcast, or cruising YouTube. I’m always looking for sounds. LOUD sounds.
It’s inspiring to see so many artists putting out full releases, singles, and a mountain of rock tours rolling.
Clubs, sheds, amphitheaters, arenas, festivals. It seems everyone is on the road or heading out on tour. ’Tis the season. The month of May is coming in hot and loud with some killer new releases (and so is June!).
May 2026 Releases
- Sevendust – One – May 1
- Black Keys – Peaches – May 1
- Geoff Tate – Operation: Mindcrime 3 – May 3
- Social Distortion – Born To Kill – May 8
- Black Veil Brides – Vindicate – May 8
- Peter Frampton – Carry The Light – May 15
- Devin Townsend – The Moth – May 29
- Violet Grohl – Be Sweet To Me – May 29
- Shinedown – Ei8ht – May 29
- Paul McCartney – The Boy Of Dungeon Lane – May 29
June 2026 Releases
- Evanescence – Sanctuary – June 5
- Jared James Nichols – Louder Than Fate – June 5
- Des Rocs – To Hell and Back – June 12
- Bolan – Gargoyle Of The Garden State – June 12
- The Pretty Reckless – Dear God – Juen 26
With streaming numbers up across all demos, rock was cited as the fastest-growing genre in terms of streaming share in 2025.
Most current-based tours I attend are sold out in my area. Most recently, Des Rocs, Black Label Society, Mammoth, and Nothing More packed venues. If you participated in any of the Record Store Day celebrations last week, you saw long lines, diverse crowds, and interesting demographics all grabbing vinyl.
Most of the vinyl I saw people buying fell into some genre of rock.
So why do people still think rock is dead?
While the industry prioritizes other genres (as it has for decades), we are constantly fed the line that “cultural shifts are causing tastes to change.” It’s hard not to look at what’s actually happening around us instead of scrolling and flapping our gums.
Active, classic, metal, alternative. I feel lucky that there is something to experience in my area of NY/NJ every night of the week. There’s also so much great new music to look forward to as we head into summer. Many of the above-mentioned artists releasing music will be featured on my Carr Stereo Podcast. Artists are not only busy but engaged.
I was recently told by a radio company executive that current based rock is proven not to work in the New York Market. I’m going on the record saying I beg to differ.
I have programmed in the New York metro for close to 30 years. That’s another column for another time.
Be on the lookout, or better yet, on the “ear-out.” We have a few great musical months ahead.
Discover, download, crank up, and enjoy.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
