August 2026 Music Roundup

From Dollywood to Cosmetics and Jeans: The Business Empire of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, left behind not only a rich musical catalog but also a diversified business empire — spanning amusement parks and hotels to cosmetics, food products, and pet supplies.

One of Parton's most famous ventures is the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee. The artist joined the project in 1986, after which the park was renamed and transformed into a major tourist destination. Today, Dollywood features over 50 attractions, a water park, two hotels, and welcomes more than three million visitors annually.

Parton's business strategy was closely tied to control over her publishing rights from the very beginning. In 1967, she founded the publishing company Owepar Publishing, followed by Velvet Apple Music, which managed hundreds of her works. She also launched her own independent label, Blue Eye Records, and Fireside Studios in Nashville.

The artist's portfolio also included film and television projects. Her production company, Sandollar Productions, worked on the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, as well as films like Father of the Bride and Sabrina.

In recent years, Dolly Parton actively expanded into lifestyle categories. In 2024, she introduced the Dolly Beauty brand, featuring decorative cosmetics and fragrances, as well as the Dolly Wines wine brand. Earlier, she launched a line of clothing and accessories for pets called Doggy Parton, and in partnership with Conagra, she released Duncan Hines baking mixes and products.

Among her latest initiatives are the Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel in downtown Nashville, the Dolly's Life Of Many Colors museum, the Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop roadside complex, a jewelry line with Kendra Scott, and the Joleans denim collection created in collaboration with Good American.

Dolly Parton's story demonstrates how a music catalog, a recognizable image, and a personal brand can serve as the foundation for a large-scale business ecosystem. She successfully turned the popularity of her songs and her vibrant stage persona into projects spanning hospitality, media, fashion, beauty, gastronomy, and retail.

Anthrax, Beck, Carly Rae Jepsen and Nickelback: What Albums Are Coming in Fall 2026

The fall of 2026 promises a series of major album premieres. From September through October, new releases will arrive from Anthrax, Beck, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tom Morello, Greta Van Fleet, Lisa, Ministry, and Nickelback. The published release calendar currently shows no new albums scheduled for November or December.

September kicks off with Rebecca Black's album Age of the Exhibitionist, due out on September 4. September 18 is set to be a particularly busy day, with several notable releases: Anthrax will drop Cursum Perficio, beabadoobee — Pylon, Beck — Ride Lonesome, Carly Rae Jepsen — Day and Night, and Tove Lo — Estrus. The same day will also see new albums from Luke Bryan, Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts, as well as Orville Peck.

On September 25, new works will arrive from Kenny Chesney, Ms. Rachel, Tinashe, and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. His new album is titled Everyone Gets Everything They Want.

October will bring releases from Miranda Lambert, Victoria Monét, and Wynonna — all three albums dropping on October 2. A week later, on October 9, Greta Van Fleet will release Palace for the People.

October 23 will see the release of Lisa's Press Play and Brothers Osborne's Watertown. On the last day of October, listeners can expect new records from two iconic rock bands: Ministry will present their final album Hate to Go, and Nickelback will release Everything Under the Sun.

Pupsies' Track "Misery" Goes Viral and Could Open a New Chapter for Hyperpop

American singer Pupsies (Cindy Kamgaing) is gaining popularity thanks to her single "Misery." Released in March, the song went viral on TikTok and climbed the charts. The track is being hailed as one of the first major mainstream hits of the new wave of hyperpop, increasingly referred to by the term "digi-pop."

The composition combines a buzzing synthesizer bass, a lo-fi melody with an 8-bit video game atmosphere, and an emotional guitar hook from co-producer Goetia. The song spread widely through animated edits on TikTok, including videos inspired by the animated series Steven Universe.

"Misery" is about failed relationships, though Pupsies herself calls it "emotional but cute." According to the artist, the popularity of hyperpop reflects a shift in the role of the internet: online culture is now more closely intertwined with real life, allowing niche genres and communities to quickly become part of mainstream culture.

Major Music Premieres of the Month: Sam Smith, Weezer, Jorja Smith and More

The music world greets the last day of summer with a wave of major releases. In the spotlight this month are highly anticipated albums from Sam Smith, the debut album of rising country-pop star Stella Lefty, Weezer's 20th studio album, and more.

Sam Smith Returns with Hazel Eyes

The fifth studio album from the British artist includes 12 tracks. On one of the key tracks, "Constant Companion," Smith showcases their full vocal range — from a deep, chesty register to a soaring, tender tone. Built on delicate percussion, choral harmonies, and acoustic guitar, the song reaches its climax in the final minute with the addition of sweeping strings as Smith sings with renewed conviction: "'cause you, you are my constant companion."

Stella Lefty Releases Debut Album Long Way Home

The 24-year-old artist, who broke into the charts this year with the hit "Boston" (which interpolates Noah Kahan's "Stick Season"), presents her first full-length album. Lefty co-wrote all 14 tracks, which were produced by Joe Reeves. Critics praise the understated yet warm production, which perfectly complements Lefty's sweet, unadorned vocals, creating an atmosphere of authenticity and sincerity.

Weezer Surprises with a "Gold" Album

The band named their 20th album simply Weezer — but added "(Gold Album)" for good measure. Co-produced by Klas Ahlund and Kenneth Blume (formerly Kenny Beats), the release promises to be the "most violent Weezer album ever." The record is filled with powerful pop-rock anthems driven by Rivers Cuomo's distinctive vocals.

Jorja Smith Dances on What Are The Odds

The third album from British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith is charged with energy and beats made for the dancefloor. Previously released singles "What's Done Is Done" and "I Lied, You Lied" set a dynamic tone, while the Wizkid duet "Alive" reminds us that Smith can also slow things down. Still, the album leans heavily into more booming tracks, though ballads like "Pretend" allow her stellar vocals to take center stage.

Brandon Flowers' Solo Project Thrasher

The Killers frontman releases his first solo work in 11 years. Inspired by his father's record collection, Flowers found himself crafting an album full of country-western influences. This is his third solo project, in which he turns inward — not just musically but lyrically as well. The boxing-inspired artwork hints at a mental rather than physical blow — one that can sometimes hit even harder.

ENHYPEN Releases The Sin: Bliss

The Korean boy band's first release as a six-member group (following Heeseung's departure in March) continues their vampire-inspired narrative. The title track "Bloody Paradise" is powerful and uptempo. This marks the group's eighth mini-album.

Rapsody Presents God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops

The new album from the acclaimed hip-hop artist is dedicated to the Pan-African movement and Afrofuturism in an era of misinformation and AI. Recorded in South Africa and Detroit, the release brings together Rapsody with Malice and the Karabo Ya Morena choir, striking a balance between universality and intimacy.

Other Notable Releases This Month:

• D'Yani — Live Life & Prosper (reggae with R&B influences)
• Treaty Oak Revival and Austin Meade — "Slim Pickins" (a meditation on love in a small town)
• Dan + Shay feat. Cody Johnson — "The Old Guys" (an emotional ballad about losing a loved one)
• Los Ángeles Azules and TINI — "Pa' Él" (cumbia with pop vocals about a broken heart)
• Michelle Maciel and Jasiel Núñez — "con ella sí <3" (a heartfelt corrido about believing in love)
• jigitz — 50 ballerinas (a house album with emotional elements)
• TroyBoi — FT. (a vocal project featuring Daya, Morray, and others)