Spotify Founder Stepping Down as CEO, Paul McCartney Revives "Help!" for First Time in 35 Years
Mavis Staples Drops New Single
Relix Daily
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
NEWS
Daniel Ek will step down as Spotify’s chief executive officer to enter a new role as executive chairman in January. Announced today, Sept. 30, and effective starting Jan. 1, 2026, the company’s founder will be succeeded by co-CEOs Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström, currently co-presidents and chief product and technology officer and chief business officer, respectively. Söderström and Norström will report to Ek and join Spotify’s Board of Directors, pending shareholder approval.
NEWS
Paul McCartney's unwavering ability to transport a crowd back in time took on new meaning during his return to the stage on September 26 at the Santa Barbara Bowl in Santa Barbara, Calif. Friday night’s performance represented the first since McCartney’s participation in Saturday Night Live 50, and his three-night Bowery Ballroom run, which occurred the same week in mid-February as the sketch comedy show’s anniversary celebration. The circumstances allowed anticipation to build, and McCartney seized the opportunity to revive a classic Beatles song, ending a massive gap in plays.
On August 29, 2025, Shadowgrass lit up Garcia’s Chicago, and now that magic spins on vinyl. Shadowgrass - The Relix Session is a limited 2-LP journey through bluegrass standards, originals, and Dead classics.
From the stomp of “Mr. Charlie” to the 20-minute ride of “Reuben’s Train” and a soaring “Fire on the Mountain,” the energy is pure and unrelenting. Featuring Kyser George, Clay Russell, Luke & Madison Morris, and Evan Campfield, this second Relix Session from Garcia’s Chicago captures a band blending tradition with their own bold voice.
LISTEN
Mavis Staples has shared the title track from her 15th solo studio album, Sad and Beautiful World. Set to release on Nov. 7 via Anti-, the rhythm and blues and gospel legend’s follow-up to 2019’s We Get By once again sets her peerless talents on redressing the problems of the present, this time through a collection of covers and originals that stretch seven decades into the past. Staples’ latest advance preview, penned by Mark Linkous (a.k.a Sparklehorse), follows a soul-stirring treatment of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed,” released in June, and a take on Kevin Morby’s “Beautiful Strangers,” offered with the album announcement in August.
On rotation in our office and broadcasting to readers worldwide on Spotify. Stay tuned for updates every Friday, and send anything you think we have to hear to [email protected].
Each Grateful Dead Mystery Poster Tube contains three posters from our Grateful Dead at The Capitol Theatre, 1970-1971 series as well as select Phil Lesh prints from across multiple venues. Inside, you’ll find a mix of posters that may include sold-out editions, artist proofs, and even foil variants.
NEWS
The Tipping Point has announced the return of its annual benefit concert, slated to support Tulane University scholarships and the City of New Orleans, marking the continuation of a fully-fledged celebration and an opportunity to give back to the lively region known for its rich culture and distinct appreciation for music. The ninth edition of the beloved event is scheduled to take place at the Orpheum Theatre on November 14, 2025.
NEWS
Last night, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers arrived at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, N.Y., for the first of two nights on the historic Upstate stage. The Grateful Dead’s early nineties collaborator is currently on tour with special guests Eggy, who turned up during the latest performance, specifically the primary set, and added to select Hornsby compositions. The openers assisted their host on select numbers, bookending either side of the night’s primary frame with combined force.
FEATURE
“They Wanted To Push Things Forward”: Mike Ayers Revisits Jambands in the 90s (and Recalls His Almost Famous Moment as A Phish Prep Cook)
If you’re a Relix reader— and it would appear that you’ve met the terms and conditions to qualify for this designation—then Mike Ayers’ new oral history is for you. However, in the spirit of such books as Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes From the American Indie Underground 1981-1991 and Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011, you need never have hollered “Hood!” at a Phish show, pined for the return of the H.O.R.D.E. tour or remembered exactly where you were when you heard the tragic news on 8/9/95 in order to appreciate the sweeping narrative and detailed insights that appear throughout Sharing in the Groove: The Untold Story of the ‘90s Jam Band Explosion and the Scene That Followed.
GALLERY
On Saturday, September 27, Big Thief took its Somersault Slide 360 Tour to the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Calif. The evening featured help from the band’s previous contributor, Laraaji, who contributed to a cut, “Grandmother,” featured on their latest studio LP, released on September 5, 2025, as Double Rainbow. Also included on select numbers was special guest Greg Leisz.
