Gogol Bordello has never been a band content with just raising the roof—they raise the entire damn village. This summer, frontman Eugene Hütz is leading the gypsy-punk collective into a blazing season of chaos, community, and continuity. Touring with a crew of handpicked artists from his label Casa Gogol Records, Hütz is not only reasserting the band’s legacy as live legends, but also highlighting the next wave of genre-busting artists redefining what New York sounds like in 2025.

Before their performance at Shabang Festival, I sat down and talked with the members of Almost Monday, an indie pop band from San Diego, CA. The three members, Dawson Daugherty (vocals), Cole Clisby (guitar), and Luke Fabry (bass), recently finished their first full international headline tour this past March. At the beginning of the year, they released the deluxe version of their debut album, DIVE, with their hit “can’t slow down” hitting #1 on Alternative Radio.

With the resurgence marked by last year's "Childhood Eyes" EP and a massive U.S. tour, Yellowcard has proven they are far from fading into the annals of pop-punk history. Their latest collaboration, "A Hopeful Sign," with neoclassical/post-rock ambient artist Hammock, further cements their innovative spirit. As they prepare for an even bigger tour this summer with Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard's momentum is undeniable. We had the chance to sit down with frontman Ryan Key to discuss their latest projects and the band's enduring legacy.

In his latest album, "Garde-fou," Julien Barbagallo delivers a masterful showcase of art pop that transcends language barriers and captivates listeners with its timeless charm. Released on March 15th, 2024, this home-made production, recorded solo from his Australian residence and beyond, reflects Barbagallo's unwavering dedication to crafting elegant melodies and poetic lyricism.

Music, energy, and raw emotion return to Albania’s capital as the Check In Festival gears up for its fifth edition, promising two nights of unforgettable performances and city-shaking energy. Taking place on September 26 and 27, the festival continues its mission to place Tirana firmly on the global music map, bringing international talent and an electrifying atmosphere to one of Europe’s most rapidly emerging cultural hubs.

Her signature opening silhouette painted against a white circular curtain drew out the crowd’s anticipation before she appeared, back bending and contorting into impossible shapes as she performed their first song. The night was a mix of fan favorites snd new songs: “Nobody New,” “Back to Me,” and a treat for longtime fans, “No One Noticed” with an extended Spanish section. Each song was like its own little world. 

From punks in mohawks and studded leather to kids wearing their parents’ original Sublime shirts, the crowd in front of the stage was proof of a fanbase that spans generations. It was a living cross-section of Southern California’s legacy spread across the world. Skaters, surfers, and rock fans gathered under the hot Georgia sun as Sublime made their Shaky Knees debut.

Joe Talbot came out like a man possessed, neighing like a horse, spitting into the air and catching it, and begging for more and more energy. When they played “Mother,” he dedicated it to “any man in the audience who needs to learn how to respect women online and everywhere.” The crowd roared back. Their black-and-white screens flickered and cut like old film, giving everything a hard contrast, a jagged texture. Underscoring the raw, punk rock energy that drips from the band.