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From Gotham City to Your Local Theater, Joker: Folie à Deux is here!

Two years after its highly anticipated announcement, Joker: Folie à Deux finally hits theaters worldwide. The sequel, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the iconic villain and featuring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, has been described as a "musically infused" exploration of the iconic duo.

Early reviews for Joker: Folie à Deux have been mixed. While some critics have praised the chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga, others have expressed disappointment in the film's overall narrative. Several reviewers have noted that certain scenes heavily featured in the trailers are absent from the final cut, potentially misleading audiences. Additionally, some critics have questioned the limited screen time for Lady Gaga, given her significant role in the film's marketing.

Despite these mixed reactions, Joker: Folie à Deux is sure to spark debate and generate buzz among fans of the DC universe. While the film is projected to rake in $140 million worldwide at the box office, its domestic US numbers are predicted to fall short of the original Joker's $96.2 million opening.

Lady Gaga surprise-released her Harley Quinn-inspired album, Harlequin, last Friday. The album features jazz, soul, funk, and rock-inspired covers of 12 classic hits and one original track, "Happy Mistake." Gaga performed "Happy Mistake" live on Jimmy Kimmel this week, marking her first television show performance since Chromatica.

Kesha Reveals She Has A ‘Ten-Year Plan’ To Upend The Music Industry

In a candid interview with ELLE Magazine, Kesha has opened up about her ambitious plans to revitalize the music industry. The pop sensation, known for her infectious energy and unique sound, has revealed details about her highly anticipated upcoming album and discussed the challenges and rewards of running her own record label. A photoshoot with Ruben Chamorro accompanies the interview, showcasing Kesha’s vibrant personality and impeccable style. 

Kesha, who has been outspoken about her experiences in the music industry, has vowed to "make some major moves and shift this sh*t." She aims to dismantle the industry's current structures, shedding light on its flaws and advocating for change. Kesha's ultimate goal is to ensure that no other artist experiences the hardships she has faced.

Releasing under her new label, Kesha Records, Kesha also revealed plans for her upcoming album. Under the guidance of visionary hyper-pop producers A. G. Cook (Charli XCX) and Zhone (Slayyyter), Kesha's latest project is described as ‘a sonic masterpiece that blends her signature dance-pop energy with the cutting-edge aesthetic of PC Music.’ In the interview, three themes emerge as central to Kesha's vision: freedom, safety, and, most importantly, joy.

Sabrina Carpenter Named One of TIME100’s Most Influential Rising Stars

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has been named one of TIME100's most influential rising stars. The prestigious list, which recognizes individuals shaping the future of various fields, including business, entertainment, sports, and politics, has been curated by TIME since 2019. Carpenter's inclusion on the list is a testament to her meteoric rise to stardom.

After gaining recognition through Disney Channel, Carpenter has solidified her position as a leading pop artist. Her recent hits, such as "Espresso" and "Please, Please, Please," have topped charts worldwide, and her latest studio album, Short 'n' Sweet, has achieved global success. Carpenter's inclusion in the TIME100 list further cements her status as a rising star and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

In her accompanying TIME100 interview, Carpenter praises iconic female artists like Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Beyoncé for revolutionizing the way women present themselves in music. She also addresses the criticism women often face for their onstage attire, stating, "You'll still get the occasional mother who has a strong opinion on how you should be dressing. And to that I just say, don't come to the show. Unfortunately, it's always been something to criticize, because truthfully, the scariest thing in the world is getting up on a stage in front of that many people and having to perform as if it's nothing. If the one thing that helps you do that is the way you feel comfortable dressing, then that's what you've got to do."

New Music Friday

Apparently the moonlight was pretty impressive this week.

LISA left the dance stage gleaming wavering lights. “Moonlit Floor” interpolates Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” in just a brilliant and ultramodern way. The song is bright, the chorus is gleeful, and LISA’s energy is vibrant as the moon’s very own light.

Coldplay’s new album also has reference to the moon. Moon Music is the 10th studio album by the band and yet a further dreamy, wondrous enterprise by the group. The record begins with the title song which is plenty full of spacey atmospheric synths and Chris Martin’s ever so lovely voice. Throughout the album, there’s a seeming joyous revelation that it’s going to be love, time and all curious time again, that sets you totally free. Whether that’s through a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or a stranger’s uncomplicated and discerning affection. “In the end / It’s just love,” they sing.

From the former girl group Little Mix, Perrie Edwards released “You Go Your Way” in many different formats. You’ve got karaoke, acapella, instrumental and an extended version all to appease your listening endeavors.

The recent Grammy winning “Best New Artist” Victoria Monét released JAGUAR II: Deluxe, and with it, the song “1900’s” which incorporates Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” magnificently. While it’s only a deluxe, it feels objectionably new as a full-length, stand alone album. This record is great.

FINNEAS released his 2nd studio album For Cryin’ Out Loud! which has a pretty decent title song. The record is certainly stronger than his first, and though he’s a brilliant producer (see any of his work with sister Billie Eilish), we’d like to see him stray just a little farther from their most cozy sound and completely go off on his own. Nevertheless, FINNEAS remains a first-rate songwriter. “Family Feud” is about his younger sister, and the lyrics put you right in their home life. “Part of me is part of you / Just a different shade of blue,” he sings. You can feel the outpouring love in his writing.

And lastly, Maya Hawke, the renowned chaos angel, got her wings clipped in new EP. The singer explained these songs are about “friendship, self actualization, self hatred, and finding balance between what you want and what you want to want.” She holds plenty true to that statement. “My trust is like an outdoor cat / Leave food on the window / She’ll probably come back,” she sings on “You Won’t Feel A Thing.” This song, to all its intent and purpose, seems to follow the dreadful and rust-covered chain of events that is falling in love with someone you shouldn’t necessarily fall in love with. This story might go on in “Jack London” where Hawke confidently asserts “Your purpose is no longer clear / There’s little left for you to do / Don’t know why the hell I’m here / If I’m not here for you.” It’s confusing, though, because the singer is well aware of her lover’s ill use of their relationship. “I hate the way you treat me / Like i’m just one of your characters,” she sings on “Kamikaze Comic” a song that also includes the amusing lyric “I hope you break a nail scratching yourself on the ass” which is enough to earn the song our favorite release this week. Hawke is giving us an unabridged look into love and its often glorious turmoil — but really, if you ever find your lover’s clipped your wings, maybe it’s time to go. Take it from myself.

—Dawson Therre

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ICYMI:

• LL SSERAFIM have revealed that they would like to collaborate with Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter in a new interview with NME.

• Taylor Swift has made another donation to The Trussell Trust - a charity organisation providing emergency support and food to UK residents locked in property.

• Zane Lowe is set to interview Charli xcx in a new feature interview for Apple Music.

• Megan Thee Stallion has teased her upcoming mixtape, calling it the ‘hardest mixtape of 2024’.

• ‘HEARTSTOPPER’ Season 3 has debuted with a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews so far.

• The Sims 4 is set to gain another expansion pack, Life & Death, which will allow players to play as the Grim Reaper, learn about the afterlife, and be reincarnated. The trailer, released on Thursday, features a Simlish cover of The Last Dinner Party’s ‘Nothing Matters’.

• Amanda Seyfried has said that she ‘wouldn’t mind’ Sabrina Carpenter playing her daughter in Mamma Mia! 3.