Thailand's Prime Minister showcased a touch of musical diplomacy by singing a rendition of the classic Chinese ballad "Tian Mi Mi" during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The performance highlighted the warm ties between Bangkok and Beijing during high-level talks.

Thai PM sings a rendition of the classic ballad 'Tian Mi Mi' to Chinese Premier Li Qiang

Music maestro A.R. Rahman received a standing ovation after his concert with the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap near Washington, D.C. The performance celebrated a fusion of Indian classical music, Western symphonic arrangements, and contemporary compositions, showcasing Rahman's musical journey spanning more than three decades.

AR Rahman earns huge standing ovation at US concert 

Madonna is taking a hard stance against artificial intelligence. Speaking to Vogue Italia, the pop superstar criticized the tech, stating that relying on AI completely contradicts the spirit of creating real art. She contrasted today's digital landscape with the "pure" collaborative spaces of the past and explained why she completely disconnects from technology when writing new music.


Madonna says AI is the 'exact opposite of making art'

In a powerful sign of resilience, live music has returned to the stage in Tehran amid a fragile period of calm. The concert, featuring women artists and performers, drew attention from audiences eager for a sense of normalcy after weeks of uncertainty. Beyond entertainment, the event became a symbol of hope, culture and community, highlighting how music can bring people together even during challenging times. For many in Iran, the performance offered a rare and uplifting moment of unity and optimism.


Music Returns to Tehran: Live Concert Offers Hope Amid Fragile Calm 

A study has shown that women aged 40 and above are going to electronic dance music events to improve their mental and physical health. Published in the Psychology of Music, it shows they are using it for "social connectedness, an outlet for self-expression, and a release from pressures of daily life." In doing so, they are also fighting society's prejudice against this age group, navigating people's views on what was considered "appropriate" behaviour for older, female clubbers. The research identified the ways they are keeping themselves associated with a music scene normally associated with the "youth" and revealed the extent to which ageing was shaping their involvement. The latest survey stands in sharp contrast with previous surveys involving women and clubbing, which found that even though they enjoyed being part of the EDM community, they felt that they should stop participating as they became older.&nbsp;EDM events, despite having 16 to 34-year-olds as their main participants, have seen a shift towards becoming more diverse and inclusive, the authors wrote. The study aimed at understanding the reason for more and more older women attending these music gatherings. One hundred and thirty-six female clubbers aged 40 years or over completed a survey as part of the research, and said that participating in EDM festivals "played a central role in women’s mental and physical health."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-sound-most-people-can-t-hear-why-1-in-25-people-are-haunted-by-the-global-hum-1778567938323">The sound most people can't hear: 1 in 25 people are haunted by the 'Global Hum'. Are you one of them?</a><h2>Pulsating and high-energy music best for mental health of women</h2>It offered them a way to express themselves and get away from the daily pressures of life. But the biggest challenge was people's perception of them. Several younger adults criticise the older women for their interest in music bands on social media, criticising them for "not acting their age." The women who participated in the survey stated that this was one of the major problems they face at EDM events. They even admitted that they grapple with their own prejudices about age.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sexual-arousal-makes-you-think-someone-likes-you-even-if-they-do-not-study-says-1778225331829">Sexual arousal makes you think someone likes you even if they do not, study says</a>&nbsp;However, they steer ahead and do what it takes to release their stress at these music gatherings. The authors wrote, "Understanding more about the experiences of older women who continue to engage in this musical scene may help address some of the barriers to inclusion that have caused others to withdraw." The authors cited previous studies to show how things change for men and women.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/you-are-not-old-you-are-just-happy-study-reveals-the-age-you-are-happiest-1777539028029">You are not old, you are just happy: Study reveals the age you are happiest</a>&nbsp;A 2019 study showed that women are more likely to change their clubbing activity in line with parental responsibilities than their male counterparts. It also stated that older people "who continued to participate were less likely to be married or have children than the ‘lapsed’ clubbers." Older studies also found that older women stop being ‘active ravers’ because they felt that "they should stop participating as they became older." &nbsp;

Women over 40 years of age say that participating in EDM music events relieves the stress of their daily lives. However, they admit that it does not come without problems linked to ageism and the prejudice against women of a certain age.

A study has shown that women aged 40 and above are going to electronic dance music events to improve their mental and physical health. Published in the Psychology of Music, it shows they are using it for "social connectedness, an outlet for self-expression, and a release from pressures of daily life." In doing so, they are also fighting society's prejudice against this age group, navigating people's views on what was considered "appropriate" behaviour for older, female clubbers. The research identified the ways they are keeping themselves associated with a music scene normally associated with the "youth" and revealed the extent to which ageing was shaping their involvement. The latest survey stands in sharp contrast with previous surveys involving women and clubbing, which found that even though they enjoyed being part of the EDM community, they felt that they should stop participating as they became older. EDM events, despite having 16 to 34-year-olds as their main participants, have seen a shift towards becoming more diverse and inclusive, the authors wrote. The study aimed at understanding the reason for more and more older women attending these music gatherings. One hundred and thirty-six female clubbers aged 40 years or over completed a survey as part of the research, and said that participating in EDM festivals "played a central role in women’s mental and physical health." Also Read: The sound most people can't hear: 1 in 25 people are haunted by the 'Global Hum'. Are you one of them? Pulsating and high-energy music best for mental health of women It offered them a way to express themselves and get away from the daily pressures of life. But the biggest challenge was people's perception of them. Several younger adults criticise the older women for their interest in music bands on social media, criticising them for "not acting their age." The women who participated in the survey stated that this was one of the major problems they face at EDM events. They even admitted that they grapple with their own prejudices about age. Also Read: Sexual arousal makes you think someone likes you even if they do not, study says However, they steer ahead and do what it takes to release their stress at these music gatherings. The authors wrote, "Understanding more about the experiences of older women who continue to engage in this musical scene may help address some of the barriers to inclusion that have caused others to withdraw." The authors cited previous studies to show how things change for men and women. Also Read: You are not old, you are just happy: Study reveals the age you are happiest A 2019 study showed that women are more likely to change their clubbing activity in line with parental responsibilities than their male counterparts. It also stated that older people "who continued to participate were less likely to be married or have children than the ‘lapsed’ clubbers." Older studies also found that older women stop being ‘active ravers’ because they felt that "they should stop participating as they became older."

Women over 40 years of age say that participating in EDM music events relieves the stress of their daily lives. However, they admit that it does not come without problems linked to ageism and the prejudice against women of a certain age.

Women aged 40 and above admit high-energy music raves are great for their mental health

Coachella 2026 once again proved why it remains one of the world’s biggest music festivals, blending iconic performers with fresh new talent. From electrifying performances to packed crowds and viral moments, the festival delivered unforgettable experiences. The energy, music, and atmosphere captured the spirit of live entertainment, keeping fans hooked and the Coachella magic alive.


Coachella 2026 Delivers Big Moments

Global pop star Shakira is set to perform in three Indian cities as part of her return to the country. The tour will include concerts in Mumbai and New Delhi, marking a major moment for fans as the singer makes her historic return to India.


India: Shakira To Perform In India After Years, Mumbai And New Delhi On Tour List | WION

Amid ongoing hardship, a 24-year-old musician is bringing moments of relief and joy to children and families in Khan Younis, Gaza. Gathering crowds with heartfelt performances, the young artist is using music as a source of hope, unity, and emotional support for the local community during difficult times.


Gaza: 24-Year-Old Musician Draws Crowds of Children and Families in Khan Younis, Gaza

Rare rock memorabilia from iconic music collections has gone on display at Christie’s in London. The exhibition showcases historically significant items linked to legendary artists, offering collectors and the public a rare glimpse into music history ahead of potential auctions.


Iconic Music Collections Go on Display at Christie’s London | Gravitas

A traditional Pakistani musical instrument got the unesco's intangible cultural heritage tag in the month of December.
Made of clay, the flute-like boreendo's popularity has been on a steady decline among the younger crop of musicians.
Our next story shines a light on the heritage in danger of extinction.

Boreendo: The soul of Sindhhi folk music  | Pakistan's music on UNESCO list

In 2025, India emerged as a global live music hotspot, hosting major world tours of solar artists as well as festivals. Major performers included Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Green Day, Post Malone, and Wiz Khalifa.


YEARENDER 2025: India's live music boom saw global artists choosing it as top concert venue in Asia

Groundbreaking research from Delhi’s Maulana Azad Medical College shows that music played during general anaesthesia can reduce drug requirements and speed up post-operation recovery. The findings align with global studies demonstrating how sound influences pain, stress, and healing. This new evidence suggests that music could become a powerful tool in surgical care. Watch to discover how science is turning sound into medicine.

New Science Proves Music Accelerates Post-Operation Recovery

President Javier Milei honored world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli at the Casa Rosada during the artist’s visit to Buenos Aires. Bocelli, who performed at the iconic Teatro Colón, received the Order of May, one of Argentina’s highest distinctions. In an emotional speech, he said the recognition felt like “a dream” and thanked the country from the Salón Blanco. The meeting highlighted Milei’s interest in culture and Argentina’s tribute to one of classical music’s most celebrated figures.

Andrea Bocelli Gets Argentina's Top Medal: A High Distinction

A new study reveals that humans can no longer reliably distinguish AI-generated music from songs created by real musicians. Advances in artificial intelligence have made AI music increasingly realistic, raising questions about creativity, copyright, and the future of the music industry. Experts warn that as AI technology evolves, distinguishing human artistry from machine-generated content will become even more challenging.


Humans Can No Longer Tell AI Music from the Real Thing: Study

It’s a proud moment for India. Carrying the essence of India’s rich culture and spirituality, Sounds of Kumbha — a devotional music album inspired by the Maha Kumbha festival — has been nominated in the Best Global Music Album category at the 68th Grammy Awards. The album celebrates India’s traditions through soulful compositions that blend classical instruments with contemporary arrangements, marking a major global recognition for Indian artistry.

‘Sounds of Kumbha’ Nominated for Grammy 

Hobby building has taken centre stage among teens and youth to engage in character building and to learn more about themselves. DJ’ing is one such hobby that often transforms into a career path. According to reports, leading DJs in India like DJ Rahill Mehta, DJ Chetas, and DJ Ganesh charge over INR 8-10 lakhs (Rs 1 million approx) per gi,g and they might even charge higher for festivities and special wedding DJ performances. But beyond the career element, learning to DJ can be a great way to connect with music at a deeper level.&nbsp;DJ Hitesh Khuman from Mumbai leads DJ classes through Muzink Lab, where students learn everything from DJing to turntablism. I engaged in DJ classes at Muzink La,b and little did I imagine what started off as curiosity led me to understanding music more deeply and making new friends who enjoy music. I also got introduced to various genres of music spanning from afro, house, tech, bollywood, pop and more while understanding the mood of how each song could complement a certain vibe.&nbsp;I learned to match the beats of the song with the tempo and rhythm. I also learned to use the entire DJ console while understanding how DJing is much easier than it was years ago when there was no in-built AI and beats had to be calculated manually before mixing songs. In sixteen classes spanning two hours each, I transformed from someone who knew very little about music to someone who was able to mix songs successfully and play my own set. I also gave two music exams where I played house music and Bollywood music sets nonstop for an hour each.&nbsp;Towards the end, I also learned a little bit of scratching on the manual version of the console. DJ Hitesh was one of the first turntablists in India around 20 years ago and has even won several international titles in turntablism, which is more for hip hop music and turntablism competitions. However, I enjoyed traditional DJing more since it was less work and easier to pick up. It is also about your music interests. If you are more interested in Bollywood, techno, afro, or house music, DJing is something you might enjoy more.&nbsp;It is of no surprise that DJ Hitesh has students ranging from a nine-year-old school student who wants to take up DJ gigs in the future to fifty-year-old pilots who want to engage in music as a stress buster in their lives. Music is for everyone, and it heals everyone in some way. I realised the whole music community is wide, and some people also end up making their own tracks and engaging in music production after learning to DJ.&nbsp;In the fast-paced life of Mumbai, where it is tough to get stops and make time for oneself, DJing for me was a source of wellness. I was able to engage and immerse myself in the hobby fully, make time for music, listen to some of my favorite tracks, mix them and develop a new hobby. While I might not invest in a console right away, I know I have a DJ class I can go to, less than a few miles from home, where I can go and practice when I like. It does feel great to get a break between work and build a new hobby.

While DJ'ing as a career option remains quite lucrative, it also helps you connect with music at a deeper level, if taken up just as a hobby. Now there are professionals who will help you hone the skills.

Hobby building has taken centre stage among teens and youth to engage in character building and to learn more about themselves. DJ’ing is one such hobby that often transforms into a career path. According to reports, leading DJs in India like DJ Rahill Mehta, DJ Chetas, and DJ Ganesh charge over INR 8-10 lakhs (Rs 1 million approx) per gi,g and they might even charge higher for festivities and special wedding DJ performances. But beyond the career element, learning to DJ can be a great way to connect with music at a deeper level. DJ Hitesh Khuman from Mumbai leads DJ classes through Muzink Lab, where students learn everything from DJing to turntablism. I engaged in DJ classes at Muzink La,b and little did I imagine what started off as curiosity led me to understanding music more deeply and making new friends who enjoy music. I also got introduced to various genres of music spanning from afro, house, tech, bollywood, pop and more while understanding the mood of how each song could complement a certain vibe. I learned to match the beats of the song with the tempo and rhythm. I also learned to use the entire DJ console while understanding how DJing is much easier than it was years ago when there was no in-built AI and beats had to be calculated manually before mixing songs. In sixteen classes spanning two hours each, I transformed from someone who knew very little about music to someone who was able to mix songs successfully and play my own set. I also gave two music exams where I played house music and Bollywood music sets nonstop for an hour each. Towards the end, I also learned a little bit of scratching on the manual version of the console. DJ Hitesh was one of the first turntablists in India around 20 years ago and has even won several international titles in turntablism, which is more for hip hop music and turntablism competitions. However, I enjoyed traditional DJing more since it was less work and easier to pick up. It is also about your music interests. If you are more interested in Bollywood, techno, afro, or house music, DJing is something you might enjoy more. It is of no surprise that DJ Hitesh has students ranging from a nine-year-old school student who wants to take up DJ gigs in the future to fifty-year-old pilots who want to engage in music as a stress buster in their lives. Music is for everyone, and it heals everyone in some way. I realised the whole music community is wide, and some people also end up making their own tracks and engaging in music production after learning to DJ. In the fast-paced life of Mumbai, where it is tough to get stops and make time for oneself, DJing for me was a source of wellness. I was able to engage and immerse myself in the hobby fully, make time for music, listen to some of my favorite tracks, mix them and develop a new hobby. While I might not invest in a console right away, I know I have a DJ class I can go to, less than a few miles from home, where I can go and practice when I like. It does feel great to get a break between work and build a new hobby.

While DJ'ing as a career option remains quite lucrative, it also helps you connect with music at a deeper level, if taken up just as a hobby. Now there are professionals who will help you hone the skills.

Want to learn how to DJ? Now there are classes for it

Tibetan artists and rappers are reviving and reinventing their heritage — blending centuries-old traditions with hip-hop, street art, and contemporary music. From the historic alleys of Old Lhasa to vibrant festivals and digital art, discover how young Tibetans are preserving culture while redefining identity in a changing world.

A new life for old Lhasa landmarks | Artists use rap to promote culture

Indian artists Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, sons of sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan are passionate about their music, the message behind it and how they continuously reinvent their presentation style. No strangers to fame, the sibling duo, busy with their world tour, spoke about the influence of music on their lives and taking forward the legacy built by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.&nbsp;&nbsp;In an exclusive chat, Ayaan Ali Bangash spoke about sharing the stage with father-legendary sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, what it was like growing up in a house full of music and whether his kids plan to take up music as a profession.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: You and Amaan have a world tour planned for the summer. What can you tell us about that?&nbsp;&nbsp;A: We started a spring tour in April. Through April and May, we are performing in the United States. We also have concerts in Europe. We have a lot of concerts where we will also perform with my father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Sahab.&nbsp;&nbsp;We always try to reinvent our style and change the way we present our music. It’s amazing to be able to do spend so much time together as a family when we are touring. In addition to that, we have some interesting projects which we are currently working on. Those should be out soon.&nbsp;We recently performed with the Google Orchestra. Google, I think, is one of the few companies that has their own musical orchestra, which I was very impressed with. It was called the Google Orchestra. So they played my father's concerts. There are some concerts with Sharon the guitarist, whom we collaborate with a lot. These will all be in the US.<h2>Working with legendary Ustad Amjad Ali Khan</h2>&nbsp;Q: How does it feel like working with your father Ustad Amjad Ali Khan? Has anything changed in the way you both perform with him now vs when you started. Is he stricter or easier to work with now?&nbsp;&nbsp;A: I think the relationship has become more of a guru and student now over the years. What can I say? I'm just so blessed to even sit alongside the stage with him. You know how they say that you remain a student till your last day? My father feels he's still learning, he's still reinventing himself. That way we are yet to be delivered, I think. So it's a very long journey.&nbsp;I would like to add that all your life experiences reflects onto your music. So what I was playing 20 years ago or 10 years ago – it’s not the same today. When crafting music, you incorporate all those experiences and continue on your journey without diluting tradition. I believe that in order to be contemporary, you don't have to murder tradition. So in my opinion, things can exist beautifully. My brother and I continue with our contemporary collaborations but our soul is classical music.&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: Does it ever get intimidating working with your father?&nbsp;&nbsp;A: You see, when your Guru is your father, then it's a dual relationship you’re dealing with. There are moments when he suddenly turns into the Guru and it's a very seamless transition. But we have been able to manage it well. Luckily, he still hasn't thrown us out of his life.&nbsp;We are just carrying forward on the journey that he took many years ago and we're just trying to flow along those along the river.<h2>Music: First choice?</h2>&nbsp;Q: Was music your first choice of profession?&nbsp;&nbsp;A: The atmosphere at home was so musically charged, that the language spoken was music and the air we were breathing had music in it. Even if my father was travelling, we had students who were constantly in the music room. So we automatically picked up the sarod and were playing. We grw up with sarods. Music has been the greatest wealth we've had in our family. So I don't think it was something outside the box to teach it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like I have twins today who are 12. I didn't realize until recently that they'll eventually be sitting on stage with us. It was never planned in such a way and they have their academic commitments, their PS five commitments and yet I see them sit down to practice and pick up the instrument.&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: Have your kids told you what they want to become and if they will choose music like you did?&nbsp;&nbsp;A: My kids are 12 and they have already picked it up. We do concerts, which are called the Sarod Quintet, where it's my father, my brother, myself and Zohan and Abir performing. So we've done a lot of shows in India. In fact, we will be touring around India's Independence Day in August as well later. They also performed in Wigmore Hall with us in London. They played in Symphony Space in New York. They are just trying it out and seeking blessings at this point of time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually in the future if they want to do this, they will but right now, I think they're enjoying the process. They love the Q&amp;A sessions their grandfather has with them on stage.&nbsp;

In an exclusive chat, Ayaan Ali Bangash spoke about growing up in house filled with music and working with father and legendary sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. 

Indian artists Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, sons of sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan are passionate about their music, the message behind it and how they continuously reinvent their presentation style. No strangers to fame, the sibling duo, busy with their world tour, spoke about the influence of music on their lives and taking forward the legacy built by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. In an exclusive chat, Ayaan Ali Bangash spoke about sharing the stage with father-legendary sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, what it was like growing up in a house full of music and whether his kids plan to take up music as a profession. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: You and Amaan have a world tour planned for the summer. What can you tell us about that? A: We started a spring tour in April. Through April and May, we are performing in the United States. We also have concerts in Europe. We have a lot of concerts where we will also perform with my father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Sahab. We always try to reinvent our style and change the way we present our music. It’s amazing to be able to do spend so much time together as a family when we are touring. In addition to that, we have some interesting projects which we are currently working on. Those should be out soon. We recently performed with the Google Orchestra. Google, I think, is one of the few companies that has their own musical orchestra, which I was very impressed with. It was called the Google Orchestra. So they played my father's concerts. There are some concerts with Sharon the guitarist, whom we collaborate with a lot. These will all be in the US. Working with legendary Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Q: How does it feel like working with your father Ustad Amjad Ali Khan? Has anything changed in the way you both perform with him now vs when you started. Is he stricter or easier to work with now? A: I think the relationship has become more of a guru and student now over the years. What can I say? I'm just so blessed to even sit alongside the stage with him. You know how they say that you remain a student till your last day? My father feels he's still learning, he's still reinventing himself. That way we are yet to be delivered, I think. So it's a very long journey. I would like to add that all your life experiences reflects onto your music. So what I was playing 20 years ago or 10 years ago – it’s not the same today. When crafting music, you incorporate all those experiences and continue on your journey without diluting tradition. I believe that in order to be contemporary, you don't have to murder tradition. So in my opinion, things can exist beautifully. My brother and I continue with our contemporary collaborations but our soul is classical music. Q: Does it ever get intimidating working with your father? A: You see, when your Guru is your father, then it's a dual relationship you’re dealing with. There are moments when he suddenly turns into the Guru and it's a very seamless transition. But we have been able to manage it well. Luckily, he still hasn't thrown us out of his life. We are just carrying forward on the journey that he took many years ago and we're just trying to flow along those along the river. Music: First choice? Q: Was music your first choice of profession? A: The atmosphere at home was so musically charged, that the language spoken was music and the air we were breathing had music in it. Even if my father was travelling, we had students who were constantly in the music room. So we automatically picked up the sarod and were playing. We grw up with sarods. Music has been the greatest wealth we've had in our family. So I don't think it was something outside the box to teach it. Like I have twins today who are 12. I didn't realize until recently that they'll eventually be sitting on stage with us. It was never planned in such a way and they have their academic commitments, their PS five commitments and yet I see them sit down to practice and pick up the instrument. Q: Have your kids told you what they want to become and if they will choose music like you did? A: My kids are 12 and they have already picked it up. We do concerts, which are called the Sarod Quintet, where it's my father, my brother, myself and Zohan and Abir performing. So we've done a lot of shows in India. In fact, we will be touring around India's Independence Day in August as well later. They also performed in Wigmore Hall with us in London. They played in Symphony Space in New York. They are just trying it out and seeking blessings at this point of time. Eventually in the future if they want to do this, they will but right now, I think they're enjoying the process. They love the Q&A sessions their grandfather has with them on stage.

In an exclusive chat, Ayaan Ali Bangash spoke about growing up in house filled with music and working with father and legendary sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.&nbsp;

Interview| Ayaan Ali Bangash on sharing stage with dad Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, touring and growing up with music

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