While the momentum picks up on 2019’s releases and tours, we are exploring what’s to come. Whether it’s records, tours or even musical films, we’ve got the big moments of 2019 covered and even a few rumours.

Albums:

Heavy tones are coming in 2019 from the likes of the Deftones, as well as theatrical artists like Chelsea Wolfe and Sun O))). Even Ice-T’s Body Count is returning with music this year, though it’s still unclear where their new music will land genre-wise.

Solange was actually supposed to drop her newest album this fall after last gracing us with music in 2016. Given the lack of a release but a several interviews about the record, it’s surely almost here. With the juicy singles from Toro Y Moi, January 18 just isn’t soon enough. After some interesting time in the public light and a theme song for Netflix’s “Hilda,” the latest string of releases from Grimes is shaping up her newest release to be one worth of her fame. Eight years and a hiatus later, Ladytron have reformed from their solo projects to make an album they’ve deemed to be heavier and more urgent than their previous work. (February 1)

For something more party-focused, Mark Ronson is currently slated to release Late Night Feelings in March. Though he’s called it a collection of “Sad bangers,” Ronson has insisted the music is moving him. Lana Del Rey is shooting for something similar on Norman Rockwell in March, though her latest music seems to lean towards something longer, rather than strictly sad dance music. With her tour just over a month away, you can also expect something light but vocally powerful from Ariana Grande’s Thank You Next before the weather warms up.

Interestingly, Chromatics were supposed to release Dear Tommy as far back as 2015, but after allegedly destroying all the copies of its original release themselves, the album is back on track for 2019. With his own album out of the way in 2018, Jack White has finally reunited the long dormant Raconteurs with a slew of singles. Though there’s no official release date, a tour has been confirmed! Fingers crossed another Dead Weather album isn’t too far off for Jack White & Jack Lawrence either. With Portlandia wrapped, Sleater-Kinney was talking up their next album in early 2018. While claims of an early 2019 release await confirmation, here’s hoping to catch them on the road soon.

After her magnificent take on LCD Soundsystem for the BBC, Sharon Van Etten is getting more broody and weird (January 18). Brody Dalle has also confirmed new Distillers material for 2019, while her own solo work may be on break for the moment. Alternatively, Foals are finally returning after seemingly turning a snowball of momentum into a long hiatus. (Date TBA) February 1 will see Beirut blowing our minds again with Gallipoli, after their promising singles have piqued interest.

February is also the debut of new music from Cherry Glazerr, with their single “Daddi” already making us groove. Girlpool is following suit with What Chaos Is Imaginary, and a tour with Hatchie on the way as well. Deerhunter are returning just a pinch sooner, with the early tastes of their January 18 record promising something euphoric and mystical but humbling in its rustic tones, and one week later, Fidlar will shred away any concerns you have left.

With years of hype behind her and her tear-inducing intro to Pharrell Williams, Maggie Rogers is finally making her big debut in a couple weeks. With songs new and old, and years of her life under the hood of this one, it will be interesting long before the additions from ex-Vampire Weekend member Rostam Batmanglij. For March, Weezer are finally kicking out with their Black Album and a mix of their vintage sounds with something more experimental. No word yet on whether their “Africa” covers and Weird Al shenanigans are any indication of how this record will sound.

Rumoured and Date-less Albums of 2019:

Given how much word of mouth or one-off comments can spark fans and writers alike, we’ve also collected a few prospective records that will hopefully come out soon. Floating around the rumour-mill are releases from Carly Rae Jepsen, Pond, Migos, Tame Impala, Q-Tip, Sky Ferreira, The Cure, Danny Brown, The Weeknd, Vampire Weeknd, Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Chance The Rapper (especially with that recent Spider-Man background art).

Big & Unexpected Tours:

While music is a little further off, The Strokes have announced 2019 will be a big tour year for them. Also coming out of nowhere is a Spice Girls tour which currently is relegated to U.K. shores, while ABBA‘s going for new music, a documentary and a tour featuring holograms of their seventies selves. Even Cher is hitting the road to give fans some music, and Lady Gaga will be doing a dual Vegas residency offering loud pop to some and jazzy vocals to others. If you need something a little more intense, Massive Attack also have 21st anniversary tour planned for Mezzanine that promises to hit hard and weird.

Melodic Movies:

Hot on the heels of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Elton John’s own alleged final tour, “Rocketman” (July 3) looks at the piano-man’s life with an exceptionally surreal lens. Interestingly Taron Egerton is playing John, after Elton himself made a substantial cameo in Egerton’s film “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Josh Brolin and Jessica Chastain are set to play the titular “George and Tammy” which follows the lives of music legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

While the film adaptation of “Cats” (December 20) might seem like a niche release, it’s stacked cast begs to differ. Acting heavyweights like Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and even fan favourites like James Corden and Rebel Wilson, are appearing. Then, you also have Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson and even Jason Derulo on board to make sure this is for everyone while starring just about everyone too.

There will plenty of musical fun in the new version of “Aladdin” (May 24) which also has Will Smith, Nasim Pedrad, Naomi Scott and Billy Magnussen. Meanwhile “The Lion King” is boasting Donald Glover and Beyoncé as Simba and Nala respectively, so expect some strong takes on the classic songs. Hans Zimmer is also providing a score to the film. On top of the great supporting cast, the comedic talents of John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen and Eric Andre are turning this into a spectacle of casting.

Words by Owen Maxwell