NPR Music is reporting that Phoebe Bridgers has returned to the stage after a hiatus that began in 2024, following intense online scrutiny of her personal life. Bridgers, who had previously spoken about being dehumanized and bullied online, set strict boundaries for her recent surprise shows, including a ban on phones and writing materials. Her June 4 stadium set at Madison Square Garden required fans to register through a lottery and donate to the Community Justice Exchange's Immigration Bond Freedom Fund.
NPR Music said Bridgers played eight unreleased songs at the Madison Square Garden show, which a colleague described as "extremely good" and including a "straightforward country song." An album announcement is expected. This new era for Bridgers coincides with fresh releases from Olivia Rodrigo, with her album "you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love," and Gracie Abrams, whose album "Daughter from Hell" is due July 17. NPR Music suggests this trend marks the "sweat-stained, tear-streaked glory of sad girl summer," characterized by confessional, emo-tinged songwriting that explores the existentialism of young womanhood.
The outlet noted that these artists' music reflects a deeper melancholy beneath the current state of young womanhood in America, grappling with issues like algorithm burnout, body dysmorphia and geopolitical chaos. It said Bridgers, Rodrigo and Abrams refuse to separate their artistry from politics, taking public stances against abortion bans, crackdowns on immigrant communities and violence in Gaza. They have also faced online criticism unrelated to their art.
In other music news, NPR Music reviewed Olivia Rodrigo's latest album, noting a shift towards an 1980s new-wave sound that, according to a review, doesn't always land with the same punch as her earlier material. It also highlighted new albums from Pussy Riot, YHWH Nailgun, Hayley Kiyoko and Six Sex, discussed on its New Music Friday podcast. A new triple disc-set, "55," from pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque, celebrates their more than half-century of playing together. Additionally, Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil discussed his memoir and the band's legacy in an interview with Morning Edition.