Random music news for Friday, February 20, 2026

One of the hottest trends in vacations is the “sleepcation.” I get it. As for music news for February 20, 2026…

1. Here’s an explanation of why certain rock stars have turned up in the Epstein files.
2. Weird RFK Jr flex 1: Working out in jeans. Weird RFK Jr flex 2: Working out in jeans to Kid Rock, but calling its workout “BawidMAHA.”
3. An AI pendant from Apple? Maybe.
4. Have you got “AI anxiety?” You’re not alone.
5. Still with AI, here’s a way it could help musicians get all the money coming to them. It’s a metadata issue.
6. One more: Where are we with AI-generated music and copyright? Here’s an analysis.
7. TikTok is testing a way for users to stream complete songs through Apple Music without leaving the app.
8. Matt Healey of The 1975 did a very nice, very cool thing.
9. An Australian right-wing wonk is accusing Billie Eilish for getting him deported from the US.
10. If you’re a fan of (or just curious about) the ascent of K-pop, read this.
11. Iron Maiden has announced a big weekend called “Eddfest.” (Via Tom)
12. Drake and McDonald’s are planning some kind of collaboration.
13. We’re still mad at Rebecca Black, apparently. She’s responsible for the ragebait era.
14. This is interesting: Using silence as a strategy in the music industry.
15. Is this a solution to getting concert tickets in the hands of fans? Take a look at OpenStage and “Ticket Unlocks.”

More music news? Go here.

BONUS: This actually happened. Probably an elaborate hoax, but people still believe.