That Eric Alper

Universal Music Group And Roblox Level Up With “Tastemaker”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

Universal Music Group And Roblox Level Up With “Tastemaker”

The digital landscape is shifting into high gear as Universal Music Group and Roblox embark on a massive new strategic agreement to redefine the fan experience. This landmark partnership focuses on deep commercial and creative integrations that will empower artists and labels to reach next-gen audiences in unprecedented ways. One of the most thrilling aspects of this deal involves the integration of Shopify which allows creators to sell both digital and physical merchandise directly within the immersive platform.

Fans of the global K-pop sensation Stray Kids have a massive reason to celebrate as their official activation launches today to kick off this new era. This rollout marks the beginning of a series of high-profile artist events designed to merge gaming with music discovery in a way that feels incredibly natural and engaging. The upcoming debut of the flagship ‘Tastemaker’ experience will further establish this virtual world as the premier destination for discovering the biggest tracks and hottest trends.

The collaboration builds on a solid history of successful projects like ‘Beat Galaxy’ and the streaming-focused ‘Boombox’ feature that recently transformed how music exists in games. By prioritizing responsible AI practices and intellectual property protection, both companies are creating a safe and innovative environment where creativity can truly thrive. This forward-thinking framework ensures that artists from Interscope, Republic Records, and beyond can connect with millions of daily active users through cutting-edge tools.

The energy surrounding this announcement is palpable as industry leaders Michael Nash and Enrico D’Angelo share their vision for a more connected entertainment ecosystem. With massive names like Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan already making waves on the platform, the future of interactive concerts and virtual hangouts looks brighter than ever before. This agreement represents a major step toward a world where music is not just something you hear but something you fully inhabit alongside your favorite stars.

CLMC Music Sails Into The Holidays With “Carol of the Caribbean”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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CLMC Music Sails Into The Holidays With “Carol of the Caribbean”

The holiday season officially sounds a lot more adventurous now that a brilliant musical crossover has arrived to bring the high seas to your winter celebrations. Synth expert CLMC Music just released a spectacular mashup titled ‘Carol of the Caribbean’ that blends seasonal tradition with cinematic energy. This fresh track takes the iconic foundation of ‘Carol of the Bells’ and weaves it seamlessly together with the legendary ‘He’s a Pirate’ theme from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films.

Listeners can expect an incredible rush of adrenaline as the driving rhythms of both famous melodies intertwine with absolute precision. The electronic production creates a massive wall of sound that feels both festive and heroic at the same time. This creator previously earned plenty of fans with the inventive ‘Batman to the Future’ project and this new holiday anthem continues that streak of creative excellence.

Every layer of the synthesizers feels intentional and bright which makes the listening experience feel like a genuine celebration of sound. The way the bells transition into the swashbuckling orchestral motifs is a testament to the skill involved in modern digital arrangement. It is the perfect soundtrack for anyone who wants to add a bit of pirate flair to their December playlist while keeping the spirit of the classics alive.

Sharing this kind of creative work is always a joy because it highlights how much fun artists can have with familiar melodies. You will likely find yourself hitting the repeat button to catch every subtle detail hidden within the layers of the production. Go ahead and turn the volume up to appreciate the full scope of this holiday treasure.

STRANGER THINGS Clues Take Over Spotify Ahead of Season 5, Volume 2

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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STRANGER THINGS Clues Take Over Spotify Ahead of Season 5, Volume 2

Hawkins has officially landed on Spotify just in time for the release of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 on December 25. The Stranger Things Official Playlist has been transformed into a digital headquarters for WSQK The Squawk, featuring exclusive radio takeovers from Rockin’ Robin (Maya Hawke). Fans tuning in between December 16 and 18 have been treated to cryptic broadcasts containing hidden numerical clues. By piecing together the four specific digits revealed across the three-day event, listeners can unlock an exclusive secret scene from Volume 2—but the window is short, as this mobile-exclusive experience is only available globally from December 18 through December 20.

The interactive campaign follows the massive success of Volume 1, which debuted last month and featured personalized playlist covers matching fans with the Hawkins characters that best fit their musical DNA. Spotify has leaned heavily into the 1980s nostalgia this year, introducing a “Musical Time Machine” to explore the show’s biggest needle drops and even hiding a Demogorgon head that lurks within the play bar. These easter eggs have turned the platform into an extension of the Upside Down, allowing fans to dive deeper into the lore while waiting for the final showdown between Eleven and Vecna.

The cultural impact of the new season has already sent global streaming numbers into the stratosphere for classic tracks featured in the Volume 1 soundtrack. Hits like Diana Ross’s “Upside Down” saw a 510% surge, while Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” and ABBA’s “Fernando” climbed by 490% and 335%, respectively. The most impressive spike came from The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman,” which skyrocketed by 625%. As Hawkins prepares for its final chapter, the Stranger Things Official Playlist remains the definitive destination for fans to decode the mystery, with the secret numerical code 7653559775 now circulating among those who successfully cracked Robin’s broadcast.

FREEDOM FORUM Unveils Freely Fest at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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FREEDOM FORUM Unveils Freely Fest at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

The nonpartisan nonprofit organization Freedom Forum has announced the inaugural Freely Fest, a groundbreaking music festival set for April 8, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Celebrating the power of music and the fundamental freedoms protected by the First Amendment, the event features a star-studded lineup including The Killers, T-Pain, Dominic Fike, Janelle Monáe, and Avery Anna. Billed as a tribute to free expression, the festival will combine high-energy performances with artist storytelling to highlight how the right to speak, create, and be heard shapes American culture. Freedom Forum Chair and CEO Jan Neuharth emphasized that “music tells the story of America,” and this festival serves as a platform to ensure those stories continue to be told through the protection of our foundational rights.

In addition to the live event in Nashville, Freely Fest will be streamed globally, allowing audiences worldwide to join the celebration of the First Amendment. Tickets for the arena experience go on sale this week, with presales beginning Thursday, December 18, 2025, and a general sale to follow. Fans looking for an enhanced experience can opt for VIP packages that include dedicated entry, premium lounge seating, and all-inclusive hospitality. As Freedom Forum marks over three decades of advocating for the five freedoms—religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition—Freely Fest stands as their most ambitious effort yet to inspire a new generation to value and defend the essential rights that make creative expression possible.

APPLE MUSIC LIVE: Fred again.. Headlines Massive New Year’s Eve Takeover

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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APPLE MUSIC LIVE: Fred again.. Headlines Massive New Year’s Eve Takeover

Apple Music is ringing in 2026 with an exclusive New Year’s Eve event, Apple Music Live: Fred again.., featuring the artist’s acclaimed USB002 Dublin DJ set. Premiering on December 31, the broadcast highlights the only full-length film from Fred again..’s USB002 tour, notable for the immersive Boris Acket fabric installation—a 70-meter moving sculpture that has become a visual hallmark of his recent performances. Subscribers can watch the performance on demand at local midnights, while a free video stream will be available in the Apple Music “New” tab starting at 12:00 AM ET on December 31. Additionally, fans can catch the live audio broadcast on the newly launched Apple Music Club radio at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET to soundtrack their countdown.

The celebration extends across the platform with a 24-hour takeover on Apple Music Club radio, the global destination for dance and electronic music. Starting at 12:00 AM PT / 3:00 AM ET on December 31, the station will feature a marathon of brand-new, exclusive mixes from over 20 of the world’s top DJs and producers, including DJ Snake, James Hype, Shygirl, and The Brothers Macklovitch (A-Trak & Dave 1). From the high-energy house of Cloonee to the boundary-pushing sounds of Indira Paganotto and ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, the takeover offers a continuous global party. Following the successful USB002 stops in cities like Toronto and Lyon, this Dublin film captures Fred again..’s transformative “soft kinetic chamber” experience, cementing his status as electronic music’s most vital live act.

SILICA GEL Makes History as First Korean Male Band on “THE FIRST TAKE”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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SILICA GEL Makes History as First Korean Male Band on “THE FIRST TAKE”

Korean four-piece Silica Gel has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first all-male Korean band to perform on Japan’s premier music YouTube channel, THE FIRST TAKE. Delivering a high-intensity, one-take performance of their signature track “NO PAIN,” the band showcased the raw musicianship that has fueled their rise from 15,000-capacity headline shows to international acclaim. Known for its minimalist environment that captures performances in their purest form, the channel—which has hosted icons like Harry Styles and Hikaru Utada—provided a global stage for Silica Gel to reaffirm their growing influence in the contemporary J-rock and K-indie scenes. Vocalist Kim Hanjoo noted that “NO PAIN” was selected specifically for its powerful live response, inviting new viewers to join the band’s burgeoning “offline” community.

The performance arrives alongside the release of their latest single “BIG VOID” and serves as a major catalyst for their upcoming ‘Syn.THE.Size.X Japan Tour’. Scheduled for headline dates in Tokyo and Osaka this month, the tour represents a strategic expansion into the Japanese market following a year of unprecedented growth. Silica Gel’s ability to blend psychedelic textures with driving rock anthems has set them apart as “raw authenticity” ambassadors, bridging the musical gap between Seoul and Tokyo. As anticipation builds for their December headline shows, the band’s THE FIRST TAKE appearance stands as a definitive moment of cross-cultural success, proving that their sonic vision resonates far beyond Korean borders.

Silica Gel ‘Syn.THE.Size.X’ Japan Tour Details:

Performance: “NO PAIN” on THE FIRST TAKE (11.6M Subscribers)
New Single: “BIG VOID” (Out Now)
Dec 22: Tokyo – Zepp Shinjuku
Dec 23: Osaka – BIGCAT

SIRIUSXM Media Canada Announces Exclusive Sales Partnership with “Footy Prime The Podcast”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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SIRIUSXM Media Canada Announces Exclusive Sales Partnership with “Footy Prime The Podcast”

SiriusXM Media Canada has officially inked an exclusive advertising and sponsorship sales partnership with Footy Prime The Podcast, Canada’s top-rated soccer podcast. Hosted by an elite team of national broadcasters and former players—including James Sharman, Craig Forrest, and Amy Walsh—the show has become the definitive voice for unfiltered soccer analysis and cultural conversation in the country. This collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment for Canadian soccer as the nation prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, providing brands with a unique opportunity to engage with a rapidly growing and passionate fan base. By integrating Footy Prime into its premium podcast network, SiriusXM aims to leverage the show’s credibility and humor to deliver high-impact results for advertisers during the most significant era in Canadian soccer history.

As the exclusive sales partner, SiriusXM Media will offer brands specialized in-podcast integrations and data-driven advertising solutions across its extensive cross-platform network. VP General Manager Jon Hales highlighted the partnership as a reflection of the surging demand for high-quality sports content, noting that Footy Prime’s deep fan connection makes it an ideal vehicle for brands looking to capitalize on World Cup momentum. Host James Sharman expressed excitement about utilizing SiriusXM’s vast resources to expand the show’s reach and provide comprehensive coverage of the global game. With this alliance, SiriusXM continues to solidify its position as Canada’s leading destination for premium audio storytelling, bridging the gap between homegrown Canadian voices and a massive coast-to-coast audience.

WHICH SIDE?: Protest Music Teach-Out Announces Star-Studded January Lineup

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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WHICH SIDE?: Protest Music Teach-Out Announces Star-Studded January Lineup

The acclaimed monthly series “Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out” returns to Somerville’s Burren Back Room on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for an evening dedicated to community, conversation, and resistance. Inspired by James Sullivan’s book Which Side Are You On?, the event pairs history with live performance, tasking artists to perform one classic protest song alongside an original work. The January installment features an incredible lineup including Leon Beal, Sarah Borges, Avi Jacob, Caleb McCoy, Adam Sherman with Dinty Child and Elizabeth Steen, and Wesley Stace. All performers will be backed by the house band, The Paid Protesters, led by music director Ed Valauskas.

Produced by Joyce Linehan, Jon Lupfer, and Sullivan, the 90-minute program has become a vital “beacon of hope” in politically divisive times, functioning as part concert and part community teach-in. Since its inception, the series has archived powerful performances from Boston legends like Ezra Furman and Chad Stokes, bridging the gap between historical movements and contemporary advocacy. Admission remains “pay-what-you-want,” with proceeds supporting the musicians and organizations fighting for intellectual freedom. With reservations strongly suggested for the intimate Back Room setting, the event promises to be a poignant start to the new year, reminding audiences of the enduring power of song as a tool for social justice.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. (Doors at 7:00 p.m.)
Location: The Burren Back Room, Somerville, MA
Lineup: Leon Beal, Sarah Borges, Avi Jacob, Caleb McCoy, Adam Sherman, and Wesley Stace
House Band: The Paid Protesters
Admission: Pay-what-you-want

TOO MUCH LIGHT Combines NIN and Dickens for Anti-Capitalist Goth-Pop Statement

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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TOO MUCH LIGHT Combines NIN and Dickens for Anti-Capitalist Goth-Pop Statement

Vancouver-based audiovisual project Too Much Light has released a provocative queer reimagining of Nine Inch Nails’ “Head Like A Hole,” weaving the industrial anthem together with the anti-capitalist themes of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Directed by Erik Gustafson and featuring production design by Jenny Kirby (whose credits include Avatar: The Last Airbender), the music video transforms Dickensian ghosts into drag icons, with Kirby appearing as an androgynous Jacob Marley and Parris Florence as a drag king version of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Shot over two days in a living room using entirely thrifted and handmade sets, the project serves as a “Dickensian exercise of constraint” and a powerful call for diverse representation within the dark alternative scene. This release acts as a precursor to the band’s debut EP, Exposure, slated for 2026, and a series of upcoming live performances across British Columbia.

EVERY US Delivers a Soulful Ode to Chosen Family with New Single “B-Train”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 19, 2025

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Brooklyn-based indie-soul collective Every Us has released their latest single, “B-Train,” a harmony-rich tribute to the enduring power of chosen family. Out today, December 19, the track captures the soft chaos of navigating heartbreak through late-night subway rides and bottles of cheap wine. Led by the expressive vocals of Chynna Sherrod and meticulously crafted by producer Ryan Jones, “B-Train” blends sample-driven grit with lush, nostalgic textures to create a cinematic soundscape. Mixed and mastered by Ian Kimmel, the song moves away from traditional romantic tropes to celebrate the friends who show up when life gets messy, landing in a sonic lane shared by artists like Jungle and Dijon.

The release marks a significant step toward the group’s sophomore EP, due in 2026, and follows their recent atmospheric single “The Motions.” Every Us has built a reputation for collective storytelling, channeling the heart of modern New York through an inclusive and collaborative production style. “B-Train” functions as a sonic love letter to those reliable connections, utilizing understated drums and evocative samples to mirror the rhythmic hum of the city’s transit system. As they continue to expand their world of soul-infused production, Every Us solidifies their place as a vital voice in the modern indie-soul scene, proving that the most profound love stories are often found in the company of friends.