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Duane Betts Shares “Best Wishes” Ahead of Deeply Personal New Album ‘Isle of Hope’

Eric Alper
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Duane Betts Shares “Best Wishes” Ahead of Deeply Personal New Album ‘Isle of Hope’

Duane Betts has a new album coming, and every track unveiled from it deepens the picture of what ‘Isle of Hope’ represents. “Best Wishes” is out now, the latest preview of the 10-track record arriving June 12th via Sun Records, his first project in partnership with the label.

“Life is like this constant accumulation of experiences,” Betts says of the song. “Sometimes, they come so fast that they kind of pile up before we can fully appreciate them. The idea of ‘Best Wishes’ is a reminder to take some time to reflect and appreciate those experiences.”

‘Isle of Hope’ was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded in just 5 days at Cobb’s studio in Savannah, GA. The album’s emotional centerpiece, “Heartache,” honors the second anniversary of the passing of Betts’ father, beloved singer and guitarist Dickey Betts, making this record as much a tribute as a personal document. The album was created during a period when Betts was simultaneously at a peak in his career and confronting profound loss, and that tension runs through every track.

‘Isle of Hope’ follows his 2023 debut solo album ‘Wild & Precious Life,’ which featured Derek Trucks, Marcus King, and Nicki Bluhm and earned widespread acclaim. Before his solo work, Betts co-founded The Allman Betts Band alongside Devon Allman in 2018, releasing 2 studio albums and touring relentlessly, including the annual Allman Betts Family Revival with guests including Jason Isbell, Robert Randolph, Jimmy Hall, Charlie Starr, and Marcus King.

Betts and his band Palmetto Motel tour through the fall, with stops including New York’s Gramercy Theatre, West Hollywood’s Troubadour, Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre, Madison’s Majestic Theatre, and 2-night runs at Evanston’s Space and Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall.

‘Isle of Hope’ is out June 12th via Sun Records.

Lauren Watkins Opens a New Chapter With the Sharp and Self-Aware “Heartbreakaholic”

Eric Alper
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Lauren Watkins Opens a New Chapter With the Sharp and Self-Aware “Heartbreakaholic”

Lauren Watkins has her first new music since her 2025 album ‘In A Perfect World,’ and “Heartbreakaholic” signals a more self-aware season for the Nashville native. The track is out now via Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters, written alongside Will Bundy, Nicolle Galyon, and Rodney Clawson.

The song draws directly from Watkins’ own experience with heartbreak patterns, the kind of emotional cycle that feels almost habitual, chasing the next thing to feel deeply about even when you know better. It’s a hook built from real life, and Watkins delivers it with the kind of warmth and humor that makes the subject land without feeling heavy.

“There was always something strangely addicting about it to me,” she says. “Just when I’d get over something, I needed something else to get over. Maybe I’m crazy, but I’m just a person who feels things deeply, and I kinda get restless when I don’t have an excuse to drive around and cry to my favorite sad songs.” She adds with a laugh: “Heartbroken or not, I’m a creature of habit, and that’s really what this song is about.”

The release arrives alongside the renewal of Watkins’ publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing, further establishing her position as one of country music’s most promising young artist-writers. With a writing room full of heavy hitters and a voice that earns every lyric she delivers, “Heartbreakaholic” is a strong opening move for whatever comes next.

“Heartbreakaholic” is out now via Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters.

Cassidy Daniels Releases “Heart Shaped Necklace” and Performs It on Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch

Eric Alper
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Cassidy Daniels Releases “Heart Shaped Necklace” and Performs It on Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch

Cassidy Daniels has a new single out and a national television platform to go with it. “Heart Shaped Necklace” is available now via 101 Music/Thirty Tigers, released alongside Daniels’ appearance in the series premiere of Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch, where she performs the track onscreen.

Co-written by Daniels and produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, the track blends heartfelt storytelling with a country-rock edge drawn from classic Southern rock influences. Soaring vocals and sharp lyricism drive the song, which zeroes in on the kind of love that’s imperfect, consuming, and impossible to walk away from.

Daniels is direct about what the song means to her. “‘Heart Shaped Necklace’ isn’t about jewelry. This song encapsulates the messy, breathless, butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of love, the kind that knows you down to your soul and sticks around anyway.” She points to a specific lyric as the song’s anchor: “I don’t need a real diamond just a solid heart.”

Originally from North Carolina and raised in a military household that moved her across the country, Daniels draws from Southern influences shaped by time in Kentucky and Florida. She’s shared stages with Willie Nelson, Florida Georgia Line, and Billy Currington, built a following through her run as a finalist on CBS’s The Road, and released “Southern Rock” earlier this year as her debut on 101 Music. A full-length album produced by John Osborne is currently in progress.

This summer, Daniels hits the road with Brothers Osborne and performs at CMA Fest in Nashville next month.

“Heart Shaped Necklace” is out now via 101 Music/Thirty Tigers.

Evanescence Drop “Who Will You Follow” Video Ahead of New Album ‘Sanctuary,’ Out June 5th

Eric Alper
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Evanescence Drop “Who Will You Follow” Video Ahead of New Album ‘Sanctuary,’ Out June 5th

Evanescence have released the official video for “Who Will You Follow,” directed by Jensen Noen, and it arrives with the band operating at full creative momentum. The track is already the fastest-moving rock radio single of their career, entering the top at US rock radio in under 4 weeks and earning their first-ever No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Song Chart. The video is out now via BMG.

The cinematic visual pairs thought-provoking imagery with an emotionally charged performance, exploring the impact of technology, misinformation, and digital culture on individual perception and collective truth. Noen’s direction gives the material a scope that matches the song’s ambition.

“Who Will You Follow” previews ‘Sanctuary,’ out June 5th via BMG. The album features production from Zakk Cervini, Jordan Fish, and Nick Raskulinecz, whose credits include Korn, Foo Fighters, and Rush. Physical formats include standard CD, deluxe CD with Blu-ray, limited edition box set, and digital, with a double vinyl following September 4th. The deluxe CD Blu-ray includes a concert film from the band’s biggest-ever headlining show in São Paulo, a documentary from their 2023 South America tour, and behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the “Who Will You Follow” video.

The 2026 World Tour kicks off June 11th in West Palm Beach, FL, moving across North America, the UK, and Europe. Spiritbox and Nova Twins open the North American dates, Poppy supports the UK and European shows with Nova Twins opening outside the UK, and K. Flay, who appears on Evanescence’s Ballerina end title song “Fight Like A Girl,” opens the UK shows.

Evanescence has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1/£1/€1 from every ticket sold supports organizations providing humanitarian aid and medical relief worldwide. Head Count will also be on site at most US dates to register voters and assist with registration verification.

‘Sanctuary’ is out June 5th via BMG.

Niko Moon Goes Back to Where He Came From on New Album ‘Roots,’ Out July 17th

Eric Alper
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Niko Moon Goes Back to Where He Came From on New Album ‘Roots,’ Out July 17th

Niko Moon has a new album coming and a new direction to go with it. ‘Roots’ arrives July 17th via Empire, and first single “Rich Man” is out now alongside a visualizer that depicts Moon sitting outside a trailer beside his pregnant wife, a direct visual reference to the humble origins the album is built around.

‘Roots’ follows Moon’s 2025 project ‘American Palm’ and trades that record’s beachside energy for something more personal and grounded. The album draws from Moon’s upbringing across Tyler, Texas, Atlanta, and Georgia, shaped by a young mother, a truck-driving father, and years spent moving between trailers and extended-stay motels. It’s the origin story he hasn’t fully told until now.

“I started feeling pulled back toward the places that raised me,” Moon says. “This album is an homage to those places, those memories and the stories that shaped me. Instead of writing about taking somebody to the beach or out to a party, I wanted to take people back to where I come from.”

“Rich Man” captures the album’s core directly. Wealth here gets measured in family, love, and connection, not material terms. Moon’s vocal delivery on the track is warm and specific, and the visualizer reinforces the message with striking simplicity. It’s one of the most emotionally direct releases of his career.

The Back To My Roots fall headlining tour kicks off September 11th in Youngstown, OH, with stops in Chattanooga, Columbus, and more. Tickets are on sale now.

Moon also returns with his Good Time Fest in Charleston, SC, May 23rd and 24th, an expanded festival blending live music, community, and wellness. A portion of proceeds supports his Happy Cowboy Foundation, dedicated to increasing access to mental health resources.

‘Roots’ is out July 17th via Empire.

Jelly Roll’s “Rise Up” Is the Official Theme Song of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Eric Alper
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Jelly Roll’s “Rise Up” Is the Official Theme Song of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Jelly Roll and the NHL are a natural fit, and “Rise Up” makes that case immediately. The Grammy Award-winner’s new Amazon Music Original track is the official theme song of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, featured across game broadcasts, in-arena integrations, and NHL digital and social channels.

The music video debuted during the first game of the Western Conference Final, pairing Jelly Roll with the Stanley Cup and NHL highlights in a multi-faceted creative collaboration that extends well beyond a standard licensing deal. A documentary short on the making of the video, featuring Jelly Roll alongside NHL stars Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes, drops in June. NHL players also contributed personally curated pregame soundtracks for “The Power Play(list)” on Amazon Music.

Jelly Roll is clear about where the song comes from. “This song was written for the guys grinding every night for the Cup,” he says. “This isn’t just the theme song of the NHL Playoffs. This is their song. It crawls over your skin, that dirty, swampy, nasty, distorted rock and roll.”

That description lands. “Rise Up” doesn’t ease into the moment. It matches the playoff intensity directly, built for rinks and crowds and everything on the line.

“Rise Up” is out now as an Amazon Music Original.

Madonna, Shakira, and BTS Co-Headline the First-Ever FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show

Eric Alper
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Madonna, Shakira, and BTS Co-Headline the First-Ever FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show

History gets made July 19th. Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show at New York New Jersey Stadium, the first halftime show in FIFA World Cup Final history. The event is broadcast live around the world, produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, and curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin in his ongoing role as international curator of the Global Citizen Festival.

The show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a campaign targeting $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children worldwide. The fund has already raised over $30 million, with $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches going directly to the initiative throughout the tournament.

Shakira, a FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Board Member, connects the show directly to her broader work. “I’ve spent my life doing two things, making songs and building schools,” she says. “At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together.” She’ll perform “Dai Dai,” the official song she created for the tournament and the Education Fund.

Madonna frames her participation around access and opportunity. “Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to quality learning, because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change.”

BTS add their own perspective: “Music is the universal language of hope and harmony, and we’re honored to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children’s education.”

The show also features Muppets from Sesame Street and The Muppets from The Walt Disney Company, whose inclusion reflects the event’s focus on children’s education and joyful learning. Chris Martin revealed the lineup in a short film and described the show as being “all about togetherness, and everyone’s invited.”

Keith Urban Drops “Steal Away” and Previews His Yacht Rock Album ‘Flow State,’ Out June 12th

Eric Alper
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Keith Urban Drops “Steal Away” and Previews His Yacht Rock Album ‘Flow State,’ Out June 12th

Keith Urban’s cover of Robbie Dupree’s classic 1980 track “Steal Away” is out now via MCA, and it does exactly what great yacht rock should: it transports you somewhere warm and unhurried before the second verse arrives. The track is 1 of several covers on his upcoming album ‘Flow State,’ out June 12th, which also includes takes on “Baby Come Back,” “Just the Two of Us,” and “Summer Breeze,” plus an original song, “We Go Back,” featuring Michael McDonald.

‘Flow State’ was produced by Urban and Dann Huff and recorded at Urban’s own The Sound studio in Nashville. The collaborator list is well-matched to the material: Michael McDonald, Little Big Town, and John Mayer all appear across the record, making it as much a gathering of musical friends as a solo project.

Urban is everywhere over the next few weeks. He headlines ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, alongside Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Braxton Keith, and Tucker Wetmore. He also presents the Album of the Year award at the 61st ACM Awards, performs at the American Music Awards on CBS and Paramount+ on May 25th, and takes the Nissan Stadium stage at CMA Fest on June 5th.

The ACM Triple Crown honoree and 14-time ACM Award winner continues to be one of country music’s most active and versatile performers, and ‘Flow State’ signals a deliberate, sun-soaked creative detour that suits him exceptionally well.

“Steal Away” is out now. ‘Flow State’ arrives June 12th via MCA.

Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise 3 Sets Sail in 2027 With The Damned, X, Buzzcocks, and More

Eric Alper
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Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise 3 Sets Sail in 2027 With The Damned, X, Buzzcocks, and More

Little Steven Van Zandt and Sixthman are taking the Underground Garage out to sea for a third time. Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise 3 sails April 24-28, 2027, from Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic aboard Norwegian Jewel, and the lineup is loaded.

The roster includes The Damned, X, D Generation, Buzzcocks, Stiff Little Fingers, Glen Matlock, The Return Of Jackie and Judy (Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker with Fred Armisen), The Zeros, Texas Headhunters, The 5.6.7.8’s, The Fleshtones, The Chesterfield Kings, The Courettes, The Dollyrots, The Coolies, The Cocktail Slippers, Jessie Wagner, Goons, and special guest Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s, with more to be announced.

Every artist plays multiple sets across the 4-day run, with once-in-a-lifetime collaborations built into the program. SiriusXM Sessions at Sea feature up-close performances and conversations hosted by Underground Garage DJs including Palmyra Delran, Kelly Ogden, The Mighty Manfred, and Count Peter Zaremba, with recordings set for broadcast on the SiriusXM Underground Garage channel. Add meet and greets, theme nights, an onboard merch store, a tattoo parlor, and the full amenities of Norwegian Jewel, and the package covers everything.

The shore excursion stop in Puerto Plata, the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic, offers options ranging from summit views at over 2,600 feet atop Pico Isabel de Torres to a visit to the 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe.

First Round Presale Signups are open through May 28th at 11:59 pm ET, with Final Round Presale Signups closing June 2nd. The public on sale begins June 4th at 2 pm ET. Presale cabins carry a $100 per cabin savings, and bookings are available for just $100 down per person until August 24th with automatic monthly billing. Exclusive presale incentives include a signed poster from The Damned, X, or Buzzcocks, subject to availability.

Emily Ann Roberts Pays Tribute to Her Father With the Quietly Powerful “Things You Didn’t Know”

Eric Alper
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Emily Ann Roberts Pays Tribute to Her Father With the Quietly Powerful “Things You Didn’t Know”

Emily Ann Roberts wrote “Things You Didn’t Know” the morning after her parents drove in from East Tennessee to watch her play The Listening Room with Vince Gill. The new single is out now via Sony Music Nashville, and it carries that specific, lived-in warmth throughout its entire runtime.

Over soft acoustic guitar and fiddle, Roberts traces the quiet, unspoken influence of her father’s life on her own, the lessons absorbed not from direct instruction but from watching how he moved through the world. “He hasn’t had an easy life, but he has never let the hard times define him,” she says. “He modeled hard work, how to be a friend, and introduced me to all his favorite records, which in turn shaped my songwriting and artistry.”

Roberts wrote the song at a retreat alongside Trent Willmon, Michael Farren, and Laura Veltz, immediately after her parents had joined them for breakfast. The proximity of the moment to the writing shows. “Things You Didn’t Know” is specific and unhurried, the kind of song that earns its emotional weight honestly.

Roberts arrives at this release with serious industry recognition behind her. An ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee, she’s also a MusicRow Next Big Thing and was recently honored as AIMP Nashville Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. She’s a member of the Opry NextStage Class of 2026 and performs tomorrow at ACM Next Wave: Country Beach Bash in Las Vegas.

The year ahead is packed. Roberts has already appeared at C2C, Tortuga, and more, with Carolina Country Music Fest, Barefoot Country Music Fest, and Boots and Hearts ahead, plus her Nissan Stadium debut at CMA Fest. She joins Thomas Rhett for his Soundtrack to Life Tour this summer and fall, including stadium dates with Niall Horan, and closes the year on UK dates with Cody Johnson.

“Things You Didn’t Know” is out now via Sony Music Nashville.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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