That Eric Alper

BEN QUAD Embraces Growth and Optimism with Sophomore LP ‘Wisher’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

BEN QUAD Embraces Growth and Optimism with Sophomore LP ‘Wisher’

Oklahoma post-emo outfit Ben Quad has officially entered a more hopeful chapter with the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, Wisher, out now via Pure Noise Records. A significant evolution from the existential dread of their 2022 debut, the album captures the band leaning into bright synths, pop-infused melodies, and a more expansive sound. Recorded in the peaceful countryside of New Jersey with producer Jon Markson (The Story So Far, Drug Church), the 10-track collection features high-energy standouts like “It’s Just A Title” and “Painless.” Guitarist Edgar Viveros notes that the project allowed the band to break away from strict Midwest emo structures, resulting in a record that feels like a defiant response to their earlier work—replacing uncertainty with a deliberate gaze toward a better future.

Following the album’s successful November 14 release, Ben Quad spent the remainder of 2025 dominating the road, including a massive autumn run supporting labelmates Koyo and Arm’s Length. The momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as the band has already announced a sprawling 2026 world tour. Kicking off in February across the UK and Europe with Arm’s Length, the “Wisher North American Headline Tour” will follow in March, featuring special guests Riley!, Aren’t We Amphibians, and Footballhead. From its tongue-in-cheek “suffering from success” music videos to its emotionally resonant lyrics, Wisher has solidified Ben Quad as one of the most exciting and optimistic voices in the modern punk landscape.

AITIS BAND Explores the Surreal Side of Adolescent Obsession in “He’s Great”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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Aitis Band has unveiled their latest single, “He’s Great,” a playful yet eerie track that dissects the intensity of an adolescent crush through a lens of deadpan humor. Accompanying the release is a music video directed by experimental animator Exyl Space, filmed during a residency at the Oxbow Artist Residency, which depicts a feverish, flashlight-lit gathering in the woods. The song serves as a standout preview of the trio’s fourth full-length album, Aitis Band – IV, out now, via Ernest Jenning Record Co. Produced by longtime collaborator Nate Kinsella (Birthmark, Joan of Arc), the album continues the band’s signature fusion of haunted-house atmospherics, ’80s-night synth-pop, and theatrical noise.

The road to IV was paved by the equally cinematic lead single “Screenplay,” paired with a blood-drenched, horror-inspired short film by director Jennifer Reeder. Formed in 2019 by former Joan of Arc members Bobby Burg and Melina Ausikaitis alongside visual artist Ray Borchers, Aitis Band has built a reputation for shifting fluidly between tender ballads and chaotic anthems. Throughout 2025, the band expanded their cult following by joining Black Moth Super Rainbow for high-profile shows at (Le) Poisson Rouge in NYC and The Sinclair in Boston, as well as celebrating their album release with a headline performance at Pianos in NYC. With IV, the group solidifies their place in the art-rock underground, reporting on the absurd and the terrifying with their unique blend of “art school” sensibilities and club culture grit.

MIGUEL Redefines His Legacy with the Radical and Immersive ‘CAOS’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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MIGUEL Redefines His Legacy with the Radical and Immersive ‘CAOS’

Grammy-winning visionary Miguel has officially entered his most transformative era with the release of his fifth studio album, ‘CAOS’, out now. His first full-length offering in eight years, the 12-track project is a fearless exploration of personal destruction and rebirth, blending alternative R&B with industrial grit and grunge-rock textures. Produced alongside collaborators like Ray Brady and featuring a legendary appearance by George Clinton, ‘CAOS’ rejects industry conventions by featuring original Spanish-language tracks like “El Pleito” and the deeply intimate “Angel’s Song,” a ballad dedicated to his son. From the raw, existential monologue of the title track to the viral momentum of the “Sure Thing” revival, the album solidifies Miguel’s status as a cultural provocateur who bends sonic violence into universal art.

The rollout for ‘CAOS’ has extended far beyond the music, anchored by Miguel’s creative incubator and brand platform, S1C.LA. Through this ecosystem, he has bypassed traditional release structures, dropping music directly to fans and offering exclusive, signed vinyl editions. This era of artistic equity has also moved into academia, where Miguel currently serves as the 2025-2026 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU’s Steinhardt School, leading a “CAOS Curriculum” that challenges students to safeguard their creative futures. Following the album’s massive critical success, Miguel announced an extensive 41-date global tour with special guest Jean Dawson, set to kick off in February 2026. While he has hinted at a second “better” album already completed and currently caught in label negotiations, ‘CAOS’ remains the definitive statement of his evolution—a dark, atmospheric masterpiece that proves true influence is measured in impact, not time.

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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Multi-platinum entertainer Russell Dickerson is taking his electrifying live show to the next level with the announcement of the Russellmania Tour 2026. Following a string of sold-out dates in 2025, the “Spring Slam” trek kicks off on April 23, 2026, and will see Dickerson headline major amphitheaters and arenas across the country. Joining the party as special guests are rising star Dasha and genre-blending favorite Niko Moon, each appearing on select dates of the first round. The tour is a high-energy celebration of Dickerson’s fourth studio album, Famous Back Home, which arrived on August 22, 2025, and delivered his biggest streaming debut to date with the hit “Happen To Me.”

Fans can expect a setlist that masterfully fuses Dickerson’s signature roots-R&B groove with the stadium-ready anthems that have made him a country radio staple. The new record, Famous Back Home, showcases a sophisticated evolution in his sound, from the 90s-inspired hooks of “Heard It In A Country Song” to the vulnerable, stripped-down Vince Gill collaboration “Never Leave.” With “Sippin’ On Top of the World” already cemented as a fan-favorite anthem, the 2026 tour promises to bring the album’s “golden-hour charm” to life with a full-band production. General ticket sales began on September 5, 2025, following massive demand during the initial presale period.

Russell Dickerson “Russellmania Tour 2026” Round 1 Dates:

4/23 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater *
4/24 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre *
4/25 – Orlando, FL @ Addition Financial Arena *
5/28 – Cincinnati, OH @ The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park ^
5/29 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion ^
5/30 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Acrisure Amphitheater ^
*with Dasha | ^with Niko Moon

POCKET AUDIO Redefines Portable Creation with HiChord Aluminum Edition

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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POCKET AUDIO Redefines Portable Creation with HiChord Aluminum Edition

Toronto’s Pocket Audio has officially opened pre-orders for the highly anticipated Batch #4 of the HiChord Aluminum Edition, a sleek, pocket-sized powerhouse that bridges the gap between total beginners and seasoned pros. Encased in a rugged CNC anodized aluminum chassis, the HiChord is a 12-oscillator digital synthesizer, looper, and drum machine designed to make music theory invisible and creation instantaneous. Utilizing the Nashville Number System, users can trigger harmonically perfect chords with one of seven dedicated buttons, while a patent-pending joystick allows for real-time modifications—shifting between major, minor, 7ths, and suspended voicings on the fly. Whether you’re layering tracks on the dual-track looper or using the USB-C MIDI out for studio integration, the HiChord ensures there are “no wrong notes,” making it an essential tool for on-the-go inspiration.

The latest firmware update, REV 2.09, has further polished the experience with a streamlined UI and quality-of-life improvements to MIDI routing and parameter visibility. Every unit in the fourth batch—assembled with precision in Penang Science Park—comes equipped with a high-performance DSP running at 96kHz, an integrated OLED screen, and a built-in speaker for standalone play. From its origins as a viral TikTok sensation to its status as a professional-grade songwriting device, the HiChord has transformed the complex landscape of chord voicings into a tactile, gaming-inspired interface. With Batch #4 slated to begin shipping in January 2026, this new release marks the definitive version of a device that proves music doesn’t need a steep learning curve to be powerful and cinematic.

HiChord Aluminum Edition Features:

Chassis: CNC Anodized Aluminum (100mm x 71mm)
Sound Engine: 12-Oscillator Digital Synth (FM, 16-bit Samples, Hybrid)
Chord Voicings: 6,048 variations across 12 keys
Controls: Nashville Number System buttons + Chord Modifying Joystick
Included: HiChord Device, EVA Protective Case, USB-C Cable
Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

CHRIS LAKE Recharges THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS’ Legendary “Galvanize” with Massive 20th Anniversary Remix

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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CHRIS LAKE Recharges THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS’ Legendary “Galvanize” with Massive 20th Anniversary Remix

Grammy-nominated house heavyweight Chris Lake has officially unleashed his highly anticipated remix of The Chemical Brothers’ iconic anthem “Galvanize,” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the track’s original release. Arriving via Astralwerks and Positiva Records, the remix injects a fresh surge of Lake’s signature high-octane energy into the 2005 classic that originally earned Platinum certifications across the globe. By pairing driving basslines and surging percussion with the unmistakable “Galvanize” hook, Lake has crafted a peak-time weapon that honors the original’s pioneering legacy while retooling it for a new generation of club-goers. The Chemical Brothers themselves have praised the reimagining, noting that Lake successfully captured the track’s original spirit while giving it a modern lease on life that fits perfectly into today’s most elite DJ sets.

The collaboration marks a historic meeting of two electronic music eras, as Lake—one of the most influential figures in modern house—takes on the challenge of reinterpreting a song that “changed the game” two decades ago. The resulting remix strikes a masterful balance between the classic Middle Eastern-inspired strings of the original and the infectious, speaker-shuddering grooves characteristic of Lake’s discography. Having already become a staple in his own performances throughout the late 2025 festival season, the “Galvanize” remix has proven to be an “utterly relentless” addition to the electronic music landscape. It stands as a definitive tribute to the enduring influence of The Chemical Brothers, proving that even twenty years later, the call to “galvanize” remains as potent and electrifying as ever.

JOHN OATES Returns to His Soulful Roots with Electrifying New Solo Album ‘Oates’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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JOHN OATES Returns to His Soulful Roots with Electrifying New Solo Album ‘Oates’

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Oates has officially released his highly anticipated self-titled solo album, Oates, marking a triumphant return to the soulful, groove-driven sound that defined his legendary career. Plucking back in with a renewed creative fire, Oates embraces the R&B spirit of the ’70s and ’80s across 13 tracks that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern. Co-produced in Nashville with David Kalmusky, the record features vibrant collaborations with a new generation of talent, including the powerhouse duo Lawrence on the lead single “Enough Is Enough” and Devon Gilfillian on the soaring track “Mending.” From a smoky reimagining of “Walking in Memphis” to the futuristic Grabbitz remix that closes the collection, Oates is a full-circle masterpiece that celebrates the infectious pop and funk influences that shaped a generation of music lovers.

The buzz surrounding the release reached a fever pitch following Oates’ recent appearance on NPR Music’s Field Recordings and a sold-out release show at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Fans were treated to high-energy, full-band arrangements of new highlights like the slinky “Pushin’ a Rock” and the optimistic “Real Thing Going On,” proving that Oates’ ability to craft a “feel-good groove” remains unmatched. To celebrate the launch, a visualizer for the track “A Ways Away” is now live, with a brand-new music video set to debut next week. Whether exploring acoustic storytelling or plugging back into the electric soul of his youth, John Oates continues to prove why he is one of American music’s most enduring and influential voices.

SUPERTRAMP Celebrates 50 Years of Progressive Mastery with Half-Speed Remasters

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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SUPERTRAMP Celebrates 50 Years of Progressive Mastery with Half-Speed Remasters

To commemorate a half-century of progressive rock excellence, Supertramp has released special 50th-anniversary reissues of their seminal albums, Crime of the Century and Crisis? What Crisis?. Originally released in 1974 and 1975 respectively, these era-defining records have been meticulously remastered at half-speed by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, under the oversight of co-producer Ken Scott. This specialized process offers fans the highest possible level of clarity and sonic detail, breathing fresh life into the intricate arrangements and lush production that catapulted the band to global superstardom. These reissues serve as a high-fidelity tribute to the period that saw the band break into the UK Top Five and the U.S. Billboard charts, solidifying their status as titans of the genre.

Crime of the Century remains a cornerstone of rock history, featuring the breakout success of “Dreamer” and “Bloody Well Right,” which eventually paved the way for the band’s world-dominating trajectory. Its successor, Crisis? What Crisis?, was born from a period of intense creative pressure and is now celebrated as the essential bridge between the band’s early progressive roots and their massive commercial peak. From the haunting opening of “School” to the sophisticated pop-sensibilities of “Lady,” these albums represent a pivotal chapter in musical history. Fifty years later, with millions of copies sold and permanent spots on “Greatest Albums of All Time” lists, these high-definition pressings ensure that Supertramp’s impact on rock music will be heard with unparalleled precision for generations to come.

Supertramp 50th Anniversary Tracklists:

Crime of the Century

Side A: School, Bloody Well Right, Hide in Your Shell, Asylum
Side B: Dreamer, Rudy, If Everyone Was Listening, Crime of the Century

Crisis? What Crisis?

Side A: Easy Does It, Sister Moonshine, Ain’t Nobody But Me, A Soapbox Opera, Another Man’s Woman
Side B: Lady, Poor Boy, Just A Normal Day, The Meaning, Two Of Us

SUMMER DENNIS Reclaims Her Power with New Jack Swing Anthem “Remember”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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SUMMER DENNIS Reclaims Her Power with New Jack Swing Anthem “Remember”

Rising R&B star Summer Dennis has officially entered a bold new era with the release of her uptempo single, “Remember.” Co-written with Bill Moore and produced by the powerhouse team of Nature Boi and J. Medina, the track serves as a vibrant homage to the classic New Jack Swing and 80s pop aesthetics Dennis has long admired. Beneath the song’s infectious, lighthearted production lies a sharp lyrical edge, as Dennis confronts the memory of a controlling and narcissistic ex-partner. Having spent the time since her previous release, “Ain’t No Way,” honing her live performance while opening for R&B heavyweights like Melanie Fiona and Pretty Ricky, Dennis delivers a vocal that is both resilient and celebratory. By choosing to dance through the pain rather than “cry about it,” she has created a definitive anthem for women that balances serious storytelling with undeniable dancefloor energy.

33 BELOW Teams Up with RL GRIME for Dancefloor Anthem “LOOK4MYLOVE”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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33 BELOW Teams Up with RL GRIME for Dancefloor Anthem “LOOK4MYLOVE”

London-based producer and DJ 33 Below has officially released “LOOK4MYLOVE,” a high-octane collaboration with L.A. future bass pioneer RL Grime. First teased during a viral back-to-back set with MPH at EDC Las Vegas 2025, the track pairing pairs 33 Below’s inventive drum programming with RL Grime’s signature booming bass and sweeping synths. Featuring a yearning, pitched-up vocal that navigates a soundscape of seismic chords and liquid transitions, the single arrives as a “dancefloor-destroying” heater engineered for peak-time energy. This release continues a prolific streak for 33 Below, following his style-hopping track “Attack” and the “nightmare-inducing” UK garage energy of his major label debut, “Mash Up,” further cementing his status as one of electronic music’s most boundary-pushing young talents.