Native New Yorker and powerhouse vocalist Karen King has gifted us the ultimate holiday soundtrack with her festive new music video for ‘Christmas Time In New York City’. This original anthem, co-written with longtime collaborator Adelaide Mancuso, is a vibrant love letter to the Big Apple that perfectly captures the resilience and magic of the city during the most wonderful time of the year. Backed by a magnificent 12-piece orchestra with arrangements by the legendary Angelo DiPippo and Tedd Firth, King’s vocals soar over a track recorded at the world-class Cove City Sound studio. But the celebration doesn’t stop with the music—King has also announced the highly anticipated reopening of the historic Alleva Dairy in Chelsea Market this February. After 130 years as a Little Italy staple, America’s oldest cheese shop is bringing its century-old recipes and family traditions to a new Manhattan home, proving that Karen King is truly the reigning queen of both “cheese and show” in the city that never sleeps.
MIKA Returns with the Dazzling “Immortal Love” Video and Announces the ‘Hyperlove’ Era
The world of pop music is about to get a whole lot more colourful as the legendary MIKA officially unveils the music video for his shimmering new single “Immortal Love.” This track is a masterclass in heartfelt pop craft, serving as the latest taste of his highly anticipated seventh studio album ‘Hyperlove’, arriving January 23 via Republic Records. Returning to the piano as his creative anchor, MIKA has crafted an analogue-rich soundscape that explores the beautiful tension between human emotion and our digital world. The song itself carries a touching inspiration—MIKA’s beloved 16-year-old golden retriever—and features a timeless chorus that proves his melodic genius is as sharp as ever. With collaborations from Nick Littlemore and even narration by the iconic filmmaker John Waters, ‘Hyperlove’ is shaping up to be one of the most creatively daring English-language releases of 2026.
To celebrate this triumphant new chapter, the multi-platinum visionary is bringing his “Spinning Out Tour” to North America this spring for what promises to be a series of kaleidoscopic and high-energy live experiences. Kicking off at Boston’s Citizens House of Blues on April 29, the tour will weave through major cities like Chicago and Austin before concluding with a sold-out night at the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco. MIKA’s live shows are renowned for their theatricality and joy, providing the perfect stage to showcase new anthems like “Modern Times” alongside global classics like “Grace Kelly.” Whether he’s judging talent on European television or raising millions for global relief efforts, MIKA remains a powerhouse performer who continues to push the boundaries of pop with authenticity and a middle finger to the ordinary.
Spinning Out Tour North America Dates:
Apr 29 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues
May 01 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
May 02 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
May 04 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
May 05 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
May 07 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
May 09 – Dallas, TX – Factory in Deep Ellum
May 10 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater
May 13 – Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum Theatre
May 14 – San Francisco, CA – The Castro – SOLD OUT
The Muppets Deliver a Heart-Wrenching Tribute to Their Creator with “Just One Person”
Television history reached a peak of raw, beautiful emotion in the 1990 special ‘The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson’, which served as a moving farewell to the visionary who started it all. In a masterfully written sequence, a frantic Fozzie Bear and the rest of the gang realize mid-production that their beloved creator has passed away, leading to a moment of collective grief that resonates just as powerfully today as it did decades ago. Instead of letting the curtain fall, the ensemble—joined by the legendary Big Bird—channels their sorrow into a breathtakingly soulful rendition of “Just One Person.” It is a stunning piece of performance art that captures the essence of Henson’s legacy: the idea that one individual’s imagination can indeed change the world and touch millions of lives.
From Tour Bus to Treatment Room: How Musicians Maintain Their Skin on the Road
By Mitch Rice
There’s this strange life musicians live. One night you’re under neon lights in Tokyo, the next afternoon in a cramped van bouncing through Colorado. It’s exciting and exhausting. But there’s this part of the job no one talks about much, something less glamorous than screaming fans or backstage dinners — it’s skin care while touring. Think about it: weird hotel showers, late nights, airplane cabins with dry air, long bus rides that leave you feeling like you’ve aged a year in five hours.
Over time, all that travel wears on your complexion. No matter how much you love the chaos, your skin doesn’t. And most musicians, facing cameras, stage lights, close-ups, know this quickly.
Before we go deeper into how artists keep their skin intact when life is on the move, there are some practical things they actually use. Just a few little tactical tools people grab when they’re out touring and need quick refreshment for dry, parched lips or skin
Why Touring is Rough on the Skin
Most people think jet lag and bad sleep are the only downsides to touring. That’s not it. Your skin is this giant organ that reacts to everything around you.
Travel strips moisture fast.
Late nights kick hormones out of line.
Air conditioning and heating suck hydration.
And don’t forget the stress — stress releases chemicals in your body that, well… can make acne worse.
When routines fall apart on the road, some musicians quietly rely on dermal fillers used to maintain skin quality and facial balance during long touring periods, especially when dehydration, fatigue, and irregular sleep start to show on the face.
Some musicians show up on stage with perfect makeup and flawless photos. But what’s happening off-stage? A messy routine, quick fixes, emergencies.
There’s no normal schedule. No steady bedtime. Not even a kitchen where you can organize a simple skincare setup. You adapt quickly, or your skin sends you painful reminders.
Packing for the Road: What Makes a Difference
Tour life isn’t like packing for summer vacation. You learn real fast that whatever you carry must be:
- Compact
- Really multi-purpose
- Quick to use
- Actually effective
Musicians don’t want a bathroom lineup that looks like Sephora exploded. They want smart skincare.
Essentials You Really Use
Here’s what ends up in most touring bags:
- Hydrating cleanser – It rinses off grime and makeup without stripping.
- Moisturizer with SPF – Stage lights burn your skin even if you feel cool.
- Lip products – Not just chapstick but something that seals moisture and lasts.
- Travel-friendly masks – One or two sheet masks to revive tired skin.
- Eye cream – Because lack of sleep is a global tour enemy.
Some artists literally keep duplicates of these in every bag… one for the bus, one for hotels, one for flight carry-on.
Micro-Routines That Work Overnight
Here’s the thing: most musicians don’t have tons of time for a spa routine. So what they do instead is build tiny, repeatable micro-routines.
Think of these like habits rather than skincare.
Before You Sleep
- Splash cool water on your face.
- Hydrating mist or toner.
- Thick moisturizer or sleeping mask.
- A good lip seal.
That’s it. Maybe a quick brush of your teeth. You’re done in two minutes.
Before Stage or Camera
A brief boost that wakes the skin:
- Quick mist
- Lightweight moisturizer
- A hint of cooling gel under eyes
That’s all you need to look fresh without feeling heavy under the lights.
The Hidden Challenges: Sweat, Lights, and Makeup
Stage makeup is a whole world. Some artists wear heavy makeup because it reads better on camera and from a distance. But heavy makeup can clog pores. Combine that with sweat under hot lights and you’ve got a recipe for breakouts.
Tour aesthetic teams usually know:
- Avoid thick creams that block pores
- Use breathable foundations
- Wipe with toners between sets
- Cleanse fully right after performances
A lot of musicians wish they could just drop everything and rest after a show. But survival means you get good at quick fixes that don’t ruin your skin long term.
Hydration Isn’t Optional — It’s a Routine
Everyone says “drink water,” but most people don’t actually do it. Touring forces you into it. Especially when you discover dry air can literally dry your skin from the inside out.
A lot of artists:
- Carry reusable water bottles
- Set reminders to sip between gigs
- Add electrolytes on long travel days
Water isn’t just hydration. It’s a reset. It helps skin recover faster, makes makeup sit nicer, and keeps the redness down.
Sun and Stage Lights: The Invisible Burn
Even nights under stage lights are tricky. They burn with heat. Not UV rays like the sun, but enough warmth to affect the skin. That’s why many touring artists keep SPF in their day bags — even if they’re only going outside for five minutes.
Once you miss a few days of sun protection on tour, you feel it. Little patches of dryness, unwanted tan lines, quick irritation. So SPF becomes a habit, not an afterthought.
The Psychological Part: Confidence and Skin
Let’s be honest here. When you’re in some random hotel room after a long bus ride and you look in the mirror, the last thing you want is to see breakout spots or flaky dry skin.
It affects confidence. Especially if you’re stepping onto a stage with thousands of eyes and cameras pointed at you.
That’s why for many musicians, skincare becomes not just physical but psychological armor. If your skin feels good, you feel good. You show up sharper, smile easier, keep that energy alive.
A lot of performers will tell you: your face is part of your instrument.
And they take care of it accordingly.
How Artists Actually Choose Products
Musicians are flooded with product recommendations from stylists, fans, brands, and sponsors. But on the road, choices must pass real tests:
- Does it travel well?
- Does it work fast?
- Is it effective in weird conditions?
Stage life isn’t like home life. No long testing cycles. You can’t experiment for months. You know in a week if something works.
That’s why many touring pros stick to products with simple, reliable formulas.
They avoid 100-ingredient bottles with fancy claims they don’t actually need. Instead they go with things that do the core job well:
- Moisture
- Protection
- Quick recovery
If it gives you more than one benefit without fuss, it becomes a keeper.
The Things You Don’t Usually Hear About
Most people talk about cleansers and moisturizers. But there are some tiny hacks musicians use that you never notice until someone tells you:
- Cold compresses after long flights reduce puffiness fast.
- Silk pillowcases on tour (yes, people pack these) cut down morning creases.
- Portable humidifiers in hotel rooms make dry air less brutal.
- Facial mists with aloe and vitamins give a pick-me-up without layers.
These aren’t complicated at all. But they make a noticeable difference when your skin would otherwise be crying out for help.
People underestimate these tiny improvements until they try them.
When Things Go Wrong: Quick Fixes on the Road
There are moments on tour where skin rebels: stress breakouts, flight rash, sudden dryness.
Here’s how artists deal when something goes sideways:
- Spot treatments on pimples before they grow
- Cold towels on inflamed patches
- Sheet masks right before makeup application
- Extra moisturizer in the corners around eyes and nose
None of these are dramatic. None take long. But they quiet an angry complexion before it becomes a full problem.
Tour life is unpredictable. Your skincare shouldn’t be.
Real Stories: Touring Isn’t Always Glamour
A singer I know once mentioned how one morning in Sweden she woke up with dry, itchy skin from the hotel’s heating. She had a gig in two hours. No nearby store. What did she do? Used coconut oil she brought for cooking, smoothed it gently, and it calmed her skin enough to perform.
This isn’t uncommon. Musicians become problem solvers fast. And that shapes how they treat their skin too.
They expect the worst environments and still prepare for the best outcomes.
Small Routines, Big Impacts
At the end of the day, skin care on tour isn’t about having perfect skin. It’s about managing what life throws at you. It’s about routines that are simple enough to repeat every day, no matter where you are.
What’s common among touring pros?
- They keep things minimal but effective.
- They pick portable, travel-ready products.
- They hydrate more than anyone else on the road.
- They protect, quietly and consistently.
No matter if you’re in a van rolling through hills or a jet flying across time zones, your skin becomes a part of your performance setup. And you treat it with that level of focus.
Skin care while touring isn’t a fad. It’s a survival instinct.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Trace Adkins Celebrates Three Decades of Hits with the Massive 30th Anniversary Tour
Country music powerhouse Trace Adkins is marking an incredible milestone in 2026, hitting the road for a 24-date headline run that celebrates 30 years since his platinum debut ‘Dreamin’ Out Loud’. It is a rare feat in the industry to maintain this kind of staying power, and Adkins is bringing his signature baritone and unmistakable grit to fans across the South, Midwest, and beyond. This “30th Anniversary Tour” isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a full-throttle victory lap from an artist who remains in the single-digit percentile of performers to reach such a legendary career mark. From the opening night in Oxford, Alabama, to the final bow in West Virginia, this tour promises to be a masterclass in modern country heritage.
The itinerary is absolutely stacked with iconic stops, most notably a special two-night residency at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium this May. Whether he’s firing up the crowd at Billy Bob’s Texas or taking the stage at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Adkins will be delivering a setlist packed with the 40 hit singles that defined his legacy, including triple-platinum anthems like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and the sentimental “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Coming off a busy year that saw him starring in the action film ‘Day of Reckoning’ and releasing the bittersweet holiday track “One More Christmas,” Trace Adkins proves he is still at the top of his game. This is a must-see event for anyone who loves country music delivered with heart, soul, and a lot of horsepower.
Jan 16 – Oxford, AL – Oxford Performing Arts Center
Jan 17 – Dover, FL – Tampa Bay Rodeo’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival
Mar 07 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas
Mar 08 – Bossier City, LA – Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
Mar 28 – Opp, AL – Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo
Apr 16 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Apr 18 – Orlando, FL – Venue TBA
Apr 23 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Apr 24 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino
Apr 25 – Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino
May 14 – Miles City, MT – World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale
May 15 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand
May 16 – Fort Yates, ND – Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
May 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
May 23 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Jun 19 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Jun 20 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Jun 21 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theatre
Jul 22 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days
Jul 24 – Castle Rock, CO – Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
Sep 11 – Hutchinson, KS – Kansas State Fair
Sep 17 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
Sep 18 – Carteret, NJ – Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center
Sep 19 – Charles Town, WV – Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races
Joy Shannon Crafts a Mystical Masterpiece with Tolkien-Inspired ‘In the Forest Singing Sorrowless’
Irish harpist and vocal enchantress Joy Shannon has delivered a breathtaking dream-walk that pairs her ethereal melodies with the legendary poetry of J.R.R. Tolkien. Created as a beacon of hope during Shannon’s own courageous battle with breast cancer, In the Forest Singing Sorrowless is a stunning testament to the healing power of art and purpose. Featuring an incredible lineup of guest contributors—including Tolkien’s great-granddaughter Ruth Tolkien and the mesmerizing Maria Franz of Heilung—the album weaves a dark folk tapestry that feels as ancient as the Irish burial mounds Shannon explored in her previous works like Aes Sídhe. It is a profound, intimate excavation of grief and love that resonates with a “heartbeat of the earth” rarely captured in modern music.
The musical chemistry on this release is nothing short of supernatural, with the brooding cello of Kakophonix adding a rich, cinematic depth to Shannon’s intricate harp arrangements. From the heartbreaking resonance of “Beren and Lúthien” to the haunting, atmospheric reimagining of “Misty Mountains,” Shannon manages to find the pulse of Middle-earth through a uniquely Celtic lens. This isn’t just a tribute; it is a lush, sorrowless haven that provides a much-needed escape from the modern world. For fans of gothic folk and mythic storytelling, this album is an absolute triumph of the spirit, proving once again that Shannon is one of the most vital voices in the dark folk scene today.
Arkells Strike Gold with the Synth-Infused New Single “Money” Featuring Portugal. The Man
The unstoppable 9X JUNO Award winners Arkells have just dropped a certified banger with their new single “Money,” and it is exactly the kind of vibrant, synth-drenched anthem we need right now. Teaming up with the legendary John Gourley of Portugal. The Man, the track dives deep into our complicated, ego-driven relationship with finances, delivering a “godless” critique wrapped in an irresistible feel-good melody. Frontman Max Kerman’s sharp songwriting shines here, finding the perfect rebellious foil in Gourley’s guest vocals to create a track that feels both globally relevant and sonically explosive. Following the success of “What Good?”, this new release serves as a thrilling second look at the band’s highly anticipated 2026 album.
The momentum is truly electric as the Hamilton heroes prepare for a massive 2026, including a high-profile performance at the JUNO Awards in their hometown. Before they take the stage at the TD Coliseum, the band is heading across the pond for a series of intimate, up-close European and UK dates that are already selling out at lightning speed. Fans in Manchester and London have already snapped up every ticket, eager to hear a preview of the new record in these legendary small clubs. Whether they are surprising fans at a Jonas Brothers concert or sold-out holiday shows in Niagara Falls, Arkells continue to prove why they are the gold standard of Canadian rock and roll—bringing an infectious energy that keeps everyone’s eyes on the prize.
Dec 18 – Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage (Sleigh The Night) – SOLD OUT
Mar 12 – Berlin, Germany – Mikropol
Mar 13 – Hamburg, Germany – Nochtspeicher
Mar 15 – Cologne, Germany – Artheater
Mar 17 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Bitterzoet
Mar 19 – Manchester, United Kingdom – Deaf Institute – SOLD OUT
Mar 20 – London, United Kingdom – Underworld – SOLD OUT
Mar 29 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum (2026 JUNO Awards)
May 30 – Fergus, ON – Meadows Music Festival
Close Enemies Announces 2026 Tour Featuring Rock Legends from Aerosmith and The Babys
Prepare for a rock and roll masterclass as the supergroup Close Enemies officially hits the road this January for an intimate string of “An Evening With” performances. This band is a total powerhouse, anchored by the iconic Tom Hamilton—Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bassist for Aerosmith—and legendary drummer Tony Brock of The Babys and Rod Stewart fame. They are joined by the elite guitar duo of Peter Stroud and Trace Foster, along with the electrifying vocals of Chasen Hampton. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a high-octane celebration of rock lineage, featuring a setlist that masterfully balances their incredible new original material with heart-pounding classics from the Aerosmith and The Babys songbooks.
The tour kicks off on January 2nd at the historic Coach House and winds through legendary stages like West Hollywood’s Whisky A Go Go before heading east to captivate fans in Georgia and Florida. There is a palpable buzz surrounding this run as it sets the stage for their highly anticipated full-length debut album arriving in March 2026 via TLG|Rock and Virgin Music Group. For the die-hard fans, the band is offering a rare treat: VIP ticket holders can get their hands on limited-edition early production CDs of the new record. Between the undeniable chemistry of these veterans and the raw energy of their new tracks, this tour is shaping up to be the first must-see musical event of the new year.
Jan 02 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House
Jan 03 – West Hollywood, CA – The Whisky A Go Go
Jan 07 – Fresno, CA – Tower Theatre
Jan 09 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre
Jan 10 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
Jan 11 – Bakersfield, CA – The Nile Theater
Jan 21 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar
Jan 23 – Largo, FL – Central Park Performing Arts Center
Jan 24 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
Jan 25 – Sarasota, FL – Encore Live
Jan 29 – Mt. Dora, FL – MT. Dora Music Hall
Jan 30 – Fort Myers, FL – Ter-Tiniś
Perspective Announces Self-Produced Debut Album Featuring “Take Them All Down” and “Scream Therapy”
The exciting four-piece UK outfit Perspective announces the upcoming release of their self-produced 11-track debut album after two-and-a-half years of meticulous studio work. This project fuses the irresistible grooves of seventies funk and disco with modern pop production to create a sound defined by emotionally rich lyrics and colourful guitar solos. The record functions as a chronological exploration of personal growth and identity, featuring the guitar-powered romantic high of their successful single “Take Them All Down” and the Daft Punk-influenced experimental journey of “Late To The Party.” From the floor-filling empowerment of “Hurt You Anymore” to the poignant and vulnerable finale “Skeletons,” the band delivers a cohesive narrative designed to inspire joy and unity on dancefloors everywhere.
Maxx Dee Rips Through the Digital Noise on the New Illegal Mind Single “No Test No Voice”
One-man uprising Maxx Dee delivers a sonic detonation with the latest Illegal Mind single “No Test No Voice” as a raw defiance against the modern digital circus. Blending punk aggression with alternative metal edge, the track features jagged riffs and snarling conviction to challenge the dopamine-fueled reality of a society trapped inside an endless feed. This self-produced anthem serves as a seething reflection on modern decay and built-in obsolescence while expanding the dystopian universe established in previous works like “Zombie Girl” and “Riding Eleanor”. The single provides a powerful preview of a forthcoming 2025 punk rock EP that promises to explore the cost of truth and creative survival in a broken world.