Bernth took his Ibanez acoustic guitar to new heights—literally—by adding 15 extra rubber strings, creating a homemade 21-string masterpiece. The result? A stunning, cello-like pizzicato sound for his single “Serenade” that’s as challenging to play as it is mesmerizing to hear.
Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” Gets a Mesmerizing Makeover on Classical Guitar
Danish virtuoso Soren Madsen brings new life to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” with a stunning fingerstyle cover on classical guitar. Recorded at Denmark’s Efterskolen for Scenekunst, his rendition is a lush, hypnotic tribute to a rock classic.
Hearing Protection: The Importance of Safeguarding Your Ears in Noisy Environments
By Mitch Rice
In today’s world, exposure to high noise levels is more common than ever. Whether at a concert, festival, sporting event, or even in certain workplaces, loud sounds can impact your hearing. Consistent exposure to loud noises can be a potential risk to your hearing health, making protective measures essential. Alpine Hearing Protection, a company dedicated to innovative hearing protection solutions, offers a variety of options for those seeking effective ways to manage sound exposure in various environments.
Why Hearing Protection Matters
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and even moderate levels can become uncomfortable or disruptive after prolonged exposure. High levels, which are typical of concerts, sports events, or construction sites, can intensify this effect. For example, a standard conversation usually measures around 60 dB, but sound levels at a music concert can reach 100 dB or more. Exposure to such high levels, especially over extended periods, is when hearing protection becomes valuable.
While noise-canceling technology can reduce ambient sounds, it does not necessarily block out loud sounds. Specialized hearing protection like earplugs or ear muffs provides a better solution by directly reducing the impact of sound waves on your eardrums. Alpine Hearing Protection offers a selection of products that make managing exposure to loud noises more accessible and comfortable.
Alpine’s Range of Hearing Protection Products
Alpine Hearing Protection provides a diverse selection of hearing protection products to suit various needs. Each product is designed with comfort and functionality in mind, and the company offers options for people of all ages, including solutions specifically made for children.
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- Alpine Earplugs for Adults and Children
Alpine offers earplugs for both adults and children, crafted to help reduce noise levels comfortably. Alpine’s earplugs are made from hypoallergenic materials, which are gentle on the skin, making them suitable for prolonged wear. The earplugs come in several designs and sizes, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. By providing earplugs in different shapes and styles, Alpine helps users find a solution suited to their specific needs, whether it’s for a concert, Airplane ear plugs, or day-to-day noise reduction.
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- Specialized Ear Protection for Different Activities
Alpine recognizes that various situations call for different kinds of hearing protection. The company offers earplugs tailored to specific activities like concerts, motorsports, swimming, and sleeping. Alpine’s earplugs for music, for instance, are designed to reduce sound levels while maintaining sound quality, ideal for concertgoers or musicians who want to enjoy the music without high decibel exposure.
Reusable and Environmentally Friendly Products
Alpine emphasizes sustainability with reusable products. Many of Alpine’s earplugs are designed to be cleaned and reused multiple times, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable earplugs. This approach not only helps reduce waste but also provides a long-term solution for frequent users.
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- Kid-Friendly Options
Protecting children’s hearing is a significant focus at Alpine. The company offers ear muffs and earplugs specifically designed for children, available in appealing colors and designs. By creating products that children find fun to wear, Alpine helps parents encourage regular use of hearing protection at loud events. These child-friendly options are often smaller and lighter, providing a comfortable and effective solution for young ears.
Making Hearing Protection a Habit
For Alpine, hearing protection is not just about a product but a lifestyle choice to help users manage their sound environment more thoughtfully. By making ear protection accessible and easy to wear, Alpine aims to encourage regular use, especially in noisy settings. Whether you’re a regular concert-goer, a parent with young children, or someone who values a quiet night’s sleep, Alpine’s products offer various ways to help reduce noise exposure without compromising on comfort.
With high-quality, comfortable, and innovative solutions, Alpine Hearing Protection supports everyone from young children to adults in protecting their hearing. The company’s commitment to quality and versatility has made Alpine a trusted choice for those who want to protect their ears and enhance their experience in high-noise environments.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
My Next Read: “This Is Your Song Too: Phish & Contemporary Jewish Identity” By Oren Kroll-Zeldin & Ariella Werden-Greenfield
Phish has a diehard fan base and a dedicated community of enthusiasts–called Phishheads–who follow the band around the country, some fans attending every show. What may be surprising is that a significant percentage of Phishheads are Jewish.
Two members of the band–bassist Mike Gordon and drummer Jonathan Fishman–were raised in Jewish households, and Phish has been known to play Hebrew songs in concert. At live shows, many attendees, some wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “Phish” written in Hebrew letters, express feeling something special–even distinctly Jewish–during their performances. As this book shows, Phish is one avenue through which many Jews find cultural and spiritual fulfillment outside the confines of traditional and institutional Jewish life. In effect, Phish fandom and the live Phish experience act as a microcosm through which we see American Jewish religious and cultural life manifest in unique and unexpected spaces.
Featuring an interview with Mike Gordon and a collection of fascinating photographs, This Is Your Song Too is an in-depth look at Jewishness in the Phish universe that also provides a deeper understanding of how spirituality, ritual, and identity function in the world of rock and roll.
In addition to the editors, the contributors include Evan S. Benn, Dean Budnick, Jacob A. Cohen, Benjamin David, Jessy Dressin, Josh Fleet, Mike Greenhaus, Joshua S. Ladon, Noah Munro Lehrman, Caroline Rothstein, and Isaac Kandall Slone.
10 Bands Music Fans Hope Will Reunite, Despite The Odds
There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing your favorite band reunite, bringing back the energy, the memories, and the magic that only they can create. We’ve all got that one group we dream about coming together for one more tour, one more album, or even just one more song. Here’s a countdown of the ten band reunions that fans everywhere are still holding out for, proof that some bands are just too legendary to leave behind.
- Led Zeppelin – Despite a handful of reunion shows over the years, Led Zeppelin fans have been holding onto hope for a full tour. After that legendary 2007 performance at London’s O2 Arena, we know they’ve still got it. It’s a long shot, but for Led Zep, fans would move heaven and earth to hear “Stairway to Heaven” one more time.
- The Smiths – Morrissey and Johnny Marr might not see eye to eye these days, but that doesn’t stop fans from dreaming of The Smiths’ melancholic reunion. The band’s moody, poetic tunes are the soundtrack to so many lives. Every fan knows they’d be there in a heartbeat if Morrissey and Marr ever shared a stage again.
- R.E.M. – R.E.M. called it quits amicably in 2011, but fans still miss their melodic rock and Michael Stipe’s haunting voice. Their breakup was one of the most respectful and kind, making a reunion seem possible—even if just for a celebration of the music that left an indelible mark on alternative rock.
- ABBA – ABBA made a thrilling return with their 2021 virtual concert Voyage, but fans are still waiting for a true live reunion. Imagine hearing “Dancing Queen” with the original foursome, moving and grooving on stage—now that’s something that would have fans dancing in the aisles worldwide.
- Talking Heads – David Byrne’s incredible solo career has only fueled fans’ hunger for a Talking Heads reunion. Their fusion of rock, funk, and avant-garde sounds brought us hits like “Once in a Lifetime.” The unique, experimental spirit of Talking Heads would be a welcomed comeback, if Byrne and the band ever feel the time is right.
- Fugees – The reunion tour in 2021 was short-lived, but the world still wants more from Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras. Fugees’ blend of hip-hop, soul, and reggae produced timeless hits, and fans are eager for another chance to experience their groundbreaking sound live.
- Pink Floyd – Pink Floyd’s music is the ultimate trip, and though they’ve had select reunions, the full band hasn’t toured together in decades. David Gilmour and Roger Waters’ creative tension was part of the magic, and fans long for the day they might come together, giving us one last sonic journey.
- The Police – Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers created music that’s still unmistakably fresh today. Their 2007 reunion tour was epic, but fans are hoping for another go-around from the trio who gave us timeless hits like “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne.”
- Genesis – Though Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford reunited in 2021, fans still dream of the classic Genesis lineup with Peter Gabriel. The idea of these prog-rock pioneers performing “Supper’s Ready” as they did in the 70s has fans everywhere hoping for that final chapter.
- The White Stripes – Jack and Meg White’s minimalist garage rock took the world by storm, and while Jack has gone on to a successful solo career, there’s something irreplaceable about the raw energy of The White Stripes. Fans can only hope they’ll see those red, white, and black aesthetics and hear “Seven Nation Army” shake the stage with its iconic riff one more time.
Will any of these reunions happen? It’s impossible to say. But as long as fans are out there singing along to their favorite songs, there will always be a little piece of hope that these bands just might find their way back to the stage. Here’s to the music that never dies—and to the fans who’ll be waiting in the front row, just in case.
Career-Defining Moments From The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Queen and More
All it takes is one perfect moment, at the right time, to make an artist or band go supersonic. Here are some of the jaw-dropping, heart-thumping, era-defining moments that rocketed legendary rock stars into the halls of fame and into our hearts forever:
- The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show (1964): Imagine over 73 million Americans glued to their TVs, mesmerized by four lads from Liverpool, shaking up not just music but an entire generation’s way of life. This wasn’t just a TV appearance; it was the dawn of the British Invasion and the birth of Beatlemania, opening the floodgates for a cultural takeover that would define the 60s.
- Jimi Hendrix at the Monterey Pop Festival (1967): Picture Hendrix, a relatively unknown guitarist at the time, lighting his guitar on fire like it was nothing. The crowd was in awe. Hendrix’s fiery performance catapulted him into superstardom, making him the poster child of rock’s rebellious, anything-goes spirit.
- Woodstock Festival (1969): Think of the raw energy! Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joe Cocker—all legends in the making—blew minds and made history on this muddy New York farm, forever linking their music to a generation’s dreams, ideals, and, let’s face it, a little bit of hedonism.
- Queen at Live Aid (1985): Freddie Mercury had Wembley Stadium—and the entire world—eating out of the palm of his hand. That 20-minute set wasn’t just a performance; it was proof that rock and roll could be transcendent, that Queen was, and always would be, larger than life.
- Nirvana’s Nevermind Explosion (1991): Nevermind wasn’t just an album; it was a hand grenade tossed into the glitzy world of rock. Overnight, Nirvana became the voice of a generation that felt forgotten, angry, and ready to change everything. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” took off, and suddenly, grunge was everywhere.
- The Rolling Stones at Altamont Free Concert (1969): With violence and tragedy casting a dark shadow over the Altamont Free Concert, the Stones went from being just a rock band to becoming symbols of rock’s dangerous, untamable edge. It’s rock’s wild heart in all its messy, chaotic glory.
- Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run Release (1975): This wasn’t just an album; it was a declaration. Bruce’s big sound, big dreams, and big heart captured every soul searching for meaning. Both Time and Newsweek put him on the cover, marking him as rock and roll’s next big thing, and boy, did he live up to it!
- Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Music Video (1983): When the King of Pop dropped Thriller, he changed the music video game forever. Sure, Jackson ruled pop, but “Thriller” took rock’s edginess, mashed it up with his insane dance moves, and raised the bar for every artist out there, proving that a video could be as thrilling as a live show.
- Green Day’s American Idiot Release (2004): With American Idiot, Green Day reinvented themselves and showed the world punk could have a message. A full-on punk rock opera for a post-9/11 America, it became an anthem for an entire generation, stirring hearts and raising fists in arenas around the world.
- Radiohead’s OK Computer and Kid A Releases (1997, 2000): Radiohead didn’t just put out albums; they redefined what it meant to be a rock band. With OK Computer and Kid A, they took music into uncharted territory, blending rock, electronica, and existential angst, forever altering the soundscape of modern rock.
- Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory (2000): A debut album that blasted through genre walls! Hybrid Theory made rock, hip-hop, and electronic fans lose their minds. Linkin Park spoke to everyone who ever felt misunderstood, reaching a global audience and creating a defining sound for the new millennium.
- Arctic Monkeys’ Social Media Rise and Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006): Before viral was a thing, Arctic Monkeys were living it. Fans spread their raw, relatable sound on social media, creating a groundswell of support that launched them into stardom. Their debut album became the fastest-selling album in UK history and gave new meaning to what it means to break into rock.
These aren’t just career highlights; these are moments when lightning struck, when rock stars went from musicians to cultural icons. Each of these moments became part of rock’s DNA, forever shaping music and inspiring generations to turn up the volume and live louder.
5 Surprising Facts About Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’
When Beyoncé released Lemonade in 2016, it was quickly realized that this was more just an album, Lemonade was a visceral, genre-blending journey that showcased Beyoncé’s raw emotion, vulnerability, and unyielding strength. As she delved into themes of betrayal, resilience, and Black identity, the album became a defining moment in her career and a cultural milestone with touchtones still being felt today.
- It’s a Multimedia Masterpiece Inspired by Personal Pain and Family History
Lemonade isn’t just an album—it’s a full visual and emotional experience that combines music, visuals, and poetry to illustrate Beyoncé’s journey through betrayal and healing. The album’s title even nods to her grandmother-in-law’s famous saying, “I was served lemons, but I made lemonade,” a metaphor for resilience that was passed down through generations. - The Soundtrack to Lemonade Was Crafted Across Continents
The album came to life in an unconventional way. Beyoncé and her team set up makeshift studios in various locations, from Los Angeles to Paris. For a month, they transformed hotel rooms into recording spaces, splitting sessions between Beyoncé and Jay-Z as they used their art to work through their marital struggles. - It’s Packed with Powerful Collaborations
This album brings together an eclectic range of artists, from Kendrick Lamar and Jack White to the Weeknd and James Blake. Each artist added something unique to Lemonade, creating a genre-blending mix of R&B, rock, hip hop, and even country. Sampled tracks from music legends like Isaac Hayes and Andy Williams add even more layers to the album’s emotional depth. - Lemonade Brought Southern Culture and Black History to the Forefront
Beyond the music, Lemonade is filled with visual and cultural references to Black history and the American South, including Louisiana Creole culture and African spirituality. Beyoncé even reappropriates genres like rock and country—often considered “white” genres—with songs like “Daddy Lessons” and “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” connecting these sounds back to their African American roots. - It’s a Groundbreaking Work of Black Feminism
Miriam Bale of Billboard called Lemonade “a revolutionary work of Black feminism.” The album and its accompanying film celebrate Black womanhood, featuring successful Black women from various fields and showcasing their resilience. Beyoncé included quotes from Malcolm X and portrayed powerful Black female figures throughout the film, shining a light on their experiences and triumphs.
As Lemonade continues to resonate years after its release, it stands as both a powerful piece of art and a cultural manifesto. Beyoncé didn’t just make an album; she created a multi-dimensional experience that celebrates resilience, love, and the journey of healing.
Check Out SEVENTEEN and Spotify’s CARAT Station Pop-ups in Seoul and New York City
Since their explosive debut in the K-Pop scene in 2015, SEVENTEEN has risen to global stardom, with more than 30 million user-generated playlists on Spotify featuring at least one track from the group. To heighten the anticipation for their [RIGHT HERE] world tour, which began in South Korea earlier this month, Spotify has partnered with SEVENTEEN to provide fans with the ultimate pre-concert experience.
Recognizing that the lead-up to a concert is when fan anticipation is at its peak—from playlist curation to outfit planning—Spotify is creating exclusive pop-up experiences for SEVENTEEN’s fanbase, known as CARATs. These pop-ups will appear ahead of shows in Seoul, New York City, and Tokyo, where visitors can immerse themselves in a magical train station dedicated to SEVENTEEN.
“At Spotify, we are committed to supporting Korean artists and enhancing their connections with listeners,” said Jungjoo Park, Head of Music at Spotify Korea. “Our collaboration with SEVENTEEN to bring fans CARAT Station exemplifies our dedication through the creation of unique experiences that celebrate their artistry and special bonds with CARATs.”
The journey began in Seoul in early October, followed by New York City this past weekend. Next, CARAT Station will make its way to Tokyo, creating excitement for fans in each location.
“Spotify’s Music teams in Korea, the U.S., and Japan worked closely together to create unique events that feel both authentic to each city and connected to the larger CARAT fandom,” said Lucy Davidson, Lead Label Partnerships at Spotify. “When we build an experience in partnership with an artist, we aim not only to bring fans further into their creative world but also to offer something one-of-a-kind that only Spotify can.”
CARAT Station Seoul
From October 5 through 11, CARATs in Seoul stepped into SEVENTEEN’s whimsical world. The metro station-themed pop-up in the Gwangjin District included photo ops, exclusive merch, and surprise fan chant sessions, all set against a vibrant backdrop.
“The subway-themed space displaying our fan chant guide videos left the biggest impression on us,” said SEVENTEEN. “The entire CARAT Station was beautifully decorated and filled with fun elements that made the time here truly enjoyable. We’re thrilled for more visitors to experience this treat. Have lots of fun and enjoy CARAT Station!”
CARAT Station New York City
On October 26, Spotify created an extraordinary CARAT experience in SoHo, New York City. Select SEVENTEEN fans in the area received exclusive invitations to the event, where they explored a magical train station among the clouds. Visitors could explore CARAT-themed kiosks, sample Korean treats at the Dining Concourse, visit the CARAT Street Flower Market, and shop for special items at the CARAT Souvenir Shop.
Before the event, SEVENTEEN members Joshua, Mingyu, DK, and Seungkwan stopped by to check out the space and left messages for CARATs to find at the photo station and wall.
And there’s more. Spotify’s SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [RIGHT HERE] playlist features some of the group’s biggest hits, offering the perfect soundtrack for fans gearing up for an unforgettable concert experience.
Ready to join in on [RIGHT HERE]? Hit play below.
Spotify’s EQUAL Celebrates the Growing Impact of Women on Poland’s Music Scene
Spotify is committed to promoting gender equality in music through its EQUAL program. Since 2021, EQUAL has spotlighted women in audio via global partnerships, activations, new content experiences, and on- and off-platform support.
Listeners in over 180 markets can explore the EQUAL hub on Spotify, a dedicated space for this initiative. Since its launch, more than 40 EQUAL ambassadors have been supported, and numerous women have been promoted through curated playlists.
With so much incredible talent to celebrate, EQUAL continues to grow. Over the past two years, EQUAL Festivals have been held in countries including Argentina, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, and Mexico. Most recently, the EQUAL team made its mark in Poland, offering a platform for discussion on how women in the industry can thrive and inspire the next generation of Polish female creators through panels, networking, talks, and performances.
“Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the rapid increase in popularity of Polish female artists, and at Spotify, we are committed to helping female artists connect with a global audience, providing them with the space to grow creatively and build their careers on a global scale,” said Katarzyna Czechowska, Spotify Artist and Label Partnership Lead, Poland. “With that said, we’re conscious about the continued need to support these artists and ensure equal opportunities together with the rest of the industry.”
Reflecting on the past five years of female-led music in Poland, here are some remarkable highlights:
- More Polish female artists are building their careers on Spotify
Since 2019, there has been nearly a 25% increase in Polish female artists uploading music to Spotify. Additionally, the annual streams of songs by Polish female artists have surpassed 2 billion, a nearly 600% rise since 2019. - They’re also making their presence felt on the charts
In 2019, only one female artist, Daria Zawiałow, appeared on Spotify’s yearly Top 100 list for Poland. In 2024, the list includes seven women. Songs by female artists on the Polish Top 100 have nearly doubled from 2023, with a remarkable 1,200% increase since 2019. - Fans around the world are taking notice
In 2024, Polish female artists have garnered over 2 billion streams in their local market, a near 600% increase since 2019. International streams have surged by more than 340% since 2019. While most streams of Polish female artists belong to pop, Polish female rappers like bambi are leading a genre trend with nearly 5,000% growth since 2019, alongside viral pop, dance, trap, and folk.
Spotify’s journey to inspire change is ongoing, and as the EQUAL program evolves, Spotify will continue to champion opportunities for women to be heard loud and clear.
For more details, visit the official EQUAL hub.