Cork-based post-punk trio Ash Red have released their debut album “The Foreign Game” via Blowtorch Records now.
Following the success of their STUPID EP, which charted on the UK Alternative Albums Charts, Ash Red continue to evolve their signature dark, bass-heavy post-punk sound with this full-length debut.
Singles such as ‘DB Cooper’ and ‘Friends?’ have garnered significant traction on Spotify and other streaming platforms, signalling the arrival of a bold, confident full-length statement. The Foreign Game captures Ash Red at a peak of creative evolution, blending jagged post- punk riffs, brooding atmospherics, and expansive sonic textures. The album features “Albini-esque” production, emphasising raw, live energy while allowing dynamic variation between heavy and light moments—seen on tracks like the intense ‘Island’s Edge’ and the more delicate ‘Alone Again’.
The albums closer and title track exemplifies the band’s central approach, exploring themain themes of the album: what it means to be an outsider: the exile, isolated and lost.
Using football as its frame, the album title draws on the history of ‘Rule 27’, whichGAA used to forbid its members from playing so-called ‘foreign games’ until 1971.
The band themselves use this as an analogy for the ‘Importance of being yourself’ Since forming in 2019, Arthur Murray (guitar/vocals), Tadhg O’Keeffe (bass/backing vocals), and Isaac Walsh (drums) have built a devoted following through relentless live performances across Ireland, including headline shows at The Workman’s Club (Dublin), as well as supporting major acts such as Public Image Limited.
Rising star Stephen Wilson Jr. releases his new single “Gary” via Big Loud Records, kicking off the beginning of a new era following his massively successful 2023 debut double album Søn of Dad. The track premiered this week with an electrifying performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The slow-burning rocker builds to a propulsive peak, combining Wilson Jr.’s grunge influences with his signature lyricism that touches upon modern life in Middle America.
Wilson Jr. is nominated for New Artist of the Year at tonight’s CMA Awards, where he will also perform twice. He will play his moving rendition of “Stand By Me,” which has earned over 20 million global on-demand streams to date, and will join fellow New Artist of the Year nominee Shaboozey for a special performance of “Took A Walk,” their song from the critically-acclaimed 2025 film The Long Walk, based on the novel by Stephen King.
Last week, Wilson Jr. announced the Gary The Torch Tour, which will begin on March 6th in Columbus, OH, and includes stops in Toronto, Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Chicago, and many more. Ahead of next year’s tour, Wilson Jr. will close out 2025 with his headlining debut at the Ryman Auditorium with two sold-out shows on November 23-24.
It’s been a busy year for Wilson Jr. who released both a deluxe edition of his widely lauded debut double album Søn of Dad, which featured his moving rendition of “Stand By Me” that has been streamed tens of millions of times and has been included in a primetime Pampers commercial, as well as his recent Blankets EP, which included covers of songs by Nirvana, Temple of the Dog, The Postal Service and The Smashing Pumpkins. He also performed the National Anthem at this year’s NFL Draft.
In between headline shows, Wilson Jr. supported Eric Church during his three-night run at Red Rocks this July, made his Newport Folk Festival debut, and joined Hardy on his Jim Bob World Tour. He will kick off 2026 with a performance at Mile 0 Festival in Key West and will join Church again for a trio of shows in February before performing at Railbird Music Festival and Under The Big Sky Festival next summer.
uliana Hatfield releases her third single “Fall Apart,” a track built around the image of a guitar sinking to the bottom of a pool and serving as a clear metaphor for being discarded. The song carries her familiar balance of weighty themes and bright melodies.
uliana Hatfield releases her third single “Fall Apart,” a track built around the image of a guitar sinking to the bottom of a pool and serving as a clear metaphor for being discarded. The song carries her familiar balance of weighty themes and bright melodies.
Juliana views the track as grounded in honesty and pointed toward resilience. Her new album ‘Lightning Might Strike’ arrives December 12 through American Laundromat Records with pre orders available on CD, cassette, and LP in four vinyl color options, including signed editions available here.
Charlottetown skate punks TeethOut return with their new single “Here We Go” and announce a new release through High End Denim Records. The five piece band still leans into the fast, melodic chaos that shaped their early years, fueled by nineties punk nostalgia, cheap coffee, and loud singalongs. Their earlier EPs ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’ and ‘Brittle But Elite’ earned surprising momentum, including a number one spot on community radio’s alternative charts, and built a foundation for this next step.
Regarding “Here We Go,” Josh Lavigne says, “We wanted to write something instantly catchy that people could sing along to after one listen. ‘Here We Go’ came together fast, built around a simple hook and that high energy pop punk feel we grew up on. It’s one of those songs that sticks with you for days.” The band continues to tour across the Maritimes and shows no signs of slowing down.
New York’s own DES ROCS has released a raucous new single, ‘The Juice‘ from his forthcoming 2026 album on Sumerian Records.
The perfect soundtrack for a drag race, street fight or grand slam, ‘The Juice’ delivers the revved up raw energy DES ROCS is known for. It’s no surprise his music has been featured prominently in the UFC, and many other sporting events across ESPN, including the 2025 World Series.
“Creating The Juice was probably the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life making a song,” says Des. “Because for me, it’s this kind of fulfilment of an energy I’ve always wanted to capture, but one that’s increasingly elusive in today’s landscape. It’s unchecked and unrestricted in every way. It’s my purest expression of pure rock n roll satisfaction.”
DES ROCS is currently putting the final touches on his new album, to be released first quarter of 2026 on Sumerian Records.
Canadian emo-rock trio SECOND HARBOUR — comprised of brothers Xavier and Vincent Morency, along with John Muggianu — recently announced their signing to SharpTone Records and will release the Coalesce EP on December 12.
Second Harbour today share the video for angular and unforgettable new single “Mourning Dove.”
In true DIY fashion, the video was shot and edited by the band and it features the members knuckling down on their instruments while playing in an abandoned house.
As for the song, the subject matter goes for the jugular.
“The lyrics to ‘Mourning Dove’ are hands down the most painful I’ve ever written,” offers Xavier. “They’re made to spear you in the stomach, and unapologetically so. Coincidentally, they’re also my favorite lyrics of ours. I spent a lot of time making sure they could be read differently than they were heard, and I couldn’t be more proud of the song we built around them.”
ardboard Sessions and Ernest Packaging present “The Church Experience with Cory Henry,” a new installment in the series where musicians perform on instruments crafted entirely from cardboard. This edition showcases Henry at a cardboard Wurlitzer, Nick Clark on a cardboard Fender bass, and TaRon Lockett on a cardboard drum kit. Together they perform three original gospel hymns. “All To You” is out now, with “Thank You Lord” arriving November 25 and “The Lord Is Blessing Me” following on December 2.
Henry grew up in Brooklyn and was surrounded by church music from childhood. This year he earned a GRAMMY for “Best Roots Gospel Album” with his project Church and previously won awards for work with Rosalia and Kanye West. His collaborations span Bruce Springsteen, Jon Batiste, Imagine Dragons, and many others. His appearance in Cardboard Sessions adds another distinctive milestone with a performance built around instruments engineered from cardboard.
Cardboard Sessions is a free form video project created by the team behind Cardboard Chaos and Ernest Packaging. Their instruments and concepts include cardboard Vans sneakers, a cardboard surfboard, a cardboard skateboard, and now a full gospel setup. Past sessions have featured artists including Billy Gibbons, J Mascis, Matt Sorum, Terry Reid, Daru Jones, Marcus King, Robby Krieger, the Preservation Hall All Star Band, LP, Pete Yorn, Meg Myers, and Dogstar.
long weekend. The debut comes in partnership with OFF2, one of Canada’s premier electronic music promoters, marking a significant milestone as both teams introduce a new era of melodic and vocal-driven experiences to Canadian audiences.
The festival will make its national debut at Tradex in Abbotsford, BC, anchored by a standout lineup led by ILLENIUM, whose phoenix emblem was quietly slipped into the announcement video before fans quickly uncovered the hint. He’ll be joined by Dabin and Sabai, alongside Elephante, TELYKAST, Koji Aiken, and OBLVYN, forming a bill that reflects both the emotional depth and global flavor that reflect the Lost In Dreams vision.
Since launching, Lost In Dreams has grown into one of Insomniac’s most recognizable festival concepts, championing the melodic, vocal-led corner of electronic music. What began as a flagship event in Los Angeles has evolved into a full ecosystem, spanning a record label under the Insomniac Music Group umbrella and stage takeovers at major festivals including EDC Las Vegas and Nocturnal Wonderland. The Vancouver edition now becomes the brand’s second flagship festival and the first to take place outside the United States.
For OFF2, the partnership marks a major step in elevating Canada’s presence on the global dance music map. The collaboration blends OFF2’s established legacy of Canadian events with Insomniac’s internationally renowned creative direction, promising a world-class production built around immersive staging, cinematic visuals, and artists who embody the emotional pull of melodic electronic music.
Lost In Dreams Vancouver is set to become a landmark moment for the Canadian dance community, a new West Coast destination event that brings fans together for a night of powerful performances, soaring vocals, and the unmistakable Insomniac experience.
The Country Music Association awarded Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman, and CEO Scott Borchetta the 2025 CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excellence ahead of “The 59th Annual CMA Awards.” Borchetta was surprised with the industry honor on the red carpet by three-time 2025 CMA Award winner and Big Machine Label Group/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment artist Riley Green. Borchetta is also a 2025 CMA Awards nominee in the Musical Event of the Year category for his production work on Green’s “Don’t Mind If I Do,” which features Ella Langley.
“Scott has played a pivotal role in shaping Country Music’s modern era,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “I’ve watched him navigate this industry with remarkable clarity and conviction—championing emerging talent, supporting legacy artists and investing in ideas that move our genre forward. His influence stretches across decades, and honoring him with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence feels both meaningful and well-deserved.”
“I truly did not see this coming,” says Borchetta. “A sincere thank you to our extraordinary CEO, Sarah Trahern, and all on the CMA Board for this incredible recognition. Irving Waugh was a true visionary who did so much for Country Music and its culture, and I’m humbled to stand on his shoulders alongside so many who continue to shape and inspire the world of Country Music.”
The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence is presented to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved Country Music’s influence on a national or international level for the benefit of the industry. It is the intention that these ideas and actions are ongoing and have a proven historical impact on Country Music.
Borchetta is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, home to superstars including Thomas Rhett, Riley Green, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, Mötley Crüe, Sheryl Crow and more. Under his leadership, Big Machine has celebrated more than 20 years of groundbreaking success, earning multiple GRAMMY®, American Music Award, CMA Award, ACM Award and Billboard Music Award wins; selling more than 226 million albums; and sending over 265 singles to No. 1 across Country, Pop and Rock charts. As an executive producer, Borchetta has championed projects such as the 20-track Petty Country and the GRAMMY®-winning documentary GLEN CAMPBELL… I’LL BE ME. A frequent subject of national media, he has been profiled by Forbes, named to Billboard’s Power 100 and Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, and honored with the Music Business Association’s Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive, CRB’s Presidential Award and the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award.
Borchetta has also helped drive major industry advancements, including a 2012 agreement with iHeartRadio that marked the first time in U.S. history artists and labels were compensated for terrestrial radio airplay. A committed philanthropist, he and his wife Sandi partnered with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to create The Big Machine Neighborhood NICU wing—later expanded to the Scott & Sandi Borchetta Floor—and established the Music Has Value fund supporting music education and therapy. Additional charitable efforts include a nationwide Feeding America campaign that provided more than 50 million meals. Outside of music, Borchetta is a championship-winning race car driver, serves on the Board of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, helped bring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to Nashville with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, and owns Big Machine Racing and its NASCAR Xfinity #48 Chevrolet team.
NASHVILLE, TENN. — If music is a river, then Muscle Shoals sits squarely at the headwaters of southern soul, R&B, funk and rock. And even though most of the artists who pioneered that swampy, fertile ground are gone, their sound, their work and their legacies roll on.
On Friday night, they rolled into Nashville’s Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum, where a crew of Muscle Shoals legends, lifers and leading lights staged the sold-out, soul-powered revue Low Rhythm Rising to celebrate the museum’s new exhibit of the same name — and to breathe new life into the music that made it possible.
Held in the museum’s woody, warm and welcoming CMA Theatre — a venue clearly designed for live performances, with pristine sound and great sightlines — the show featured a stellar cast, including Jimmy Hall, Tiera Kennedy, Bettye LaVette, Wendy Moten, Spooner Oldham, Dan Penn, Maggie Rose, Shenandoah, Candi Staton and John Paul White. Guitarist and latter-day SwamperWill McFarlane led a house band of Muscle Shoals ringers, including Mark Beckett (drums, and the son of Swampers keyboardist Barry Beckett), Mickey Buckins (percussion), Kelvin Holly ( guitar), Clayton Ivey (keys), Bob Wray (bass), Brad Guin, Steve Herrman, Jim Hoke and Charles Rose (horns) and Shoals Sisters Marie Lewey and Cindy Richardson-Walker (background vocals).
Bettye LaVette.Jimmy Hall.John Paul White.
After some opening remarks by exhibit curator Michael Gray, McFarlane played host for the rest of the event, welcoming everyone to a night of music and community. He delivered on both counts. This wasn’t some tightly choreographed, fast-paced Nash Vegas extravaganza; it was more like a late-night lockdown jam at your local watering hole. The singers were relaxed and playful. The players were laid-back and in the pocket. And McFarlane was the perfect host, introducing the featured artists and his bandmates with southern hospitality, sharing stories and anecdotes about their careers and talents as if he were talking to you across the table.
The show kicked off with beloved singer-songwriter / overalls enthusiast Dan Penn, delivering impeccable renditions of his tender classics I’m Your Puppet (co-written with keyboard legend Spooner Oldham, deservedly lauded more often than anyone else onstage) and You Left The Water Running. It was just the start of a two-hour set that featured 19 timeless hits birthed at or linked to the legendary FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound studios in the ’60s and ’70s.
The highlight of the night for me was Bettye LaVette, who tore up Eddie Hinton’s I Still Want to Be Your Baby (Take Me Like I Am) and John Prine’s Souvenirs (after revealing she sang the song to him shortly before he died). There are few singers in this world who make me simultaneously grin like a fool and weep like a baby every time they open their mouth, and LaVette — who can convey a lifetime of love, loss, tragedy and triumph in a single note — is one of them. So getting to hear and see her kick up her heels (musically and literally) was all I needed to make my night complete.
Will McFarlane.Spooner Oldham.Tiera Kennedy.
But there was plenty more where that came from. Wendy Moten (pictured up top) had the unenviable task of covering two Aretha Franklin classics — Penn’s Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (which he hung around to watch) and her breakout hit I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) — and quite simply knocked it out of the damn park.
Live wire Jimmy Hall was in fine form, belting out Percy Sledge’s When A Man Loves A Woman and tearing the roof off the sucker with Wilson Pickett’s Land Of 1000 Dances.Shenandoah worked the room like old pros on their hits Two Dozen Roses and The Church On Cumberland Road. Former Civil Wars member John Paul White kept it sweet and low with his renditions of Arthur Alexander‘s You Better Move On and Bob Seger’s We’ve Got Tonight, earning well-deserved praise from McFarlane for the purity of his pipes. Proudly informing everyone that she’s 85, Candi Staton proceeded to act like a woman half that age, dancing up a storm on her heaven-sent I’m Just a Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin’). Tiera Kennedy injected soul into The Rolling Stones’ Wild Horses and the Etta James classic I’d Rather Go Blind. And recent Grammy nominee Maggie Rose — who graciously downplayed the accolade by noting she was in the same category as Mavis Staples, which was an even bigger honour — showed off her powerhouse pipes on The Staple Singers’ I’ll Take You There and Aretha’s Chain Of Fools.
Finally, everyone returned to the stage for show-closing singalongs on Pickett’s Mustang Sally and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Muscle Shoals-endorsing Sweet Home Alabama. In keeping with the freewheeling vibe of the night, they were endearingly loosey-goosey — energizer bunny Hall seemed to come perilously close to smacking into the tiny LaVette a couple of times, and the band accidentally wrapped up Sweet Home Alabama just as she was starting to sing. But no matter; it was still a night that no one will forget anytime soon. Simply put: They took us there. And made it clear that the Muscle Shoals Sound isn’t just a thing of the past, preserved in amber to be admired and revered; it’s a living, breathing entity filled with and driven by heart and soul, ready to roll on into the future.
Maggie Rose.Shenandoah.Candi Staton.
Set List
I’m Your Puppet | Dan Penn You Left The Water Running | Dan Penn Do Right Woman, Do Right Man | Wendy Moten I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) | Wendy Moten I Still Want To Be Your Baby (Take Me Like I Am) | Bettye LaVette Souvenirs | Bettye LaVette When A Man Loves A Woman | Jimmy Hall Land of 1000 Dances | Jimmy Hall Two Dozen Roses | Shenandoah The Church On Cumberland Road | Shenandoah You Better Move On | John Paul White We’ve Got Tonight | John Paul White I’m Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin’) | Candi Staton Wild Horses | Tiera Kennedy I’d Rather Go Blind | Tiera Kennedy Chain Of Fools | Maggie Rose I’ll Take You There | Maggie Rose Mustang Sally & Sweet Home Alabama | Ensemble
