Home Blog Page 1166

OREO and Selena Gomez Unveil Limited Edition Horchata-Inspired Cookie

Eric Alper
-
0
OREO and Selena Gomez Unveil Limited Edition Horchata-Inspired Cookie

The OREO brand is introducing the Limited Edition Selena Gomez OREO Cookies, a brand-new OREO cookie that brings together Selena’s passions and fandom into one deliciously dunkable bite.

Selena worked closely with the OREO brand to develop a one-of-a-kind sweet-and-spiced flavor combo. Inspired by her love of horchata, the cookies include a layer of chocolate & cinnamon flavor creme atop a layer of sweetened condensed milk flavor creme with cinnamon sugar inclusions, all sandwiched between two chocolate cinnamon flavored wafers.

“Making my own OREO cookie was a lot of fun. I grew up loving them, so being able to be a part of the process was a full-circle moment,” saidĀ Selena Gomez. “I wanted to find a way for it to feel comforting and have a bit of nostalgia from my childhood. The cinnamon flavor gives it this horchata feel, and I’m excited for my fans to try it.”

In addition to curating her personalize OREO flavor, Selena also created six unique embossments designed with her fans in mind, including one that spells out “Selenators.” There’s also one exclusive cookie found in approximately every three packs that features Selena’s classic signature ā€”marking the first time the OREO brand has ever put an autograph on an OREO cookie.

While both the OREO brand and Selena champion self-expression and self-discovery, they know the journey to get there isn’t always easyā€”especially for young people. To help support youth mental health, the OREO brand is also making a donation to the Rare Impact Fund. Founded by Selena in 2020, the Rare Impact Fund focuses on increasing access to mental health services and education for young people around the world. (To learn more about the Rare Impact Fund, visitĀ rareimpactfund.org.)

The Limited Edition Selena Gomez OREO Cookies will be available for presale in the U.S. starting onĀ June 2Ā atĀ www.OREO.com/UnwrapTheCollab. The OREO cookies will begin rolling out at retailers nationwide starting onĀ June 9, 2025, and will be available only for a limited time, while supplies last.

The cookie packs will also be available inĀ Canada,Ā Brazil,Ā AustraliaĀ andĀ New Zealand. Fans inĀ CanadaĀ andĀ BrazilĀ can also find the cookies in stores starting onĀ June 9, 2025, and onĀ June 17thĀ for fans inĀ AustraliaĀ andĀ New Zealand. Keep your eyes peeled! These packs just might make a surprise appearance in your part of the world.

Fender Launches Free Fender Studio App for Instant Recording and Authentic Amp Tones

Eric Alper
-
0
Fender Launches Free Fender Studio App for Instant Recording and Authentic Amp Tones

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation today announces the launch of FenderĀ Studio, the all-new app for recording, jamming and capturing creativity wherever and whenever it strikes. Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux, Fender Studio is a free tool available for anyone looking to record, practice or just have fun playing along with Jam Tracks. Compatible with audio interfaces on mobile, tablet and desktop devices, Fender Studio makes it easy for players to capture guitar riffs, vocals and more, with just one tap. Packed with powerful tones, Fender Studio is the only app of its kind with authentic Fender amp models.

Building on nearly 80 years of sonic innovation, Fender continues to empower musicians by expanding into the digital space with apps like Fender Studio, providing all the tools needed to create. As the maker of legendary guitars, basses, amps and accessories that have shaped musicians worldwide, Fender continues to revolutionize how artists create and record. Fender Studio adds to the company’s existing digital apps including Fender Play, Fender Tone and Fender Tune to deliver a complete platform where musicians can learn, practice, perform and now record their music. By providing the entire signal chain from instrument to recording, Fender Studio makes recording accessible to guitar players and music creators at every level making it faster to capture and share ideas digitally.

“I’ve always said to the team, anyone should be able to just hit a single button on their phone and be able to start recording,” said Fender CEOĀ Andy Mooney. “We’ve built exactly that. We believe Fender Studio will enable more music creation than ever before by serving the needs of today’s creators and that will drive sustained growth for our company and our industry. I’m proud of what the team has created and can’t wait to hear what gets recorded in Fender Studio.”

Fender Studio shares DNA with the award-winning digital audio workstation, Studio OneĀ Pro, offering users access to world class recording, editing and production capabilities. Fender Studio brings this heritage to a mobile-friendly user interface that’s quick and easy to use. Key capabilities include:

  • One-tap recording:Ā The fastest way to get started without a complicated setup; start recording the moment inspiration strikes.
  • Authentic Fender amp and effects models: Record and jam with the sound of authentic Fender Mustang and Rumble Series guitar and bass amplifiers. Includes a ’65 Twin Reverb guitar amp Rumble 800 v.3 bass amp, five FX pedals and an integrated tunerā€”plus six additional amps and effects upon registration for free with a Fender Connect account. Start shaping tones from scratch or use any of the included presets to get to playing quickly and easily.
  • Jam Tracks: Play along with 20 professionally recorded, fully editable jam tracksā€”ranging from pop ballads to metal. Each track is a complete multitrack audio session, with options to transpose, mute, solo, speed up or slow down individual parts.
  • Studio Quality Audio Editing Tools:Ā Dial in the sound of your recordings and mix with Compressor, EQ, Reverb, Delay and fun vocal effects like De-Tuner, Transformer, Ring Modulator and Vocoder.

“Fender Studio represents our continued commitment to providing players and musicians of all levels with great sounding, easy to use recording tools,” saidĀ Max Gutnik, EVP & GM of PreSonus, Jackson, Charvel, Gretsch and EVH Brands. “Whether you are new to recording or a seasoned pro, Fender Studio delivers authentic Fender tones and intuitive editing capabilities to record, jam, create and inspire, for free. We are super-excited to release Fender Studio and hear all the amazing music it will help bring into the world!”

For guitar players looking to record directly into Fender Studio, Fender’s new pocket sized audio interface, FenderĀ Link I/O, offers easy compatibility. Fender Link I/O provides an exceptional latency-free recording experience allowing guitarists to track and monitor their performance without any delay. Fender Link I/O is built with an input stage designed to replicate the dynamic response of Fender’s world-famous amplifiers, offering high-quality 24-bit / 96kHz audio for studio-level recordings wherever and whenever musicians are inspired. Crafted for guitarists to on-the-go creatives, Link I/O and Fender Studio offer the easiest and quickest way to start recording guitar on mobile or desktop applications. Additionally, Fender Studio works great with a variety of audio interfaces that are compatible across users’ devices.

Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta Unveil Aquatic Spectacle LUDƕ at VidantaWorld

Eric Alper
-
0
Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta Unveil Aquatic Spectacle LUDƕ at VidantaWorld

Prepare to witness entertainment history as Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Grupo Vidanta announce the spectacular debut of LUDƕ, the highly anticipated new resident Cirque du Soleil production, now available for general public ticket sales. PremieringĀ December 12, 2025, LUDƕ is Cirque du Soleil’s second-ever aquatic masterpiece since the acclaimed “O,” and is poised to become one of the most extraordinary and innovative shows ever created, seamlessly blending the power and beauty of water with mesmerizing acrobatics, state-of-the-art technology, breathtaking visual effects, live music, and unparalleled luxury gastronomy.

LUDƕ will be showcased within the extraordinary setting of VidantaWorld’s BON Luxury Theme Park, located just 10 minutes from theĀ Puerto VallartaĀ International Airport inĀ Nuevo Vallarta. BON Luxury Theme Park, the world’s first luxury nature and beach theme park, promises a stunning blend of natural wonders, luxurious amenities, and visionary design. While BON is scheduled to fully open later in 2026, LUDƕ will provide guests with an exclusive early glimpse into the spectacular future of this groundbreaking destination, solidifying VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta as a world-class entertainment landmark.

“LUDƕ represents a bold new era for Cirque du Soleil,” saidĀ Daniel Lamarre, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “This production is a testament to what’s possible when two visionary brandsā€”Cirque du Soleil and Vidantaā€”join forces to elevate live entertainment on a global scale.”

Designed for an unforgettable experience, LUDƕ will be performed in a custom-built, 696-seat theater featuring generously spacious seating, many of which include an exquisite dinner experience. The theater itself is an engineering marvel, equipped with cutting-edge aquatic technology and immersive sound design. From aerial performances and live music to poetic visual effects, each act explores the emotional depth and theatrical power of water as a medium.

“LUDƕ isn’t simply a new showā€”it’s a revolutionary milestone in global entertainment, born from the visionary partnership between Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil,” said IvĆ”n ChĆ”vez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “This production celebratesĀ Mexico’sĀ limitless creativity and redefines what audiences can expect from live entertainment. At VidantaWorld, we are incredibly proud to bring such an awe-inspiring and innovative spectacle to the world, right here inĀ Nuevo Vallarta.”

Directed byĀ Michel Laprise, the Creative Guide at Cirque du Soleil, LUDƕ will run year-round with more than 300 performances annually, establishing itself as a must-see attraction for international travelers and Cirque fans alike. “Water is a limitless elementā€”it holds memory, transforms shape, and defies gravity,” said Laprise. “With LUDƕ, we dive into these possibilities and push creative boundaries like never before.”

LUDƕ Experience Tiers
Guests can choose from four ticket options:

  • VIP Show, Dinner & ChampagneĀ ā€“ Includes a three-course gourmet dinner, unlimited champagne, early theater access, premium seating, SkyDream Parks Gondola transportation, a welcome cocktail at Ixora Floating Lounge, and a commemorative gift.
  • Show, Dinner & ChampagneĀ ā€“ Includes a three-course dinner and half bottle of champagne per adult.
  • VIP Champagne & TapasĀ ā€“ Balcony seating with a curated selection of seven gourmet appetizers and choice of champagne, wine, or soft drinks.
  • Balcony Show-OnlyĀ ā€“ Show access with snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Tickets for LUDƕ go on sale beginningĀ May 16, 2025. The show officially premieresĀ December 16, 2025, at VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta and will run year-round. To purchase tickets or learn more, visitĀ www.cirquedusoleil.com/ludo.

Austriaā€™s JJ Wins Eurovision 2025 With Pop-Opera Powerhouse ā€œWasted Loveā€

Eric Alper
-
0
Austriaā€™s JJ Wins Eurovision 2025 With Pop-Opera Powerhouse ā€œWasted Loveā€

Warner MusicĀ proudly congratulates its Austrian artist JJ for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 inĀ Basel, SwitzerlandĀ with his powerful single “Wasted Love”. The breakup-inspired pop-opera track, featuring explosive techno beats, captivated international audiences, propelling JJ to victory in front of more than 160 million viewers on Saturday evening.

Doreen Schimk andĀ Fabian Drebes, Co-Presidents of Warner Music Central Europe,Ā commented:Ā “JJ’s incredible talent, combined with his innovative sound, has truly resonated with audiences acrossĀ EuropeĀ and beyond, attracting new fans with every performance. Eurovision is the world’s most-watched music television show, and we are thrilled to see him shine on such a global stage. We are proud to be part of JJ’s journey.”

Born inĀ ViennaĀ and raised inĀ Dubai, the 24-year-old JJ returned toĀ AustriaĀ in 2016. Known for his soprano-range voice, JJ has performed at the Vienna State Opera and gained national attention through his appearance onĀ Austria’sĀ casting showĀ Starmania. With this landmark win, JJ now joins the ranks of Eurovision legends, marking a new chapter in his promising career.

5 Surprising Facts About Avril Lavigneā€™s ā€˜Under My Skinā€™

Eric Alper
-
0
5 Surprising Facts About Avril Lavigneā€™s ā€˜Under My Skinā€™

Before she was a pop-punk icon, Avril Lavigne was just a skater girl from Napanee with a notebook full of lyrics and a whole lot to say. In 2004, Under My Skin dropped like a gothic glitter bombā€”darker, louder, and more emotionally raw than anyone expected. But beyond the hits and the eyeliner, this album has some wild behind-the-scenes stories. Here are 5 little-known facts that will make you want to spin it all over again.

1. The Album Was Born in a Malibu Beach Houseā€”With a Canadian Power Couple Behind It
Forget fancy studios. Most of Under My Skin was written and recorded in a Malibu house owned by Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace. Lavigne and Kreviazuk first bonded over lunch after the 2003 SARS benefit concert in Torontoā€”and within days, they were writing non-stop in Maidaā€™s home studio. The beach house became a creative haven and ground zero for Avrilā€™s darker era.

2. ā€œNobodyā€™s Homeā€ Was Co-Written by Evanescenceā€™s Ben Moody
Ever wondered why ā€œNobodyā€™s Homeā€ sounds like it came straight from a haunted cathedral? That emotional wallop came courtesy of Ben Moody, fresh off his split from Evanescence. He not only co-wrote the track with Avril but also played guitar on it. Itā€™s one of the rare moments where post-grunge, emo-pop, and Canadian angst collide perfectly.

3. Avril Directed the Sound
By her second album, Avril wrote the words as usual, but also shaping the entire sound. She insisted on choosing guitar tones, drum arrangements, and song structures. Turns out, along with being the face of her career, she was the engine.

4. The ā€œNobodyā€™s Homeā€ Video Features Easter Eggs and a Moscow Tee
In the emotional video for ā€œNobodyā€™s Home,ā€ Avril plays a runaway teenā€”but eagle-eyed fans caught some hidden gems. Her shirt has the Russian word ā€œŠœŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ²Š°ā€ (Moscow), and the graffiti in the bathroom includes a heart with ā€œA+Dā€ā€”a sweet nod to then-boyfriend Deryck Whibley. Even in her most vulnerable moments, she kept the details personal.

5. ā€œTake Me Awayā€ Was Actually a Second Attempt at the Same Song Title
The dramatic album opener ā€œTake Me Awayā€ wasnā€™t the first time Avril wrote a song by that name. An earlier version, co-written with The Matrix for Let Go, never made the final cut. But she clearly wasnā€™t done with the phrase. The Under My Skin version hits harderā€”more metal, more desperate, and way more Avril.

Under My Skin proved that Avril could evolve without losing her edge, could go darker without losing her spark. And nearly 20 years later, it still rocks just as hard. Time to crank it up and let those emo feelings back inā€”loud and proud.

5 Surprising Facts About Neil Youngā€™s ā€˜On The Beachā€™

Eric Alper
-
0
5 Surprising Facts About Neil Youngā€™s ā€˜On The Beachā€™

Neil Youngā€™s On the Beach, released on July 19, 1974, captures a moment suspended in emotional twilight. Part of the so-called ā€œDitch Trilogy,ā€ it trades polish for feeling, control for rawness, and clarity for depth. While it now holds its place as a fan favourite and critical treasure, the album holds stories and turns few know. Letā€™s dig a little deeper into five lesser-known facts that drift along with the salty wind of On the Beach.

1. The Cadillac on the Cover Was Realā€”and Buried
The iconic cover wasnā€™t a photomontageā€”it was fully staged. Neil Young and longtime collaborator Gary Burden hauled an actual 1959 Cadillac tail fin from a junkyard to the beach, stuck it into the sand, and added props like a yellow polyester jacket and local newspaper with the headline ā€œSen. Buckley Calls for Nixon to Resign.ā€ The photo was shot on Santa Monica Beach by Bob Seidemann. Neil considered it one of his favorite covers, later saying the idea hit him like a “blot from the blue.” It matches the albumā€™s tone perfectly: sunlit but somber, relaxed but haunting.

2. ā€œHoney Slidesā€ Fueled the Sessions
Much of the albumā€™s woozy atmosphere comes courtesy of ā€œhoney slidesā€ā€”a mix of sautĆ©ed marijuana and honey introduced by Rusty Kershaw. The concoction reportedly hit like heroin and slowed the sessions to a dreamlike crawl. Musicians drifted in and out of consciousness while recording, which contributed to the albumā€™s spaced-out mood. Neil later said, ā€œA couple of spoonfuls of that and youā€™d be laid-back into the middle of next week.ā€ The slow-motion feel of tracks like ā€œMotion Picturesā€ can be traced directly back to the haze of the honey slides.

3. ā€œRevolution Bluesā€ Sparked Chaos in the Studio
Inspired by Charles Manson, whom Neil had briefly known, ā€œRevolution Bluesā€ carried an undercurrent of paranoia and unease. Rusty Kershaw wanted the band to tap into that feeling and pushed them with wild theatrics. He smashed things in the studio to provoke a genuine sense of chaos, urging, ā€œThis is how you start a revolution!ā€ The next take captured the mood perfectly, according to Kershaw. The song ended up as one of the fiercest, most electrified moments on the recordā€”completely unlike the rest of the albumā€™s tone.

4. The Side Order Was Reversed at the Last Minute
Neil originally wanted the album to begin with ā€œOn the Beachā€ and end with ā€œWalk On,ā€ but producer David Briggs convinced him to flip the sides. Neil later admitted he regretted giving in, feeling that the album lost a sense of unfolding narrative. Interestingly, cassette and 8-track versions kept Neilā€™s intended running order. Fans today can argue both sides, but the decision shows how format and sequencing can shape a listenerā€™s experienceā€”and how a small choice leaves a lasting imprint.

5. ā€œAmbulance Bluesā€ Echoes Torontoā€™s Lost Haunts
The closing track ā€œAmbulance Bluesā€ reflects on everything from political corruption to fading friendships, but it also contains a tribute to Torontoā€™s countercultural past. Lines like ā€œOh Isabella, proud Isabella, they tore you down and plowed you underā€ refer to a house where Neil and Rick James once lived at 88 Isabella Street. It was demolished in the ā€˜70s, and Neil immortalized it in song. The Riverboat, another Toronto reference, was where artists like Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, and Simon & Garfunkel playedā€”giving the song an emotional pull rooted in real places and memories.

On the Beach sways with heartbreak and reflection, sunshine and shadow. These hidden details help explain how a mellow album grew into something revered. It may have drifted into the world quietly, but the stories behind it still ripple across time.

5 Surprising Facts About Joy Division’s ‘Closer’

Eric Alper
-
0
5 Surprising Facts About Joy Division’s ‘Closer’

When Closer was released on July 18, 1980, two months after Ian Curtisā€™s death, it was the end of Joy Division, and the beginning of their mythos. A desolate masterpiece that practically invented the vocabulary of emotional collapse in music, Closer is considered one of the greatest post-punk records ever made. But beyond the stark tombstone of its sound lies a collection of untold stories and fascinating footnotes. Here are five of them.

When Joy Divisionā€™s Closer landed on July 18, 1980, it became a farewell, a sonic tombstone, and the deepest echo of a voice already silenced. Released two months after Ian Curtisā€™s death, the album transformed grief into atmosphere, cementing its place as one of post-punkā€™s most chilling masterpieces. But beneath the frozen surface are stories you might not know. Here are five of them.

1. The Album Coverā€™s Tomb Was Pure Chance, Not a Plan
The marble tomb that defines Closerā€™s artwork came from a 1978 photo of a sculpture in an Italian cemetery. Designers Peter Saville and Martyn Atkins had picked the image long before Ian Curtis died. After his death, Saville panicked, thinking people would assume it was a tasteless marketing stunt. But Factory Records moved forward, embracing the eerie coincidence. The result is one of the most haunting album covers in music history, made even more powerful by how accidental it all was.

2. Ian Curtis Described Writing the Lyrics as a Possession
Bernard Sumner recalled Ian Curtis saying the words on Closer felt like they were writing themselves. Ian spoke of being trapped in a kind of whirlpool, dragged downward by forces he couldnā€™t name. This wasnā€™t poetic exaggeration. Songs like ā€œThe Eternalā€ and ā€œDecadesā€ carry that sensation of drowning in something far bigger than personal sadness. The lyrics came with a sense of inevitability, like Ian was merely the vessel through which they passed.

3. ā€œAtrocity Exhibitionā€ Was the Sound of Instrumental Role Reversal
To break creative monotony, Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook swapped instruments during the writing of ā€œAtrocity Exhibition.ā€ Hook played guitar, Sumner played bass, and the result was a riff that felt off-kilter and dangerous. The title came from J.G. Ballard, whose psychological collapse stories matched the tone perfectly. When Martin Hannett mixed the track while Hook was out of the studio, he drenched the guitar in effects, flattening its violence. Hook was furious, but that tension remains baked into the track.

4. ā€œIsolationā€ Survived a Studio Disaster Thanks to Hannett
ā€œIsolationā€ began with Stephen Morrisā€™s electronic beat and Sumnerā€™s high-pitched synth stabs. But disaster nearly struck when a junior engineer mishandled the master tape. Martin Hannett salvaged it through sheer sonic precision, and the end result became one of the bandā€™s most forward-looking tracks. The crashing drums and eerie space within the mix opened a doorway to where New Order would eventually go. Itā€™s a reminder that chaos can sometimes give birth to clarity.

5. Tony Wilson Had Poolside Dreams, Bernard Had Doubts
When Closer was finished, Factory Records founder Tony Wilson told Bernard Sumner heā€™d be drinking cocktails poolside in Los Angeles within a year. Sumner laughed. Joy Division didnā€™t operate on dreams of stardom or chart glory. They created out of necessity, out of a need to express what couldnā€™t be said in daylight. While Closer did chart and win Album of the Year from NME, its power came from its refusal to conform. It was bleak, unflinching, and utterly committed to its vision.

Closer is a message in a bottle sent from the darkest corners of the human psyche. These lesser-known stories remind us that great records are shaped by accidents, panic, misunderstandings, and ghostly whispers. Step inside ā€” just like Ian said.

Country Star Nate Smith Honors Fatherhood With Emotional New Single ā€œDads Donā€™t Dieā€

Eric Alper
-
0
Country Star Nate Smith Honors Fatherhood With Emotional New Single ā€œDads Donā€™t Dieā€

With Father’s Day just around the corner, MULTI-PLATINUM hitmaker Nate Smith today (5/23) delivers “Dads Don’t Die” (Sony Music Nashville) – an unforgettably moving ballad celebrating the immortal power of love between father and child. Accompanied by a performance video, the two-pack includes a bonus version featuring GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Emily Weisband (a co-writer on the track). The latest in a series of monumental releases from Smith, “Dads Don’t Die” arrives as he kicks off a massive tour tonight as direct support for Jason Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR 2025.

A driving force in the Country genre, Smith takes his chart-topping career to the next level with “Dads Don’t Die.” Written by Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, and Emily Weisband, the piano-led track hits with a momentous impact thanks to Smith’s force-of-nature voice – a formidable instrument that’s found him hailed as a “vocal powerhouse” by Stereogum. After performing the song live, he received overwhelming support from fans, who soon clamored for an official release. With over 2.5 BILLION global career streams to date, Smith reveals that adding “Dads Don’t Die” to his hit-stacked catalog is an undeniable honor.

“I’ll never forget the day Emily [Weisband] sent me this song. I broke down in tears the very first listen. It hit me straight in the heart,” admits Smith. “‘Dads never die… they live on in us, and through us.’ I’d never heard it said quite like that. I’m incredibly close with my dad and beyond grateful he’s still here. The thought of losing him is my greatest fear. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their father. I hope this song brings comfort, healing, and a little light to anyone walking through that pain. What makes this song even more powerful is how it gently touches on forgiveness. Whether you’ve lost your dad, miss him deeply, or are still working through things with him – I hope this song finds you. What matters is that it reaches the people who need it most. I truly believe this is the most meaningful song I’ve ever been a part of.”

Produced by Joel Bruyere, “Dads Don’t Die” came to life with a lineup of A-list session musicians, including guitarists Tim Galloway and Derek Wells. Driven by the striking piano work of Alex Wright, the song opens as Smith observes the painful aftermath of losing a loved one (“You can cover him in flowers / Carve his name into a stone / Let your brother have his toolbox / And keep his number in your phone”). At the gently soaring chorus, he delivers a soul-soothing message of reassurance (“Dads don’t die / They still make you laugh / Still make you cry / Still make you mad the day it dawns / That you were wrong and he was right”). With its lovely intertwining of introspection, nostalgia, and sorrowful outpouring, the track also provides plenty of much-needed perspective (“Even if they let you down sometimes / There’s gonna come a day you understand / That he was just a man and you turned out alright”). Graced with a gorgeous guitar solo at the bridge, “Dads Don’t Die” ultimately brings an unstoppable spirit of hope to one of life’s most heartbreaking moments.

On the bonus version of “Dads Don’t Die,” Weisband adds a new element of tenderness to the track’s intimate reflection. An in-demand songwriter whose credits include Gabby Barrett, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce, and many more, Weisband delivers the song’s second verse with a soulful urgency, then joins Smith for a heart-melting duet at the chorus.

“Dads Don’t Die” is Smith’s first introduction to new music since “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” – a collaboration with HARDY and spotlighted by Billboard, who praised it as a “slice of cut-to-the-bone, friend-to-friend honesty, wrapped in a country-rock package.” Since making his full-length debut with his GOLD self-titled LP (a 2023 release that emerged as the largest album debut from a new artist that year), he’s impressively earned three #1s at Country radio, with his latest single “Fix What You Didn’t Break” currently Top 10-and-climbing.

Directed by Kaiser Cunningham, the performance video for “Dads Don’t Die” affirms Smith’s deeply personal connection to the track and offers a glimpse at the fiery intensity he brings to every live show. With his past live experience including his headlining THROUGH THE SMOKE TOUR and SOLD-OUT WORLD ON FIRE TOUR in 2024 – along with supporting Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, and Morgan Wallen – he’ll next take the stage at arenas and stadiums across the country as part of Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR 2025.

 

Lainey Wilson Channels Country Tradition on Stirring New Single ā€œSomewhere Over Laredoā€

Eric Alper
-
0
Lainey Wilson Channels Country Tradition on Stirring New Single ā€œSomewhere Over Laredoā€

16x ACM, 9x CMA and Grammy Award-winning artist Lainey Wilson’s new single, “Somewhere Over Laredo,” is out today via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Written by Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson and Andy Albert, the song honors the timeless classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” while showcasing Wilson’s poignant storytelling and authentic country sound, as she reflects on past love and pays tribute to small towns across the country.

Wilson will perform the song live for the first time at the 2025 American Music Awards this Monday, May 26, where she is nominated for Favorite Female Country Artist.

Officially impacting radio this Tuesday, May 27 via Broken Bow Records, fans will hear the new track as it world premieres across all major U.S. Country Radio Stations today.

The release adds to yet another triumphant year for Wilson, who won four awards at the 60th Annual ACM Awards earlier this month: Entertainer of the Year (her second consecutive win), Female Artist of the Year (her third consecutive win), Album of the Year (Whirlwind) and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. During the awards ceremony, she also debuted new song, “Trailblazer,” with Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert, which she wrote with Lambert and Brandy Clark.

Additionally, Wilson is in the midst of her nearly sold-out Whirlwind World Tour, which includes stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Austin’s Moody Center, Baton Rouge’s Raising Cane’s River Center Arena and Denver’s Ball Arena among many others. The upcoming dates follow the tour’s first leg-a completely sold-out extensive run across the U.K and Europe earlier this year.

 

Country-Pop Trailblazer Sam Williams Unveils Heartfelt New Single “Lose You Too”

Eric Alper
-
0
Country-Pop Trailblazer Sam Williams Unveils Heartfelt New Single “Lose You Too”

Rising country musician Sam Williams gets vulnerable on catchy new track “Lose You Too” . This is the third offering from Sam’s forthcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR, out July 11.

Penned by Sam, Emily Weisband (BTS, Camila Cabello, Dan+Shay), and Alysa Vanderheym (Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Jelly Roll) “Lose You Too” blends raw, honest lyrics over a glossy, country-pop production as Williams confesses, “I’ve already lost more than I thought I’d ever lose / I can’t lose you, too” – and yeah, it kinda wrecks you in the best way.

Of the track, Sam reflects, “Releasing a song you wrote in a different chapter of your life is a little uncomfortable, especially one that holds so much hope. Not gonna lie, it hurts to revisit this chapter… but “Lose You Too” still slaps. There’s a softness in this song that I’m proud of, and maturing means learning not to dim the parts of yourself that feel deeply. I’ve learned I can lose beautiful things, and still believe that the love I put into the world will come back around.”

“Lose You Too” will be featured on Sam’s forthcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR, alongside previously released tracks “No Problem” and title track “COUNTRYSTAR.” The vibrant and daring seven-song project underscores Williams’ versatile songwriting skills. To bring this new sound to life, Sam collaborated with producer Nick Bailey, whose credits include Lana Del Rey, Quavo, Maroon 5, and Blake Shelton, and producer Yung Lan (Morgan Wallen, Lil Uzi Vert).

Up next, Sam will be taking over CMA Fest with multiple performances. He’s set to light up the Love and Acceptance at Category 10 on Monday, June 2, before taking over The Listening Room Cafe with Amanda Shires and Lawrence Rothman on Tuesday, June 3. He’ll also be performing at MCA’s Sounds Like Nashville Live at Skydeck on Broadway on Friday, June 6, before closing out the weekend at Hard Rock Cafe on Sunday, June 8.

Sam continues to push Nashville into bold new territory with his fearless creativity and boundary-pushing sound. With Act II: COUNTRYSTAR on the horizon, it’s clear that Sam is bringing a whole new energy to this three-act trilogy.

1...1,1651,1661,167...3,541Page 1,166 of 3,541

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper