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Country Music Association Leaders Drive Global Surge At C2C Country To Country Festival

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 17, 2026

Country Music Association Leaders Drive Global Surge At C2C Country To Country Festival

The Country Music Association, the leading trade organization representing the Country Music industry, returned to the U.K. to support this year’s C2C: Country to Country festival, reaffirming CMA’s ongoing commitment to expanding and elevating Country Music worldwide. Through strategic international initiatives and partnerships, CMA remains dedicated to amplifying the genre’s visibility, deepening fan and industry engagement and driving lasting global impact.

“C2C continues to be a highlight of our year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From an unforgettable Songwriters Series to the excitement around the CMA Spotlight Stage in London and Glasgow and for the first time, Berlin and Rotterdam, this week was a powerful reminder of how deeply Country Music connects with fans around the world. It was also incredibly meaningful to host our first International Summit in London and bring together our partners across the U.K. and Europe to reflect on the continued growth we’re seeing throughout the region. The passion from fans and partners reminds us why this genre continues to thrive, and we’re excited to build on that progress.”

CMA launched its inaugural International Summit on Wednesday, March 11, kicking off the weekend’s festivities at Soho Works in London. The invite-only gathering marked a strategic milestone in CMA’s long-term commitment to strengthening ties between the U.S., U.K. and European markets while supporting international career development for members across all sectors of the industry. More than 140 industry members attended, representing a dynamic mix of established executives and emerging leaders and creating an environment of active engagement and discussion throughout the day.

Programming featured a keynote panel moderated by Mark Sutherland (Host, “The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast”), with speakers including Scott Borchetta (Founder/Chairman, Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), Rachel Davies (Commissioning Editor, BBC Popular Music Television), Jim King (CEO, AEG Presents U.K. and European Festivals), and Trahern. The day also included a CMA Task Force panel moderated by Alex Hannaby (Head of U.K., SVP International, HYBE Label Service), alongside breakout sessions that facilitated focused discussion and cross-market collaboration among decision-makers shaping touring, media, distribution and audience development across Europe. CMA also presented a collection of data focused on Country consumption in the U.K. and Europe, providing attendees with practical insights and resources to grow and adapt in an evolving industry.

Key findings included:
– Sustained Market Growth: Since 2020, Country Music consumption in the U.K. has grown 181%, reflecting steady expansion and increasing audience demand across the market.
– Rising Market Share: Over the same period, Country’s share of the overall U.K. music market has doubled, from 1% in 2020 to 2% in 2025, making it the fifth-largest genre in the market.
– Consistent Genre Momentum: Country ranked as the fastest-growing genre in the U.K. for three consecutive years (2023–2025) among main genres with at least 1% market share.

“As Country Music continues its incredible international growth, the CMA continues to be front and center in its outreach and effectiveness in bringing together best in class partners to expand globally,” says Borchetta.

“The BBC has been supporting Country Music for decades, and it’s been a joy to see the appetite for the genre grow exponentially in recent years,” says Davies. “It’s also been wonderful to reflect this growth in our TV commissioning. Over the last year alone, we broadcast ‘Grand Ole Opry: Live in London’ on BBC Two, we streamed the CMA Awards live, marking the moment with a dedicated Country Music channel on BBC iPlayer, featuring a night of classic Country-related programming that has been broadcast on the BBC over the years. Other highlights included our BBC Two factual entertainment series, Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip, our broadcast of the CMA Fest and more. Country artists were also spotlighted on returning series such has Later… with Jools Holland and Radio 2’s Piano Room, which we show in vision on BBC iPlayer. It’s really important to us that we continue to collaborate with colleagues across the BBC, and with the wider industry, so that we can continue to play our part in celebrating international and homegrown Country artists for years to come.”

“The CMA Summit in London was an outstanding opportunity for connection, collaboration and genuine momentum for Country Music across the U.K. and Europe,” says King. “Having so many leaders, promoters and partners together with such shared purpose made the conversations both energizing and productive. The coordination and partnership investment that CMA brings to the genre is unique, and it remains a key driver of Country Music’s continued growth internationally. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and proud to support CMA’s work in strengthening the genre’s development across global markets.”

As part of its continued presence at C2C, CMA also presented its flagship CMA Songwriters Series on Thursday, March 12 at indigo at The O2. The sold-out evening brought together Ashley Cooke, Emily Ann Roberts, Keith Urban and Kristian Bush for a stripped-back showcase of unreleased songs and storytelling. Hosted by Urban, the round highlighted the craft of songwriting as well as the personal narratives behind each track, offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look at each artist’s creative process.

Additionally, CMA returned for a second year as sponsor of the festival’s Spotlight Stage in London and Glasgow, while expanding the partnership to Berlin and Rotterdam for the first time. Across the four locations, CMA supported artists including Crowe Boys, Dylan Schneider, Elizabeth Nichols, Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Jade Eagleson, John Morgan, Julia Cole, Liam St. John, Mae Estes, McCoy Moore, Noah Rinker, Solon Holt and Tyce Delk, reinforcing CMA’s ongoing commitment to championing emerging artists across global stages and international markets.

Irish Music Legends You Need to Know This St Patrick’s Day

Eric Alper

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Mar 17, 2026

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Irish Music Legends You Need to Know This St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to turn up the volume and celebrate Ireland’s incredible musical legacy. From stadium-shaking rock bands to haunting voices that feel like they’ve been echoing for centuries, Irish artists have a way of making music feel bigger, deeper, and unforgettable.

U2 took Dublin to the world stage and never looked back, turning anthems into global moments. Van Morrison brought soul, jazz, and poetry together in a way that still resonates, while Sinéad O’Connor delivered one of the most powerful and honest voices in music history. Bob Geldof didn’t just make music with The Boomtown Rats, he helped change the world, co-organizing Live Aid and showing how artists can lead far beyond the stage.

The Cranberries, led by Dolores O’Riordan, created songs that balanced beauty and intensity, while Thin Lizzy’s twin-guitar sound helped shape generations of rock bands. The Pogues blended punk energy with Irish folk storytelling, proving tradition and rebellion could live side by side.

Enya built entire worlds out of sound, crafting music that feels like it floats somewhere between dream and memory. Snow Patrol delivered emotional, arena-sized songs that connect instantly, and Hozier brought a new generation into Ireland’s storytelling tradition with depth, soul, and striking imagery.

And then there’s Niall Horan, carrying Irish pop into a new era with global appeal and a grounded, heartfelt style that feels right at home on any stage. Together, these artists show that Irish music isn’t just a genre, it’s a feeling, a history, and a celebration that keeps growing louder every year.

Television Icon Kiki Shepard Dies at 74 Leaving a Legacy of Style, Grace and Spotlight Moments

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 17, 2026

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Television Icon Kiki Shepard Dies at 74 Leaving a Legacy of Style, Grace and Spotlight Moments

Kiki Shepard, the unforgettable co-host of “Showtime at the Apollo,” has died at 74, leaving behind a legacy that helped define one of television’s most electric stages. For 15 years, she stood at the heart of the Apollo Theater, introducing rising stars and legends alike, bringing Harlem’s energy and excellence into homes around the world.

Known as the “Apollo Queen of Fashion,” Shepard brought elegance and presence to every episode. She wasn’t just part of the show, she was part of the experience. Her poise, warmth, and unmistakable style made every introduction feel like an event, and every performer feel seen.

Shepard’s impact went far beyond one stage. From television roles in “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” and “Grey’s Anatomy” to her work on Broadway and in dance, she built a career rooted in artistry, versatility, and cultural pride. At a time when representation mattered deeply, she stood as a visible, powerful presence for women of color on screen.

What made Kiki Shepard truly unforgettable was how she lifted others. Night after night, she helped create moments that launched careers and celebrated community. She understood the magic of live performance and made sure audiences felt it, whether they were in Harlem or watching from miles away.

Kiki Shepard’s light remains in every artist she introduced, every stage she graced, and every viewer who felt that spark through the screen. Her legacy lives on in the rhythm of applause, the power of presence, and the timeless reminder that how you show up can change everything.

Why Your Story Matters More Than Your Stream Count

1-Minute Tips For PR

Eric Alper

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Mar 17, 2026

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Why Your Story Matters More Than Your Stream Count

Everybody’s chasing numbers. Streams, followers, monthly listeners, algorithm bumps. You refresh your dashboard like it’s a heartbeat monitor. But here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud: nobody cares about your stream count. They care about you. Or more specifically, the story they can attach to you. Because numbers don’t stick. Stories do.

Think about it. The artists who last are the ones you can describe in a sentence. Not their stats, their story. Where they came from, what they stood for, what they survived, what they sounded like before anyone was listening. That’s the hook. Not 3.2 million streams. That’s wallpaper. The audience doesn’t connect to metrics, they connect to meaning.

We’re in an era where anyone can get a spike. A playlist placement, a TikTok moment, a lucky break. But spikes fade. Story builds gravity. It gives people a reason to come back when the numbers dip, because they will. Always do. If you don’t have a narrative, you’re just another name in a feed, another skip in a shuffle.

And here’s the part most artists miss: your story isn’t something you invent after you “make it.” It’s happening now. It’s in the small rooms, the bad gigs, the late-night doubts, the weird influences, the choices you make when nobody’s watching. That’s the stuff people lean into later. That’s the difference between a career and a moment.

So stop obsessing over the count. Build the context. Give people something to hold onto beyond the song. Because when the algorithm changes, and it will, the only thing that survives is the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room.

Psychological Skills That Help in Your Career

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 17, 2026

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By Mitch Rice

When you start a new job, you likely focus on “hard skills”—the technical abilities like coding, accounting, or design that are listed on your resume. While these skills get you through the door, it is your “psychological skills” that determine how far you will go.

In professional psychology, we have found that long-term success isn’t just about what you know; it is about how you think, how you react to stress, and how you connect with others.

Your mind is your most powerful career asset. You cannot control every difficult client, tight deadline, or office change, but you can control your internal response to them. By building these mental tools, you transform yourself from someone who just “does a job” into a resilient leader who can handle anything.

Your Mind is Your Best Tool

While IQ was once considered the ultimate predictor of success, modern psychology reveals that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is often more critical. High achievers aren’t necessarily the smartest people in the room; rather, they are the ones who can effectively manage their own emotions and empathize with those around them.

Your daily workplace experience is largely shaped by your internal mental habits. If you have a tendency to expect the worst, a minor mistake can quickly feel like a career disaster. However, by training your mind to remain curious and steady under pressure, you can navigate even the most stressful environments with ease.

This shift proves that true career development starts from the inside out. By mastering your internal world, you gain the resilience needed to conquer the external one.

Emotional Regulation (Staying Calm Under Pressure)

One of the most valuable skills you can have is the ability to stay calm when things go wrong. Most people react instantly to a stressful email or a critical comment. Psychological mastery involves finding the “gap” between a stimulus and your response. In that gap, you choose how to act instead of letting your emotions drive you.

Staying calm also means managing your internal chemistry. In an era of constant notifications and “hustle culture,” many professionals struggle with a constant need for stimulation. Taking a dopamine addiction type test can help you understand if your brain is hooked on the “quick hits” of digital distractions, which often fuels performance anxiety. By learning to regulate your nervous system, you become the person who stays steady in a crisis, making you an invaluable asset to any team.

Cognitive Flexibility (The Art of Pivoting)

The modern workplace evolves rapidly, making new technology or shifting goals terrifying if you possess a “fixed mindset.” Cognitive flexibility—the ability to break old thinking patterns—is your best defense. It transforms the resistant “This isn’t how we do things” into the proactive “Let’s see how we can make this work.”

This psychological skill also halts rumination, where the brain stays trapped in a loop of past mistakes. A flexible mind quickly pivots from dwelling on a problem to hunting for a solution. By remaining willing to “unlearn” outdated habits and update your mental software, you ensure your career keeps growing even as your industry changes. Mastering this adaptability turns every professional challenge into a learning opportunity, keeping you relevant and resilient in an ever-shifting job market.

Active Listening and Empathy

Career growth is built on relationships, and empathy is the glue that holds those relationships together. Active listening is more than just hearing words; it is about using psychological cues to understand what a coworker or client isn’t saying. Are they stressed? Are they seeking validation? Are they confused?

When you lead with empathy, you create “psychological safety” for your team. This is an environment where people feel safe to share ideas and admit mistakes without fear of being shamed. Groups with high psychological safety produce better ideas and have fewer accidents. Whether you are a manager or a junior employee, being the person who truly “gets” others will open doors that technical skills alone cannot.

Resilience and Bounce-Back Ability

Everyone faces failure at some point. You might miss out on a promotion, lose a big client, or receive a tough performance review. Resilience is the mental stamina to keep going. It involves “reframing”—viewing a “no” as a data point rather than a personal defeat.

A major part of resilience is self-compassion. Many people think being hard on themselves will make them better, but research shows that self-criticism actually slows you down. If you are kind to yourself after a mistake, you recover your focus much faster. Developing “grit” doesn’t mean you never fall; it means you have the tools to get back up and stay committed to your long-term goals.

Final Word

Technical skills can become outdated in just a few years, but psychological skills last a lifetime. Learning how to regulate your emotions, adapt to change, and connect with others will serve you in every role you ever hold. These internal tools are the quiet engines behind long-term success.

The most successful professionals aren’t just masters of their specific craft; they are masters of their own minds. By investing time in developing your psychological strength, you aren’t just improving your current workday—you are building a solid foundation for a long, meaningful, and sustainable career.

True career growth starts from the inside out. When you master your internal world, you gain a permanent edge that no technological shift can take away.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Phil Collins Gets Deep Dive Treatment In ‘Face Value’ Book Now In English

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 16, 2026

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Phil Collins Gets Deep Dive Treatment In ‘Face Value’ Book Now In English

hil Collins is back in focus with the English release of ‘Face Value (Phil Collins 1979–1981) – From Crisis to Star’, a detailed new book by Mark Bell. The release opens up a comprehensive look at one of the most important albums of the 1980s and the personal story behind it.

Originally published in German, the book now reaches a wider audience as part of the Album Age series. Bell approaches the material with both academic depth and a clear, accessible voice, breaking down the cultural and musical weight of ‘Face Value’ without losing momentum.

The story begins in a period of upheaval. After returning from tour with Genesis in 1979, Collins faced a personal crisis that reshaped his life. That moment pushed him away from the band temporarily and into a period of intense creative output.

In isolation, Collins began writing and recording songs at home. Those early sessions laid the groundwork for what would become ‘Face Value’, capturing a raw emotional state that would define the album’s tone.

Bell tracks how those ideas evolved in the studio. Collaborations with musicians like Eric Clapton, Alphonso Johnson and the Earth, Wind & Fire Horns added depth and texture, expanding the sound beyond its initial framework.

A key turning point came with the involvement of producer Hugh Padgham. His engineering approach helped shape the album’s signature sound, including the gated reverb drum effect that would become a defining sonic marker of the decade.

The book also dives into the songs themselves. Bell offers a detailed track-by-track analysis, with particular focus on “In The Air Tonight,” unpacking its structure, atmosphere and lasting cultural impact.

By the time ‘Face Value’ was released, Collins had fully stepped into his role as a solo force. The album’s success shifted the trajectory of his career and influenced the direction of Genesis, while leaving a lasting imprint on the sound of 1980s music.

Korn Storm Back With First UK And Ireland Tour In Over A Decade

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 16, 2026

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Korn Storm Back With First UK And Ireland Tour In Over A Decade

Korn are heading back across the UK and Ireland with their first tour in over a decade. The six-date run kicks off October 26 in Leeds and rolls through Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Dublin and London. Architects and Youth Code join as special guests, adding weight to a lineup built for loud rooms and long memories.

Korn’s return carries real history. Since their 1994 debut, the group has reshaped heavy music, blending metal, alternative and raw emotion into something that pushed far beyond genre lines. With more than 40 million albums sold and a catalog that continues to influence new generations, their live presence remains a major draw. These shows bring that legacy back to stages that haven’t seen the band in years.

Presales begin March 17, with general tickets on sale March 20. The run marks a long-awaited return and puts Korn back in front of a UK and Ireland crowd ready for it.

2026 UK/Ireland Tour Dates:
Oct 26 – Leeds @ First Direct Bank Arena
Oct 28 – Birmingham @ Utilita Arena
Oct 30 – Newcastle @ Utilita Arena
Oct 31 – Manchester @ AO Arena
Nov 2 – Dublin @ 3Arena
Nov 4 – London @ The O2

Van Halen Reignite ‘5150’ With Expanded 40th Anniversary Edition

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 16, 2026

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Van Halen Reignite ‘5150’ With Expanded 40th Anniversary Edition

Van Halen are revisiting a defining era with the expanded 40th anniversary edition of ‘5150’, arriving March 27 via Rhino Records. The release marks a major milestone for the band’s first album with Sammy Hagar, a record that delivered their first No. 1 in the U.S. and reshaped their sound in the mid-80s.

The collection brings the original album back with a fresh remaster sourced directly from the original tapes and overseen by longtime engineer Donn Landee. It also expands the era with more than 90 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings from the band’s 1986 show in New Haven. A high-definition version of “Live Without a Net” is included on Blu-ray, capturing the band in full stride during that run.

A newly restored live performance of “Why Can’t This Be Love” offers an early look at the set, highlighting the energy that defined this chapter of the band’s evolution. The reissue lands with both historical weight and renewed impact, reinforcing ‘5150’ as a key moment in Van Halen’s catalog.

Vans Warped Tour Reveal Massive Orlando Lineup For 2026 Finale

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 16, 2026

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Vans Warped Tour Reveal Massive Orlando Lineup For 2026 Finale

Vans Warped Tour are closing out 2026 with a lineup that spans generations and scenes. The Orlando finale lands November 14 and 15 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, bringing together more than 100 acts across punk, emo, alternative, hip-hop and beyond. This is the full-scale version of Warped Tour, built on volume, variety and community.

The lineup runs deep. Veterans like Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, Taking Back Sunday, Simple Plan, New Found Glory, Silverstein and The Used sit alongside heavy hitters including Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, Thrice and Insane Clown Posse. At the same time, rising names like Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers, The Wrecks and Honey Revenge push the next wave forward. The mix hits hard across styles, from pop-punk to metalcore to alt-pop.

Warped Tour keeps its identity intact by listing the lineup alphabetically, putting the focus on the shared experience rather than billing order. With skate culture, live music and fan-driven energy all colliding, the Orlando weekend stands as a full sendoff for 2026.

Full Lineup:
3OH!3
Alexisonfire
Allison
Anthony Green & The Boom Done Band
Arm’s Length
Atmosphere
Bad Cop Bad Cop
Bayside
Beauty School Dropout
Ben Quad
Big Ass Truck I.E.
Boston Manor
Bowling For Soup
Brayton
Breathe Carolina
Broadside
Bryce Vine
Capstan
Carolesdaughter
Cartel
Citizen
Clique
Codefendants
Counterparts
Daisy Grenade
Dance Gavin Dance
Deathbyromy
Division Minuscula
Doobie
Drain
Drop Dead, Gorgeous
Dropkick Murphys
Dying Wish – Elijah
Emery
Emmure
Family Force 5
Fieldhockey
Fireworks
Fit For A King
Flogging Molly
Fox Lake
Free Throw
From First To Last
Games We Play
Gang!
Garbagebarbie
Gideon
Girlfriends
Glassjaw
Good Terms
Grandson
Hawthorne Heights
Haywire
Holy Wars
Holywatr
Honey Revenge
Hoobastank
Hot Chelle Rae
Hot Milk
Hot Mulligan
I Set My Friends On Fire
Iann Dior
Initiate
Insane Clown Posse
Jimmy Eat World
John Harvie
Just Surrender
Jutes
KennyHoopla
Lakeview
Losers Club
Madball
Makari
Marianas Trench
Maybsomeday
Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster
Millington
Motion City Soundtrack
Mxpx
New Found Glory
Niis
Norma Jean
Origami Angel
Oxymorrons
Pain Of Truth
People R Ugly
Phantom Planet
Rain City Drive
Raue
Rosecoloredworld
Sace 6
Saint Blonde
Save Ferris
Scarlet House
Scary Kids Scaring Kids
Senses
Set It Off
Set Your Goals
Silly Goose
Silverstein
Simple Plan
Sitting On Saturn
Slay Squad
Sleeping With Sirens
South Arcade
Stand Atlantic
Suicide Silence
Sunami
Super Sometimes
Taking Back Sunday
Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers
Teen Mortgage
The Cab
The Early November
The Paradox
The Starting Line
The Summer Set
The Used
The Wrecks
Third Eye Blind
Thousand Below
Thrice
Tillie
Trxvis
Upon A Burning Body
Vana
Vienna Vienna
Wesghost
Wolves Of Glendale

Alt Pop Newcomer Ellie Allen Confronts Toxic Love On Club-Ready “LOVEBOMB”

Music

Eric Alper

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Mar 16, 2026

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Alt Pop Newcomer Ellie Allen Confronts Toxic Love On Club-Ready “LOVEBOMB”

Alt pop newcomer Ellie Allen is stepping forward with intent on “LOVEBOMB,” a sharp, club-driven single that pushes emotional honesty to the front. Built on pulsing synths, heavy basslines and a relentless four-on-the-floor rhythm, the track turns a familiar experience into something direct and unapologetic.

“LOVEBOMB” taps into the cycle of intense, short-lived relationships driven by manipulation and mixed signals. Allen leans into that tension, balancing vulnerability with a confident edge that gives the track its bite. The production hits hard, and her vocal delivery carries both control and urgency. The song lands with attitude and a clear sense of identity.

The self-directed video extends that vision. Instead of following a predictable narrative, Allen builds a colder, more abstract visual that mirrors emotional instability and internal conflict. With only a handful of releases so far, she is already carving out a distinct space, using sharp writing and bold production choices to define her voice.