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Country Rising Star HunterGirl Releases “Come And Get Your Boy”

Eric Alper
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Country Rising Star HunterGirl Releases “Come And Get Your Boy”

With “Come and Get Your Boy,” out today via 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, HunterGirl leans into her sharpest instincts yet, delivering a mid-tempo, barroom-ready anthem built on truth-telling, solidarity, and a little well-earned side-eye. Written by HunterGirl alongside Brock Berryhill, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure, Jaxson Free, and Taylor Phillips, and produced by Trent Willmon, the track plays like a knowing nod across the room between two women who’ve seen this story before. Listen HERE. Fans can catch a premiere performance of the new release when HunterGirl makes her return to the Grand Ole Opry tonight, tickets are available HERE. 

Driven by a steady groove and a hook that lands like a warning bell, “Come and Get Your Boy” unfolds with the kind of sly confidence that only comes from hard-won experience. HunterGirl’s vocal carries equal parts grit and charm, turning the chorus into both a call-out and a call-in, where honesty hits harder than any heartbreak and the truth is poured straight, no chaser.

“I performed for years on Broadway in downtown Nashville and I have seen firsthand this story behind ‘Come and Get Your Boy’ play out in real life. This was such a fun song to write. As women, we all need to look out for one another, and most of the women I know have some fierce private detective skills. We have all witnessed that guy with the red flag waving,” says HunterGirl.

ADVANCE, ArtHaus Community, Live Nation, And MLSE Expand “Inside LIVE!” Program For Black Youth

Eric Alper
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ADVANCE, ArtHaus Community, Live Nation, And MLSE Expand “Inside LIVE!” Program For Black Youth

ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective, ArtHaus Community, Live Nation and MLSE have announced the expansion of the award-winning Inside LIVE! program – a first-of-its-kind initiative that creates pathways for Black youth to enter the live entertainment industry.

The quarterly initiative provides selected participants with a three-day experiential course designed to expose Black youth and their parents to different career opportunities available in the music industry. To reach more candidates, Inside LIVE! is now open to public applications, and community youth leaders are invited to nominate high-school–aged participants for the program.

“We are committed to creating transformative experiences that open doors and inspire the next generation of leaders in the music industry,” said Keziah Myers, Executive Director, ADVANCE Canada’s Black Music Business Collective. “ADVANCE is happy to collaborate on Inside LIVE!, a first of its kind initiative exemplifying our mandate to break down barriers and provide Black students with unprecedented access to live music events and career opportunities within the industry. Inside LIVE! is more than just a program; it is a movement to foster diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to the music industry. We are excited to continue this journey, and we are grateful for the support of our partners, participants, and community.”

The announcement follows the completion of six previous Inside LIVE! programs where participants, selected through community partners and their networks, had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in the classroom and backstage at concerts featuring artists including Nelly, Ja Rule, Mary J Blige, Jessie Reyez, Missy Elliot, DVSN and Roy Woods.

“In developing the program curriculum, our goal was to create more than just a theoretical learning experience. We aim to spark curiosity between students and their mentors, encouraging them to see the live music industry not as something distant, but as a space where they feel welcomed and empowered to contribute,” said Sandy Pandya, ArtHaus Community Founder and Chairperson. “This is reinforced by bringing in amazing guest speakers with real, behind-the-scenes experience, who share their stories and insights, transforming learning into something tangible.”

How to Apply or Nominate a Participant
Inside LIVE! is now accepting applications from Black youth of high school age and nominations from community leaders. Interested nominators can submit a form online at InsideLive.org to join this immersive three-day experience. The program is designed to ensure accessibility and equitable opportunity for youth from across communities.

The three-day experience is structured to give participants both exposure and practical knowledge:

  • Curriculum Day – Youth receive an overview of the live music business, learn about different roles and responsibilities, and hear from industry guest speakers.
  • Concert Day – Participants attend a live concert and tour the venue, gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective on how a performance comes together.
  • Career Mapping Day – Students explore potential post-secondary education, internships, volunteer roles, and job opportunities in the live entertainment industry.

“At Live Nation Canada, we firmly believe in the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to explore the diverse careers within the live entertainment industry. This program exposes students to the myriad of roles and pathways available in our field and plays a crucial role in fostering diversity and inclusion in our industry,” said Wayne Zronik, President, Business Operations, Live Nation Canada. “We are proud to be empowering the next generation with knowledge and experience and excited to see how it will inspire and shape the future of our industry.”

Inside LIVE! is designed to deliver on key objectives including education, exposure, access, creating a space for growth, and building a direct pipeline of Black talent into the live entertainment industry. In addition, parents and guardians are actively engaged to help support their youth’s career exploration. At the conclusion of the program, students receive a certification and pathways for internships at leading entertainment organizations such as MLSE and Live Nation. The program ensures that organizations engage with the communities they serve in a meaningful and impactful way.

“As experts in delivering world-class events, we know that enabling industry access to talent of diverse backgrounds and perspectives is a valuable advantage in creating the best experiences for our fans and in all areas of business,” said Neil Claydon, Vice President, Music & Live Entertainment, MLSE. “Our organization continues to strive to provide equitable and inclusive opportunities and level the industry playing field, and we are proud to work with our partners at Inside LIVE! to ignite marginalized youth’s passion for the live entertainment industry and grow this program to further community groups in years to come.”

For more information on the application process for Inside LIVE! and to review eligibility, please visit InsideLive.org.

Sam Barber Releases New Single “Borrowed Time”

Eric Alper
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Sam Barber Releases New Single “Borrowed Time”

Multiplatinum singer-songwriter Sam Barber turns the page on his next chapter with the release of his new single “Borrowed Time” out now via Atlantic Music Group’s Atlantic Outpost. Listen HERE. Stewarding his unfiltered creative vision, the acclaimed troubadour penned the song and co-produced it alongside frequent collaborator Joe Becker. 

“Borrowed Time” laces no-nonsense old-school country lyricism into an electric framework, rooted in rock instrumentation and folk soul. The track untangles complicated emotions over the echoes of palm-muted power chords. His vocals quake through a haze of feedback as he urges, “Before you leave, take your disease.” Acoustic guitar entwines with a sparse beat on the bridge while Sam shakes off the past and moves on with lines like, “You think this hurts, but I’m so far from losing sleep.”

Just last month, Barber unveiled Live From 2025, showcasing his incredible live performances from time spent on road last year. He’s currently canvasing the country on “The American Route,” an epic US headline tour that will carry him through June. Along the way, he will make his much-anticipated return to Indio, CA’s Stagecoach Music Festival on April 24.

With more than 3.3B global streams to date, Sam Barber claimed his space in the country spotlight with the breakout success of his RIAA Gold-certified 2024 debut album, Restless Mind — a 28-song tour-de-force highlighted by such smash singles as the 2x RIAA Platinum certified “Straight and Narrow,” “Better Year” (an emotionally charged anthem featured on Paramount Network’s blockbuster TV show Yellowstone), and the RIAA Platinum-certified “Indigo (Feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has proven a worldwide sensation with over 709M global streams, climbing to the upper reaches of country radio airplay charts nationwide, and reaching the top 40 on Billboard’s overall “Hot 100.” Barber’s “Tear Us Apart” was among the standout tracks featured on the GRAMMY® Award-nominated blockbuster soundtrack, Twisters: The Album. Barber kept his unstoppable momentum going with his 2025 EP, Music for the Soul. Co-written by Barber and produced by GRAMMY® Award-winner Ryan Hewitt (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan) and Joe Becker at studios in Nashville, TN and Bozeman, MT, the EP sees Barber chronicling how he got here and where he’s headed next on such eloquent, empathetic new songs as “Same Sad Shit” and the fame-wrestling title track, “Music for the Soul.” A truly enthralling live performer, Barber marked his meteoric rise by spending much of his time on the road, including the massive Restless Mind World Tour 2025, a marathon international run that saw sold-out headline dates and festival appearances across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia.  The 22-year-old Southeast Missouri-raised singer-songwriter further celebrated his ascent with high-profile TV performances on NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show and CBS Saturday Morning’s “Saturday Sessions.”

“THE AMERICAN ROUTE” US TOUR 2026:

MARCH 

12 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee &

13 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee &

14 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall &

19 – Fort Wayne, IN – Clyde Theatre &

20 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe &

APRIL 

24 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach ^

MAY 

7 – Omaha, NE – The Astro Amphitheater  + *

8 – Wichita, KS – Wave Outdoors + *

9 – Little Rock, AR – First Security Amphitheater + *

14 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome + *

15 – N. Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery + *

16 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater + *

21 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound + *

22 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater + *

23 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre + *

JUNE 

4 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater $ #

5 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre $ #

6 – Lexington, KY – Railbird Festival ^

* Support from Bebe Stockwell

$ Support from Waylon Wyatt

# Support from Wild Horses

& Support from Clover County

+ Support from Michael Marcagi

^ Festival Appearance

Sting Performs Intimate Concert At Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum For ‘The Night Watch’ Live Album

Eric Alper
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Sting Performs Intimate Concert At Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum For ‘The Night Watch’ Live Album

Sounds Like Art is an exciting new concert initiative that invites musicians to perform amongst works of art in a European museum of their choice. World-renowned artist Sting performs in the beautiful surroundings of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum amongst paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Judith Leyster, and reflects on the works of the old masters, and gets released June 26. 

The 17-time Grammy Award winning artist performs a unique concert amongst masterpieces in the Gallery of Honour. Playing a rare 17th century guitar, Sting, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, reveals his love for the Old Masters and revels in the power of books and reading, while performing in the museum’s spectacular library. 

Coinciding with an international run of Sting’s musical “The Last Ship” in Amsterdam, Paris, Brisbane and New York, this special performance includes selections from his TONY Award nominated musical, a deeply personal tribute to Sting’s native Northeast England and the now-vanished shipbuilding tradition of his hometown, Wallsend. Accompanied by his longtime guitarist Dominic Miller, Sting reflects on the musical’s origins, shares stories from throughout his career, and performs beloved songs spanning his illustrious catalogue, including classics from his celebrated band, The Police. 

During his time in Amsterdam, ARTE captured Sting’s breathtaking performance at the Rijksmuseum, creating a stunning live film that will premiere on ARTE’s VOD platform on March 5 before broadcasting across the network in Germany and France on March 27. The performance will also receive a physical release on CD and vinyl, titled Sting – The Night Watch: Live at the Rijksmuseum, with pre-orders launching March 5 ahead of the June 26 release.
 
While the Rijksmuseum’s crown jewel, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, undergoes restoration, the museum opens the doors of the painting’s striking glass-fronted gallery for a rare, intimate performance. For the occasion, Sting plays a unique 17th-century guitar—originally crafted for the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King—generously loaned to the museum. 
 
A former teacher with a lifelong devotion to reading and learning, Sting also performs in the Rijksmuseum’s spectacular library, celebrating the enduring power of books and curiosity. His openness, intellect, and willingness to keep challenging himself shine throughout this episode—an unforgettable encounter where timeless art meets timeless music, and where history, storytelling, and song come vividly alive. 

Sting – The Night Watch: Live at the Rijksmuseum – Track Listing:
CD and Vinyl
1. Message in a Bottle
2. The Last Ship
3. The Night the Pugilist Learned How to Dance
4. Island of Souls
5. All This Time
6. What Say You, Meg?
7. Roxanne
8. Shape of My Heart
9. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
10. Fields of Gold
11. Fragile
12. Every Breath You Take

UK Dance Producer James Hype Releases New Club Anthem “Be Mine”

Eric Alper
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UK Dance Producer James Hype Releases New Club Anthem “Be Mine”

James Hype returns on March 6th with new single “Be Mine,” the highly anticipated follow-up to last year’s “Waterfalls.”

In direct contrast to the frenetic image that James Hype projects behind the decks, “Be Mine” is a story of patience and intent – a story that has taken a decade to be told. First recorded in 2016 with Daecolm, the original demo version of the song lived on a hard drive for almost ten years, an idea that lingered on the peripheral until the production of “Waterfalls” and its subsequent success gave James the inspiration to revisit the project with a fresh perspective and updated sonics.

Powered by Hype’s inimitable online presence, the idea was given a new lease of life and already generating over 6,000 pre-release creations on TikTok, “Be Mine” has been building a strong momentum ahead of release. Leading with a huge vocal hook, “Be Mine” fuses driving club synths with hands-in-the-air melodies and the hook that cements the track’s anthemic sound. It’s a record that reflects Hype’s precision-led production style and technical command behind the decks, combining sharp transitions, energy, and undeniable club impact in a way that has become central to his global appeal.

Known for his technically astute, high-pressure, live DJing and global following across clubs and online platforms, he sits at the point where performance meets creator culture. His sets are never pre-recorded, everything happens live, with risk, chaos and energy intact, building both a global fanbase and one of the most recognisable reputations in electronic music today.

The new release follows the significant success of “Waterfalls,” which last year surpassed 500K daily Spotify streams, racing toward 100M cumulative streams, achieved the BBC Radio 1 playlist, amassed 20,000+ social creations, reached the Top 50 in the UK, and continued to strengthen Hype’s international profile, including a Top 20 in Germany.

With more than 3 billion combined streams, 6 million social followers, over 100 live shows in the last 12 months alone, and major international residencies and festival appearances including Hi, Ibiza, James Hype continues to cement his position as one of the most in-demand names in dance music.

Pop Boyband December 10 Release Debut Ballad “Angel”

Eric Alper
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Pop Boyband December 10 Release Debut Ballad “Angel”

Britain’s brand-new boyband December 10 have released their highly anticipated debut single, “Angel”, today. Listen here.

The release arrives hot on the heels of December 10 announcing an upcoming headline show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush on Wednesday 8 April, and performing 13 sold-out live shows across the UK and Ireland. Their recent Introducing! run of live dates kicked off in Glasgow on 16 February and wrapped in Dublin on 22 February, drawing more than 7,500 fans. Extra shows were added twice in response to demand, with all dates selling out within minutes.

Less than 3 months on from their reveal on Netflix’s global series Simon Cowell: The Next Act, and newly signed to EMI Records, December 10 are moving at a relentless pace. They’ve already racked up millions of followers across socials, over half a million monthly Spotify listeners, and reached No.1 on the Official Physical and Vinyl Singles Charts with their debut single “Run My Way”.  Meanwhile, the official music video for  “Run My Way” and their stripped-back take on NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” have tipped past 2.4 million and 1.9 million organic YouTube views respectively.

Written and produced by hitmakers Julian Bunetta (Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims) and Savan Kotecha (Ariana Grande, The Weeknd), December 10’s “Angel” follows their rambunctious debut single, “Run My Way” which has generated millions of streams to date, (including over 2 million on Spotify alone).

 A beautiful, lovestruck ballad, “Angel” is warm, intimate and melody-led, it leans into the dizzy rush of falling hard.

“We are so excited for our second single to be out in the world. Felt mind-blowing on tour to see everyone singing it back to us from when we teased it online!! Totally surreal.” – December 10

The accompanying stripped-back performance video for December 10’s “Angel” sees the band lay the track bare, trading spectacle for stark intimacy. Directed by Laurence Warder (Bring Me The Horizon, J Hus, Kasabian, Zara Larsson) and produced by Vicky Kanji-Smith for Bad Bones Films, the intimate session captures John on keys, alongside Seán and Hendrik on guitar and Josh on cajón, as the band reshape the song into a tender, slow-burning confessional. With its hushed dynamics and close-knit arrangement, the performance strips “Angel” back to its emotional core, allowing every lyric and lingering note to hit with quiet intensity.

 Formed on camera during Netflix’s docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act, (released worldwide on 10th December 2025), December 10 have quickly built a devoted fanbase around their live shows and online following. The hugely fun, charismatic and high-energy septet consists of Cruz (19), Danny (17), Hendrik (19), John (17), Josh (17), Nicolas (17) and Seán (19).

They’re not just brilliant singers, but accomplished musicians too, playing 14 instruments between them: Cruz leads on percussion; Nicolas and Danny play guitar; Josh plays guitar and drums; Hendrik plays guitar, bass and piano; Seán plays guitar, piano and harmonica; while John was due to take Grade 8 Clarinet and Piano this year — until life got a bit busy.

December 10 is very much a boyband for our times: a truly inclusive group representing Chorley, Rochester, Dublin, London, Lisbon and Walsall, with Irish, Brazilian, Indian, Nigerian and Jamaican heritage between them. Their musical influences are just as expansive – from Fela Kuti, Daft Punk, Brent Faiyaz and Steve Lacy to Pearl Jam, Freddie Mercury, The Notorious B.I.G., Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sabrina Carpenter, Usher alongside Brazilian icons like Legião Urbana and Cazuza.

Fun, high-energy and utterly endearing, December 10 are rapidly carving out their place among Britain’s most talked-about new pop bands.

Retro-Pop Singer-Songwriter Stephen Sanchez Announces ‘Love, Love, Love’ Album And Title Track

Eric Alper
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Retro-Pop Singer-Songwriter Stephen Sanchez Announces ‘Love, Love, Love’ Album And Title Track

Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Stephen Sanchez has announced his highly anticipated sophomore album, Love, Love, Love, out May 8 via Mercury Records. Along with the announcement, Stephen has shared the melodic title track, out today. Listen to “Love, Love, Love” HERE. Pre-Order/Pre-Save Love, Love, Love HERE.

On the new record, Stephen muses about love in its many forms – partners, friends, neighbors, and even strangers – brought to life by rich vocals and a technicolor pop sound. The title track epitomizes the album’s themes, as Stephen proclaims the importance of showing love to others, even (and especially) when they may not be expressing the same. About the new music, Stephen shares, “This record is inspired by the love I’ve been lucky enough to receive, the love I sometimes struggle to give to others, and my desire to see people come together. To quote the title track, ‘it’s just what the world needs!’”

“Love, Love, Love,” is the second single off the record, following “SWEET LOVE” in January. Upon release, the song marked Stephen’s biggest streaming debut of his career, earning over 500,000 streams in its first day alone. “SWEET LOVE” was accompanied by a vibrant music video co-starring Stephen’s grandparents and shot at their home. The video paid homage to the place where Stephen first discovered his love for music via his grandfather’s record collection and served as a touching tribute to his grandparents’ decades-long love story.

Love, Love, Love follows 2023’s Angel Face, which earned critical praise from NPR, SPIN, V Magazine, FLOOD, American Songwriter, and more. Stay tuned for more updates!

Stephen Sanchez has materialized at the forefront of popular culture with a sound that’s as timeless as it is necessary for the times. Barely in his twenties, the singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer has already enchanted audiences everywhere. In September 2023, Stephen released his highly-anticipated debut album, Angel Face, via Mercury/Republic Records, which was certified gold.  His breakout single “Until I Found You” went multi platinum, vaulted into the Top 25 of the Billboard Hot 100, and generated over 2 billion streams powered by the original, piano version, and duet with gold-certified pop singer and songwriter Em Beihold. He delivered much talked-about performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and his performance of the track was also nominated for PUSH Performance of the Year at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Stephen has sold out successive headline tours and earned acclaim from Billboard, NPR,  Consequence, and more. He was even invited to perform “Until I Found You” at Sir Elton John’s last show ever headlining Glastonbury ‘23 and at Lana Del Rey’s sold out Fenway Park show. On May 8, Stephen will release his sophomore album, Love, Love, Love, a record that sheds the character artifice and swoony, reverbed 50s/60s grooves of his debut record in lieu of bold, technicolor pop songs that still carry the lineage of his classic roots while stepping confidently into a vivid, modern new era. The first single off the new record, “SWEET LOVE,” marked the biggest streaming debut of Stephen’s career and quickly climbed into the millions following its January release.

Afrobeats Star Ayra Starr Releases New Single “Where Do We Go”

Eric Alper
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Afrobeats Star Ayra Starr Releases New Single “Where Do We Go”

Today 2x GRAMMY-nominated, double MOBO Award-winning global Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr released her new single “Where Do We Go.” Listen HERE – out now via Mavin Records. 

Produced by ILYA, “Where Do We Go” is anchored by Ayra Starr confidently flexing in her new era and making bold declarations on the track. Ayra Starr blends her undeniable ‘It girl’ energy with a vibrant, upbeat Afropop for the perfect danceable anthem. With crisp snaps and claps underpinned by a deep pulsing baseline that gives the rhythm a warm, body-moving feel. The up-tempo track explores the dynamics of a sneaky link and the terms surrounding the relationship. Sultry, rhythmic and catchy with undeniable replay value, the song sees her asserting dominance in the story being told.

“Where Do We Go” is Ayra’s first release of the year since the release of her smash hit “Who’s Dat Girl” featuring Rema released last October, where the chemistry between Ayra Starr and Rema grows more intoxicating as the pair go back and forth on the track, trading fiery verse after one, showing exactly why they are this generation’s biggest Afrobeats stars. 

Now with over 7 BILLION global streams, 1 BILLION YouTube views and a string of instantly-recognisable collaborations across different genres; it is clear Ayra Starr brings her culture with her wherever she goes – breaking barriers and creating ‘firsts’ for African artists. 

Ayra Starr had an outstanding year in 2025, hitting many new milestones. Her hit single ‘Rush’ amassed over 500 million Spotify plays, with Ayra becoming the first African female artist to have two songs achieve this feat on the streaming platform. She notably earned her second GRAMMY nomination for “Best African Music Performance” for her hit single ‘Gimme Dat’ featuring Wizkid at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, scooped two MOBO Awards and became the first female artist in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, and also picked up her first BET Award for Best International Act. 

Since debuting in 2021, Ayra Starr has quickly become one of this generation’s most undeniable new voices in music. Renowned for her anthemic Afrobeats tracks and unapologetic style; the Beninese-Nigerian artist has amassed critical acclaim from tastemaker press, a huge international following, over 3 billion global streams and 1 billion YouTube views. 

Following the release of her defining debut album 19 & Dangerous (which has over 500 million streams); her position as Africa’s hottest rising star has seen Ayra Starr tapped for collaborations with some of music’s biggest names, including Wizkid, Stormzy, Tiwa Savage and Leigh-Anne, to name just a few. 

Ayra Starr has gained major traction over the last few years, but vaulted to the forefront of Afrobeats with 2022’s “Rush,” which gathered nearly 1 billion global streams and attracted R&B icon Kelly Rowland on a high-powered remix. Recognized as a phenomenon in 2023, she notably picked up a nomination for “Best International Act” at the BET Awards as well as two MTV VMA nominations in the category of “Best Afrobeats Song” for both “Rush” and WizKid’s “2 Sugar” [feat. Ayra Starr]. 

She picked up her first GRAMMY® nomination for Best African Music Performance for “Rush,” cementing her as the first and youngest Nigerian female artist to be nominated in that category and landed her second GRAMMY® nomination for Best African Music Performance for her electrifying collaboration with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat,” in 2025. 

She garnered a Soul Train Award nomination in the Best New Artist category and a Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song. During 2024, Ayra Starr achieved one benchmark after another around the arrival of her sophomore LP, The Year I Turned 21, boasting “Commas” and more. On Spotify, it scored the “Top 5 Biggest Opening Day Streams for a Nigerian Album” and the “Biggest Opening Day Streams Ever for a Nigerian Female.”Moreover, she reached rarified air as “the first Nigerian female artist to receive a RIAA Latin Diamond certification” in recognition of the album’s smash “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro. 

She joined Coldplay on the “Music of the Spheres” World Tour and teamed up with the legendary band and The Weirdos for an unforgettable performance of “GOOD FEELiNGS” on TODAY. Among other standout performances, she graced the Pyramid Stage during her debut at Glastonbury Festival. Expanding her sphere of influence, she starred in Amazon’s Dare to Dream documentary and emerged as the first Afrobeats artist to be named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist. Beyond three 2024 BET Award nominations and praise from UPROXX, Variety, Conde Nast Traveler and more, she graced the covers of Teen Vogue and Dazed Magazine. Additionally, she claimed a spot on BBC’s Sound of 2024 and a nod for MOBO Awards’ Best African Music Act for the second time. This marked her as the first African woman to win Best international Act and the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act. However, this genre-breaking generational talent continues to turn up the heat with “Who’s Dat Girl” featuring Rema and more to come in 2026! 

Stay tuned for more from Ayra Starr who will continue to bring Afrobeats to the forefront here in the U.S. and around the world.

Country Singer-Songwriter Trey Calloway Releases “Truck Around”

Eric Alper
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Country Singer-Songwriter Trey Calloway Releases “Truck Around”

North Carolina-born, Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Trey Calloway has released his new single “Truck Around,” a rowdy country anthem that celebrates trading city lights for gravel roads and open skies. The track premiered through Everything Nash and continues Calloway’s run of storytelling-driven country songs rooted in real-life experience.

“‘Truck Around’ is really an invitation to trade the concrete jungle for a gravel road,” says Calloway. “It’s about that high-octane country life, the freedom, the romance, and the simple kind of magic a country boy and his old truck can offer if you’ll just give it a chance. Sometimes all it takes is watching a sunset from a tailgate to remember what really matters.”

Calloway is currently working on a new EP scheduled for summer 2026 with producer and songwriter Phil O’Donnell, known for writing chart-topping hits for George Strait, Blake Shelton, and Montgomery Gentry. He will also appear at the Inspirational Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 6 as his growing touring schedule continues to expand across Nashville and beyond.

J Balvin, Amber Mark, Steve Vai, And Travis Barker Reimagine Van Halen’s “Jump” For Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Anthem

Eric Alper
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J Balvin, Amber Mark, Steve Vai, And Travis Barker Reimagine Van Halen’s “Jump” For Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Anthem

 For decades, The Coca-Cola Company has played a defining role at the crossroads of music, culture, and sport—creating soundtracks that capture the emotion of the world’s biggest moments and unite fans around the world. Through Real Thing Records, its global music label launched in 2025, the company continues that legacy by partnering with innovative artists to create music that reflects the energy and passion of the global fandom.  

Today, that tradition continues with the release of a bold new Coca-Cola Anthem for FIFA World Cup 2026 – a reimagined version of Van Halen’s iconic 1980s hit “Jump,” performed by global superstar J Balvin and acclaimed singer songwriter Amber Mark, alongside iconic guitarist Steve Vai and legendary drummer and producer Travis Barker. The track was released via Real Thing Records in partnership with Capitol Records. Listen here.

Honoring the instantly recognizable synths and explosive guitar work that made the original unforgettable, this reimagined version infuses the classic with modern textures and high impact production—delivering a stadium ready sound built for football’s biggest stage. “JUMP” was first teased earlier this year in Coca-Cola’s ‘Bubbling Up’ campaign, which debuted in January 2026.

Alongside the track release, the official music video for “JUMP,” art directed and designed by McFlyy, made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU and on the Paramount Times Square billboards. This genre-bending collaboration reimagines the iconic anthem through a vibrant, stylized lens, featuring animated versions of J Balvin, Amber Mark, Steve Vai, and Travis Barker. Adding to the star power, the video includes an animated special appearance from football sensation Lamine Yamal, seamlessly bridging the world of sport, music and digital art.

Timed to the buildup to FIFA World Cup 2026, the track celebrates the full spectrum of emotions that define the tournament—from euphoric highs to heart stopping lows—and the shared passion that connects fans around the world. “JUMP” follows in the footsteps of Coca-Cola’s iconic anthems, including K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” (2010), David Correy’s “The World Is Ours” (2014), Jason Derulo’s “Colors” (2018), and a reimagining of Queen’s “A Kind of Magic” (2022). Coca-Cola is one of FIFA’s longest standing partners, having served as an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup since 1978.

“Music for me has always been about bringing people from different countries and cultures together—and ‘JUMP’ is all about that shared energy,” said J Balvin. “From the football stands to watching at home, everyone knows that moment when emotions are high and you’re jumping for greatness. Partnering with Coca-Cola on their anthem for FIFA World Cup 2026T felt natural—it’s about hype, energy, and creating something that feels real. This song is about celebrating life and living in the moment.”

“Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ is one of those rare songs that transcends generations, so approaching it came with a lot of respect,” said Amber Mark. “Being able to honor the original while bringing a modern perspective was incredibly special. I’m excited to be part of a track that connects past and present in such an uplifting, powerful way, and I hope fans feel that energy for years to come.”

“Being a football fan means feeling everything at full volume—the joy, the heartbreak, and the hope that keeps you coming back,” said Joshua Burke, Head of Global Music & Culture Marketing at The Coca-Cola Company. “‘JUMP’ captures those shared highs and lows that unite fans everywhere. Coca-Cola and the FIFA World Cup have always brought people together, and we wanted this track to feel like that moment when millions of fans are singing the same feeling at once. J Balvin and Amber Mark were the obvious choice for partners—they bring passion, authenticity, and energy to everything they create.”

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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

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