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5 Seconds of Summer Release Explosive New Album ‘EVERYONE’S A STAR!’ Featuring “Telephone Busy”

Eric Alper
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5 Seconds of Summer Release Explosive New Album ‘EVERYONE’S A STAR!’ Featuring “Telephone Busy”

Today, history-making multiplatinum Australian alt-rock and punk / pop band 5 Seconds of Summer have released their sixth full-length studio album EVERYONE’S A STAR! available everywhere now via Republic Records. Alongside today’s release, the band releases an official music video for stand out single “Telephone Busy,” directed by acclaimed director Frank Borin (Harry Styles, Zayn Malik).

5 Seconds of Summer, made up of Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin, have grown from local high school friends into one of the most successful bands of the 21st century. Over the past fourteen years, the group has sold more than 18 million albums, moved six million tickets worldwide, generated over 10 billion streams, and earned three Billboard 200 #1 debuts, while collecting major accolades at the ARIA Awards, MTV EMAs, and MTV VMAs.

Recorded across 2024 and 2025 between Los Angeles and Nashville, EVERYONE’S A STAR! finds the band confidently stepping into a new era. Working with acclaimed producers and collaborators Jason Evigan (Maroon 5, Benson Boone, Papa Roach, Rüfüs Du Sol), Julian Bunetta and John Ryan (Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims), the band’s new era is a reinvention without losing what’s made them one of the most loved bands of the last decade.

“We built this record from a really genuine place. We weren’t chasing a sound or a trend, we were chasing what felt exciting to us. Every track feels alive in a way that reminds us of why we started making music in the first place. EVERYONE’S A STAR! is the most ‘us’ we’ve ever sounded, and we’re so proud to share it with everyone who’s been part of this journey.” – 5 Seconds of Summer

Earlier this month, the band announced their ‘EVERYONE’S A STAR!’ world tour kicking off in March with a European and UK leg running through May, followed by U.S. dates from May to August including shows at New York City’s famed venue Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, with a second show at MSG added due to high demand. The tour will conclude in the band’s home country of Australia next fall. See here for all tour dates and on-sale information.

Alongside the tour announcement, the band released the high-energy single “Telephone Busy,” following the fan-favorite track “Boyband,” an ode to their fans and a playful nod to the label they’ve carried throughout their careers. Both singles followed the powerful lead track “NOT OK,” which was accompanied by an official music video directed by Hannah Lux Davis (Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne) – watch here!

To launch the new era, 5 Seconds of Summer surprised fans in Los Angeles with a pop-up performance that shut down Sunset Boulevard. Announced only hours before showtime, thousands of fans filled the streets to experience the beginning of the band’s next chapter. During the event, the band performed hits like “Youngblood,” “She Looks So Perfect,” and “Teeth,” alongside new songs from EVERYONE’S A STAR! including “NOT OK,” “Boyband,” “Telephone Busy,” “No.1 Obsession,” and the album’s explosive title track, “Everyone’s A Star!”

EVERYONE’S A STAR! Tracklist:
1. Everyone’s A Star!
2. NOT OK
3. Telephone Busy
4. Boyband
5. No. 1 Obsession
6. I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep
7. istillfeelthesame
8. Ghost
9. Sick of Myself
10. Evolve
11. The Rocks
12. Jawbreaker

Summer Walker Closes R&B Trilogy With Bold New Album ‘Finally Over It’

Eric Alper
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Summer Walker Closes R&B Trilogy With Bold New Album ‘Finally Over It’

Grammy-nominated R&B powerhouse Summer Walker has officially released her highly anticipated third studio album, Finally Over It, available on all platforms now. Out now via LVRN/Interscope Records, the album marks the final chapter of the trilogy that began with 2019’s landmark Over It and continued with 2021’s chart-topping Still Over It. The release arrives during a milestone moment in her career, as “Heart Of A Woman” secures two Grammy nominations for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song.

Arguably Summer’s most liberated, self-possessed era yet, this release showcases her evolution as both a woman and an artist. It follows weeks of viral momentum sparked by Summer’s inventive rollout, including a 90s-inspired hotline commercial, blurred digital covers across DSPs, and a playful lie detector test confirming fan-theory-fueled features. She also launched the Finally Over It escape room in Atlanta and sent a Finally Over It dump truck on tour around the city to collect fans’ old belongings from ex-boyfriends. Earlier this week, Walker announced the album’s collaborators with a wedding reception–themed seating chart and video, unveiling the producers and artists featured, including Chris Brown, Latto, Mariah the Scientist, Bryson Tiller, Teddy Swims, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Brent Faiyaz, 21 Savage, Anderson.Paak, The Dream, Jeremih, Troy Taylor, Bryan-Michael Cox, Nineteen85, Ant Clemons, Jean Baptiste, and more.

The album, structured as a dual-disc experience, is presented in two parts. For Better and For Worse charts the highs, lows, contradictions, and lessons of love, offering Summer’s most unapologetic and unfiltered storytelling yet. Split into two emotional worlds, the project delivers a raw look at modern dating: protect your peace or trade love for stability. For Better leans into reflection and self-worth, while For Worse imagines a life where luxury can replace intimacy. Across 18 tracks, Summer weighs her options and closes one of R&B’s most compelling trilogies with her boldest statement yet.

Alongside the album release, Summer also released the official video for “FMT” directed by Child. Set in a deserted, almost spiritual landscape, the visual opens with Summer sitting in a bath surrounded by women as an older woman speaks over her, grounding the moment in ancestry and release: “This water remembers your first cry, your first breath, and it knows the weight of my arms when they first held you, and now it learns to let you go.” Watch HERE.

Ahead of the release, Summer opened up on Instagram about the emotional clarity behind the project, sharing, “I came out of my funk. I’m gonna live life to the fullest and get everything I deserve. It’s so freeing, and I can finally take the baggage off and just be happy.”

The album arrives as Summer continues one of the strongest runs of her career. She delivered a standout set at Wireless Festival in London, earned a BET Her Award this summer, and joined Chris Brown alongside Bryson Tiller on their sold-out stadium tour. Her features on Cardi B’s No. 1 album, Am I The Drama? “Dead” and “Shower Tears” became Hot 100 highlights, reaffirming her place as one of R&B’s defining voices. With Finally Over It, Summer Walker closes a cultural trilogy that reshaped contemporary R&B, transforming heartbreak into art, evolution into expression, and healing into power.

Official Tracklist:

Disc 1: For Better
1. Scars
2. Robbed You (feat. Mariah the Scientist)
3. No
4. Go Girl (feat. Latto and Doja Cat)
5. Baby (feat. Chris Brown)
6. 1-800 Heartbreak (feat. Anderson .Paak)
7. Heart Of A Woman
8. Situationship
9. Give Me A Reason (feat. Bryson Tiller)


Disc 2: For Worse
10. F.M.T.
11. How Sway (feat. SAILORR)
12. Baller (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Monaleo)
13. Don’t Make Me Do It/Tempted
14. Get Yo Boy (feat. 21 Savage)
15. Number One (feat. Brent Faiyaz)
16. Stitch Me Up
17. Allegedly (feat. Teddy Swims)
18. Finally Over It

Lewis Capaldi Returns with Heartbreaking New Song “The Day That I Die” and Releases Emotional New EP ‘Survive’

Eric Alper
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Lewis Capaldi Returns with Heartbreaking New Song “The Day That I Die” and Releases Emotional New EP ‘Survive’

Global superstar Lewis Capaldi today releases his brand new EP Survive – and what comes with it is one of his most raw and personal songs to date – the simply heartbreaking ‘The Day That I Die’.

Arriving hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed return to touring after nearly two years away, ‘The Day That I Die’ quickly became a standout moment of the set, moving fans, and Lewis himself, to tears. Written about a time when, in his own words onstage, “I didn’t think I would be here anymore,” the song captures Capaldi at his most vulnerable.

“On the day that I die, tell my mother I was smiling ‘cause I know that she’ll be crying,” he sings, in a gut-wrenching depiction. Raw, cathartic, and unflinchingly honest, ‘The Day That I Die’ stands tall among Capaldi’s catalogue of emotional anthems, once again showcasing his extraordinary gift for finding truth and beauty in life’s most painful moments.


The new single comes hot on the heels of his standout BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge performance and an iconic sofa and performance appearance on The Graham Norton Show alongside Taylor Swift, where he once again charmed audiences with his trademark wit & heartbreaking songwriting.

Brand new EP Survive – out today – features all four monumental tracks he has released since returning – ‘Survive’, ‘Something In The Heavens’, ‘Almost’, and ‘The Day That I Die’.

After blazing through his recent 200,000-ticket UK arena tour, in partnership with Android, Lewis will take on his biggest ever UK & Irish headline shows next summer, with more added due to phenomenal demand. Twelve huge outdoor headline shows will include two at London’s 65,000 capacity American Express presents BST Hyde Park on July 11th & 12th. Full dates below & tickets HERE. It doesn’t end there either, as Lewis will also return to the festival stage and is set to headline Isle Of Wight, Latitude, and return home to Glasgow to headline this year’s TRNSMT.

He’s also been missed Stateside and will return for an April/May North American headline tour which has seen numerous dates sell out already, with over 150,00 tickets already gone. The tour will include sold out performances at iconic venues including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, two nights at Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, as well as a night at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl, among others. See full dates here.

Lewis’s return has already seen him top the charts, bagging a monumental sixth number 1 single with his comeback track ‘Survive’, to become the fastest selling single of 2025 and that success has also seen his biggest ever opening week sales for a single, surpassing both Sabrina Carpenter & Lady Gaga for this year’s biggest opening week singles, and he now joins esteemed company with the likes of Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Drake, Lady Gaga & Queen to achieve six UK number 1 singles, beating David Bowie, Katy Perry, The Police & more, as well as 10 Top 10 UK singles. He also turned in special US performances of the track on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon & Good Morning America.

A headliner-sized Pyramid Stage crowd embraced the emotion of Lewis’s return – one of the cultural moments of the year – for a powerful, hit-laden half-hour Glastonbury set with his soaring vocals leading the crowd through classics, as well as a first live showing for ‘Survive’, and a unifying performance of ‘Someone You Loved’.

Prior to his comeback Lewis played a run of Scottish warm up shows in May that saw him return to the stage as a guest of mental health charity CALM, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. With no pressure, and no level of expectation, the shows allowed Capaldi the space to gauge his comfort and emotional response before returning to the spotlight – a move which ended up proving nothing short of a triumph.

Lewis’ last release, the hit-stacked record Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, scored him his second UK number 1 album, creating another three heartbreaking UK number 1 singles, ‘Pointless’, ‘Wish You The Best’ and the Platinum-certified ‘Forget Me’, working with hitmakers including Max Martin (Taylor Swift, The Weeknd), Malay (Lorde, Frank Ocean), and longtime collaborator Phil Plested (James Bay, Bastille). The album also gained widespread critical acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, New York Times, NME, Rolling Stone, GQ, Stereogum & many more. It also topped airplay charts, smashing an impressive 95,000 units, outselling the rest of that week’s Top 10 combined, as well as outselling first week sales of his own monumental debut album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.

April 2023 saw the global Netflix release of Lewis’ compelling, raw and honest feature-length, GRAMMY®-nominated music documentary ‘Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now’ – available to watch on the platform now. The documentary shot straight to the top of the Netflix chart, making it the most watched film on the platform since its release.

Lewis’ subsequent success stems back to 2019’s multimillion selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, which propelled Capaldi from bedroom musician to superstar. Few had seen a debut release quite like it, becoming the biggest selling UK album of both 2019 & 2020, spawning two UK number 1 singles, bagging a few BRITs and a GRAMMY® nomination, with one of those number 1’s becoming a smash hit on both sides of the globe in ‘Someone You Loved’, which as well as recently going 10x Platinum, is also the UK’s most streamed song of all time & the world’s fourth highest ever streamed song.

After weathering the kind of storm that few can prepare for, Lewis Capaldi’s return has brought a renewed sense of purpose, proving that even in the darkest moments, there’s still strength in showing up. As he continues to mark a new era, Lewis has returned even stronger, heart wide open, and ready to step out again.

Survive EP Tracklisting
1. Survive
2. Something In The Heavens
3. Almost
4. The Day That I Die

UK FESTIVAL HEADLINE DATES
Jun 19th Isle Of Wight Festival
Jun 21st TRNSMT, Glasgow Green
Jul 26th Latitude Festival, Henham Park, Suffolk

UK OUTDOOR HEADLINE DATES
June
Tue 23rd Dublin, Marlay Park
Wed 24th Dublin, Marlay Park SOLD OUT
Fri 26th Limerick, Thomond Park SOLD OUT
Sat 27th Exeter, TK Maxx Presents Live at Powderham
Sun 28th Exeter, TK Maxx Presents Live at Powderham SOLD OUT
Tue 30th Cardiff, Blackweir Fields SOLD OUT

July
Wed 1st Cardiff, Blackweir Fields
Sat 4th Leeds, American Express presents Roundhay Festival
Sat 11th London, American Express presents BST Hyde Park SOLD OUT
Sun 12th London, American Express presents BST Hyde Park

August
Thu 20th Belfast, Belfast Vital SOLD OUT
Sat 22nd Manchester, Wythenshawe Park SOLD OUT

Olivia Dean Announces 2026 Arena Tour ‘The Art Of Loving Live’ Across U.S. and Canada

Eric Alper
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0
Olivia Dean Announces 2026 Arena Tour ‘The Art Of Loving Live’ Across U.S. and Canada

Fresh off her first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and a history-making year on the charts, Olivia Dean is heading across North America for her biggest tour yet. The Art Of Loving Live will kick off July 10, 2026, at the Chase Center in San Francisco and wrap on August 28 at the Moody Center in Austin, TX. The tour will bring Dean’s soulful voice and genre-blending artistry to major arenas across the U.S. and Canada.

Stops include Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Madison Square Garden in New York, State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and more. It’s a milestone moment for the rising star, whose second album The Art Of Loving has already surpassed 1.2 billion global streams and made her the first female solo artist in Official U.K. Chart history to place four songs in the Top 10 simultaneously.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 21 at 10 AM local time via Ticketmaster.com, with staggered presales beginning earlier in the week: Artist Presale on November 18, Spotify Presale on November 19, and Local Presales on November 20.

Dean will also appear as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on November 15 and is currently preparing for her sold-out six-night residency at The O2 in London next April. With a powerful new record, a headline tour across the Atlantic, and millions of fans following every note, Olivia Dean’s star continues to rise.

The Art Of Loving Live Tour Dates:
July 10 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
July 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
July 18 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
July 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverick Center
July 25 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
July 29 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
August 4 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
August 7 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
August 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
August 12 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
August 14 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
August 22 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
August 25 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
August 28 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

Kelsie Watts Ushers in the Season with New Holiday Single “Christmas In New York”

Eric Alper
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Kelsie Watts Ushers in the Season with New Holiday Single “Christmas In New York”

Powerhouse vocalist, Broadway standout and viral sensation Kelsie Watts is bringing warmth and wonder to the holidays with her new original single “Christmas In New York.” Following her celebrated debut as Queen Jane Seymour in the Tony Award-winning musical SIX, Watts now delivers a heartfelt midtempo track that captures both the magic of Manhattan in December and the yearning to share that magic with someone special.

Inspired by snowflakes on Broadway, the lights of Fifth Avenue and the timeless joy of the Rockettes, “Christmas In New York” is as cinematic as it is intimate. With touching lines like “Nothing’s ever the same, when you’re not riding next to me on the subway,” Watts weaves in a quiet longing beneath the city’s sparkle. “I wanted it to feel like a love letter to New York,” she shares. “It’s joyful, nostalgic, and full of magic.”

Watts has captivated millions with her viral vocal performances—over 200 million views and counting—and continues to bridge Broadway energy with pop accessibility. Her growing catalog includes powerful anthems like “Live Out Loud,” “I Can’t Say Goodbye,” “Look What You Missed,” “Fit In” and more, collaborating with legends like AJ McLean and Diane Warren, and earning praise from LADYGUNN, NPR, and The Voice judges.

With the release of “Christmas In New York,” a Top 20 single climbing the digital radio charts and a spotlight in the upcoming GRAMMY’s Reimagined series, Watts is entering a radiant new era. From viral videos to Broadway stages to holiday playlists worldwide, Kelsie Watts is cementing herself as one of pop music’s most dynamic voices—and she’s only getting started.

Alex Warren Announces 2026 Arena Tour ‘Little Orphan Alex Live’ Across U.S., Canada and Europe

Eric Alper
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Alex Warren Announces 2026 Arena Tour ‘Little Orphan Alex Live’ Across U.S., Canada and Europe

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Alex Warren announced US & Canada dates for his tour, Little Orphan Alex Live. The new tour dates, produced by Live Nation, kicking off in May 2026 will see Alex headline arenas in the US for the first time. He previously announced his EU/UK arena dates which will begin a month prior, see full routing below. The Little Orphan Alex Live tour follows Alex’s sold-out Cheaper Than Therapy Tour over the past year across the globe.

Alex released a trailer to announce the new dates of Little Orphan Alex Live, starring Jennifer Aniston & Max Greenfield – watch HERE. In the comedic sketch, Alex is being sued by little orphan Annie for copying her brand. The trailer is a continuation of the video Alex posted to announce his EU/UK dates – watch here.

Artist Presale tickets and VIP package sales begin Wednesday, November 19 at 10am local time with all tickets on sale Friday, November 21 at 10am local. Sign up for early access to artist presale tickets and more information here.

Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for Alex Warren Presents: Little Orphan Alex Live Tour in the U.S – no strings attached, simply for being a Verizon customer. The presale for select shows begins Tuesday, November 18 at 10am local. Visit myAccess in the My Verizon app for more details. Learn more about Verizon Access here.

Citi is the official card of the Alex Warren Presents: Little Orphan Alex Live Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, November 18 at 10am local through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Alex Warren is contributing $1 from every ticket sold to Camp Kesem, providing free camps and programs for kids with parents fighting cancer—through his partnership with PLUS1.

Last week, Alex became a first time GRAMMY® nominee earning a nomination in the highly coveted Best New Artistcategory. The nomination comes on the heels of his debut album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid, being certified Platinum by the RIAA in recognition of over 1 million albums sold since its July 18th release. The debut album also remained inside the top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart for 13 non-consecutive weeks. You’ll Be Alright, Kid includes multiple Billboard Hot 100 charting songs; “Ordinary,” “Eternity,” “Bloodline” ft. Jelly Roll, “On My Mind” ft. ROSÉ and “Burning Down” with Joe Jonas. His global chart topping #1 hit single “Ordinary” is also now 3x certified Platinum by the RIAA.

This has been a record breaking year for Alex whose hit single “Ordinary” topped charts worldwide. “Ordinary” remained at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks, marking the longest running solo #1 this year. The song hit 16 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay radio chart, breaking the record for the longest reign ever on that chart. It also spent 10 weeks as #1 on the Billboard Global 200 songs chart, eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 Excl. U.S. chart and 13 weeks at #1 on the Official UK Singles Chart. The single is currently #1 for the 22nd week on the US Hot AC Radio tying the longest running #1 in the chart’s history. “Ordinary” joined the prestigious Spotify Billions Club and upon crossing 1 billion streams, Alex was only the second artist to hit the milestone across all songs released in 2025. The song now boasts an impressive 2 billion global on-demand streams across multiple platforms, according to Luminate. Most recently, Alex delivered an electrifying performance of “Eternity” into “Ordinary” at the 2025 MTV VMA’s where he also took home the award for Best New Artist. Watch here.

ALEX WARREN – LITTLE ORPHAN ALEX LIVE TOUR DATES:

Saturday, April 4 –Düsseldorf, DE– PSD Bank Dome

Monday, April 6 – Amsterdam, NL –  Ziggo Dome

Tuesday, April 7 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome

Thursday, April 9 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena

Friday, April 10 – Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle

Monday, April 13 – Berlin, DE – Uber Arena

Wednesday, April 15 – Oslo, NO – Unity Arena

Thursday, April 16 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena

Saturday, April 18 – Antwerp, BE – AFAS Dome

Monday, April 20 – London, UK – The O2

Tuesday, April 21 – London, UK – The O2

Thursday, April 23 – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena

Friday, April 24 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena

Sunday, April 26 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Monday, April 27 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Wednesday, April 29 – Leeds, UK – First Direct Bank Arena

Thursday, April 30 – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena

Saturday, May 2 – Belfast, UK –  SSE Arena

Monday, May 4 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Wednesday, May 6 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

Thursday, May 7 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

Monday, May 25 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Wednesday, May 27 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Friday, May 29 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

Saturday, May 30 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ATX

Tuesday, June 2 – Morrison CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Friday, June 5 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center

Saturday, June 6 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

Monday, June 8 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl San Diego State University

Friday, June 12 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Saturday, June 13 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Sunday, June 14 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

Wednesday, June 17 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Friday, June 19 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center

Sunday, June 21 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

Tuesday, June 23 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

Thursday, June 25 – Atlanta GA – State Farm Arena

Friday, June 26 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

Saturday, June 27 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena

Monday, June 29 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Thursday, July 2 – Minneapolis, MN – Grand Casino Arena

Friday, July 3 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest – American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Sunday, July 5 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Tuesday, July 7 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre

Wednesday, July 8 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

Friday, July 10 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena

Saturday, July 11 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavillion

Monday, July 13 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Wednesday, July 15 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Mari Boine Brings Light to Winter Darkness with Sámi Christmas Song “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma”

Eric Alper
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Mari Boine Brings Light to Winter Darkness with Sámi Christmas Song “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma”

Acclaimed singer, musician, activist, and cultural icon Mari Boine first took part in a Christmas project early in her career, back in 1987. Now, almost 40 years later, she returns with the same spirit with the release of her timeless single “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma” (Nordnorsk Julesalme).

One of Norway’s most beloved Christmas songs, “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma” is now reborn in Sámi, Boine’s heart language. The Sámi translation by Isak Samuel Hætta inspired her deeply, carrying a spiritual bond to nature (luondu) that continues to resonate through her music.

Boine’s new interpretation blends cultural heritage and emotion, celebrating the enduring connection between language, land, and song.

Mari comments: “For a long time, I have wanted to bring Nordnorsk Julesalme – a song already performed beautifully by many – into Sámi, my heart language.

I envisioned a quiet, meditative version – like skábma, the long winter darkness before Christmas and the Solstice – a time when we slow down, look inward, summon gratitude, and draw close to those we love.When I first heard Isak Samuel Hætta’s Sámi translation, Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma, I was deeply moved. His poetry carries a spiritual bond to the land and to nature (luondu), a connection that has also shaped Trygve Hoff and me. That is the feeling I have tried to bring into this version. Around it, Stein Austrud has painted a musical landscape that is luminous — like light moving across snow”, says Mari Boine.”

Threads Launches Communities Feature to Help Users Dive Deeper Into Shared Interests

Eric Alper
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Threads Launches Communities Feature to Help Users Dive Deeper Into Shared Interests

Threads is rolling out a brand-new feature that’s all about connection: Communities. These public, topic-based spaces make it easier than ever to engage with people who share your passions. Whether you’re obsessed with basketball, can’t stop talking about your latest TV binge, or are deep in the KPop fandom, Communities offer a place for you to plug in and join the conversation.

More than 100 of the platform’s most active topics now have dedicated Communities, expanding on existing features like custom feeds and topic tags. Membership is fully public — the Communities you join will appear on your profile and be pinned in your feeds menu, showing the world what you care about most.

Each Community comes with its own flair. From NBA hoops talk to bookworms in Book Threads, members can interact with a custom Like emoji that adds personality to each conversation — like a stack of books, a basketball, or other topic-specific icons. It’s all part of making your interactions feel more immersive and meaningful.

You can find and join Communities in a few simple ways: tap a tagged post with the three-dot icon to go to that topic’s space, or search by name. Not every interest has a Community just yet, but the list is growing fast — and new features are already on the way. Soon, standout contributors will earn special badges, and ranking updates will ensure you see the most relevant posts first in both Community feeds and the For You page.

TikTok and Fandango Partner to Let FilmTok Fans Buy Movie Tickets Without Leaving the App

Eric Alper
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TikTok and Fandango Partner to Let FilmTok Fans Buy Movie Tickets Without Leaving the App

With a thriving #FilmTok community connecting over a shared love of movies, TikTok has become a leading destination for entertainment discovery. Today with Fandango, the nation’s leading online movie ticketer, we’re announcing a first-of-its-kind partnership that gives entertainment fans the ability to go from movie discovery to ticket purchase directly within the TikTok app. The collaboration marks our first-ever movie ticketing integration powered by TikTok Spotlight, with Fandango as the sole launch partner. Movie fans on TikTok can purchase tickets today on select theatrical titles, starting with Disney’s highly anticipated TRON: Ares, debuting in theaters on October 10.

TikTok has become a cultural hub where creators spark trends and shape what audiences watch next. Nearly 50% of US TikTok users have discovered a new movie coming to theaters on the platform and 36% are inspired to take action, which is easier than ever thanks to this integration. Now, fans will see a “Get Tickets” button on movie-related in-app hubs which will seamlessly connect them to Fandango’s ticketing flow. From there, users can quickly select seats and purchase tickets.

“This Fandango integration seamlessly connects the magic of discovery on TikTok with real-world moviegoing, offering our passionate FilmTok community an effortless way to turn inspiration into immediate action,” said Isaac Bess, Global Head of Distribution Partnerships, TikTok. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Fandango on our first movie ticketing integration powered by TikTok Spotlight, enhancing fan engagement and giving audiences a seamless path from discovery to the big screen.”

From reviews to fan theories and behind-the-scenes snippets, the #MovieTok community is redefining how audiences engage with media, driving conversations both on and off the platform. Users who see creator-made content and trailers are 1.3x more likely to recall the title of the TV show or film, demonstrating the platform’s power to fuel discovery and engagement.

“At Fandango, our mission has always been to connect fans with the movies they love, wherever they are,” said Claire Ripsteen, SVP of Marketing & Partnerships at Fandango. “This partnership with TikTok is a powerful step in meeting audiences in their daily digital lives, making it easier to turn the excitement of discovering a movie into the instant gratification of securing your tickets in advance, with no lines, and no waiting. We’re thrilled to launch with TRON: Ares and look forward to bringing this experience to more titles soon.”

Rival Sons’ Jay Buchanan Unleashes Solo Fire on ‘Weapons of Beauty’ with New Song “Caroline”

Eric Alper
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Rival Sons’ Jay Buchanan Unleashes Solo Fire on ‘Weapons of Beauty’ with New Song “Caroline”

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Jay Buchanan, frontman of the Grammy-nominated rock group Rival Sons, will release his long-awaited debut solo album, Weapons of Beauty, February 6 on Sacred Tongue Records via Thirty Tigers. The album will be available in a variety of formats, including limited-edition autographed color vinyl and CD, exclusively through Sacred Tongue / Second Sun. Pre-save/pre-order HERE.

In advance of the release, Buchanan shares a new song, “Caroline,” today.

“I suppose that writing about unquenchable grief allows you a kind of permission to pay respect to those deep chasms in your life without wallowing in them,” Buchanan shares of the track. “Putting it in a song lets you buy the ticket and take the ride and then move on.”

Produced by longtime collaborator and Grammy Award-winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell) and written in the solitude of an underground bunker deep in the Mojave Desert, Weapons of Beauty is the result of months of reflection and experimentation—an unfiltered 10-song collection that captures Buchanan’s raw vocals and lived-in storytelling.

Reflecting on the project, Buchanan shares, “As music continues to be choked out by technology, I wanted to draw pictures in the dirt. This approach is right with me and I’ve just come to a point where there is no longer a choice. Weapons Of Beauty is the sound of these plates shifting within me, too loud to ignore. Surprisingly, I’ve never known a vulnerability to feel so empowering.”

Additionally, Cobb reflects, “I think this record is like seeing into the heart of Jay, no filter, no noise, just pure raw emotion.”

Ahead of the release, Buchanan recently made his acting debut in the new Bruce Springsteen biopic, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, where he appeared as frontman of the Stone Pony house band, and was introduced to director Scott Cooper, who sequenced the new album.

In addition to Buchanan and Cobb, Weapons of Beauty also features contributions from Brian Allen (bass), Chris Powell (drums), Leroy Powell (guitar), J.D. Simo (guitar) and Philip Towns (keys).

Born in San Bernardino, CA, Buchanan began writing songs as soon as he could hold a guitar, honing his craft through busking, home recordings and constant artistic reinvention. Widely respected by his peers, Buchanan has collaborated with artists such as Jason Isbell, The Bee Gees, Miranda Lambert, Massive Attack, The Bloody Beetroots and Brandi Carlile, in addition to his work as frontman of the 2x Grammy-nominated rock band Rival Sons—Buchanan (vocals, acoustic guitar), Scott Holiday (lead guitar), Mike Miley (drums) and Dave Beste (bass). Hailed as “one of the best live acts around” (Glide), the group has released eight studio albums to date, toured extensively across the globe, including sharing stages with Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Aerosmith and Lenny Kravitz, and performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Late Show with James Corden, George Lopez’s Lopez Tonight and Later…with Jools Holland.

WEAPONS OF BEAUTY TRACKLIST
1. Caroline
2. High And Lonesome
3. True Black
4. Tumbleweeds
5. Shower of Roses
6. Deep Swimming
7. Sway
8. The Great Divide
9. Dance Me to the End of Love
10. Weapons of Beauty

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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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