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Foo Fighters to Perform at Power to the Patients Concert in Washington D.C.

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On Tuesday, March 5, Foo Fighters will take a rare detour from stadium, arena and amphitheater stages to perform at a private one-night-only concert in Washington, D.C. hosted by Power to the Patients, a non-profit fighting for a more affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare system through true price transparency. Hip hop legends Fat Joe and Chuck D will also be in attendance.

“When we were asked by Power to the Patients to help raise awareness of the need for transparency in healthcare pricing, we immediately said yes. People suffering from illness and injury shouldn’t have to worry about being bankrupted by surprise charges for their treatment.” — Foo Fighters

With lawmakers, government officials, and their dedicated staff in attendance, Foo Fighters will join the drive to raise awareness about the inequality and uncertainty created for millions of patients when hospitals and insurers hide actual upfront prices. With more than 100 million Americans suffering from medical debt due to surprise bills and lack of accountability, it’s time for all elected officials to come together and turn the page on our nation’s broken and opaque healthcare system.

Upfront prices empower patients to make informed decisions, take control of their health, and lower their costs.  All consumers have the right to know the actual price of their care before they receive it. If you believe you have been overcharged for healthcare, or if the price you were quoted doesn’t match your bill, you can find information and resources about how to fight your bills by visiting PowertothePatients.org.

J-Hope Of BTS Announces New Album ‘Hope On The Street Vol. 1’ Out March 29

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안녕하세요.
빅히트 뮤직입니다.

방탄소년단 멤버 j-hope의 스페셜 앨범 ‘HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1’ 발매 소식을 알려 드립니다.

‘HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1’은 j-hope의 춤을 향한 여정을 담은 댄스 다큐멘터리 시리즈 ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’와 함께 공개되는 스페셜 앨범으로, 총 6곡이 수록되어 있습니다.

‘HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1’의 전곡과 다큐멘터리 시리즈 ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’를 감상하시면서 j-hope의 여정을 함께 돌아봐 주시기를 바랍니다.

앞으로 아티스트 j-hope이 걸어갈 길 또한 많은 사랑과 응원 부탁드립니다.

*예약 구매 일시: 2024년 2월 19일(월) 오전 11시 (KST) ~
*발매 일시: 2024년 3월 29일(금) 오후 1시 (KST)

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Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.

We are pleased to announce the release of “HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1,” a special album by BTS member j-hope.

“HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1” is a special album featuring a total of six tracks and will be released alongside “HOPE ON THE STREET,” a docuseries that trails j-hope’s dance journey.

Please join j-hope as he looks back on his dance journey by listening to “HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1” and watching the “HOPE ON THE STREET” docuseries.

We ask for your enthusiastic love and support for j-hope and his future endeavors.

*Pre-Order Dates: From 11 AM, Monday, February 19, 2024 (KST)
*Release Date: 1 PM, Friday, March 29, 2024 (KST)

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こんにちは。
BIGHIT MUSICからのお知らせです。

BTSのメンバーJ-HOPEのスペシャルアルバム『HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1』の発売についてご案内いたします。

『HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1』は、J-HOPEのダンサーとしての旅路を捉えたダンスドキュメンタリーシリーズ『HOPE ON THE STREET』と共に公開されるスペシャルアルバムであり、計6曲が収録されています。

『HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1』の全曲、そしてドキュメンタリー『HOPE ON THE STREET』を鑑賞しながら、J-HOPEの旅路を一緒に巡ってみてください。

これからアーティストJ-HOPEが歩んでいく道にも、たくさんのご関心とご声援をよろしくお願いいたします。

*予約販売の日程:2024年2月19日(月) 午前11時 (KST)~
*発売の日時:2024年3月29日(金) 午後1時 (KST)

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大家好,这里是BIGHIT MUSIC。

防弹少年团成员j-hope的特别专辑《HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1》即将发行。

《HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1》是与记录着j-hope舞蹈旅程的舞蹈纪录片《HOPE ON THE STREET》一同发行的特别专辑,共收录了六首歌曲。

希望大家通过收听《HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1》的全曲并欣赏《HOPE ON THE STREET》,一起回首j-hope的旅程。

也请大家多多关注和支持艺人j-hope今后的旅程。

*预购时间:2024年2月19日(周一)上午11点(KST)~
*发行时间:2024年3月29日(周五)下午1点(KST)

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Rising Powerhouse Vocalist Alicia Creti Releases Debut EP ‘Self/Less’

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Rising powerhouse vocalist, Alicia Creti, releases her debut EP, Self/Less. The EP is accompanied by her sixth single and visual for “Going Down.” Self/Less chronicles the journey of a young woman reclaiming her true self. Tired of being “less” and yearning to be “more” for herself, she invites fans to join her on a path of self-discovery. We implore you to accept less negativity, fewer criticisms, and less of whatever holds you back.

Self/Less also comes on the heels of the recent announcement of Alicia providing direct support on Mahalia’s upcoming “IRL North American Tour” kicking off on February 20th in Vancouver and wrapping on March 26th in Chicago. Tickets to the tour can be purchased on www.mahaliamusic.co.uk/tour/. Self/Less also serves as the follow-up to previously released singles “Self/Less,” “Crazy,” “Guilt Trip,” “Pity Party” and her debut single, “Strange.” Each single is included on Alicia’s upcoming EP, Self/Less, out today. Her debut EP tells the unfolding of a toxic and painful relationship.

Alicia Creti is an unstoppable force in the world of music, pouring her heart and soul into every note with a delivery that is both distinct and dynamically charged. At the age of 24, the Montreal-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and pianist emerged as a rising sensation, captivating millions with a soulful rendition of Summer Walker’s “Session 32” and sustaining that momentum with captivating covers of Kehlani, Jazmine Sullivan, and Ari Lennox. With commanding soulful vocals and poignant songwriting, Alicia skillfully weaves a tapestry of self-reflection, heartbreak, and the myriad facets of the human experience, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the pages of her personal journal. Her sound is a breath of fresh air, transcending genre boundaries with a compelling touch of nostalgic soul. Building on the triumph of her 2022 single “Congratulations” and 2023 releases “Strange” and “Crazy,” Alicia is set to unveil her highly anticipated debut EP, Self/Less, offering a narrative journey of a young woman reclaiming her authentic self. Fatigued by the confines of being “less” and driven to become “more” for herself, she extends an open invitation for fans to accompany her on a profound path of self-discovery.

SELF/LESS TRACKLIST
Epiphany
Going Down
Crazy
Guilt Trip
Congratulations
Pity Party
Self/Less

IN REAL LIFE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
FEBRUARY
20 – Vancouver, BC – The Commodore Ballroom
21 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
22 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
24 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
25 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
27 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

MARCH
1 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego
2 – Phoenix – Crescent Ballroom
3 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole
5 – Denver, CO – Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
7 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues Cambridge Room
8 – Austin, TX – Scoot Inn
9 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
11 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
13 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground Charlotte
14 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
16 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
17 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
20 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
22 – Toronto, ON – History
23 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
25 – Detroit, MI – The Shelter
26 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

Neil Young With Crazy Horse Releases Fu##in’ Up Newly Recorded Versions Of Songs In All Their Ragged Glory

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There are certain albums that have an aura around them. It can’t really be planned, but there is something in the way all the music performances and material comes together to set them on their own plateau. The interesting part of that equation is that there is no way to plan on the results, or even predict. They often come together as they are being recorded, and that is the start of a wonderful journey. FU##IN’ UP, recorded in 2023, is truly a work unto itself, to be released on Record Store Day April 20, 2024.

These nine songs from Young’s ever-growing catalog are injected with the kind of audio attack that Young and Crazy Horse have been playing since they started performing in the late 1960s. It has been a constant capturing of what rock & roll is really capable of, and one that shows no sign of stopping. The Crazy Horse lineup on FU##IN’ UP includes Billy Talbot (bass, vocal), Ralph Molina (drums, vocal), Micah Nelson (guitar, vocal, piano), Nils Lofgren (guitar, vocal, piano) and Neil Young (guitar, vocal, harmonica). The sounds these five musicians achieve cannot be predicted, and allow an element of sonic surprise that is a definition of how the boundaries of bands are always up for revision, and supply the music to march into the future with an unparalleled power.

The old songs of this new Neil Young & Crazy Horse album break-through in all their ragged glory as a brand-new release. As time passes and musicians achieve new prowess in their playing, it gives Young and the band a way to approach what they have done in the past as something they’re now able to go far beyond with an exciting approach that can only be seen as totally new. The best music never stands still, and allows the players a wide-open field to explore now. The past is gone, but offers a road into the future.

Young explains it best: “In the spirit it’s offered, we made this for the Horse lovers. I can’t stop it. The Horse is runnin’;. What a ride we have. I don’t want to mess with the vibe, and I am so happy to have this to share. ”

As has always been his practice, Neil Young establishes a personal timetable on how and when he releases his music. It has given him a way of offering his audience a personal participation of living with the recordings, and gathering new fans at the same time his long-time listeners remain a strong part of the family. There is no other still-active artist that approaches his work like this, making sure that the music comes first for him and his listeners. There is no distinction between the new and the old. It was, is and always will be about the NOW.

On April 20, 2024 a clear vinyl two-LP Limited Edition will include a litho print of the album cover art and will be available on Record Store Day and through The Greedy Hand Store via NYA only, which is a unique arrangement with the Record Store Day organization to allow a release to be sold outside of participating RSD stores.

On April 26, the black vinyl, compact disc and digital edition will be released. Hi-Res digital audio is available at the Xstream Store © at NYA and most DSP’s. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with free hi-res digital audio downloads.

In true Neil Young innovative approach, the songs on FU##KIN UP have been renamed in their ragged with new titles, allowing them to be here now. “Farmer John” is a song originally done by Don “Sugarcane” Harris and Dewey Terry in 1959, and soon covered in 1964 by East L.A. band The Premiers and remains as its original title.

In Neil Young’s words in the sleeve notes: “Why do these old songs live so vividly now? They do to me.”

Neil Young knows.

F##KIN UP Track Listing:
1 City Life
2 Feels Like A Railroad
3 Heart Of Steel
4 Broken Circle
5 Valley Of Hearts
6 Farmer John
7 Walkin’ In My Place
8 To Follow One’s Own Dream
9 Chance On Love

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication” As Performed On The Gayageum By Luna

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Luna’s rendition of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ iconic song “Californication” on the Gayageum is a mesmerizing fusion of Western rock and traditional Korean music. The Gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument, brings a unique and hauntingly beautiful quality to the band’s familiar tracks, infusing them with new life and depth and showcases the versatility and universality of music, proving that great artistry knows no limits.

Toronto artist Aqyila is ready to “Bloom” as Spotify Canada’s RADAR pick in February

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Toronto’s very own Aqyila has been selected as Spotify’s RADAR Canada artist of February.

Each month, a new artist graces the cover of the RADAR Canada playlist and have their top hits included on the list, as well as a billboard takeover at Toronto’s iconic Yonge-Dundas Square. Aqyila joins a number of emerging artists Spotify Canada has supported early in their artist journey, and at a time when Aqyila is gaining more worldwide fans.

Toronto R&B artist Taahira Aqiyla Duff, known to her fans simply as Aqyila, looks to build on the success of her debut EP, For The Better with the release of the highly-anticipated single, “Bloom”. In 2021, her first single, “Vibe for Me (Bob for Me),” racked up over 13 million streams worldwide and landed her first JUNO Award nomination for ‘Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year.’ Since then, Aqyila has only seen more growth and success. She has landed opening spots for other talented artists like Kimbra and Cat Burns. With over 25 million Spotify streams, Aqyila is a Canadian artist poised to make her mark on the R&B music scene.

Spotify’s RADAR program is grounded in supporting emerging artists from across the globe and by joining this acclaimed emerging artists program, fans will have the opportunity to learn more about the breakout artists with their “Clips’ series and through short videos and editorial support on the official Spotify playlists. Check out Aqyila’s Clips here, and also on the Spotify mobile app under the RADAR Canada playlist.

The Veronicas Set To Release Their First International Album In 10 Years ‘Gothic Summer’

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Fresh off the heels of their “Here To Dance” single drop last week, hitmaking sisters The Veronicas officially announced that Gothic Summer, their first international album in 10 years, will be released worldwide on March 22 via Big Noise Music Group.

Jessica and Lisa Origliasso of The Veronicas first started feeding new album speculation in October 2023 when they released the fierce, melody driven anthem “Perfect.” The duo timed the release around their much-anticipated performance at the When We Were Young festival, which Forbes called “a perfect comeback.” In December, they dropped the ska-pop-punk fusion “Detox” and confirmed that they had a new album titled Gothic Summer coming in March 2024.

After a much needed disconnect, the passion to create again came knocking and Gothic Summer was born. Lisa and Jessica found themselves with a myriad of stories to explore: confronting speculation and drama (“Here to Dance”), toxic obsession (“Detox”), the pressures of living in a social culture that is never satiated (“Perfect”) and more. The 8-track album was produced by longtime collaborator, friend and Big Noise label-head John Feldmann, alongside a modern-day roll call of A-list pop/rock juggernauts including Travis Barker, Sierra Deaton, Ryan Linville (Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan), Zhone (Troye Sivan, Kim Petras) and Chris Collins (Royal Otis, Matt Corby) who all challenged the duo to explore their expansive musical range more than ever before.

In addition to releasing new music, The Veronicas will hit the road for a 22-date U.S. Headline Tour (marking their return to U.S. stages after almost a decade).The ‘Gothic Summer’ tour will run from April 3-May 5, with stops in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston, New York City, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and more.

Named “the ultimate pop-punk duo of the mid-aughts” by Nylon, The Veronicas have long been recognized for their famed blueprint in songwriting and career of multi-platinum studio albums which expertly balance vulnerability with a bit of rebellion. The hitmaking duo first emerged in 2005 with their now 4x ARIA-certified platinum, debut album The Secret Life of…, which featured hit singles such as “4ever” and” Everything I’m Not.” In 2007, they released their critically acclaimed, sophomore album Hook Me Up, which lauded their first international top-ten hit “Untouched.” After a hiatus, the duo returned with their self-titled third studio album in 2014. In 2024, the duo will unveil their newest full-length body of work. Titled Gothic Summer, the long-awaited project, which is their first international release in 10 years, finds the duo centered in their creativity as they embrace introspection and challenge societal pressures, shining a light on the truth beneath pop music’s shimmering surface. Stay tuned for more on The Veronicas’ Gothic Summer releasing via Big Noise Music Group this March.

THE VERONICAS ‘GOTHIC SUMMER’ HEADLINE TOUR DATES:
April 3rd: San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
April 5th: Seattle, WA – The Showbox
April 6th: Portland, OR – Aladdin Theatre
April 9th: Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
April 10th: Denver, CO – Summit
April 12th: Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre
April 13th: Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
April 14th: Chicago, IL – House of Blues
April 16th: Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall
April 17th: Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
April 19th: Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
April 20th: Washington, D.C. – The Fillmore
April 21st: Boston, MA – Royale
April 22nd: New York, NY – Irving Plaza
April 24th: Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
April 26th: Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live
April 27th: Orlando, FL – House of Blues
April 28th: Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor
April 30th: Dallas, TX – The Echo
May 1st: Houston, TX – White Oak
May 4th: Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
May 5th: Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda

GOTHIC SUMMER Tracklist:
1. PERFECT
2. DETOX
3. HERE TO DANCE
4. SAVAGE (ft. Kerser)
5. INVISIBLE
6. RIBCAGE
7. JUNGLE
8. PERFECT (Acoustic)

The Greatest Groups Of All Time With Family Members

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Family ties in music have often resulted in some of the most memorable and iconic bands throughout history. From sibling harmonies to familial collaborations, these groups have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with their unique chemistry and undeniable talent. In honour of Family Day, let’s take a journey through the annals of music history to celebrate the best groups with family members, exploring their groundbreaking contributions to the world of music and the lasting impact they’ve left on generations of listeners.

The Jackson 5 – With brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and the legendary Michael Jackson, they dominated the charts with hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There,” showcasing their unparalleled talent and infectious energy. As one of the most iconic family bands in music history, The Jackson 5 captivated audiences worldwide with their dynamic performances and soulful harmonies, leaving an indelible mark on pop music.

The Beach Boys – Brothers Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine, shaped the landscape of American pop music with harmonious gems such as “Good Vibrations,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “California Girls,” epitomizing the California surf sound. With their distinctive vocal harmonies and catchy melodies, The Beach Boys became synonymous with the sun-soaked, carefree spirit of California and left an enduring legacy in popular music.

The Bee Gees – Brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, known for their distinctive falsetto harmonies, created disco anthems like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep Is Your Love,” becoming synonymous with the disco era and achieving global fame. With their infectious beats and heartfelt lyrics, The Bee Gees captivated audiences worldwide and left an indelible mark on the disco movement, forever cementing their status as music legends.

Oasis – Sibling rivalry and rock stardom collided with brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, whose band Oasis delivered iconic Britpop hits like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova,” defining a generation of British music. With their raw energy and anthemic songs, Oasis became the voice of a generation, inspiring millions of fans around the world and solidifying their place in music history.

Heart – Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson fronted this rock powerhouse, belting out hits such as “Barracuda,” “Alone,” and “Crazy on You,” with their powerful vocals and dynamic performances leaving an indelible mark on the rock landscape. With their unparalleled talent and electrifying stage presence, Heart broke barriers and redefined the role of women in rock music, inspiring generations of musicians with their groundbreaking sound.

The Everly Brothers – Don and Phil Everly mesmerized audiences with their impeccable harmonies and timeless hits like “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Bye Bye Love,” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” influencing generations of artists with their signature sound. As one of the most influential duos in rock history, The Everly Brothers paved the way for countless artists with their innovative blend of country, rock, and pop, leaving an indelible legacy in music.

AC/DC – Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, along with their electrifying performances and hard-hitting rock anthems like “Back in Black,” “Highway to Hell,” and “Thunderstruck,” cemented their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. With their high-energy performances and relentless riffing, AC/DC became icons of the rock genre, inspiring legions of fans and influencing countless bands with their raw, unapologetic sound.

Van Halen – Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, along with vocalist David Lee Roth and later Sammy Hagar, unleashed guitar-driven hits such as “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil,” revolutionizing the rock scene with their virtuosity and energy. With their innovative guitar work and explosive live shows, Van Halen redefined the possibilities of rock music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring generations of musicians.

The Pointer Sisters – Siblings Bonnie, June, Anita, and Ruth Pointer, with their infectious blend of R&B, funk, and pop, delivered hits like “I’m So Excited,” “Jump (For My Love),” and “Automatic,” captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. With their soulful vocals and irresistible grooves, The Pointer Sisters became pioneers of the crossover genre, breaking down barriers and leaving a lasting impact on popular music.

The Kinks – Brothers Ray and Dave Davies, known for their distinctively British sound and biting social commentary, crafted hits such as “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “Waterloo Sunset,” leaving an indelible mark on the British Invasion and rock music. With their catchy melodies and witty lyrics, The Kinks became icons of the 1960s music scene, influencing countless bands and leaving a lasting legacy in rock history.

It’s Time To Testify For Alicia Witt With Single ‘Witness”; Announces North American Tour

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If you show up for Alicia Witt, she’ll show up for you. And she proves it with stirring sincerity on “Witness,” a musical pledge of allegiance that also happens to be as immaculate a piece of pop balladry as you’ll hear this decade.

The song finds Witt in a grateful mood, offering thanks to somebody who’s stood by her through thick and thin and declaring that the feeling is wholly mutual. The track’s stately, processional rhythm nudges the exquisitely precise piano and guitar along as Witt’s supple voice proposes a never-ending pact, criss-cross style:

Will you be my witness?
I held on when the mountains moved
You shared my sentence
Stood strong and you saw me through
God knows that you’re my living proof
Call you to testify the truth, whenever I miss it
Yeah, you’re my witness, and I’ll be your witness too

“Witness” is the title track to Witt’s most recent EP, a six-song collection that cements her triple-threat status as a world-class vocalist, clever tunesmith and competition-winning piano prodigy. Her 2021 album, The Conduit, yielded the hit “Chasing Shadows,” which spent five weeks in the top 30 of the Billboard AC Radio Chart — a milestone in a career that’s included several well-received EPs and full-length releases that have showcased her creative vision while making room for production help from heavy hitters like Ben Folds. And that’s not to mention a performance schedule that’s taken Witt everywhere from The Grand Ole Opry to TV’s The Masked Singer.

But if you watch the suitably intimate and emotional music video for “Witness” and can’t shake the feeling you’ve seen her somewhere else, the possibilities are legion. As an actor, Witt has been working steadily since the age of 7, when David Lynch cast her in his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune. She’s since appeared on Lynch’s Twin Peaks (both iterations) while racking up a list of industry credits that’s the definition of “voluminous.” She was Cybill Shepherd’s TV daughter for four seasons, and other programs she’s appeared on run the gamut from The Sopranos to The Walking Dead to Justified.

On the big screen, she’s been seen in high-profile releases like Two Weeks’ Notice, Last Holiday, and Mr. Holland’s Opus; her latest, the Nicolas Cage thriller Longlegs, hits theaters this July. Among her stage work was the lead in Neil LaBute’s Reasons to Be Pretty at the Geffen Playhouse. In addition, she’s been a familiar face in Christmas movies, often performing her original songs in a true case of artistic synergy.

Oh, and did we mention she’s the author of Small Changes, a guide to sustainable living and diet? Forget “triple threat” … we’re up to six or seven now.

But at this particular moment, it’s all about the music, and giving back to the fans who have made her the cross-media sensation she most surely is. The apparently tireless Witt has livestreams and concert performances booked through June in the U.S. and Canada, along with meet-and-greets that’ll put her in direct contact with the fervent and wide-ranging fanbase she owes so much. Come to bear “Witness” … and then watch what happens.

Alicia Witt Tour Dates:
March 21, 2024: Hugh’s Room, Toronto, ON
March 22, 2024: The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI
June 8, 2024: City Winery, Boston, MA
June 29, 2024: The Triple Door, Seattle, WA

Rules Of Engagement: Tantric’s Hugo Ferreira + MDMP Team Up For “Wicked Games”

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No man, as the saying goes, is an island. So when you find yourself living on one, you have to come up with some creative ways to stay connected. For Nebraska-bred Hawaii transplant Jeremey Meyer, who records under the banner of MDMP, that means sending out tracks-in-progress like digital messages in a bottle and seeing what the musicians you respect toss back. The approach has paid off in spades on his new single, “Wicked Games,” a darkly compelling little missive with lead vocals by Hugo Ferreira of post-grunge titans Tantric.

“It’s all about collaboration for me,” says Meyer, an accomplished singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who’s had to devise new ways to work since moving to Nānākuli on the west coast of O’ahu. “I’ll come up with a rough draft of a song, and then I’ll send it out to a few people — especially if I think it’s something they might be interested in. If they are, and they want to hop on, then I’ll roll with it and see where it goes. I’m an organizer — an orchestrator of the process. I don’t want it to be all me.”

That’s obvious from “Wicked Games,” which weds the alt-rock brooding of Meyer’s instrumental tracks to the instantly recognizable deep-throated growl that took Ferreira’s group to Number One on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in 2001 with “Breakdown.” For Meyer, their long-distance partnership was not just a shrewd artistic choice but a chance to acknowledge a personal debt.

“The reason I really wanted to collaborate with Tantric was because when I was deployed to Iraq (military) in the early 2000’s I listened to their self-titled album a lot, and it helped me through a rough patch of my life,” he recalls. “I thought it would be cool to see what a Tantric-MDMP song would sound like, and ‘Wicked Games’ was born.

“I didn’t really want to change the style of rock drastically from what Tantric listeners are used to, but just give it some of what I do,” Meyer explains. “When I sent Hugo the demo, he simply texted back ‘This is the one.’”

The fans who pushed Tantric’s eponymous debut to Gold status will indeed be overjoyed. But on a conceptual level, the song also bears the stamp of Meyer’s main influence, Nine Inch Nails. Over a relentlessly hammering drum pattern and guitars that veer from grinding to ringing, Ferreira draws the full drama out of Meyer’s neo-Reznor words of disillusionment and disgust:

You always said I was enough
You never complained I wasn’t up
For these wicked games
Is this what you really got to say
I won’t be pushed around
I’ll take this fight right to the ground
I hear you scream without a sound
The world knows
We were built too fast

The track is one of two that Meyer and Ferreira have worked up together, although whether the next one will prove to be as purposefully dour is anybody’s guess. Meyer tries to make room for a wide range of emotions in his music, to match a broad musical palate that encompasses styles as diverse as synth-heavy balladry and glam-metal rave-ups. From playing in his high-school marching band to serving in hard rock unit Sherry Drive, he was filling up his creative tank for quite some time before he relocated to Hawaii and started the innovative correspondence project that is MDMP. (The name, he reveals, means absolutely nothing — not even Military Decision-Making Process, as one might assume from that aforementioned stint in Iraq.)

The scope of Meyer’s vision was shown off on last year’s MDMP debut album, Day One. Almost five years in the making, the record ended up numbering a whopping 27 songs and clocking in at nearly two hours. It also showed off his highly interactive approach by featuring the work of musical collaborators from outposts as far as Kazakhstan and Taiwan.

“I don’t care where somebody lives,” Meyer says. “After all, the world is a collaborative effort, right?”

Let the “Games” begin.