Foggy Mountain Spaceship, a gifted trio, delivered a delightful rendition of Super Mario Bros.’ “Overworld” and “Underworld” themes on banjos. They highlighted the intriguing connection and contrast between the two compositions.
They write, “Enjoy our take on the classic Mario Brothers and Underworld themes. These songs are nostalgic for us. We love the interplay between the bass line and melody in the main theme, and the contrast the minor key in the Underworld theme provides.”
Heartstrings – First Guitars, is a collection of memories from a variety of musicians, famous, semi-famous, up and coming, anonymous, or otherwise, about the guitar they learned on, the first guitar they bought with their own money, the first “good” guitar they owned, or the beloved first-line guitar that accompanied them on first songs, first shows, first tours, or first recordings.
These short, narrative pieces, tied together with first-time author Sean Barrette’s memories of a life and career spent immersed in music, tell a story that demonstrates that, no matter the guitar player, they all have this first guitar story and love to tell it. It’s the thread that ties all guitar players together, but these stories also provide insight into the very beginnings of many of the musical artists we love. It may even provide insight into the guitar player who lives with you. Or encourage someone to pick up a guitar and get playing themselves.
With first guitar stories by: Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, David Knopfler, Colin Linden (Blackie & the Rodeo Kings), Johnny Hickman (Cracker), Rob Baker (Tragically Hip), Paul Langlois (Tragically Hip), Gord Sinclair (Tragically Hip), Tom Wilson (Blackie & the Rodeo Kings), Kevn Kinney (Drivin & Cryin), Liona Boyd, Leeroy Stagger, Moe Berg and Kris Abbott (The Pursuit of Happiness), Blair Packham (The Jitters), Rik Emmett (Triumph), Finny McConnell (The Mahones), Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low), Dave Genn (54-40), Skye Wallace, Alun Piggins, Mark Stuart, Stacey Earle, Chris and Eleanor Masterson (The Mastersons), Preston and Alan Glass, Barney Bentall, Sean Kelly (Crash Kelly), Mr. Zero (The Kings), Jaimee Harris, Andrew Hyatt, Terry Draper (Klaatu), Dan “Chewy” Mongrain (Voi Vod), Sal Costa (My Darkest Days, Bonds of Mara), Michael Mckenzie (Lowest of the Low), François Lamoureux, Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker the Star), Ed Ringwald (Gordon Lightfoot), Joel Plaskett, Neil Osborne (54-40), Carl Harvey (Toots & the Maytals), Don Ross, Mike Turner (Our Lady Peace), Darrell Scott, Stephen Fearing (Blackie & the Rodeo Kings), Ethan Ives (Car Seat Headrest), Jeffrey Trott (Sheryl Crow), Julian Taylor, David Pulkingham, Brian Howes (DDT), Gary Lee Connor (Screaming Trees), Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde), Pete Yorn, Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar), David Baerwald, Pete Droge and Elaine Summers (The Sinners), Serena Ryder, Myles Zuniga (Fastball), Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Hayes Carll, Stuart Cameron (Crash Test Dummies), Myles Goodwin (April Wine), Brian and Bruce Good (The Good Brothers), Adrian Eccleston (Drake, The Weeknd), and many more.
Heartstrings – First Guitars is a feel-good read that will draw people in, whether guitar players, other musicians, or music fans, and allow them to feel the enthusiasm and gratitude towards music shared by this international cast of individuals, some legendary, others just regular people who love to play, and every kind of guitar player in between.
The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts.
The laureates of the 2024 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, which recognize artists who have made an indelible contribution to cultural life in Canada and around the world, are:
Measha Brueggergosman-Lee – Soprano and faith advocate
Soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee’s engaging personality, exceptional musicianship and powerful voice have taken her to the major orchestras and concert halls of every continent, as well as the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, and a Royal Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth II.
Ronnie Burkett, O.C. – Puppeteer, playwright, designer and performer
Recognized as one of Canada’s foremost theatre artists, Ronnie Burkett has been credited with reinventing the art of puppetry. Provocative, topical, compassionate and entertaining, his work has revitalized puppet theatre, consistently attracting adult audiences who are enthralled by the colourful characters populating his miniature world of big ideas. His productions have been commissioned and presented by major theatres and festivals, and have earned critical and public acclaim across Canada and around the world. He has also shared his knowledge and experience with hundreds of aspiring artists through masterclasses, workshops and lectures.
Watch Ronnie Burkett’s announcement video.
Diane Juster, C.M. – Songwriter, composer, performer, pianist and arts advocate
One of Canada’s most successful music artists, Diane Juster has been captivating audiences with her talent as a singer and pianist for nearly 50 years. She has written hit songs for such leading Canadian and international performers as Céline Dion, Ginette Reno (GGPAA 1999) and Dalida, and has a rich discography of her own. A tireless advocate for the promotion and protection of the work of Canadian artists, she is the co- founder of the Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec (SPACQ).
Andrea Martin – Actor
Andrea Martin’s hilarious characterizations and heart-warming performances have been delighting audiences for over 40 years. A beloved icon of stage and screen, she gained prominence in the 1980s as a regular on the award-winning sketch comedy series SCTV (Second City Television). Her Broadway career has earned her Tony Awards for featured actor in the musicals My Favorite Year (1993) and Pippin (2013), and she has an equally impressive list of film and television appearances.
Wes “Maestro” Williams – Recording artist, actor, author and motivational speaker
Often regarded as the “godfather of Canadian hip hop,” Wesley (Wes) “Maestro” Williams is the first Canadian rapper to achieve mainstream success. His debut album, Symphony in Effect, was the first album by a Canadian hip hop artist to reach platinum status, and his landmark single “Let Your Backbone Slide” was the first rap recording to go gold and the first rap song inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Alongside his musical career, Mr. Williams is also a successful film and television actor, author, and motivational speaker.
The Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts, which recognizes outstanding contribution by an individual or group in voluntary service to the performing arts in Canada:
Jenny Belzberg, C.M.
Jenny Belzberg is known across Canada as a passionate community activist and philanthropist. An enthusiastic advocate for the arts and education, and an outstanding volunteer, she has shown exemplary leadership in her involvement in a range of cultural and social action organizations, particularly Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. With her late husband, Hyman (Hy) Belzberg, she helped promote and develop the arts in her home town of Calgary, and has been a prominent force in her community for over 50 years.
Watch Jenny Belzberg’s announcement video.
The National Arts Centre Award, which recognizes work of an extraordinary nature by an individual artist or company in the past performance year:
Mélanie Demers – Multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, stage director and performer
Mélanie Demers is the founding artistic director of Montréal-based contemporary dance company MAYDAY. She is known for complex, highly imaginative works that reflect her fascination with the human condition, the role of the artist in society, the interplay between language and movement, and the powerful link between the poetical and the political. In a prolific career spanning nearly three decades, she has created over 30 works that have toured internationally and captivated audiences and critics alike.
Watch Mélanie Demers’ announcement video.
The unique Mentorship Program, generously supported by The Keg Spirit Foundation, provides a way for past GGPAA recipients to inspire the next generation by offering guidance to talented Canadian artists in mid-career. “Through The Keg Spirit Foundation, we are proud to support mentorship programs that enhance personal and professional growth, and enhance the broader community,” said David Aisenstat, Chairman and Founder of The Keg Spirit Foundation. “We are thrilled that widely acclaimed singer– songwriter Susan Aglukark will be sharing her depth of knowledge with her protégée Angela Amarualik for the next year through the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Mentorship Program.”
The participants for 2024 are:
Susan Aglukark, O.C. – Mentor
Inuk singer–songwriter Susan Aglukark (GGPAA 2016) is one of Canada’s most distinctive music artists. She blends English, Inuktitut, and other Indigenous languages with contemporary pop arrangements to tell the stories of her fellow Inuit and other Indigenous groups. The emotional depth and honesty of her lyrics, her pure, clear voice, and her themes of hope, spirit and encouragement have captivated and inspired listeners from all walks of life. She has released 10 albums and is much in demand as a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator.
Angela Amarualik – Protégée
Angela Amarualik was born and raised in Igloolik, Nunavut. Like many other small Indigenous communities, her town had its share of social problems. Ms. Amarualik worked hard to retain a good attitude, improve her circumstances, and be a role model for the younger generation. Starting with the ukulele, she began writing Inuktitut songs in her bedroom closet. Her musical style combines elements of traditional Inuit melodies and throat-singing with pop and folk.
Created in 1992 by the late Peter Herrndorf, C.C., and Brian Robertson, under the distinguished patronage of the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, then-Governor General of Canada, and his late wife Gerda, these prestigious awards are presented annually to Canadians whose accomplishments have inspired and enriched the cultural life of our country. Nominations for these highly acclaimed awards are submitted by members of the public to recognize artists who have made a lifetime commitment and contribution to the performing arts in Canada.
London-based musician and multi-disciplinary artist Natasha Khan – aka Bat For Lashes – today announces her sixth studio album The Dream Of Delphi, out May 31st. The release will be Bat For Lashes’ first since signing a new deal with acclaimed label Mercury KX, heralding a new era for the three time Brit Award and Mercury Prize nominee. Named after her daughter Delphi, born in California in the locked-down summer of 2020, The Dream of Delphi finds Khan reflecting on early motherhood in her most personal album to date.
Today also sees the announcement of her first run of headline UK shows in five years including a landmark date at The Barbican on June 24th.
The new single is accompanied by a stunning video shot earlier this winter in the English countryside, produced in collaboration with creative director and choreographer Alexandra Green and directed by Freddie Leyden. The official video will form the first chapter of a yet-to-be-announced longform album film, with more information to be revealed soon.
Part pagan invocation, part celestial synth epic, new single and album opener “The Dream of Delphi” marks a stunning return and true-to-form reinvention from Khan. Feeling ancient and astral but at the same time novel and exciting. The album invites the listener through a journey of devotional love songs about the spirituality, ancestry and folklore; but also the mundane, selfless and tender aspects of child rearing that all mothers can attest to.
Speaking on the track, Natasha adds: “This is the manifesto of the album. It’s like a spell being cast. It’s the conjuring, the manifestation, the drawing-down of Delphi from the ether. This is me calling on her soul. It’s about going up into the stars and down into the underworld simultaneously, how celestials and deep guttural sounds can come together, how that reflects the journey I went on. It’s about what happens when you’re stretched physically, mentally, even vaginally! I think it’s just humbled me, too, becoming a mother. It’s made me feel more vulnerable than I’ve ever felt before. But I feel more human, more embodied. I can’t escape life by making beautiful things as much as I did. But there’s sort of a beauty to my mortality now.”
“Motherhood I thought would take me away from my art, but it opened up this massive world,” continues Natasha Khan, six albums into a career of vivid creative shifts, examining female archetypes in conceptually rich, musically rewarding explorations – but none of them as personal, raw or vulnerably powerful an experience as “The Dream Of Delphi”.
Constantly searching for untapped places in herself to make work, Khan suddenly found an extra, fleshy, fertile, raw layer after giving birth to her daughter in the Covid lockdown summer of 2020 – snatching moments in pregnancy and early motherhood to improvise and write, embracing gut instinct and emotional directness, then eventually self-producing what could be her boldest rebirth so far. The Dream Of Delphi is certainly her most intuitive and most deeply felt record, an ambitious, tender suite of abstract, almost spiritual songs – Natasha calls them her “song poems” – alongside haunting instrumentals that express the ineffable.
In The Dream of Delphi, we meet the Motherwitch: the name Khan gives to the armour she puts on when she is exploring the depths and peaks of herself in her new capacity as a parent and protector. “I’ve turned the mother in me into this more potent, heightened archetype of the aspects of myself that are a mother. [The Motherwitch] helps me be able to take something so vulnerable and personal out into the world – I felt I couldn’t just do it as Natasha, because it’s so, so deep.”
Moments of quiet domesticity sit amongst flashes of existential wonder in these ten spiralling compositions. Lyrics about the break-up of Natasha’s relationship with Delphi’s father interweave with the place of the mother in the never-ending cycle of life, death and rebirth. Ideas and sounds both ancient and modern also mesh mesmerisingly together, pianos, bass flutes and harps blending with organs, mellotrons and the whirling sound patterns of synthesisers, inspired by her love of female and trans artists like Delia Derbyshire, Constance Demby and Beverly Glenn Copeland, and her longstanding interests in ambient and orchestral film soundtracks.
After teasing new music and live staging last year as part of the Christine & The Queens curated Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, Bat For Lashes will take to the stage again this summer for her first run of headline concerts for five years with a highly conceptual show that combines movement and elements of performance art alongside her virtuosic vocal performance and live band.
Last year Bat For Lashes released Motherwitch, a hand-illustrated reimagining of Tarot using multiple original female archetypes, visual symbols and an abstract spiritualist painters’ colour palette across 40 cards to provide a storyteller’s guide into the mysteries and beauty of our own internal landscapes. The Motherwitch oracle deck lands somewhere between Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt’s ‘Oblique Strategies’ and the Wild Unknown Tarot Deck, while the deck also stands alone as a bespoke art object in and of itself. The 40 cards were entirely designed and conceived by Khan, creating an oracle deck for use as a tool for the creative process and also as a conduit to the subconscious realms. Produced in collaboration with East London wellness brand She’s Lost Control, the deck is available to purchase HERE.
The Dream of Delphi marks a stark new chapter in the already varied, and critically acclaimed story of Bat For Lashes. Welcome to ‘The Motherwitch’s’ domain.
Natasha Khan is primarily a musician, singer and songwriter and has been a professional recording artist under the moniker “Bat For Lashes” for the past 17 years. She has recently returned back to the UK after 6 years in California with her 3 year old daughter Delphi. She is a multi-disciplinary artist working not only in music, but also across practices in the visual arts and film. Khan has recorded six studio albums, as well as soundtracks for film, podcasts and television over the course of her career. The singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, visual artist and director has been praised by critics and audiences worldwide, scoring 5 top 15 UK albums and playing live shows at Coachella, Glastonbury, Latitude and Laneway amongst others. Her musical works have been included in soundtracks for ‘The Twilight Saga’, ‘The Hunger Games’ and campaigns for Thierry Mugler, Chanel, Gucci and Miu Miu. Khan’s songs have been described as distinctively haunting, darkly fantastical and ripe with magic realism, which has garnered three Mercury Prize nominations, three BRIT Awards nominations and two Ivor Novello wins, for Song of the Year and Best Soundtrack in 2019. She has co-directed a majority of her 20 plus music videos, and premiered a short film she wrote and directed at TriBeCa film festival in 2016, all the while keeping up with her visual art practice.
The Dream Of Delphi Tracklist:
The Dream Of Delphi
Christmas Day
Letter To My Daughter
At Your Feet
The Midwives Have Left
Home
Breaking Up
Delphi Dancing
Her First Morning
Waking Up
The Dream of Delphi (Bonus Extended Strings Version)
Bat For Lashes Tour Dates:
12-Jun Oxford Academy 2, UK
18-Jun Town Hall, Birmingham, UK
19-Jun Beacon, Bristol, UK
24-Jun Barbican, London, UK
25-Jun De La Warr Pavillion, UK
27-Jun Factory International Theatre, Manchester, UK
29-Jun Siren’s Call Festival, Luxembourg|
18-Jul Colours of Ostrava, Czech Republic
Editors notes:
GRAMMY award-winning, multi-platinum rock band Kings of Leon are kicking off 2024 with a string of major announcements. Alongside news of a new label partnership with Geffen Records/Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada, the band has announced their upcoming 9th full-length studio album, Can We Please Have Fun, out on May 10. The hard-charging lead single, “Mustang” is available now, accompanied by a high-flying music video that sets the pace for the album. Kings of Leon also announce a 2024 World Tour. The tour, produced by Live Nation in North America, will hit 26 cities across the US and Canada, starting August 14, 2024. Kings of Leon will also tour internationally with a headline set at BST Hyde Park in London on Sunday June 30 announced today. Additional international dates to be announced shortly.
Can We Please Have Fun, as its title suggests, is a document of one of this era’s great rock & roll bands cutting loose, trying new things, and, yes, having some fun. Recorded at Dark Horse studio in Nashville and produced with new collaborator Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Florence + the Machine) the album sees a new side of Kings of Leon. On the new album, the band harkens back to their gritty origins while simultaneously finding new gears. It’s the sound of a band unified in vision and purpose, freed from any expectations, and the album the band says they’ve always wanted to make.
It was the most enjoyable record I’ve ever been a part of,” Caleb says. “It’s like we allowed ourselves to be musically vulnerable,” Nathan adds. “I love it when a rock band is not embarrassed to admit that every song doesn’t have to be on 11.”
The group is gearing up for a monumental year, and they’re ready to take the world by storm. “When you have a band, there’s a bond like no other, and when you have family, you have a bond like no other,” Caleb says. “We have both of those things. I thought, if we put all our energy toward something, who is gonna stop us? Who can stop us except us?”
Since their debut in 2003, Kings of Leon (Caleb (guitar/vocals), Nathan (drums), Jared (bass) and Matthew Followill (guitar)) has released eight albums (Youth & Young Manhood (2003), Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004), Because of the Times (2007), Only by the Night (2008), Come Around Sundown (2010), Mechanical Bull (2013), WALLS (2016), When You See Yourself (2021) sold over 20 million albums and nearly 40 million singles worldwide. The multi-platinum selling band has had five singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, all seven of their studio albums on Billboard’s Top 200 list and two singles that reached #1 on Modern Rock radio. With the release of WALLS, the band garnered their first-ever number one album debut on the Billboard Top 200. In addition, they have had eight Grammy Nominations, three Grammy Award wins, three NME Awards, two Brit Awards, and one Juno Award. They have toured all over the world, playing at top venues and headlining major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Glastonbury. The band will release their highly anticipated ninth full-length studio album, Can We Please Have Fun, on May 10 via Geffen Records/Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada.
Can We Please Have Fun – Tracklist:
Ballerina Radio
Rainbow Ball
Nowhere To Run
Mustang
Actual Daydream
Split Screen
Don’t Stop The Bleeding
Nothing To Do
Television
Hesitation Generation
Ease Me On
Seen
Kings of Leon – 2024 US/Canada Tour Dates:
Date City Venue
August 14 Austin, TX Moody Center
August 16 Houston, TX Toyota Center
August 17 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
August 20 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Financial Theatre
August 22 Inglewood, CA Kia Forum
August 23 Palm Springs, CA Acrisure Arena
August 25 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre*
August 26 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl*
August 28 Portland, OR Moda Center
August 29 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena
August 31 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
September 2 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
September 3 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
September 5 Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre
September 13 Huntsville, AL Orion Amphitheater
September 14 Cincinnati, OH The Andrew J Brady Music Center
September 16 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall at Fenway
September 18 New York, NY Forest Hills Stadium
September 20 Washington, DC The Anthem
September 23 Philadelphia, PA TD Pavilion at The Mann
September 25 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
September 26 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
September 28 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
October 1 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
October 2 Laval, QC Place Bell
October 5 Bridgeport, CT Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Kings of Leon – International Tour Dates:
Date City Venue
June 30 London BST Hyde Park
About Kings of Leon
Buddy and Stacy’s electrifying performance of ‘Shotgun’ on Night Train transported audiences back to the vibrant music scene of 1965. The dynamic duo’s seamless harmonies and infectious energy captivated listeners, while the stage crackled with anticipation as a young Jimi Hendrix wielded his guitar with unparalleled skill. With each strum and riff, Hendrix’s raw talent illuminated the stage, infusing the song with a magnetic intensity that left the audience in awe. Together, Buddy and Stacy, backed by Hendrix’s mesmerizing guitar licks, created a musical experience that transcended time, etching their names into the annals of music history.
Each of these songs offers a unique perspective on the beauty of nature, inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world in all its diversity and splendor.
“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell: This iconic folk song, featuring Mitchell’s poignant vocals and acoustic guitar, reflects on environmental concerns, particularly the loss of natural beauty and the impact of human activities on the environment. The chorus, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving nature.
“Morning Has Broken” by Cat Stevens: With its gentle melody and uplifting lyrics, “Morning Has Broken” celebrates the beauty of a new day and the wonders of nature awakening. Stevens’ soothing voice combined with the imagery of morning sunlight breaking through the darkness evokes a sense of renewal and reverence for the natural world.
“Fields of Gold” by Sting: This mesmerizing ballad captures the essence of pastoral beauty, with lyrics that paint vivid pictures of golden fields swaying in the breeze. Sting’s evocative imagery and soulful delivery evoke a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the simple yet profound beauty of nature’s landscapes.
“Colors of the Wind” by Vanessa Williams: Featured in Disney’s “Pocahontas,” this song is a powerful ode to the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting nature. Through poignant lyrics and a stirring melody, it encourages listeners to embrace diversity and to see the world through the eyes of the earth itself.
“Wildflowers” by Tom Petty: With its lilting melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Wildflowers” celebrates the untamed beauty of nature and the freedom it represents. Petty’s raspy vocals and acoustic guitar create a sense of intimacy, inviting listeners to revel in the simple joys of the natural world.
“River” by Joni Mitchell: In this introspective ballad, Mitchell reflects on the passage of time and the ever-changing nature of rivers as symbols of life’s journey. The haunting melody and poetic lyrics capture the ebb and flow of emotions, mirroring the constant movement of water in nature.
“Blue Ridge Mountains” by Fleet Foxes: This ethereal folk song transports listeners to the picturesque landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with lush harmonies and intricate instrumentation that evoke the majesty of the natural world. The song’s evocative imagery and dreamy atmosphere invite contemplation and reflection.
“Blackbird” by The Beatles: While “Blackbird” may seem like a simple acoustic ballad at first glance, its lyrics carry profound messages of hope and resilience inspired by the beauty and resilience of nature. Paul McCartney’s tender vocals and delicate guitar work create a sense of intimacy, inviting listeners to take solace in the healing power of nature.
“Where the Green Grass Grows” by Tim McGraw: This country anthem celebrates the simple joys of rural life and the beauty of the natural world. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, the song paints a vivid picture of idyllic countryside landscapes, inviting listeners to embrace the tranquility and serenity of nature.
“October Road” by James Taylor: In this reflective ballad, James Taylor takes listeners on a journey through the changing seasons, using vivid imagery and poetic lyrics to evoke the beauty of autumnal landscapes. The song’s gentle melody and Taylor’s soothing vocals create a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the cyclical rhythms of nature.
Celebrated singer-songwriter Frank Turner has just announced his upcoming U.S. headline tour for May and June, produced by Live Nation. Kicking off on Thursday, May 23 at XL Live in Harrisburg, PA, Turner’s Undefeated Tour will feature his long-standing band The Sleeping Souls and hit markets across the south, midwest, west coast and east coast, and culminate in an appearance at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, June 22. The tour will feature support from Amigo the Devil, Bridge City Sinners and Micah Schnabel & Vanessa Jean Speckman in select markets.
Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning today. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale this Friday, February 9 via Turner’s official site HERE, and a full listing of dates can be found below.
Finding the sweet spot between youthful outspokenness and surviving midlife’s challenges, Undefeated, Frank Turner’s brand new album being released through Xtra Mile Recordings on Friday, May 3, is a record that explores both emotionally compelling topics and lighter reflections on those troubles that eventually come to most of us: who you are versus who you wanted to be in your youth, life-altering love, fading friendships, wistful nostalgia, the mental fallout and political consequences that still linger from the pandemic era, and the more prosaic issue of persistent backache. Undefeated serves as Turner’s 10th studio album and the follow-up to his critically acclaimed #1 UK album, FTHC.
“Now I’m surprised to report that as I enter my forties, I’ve returned to being an angry man,” Frank Turner sings on the recent track “No Thank You For The Music.” And that’s a concise statement as to what to expect from the forthcoming Undefeated.
“There are no clichés about the difficult 10th album, so in some ways, that’s a liberating statement,” he continues. “But at the same time, I have a duty to justify writing and releasing a 10th album. That’s a lot of records for anybody. Also, I’m 42. Which is not a sexy, rock’n’roll age. But all through my career, I’ve been interested in writers like Loudon Wainwright III or The Hold Steady, people who write about adulthood, essentially.”
While thematically Undefeated is informed by this time in life, sonically, it’s full of echoes to influences that Turner has touched upon at various moments in his kaleidoscopic career. It switches from Black Flag to Counting Crows, from Descendents to The Pogues, via Elvis Costello and Billy Bragg. Its freewheeling nature is reflective not only of his newfound independence, but also of the creative environment he found himself in.
In true DIY spirit, Undefeated represents a new chapter for the punk veteran — the result of Turner’s decision to step away from the major label world and re-embrace the liberation of working as an independent artist. Additionally, the album was recorded in the home studio that he and his wife, Jessica Guise, share on Mersea Island, Essex, and was written and produced entirely by himself. It also features his longstanding, loyal bandmates The Sleeping Souls — Ben Lloyd (guitar), Tarrant Anderson (bass), Callum Green (drums) and Matt Nasir (piano).
The release of Undefeated will of course see this punk road warrior tour with the tenacity and intense schedules that he’s known for (such as the sprawling 50 States in 50 Days North American tour) but with even bigger ambitions that will be revealed in due course as he nears his 3000th (!) show. But for now, anticipate the new album: a typically energizing, literate, playful and provocative set from a musician who remains Undefeated after a quarter-of-a-century in the game.
Frank Turner will be making the following U.S. appearances this May and June. Dates below.
MAY
23 — Harrisburg, PA — XL Live (w/ Micah Schnabel & Vanessa Jean Speckman) =
25 — Boston, MA — Boston Calling ~
26 — Huntington, NY — The Paramount *
28 — McKees Rock, PA — Roxian Theatre ^
29 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore ^
31 — Chicago, IL — Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom ^
JUNE
01 — Minneapolis, MN — Uptown Theater ^
03 — Denver, CO — Summit ^
04 — Denver, CO — Summit ^
05 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot ^
07 — Seattle, WA — Showbox SoDo ^
08 — Portland, OR — McMenamins Crystal Ballroom ^
10 — San Francisco, CA — Regency Ballroom ^
11 — San Diego, CA — SOMA ^
12 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren ^
14 — Austin, TX — Emo’s Austin ^
15 — Dallas, TX — South Side Ballroom ^
17 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theatre ^
18 — St. Petersburg, FL — Jannus Live ^
20 — Greensboro, NC — Piedmont Hall ^
21 — Baltimore, MD — Rams Head Live! ^=
22 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore ^
= — Non-Live Nation date
~ — Festival date
* — w/ Bridge City Sinners, Micah Schnabel & Vanessa Jean Speckman
^ — w/ Amigo the Devil, Bridge City Sinners, Micah Schnabel & Vanessa Jean Speckman
Erick Aragón, the talented musician known as Codiciado, is hitting the road with his highly anticipated “Ando Enfocado” US Tour produced by Live Nation. The first leg of the tour kicks off on April 26 in Wheatland, California at the Hard Rock Live Sacramento, bringing his live show to major cities across the nation, including San Diego and Ontario, wrapping up in Phoenix, at the Arizona Financial Theatre.
Aragón, formerly the driving force behind the hugely successful Grupo Codiciado, has taken the solo spotlight by storm, breaking stereotypes through his lyrics, fashion, attitude, and live performances. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary regional Mexican sounds, combined with his powerful vocals and his stage presence, has garnered him a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Tijuana-born Codiciado’s music transcends borders, reflecting the realities of immigrant life through powerful lyrics. His narratives resonate deeply with fans, connecting them to his music through shared stories of struggle and aspirations.
Since launching his solo career in 2021, Codiciado has released a string of chart-topping hits, including “Bélico El Asunto” in collaboration with Grupo Arriesgado and the viral sensation “Vamos Aclarando Muchas Cosas,” with over 201 million YouTube views. His music delves into relatable themes of life, love, and overcoming challenges, resonating deeply with audiences of all ages.
Erick de Jesús Aragón Alcantar, born on February 19, 1993, in Tijuana, Baja California, is the man behind Codiciado. From early struggles and odd jobs, he discovered his passion for music. After migrating to the U.S, he achieved recognition with “Banda La Fantástica” in Los Angeles and co-founding “Grupo Codiciado” in 2015. Since 2021, Erick’s solo career has soared, collaborating with industry giants. His triumphant return to the U.S. in 2023 included a sold-out Peacock Theater show, reinforcing his status as a rising star in regional Mexican music.
TOUR DATES:
Fri April 26 Wheatland, CA Hard Rock Live Sacramento
Sat April 27 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Fri May 03 Ontario, CA Toyota Arena
Sat May 04 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center at Fresno State
Sun May 05 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Financial Theatre
ABOUT CODICIADO
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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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