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The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart Deliver Classic Indiepop On ‘Perfect Right Now’

Eric Alper
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The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart Deliver Classic Indiepop On ‘Perfect Right Now’

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are back in the spotlight with the rarities compilation ‘Perfect Right Now: A Slumberland Collection 2008 – 2010’ out now. This collection serves as a definitive archive of the b-sides and scarce tracks that defined the Brooklyn indie scene during the late 2000s. The tracklist features lost classics like “The Pains of Being Pure at Heart” and the standout single “Kurt Cobain’s Cardigan.” These songs originally appeared on out of print 7-inch singles and the ‘Higher Than The Stars’ EP before being gathered for this release. The music captures a wild pop fantasy rooted in the spirit of the C86 movement and early Slumberland records. This compilation vibrates with a fuzzy and melodic energy that feels completely timeless.

A brand new video for “Kurt Cobain’s Cardigan” is also out now, directed by longtime collaborator Art Boonparn. The visuals combine Super 8 footage from Shannon McMahon with live clips of the band performing in Nottingham. Fans can see the band on the road as they resume an extensive UK tour with support from The Cords and Fear of Men. A North American West Coast run follows in February with Living Hour opening the shows. Kip Berman notes that these songs were written during a period of pure musical dreaming and friendship. The inclusion of “Say No To Love” points toward the louder, more expansive chapter that followed their debut. Every arrangement on this record celebrates the raw joy of fuzzy guitars and infectious vocal harmonies.

Lia Pappas-Kemps Explores Vulnerable New Territory On The Introspective Single “Revolving Doors”

Eric Alper
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Lia Pappas-Kemps Explores Vulnerable New Territory On The Introspective Single “Revolving Doors”

“Revolving Doors” is out now via Coalition Music Records, marking a significant evolution for Toronto-based singer-songwriter Lia Pappas-Kemps. This latest track arrives following the momentum of the 2025 single “Reservations” and highlights a signature blend of cinematic folk-pop. Recorded at Taurus Studios with producer Elia Pappas, the arrangement features a hypnotic acoustic guitar foundation and the atmospheric pedal steel of Ray Goudy. The song documents the internal shifts and cycles of uncertainty that often accompany falling in love with someone new. This recording achieves a lush and resonant warmth that grounds the vulnerability of the lyrics.

The single represents a second look at a full-length album scheduled for late spring 2026. Mixed by Howie Beck and mastered by Kristian Montano, the track combines 1970s troubadour textures with modern alternative sensibilities. This release follows the critical success of the ‘Gleam’ EP and early standout singles like “Jinx” and “Object at Best.” Inventive guitar tunings and atmospheric soundscapes reflect the technical growth of an artist previously noted by Exclaim and The Toronto Star as a major breakout songwriter. This composition possesses a natural and confident presence that signals a new chapter in a compelling coming-of-age story.

The Lemonheads Reclaim Alternative Rock Territory On The Brand New Original Record ‘Love Chant’

Eric Alper
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The Lemonheads Reclaim Alternative Rock Territory On The Brand New Original Record ‘Love Chant’

The Lemonheads are now streaming ‘Love Chant’ via Fire Records, marking the arrival of the first album of all-new original material from the band in nearly two decades. This record is available everywhere in a wide range of physical formats including a CD, a limited edition White LP, a Picture Disc LP, and a Yellow LP. Evan Dando also partnered with Rough Trade for an exclusive Blue LP edition. Recorded at São Paulo’s A9 Áudio with producer Apollo Nove, the album features “Deep End,” “In The Margin,” “The Key of Victory,” and “Togetherness Is All I’m After.” These tracks possess the emotional clarity and melodic instinct that define Dando’s legendary body of work. The songwriting features collaborations with a massive list of friends including J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr, Juliana Hatfield, John Felice of The Real Kids, and John Strohm of the Blake Babies. This record rings out with a brilliant and unmistakable sonic authority.

Critical acclaim for the album has been widespread, with Mojo awarding it a four-starred review and describing the music as loose, exuberant, and animated. The Lemonheads celebrated the release with a marathon world tour that included recent stops at WORKPLAY in Birmingham and a finale at the Basement East in Nashville with special guest Erin Rae. Beyond the new music, Dando’s candid and unputdownable memoir ‘Rumors of My Demise’ is now available at bookstores through Gallery Books. This autobiography offers a remarkably honest portrait of the artist and the history of the band during the pre-internet 1990s. The Observer calls the memoir riveting and an entertaining look at the raw reality of fame. This collection of music and prose confirms the status of one of alternative rock’s most distinctive voices.

The Timeless Spirit Of The Beach Boys Co-Founder Shines On ‘Live At The Roxy Theatre’

Eric Alper
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The Timeless Spirit Of The Beach Boys Co-Founder Shines On ‘Live At The Roxy Theatre’

The 25th Anniversary Edition of ‘Live At The Roxy Theatre’ is out now through Oglio Records, documenting a definitive chapter in the career of the Beach Boys co-founder. This 2025 arrival stands as the first official release since the passing of the musical visionary on June 11, 2025. The recordings originate from two sold-out nights in April 2000 at the legendary Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. This historic performance is now available as a 3LP box set for the first time, alongside a 2CD set and digital formats.

A powerhouse 10-piece band including members of the Wondermints provides the instrumental backbone for this celebrated residency. The tracklist moves from foundational hits like “California Girls” and “Surfer Girl” into the complex vocal layers of “Good Vibrations” and “I Get Around.” Newer originals such as “The First Time” and “This Isn’t Love” also appear in the set to highlight the strength of the solo years. This anniversary package features newly unearthed performances and on-tour recordings spanning from 2000 to 2009.

Producers Mark Linett and Carl Caprioglio supervised the mixing and expansion of this archive to include these previously unreleased tracks. New liner notes by David Leaf identify these specific West Hollywood shows as the spark for the subsequent ‘Pet Sounds Live’ and ‘SMiLE’ era. The recording captures the precise acoustics of the room and the tight execution of the ensemble. This album radiates a pure and vibrant musical spirit that confirms the brilliance of the arrangements.

The 3LP box set offers a tangible way to experience the high-fidelity sound of a legendary second act. These discs contain a factual account of a master songwriter reclaiming the stage with a world-class group of musicians. Every track showcases the meticulous attention to detail that defined these late-career performances. This release provides a comprehensive look at a decade of touring through a mix of club dates and expanded archival tapes.

Tyla Drips in Luxury With Her Assertive New Single “Chanel”

Eric Alper
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Tyla Drips in Luxury With Her Assertive New Single “Chanel”

Grammy-winning global superstar Tyla has returned with her latest single, “Chanel,” a high-fashion anthem that reinforces her status as a pioneer of the Amapiano-pop fusion. Released via Epic Records, the track features crisp, skittering production from Ian Kirkpatrick and P2J, luring listeners to the dancefloor with a hypnotic hook that serves as a metaphor for love and value. The accompanying music video, directed by Aerin Moreno and styled by Ron Hartleben, is a masterclass in elegance, featuring vintage Chanel pieces and precise choreography. Following her appearance on Cardi B’s ‘Nice Guy’ and her collaboration with Wizkid on “Dynamite,” this release marks a confident next step in Tyla’s publicized return to the studio.

“Chanel” follows the July release of Tyla’s first-ever mixtape, ‘WWP’ (We Wanna Party), a four-track project that bridged the gap between her self-titled debut and her upcoming full-length LP. The mixtape spawned the summer anthem “Is It,” which amassed over 20 million views, and established a transitional sound that Tyla describes as “summer-banger worthy.” The singer has remained highly active on the feature circuit, recently linking up with Ghanaian artist Moliy for the track “Body Go.” By centering the empowerment of women and honoring her South African roots, Tyla continues to redefine the global pop landscape with a factual commitment to her unique “Tiger” aesthetic.

The release arrives just as Tyla wraps up the initial leg of her headline ‘We Wanna Party Tour’, which saw her perform to sold-out crowds across Asia throughout late 2025. With a setlist featuring new favorites like “Push 2 Start” alongside the multi-platinum hit “Water,” the tour solidified her presence in major markets like Tokyo, Manila, and Singapore. As she enters 2026, Tyla’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down, with “Chanel” currently climbing the global charts and her publicized studio sessions promising more innovative sounds in the coming months.

Kashus Culpepper Announces Soul-Stirring Debut Album ‘Act I’

Eric Alper
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Kashus Culpepper Announces Soul-Stirring Debut Album ‘Act I’

Acclaimed Southern crooner Kashus Culpepper has announced the arrival of his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Act I’, set for release on January 23, 2026, via Big Loud Records. The Alabama-born artist, whom Elton John famously described as “if Bill Withers made country music,” has crafted an expansive 18-track collection that seamlessly blends country, soul, blues, folk, and rock. Recorded in the historic Muscle Shoals and produced by Brian Elmquist, the album features guest appearances from Grammy-winning artist Sierra Ferrell on “Broken Wing Bird” and blues-rock titan Marcus King on “Southern Man.” Culpepper co-wrote every track on the record, which utilizes a rich instrumental palette including banjo, pedal steel, cello, and harp to bring his raw, road-worn stories to life.

To celebrate the announcement, Culpepper released the playful yet earnest single “Mean To Me,” accompanied by a music video directed by Lewis Cater. The track joins earlier hits like the Triple A radio standout “Believe” and the viral masterpiece “After Me?” in defining a project that John Mayer has called “as good as it gets.” Culpepper’s journey from singing in church at age five to learning guitar during a Navy deployment in Spain has culminated in a sound that captures the “sandpaper growl” of the South. ‘Act I’ stands as a factual milestone for an artist who sold out headline shows before ever releasing a formal single, signaling the beginning of a major new chapter in American roots music.

Tigirlily Gold Embarks On A Bold New Era With Flirtatious Anthem “Mess Out of Me”

Eric Alper
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Tigirlily Gold Embarks On A Bold New Era With Flirtatious Anthem “Mess Out of Me”

Powerhouse sister duo Tigirlily Gold is closing out a monumental 2025 with the release of their flirtatious new single, “Mess Out of Me.” Issued via Sony Music Nashville, the track marks a sophisticated sonic evolution for Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, following the massive success of their 2024 debut album ‘Blonde’. Co-written with Emily Shackelton and Benjamin Daniel Goldsmith and produced by Pete Good, the song is a high-energy celebration of confidence and femininity. Inspired by the “fearless woman” energy of icons like Shania Twain and Faith Hill, the sisters utilize big melodies and shimmering harmonies to signal a “new season” of music that leans into a bolder, sassier country-pop sound.

The release of “Mess Out of Me” caps off a year of significant transitions and highlights for the North Dakota natives. After moving to Sony Music Nashville in early 2025 following the closure of Monument Records, the duo has dominated country radio with tracks like “Forever From Here” and the viral hit “Shoot Tequila.” Beyond their studio work, Tigirlily Gold is bringing their “girl group energy” to the screen with a special appearance in A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, airing on the Hallmark Channel. Featuring original music and a guest appearance by Brad Paisley, the holiday special serves as a factual bookend to a breakthrough year that saw the sisters win ACM New Duo of the Year and solidify their status as a premier force in the modern country landscape.

Great White Alumni Launch New Band Once Bitten With ’80s Tribute Single

Eric Alper
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Great White Alumni Launch New Band Once Bitten With ’80s Tribute Single

Once Bitten, a high-octane new group composed of veterans from the ’80s hard rock scene, has officially released their debut single, “Rockin’ Like the 80s.” Available through Sterling Music Group, the track serves as both a sonic time capsule and a heartfelt tribute to the era that defined the members’ careers. The lineup features a powerful collection of talent, including Tony Montana from the multi-platinum Great White era and powerhouse vocalist Andrew Freeman. Rounding out the group are longtime members of Jack Russell’s Great White: guitarist Robby Lochner, bassist Dan McNay, and drummer Ken Mary. Together, they have crafted a track that Montana describes as an “open letter of thanks” to the fans who have supported them across multiple iterations of the Great White legacy.

The new single follows the tragic passing of legendary frontman Jack Russell in August 2024, an event that deeply impacted the band and their community. “Rockin’ Like the 80s” was specifically written to bridge the gap between the nostalgic energy of the 1980s and the modern rock landscape. Beyond their new material, Once Bitten has hit the road to perform a setlist that balances original hits with the Great White classics they helped make famous, such as “Rock Me” and “Save Your Love.” By focusing on authentic, guitar-driven performances and the “pure rock attitude” that earned their predecessor a Grammy nomination, Once Bitten is establishing itself as a factual continuation of a historic legacy for a new generation of listeners.

Charlie Nieland Mines for Light on the New Album ‘Stories From The Borderlines’

Eric Alper
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Charlie Nieland Mines for Light on the New Album ‘Stories From The Borderlines’

Renowned NYC songwriter and producer Charlie Nieland has officially released ‘Stories From The Borderlines’, a dazzling and deeply personal album that explores the intricate geography of human connection and severance. Known for his work producing legends like Debbie Harry and Blondie, Nieland has crafted a collection of cinematic soundscapes that act as a form of imaginative resistance against a darkening world. The record serves as a visceral blend of post-punk, glam, and dream pop, drawing on influences ranging from David Bowie to the Cocteau Twins. Recorded primarily at Saturation Point Studios in Brooklyn, the album features longtime collaborators Billy Loose on drums and Dan McAssey on guitar, as well as stunning synth work from Joe McGinty of The Psychedelic Furs.

Coinciding with the release, Nieland has unveiled the official video for the single “Shame,” a visually striking piece directed by Hypnodoll and filmed by Alice Teeple. The track delves into themes of weaponized obsession and self-loathing, pairing dark lyrical inquiry with firecracker energy. ‘Stories From The Borderlines’ was preceded by ‘The Ocean Understands’ EP and the epic lead track “Win,” which features activism-focused verses from Staten Island rapper spiritchild. As an artist who has been awarded a Gold record for his work with Blondie and scored iconic projects like The Safety of Objects, Nieland continues his evolution on this solo effort, meticulously mining for light through a lens of 80s and 90s synth-driven reverence.

Paris Music Corp. Explores Borderland Soundscapes On The Futuristic New Album ‘Ecotone’

Eric Alper
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Paris Music Corp. Explores Borderland Soundscapes On The Futuristic New Album ‘Ecotone’

Texas-based electronic and ambient composer Paris Music Corp. (a.k.a. John Andrew Paris) has released his latest full-length album, ‘Ecotone’. Rooted in Paris’s return to his childhood home in Brownsville, the record is a deeply personal exploration of the transitional zones where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico and American culture intermingles with Mexican heritage. Written, recorded, and mastered at Tarantula Studios throughout 2024 and 2025, the album’s title refers to the high biodiversity found in overlapping ecosystems—a metaphor Paris applies to the dense, layered loops of processed guitar and live percussion that define his sound. The release is accompanied by a cinematic video for the track “Rituals,” which captures the dark, futuristic imagination and ethereal darkwave elements that have become his trademark.

The album features the lead single “No Soy A.I.,” a dark slab of swirling electro that stands as the only track on the record with vocals, provided by fellow Texan musician and actor RayPerez. The song serves as a humanistic challenge to the “algorithmic chill” of modern times, specifically addressing the detachment of AI-driven relationships. With a career spanning decades and collaborations with legends like Arthur Brown, Paris has utilized his return to South Texas to craft his most geographically inspired work to date. From the 80s darkwave influence of “Midnight Pad” to the ambient tranquility of “Wetlands,” ‘Ecotone’ is a factual and immersive sonic journey that solidifies Paris Music Corp.’s status as a visionary in the electronic underground.

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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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