What happens when you take the smooth, jazzy groove of Al Stewart’s Year of the Cat and blend it with the haunting vocals of Nirvana’s Come As You Are? Magic. Absolute, unexpected, genre-bending magic. Bill McClintock has done it again — this is one of those mashups that makes you hear both songs in a whole new way.
Belles Debuts “Happy Hour” Music Video Shot at The Bowery Vault
Country artist Belles (Kelli Belles) debuts a brand-new music video for her newest single, “Happy Hour”, which cleverly plays on the familiar phrase, telling the story of longing for just one fleeting hour of joy and connection with someone. With lyrics like, “I’d give for one happy hour, one where your kiss is sweet and not sour,” the song captures the bittersweet desire for a moment of harmony.
The music video, shot at the Bowery Vault in East Nashville, emphasizes the solitude of this yearning emotion, reflecting the quiet ache for peace in a relationship. With its steady tempo, resonant drums, and melodic guitar, the track evokes a vintage feel that beautifully enhances the emotional narrative of the song. The music video was directed by Sydney Tooley and the director of photography was Corbin Schmidt.
“I’m beyond excited for my fans and listeners to finally hear ‘Happy Hour,’ Belles shares. “It’s a true reflection of my growth as an artist, and I’m so proud of all the new music I’m releasing as I step into this next chapter. Creating this project was an amazing experience, from the music to the music video, and I can’t wait to see how it connects with everyone. It’s an era of growth, and I’m thrilled to share it with you all!”
The release of “Happy Hour” follows Belles’ previous single release “Porcelain,” a vulnerable track, highlighting themes of love and deep affection. The music video for “Porcelain” was featured on CMT Music’s 12-Pack, alongside her earlier release “What in the Truck,” which reached number 2.
Elton John and Brandi Carlile Share ‘Who Believes In Angels?’ Stories From The Edge Of Creation Short Film
Global music icon Elton John and eleven-time GRAMMY winning superstar Brandi Carlile’s short film Who Believes In Angels?: Stories From The Edge Of Creation is available now for streaming exclusively on YouTube. This intimate, short film offers fans a rare, and raw behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of each track from their highly anticipated collaborative album, Who Believes In Angels?
“Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation” is a 30-minute film series that encapsulates the creative brilliance and unbridled talent of all the musicians who worked on the record. Static cameras positioned around the studio captured thousands of hours of raw footage and ultimately documented the album’s entire creation, offering fans an unprecedented, searingly honest insight into the emotionally turbulent creative process- breakdowns, breakthroughs, tears, torn up lyric sheets and all.
Stories From The Edge Of Creation marks the first time that Elton has allowed cameras to film his writing and recording sessions while creating an album.
Marc Martel Brings ‘One Vision of Queen’ to the Avalon Theatre August 15
Get ready for a night of Queen’s greatest hits as Canada’s own Marc Martel, renowned for his stunning Freddie Mercury tribute, heads to the Avalon Theatre on August 15. Martel, who has captivated audiences around the world with his uncanny resemblance to Mercury’s iconic voice, brings his own tribute to Queen’s legendary sound. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.
“Martel’s ability to channel the legendary Freddie Mercury while showcasing his own artistry makes this a must-see event for Queen fans and music lovers alike,” said Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations at Niagara Casinos. “Marc Martel is back at the Avalon Theatre this August, and we can’t wait for him to perform Queen’s most legendary songs once again!”
Experience one of the world’s most spectacular Queen tribute shows as One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel heads to the Avalon Theatre. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Marc Martel is celebrated for his astonishing vocal resemblance to Freddie Mercury. His incredible talent and musical artistry have captivated millions. His legendary voice was featured in the 2018 Academy Award-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody, bringing Mercury’s iconic sound to life. Even Queen’s own drummer, Roger Taylor, praised Martel, saying, “That voice. You listen, close your eyes, and you think it’s Freddie. It’s really uncanny.”
Having wowed audiences across Asia, Europe, and South America, One Vision of Queen delivers an electrifying performance packed with Queen’s biggest hits. From the epic “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the anthemic “We Will Rock You”, the powerful “We Are The Champions” to the groove of “Another One Bites The Dust”, and “Under Pressure”, “Somebody To Love”, and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”—this show is a must-see for any Queen fan.
Hurricane Wisdom Drops “Mind Gone” Video Featuring Dthang from Hit Project ‘Perfect Storm’
Hurricane Wisdom shares “Mind Gone,” the latest music video from his hit project Perfect Storm. Produced by LXCI, “Mind Gone” is a slinky, summery anthem that borrows sounds from sexy drill, encouraging Hurricane to embrace his ladies man tendencies. He is joined on the track by Bronx rapper Dthang, who makes himself at home on the drill beat.
In the video, Hurricane and Dthang take a group of baddies on a series of dates in their Wraiths, making time for laser tag, go-kart racing, and bowling during an eventful evening. “Mind Gone” follows the video for “On God,” a collaboration with Atlanta rapper Raq Baby, which reached the Top 15 of YouTube’s Trending chart for music, and racked up over 1 million views, and “Winter’s Over,” Hurricane’s new collaboration with Murda Beatz and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Charting on the Billboard 200 for three weeks and counting (#126 peak), Perfect Storm illustrates why Hurricane Wisdom is one of the most exciting artists in his home state’s bustling rap scene. From the opening track, the invigorating chipmunk soul “No Fatigue,” the North Florida rapper delivers addictive melodies and unapologetic lyrics with the kinetic urgency of an artist hellbent on achieving rap stardom. Perfect Storm is home to “Giannis (Remix),” a new version of Hurricane’s 2024 breakout hit with a guest verse from Polo G. The remix has over 5 million streams across platforms, and came hot on the heels of “Salute” (4.6 million video views), his collab with fellow North Florida rapper Loe Shimmy. Featuring additional guest spots from NoCap, Fredo Bang, Skilla Baby, Sleepy Hallow, and more, Perfect Storm is available on all platforms via Open Shift Distribution.
Born and raised in Havana, Florida, just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Hurricane Wisdom earned a big fanbase (169k YouTube subscribers, 350k Instagram followers) with his emotionally honest lyrics and entrancing melodies. His 2024 project Eye Of The Storm featured “Giannis,” a kinetic anthem dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, which became Hurricane Wisdom’s biggest hit to date, with over 15 million YouTube views and 6 million Spotify streams. “Giannis” earned rapturous reviews from critics, as well, including Pitchfork, who called the song “the feel-good Florida anthem of the moment” and listed it at #36 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2024.
With co-signs from Rod Wave and NLE Choppa, an opening slot on tour with BossMan Dlow (including this weekend’s performance at Rolling Loud California), and coverage in Billboard, BET, UPROXX, AllHipHop, and more, the conditions are perfect for Hurricane Wisdom to make a major impact on the rap game. Keep an eye out…a storm is coming.
Punk In The Park Denver Announces Daily Lineups Featuring Bad Religion, Dropkick Murphys, Descendents, And More
Single day band lineups have been announced for Punk In The Park Denver, July 18-20 at National Western Stockyards in Denver, Colorado.
The biggest Punk In The Park event to date will feature performances from over 40 bands on two stages, with no overlapping set times. The lineup includes punk rock legends Bad Religion, Descendents, Streetlight Manifesto, Dropkick Murphys, Pennywise, The Aquabats and many more. See below for the daily band lineups.
Single day tickets for North America’s premier outdoor punk rock and craft beer festival go on sale Tuesday, April 8 at 10:00 AM Mountain Time at www.PunkInThePark.com/Denver.
For the Saturday and Sunday events, Punk In The Park Denver will offer craft beer sampling as a $15 (per day) add-on purchase for those 21+, showcasing the best local, regional, and national craft beer, hard seltzer, and cider from Noon to 3:00 PM.
The daily music lineups for Punk In The Park Denver are as follows:
Friday, July 18
Streetlight Manifesto
The Aquabats
Mad Caddies
Voodoo Glow Skulls
The Pietasters
Mustard Plug
Catbite
Kill Lincoln
Bite Me Bambi
Younger Than Neil
Then I Fly
Saturday, July 19
Descendents
Pennywise
Screeching Weasel
Propagandhi
7Seconds
The Real McKenzies
Riverboat Gamblers
Manic Hispanic
We Are the Union
The Bombpop
Mercy Music
Flatfoot 56
Potato Pirates
Greg Antista And The Lonely Streets
Cheap Perfume
Cleaner
Sunday, July 20
Bad Religion
Dropkick Murphys
Circle Jerks
The Adicts
Strung Out
The Casualties
Guttermouth
The Queers
The Dwarves
Slaughterhouse
Destiny Bond
Clusterfux
Public Opinion
Time X Heist
Turnpike Troubadours Announce Surprise Album ‘The Price of Admission’
One of America’s most beloved bands, Turnpike Troubadours will release their new album, The Price of Admission, digitally this Friday, April 11 via Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers (pre-save HERE, with physical pre-order to launch soon).
The surprise release adds to an already historic year for the band, who will perform their largest shows to date this weekend with “The Boys From Oklahoma”—a one-of-a-kind, sold-out, four-night run at Stillwater, OK’s Boone Pickens Stadium, kicking off this Thursday, April 10.
Furthermore, Turnpike Troubadours will continue to tour through this summer including back-to-back headline shows at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre next month and several dates with Zach Bryan across the U.K. including a stop at London’s BST Hyde Park. They will also join Willie Nelson’s 10th Anniversary Outlaw Music Festival Tour this summer alongside Nelson, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, The Red Clay Strays and more. See below for tour itinerary, full details can be found at www.turnpiketroubadours.com/tour.
The eagerly awaited follow up to their widely acclaimed 2023 album, A Cat in the Rain, The Price of Admission was produced by Shooter Jennings and further cements the band as an undeniable force in the music world, showcasing their “superior, tightly-knit musicianship and ever maturing, evocative lyricism” (Billboard). Track list details to be announced soon.
Turnpike Troubadours has amassed a massive following throughout their career with more than 2.2 billion streams globally and over 1.7 million equivalent units sold to date. Furthermore, the band was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, appeared in the penultimate episode of “Yellowstone” this past fall performing three songs (“Good Lord Lorrie,” “Brought Me” and “Pay No Rent”) and has become a recurring presence in Paramount’s new show, “Landman,” with six of their songs featured to date.
Since their 2005 debut, Turnpike Troubadours has released six studio albums including 2023’s A Cat in the Rain, which was released to overwhelming acclaim. The Associated Press praised, “they’ve returned with the kind of ferocity that feels destined to put them right back on that long-term upward trajectory…The earnestness is palpable,” while Spinproclaimed, “the Oklahoma group is better than ever…one of the most beloved groups in country and roots music.” Originally from Tahlequah, OK, Turnpike Troubadours is Evan Felker (vocals, guitar), Kyle Nix (fiddle), Ryan Engleman (electric guitar), RC Edwards (bass), Gabe Pearson (drums) and Hank Early (steel, accordion).
TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
April 10—Stillwater, OK—Boone Pickens Stadium – The Boys From Oklahoma*
(SOLD OUT)
April 11—Stillwater, OK—Boone Pickens Stadium – The Boys From Oklahoma*
(SOLD OUT)
April 12—Stillwater, OK—Boone Pickens Stadium – The Boys From Oklahoma*
(SOLD OUT)
April 13—Stillwater, OK—Boone Pickens Stadium – The Boys From Oklahoma*
(SOLD OUT)
May 8—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
May 9—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 20—Dublin, Ireland—Phoenix Park+
June 21—Dublin, Ireland—Phoenix Park+
June 22—Dublin, Ireland—Phoenix Park+
June 25—Manchester, U.K.—New Century
June 26—Birmingham, U.K.—O2 Institute
June 27—London, U.K—Islington Assembly
June 29—London, U.K—BST Hyde Park+
July 10-13—Milwaukee, WI—Harley Davidson Homecoming
July 11—Waite Park, MN—The Ledge Amphitheater
July 25—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (Outlaw Music Festival)
July 26—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion (Outlaw Music Festival)
July 27—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park (Outlaw Music Festival)
July 29—Virginia Beach, VA—Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater (Outlaw Music Festival)
August 3—Portland, ME—Back Cove
August 8—Darien Center, NY—Darien Lake Amphitheater (Outlaw Music Festival)
August 9—Hershey Park, PA—Hersheypark Stadium (Outlaw Music Festival)
August 10—Syracuse, NY—Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater (Outlaw Music Festival)
August 15—San Francisco, CA—Golden Gate Park
August 17—Springfield, IL—Illinois State Fair
August 23—Waco, TX—McLane Stadium – The Boys From Oklahoma*
September 4-6—Madison, IN—Unbroken Circle Music Festival
September 20—Durant, OK—The Grand Theater – Choctaw Casino & Resort
October 11—Birmingham, AL—Iron Hills Country
October 12—Birmingham, AL—Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
*co-headline with Cross Canadian Ragweed
+with Zach Bryan
J Balvin Teams Up with SOUR PATCH KIDS for Sour Eggs Sweepstakes and Back to the Rayo Tour
SOUR PATCH KIDS is partnering with Global Superstar J Balvin to launch the SOUR PATCH KIDS® Sour Eggs x J Balvin Back to the Rayo Tour Sweepstakes. Starting today, fans can enter to win one of twenty-five prize eggs that include a signed Rayo album CD, Back to the Rayo tour merch and SOUR PATCH KIDS Sour Eggs Soft & Chewy Easter Candy. The sweepstakes will run from April 3rd to April 20th, 2025, and a link to enter can be found here. Winners will be notified on April 21st.
This collaboration brings J Balvin’s playful and inspired music to the delectable world of SOUR PATCH KIDS candies, creating an experiential partnership with multiple points of engagement. “Everyone knows I am still a kid at heart and that I love to snack. Sour Patch Kids represents those two things together. I can’t wait to have my fans be a part of the tour through the brand,” said J Balvin.
In addition to the national sweepstakes, SOUR PATCH KIDS will have a presence at the Back to the Rayo Tour performance in Houston ahead of Easter on April 17th, 2025. SOUR PATCH KIDS will be onsite with the mascot in the Toyota Center to offer attendees the chance to try SOUR PATCH KIDS Sour Eggs.
“At SOUR PATCH KIDS, we’re always looking for inventive ways to spark mischief among our fans,” said John Vasington, Brand Manager, Mondelēz International. “We jumped at the opportunity to create a sour egg experience with the iconic and always energetic J Balvin. The Back to the Rayo Tour offers a unique way to delight fans with tickets to one of J Balvin’s unforgettable performances.”
The SOUR PATCH KIDS Sour Eggs are a tasty way to add a little mischief to your early spring and Easter celebrations. Each treat-sized Easter candy pack features Easter-themed graphics and contains chewy candy eggs with mouth-puckering black raspberry flavor for a sour-then-sweet treat. Whether you’re filling eggs for Easter egg hunts, handing out party favors, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these sour candies are sure to be a hit!
Vir Das Announces ‘The Outsider, a Memoir for Misfits’ via HarperCollins India
HarperCollins India announces the publication of The Outsider, A Memoir for Misfits, by Vir Das. Beloved comedian Vir Das shares his journey as a perpetual outsider, using humour to navigate heartbreak, failure and the quest for belonging.
When comedian and actor Vir Das found himself stranded on a pier in Cozumel, Mexico, watching his cruise ship sail away without him due to visa issues, it became a metaphor for his life: he’s always been, and will always be, an outsider. Standing on that beach, he took in the absurdity of it all—broke, hungover, dumped, jobless, trousers full of sand. He knew the best way to deal with the situation wasn’t to retreat. It was to laugh.
Vir’s story is one of cultural dissonance and identity exploration. As a child, he bounced from India to Lagos, Nigeria, and back again. He navigated life between worlds, never quite fitting in.
You’ve heard stories of kids who despise boarding school, but have you ever heard the story of a kid who despised it so much he faked appendicitis and went through with the surgery to get out? That’s Vir. In Africa, he was the kid from India, and back in India, he was the kid from Africa. As the only Indian kid co-starring in War and Peace on stage at Knox College in Illinois, his outsider status was undeniable. Whether he’s washing dishes at a Grand Lux Café in Chicago, navigating Bollywood, getting cancelled by an entire country and then embraced by that country all over again, or performing on stages from New York to Mumbai to Stavanger, Norway, Vir has learned to lean way into his place as an outsider, and to find humour and meaning on the fringes.
The Outsider is more than just a memoir about Vir’s rise to comedic fame; it’s a powerful reflection on how being a misfit can shape one’s identity into something truly unique. Vir’s story speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place, serving as a testament to the resilience and humour that can arise when you resist the urge to fit in, and stay true to who you are.
Vir Das, author, says, “I’ve had a strange life that took me across the world more than anyone I know. I don’t know how one ends up being the Indian kid in Nigeria, the African kid in boarding school, the boarding school kid in Delhi Public School, the Delhi kid in Galesburg, Illinois, the Chicago guy in Alabama, the America-return in Mumbai, the Bollywood guy in comedy, the stand- up comedy guy in Bollywood, the Bollywood guy in Indie Music and the Indian in American comedy. All I know is, when you are blessed enough to step into all those worlds, you write a book about it. I hope to take you across the world through the eyes of a fortunate fool.”
Poulomi Chatterjee, Executive Publisher – HarperCollins India, says, “Vir has been a force to reckon with in the Indian entertainment industry, a pioneer, an entertainer par excellence, a truth-teller in the way of the best of humourists. The Outsider is a brilliant read, Vir’s story told straight from his heart – it’s candid, hugely relatable, often heartbreaking and, of course, very frequently funny. Living, loving and working with passion and on your own terms, like Vir does, takes a whole lot of courage – in the end that is the inspiration one walks away with from his story. I had a marvellous time reading and working on it and I’m delighted to be publishing it. For his legions of fans, here and across the world, and anyone who has that strange, out-of-place feeling about their lives and wants to have fun negotiating it, this is the perfect read.”
Emmy-winning comedian and actor Vir Das has emerged as one of the most beloved voices in comedy worldwide. The New York Times says, ‘No artist embodies the globalization of stand-up like Vir Das.’ His fourth and most recent Netflix comedy special Landing premiered to universal praise from fans and critics alike earning Vir a 2023 International Emmy Award win for Best Comedy, his first win and second nomination. His previous Netflix special Vir Das: For India was nominated for a 2021 International Emmy Award for Best Comedy as well. Vir has performed over hundred comedy shows in all major cities across India. In addition to his success on the standup comedy stage, Vir has created, produced, and starred in multiple series, including ABC’s Whiskey Cavalier, Netflix’s Hasmokh, and Amazon’s Jestination Unknown. He has also played major roles in Hindi films such as Delhi
Belly, Go Goa Gone, and Badmaash Company. He starred in Judd Apatow’s Netflix feature The Bubble, and he is currently developing various feature and television projects.
Mentos Brings Back Iconic ’90s Jingle with Help from Adam Waheed, That’s a Bad Idea And Aubrey Gavello
oo doo doo doo, doo-doo, doo-waah! Mentos is bringing back its beloved 90s jingle, a tune that defined a generation, was the ultimate earworm, and claimed to help fix everyday problems, even if it was a little cheesy. Decades after it was first introduced, the fan-favorite is officially back, fueled by nostalgia and blending its original magic with a fresh update for a whole new generation.
“The power of nostalgia is undeniable,” said Jen Redmond, Gum and Mints Category Director at Perfetti Van Melle. “We know the iconic jingle can’t fix everyday problems, but we hope a sweet taste of the past, and a roll of Mentos, will help make them a little better.”
Mentos relaunched the jingle on April 1 across social, digital and audio streaming platforms iHeart Radio and YT Music. While it stays true to the original melody which debuted almost 35 years ago, the 2025 version taps into social media influencers Adam Waheed, That’s a Bad Idea and Aubrey Gavello to bring a fresh perspective while keeping the classic charm intact.
Mentos is a beloved brand in more than 160 countries around the world which has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new flavors, variations, and packaging over the years.
Whether you grew up singing along or are hearing it for the first time, the return of Mentos’ iconic jingle is a moment to celebrate. Keep your ears out as new versions of the song are released throughout the summer, including custom lyrics by comedic musicians Carter Vail and Kyle Gordon.