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INXS Returns To Sydney To Celebrate A Momentous Occasion, Reaching Over 4 Billion Streams Globally

Eric Alper
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INXS Returns To Sydney To Celebrate A Momentous Occasion, Reaching Over 4 Billion Streams Globally

INXS band members Andrew, Tim & Jon Farriss, Kirk Pengilly, and Garry Gary Beers came together for the first time in six years last week for an intimate lunch event in Sydney, Australia, hosted by Universal Music (Australia) and Petrol Records, to celebrate their incredible contribution to the global music industry by reaching an astonishing milestone of 4 billion streams.

“It’s truly mind-blowing that our music has been streamed over 4,000,000,000 times – and incredibly humbling,” Tim Farriss reflects. “I’m grateful I’m not the one tallying them all! Our success can be attributed to crafting amazing songs as a band that’s grown up together, made a pact, and devoted our lives to performing them. This achievement truly demonstrates the enduring relevance of our music to this day.”

A special acknowledgment was also made to Michael Hutchence and Petrol Records Chairman and Founder, the late Chris Murphy, who guided INXS’ music globally for decades and ensured INXS continued to evolve and generate new audiences for years to come.

Andrew Farriss shares, “As we celebrate this monumental milestone of 4 billion streams together, we all acknowledge that it’s a feat that would have made Michael incredibly proud, as it does for all of us.”

Forty-six years ago, on August 16, 1977, The Farriss Brothers, a band that would soon be renamed INXS, played their debut gig at a house party in Whale Beach, Sydney. Since that day, INXS has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, making them one of Australia’s biggest-selling music acts of all time.

The band has a long list of milestone achievements they have accomplished in the past decade alone, including INXS The Very Best album, surpassing its 581st week on the Australian ARIA Top 100 album chart, which equates to over 11 years in the Top 100 – the longest stay of any album in the current top 100.

Each band member received a unique award crafted by Aboriginal artist Timothy Cook. His artwork features circles to symbolize the moon and the pwanga (dots), representing the japalinga (stars).   The artist and this particular painting were chosen for the achievement award due to their connection to Full Moon Dirty Hearts, which is on the cusp of its 30th anniversary. For more information on Timothy Cook’s work, click HERE.

“Michael’s absence is deeply felt by all of us,” Andrew Farriss continues, “and it’s a common thread and sentiment that’s vividly captured within the pages of Calling All Nations, which serves as a testament to the enduring love for and of our fans.” And that’s not all – the band are set to release INXS – All Juiced Up Part 2, a collection of nine strictly limited-edition color vinyl 12” records. The follow-up to All Juiced Up, a limited-edition remix CD/Cassette that accompanied INXS’s 1994 multi-platinum-selling Greatest Hits album, All Juiced Up Part 2 features remixes of “Need You Tonight,” “Listen Like Thieves,” “New Sensation,” “What Your Need,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Original Sin,” and many more from the band’s illustrious career.

 

The band, spurred on by their revered long-time manager Chris Murphy, were always proponents of the 12” version, and they even released a collection of their mixes ‘Dekadance’ as far back as 1983. Murphy had the incredible foresight to see that a rock band with a strong presence on the dancefloor could take the world by storm. He was proven correct and ensured they always worked with the world’s hottest remixers throughout the band’s lifespan, including Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx, Francois Kervorkian, Peter Lorimer, and many more. The title itself, All Juiced Up, also came from Chris Murphy. All Juiced Up Part 2 was remastered at Abbey Road and will only be produced for a one-time limited edition color vinyl run. The first volume of three will be available on November 10, followed by the two remaining sets being released in 2024.

 

Virtually all of the tracks on INXS All Juiced Up Part 2 have been deleted and unavailable in some cases for decades. As the collection builds, there will be surprises in store for even the most hardcore INXS fan, and when it is complete, the reverse of the nine 12” records will form a giant image of the band in their prime. Pre-order All Juiced Up Part 2 HERE 

 

As if that wasn’t enough –  the band recently celebrated the anniversaries of Kick (October 12, 1987), Shabooh Shoobah (October 13, 1982), and Listen Like Thieves (October 14, 1985) and will be celebrating the forthcoming 30th Anniversary of Full Moon Dirty Hearts (November 2, 1993) with a Dolby Atmos mix by Giles Martin that will be released on November 3, along with the HD remastered version of the innovative Album Visual from 1994 celebrating each song visually.

Feist Announces “The Multitudes Finale Tour”

Eric Alper
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Feist Announces “The Multitudes Finale Tour”

Today, Feist announced The Multitudes Finale Tour, which will feature the 11-time Juno Award winner performing in the round with 360-degree immersive sound. The production was conceived by Feist and developed with artist/filmmaker Colby Richardson, artist Heather Goodchild and Artistic Producer Mary Hickson.

Multitudes – Feist’s sixth full-length album and first release since 2017’s critically acclaimed Pleasure – was released on April 14 via Interscope Records. The new songs were largely written during an intensely communal 2021-2022 tour of the same name, which was hailed as a “work of genius” by the Toronto Star. The run included a three-night stand at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. After the tour, Feist retreated to Northern California’s Redwood Forest to record the album, which she produced alongside Robbie Lackritz (Peach Pit, The Weather Station, Bahamas, Jack Johnson, Robbie Robertson) and Mocky (Jamie Lidell, Vulfpeck, Kelela), who had partnered with her on 2011’s Metals.

The official video for “In Lightning” captures Feist’s joyful performance of the song at the water’s edge on a deserted beach. She directed the video with Julia Hendrickson and Sara Melvin. View HERE. The New York Times’ Jon Pareles said, “She sings about lightning as illumination, as power and as revelation; is it ‘in lightning’ or ‘enlightening’? The track begins with clattering drums and banshee vocal harmonies, then veers between hushed contemplation and a brawny, Celtic-flavored stomp.” Pitchfork observed, “Feist talks of keeping her energy intact in a hectic world as strings zip by like a bug zooming in your ear…It all retains the common feeling in her music of pieces falling together, each element getting its own space to shine. The queen of controlled calamity has officially returned.”

Multitudes took shape soon after the birth of Feist’s daughter and the sudden death of her father. Amid meditations on mortality, connection and the frenetic state of the human condition, the album ultimately radiates an ineffable sense of hope.

Feist 2024 Tour Dates:
02/06 Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
02/07 Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place
02/09 Calgary, AB – Palace Theatre
02/11 Victoria, BC – Royal Theatre
02/12 Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
02/16 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
02/17 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
02/20 San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
02/23 Los Angeles, CA – Belasco
03/03 Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

“BELIEVE!” Ted Lasso x Barbie in New Signature Doll Collection Is Now Available

Eric Alper
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“BELIEVE!” Ted Lasso x Barbie in New Signature Doll Collection Is Now Available

Cheers to the “Lasso Way!” Celebrate the hit show Ted Lasso with a Barbie doll of everyone’s favorite coach, owner and PR maven.

Ted Lasso Barbie doll wears a sporty blue tracksuit with a working zipper and AFC Richmond logo details. His coaching look is complete with classic aviator sunglasses, a whistle, soccer ball and sneakers. Dressed for a rousing team practice, Ted looks “Fabu-Lasso” on and off the pitch!

Celebrate the hit show Ted Lasso with a collectible Rebecca Welton Barbie doll! A brilliant businesswoman with “action-figurey” arms, she is the owner of British soccer team AFC Richmond. Rebecca Welton Barbie doll wears a chic champagne blouse with black tailored pants and classic black pumps. Her sophisticated look is complete with statement accessories like golden earrings and a handbag. Standing tall and fierce, Rebecca Barbie doll is ready to lead her team with confidence and style.

Sorta famous for being almost famous, model turned PR consultant Keeley Jones is a powerful woman on the rise. Keeley Jones Barbie doll wears a bold pink satin midi dress with a mandarin collar, chic golden heels and black faux fur cape. Her fabulous night-out look is complete with her trademark high ponytail, signature golden hoops and darling pink clutch. Whether walking the red carpet or cheering on the Richmond blue, Keeley Barbie doll does it all with confidence and style.

You can get them here.

Green Day Shares ‘The American Dream Is Killing Me’ From Forthcoming ‘Saviors’ Album

Eric Alper
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Green Day Shares ‘The American Dream Is Killing Me’ From Forthcoming ‘Saviors’ Album

Global rock superstars Green Day – Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool – have returned with a fiery call to action on “The American Dream Is Killing Me,” the first single and opening track from the group’s 14th studio album Saviors, releasing January 19th, 2024 via Reprise/Warner Records – pre-order HERE. The band debuted “The American Dream Is Killing Me” and “Look Ma, No Brains!” off the new album live last weekend during their triumphant and electrifying Las Vegas, NV, takeover, consisting of a sold-out surprise show at the 800 capacity Fremont and back-to-back headlining performances at When We Were Young Festival.  Listen to “The American Dream is Killing Me” and watch the accompanying music video, directed by Brendan Walter and Ryan Baxley, HERE.   There will also be several exclusive vinyl versions of Saviors available including neon pink with neon green splatter, and black ice with hot pink splatter, with most in very limited supply and pressed only once.

“The American Dream Is Killing Me” was one of the last tracks written and recorded by Green Day for Saviors. “As soon we cut it, we said, `Okay, that’s going first,’” says Billie Joe Armstrong who describes the new song as “a look at the way the traditional American Dream doesn’t work for a lot of people — in fact, it’s hurting a lot of people.”

Recorded in London and Los Angeles, Saviors is the latest powerful collaboration between Green Day and Grammy-winning producer Rob Cavallo, whose notable previous work with Green Day includes two of the band’s most iconic albums, 1994’s Dookie and 2004’s American Idiot. The record comes just ahead of Dookie’s 30th anniversary – celebrations have already begun with the release of a massive deluxe edition of the album and a surprise show in Las Vegas where the band performed Dookie from front to back to a sold-out crowd of superfans.

Alongside the track the band has unveiled a film noir inspired black and white music video featuring Green Day in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The killer video was directed by Brendan Walter and Ryan Baxley and shot in Los Angeles.

Green Day will also be performing this Thursday, October 26 as part of Amazon Music Live’s concert series, and on November 19, the band is heading up north to headline the Twisted Tea Grey Cup Halftime Show for the 110th Grey Cup at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.

Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, CA, Green Day is one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide and 10 billion cumulative audio/visual streams. The five-time Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees released their breakout album Dookie in 1994, which sold over 10 million and achieved 10x Platinum Diamond status, is widely credited with popularizing and reviving mainstream interest in punk rock, catapulting a career-long run of #1 hit singles. Entertainment Weekly calls Green Day, “The most influential band of their generation,” while Rolling Stone attests, “Green Day have inspired more young bands to start than any act this side of Kiss, and that doesn’t seem to be changing.” In 2004, Green Day released the rock opera American Idiot which captured the nation’s attention, selling more than 8 million copies in the U.S. alone and taking home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Mojo declared “It’s exhilarating stuff, the kind of record that sets new parameters as to what is possible from a punk rock’n’roll band in the 21st century.” In 2010, a stage adaptation of American Idiot debuted on Broadway to critical and commercial acclaim. Released in 2020, Green Day’s thirteenth studio album Father Of All… debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Album Sales Chart and #1 in both the U.K. and Australia. Pitchfork declared, “Green Day’s most fetching and youthful songs in ages. The trio sounds reinvigorated, more like hungry newcomers staking their claim.” In July 2021, Green Day embarked on The Hella Mega Tour (w/ Fall Out Boy & Weezer). The global tour included 29 sold-out stadium gigs – including renowned venues like London Stadium and Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium. Watch out for more exciting music news coming soon.

Photo Gallery: Shania Twain with Talk at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: Shania Twain with Talk at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Twitter

Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Shania Twain
Talk
Talk
Talk
Talk
Talk
Talk
Shania Twain

 

Want a Guitar Lesson From Tom Morello? Here You Go.

Eric Alper
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Want a Guitar Lesson From Tom Morello? Here You Go.

Tom Morello is renowned for his influential guitar work with bands like Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. In Rage Against the Machine, he pioneered a unique and incendiary guitar style, characterized by his use of heavy riffs, innovative effects, and politically charged lyrics. His guitar wizardry was a vital component of the band’s ferocious sound, combining elements of rock, rap, and funk to create a sonic rebellion that resonated with countless fans. Later, with Audioslave, Morello continued to showcase his virtuosity, blending his distinctive guitar prowess with the powerful vocals of Chris Cornell, resulting in a more melodic yet still hard-hitting rock sound. Morello’s contributions to these bands have left an indelible mark on the world of rock music, earning him a place among the most iconic and innovative guitarists in the industry.

The Short Film To Promote Donavan’s Album ‘A Gift From a Flower To A Garden’ In 1967

Eric Alper
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The Short Film To Promote Donavan’s Album ‘A Gift From a Flower To A Garden’ In 1967

Donovan’s “A Gift From a Flower to a Garden” is a two-disc album released in 1967 that represents a significant departure from his earlier folk-oriented work. This double LP is a whimsical and experimental journey into the realm of flower power and psychedelia, reflecting the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The first disc, “Wear Your Love Like Heaven,” is characterized by its upbeat, optimistic tunes, and the second disc, “For Little Ones,” delves into more introspective and contemplative themes. The album’s intricate arrangements and poetic lyrics, coupled with Donovan’s distinctive vocal style, make “A Gift From a Flower to a Garden” a captivating exploration of the era’s ideals and a testament to Donovan’s evolving musical artistry.

London’s Unapologetic Rockers Nameless Friends Takes On Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Discrimination With Blistering ‘Demons’

Eric Alper
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London’s Unapologetic Rockers Nameless Friends Takes On Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Discrimination With Blistering ‘Demons’

Nameless Friends pull no punches. The rock band from London, Ontario, leaves no altar un-scorched with their latest single “Demons”, a scathing critique of right-wing, religious discrimination toward 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

The closest thing the band’s debut album – Blasphemy – has to a title track, “Demons” is relentless in its assessment of queerphobic ‘Christianity’. It’s a six-minute, gospel prog epic satirizing gaslighting and toxic positivity in organized religion, that devolves into a wicked organ solo halfway through (think Deep Purple meets Dream Theatre meets Boston).

And just in case that didn’t make the band’s point clear enough, the accompanying music video features a “sexy gay baptism”; 12,000 rainbow rose petals; an “unhinged”, televangelist-esque sermon from ‘the Reverend Chad’; and a stunning performance from Toronto drag queen Jordana Myles, filmed on the altar of converted-church-recording-studio Catherine North in Hamilton, Ontario.

The band – who perform under the aliases of Number One, Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, Number Five, Number Six, and Number Seven – intends to make a statement with its debut album. Loudly.

“Blasphemy is a concept and protest album about the surge of right-wing, religious bigotry in politics and popular culture,” the band explained. “Nameless Friends has female, queer, and immigrant members, members of colour, and members with chronic illnesses and neurodivergence. We wrote this album in solidarity with the communities being targeted and oppressed in the name of capitalist, patriarchal, white supremacist ‘religious freedom.’”

And they are willing to put their platform where their mouth is. In the weeks preceding “Demons” release, the band has amassed hundreds of thousands of views on social media for speaking out against a new school naming policy championed by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, which many civil rights organizations argue harms transgender children.

They are also donating all of the ad revenue from “Demons” music video to two “life-saving” queer support organizations, Rainbow Railroad and Trans Lifeline.

But that doesn’t mean Nameless Friends, or their music, is bleak. In fact, the band pushes back that calling out negatives doesn’t have to be gloomy. “Joy, hope, and love are also vital human experiences,” said Number One, the band’s frontwoman and Blasphemy’s producer. “We’re trying to present those truths with as much courage as the hard stuff…We’re trying to make music about the justice we want to see in the world, that’s also really bloody fun to listen to.”

This is the band’s first original album but not their first rodeo. Nameless Friends previously released a live LP of Queen covers that they recorded in front of a sold-out crowd at Toronto’s “legendary” Horseshoe Tavern. They have been spending 2023 touring around Canada, first hitting venues around Ontario and Quebec in May and June, and now heading to the prairies in October.

If you ask them, Blasphemy sounds like classic Queen, early Pup, and early Rage Against the Machine fronted by Heart or Janis Joplin. “The production is bright, bold, clean, and classic: less hyper-compressed than the big rock/pop records, and energized with unvarnished performances, including no tuning software or pitch correction on any of the lead vocals.”

The group had help from a talented team to round out the project. Andrew McLeod, also known as Sunnsetter, mixed it, while Darcy Proper, the first female engineer to win a Grammy, mastered the work.

The nine-track album delivers on the message it promises, with its latest single “Demons” serving as a key piece to the puzzle.

The band knows exactly who it wrote Blasphemy for: “If anyone has ever dared to tell you that their sky daddy doesn’t love you, this record is for you.”

Nameless Friends Tour Dates:
October 12 – Sault Ste. Marie @ Reggie’s Place Tavern
October 13 – Thunder Bay @ Black Pirates Pub
October 14 – Winnipeg @ The Handsome Daughter
October 18 – Calgary @ Modern Love
October 19 – Edmonton @ The Aviary
October 20 – Regina @ O’Hanlon’s Pub
October 21 – Saskatoon @ Amigo’s Cantina
October 28 – London @ Palasad Socialbowl
November 16 – Toronto @ the Bovine Sex Club

Robbi Niles Unleashes ‘Fiji,’ Blending R&B, Pop, Hip-Pop, Alt.Rock and Soca

Eric Alper
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Robbi Niles Unleashes ‘Fiji,’ Blending R&B, Pop, Hip-Pop, Alt.Rock and Soca

Robbi Niles, known for his captivating sound and smooth voice, is set to mesmerize the world once again with his latest single, “Fiji.” This release marks another milestone in Nile’s impressive career, showcasing his versatility as a musician and his unique blend of musical influences.

Born on the tropical paradise island of Barbados, Robbi Niles embarked on his musical journey at a young age, playing the Tenor Steel Pan when he was just three years old. Over the years, he has explored various musical instruments, including the saxophone, piano, drums, and guitar.

A talented guitarist, composer, lyricist, and producer, Niles made his debut in the music scene at the age of sixteen with his first single, “Wonder.” This song quickly gained recognition in the Adult Contemporary world and charted on the ACQB Top 200. Since then, Niles has continued to hone his craft, building an impressive catalog that effortlessly fuses R&B, pop, hip-hop, alternative rock, reggae, and Soca – a testament to his Caribbean roots and diverse musical influences.

Robbi Niles has not gone unnoticed by the music industry, with notable features in publications like Notion, FLEX, Clout, Purple Melon, Volatile Weekly, and many others. To date, his music has garnered over 1,350,000 streams and views, thanks in part to his distinctive visuals and infectious hooks.

His journey to find his unique sound has taken Niles across the globe, from the vibrant music scenes of LA to the bustling metropolises of London and Toronto. Along the way, he has shared stories of life’s triumphs and disappointments, always delivering a message of hope through his music.

In his own words, Niles speaks of the deeply personal and emotional journey that led to his latest release, “Fiji.” The track is a testament to his resilience and ability to channel his emotions into music, allowing listeners to connect with his experiences on a profound level. As Niles continues to evolve as an artist, “Fiji” promises to be another stepping stone in his remarkable journey. With its fusion of genres and heartfelt storytelling, this single invites listeners to immerse themselves in the world of Robbi Niles, where music serves as both therapy and connection.

Robbi Niles invites fans, old and new, to embark on this musical journey with him as he continues to explore the depths of his artistry. “Fiji” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Avalon Stone Takes Us Through The Stages of a Nasty Breakup on Grungy, Metallic “Forget You”

Eric Alper
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Avalon Stone Takes Us Through The Stages of a Nasty Breakup on Grungy, Metallic “Forget You”

Sometimes you just get that sickly, sinking feeling you’re about to be played, and that’s what Avalon Stone’s new hard-rocking debut single “Forget You” – available now – from her forthcoming Album Chained is all about, produced by JUNO Award-winning producer Kevin Dietz (Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, Billy Talent).

Heavy, grungy, and metal-tinged, “Forget You” takes us on a journey from that initial niggling feeling all the way to aftermath of the breakup, where Stone experiences both regret and steely resolve:

Feel it burn
Want you to return
Now I’ll have to learn
To try to forget you

The song is a storm of sludgy guitars, pummeling drums, and Stone’s soaring and passionate vocals. Then, it suddenly turns quiet and introspective as Stone contemplates her sadness and the injustice of it all, only to be broken by her soulful, soul-shaking wail.

Avalon Stone isn’t just an artist; she’s a force of nature. Entering the performance scene at the young age of 10, she began fronting her own band by the time she was 12. Her sound is deeply rooted in the gritty embrace of ’90s grunge like Alice In Chains, Cranberries? and Nirvana, yet she manages to rejuvenate the classic genre with a contemporary, sharp edge.

Fans can look forward to frequent releases this Winter getting ready for her upcoming Album that blends a heady alchemy of nostalgia and innovation, weaving raw emotions into alt-rock anthems. Her soaring vocals resonate deep within, echoing long after the last note has played. This is an astonishing first single, and a new female Canadian rock artist on the scene that makes her one to watch.

Something you said on the call we really liked – If this first release is a sign of things to come, we’ve got a new female Canadian rock artist to watch out for.

In addition to making music, Avalon is passionate about mental health advocacy. As the founder of Music For Mental Health Canada, Avalon harnesses the power of her music while collaborating with other musicians to champion mental health causes.

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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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