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KIDZ BOP Joins Forces with Gamefam for Its Roblox Debut in Really Easy Obby

Eric Alper
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KIDZ BOP Joins Forces with Gamefam for Its Roblox Debut in Really Easy Obby

KIDZ BOP, the #1 music brand for kids, is partnering with Gamefam, the leading metaverse media company for Gen Z & Alpha communities, to make its Roblox debut within Gamefam’s popular Roblox game Really Easy Obby. Fans can enjoy KIDZ BOP in a new way, while celebrating the release of KIDZ BOP’s newest album, ‘KIDZ BOP 50,’ featuring this year’s biggest Certified BOPs sung by kids for kids. The activation within Really Easy Obby will be available to play for free on Roblox via most platforms and devices, including consoles, PCs, mobile and tablets starting on Wednesday, January 15.

Since its launch in 2001, KIDZ BOP has become a global phenomenon, selling over 24 million albums, generating more than 11 billion streams, and captivating families worldwide with its kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest hits. Now, to reach an entirely new generation of Gen Alpha listeners, KIDZ BOP is making a splash on Roblox to celebrate the release of KIDZ BOP’s new album, ‘KIDZ BOP 50’.

“We’re excited to bring KIDZ BOP to Roblox for the first time,” said Rob Dekker, VP of Marketing at KIDZ BOP. “With Gamefam’s success in bringing immersive brand experiences to Roblox, they are the perfect partner to help us engage with our audience in a new way.”

The KIDZ BOP takeover will allow players to:

  • Dance their way through a new Certified BOP obstacle course with themed areas that celebrate KIDZ BOP’s new album, ‘KIDZ BOP 50’
  • Collect music notes throughout the branded obstacle course to earn in-game rewards
  • Unlock in-game power ups, like speed boosts, as well as special items that make the course even more dynamic
  • Listen to ‘KIDZ BOP 50’ for the first time, including KIDZ BOP’s new original song “Certified BOP,” on ‘KIDZ BOP 50’

“Through this innovative partnership, we’re helping KIDZ BOP reach its most important audience in a way that drives short-term engagement and long-term community on Roblox,” said Ricardo Briceno, Chief Business Officer at Gamefam. “Much like how KIDZ BOP transformed kids’ music over 20 years ago, this immersive experience is redefining how today’s youth discovers music and interacts with the KIDZ BOP brand.”

With over 256 million visits to date and 580K average daily visits, Really Easy Obby provides a widely visible space for KIDZ BOP to reach a highly engaged core Gen Alpha audience. With over 35 games in its owned and operated network, Gamefam has further cemented what’s become the #1 portfolio across Roblox and Fortnite, with over 64 million average daily visits, 328 million average monthly hours of gameplay, and over 45 billion visits to date.

Styx and Kevin Cronin Bring Classic Albums to Life on the “Brotherhood of Rock” Tour with Don Felder

Eric Alper
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Styx and Kevin Cronin Bring Classic Albums to Life on the “Brotherhood of Rock” Tour with Don Felder

Legendary rockers Styx and Kevin Cronin, the iconic voice and writer behind REO Speedwagon’s greatest hits, recently wrapped up hugely successful sold-out residencies at The Venetian Theatre. For the first time in their 50-plus-year career in Las Vegas, NV, Styx performed 1977’s THE GRAND ILLUSION in its entirety, while REO Speedwagon performed 1980’s HI INFIDELITY in its entirety.

Due to the overwhelming response from both residencies, Styx and The Kevin Cronin Band wanted to give a very special Valentine’s Day gift to their fans with the announcement that they’re bringing these special album shows for the first time, plus their hits, to the amphitheaters and arenas later this summer as part of their “Brotherhood of Rock” tour.

The “Brotherhood of Rock” tour, along with special guest Don Felder (a former lead guitarist of the Eagles), will kick off May 28 in Greenville, SC at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. It wouldn’t be summer without a live celebration of some of the greatest Rock anthems of all time from each of these multi-Platinum albums, including “Come Sail Away,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),” “Take It on the Run,” along with “Hotel California” and other classics by the Eagles.

As Styx declares, “When people fall in love with a great album, they fall in love with it for life. To play that album in a LIVE concert stirs a unique set of emotions in each member of the audience and it’s really a joy to experience! Styx saw that firsthand back in 2010 when we first played THE GRAND ILLUSION in its entirety, playing those songs in the exact sequence they appear on record. Now in 2025, after performing THE GRAND ILLUSION for five sold-out nights in Las Vegas, we are excited to bring this show to our summer tour. In addition, our touring mates, Kevin Cronin and the music of REO Speedwagon will feature a full performance of their mega successful HI INFIDELITY album and Don Felder will be performing the song he co-wrote, ‘Hotel California’ and other hits from his career. It’s going to be quite a celebration!”

Kevin Cronin said, “We had a blast performing ‘An Evening of HI INFIDELITY…and More’ for our three Las Vegas residencies in 2023/24 as REO Speedwagon. This year, that same band is called the Kevin Cronin Band. Dave Amato (lead guitar/vocals) and Bryan Hitt (drums) have been with me in REO for over 35 years. Derek Hilland (keyboards: Whitesnake, Rick Springfield) and Matt Bissonette (twelve years on bass with Elton John) came on board in 2023, and we have all been together ever since. In 2025, The Kevin Cronin Band will be performing the entire HI INFIDELITY album, including ‘Keep on Loving You’ and ‘Take it on the Run.’ Plus, hits such as ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling,’ ‘Time for me to Fly,’ and ‘Roll with the Changes,’ which I wrote, and sang on the REO Speedwagon records. And, we get to hear our brothers, Styx play their THE GRAND ILLUSION album and all their biggest hits every night too! It’s gonna be an ’80s-style rock and roll jam…come on out and join the party!”

Wed 5/28 Greenville, SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Sat 5/31 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Mon 6/2 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
Wed 6/4 Austin, TX Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Fri 6/6 The Woodlands, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sat 6/7 Ridgedale, MO Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Mon 6/9 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Wed 6/11 Salt Lake City, UT Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Fri 6/13 Concord, CA Toyota Pavilion at Concord
Sat 6/14 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Sun 6/15 Ridgefield, WA Cascades Amphitheater
Sat 6/28 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
Mon 6/30 Colorado Springs, CO Ford Amphitheatre
Wed 7/2 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
Sat 7/5 Birmingham, AL Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Sun 7/6 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Tue 7/8 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
Wed 7/9 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Fri 7/11 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Sat 7/12 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
Mon 7/14 Syracuse, NY Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
Tue 7/15 Bridgeport, CT Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Fri 7/18 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion
Sat 7/19 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
Sun 7/20 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Fri 8/1 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
Sat 8/2 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
Mon 8/4 Franklin, TN FirstBank Amphitheater
Wed 8/6 Richmond, VA Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Fri 8/8 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Sun 8/10 Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake
Tue 8/12 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC
Wed 8/13 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
Fri 8/15 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center
Sat 8/16 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
Tue 8/19 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
Wed 8/20 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
Fri 8/22 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sat 8/23 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sun 8/24 Milwaukee, WI American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Fountains of Wayne Reunite for First Live Shows in Over a Decade

Eric Alper
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Fountains of Wayne Reunite for First Live Shows in Over a Decade

Fountains of Wayne are back for their first live dates in over a decade. The GRAMMY Award-nominated band – Chris Collingwood (lead vocals, guitar), Jody Porter (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Brian Young (drums), now joined by Eve 6’s Max Collins on bass guitar and longtime touring keyboardist Steven M. Gold – have unveiled appearances at two festivals – Milwaukee, WI’s Summerfest (Friday, July 4) and Ocean City, MD’s Oceans Calling Festival (Friday, September 26).

Founded in 1995 by Collingwood and the late Adam Schlesinger, Fountains of Wayne caused an instant sensation with their modernist approach to classic power pop, fueled by post-adolescent wit, keen intelligence, and a seemingly infinite supply of unforgettable hooks.

Over the course of five critically acclaimed albums, Fountains of Wayne created an indelible canon of guitar-driven pop rock ‘n’ roll, unabashedly nostalgic yet rich with forward-thinking invention and restless energy. In 2003, the band achieved worldwide success with the irresistible breakthrough hit single (and equally memorable music video), “Stacy’s Mom,” which catapulted them to the upper echelons of charts around the globe as well as a permanent place in a generation’s pop culture consciousness.

Having spent much of the past dozen years pursuing an array of other musical endeavors, coming together only once for a 2020 livestream benefit performance following Schlesinger’s tragic passing earlier that year, the members of Fountains of Wayne are now poised to return at last, bringing their singalong choruses, technicolor harmonies, and ringing melodies to stages across America and beyond.

Jason Isbell Releases Title Track ‘Foxes in the Snow’ From Forthcoming Album And Announces Solo Tour

Eric Alper
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Jason Isbell Releases Title Track ‘Foxes in the Snow’ From Forthcoming Album And Announces Solo Tour

Jason Isbell has released “Foxes in the Snow,” the title track from his upcoming solo acoustic record Foxes in the Snow – out March 7 via Southeastern Records. His solo US tour; An Evening With Jason Isbell kicks off this weekend on February 15th in Chicago before two nights at New York City’s Beacon Theater, a night at the LA’s Disney Concert Hall, four nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville and many more.

Foxes in the Snow was recorded in New York City at the famed Electric Lady Studios in October, 2024. Recorded entirely on the same all-mahogany 1940 Martin 0-17 acoustic guitar, and in the span of just five days, the album captures an artist at the peak of their powers; the virtuosic guitar playing and commanding vocal delivery on this collection is some of the most impressive of an already remarkable recording career. Isbell is one of the most highly lauded songwriters of his generation, and this stripped back, bare-bones format puts his immense talent for evocative storytelling and the complete mastery of his craft on full display.

This release marks Isbell’s first new music since the award winning Weathervanes, with his band The 400 Unit, in 2023. Isbell’s breakthrough solo album, Southeastern, was released in 2013 and spawned a modern classic in “Cover Me Up”. Since then, he has gone on to win six GRAMMY Awards and broken records as the first artist to ever take home the trophy for Best Americana Album three times. He recently added ‘actor’ to his skillset with a formidable performance opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’ Killers Of The Flower Moon. He will next be seen in RZA’s upcoming One Spoon Of Chocolate.

Feb 15: Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre +
Feb 16: Ithaca, NY – State Theatre of Ithaca +
Feb 17: Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall +
Feb 18: Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center +
Feb 20: Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre +
Feb 21: New York, NY – Beacon Theatre +
Feb 22: New York, NY – Beacon Theatre +
Feb 23: Princeton, NJ – McCarter Theatre +
Feb 27: Washington DC – Warner Theatre +
Feb 28: Washington DC – Warner Theatre +
March 1: Washington DC – Warner Theatre +
March 12: Oakland, CA – Calvin Simmons Theatre +
March 13: Oakland, CA – Calvin Simmons Theatre +
March 14: Los Angeles, CA – Walt Disney Concert Hall +
March 15: Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theatre +
March 20: Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle +
March 21: Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle +
March 22: Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle +
March 28: Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle +
March 29: Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre +
April 3: Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater
April 4: Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater
April 5: Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater
April 6: Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
April 8: Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
April 10: Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
April 11: St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
April 12: Savannah, GA – Savannah Music Festival
April 13: Greenville, SC – Peace Concert Hall
April 15: Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
April 16: Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
April 17: Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
April 30: Colorado Springs, CO – Sunset Amphitheater *
May 1: Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
May 2: Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
May 3: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
May 5: Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater
May 6: Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater
May 7: Billings, MT – Alberta Bair Theater
May 9: Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place – Sid Buckwold Theatre
May 11: Edmonton, AB – Winspear Centre
May 12: Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place
May 13: Vancouver, BC – Orpheum
May 15: Walla Walla, WA – Wine Country Amphitheater
May 16: Spokane, WA – First Interstate Center for the Arts
May 17: Boise, ID – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden
May 19: Eugene, OR – Silva Hall
May 20: Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
June 19: Telluride, CO – Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 21: Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
June 22: Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
June 25: Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
June 26: Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
June 27: Evansville, IN – Victory Theatre
June 28: Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater @
July 4-5: Missoula, MT – Zootown Festival
July 9: Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre
July 11: Sioux City, IA – Orpheum Theatre
July 12: Rockford, IL – Coronado Theatre
July 14: Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre
July 15: Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion
July 16: Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts =
July 18: Beech Mountain, NC – Beech Mountain Ski Resort
July 19: Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront =
July 20: Charleston, SC – Charleston Gaillard Center
July 21: Wilmington, NC – Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
Aug 26: Perth, WA – RAC Arena ~
Aug 29: Brisbane, QLD – Brisbane Entertainment Centre ~
Aug 30: Sydney, NSW – QUDOS Bank Arena ~
Sept 2: Hobart, TAS – MyState Bank Arena ~
Sept 4: Adelaide, SA – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena ~
Sept 6: Melbourne, VIC – Rod Laver Arena ~
Sept 7: Melbourne, VIC – Rod Laver Arena ~

+ Jason Isbell Solo
* w/ Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
@ w/ Band of Horses
= w/ Garrison Starr
~ supporting Paul Kelly

Dua Lipa Celebrates Five Years of Future Nostalgia with Special Triple Vinyl Edition & Massive World Tour

Eric Alper
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Dua Lipa Celebrates Five Years of Future Nostalgia with Special Triple Vinyl Edition & Massive World Tour

Today, 3x GRAMMY and 7x BRIT Award-winning global pop powerhouse Dua Lipa announces a special triple vinyl edition of her GRAMMY Award-winning, certified platinum sophomore album Future Nostalgia in celebration of its upcoming 5th anniversary. Pressed on one yellow splatter vinyl and two traditional black vinyl discs, the 3-LP set will include the album’s original 11 tracks, along with the deluxe Moonlight Edition, and the remix album Club Future Nostalgia. The anniversary edition is available to pre-order here and will be released globally on March 28th.

With the release of Future Nostalgia in 2020, Dua Lipa cemented herself as both a critical success and top radio performer. Future Nostalgia landed on the year-end “Best Of” lists of everyone from Rolling Stone and Billboard to Pitchfork and NPR and was the longest running top 10 album by a female artist on the Billboard 200 in 2021. The album went multi-platinum in over 30 countries and spawned multiple worldwide hit singles including the No. 1 tracks “Break My Heart,” US 4x platinum lead single “Don’t Start Now,” and Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Song of 2021, “Levitating,” which earned certified diamond status and is the longest charting Billboard Hot 100 hit ever among women. Future Nostalgia now has over 22 billion streams across all platforms worldwide, making it the 7th most streamed album ever globally, and was recently named one of the greatest albums of the 21st century by Rolling Stone.

This March, Dua will resume her Radical Optimism World Tour kicking off in Australia and New Zealand, before playing across Europe and the UK throughout May and June, and will make her way to North America this September. While in the UK, nearly a year after she headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, Dua will mark another career milestone as she plays back-to-back nights at Wembley Stadium, both of which sold out immediately. Please see below for the full list of upcoming tour dates. For more information on tickets, please visit www.dualipa.com/tour.

The tour is in support of Dua’s latest album, Radical Optimism, which went No. 1 in 12 countries, including the UK where it became the biggest album debut from a UK female artist in 2024 and garnered the highest week one sales from a UK female artist since 2021. In the US, the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Dua’s biggest sales week yet. The New York Times named it a Critic’s Pick and hailed it as “an album of nonstop ear candy,” along with Variety, who declared it “a joyous blast of pop savvy,” The New Yorker, who praised, “the instrumentation is a gleaming and impenetrable expanse, and the main attraction is Lipa,” and Vogue, who raved it is “a summary, self-assured slice of pop brilliance…[and] catchy as hell.”

With four Brit Award nominations this year, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year for “Training Season,” Artist of the Year, and Pop Act, which she won in 2024, Dua has now become the most nominated BRITS female artist in history with a career total of 23 nominations.

DUA LIPA – RADICAL OPTIMISM TOUR 2025 DATES
March 17, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
March 19, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
March 20, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
March 22, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
March 23, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
March 26, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
March 28, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
March 29, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
April 2, 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena
April 4, 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena
May 11, 2025 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
May 12, 2025 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
May 15, 2025 – Lyon, France – LDLC Arena
May 16, 2025 – Lyon, France – LDLC Arena
May 19, 2025 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
May 20, 2025 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
May 23, 2025 – Paris, France – La Défense Arena
May 24, 2025 – Paris, France – La Défense Arena
May 27, 2025 – Prague, CZ – O2 Arena
May 28, 2025 – Prague, CZ – O2 Arena
May 31, 2025 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
June 1, 2025 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
June 3, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
June 4, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
June 7, 2025 – Milan, Italy – Ippodromo SNAI La Maura
June 11, 2025 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis
June 12, 2025 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis
June 13, 2025 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis
June 20, 2025 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
June 21, 2025 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
June 24, 2025 – Liverpool, UK – Anfield Stadium
June 25, 2025 – Liverpool, UK – Anfield Stadium
June 27, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium
September 1, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
September 2, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
September 5, 2025 – Chicago, IL – United Center
September 6, 2025 – Chicago, IL – United Center
September 9, 2025 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
September 10, 2025 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
September 13, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
September 14, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
September 17, 2025 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
September 18, 2025 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
September 20, 2025 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
September 21, 2025 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
September 26, 2025 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
September 27, 2025 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
September 30, 2025 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
October 1, 2025 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
October 4, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
October 5, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
October 7, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
October 8, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
October 11, 2025 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
October 12, 2025 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
October 15, 2025 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
October 16, 2025 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

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Tracy Chapman’s Iconic Debut Album Returns to Vinyl for Its 35th Anniversary

Eric Alper
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Tracy Chapman’s Iconic Debut Album Returns to Vinyl for Its 35th Anniversary

On April 4, 2025, Elektra/Rhino Records will reissue Tracy Chapman’s eponymous debut album on vinyl in celebration of its 35th anniversary. Originally released by Elektra Records in April 1988, Tracy Chapman has long been unavailable on vinyl. This anniversary reissue has been prepared for release by Chapman and the album’s original producer, David Kershenbaum, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and sourced from an analogue master. The album package will also include an insert of translated lyrics, which accompanied the original international release. Featuring the classic singles ‘Fast Car’, ‘Talkin’ Bout A Revolution’, and ‘Baby Can I Hold You’, the album earned three Grammy Awards and went on to become one of the most successful debuts of all time, peaking at #1 in multiple countries and selling more than 20 million copies worldwide. To this day, it still makes regular appearances on charts around the world, and is one of the most successful albums by a female artist in chart history.

Chapman comments, “I was just out of college when the album came out and for a young singer songwriter it was a dream come true – making a record, recording my own songs, releasing my first album. 1988, that year marked the beginning of what has been a humbling and thrilling experience, seeing fans around the world embrace these 11 songs. I really wanted to mark the 35th anniversary of the album, and so I am grateful to have this opportunity to reissue the record on vinyl.”

At the time of its original release, Rolling Stone wrote, ‘The production is subtle and streamlined, focused unyieldingly on Chapman’s acoustic guitar, her bluesy voice and her carefully wrought tales of characters in contemporary America who seek meaning in the face of society’s fragmentation. Chapman is equally direct about her political beliefs: ‘Poor people gonna rise up/And get their share/Poor people gonna rise up/And take what’s theirs,’ she insists on ‘Talkin’ Bout A Revolution’. Sentiments like these have led critics to view Chapman as a bridge between the Eighties folk revival and the more socially conscious folk movement of the Sixties. What Chapman has going for her is the sheer musicality of her songs and the expressive power of her voice.’ She ended 1988 being named Rolling Stone’s Best New Artist, and in 2021 the album was included in its list of Greatest Albums of All Time, and in 2024 ‘Fast Car’ was included in its list of 100 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Over the course of four decades and eight studio albums, Tracy Chapman has created a body of work that has been as consistently compelling as it is honest and uncompromising, eloquently telling stories with perennial appeal that are at once personal and universal. Impervious to trends, she has commendably stayed her musical course, earning the approbation of fans, critics and peers. Beginning with 1988’s multi-platinum Tracy Chapman, her musical journey has continued with Crossroads (1989), Matters Of The Heart (1992), 1995’s multi-platinum New Beginning (which featured the Grammy-winning single ‘Give Me One Reason’), Telling Stories (2000), Let It Rain (2002), Where You Live (2005), Our Bright Future (2008), and two best-selling compilations, Collection (2001) and Greatest Hits (2015). Along the way, in addition to her four Grammys, Chapman has earned an American Music Award, two Brits, and a Billboard Music Award.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Chapman was awarded an academic scholarship to the prestigious Wooster School in Danbury, Connecticut, and later attended Tufts University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (in 2004 she received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from her alma mater). It was while she was there, in the Boston area, in the late 1980s that she began singing in coffee houses, night clubs and street performing around Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Chapman made her breakthrough performance at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert in London in 1988. In the words of the Guardian, ‘It was during the height of the era of fast-buck capitalism, at a televised concert celebrating Mandela’s birthday, that Chapman came out of nowhere and enthralled the world with her songs about social injustice. Just her, an acoustic guitar and a hushed Wembley Stadium.’ Since then, she has appeared frequently in support of social and humanitarian causes, including Amnesty International’s Human Rights Now! Tour, the annual Bridge School benefit concerts, the Nelson Mandela Free South Africa Concert, Farm Aid, Tibetan Freedom Festival, Vote for Change, the Driving Votes tour, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and many others. Chapman made her theater debut composing the music for a new production of Athol Fugard’s classic 1961 play Blood Knot, which opened at San Francisco’s A.C.T. in 2008, and was directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. In 2012, Chapman performed at the 35th annual Kennedy Center Honors as part of the Buddy Guy tribute. In 2014, she sat on the domestic documentary jury at the Sundance Film Festival. In 2015, she was invited by David Letterman to sing ‘Stand By Me’ during his final season hosting The Late Show, commanding a stage entirely on her own for an emotional performance of a classic song. In November 2020, the night before the US federal elections, Chapman performed ‘Talkin’ Bout A Revolution’ on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Myers to encourage voter participation.

In February 2024, Chapman made a surprise appearance at the 66th Grammy Awards, collaborating with country superstar Luke Combs for an unforgettable duet of ‘Fast Car’. The performance was historic, representing a moment of confluence, coming 35 years to the month since Chapman first performed ‘Fast Car’ at the Grammys and after a year of unprecedented success for Combs with the song. Introduced to a new audience, ‘Fast Car’ achieved new chart peaks across genres (including #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and #2 on the Hot 100), and won two awards at the 2023 CMA Awards (notably Song of the Year for Chapman, who made history as the first Black songwriter to win in the category). Following the Grammy performance, Chapman’s original version re-entered charts around the world (including the Hot 100), as did her debut album. The New York Times wrote, ‘The song felt incredibly spacious – larger than the limitations of genre, welcoming and expansive enough to hold every single person it had ever touched, regardless of the markers of identity that so often divide us. It was a rare reminder of music’s unique ability to obliterate external differences. ‘Fast Car’ is about something more internal and universal. It is a song about the wants and needs that make us human: the desire to be happy, to be loved, to be free.’

By the end of the year, the Grammy performance had made Google’s top 5 trending songs as part of its Year in Search 2024, and ‘Fast Car’ recently entered Spotify’s Billions Club. The performance also topped the New Yorker’s list of Best Performances of 2024, where it was described as “Five and a half blissful minutes. Chapman was back, her voice as lucid and knowing as ever. Combs gazed at her with fanboy reverence as they traded lyrics that told a poignant story. The duet gave the impression – as fleeting as that joyride in the fast car – that one great song could bridge America’s divisions.”

Side One

Talkin’ Bout A Revolution (2:38)
Fast Car (4:58)
Across The Lines (3:22)
Behind The Wall (1:46)
Baby Can I Hold You (3:16)

Side Two

Mountains O’ Things (4:37)
She’s Got Her Ticket (3:54)
Why? (2:01)
For My Lover (3:15)
If Not Now… (2:55)
For You (3:09)

Step Inside Studio 8H: Heidi Gardner, Chloe Fineman & Ego Nwodim Give a Tour of SNL’s Grand Central Set

Eric Alper
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Step Inside Studio 8H: Heidi Gardner, Chloe Fineman & Ego Nwodim Give a Tour of SNL’s Grand Central Set

Architectural Digest is welcomed by Heidi Gardner, Chloe Fineman, and Ego Nwodim to tour the ‘Saturday Night Live’ set. ‘SNL’ has been broadcasting live from studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller since the show premiered in 1975. Over these impressive 50 years, the set has taken on many iterations, from a basement comedy club to the Brooklyn Bridge–always an ode to New York City. Join the ‘SNL’ cast to tour the studio’s current Grand Central set and see how the magic is made each Saturday night.

Montreux Jazz Festival Miami 2025 Expands Lineup with Griff, WILLOW, Chucho Valdés & More

Eric Alper
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Montreux Jazz Festival Miami 2025 Expands Lineup with Griff, WILLOW, Chucho Valdés & More

The second annual Montreux Jazz Festival Miami, February 28 – March 2, 2025 at The Hangar at Regatta Cove in Coconut Grove, proudly announces exciting new additions to its artist lineup. This year’s festival will elevate the live music experience with a mix of legendary and emerging artists across diverse genres.

In an exciting new development, the festival is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with music industry legend Emilio Estefan, who has joined as an investor and co-owner. This collaboration aims to enhance the cultural impact and outreach of the festival, connecting it more deeply with Miami’s vibrant music scene.

Newly added to the lineup, Griff, known for her role in opening Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, will perform before Chaka Khan and Janelle Monáe on Saturday, March 1. Young multi-instrumentalist Justin Lee-Schultz will open for Jon Batiste & Friends on Friday, February 28 and will also appear as a special guest during Batiste’s headlining set, which will feature a 20-piece band. WILLOW will also perform a full set on Friday night. Living legend Chucho Valdés, renowned for his influence in Afro-Cuban jazz, American percussionist, Sammy Figueroa, and singer Emily Estefan, have all been added to “La Descarga” jam session on Sunday, March 2 –– which will be co-hosted by Cimafunk and Batiste and features a robust lineup including Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Paquito D’Rivera as well as newly added Aymee Nuviola, Hamilton de Holanda, and Brenda Navarette.

In a Rolling Stone interview released earlier today, Jon Batiste, co-owner and the visionary force behind the festival, shared insights about the festival’s unique approach to combining high-caliber performances with immersive cultural experiences, affirming Montreux Miami’s reputation as “the Rolls Royce of music festivals.”

Attendees of the festival can look forward to VIP masterclasses, exquisite dishes from Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, and a pop-up installation from Wynwood’s Dante’s HiFi vinyl bar. Each night will conclude with an after-hours jam session led by Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human.

Friday, February 28:
Jon Batiste & Friends
WILLOW
Justin Lee-Schultz

Saturday, March 1:
Chaka Khan
Janelle Monáe
Griff

Sunday, March 2:
Afro-Cuban “La Descarga” hosted by Jon Batiste and Cimafunk with Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ibrahim Maalouf, Cimafunk & La Tribu, Alfredo Rodriguez, Pedrito Martinez, Aymee Nuviola, Emily Estefan, Hamilton de Holanda, Sammy Figueroa, Yilian Cañizares, Yissy Garcia, Brenda Navarette, Robe L Ninho, Victor Campbell, Yussa and Wampi
Opening sets by: Monsieur Periné, Alfredo Rodriguez

Ticketing:
Single-day ticket prices for Montreux Jazz Festival Miami begin at $129, with VIP tickets at $569 and Legend tickets at $999. Payment plans are also available.

The 2024 inaugural edition of the festival featured Jon Batiste, Rock and Roll Hall Famer Daryl Hall, Queen of Axé Daniela Mercury, as well as Cimafunk, The Wailers, Cory Henry, Emily Estefan, Israel Houghton, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Lia de Itamaracá, Justin Kauflin, Adrian Cota & The Winston House Band, ELEW, and Mathis Picard.

The Montreux Jazz Festival Miami is honored to have Audemars Piguet as its Global Partner, continuing a legacy of craftmanship and heritage in music and culture.

Meyer Sound joins as the Global Sound Partner, delivering an unparalleled audio experience that upholds the festival’s world-renowned sonic excellence.

Alongside this prestigious partnership, the festival is proudly supported by an exceptional lineup of partners. An elevated culinary experience for festival guests will be accented by Saratoga Signature Blue, the striking color of SaratogaSpring Water bottles, which will be served throughout the weekend.. Blacklane, the premium door-to-door chauffeur service, joins as the official mobility partner, ensuring seamless transportation for artists and guests. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) reinforces Miami’s status as a world-class destination for live music by supporting the festival.

Rhino Expands the Legacy: Volumes 3 & 4 of Stax/Volt Singles Get Their First Vinyl Release

Eric Alper
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Rhino Expands the Legacy: Volumes 3 & 4 of Stax/Volt Singles Get Their First Vinyl Release

In 1991, The Complete Stax/Volt Singles 1959-1968 cataloged one of the most prolific runs in soul music history by collating 244 songs on a now-legendary and long-since out-of-print 9-CD set. 33 years later, Rhino kicked off the first-ever vinyl release of The Complete Stax/Volt Singles 1959-1968 by unveiling Volumes 1 and 2 on vinyl, much to the delight of collectors worldwide during 2024. Today, this robust series continues with the arrival of Volumes 3 and 4 on vinyl. These installments comprise the next 79 tracks, spanning recognizable A-sides and diamond-in-the-rough B-sides, all originally released amid the label’s Atlantic-distributed era. It draws listeners right into the heart of the sixties with some of the decade’s most impactful soul, R&B, and rock.

Volumes 3 and 4 of Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968 are limited to 2,000 copies each and are now available on Rhino.com and select WMG stores worldwide. Order HERE.

By the decade’s midpoint, the collective roster had indisputably hit its stride. Volumes 3 and 4 effectively captures lightning in a bottle, showcasing these artists at the height of their powers with essential cuts like “You Don’t Know Like I Know” (Sam & Dave), “Respect” (Otis Redding), “A Woman’s Love” (Carla Thomas), “Jump Back” (Rufus Thomas), “Grab This Thing (Part 1)” (The Mar-Keys), “Satisfaction” (Otis Redding), “Sugar Sugar” (The Mad Lads), “Knock On Wood” (Eddie Floyd), “Oh, Pretty Woman” (Albert King), and “Jingle Bells” (Booker T. & the MGs), among many others.

The liner notes by Rob Bowman explore the energy of this season in vivid detail. Edited from his original 1991 version, it paints a picture of musical, personal, and spiritual exploration, advancing what the genre could be. He immediately points out, “Nineteen sixty-five was the year Stax’s sound finally coalesced, proven by chart successes from Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and The Mad Lads.” He goes on to celebrate the songs, hailing Redding as “a master of both the drawn-out heart-wrenching slow ballad and the stomping up-tempo house-wrecker.” Fittingly, he dubs the finale—a cover of “Jingle Bells” by Booker T. & the MGs”—as “the hippest version of the Christmas ode you’re ever likely to hear.”

The collection was remastered from the original Stax/Volt mono single masters. In a few cases, the tapes were lost, and original disc sources were used. Analog-to-digital mastering was done with a specially modified and restored Ampex 350 full-track mono machine with original tube electronics. All equipment in the transfer process was chosen specifically to recreate the Stax sound on today’s stereo systems without compromise.

The Complete Stax/Volt Singles, 1959–1968, Volume 3

TRACKLISTING

Side A

Jump Back – Rufus Thomas
Chained and Bound – Otis Redding
In My Heart – Barbara & The Browns
Spunky – Johnny Jenkins
Bar B-Q – Wendy Rene
The Sidewalk Surf – The Mad Lads
Can’t Be Still – Booker T. & The MG’s

Side B

A Woman’s Love – Carla Thomas
Yank Me (Doodle) – The Baracudas
That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding
Mr. Pitiful – Otis Redding
Don’t Let Her Be Your Baby – The Del Rays
Can’t See You When I Want To – David Porter
My Lover – Barbara & The Browns

Side C

Got You On My Mind – The Admirals
How Do You Quit (Someone You Love) – Carla Thomas
Biggest Fool In Town – Gorgeous George
Banana Juice – The Mar-Keys
Little Sally Walker – Rufus Thomas
A Place Nobody Can Find – Sam & Dave
Goodnight Baby – Sam & Dave

Side D

Boot -Leg – Booker T. & The MG’s
Outrage – Booker T. & The MG’s
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) – Otis Redding
I’m Depending On You – Otis Redding
Candy – The Astors
Give You What I Got – Wendy Rene

Side E

Stop! Look What You’re Doin’ – Carla Thomas
Willy Nilly – Rufus Thomas
Don’t Have To Shop Around – The Mad Lads
Crying All By Myself – William Bell
I Take What I Want – Sam & Dave
When You Move You Lose – Rufus & Carla
Respect – Otis Redding

Side F

Made It Me – The Premiers
The World Is Round – Rufus Thomas
In The Twilight Zone – The Astors
Blue Groove – Sir Isaac & The Do-Dads
You Don’t Know Like I Know – Sam & Dave
Grab This Thing (Part 1) – The Mar-Keys

The Complete Stax/Volt Singles, 1959–1968, Volume 4

TRACKLISTING

Side A

Be My Lady – Booker T. & the MGs
Comfort Me – Carla Thomas
I Can’t Turn You Loose – Otis Redding
Just One More Day – Otis Redding
I Want Someone – The Mad Lads
Birds & Bees – Rufus & Carla
Philly Dog – The Mar-Keys

Side B

I Had A Dream – Johnnie Taylor
Satisfaction – Otis Redding
Things Get Better – Eddie Floyd
I’ll Run Your Hurt Away – Ruby Johnson
Hot Dog – The Four Shells
Let Me Be Good To You – Carla Thomas

Side C

Hold On! I’m Comin’ – Sam & Dave
Laundromat Blues – Albert King
Sugar Sugar – The Mad Lads
Share What You Got (But Keep What You need) – William Bell
Marching Off To War – William Bell
My Lover’s Prayer – Otis Redding

Side D

Your Good Thing (Is About To End) – Mabel John
I Got To Love Somebody’s Baby – Johnnie Taylor
I Want A Girl – The Mad Lads
Knock On Wood – Eddie Floyd
B-A-B-Y – Carla Thomas
My Sweet Potato – Booker T. & the MGs
Booker-Loo – Booker T. & the MGs

Side E

Oh, Pretty Woman – Albert King
Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody – Sam & Dave
Never Like This Before – William Bell
Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) – Otis Redding
Patch My Heart – The Mad Lads
Sister’s Got A Boyfriend – Rufus Thomas
Come To Me My Darling – Ruby Johnson

Side F

When My Love Comes Down – Ruby Johnson
Try A Little Tenderness – Otis Redding
Crosscut Saw – Albert King
Little Bluebird – Johnnie Taylor
Toe Hold – Johnnie Taylor
Jingle Bells – Booker T. & the MGs

Atlas Pro ONTV Revolutionizing Television Streaming in France

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

As the entertainment landscape rapidly evolves, the way we access and consume television content is constantly shifting. Streaming services and digital platforms are now at the forefront of this transformation, enabling audiences to enjoy their favorite shows, films, and live broadcasts with unprecedented convenience. In this environment, a new player has emerged—Atlas Pro ONTV, a smart television platform that promises to change the way French viewers experience television. This article will dive into the significance of Atlas Pro ONTV, its features, and why it is becoming a must-have entertainment solution for households across France.

What is Atlas Pro ONTV?

Atlas Pro ONTV is a next-generation television service that merges traditional broadcasting with modern streaming technologies. Designed with today’s viewers in mind, Atlas Pro ONTV combines live TV, on-demand content, and streaming services into one comprehensive platform. In essence, it offers an all-in-one viewing experience that caters to the needs of modern audiences who crave convenience and variety.

In France, where cable subscriptions are in decline and streaming platforms are gaining traction, Atlas Pro ONTV has positioned itself as an ideal solution for bridging the gap between traditional television and digital media consumption. The device allows users to enjoy the best of both worlds—classic television programming alongside the flexibility of on-demand streaming.

The Rise of Streaming Services in France

Before diving deeper into Atlas Pro ONTV, it is essential to understand the context in which it is being introduced. France, like many countries, has seen a steady increase in streaming service usage. Platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and local services like Canal+ and Molotov TV have become staples in French homes, offering an expansive library of content on-demand.

Simultaneously, traditional TV broadcasting has been losing its grip on audiences, especially younger viewers who are more accustomed to consuming content online. With the surge in demand for flexible, anytime-anywhere viewing options, Atlas Pro ONTV steps in to offer a solution that integrates the familiar world of live TV with the growing preference for streaming.

Key Features of Atlas Pro ONTV

  1. Dual-Mode Functionality: Live TV & Streaming

At the core of Atlas Pro ONTV is its ability to deliver both traditional live TV broadcasts and streaming services. This dual-functionality allows users to access popular TV channels, watch real-time sports events, and enjoy the latest news programs, all while having the freedom to explore on-demand content. Whether you’re watching a live news broadcast or catching up on your favorite show from Netflix, Atlas Pro ONTV effortlessly switches between these two worlds.

  1. Wide Range of Channels and Content

Atlas Pro ONTV boasts an impressive catalog of French and international TV channels, giving viewers access to a vast array of programming, from local news and entertainment to global content. The device includes both free-to-air and premium channels, ensuring that there is something for everyone, regardless of budget. Additionally, Atlas Pro ONTV includes access to numerous streaming platforms, allowing viewers to watch films, series, and documentaries from all their favorite services in one place.

  1. Smart Features for an Enhanced Experience

In line with the latest advancements in smart technology, Atlas Pro ONTV includes voice search and control capabilities. This feature allows users to navigate the platform hands-free. With the simple use of voice commands, viewers can change channels, search for content, adjust volume, or even request personalized recommendations. This intuitive integration of voice recognition makes navigating the platform much more efficient, allowing for a hassle-free experience.

  1. High-Quality Streaming

As more households embrace 4K televisions, the demand for high-definition and ultra-high-definition content has increased significantly. Atlas Pro ONTV caters to this need by offering 4K UHD streaming, ensuring that viewers get the best picture quality possible, whether they’re watching a blockbuster movie or a live sports match. With superior resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, viewers can enjoy a truly cinematic experience from the comfort of their living rooms.

  1. Customized Recommendations and Profiles

One of the most attractive features of Atlas Pro ONTV is its ability to create personalized user profiles. Each family member can have their own account, complete with custom content recommendations based on individual viewing habits. This makes it easier for users to find new shows and movies they’re likely to enjoy, without having to sift through endless options. The more you use Atlas Pro ONTV, the smarter it becomes, adapting to your preferences and curating content that fits your taste.

  1. Multiple Device Connectivity

For families or individuals who enjoy multi-tasking, Atlas Pro ONTV allows for multi-screen streaming. Users can stream content not only on their television sets but also on smartphones, tablets, and computers, ensuring that entertainment can follow you from room to room, or even on the go. This feature is especially useful in households where everyone has different viewing preferences, enabling users to watch what they want, where they want, and when they want.

Why French Viewers are Embracing Atlas Pro ONTV

  1. A Solution to Cord-Cutting

In recent years, France has experienced a surge in cord-cutting—the trend of canceling traditional cable and satellite TV subscriptions in favor of internet-based alternatives. With Atlas Pro ONTV, French viewers can say goodbye to the constraints of cable boxes and satellite dishes while still enjoying the channels and content they love. Atlas Pro ONTV’s ability to bring traditional TV programming and streaming platforms together on a single device provides a seamless and cost-effective alternative to traditional broadcasting.

  1. Affordable, Flexible Subscription Plans

A key selling point of Atlas Pro ONTV is its affordable pricing structure. Unlike some streaming services or cable providers, Atlas Pro ONTV offers a variety of subscription options to suit different budgets. Whether you’re looking for basic access to free channels or premium content from the top streaming platforms, Atlas Pro ONTV ensures that every viewer can find a plan that fits their needs. Additionally, Atlas Pro ONTV frequently offers promotions and discounts, making it an even more attractive choice for cost-conscious consumers.

  1. Comprehensive French Content

One of the major advantages of Atlas Pro ONTV is its emphasis on local French content. While international streaming services may offer a large selection of films and series, Atlas Pro ONTV ensures that French viewers have access to a wide variety of French-language content. From top local TV stations to French-language films and series, Atlas Pro ONTV helps preserve the rich cultural heritage of French television while integrating the convenience of modern streaming.

  1. Ease of Use for All Ages

Atlas Pro ONTV is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to people of all ages and technological expertise. Whether you’re a tech-savvy millennial or a senior citizen who simply wants to enjoy their favorite shows, Atlas Pro ONTV provides an easy-to-use interface that simplifies navigation. The setup process is also straightforward, allowing users to start enjoying their new entertainment system within minutes of installation.

Atlas Pro ONTV’s Impact on the Future of TV in France

As streaming continues to reshape the French television market, Atlas Pro ONTV is paving the way for the future of entertainment. By merging the convenience of streaming with the reliability of traditional television, Atlas Pro ONTV is offering a solution that resonates with modern consumers. The demand for flexibility, personalization, and high-quality content is only set to grow, and Atlas Pro ONTV is positioned to meet those needs head-on.

This platform not only reflects the changing preferences of French viewers but also represents a shift in the broader entertainment industry. As more consumers choose flexible, on-demand viewing options, services like Atlas Pro ONTV are likely to become a cornerstone of the future of television.

In a market where traditional television services are being challenged by the growth of streaming platforms, Atlas Pro ONTV offers a solution that addresses the needs of modern viewers. By combining the best of both worlds—live TV and streaming—Atlas Pro ONTV is quickly becoming a favorite in French homes. Its comprehensive content library, smart features, affordability, and emphasis on local programming make it an excellent choice for French households looking to embrace the future of entertainment.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

 

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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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