Home Blog Page 15

AJR Announces Live Album and Hollywood Bowl Livestream on Veeps

Eric Alper
-
0
AJR Announces Live Album and Hollywood Bowl Livestream on Veeps

Today, multi-platinum chart-topping band AJR announced AJR: Live From The Hollywood Bowl, the band’s first-ever live concert album available on both Gold Royalty Vinyl and CD, and Somewhere In The Sky Tour: Live From The Hollywood Bowl, a livestream of their first first-ever Hollywood Bowl performance, airing on Veeps on Saturday, January 3. Captured during their sold-out October show, the livestream preserves a milestone moment in the band’s career and offers fans around the world a front-row vantage point to AJR’s sky-high celebration at one of the world’s most legendary venues. Watch the concert trailer HERE.

AJR’s Hollywood Bowl performance served as the triumphant finale to their spectacular Somewhere in the Sky Tour, which brought their celebrated live show to amphitheaters and outdoor venues across the U.S. and Canada this summer. Filmed under the open Los Angeles sky, the show captures the band’s signature fusion of theatrical production and emotionally charged alt-pop anthems, culminating in an unforgettable encore featuring the USC Trojan Marching Band. From towering stage design and surreal digital moments to intimate conversations with the crowd, this Hollywood Bowl performance stands as one of the band’s most ambitious and heartfelt milestones.

Ticket buyers will also have a one-time-only chance to pre-order a limited-edition Gold Royalty LP of AJR: Live From The Hollywood Bowl, available exclusively through Veeps. For more information and tickets, please visit https://veeps.events/ajr. 

This summer, AJR released What No One’s Thinking, a five-song EP that stands as one of the most personal, introspective projects of their career. Produced and written entirely by the band, the EP showcases AJR’s inventive production and clever lyricism while delving into the quiet, often unspoken corners of everyday emotion. The EP, which emerged from a spontaneous conversation that unearthed a wave of grief, change, and pressure the band had been silently carrying, is a raw, honest, and emotionally open collection that stands as their most vulnerable work to date. Listen to the EP HERE.

The EP features standout singles “Betty,” which the band debuted on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this summer, and “The Big Goodbye,” a poignant reflection on the bittersweet nature of success. “The Big Goodbye” continues to surge across platforms, amassing nearly 20M global streams and becoming a fan favorite on TikTok, where it has generated 500M views to date. The song is also approaching Top 25 at Top 40 radio where it has reacted in a big way with over 110,000 Shazam tags to date due to the continued radio growth.

Next week, AJR will hit the stage for two stops on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One, performing Monday, December 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia and Tuesday, December 16 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. AJR will join a star-studded lineup, including Alex Warren, Laufey, Jelly Roll, Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson, BigXThaPlug, and more. The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour stops will be part of the exclusive network special airing December 17 on ABC and next day on Hulu.

AJR are also set to ring in the new year live from Las Vegas with a performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on Dec. 31 on ABC. The special, which will air live across the US on New Year’s Eve, will also feature performances by Mariah Carey, Chappell Roan, Demi Lovato, 50 Cent, Post Malone, and more. 

Brendan Borrel’s New Book ‘Power Soak’ Details BOSTON’s Battle for Control Over Their Signature Sound

Eric Alper
-
0
Brendan Borrel’s New Book ‘Power Soak’ Details BOSTON’s Battle for Control Over Their Signature Sound

The new book, Power Soak: Invention, Obsession, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Sound by Brendan Borrell, unveils the dramatic, inside true story of how MIT engineer Tom Scholz built the signature sound of arena rock and engaged in a bitter war with the most powerful figures in the music business. Scholz, who created Boston’s explosive, clean style for hits like “More Than a Feeling” in his basement, saw his studio inventions influence bands like Journey and Def Leppard. However, when he refused to deliver the album ‘Third Stage’ until it met his exacting standards, CBS Records chief Walter Yetnikoff declared war, leading to cutoff royalties, lawsuits, and the splintering of the band.

The battle for the long-awaited album escalated as rival power brokers Irving Azoff and David Geffen raced to pry the record loose, resulting in one of the last blockbusters of the classic-rock era. Drawing on thousands of court filings and new interviews, journalist Brendan Borrell details how Scholz fought back against the major-label power structure. The book positions Scholz as a figure who helped arm artists with new tools in their struggle for creative control, making Power Soak a must-read for fans of music history and business drama.

Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova Discusses Putin and Trump Tactics on Rachel Maddow Show

Eric Alper
-
0
Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova Discusses Putin and Trump Tactics on Rachel Maddow Show

Pussy Riot creator Nadya Tolokonnikova recently spoke with Rachel Maddow about the disturbing parallels between the political tactics of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Tolokonnikova appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show to discuss the imminent threat she faces, as the Putin administration prepares to declare her a member of an “extremist” organization. The conversation focused on the dangerous implication of Trump adopting similar strategies, specifically targeting political opponents and those he dislikes, a tactic the Russian dissident described as taking a page directly from Putin’s playbook. This discussion highlights a concerning global trend of leaders weaponizing legal labels to silence critics and consolidate power, a topic of immediate relevance to democracy.





100 Facts You NEED To Know About Dick Van Dyke In Celebration of His 100th Birthday

Eric Alper
-
0
100 Facts You NEED To Know About Dick Van Dyke In Celebration of His 100th Birthday

Dick Van Dyke turns 100 on December 13, 2025, and few entertainers have shaped American comedy, film, television and musical theatre as profoundly as he has. Beloved across generations, Van Dyke’s optimism, physical comedy, vocal charm and storytelling instinct helped redefine what it meant to be a performer on stage, on screen and even in living rooms across the world. From Broadway triumphs to Disney magic to decades of television classics, he has become one of the most enduring and joyful figures in entertainment history.

Here are 100 facts you need to know to celebrate a century of Dick Van Dyke.

  1. Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born on December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri.
  2. He grew up in Danville, Illinois, where he joined the a cappella choir and dramatic club.
  3. He performed high-school drama with Bobby Short and Donald O’Connor.
  4. He briefly considered becoming a minister before pursuing entertainment.
  5. He left high school during WWII to join the Army Air Forces.
  6. He was denied enlistment several times for being underweight.
  7. He served as a radio announcer before joining Special Services to entertain troops.
  8. He was discharged in 1946 after serving in the contiguous United States.
  9. He officially received his high-school diploma in 2004.
  10. In the late 1940s, he worked as a radio DJ on WDAN in Danville.
  11. In 1947, he formed a mime and lip-sync duo called Eric and Van – the Merry Mutes.
  12. The Merry Mutes toured West Coast nightclubs performing pantomime.
  13. The duo later performed on local Atlanta television as The Merry Mutes.
  14. His early TV career began at WDSU-TV in New Orleans.
  15. His first network appearance came on Dennis James’ Chance of a Lifetime in 1954.
  16. He appeared twice on The Phil Silvers Show during the 1957–58 season.
  17. He also appeared on The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom early in his career.
  18. A CBS executive and Army friend helped him land a seven-year network contract.
  19. He anchored the CBS Morning Show with Walter Cronkite as his newsman.
  20. He made his Broadway debut in The Girls Against the Boys in November 1959.
  21. The Broadway revue ran only 16 performances.
  22. Bye Bye Birdie cast him as Albert Peterson beginning April 14, 1960.
  23. The original Bye Bye Birdie won him a Tony Award in 1961.
  24. He starred with Chita Rivera and Paul Lynde in the Broadway cast.
  25. He reprised Albert J. Peterson in the 1963 film version of Bye Bye Birdie.
  26. Despite disliking the film’s focus, the movie was a success.
  27. From 1961 to 1966, he starred as Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show.
  28. Carl Reiner recast himself and selected Van Dyke to lead the series.
  29. He won three Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
  30. The Dick Van Dyke Show won four Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.
  31. Mary Tyler Moore played Laura Petrie opposite Van Dyke.
  32. Critics praised his physical comedy from the start of the series.
  33. His “drunk husband” scene was singled out as a masterpiece of timing.
  34. The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited reunited the cast in 2004.
  35. In Mary Poppins (1964), he played both Bert and Mr. Dawes Sr.
  36. He was credited as Navckid Keyd for the latter role.
  37. His cockney accent has been widely cited as one of film’s worst.
  38. His accent coach, J. Pat O’Malley, was actually Irish.
  39. Mary Poppins earned him a Grammy Award for the soundtrack with Julie Andrews.
  40. The song Chim Chim Cher-ee won the Sherman Brothers an Oscar.
  41. He starred as Caractacus Potts in 1968’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
  42. That film reunited him with Mary Poppins choreographers and songwriters.
  43. Albert R. Broccoli offered him the chance to replace Sean Connery as James Bond.
  44. He declined due to his British accent.
  45. Carl Reiner wrote the 1969 film The Comic specifically for him.
  46. Van Dyke played a troubled silent-film comedian in The Comic.
  47. He played a minister leading a no-smoking campaign in 1971’s Cold Turkey.
  48. In 1970, he published Faith, Hope and Hilarity based on teaching Sunday school.
  49. He owned Phoenix radio station KXIV from 1965 to 1982.
  50. From 1971 to 1974 he starred in The New Dick Van Dyke Show.
  51. Hope Lange played his wife in that series.
  52. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for the role.
  53. He ended the series after three seasons.
  54. He voiced himself in Scooby-Doo Meets Dick Van Dyke in 1973.
  55. He earned an Emmy nomination for 1974’s The Morning After.
  56. He publicly revealed he had struggled with alcoholism for 25 years.
  57. He played a murderous photographer in a 1974 episode of Columbo.
  58. Van Dyke and Company marked Andy Kaufman’s primetime debut.
  59. The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy-Variety Series.
  60. He joined The Carol Burnett Show as a regular in its final season.
  61. In 1980, he starred as Harold Hill in a Broadway revival of The Music Man.
  62. He starred in a 1982 remake of The Country Girl with Faye Dunaway.
  63. He played a murderous judge in a 1986 episode of Matlock.
  64. In 1987, he guest-starred on Airwolf opposite his son Barry Van Dyke.
  65. He earned an Emmy nomination for a 1989 role on The Golden Girls.
  66. He turned down the lead in The Omen, later played by Gregory Peck.
  67. He wished he could have played the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz.
  68. In 1990, he played villainous DA Fletcher in Dick Tracy.
  69. His Dick Tracy performance helped launch Diagnosis: Murder.
  70. Diagnosis: Murder ran from 1993 to 2001.
  71. Barry Van Dyke co-starred as his on-screen son, Steve Sloan.
  72. Victoria Rowell co-starred as pathologist Dr. Amanda Bentley.
  73. He became a computer-animation enthusiast after buying an Amiga in 1991.
  74. He created 3D effects used in Diagnosis: Murder.
  75. He displayed his CGI work at SIGGRAPH.
  76. He began singing with The Vantastix in September 2000.
  77. The group performed on Larry King Live and at the TV Land Awards.
  78. They also performed the national anthem at multiple Lakers games.
  79. In 1999, he became an honorary member of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
  80. He reunited with Mary Tyler Moore in the 2003 TV version of The Gin Game.
  81. In 2006, he appeared as Dr. Jonathan Maxwell in Murder 101 films.
  82. He voiced Mr. Bloomsberry in the 2006 film Curious George.
  83. He played Cecil Fredericks in Night at the Museum (2006).
  84. His cameo in the museum sequel was cut but included on the DVD.
  85. He appeared again in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb in 2014.
  86. He rapped on a children’s album called Rhythm Train in 2010.
  87. In 2017, he released Step (Back) In Time, his first solo album in decades.
  88. He recorded a Christmas duet with Jane Lynch in 2017.
  89. In Mary Poppins Returns (2018), he played Mr. Dawes Jr.
  90. WandaVision producers consulted him on replicating The Dick Van Dyke Show style.
  91. In 2023, he competed on The Masked Singer as Gnome.
  92. At age 97, he became the oldest contestant in the show’s history.
  93. He performed part of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious as his encore.
  94. He guest-starred on Days of Our Lives in 2023.
  95. CBS aired a 98 Years of Magic special honoring him in December 2023.
  96. In 2024, he co-produced Coldplay’s All My Love music video with his wife.
  97. He cites Stan Laurel, Buster Keaton, and Carl Reiner as major influences.
  98. He continued teaching Sunday school while maintaining his acting career.
  99. He endorsed Bernie Sanders in both 2016 and 2020.
  100. His 2025 book, 100 Rules for Living to 100, was published the year he reached his milestone birthday.

The Best K-Pop Albums…Ever!

Eric Alper
-
0
The Best K-Pop Albums…Ever!

If you’ve been living under a rock, or perhaps just tuning into a different radio frequency, you might have missed it. K-Pop is no longer a fringe phenomenon; it’s a global musical powerhouse and a cultural movement that has completely reshaped the landscape of pop music. Its genesis can be traced back to the early 90s, when groups like Seo Taiji and Boys fused American-style pop, rock, and hip-hop with Korean musical sensibilities, laying the foundational brick for what would become a meticulously produced and fiercely competitive industry.

The influence of K-Pop is everywhere—from fashion runways to social media trends to the charts in every major market. But what truly fuels this unstoppable machine is the fanbase. K-Pop stans—ARMYS, MOAs, Reveluvs, ONCEs, and everyone in between—are legendary for their dedication, organization, and passion. They mobilize like no other, driving album sales, stream counts, and concert demand to astronomical heights. This collective energy has not only propelled groups into mainstream success but has also fostered a level of artistic and conceptual quality that demands serious respect. When you peel back the layers of synchronized choreography and high-budget music videos, you find albums that are sonic masterpieces, expertly crafted and brimming with emotion.

While earlier acts like BIGBANG and Wonder Girls laid the crucial groundwork for international awareness and artistry, and EXO established the massive scale of third-generation album sales, it was ‘Love Yourself: Her’ that truly demolished the final remaining wall between K-Pop and the mainstream Western music market. This album was a phenomenon that redefined K-Pop’s trajectory. Its lead single, “DNA,” was a vibrant blend of EDM, pop, and hip-hop that achieved two enormous, industry-changing feats: It secured a debut at Number 7 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making BTS the first K-Pop group—and the first Asian artist in seven years—to enter the top ten. This signaled to the entire global industry that K-Pop had a permanent, major stake in the West. This success opened the door for virtually every subsequent group on this list to aim for and achieve similar international recognition. Furthermore, the album was the start of the “Love Yourself” series, a powerful campaign promoting self-love, mental health, and social awareness. This message resonated deeply with a global youth audience, transcending language barriers and transforming the group from just “idols” into global youth advocates. This partnership with UNICEF added a layer of substance and relatability that greatly magnified their cultural influence, showing that K-Pop could be a force for positive social change worldwide.

You want to know which K-Pop albums also matter? The ones that are essential listening? The ones that hit you right in the soul? Here is a list of must-have LPs that showcase the incredible artistry and diversity of the genre.

1 of 1 by SHINee, 2016 An incredible tribute to 90s retro-pop and new jack swing, delivered with SHINee’s signature vocal polish. It feels delightfully nostalgic while remaining fresh and undeniably modern.

4 Walls by f(x), 2015 This is a masterclass in atmospheric deep house and electropop, perfectly blending sophisticated production with the members’ distinctive voices. It’s an artistic statement that cemented their place as experimental pop queens.

Attacca by Seventeen, 2021 A fiery, passionate album that explores the theme of love in a rock-infused, energetic way. The title track “Rock with you” is a straight-up adrenaline rush, showcasing their diverse production skills.

BE by BTS, 2020 Born out of the pandemic, this introspective album is deeply personal and comforting, written and produced directly by the members. It offers a raw, honest look at their emotions and hopes for the future.

Blooming Days by EXO-CBX, 2018 The EXO sub-unit delivered a vibrant and breezy R&B-infused EP perfectly themed for spring. It’s a delightful listen, demonstrating the vocal versatility of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin.

Blooming Period by Block B, 2016 A more mature and heartfelt pivot for the group, moving toward polished R&B while keeping their unique sound. This EP successfully demonstrated their ability to handle complex emotions and melodies.

Chill Kill by Red Velvet, 2023 A fantastic example of Red Velvet’s “Velvet” side, offering a dark, cinematic, and sophisticated sonic experience. It’s a cohesive masterpiece that weaves high art with pop sensibility.

Crush by 2NE1, 2014 A powerful, genre-bending album that showcased the group’s fearless attitude and genre versatility, mixing hip-hop, reggae, and electronic dance music. It remains an absolute tour-de-force from a legendary girl group.

DALL by Artms, 2024 The debut full-length album from the Loona sub-unit offers a compelling blend of synth-pop and electronic influences, proving the members are truly ‘Artms’—goddesses of art music. It’s a forward-thinking and lush listening experience.

Dark & Wild by BTS, 2014 This album marked a significant turning point, heavily influenced by West Coast hip-hop, showing a gritty and passionate side to their music. It’s an essential record for understanding their pre-global-superstar sound.

Dark Blood by ENHYPEN, 2023 A concept-driven album diving into themes of fate, sacrifice, and connection, underscored by dramatic, high-energy pop and rock elements. It further solidifies their distinctive, lore-heavy sound.

Don’t Call Me by SHINee, 2021 An explosive return that blends futuristic synth-pop, hip-hop, and trap elements with an incredible vocal performance. It’s an exciting, dynamic, and complex sonic journey.

Don’t Mess Up My Tempo by EXO, 2018 An aggressive and high-octane album built around complex tempo changes and rich R&B harmonies. It’s a testament to their vocal maturity and ability to handle diverse genres.

Dystopia: The Tree of Language by Dreamcatcher, 2020 A seamless blend of J-Rock and K-Pop, this album offers a unique, dramatic, and hard-hitting sound. It’s a compelling sonic narrative that set them apart in the industry.

Ex’Act by EXO, 2016 A brilliant record that masterfully blends R&B, EDM, and funk into a cohesive, slick, and incredibly catchy package. Tracks like “Monster” and “Lucky One” defined a major era for the group.

Exodus by EXO, 2015 An incredibly polished and R&B-heavy album that showcased the group’s sleek, mature side and complex vocal arrangements. It was a massive commercial and critical success that cemented their global appeal.

Exist by EXO, 2023 A sophisticated return to their R&B roots, featuring smooth vocals and understated, emotionally rich production. It’s a beautifully mature record that feels like a conversation with their long-time fans.

Eyes wide open by TWICE, 2020 This album showed a remarkable shift in sound, introducing sophisticated synth-pop and city pop influences. It marked their successful evolution into a more mature, versatile concept.

Face the Sun by Seventeen, 2022 An album representing their ambition and desire to be a powerful presence, blending explosive tracks with deeper, more introspective moments. It perfectly captures their growth as both artists and producers.

Feel Special by TWICE, 2019 A dazzling tracklist built on an emotional core, utilizing sophisticated synthwave and elegant pop production. It’s a beautiful anthem of self-worth and genuine connection.

Flight Log: Turbulence by GOT7, 2016 An energetic and youthful album that saw the members heavily involved in the songwriting and production, showcasing their transition into more self-produced artists. It’s a dynamic mix of hip-hop and electronic pop.

Formula of Love: O+T=＜3 by TWICE, 2021 A playful yet complex record that showcases their versatility by dipping into genres like disco, R&B, and dance-pop. It’s a vibrant, clever, and endlessly re-listenable experience.

Get Up by NewJeans, 2023 A short but incredibly impactful EP that defined the current sound of K-Pop: minimalist, lo-fi R&B mixed with UK garage. It’s pure sonic comfort and a masterclass in clean production.

回:Walpurgis Night by GFRIEND, 2020 A conceptually stunning and musically diverse album that served as their final full-length work, blending their signature emotive sound with new electro-pop textures. It’s a powerful statement of self-discovery.

I Never Die by (G)I-DLE, 2022 A rebellious and fiercely independent album where the group takes charge, delivering powerful, self-written anthems about breaking free from expectations. It’s pure, unapologetic confidence.

INVU by Taeyeon, 2022 A critically acclaimed solo album that showcases her incredible vocal prowess over a lush, synth-driven backdrop exploring themes of heartbreak and love’s pain. It’s an emotive and sophisticated pop masterpiece.

Love Yourself: Her by BTS, 2017 The album that truly launched BTS into the global stratosphere, fusing EDM, pop, and R&B with a powerful message of nascent love and self-exploration. It’s a landmark pop moment.

Love Yourself: Tear by BTS, 2018 A darker, more introspective chapter in the Love Yourself series, focusing on the pain and falsehoods of a broken relationship through a heavy dose of hip-hop and moody R&B. It showcases their emotional depth.

Made by BIGBANG, 2016 An iconic final studio album that was an instant classic, featuring a series of era-defining, high-energy singles. It’s a compilation of some of the most influential K-Pop hits ever recorded.

Map of the Soul: 7 by BTS, 2020 A massive, ambitious album that summarizes their 7-year journey, balancing personal vulnerability with global pop spectacle and a huge range of genres. It’s their most comprehensive and grand artistic statement.

Mix & Match by Odd Eye Circle, 2017 The LOONA sub-unit delivered an EP packed with vibrant, ethereal, and sophisticated synth-pop tracks. It’s a defining piece of the LOONA lore and a fantastic display of alt-pop.

Modern Times by IU, 2013 A delightful concept album that perfectly blends vintage sounds, including swing jazz and Latin influences, with her pure, captivating voice. It’s a sophisticated nod to the past with a modern pop sheen.

Noeasy by Stray Kids, 2021 A loud, in-your-face, and exhilarating album that completely embraces their self-produced “noise” music concept. It’s an explosion of hyper-pop, rock, and experimental sound design.

Odd by SHINee, 2015 This album is a creative triumph, featuring a cohesive and colorful sound that’s equal parts funky, experimental, and emotionally resonant. It is often cited as a cornerstone of modern K-Pop artistry.

Palette by IU, 2017 Marking her 25th birthday, this deeply personal album sees her confidently explore self-love and growth as an artist. It is a stunning display of her songwriting and vocal maturity.

Perfect Velvet by Red Velvet, 2017 An album that solidified their darker, more mysterious “Velvet” concept, offering a moody, cinematic, and R&B-infused tracklist. The eerie, iconic title track “Peek-A-Boo” is simply unforgettable.

Pink Tape by f(x), 2013 An artistic and sonic achievement that’s often called one of K-Pop’s most essential albums, full of experimental structures and quirky, captivating concepts. It’s a testament to their innovative spirit.

Reboot by Wonder Girls, 2015 A sensational retro concept album where the members played instruments, expertly recreating 80s synth-pop, freestyle, and city pop. It’s a creative high point and a triumphant relaunch.

Red Light by f(x), 2014 This album brought a darker, edgier, and more electro-heavy concept, showcasing their willingness to push creative boundaries. It’s a powerful, unsettling, and highly conceptual piece of work.

Story Op.2 by Jonghyun, 2017 A beautiful, poignant solo effort that highlights his exceptional songwriting talent, offering a deeply emotional and stripped-down sound. It’s a true masterpiece of heartfelt lyricism.

Strang3r by Ladies’ Code, 2016 A hauntingly beautiful EP that marked their return with a mature, artistic, and dreamy soundscape. It’s a sophisticated piece of art pop that remains deeply moving.

The Album by BLACKPINK, 2020 Their first full-length album, cementing their status as global icons with high-energy bangers and polished pop production. It’s a showcase of their charisma and undeniable star power.

The Book of Us: The Demon by Day6, 2020 An emotionally complex and richly-produced rock album exploring the inner struggle with a ‘demon’ that disrupts life. It features incredible instrumentation and heartfelt vocals.

The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE by TOMORROW X TOGETHER, 2021 A conceptually rich album exploring the feeling of being “frozen” in a chaotic world, blending rock, hyper-pop, and emo influences. It’s a dynamic and incredibly youthful record.

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever by BTS, 2016 A compilation that perfectly captured the feeling of youth, hope, and perseverance, bringing their two EPs into one iconic, emotionally resonant package. It’s a defining moment in their discography.

The Name Chapter: Temptation by TOMORROW X TOGETHER, 2023 An alluring EP exploring the dangerous sweetness of temptation, delivered through a vibrant mix of pop, R&B, and Afrobeats influences. It’s conceptually dark but sonically bright.

The Perfect Red Velvet by Red Velvet, 2018 A repackage that added the iconic track “Bad Boy,” resulting in an album that perfectly balances R&B swagger with cinematic pop elegance. It is, arguably, their most cohesive work.

The Red by Red Velvet, 2015 A vibrant, hyper-pop, and quirky masterpiece that leans heavily into the group’s energetic and bright “Red” concept. It is pure, unadulterated musical fun.

The War by EXO, 2017 A summer smash that embraced a fresh, funky, and reggae-infused pop sound. It was an adventurous, highly stylized, and massively successful pivot for the group.

The World EP.1: Movement by ATEEZ, 2022 The start of a new, rebellion-themed era, showcasing their signature high-energy, pirate-concept sound with hard-hitting electronic and hip-hop beats. It’s pure, intense spectacle.

The World EP.Fin: Will by ATEEZ, 2023 A massive, cinematic conclusion to their series, offering a musically diverse tracklist that highlights their growth and maturity. It’s a powerful statement of their global ambition.

Photo Gallery: The Trews and Terra Lightfoot – at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall on December 6, 2025

Eric Alper
-
0
Photo Gallery: The Trews and Terra Lightfoot – at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall on December 6, 2025

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

The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
Terra Lightfoot
Terra Lightfoot
Terra Lightfoot

Country Thunder Announces First-Ever Beachfront Festival Headlined by Kane Brown

Eric Alper
-
0
Country Thunder Announces First-Ever Beachfront Festival Headlined by Kane Brown

Country Thunder, North America’s largest country music festival brand, is making history next year by launching its first-ever beachfront festival, Country Thunder Florida. The event will take over the iconic, sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach and the Gulf shoreline from May 8–10, 2026, delivering the brand’s biggest and boldest event yet. This milestone year calls for a massive lineup, led by superstar headliners Zach Top, Gavin Adcock, and Kane Brown, who consistently sell out venues across the country. The powerhouse supporting cast adds to the pure heat of the lineup, featuring acts like Randy Houser, Max McNown, Shaboozey, and Dasha.

The festival unfolds on the sprawling 40-acre grounds of the legendary TradeWinds Resort, transforming one of America’s most celebrated beaches into a three-day soundtrack of guitars and nonstop country anthems. This event is a rare fusion of a destination vacation and festival adrenaline, allowing fans to wander from the sand to the main stage in seconds. Beyond the major performances, the concourse promises all-day action with carnival rides, local food, and a special Songwriter Showcase. With tickets and premium packages available—including a new, budget-friendly option for just $20 down—Country Thunder is poised to deliver a best-in-class, oceanfront takeover.

HERMANO Announces New Live Album ‘Clisson, France’ and Spring European Tour

Eric Alper
-
0
HERMANO Announces New Live Album ‘Clisson, France’ and Spring European Tour

Hermano, the theatrical rock collective fronted by iconic Kyuss vocalist John Garcia, has announced their new live album, ‘Clisson, France’, set for release this February 6th on Ripple Music, and unveiled the roaring single “Left Side Bleeding.” The live album was captured during their thrilling, critically hailed set at Hellfest in Clisson, France, in the summer of 2016, marking the band’s first performance in eight years. Guitarist Dave Angstrom enthused that the show was an incredible experience shared with his closest friends, calling the live album a reminder of the “strong bond, love, and friendship” within the band.

The announcement is coupled with news of Hermano’s first extensive tour in over a decade for the spring of 2026, including festival appearances. The band, which has consistently refused to operate on anyone’s schedule other than their own, was lured back by the repeated calls of their devoted fans. After arriving at Hellfest with only a couple of hours to rehearse, they delivered a performance so energetic and seamless that audiences were left in awe. ‘Clisson, France’ promises to be one of the most magical and significant live releases of 2026, available on limited LP, CD, digital, and DVD formats.

Hermano European tour 2026:

  • May 7: Paris (FR) @ La Maroquinerie
  • May 8: Utrecht (NL) @ Tivoli Vredenburg
  • May 9: Cologne (DE) @ Luxor
  • May 11: Vienna (AT) @ Arena
  • May 12: Munich (DE) @ Backstage Halle
  • May 14: Berlin (DE) @ Desertfest Berlin
  • May 15: London (UK) @ Desertfest London
  • May 16: Nijmegen (NL) @ Sonic Whip
  • May 17: Brussels (BE) @ Obsidian Dust

Shropshire’s TRIERS Deliver Towering New Indie Anthem “Home”

Eric Alper
-
0
Shropshire’s TRIERS Deliver Towering New Indie Anthem “Home”

Shropshire’s Triers have made a powerful return with their new single, “Home,” a towering indie anthem that fearlessly lays bare the frustration, resilience, and raw humanity of life inside the music industry. Recently crowned BBC Introducing Artist of the Week with heavy rotation, the band is sharpening that momentum into a candid statement about rejection, self-worth, and the outright refusal to quit. Frontman Nick Taylor explains that “Home” is not about a physical place, but about chasing your dream, getting told you’re not good enough, and finding your sense of belonging in spite of that corporate coldness.

The track, produced by Gavin Monaghan, captures the band’s trademark “mountain of sound”—thick layers of guitars and rhythms that drive forward with palpable intent. With defiant lines like “put me back on the shelf,” Triers turn their industry frustration into potent catharsis, delivering a defiant roar from the underdogs of British indie. The band, based between Shropshire and the West Midlands, continues to build a reputation as one of the most compelling grassroots acts in the country, showcasing unfiltered honesty wrapped in anthemic grit, proving they are a band living up to their name.

THE ROAD HAMMERS Recruit Ian Thornley and Tyler Connolly For New Single “Till The Wheels Fall Off”

Eric Alper
-
0
THE ROAD HAMMERS Recruit Ian Thornley and Tyler Connolly For New Single “Till The Wheels Fall Off”

Award-winning country-rock trio The Road Hammers are revving up for 2026 with their hard-hitting new single, “Till The Wheels Fall Off,” out January 9th via Skysong Records. This full-throttle anthem is built on roaring guitars and diesel-strength momentum, featuring powerhouse contributions from Canadian rock icons Ian Thornley (Big Wreck) on guitar and Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman) on vocals, adding extra octane to the track. Frontman Jason McCoy notes the song is “for the ones who finish what they started,” while Clayton Bellamy called it “the most exciting song The Road Hammers have ever written,” created during an invigorating, three-way writing and recording session. The single, which follows their 2025 track “Dirty Hands Clean Money,” embodies everything the JUNO and six-time CCMA winning band stands for: persistence, passion, and pedal-to-the-floor determination.

The release of the track signals a major step in the band’s creative resurgence and arrives as they gear up for their “Till The Wheels Fall Off Tour” with special guests Doc Walker in January and February 2026. The band’s signature blend of classic trucker-country grit and hard-edged rock power, which has earned them over 60 million global streams, continues to evolve with a bold, modern punch that resonates across generations. A high-voltage music video directed by Travis Nesbitt and shot at Dinosaur Downs Speedway will also debut soon, capturing the raw, full-tilt spirit of the song.

The Road Hammers “Till The Wheels Fall Off” Tour Dates:

  • January 16: Enoch, AB @ River Cree Resort & Casino *
  • January 17: Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Resort & Casino *
  • February 13: Regina, SK @ Casino Regina *
  • February 14: Winnipeg, MB @ Club Regent Event Centre *
  • February 20: Kitchener, ON @ Center in the Square *
  • February 21: Niagara Falls, ON @ Fallsview Casino ^
  • Til The Wheels Fall Off tour with Doc Walker
  • ^ with Michelle Wright and Doc Walker
1...141516...3,009Page 15 of 3,009

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper