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Susan Aglukark’s New Album ‘The Crossing’ Is Out Now

Eric Alper
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Susan Aglukark’s New Album ‘The Crossing’ Is Out Now

Multi-JUNO Award-winning Inuk singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark reveals a lesson in belonging and beyond with the release of her new album, The Crossing.

The Officer of the Order of Canada and Governor General Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award-winning artist’s 10th studio album tells a small part of what the Inuit ancestors’ journey might have been — and why it’s important to tell it from the Inuit perspective.

“Writing this album through our contemporary Inuit lens has been a lesson in belonging,” Aglukark shares of the release. “As we correct the narrative, we are also finding puzzle pieces in our own healing journeys — and what a privilege it is to have this platform to share these lessons from.”

Recorded with Chad Irschick — who also produced Aglukark’s triple-Platinum-selling release, This Child — The Crossing also features co-writes with Michael Francis on select songs.

Renowned for her unique blend of Inuit folk, country, and pop music, Susan Aglukark is Nunavut’s first-ever JUNO Award-winning Inuk singer/songwriter; she has won three and received an additional seven nominations.

This year, Aglukark will be recognized with the 2022 Humanitarian Award Presented by Music Canada at the 51st annual JUNO Awards this May.

Aglukark’s receipt of the 2022 Humanitarian Award is a tribute to her long-standing dedication to improving the lives of children and youth in Northern Indigenous communities. Through the Arctic Rose Foundation, her organization supports the emotional health of Northern Inuit, First Nations, and Metis youth through Indigenous-led, arts-based after-school programs, as well as other cultural and creative projects.

“It is an honour to receive this award, and a privilege to have had the opportunity to help create safe spaces for Northern Inuit and Indigenous youth to explore their own potential and forge connections through Indigenous-led programs,” Aglukark says. “I am proud of the work our team at the Arctic Rose Foundation has achieved so far, and look forward to expanding our footprint across the North to bring more culturally-grounded, adaptable programming to young people, and help engage, support, and inspire them in all aspects of their lives.”

“The conversations around reconciliation have provided an opportunity to change the narrative. The Indigenous people in Canada come from highly organized societies built on knowledge, process and organization – without which none of us would have survived.”

For Susan, art played a significant role in her healing journey and she believes it plays an important role for indigenous youth who are dealing with contemporary identity issues today.

“Our children and youth are strong and resilient, they still believe very strongly in their culture, in Inuit or Indigenous culture, and they are still fighting every day to find their place.”

“They need to be anchored to an identity and some of those connections are in our ancestors and their stories and we have a duty and a responsibility to engage our children and youth in the process of connecting with and helping them write those stories.”

Susan was presented the Officer of the Order of Canada Award, and was awarded the Governor General’s Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in June of 2016. The founder and program developer of the Arctic Rose Foundation, she is also set to receive the Humanitarian Award Presented by Music Canada at the 2022 JUNO Awards.

Susan Aglukark’s previous awards include three JUNO Awards and seven additional nominations, the first-ever Aboriginal Achievement Award in Arts & Entertainment, the Canadian Country Music Association’s Vista Rising Star Award, and several other CCMA nominations. Susan has Honorary doctorates of Law from the University of Alberta, where she also worked for three years as Distinguished Scholar in residence, as well as an Honorary law degree from Calgary University, an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the Lethbridge University, a Doctor of Letters from the Laurentian University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Toronto.

// The Crossing Tracklisting:

“The Crossing”
“Walk With Me”
“Uangilaa”
“Tikitaummata”
“Winter’s Dream”
“Be Set Free”
“Ada”
“Journey Home”
“Into The Light”
“Forever Young”
“People’s Soul (Arviat)”
“Ataniq Qujaqiliqpagit (Thank You Lord)”

If One Thing’s For Sure, It’s That Four-Piece Delaware Rockers DUTCHMAN Are Anything But “Going Nowhere”

Eric Alper
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If One Thing’s For Sure, It’s That Four-Piece Delaware Rockers DUTCHMAN Are Anything But “Going Nowhere”

Dutchman brings a statement to their sound in directions that make you Rock, make you Roll, and keep you hanging along for the ride. Always feel at home with their groovy piano-based ballad, “Going Nowhere.”

It’s the “Hear You Me” of Jimmy Eat World. The “My Immortal” of Evanescence. It’s the “Good Riddance” of Green Day and the “Broken” of Seether. “Going Nowhere” is the vulnerable counterpart of Dutchman’s signature rock and roll. And it leads the listener down a soundscape of fondness for looking back.

The four-piece rock outfit from Delaware formed in late 2017 and have steadily collected fans and friends throughout the music community online and around the world ever since. Their commitment to well-produced originals and top shelf promise of authenticity has seen the band make strides while they push genre boundaries and carve a sound they can neatly call their own.

“Going Nowhere” is included on the band’s upcoming album; their follow-up release to the widely acclaimed ‘Dutchman Volumes 1-3’. It acts as a twin flame to the upcoming, “Springfield ‘79”, and broadens Dutchman’s uncanny ability to level up their songwriting by continuing to produce well-rounded music that touches every level of the human condition.

For Connor Johnson (Rhythm/Lead Guitar & Vocals), Garrett Gravatt (Rhythm/Lead Guitar), Yamir “Fez” Alicea-Rivera (Drums), and Franco Solorzano (Keyboards & Bass Guitar), Dutchman music acts as a representation of who they are. “We have since collected over 30 vintage and newer reissue instruments to authentically represent what we bring to the table, check out the classic sounds and more on our current and upcoming releases.”

Now into their fifth year, and with the pandemic looming, Dutchman are digging deep into their roots and love of vintage music to propel themselves into their next level of flow and sound to their recordings and performances. “We’ve decided to really trim the edges and get down to the bare basics of what we’re about,” says Johnson. “Collectively our heaviest influences span from the 1950s straight through the 70s and the best way to pay homage to that sound and feel is to use the gear and tools our heroes had used that inspired us.”

Adds Gravatt: “This single is by far my favorite project to date. The gang has really been coming together nicely, just meshing in every way. The way I see it is, what better way to strike an audience than to show resilience in an unmistakenly meaningful song, all the while broadening our sound in the process.”

“Going Nowhere” bleeds keys with organ, their signature heavy percussion with well-placed electric riffs that compliment the melody and general vibe of the song leaving you both remembering and recollecting.

Dutchman take “Going Nowhere” straight to a hat tip of yesteryear, calling on your memories like a reel-to-reel tape playing on a crudely constructed projector screen of dusty bed sheets in an idle attic. It’s a trip you may not have been planning to take. But you’ll be plenty happy you thumbed a ride “Going Nowhere” with Dutchman.

Pop Artist Joshua Sade James Has “Gone” into Euphoria with Release of New Single

Eric Alper
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Pop Artist Joshua Sade James Has “Gone” into Euphoria with Release of New Single

Kitchener/Waterloo, ON’s JSJ (aka Joshua Säde James) has “Gone” into an utter whirlwind of euphoria with the release of his newly minted single, and audiences shouldn’t wait to say ‘same.’

Oozing with R&B finesse, the insta-classic is an ode to the ex-lover caught in a tryst, causing lunacy for whoever is left behind in their trap.

“This song is my ‘Cruella has entered the chat’ moment,” JSJ reveals. “It’s the Gemini’s lament to love. ‘Gone’ is a sonic roller coaster that hurls you up and down as love battles hatred.”

A Sheridan graduate holding his bachelor’s degree in musical theatre performance, JSJ has set out to carve his own path and find his own voice in his musical journey. The son of renowned Canadian country artist Jamie Warren, JSJ was born into a world built on the foundation of song, melody, and performance. Since childhood, JSJ was aware he was born to be an artist, and his roster of recent releases are setting swift precedence for an extraordinary career ahead.

“When I was writing this song, specifically the bridge, I remember thinking how hard and sassy the rest of the song was,” he recalls. “I turned to producer Anthony Wright and said, ‘I need an Adele bridge. I gotta show range in more than just my voice. I think I need a piano breakdown.’

“Almost instantly I had the melody in my head and, less than five seconds after humming it, Anthony pulled out this beautiful piano part that just fit. Next thing you know, I’m singing a nodes-y low Eb feeling like Beyoncé, telling people I’m putting my ‘freakum vest’ on.

“This song was one of the most cathartic and empowering pieces I’ve recorded to date. Never have I ever felt like more of a bad b****.”

One spin and you’ll feel it too; “Gone” radiates confidence and shocking insight to the other side of the breakup coin.

Arriving complete with an equally stunning visual component, the track evens the score between partners in a relationship gone sour, with JSJ and his powerhouse vocals at the helm of the sinking ship. While his ex-lover may have steered the vessel to the storm, JSJ stole the stern in an effort to consume the madness, rather than evade it. It’s his CeeLo Green moment. His Lily Allen middle finger. “Gone” is a call and answer to the heartbreaking in two separately sized pieces.

“It sat on my laptop as this minute demo for almost a year before I brought it to Anthony,” JSJ says. “He took my little dinky basement demo and made it a fierce f u track that made me believe in myself again.

“It allowed me to embrace and truly experience my darkness in a different way,” he continues. “This time, when it consumed me, I controlled it for once.”

Lean into the visceral veracity of love gone wrong with the latest track from JSJ.

It’s a truth serum for the masses. A chance to reclaim autonomy from a broken heart…

Even if it leaves you “Gone.”

LGBTQ+ Christian Pop Artist Danah-Lee Laments Loss of Contact In “Love Letter To A Friend”

Eric Alper
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LGBTQ+ Christian Pop Artist Danah-Lee Laments Loss of Contact In “Love Letter To A Friend”

There are times when alone time isn’t just necessary, but absolutely crucial to our wellbeing. Canadian contemporary Christian pop artist Danah-Lee sings of such with radical honesty and deep vulnerability in her new single, “Love Letter To A Friend.”

Melancholy but soaring, “Love Letter To A Friend” beseeches a friend to be understanding about the fact that the narrator has fallen out of contact. Featuring piano, a groovy-lite bassline, and elegant strings with some whimsical pizzicatos at the end, the song arrives from Danah-Lee’s newly released 2022 album, Made in the Image.

“In my humble opinion, the ‘Read/Seen’ ability on messenger-type apps can be a double-edged sword,” Danah-Lee says. “Sometimes it’s not possible to respond, but the person on the other end might take this personally and start creating their own stories as to why the reader/receiver is not responding.”

Danah-Lee speaks from recent personal experience, having fallen ill during the summer of 2021 after a rare adverse reaction to a Covid-19 vaccine. She believes it was likely caused by an allergy to one of the ingredients, which had long-term effects over the span of eight months.

“During this time, I moved back in with my parents to care for me for three months,” she shares. “As I slowly returned to my own home and to the studios, I really struggled with responding to messages, and the only thing that kept me connected to any sort of sanity was creating music – especially this song.”

A big fan of the song “I Love You” by Climax Blues Band, Danah-Lee strove for a similar effect in the production of “Love Letter To A Friend.” The song’s groovy-but-tasteful bassline was supplied by bassist John Thomasson, the beautiful string arrangement by David N. Campbell, and drums/percussion by Glenn Welman.

Danah-Lee is a Contemporary Christian/LGBTQ musician, producer, award-winning music educator, entrepreneur, and author. Outside of her strong faith in Christ as a member of the LGBTQ community, and outside of her career as an artist, Danah owns and operates a safe and inclusive music school. She was recently nominated for LouderThanTheMusic’s “Christian Album of the Year” and the “Impact Award” at Ottawa’s Capital Music Awards. She has released three solo albums and two collaboration albums and has toured extensively throughout North America.

As a Christian artist, she does not fit the traditional mold because of her existence within the marginalized LGBTQ community. It is Danah’s hope to merge Christian ideals and a Queer existence into her music. The intention is to inform, engage, educate, and open doors.

Robert Plant’s Isolated Vocals For Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven”

Eric Alper
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Robert Plant’s Isolated Vocals For Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven”

Composed by the band’s guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant for their untitled fourth studio album, Stairway To Heaven is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time and here’s Robert’s isolated vocals.

Music Publishers Canada and Music Canada launch new Songwriting and Music Publishing Award

Eric Alper
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0
Music Publishers Canada and Music Canada launch new Songwriting and Music Publishing Award

Music Publishers Canada and Music Canada are excited to launch their new Songwriting and Music Publishing Award. The award celebrates songwriters’ and music publishers’ contributions to officially certified Canadian Gold and Platinum recordings.

“Songwriters and music publishers have always played a vital role in the creation of Canadian songs that are heard daily on the radio, on streaming services, in video games, and on film and television productions seen around the world. We are proud to now have an award that specifically recognizes and celebrates the contributions of songwriters and music publishers to Gold and Platinum certified songs,” said Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada.

“Gold and Platinum Awards are recognized world-wide as markers of commercial success for artists and their teams – whether the artist has just released their first hit, or if they are a global superstar creating the songs that define a generation. We are thrilled to extend our Gold and Platinum Program so that it recognizes the close creative working relationship between songwriters and performing artists and their teams,”  said Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada.  “Canada’s music industry is a dynamic and competitive marketplace, built on creativity and collaboration. And just as Canada’s major labels partner with music publishers to support artists’ creative and commercial goals, this award marks a new level of partnership between our associations.”

The first award was presented last week during JUNO Week to Serena Ryder, in recognition of her songwriting contributions to her Platinum-certified song “Weak In The Knees.” The award was presented by ArtHaus Music and Music Publishers Canada, ahead of Ryder’s performance at the JUNO Songwriters’ Circle.

As well, Soran, and his music publisher, Éditorial Avenue, were recognized with a plaque in a virtual presentation for their contributions to Johnny Orlando’s “Everybody Wants You,” a certified Gold Single.

“As both a publisher and songwriter, I am very excited to see the launch of an award that recognizes the impact of both of these roles on creating songs that resonate with music fans” said Vincent Degiorgio, President of CYMBA Music Publishing and Chair of the Music Publishers Canada Board of Directors.

Music Publishers Canada members who hold publishing rights to songs contained in a Gold/Platinum certified recording are now eligible to order the new Award plaque for themselves, their sub-publishing partners as well as the credited songwriters who they represent in Canada.

Beastie Boys To Re-Release 4-LP Deluxe Edition Of ‘Check Your Head’

Eric Alper
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Beastie Boys To Re-Release 4-LP Deluxe Edition Of ‘Check Your Head’

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Beastie Boys’ multi-platinum album Check Your Head, on July 15, UMe will release a limited-edition reissue of the rare 4LP deluxe version of the album, originally released in 2009 as an artist store exclusive. The long out-of-print and much sought-after box set features the 2009 remaster of the original double album, plus two extra LPs of bonus content including remixes, live versions, and B-sides. All four LPs are pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a fabric wrapped, stamped, hardcover case. The Check Your Head 4LP box set can be purchased at participating independent retail outlets and will also be available to pre-order exclusively through the Beastie Boys online store, HERE.

Originally released in April 1992, Check Your Head was a milestone for Beastie Boys on multiple levels: It was their first album to be produced, in its entirety, by Beastie Boys with Mario Caldato Jr. and to feature keyboard player Keyboard Money Mark, as well as the first to be recorded at the band’s own G-Son studios in Atwater Village, CA. Most significantly, however, Check Your Head marked the return of live instrumentation to the forefront and backbone of the Beastie Boys sound, with the bulk of the album featuring Mike D on drums, Adrock on guitar and MCA on bass for the first time since the band’s early 1980s hardcore punk recordings.

Featuring the now-classic tracks “So What’cha Want,” “Pass The Mic,” “Gratitude” and “Jimmy James,” Check Your Head stormed the U.S. Top 10, ultimately returning Beastie Boys to hard-touring, platinum-selling status, and setting the band up for the pop cultural dominance it would achieve in the decade to come.

BEASTIE BOYS CHECK YOUR HEAD  4LP BOX SET:

LP 1
Side A 
Jimmy James 
Funky Boss
Pass The Mic 
Gratitude
Lighten Up

Side B 
Finger Lickin’ Good
So What’ Cha Want
The Biz Vs The Nuge
Time For Livin’
Something’s Got To Give

LP 2 
Side C 
The Blue Nun 
Stand Together
Pow
The Maestro
Groove Holmes

Side D 
Live At P. J.’s 
Mark On The Bus 
Professor Booty 
In 3’s 
Namaste

LP 3 
Side E 
Dub The Mic (Instrumental) 
Pass The Mic (Pt. 2, Skills To Pay The Bills) 
Drunken Praying Mantis Style 
Netty’s Girl

Side F 
The Skills To Pay The Bills (Original Version) 
So What’ Cha Want (Soul Assassin Remix Version)
So What’ Cha Want (Butt Naked Version) 
Groove Holmes (Live Vs. The Biz)

LP 4 
Side G 
Stand Together (Live At French’s Tavern, Sydney Australia) 
Finger Lickin’ Good (Government Cheese Remix) 
Gratitude (Live At Budokan)  
Honky Rink

Side H 
Jimmy James (Original Original Version) 
Boomin’ Granny 
Drinkin’ Wine 
So What’ Cha Want (All The Way Live Freestyle Version)

Thomas Rhett to Perform Concert for SiriusXM and Pandora

Eric Alper
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Thomas Rhett to Perform Concert for SiriusXM and Pandora

SiriusXM and Pandora today announced that country superstar Thomas Rhett will perform an exclusive concert for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners on Tuesday, June 7. SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners can RSVP for free HERE.

The show will feature Thomas Rhett performing songs from his recently released album Where We Started, as well as fan favorites.

Thomas Rhett’s performance will take place at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works on Tuesday, June 7 at 8:00 pm CT and will air live on SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56) and on the SXM App.

Country singer Conner Smith will open the show. Conner was named one of Pandora’s 2022 Artists to Watch.

Additionally, ASL interpretation will take place in order to help provide the best experience possible for all fans.

For those unable to attend the event in Nashville, Pandora will present several songs on July 13 at 9:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm PT from Thomas Rhett’s performance during Pandora LIVE in the 615: THOMAS RHETT. Pandora LIVE virtual events are the continuation of the streaming service’s popular live series that features top artists from all genres.

Event sponsors will enhance the experience with exciting activations and complimentary giveaways. In Nashville, MGM Rewards will help welcome fans to the show with an eye-catching Nashvegas-inspired pre-show performance. Las Vegas will treat fans to savory bites from one of Nashville’s legendary hot spots. Magnum® ice cream will invite attendees to strike a pose in a photobooth inspired by their new Duet ice cream bars and treat fans to a complimentary sample. USAA will invite members of the Nashville military community to enjoy the show from an exclusive lounge. Tire Rack will provide fans with stadium-regulated totes for use at the event and throughout CMA Fan Fest weekend and Zaxby’s, the premium quick-service restaurant known for its chicken fingers, wings and signature sauces, will provide Bluetooth speaker keychains so fans can keep the music going long after the event.

During the Pandora LIVE virtual event, select sponsors will create unique content experiences for fans nationwide. During the pre-show, attendees can test their artist knowledge with interactive trivia from MGM Rewards, Las Vegas will provide “tips and tricks” for the most enjoyable viewing experience, and USAA will inspire fans through their support for veteran-focused initiatives.

Ten years after signing his record deal with Big Machine Label Group’s The Valory Music Co., arena-packing superstar Thomas Rhett – dubbed “the most reliable maker of No. 1 singles in country music” (Variety) – has 18 multi-PLATINUM and GOLD-certified No. 1 hits, 12 BILLION streams and the longest current active streak of consecutive No. 1s in the format (Mediabase/Country Aircheck Chart). Declared “a prince in the genre” (USA Today), he has been honored with eight ACM Awards including Entertainer of the Year, two CMA Awards, five GRAMMY nominations, plus trophies from the CMT Music Awards and Billboard Awards, in addition to being recognized with two CMA Triple Play awards for penning three No. One songs within a 12-month period. The superstar’s critically-acclaimed sixth studio album WHERE WE STARTED is available now, and he will launch his BRING THE BAR TO YOU TOUR in June. Inspired by family, friends and his love of the outdoors, Thomas Rhett is the cofounder of Dos Primos Tequila and is collaborating with Chaco on an exclusive sandal line. For more information, visit www.ThomasRhett.com.

To maintain the highest public health standards and/or requirements, SiriusXM and Pandora will adhere to health and safety protocols in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the venue, and all state and local health mandates to protect attendees, staff, and artists. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 48 hours required to attend.

Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds Serve As An Ideal Work- Or Play-from-anywhere Audio Companion

Eric Alper
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0
Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds Serve As An Ideal Work- Or Play-from-anywhere Audio Companion

Skullcandy, the No. 1 selling brand in stereo headphones and true wireless earbuds under $100, announced today its all-new Mod True Wireless Earbuds ($59.99 MSRP). Packed with premium features demanded by the brand’s tech-forward, value-minded fans, Mod stands out as the perfect work- or play-from-anywhere audio companion. All-new Multipoint Pairing enables seamless toggling between multiple devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer, ensuring music will resume on a user’s phone once the Zoom meeting wraps on their laptop. Mod’s flexibility is further underscored by Skullcandy App compatibility, which enables button function and equalizer mode personalization for a truly customizable audio experience. Mod is available for pre-sale now at Skullcandy.com and select retailers nationwide.

For audio enthusiasts seeking a premium, work-horse bud that won’t break the bank, Mod is the answer. Skullcandy’s latest value-packed true wireless offering features specifically selected and expertly tuned drivers to deliver supreme sound quality for any music genre, podcast or video. All-new Clear Voice Smart Mic technology utilizes artificial intelligence to reduce background noise and isolate the speaker’s voice, ensuring calls and Zoom meetings are crystal clear. An adjustable Stay-Aware Mode helps users dial outside noise levels up or down so they can tune out, or tune in, as much as they want, depending on their situation.

Mod was built to go anywhere. From outdoor excursions to intense gym days, Mod users can keep up with any adventure thanks to an IP55 sweat-, dust- and water-resistance rating. Built-in Tile™ Finding Technology allows users to simply “ring” either earbud from the free Tile app or view the earbuds’ last known location on a map in case one is ever misplaced. And with a total of 34 hours of battery life between the buds and the case, Mod ensures users will never miss a beat, wherever their playlists take them.

Features of the all-new Mod True Wireless Earbuds include:

Mod True Wireless Earbuds – $59.99 MSRP

  • All-New Multipoint Pairing – Seamlessly pair to multiple devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer
  • All-New Clear Voice Smart Mic – Experience a reduction in background noise to ensure calls are crystal clear
  • Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode – Make necessary audio adjustments to stay alert and hear surroundings
  • Customization – Skullcandy App compatibility enables users to dial in their audio experience, including button customization and custom equalizer levels
  • Up to 34 Hours of Battery Life – Listen longer with 7 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 27 hours in the charging case
  • USB-C Rapid Charging Case – For 10 minutes spent in the case, receive 2 hours of battery life
  • True Wireless via Bluetooth 5.2 – The latest in Bluetooth® technology offering efficiency improvements and faster pairing capabilities
  • Auto On/Connect – Enjoy automatic connection and pairing with the last device used
  • IP55 Sweat and Water Resistance – Go on any adventure without missing a beat
  • Built-in Tile Finding Technology – If an earbud is misplaced, simply “ring” it from the Tile app

Joining Mod in the Skullcandy lineup are three new, refreshed fan-favorites including Sesh ANC True Wireless Earbuds ($79.99 MSRP), an ideal entry point for consumers seeking Active Noise Canceling technology on a budget and Jib True 2 True Wireless Earbuds ($39.99) now with Tile™ Finding Technology.

For more information on Mod True Wireless Earbuds and the rest of the Skullcandy true wireless collection, visit www.Skullcandy.com.

Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Is Getting A 40th Anniversary Double-CD Set

Eric Alper
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0
Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Is Getting A 40th Anniversary Double-CD Set

Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson today announced that it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time, with the November 18 release of Michael Jackson Thriller 40, a double CD set comprised of Michael’s original masterpiece Thriller and an exciting second disc full of surprises for fans including never-released tracks which were worked on by Michael for the Thriller album. To date, the album has amassed in excess of 100 million in sales worldwide.

In the US, Walmart will have an exclusive version of the original Thriller album with an alternate 40th anniversary cover, while Target will have an exclusive version of the original album with a commemorative Thriller 40 vinyl slip mat. Both of these will also be available outside the US from various retailers.

Mastered from the original analog master tapes, Mobile Fidelity will also make available the original Thriller album as a One-Step 180g 33RPM LP, pressed at RTI and strictly limited to 40,000 numbered copies as well as a hybrid SACD. An UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP set of Thriller will be released at a future date.

Several activations are planned between now and the end of the year to honor Michael’s epic creation which won a record setting 8 Grammys, smashed musical barriers and changed the frontiers of pop music and videos forever. Michael Jackson’s Thriller has spent more than 500 weeks on the Billboard album chart and has sold over 100 million albums since its release on November 30, 1982. The first such activation is the first drop of new merchandise featuring the special Thriller 40 logo which is now available exclusively through the MichaelJackson.com webstore.

Thriller holds a modern-day record of 37 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard. It was the first album in history to spend each of its first 80 weeks in the album chart’s Top 10, a feat only reached by one other album in the nearly four decades since. During its 112th week on Billboard’s album chart, it became the first title ever to be certified RIAA 20X multi-Platinum (October 30, 1984) and became the first title ever to be certified more than RIAA 30X multi-Platinum in 2015 and since has been certified at 34x Multi-Platinum.

Worldwide, Thriller went to #1 in practically every country in the world, including the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and apartheid South Africa and remains the biggest selling album of all time with sales in excess of 100 million. Seven tracks from the album became Top 10 singles, and three, “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller,” went No. 1.

The music on Thriller was so singular for the time it defied any definition of rock, pop or soul that had gone before. “Beat It” was a new kind of pop-rock hybrid and demolished the longstanding segregation between black and white music with Eddie Van Halen’s incendiary guitar. On “The Girl Is Mine,” two men, one white and one Black, banter about the same girl. On the same album were songs like the African-rooted “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and the rhythm and blues-based “Billie Jean.”

Michael set out to revolutionize how to tell a story and entertain on a grand scale through film but faced roadblocks. Despite the luscious cinematography, dramatic narrative and spectacular choreography of “Billie Jean,” a fledgling MTV, which was programming white rock artists almost exclusively, refused to play it. Epic persisted. Once the wall came crashing down, MTV’s ratings soared and a door was opened for a generation of African American artists. “He was MTV’s Jackie Robinson,” said cultural critic Touré.

Next, came the unforgettable short film for “Beat It,” which featured Michael bringing two gangs together through the power of music and dance. And then there was “Thriller.” Premiered at the AVCO Theatre in Los Angeles in 1983, it sold out every night for three weeks. No other video before or since has generated such excitement and has such a hold on our attention, such that 40 years later we all share it as a collective memory and it remains the only music video to be inducted into the elite National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Music from Thriller and Michael’s other hit albums is featured in the hit Las Vegas show Michael Jackson ONE, at the Michael Jackson ONE Theater in Mandalay Bay Resorts and Casino and in the acclaimed Broadway musical MJ The Musical at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York, which was nominated for 10 Tony Awards last week. Michael has sold more than 1 billion records and remains one of the top streaming artists in the world.

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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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