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5 Surprising Facts About Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’

Few albums can claim the cultural impact and storytelling depth of Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Released on October 22, 2012, this landmark record takes listeners through a cinematic journey of Lamar’s adolescence in Compton, California. With its gripping narrative, intricate lyricism, and innovative production, the album redefined what a hip-hop record could be, cementing Lamar as one of the most compelling voices in music.

Here are 5 fascinating facts about Good Kid, M.A.A.D City that highlight its brilliance:

1. The Album Title Holds Hidden Meanings

The mysterious acronym “M.A.A.D” in the album’s title stands for “My Angry Adolescence Divided” and “My Angel’s on Angel Dust.” The latter references a personal experience where Lamar unknowingly consumed a substance laced with angel dust, a formative moment that left a lasting impression on his life and artistry. This duality reflects the album’s exploration of innocence versus harsh realities.

2. The Cover Art Tells a Personal Story

The album’s cover features a young Kendrick Lamar sitting with his uncles and grandfather, their eyes censored for privacy. Lamar’s decision to leave his own eyes uncensored signifies that the story is told through his perspective. The image also includes subtle nods to his upbringing, including a Crips gang sign displayed by one uncle and a poster featuring Lamar and his father.

3. Lady Gaga Was Originally Featured on the Album

Before “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” became a standout track, it was intended to feature Lady Gaga. Creative differences and scheduling issues ultimately prevented her version from being included. However, Gaga later released her rendition of the song, showcasing an entirely different vibe with her chorus and verse, adding another layer to the track’s history.

4. A Nod to NBA Culture

The track “Now or Never” found an unexpected home in basketball culture, becoming part of the NBA 2K14 soundtrack, thanks to LeBron James. This placement helped introduce Lamar’s music to an even broader audience and showcased the album’s ability to resonate across different mediums beyond music.

5. The Concept Was Inspired by Compton’s Reality

While Good Kid, M.A.A.D City is deeply autobiographical, it also portrays a universal narrative about trying to break free from a cycle of violence and poverty. Lamar’s decision to frame the album as a “short film” was influenced by the cinematic structure of albums like Outkast’s Aquemini and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, blending vivid storytelling with musical cohesion.

Good Kid, M.A.A.D City achieved an extraordinary feat, spending a total of 10 years (520 weeks) on the Billboard 200, making it the first hip-hop studio album in history to do so. Kendrick Lamar’s ability to weave personal narratives with themes of resilience, identity, and survival solidifies its place as one of the greatest concept albums ever created. More than a decade later, its influence continues to shape artists and listeners alike, proving that a good kid’s story can have a lasting impact in a mad city.

5 Surprising Facts About Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’

There are albums that define moments, and then there are albums that transcend them. Taylor Swift’s Folklore falls into the latter category—a masterpiece born out of isolation that captures universal emotions, intimate stories, and an entirely new sound for the global superstar. Released as a surprise on July 24, 2020, this indie-folk marvel brought raw emotion, intricate storytelling, and a refreshing departure from her pop-heavy past. But Folklore is a timeless piece of artistry that continues to resonate with fans and critics alike.

Here are 5 surprising facts about Folklore that make this record even more fascinating:

1. “Betty” Features Hidden Connections to Taylor’s Inner Circle

The names in Folklore‘s teenage love triangle—Betty, James, and Inez—are not random. They are actually the names of the children of Taylor’s close friends Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. This clever nod not only added a personal touch to the album but also sparked widespread fan theories, making the song a treasure trove for Easter egg hunters.

2. Aaron Dessner’s Creative Breakthrough Came Through a Random Email

Aaron Dessner, guitarist for The National, received an out-of-the-blue email from Swift asking to collaborate. Skeptical at first, Dessner sent her an instrumental track, thinking it would take weeks to hear back. Just hours later, Swift returned with a fully written song—“Cardigan.” Their creative chemistry blossomed so quickly that Dessner ended up co-producing 11 of the 16 tracks on Folklore.

3. Swift Recorded Her Vocals in a Makeshift Home Studio

Due to the pandemic, traditional recording studios were off-limits. Undeterred, Swift turned a spare room in her Los Angeles home into a DIY studio, dubbed the “Kitty Committee.” With help from sound engineer Laura Sisk, Swift recorded all her vocals in this intimate setting, which added to the raw, heartfelt vibe of the album.

4. “The Last Great American Dynasty” Links Swift to History

The track “The Last Great American Dynasty” is based on Rebekah Harkness, a socialite who previously owned Swift’s Rhode Island home. Swift had long been fascinated by Harkness’ dramatic life story and her tumultuous relationship with the town. By weaving Harkness’ history with her own, Swift created a song that blurs the lines between past and present, fact and fiction.

5. The “Teenage Love Triangle” Was an Intentional Narrative Experiment

The trio of songs—”Cardigan,” “August,” and “Betty”—tell a single story from three perspectives: a girl reflecting on lost love, the other woman in an affair, and the boy who made the mistakes. Swift used this narrative arc to push her boundaries as a songwriter, crafting characters and timelines that added depth and layers to the album’s storytelling.

Taylor Swift’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots is unmatched, and Folklore stands as a shining example of her artistic brilliance. Whether you’re revisiting its haunting melodies or uncovering its hidden layers, one thing is certain: Folklore will be passed down, whispered around, and celebrated for generations.

Gary Hustwit Announces ’24 Hours Of Eno’ Livestream Event Featuring Generative Documentary Premiere

Eric Alper
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Gary Hustwit Announces ’24 Hours Of Eno’ Livestream Event Featuring Generative Documentary Premiere

Film First and Gary Hustwit, director of the acclaimed, first-ever generative feature film “Eno,” announce the innovative livestreaming event 24 Hours of Eno on January 24 at noon EST. Tickets are limited and currently on sale now at a $24 USD price point. The date marks the one-year anniversary of the film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. Since Sundance, the film has only been available in theaters and at live screenings. This livestream event will mark the film’s global streaming premiere, where anyone anywhere can experience it.

In the first career-spanning documentary about the legendary artist, Hustwit set out to decode Eno’s creative strategies and reject the hagiographic impulses of the music doc genre. Hustwit and digital artist Brendan Dawes developed a groundbreaking, human-coded generative software platform to create a documentary that is different every time it screens. The film draws from Eno’s staggering archive of never-before-seen footage and unreleased music, and Hustwit’s original interviews, but each screening of “Eno” is unique, presenting different scenes, order, and music. “Eno” offers billions of possible variations and ushers in an innovative new approach to storytelling. The result is a viewing experience that resonates with Eno’s own artistic practice, his use of technology to compose music, and his endless exploration of human creativity.

The livestream event is more than just the movie; it’s a 24-hour curated film, art, and music experience with multiple unique versions of the documentary generated around the clock. Audiences in any timezone on the planet will be able to watch several different iterations of “Eno” along with other generative video pieces like “Nothing Can Ever Be the Same,” the Venice Biennale “Eno” prequel installation by Dawes and Hustwit, conversations with the team behind the film, special guests, and other material that will only be shown during this 24-hour livestream. The generative streaming technology will be powered by Anamorph, Dawes’ and Hustwit’s software startup and media studio.

“Eno” was recently shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature and received five Cinema Eye Honors nominations for Best Director, Best Editing, Best Visual Design, Best Sound Design, and its “Unforgettable” subject: Brian Eno.

The Halo Effect Redefines Melodic Death Metal with New Album ‘March Of The Unheard’

Eric Alper
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The Halo Effect Redefines Melodic Death Metal with New Album ‘March Of The Unheard’

The pioneers of melodic death metal are back, and they’re ready to redefine the genre they helped create. The Halo Effect, a band formed by some of the most iconic names in the Gothenburg metal scene, today proudly announces the release of their highly anticipated new album, March Of The Unheard.

More than just a nod to their iconic roots, March Of The Unheard boldly announces that melodic death metal is still evolving. Thirty years after their members first propelled the Gothenburg sound to global prominence, The Halo Effect proves there’s no shortage of fresh ideas and electrifying energy in the genre.

As a testimony of the album’s ferocity, The Halo Effect has released a stunning video for the lead single ‘What We Become’. A quintessential display of the Gothenburg sound, the track is a masterclass in melodic aggression, featuring razor-sharp guitar leads, driving percussion, and shout-along hooks that have kept metalheads enthralled for generations.

The video perfectly captures the song’s intensity and the band’s vision. Frontman Mikael Stanne comments: “The wait is over! Our second album drops today and we could not be more proud of this one. The level of confidence, experience and love of the craft is beyond evident in these songs and to finally be able to share it with all you feels amazing. First up though, just to make sure that you get the album on day one, is our brand new video for the song ‘What We Become’! This song is all about how our emotions can break us down and transform our very being through depression, self doubt and insecurity.

“The video which we shot in an ice cold barn in the middle of nowhere with director Johan Carlen gives the song the right kind of mystique and sense of being forgotten or silenced. Enjoy!”

All Entertainment Media Group Partners with Legendary DJ Whoo Kid to Take The Whoo’s House Podcast to New Heights

Eric Alper
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All Entertainment Media Group Partners with Legendary DJ Whoo Kid to Take The Whoo’s House Podcast to New Heights

All Entertainment Media Group (AEMG), an industry titan in entertainment content creation, production, and marketing, proudly announces an exclusive partnership and management agreement with the legendary DJ Whoo Kid and his acclaimed The Whoo’s House Podcast.

This electrifying collaboration pairs AEMG’s unparalleled expertise in entertainment innovation with DJ Whoo Kid’s global reputation as one of hip-hop’s most influential tastemakers. Known for his groundbreaking work as 50 Cent’s official DJ, collaborations with global superstars, and hosting platforms that bridge the gap between music and culture, DJ Whoo Kid brings unmatched energy and influence to the partnership.

Under AEMG’s visionary leadership, The Whoo’s House Podcast is poised to expand its reach exponentially, delivering exclusive, behind-the-scenes content and hosting unfiltered conversations with an array of A-list guests. The podcast has already featured iconic personalities like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Stephon Marbury, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Hardy, Cardi B, Will.i.am, Glorilla, Wiz Khalifa, and Ice Cube. Together, AEMG and DJ Whoo Kid are set to redefine how fans experience hip-hop and entertainment.

Jeffrey Burton, CEO and Co-Founder of AEMG, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “DJ Whoo Kid is more than just a name—he’s a true cultural icon. His unparalleled ability to connect with legends across music, sports, and film makes him one of the most influential voices in entertainment today. Partnering with him marks a major leap forward for AEMG as we continue to innovate and build platforms that captivate and engage audiences on a global scale.”

Todd Napolitano, President and Co-Founder of AEMG, remarked, “This partnership is a defining moment for AEMG. The Whoo’s House Podcast is quickly becoming a leading platform for powerful, in-depth conversations with some of the world’s most iconic figures. We’re excited to collaborate with DJ Whoo Kid to elevate this show to new heights, delivering an unparalleled experience that will reshape the entertainment landscape.”

DJ Whoo Kid expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “Teaming up with All Entertainment Media Group is exactly the move I’ve been waiting for. Their vision, passion, and expertise are the perfect match for The Whoo’s House Podcast. With their business acumen and my industry connections, we’re ready to dominate the podcasting world, break new ground, and give fans exclusive access to the stories and icons they’ve always wanted to connect with.”

The Whoo’s House Podcast is the ultimate backstage pass to the world of hip-hop, entertainment, and culture. Hosted by the legendary DJ Whoo Kid, the podcast features unfiltered, engaging conversations with some of the biggest names in music, sports, and Hollywood. Previous guests include Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Stephon Marbury, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Hardy, Cardi B, Will.i.am, Glorilla, Wiz Khalifa, and Ice Cube. Offering fans exclusive stories and rare insights, The Whoo’s House Podcast is a cultural touchstone for hip-hop enthusiasts and beyond.

Envy of None Announces New Album ‘Stygian Wavz’ Out March 14, 2025

Eric Alper
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Envy of None Announces New Album ‘Stygian Wavz’ Out March 14, 2025

Envy Of None are back today with news of their much anticipated second album, Stygian Wavz, set for release on Kscope on March, 14th. The announcement follows a recent flurry of activity from the Canadian/American band which saw them release two singles, ‘Not Dead Yet’ and ‘Under The Stars’, both of which included on the new album.

To celebrate the announcement, Envy Of None have shared a new single – album title track ‘Stygian Waves’ – alongside a new music video animated and directed by Mariano Biotico. Speaking on the new single and the upcoming album, Envy of None songwriter and bassist Andy Curran said “This track is a favourite of all 4 EONs. Despite the fact of the spartan lyrical content, this song features our sweet Maiah on lead vocals. Her harmonies and layers of vocals are literally symphonic! It’s hard to put a finger on what style or genre this one is…and we’re proud of that!”

Though they’d never describe themselves as such, Envy Of None are the living, breathing definition of a supergroup. No other band on earth could rightly claim to have Alex Lifeson – one of rock’s most influential visionaries – heading up guitar duties, with Andy Curran of Coney Hatch and Soho 69 overseeing bass/programming as well as producer extraordinaire Alfio Annibalini on keyboards. However, the star in this band could very well be its youngest member – American singer-songwriter Maiah Wynne – whose wonderfully emotive vocals are able to spin the music in new exciting directions that thrill to the core.

On their self-titled debut of 2022, the group were able to prove that they were a lot more than the sum of their parts, with an abundance of panache and finesse poured into a contemporary alt rock sound that was hard to predict and even harder to categorize. This year’s sophomore release, Stygian Wavz, is the sound of a band basking in the radiant glow of creative confidence and coming into their own, staggering the listener with every twist and turn encased within their heady mix of genre-splicing brilliance.

Envy Of None’s new album Stygian Wavz is set for release on March 14th, 2025

Envy Of None – Stygian Wavz
1. Not Dead Yet [03:29]
2. The Story [04:41]
3. Under The Stars [04:32]
4. Thrill Of The Chase [03:40]
5. Handle With Care [04:14]
6. That Was Then [03:46]
7. Raindrops [03:33]
8. New Trip [03:55]
9. Clouds [04:02]
10. The End [03:58]
11. Stygian Waves [03:37]

Bon Jovi Unlocks 40 Years of Rock History with Limited-Edition ‘Bon Jovi: Forever Anthology’

Eric Alper
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Bon Jovi Unlocks 40 Years of Rock History with Limited-Edition ‘Bon Jovi: Forever Anthology’

Genesis Publications announce that the British, family-owned publishing house will be publishing Bon Jovi’s first-ever authored anthology. With unlimited access to Bon Jovi’s extensive archive and narrated by Jon Bon Jovi, Bon Jovi: Forever chronicles the band’s remarkable 40-year history. Bon Jovi: Forever will be shipping in June 2025, with the limited edition now available to pre-order.

For decades, Bon Jovi has been the heartbeat of rock and roll, delivering anthems that transcend time and inspire generations. Now, the band is offering something truly extraordinary for their fans: Bon Jovi: Forever, the first-ever anthology narrated by Jon Bon Jovi himself. This isn’t just a book—it’s a front-row seat to the band’s incredible 40-year journey, a backstage pass to their history, and a collector’s dream come true.

Featuring over 1,300 images, this meticulously curated collection dives deep into Bon Jovi’s archives, showcasing handwritten lyrics, iconic stage costumes, private snapshots, and memorabilia that bring the band’s legacy to life. From Jon’s high school notebooks to the making of their 16th studio album, Forever, every page is packed with the magic and grit that made Bon Jovi one of the biggest bands in the world.

But what makes Bon Jovi: Forever truly special are Jon Bon Jovi’s candid reflections. In his own words, Jon shares the untold stories behind their chart-topping hits, the brotherhood that fueled their success, and the sheer determination that drove them to become global rock royalty. Whether you’re a fan of “Livin’ on a Prayer” or “Wanted Dead or Alive,” Jon’s insights will deepen your appreciation for the band’s artistry and resilience.

For die-hard fans, the Limited Edition is the ultimate treasure. Quarter-bound in black vegan leather with silver detailing, it includes exclusive memorabilia like tour passes, guitar picks, and a chrome-colored 7” vinyl single. Each of the 1,500 copies is hand-signed by Jon Bon Jovi, making this a once-in-a-lifetime collector’s piece.

With over 130 million albums sold, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and countless unforgettable concerts, Bon Jovi’s impact on music and culture is undeniable. Now, with Bon Jovi: Forever, you can own a piece of that history. This is more than a book—it’s a celebration of a band that has given us the soundtrack to our lives.

Pre-order your copy and get ready to relive the magic. Because when it comes to Bon Jovi, forever is just the beginning.

Presented in a black clamshell box with a silver heart and dagger foiled on the front cover, the interior lining is printed in a colour montage of Bon Jovi tour passes and pins. The interior lid holds an exclusive 7″ single. This chrome-coloured vinyl will present two specially selected recordings, which will be announced shortly.

A compartment under the book includes exact replicas of the following items held in the Bon Jovi archive: Three Bon Jovi pins/badges and two guitar picks in a small cloth bag, a VIP Have a Nice Day tour pass and Jon Bon Jovi’s personal All Access laminate pass for the 1984 Runaway tour. A large pull-ribbon, printed with the Bon Jovi logo, lifts the book from the handcrafted case.

Pre-order at TheBonJoviBook.com

 

NLE Choppa Kicks Off 2025 With Monumental New Single “Dare U” Featuring Imagine Dragons

Eric Alper
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NLE Choppa Kicks Off 2025 With Monumental New Single “Dare U” Featuring Imagine Dragons

Cementing his status as a global force in music, 22-year-old rap phenomenon NLE Choppa teams up with GRAMMY Award-winning juggernaut Imagine Dragons for the adrenaline-pumping new single “Dare U,” out now. This groundbreaking track marks Choppa’s first foray into rock and alternative music, showcasing his boundary-pushing artistry.

“Dare U” is a battle cry for the bold, blending Imagine Dragons’ arena-sized energy withNLE Choppa’s undeniable swagger. Propelled by seismic basslines, thunderous handclaps, and a gospel-infused choir, the track soars with a rallying hook from Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds: “Dare u, dare u, say it to my face.” Choppa meets the moment with razor-sharp bars, declaring, “They hating on me, but it made me go harder.”The result is an anthem that transcends genres, celebrating resilience and unapologetic confidence.

Choppa adds, “Imagine Dragons is legendary. To collaborate with them is a dream come true. They brought out a different side of me, and together, we’ve created something truly special.”

The single arrives as NLE Choppa graces the cover of Playgirl’s first issue of 2025, photographed at The Standard Hotel in New York City by Anna Garbowska. The steamy five-page spread showcases the rapper’s tattooed physique and features a compelling interview with legendary music journalist John Norris. Choppa reflects on his meteoric rise and his ability to bridge cultural and musical divides. Read the feature [HERE].

The release of “Dare U” follows a string of triumphs for Choppa in 2024, including the release of PICASSO: SLUFFIN SZN X SLUT SZN, hailed as a bold and versatile project by outlets like Complex and Entertainment Tonight. With over 9 billion streams and 24 RIAA-certified plaques to his name, Choppa continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day artist. From chart-topping singles to co-directing his short film NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash and collaborating with Off-White during NYFW, he’s a true cultural innovator.

22-year-old NLE Choppa is a rap powerhouse with over 9 billion streams and 24 RIAA-certified plaques. Since emerging at just 16, Choppa has delivered hit after hit through his partnership with Warner Records and his own NLE Entertainment. Beyond music, Choppa is a true renaissance artist, leading initiatives that blend entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy. His commitment to wellness and community-driven projects, including his This Can’t Be Vegan food truck and literacy campaigns, showcases a thoughtful leader on and off the mic. Whether he’s dropping hits, starring in films, or inspiring the next generation, NLE Choppa is leaving an undeniable mark on music, culture, and beyond.

Imagine Dragons continue to redefine rock in the 21st century. Filling stadiums, crafting cloud rattling anthems, and breaking records at every turn, diamond-certified GRAMMY Award winning Las Vegas band Imagine Dragons occupy rarified air as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Tallying cumulative sales of 74 million album equivalents, 65 million digital songs, and over 160 billion streams, they stand out as “the only band in history to earn four RIAA Diamond singles,” namely “Radioactive” (16x-platinum), “Believer” (13x-platinum), “Thunder” (12x platinum) and “Demons” (11x-platinum). Since emerging in 2009, they’ve scored five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Night Visions [2012] (7x-platinum (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), Smoke+Mirrors [2015] (platinum) (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), Evolve [2017] (triple-platinum) (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), Origins [2018] (platinum) (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), and Mercury – Act 1 [2021]( KIDinaKORNER/Interscope).

With the release of Mercury – Act 2 (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope) in 2022, they completed their first double album opus produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. The hit single “Bones,” featured on Mercury Act 2, went to number one at Alternative Radio and remains in the Global Top 50 on Spotify. The band’s hit collaboration with East Atlanta-based rapper J.I.D, “Enemy,” has racked up billions of global streams and landed at #6 on the IFPI Global Singles Chart for 2022. Dominating radio, they remain one of only four bands to ever achieve consecutive Top 5 singles at Alternative radio, and the only band to repeat this feat. Most recently, Imagine Dragons made history on Spotify, as “Bad Liar” became their 10th song to surpass 1 billion streams. The band now holds the crown for the group with most billion-plus streamed songs, becoming the first in the platform’s history to have ten songs reach this milestone. Meanwhile, Imagine Dragons’ music videos for hits “Thunder” and “Believer” have garnered an astounding 2 billion YouTube views, while videos for “Radioactive” and “Demons” have surpassed over 1 billion views. They’ve collaborated with everyone from Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa to Avicii and film composer Hans Zimmer. Giving back, they’ve raised millions for various causes, including their pediatric cancer charity the Tyler Robinson Foundation, and frontman Dan Reynolds’ LOVELOUD Foundation and festival in support of LGBTQ+ youth. In 2022, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky named them ambassadors for UNITED 24, which benefits humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Imagine Dragons earned an impressive four nominations for the 2022 American Music Awards including “Favorite Pop Duo or Group,” “Favorite Rock Artist,” “Favorite Rock Album” and “Favorite Rock Song.” The band was also nominated for “Group of 2022” for the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. Most recently, they received a 2024 MTV VMA nomination for “Best Alternative” for their acclaimed “Eyes Closed” music video.

Ella Fitzgerald’s Unearthed ‘The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum” Live Concert Album Announced

Eric Alper
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Ella Fitzgerald’s Unearthed ‘The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum” Live Concert Album Announced

Today, Verve Records announces a new and never-before-released live concert album from the First Lady Of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. The Moment of Truth: Ella At The Coliseum, will be released on February 28th on all formats and the title track “The Moment of Truth” is out now. The recordings were mixed and mastered in stunning clarity from the original analog multitrack tapes, resulting in pristine high-fidelity audio typically unheard of for a live concert recording of that era.

Listen to the new single here, watch the animated music video directed by Sharon Liu here, and pre-order the album here,

The Moment Of Truth: Ella At The Coliseum was recorded at the Oakland Coliseum on June 30, 1967, and was recently unearthed in the private tape collection of Verve Records founder Norman Granz. The album spans nine tracks, most never heard before, and features Fitzgerald accompanied by members of The Duke Ellington Orchestra at its prime. The resulting recordings underscore Fitzgerald’s reputation as a renowned live performer (“utter perfection, personified” —The New York Times). There was never a moment when Ella didn’t deliver; every night was her Moment of Truth.

This live album marks a particularly interesting time in Fitzgerald’s career. In the summer of 1967, she was in the middle of an especially rewarding three-year tour run and recording collaboration with Duke Ellington, and was incorporating hit pop songs of the late-60s into her concert repertoire—two of which are presented here for the first time on record: “Alfie” and “Music To Watch Girls By” are both standouts on The Moment of Truth: Ella At The Coliseum. Encouraged by members of The Duke Ellington Orchestra on stage with her, Fitzgerald is both playful and powerful— she cracks jokes with the audience before stunning them with her unrivaled voice.

Fitzgerald’s band includes the rarely-heard but hard-swinging trio of Jimmy Jones, Bob Cranshaw, and Sam Woodyard, while the Ellington band captured here at its peak, featured Cat Anderson, Cootie Williams, Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges and Russell Procope. The First Lady Of Song meets The Duke’s Men — and it’s something to behold.

This newly unearthed live album, The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum, showcases Ella Fitzgerald’s timeless vocal brilliance, supported by a stellar trio featuring Jimmy Jones on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Sam Woodyard on drums. Adding to the magic, members of Duke Ellington’s Orchestra elevate the performance to legendary status. The trumpet section includes Cat Anderson, Mercer Ellington, Herbie Jones, and Cootie Williams, while the trombones are masterfully handled by Lawrence Brown, Chuck Connors, and Buster Cooper. The reeds bring their own dynamic flair with Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, and Russell Procope. Together, this extraordinary ensemble delivers an unforgettable concert experience that highlights the finest in jazz artistry.

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH: ELLA AT THE COLISEUM

1. The Moment Of Truth – 2:52
2. Don’t Be That Way – 4:33
3. You’ve Changed – 4:37
4. Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) – 4:43
5. Bye Bye Blackbird – 5:02
6. Alfie – 5:43
7. In A Mellow Tone – 4:41
8. Music To Watch Girls By – 3:56
9. Mack The Knife – 4:53
Recorded at The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA on June 30, 1967.

 

Inhaler Share New Single ‘A Question of You’ From Forthcoming New Album ‘Open Wide’

Eric Alper
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Inhaler Share New Single ‘A Question of You’ From Forthcoming New Album ‘Open Wide’

INHALER have today shared another taste of their forthcoming new album with the release of stomping new single ‘A Question Of You’. It is the third track to be unveiled from the Dublin quartet’s brilliant third album ‘Open Wide’ which is released February 7th. It follows recent singles ‘Your House’ and ‘Open Wide’ and further showcases a band thrillingly coming into their own and taking their sound in audacious new directions.

Speaking about ‘A Question Of You’, frontman Elijah Hewson says, “This is love song territory for me, about how in order to be honest with someone else you’ve got to be honest with yourself, like, ‘I’ve gotta sort my own shit out so I can be around other people’. It’s also a soulmates thing. The choir really changed everything on this one.”

Recorded at RAK Studios in London and produced by Grammy and Brit Award-winning Kid Harpoon, Inhaler’s new album ‘Open Wide’ reinforces their status as the ultimate modern guitar band, a group for whom jubilant pop melodies, intricate grooves and rock’n’roll dynamism are kindred spirits rather than strangers. Featuring 13 songs, it hones the sweeping, euphoric singalongs of their first two albums It Won’t Always Be Like This and Cuts & Bruises, into something more fully-formed, a record you can lose yourself in and one where every track feels like it could be a big single. Sonically, it’s an album where the band’s love of T.Rex, early MGMT, Prince, Depeche Mode and more nestles alongside the indie and garage-rock influences of their teens, and is a majestic celebration of who Inhaler are and everything they’ve done to get to this point. Its release next month coincides with band’s biggest ever tour of UK and Ireland, which includes two headline shows at the iconic rock venue Brixton Academy, and ahead of their 20,000-capacity Dublin show in May.

The full tracklisting is:
1 Eddie In The Darkness
2 Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)
3 Your House
4 A Question of You
5 Even Though
6 Again
7 Open Wide
8 All I Got Is You
9 Still Young
10 The Charms
11 X-Ray
12 Concrete
13 Little Things

Since their career launched in 2018, INHALER have been among the biggest new names in guitar music, achieving commercial success with roaring chart positions. To date, they’ve sold over a quarter of a million records globally and garnered 500 million streams. Their debut album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, hit #1 in the UK and Ireland, while their 2023 follow-up, Cuts & Bruises, topped the Irish charts and reached #2 in the UK. To maintain this momentum, bandmates and childhood friends Eli Hewson, Robert Keating, Ryan McMahon and Josh Jenkinson have spent the past few whirlwind years on a relentless world tour, supporting acts like Arctic Monkeys, Pearl Jam, Harry Styles, and Kings of Leon, as well as headlining their own shows, including a sold out 13,000-capacity homecoming show at the Dublin 3Arena last year.

Open Wide World Tour – UK & Ireland dates

February 2025
Fri 07 – Leeds O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Sat 08 – Manchester O2 Apollo (SOLD OUT)
Mon 10 – Birmingham O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Tue 11 – Nottingham Rock City (SOLD OUT)
Thu 13 – London O2 Academy Brixton (SOLD OUT)
Fri 14 – London O2 Academy Brixton
Sat 15 – Brighton Centre
Mon 17 – Glasgow O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Tue 18 – Glasgow O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Wed 19 – Newcastle O2 City Hall (SOLD OUT)
Fri 21 – Manchester O2 Apollo (SOLD OUT)

May 2025
May 30 – Dublin St Anne’s Park (with special guests BLOSSOMS)

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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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