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Pussy Riot Brings ‘Riot Days’ Back to North America

Eric Alper
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Pussy Riot Brings ‘Riot Days’ Back to North America

Riot Days is a unique fusion of live music, theatre, and video, showcasing Pussy Riot’s innovative and fearless artistry.

Since its debut in March 2017, the Riot Days international tour has captivated audiences worldwide. By May 2023, Pussy Riot was honored with the Woody Guthrie Prize and marked the occasion with a riveting performance in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Now, a major North America tour beckons, bringing their revolutionary message to an even wider audience.

This powerful show returns to bring the next chapter on Pussy Riot: Riot Days to the live stage. Find out how the story ends and get your tickets now for this unparalleled can’t-miss experience!

Riot Days was initiated by Maria Alyokhina and music producer Alexander Cheparukhin, based on Alyokhina’s book. The show chronicles Alyokhina’s experiences with Pussy Riot, from their daring protests to their court trials and time in prison. The content continues to evolve, incorporating current events such as political prosecutions and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

With over 400 performances worldwide, Riot Days has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Herald Angel Award, Total Theatre Award of Edinburgh Festivals, Germany’s annual anti-fascist award, and the Woody Guthrie Prize in the USA. Recently, four members of Riot Days were awarded honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from the University of Kent, celebrating with an impromptu performance in the historic Canterbury Cathedral.

Maria Alyokhina’s personal sacrifices underscore the urgency of their message. Detained and placed under house arrest in 2021-2022 for a single social media post supporting Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, she defied the odds by escaping Russia in May 2022—disguised as a food courier. Her bold escape has allowed Riot Days to amplify its voice on a global scale, particularly in support of Ukraine. A significant portion of the project’s income is donated to the Ukrainian Okhmatdyt children’s hospital and foundation.

A Russian feminist protest and performance art collective, Pussy Riot is known for its provocative activist punk performances. Their name, as they explain, challenges sexism and represents their defiant response to systemic oppression.

Founded in 2011, the group gained international prominence after a bold performance at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour led to the imprisonment of three members—Maria (Masha) Alyokhina, Nadezhda (Nadya) Tolokonnikova, and Yekaterina (Katya) Samutsevich. Perceptions of their activism continue to evolve, especially as the alliance between the Russian Orthodox Church and Putin’s Kremlin deepens.

During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Pussy Riot’s performance was violently interrupted by security forces, reinforcing their reputation as a fearless voice of dissent.

Following their imprisonment, Masha and Nadya emerged as the most recognized faces of Pussy Riot. Though often associated with the group as a whole, their individual performances remain distinct.

This upcoming tour will be the next part of the story via her follow-up biography, you should feel free to have fun with it in marketing. Verbiage such as, “This powerful show returns to bring the next chapter on Pussy Riot: Riot Days to the live stage. Find out how the story ends and get your tickets now for this unparallelled can’t-miss experience!

Don’t miss your opportunity to witness the next chapter of Pussy Riot: Riot Days. Secure your tickets now and be part of the movement!

TOUR DATES

April 3 | Montreal | Club Soda

April 4 | Ottawa | Brass Monkey

April 5| Toronto | Lee’s Palace 

April 7 | Winnipeg | Park Theatre

April 9 | Saskatoon | Capitol 

April 10 | Calgary | Palace Theatre 

April 11 | Edmonton | Union Hall

April 13 | Kelowna | Revelry 

April 15 | Vancouver | The Pearl 

Jeff Goldblum Unveils Star-Studded Jazz Album Still Blooming, Featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo & Scarlett Johansson

Eric Alper
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Jeff Goldblum Unveils Star-Studded Jazz Album Still Blooming, Featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo & Scarlett Johansson

Jeff Goldblum is pleased to present his new album, ‘Still Blooming’, (his fourth) set to be released on April 25th, 2025.

Fresh from his starring roles in Kaos (Netflix) and the blockbuster Wicked (Universal), Goldblum continues to explore his passion for the music that he’s been performing for decades with his wonderful bandmates in The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.

This album will delight with tracks featuring his Wicked superstar cohorts Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo – as well as classics by Maiya Sykes and Scarlett Johansson.

The first single, featuring the multifaceted talent of Johansson, is ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’ – perhaps most famously recorded by Frank Sinatra in the 1960’s, accompanied by Count Basie and arranged and directed by Quincy Jones. Here, Johannson’s sophisticated and sultry interpretation of this sweet tune welcomes a new and modern audience. Listen here.

‘Still Blooming’ offers a tasteful curation of beloved jazz standards from both the Golden Era of Broadway and the Great American Songbook. Here, Goldblum is the host for his talented friends, all veterans of the stage and screen, with collaborations that underscore the delicious link between jazz and pop culture.

Goldblum opens the album with ‘I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do)’ featuring the incandescent artistry of Ariana Grande, who once again demonstrates her phenomenal range.  The unstoppable force that is Cynthia Erivo infuses the wartime-era classic ‘We’ll Meet Again’ with her emotion, hope, and truth.  And Maiya Sykes, a veteran of everything from swing to soul, takes the jazz standard ‘Stella By Starlight’ to another level with her improvisational scat stylings. Thoroughly enjoying this newest musical adventure, Goldblum himself treats us to his own vocals on ‘Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye’.

ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

1. I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do) Feat. Ariana Grande
2. The Grease Patrol
3. We’ll Meet Again Feat. Cynthia Erivo
4. Blue Minor
5. The Best Is Yet To Come Feat. Scarlett Johansson
6. Bye-Ya
7. Stella By Starlight Feat. Maiya Sykes
8. Bouncing With Bud
9. Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye Feat. Jeff Goldblum

Morgan Wallen Releases Title Track to Upcoming 4th Studio Album: “I’m the Problem” Available Now

Eric Alper
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Morgan Wallen Releases Title Track to Upcoming 4th Studio Album: “I’m the Problem” Available Now

With two No. 1 singles already hailing off his highly-anticipated upcoming fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, two-time 2025 GRAMMY nominee Morgan Wallen releases the title track today. “I’m The Problem” is available everywhere now, listen HERE.

“I’m The Problem” was written by Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Grady Block and Jamie McLaughlin, and produced by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome. The song seamlessly blends the metallic ring of keys, played by Dave Cohen, with the steady strum of the electric guitar, played by Tom Bukovac, and acoustic guitar, played by Bryan Sutton.

“I’m The Problem” follows Wallen’s latest, “Smile,” which reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and was lauded by Good Morning America as “a moody heartbreak number.” Previous release “Love Somebody” recently became Wallen’s 17th No. 1 at Country radio. Upon its release in October, the song became Wallen’s first solo song to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It additionally debuted on 11 charts globally and led Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles each sit atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.

The upcoming project sparked Wallen’s recently announced 2025 I’m The Problem Tour. Kicking off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Wallen’s 20-show run will include stops in Seattle, Washington; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Toronto, Ontario and more. With a second stop recently added in Madison, Wisconsin, Wallen’s appearances will mark the first time an artist has played two consecutive nights at Camp Randall Stadium.

A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel join in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates. General on-sale for I’m The Problem Tour begins tomorrow, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m. local time at MorganWallen.com. Coupled with his much buzzed about inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival taking place in Gulf Shores, Alabama May 16-18, these 21 shows are the only place to see the superstar in 2025.

I’m The Problem comes as Wallen’s preceding projects, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time, landed No. 1 and No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively, following their blockbuster success. His third studio album, One Thing At A Time, sat atop the Billboard 200 Albums chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks – the most at No. 1 by a Country album – and yielded seven No. 1 singles at Country radio.

Morgan Wallen 2025 I’m The Problem Tour Dates:
June 20 // NRG Stadium // Houston, TX w/ Corey Kent and Koe Wetzel
June 21 // NRG Stadium // Houston, TX w/ Corey Kent and Koe Wetzel
June 28 // Camp Randall Stadium // Madison, WI w/ Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert
June 29 // Camp Randall Stadium // Madison, WI w/ Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert
July 11 // Hard Rock Stadium // Miami Gardens, FL w/ Gavin Adcock and Miranda Lambert
July 12 // Hard Rock Stadium // Miami Gardens, FL w/ Gavin Adcock and Brooks & Dunn
July 18 // State Farm Stadium // Glendale, AZ w/ Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert
July 19 // State Farm Stadium // Glendale, AZ w/ Ella Langley and Brooks & Dunn
July 25 // Lumen Field // Seattle, WA w/ Anne Wilson and Miranda Lambert
July 26 // Lumen Field // Seattle, WA w/ Anne Wilson and Brooks & Dunn
Aug 1 // Levi’s Stadium // Santa Clara, CA w/ Anne Wilson and Miranda Lambert
Aug 2 // Levi’s Stadium // Santa Clara, CA w/ Anne Wilson and Brooks & Dunn
Aug 15 // Huntington Bank Field // Cleveland, OH w/ Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert
Aug 16 // Huntington Bank Field // Cleveland, OH w/ Ella Langley and Thomas Rhett
Aug 22 // Gillette Stadium // Foxborough, MA w/ Corey Kent and Miranda Lambert
Aug 23 // Gillette Stadium // Foxborough, MA w/ Corey Kent and Miranda Lambert
Sep 4 // Rogers Centre // Toronto, ON w/ Gavin Adcock and Miranda Lambert
Sep 5 // Rogers Centre // Toronto, ON w/ Gavin Adcock and Brooks & Dunn
Sep 12 // Commonwealth Stadium // Edmonton, AB w/ Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert
Sep 13 // Commonwealth Stadium // Edmonton, AB w/ Ella Langley and Brooks & Dunn

Dubbed Country’s “dominant superstar” by Stereogum with more than 3.1 million fans attending his One Night At A Time World Tour, the genre’s highest-selling tour ever, two-time 2025 GRAMMY nominee Morgan Wallen is entering 2025 with a refreshed setlist at hand, releasing new music, and preparing to headline his I’m The Problem Tour beginning June 20 in Houston, Texas. Before the tour kicks off, Wallen’s all-genre Sand In My Boots Music Festival, which sold out in less than 2 hours, hits Gulf Shores, Alabama in May.

With both Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time checking in at No. 1 and 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively, Wallen’s reign atop the charts has landed him 19 Billboard Music Awards to-date in just four years. The instant success of One Thing At A Time left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” Recent release “Love Somebody” debuted at No. 1 globally across five countries and 11 charts, leading Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles sit atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.

Wallen donates a portion from every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation. More at MorganWallen.com.

The Weeknd Officially Releases Heavily Anticipated New Album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

Eric Alper
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The Weeknd Officially Releases Heavily Anticipated New Album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

The Weeknd has officially released his highly anticipated studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow via XO / Republic Records. The new album follows a record breaking 2024, during which The Weeknd became the first artist in history to have 27 songs with over 1 billion streams each on Spotify. Hurry Up Tomorrow serves as the final and most personal chapter of the diamond-certified artist’s acclaimed trilogy series following After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022). Check out the full tracklisting below. 

The Weeknd appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this evening and performed a unique version of “Open Hearts”. Watch it HERE. 

Proceeds from the album track “Take Me Back To LA” will be donated to LA Regional Food Bank, who are providing emergency food assistance to those directly impacted by the LA wildfires. Originally scheduled for release on January 24th followed by a one-night-only Rose Bowl concert, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” was postponed due to the devastating effects of the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Out of respect for those impacted by the crisis, The Weeknd chose to cancel the planned album release concert at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl and donated 1 million dollars to LAFD Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and LA Regional Food Bank.  

In partnership with Spotify, The Weeknd also announced the Hurry Up Tomorrow “Pop Up Experience” that will take place Friday, January 31st – Sunday February 2nd in NYC. The Experience is an experiential art installation that will transport fans on a journey through the mind of The Weeknd in his final act of this trilogy. There will also be a retail portion of this event showcasing a collection of exclusive products – genuine leather jackets, a bomber jacket, custom fleece, tees + long sleeves as well as hats and bandanas. Hurry Up Tomorrow music product will also be available for purchase.You can find more information HERE.

Specialty retailer Hot Topic will also showcase an extensive Hurry Up Tomorrow album collection, including tees, hoodies, posters, and more, as well as The Weeknd x Frank Miller Hurry Up Tomorrowcollector’s edition vinyl. These items will be available at all Hot Topic stores nationwide and online at hottopic.com. In addition, Hot Topic has announced an exciting Hurry Up Tomorrow “takeover” event, taking place from Friday, January 31st, to Sunday, February 2nd, at its Downtown Summerlin store in Las Vegas, NV. During this exclusive event, the store will transform into a Hurry Up Tomorrow retail experience, featuring a limited-edition collection, including a highly anticipated The Weeknd x Frank Miller Hurry Up Tomorrow apparel capsule – available only in Las Vegas at the “takeover.” For more information, follow @hottopicmusic.

The Weeknd initially built anticipation for the project by unveiling the album’s cover and announcing a one night only special stadium concert at Estádio Morumbi in São Paulo. The performance, streamed exclusively on YouTube, drew millions of global viewers and featured surprise appearances from Playboi Carti and Anitta. The sold-out event became the top-trending music performance in the U.S. and trended in 24 other countries, further cementing The Weeknd’s status as a global music icon. “Timeless” heavily anticipated by fans after being teased during his São Paulo performance, debuted in the Top 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Later this year, The Weeknd will also star alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan in a feature film inspired by his new album. Hurry Up Tomorrow is written and directed by Trey Edward Schults for Lionsgate and will release May 16, 2025, exclusively in theaters. The psychological thriller is both inspired by and features new music from The Weeknd, who scored the film with Daniel Lopatin.

HURRY UP TOMORROW TRACKLIST:
1. Wake Me Up
2. Cry For Me
3. I Can’t Fucking Sing
4. São Paulo
5. Until We’re Skin & Bones
6. Baptized In Fear
7. Open Hearts
8. Opening Night
9. Reflections Laughing
10. Enjoy The Show
11. Given Up On Me
12. I Can’t Wait To Get There
13. Timeless
14. Niagara Falls
15. Take Me Back To LA
16. Big Sleep
17. Give Me Mercy
18. Drive
19. The Abyss
20. Red Terror
21. Without a Warning
22. Hurry Up Tomorrow

Robin Williams’ First and Last Johnny Carson Appearances Were Pure, Unfiltered Chaos

Eric Alper
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Robin Williams’ First and Last Johnny Carson Appearances Were Pure, Unfiltered Chaos

In October 1981, Robin Williams hit The Tonight Show like a comedic hurricane, leaving Johnny Carson in stitches with his rapid-fire wit and boundless energy. Over a decade later, in May 1992, his final appearance was just as frenzied, proving that no matter the year, Williams was always the funniest force in the room.

The 2025 Grammys Could Shatter Records—Here’s Who Might Make History

Eric Alper
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The 2025 Grammys Could Shatter Records—Here’s Who Might Make History

With potential firsts, milestones, and shattered records, the 2025 Grammys might go down as one of the most historic in music history. Whether it’s Beyoncé’s dominance, Taylor Swift’s continued reign, or Billie Eilish’s ascension into legend status, this is a show no music fan can afford to miss.

Beyoncé’s Potential Grammy Records

  • If Beyoncé wins 9 awards, Cowboy Carter will surpass Santana’s Supernatural as the most awarded album in Grammy history (currently holds the record with 9 wins in 2000).
  • If Beyoncé wins at least 8 Grammys, she will tie Michael Jackson (1984) and Santana (2000) for the most Grammys won in a single night.
  • If Beyoncé wins 9 or more Grammys, she will break Michael Jackson and Santana’s record for most wins in a single ceremony.
  • With 32 Grammys already, Beyoncé could extend her record as the most awarded artist in Grammy history—with 11 nominations, she could potentially reach 43 Grammy wins.
  • If Beyoncé wins Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter, she will finally remove her record as the most nominated female artist in the category without a win (5 previous nominations: I Am… Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé, Lemonade, Renaissance, and Cowboy Carter).
  • If Beyoncé wins Record of the Year for Texas Hold ‘Em, she will erase her current record as the most nominated artist in the category without a win (9 nominations).
  • If Beyoncé wins Song of the Year for Texas Hold ‘Em, she will tie the record for the most wins in this category (2 wins), previously winning in 2010 for Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).
  • If Beyoncé wins Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance, Best Country Duo/Group Performance, or Best Country Song, she will become the first Black female artist to win in any of these categories.

Taylor Swift’s Potential Grammy Records

  • If The Tortured Poets Department wins Album of the Year, Taylor Swift will become the first artist in Grammy history to win this award 5 times, breaking her tie with Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon (4 wins each).
  • If Swift wins Album of the Year, she will also become the first female artist to ever win the category in consecutive years and only the third artist overall, after Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra.
  • If Swift wins Song of the Year for Fortnight, she will finally break her record as the most nominated songwriter in the category without a win (8 previous nominations).
  • If Swift wins Best Pop Vocal Album, she will break her current tie with Kelly Clarkson and Adele (2 wins each) to become the first artist to win three times in this category.
  • If Swift wins Best Pop Vocal Album, she will also be the first artist to ever win it in two consecutive years (Midnights won last year).
  • If Swift wins Best Music Video for Fortnight, she will become the first artist to ever win the category three times (Bad Blood and All Too Well: The Short Film won previously).
  • If Swift wins Best Music Video, she will also tie director Mark Romanek and video producer Nathan Scherrer for the most wins in this category (3 wins).
  • If Swift wins Best Music Video, she will become the first artist to ever win for self-directed videos twice (All Too Well: The Short Film previously won).

Billie Eilish’s Potential Grammy Records

  • If Billie Eilish wins Record of the Year for Birds of a Feather, she will tie Paul Simon and Bruno Mars for the most wins in this category (3 total).
  • If Billie Eilish wins Record of the Year, she will be the first female artist to ever win the category three times.
  • If Billie Eilish wins Record of the Year, she will also become the first artist in history to win it three times for solo recordings (her previous two wins were for bad guy and Everything I Wanted).
  • If Billie Eilish wins Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, she will become only the third female artist to win multiple times as the main credited artist, joining Adele (2 wins) and Taylor Swift (4 wins).
  • If Billie Eilish wins Album, Record, and Song of the Year in one night, she will become only the second artist in Grammy history to achieve this twice, after Adele (2012, 2017).
  • If Billie Eilish & FINNEAS win Song of the Year for Birds of a Feather, they will set the new record for most wins in this category (3 total), breaking their current tie with Bruno Mars & D’Mile.
  • If Billie Eilish & FINNEAS win Song of the Year, they will become the only songwriting duo to ever win it in two consecutive years (they won in 2024 for What Was I Made For?).
  • If Billie Eilish wins Best Pop Solo Performance, she will erase her record as the most nominated artist in the category without a win (5 previous nominations).
  • If Billie Eilish wins Best Pop Vocal Album, she will tie Swift, Adele, and Clarkson for the most wins in this category (2 total).

Sabrina Carpenter’s Potential Grammy Records

  • If Sabrina Carpenter wins Song of the Year (Please, Please, Please) and Record of the Year (Espresso), she will be the first female artist in over 50 years to win both in one night. The last woman to do this was Carole King in 1972 (You’ve Got a Friend & It’s Too Late).
  • If Sabrina Carpenter wins all four major categories (Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year), she will become only the third artist ever to achieve this feat in one night, after Christopher Cross (1981) and Billie Eilish (2020).

Other Record-Breaking Possibilities

  • Chappell Roan could join Christopher Cross and Billie Eilish as the only artists ever to win all four major categories in one night.
  • RAYE could become the first artist ever to win both Songwriter of the Year and Best New Artist in the same year.
  • The Beatles could win Record of the Year for Now And Then and finally erase their record as the most nominated group without a win in this category (5 nominations).
  • The Beatles could set a new record for the longest time between first nomination and first win in Record of the Year if Now And Then wins, marking 60 years since their first nomination in 1965.
  • Jack Antonoff could complete the “Big Four” Grammy sweep if he wins Record of the Year for co-producing Fortnight (he has already won Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year).

  • Rap Genre

    • Eminem (The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)) could become the most awarded rapper in Best Rap Album history. With six wins already, a victory would give him a record-breaking seventh trophy in the category. His previous wins include The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, Encore, Relapse, Recovery, and The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
    • Doechii (Alligator Bites Never Heal) could make history as only the second female rapper ever to win Best Rap Album, following Cardi B’s 2019 win for Invasion of Privacy.

    Best Rap Performance

    • Kendrick Lamar (Not Like Us) is already the most awarded rapper in this category with six wins (i, Alright, HUMBLE., King’s Dead, Family Ties, and The Heart Part 5). A win in 2025 would give him his seventh trophy, extending his lead in the category.
    • Three female rappers could make history as the first solo female artist to ever win Best Rap Performance: Cardi B (Enough (Miami)), Doechii (Nissan Altima), and GloRilla (Yeah Glo!).

    Best Melodic Rap Performance

    • Latto (Big Mama) could become the first solo female rapper to win in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category.

    Best Rap Song 

    • Kanye West (Carnival) could extend his record as the most awarded songwriter in Best Rap Song history. A win in 2025 would give him his eighth trophy in this category.

    Country Genre

    • Beyoncé could become the first Black female artist to win in any of the following categories:
      • Best Country Album (Cowboy Carter)
      • Best Country Solo Performance (16 Carriages)
      • Best Country Duo/Group Performance (II Most Wanted)
      • Best Country Song (Texas Hold ‘Em)

    Best Country Album

    • Chris Stapleton (Higher) could tie The Chicks for the most wins in Best Country Album with four trophies. His previous wins include Starting Over, From A Room: Volume 1, and Traveller.
    • Kacey Musgraves (Deeper Well) could become the first female solo artist to win Best Country Album three times. She previously won for Same Trailer, Different Park and Golden Hour.

    Best Country Solo Performance

    • Chris Stapleton (It Takes A Woman) could extend his record as the most awarded artist in Best Country Solo Performance, securing a fifth win. His past wins include White Horse, You Should Probably Leave, Either Way, and Traveller.

    Best Country Duo/Group Performance

    • Dan + Shay (Bigger Houses) could break their tie with Little Big Town and become the most awarded act in this category with their fourth win. Their past wins include 10,000 Hours, Speechless, and Tequila.

    Best Country Song

    • Kacey Musgraves & Shane McAnally (The Architect) could tie the record for most wins in Best Country Song with three victories, currently held by Lori McKenna, Chris Stapleton, and Josh Kear. Musgraves and McAnally previously won for Merry Go Round and Space Cowboy.

    Dance/Electronic Genre

    Best Dance/Electronic Recording

    • Skrillex (Leavemealone) could extend his record for most wins in this category if he secures a fifth victory.

    Best Remixed Recording

    • David Guetta (A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Remix) could break his tie with Jacques Lu Cont and Skrillex to become the most awarded artist in this category with a third win.

    R&B Genre

    Best Traditional R&B Performance

    • Lalah Hathaway (No Lie) could break her tie with Beyoncé (three wins) and become the most awarded artist in this category with a fourth win. She previously won three years in a row between 2015 and 2017.

    Rock & Metal Genres:

    Best Rock Performance

    • The Black Keys (Beautiful People (Stay High)) could tie Foo Fighters for the most wins in this category if they secure their second trophy. They first won in 2013 for Lonely Boy.

    Best Metal Performance

    • Metallica could extend their record as the most awarded artist in this category with their eighth win.

    Best Alternative Music Album

    • St. Vincent (All Born Screaming) could tie Beck, Radiohead, and The White Stripes for the most wins in this category if she secures her third victory. Her past wins include Daddy’s Home and St. Vincent.

    Latin Genres

    Best Latin Pop Album

    • Shakira (Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran) could become the first female artist to win this category three times. She previously won for El Dorado and MTV Unplugged.

    Best Música Urbana Album

    • Bad Bunny (Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana) could extend his record as the most awarded artist in this category, winning for a third time. His previous victories came for El Último Tour Del Mundo and Un Verano Sin Ti.

    Visual Media

    Best Music Video

    • Taylor Swift (Fortnight) or Kendrick Lamar (Not Like Us) could become the first artist to win this category three times. Swift previously won for Bad Blood and All Too Well: The Short Film, while Lamar won for HUMBLE.
    • If Swift wins for Fortnight, she will also become the first artist to ever win Best Music Video twice for self-directed videos.

    Production

    Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

    • Alissia could become the first female producer to win this category.

    Best Audio Book

    • Jimmy Carter (Last Sunday in Plains: A Centennial Celebration) could break his tie with Maya Angelou and become the most awarded artist in this category with his fourth win.

Grammys 2025: Full Performer Lineup, How to Watch, and When to Tune In

Eric Alper
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Grammys 2025: Full Performer Lineup, How to Watch, and When to Tune In

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards are set to take over Los Angeles this Sunday, promising a night filled with powerhouse performances, record-breaking milestones, and a heartfelt commitment to wildfire relief efforts. Hosted once again by Trevor Noah, the ceremony will air live from the Crypto.com Arena at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+.

A Historic Night for Beyoncé

Music history could be rewritten on Sunday as Beyoncé, already the most Grammy-nominated artist of all time, stands at 99 career nominations. Despite her monumental impact on music, she has yet to secure the Album of the Year win. Will this be her moment? Fans will be watching closely.

While the Grammys are about the awards, the performances are the real showstoppers. This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, featuring legendary icons, chart-topping superstars, and breakthrough artists. Here’s who will be lighting up the stage:

  • Billie Eilish
  • Charli XCX
  • Chappell Roan
  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Doechii
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Coldplay’s Chris Martin
  • Lainey Wilson
  • Herbie Hancock
  • Brittany Howard
  • Brad Paisley
  • Teddy Swims
  • Janelle Monáe
  • John Legend
  • Sheryl Crow
  • St. Vincent
  • Jacob Collier
  • Raye
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Shakira
  • Benson Boone

With debut Grammy performances from Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, both of whom dominated 2024 with massive hits like Good Luck, Babe! and Espresso, this year’s show will be a defining moment for emerging pop stars.

Beyond the spectacle, this year’s Grammys carry a deeper purpose—supporting Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts. The Recording Academy and MusiCares have pledged $1 million to help those impacted. The Palisades and Eaton wildfires devastated thousands of acres, and the music community is coming together to raise funds and honor first responders.

From career milestones to emotional tributes, this year’s Grammy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most powerful nights in music history.

5 Surprising Facts About The Doors’ Self-Titled Debut Album

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The Doors’ Self-Titled Debut Album

Some albums invite you in. The Doors drags you through the fire. Released in 1967, this wasn’t just a debut—it was a warning. From the hypnotic pulse of Break On Through to the apocalyptic descent of The End, the album feels like a fever dream set to music, seductive and sinister in equal measure. Jim Morrison wasn’t just singing—he was conjuring. With Ray Manzarek’s spectral keys, Robby Krieger’s acid-drenched guitar, and John Densmore’s jazz-infused rhythms, The Doors reflected the psychedelic era and swallowed it whole, then spit it back out, darker and more dangerous than before. But even after decades of praise, there are still some hidden secrets behind this legendary record. Let’s break on through and uncover five unknown facts about The Doors that even the biggest fans might not know.

1. The Original “Light My Fire” Was Over Nine Minutes Long

Yes, we all know the album version is a glorious seven-minute jam session, but originally, Light My Fire was even longer! The band’s extended improvisations in the studio pushed the song to nearly nine minutes before producer Paul A. Rothchild stepped in. He carefully trimmed sections to create the version that ended up on the album, keeping the balance between radio-friendliness and the song’s signature hypnotic groove. Of course, Elektra Records later demanded an even shorter single edit, slashing the solo sections and bringing it down to under three minutes—sacrilege to purists, but a necessity for airplay.

2. The Album Features a Forbidden Guitar Effect—Sort Of

Robby Krieger’s guitar work on The Doors is legendary, but did you know he was banned from using one of his favorite tools? Producer Paul A. Rothchild forbade him from using the wah-wah pedal, which was gaining popularity at the time. Rothchild feared it would make the album sound trendy rather than timeless. But here’s the twist: the studio’s built-in echo chamber gave Krieger’s playing an eerie, reverb-heavy tone that mimicked the effect of a wah pedal. The result? A raw, haunting guitar sound that felt both organic and futuristic—a perfect match for Morrison’s cryptic poetry.

3. A Bass Player Was Secretly Added to Some Tracks

The Doors are known for their keyboard-driven sound, with Ray Manzarek handling bass parts on his left hand. But did you know some of the album’s tracks feature an uncredited session bassist? Larry Knechtel, who played with The Wrecking Crew, was brought in to overdub bass lines on a few songs, including Light My Fire, to add extra low-end power. Manzarek later admitted that while he played the bass lines live, the studio needed a little extra punch. So if you’ve ever wondered why some songs sound fuller than others, it’s because a hidden bassist was holding down the groove.

4. The End’s Oedipal Rant Was Almost Never Recorded

Jim Morrison’s infamous spoken-word section in The End wasn’t planned—it was a spontaneous, drug-fueled moment that almost got the band kicked out of the studio. Producer Paul A. Rothchild insisted on recording the song in one long take, capturing the eerie, slow-burning intensity. But during a late-night session, Morrison, reportedly tripping on LSD, launched into a Freudian nightmare, ad-libbing the infamous “Father, I want to kill you / Mother, I want to…” line. The band was stunned, the studio fell silent, and Rothchild realized they had captured rock history. It was too shocking for radio, but too powerful to cut.

5. The Album Was Almost Called Break On Through

Before it became simply The Doors, there was talk of naming the album after their first single, Break On Through (To the Other Side). The idea was to match the energy of The Beatles’ Please Please Me or The Rolling Stones’ England’s Newest Hit Makers—a direct, commanding title. But the band, particularly Morrison, pushed for a more ambiguous name that embodied their philosophy. Since they were named after Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception, it made sense for the album to bear the same name. It was a decision that ultimately cemented their mystique and made their debut feel like an invitation into a whole new world.

From its haunting poetry to its mind-expanding sonics, The Doors remains one of the most groundbreaking albums in rock history. Every track feels like a portal to another dimension—sometimes blissful, sometimes terrifying, but always unforgettable. Whether you’re spinning the original vinyl or blasting Break On Through on your latest playlist, this album still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. So next time you press play, listen closely—because as Jim Morrison once said, “There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors.”

SiriusXM’s The GRAMMY Channel Returns For The 2025 GRAMMYs

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM’s The GRAMMY Channel Returns For The 2025 GRAMMYs

Journey through the stunning sounds nominated for music’s highest honour when The GRAMMY Channel (Ch. 107) returns to SiriusXM with all the superstars, breakthroughs, and must-hear music from a remarkable year. Explore the sounds of the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards nominees, including Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, SZA, Noah Kahan, boygenius, and more.

From January 24–February 7, you can find The GRAMMY Channel on channel 107 on car radios and the SiriusXM app.

The GRAMMY Channel will play music from Album of the Year nominees, including Jon Batiste, boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monáe, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and SZA; Song of the Year nominees like “A&W,” “Anti-Hero,” “Butterfly,” “Dance the Night,” “Flowers,” “Kill Bill,” “Vampire,” and “What Was I Made For?”; plus Best New Artist nominees such as Gracie Abrams, Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Noah Kahan, Victoria Monét, and more.

Watch the GRAMMYs starting at 8pm ET on February 4 live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to find out who wins!

Green Day, Hozier, Fall Out Boy To Headline Minnesota Yacht Club Festival

Eric Alper
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Green Day, Hozier, Fall Out Boy To Headline Minnesota Yacht Club Festival

Green Day, Hozier, and Fall Out Boy will headline the second annual Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, returning July 18-20 to Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul, MN. Expanding to three days in 2025, the festival will bring together over 25 artists across two stages including Alabama Shakes, returning to the stage for their first announced performance since 2017, Weezer, Sublime, Train, Sheryl Crow, Remi Wolf, 311, Garbage, O.A.R., Father John Misty, Cory Wong, Motion City Soundtrack, Beach Bunny, Semisonic and many more to the bank of the majestic Mississippi River for world-class performances underneath the giant cottonwoods of the park.

Sign up now at MinnesotaYachtClubFestival.com to receive an SMS access code for the presale on Thursday, January 30 at 10am CT with access to the lowest-priced tickets. 1-Day and 3-Day GA, GA+, VIP, Riverboat VIP, and Platinum Tickets will be available.

Fans can set sail on the Mississippi River with Riverboat VIP (21+), offering exclusive access to Padelford Riverboats with relaxed seating, shade, private restrooms, and a 60-minute cruise along the river with complimentary margarita happy hour and DJ set, among other VIP amenities.

GA+ Tickets provide access to the GA+ Lounge with relaxing seating, air-conditioned restrooms, lawn games, a private bar with drinks for purchase and dedicated food for purchase plus dedicated GA+ hospitality staff for all your festival needs. VIP offers all GA+ amenities plus access to an exclusive viewing platform at Skipper Stage, dedicated entry lane into the festival, unlimited access to the VIP Lounge with lockers and mobile charging units for rent and a dedicated festival merch store. Platinum tickets offer all VIP amenities plus front-of-stage viewing at Skipper Stage, exclusive viewing at Crow’s Nest Stage soundboard with complimentary beer, seltzer and water, unlimited access to the air-conditioned Platinum Lounge at Wigington Pavilion with indoor and outdoor seating, complimentary full-service bar and all-day dining, and a dedicated Platinum Concierge to assist with any festival needs. For the full list of amenities and all ticket types, visit MinnesotaYachtClubFestival.com/Tickets. Layaway plans are available starting at $20 down for a limited time.

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival is produced by C3 Presents, the team behind world-class festivals Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees, Sea.Hear.Now, Austin City Limits Music Festival and many more.

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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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