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Weird Al Yankovic Reflects on His Career, From Dr. Demento to Michael Jackson and Beyond

Eric Alper
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Weird Al Yankovic Reflects on His Career, From Dr. Demento to Michael Jackson and Beyond

“Weird Al” Yankovic sat down for a playful challenge, attempting to guess lyrics from some of his biggest parody hits. With lyric cards placed in front of him, the comedy legend reflected on the stories behind each song, revealing how creativity, humor, and timing shaped his decades-long career in musical satire.

He reminisced about his early days debuting original songs on The Dr. Demento Show, the beloved radio program that first gave his offbeat humor a national audience. Yankovic credited those moments as the foundation for his success, transforming homemade accordion recordings into a full-fledged comedy empire.

Yankovic also shared memories of meeting Michael Jackson, calling him instrumental to his rise. “Michael gave me my career,” he explained, referencing how Jackson’s openness to parody helped launch classics like “Eat It” and “Fat.” As he looks ahead to his next tour, Yankovic continues to embrace the same mix of silliness and sincerity that made him one of pop culture’s most enduring icons.

Rels B Adds U.S. Dates to His Global ‘A New Star World Tour’

Eric Alper
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Rels B Adds U.S. Dates to His Global ‘A New Star World Tour’

Spanish sensation Rels B has announced his long-awaited return to the United States with three new shows as part of his acclaimed A New Star World Tour. The run includes performances at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on January 31, Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on February 5, and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 6. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 7 at 10 AM local time via LiveNation.com.

Following a landmark year of sold-out concerts across Latin America and Spain, A New Star World Tour marks the biggest chapter yet in Rels B’s meteoric rise. The tour celebrates his latest album A New Star (1 9 9 3) while revisiting hits from Nostalgia EP and afroLOVA’25. His single “tu vas sin (FAV)” from afroLOVA’25 recently topped charts in Spain and entered the Global Top 200, showcasing his growing international reach.

During the summer, Rels B made history with six sold-out nights at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes and electrifying shows across Buenos Aires, San Salvador, Quito, and Bogotá. After more than ten countries in just six months, the tour will culminate on July 4, 2026, at Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano before more than 50,000 fans — a fitting finale to a career-defining era.

What began as an independent project from his bedroom in Mallorca has grown into a global movement. Born Daniel Heredia Vidal in 1993, Rels B has gone from the underground to international stardom, earning multiple Gold and Platinum records and collaborating with top artists. Known for blending R&B, soul, trap, and pop with his signature honesty and creativity, he’s become one of the most influential voices in Spanish music today.

A New Star World Tour – U.S. Dates:
Jan 31 — YouTube Theater, Inglewood, CA
Feb 05 — Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, FL
Feb 06 — The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Sabrina Claudio Announces 2026 ‘Fall In Love With Her’ North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Sabrina Claudio Announces 2026 ‘Fall In Love With Her’ North American Tour

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Sabrina Claudio has announced her highly anticipated return to the stage with her 2026 Fall In Love With Her North American headline tour. Kicking off on March 3 in Lake Buena Vista, FL, the 15-date run will bring Claudio’s sensual, soul-stirring sound and ethereal stage presence to theaters across the U.S. and Canada, wrapping up on March 29 in Washington, DC.

Known for her mesmerizing blend of R&B, soul, and atmospheric pop, Claudio will deliver a captivating live experience that spans her celebrated chart-topping catalog. Fans can look forward to a spellbinding setlist featuring favorites from Confidently Lost, About Time, and Based on a Feeling, alongside new music from her recently released album, Fall In Love With Her, which marks the latest chapter in her artistic evolution.

Her critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Fall in Love with Her, is her most personal and vulnerable project to date. The lush, immersive body of work reaffirms Sabrina Claudio as one of R&B’s most alluring and emotive voices, earning praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, The Recording Academy, and more. Beyond her own artistry, Claudio continues to shape the sound of modern music as one of today’s most sought-after songwriters, recently co-writing Grammy-winning tracks for Beyoncé (Plastic Off the Sofa) and Chris Brown (Best Ever feat. Maeta), along with collaborations with Marshmello, ZHU, Tyga, Alicia Keys, and The Weeknd.

Tickets will be available starting with the artist presale on Tuesday, November 4, at 10 AM local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week, ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, November 7, at 10 AM local time atLiveNation.com.

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include general admission tickets with priority access to the floor, Meet & Greet and photo op with Sabrina Claudio, specially curated VIP gift, early entry into the venue & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

SABRINA CLAUDIO 2026 TOUR DATES

Tue Mar 03 | Lake Buena Vista, FL | House of Blues

Thu Mar 05 | Atlanta, GA | Buckhead Theatre

Sat Mar 07 | Houston, TX | House of Blues

Sun Mar 08 | Dallas, TX | The Echo Lounge & Music Hall

Mon Mar 09 | Austin, TX | Emo’s

Fri Mar 13 | San Francisco, CA | The Fillmore

Sat Mar 14 | Los Angeles, CA | The Wiltern

Sun Mar 15 | Phoenix, AZ | The Van Buren

Tue Mar 17 | Denver, CO | Summit

Thu Mar 19 | Chicago, IL | House of Blues

Sun Mar 22 | Toronto, ON | The Opera House

Tue Mar 24 | Boston, MA | Big Night Live

Fri Mar 27 | New York, NY | Palladium Times Square

Sat Mar 28 | Philadelphia, PA | Theatre of Living Arts

Sun Mar 29 | Washington, DC | The Howard Theatre

Boys Like Girls Announce 2026 Headlining Tour Celebrating 20 Years of Their Self-Titled Debut

Eric Alper
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Boys Like Girls Announce 2026 Headlining Tour Celebrating 20 Years of Their Self-Titled Debut

Fresh off a massive North American run supporting The Jonas Brothers, alt-pop mainstays Boys Like Girls are hitting the road once again – this time for their own headlining celebration: The Soundtrack Of Your Life Tour 2026.

Marking 20 years since their self-titled debut and 17 years since Love Drunk, the tour finds the band performing both albums front-to-back each night in track list order – a rare, career-spanning event built for the fans who’ve been there since the basement days and the new ones singing along for the first time.

Produced by Live Nation, the 30+ city tour kicks off Friday, March 20 in Salt Lake City, UT at The Union, and will make stops across the country in Chicago, Nashville, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Houston, Anaheim, and more before wrapping Sunday, May 10 in Seattle, WA at the Moore Theatre. Special guests iDKHOW and Arrows in Action will join across the entirety of the tour.

For nearly two decades, Boys Like Girls have built their reputation on pure energy and connection. From sweaty clubs to sold-out arenas, they’ve turned every night into a sing-along – uniting generations of fans through melody, emotion, and the kind of joy only live music can deliver.

When their self-titled debut dropped in 2006, the Boston-born quartet hit the road hard — sharing stages with Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, Avril Lavigne and the All American Rejects, and quickly becoming staples of the Vans Warped Tour and Honda Civic Tour. Their follow-up, Love Drunk (2009), launched them onto the world stage alongside Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and more, earning global acclaim and loyal audiences from North America to Asia.

After more than a decade away from the spotlight, Boys Like Girls returned with a vengeance — reuniting for sold-out anniversary shows and joining The Jonas Brothers on the Greetings From Your Hometown tour, reintroducing their catalog to a new generation and reminding long-time fans why their songs still hit like an open-road anthem.

With The Soundtrack of Your Life Tour, Boys Like Girls are revisiting the records that started it all — the ones that turned late-night radio sing-alongs into lifelong memories. Both albums. Every lyric. Every chord. Every story.

This is more than nostalgia. It’s a celebration of where they’ve been, where they are, and the fans who carried these songs for twenty years.

Full ticketing timeline is available below. For all information regarding pre-sales, tickets, and VIP, please visit BoysLikeGirls.com.

  • Presales:
    • Boys Like Girls Thunder Club Members Presale (sign up now HERE): Tuesday, November 4th from 10am – Thursday, November 6th 10pm local.
    • Citi Presale: Citi is the official card of The Soundtrack Of Your Life 2026 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, November 4 at 10am local time until Thursday, November 6 at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit citientertainment.com.
    • Boys Like Girls Artist Presale (sign up now HERE): Wednesday, November 5th from 10am – Thursday, November 6th 10pm local.
  • General On-Sale: Friday, November 7 at 10am local time
  • VIP: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include a very limited side of the stage viewing experience, sound check parties, meet & greets and more.

THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE 2026 TOUR DATES:

Fri Mar 20 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Union Event Center

Sat Mar 21 | Denver, CO | Fillmore Auditorium

Sun Mar 22 | Omaha, NE | Steelhouse Omaha

Tue Mar 24 | Minneapolis, MN | The Fillmore Minneapolis Presented by Affinity Plus

Tue Mar 25 | Milwaukee, WI | Landmark Credit Union Live

Fri Mar 27 | Chicago, IL | Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

Sat Mar 28 | Grand Rapids, MI | GLC Live at 20 Monroe

Sun Mar 29 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium

Mon Mar 30 | Cincinnati, OH | The Andrew J Brady Music Center

Wed Apr 01 | Cleveland, OH | MGM Northfield Park

Thu Apr 02 | Pittsburgh, PA | Roxian Theatre Presented by Citizens

Fri Apr 03 | Brooklyn, NY | Brooklyn Paramount

Mon Apr 06 | Detroit, MI | The Fillmore Detroit

Tue Apr 07 | Buffalo, NY | Buffalo RiverWorks

Thu Apr 09 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met Presented by Highmark

Fri Apr 10 | Silver Spring, MD | The Fillmore Silver Spring

Sat Apr 11 | Montclair, NJ | The Wellmont Theater

Sat Apr 18 | Raleigh, NC | The Ritz

Mon Apr 20 | Charlotte, NC | The Fillmore Charlotte

Tue Apr 21 | Atlanta, GA | Buckhead Theatre

Wed Apr 22 | Tampa, FL | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Thu Apr 23 | Orlando, FL | Hard Rock Live Orlando

Sat Apr 25 | Houston, TX | House of Blues Houston

Sun Apr 26 | San Antonio, TX | Boeing Center at Tech Port

Wed Apr 29 | Phoenix, AZ | Marquee Theatre

Sat May 02 | Las Vegas, NV | Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Sun May 03 | Anaheim, CA | House of Blues Anaheim

Tue May 05 | Wheatland, CA | Hard Rock Live Sacramento

Thu May 07 | Portland, OR | Roseland Theater

Fri May 08 | Spokane, WA | Knitting Factory*

Sat May 09 | Boise, ID | Revolution Concert House and Event Center

Sun May 10 | Seattle, WA | Moore Theatre

*Not a Live Nation Show

Grateful Dead and Muscle Shoals’ Donna Jean Godchaux Remembered With 25 Things You Need to Know

Eric Alper
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Grateful Dead and Muscle Shoals’ Donna Jean Godchaux Remembered With 25 Things You Need to Know

Few artists embodied the heart of American music quite like Donna Jean Godchaux. From the soulful studios of Muscle Shoals to the psychedelic stages of the Grateful Dead, her voice was the thread between gospel, rock, and rhythm and blues. Donna passed away in Nashville on November 2, 2025, at 78. Here are 25 things you need to know about the legendary singer who made harmony her calling.

1. She was born Donna Jean Thatcher on August 22, 1947, in Florence, Alabama.

2. Before joining the Grateful Dead, she was a Muscle Shoals session singer in the 1960s.

3. Her first #1 hit came early — she sang backup on Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.”

4. She also sang on Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” in 1969, one of his biggest late-career hits.

5. Donna lent her voice to recordings by Cher, Neil Diamond, Boz Scaggs, Duane Allman, and Joe Tex.

6. She met keyboardist Keith Godchaux in California and married him in 1970.

7. It was Donna who introduced Keith to Jerry Garcia at San Francisco’s Keystone Korner.

8. That introduction changed rock history — both Keith and Donna soon joined the Grateful Dead.

9. Donna sang with the Dead from 1972 to 1979, contributing harmonies and occasional lead vocals.

10. Her mezzo-soprano range added soul and texture to the band’s live performances.

11. In 1975, she and Keith released the album Keith & Donna, featuring Jerry Garcia on guitar.

12. Donna also performed with the Jerry Garcia Band throughout the 1970s.

13. The couple’s son, Zion “Rock” Godchaux, was born in 1974 and later formed the band BoomBox.

14. After leaving the Dead, she and Keith founded the Heart of Gold Band.

15. Following Keith’s death in 1980, Donna married bassist David MacKay.

16. She returned to her roots in Florence, Alabama, where she continued to record and perform.

17. In 2006, she formed Kettle Joe’s Psychedelic Swamp Revue, later renamed Donna Jean & the Tricksters.

18. By 2009, the group became the Donna Jean Godchaux Band with Jeff Mattson.

19. Donna frequently appeared with Bob Weir & RatDog, Dark Star Orchestra, and Dead & Company.

20. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead in 1994.

21. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame honored her in 2016 for her contributions to music.

22. Her career spanned nearly 60 years, from 1966 through 2025.

23. She recorded with artists across genres — from gospel to psychedelic rock.

24. Even late in life, she continued contributing to archival Grateful Dead projects and live tributes.

25. Donna Jean Godchaux passed away in Nashville at age 78, leaving behind a legacy of spirit, song, and Southern soul.

Epic Doom Titans On The Loose Unleash New Album ‘Path to Serenity’

Eric Alper
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Epic Doom Titans On The Loose Unleash New Album ‘Path to Serenity’

Portugal’s epic doom metal juggernaut On The Loose have released their thunderous new full-length album Path to Serenity, now available on all major streaming platforms. The record marks the band’s most intense and ambitious effort yet, fusing monumental riffs with haunting melodies and a raw emotional core that will resonate deeply with fans of the genre.

Formed in 2020, On The Loose have built a loyal underground following through their previous releases, On the Loose (2022) and Dark Emotions (2023). With Path to Serenity, the group elevates their craft to towering new heights, delivering an atmosphere heavy enough to shake the foundations of doom metal itself.

The band’s lineup features founding members Marco Marouco (guitars, ex-Els Focs Negres, Omission) and JP Ventura (drums, Dawnrider, The Limit), joined by Toni Cagaita on bass and frontman Rick (Ravensire, Ironsword). The album was produced by Paulão Vieira (The Limit, Ironsword, Midnight Priest), whose deft hand brings a balance of power and precision to the record’s colossal sound.

From the crushing opener “The Serpent Within” to the slow-burning grandeur that defines the album, Path to Serenity channels the spirit of doom legends Candlemass, Sorcerer, and Paradise Lost, while carving its own identity in the genre. Fans can expect an emotional odyssey through despair, catharsis, and redemption—proof that On The Loose are among Portugal’s most commanding forces in modern metal.

The Fear Rise Again With Debut EP ‘Falling Forward’ and Video for ‘The End Is The Start’

Eric Alper
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The Fear Rise Again With Debut EP ‘Falling Forward’ and Video for ‘The End Is The Start’

Manchester’s alt-rock and nu-metal fusionists The Fear have dropped their debut EP Falling Forward, alongside a new video for their hard-hitting single “The End Is The Start.” The track serves as the first full song on the nine-track release, delivering a powerful, high-energy statement of purpose from a band that’s rediscovered its fire.

Filmed among crumbling buildings and urban decay, the “End Is The Start” video perfectly mirrors the group’s message of rebirth and renewal. “The End Is The Start has been years in the making, and it only felt right for it to lead the EP,” says drummer and producer Benj Ashmead. “It’s about taking heartache and frustration and turning them into something stronger — leaving the negativity behind and moving forward with purpose.”

The release of Falling Forward marks a triumphant year for The Fear, who reemerged after a decade apart with a string of singles, including “White Noise,” “Satellite,” and “Moths to Fire.” Their first year back saw them land major support slots with Alien Ant Farm and SNOT, and even score praise for their heavy, heartfelt cover of James’ Britpop classic “Sit Down.”

“After a decade apart, The Fear felt like a long shot, but after one show in December 2023 sparked something unstoppable,” frontman Mick Satiar shares. “Touring with Alien Ant Farm and SNOT, and writing this EP—seven tracks of wall-to-wall bangers—has been a wild ride. This music is our best yet, and we owe it to ourselves and these songs to keep going. We’re beyond stoked for what 2026 has in store.”

The EP’s title captures the spirit of the band’s rebirth. “We called it Falling Forward because that’s exactly what happened — we kinda stumbled back into making music together, but this time it felt right,” says Ashmead. “Most of these songs came from that place of rediscovery. It’s about momentum, even when you don’t have it all figured out.”

Fans can catch The Fear’s new material live this winter as the band takes the stage for a trio of UK shows, including a support slot with Nonpoint at London’s Camden Underworld, followed by headline dates in Southampton and Manchester.

The Fear – Live 2025 UK Show Dates:
November 24 — Camden Underworld, London (supporting Nonpoint)
December 11 — Joiners, Southampton
December 13 — Deaf Institute, Manchester

Pop Visionary ALEXIS Returns With Dazzling New Single ‘u sure like to make me feel crazy’

Eric Alper
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Pop Visionary ALEXIS Returns With Dazzling New Single ‘u sure like to make me feel crazy’

Rising Filipino-Australian pop artist ALEXIS is back with “u sure like to make me feel crazy,” a shimmering breakup anthem that pairs heartfelt lyrics with electric pop production. Blending biting honesty with infectious rhythm, the track captures both the chaos and clarity that come after heartbreak.

“I wrote this song about a previous relationship I had where I was constantly second-guessing myself and I felt like I was losing my mind,” ALEXIS shares. “It’s a brutally honest reflection on what it means to lose yourself into someone else’s chaos and the clarity that comes when you finally step out of it.”

Written by Alexandra-Isabelle Barrientos (ALEXIS), Aidan Hogg, Alieysha Dulcie Nicholls, and Giulia Mclean, and produced by Aidan Hogg (GFlip, The Beaches), the track blends raw emotion with modern polish. Liam Quinn (Peach PRC, Ruel) handled mixing and mastering, giving the song its sleek, cinematic finish.

The single arrives with vivid visuals from longtime collaborators Justin Cueno and Junaid Mohtaj, continuing ALEXIS’ signature blue motif. Featuring surreal scenes of lawnmowers, freezing hose water, and a stomped-on cake, the imagery mirrors the track’s mix of humor and heartbreak.

Following the success of her singles “Blue Jeans” and “HATE IT HERE”—both supported by Triple J, Apple Music, and a growing international fanbase—ALEXIS continues to solidify her place among pop’s most exciting new voices. With her fearless songwriting and emotional honesty, she’s redefining what it means to turn pain into power.

Supergroup Howl Owl Howl Debuts With ‘My Cologne’ and Announces 2025 U.S. Tour

Eric Alper
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Supergroup Howl Owl Howl Debuts With ‘My Cologne’ and Announces 2025 U.S. Tour

Rock’s newest supergroup has arrived. Howl Owl Howl, a powerhouse trio made up of Darius Rucker, Mike Mills, and Steve Gorman, have dropped their debut single “My Cologne,” giving fans the first hit of their raw, unapologetic sound. Blending garage rock grit with playful wit, the song captures the spirit of reinvention from three musicians who’ve already conquered the charts in their own worlds.

Written and performed by Rucker, Mills, and Gorman, “My Cologne” packs punchy riffs, pounding drums, and shared lead vocals between Rucker and Mills. The result is a swaggering, high-energy jam that’s equal parts cheeky and cathartic. Gorman’s rhythmic precision locks it all together, while the song’s backstory adds another layer of fun.

As Mills explains, “I’m not dissing Ariana – in fact I got no problem with it at all. I just thought it was funny that either she was completely unaware of how weird that was, or she was aware and didn’t care. Either way, I thought I’d write a little song and say I want to smell like Ariana Grande.” The idea sparked when Mills noticed Ariana Grande’s 2018 song “R.E.M.” (and its accompanying perfume line) might have playfully echoed his old band’s name — a coincidence too irresistible to ignore.

Now, the trio are ready to hit the road. The Howl Owl Howl Tour 2025 kicks off November 3 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and travels through major cities including Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and Atlanta. Each night will showcase the band’s magnetic chemistry and original material, channeling the heart and humor of classic rock through the lens of seasoned storytellers.

Tour Dates:
November 3 — The Vogue, Indianapolis, IN
November 4 — Metro Chicago, Chicago, IL
November 6 — 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C.
November 7 — Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ
November 8 — Paradise Rock Club – Music Hall, Boston, MA
November 11 — Webster Hall, New York, NY
November 12 — Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA
November 14 — Georgia Theatre, Athens, GA
November 15 — Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA

‘P FKN R’: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance

Eric Alper
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‘P FKN R’: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance

A new book titled P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance is set to be released on January 27, 2026, offering an in-depth look at how the global superstar’s art has become a rallying cry for Puerto Rican pride, protest, and resilience. Written by cultural scholars Vanessa Díaz and Petra Rivera-Rideau, P FKN R draws on interviews, ethnographic research, and a deep dive into Puerto Rico’s social and political history to position Bad Bunny as one of the most important cultural figures of our time.

The authors—known for creating the “Bad Bunny Syllabus”—reveal how the artist’s music and activism are rooted in the island’s colonial history and its ongoing struggle for justice. From the devastation of Hurricane María to the mass protests of el Verano Boricua, Díaz and Rivera-Rideau explore how Bad Bunny transforms grief and anger into art that unites generations under a banner of resistance and joy.

“Impressively researched and engaging, P FKN R offers a critical reflection of Puerto Rico’s history and culture through one of its main exponents, Bad Bunny,” says historian Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, author of Puerto Rico: A National History. Similarly, Yarimar Bonilla, author of Non-Sovereign Futures, praises the book as “a powerful meditation on the stakes of his artistry, his platform, and the future he dares us to imagine.”

The 320-page book features 32 illustrations and chapters such as “El Pueblo No Aguanta Más Injusticia,” “The Party Is the Protest,” and “Puerto Rico Está Bien Cabrón,” weaving Bad Bunny’s career into a larger narrative of Puerto Rican resistance, race, gender, and cultural identity.

P FKN R is published under the subjects of Popular Music, Cultural Studies, and Caribbean Studies, and will be available in paper and hardcover for $27.95. It’s a groundbreaking portrait of how one artist turned rhythm, rage, and resistance into a global movement.

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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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