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LØLØ Joins Fearless Records With Fiery New Pop-Punk Single “the devil wears converse”

Eric Alper
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LØLØ Joins Fearless Records With Fiery New Pop-Punk Single “the devil wears converse”

Rising alt-rock and pop-punk artist LØLØ has officially joined the Fearless Records family and marks the occasion with the release of her fiery new single “the devil wears converse.” The track serves as a relatable anthem for anyone who’s fallen for the wrong person in the coolest shoes. It’s catchy, bold, and brimming with attitude — a perfect debut for her next chapter under one of the world’s most iconic rock labels.

“‘the devil wears converse’ is a fun, playful song about giving into temptation,” says LØLØ. “It tells the story of being drawn to someone you know is bad for you, but you don’t think you can resist. It’s about the pull of desire, where your better judgment loses to the prettiest monster in the room. Who knew the devil himself actually looked so damn cute?”

Fearless Records President Andy Serrao shares, “We are thrilled to have LØLØ as part of the Fearless family. She’s a smart and sophisticated songwriter and vocalist and a proven live performer. We are excited about being part of this next phase of her career.”

LØLØ’s new era kicks off as she performs at Vans Warped Tour Long Beach this weekend, followed by her “Bigger Than You Think!” U.S. tour supporting Simple Plan, along with 3OH!3 and Bowling for Soup. Later this fall, she will embark on the final leg of her own U.S. headline run, with stops across major cities including Buffalo, Orlando, and Indianapolis. Fans can find tickets and VIP packages at lolomusic.com.

With over 150 million global streams and praise from outlets including Notion, PAPER, Rock Sound, Kerrang!, and Ones To Watch, LØLØ continues to prove herself as one of the most exciting voices in modern alternative music. Her deluxe debut album “falling for robots and wishing I was one” set the stage for this next evolution — one defined by sharp lyricism, fearless storytelling, and an undeniable pop-punk edge.

Blue Rodeo Mark 40 Years With Vinyl Reissue of ‘Greatest Hits Vol. 1’ and Documentary Celebration

Eric Alper
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Blue Rodeo Mark 40 Years With Vinyl Reissue of ‘Greatest Hits Vol. 1’ and Documentary Celebration

As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, Canadian music legends Blue Rodeo have announced the highly anticipated double-LP vinyl release of Greatest Hits Vol. 1, out mpw. This marks the first time this beloved collection will be available on vinyl, a moment fans have eagerly awaited for years. The album features the original, unchanged track listing, allowing listeners to experience the band’s foundational hits in a classic format. Greatest Hits Vol. 1 vinyl pressing follows the band’s release of Greatest Hits Vol. 2 earlier this year.  Click here to order Greatest Hits Vol. 1 now.  

Further enhancing their 40th-anniversary celebrations, earlier this year, Canada Post paid tribute to the band’s legacy by issuing a commemorative stamp featuring a collage of studio portraits of Blue Rodeo’s lineup.  In addition to this, the band released the award-winning documentary Blue Rodeo: Lost Together, directed by Dale Heslip.  The film offers an intimate look into the band’s history, creative process, personal challenges, and enduring friendships. Featuring interviews with band members past and present, alongside industry insiders, the documentary provides a compelling portrait of Blue Rodeo’s journey and their significant impact on the Canadian music landscape. Blue Rodeo: Lost Together was the #1 Canadian film in theaters during its theatrical run and won the 2024 Audience Award for a feature-length film at the Whistler Film Festival. It is available to stream now on the free CBC Gem streaming platform and on the CBC Docs YouTube channel.

Blue Rodeo’s journey began in 1984, when high school friends Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor formed what they called a “psychedelic country band” in an era dominated by other musical trends.  After facing challenges in New York, their return to a thriving Toronto inspired them to craft music that resonated with their true artistic vision. Joined by bandmates Bazil Donovan, Cleave Anderson, and Bobby Wiseman, Blue Rodeo quickly gained momentum, filling venues and ascending to the top of the charts. Their unwavering commitment to authenticity and a distinctive sound became the cornerstone of their enduring success in the Canadian music scene.

Now celebrating their 40th anniversary, Blue Rodeo has solidified its place as one of Canada’s most enduring and important bands. Their rise in the late 1980s and early 1990s helped spark a roots and country-rock music revival in Canada, influencing a new generation of musicians. The magic of Blue Rodeo’s sound stems from the distinct yet complementary songwriting styles of its lead singers, paired with the exceptional musicianship of its members, including original member Bazil Donovan, drummer Glenn Milchem, keyboardist Michael Boguski, guitarist Colin Cripps, and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Bowskill. This unique blend of country, rock, and roots has created a body of work that stands as a benchmark in Canadian music, weaving deeply resonant, distinctly Canadian stories that have influenced countless songwriters and become woven into the fabric of the nation’s cultural identity. Blue Rodeo continues to prove their relevance and importance, maintaining an enduring love affair with Canadians through four decades of timeless music.

Blue Rodeo – Greatest Hits Vol. 1 Tracklisting:

1. To Love Somebody
2. Rose-Coloured Glasses
3. Try
4. Diamond Mine
5. Til I Am Myself Again
6. Trust Yourself
7. Lost Together
8. 5 Days in May
9. Hasn’t Hit Me Yet
10. Bad Timing
11. Dark Angel
12. Side of the Road
13. It Could Happen to You
14. After the Rain

Spotify Swings Into Fun With Interactive ‘Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament’ Game Experience

Eric Alper
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0
Spotify Swings Into Fun With Interactive ‘Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament’ Game Experience

Just in time for the release of Happy Gilmore 2, Netflix is turning to Spotify to bring fans a brand-new way to swing into the action. Literally.

Starting today, anyone can step onto the green for The Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament, the first-ever golf-inspired game built inside Spotify. It’s an audio-visual experience designed to tap into your love for the film, while introducing a whole new kind of storytelling. It’s immersive, interactive, and just the right amount of silly.

Developed in partnership with MiK Studio, this showcases what’s possible when teaming up with Spotify Advertising and how brands can thrive in Spotify’s creative playground. Whether you’re a seasoned golf pro (in spirit) or just here for nostalgia, The Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament lets you play through a series of film-inspired holes, no golf cart required.

Here’s how it works:

  • Users will find the experience within the Spotify app or via a link on mobile.
  • Players tilt their phones to take one swing per hole across three rounds, navigating signature moments from the film, like the alligator or Happy’s boots.
  • Players then advance to mid- and long-range shots, with a visible Happy Gilmore 2 score tracker and fun audio clips from the film played after each hole.

“At Spotify, we design every campaign to feel true to the moment, connected to culture, and most importantly, resonant with our highly engaged audience.,” said Ann Piper, Spotify’s Head of North America Sales. “These aren’t one-size-fits-all executions. They’re high-impact experiences that show how Spotify can be a creative canvas for consumers and brands as well.”

To bring the fun beyond the game, the launch also includes plenty of surprises across Spotify. Think custom playlists, eye-catching videos, and special podcast moments, including a voiceover from  Bill Simmons. It’s all designed to make you feel like you’re part of the action, whether you’re playing through the course or just vibing to the soundtrack.

Neon Owl Launches New Label ‘Neon Owl Records’ With Uplifting Debut Single “Fallen Angel”

Eric Alper
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Neon Owl Launches New Label ‘Neon Owl Records’ With Uplifting Debut Single “Fallen Angel”

Celebrating over a decade as one of electronic music’s most trusted artist development communities, Bay Area-based collective Neon Owl, founded by siblings Elaine and Raymond Huang, proudly announces the launch of its new imprint: Neon Owl Records. The label expands on the group’s mission to uplift and develop emerging artists through community, mentorship, and connection.

Built on the foundation of Neon Owl’s acclaimed Open Door Sessions (ODS) — events that have empowered artists to land label signings, festival bookings, and industry partnerships — the new label continues that legacy by giving talented creators a home for their music.

The debut release, “Fallen Angel,” comes from Hidden Axis, a producer who first joined Open Door Sessions virtually during the pandemic. With support from Neon Owl, she went on to release music through Paradise Music, remix for HALIENE on Ophelia Records, and collaborate with KEPIK on SLANDER’s Heaven Sent imprint. Teaming up with WISNER, whose powerful vocals bring the track to life, “Fallen Angel” captures the emotional energy and spirit of the label’s mission.

“I’m super proud and excited to have Julie and Blake be the first release on the label because both are such insanely talented artists,” says Elaine Huang, co-founder of Neon Owl. “From the first moment I met Julie at her first Open Door Sessions Virtual, I knew she was something special. Paired with Blake, who has one of the most versatile voices that cuts you to the core, I think ‘Fallen Angel’ is a song that will make people feel something.”

Neon Owl has built a global reputation for pairing artist development with social impact, supporting causes such as animal rescue, mental health advocacy, and global relief efforts. The collective has partnered with organizations including Groove Cruise, Winter Music Conference, ADE, Anjunabeats, Create Music Group, The Whet Foundation, and LabelWorx to connect music with meaningful change.

As with all of Neon Owl’s work, philanthropy remains central to the label’s identity, with portions of proceeds from releases and events continuing to support charitable initiatives.

Jonah Kagen Unveils Soulful Debut Album ‘Sunflowers and Leather’ and New Single “You Again”

Eric Alper
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Jonah Kagen Unveils Soulful Debut Album ‘Sunflowers and Leather’ and New Single “You Again”

Rising singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonah Kagen announces his highly anticipated debut album Sunflowers and Leather, out now via Arista Records. Alongside the announcement, he releases a brand-new single, “You Again,” a stirring exploration of heartbreak, memory, and the long shadow of lost love.

“It’s the most honest song I’ve ever written,” says Kagen. “After a relationship ended, I spent a year by myself with my dog. Every time I tried to open up to someone new, I felt that same sinking feeling. This song is about not being able to shake someone, even after they’re gone.”

“You Again” offers a glimpse into the sound and soul of Sunflowers and Leather — an album written, recorded, and produced entirely by Kagen while traveling across the American South and West in a self-built Airstream studio. The title captures the duality at the heart of his music: “Sunflowers” representing joy and growth, “Leather” representing pain and resilience.

With over 450 million global streams, 3.5 million monthly listeners, and a #1 Alternative Radio hit with “God Needs the Devil,” Kagen’s ascent continues as he joins tours with Vance Joy, Sam Barber, Wyatt Flores, and Cameron Whitcomb throughout 2025. His journey, both musical and personal, unfolds in an upcoming Sunflowers and Leather documentary filmed on 16mm by David O’Donohue (Noah Kahan, Lainey Wilson, James Bay).

Great American Media and Robert Halmi Unite to Produce Family-Focused Films at Great Point Studios

Eric Alper
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Great American Media and Robert Halmi Unite to Produce Family-Focused Films at Great Point Studios

Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott has announced a new collaboration with Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning producer Robert Halmi and his company, Great Point Studios. The partnership will focus on producing high-quality, original films rooted in family values, designed for audiences seeking uplifting and meaningful entertainment.

The agreement includes more than twenty films and original series to be produced by Great American Media at Great Point Studios Buffalo over the next two years. This initiative will expand domestic film production while creating jobs in casting, crew, and creative roles across Western New York. Together, Abbott and Halmi are building a foundation for new American storytelling that celebrates heart, hope, and community.

Abbott and Halmi previously helped shape the modern family film genre through their leadership at Hallmark, where Halmi served as founder and Abbott as President & CEO for more than a decade. “This partnership is about raising the bar,” said Abbott. “We are committed to producing content that not only entertains but uplifts. We want to make these films here in the U.S. with people who share our passion for authentic, values-driven storytelling.”

“I’m thrilled to reunite with Bill Abbott and support the incredible work he’s doing at Great American Media,” said Halmi. “This partnership reflects our shared vision, and we’re proud to welcome these productions to our campuses.”

The first project in this new partnership is A Christmas Spark starring Mario Lopez, filmed earlier this summer at Great Point Studios Buffalo. “It has been a joy to produce and star in A Christmas Spark, which premieres during the 5th Anniversary Edition of Great American Christmas this season,” said Lopez. “The talent, crew, and locations in Buffalo are top notch. This film gave me a way to honor the heroism of firefighters and tell a story that reflects their courage.”

Ozomatli Ignite a Working-Class Anthem With Powerful New Single “Red Line”

Eric Alper
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Ozomatli Ignite a Working-Class Anthem With Powerful New Single “Red Line”

Triple GRAMMY-winning genre-defying band Ozomatli has released their powerful new single “Red Line,” a rallying cry for America’s working class. The song gives voice to those navigating life without privilege or protection, blending the band’s signature mix of Latin, hip-hop, funk, and global rhythms into a vibrant anthem of solidarity and resilience.

“This track is a statement of solidarity,” says founding member Raul Pacheco. “We’re singing for everyone trying to make a life in a system built to hold them back.” The single arrives amid nationwide conversations around immigration and inequality, capturing the humanity behind the headlines through Ozomatli’s trademark fusion of activism and celebration.

Earlier this spring, the band performed “Red Line” atop a flatbed truck in downtown Los Angeles during the No Kings protest, standing shoulder to shoulder with immigrant and worker rights movements. Now, they continue that mission with the 30 Revolutions Tour, marking three decades of music, movement, and community. Saxophonist and vocalist Ulises Bella shares, “Through all the chaos in the world, one thing stays true: Ozomatli brings the vibes that bring people together.”

Founded in 1995 in Los Angeles’ grassroots labor scene, Ozomatli’s six original members—Asdru Sierra, Raul Pacheco, Ulises Bella, Wil-Dog Abers, Jiro Yamaguchi, and Justin Poree—have built a legacy defined by unity and rhythm. With three GRAMMY Awards, honors as U.S. State Department cultural ambassadors, and performances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Austin City Limits, the band continues to uplift communities through music and advocacy.

John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension Shine on ‘Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022’ with “Here Come the Jiis”

Eric Alper
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John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension Shine on ‘Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022’ with “Here Come the Jiis”

The second single and video from Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 are out now on earMUSIC.

John McLaughlin and his acclaimed band The 4th Dimension deliver another masterful performance with “Here Come the Jiis,” the latest single from Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022. Recorded live on July 25, 2022, at the legendary Auditorium Stravinski with special guest pianist and vocalist Jany McPherson, this new release captures McLaughlin’s extraordinary chemistry and energy on stage.

Dedicated to mandolin greats Srinivas and V. Selvaganesh from McLaughlin’s Shakti project, “Here Come the Jiis” is a tribute to musical respect and unity. “I think the practice of addressing your fellow musicians with a noble prefix is a great thing to do. I call all the people in the band ‘sir’ or ‘ji,’” says McLaughlin. The song bursts with rhythm, groove, and gratitude, a living testament to the spiritual connection that defines his music.

McLaughlin’s relationship with the Montreux Jazz Festival spans over five decades, and Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 celebrates that remarkable legacy. Available as Blu-ray+2CD Digipak, 2LP Gatefold, and Digital Download, the full release allows listeners to experience the concert’s emotion and intensity from anywhere. “I received mail and messages from so many people saying how much they loved the concert,” McLaughlin shares. “It’s one that I can never forget.”

A pioneer of jazz fusion, McLaughlin transformed modern music through his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, Santana, and his collaborations with Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucia. Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 continues that journey, uniting world, jazz, and blues influences in a performance of pure inspiration.

cktrl Finds Peace and Power in Soulful New Single “balance”

Eric Alper
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0
cktrl Finds Peace and Power in Soulful New Single “balance”

British multi-instrumentalist and producer Bradley Miller, known as cktrl, has released his stunning new single “balance.” Following his acclaimed EP yield, the South London artist returns with a track that glows with soulful depth and musical precision. Layering warm horns, delicate strings, and intricate rhythms, “balance” feels meditative and immersive, guiding listeners into a space of reflection and renewal.

“Taking the time to truly notice has given me tools for growth,” cktrl shares. “Our spirit is light, and without it we’re just in the dark. There’s a beauty in nuances in life, especially when you look at how we’re shaped by our experiences. I want to keep healing through my music and I hope others find the same solace in it too.”

With “balance,” cktrl continues his journey of merging sound and spirit, drawing from jazz, classical, ambient, and R&B traditions to create something entirely his own. The song stands as a moment of clarity and calm, shaped by his mastery of tone and texture.

A self-taught producer and classically trained clarinetist of Jamaican and Montserratian heritage, cktrl continues to redefine contemporary sound. His work explores love, identity, and emotional honesty through an unmistakably personal and culturally rooted lens, solidifying his place as one of music’s most introspective and visionary artists.

Amon Amarth Unleash Viking Fury With Epic New Single “We Rule The Waves”

Eric Alper
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0
Amon Amarth Unleash Viking Fury With Epic New Single “We Rule The Waves”

Sweden’s Viking metal legends Amon Amarth have released their thunderous new single “We Rule The Waves” along with an epic video. The track marks the band’s first new music in years, surging forward with galloping riffs, towering melodies, and the fierce energy that defines their sound. Produced by Grammy-nominated Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Arch Enemy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Katatonia), it stands as a monumental return — a sonic voyage built from salt, steel, and spirit.

The video for “We Rule The Waves” was filmed in Riga, Latvia, continuing Amon Amarth’s ongoing collaboration with director Pavel Trebukhin of Tre Film, who previously helmed the band’s videos for “The Great Heathen Army,” “Heidrun,” and “Saxons & Vikings.”

In their statement, the band describes “We Rule The Waves” as a celebration of unity, courage, and purpose. “It is our tribute to the spirit of freedom, brotherhood, and the will to conquer — not just lands, but your own limitations. It’s about standing tall with your clan, facing the storm head-on, and carving your mark into the world like a Viking longship through blackened seas.”

With “We Rule The Waves,” Amon Amarth continues to forge their legacy as modern keepers of Norse myth and might, blending storytelling, power, and melody into a battle cry that calls fans to raise their horns high once 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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