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Charles Wesley Godwin Announces ‘Christian Name,’ His Most Personal Album, Featuring Luke Combs

Eric Alper
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Charles Wesley Godwin Announces ‘Christian Name,’ His Most Personal Album, Featuring Luke Combs

Charles Wesley Godwin’s fourth studio album ‘Christian Name’ arrives July 24th via Big Loud Records, and first single “Better That Way” featuring Luke Combs is out now. The album was written through one of the most difficult periods of Godwin’s life, and every song on it reflects that directly.

In 2024, Godwin and his wife Samantha lost their third child, Samuel, to stillbirth. “To put it simply, my heart was broken,” Godwin says. “It took me a few months to get myself back up off the ground, so to speak, and get back into the game and to write songs again.” Rather than pulling him away from his faith, the loss deepened it. “Coming out of that, I recommitted to my faith in God more so than I have at any point in my life. It really changed me.”

‘Christian Name’ documents that journey across 13 tracks, opening with a sermon and moving through grief, redemption, and reaffirmation. The album title and cover art draw direct inspiration from Godwin’s late grandfather, Charles Godwin, a Methodist preacher, grounding the project in family and legacy as much as personal faith.

Alongside “Better That Way” with Combs, the album features “Hey There, Son” with Wyatt Flores, and contributions from some of country music’s most respected songwriters: Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Travis Meadows, Scooter Carusoe, Stephen Wilson Jr., Aaron Raitiere, and Tom Douglas. Godwin is clear about the role they played. “I had a lot of help with this album. They brought a lot of the hope and the light and the lighter moments. The album needed that.”

Producer Al Torrence, Godwin’s Alleghany High bandmate and decade-long collaborator, shaped the record across sessions in Nashville, New York City, and Torrence’s Music Garden Studios in Pennsylvania. “He’s world-class,” Godwin says. “Al knew exactly what I was going through throughout this process.”

Godwin tours extensively behind the album, including a co-headline run with Dylan Gossett this summer and a fall stretch joining Kacey Musgraves on her Middle of Nowhere Tour.

‘Christian Name’ Track Listing:

Sermon

Try Again

“Better That Way” (feat. Luke Combs)

Hallelujah High

“Hey There, Son” (feat. Wyatt Flores)

I Caught the Sunrise

Place I Know

Street Advice

Every Once in a While

Christian Name

God’s Been Good to Me

Gospel of the South

Brand New

The 52nd AMAs Adds BTS, New Kids on the Block, Pussycat Dolls, and a Full Presenter Lineup

Eric Alper
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The 52nd AMAs Adds BTS, New Kids on the Block, Pussycat Dolls, and a Full Presenter Lineup

The 52nd American Music Awards presenter lineup is set, and the full picture of Monday night is coming into focus. The show airs live May 25th at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on CBS and Paramount+ from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, hosted by Queen Latifah.

Presenters include Alysa Liu, Anthony Ramos, Ejae, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Hannah Berner, Hilary Duff, Jason Derulo, John Legend, Lisa Rinna, Ludacris, Mariah the Scientist, Matt Rife, Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs, Melanie Martinez, Nikki Glaser, Paula Abdul, Rei Ami, and Russell Dickerson.

BTS will make a special appearance, their first on the AMAs stage in 5 years, adding considerable weight to an already stacked broadcast.

The performance lineup covers serious ground. Billy Idol receives the Lifetime Achievement Award and performs a medley of his greatest hits in his first-ever AMAs performance. Karol G receives the International Artist Award of Excellence. Darius Rucker receives the Veterans Voice Award Presented by USAA’s Honor Through Action and performs alongside his Hootie & The Blowfish bandmates. New Kids on the Block and The Pussycat Dolls with Busta Rhymes join Katseye, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, Sombr, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, and Twenty One Pilots on the performance roster.

The broadcast also carries a meaningful tribute to the U.S. military community. USAA’s Poppy Wall of Honor returns to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for its seventh year, with 600,000-plus hand-placed poppies representing every American life lost in the line of duty since World War I. Gold Star families will attend the AMAs, with U.S. service members and veterans seated in USAA’s Military Appreciation Section.

Ahead of the broadcast, Entertainment Tonight airs “ET Vault Unlocked: Queen Latifah,” a special celebrating the career of the night’s host. Tickets are available now on AXS.

Voïvod’s ‘Symphonique’ Pairs 40 Years of Progressive Metal With a Full Symphony Orchestra

Eric Alper
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Voïvod’s ‘Symphonique’ Pairs 40 Years of Progressive Metal With a Full Symphony Orchestra

Voïvod have been building toward something like this for 40 years. ‘Symphonique,’ a live album recorded with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra at the Grand Théâtre in Québec City on June 4, 2025, arrives June 5th via Century Media Records, and the second single “The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique)” is out now alongside an official visualizer by Cloud Motion Design.

The album spans 73 minutes across 12 songs, presenting a best-of Voïvod setlist reimagined with full orchestral accompaniment. The result is exactly what the band’s progressive, sci-fi metal architecture has always suggested was possible: a dystopian cinematic soundscape that expands the original material into something larger and fully realized.

Drummer Michel “Away” Langevin calls it a longtime dream made real. “It’s the closest we’ve ever come to sounding like a dystopian sci-fi movie soundtrack, another dream of ours,” he says, adding that the band will perform the show again in 2027 with the Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean in the region where Voïvod formed in 1983.

Guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain speaks specifically about “The End Of Dormancy.” “I wrote the riffs imagining Roman naval battles with a full orchestra, like the movies from the 50s and 60s. It has a very dramatic vibe. Little did I know that what we synthesized for a four-piece band would eventually explode into its primary, original imagined form.” He describes the crowd’s reaction at the grand finale as one of life’s rare perfect moments.

‘Symphonique’ follows Voïvod’s Juno Award-winning 2022 studio album ‘Synchro Anarchy,’ which charted in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands, and their 40th anniversary release ‘Morgöth Tales’ in 2023.

Megan Moroney Releases Fan Favorite “Traitor (Roles Reversed)” as The Cloud 9 Tour Kicks Off

Eric Alper
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Megan Moroney Releases Fan Favorite “Traitor (Roles Reversed)” as The Cloud 9 Tour Kicks Off

Megan Moroney’s “Traitor (Roles Reversed),” previously exclusive to the Target edition of ‘Cloud 9,’ is now available on all streaming platforms. Written by Moroney alongside David Mescon, Emily Weisband, and Hillary Lindsey, the track has been a fan favorite since the album’s release, and its wider availability arrives at exactly the right moment.

The Cloud 9 Tour launches later this month at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH, and covers 43 dates across North America, Europe, and the UK through October 1st in Belfast. The run includes Barclays Center in New York City, Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United Center in Chicago, and Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, along with Moroney’s first-ever performance in Paris.

Moroney built serious touring momentum heading into this run. Her sold-out Am I Okay? Tour closed out with a 24-song live album, ‘Am I Okay? Tour (Live),’ documenting the record-breaking trek in full. She then headed to Australia for dates including a sold-out show at Riverstage in Brisbane, the 2-stop Ridin’ Hearts Festival 2025 at Sydney Showground and Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens, where she brought Avery Anna onstage for a confetti-filled surprise duet of “Am I Okay?”

Multi-platinum, arena-headlining, and with a fanbase that already knows every word, Moroney enters The Cloud 9 Tour with considerable forward momentum behind her.

“Traitor (Roles Reversed)” is out now on all streaming platforms via Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records.

Carter Faith Expands ACM-Nominated ‘Cherry Valley’ With Five New Songs on Deluxe Edition

Eric Alper
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Carter Faith Expands ACM-Nominated ‘Cherry Valley’ With Five New Songs on Deluxe Edition

Carter Faith is expanding ‘Cherry Valley.’ The deluxe edition, titled ‘Cherry Valley Forever,’ arrives July 24th via Gatsby Records/MCA, adding 5 new songs to the original 15-track debut, with new cut “Ain’t Over Me Yet” out now as the first preview.

The timing reflects exactly where Faith stands in country music right now. ‘Cherry Valley’ earned an ACM Album of the Year nomination, the first debut album nominated in that category in a decade, following Chris Stapleton’s ‘Traveller’ in 2016. Faith is also the only female nominated in the category this year, and performed at the ACM Awards show. Last week she released a cover of Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go To Vegas” as the official anthem of this year’s ACM Awards.

‘Cherry Valley’ is a chronological document of Faith’s time in Nashville, working through breakout moments, gut-punching breakups, new loves, and family friction. Named for a road sign that came to represent her creative home, the album draws on influences ranging from Tammy Wynette and Nancy Sinatra to Pet Sounds and Revolver, shaped over 2 years of writing with producer Tofer Brown before the pair entered the studio in 2024.

The road ahead is packed. Faith joins Post Malone on his Big Ass Stadium Tour next month, plays select dates with George Strait and Chris Stapleton, then links up with Kacey Musgraves and Shaboozey in the fall. For a debut artist, that’s an extraordinary run of touring company.

Faith built toward ‘Cherry Valley’ through more than a dozen Grand Ole Opry appearances, hundreds of millions of streams, a Stagecoach debut, and touring runs with Ella Langley and Carly Pearce. She also joined Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild at the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors for a duet of “Lies Lies Lies,” written by ACM Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon.

‘Cherry Valley Forever’ Track Listing:

Cherry Valley

Sex, Drugs, and Country Music

Arrows (Die For That Man)

Bar Star

Betty

Grudge

Six-String

If I Had Never Lost My Mind…

Misery Loves Company

Drink Up, Baby

Burn My Memory

Sails

So I Sing

Changed

Still A Lover

Dead Horse

Nothin’ Better To Do

Pearl Handled Pistol

If A Man’s From Texas

“Ain’t Over Me Yet”

Anthrax End a 10-Year Studio Silence With 12th Album ‘Cursum Perficio’ Arriving This Fall

Eric Alper
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Anthrax End a 10-Year Studio Silence With 12th Album ‘Cursum Perficio’ Arriving This Fall

Anthrax are back. ‘Cursum Perficio,’ their 12th studio album and first in 10 years, arrives September 18th via Megaforce Records. The Latin phrase translates as “I complete my journey,” and for a band that began recording the album in 2022 after pandemic delays pushed the project back from its original 2020 start, the title carries real weight.

First single “It’s For The Kids” is out now with an official music video, and it delivers exactly what the moment calls for: buzzsaw riffs, explosive drumming, and a hook built for arenas. It’s the kind of track that announces an album’s arrival with full force.

The band recorded at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 in Los Angeles, produced by Jay Ruston and Anthrax. Their previous album, 2016’s ‘For All Kings,’ debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, and ‘Cursum Perficio’ arrives with 10 years of accumulated energy behind it.

Guitarist Scott Ian frames the recording as a reunion as much as a record. “When we started working on the record, we were just happy to be in a room together. It was so exciting that it was like being reborn in a way. All of that energy and emotion went into the music.”

Drummer Charlie Benante traces the album’s title to a documentary about Marilyn Monroe. “I was watching a Marilyn Monroe documentary, and I saw ‘Cursum Perficio’ written on a tile in her last home,” he says. “When I found out what the phrase meant, it immediately clicked with me. We aren’t saying this is our last record, but our journey has come to an end. I believe we’ve completed the task.”

‘Cursum Perficio’ arrives in a wide range of physical formats including standard black double LP, zoetrope variants exclusive to Target and Amazon, and limited vinyl editions through Metal Injection, Talk Shop Live, and indie retailers.

‘Cursum Perficio’ Track Listing:

Persistence of Memory

The Long Goodbye

“It’s For the Kids”

Everybody’s Got A Plan

The Edge Of Perfection

Infectious

NYC93

Cursum Perficio

T.O.M.B

Watch It Go

My Victory

Kevin Jonas Gets Personal on New Solo Single “Little Things,” Debuted Live in São Paulo

Eric Alper
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Kevin Jonas Gets Personal on New Solo Single “Little Things,” Debuted Live in São Paulo

Kevin Jonas debuted “Little Things” live Wednesday night at Allianz Parque Stadium in São Paulo, Brazil, during the Jonas Brothers’ Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown South America run, and the crowd reaction said everything. The new solo single is out now via Hollywood Records, his second since launching his solo career in 2025.

The song is intimate in the most specific way. You can hear the fretboard squeak between chord changes on his acoustic guitar. Backed by a breezy keyboard loop, “Little Things” is a detailed, affectionate account of nearly 2 decades of marriage to his wife Danielle, zeroing in on the small, specific moments that define a long and lasting relationship. A guitar solo closes it out, and the cover art captures a candid moment of the couple together.

“My wife and I have been married for 17 years,” Jonas says. “There are little moments during our time together that trigger my joy and happiness and remind me exactly why I’m still with her. Lyrically, it’s very detailed. It’s a little sexy and fun. You’ve got to keep it spicy, I guess.” He adds, “Whereas ‘Changing’ felt like a new beginning, ‘Little Things’ is less of an introduction to me and more a continuation of who I am.”

His 2025 debut solo single “Changing,” produced by Jason Evigan, whose credits include Maroon 5, Madonna, and Dua Lipa, opened the door. “Little Things” walks further through it, and the specificity of the writing makes it one of the more genuinely personal releases in the Jonas Brothers’ extended universe.

Sublime Drop Surprise Single “Can’t Miss You” Ahead of New Album ‘Until the Sun Explodes’

Eric Alper
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Sublime Drop Surprise Single “Can’t Miss You” Ahead of New Album ‘Until the Sun Explodes’

Sublime Drop Surprise Single “Can’t Miss You” Ahead of New Album ‘Until the Sun Explodes’

TAGS: Sublime, Jakob Nowell, Bradley Nowell, Christian Hosoi, Omar Hassan, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Grammy Museum, Norwegian Jewel,

No countdown clock, no influencer campaign, no teaser rollout. Sublime quietly released “Can’t Miss You” as a direct offering to the fans who have followed them for decades, and it’s one of the best moves they could have made. The track is out now via Atlantic Records, the second preview of their upcoming album ‘Until the Sun Explodes,’ arriving June 12th.

Frontman Jakob Nowell is direct about where the song came from. “Can’t Miss You is probably my favorite track on the record. It was one of those magic songs that got written in a day. The strange chord progression was definitely inspired by my father’s songwriting, especially songs like Pool Shark and STP,” he says. “Classic Sublime always had this feeling like you never knew where the song was going to take you. I look towards my father’s work for guidance at every turn, and Can’t Miss You is a perfect example of that.”

The lead single “Until the Sun Explodes” is already in the Top 5 on the Mediabase alternative radio charts and climbing. Its official music video moves through locations across Long Beach tied to Sublime’s history, with appearances by skateboard legends Christian Hosoi and Omar Hassan connecting the band’s legacy to Southern California’s punk and skate culture. Bradley Nowell’s presence ties every frame of it together.

The album arrives in the middle of a year loaded with activity. Sublime recently played 2 sold-out nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre celebrating the 30th anniversary of their self-titled 1996 album, and opened a Grammy Museum exhibit titled Sublime: Straight From Long Beach, running through September 7th in Los Angeles.

The band also launched Sublime Festival, their own touring music festival, with stops in Portland, OR on June 27th and Salt Lake City, UT on July 18th. And this November, they set sail on the Sublime Reef Madness cruise, November 15-19, departing Miami for Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Jewel.

‘Until the Sun Explodes’ is out June 12th via Atlantic Records.

Anderson Paak Directs His First Feature Film and Drops a 17-Song Soundtrack to Match

Eric Alper
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Anderson Paak Directs His First Feature Film and Drops a 17-Song Soundtrack to Match

Anderson Paak is making his feature film directorial debut, and he’s bringing half the K-pop world with him. ‘K-Pops! (Music From and Inspired by K-Pops! Motion Picture)’ arrives May 29th, one day before the film hits Netflix on May 30th. The 17-track soundtrack features G-Dragon, Aespa, JID, NMIXX, Dean, Hongjoong of Ateez, Joshua of Seventeen, Soyeon of I-dle, Kevin Woo, and more, with Paak appearing throughout and his son Soul Rasheed making his musical debut on the project.

The film, which Paak wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Soul Rasheed, is set against a fictional Seoul-based K-pop competition show and explores generational connection and cultural exchange through music. It’s already Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

2 tracks are out ahead of the full release. “Aftertaste” with Seoul alt-R&B artist Dean dropped last week. “Keychain” with Aespa arrived in February, a groove-heavy pop collaboration that landed with immediate impact. Both were produced by Dem Jointz, who serves as executive producer across the entire soundtrack, with additional production from Paak and others.

The project also includes a new version of Paak and G-Dragon’s 2025 single “Too Bad,” which hit No. 30 on Billboard’s Global 200 and won a Mama Award, the Asian equivalent of a Grammy.

“The soundtrack blends genres and influences from across continents,” Paak says. “Every song comes from a real place, and together they tell the story of the film in a powerful way.”

Paak enters this release having scored his 15th Grammy nomination earlier this year, Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “No Cap” with Disclosure. The nine-time Grammy winner turns 40 this year and is operating at full creative velocity.

‘K-Pops!’ Soundtrack Track Listing:

“Flashing Lights” – Crush & Anderson .Paak

“Caution” – NMIXX & Anderson .Paak

“Aftertaste” – DEAN & Anderson .Paak

“PITC (Party In The Corner)” – HONGJOONG of ATEEZ, Jay Park & Anderson .Paak

“Fire With Fire” – LNGSHOT

“Can’t Get Enough” – ALISSIA & Anderson .Paak

“Bet On U” – CHUNG HA & Anderson .Paak

“International” – SOYEON of i-dle & Anderson .Paak

“What About Us” – JID & Anderson .Paak

“Wanna Buy a Plant x Cost Me” – JO1 & Anderson .Paak

“Keychain” – aespa & Anderson .Paak

“One More Dance” – JOSHUA of SEVENTEEN & Corbyn Besson

“Wildcard” – KEVIN WOO

“Just One Bite” – KEVIN WOO

“Too Bad (KPOPS! Version)” – G-DRAGON & Anderson .Paak

“Love Is Everywhere” – Soul Rasheed

“The Last” – Anderson .Paak

Becky G Drops “EPA” With a Video That Turns a Community Market Into a Full-On Celebration

Eric Alper
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Becky G Drops “EPA” With a Video That Turns a Community Market Into a Full-On Celebration

Becky G has been teasing “EPA” on social media for weeks, and the wait is over. The new single is out now via RCA Records alongside its official music video, and it arrives as one of the most confident releases of her career.

Built around an addictive chant-heavy hook, “EPA” moves fluidly between Spanish and English with a carefree energy that feels immediate and fully realized. The track is bright, kinetic, and built for warm weather, with Becky G sounding completely in her element across every bar.

The video, directed by Dominican filmmaker Olivia De Camps and filmed at El Mercadito, transforms an everyday community market into a vibrant, high-energy celebration. Choreography by Tyrik J Patterson anchors the visuals, with spontaneous moments of movement building as more people join in throughout. The video features a cameo by drag queen Valentina and roots itself in Mexican cultural references, creating something communal and alive from start to finish.

The release follows a strong stretch for Becky G. Last month she received the Global Impact Award at Billboard Latin Women in Music 2026, delivered a special performance of Selena’s “Dreaming of You” during the ceremony, and covered both Billboard and Billboard Español. She also joined Karol G on stage at both weekends of Coachella for a surprise performance of their global hit “MAMIII.”

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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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