Home Blog Page 2

Alex G Announces 2026 Global Tour Following Major Label Debut ‘Headlights’

Eric Alper
-
0
Alex G Announces 2026 Global Tour Following Major Label Debut ‘Headlights’

Alex G has announced an extensive 2026 headlining tour across New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and North America, beginning February 5th in Auckland. The run follows a landmark year for the artist, who recently released his tenth studio album and major label debut, ‘Headlights’, featuring the critically acclaimed singles “Afterlife” and “June Guitar.” The upcoming itinerary includes prestigious stops at the Sydney Opera House and the Kilby Block Party, alongside high-profile festival appearances at Laneway Festival and Coachella. This global trek builds on the momentum of his 2025 performances, which saw him sell out iconic venues like New York’s Radio City Music Hall and London’s Eventim Apollo.

For the North American leg of the tour, Alex G has partnered with the organization PLUS1, ensuring that $1 from every ticket sold supports local nonprofits dedicated to youth stability, education, and mental health care. Fans can expect a career-spanning set that highlights the indie-rock evolution showcased on his latest RCA Records release. General ticket sales begin on Thursday, December 18th, following a specialized presale period. From intimate theater dates in Japan to back-to-back nights at Portland’s Roseland Theater, the 2026 tour solidifies Alex G’s transition from an underground cult favorite to a premier global headliner.

Alex G 2026 Tour Dates:

Feb 5 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Laneway Festival
Feb 7 – Gold Coast, Australia @ Laneway Festival
Feb 8 – Sydney, Australia @ Laneway Festival
Feb 9 – Sydney, Australia @ Sydney Opera House
Feb 11 – Melbourne, Australia @ Palais Theatre
Feb 13 – Melbourne, Australia @ Laneway Festival
Feb 14 – Adelaide, Australia @ Laneway Festival
Feb 15 – Perth, Australia @ Laneway Festival
Feb 19 – Tokyo, Japan @ EX Theater
Feb 20 – Osaka, Japan @ Umeda Club Quattro
Apr 11 – Indio, CA @ Coachella
Apr 14 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Auditorio BB
Apr 18 – Indio, CA @ Coachella
May 7 – Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24
May 8 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic
May 10 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
May 11 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
May 13 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
May 14 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
May 15 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall
May 16 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Block Party
May 18 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl

Oswald’s Revenge Reimagines Taylor Swift with Gritty Cover of “CANCELLED!”

Eric Alper
-
0
Oswald’s Revenge Reimagines Taylor Swift with Gritty Cover of “CANCELLED!”

Rock trio Oswald’s Revenge has delivered a refreshing, high-energy edge to the Taylor Swift track “CANCELLED!”, released on December 12. Following the launch of their self-titled debut full-length, the band’s latest offering swaps pop polish for addictive rock hooks and gritty vocal performances. The group, known for their “serendipitous” chemistry and DIY passion, describes the cover as a playful nod to their connection with “TayTay” and a celebration of those who find themselves misunderstood by the elite. This release continues the momentum of their recent album, which features fan-favorite singles like “Turn the Lights Out!” and “Choking Me Sweetly.”

The self-titled record serves as a sonic journey for the band, documenting a transition from self-doubt to deep appreciation for others. Lyrically and musically, the album represents years of dedication from three artists who found common ground in their creative ideals, proving that the artistic path can be a source of joy rather than just a struggle. By blending the vulnerability found in original tracks like “Glow” and “Ghost” with the abrasive energy of their new Swift cover, Oswald’s Revenge is solidifying their place in the rock scene as a band that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering powerful performances.

Joel Hoekstra Unveils Heavy New Single “You Can Give” from Upcoming Solo Album

Eric Alper
-
0
Joel Hoekstra Unveils Heavy New Single “You Can Give” from Upcoming Solo Album

Whitesnake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Joel Hoekstra has released “You Can Give,” the heavy, riff-driven lead single from his upcoming solo album ‘From The Fade’. Set for release on February 27, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl, the track features an elite lineup of rock legends, including drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio) and bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm). Hoekstra describes the song as a melodic hard rock anthem with a “heavier edge,” influenced by his recent time performing with Accept. With powerhouse vocals from rising star Girish Pradhan and keyboard work by virtuoso Derek Sherinian, “You Can Give” explores the complexities of a relentless work ethic through the lens of a “music itself singing to the artist” lyrical concept.

‘From The Fade’ marks the fourth studio outing for the Joel Hoekstra’s 13 project, delivering ten tracks that fuse classic hard rock with modern melodic metal precision. The album follows a whirlwind year for Hoekstra, which included performing with Cher at her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and appearing on the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert. Known for his versatility—ranging from Broadway’s ‘Rock of Ages’ to stints with Foreigner and Night Ranger—Hoekstra built this collection from the guitar riffs up to ensure a contemporary yet tradition-rooted sound. Backed by the additional vocal textures of Jeff Scott Soto, this new record stands as a definitive statement of intent from one of the industry’s most respected guitarists and educators.

Big Big Train’s Alberto Bravin Delivers “Proggy” Holiday Gift with New Single

Eric Alper
-
0
Big Big Train’s Alberto Bravin Delivers “Proggy” Holiday Gift with New Single

Big Big Train lead vocalist Alberto Bravin has released a transformative cover of the seasonal classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” available exclusively as a video release on YouTube. Recorded at his Green House studio in Trieste, Italy, the track features Bravin performing every instrument himself, infusing the 1944 Judy Garland standard with his signature progressive rock sensibilities. The accompanying video was filmed by Massimiliano Cernecca at Urban Recording Studios, the same location where Big Big Train tracked their acclaimed album ‘The Likes Of Us’. Described by Bravin as a “proggy” gift to thank fans for their unwavering support throughout 2025, the release serves as a creative palate cleanser following the completion of the band’s highly anticipated forthcoming album, ‘Woodcut’.

Toronto’s Wasting Time Delivers a 90s Punk Love Letter with “Ripped Blue Jeans”

Eric Alper
-
0
Toronto’s Wasting Time Delivers a 90s Punk Love Letter with “Ripped Blue Jeans”

Toronto melodic punk staples Wasting Time have returned with their anthemic new single “Ripped Blue Jeans,” released December 12 via People of Punk Rock Records. Capturing the nostalgic rush of late-90s freedom, the track serves as a heartfelt tribute to the era of community-hall venues, stickered guitars, and the DIY spirit of the MTV generation. Mixed and mastered by Matt Gauthier at Arc Studios, the song marks the first preview of the band’s upcoming full-length album, ‘Are You Out Of Your God Damn Mind?’, slated for a 2026 release. It is a seasoned display of the sincerity and high-energy hooks that have become the band’s signature since their formation in 2017.

Building on the success of their previous LP ‘Hurry Up and Wait’, Wasting Time continues to carry the torch for the melodic punk tradition defined by genre giants like Alkaline Trio and No Use for a Name. The band has spent years honing their craft across international tours in Japan, Korea, and Canada, alongside standout festival appearances at Pouzza Fest and Rock La Cauze. Having shared stages with the likes of Smoking Popes and Unwritten Law, the quartet remains one of the most reliable forces in the Canadian scene. “Ripped Blue Jeans” isn’t merely an exercise in nostalgia; it is a powerful reminder of why the genre’s foundational melodies still resonate in the modern era.

GLIDDEEE Channels Environmental Hostility into Post-Hardcore Single “INHALER”

Eric Alper
-
0
GLIDDEEE Channels Environmental Hostility into Post-Hardcore Single “INHALER”

Lebanese post-hardcore outfit GLIDDEEE has returned with their blistering new single “INHALER,” a raw and uncompromising track released ahead of their debut EP ‘Kinetic Flaw’. Written by vocalist Marco Bazerji, the song serves as a claustrophobic journey through sickness and isolation, set against a worldview of inherent hostility. The track opens with a grainy, mechanical sample of a camera mimicking a CPAP machine, immediately plunging the listener into a world where breathing is a struggle. Blending the grittiest elements of shoegaze, noise-punk, and post-rock, “INHALER” captures the volatile instability of life in Lebanon, moving from “chest-stabbing” guitar work to fragile moments of clarity that are ultimately shattered by a thumping, protesting heartbeat of bass and drums.

Since their debut with “SUPERTASTEUR,” the Beirut-based quartet has built a reputation for abrasive, emotive soundscapes and unpredictable live energy, notably opening “Dajjeh,” Lebanon’s premier underground punk showcase. Recorded at Tunefork Studios by Joy Moughanni, the new material intentionally rejects polished production in favor of a dirty, grounded sound reminiscent of classic punk ethics. With the full EP ‘Kinetic Flaw’ arriving by the end of 2025, GLIDDEEE is positioning themselves as a vital voice in the Middle Eastern alternative scene. Their music acts as a visceral mirror to internal and external conflict, reminding the listener what it truly means to fight for air in a space that feels like it’s slipping between crisis and destruction.

Portugal. The Man Partners with Taco Bell for Exclusive ‘Shish’ Vinyl Drop

Eric Alper
-
0
Portugal. The Man Partners with Taco Bell for Exclusive ‘Shish’ Vinyl Drop

Taco Bell has announced the third edition of its Feed The Beat Record Club, featuring a limited purple vinyl edition of Portugal. The Man’s tenth studio album, ‘Shish’. The exclusive drop, which occurred on December 16 via the Taco Bell app, gave 500 Rewards Members the chance to win a curated box including the vinyl and a limited-edition collaboration t-shirt. Recorded largely at home in Oregon with producer Kane Ritchotte, ‘Shish’ represents a new creative frontier for the band, who have been part of the Feed The Beat program since 2010. This final drop of 2025 serves as a precursor to the program’s 20th anniversary in 2026, which Taco Bell plans to celebrate with regular Record Club releases.

Choir! Choir! Choir! and The Trans-Canada Highwaymen Bring Interactive Sing-Along to Niagara Falls

Eric Alper
-
0
Choir! Choir! Choir! and The Trans-Canada Highwaymen Bring Interactive Sing-Along to Niagara Falls

The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino is set to transform into a massive, 5,000-voice ensemble on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as the interactive phenomenon Choir! Choir! Choir! arrives for “The Great Canadian Sing-Along.” Led by the creative duo of Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman, the event blurs the lines between performer and audience, guiding the crowd through complex, comedy-infused vocal arrangements of iconic hits. This special Niagara Falls engagement features the return of the Canadian supergroup The Trans-Canada Highwaymen, a powerhouse lineup consisting of Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness), Chris Murphy (Sloan), Craig Northey (Odds), and Steven Page (formerly of Barenaked Ladies). Together, they will lead the audience through an “unforgettable” night of community and harmony, celebrating the anthems that have shaped the Canadian musical landscape.

Tickets for this one-night-only “singing extravaganza” go on sale Friday, December 19, 2025, through Ticketmaster. The collaborative setlist will feature a mix of tracks from the supergroup’s ‘Explosive Hits Vol. 1’ project alongside the legendary individual catalogs of its members, including classics like “I’m An Adult Now,” “Underwhelmed,” and “The Old Apartment.” According to Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing & Resort Operations at Niagara Casinos, the show is designed to be an interactive experience full of “fun and energy” that breaks down barriers through the power of collective song. From its humble beginnings as a small drop-in event to its current status as an international sensation, Choir! Choir! Choir! continues to prove that everyone has a voice when they sing together.

Sabrina Carpenter and Seth Meyers Mix Up Holiday Chaos in “Day Drinking”

Eric Alper
-
0
Sabrina Carpenter and Seth Meyers Mix Up Holiday Chaos in “Day Drinking”

Sabrina Carpenter joined Seth Meyers for a festive, high-spirited installment of his viral “Day Drinking” segment, filmed at The Ripple Room in New York City. The pair celebrated the 2025 holiday season by tackling a giant Long Island iced tea from a punch bowl and engaging in a “Spill the Tea” truth-or-drink challenge. The chaos escalated as Carpenter put her “barista skills” to the test against complicated drink orders and failed a walrus imitation in a game of “Pet Sounds,” while Meyers was eventually decorated like a Christmas tree. From donning red-light therapy masks to sharing humorous career anecdotes, the 26-year-old pop star embraced the “unhinged” energy of the segment.

Sixpence None the Richer Decks the Halls with NPR Tiny Desk Holiday Show

Eric Alper
-
0
Sixpence None the Richer Decks the Halls with NPR Tiny Desk Holiday Show

Sixpence None the Richer brought a nostalgic glow to NPR Music with a festive Tiny Desk Concert, marking the return of a beloved holiday tradition at the office. The set opened with the gentle waltz of “The Last Christmas,” a track inspired by guitarist Matt Slocum’s journey into parenthood, followed by a comfort-filled rendition of the holiday standard “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Frontwoman Leigh Nash anchored the performance with her signature “candied” vocals, blending career-defining hits like “Melody of You” and the 30th-anniversary staple “Kiss Me” with the soul-stirring solo track “Eternal Gifts.”

123...3,045Page 2 of 3,045

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper