Page 2 – That Eric Alper

POCKET AUDIO Redefines Portable Creation with HiChord Aluminum Edition

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

POCKET AUDIO Redefines Portable Creation with HiChord Aluminum Edition

Toronto’s Pocket Audio has officially opened pre-orders for the highly anticipated Batch #4 of the HiChord Aluminum Edition, a sleek, pocket-sized powerhouse that bridges the gap between total beginners and seasoned pros. Encased in a rugged CNC anodized aluminum chassis, the HiChord is a 12-oscillator digital synthesizer, looper, and drum machine designed to make music theory invisible and creation instantaneous. Utilizing the Nashville Number System, users can trigger harmonically perfect chords with one of seven dedicated buttons, while a patent-pending joystick allows for real-time modifications—shifting between major, minor, 7ths, and suspended voicings on the fly. Whether you’re layering tracks on the dual-track looper or using the USB-C MIDI out for studio integration, the HiChord ensures there are “no wrong notes,” making it an essential tool for on-the-go inspiration.

The latest firmware update, REV 2.09, has further polished the experience with a streamlined UI and quality-of-life improvements to MIDI routing and parameter visibility. Every unit in the fourth batch—assembled with precision in Penang Science Park—comes equipped with a high-performance DSP running at 96kHz, an integrated OLED screen, and a built-in speaker for standalone play. From its origins as a viral TikTok sensation to its status as a professional-grade songwriting device, the HiChord has transformed the complex landscape of chord voicings into a tactile, gaming-inspired interface. With Batch #4 slated to begin shipping in January 2026, this new release marks the definitive version of a device that proves music doesn’t need a steep learning curve to be powerful and cinematic.

HiChord Aluminum Edition Features:

Chassis: CNC Anodized Aluminum (100mm x 71mm)
Sound Engine: 12-Oscillator Digital Synth (FM, 16-bit Samples, Hybrid)
Chord Voicings: 6,048 variations across 12 keys
Controls: Nashville Number System buttons + Chord Modifying Joystick
Included: HiChord Device, EVA Protective Case, USB-C Cable
Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

CHRIS LAKE Recharges THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS’ Legendary “Galvanize” with Massive 20th Anniversary Remix

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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CHRIS LAKE Recharges THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS’ Legendary “Galvanize” with Massive 20th Anniversary Remix

Grammy-nominated house heavyweight Chris Lake has officially unleashed his highly anticipated remix of The Chemical Brothers’ iconic anthem “Galvanize,” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the track’s original release. Arriving via Astralwerks and Positiva Records, the remix injects a fresh surge of Lake’s signature high-octane energy into the 2005 classic that originally earned Platinum certifications across the globe. By pairing driving basslines and surging percussion with the unmistakable “Galvanize” hook, Lake has crafted a peak-time weapon that honors the original’s pioneering legacy while retooling it for a new generation of club-goers. The Chemical Brothers themselves have praised the reimagining, noting that Lake successfully captured the track’s original spirit while giving it a modern lease on life that fits perfectly into today’s most elite DJ sets.

The collaboration marks a historic meeting of two electronic music eras, as Lake—one of the most influential figures in modern house—takes on the challenge of reinterpreting a song that “changed the game” two decades ago. The resulting remix strikes a masterful balance between the classic Middle Eastern-inspired strings of the original and the infectious, speaker-shuddering grooves characteristic of Lake’s discography. Having already become a staple in his own performances throughout the late 2025 festival season, the “Galvanize” remix has proven to be an “utterly relentless” addition to the electronic music landscape. It stands as a definitive tribute to the enduring influence of The Chemical Brothers, proving that even twenty years later, the call to “galvanize” remains as potent and electrifying as ever.

JOHN OATES Returns to His Soulful Roots with Electrifying New Solo Album ‘Oates’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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JOHN OATES Returns to His Soulful Roots with Electrifying New Solo Album ‘Oates’

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Oates has officially released his highly anticipated self-titled solo album, Oates, marking a triumphant return to the soulful, groove-driven sound that defined his legendary career. Plucking back in with a renewed creative fire, Oates embraces the R&B spirit of the ’70s and ’80s across 13 tracks that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern. Co-produced in Nashville with David Kalmusky, the record features vibrant collaborations with a new generation of talent, including the powerhouse duo Lawrence on the lead single “Enough Is Enough” and Devon Gilfillian on the soaring track “Mending.” From a smoky reimagining of “Walking in Memphis” to the futuristic Grabbitz remix that closes the collection, Oates is a full-circle masterpiece that celebrates the infectious pop and funk influences that shaped a generation of music lovers.

The buzz surrounding the release reached a fever pitch following Oates’ recent appearance on NPR Music’s Field Recordings and a sold-out release show at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Fans were treated to high-energy, full-band arrangements of new highlights like the slinky “Pushin’ a Rock” and the optimistic “Real Thing Going On,” proving that Oates’ ability to craft a “feel-good groove” remains unmatched. To celebrate the launch, a visualizer for the track “A Ways Away” is now live, with a brand-new music video set to debut next week. Whether exploring acoustic storytelling or plugging back into the electric soul of his youth, John Oates continues to prove why he is one of American music’s most enduring and influential voices.

SUPERTRAMP Celebrates 50 Years of Progressive Mastery with Half-Speed Remasters

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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SUPERTRAMP Celebrates 50 Years of Progressive Mastery with Half-Speed Remasters

To commemorate a half-century of progressive rock excellence, Supertramp has released special 50th-anniversary reissues of their seminal albums, Crime of the Century and Crisis? What Crisis?. Originally released in 1974 and 1975 respectively, these era-defining records have been meticulously remastered at half-speed by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, under the oversight of co-producer Ken Scott. This specialized process offers fans the highest possible level of clarity and sonic detail, breathing fresh life into the intricate arrangements and lush production that catapulted the band to global superstardom. These reissues serve as a high-fidelity tribute to the period that saw the band break into the UK Top Five and the U.S. Billboard charts, solidifying their status as titans of the genre.

Crime of the Century remains a cornerstone of rock history, featuring the breakout success of “Dreamer” and “Bloody Well Right,” which eventually paved the way for the band’s world-dominating trajectory. Its successor, Crisis? What Crisis?, was born from a period of intense creative pressure and is now celebrated as the essential bridge between the band’s early progressive roots and their massive commercial peak. From the haunting opening of “School” to the sophisticated pop-sensibilities of “Lady,” these albums represent a pivotal chapter in musical history. Fifty years later, with millions of copies sold and permanent spots on “Greatest Albums of All Time” lists, these high-definition pressings ensure that Supertramp’s impact on rock music will be heard with unparalleled precision for generations to come.

Supertramp 50th Anniversary Tracklists:

Crime of the Century

Side A: School, Bloody Well Right, Hide in Your Shell, Asylum
Side B: Dreamer, Rudy, If Everyone Was Listening, Crime of the Century

Crisis? What Crisis?

Side A: Easy Does It, Sister Moonshine, Ain’t Nobody But Me, A Soapbox Opera, Another Man’s Woman
Side B: Lady, Poor Boy, Just A Normal Day, The Meaning, Two Of Us

SUMMER DENNIS Reclaims Her Power with New Jack Swing Anthem “Remember”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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SUMMER DENNIS Reclaims Her Power with New Jack Swing Anthem “Remember”

Rising R&B star Summer Dennis has officially entered a bold new era with the release of her uptempo single, “Remember.” Co-written with Bill Moore and produced by the powerhouse team of Nature Boi and J. Medina, the track serves as a vibrant homage to the classic New Jack Swing and 80s pop aesthetics Dennis has long admired. Beneath the song’s infectious, lighthearted production lies a sharp lyrical edge, as Dennis confronts the memory of a controlling and narcissistic ex-partner. Having spent the time since her previous release, “Ain’t No Way,” honing her live performance while opening for R&B heavyweights like Melanie Fiona and Pretty Ricky, Dennis delivers a vocal that is both resilient and celebratory. By choosing to dance through the pain rather than “cry about it,” she has created a definitive anthem for women that balances serious storytelling with undeniable dancefloor energy.

33 BELOW Teams Up with RL GRIME for Dancefloor Anthem “LOOK4MYLOVE”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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33 BELOW Teams Up with RL GRIME for Dancefloor Anthem “LOOK4MYLOVE”

London-based producer and DJ 33 Below has officially released “LOOK4MYLOVE,” a high-octane collaboration with L.A. future bass pioneer RL Grime. First teased during a viral back-to-back set with MPH at EDC Las Vegas 2025, the track pairing pairs 33 Below’s inventive drum programming with RL Grime’s signature booming bass and sweeping synths. Featuring a yearning, pitched-up vocal that navigates a soundscape of seismic chords and liquid transitions, the single arrives as a “dancefloor-destroying” heater engineered for peak-time energy. This release continues a prolific streak for 33 Below, following his style-hopping track “Attack” and the “nightmare-inducing” UK garage energy of his major label debut, “Mash Up,” further cementing his status as one of electronic music’s most boundary-pushing young talents.

KIMBERLY DAWN Captures the Magic of First Love in New Single “Kentucky Kiss”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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KIMBERLY DAWN Captures the Magic of First Love in New Single “Kentucky Kiss”

Country singer-songwriter Kimberly Dawn has released her latest single, “Kentucky Kiss,” a nostalgic anthem that bottles the bittersweet essence of first love. The track immediately immerses listeners in a classic Americana landscape, weaving together vivid memories of the summer she turned eighteen—complete with midnight escapes and the iconic soundtrack of Bruce Springsteen. With a raw and vulnerable vocal performance, Dawn balances the “sweet, sweet bliss” of an August moon with the lingering ache of a memory that remains timeless. By centering her emotive storytelling against traditional country elements, she delivers a track that feels both intimate and expansive, perfectly capturing the universal longing for those simpler, life-changing moments of youth.

SLEEP POD TWO Unleashes Heartfelt Debut EP ‘Rehearse Your Future’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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SLEEP POD TWO Unleashes Heartfelt Debut EP ‘Rehearse Your Future’

Southern California supergroup Sleep Pod Two has officially stormed onto the scene with their debut EP, ‘Rehearse Your Future’, a high-octane three-song collection released via Mindpower Records. Uniting veterans from independent stalwarts like Gameface, The Tank, and Jr. Juggernaut, the band transforms decades of shared punk rock history into a powerful sonic statement on resilience and empathy. Recorded over a single explosive weekend in Redlands, CA, the EP captures the urgent, melodic energy of four musicians who have rediscovered a rare and undeniable chemistry. From the rallying cry of the opener to the atmospheric title track, Sleep Pod Two delivers a masterclass in heartfelt songwriting that balances raw power with the wisdom of lived experience.

The emotional anchor of the release is the devastating new single “Concealer,” a track that dives deep into the harrowing reality of domestic abuse. Guitarist Todd Trout penned the song as a response to a friend’s struggle, weaving “heartbreaking” lyrical red flags into a driving arrangement that demands attention. Vocalist Wal Rashidi emphasizes that the compatibility within the group—honed over 30 years in the same musical orbit—is what allows them to tackle such heavy themes with grace and grit. By closing the EP with such an emotionally charged anthem, Sleep Pod Two reinforces their central message of radical connection, proving that even in the darkest times, all we truly have is each other.

WOOTEN, MURPHY, AND CLARK Unveil Decades-In-The-Making Rock Opera ‘A Man of Fortune’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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WOOTEN, MURPHY, AND CLARK Unveil Decades-In-The-Making Rock Opera ‘A Man of Fortune’

Austin-based musical powerhouses Jeff Clark, Darin Murphy, and Brian Wooten have officially released their magnum opus, ‘A Man of Fortune’, a sprawling 67-minute rock opera, out now. Conceived by Clark in the 1970s, the project is a 50-year labor of love that follows the dramatic life of rockstar Max Million as he navigates the heights of fame and a harrowing confrontation with his own mortality. Featuring interludes and dialogue that weave together the narrative, the album is a sonic tapestry of classic rock firepower and heartfelt storytelling. The trio, supported by an ensemble of seasoned Austin musicians, has begun releasing a series of lyric videos for every track on the record, starting with the lead single “Stay Strong,” showcasing a sound that blends decades of friendship with unyielding creative ambition.

DON BROCO Delivers Nu-Metal Fury with Explosive New Single “Hype Man”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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DON BROCO Delivers Nu-Metal Fury with Explosive New Single “Hype Man”

Don Broco has officially unleashed their latest nu-metal-infused banger, “Hype Man,” via Fearless Records. Produced by Dan Lancaster, the track is a high-octane exploration of burnout and the vital support system of lifelong friendship. Frontman Rob Damiani describes the song as a tribute to the brotherhood within the band, emphasizing that their shared journey since school has been the ultimate lifeline through the industry’s intense highs and lows. “Hype Man” masterfully blends rapped flows with guttural screams and soaring choruses, all backed by crunchy guitars and electronic flourishes, marking a fearless continuation of the genre-smashing evolution first teased by their summer hit “Cellophane.”

The release comes on the heels of a massive year for the Bedford quartet, which saw “Cellophane” rack up nearly a million streams in its first week and dominate major metal playlists globally. Don Broco has spent the latter half of 2025 translating this energy to the stage, completing a sold-out run across Australia and performing high-profile sets at Las Vegas’ When We Were Young festival. After tearing through a string of North American and UK arena dates this fall—culminating in a landmark show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley—the band is set to kick off 2026 with a comprehensive winter tour across the United States. Fans can expect a setlist that pits these new, aggressive anthems alongside the eccentric fan favorites that have defined their career.

DON BROCO Upcoming Tour Dates: