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Americana Rockers Cordovas Announce New Album ‘Back to Life’ and Release Single ‘Step Outside’

Eric Alper
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Americana Rockers Cordovas Announce New Album ‘Back to Life’ and Release Single ‘Step Outside’

Nashville-based Americana rock band Cordovas has unveiled ‘Step Outside,’ the second single from their upcoming fifth studio album ‘Back to Life,’ arriving January 30, 2026, via Yep Roc Records/Redeye. Following the uplifting first single ‘Higher Every Time,’ the new track captures a universal message about living fully and appreciating the present. Its spirited verses act as reminders to embrace what you have, set to the group’s signature blend of soulful harmonies and poetic songwriting. The release also comes with a vibrant video filmed in Todos Santos, Mexico, where the band lives part-time and hosts their annual Tropic of Cancer Music & Arts Festival.

At the heart of Cordovas are Joe Firstman and Lucca Soria, whose “musical friendship” drives the band’s creative chemistry. ‘Back to Life’ sharpens their timeless sound, evoking influences like The Band and Crosby, Stills & Nash while incorporating new dimensions through a collaboration with Kamasi Washington. Rooted in the dual worlds of Nashville and Todos Santos, the group’s songwriting process blends relaxation with discipline, resulting in their most cohesive work yet. With past albums like ‘That Santa Fe Channel,’ ‘Destiny Hotel,’ and ‘The Rose of Aces,’ Cordovas continue to evolve—bridging cosmic Americana, tradition, and reinvention in equal measure.

Miguel Lawrence Dazzles with Blazing Sopranino Recorder Performance of ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’

Eric Alper
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Miguel Lawrence Dazzles with Blazing Sopranino Recorder Performance of ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’

Musician Miguel Lawrence wowed audiences with an astonishingly fast performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ on sopranino recorder, flawlessly executing every note at lightning speed. Accompanied by pianist David Perkins, Lawrence delivered the iconic piece—originally from ‘The Tale of Tsar Saltan’—with breathtaking precision and energy. The dazzling performance took place at The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames, England, in March 2023, leaving the crowd in awe of his virtuosity and control.

Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie Reflect on the Real Story Behind ‘Hold Me Now’

Eric Alper
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Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie Reflect on the Real Story Behind ‘Hold Me Now’

In a new episode of Why This Song?, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie each shared the true inspiration behind their 1983 classic ‘Hold Me Now’. The duo revealed the emotional hit was born from a real-life moment of heartbreak and reconciliation. “It actually is about something that really happened,” Bailey explained. “You know, that we had an emotional closeness. We had a falling out and then we made up again. We became friends again and the song arose immediately in the slipstream of that event.”


Alt-Folk Artist Clare Perrott Shines with New Single ‘Biting On The Hand’

Eric Alper
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Alt-Folk Artist Clare Perrott Shines with New Single ‘Biting On The Hand’

Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Clare Perrott returns with her radiant sophomore single ‘Biting On The Hand’—a vibrant alt-folk anthem that channels both joy and introspection. With its sunny Americana textures and confessional tone, the track feels like a carefree summer afternoon bursting with self-awareness. Finger-picked banjo, fuzzy guitar licks, and Clare’s natural vibrato come together in an infectious blend of playfulness and warmth. “This year I really got into thinking about bad habits that I just can’t seem to shake, and with dirty banjo and distorted nylon guitar this song was born,” says Perrott.

At its heart, ‘Biting On The Hand’ turns self-sabotage into celebration. “The main message of the song is that we have to let go of things that don’t serve us anymore,” she adds. “We keep biting on the hand that doesn’t help us and going back for more when it only causes sadness and grief.” That emotional honesty defines Perrott’s songwriting, balancing the tender and the triumphant with a rare, unfiltered charm.

Following her acclaimed debut ‘Philadelphia’—which earned praise from Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Countrytown, Triple J Unearthed, and ABC Country—Perrott is quickly emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting new voices. She’ll celebrate the release of ‘Biting On The Hand’ with a headline show at Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle on November 28, joined by Symmetrical Dogs, Maple, and Glimmer, before closing out the year with a special festival appearance.

London Noise-Folk Quintet Butch Kassidy Ignite with New EP ‘Ascend / Like Fire’

Eric Alper
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London Noise-Folk Quintet Butch Kassidy Ignite with New EP ‘Ascend / Like Fire’

West London’s Butch Kassidy are setting the scene ablaze with their new EP ‘Ascend / Like Fire,’ arriving November 25 via their own label, Polished Stone Records. The blistering new single ‘Like Fire’ is out now, serving as a thunderous preview of what’s to come. The quintet’s signature mix of noise, drone, and folk makes for a sound that’s equal parts cinematic and primal, drawing comparisons to Mogwai and Lankum while carving out a space that’s entirely their own.

“Like Fire encompasses everything Butch Kassidy,” the band says. The song bursts into life with a fierce energy before descending into a techno-tinged pulse and erupting into a chaotic wall of noise. Sparse, textured vocals swirl throughout the mix, intended more as atmosphere than narrative. “We hope anyone who listens to ‘Like Fire’ finds their own meaning within the song and lyrics. It’s not for us to say how it will make someone feel as we all feel something different when listening to music,” the band adds.

Butch Kassidy are as much a collective as they are a band. Their label, Polished Stone Records, is a creative hub for like-minded artists with a creator-first ethos. Alongside the digital release, fans can grab a limited CD-only edition featuring remixes from Wing!, Pearl2, Benefits, Anders Bach, and PUNCHBAG. Drummer Aron Murphy even crafted 20 keyrings from a broken cymbal used on the record for the first buyers. Known for explosive performances at Wide Awake, Green Man, and ArcTanGent, and recent support slots for Jehnny Beth at Electrowerkz, Butch Kassidy’s new release proves they’re one of London’s most daring and immersive new acts.

Canadian Independent Music Association Welcomes Federal Budget Boost to Canada Music Fund

Eric Alper
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Canadian Independent Music Association Welcomes Federal Budget Boost to Canada Music Fund

The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is applauding the federal government’s renewed commitment to Canada’s music ecosystem through its Budget 2025 investment in the Canada Music Fund (CMF). The announcement includes a $48 million top-up over three years beginning in 2026–27, a move CIMA calls a promising first step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of Canada’s independent music sector. “We’re encouraged to see the government acknowledge the importance of the Canada Music Fund,” said Andrew Cash, President and CEO of CIMA. “Canadian music companies and the artists they work with represent a dynamic economic engine powering the growth of Canada’s cultural economy. This budget announcement is an encouraging step forward.”

CIMA emphasized that while the renewed investment is welcome, more support is needed to maintain momentum. The organization and its partners have called for a permanent increase to $60 million annually to help Canadian-owned music companies, entrepreneurs, and artists thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. For over forty years, the CMF—delivered through FACTOR and Musicaction—has played a key role in fueling creativity, exports, and innovation within the country’s music industry.

According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s arts and culture sector has grown nearly twice as fast as the national economy, contributing $65 billion and 1.1 million jobs. Cash added, “A stable Canada Music Fund is essential to building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable music industry that reflects and amplifies Canada’s diverse voices.” With this latest budget, CIMA hopes to continue working closely with the federal government to strengthen investment in Canadian talent and solidify the nation’s standing as a global leader in music and culture.

Soulful Pop-R&B Artist Chelsea Jordan Signs with Arista Records and Drops New Single ‘Level Out’

Eric Alper
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Soulful Pop-R&B Artist Chelsea Jordan Signs with Arista Records and Drops New Single ‘Level Out’

Soulful singer-songwriter Chelsea Jordan has officially joined the Arista Records roster and marked the milestone with her major label debut single, ‘Level Out’ — a tender, introspective track that sways between pop and R&B while exploring the emotional turbulence of heartbreak. Announced in Billboard, the Baltimore-born artist brings her evocative vocals and honest lyricism to the forefront, proving why she’s quickly becoming one of the most captivating new voices in contemporary music.

“I truly couldn’t imagine a better home for my music and artistic vision,” says Chelsea. “From the jump, Arista believed in me more than I believed in myself and I didn’t know that was possible. At the end of the day, my intuition made the decision for me.” Arista Co-Presidents Clio Massey and Matt D’Arduini added, “We are thrilled to welcome Chelsea Jordan to the Arista family! An authentic and original songwriter, she is one of the most compelling emerging voices and storytellers.”

With nearly half a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, Chelsea has already made waves with her heartfelt storytelling. Her self-released single ‘halfwaythru’ reached over 2.5 million Spotify streams, while her debut EP ‘Better When I’m Lonely’ showcased her gift for weaving vulnerability into melody. From early lacrosse dreams to global music aspirations, Chelsea Jordan’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and heart — and with Arista behind her, the next chapter is just beginning.

Folk Legend Harry Chapin’s ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ Celebrates 50 Years with New Documentary

Eric Alper
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Folk Legend Harry Chapin’s ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ Celebrates 50 Years with New Documentary

Harry Chapin’s ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ turns 50, and a brand-new documentary is honoring the timeless song that changed lives across generations. Directed by Rick Korn, Cat’s in the Cradle: The Song That Changed Our Lives dives deep into the song’s cultural legacy, its emotional resonance, and the man behind it all. Featuring heartfelt interviews with artists like Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Judy Collins, Dee Snider, Darryl McDaniels, Mandy Patinkin, Robert Lamm, and Whitfield Crane, the film celebrates Chapin’s ability to connect hearts through music.

Produced by Rick Korn and S.A. Baron of In Plain View Entertainment, the documentary also continues Chapin’s mission of giving back. A portion of proceeds will support WhyHunger, Long Island Cares, and The Harry Chapin Foundation—organizations Chapin helped create to fight hunger and uplift communities. With never-before-seen footage, intimate stories, and powerful performances, this film brings together music and activism in a way only Chapin could inspire.

Since its 1974 release, ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ has stood as a powerful reflection on time, family, and connection. The song’s haunting reminder about missed moments between parents and children continues to strike a chord across generations, genres, and cultures. Fifty years later, its message still resonates just as deeply—and now, through this new documentary, Harry Chapin’s legacy of love, art, and humanity will continue to echo for decades to come.

Rock Icon Robert Plant Reveals His Led Zeppelin Bandmates Missed His Tolkien References

Eric Alper
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Rock Icon Robert Plant Reveals His Led Zeppelin Bandmates Missed His Tolkien References

In a charming appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, rock legend Robert Plant shared that his Led Zeppelin bandmates had no idea he was weaving J.R.R. Tolkien references into the band’s lyrics. Chatting with Colbert, Plant reflected on his youth spent in the same Welsh countryside where Tolkien once lived, revealing that those mystical landscapes and epic tales seeped into his songwriting for songs like “Ramble On” and “The Battle of Evermore.” As he put it with a smile, his bandmates were blissfully unaware of the Middle-earth magic behind the music. Plant’s latest album ‘Saving Grace’ is out everywhere now.

Australian Rock Titans Wolfmother Bring the Thunder with 20th Anniversary Tour Celebration

Eric Alper
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Australian Rock Titans Wolfmother Bring the Thunder with 20th Anniversary Tour Celebration

Australian rock powerhouse Wolfmother are roaring back in 2026 to celebrate 20 years of their self-titled debut album with a massive North American tour. Fans can expect the full album performed live each night, a treat that will bring back the raw, riff-fueled magic that first made the band a global phenomenon. The tour kicks off June 7 in Austin and storms through cities including Toronto, Brooklyn, Seattle, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping July 12 in San Diego.

It’s hard to believe two decades have passed since Wolfmother first dropped in 2005. Packed with Zeppelin-sized guitar tones and chest-thumping grooves, the record introduced the world to “Woman,” “Joker & the Thief,” “White Unicorn,” and “Dimension.” The album went gold in the U.S. and five-times platinum in Australia, cementing the trio’s legacy as modern classic rock trailblazers.

Frontman Andrew Stockdale, the band’s steadfast leader through years of lineup changes, is still at the helm, joined by bassist James Wassenaar and drummer Christian Condon. Together, they’re set to unleash a sonic time machine for longtime fans and a blistering first experience for newcomers. The energy, the fuzz, and that unmistakable howl—everything that made Wolfmother legendary—is about to come roaring back to life.

Tickets are already moving fast, with an artist pre-sale underway using the code WOLFPACK26 on Ticketmaster and a general on-sale starting Friday, November 7 at 10 a.m. local time. Whether you caught them back in 2006 or you’re ready to experience “Joker & the Thief” live for the first time, this tour is pure rock adrenaline from start to finish.

Wolfmother 2026 North American Tour Dates:
06/07 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
06/08 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
06/09 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
06/13 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
06/15 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
06/16 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
06/17 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
06/19 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club
06/20 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
06/21 – Boston, MA @ Citizens House of Blues
06/23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
06/24 – Toronto, ON @ History
06/26 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
06/28 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
06/30 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
07/01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center
07/03 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
07/04 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
07/05 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
07/07 – Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24
07/09 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
07/11 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
07/12 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park

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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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