Blues Traditionalist Tinsley Ellis Digs Deep On Acoustic Set ‘Labor Of Love’

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

Blues Traditionalist Tinsley Ellis Digs Deep On Acoustic Set ‘Labor Of Love’

Atlanta blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Tinsley Ellis announces his new album ‘Labor Of Love,’ arriving January 30. The self-produced project marks his second acoustic release following ‘Naked Truth’ and his first to feature all original material. The record will be available on CD, Georgia peach-colored vinyl, and digital platforms. Ellis also unveils the first single, “Hoodoo Woman,” alongside a striking video directed by filmmaker Troy Bieser.

“Hoodoo Woman” channels the spirit of Mississippi Hill Country blues. “It’s inspired by R.L. Burnside,” Ellis explains. “I did shows with R.L. here and in Europe, and his music became ingrained in my soul.” The track opens the album with grit and drive, setting the tone for a collection steeped in tradition yet rooted firmly in the present.

Across 13 original songs, Ellis explores floods, fire, voodoo spirits, heartbreak, and redemption. From the John Lee Hooker-style groove of “Long Time” to the Skip James-inspired “To A Hammer” and the Son House stomp of “Sunnyland,” the album reflects decades of hard-won experience. A visit to Bentonia, Mississippi, where he spent time with blues master Jimmy “Duck” Holmes at the Blue Front Café, further shaped the sound.

Ellis recorded the album using six open tunings across his 1969 Martin D-35, 12-string Martin D-12-20, and 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. He also plays mandolin on three tracks for the first time in his career. After years touring with a band, Ellis has embraced solo acoustic performances on his “Two Guitars And A Car” tour, returning to the raw foundation of the blues. For him, the title says it all.

Los Angeles Alt-Metal Heavyweights Volumes Pivot Boldly On ‘Mirror Touch’

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Los Angeles Alt-Metal Heavyweights Volumes Pivot Boldly On ‘Mirror Touch’

Fifteen years in, Los Angeles alt-metal mainstays Volumes are still evolving. The quartet — Michael Barr, Raad Soudani, Myke Terry, and Nick Ursich — announce their fifth album, ‘Mirror Touch,’ arriving digitally on December 12 via Fearless Records, with physical editions following February 27. It marks another chapter for a band that has pushed through lineup shifts, industry swings, and personal battles while keeping a loyal audience close.

Today, the band unveil the video for “Bad Habit,” a track that swerves sharply from expectations. While the guitars retain their familiar heft, Volumes lean into melody and synth textures, trading their usual barrage of screams for fully clean verses and choruses. The result is an alt-metal cut that feels expansive and vulnerable without losing weight.

“‘Bad Habit’ is a song about identifying that habits that are deemed bad for you or unhealthy are sometimes the only thing getting you through life,” shares Barr. “Is there a balance that can be achieved? Typically, no.” The honesty hits hard, wrapped in hooks that linger long after the final chorus.

Across a decade and a half, Volumes have amassed more than 167 million U.S. streams and built their reputation on polyrhythmic, prog-leaning heaviness fused with hardcore grit. From ‘Via’ to ‘Happier?,’ they have refined their attack while sharing stages with Ice Nine Kills, Born of Osiris, Dance Gavin Dance, and Counterparts. ‘Mirror Touch’ signals another leap forward.

‘Mirror Touch’ Track Listing:

“Sidewinder“
“Bottom Dollar”
“Bad Habit”
“California”
“Adrenaline”
“Stitch”
“S.O.A.P.“
“Dream”
“Worth It”
“Suffer On” (Feat. Black Sheep Wall)

London Art-Rock Revivalists KillerStar Ignite Glam-Fueled Return With “So Easy”

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Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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London Art-Rock Revivalists KillerStar Ignite Glam-Fueled Return With “So Easy”

London art-rock outfit KillerStar announce their second album ‘The Afterglow,’ arriving March 20 via High Wire Records. The band introduce the record with lead single “So Easy,” a glam-leaning rush that captures their knack for reshaping classic rock touchstones with a modern spark. After earning four-star praise for their debut, the band return with sharper focus and bigger ambition.

“So Easy” opens with a glittering guitar riff that feels lifted from a lost glam anthem, propelled by driving rhythms and layered with rich harmonies from The Webb Sisters. Just as the track settles into its swagger, Mike Garson’s piano redirects the mood into something more reflective. Earl Slick doubles guitars with Rob Fleming, while Mark Plati anchors the low end, bringing serious pedigree to the track.

Rob Fleming says, “We are excited to release So Easy, the first song from our upcoming second album. It’s an adventurous rock song, with hooks and twists and turns. Hopefully the joy and energy we had writing and playing it translates well to the listener.” Across ‘The Afterglow,’ KillerStar expand into progressive detours, arena-sized hooks, and psychedelic textures while keeping their musicianship front and center.

Produced by Fleming and James Sedge alongside Dave Eringa, the album was recorded in London, New York, and Los Angeles, with mastering by Joe La Porta and Miles Showell. The “So Easy” video, directed by JJ Eringa, reimagines a modern Bonnie and Clyde tale packed with subtle band references. KillerStar celebrate the release with two album launch shows at London’s 100 Club on March 6 and 7, continuing a run of sold-out performances at the iconic venue.

When Tape Kept Rolling: 10 Accidents That Became Rock Legend

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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When Tape Kept Rolling: 10 Accidents That Became Rock Legend

Perfection is tidy. Great records are not. Somewhere between the red light turning on and the final mix, someone swears, laughs, drops something, or shouts across the room. The tape keeps rolling. The producer shrugs. History is made. Here are ten gloriously human moments that slipped through the cracks and made the songs even better.

The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter” – Mick Jagger’s “Woo!”

When Merry Clayton’s voice detonates mid-song, Mick Jagger lets out an astonished “Woo!” in the background. It is a spontaneous reaction to a take that scorched the room, and leaving it in makes the moment feel even more electric.

The Kingsmen – “Louie Louie” – The Dropped Drumstick

Around the 54-second mark, the drummer drops his stick and blurts out an expletive. The track went on to be investigated for hidden obscenity, yet the most obvious swear word was hiding in plain sight the whole time.

The Beatles – “Hey Jude” – The Missed Chord

Paul McCartney flubs a chord and mutters, “Fucking hell,” under his breath. It is mixed low, almost like a secret for headphone listeners, a tiny crack in an otherwise towering anthem.

Led Zeppelin – “Since I’ve Been Loving You” – The Squeaky Pedal

John Bonham’s bass drum pedal squeaks through the entire track. It should be distracting. Instead, it feels like the sound of hard blues being physically wrung out of the kit.

Neutral Milk Hotel – “Oh Comely” – The Shouted “Holy Shit!”

After an eight-minute emotional tightrope walk, someone in the room blurts out, “Holy shit!” The exclamation stays, turning a fragile performance into a shared, stunned victory.

The Who – “Happy Jack” – “I Saw You!”

At the end of the track, Pete Townshend shouts, “I saw you!” reportedly catching Keith Moon sneaking around during backing vocals. It is chaos, camaraderie, and classic Who mischief in one immortal yell.

R.E.M. – “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite” – Michael Stipe’s Laugh

Michael Stipe struggles to get through a line referencing Dr. Seuss and cracks up mid-chorus. The giggle remains, giving the single a burst of joy that no rewrite could manufacture.

Pearl Jam – “Rearviewmirror” – The Flying Drumsticks

At the end of the song, you can hear the clatter of drumsticks hitting something. Frustration, intensity, and release collide in real time, and the chaos is left intact.

The Beach Boys – “Barbara Ann” – The Cracking Up

You can hear the band laughing and barely holding it together as they sing. The looseness makes the track feel like you are in the room, not listening to a carefully assembled pop machine.

Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here” – The Throat Clear

Just before the first guitar line, there is a distinctly human throat clear and string noise. It is intimate, almost intrusive, and it makes the opening feel like someone stepping into the room with you.

Because sometimes the magic is not in the note that was meant to be played, but in the noise that was never meant to be heard.

Gorillaz Set ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut With Ryan Gosling

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Gorillaz Set ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut With Ryan Gosling

Animated alt-rock innovators Gorillaz are finally heading to Studio 8H. The Damon Albarn-led virtual band will make their first-ever appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ on March 7, joining host Ryan Gosling for what promises to be one of the season’s most talked-about episodes.

The performance lands just days after the release of their ninth studio album, ‘The Mountain.’ True to form, the project includes an eclectic lineup of collaborators, with names like Sparks, Black Thought, Dennis Hopper, and IDLES attached to the record. Gorillaz have spent decades blending animation, genre fusion, and live spectacle, and their SNL debut marks a milestone moment for the band.

Gosling returns for his fourth time as host, following previous appearances in 2015, 2017, and 2024. He will be promoting his upcoming sci-fi film ‘Project Hail Mary,’ based on the Andy Weir novel, ahead of its theatrical release. His last hosting stint produced one of the show’s most viral sketches, and expectations are high for another memorable night.

‘Saturday Night Live’ will also feature first-time host Connor Storrie with musical guest Mumford & Sons on February 28, followed by a March 14 episode with host and musical guest still to be announced. As for March 7, the stage is set for cartoon icons, cinematic spectacle, and a long-awaited debut from one of Britain’s most inventive bands.

Manchester Orchestra Mourn Drummer Timothy Very

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Manchester Orchestra Mourn Drummer Timothy Very

Timothy Very, longtime drummer for Atlanta indie-rock band Manchester Orchestra, has died at 42. The band confirmed his sudden passing in a statement shared on social media, describing him as “the most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life.” No cause of death has been disclosed.

Very joined Manchester Orchestra in 2011 following the departure of drummer Jeremiah Edmond. Over the next 15 years, he became the band’s longest-serving drummer, contributing to albums including ‘Cope’ (2014), ‘A Black Mile to the Surface’ (2017), and ‘The Million Masks of God’ (2021), as well as 2023’s ‘The Valley of Vision’ EP. His steady, expressive playing became central to the band’s evolving sound.

“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated,” the band wrote. “Tim was instantly likable and interacted with everyone he met with kindness and warmth. His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe.” They also reflected on his love for family, calling him “a more joyful dad” than most could imagine.

Born in Pensacola, Florida, Very began playing drums as a teenager and cited Dave Grohl as an early influence. He once described himself as a “songwriter’s drummer,” focused on serving the song rather than overpowering it. From touring internationally to helping shape some of the band’s most acclaimed releases, Timothy Very left a lasting mark on Manchester Orchestra and the wider rock community.

Daytona 500 Start Time Moved Up As Weather Looms Over Season Opener

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Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Daytona 500 Start Time Moved Up As Weather Looms Over Season Opener

The 2026 Daytona 500 is already feeling the pressure, and the green flag has not even dropped. With rain in the forecast for Sunday afternoon and evening in Daytona Beach, NASCAR moved the start time up one hour in hopes of staying ahead of the weather. The Great American Race is now set to begin Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET, with the green flag scheduled for approximately 2:13 p.m. ET on FOX.

According to FOX Weather, rain chances sit at 7 percent around 4 p.m. ET and increase to 12 percent by 7 p.m. ET. Thunderstorms are expected later in the evening. Highs are projected near 79 degrees with light winds, but as the FOX Forecast Center noted, the longer the race runs, the more the weather becomes a factor. Light to moderate rain could begin moving in around 6 p.m. ET, with possible lightning after 8 p.m.

Last year’s Daytona 500 was heavily impacted by rain, with two delays totaling more than three and a half hours before William Byron took the win. Weather has already played a role in the 2026 NASCAR season as well, with the Clash at Bowman Gray stretching over three and a half hours in wet and chaotic conditions.

With a stacked field led by pole sitter Kyle Busch and front-row starter Chase Briscoe, anticipation is high at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR’s decision to adjust the start time could prove crucial in keeping the action on track and avoiding another marathon delay under Florida skies.

Queen Launch Immersive “Bohemian Rhapsody 360 Experience”

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Queen Launch Immersive “Bohemian Rhapsody 360 Experience”

Queen mark the 50th anniversary of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the vinyl reissue of ‘A Night At The Opera’ with a special installment of the Queen The Greatest video series. The episode looks back at the making and impact of their 1975 masterpiece while unveiling a bold new way to experience the song.

The centrepiece is the “Bohemian Rhapsody 360 Experience,” an interactive journey accessible via smartphone, tablet, desktop, laptop, or VR headset. Set within a stark white void inspired by the cover of ‘A Night At The Opera,’ the immersive space surrounds viewers with a newly created visual celebrating five decades of the song. Classic live footage, rare photos, original promotional clips, on screen lyrics, and international single artwork all unfold around you.

Using a desktop or laptop, viewers can drag their cursor to explore the space. On a smartphone, simply rotate the screen and move the device to look around. With a VR headset, the experience becomes fully enveloping, placing fans inside a panoramic tribute to one of rock’s most ambitious recordings. It invites listeners to revisit the operatic sweep and theatrical scope that changed what a single could be.

Originally released as the lead single from ‘A Night At The Opera,’ “Bohemian Rhapsody” spent nine consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the UK and has since become the most streamed song of the 20th century. The album has been reissued on crystal-clear vinyl, while the single is available in special formats including a transparent blue heavyweight 7” and a 12” picture disc. Half a century on, Queen’s crown jewel continues to expand its universe.

Dutch–South African Jazz-Hip-Hop Artist Zuko Sian Stages A Reckoning On “Spill A Little Tea”

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Dutch–South African Jazz-Hip-Hop Artist Zuko Sian Stages A Reckoning On “Spill A Little Tea”

Recorded in a small home studio in Bethnal Green, “Spill A Little Tea” began with camomile tea and long conversations before the mic was ever switched on. The single blends jazz-leaning melodies with warm hip-hop production, framing Zuko Sian’s signature burgundy-red vocal tone, rich, expressive, and direct. It feels intimate from the first note, like a confession shared across a kitchen table.

Zuko wrote the track in fifteen minutes after a falling out with a friend, during the same period as a breakup. “I’ve always believed in calling things out because I care, but not everyone wants honesty. The song is about standing by your truth, even when people don’t like the version of you that speaks up.” The hook lands with quiet force: “You can say what you want, what you want about me but all I ever did was spill a little tea.”

The accompanying video, directed by Jade Laurelle and shot by Bea da Gama, reimagines Paul Delaroche’s 1833 painting The Execution of Lady Jane Grey. From handcrafted props to period costumes and lighting that mirrors the original canvas, the visual unfolds like a living gallery piece. Zuko even crafted elements herself, including details on the executioner’s costume, and wore a gown previously worn by Helena Bonham Carter in the film Lady Jane.

“While Delaroche’s painting wasn’t feminist in a modern sense, it highlighted a woman destroyed by structures of male power,” Zuko explains. “That story still echoes today, in laws, in cultures, in daily life. Spill A Little Tea is my way of saying: we won’t be silent anymore.” Born in Amsterdam and now collaborating with producers including Sam Barsh, Jordan Ware, and Tim Kellet, Zuko Sian continues to fuse jazz, soul, and hip-hop into cinematic storytelling that refuses to look away.

Cambridge Indie-Folk Songwriter Sakara Finds Hope In “Sunflower”

Music

Eric Alper

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Feb 15, 2026

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Cambridge Indie-Folk Songwriter Sakara Finds Hope In “Sunflower”

Cambridge indie-folk singer-songwriter Sakara returns with “Sunflower,” the second in a run of singles leading toward her debut EP. After a summer of standout gigs including Cambridge Folk Club’s annual folk day and a slot at Glastonbury’s Rumshack stage, she steps back into release mode with a track rooted in quiet resilience and long-distance connection.

Written in 2020 as an ode to friendship from afar, “Sunflower” grew out of posted sunflower seeds and cat photos, small gestures carrying real weight. The song reflects the tension between gratitude and disappointment that can define your 20s, where life is rarely all golden light and easy answers. A live version is already available on YouTube, with an official music video to follow the full release.

“This song has a way of comforting me, not just as a reminder of my friend, but by saying there’s hope in times of loss and disappointment,” Sakara shares. “At the end of that chorus I’m still dancing, still asking ‘will you shine for me’? And every year the Sunflowers come back and follow through.” The sentiment feels grounded rather than sentimental, steady in its optimism.

Based near Cambridge, Sakara continues to collaborate with local musician and producer Francis Botcherby of Parliament of Wolves. Together they shape reflective storytelling through textured guitar lines and delicate harmonies. With themes of self-worth, identity, disability, and chronic illness woven through her work, “Sunflower” builds on the foundation set by her debut single “This Is Reality” and signals a thoughtful path toward her first EP.