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Belfast Trio Broncos Release Blistering Post-Hardcore Single “Hold Me” Ahead Of Headline Slot

Eric Alper
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Belfast Trio Broncos Release Blistering Post-Hardcore Single “Hold Me” Ahead Of Headline Slot

Belfast trio Broncos release “Hold Me,” a visceral slice of melodic post-hardcore that finds the band fully embracing their penchant for sing-along, fist-in-the-air melodies and neck-snapping, speaker-shredding riffs in equal measure. The track follows a highly successful run of singles in 2024 and 2025 which earned premieres on RTE2XM and BBC Introducing, plus features in Hot Press, Chordblossom, Genuine Irish, First Contact Music, Pure M Zine, Ragged Cast, Admire Collide, IMRO, Rock N Load, UberRock and Daily Earworm. The band’s reputation as a must-see live act was cemented following a much talked about set in a packed Ulster Sports Club as part of Output 2025.

Lyrically the song is an ode to being vulnerable, being open with the ones we truly love and trust, and letting them into the most intimate recesses of ourselves. The dual vocals of Shane and Cameron add light and shade to the track, while subtle synths and spiraling delays add depth. After a short, chimed intro, Michael’s gunshot snare drum acts as a starter pistol and from there the track doesn’t let up. Drums drive the track forward, alternating between a thunderous kick and snare pattern and tom rolls around the kit. These are mirrored by Cameron’s snaking guitar runs while Shane’s bass keeps the track grounded.

A short pre-chorus makes full use of the dual vocals as both sing “old habits, die hard/old habits, leave scars,” in a part that begs to be sung back by a sweaty crowd. A tempo change in the chorus delivers a neck-snapping and sing-along moment in equal measure. As we hit the middle of the track, Michael’s drums provide a Dave Grohl-esque moment as an avalanche of toms and cymbals back Shane’s celestial vocals, “align the stars for kicks.” A brief respite allows us to catch our breath before the band hammer the track home.

The track is released ahead of Broncos’ headline slot at Old Crows Promotions Sweet Sweet Noise all dayer on February 7th, a 14 and over event that features 9 of the best Belfast has to offer. Formed as various other projects dissolved or never properly formed for Michael on drums and Cameron on guitar and backing vocals, it wasn’t until Shane on vocals and bass joined that Broncos finally took its shape. They heralded their arrival with “Erode,” their anthemic post-hardcore debut single in September 2024. Follow-ups “Lights Out” and “Lover” cemented the band as an essential voice that drew from their inspirations but provided a contemporary and fresh take on post-hardcore. Recalling the reckless intensity of At The Drive-In and the anthemic sound of Alexisonfire, “Hold Me” is the sound of a band fully stepping into themselves.

Big Special Announce Spring North American Tour Supporting Lambrini Girls And Share “Sluglife”

Eric Alper
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Big Special Announce Spring North American Tour Supporting Lambrini Girls And Share “Sluglife”

Birmingham duo Big Special return to North America this spring supporting Lambrini Girls on a run from April 21 in Atlanta through May 5 in Lawrence, Kansas. The tour brings the acclaimed UK outfit back across the continent following their biggest headlining UK tour, which kicks off February 13 and includes four sold-out shows. Vocalist Joe Hicklin shares his excitement: “we’re absolutely buzzing to be joining the mighty Lambrini Girls on their spring tour across the continent. Tonnes of new cities for us, so come say howdy or whatever you say out there.”

Big Special recently released “SLUGLIFE” via SO Recordings, opening 2026 with a track that captures their signature blend of dark humor and raw honesty. Hicklin describes the song as being about “living low to the ground and going slow. Feeling guilt for needing a bit of time to pull yourself up by your boot straps. It’s about working through the self hate that can come through hard times.” The single follows October’s “PLAINTIVE NATIVE” and November’s “DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side),” maintaining the momentum from their Sleaford Mods collaboration on “The Good Life,” which featured Game Of Thrones and Star Wars actress Gwendoline Christie in a captivating one-shot video.

Built on a lifelong friendship, Big Special ground their music in honesty and a clear sense of purpose. Their connection remains central as their sound continues to grow, reflecting the balance of ambition and emotional truth that defines their work. Critics have praised their approach, with NME calling it “a heady dose of heart and reality,” The Line Of Best Fit noting “a record that’s more complex, more human, and more interesting than anyone could have expected,” and DORK declaring their work “a real piece of art; sheer brilliance from start to finish.”

Tour Dates:

02/13 – Norwich, UK @ Waterfront

02/14 – Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms [SOLD OUT]

02/15 – Newcastle, UK @ Digital

02/18 – Leeds, UK @ University Stylus

02/19 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3 Warehouse [SOLD OUT]

02/20 – Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall [SOLD OUT]

02/21 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute [SOLD OUT]

02/24 – Bristol, UK @ Electric Bristol

02/25 – Southampton, UK @ The 1865

02/27 – London, UK @ Roundhouse

03/06 – Dublin, UK @ The Workman’s Club [SOLD OUT]

03/07 – Belfast, UK @ Ulster Sports Club [SOLD OUT]

04/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

04/22 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

04/24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw [SOLD OUT]

04/26 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club [SOLD OUT]

04/27 – Montreal, PQ @ Theatre Beanfield

04/28 – Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall

04/30 – Chicago, IL @ Metro [SOLD OUT]

05/01 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre

05/02 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue

05/04 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall

05/05 – Lawrence, KS @ The Granada

05/21 – Derbyshire, UK @ Bearded Theory Festival

06/20 – Glasgow, UK @ TRSMT Festival

08/14 – Hampshire, UK @ Boomtown Festival

Staci Gruber Releases Nashville Recorded Single “This Time Around” Produced By Erik Halbig

Eric Alper
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Staci Gruber Releases Nashville Recorded Single “This Time Around” Produced By Erik Halbig

Boston singer-songwriter Staci Gruber releases “This Time Around,” a rock meets Americana single recorded in Nashville with producer Erik Halbig. The track brings together Halbig’s production expertise, honed through work with Ty Herndon and Jamie O’Neal, with the songwriting partnership of Gruber and Michael Orland of American Idol fame. The result is an infectious honky-tonk anthem that captures the raw emotion of love’s hardest lessons. Gruber describes the song as “really a story of love that pulled too hard, truth that came too late, and a heart that finally listened when it mattered most.”

Gruber’s journey from singing privately in her closet to finding her voice through an elementary school solo of “12 Days of Christmas” reflects the transformative power she now channels into her music. Her summers at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts deepened her artistic foundation. She made history as the first person to transition from classical voice to jazz studies in the five-year dual-degree program at Tufts University and New England Conservatory of Music. Her influences span Anne Murray, Barbra Streisand, Karen Carpenter, k.d. lang, Billie Eilish, Pink, Nancy Wilson, and John Coltrane, creating her own distinctive musical melting pot.

Beyond music, Gruber serves as a Harvard Medical School professor and pioneering neuroscientist at McLean Hospital, where her groundbreaking cannabis research generates real-world data influencing clinical trials. She has performed with Dan Aykroyd and the Blues Brothers, written an anthem for Billie Jean King, and appeared at major events with collaborator Michael Orland. Her dual careers demonstrate how connection works across different fields, whether through songwriting or scientific exploration.

Gruber’s music creates space for listeners to process their own experiences while connecting with someone else’s story. She believes music allows people to understand different perspectives, offering empathy in its truest sense. “This Time Around” embodies that philosophy, turning personal heartbreak into something relatable and cathartic. The track reminds us that through shared emotional experiences, no one has to feel truly alone.

Post Malone And Jelly Roll Announce “The Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2” With Carter Faith

Eric Alper
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Post Malone And Jelly Roll Announce “The Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2” With Carter Faith

9x diamond-certified global superstar Post Malone and 3x GRAMMY award-winning entertainer Jelly Roll are set to return to the road withPost Malone and Jelly Roll Present: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2, continuing the momentum of their record-breaking stadium run. The undeniable chemistry between Post and Jelly Roll proved to be a defining force on last year’s tour, making it one of the most talked-about live pairings in touring.  Known for redefining the modern concert experience with his genre-blending sound and electrifying stage presence, Post with Jelly Roll will once again take their larger-than-life production to stadiums and festivals across North America this summer, delivering the BIG ASS live experience night after night.

The tour will also hit some of the most prominent college football stadiums across the U.S., including:

  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR, home of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks
  • Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, IA, home of the Iowa State Cyclones
  • Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, TX, home of the UTEP Miners
  • McLane Stadium in Waco, TX, home of the Baylor University Bears
  • Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA, home of the LSU Tigers
  • Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, MS, home of the Ole Miss Rebels
  • Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT, home of the UCONN Huskies
  • Washington Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, MT, home of the University of Montana Grizzlies
  • Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT, home of the Utah Utes
  • Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL, home of University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers

Produced by Live Nation, The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2 continues Post’s highest-attended and best-selling tour to date, which drew over one million fans across North America and grossed more than $170 million. The new run builds on that success, bringing Post and Jelly back together with a career-spanning set featuring chart-topping hits, fan favorites, and the signature BIG ASS production that has become a must-see live event.

Carter Faith will join the tour on all headlining dates, bringing her modern-meets-classic country sound and standout songwriting to stadium stages across the run. Select festival appearances throughout the tour will further expand the BIG ASS footprint across key North American markets.

TICKETS: To participate in the Post Malone Artist Presale on Friday, February 6 at 10 AM local time, fans must sign up at https://livemu.sc/postmalone by Wednesday, February 4 at 11:59 PM ET/8:59 PM PT. Artist Presales for this tour are hosted by multiple ticketing sites, but anyone who signs up can join the sale. For Artist Presales on Ticketmaster, no code is needed — access is tied directly to your account. Artist Presales hosted on other sites may require a code for access. Additional presales, including Citi and American Express (details below), will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale, which begins Tuesday, February 10 at 10AM local time at LiveNation.com.

CITI PRESALE: Citi is the official card of The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets for U.S. shows beginning Wednesday, February 4 at 10 AM local time through Monday, February 9 at 11:59 PM local time via the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com

AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESALE: American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public for Canada shows beginning Wednesday, February 4 at 10 AM local time through Monday, February 9 at 11:59 PM local time.

VIP PACKAGES:

  • Post Malone: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, collectible Post Malone concert chair, access to the pre-show VIP lounge, exclusive VIP only gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit com.
  • Jelly Roll: The tour will also offer a VIP package and experience for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. The package includes a premium reserved seat, VIP-exclusive Jelly Roll gift item, commemorative Jelly Roll VIP laminate & more. For more information, visit com

POST MALONE PRESENTS: THE BIG ASS STADIUM TOUR PART 2 DATES:

Fri Apr 10 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Tortuga Music Festival*
Sun Apr 26 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach Music Festival*
Wed May 13 – El Paso, TX – Sun Bowl Stadium
Sat May 16 – Albuquerque, NM – Boots In The Park Festival*
Tue May 19 – Waco, TX – McLane Stadium
Sat May 23 – Baton Rouge, LA – Tiger Stadium
Tue May 26 – Birmingham, AL – Protective Stadium
Fri May 29 – Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium
Sun May 31 – Panama City Beach, FL – Gulf Coast Jam*
Fri Jun 05 – Oxford, MS – Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Sun Jun 07 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Fest*
Tue Jun 09 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium
Fri Jun 12 – Indianapolis, IN – Lucas Oil Stadium
Tue Jun 16 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium
Sat Jun 20 – Wildwood, NJ – Barefoot Country Music Festival*
Mon Jun 22 – East Hartford, CT – Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
Thu Jun 25 – Cleveland, OH – Huntington Bank Field
Sat Jun 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
Tue Jun 30 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium^
Sat Jul 11 – Fayetteville, AR – Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Wed Jul 15 – Kansas City, MO – Kauffman Stadium
Fri Jul 17 – Ames, IA – Jack Trice Stadium
Tue Jul 21 – Missoula, MT – Washington-Grizzly Stadium
Fri Jul 24 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium
Tue Jul 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rice-Eccles Stadium

*Festival appearance

^ Without Jelly Roll

A 9x diamond-certified global superstar, Dallas, TX artist POST MALONE regularly rewrites history, blurs boundaries, and incites internet-breaking conversation with every move.

Most recently, Post released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion which landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Ahead of the album, Post released “Guy For That” featuring Luke Combs, “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton and mega-smash “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. Upon release of “I Had Some Help” it landed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tallying “the highest weekly sales and streams since 2020” and remained at #1 for six consecutive weeks. The critically acclaimed F-1 Trillion, and collaborations with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, earned Post 8 2025 GRAMMY nominations. This past spring, Post headlined Coachella before hitting the road on his “Big Ass Stadium” tour, following his record-breaking F-1 Trillion Tour last fall. In 2026, he will headline Stagecoach Festival.

Post’s catalog features diamond certified hits including “rockstar” [feat. 21 Savage]”, “I Fall Apart”, “Psycho” [feat. Ty Dolla $ign], “White Iverson”, “Better Now”, “Congratulations” [feat. Quavo], “Circles” and “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse),” which became the highest-certified single in RIAA history reaching double diamond. It became the first song to ever achieve this status, netting the biggest single of his generation.  As the writer or co-writer of all of his songs, Post Malone is one of our generation’s literary geniuses.

Award-winning, Grammy nominated Nashville native singer/songwriter Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) debuted Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts with his debut Country Album, Whitsitt Chapel (released June 2nd, 2023) – earning the biggest Country debut album in Billboard Consumption Chart history. Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT Music Awards where he earned three awards to become the most awarded artist of the night, the Billboard Country Power List Cover star and “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist” (The New Yorker) received Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award and the People’s Choice Award for Male Country Artist of the Year. Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Duo/Group Performance for “Save Me (with Lainey Wilson)” at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, along with eight genre-spanning nominations at the 2024 iHeartRadio Awards and a win for best New Country and Pop artist wins, Jelly Roll is one of three artists alongside Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs to have scored three Country Airplay #1s in 2023 and the first to do it with his first three singles. He has earned four consecutive #1s to date at Country radio and is “one of Nashville’s fastest rising stars” (The New York Times). A 4X winner at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards and the most nominated male at the 2023 CMA Awards, with five total nominations capturing his first CMA Award for New Artist of the Year, Jelly continues to break boundaries. His #1 hit single “Save Me” — a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt— set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights including a Platinum certification from the RIAA on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. Most recently, “Save Me” earned Jelly his first ACM win for Music Event of the year, and he is set to release his new album Beautifully Broken on October 11 and launch his Beautifully Broken Tour on August 27th following his four consecutive #1 singles: “Halfway To Hell,” “Save Me,” “Need A Favor” and “Son of A Sinner.”

Not just an artist but a humanitarian, Jelly Roll continues to resonate with fans on a global scale while racking up numerous milestones – from playing his sold-out hometown show for 18,000 fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to donating a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen, to the release of his record-breaking documentary by ABC News, “Save Me” -the most watched music documentary on the platform- to his visits with rehab centers and those incarcerated across the US. Featured by Nightline, GMA, GMA3, The New York Times, LA Times, The Tennessean, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, CMT and more, his self-built, unconventional industry rise and unique fan connection has garnered praise from numerous outlets, with Variety noting, “for everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen,” and American Songwriter echoing, “with a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”

Godsmack Announce THE RISE OF ROCK WORLD TOUR 2026 With Stone Temple Pilots And Special Guest Dorothy

Eric Alper
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Godsmack Announce THE RISE OF ROCK WORLD TOUR 2026 With Stone Temple Pilots And Special Guest Dorothy

Today, multi-platinum rock titans Godsmack announced their massive GODSMACK — THE RISE OF ROCK WORLD TOUR 2026, a sprawling North American run featuring special guests Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy. Promoted by Live Nation, the tour will bring Godsmack’s signature high-octane live show to amphitheaters nationwide.

The tour kicks off Sunday, May 10 in Bristow, VA at Jiffy Lube Live and makes stops across the U.S. and Toronto, Canada, including Austin, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, and California, before wrapping Saturday, September 26 at Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID.

Known for their ferocious live shows and decades-long dominance at rock radio, Godsmack continue to raise the bar with a career-spanning set that celebrates their legacy while ushering in a bold new chapter — joined by two powerhouse acts that have helped shape modern rock’s past, present, and future.

TICKETS: Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, February 3 at 10am local time until Friday, February 6 at 9am local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. General onsale begins Friday, February 6 at 10am local time at Ticketmaster.com,

VIP: The “BulletProof” Experience is the ultimate Godsmack fan upgrade, featuring great tickets, priority venue entry, and an exclusive set of collectible VIP merch. Package highlights include a limited-edition 11×17 art print, Godsmack-branded guitar pick tin with picks, a three-piece skull enamel pin set inspired by classic album eras, and a commemorative VIP laminate and lanyard—your official pass to the tribe. Built for the diehards. BulletProof.

GODSMACK — THE RISE OF ROCK WORLD TOUR 2026 DATES

Thu May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville*†
Sat May 9 – Camden, NJ – MMRBQ†
Sun May 10 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Tue May 12 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Thu May 14 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater
Sat May 16 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Sun May 17 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple*†
Tue May 19 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Thu May 21 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sat May 23 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater
Sun May 24 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
Wed May 27 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Fri May 29 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sat May 30 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sponsored by Huntsman
Fri Jun 12 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater
Sun Jun 14 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Tue Jun 16 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater
Thu Jun 18 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Sat Jun 20 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sun Jun 21 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Tue Jun 23 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Wed Jun 24 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre
Sat Jun 27 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Sun Jun 28 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Tue Jun 30 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
Thu Jul 2 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Fri Jul 3 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Sun Sep 6 – El Paso, TX – Speaking Rock Casino**†
Mon Sep 7 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Wed Sep 9 – Denver, CO – JUNKYARD
Fri Sep 11 – Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino**†
Sat Sep 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre – KUPD UFest*
Tue Sep 15 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thu Sep 17 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
Sat Sep 19 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sun Sep 20 – Corning, CA – Rolling Hills Casino and Resort**†
Tue Sep 22 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Thu Sep 24 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 26 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater – KQXR XFest*

* Festival Performance
** Dorothy Only
† Not A Live Nation Date

The Cranberries Reissue Rare 1991 EP ‘Uncertain’ On Cranberry Colored Vinyl

Eric Alper
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The Cranberries Reissue Rare 1991 EP ‘Uncertain’ On Cranberry Colored Vinyl

The Cranberries are bringing back a piece of their history. Island and UMe announced today the reissue of ‘Uncertain’, the Irish alt-rock band’s rare four-song EP originally released in October 1991. The limited edition, numbered and lightly remastered release arrives January 30th on cranberry-colored vinyl, pressed at 45-RPM. Originally released in extremely limited quantities with estimates projecting just 5,000 copies were made, the EP captures the band on the verge of their worldwide breakthrough, two years before their debut album ‘Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?’ launched them to global stardom.

The EP showcases the youthful energy of vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, drummer Fergal Lawler, bassist Mike Hogan, and guitarist Noel Hogan at the start of their journey. Fergal reflects on the recording, noting how young they were at the time. “Whoa! Listening to these songs is like taking a trip through a Time Machine. We were so young when we recorded this EP. You can really hear it in Dolores’s voice. She was just 19 years old then.” Noel adds his own perspective on revisiting the material. “Listening to Uncertain all these years later, I’m surprised by how well it’s held up. You can hear small hints of how the band would eventually sound, but more than anything, it brings back great memories of four young people eager to play music.”

The title track leads with O’Riordan’s ethereal vocals guiding the musical arrangement, while “Nothing Left At All” finds the band in contemplative territory. Fergal describes it as heartbreaking lyrically but driven by a beat that gives it hope. “Pathetic Senses” delivers propulsive energy and hints at the post-punk edge the band would later explore on singles like “Zombie” and “Promises.” The song features what Fergal calls Dolores’ superb high soprano backing vocal, big guitar power chords, and jangly picking parts that remind him of The Cure, a band they all admired.

Closing track “Them” holds special significance for Fergal. “I personally always loved this song. It’s so powerful. It was one of the songs we played live a lot in our early days that really had a mesmerizing effect on the audience.” The reissue offers fans a chance to own a snapshot of The Cranberries before “Dreams,” “Linger,” and “Zombie” cemented their status as alt-rock icons with multiplatinum albums and billions of streams.

TRACKLISTING:
SIDE A

  1. Uncertain
  2. Nothing At All

SIDE B

  1. Pathetic Senses
  2. Them

How Top Songwriters Craft the Perfect Pop Song

Eric Alper
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How Top Songwriters Craft the Perfect Pop Song

TED-Ed’s “Think Like A Musician” series turns the spotlight on a question every music fan and creator has asked: what actually makes a great pop song? In the episode “How Top Songwriters Craft the Perfect Pop Song,” working hitmakers break down the craft behind melody, lyrics, structure, and emotional connection, offering a rare look at how memorable songs are built from the ground up.

Rather than chasing formulas, the video emphasizes intention. Strong pop songs balance clarity and surprise, pairing simple ideas with moments that feel fresh. Contributors talk about the power of a clear point of view, why restraint often matters more than complexity, and how a single melodic choice can anchor an entire track. It’s less about tricks and more about making decisions that serve the song.

The episode features insights from an impressive lineup of artists and songwriters, including Breland, Blessing Offor, Bonnie McKee, David Archuleta, Tayla Parx, Sofi Tukker, Ben Harper, and Grace Bowers. Their perspectives span pop, soul, electronic, and singer-songwriter traditions, reinforcing the idea that great pop writing draws from many musical worlds.

SOCAN And The Annex Hotel Launch Late Check Out Music Series

Eric Alper
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SOCAN And The Annex Hotel Launch Late Check Out Music Series

SOCAN is proud to announce its collaboration with The Annex Hotel for Late Check Out, a new original music performance series celebrating Canadian songwriting through intimate, artist-focused sessions filmed on site at the hotel. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creativity, culture, and meaningful support for music creators.

Beginning in February, Late Check Out will roll out as a monthly series across digital platforms featuring some of the country’s most compelling artists. In each session, performers share one original song and one cover in an intimate hotel setting. Stripped down and story-driven, the series puts full focus on lyrics, voice, and the craft of songwriting.

“SOCAN is always looking for new ways to support and champion music creators, and Late Check Out is an exciting new platform to showcase Canadian talent in a way that feels personal and meaningful,” said Houtan Hodania, Creative Executive at SOCAN. “We’re thrilled to partner with The Annex Hotel to bring this vision to life.”

For The Annex Hotel, Late Check Out builds on a long-standing commitment to culture-forward programming and artist storytelling. Among those initiatives is a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artist Daniel Caesar for Daniel’s Room, and Artists Living Comfortably, an interview series focused on creative lives.

“Canada has incredible musical talent, but we’ve lacked a recurring performance platform that meets it at a global cultural level,” said Chieff Bosompra, Director of Partnerships & Culture at The Annex Hotel. “Late Check Out is designed to be a must-stop for artists passing through Toronto and a series that genuinely champions Canadian music and presents it with the attention it deserves.”

Led by Chieff Bosompra, Late Check Out was developed to address a gap in Canada’s music content landscape.The series is positioned at the intersection of music, place, and contemporary culture and reinforces the hotel’s role as a creative hub for Canadian artists.

Noah Kahan Announces Massive Stadium Tour And Fourth Album ‘The Great Divide’

Eric Alper
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Noah Kahan Announces Massive Stadium Tour And Fourth Album ‘The Great Divide’

Following his highly anticipated return with new single “The Great Divide” and the announcement of his upcoming fourth studio album, 2x GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum superstar Noah Kahan announces today that he will return to the road this summer for a monumental, career-defining stadium run. Produced by Live Nation, Noah Kahan: The Great Divide Tour kicks off June 11th and makes 23-stops at stadiums across North America through August, including a two-night homecoming at Boston’s Fenway Park, as well as shows at Los Angeles’ Rose Bowl Stadium, New York’s Citi Field, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, and more. Gigi Perez is set to join Kahan as support. See the full routing below.

To participate in the Noah Kahan Artist Presale on Tuesday, February 10th at 12pm local time, you must sign up HERE by Thursday, February 5th at 11:59pm ET. No codes are needed—access is tied to your Ticketmaster account, and anyone who signs up can join the sale. There may be a presale code required on non-Ticketmaster ticketing sites. The general onsale will take place on Thursday, February 12th at 12pm local time at https://noahkahan.com/pages/tour. 

Noah Kahan is using Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange to help fans get tickets at the original price. Tickets purchased on Ticketmaster will be non-transferable and can only be resold on Ticketmaster at face value. In Illinois, New York, and Colorado where laws prevent resale restrictions, tickets can be transferred but Ticketmaster will still honor Noah Kahan’s terms by keeping resale prices at face value on its site.

This past Friday, Noah Kahan released his brand-new single, “The Great Divide,” which was recorded at Vermont’s Guilford Sound. The track debuted as Kahan’s highest streaming launch to date. Upon release, it skyrocketed to #1 on the Spotify Top Songs USA Chart and #3 on the Top Songs Global Chart. He also announced his highly anticipated fourth studio album of the same name will arrive April 24th via Mercury Records. Last night at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, Kahan partnered with Mastercard to premiere the official music video for the anthemic track during Mastercard’s GRAMMY Awards commercial break. Shot in Nashville by director Parker Schmidt the video brings the song’s profound themes to life—exploring childhood friendship, shame, guilt, separation, and the complicated truths tied to where Kahan comes from. Fans can watch the official music video HERE and explore Priceless Experiences through The Mastercard Collection HERE.

Kahan’s forthcoming album, The Great Divide, finds him at his most honest, reflective, and emotionally resonant. Produced by acclaimed producer and Stick Season collaborator Gabe Simon (Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Koe Wetzel) alongside GRAMMY-winning producer Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift, Bon Iver), the album explores Kahan’s evolving relationship with family, friends, home, and his sense of self. Recorded at a secluded farm outside of Nashville, Gold Pacific Studios in Nashville and at Dessner’s famed Long Pond Studio in New York, the project expands Kahan’s sound while remaining rooted in the vulnerability that defines his work.

The Great Divide was written in the wake of Kahan’s career-defining Stick Season era. Released in 2022, the 4x Platinum album and its 8x Platinum breakout single propelled the beloved Vermont songwriter to multiple GRAMMY nominations, global #1 records, billions of streams and millions of albums sold, and over 1.5 million tickets sold with headline shows in legendary venues around the world—including two historic sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Boston’s Fenway Park.

NOAH KAHAN: THE GREAT DIVIDE TOUR:
June 11th // Orlando, FL // Kia Center
June 26th // Philadelphia, PA // Citizens Bank Park
June 28th // Toronto, ON // Rogers Stadium
July 1st // Cincinnati, OH // Great American Ball Park
July 3rd // Pittsburgh, PA // PNC Park
July 10th // Boston, MA // Fenway Park
July 11th // Boston, MA // Fenway Park
July 14th // Chicago, IL // Wrigley Field
July 18th // Queens, NY // Citi Field
July 22nd // Washington, DC // Nationals Park
July 25th // Raleigh, NC // Carter-Finley Stadium
July 27th // Atlanta, GA // Truist Park
July 30th // Arlington, TX // Globe Life Field
August 2nd // St. Louis, MO // Busch Stadium
August 5th // Minneapolis, MN // Target Field
August 8th // Denver, CO // Coors Field
August 15th // Pasadena, CA // Rose Bowl Stadium
August 17th // San Diego, CA // Petco Park
August 19th // Phoenix, AZ // Chase Field
August 21st // San Francisco, CA // Oracle Park
August 25th // Sandy, UT // America First Field
August 28th // Vancouver, BC // BC Place
August 30th // Seattle, WA // T-Mobile Park

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum Vermont singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has risen from his New England roots to become a globally resonant voice of his generation. Across his career, Kahan has amassed nearly 15 billion global streams, sold nearly 12 million global albums, earned 22 Platinum and Gold certifications, and sold over 1.5 million tickets with headline shows in legendary venues around the world—including two historic sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Boston’s Fenway Park. In addition to receiving two GRAMMY nominations, he’s been recognized by the BRIT Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeart Radio Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Americana Honors & Awards, and more.

Kahan’s critically acclaimed breakthrough 2022 album Stick Season became a cultural phenomenon. Over the span of two years, the 4x Platinum album and its 8x Platinum title track reached number one across North America, the UK, and Europe, becoming the fourth best-selling album of 2024 and remaining in the Top 15 more than three years after its release. In 2023 following the release of Stick Season, Kahan launched his mental health non-profit, The Busyhead Project, which has raised over $5.5 million to date in support of its mission to increase awareness around the importance of mental health.

Now, Kahan enters his next artistic era with The Great Divide, his fourth studio album, due April 24th via Mercury Records. Written in the wake of his rapid rise to global fame, the album finds Kahan at his most honest, reflective, and emotionally resonant—grappling with success, identity, family, distance, and the unspoken truths that separate people from one another. Produced by acclaimed producer and Stick Season collaborator Gabe Simon (Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Koe Wetzel) alongside GRAMMY®-winning producer Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift, Bon Iver), The Great Divide builds on Kahan’s signature storytelling while pushing his sound into more expansive, anthemic, and sonically adventurous territory. In support of the new album, Kahan will embark on The Great Divide Tour this summer, headlining stadiums across North America for his biggest tour to date. At the heart of Noah Kahan’s music remains the same guiding purpose that first drew fans in: honest storytelling, shared vulnerability, and songs that help listeners feel understood.

Randy Cobb Delivers Raw Honesty with New Single “Hard To Breathe” Following Chart Success

Eric Alper
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Randy Cobb Delivers Raw Honesty with New Single “Hard To Breathe” Following Chart Success

Rising traditional country artist Randy Cobb continues his recent chart momentum with the release of his emotionally charged new single, “Hard To Breathe.” Available now on all digital streaming platforms, the track serves as a vulnerable follow-up to his current radio hit “The Sand.” Written by Cobb alongside Jeff King and Mark Dooley, the song captures the intense weight of inner conflict and the struggle to find one’s footing in transformative moments. “This song came from a very real place,” Randy shares. “It’s a story of risking it all, making the first move, and realizing the feeling is shared and better than expected.”

The release comes as Cobb—a Pensacola, Florida native now based in lower Alabama—solidifies his place in the country scene under South Sixty Five Entertainment Group. His journey back to music is one of profound resilience; after stepping away in 2012 to run a trucking company and care for his family, the devastating losses of his mother, brother, and business during the pandemic reignited his creative purpose. This authenticity is already resonating with listeners, as his single “Not On Me” has surpassed 4 million views on YouTube. Cobb, influenced by legends like Keith Whitley and George Strait, remains grounded in the traditional storytelling that first inspired him. “Hard To Breathe” highlights his growth as a songwriter while maintaining the roots-driven honesty that fans have come to expect.

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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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