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Spotify Swings Into Fun With Interactive ‘Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament’ Game Experience

Eric Alper
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Spotify Swings Into Fun With Interactive ‘Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament’ Game Experience

Just in time for the release of Happy Gilmore 2, Netflix is turning to Spotify to bring fans a brand-new way to swing into the action. Literally.

Starting today, anyone can step onto the green for The Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament, the first-ever golf-inspired game built inside Spotify. It’s an audio-visual experience designed to tap into your love for the film, while introducing a whole new kind of storytelling. It’s immersive, interactive, and just the right amount of silly.

Developed in partnership with MiK Studio, this showcases what’s possible when teaming up with Spotify Advertising and how brands can thrive in Spotify’s creative playground. Whether you’re a seasoned golf pro (in spirit) or just here for nostalgia, The Happy Gilmore 2 Tournament lets you play through a series of film-inspired holes, no golf cart required.

Here’s how it works:

  • Users will find the experience within the Spotify app or via a link on mobile.
  • Players tilt their phones to take one swing per hole across three rounds, navigating signature moments from the film, like the alligator or Happy’s boots.
  • Players then advance to mid- and long-range shots, with a visible Happy Gilmore 2 score tracker and fun audio clips from the film played after each hole.

“At Spotify, we design every campaign to feel true to the moment, connected to culture, and most importantly, resonant with our highly engaged audience.,” said Ann Piper, Spotify’s Head of North America Sales. “These aren’t one-size-fits-all executions. They’re high-impact experiences that show how Spotify can be a creative canvas for consumers and brands as well.”

To bring the fun beyond the game, the launch also includes plenty of surprises across Spotify. Think custom playlists, eye-catching videos, and special podcast moments, including a voiceover from  Bill Simmons. It’s all designed to make you feel like you’re part of the action, whether you’re playing through the course or just vibing to the soundtrack.

Neon Owl Launches New Label ‘Neon Owl Records’ With Uplifting Debut Single “Fallen Angel”

Eric Alper
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Neon Owl Launches New Label ‘Neon Owl Records’ With Uplifting Debut Single “Fallen Angel”

Celebrating over a decade as one of electronic music’s most trusted artist development communities, Bay Area-based collective Neon Owl, founded by siblings Elaine and Raymond Huang, proudly announces the launch of its new imprint: Neon Owl Records. The label expands on the group’s mission to uplift and develop emerging artists through community, mentorship, and connection.

Built on the foundation of Neon Owl’s acclaimed Open Door Sessions (ODS) — events that have empowered artists to land label signings, festival bookings, and industry partnerships — the new label continues that legacy by giving talented creators a home for their music.

The debut release, “Fallen Angel,” comes from Hidden Axis, a producer who first joined Open Door Sessions virtually during the pandemic. With support from Neon Owl, she went on to release music through Paradise Music, remix for HALIENE on Ophelia Records, and collaborate with KEPIK on SLANDER’s Heaven Sent imprint. Teaming up with WISNER, whose powerful vocals bring the track to life, “Fallen Angel” captures the emotional energy and spirit of the label’s mission.

“I’m super proud and excited to have Julie and Blake be the first release on the label because both are such insanely talented artists,” says Elaine Huang, co-founder of Neon Owl. “From the first moment I met Julie at her first Open Door Sessions Virtual, I knew she was something special. Paired with Blake, who has one of the most versatile voices that cuts you to the core, I think ‘Fallen Angel’ is a song that will make people feel something.”

Neon Owl has built a global reputation for pairing artist development with social impact, supporting causes such as animal rescue, mental health advocacy, and global relief efforts. The collective has partnered with organizations including Groove Cruise, Winter Music Conference, ADE, Anjunabeats, Create Music Group, The Whet Foundation, and LabelWorx to connect music with meaningful change.

As with all of Neon Owl’s work, philanthropy remains central to the label’s identity, with portions of proceeds from releases and events continuing to support charitable initiatives.

Jonah Kagen Unveils Soulful Debut Album ‘Sunflowers and Leather’ and New Single “You Again”

Eric Alper
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Jonah Kagen Unveils Soulful Debut Album ‘Sunflowers and Leather’ and New Single “You Again”

Rising singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonah Kagen announces his highly anticipated debut album Sunflowers and Leather, out now via Arista Records. Alongside the announcement, he releases a brand-new single, “You Again,” a stirring exploration of heartbreak, memory, and the long shadow of lost love.

“It’s the most honest song I’ve ever written,” says Kagen. “After a relationship ended, I spent a year by myself with my dog. Every time I tried to open up to someone new, I felt that same sinking feeling. This song is about not being able to shake someone, even after they’re gone.”

“You Again” offers a glimpse into the sound and soul of Sunflowers and Leather — an album written, recorded, and produced entirely by Kagen while traveling across the American South and West in a self-built Airstream studio. The title captures the duality at the heart of his music: “Sunflowers” representing joy and growth, “Leather” representing pain and resilience.

With over 450 million global streams, 3.5 million monthly listeners, and a #1 Alternative Radio hit with “God Needs the Devil,” Kagen’s ascent continues as he joins tours with Vance Joy, Sam Barber, Wyatt Flores, and Cameron Whitcomb throughout 2025. His journey, both musical and personal, unfolds in an upcoming Sunflowers and Leather documentary filmed on 16mm by David O’Donohue (Noah Kahan, Lainey Wilson, James Bay).

Great American Media and Robert Halmi Unite to Produce Family-Focused Films at Great Point Studios

Eric Alper
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Great American Media and Robert Halmi Unite to Produce Family-Focused Films at Great Point Studios

Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott has announced a new collaboration with Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning producer Robert Halmi and his company, Great Point Studios. The partnership will focus on producing high-quality, original films rooted in family values, designed for audiences seeking uplifting and meaningful entertainment.

The agreement includes more than twenty films and original series to be produced by Great American Media at Great Point Studios Buffalo over the next two years. This initiative will expand domestic film production while creating jobs in casting, crew, and creative roles across Western New York. Together, Abbott and Halmi are building a foundation for new American storytelling that celebrates heart, hope, and community.

Abbott and Halmi previously helped shape the modern family film genre through their leadership at Hallmark, where Halmi served as founder and Abbott as President & CEO for more than a decade. “This partnership is about raising the bar,” said Abbott. “We are committed to producing content that not only entertains but uplifts. We want to make these films here in the U.S. with people who share our passion for authentic, values-driven storytelling.”

“I’m thrilled to reunite with Bill Abbott and support the incredible work he’s doing at Great American Media,” said Halmi. “This partnership reflects our shared vision, and we’re proud to welcome these productions to our campuses.”

The first project in this new partnership is A Christmas Spark starring Mario Lopez, filmed earlier this summer at Great Point Studios Buffalo. “It has been a joy to produce and star in A Christmas Spark, which premieres during the 5th Anniversary Edition of Great American Christmas this season,” said Lopez. “The talent, crew, and locations in Buffalo are top notch. This film gave me a way to honor the heroism of firefighters and tell a story that reflects their courage.”

Ozomatli Ignite a Working-Class Anthem With Powerful New Single “Red Line”

Eric Alper
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Ozomatli Ignite a Working-Class Anthem With Powerful New Single “Red Line”

Triple GRAMMY-winning genre-defying band Ozomatli has released their powerful new single “Red Line,” a rallying cry for America’s working class. The song gives voice to those navigating life without privilege or protection, blending the band’s signature mix of Latin, hip-hop, funk, and global rhythms into a vibrant anthem of solidarity and resilience.

“This track is a statement of solidarity,” says founding member Raul Pacheco. “We’re singing for everyone trying to make a life in a system built to hold them back.” The single arrives amid nationwide conversations around immigration and inequality, capturing the humanity behind the headlines through Ozomatli’s trademark fusion of activism and celebration.

Earlier this spring, the band performed “Red Line” atop a flatbed truck in downtown Los Angeles during the No Kings protest, standing shoulder to shoulder with immigrant and worker rights movements. Now, they continue that mission with the 30 Revolutions Tour, marking three decades of music, movement, and community. Saxophonist and vocalist Ulises Bella shares, “Through all the chaos in the world, one thing stays true: Ozomatli brings the vibes that bring people together.”

Founded in 1995 in Los Angeles’ grassroots labor scene, Ozomatli’s six original members—Asdru Sierra, Raul Pacheco, Ulises Bella, Wil-Dog Abers, Jiro Yamaguchi, and Justin Poree—have built a legacy defined by unity and rhythm. With three GRAMMY Awards, honors as U.S. State Department cultural ambassadors, and performances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Austin City Limits, the band continues to uplift communities through music and advocacy.

John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension Shine on ‘Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022’ with “Here Come the Jiis”

Eric Alper
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John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension Shine on ‘Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022’ with “Here Come the Jiis”

The second single and video from Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 are out now on earMUSIC.

John McLaughlin and his acclaimed band The 4th Dimension deliver another masterful performance with “Here Come the Jiis,” the latest single from Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022. Recorded live on July 25, 2022, at the legendary Auditorium Stravinski with special guest pianist and vocalist Jany McPherson, this new release captures McLaughlin’s extraordinary chemistry and energy on stage.

Dedicated to mandolin greats Srinivas and V. Selvaganesh from McLaughlin’s Shakti project, “Here Come the Jiis” is a tribute to musical respect and unity. “I think the practice of addressing your fellow musicians with a noble prefix is a great thing to do. I call all the people in the band ‘sir’ or ‘ji,’” says McLaughlin. The song bursts with rhythm, groove, and gratitude, a living testament to the spiritual connection that defines his music.

McLaughlin’s relationship with the Montreux Jazz Festival spans over five decades, and Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 celebrates that remarkable legacy. Available as Blu-ray+2CD Digipak, 2LP Gatefold, and Digital Download, the full release allows listeners to experience the concert’s emotion and intensity from anywhere. “I received mail and messages from so many people saying how much they loved the concert,” McLaughlin shares. “It’s one that I can never forget.”

A pioneer of jazz fusion, McLaughlin transformed modern music through his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, Santana, and his collaborations with Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucia. Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022 continues that journey, uniting world, jazz, and blues influences in a performance of pure inspiration.

cktrl Finds Peace and Power in Soulful New Single “balance”

Eric Alper
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cktrl Finds Peace and Power in Soulful New Single “balance”

British multi-instrumentalist and producer Bradley Miller, known as cktrl, has released his stunning new single “balance.” Following his acclaimed EP yield, the South London artist returns with a track that glows with soulful depth and musical precision. Layering warm horns, delicate strings, and intricate rhythms, “balance” feels meditative and immersive, guiding listeners into a space of reflection and renewal.

“Taking the time to truly notice has given me tools for growth,” cktrl shares. “Our spirit is light, and without it we’re just in the dark. There’s a beauty in nuances in life, especially when you look at how we’re shaped by our experiences. I want to keep healing through my music and I hope others find the same solace in it too.”

With “balance,” cktrl continues his journey of merging sound and spirit, drawing from jazz, classical, ambient, and R&B traditions to create something entirely his own. The song stands as a moment of clarity and calm, shaped by his mastery of tone and texture.

A self-taught producer and classically trained clarinetist of Jamaican and Montserratian heritage, cktrl continues to redefine contemporary sound. His work explores love, identity, and emotional honesty through an unmistakably personal and culturally rooted lens, solidifying his place as one of music’s most introspective and visionary artists.

Amon Amarth Unleash Viking Fury With Epic New Single “We Rule The Waves”

Eric Alper
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Amon Amarth Unleash Viking Fury With Epic New Single “We Rule The Waves”

Sweden’s Viking metal legends Amon Amarth have released their thunderous new single “We Rule The Waves” along with an epic video. The track marks the band’s first new music in years, surging forward with galloping riffs, towering melodies, and the fierce energy that defines their sound. Produced by Grammy-nominated Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Arch Enemy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Katatonia), it stands as a monumental return — a sonic voyage built from salt, steel, and spirit.

The video for “We Rule The Waves” was filmed in Riga, Latvia, continuing Amon Amarth’s ongoing collaboration with director Pavel Trebukhin of Tre Film, who previously helmed the band’s videos for “The Great Heathen Army,” “Heidrun,” and “Saxons & Vikings.”

In their statement, the band describes “We Rule The Waves” as a celebration of unity, courage, and purpose. “It is our tribute to the spirit of freedom, brotherhood, and the will to conquer — not just lands, but your own limitations. It’s about standing tall with your clan, facing the storm head-on, and carving your mark into the world like a Viking longship through blackened seas.”

With “We Rule The Waves,” Amon Amarth continues to forge their legacy as modern keepers of Norse myth and might, blending storytelling, power, and melody into a battle cry that calls fans to raise their horns high once more.

Anchen Ji Shines With Heartfelt New Pop Single “Safe Space”

Eric Alper
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Anchen Ji Shines With Heartfelt New Pop Single “Safe Space”

Anchen Ji returns with her first release of the year, a bright and heartfelt single titled “Safe Space.” The track blends shimmering pop sounds with her warm, expressive voice, creating a melody that feels both joyful and deeply sincere. Every lyric and rhythm reflects her ability to turn emotion into sound that feels alive and human.

Anchen Ji is a scientist developing new medicines, a devoted mother, and an artist who found her musical path later in life. After studying through Berklee College of Music’s online program, she began using songwriting as a way to share her story and connect with others through honesty and feeling.

Working with Berklee collaborators Chengcheng (Troy) Tang and Tyller Bolton, Anchen created “Safe Space” to express the desire for closeness even when life moves people apart. The lyrics, filled with cosmic imagery like “planets apart” and “orbit around,” show how love continues to exist in memory and imagination.

“Safe Space” feels warm and hopeful, offering comfort in its melody and rhythm. It is a song about connection that carries both light and emotion, capturing Anchen Ji’s gift for making music that feels intimate, uplifting, and beautifully true.

Biohazard Return in Full Force With Hardcore Firestorm ‘Divided We Fall’

Eric Alper
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Biohazard Return in Full Force With Hardcore Firestorm ‘Divided We Fall’

Brooklyn hardcore legends Biohazard have released their first studio album in over a decade, ‘Divided We Fall,’ out now via BLKIIBLK. Reuniting the original lineup, the record delivers a blistering statement of unity in chaos. To mark its release, the band has dropped a new single, “F**k the System,” alongside an explosive music video.

“‘F**k the System’ is BIOHAZARD calling it like it is,” says Billy Graziadei (vocals/guitar). “The powers that be have us at odds and beefin’ with each other while they sit back and cash in. It’s all divide and control – while they keep us divided by politics, class, race, all of it, and have us out here fighting each other, they’re pulling the strings. ‘F**k the System’ is our war cry about the state of the world with no sugarcoated bullshit.”

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Hatebreed, Deftones), ‘Divided We Fall’ captures Biohazard at their most raw, relentless, and unifying. The album blends the band’s signature mix of hardcore, metal, and streetwise groove with sharpened focus and fury, solidifying why Biohazard remains one of the most influential forces in heavy music.

“We are really excited to finally have the classic BIOHAZARD lineup back together in the studio,” adds guitarist Bobby Hambel. “This album has been a long time coming, and it’s straight from our hearts – we can’t wait for everybody to hear it and to hit the stage with these songs live.”

Tour Dates:

10/28: Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
10/29: Worcester, MA @ Palladium
10/31: Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall
11/1: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
11/3: New Haven, CT @ Toad’s

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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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