More than a decade ago, President Obama sat down with Marc Maron in his garage to tape something new called a podcast. This time, he came to me to record his last episode. We talked about the power of conviction, decency in an age of division, and the true story of America.
Pop Punk Titans All Time Low Soar With ‘The Weather’ At #6 On Alternative Radio
All Time Low‘s latest single. “The Weather,” is now #6 on the Alternative Radio charts + climbing! They recently made surprise performance appearances at a Jonas Brothers show and a Savannah Bananas game. Their world tour kicked off this past week which also includes festival dates When We Were Young, Warped Tour and more. The band recently performed “The Weather” on the TODAY show.
With a catalog that has sold more than 3.5 million albums in the U.S. alone and garnered over 5 billion streams worldwide, All Time Low has not only received multiple gold and platinum certified singles and albums, but has held a consistent chart presence since 2003, notching five straight Top 10 entries on the Billboard Top 200. Since their inception in 2003, All Time Low have shattered records, topped charts, sold out arenas and carved out a fervent fanbase along the way.
It’s been a momentous time for All Time Low: the band celebrated their 20th anniversary last year with the release of The Forever Sessions Vol. 1 album, featuring re-recordings of the band’s greatest hits from the early part of their career including “Dear Maria, Count Me In (ATL’s Version).”
After nearly two decades together, All Time Low reignited the spark they first lit in a Baltimore basement on their 2020 full-length studio album, Wake Up, Sunshine, which features the smash hit single “Monsters (featuring blackbear).” The song spent 18 weeks atop Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and became the longest charting song ever on the Alternative Radio Mediabase Chart. “Monsters” earned All Time Low nominations for “Alternative Song of the Year” and “Alternative Artist of the Year” at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards, in addition to nominations for “Top Rock Song” at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards and “Favorite Rock Artist” at the 2021 American Music Awards. Their most recent album “Tell Me I’m Alive” was released in 2023 and features the No. 1 Alternative radio single “Sleepwalking.”
Folk Rock Breakout Michael Marcagi Shares Soul-Searching New Single ‘Humbling’
Midwestern singer-songwriting force of nature Michael Marcagi released another anthemic, sing-along track, “Humbling,” via Warner Records. The platinum-certified rising star also recently announced yet another headlining European and UK tour with domestic dates in support of new music.
“Humbling” finds Marcagi building on his reputation for wryly evocative, desperately honest songcraft by huddling up with Grammy-winning songwriters Amy Allen (Leon Bridges, Olivia Rodrigo, Koe Wetzel) and Dan Wilson (Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, Adele), while continuing his kindred collaboration with producer David Baron (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, Jade Bird).
The new song begins up-close and intimate before a cascade of finger-picked guitar gives way to warm bass, emotive piano, bluegrass pluck, and a powerful kick-drum push. Marcagi takes a hard lyrical look at his station in life ahead of a relatable chorus: “It’s 2 am on Main Street, my friends are home with babies / Their happiness is doublin’, my lack of it is troublin’, and / They all got front yards minivans and Christmas cards / the way I got none of it’s a different kind of humbling.”
“Humbling” is Marcagi’s first single since April’s beloved Midwest Kid EP, which included the standout track “Wish I Never Met You,” featuring Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers, alongside singles like the deeply poignant “Follows You,” “Flyover State,” and the title cut “Midwest Kid.”
His second solo release ever, “Scared to Start,” caught fire with fans globally upon its February 2024 release, eventually climbing to No. 5 on Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, picking up a stirring duet version with Joy Oladokun, before going platinum, multi-platinum, and gold in various countries abroad. To date, “Scared to Start” has racked up more than 1.3 billion global streams, 2.2 billion TikTok views, 415 million Instagram views, and 22 million YouTube views.
Swing Revival Legends Squirrel Nut Zippers Celebrate 30 Years Of ‘Hot’ With ‘In The Afterlife’ Tour
When Hot first hit the airwaves in 1996, it didn’t just ignite excitement — it sparked a cultural bonfire. With its infectious blend of swing, jazz, Delta blues, and Southern storytelling, Hot rocketed the Squirrel Nut Zippers from the underground scene of Chapel Hill, NC, to the national stage, achieving Platinum status and defining a generation’s rediscovery of vintage Americana.
Now, three decades later, the Zippers are rekindling that fire with “In the Afterlife” tour dates, a 30th anniversary celebration of the album that captured lightning in a bottle and cemented the band’s legacy as one of the most original and unpredictable acts of the era. The first three shows, which will feature the band performing Hot in its entirety, will kick off February 13 in Los Angeles, CA at the Teragram Ballroom and hit the Music Box on February 14 in San Diego, CA and Pappy & Harriet’s on February 15 in Pioneertown, CA. Additional tour dates will be released throughout the year.
Tickets for the February “In the Afterlife” tour dates will be available starting Friday, October 17 at https://www.snzippers.com/tourdates.
Recorded at the famed Kingsway Studio in New Orleans (owned by Daneil Lanois), Hot radiated authenticity. The album’s warm analog sound and wry, vivid storytelling made it a critical and commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 for an impressive 51 weeks. The record produced standout tracks such as “Put a Lid On It,” “Blue Angel,” and the band’s biggest hit to date, “Hell.”
“Hell,” an unlikely radio single at the time, defied expectations, climbing to #13 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay Chart and embedding itself in pop culture history. Nearly 30 years later, it continues to resonate with new audiences, recently featured in hit TV series like Wednesday (2025) and Lucifer (2021).
“Hot was pure alchemy — a mix of mischief, melody, and magic,” said bandleader Jimbo Mathus. “It was never meant to chase trends; it was meant to burn bright and last. And somehow, it still does.”
Formed in 1993 by Mathus, Katharine Whalen, and a tight-knit crew of musical misfits, the Squirrel Nut Zippers defied genre from the start. Their sound — a spirited blend of prohibition-era jazz, big band bravado, and punk-rock irreverence — invited listeners into a world where vaudeville met voodoo and speakeasy swagger met Southern soul.
Led today by Mathus, and managed by founding drummer Chris Phillips, the modern-day Zippers continue to honor that rich legacy while bringing fresh fire to their beloved catalog. The 30th anniversary of Hot is more than a milestone — it’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of music that swings, sings, and sizzles with soul.
Official “In the Afterlife” tour dates are as follows:
February 13 Teragram Ballroom Los Angeles, CA
February 14 Music Box San Diego, CA
February 15 Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown, CA
Fans old and new can expect a show that’s equal parts celebration and revival — a joyful journey through the sound that started it all.
British Dance-Rock Icons EMF Announce Protest-Fueled ‘Reach For Something Higher’ EP
Quickly following the release of their standalone cover of Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” last week, British dance-rock quintet EMF have announced their new REACH FOR SOMETHING HIGHER EP which will be released on October 24, 2025. Featuring three protest songs (two of them written while the band were on tour earlier this year in the U.S. with Spacehog, one a fan favorite, and a remixed cover of a Depeche Mode classic), the EP is a precursor to more music and announcements for 2026.
The physical version of the EP will come in two different configurations and is available for purchase at https://emf-theband.com/higher-ep (please note that overseas shipping fees may apply):
- A Four-Track LP featuring “Hands in the Air,” “LGBTQ+ Lover ft. Ecce Schnak,” “The Day the Music Died” and “Just Can’t Get Enough (Loved Up Mix)“
- A Seven-Track CD featuring the aforementioned tracks plus “Hands in the Air (Bernie Mix),” “LGBTQ+ Lover (Frankie Mix)” and the home demo of “The Day the Music Died.”
Inspired by their trek through the States on their West Coast tour, the singles “Hands in the Air” and “LGBTQ+ LOVER” are wide-eyed observations of what they saw. “EMF landed in the U.S. in June, scared of what we might find,” they said. “We found hope and a will to stand up for democracy, equality and accountability and we wrote ‘Hands in the Air’ and ‘LGBTQ+ Lover’ as a response to that.”
Firm and outspoken activists since their 1989 beginnings, EMF are dedicating the EP to Led By Donkeys, the British 100% public-funded grassroots organization. “We dedicate ‘Hands in the Air’ to Led by Donkeys and their art, activism and courage speaking truth to power,” they add.
Fan favorite “The Day the Music Died” is also included in the EP. Dedicated to the independent global campaigning network Greenpeace, the video presents a montage of environmental messages to promote the efforts made by the environmental organization. “At a time when innocent people are being arrested for speaking truth to power, we’re proud to support Greenpeace and their campaign to defend our right to protest,” said the band.
Currently in the midst of a U.K. tour with Jesus Jones and Bis, bands who, like EMF, were pivotal during a defining era of indie and alternative dance music, the band are excited to continue the renewed winning streak they started with the release of The Beauty And The Chaos last year. “So happy to be out again with our friends Jesus Jones and the incomparable Bis,” they say excitedly. “Expect the usual high octane EMF performance, high volume guitars and low pumping bass. Your favourite keyboard player Derry Brownson continues his recovery and will join us to play all the classics from our five studio albums and the new songs from our Reach For Something Higher EP. Get ready to put your ‘Hands in the Air’ and ‘Reach for the Lasers’.” (UK tour dates HERE). A U.S. tour announcement with support is forthcoming.
Formed in 1989 in the quiet town of Cinderford in England’s Forest of Dean, EMF exploded onto the global stage with their infectious blend of dance, rock, and pop. Within a year, they were everywhere, thanks to the smash hit “Unbelievable,” a song that would go on to define a generation and top charts worldwide.
Their debut album Schubert Dip (1991) captured their raw energy and genre-defying sound. With follow-ups Stigma (1992) and Cha Cha Cha (1995), EMF took fans on an ever-evolving journey, shifting from dance floor anthems to darker, more introspective sonic territory before taking a break in 1995.
During their hiatus, the members found new creative paths: frontman James Atkin launched a solo career while teaching music in Yorkshire; guitarist Ian Dench became a sought-after songwriter and music executive, collaborating with everyone from Beyoncé to The Prodigy; keyboardist Derry Brownson founded Little Killers (LK); and bassist Zac Foley played with the band Carrie.
After some time apart, James and Ian started writing again, culminating in the 2022 release of Go Go Sapiens and the band hit the road once more, reuniting with audiences across the UK, Europe, and the US. Their momentum continued with 2024’s The Beauty and the Chaos, a critically acclaimed album that reaffirmed EMF’s place in the modern music landscape.
In 2025, EMF were honoured in their hometown with a commemorative blue plaque in Cinderford, a lasting tribute to the band’s cultural impact and the pride they bring to the Forest of Dean.
Now, EMF are not just back, they’re thriving. Still creating, still touring, and still full of the life-affirming energy that made them unforgettable. EMF remain as vital and visionary as ever.
EMF are James Atkin (vocals, guitars, programming), Ian Dench (guitars, programming), Derry Brownson (samples), Stevey Marsh (bass), and Aid Todd (drums). Reach For Something HIgher EP will be released October 24, 2025.
Pop Sensation Kidz Bop Launches ‘Kidz Bop 51’ With Roblox Event, Live Tour, And YouTube Collab
The No. 1 music brand for kids has released their latest album, Kidz Bop 51. The album features some of today’s biggest hits, which the Kidz Bop Kids will be performing on stage during their Kidz Bop Live Certified Bop Tour, including “Apt,” “Pink Pony Club,” “Messy,” and more. To celebrate this release, Kidz Bop is returning to Roblox as part of the company’s continued partnership with Gamefam, the leading metaverse media company, following the success of a previous integration on Roblox earlier this year. Additionally, Kidz Bop has collaborated with YouTube’s No. 1 kids’ ensemble, Toys and Colors.
On Saturday, July 19th, Kidz Bop will launch its second Roblox activation with Gamefam, making a virtual tour stop inside Car Dealership Tycoon, one of Gamefam’s top-performing games on the platform. As part of the in-game activation, players will visit a branded Kidz Bop Live Tour bus in the City Center to kick off the exclusive Kidz Bop Race Event. The event will feature a custom race course filled with vibrant, music-inspired obstacles, all set to Kidz Bop tracks. Players will be challenged to a quest where they can collect musical notes around the game to earn a limited-edition Kidz Bop-themed car. The activation follows Kidz Bop’s Roblox debut in January 2025 with a Kidz Bop 50 album launch event, resulting in 16.8 million visits.
To further engage with Gen Alpha, Kidz Bop collaborated with Pocket Watch creator and YouTube’s No. 1 kids’ ensemble, Toys and Colors, which has amassed over 127 million subscribers and 128 billion lifetime views across their channels. The popular creators visited the Kidz Bop studio in Los Angeles, where the Kidz Bop Kids taught them signature dance moves to “Kidz Bop Shuffle,” and shared behind-the-scenes fun.
Promoting the new album all summer long, the Kidz Bop Live Certified Bop Tour has officially kicked off, in partnership with Live Nation. Join them for the ultimate pop concert experience for kids and their grown-ups. Sing and dance along to today’s biggest Bops live on the big stage, with eye-popping new stage design and interactive elements kids will love, and the return of the popular and hilarious “Daddy Dance Off.”
51 Things You Didn’t Know About D’Angelo
The world is mourning the loss of D’Angelo, the legendary R&B singer who helped pioneer neo-soul. He died today, October 14, 2025, at the age of 51 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Michael Eugene Archer, D’Angelo reshaped modern soul with his albums Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah. His influence stretched from church choirs in Virginia to studios that defined an entire era of sound. Here are 51 things you didn’t know about him.
- D’Angelo’s real name was Michael Eugene Archer.
- He was born on February 11, 1974, in South Richmond, Virginia.
- His father was a Pentecostal preacher, and he grew up in a Pentecostal household.
- He began playing piano at the age of three.
- His 10-year-old brother discovered his gift when he caught him playing piano as a toddler.
- D’Angelo performed music in church alongside his father during childhood.
- As a teenager, he played in groups such as Three of a Kind and Michael Archer and Precise.
- He was also part of the hip hop group Intelligent, Deadly but Unique (I.D.U.).
- At 18, he won Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater Amateur Night three times in a row.
- Those victories inspired him to fully commit to a career in music.
- He dropped out of school and moved to New York City to pursue his dream.
- He was discovered by Jocelyn Cooper, who signed him to Midnight Songs LLC.
- D’Angelo co-wrote and co-produced “U Will Know” for the R&B supergroup Black Men United.
- That song featured major artists including Usher, Boyz II Men, and Raphael Saadiq.
- His brother Luther Archer wrote the lyrics for “U Will Know.”
- The song peaked at #5 on the R&B chart and #28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- He wrote and produced “Overjoyed” for the Boys Choir of Harlem in 1994.
- He signed a recording deal with EMI Records that same year.
- D’Angelo released his debut album Brown Sugar in July 1995.
- The album spent 65 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
- Brown Sugar was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1996.
- It helped define and popularize the neo-soul movement of the 1990s.
- “Lady,” one of the album’s singles, reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top ten.
- He collaborated with Lauryn Hill on “Nothing Even Matters” from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
- D’Angelo became close collaborators with The Roots’ drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
- Together, they co-created his groundbreaking second album Voodoo.
- Voodoo was recorded at New York’s legendary Electric Lady Studios.
- He worked with the Soulquarians collective, which included Questlove, J Dilla, and Roy Hargrove.
- Voodoo debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2000.
- The single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” earned him a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
- The album Voodoo won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
- Its music video for “Untitled” turned D’Angelo into an unexpected sex symbol.
- The video also led him to retreat from public life for nearly a decade.
- He struggled with alcoholism and personal challenges in the early 2000s.
- D’Angelo spent time in rehabilitation at the Crossroads Centre in Antigua.
- Despite difficulties, he continued to collaborate with artists like Snoop Dogg, Common, and Q-Tip.
- He released the compilation The Best So Far… in 2008.
- He began performing live again in Europe in 2012.
- D’Angelo released Black Messiah in December 2014.
- He rushed its release following the Ferguson and Eric Garner decisions.
- Black Messiah debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 and received universal acclaim.
- The song “Really Love” won Best R&B Song at the Grammys.
- Black Messiah also won Best R&B Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.
- He supported the album with The Second Coming Tour in 2015.
- That tour included 57 shows across Europe, Asia, and North America.
- He performed an emotional tribute to Prince on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2016.
- D’Angelo sang “Unshaken” for the Red Dead Redemption 2 video game soundtrack in 2018.
- He performed live at the Apollo Theater for a Verzuz special in 2021 titled D’Angelo vs Friends.
- He featured alongside Jay-Z on “I Want You Forever” from The Book of Clarence soundtrack in 2024.
- Rolling Stone ranked him #75 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023.
- D’Angelo is survived by three children, including one with singer Angie Stone.
Caligula’s Horse Celebrate a Decade of ‘Bloom’ With a Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition
Ten years after its original release, Australian prog rockers Caligula’s Horse are letting their roots grow deeper with a special 10th anniversary edition of their breakout 2015 album ‘Bloom,’ arriving November 7.
The expanded release adds four never-before-heard demos from the original sessions and features an alternate cover design by artist Chris Mangos, reimagined from the album’s original artwork.
“Ten years ago, we released ‘Bloom’ into the world,” the band shared. “It became a statement of who we are as a band and as people… The love this album has received has been overwhelming. We hope that in times of struggle, ‘Bloom’ will continue to be there for you. Remember: You have what you need in you. Just let it grow.”
Tracklist highlights include fan favorites like “Marigold,” “Firelight,” and “Turntail,” alongside raw pre-production demos and a newly unearthed 2015 recording of “Across the Universe.”
‘Bloom (10th Anniversary Edition)’ stands as both a celebration and a reflection—a reminder of where Caligula’s Horse began, and how far they’ve come since first planting their progressive seeds.
Blues-Rock Powerhouse Samantha Fish Expands Her Acclaimed Album ‘Paper Doll’ With Two New Tracks
Genre-defying blues-rock powerhouse Samantha Fish proudly unveils the digital deluxe edition of her acclaimed album Paper Doll. This expanded version includes two brand-new bonus tracks from the original recording sessions: “Dead Armadillo,” written by Samantha and producer Bobby Harlow, and a soulful rendition of Neil Young’s classic “Don’t Let It Bring You Down.”
Reflecting on her cover of the Neil Young song, Fish shared:
“I started performing ‘Don’t Let It Bring You Down’ during the pandemic. The lyrics have a dark and bleak quality, but they also hint at the possibility of change. Even if Neil intended it to be sarcastic, it resonated with us at that time, and people seemed to enjoy our version, so we decided to record it.”
On her original track “Dead Armadillo,” Fish explained:
“It’s a full-on rock loop that builds upon itself. I enjoy creating songs with simple foundations. The chords remain constant, but the hooks and melodies evolve throughout. Lyrically, it’s about accepting that not everyone will like or love you. You don’t have to be involved in every situation you encounter, and there’s good reason for that. Not every person is meant for you. It’s a mix of self-acceptance and being unbothered by the outcomes of that.”
Samantha Fish: A Modern Guitar Icon
Fish continues to earn recognition as one of the most dynamic voices in modern blues. She made her television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show, promoting her ninth album Paper Doll, which followed her GRAMMY®-nominated collaboration with Jesse Dayton, Death Wish Blues.
Her accolades span countless music publications — she has graced the covers of Guitar World, Premier Guitar, Vintage Guitar, Guitar Thrills, and Blues Matters. Guitar World hails her as “one of the most promising young blues performers,” while No Depression praises her genre-blending abilities, noting that she can “take you on a journey through country, blow your blues away, or slam you with some raucous rock.” Garden & Gun describes her as “one of the new guitar greats,” and Guitarist Magazine declares, “Samantha Fish is a force to be reckoned with.”
Her musical prowess has earned the admiration of legends. She was handpicked by Eric Clapton for his Crossroads Tour, joined Slash on the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Tour, and has shared the stage with icons like The Rolling Stones and Buddy Guy.
Blending influences from Mississippi Hill Country blues to the anthemic roar of classic rock, Fish has forged a sound entirely her own. Performing over 250 shows a year, she maintains her standing as one of the hardest-working artists in modern music, touring relentlessly across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, and Japan.
PAPER DOLL TOUR DATES
Paper Doll Tour
Oct 10 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley**
Oct 11 – Newberry, SC – Newberry Opera House
Oct 18 – Dubuque, IA – Diamond Jo Casino
Oct 26–27 – Minato-ku, Japan – Blue Note Tokyo
**With Texas Headhunters
Paper Doll Tour w/ Robert Jon & The Wreck
Nov 13 – Delmar, CA – The Sound
Nov 14 – Bakersfield, CA – World Records
Nov 15 – Fontana, CA – Stage Red
Nov 16 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory
Nov 18 – Santa Barbara, CA – Lobero Theatre
Nov 19 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Nov 20 – Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall
Nov 22 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
Nov 23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
Nov 24 – Bend, OR – Tower Theatre
Shake ‘Em On Down Tour w/ Cedric Burnside & Jon Spencer
Dec 5 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
Dec 6 – Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre
Dec 7 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Dec 10 – Carmel, IN – The Palladium
Dec 11 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre
Dec 12 – Warren, OH – Robins Theatre
Dec 13 – Cincinnati, OH – Ludlow Garage
Dec 14 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Dec 16 – Rochester, NY – Temple Civic Center
Dec 17 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall
Dec 18 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live
Dec 19 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
Dec 20 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
Dec 21 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur
Feb 18 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – The Big Easy Cruise 2026
Paper Doll European Tour
Feb 27 – York, UK – Barbican
Feb 28 – London, UK – SBE
Mar 1 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy
Mar 3 – Birmingham, UK – Town Hall
Mar 4 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz
Mar 5 – Newcastle, UK – Boiler Shop / Wylam Brewery
Mar 6 – Edinburgh, UK – Queens Hall
Mar 7 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
Mar 9 – Lille, rance – Le Splendid
Mar 10 – Brussels, Belgium – De Roma
Mar 11 – Cologne, Germany – Kantine
Mar 13 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg Max
Mar 14 – Berlin, Germany – Columbia Theatre
Mar 15 – Munich, Germany – Techniku
Derry Indie-Punks CHERYM Team Up With Glasgow’s Uninvited For Split AA Single ‘The Afterparty’
Derry indie-punks CHERYM are delighted to reveal new music today as they announce ‘The Afterparty’, a split AA single project with Glasgow pop punk quartet Uninvited, set for release on 24th October 2025.
To celebrate the news, CHERYM’s A side single ‘Sofabed’ will be available to stream on all good digital service providers from 10th October 2025.
Alongside the single, the band recently announced a short run of October 2025 Irish headline dates, with tickets on sale now.
On the track, Cherym said: “Sofabed is a song about coming to realise romantic feelings you may be having about someone you would consider a close friend, and never fully understanding the connection between the both of you. I feel like this type of situation is so common within the WLW community and is so much a part of the early sapphic experience.”
“It was an absolute dream come true collaborating with Uninvited on this one, we LOVE them so much and it made perfect sense for us to do this together. Both bands in the alt rock scene, both queer, both not ashamed to admit losing hours of our lives, sat in front of the TV watching Kerrang! in the early 2000s. It’s safe to say we knew quite early on the exact type of collaboration we wanted to make and saw it as an opportunity to create something that would make our younger selves feel seen and valued. It’s McBusted but more homoerotic and way better looking.”
Formed in August 2020, Uninvited band members Taylor-Ray Dillon (bass and vocals), Jay Dhlakama (guitar and vocals), Alex Young (lead guitar), and Fiorenza Cocozza (drums), are fast gaining a reputation for writing quality songs that address LGBTQ+ issues and challenge traditional indie tropes. They initially rose to prominence winning the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge competition in 2022, and drummer Fiorenza also appeared on the BBC Three 2024 series of ‘I Kissed a Girl’ presented by Dannii Minogue.
Commenting on the collaboration, Uninvited said: “Working on this release with Cherym has been the best experience. Their energy, creativity, and authenticity brought so much to the track, and the process was inspiring and exciting from start to finish. A true meeting of minds. We are really proud of what we have created together—it really captures the magic of collaboration and the spirit of Derry’s own Cherym <33”
‘Sofabed’ is the first new material from Cherym since their scorching 2024 cover of Doja Cat’s anthemic single ‘Boss Bitch’ for International Women’s Day.
The band’s critically-acclaimed debut album Take It Or Leave It, was released in February 2024 on Alcopop! Records. It was widely praised in reviews from NME, The Line of Best Fit, The Irish Times, The Irish News, DORK Magazine, Kerrang! Magazine, Hot Press Magazine and more, and the band were named in Hot Press Magazine’s Hot For 2024 list.
Following a triumphant album release and UK headline tour, Cherym’s flag has firmly been planted as one of the hottest new voices in alternative music.
The trio have barely paused for breath ever since, racking up the road miles supporting Enter Shikari, Snow Patrol, The Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers, and BO NINGEN, appearing at TRUCK, Manchester Punk Festival, The Great Escape Festival, 2000 Trees, Wales Goes Pop, Badlands Festival and more.
The band are currently working on material for their yet-to-be-announced second album.
Cherym 2025 Tour Dates:
21/10/25 – GRAND SOCAL BALLROOM, DUBLIN
23/10/25 – ULSTER SPORTS CLUB, BELFAST
29/10/25 – SANDINOS, DERRY