Over the past eight years, Antwerp’s punk rock powerhouse Captain Kaiser has grown into one of Belgium’s leading punk bands. Still proudly rooted in the Kempen, their sound nods to the raw emotion of High Vis and the anarchic spirit of Viagra Boys. For frontman Sascha Vansant, punk isn’t a genre—it’s a mindset: uncompromising, loud, and always real.
The band’s long-awaited fourth album ‘Belgian Boy’, out now through [PIAS] Recordings, features ‘Dancefloor’, an anthem for the underdogs, the lonely barflies, the smiling Lucys clutching a bottle, and the Liams who hide their tears behind jokes. ‘Dancefloor’ is a breath of fresh air: an upbeat riff that will thrill fans of The Cure and DIIV, a melody that embraces the darkness but lets the light in.
Across the album, there’s also the raw punch of ‘Roadkill’ and ‘Moldy’ and the atmospheric post-rock of ‘Playground’. And with the album’s emotive title track ‘Belgian Boy’, Captain Kaiser once again proves that punk doesn’t just scream—it comforts, celebrates, and connects.
Multinational K-pop sensation MEOVV turn up the heat with their explosive new single “BURNING UP,” out now via THEBLACKLABEL / Capitol Records. Fueled by powerhouse vocals, pulsating beats, and pure attitude, the track blazes with passion and confidence – a fearless anthem of unstoppable energy.
“BURNING UP” was co-written by MEOVV members GAWON and NARIN alongside a cast of top-tier THEBLACKLABEL talent and international hitmakers including the label’s founder/mega-producer Teddy “TEDDY” Park, Malachiii, Teal Douville, Billy Walsh, Jesse Bluu, Zikai, 24, Vince, and Lento. Producers include TEDDY, Malachiii, 24, and Teal Douville. The epic dance cut kicks off with a Jersey club beat and a living rhythm made up of inhales and exhales. The pulsating synth lifts the group higher as they chant: “It’s like a wildfire, I’mma stay right by ya / Come take me up higher / Let it, let it, let it, let it burn.”
The “BURNING UP” video transfers that all sweltering intensity to the screen as MEOVV brings the heat wherever they go. The girls step out of flaming vehicles, set off sprinkler systems during a spicy food challenge, attempt to cool down in front of a massive fan, and dance under the spray of a fire truck. But nothing can extinguish MEOVV’s searing drive to keep pushing forward without a moment’s doubt.
The new single follows a string of milestones for MEOVV. Most recently, the group was added to the hotly tipped Fall 2025 Emerging Artists list from PEOPLE, who proclaimed, “K-Pop fan or not, MEOVV will be your latest obsession.” In August, the girls made their stunning live U.S. debut at KCON LA. The month before, they released their inaugural Japanese single, “ME ME ME,” in partnership with cosmetic brand KAO. And, of course, May brought the highly anticipated MY EYES OPEN VVIDE, a six-track EP that freely breaks down barriers between genres, moods, languages, and vocal styles – delivering an intimate yet expansive sound that captures MEOVV’s core duality: at times razor sharp, at others effortlessly smooth.
Overseen by TEDDY (BIGBANG, G-Dragon, 2NE1, BLACKPINK), MY EYES OPEN VVIDE is a sonic coming-of-age story that traces MEOVV’s journey as they open their eyes to the world, break down boundaries, and begin actualizing their dreams – as the world, in turn, opens its eyes to them. The EP launched the dynamic, rock-tinged pop epic “DROP TOP” and the laidback R&B track “LIT RIGHT NOW.” It also includes the Brazilian-funk-inspired resilience anthem “HANDS UP” – which earned MEOVV their first-ever music show win on Mnet’s M Countdown, a major milestone for any rookie group – alongside vulnerable pop/R&B song “TOXIC” and “BODY,” a rowdy, dance-inducing hit that doubled as a warning to would-be haters or rivals. Rounding out MY EYES OPEN VVIDE is MEOVV’s bold debut single “MEOW,” a body-banging explosion that roared onto Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 10.
Hailing from South Korea, the US, and Japan, MEOVV’s lineup includes SOOIN, GAWON, ANNA, NARIN, and ELLA – five stars who possess both uniquely compelling identities and an indestructible bond. After playing an integral role in shaping some of K-pop’s most iconic acts over the past couple decades, TEDDY hand-picked the members of MEOVV – his first girl group since debuting BLACKPINK – and is directing all facets of the creative and production. MEOVV launched in September 2024 and, a mere three months later, won “Favorite Rising Artist” at the 2024 MAMA Awards, Asia’s most prestigious music award show.
MEOVV has since earned a slew of critical acclaim from, among other outlets, Teen Vogue, PAPER, Hypebae, The Hollywood Reporter, Elite Daily, UPROXX, Clash, and Billboard, who raved, “MEOVV leaped onto the K-pop scene by showcasing a promising range and bold artistry set to claw out a legacy all their own.” With “BURNING UP,” MEOVV makes clear that the raging fires they’ve set around the globe so far are only the beginning.
On October 17, Jonathan Wyndham will release his new album Middle Class & Infamous, a collection of songs that capture both the resilience and the raw honesty of a working musician stepping into his own. From its first track to its last, the record is a portrait of an artist choosing to stop playing it safe and start telling his own story. With Wyndham producing the record on his own and playing nearly every instrument, the album stands as an even more intimate and authentic reflection of his artistry.
The title came from an unlikely place: Wyndham’s friend, Jeff, who works at the local liquor store. “Jeff, looked up at me one day and said, ‘You rich and famous yet or still middle class and infamous?’ I laughed and told him, ‘Man, I think you just named my record,” Wyndham recalls. “The longer I sat with it, the truer it felt.” That truth threads through the album’s ten songs, balancing moments of grief and heartbreak with glimpses of hope and determination.
“The Last Time” was written in the aftermath of losing his best friend in a car accident, the kind of song Wyndham says he wishes he never had to write. “Numb” was born at three in the morning after hearing a close friend had overdosed. “Make A Difference” was sparked when an old friend from The Voice told him that his only goal for the next five years was simply to ‘make a difference’. Each track is rooted in a moment that demanded to be captured, processed, and shared.
The recording process was just as intentional. Some songs were built layer by layer with trusted collaborators, while others came to life in a single take. Wyndham kept imperfections that carried honesty. “The Last Time” still includes the sound of him setting his guitar pick down at the end.
Musically, Middle Class & Infamous builds on the foundation of Wyndham’s debut Nashville Rock & Soul, Vol. 1. Where that first record captured the energy of a dream live set, this new album is a refinement, a deeper vocabulary, a stripped-down clarity, and songs built to resonate whether you’re on a morning run or wrestling with heartbreak. “Every choice was in service of the songs,” Wyndham explains. “If it didn’t serve the message of the song, it got left out.”
For Wyndham, this release is more than just a record, it’s a commitment. After spending his 20’s touring with & musical directing for artists like Colbie Caillat and Jessie James Decker, he made the decision earlier this year to step away from those roles and invest fully in himself as an artist.
“This is my flag in the sand, “I’m not dipping my toe in the water, I’m diving in” artist record. I’m in. I’ve ditched the sideman safety net, I’m whole heartedly taking these tunes to where they deserve to go.” He continues to write and produce for other artists, but this record marks the moment he puts equal weight behind his own voice.“This is the last record I will ever produce while playing for another artist, leaving my Musical Director position withColbie Caillatthis past April to put both feet into the proverbial ring as an artist. I love other people’s music, and helping them find their sound and be the best they can be, but I can’t wake up in a decade to realize I haven’t done what I’ve been given the tools to do, which is take this music to the world” Wyndham states.
Wyndham has already carved out an impressive career: a Gibson endorsed guitarist, his work has been featured by ESPN, the NFL Network, and NBA 2K21. He’s toured the world, performed at the Opry, and earned the trust of Grammy-winning artists. But Middle Class & Infamous is the moment he steps forward without a safety net, a record that represents both who he is and where he’s going.
“These songs are my launching point,” Wyndham says. “If I’m going to leave my boys at home and get on a plane, it must be for something worth building. This record is that.”
Today, singer, songwriter, producer Joji shares “PIXELATED KISSES.” The single marks his first new music since 2022’s SMITHEREENS, which featured the RIAA 2x Platinum, #1 Spotify Global 50 hit “Glimpse of Us.”
Entirely written, produced, and recorded by Joji, “PIXELATED KISSES” marks a sonic return to form. Joji’s quintessential pared-down vocals and an indelible hook unite with a gritty trap beat for a masterclass on the art of simplicity. The resulting product is haunting, moody, and indelible, representing the core of his artistry and what makes it so special.
Since his breakthrough in 2017, Joji has released four critically-acclaimed studio albums BALLADS 1 (2018), which included the RIAA-certified 5x Platinum single “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK,” Nectar (2020), and SMITHEREENS (2022), which featured his highest-charting single to date “Glimpse of Us.” In support of these projects, he has toured internationally and performed at major festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Reading & Leeds. In 2023, he embarked on the OBLIVION and PANDEMONIUM arena tours, spanning 41 shows with sold-out dates at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Kia Forum, Crypto.com Arena, United Center, and London’s Gunnersbury Park.
K-pop sensations Riize are turning up the volume this fall with the launch of their first major North American tour, the 2025 Riize Concert Tour [Rizing Loud] in North America. Set to bring their dynamic performances and global hits to stages across the country, the group is gearing up to connect with American fans like never before. Produced by SM Entertainment and promoted by AEG Presents, the tour will hit eight major cities in North America beginning October 30th in Rosemont, IL, with additional stops in cities including New York, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and concluding in Mexico City on November 13th.
The run will bring all songs from Riize’s full-length debut album, Odyssey, to the live stage for the first time in the U.S., giving fans a chance to experience the group’s evolving sound and vision in person. Released on May 19th, Odyssey marks a major milestone in Riize’s artistic journey, celebrating their ongoing growth and creative exploration since their debut nearly two years ago. Featuring ten tracks – including the soaring title song “Fly Up” – the album blends Riize’s signature Emotional Pop style with deeply personal storytelling and a powerful message of self-reflection and ambition. With ODYSSEY, Riize invites fans to join them on a new chapter of their real-time journey – and now, through electrifying live performances, North American audiences will be part of that story like never before.
The tour officially kicked off on July 4th with three sold-out shows in Seoul, collectively drawing an astonishing 31,000 fans and setting the tone for what promises to be a global phenomenon. The massive turnout not only demonstrated Riize’s explosive popularity at home, but also underscored their growing international reach. With fans from around the world already rallying behind this next chapter, the group is poised to bring that same electrifying energy to North American stages, cementing their status as one of K-pop’s most exciting and globally resonant acts.
2025 Riize Concert Tour [Rizing Loud] in North America Dates:
Oct 30 – Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Theatre Nov 1 – New York, NY @ The Theater at Madison Square Garden Nov 2 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem Nov 4 – Duluth, GA @ Gas South Arena Nov 7 – Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater Nov 9 – San Francisco, CA @ The Theater at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Nov 11 – Los Angeles, CA @ Peacock Theater Nov 14 – Mexico City, MEX @ Velódromo Olímpico
Multi-platinum selling rock band Puddle of Mudd have released their new lyric video for the song “Firefly.” This track comes from the band’s latest album, Kiss the Machine, which was released earlier this year in the spring.
Frontman Wes Scantlin says, “I wrote ‘Firefly’ as a tribute to Layne Staley, Chester Bennington, Chris Cornell, and all the fallen soldiers who gave their lives. Their voices and sacrifices lit a fire in me, and I wanted this song to be a way of keeping their light alive.”
Scantlin also notes, “They all struggled with demons most people couldn’t see, and the song is my way of recognizing that pain while keeping their light alive. I’ve been through my own battles too, and I’m in a better place now. I feel lucky to still be here. I’m a lucky dude. Music heals me, and I hope it heals others as well.”
“Firefly” was cathartic for Scantlin to create, as the song serves as both a tribute and a personal reflection. The track weaves together themes of grief and resilience. “Firefly” had been an idea that Scantlin thought about for several years, but it wasn’t until last year when he came up with the guitar part that completed it.
Another important theme of “Firefly” is childhood nostalgia. Scantlin shares, “I miss my grandma. She used to kick us kids out of the kitchen before supper and send us outside, where we’d catch fireflies in jars and turn them into makeshift lanterns. Those sweet, beautiful memories stayed with me and are woven into this song. I wanted that feeling of joy and light to live inside the song alongside the sadness. The Firefly is that spark of hope we hold onto, even in the darkest times.”
Scantlin hopes “Firefly” resonates with anyone who has felt loss or struggled in silence. At its core, the song is about connection.
Last month, trailblazing pop duo Goldfrapp celebrated two decades of their seminal third album Supernature by announcing the upcoming release of the 20th Anniversary deluxe edition, arriving November 21 via MUTE/BMG. Today they share a brand new remix of “Koko” reimagined by Sun’s Signature, the transcendent project of Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins) & Damon Reece (Massive Attack, Spiritualized).
Sun’s Signature bring their singular dreamlike palette to “Koko,” weaving together Fraser’s ethereal vocals and Reece’s cinematic atmospherics to transform the track into a lush, otherworldly reverie. Known for blurring the boundaries between ambient, avant-garde, and pop, the duo infuse the remix with their signature alchemy–mysterious, expansive, and deeply emotive.
This follows the recent release of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory’s remix of the acid-tinged, bewitching “You Never Know” – their first fresh Goldfrapp release in years, which was a thrilling moment for longtime fans.
Originally released in 2005, Supernature was Goldfrapp’s era-defining masterpiece, a multi-layered sonic-pop thriller that shattered the electronic rulebook, replacing it with a radical, high-gloss vision of pop music at its most seductive and strange. It took everything Black Cherry achieved and booted it into infinity, bathed in lip-glossed euphoria and mixed to ecstatic perfection by the legendary Spike Stent (Madonna, Björk, Massive Attack, U2), and became the blueprint which inspired a new wave of pop.
Supernature catapulted Goldfrapp into the pop stratosphere, spawning now-classic singles like “Ooh La La,” “Number 1,” and “Ride A White Horse.” The album topped charts worldwide, earned multi-platinum sales, garnered multiple BRIT and GRAMMY nominations, while their live shows became legendary for their mesmerising visuals and unforgettable performances. The duo’s impact continues to resonate in pop culture, with their music appearing as the enigmatic soundtrack to a wide spectrum of films, TV and advertisements, an Ivor Novello award for “Strict Machine” in 2004 and the prestigious Ivor’s Inspiration Award in 2021, solidifying their lasting legacy as one of the most innovative acts in pop history.
Now reissued for its 20th anniversary, the deluxe edition offers fans the classic original album alongside B-sides, classic & brand new remixes, unreleased live radio session recordings and a Blu-ray 5.1 surround mix. The release is presented across 3 CDs in deluxe packaging, alongside a stunning peacock-coloured double vinyl edition featuring a remix EP, with everything cut at half speed for enhanced sound quality. The new edition includes two brand new Goldfrapp remixes by Alison Goldfrapp & Will Gregory, with exclusive reinterpretations from Richard X, Sun’s Signature (Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins) & Damon Reece (Massive Attack, Spiritualized) and more.
With the release of this deluxe edition, Goldfrapp don’t just revisit Supernature, they reaffirm its enduring influence in 2025’s musical landscape and beyond. A shimmering, defiant triumph of glam-pop futurism, it remains lightyears ahead and continues to inspire a new generation of sonic iconoclasts.
Today, Grammy-nominated artist and cultural icon Wale released “Mirroronnabenz” with BNYX, the latest single off of his widely-anticipated upcoming eighth studio album. The deeply personal track arrives following the recent announcement of everything is a lot., set to drop on November 14, 2025 via Def Jam Recordings.
“Mirroronnabenz” is Wale’s third single this year, following the delivery of “Where to Start” (June 2025) and “Blanco” (March 2025). Featuring the genre-bending sounds of chart-topping producer and songwriter BNYX, the song marks one of Wale’s most introspective records to date. With a rhythmic hook and nimble lyricism, “Mirroronnabenz” acts as a mirror, reflecting on Wale’s past and the events that shaped him.
On the track, Wale reckons with identity, success and self-worth. The legendary, DMV-born rapper revisits early ambitions, relatable insecurities, and the mental toll of navigating fame. The recurring mantra “You deserve everything you do,” serves as both an affirmation and a reminder of self-love amid life’s challenges.
As one of the DMV’s most celebrated MCs, Wale has collaborated with chart topping artists including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, SZA, Miguel, Rick Ross and more. Wale returned to music in 2023, following a brief hiatus, with a new deal under Def Jam Recordings. Peaking #1 on Billboard 200 with its 2015 release, Wale’s acclaimed album, The Album About Nothing is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year.
Universal Music Canada (UMC), the country’s leading music company, and GRAMMY-nominated, JUNO Award-winning songwriter / producer Lowell, today announce a new creative partnership.
This strategic collaboration officially integrates Lowell’s unparalleled creative insights and proven hitmaking abilities across UMC’s industry-leading A&R team. Specializing in artist development, Lowell is a proven powerhouse in consistently breaking artists. Whether producing, writing, or A&R’ing projects, her ability to anticipate stylistic and production trends has launched countless artistic projects into successful careers.
“Working with the best in the industry to support artists achieve their greatest potential is the UMC standard, and this partnership further solidifies that commitment,” said Amanda Kingsland, VP A&R, Universal Music Canada. “Her remarkable success as a songwriter and her ability to craft global hits speaks volumes, but more than that, Lowell has an exceptional gift for finding and nurturing talent while helping artists grow into their best selves.”
“Lowell is a creative force. Her incredible passion and fearless approach to music make her one of one. We exist to help artists achieve artistic and commercial success on a global stage out of Canada, and we are so excited, and grateful Lowell is joining us to supercharge that mission,” said Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada.
Lowell is one of the most in-demand creative forces in music today, known for her collaborations with Beyoncé, Madison Beer, Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Charlie Puth, The Beaches, Lennon Stella, Hailee Steinfeld, Sofia Camara, bülow, and many more. Her work includes co-writes on global hits for superstars like Beyoncé (“Texas Hold ‘Em” and “Bodyguard”), Tate McRae (“r u ok”), recent tracks with UMC’s rising pop star Sofia Camara (“Who Do I Call Now” and “Girls Like You”), and much more.
“Universal Music Canada and I have been unofficially working together all the way back to our joint work with bülow, and more recently, Valley, Sofia Camara, and more. I’m so excited to be able to be even more involved with the team and all their amazing artists,” said Lowell. “Julie and I have quickly become kindred spirits, and I have so much respect for her, not only what she has already achieved in a short time in her position but what I know she will do moving forward. She has quickly shown me her uniquely immense respect for creatives, and in thinking outside of the box, which is imperative in this rapidly changing industry. Her willingness to grow and learn even from the top inspires me. I can’t wait to see what we can do together!“
Recently recognized with the inaugural JUNO Award for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer), SOCAN’s International Achievement Award, and honoured as part of Billboard Canada’s Women in Music Industry Spotlight, Lowell is one of Canada’s most talented songwriters / producers.
The Icy Girl Saweetie is back in her bag and hotter than ever. The multi-hyphenate, Grammy-nominated artist, style icon, and global trendsetter returns with a flawless new EP, Hella Pressure, out now via Warner Records, and a sizzling single, “Boffum” (pronounced bow-fum), a high-energy banger produced by Grammy-winning hitmaker J White Did It.
Built around a hypnotic bassline, slick Bay Area bounce, and her signature West Coast swag, “boffum” brings Saweetie back to her hyphy roots, with a modern-day twist. Laced with slick talk, savage punchlines, and Saweetie’s slang-laced dialect, the track is playful, powerful, and primed to take over every speaker from the club to the cookout.
With her forthcoming EP, Saweetie reminds the world she’s not just in the conversation- she is the conversation. Stay tuned for the official “Boffum” music video and more music dropping soon.
Saweetie’s “Icy Hot” juxtaposition is on full display in the cover art, as she stuns in a bikini with snow white fur, diamonds, and a luxe trapper hat with a bold red visor. Saweetie embodies the spirit of her new single, “Buffum,” meaning both of ‘em. She’s a bold, confident woman who doesn’t have to choose between sides because she’s all of it, all at once.
“New music? New era? Why not boffum?” Saweetie teases. “This track is all about embracing your duality and owning every side of who you are. I’m so excited for the Icy Gang to hear it, and I can’t wait to finally share the project I’ve been working on.”
This latest chapter follows a series of major milestones that cemented Saweetie’s place in music and culture. With nearly six billion global streams, she’s delivered chart-topping hits like the platinum-certified “Tap In,” the quadruple platinum smash “My Type,” and the multi-platinum anthem “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat, which earned her two Grammy nominations. Beyond music, Saweetie has landed roles in Starz’s BMF and the fashion comedy Idiotka, which premiered at SXSW.
Whether through her viral moments, bold fashion statements, or community-driven initiatives, Saweetie continues to shape the culture, and with “boffum,” she’s turning up the temperature and stepping fully into her power.
![Riize Bring Their Emotional Pop Sound To North America With ‘Odyssey’ Tour [Rizing Loud]](https://www.thatericalper.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/download-7-15-768x432.jpg "Riize Bring Their Emotional Pop Sound To North America With ‘Odyssey’ Tour [Rizing Loud]")
