Page 229 – That Eric Alper

How Musicians Can Use Instagram Spotify Listening Now Notes to Market Their Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

How Musicians Can Use Instagram Spotify Listening Now Notes to Market Their Music

Instagram’s new Spotify Listening Now Notes are a simple but powerful tool for artists looking to promote their music and connect with fans daily — no editing, scheduling, or filming required.

Listening Now Notes let you share the song you’re currently playing on Spotify straight to your Instagram Notes (those small bubbles above your DMs). As your tracks change, your Note updates automatically, showing followers what you’re vibing to in real time.

Here’s how musicians can use it:

Promote new releases. Stream your own tracks and let them appear in your Note to give fans a natural reminder of what’s out now.
Shout out collaborators. Listening to a producer, songwriter, or feature? Sharing their music builds community and goodwill.
Stay visible. Even without posting Reels or Stories, your name stays in people’s DMs daily.

How to Use It:

Link Spotify when prompted by Instagram.
Play a track you want to share. Instagram will detect it automatically.
Let it run. Your Note updates in real time as you change songs and stays live for 24 hours.

Fans can even see lyrics when they tap your Note, adding another layer of engagement if it’s your own song.

It’s effortless marketing that keeps your name in your followers’ orbit, shows your taste, and subtly boosts streams — all while you just do what you already love: listen to music.

Neck Deep Release Deluxe Edition of Self-Titled Album ‘The Dumbf*** Edition’

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

Neck Deep Release Deluxe Edition of Self-Titled Album ‘The Dumbf*** Edition’

UK pop punk icons Neck Deep have released the deluxe edition of their acclaimed self-titled record, ‘Neck Deep (The Dumbf*** Edition),’ out now via Hopeless Records. Featuring four additional tracks, two live performances, and brand-new artwork, the expanded release includes the first-ever vinyl appearance of fan favorites “STFU” and “You Should See Me Now.” The record showcases everything that defines Neck Deep’s sound — loud, heartfelt, and full of energy — celebrating a decade of pushing pop punk forward from their humble beginnings in Wrexham to the global stage.

Originally released last year, ‘Neck Deep’ earned praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, and Alternative Press for its mix of raw power and emotional depth, with standout tracks like “Dumbstruck, Dumbfk,” “Sort Yourself Out,” and “They May Not Mean To (But They Do).” Now, ‘The Dumbf* Edition’ brings fans an even bigger dose of Neck Deep’s signature sound just as the band gears up for their U.S. tour with The Story So Far, joined by Origami Angel and Pain Of Truth. With new music and massive shows on the horizon, Neck Deep’s momentum shows no sign of slowing down.

Rising Country Artist Will Jones Releases Heartfelt New Single “Ride With Me”

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

Rising Country Artist Will Jones Releases Heartfelt New Single “Ride With Me”

Recently spotlighted by Country Now as a “Country Next” artist and featured in Holler’s “10 Country and Americana Artists You Need To Know,” Will Jones cements his rising-star status with the release of his emotional new single “Ride With Me,” out now via Lady Luck Songs / Blue Harbor Music. Co-written with Mark Nesler and Tony Martin and produced by Cliff Audretch and Rob McNelley, the song captures the heartache, sacrifice, and devotion that come with life on the road while leaving loved ones behind. “Life on the road, long nights, and chasing a dream isn’t easy for anyone, but it’s even harder on the ones we love,” Will shares. “With a young daughter and another on the way, I dedicate ‘Ride With Me’ for every partner who holds it all together, making it possible to keep pursuing the journey.”

Since moving to Nashville in 2019, Jones has performed alongside country greats including Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Josh Turner, and Tracy Lawrence, as well as bluegrass legends like Ralph Stanley and Chris Thile. Praised by MusicRow’s Robert Oermann for his “eloquent and extraordinary” songwriting, Will’s music blends traditional Appalachian soul with modern grit. From his early days fronting his family band, The Cana Ramblers, to his latest single, Jones embodies the heart of real country music — raw, heartfelt, and honest. “To me, it’s all country damn music,” he says. “Steeped in tradition but a little wild, free, and unpredictable… that’s me.”

Jessica Lynn Announces New Single “Must’ve Been The Whiskey” and 2025 Holiday Tour

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

Jessica Lynn Announces New Single “Must’ve Been The Whiskey” and 2025 Holiday Tour

Brooklyn-born and Billboard-charting country artist Jessica Lynn is back with her cheeky new single “Must’ve Been The Whiskey,” out November 5 and produced by Aslan Freeman (Lainey Wilson). Known for her powerhouse vocals and infectious songwriting, Jessica brings her signature energy to a playful anthem celebrating girls’ nights out, laughter, and the kind of memories that come with one too many rounds. “‘Must’ve Been The Whiskey’ is my lighthearted take on those unforgettable girls’ nights out — the ones where the music’s loud, the drinks are flowing, and suddenly that guy at the bar looks way cuter than he actually is,” she shares. “It’s a fun reminder that sometimes bad decisions make the best stories and laughs.”

Coinciding with the single’s release, Jessica will premiere the official music video filmed at The Outlaw Saloon in Chestnut Ridge, NY, directed by Jessica herself and shot by Alex Kouvatsos of Blackwolf Imaging. Following the release, she’ll embark on her ninth annual “A Very Merry Classic Christmas” tour, running from November 26 in Foxborough, MA, through December 21 in Newton, NJ. The 16-date East Coast tour blends community spirit, local talent, and Toys for Tots’ largest seasonal drive — this year enhanced through a new partnership with Maxell. With hits like ‘All I Own’ and ‘Lone Rider’ already defining her rise, Jessica Lynn continues to prove she’s not just a country star — she’s a force for good, fun, and unforgettable music.

Tour Dates:
A Very Merry Classic Christmas Tour 2025

Kicks off November 26 – Foxborough, MA
Ends December 21 – Newton, NJ

James Fauntleroy’s New Label AF:G Debuts ‘The Spirit of Goodwill’ EP Celebrating Artists With Disabilities

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

James Fauntleroy’s New Label AF:G Debuts ‘The Spirit of Goodwill’ EP Celebrating Artists With Disabilities

GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and producer James Fauntleroy launches his new social-good label AESTHETIC FORM: GOODWILL (AF:G) with its first project, ‘The Spirit of Goodwill’ — the debut EP from the Spirit of Goodwill Band, released in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Formed in 1987 and managed by Goodwill Industries of South Florida, the band is made up of talented Goodwill employees who bring their creativity to both their work and the stage, proving that opportunity and artistry have no limits.

‘The Spirit of Goodwill’ features inspired covers of timeless classics including “My Way,” “Believe It or Not,” “Happy Together,” “Save The Last Dance For Me,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.” The group, previously featured in the award-winning 2010 documentary For Once in My Life, continues to embody Goodwill’s mission of empowerment through inclusion. Produced by Jim Bigham and praised by Variety, The New York Times, CBS, and The Los Angeles Times, the film and now the new EP celebrate resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music to unite. Through AF:G, the Spirit of Goodwill Band’s message of hope and possibility will reach listeners around the world.

Tracklist:

My Way (originally by Frank Sinatra)
Believe It or Not (originally by Joey Scarbury)
Happy Together (originally by The Turtles)
Save The Last Dance For Me (originally by The Drifters)
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You (originally by Frankie Valli)

Jess Jocoy Releases Soulful Third Album ‘Cul-de-Sac Kid’ and Redefines Country Storytelling

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

Jess Jocoy Releases Soulful Third Album ‘Cul-de-Sac Kid’ and Redefines Country Storytelling

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jess Jocoy releases her highly anticipated third album ‘Cul-de-Sac Kid,’ out now, solidifying her place as one of country music’s most evocative voices. Known for crafting introspective songs that live between heartache and hope, Jocoy’s 11-track collection blends cinematic storytelling with folk-rooted honesty. With her signature “cul-de-sac country” sound, Jocoy fuses Pacific Northwest soul with Southern twang, creating an intimate yet expansive soundscape that’s uniquely her own.

Anchored by the heartfelt title track “Cul-de-Sac Kid” and the striking single “You Sure Showed Me,” the album reflects Jocoy’s evolution both as an artist and a person. “Cul-de-Sac Kid feels like a door opening,” she shares. “I see what came before as memories rather than ghosts, and I look ahead to what’s to come as a hopeful light ready to break through.” Praised by outlets including American Songwriter, No Depression, and Taste of Country, Jocoy’s new release captures her fearless authenticity — blending melancholy, strength, and grace in equal measure. As she takes the stage at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe to celebrate its release, ‘Cul-de-Sac Kid’ stands as a heartfelt reminder that country music belongs to everyone, no matter where they come from.

Tracklist:

I Could Live On That Alone
Above Ground
Cul-de-Sac Kid
Tearing Up Heaven
Neon Moon
Runaround
Every Good Cowboy
A Lifetime Only Lasts So Long
You Sure Showed Me
Echo In The Canyon
Gumweed

Ehson Hashemian Releases Ambitious New Concept Album ‘Me Then You’

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

Ehson Hashemian Releases Ambitious New Concept Album ‘Me Then You’

Southern California singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ehson Hashemian unveils his stunning fifth solo album ‘Me Then You,’ a 14-track indie-rock journey out now. Woven with atmospheric textures and dreamlike melodies, the album marks his most ambitious project yet — a concept record inspired by the story of Adam and Eve and the dawn of human connection. A founding member of The Jakes (now Young the Giant) and co-writer of their double-platinum hit “Cough Syrup,” Ehson continues to evolve as a solo artist with an album that radiates cohesion, introspection, and hope. “‘Me Then You’ is a concept album that tells a story and sticks to one main theme throughout,” he shares. “A theme that runs through most of the album is a longing for love and friendship, and the need to eliminate hatred in the world.”

Featuring the energetic single “You Got It,” along with heartfelt tracks like “Everything” and “Back Home,” ‘Me Then You’ blends emotional storytelling with inventive soundscapes. “You Got It” stands out for its dance-driven vibe, with Ehson noting, “It is a light-hearted song that is meant to break you out of being stuck in your shell and holding back from enjoying a good dance beat.” Across the record, his reflections on love, perseverance, and the human spirit shine through, offering listeners both comfort and inspiration. ‘Me Then You’ is more than an album — it’s a vivid statement of growth and creative purpose from one of indie rock’s most thoughtful voices.

Tracklist:

Back Home
Everything
I Knew
I Wish
Just Want
Looking
Me Then You
One You Want
Only You
Time Is Right
To An End
When It’s Over
Work It Out
You Got It

Patrick Foote Explores Why Musical Notes Are Named After Letters

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

Patrick Foote Explores Why Musical Notes Are Named After Letters

Patrick Foote of Name Explain dives into the fascinating question of why musical notes have been historically named after letters of the alphabet. While he doesn’t pinpoint a single answer, Foote suggests it’s simply practical — letters have always been universal, easy-to-read symbols, making them the perfect tool for musicians to communicate and create without reinventing the wheel.

Joshua Woo Blends The Cure and The Smiths in “Friday I’m in Love” Mashup

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

Joshua Woo Blends The Cure and The Smiths in “Friday I’m in Love” Mashup

Musician Joshua Woo strikes again with another brilliantly bizarre musical crossover — performing The Cure’s classic “Friday I’m in Love” as if it were written and sung by The Smiths. Known for previously dressing as Robert Smith to perform a-ha’s “Take On Me as The Cure,” Woo takes the concept even further this time, complete with Morrissey-style vocals and a twirling sunflower in hand. “Robert Smith and Morrissey famously have a disliking and rivalry with each other,” Woo explains. “So I thought I could try and heal relationships by combining them together ha!” The result is a witty, spot-on fusion that feels like musical fan fiction brought to life — and one that just might make both legends smile.

SoulChef and Bumpy Knuckles Unite on Powerful New Single “Different”

Music

Eric Alper

-

Nov 9, 2025

0

SoulChef and Bumpy Knuckles Unite on Powerful New Single “Different”

New Zealand producer SoulChef teams up with legendary American emcee Bumpy Knuckles (aka Freddie Foxxx) for “Different,” a gritty, soul-infused anthem that bridges continents and generations. Built on warm instrumentation, tight drums, and jazz-laced textures, SoulChef’s masterful production provides the perfect backdrop for Bumpy Knuckles’ commanding flow and lyrical sharpness. The collaboration captures the essence of hip-hop at its purest — authentic, raw, and driven by purpose — as both artists push their creative boundaries. “Different” stands as a bold statement of timeless artistry, proving that real craft and conviction still define the genre’s beating heart.