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Jennette McCurdy Releases Debut Novel ‘Half His Age’ Following Bestselling Memoir

Eric Alper
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Jennette McCurdy Releases Debut Novel ‘Half His Age’ Following Bestselling Memoir

Jennette McCurdy, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’, releases her debut novel ‘Half His Age’ today. The 288-page hardcover arrives through major retailers priced at $30.00, with a Kobo eBook edition available for $16.99. McCurdy transitions from memoir to fiction with a character-driven story centered on Waldo, a seventeen-year-old navigating desire, loneliness, and the complicated pursuit of connection. The novel explores themes of intimacy, power, and the often misguided lengths people go to in order to feel seen.

‘Half His Age’ follows Waldo’s fixation on Mr. Korgy, her creative writing teacher, examining the psychology behind her yearning through a lens that McCurdy describes as sad, funny, and thrilling. The protagonist grapples with questions of what drives attraction: passion, life experience, intellectual connection, or simply the need to be acknowledged. McCurdy crafts a portrait of adolescent longing that balances sharp perception with dark humor, offering readers a raw examination of a young woman determined to overcome every obstacle in her path toward validation and love.

Fender Introduces Studio Pro Software And Quantum Recording Interface Lineup

Eric Alper
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Fender Introduces Studio Pro Software And Quantum Recording Interface Lineup

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced a significant milestone in its evolution of creative tools, introducing Fender Studio as a new brand and unifying PreSonus Studio One Pro and its renowned recording interfaces together under the Fender name. Starting this year, Studio One Pro becomes Fender Studio Pro, while the Quantum and AudioBox Go lines transition to the Fender Quantum Series and Fender AudioBox Go.

“For more than a decade, Studio One Pro has set the standard for modern music production,” said Max Gutnik, Chief Product Officer, FMIC. “Its balance of power, creativity and ease of use has inspired countless artists and shaped how music is made today. With Fender Studio Pro, we are taking those celebrated features and enhancing them with a modernized interface, Fender’s award-winning amp and effects models and new intuitive workflows and capabilities that make creating music faster, more inspiring and more connected than ever.”

The reimagined Fender Studio Pro environment introduces an updated visual design, native Fender amp and effects plugins, a new channel overview for faster mixing workflows, updated samplers and AI powered audio-to-note conversion for layering sounds and inspiring intelligent chord technology for creative songwriting. For artists, producers and engineers, this move represents more than a name change. It brings together the trusted performance of PreSonus hardware and software with Fender’s deep legacy in tone and musical expression.

Combining Studio One Pro’s celebrated features and trusted performance with a new modernized interface and intuitive workflows, Fender Studio Pro 8 features Fender’s renowned amps and effects models that make creating music faster, more inspiring and connected than ever. Available exclusively in the Fender Studio app and Fender Studio Pro, the Mustang and Rumble Native plugins offer 57 guitar and bass amp models and hundreds of effects for players to find their sound.

From iconic instruments and amplifiers to award-winning digital platforms like Tone Master Pro and Fender Play, Fender remains dedicated to inspiring generations of artists and creators through technology, tone and timeless design. The new Fender Studio brand represents the next evolution of that vision, where tradition and innovation meet in the service of creativity. Anchored by Fender Studio Pro and the Fender Quantum Series Interfaces, this next-generation lineup delivers reliability, premium sound quality and seamless integration across hardware and software, from the studio to the stage. Built for artists, producers and engineers, Fender Studio enhances the creative process and brings ideas to life without disrupting the flow of inspiration.

“Having authentic Fender amps and pedals built straight into the DAW is a game-changer,” said Alissia, GRAMMY-Nominated Producer of the Year, Bassist and Artist. “Fender Studio Pro delivers true analog warmth with a seamless workflow.”

Watch Nile Rodgers and Alissia bring a musical idea to life using Fender Studio Pro. In this exclusive collaboration filmed at the legendary Power Station at BerkleeNYC, witness the creative process unfold as Nile Rodgers lays down his signature guitar work while Alissia crafts the perfect production. From initial concept to polished production, see how these two masters harness the full power of Fender Studio Pro’s comprehensive music creation tools.

Starting today, all existing PreSonus customers will continue to be served through the new MyFender platform effectively replacing MyPreSonus. This exciting new platform will not only serve software and hardware customers but the wider universe of Fender customers who purchase guitars, amps and effects.

In parallel, the PreSonus brand will continue to serve creators with industry-leading audio solutions like the acclaimed Eris Monitors, StudioLive Series III SE Mixers, Air XD Loudspeakers and more. As part of the FMIC family, PreSonus remains committed to its core mission of democratizing music creation and making professional-quality tools accessible to artists at every level. PreSonus customers will continue to receive full support and updates. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements to come in 2026.

FENDER STUDIO SOFTWARE

Fender Studio Pro 8 – Meet Fender Studio Pro, the next evolution of modern music creation. Effortlessly bring ideas to life with a fluid drag-and-drop workflow and a complete collection of inspiring virtual instruments, native plug-ins and authentic Fender Mustang Guitar and Rumble Bass amp models. Every tool is designed to enhance the creative process, helping artists capture ideas quickly, shape them with precision and transform them into professional-quality productions without breaking the flow of inspiration. See sessions with new clarity through Channel and Arrangement Overviews and explore legendary tone through Fender’s built-in amp and effects suite. The redesigned interface keeps production fast and intuitive, while AI-powered Audio-to-Note conversion transforms recordings into editable MIDI notes with a single click. Spark new ideas with Chord Assistant, program drums and chop samples using the updated Sample One and Impact samplers and add spacious dimension with the immersive Studio Verb plug-in. Bring a vision to life with video playback on the Show Page and capture inspiration anywhere through seamless Fender Studio integration (free desktop and mobile companion app). Fender Studio Pro delivers the tools, tones and technology that empower every artist to create without limits.

Pricing:

  • Perpetual License ($199.99 USD, £169.99 GBP, €199.99 EUR, $349 AUD, ¥29,800 JPY)
  • Pro+ Annual Subscription Plus Perpetual ($179.99 USD, £159.99 GBP, €179.99 EUR, $299 AUD, ¥26,800 JPY)
  • Perpetual License Upgrade ($99.99 USD, £89.99 GBP, €99.99 EUR, $169 AUD, ¥14,800 JPY)
  • Fender Studio Pro — Upgrade from 6-month Demo: Owners of Fender AudioBox Go, Quantum LT 2 and LT4 can upgrade the 6-month demo to a license for Pro+ Annual Subscription Plus Perpetual ($149.99 USD, £129.99 GBP, €149.99 EUR, $249 AUD, ¥22,350 JPY)
  • Monthly Subscription ($19.99 USD, £19.99 GBP, €19.99 EUR, $34 AUD, ¥2,900 JPY)

Fender Studio 1.2 App Update – Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux, Fender Studio is a free tool available for anyone looking to record, practice or just have fun playing along with Jam Tracks. Compatible with audio interfaces on mobile, tablet and desktop devices, Fender Studio makes it easy for players to capture guitar riffs, vocals and more, with just one tap. Packed with powerful tones, Fender Studio is the only app of its kind with authentic Fender amp models. To help users progress on their journey into digital music production, Fender Studio 1.2 introduces a unique transmit feature that seamlessly sends Fender Studio sessions directly to Fender Studio Pro 8. The new Chord Track allows users to view and edit chords for the included Jam Tracks as well as add to their own sessions and even detect chords from the audio they recorded. Plus, a new Drum Metronome with over 75 grooves can be accessed after registering for free. Additionally, a new in-app purchase unlocks all Fender amps and FX in Fender Studio, alongside a higher track count of 32 tracks.

Pricing:

  • Free to download
  • Free registration unlocks more Jam Tracks, a higher track limit of 16, more amps and FX and the Drum Metronome
  • All Fender amps, FX and a higher track count of 32 are available as an in-app purchase, or as part of an active Fender Studio Pro+ membership

Other software updates include Fender Studio Pro Remote, Fender Studio Hub, Fender Notion and Fender Universal Control.

FENDER STUDIO RECORDING HARDWARE

Fender Quantum LT ($149.99 – $499.99 USD, £129 – £469 GBP, €149 – €549 EUR, $239 – $899.99 AUD, ¥18,500 – ¥62,300 JPY) The Fender Quantum LT Series delivers professional recording results with effortless workflow, combining incredible sound quality, flexible connectivity and seamless integration with Fender Studio Pro in three streamlined, affordable interfaces. Each model includes custom low-latency drivers, MAX-HD microphone preamps with 75 dB of gain, Fender-optimized instrument inputs, balanced outputs, loopback routing and high-power headphone monitoring. Built-in integration with Fender Studio Pro and Universal Control ensures seamless hardware-software operation, allowing creators to fine-tune their direct mixes remotely for near-zero latency performance. Standalone Mixer Mode makes Fender Quantum LT versatile enough for live use, classrooms or portable rigs — while MyFender access simplifies registration, setup and support. For creators who need more, the Fender Quantum LT 16 expands the possibilities with 8 combo mic inputs and 8 additional TRS line inputs, MIDI I/O, DC-coupled outputs for synth and modular setups and an included Fender Studio Pro Perpetual license. With Mic Pre Mode, it even doubles as an 8-channel outboard mic preamp. Together with other key elements of the Fender hardware portfolio, such as Mustang amplifiers and Tone Master Pro, the Quantum LT Series completes a seamlessly connected ecosystem that moves effortlessly from studio to stage.

Fender Quantum HD ($599.99 – $1,099.99 USD, £489 – £889 GBP, €579 – €1,049 EUR, $999 – $1,899 AUD, ¥72,700 – ¥130,500 JPY) The Fender Quantum HD Series is engineered for creators who demand professional-quality recording with precision, power and flexibility. Each interface features high-definition MAX-HD preamps, ultra-low-latency drivers and 32-bit /192 kHz high-performance converters, capturing every nuance of instruments, vocals and full-band recordings with remarkable clarity. Fender instrument inputs ensure guitars and basses translate perfectly to the mix. Auto Gain simplifies setup, while re-amp outputs allow experimentation with amp and pedal setups. DSP monitor mixing and loopback routing streamline podcasting, streaming and tracking workflows. Control all critical functions from Fender Studio Pro or the Universal Control app, including preamp gain, phantom power and channel configuration — keeping focus on performance rather than setup. Fender Quantum HD scales with player’s studio needs: the HD 2 offers a 20 x 24 I/O setup ideal for project studios, while the HD 8 expands to 26 x 30 channels with ADAT expansion for large-scale recording.

Fender AudioBox Go™ ($99.99 USD, £79 GBP, €89 EUR, $159 AUD, ¥11,500 JPY) The Fender AudioBox Go is a compact, versatile 2×2 USB-C audio interface designed for musicians, podcasters and content creators who need professional-quality recording wherever inspiration strikes. With pristine 24-bit/96 kHz converters, a low-noise mic preamp and switchable +48V phantom power, the AudioBox Go captures vocals, instruments and line-level sources with clarity and accuracy. Featuring a dedicated instrument input for guitar or bass, a mic/line combo input for vocals or keyboards, two ¼-inch line outputs to connect to studio monitors and a ¼-inch headphone output, this interface provides everything needed to track and monitor recordings. Bus-powered and ultra-portable, it’s easy to take on the road or integrate into any desktop setup. Compatible with Fender Studio, Fender Studio Pro and most other audio apps, AudioBox Go is ready for recording, mixing and producing music or podcasts right out of the box.

Fender Motion™ ($269.99 – $349.99 USD, £279 – £369 GBP, €329 – €439 EUR, $499 – $599 AUD, ¥38,700 – ¥46,200 JPY) Fender Motion Controllers put Fender Studio Pro at players’ fingertips, giving instant access to timeline navigation, session controls and an Add button for instruments and effects—so players can record, edit and perform without leaving their instrument or breaking focus. Beyond Studio Pro, Motion’s dynamic FATAR pads, vibrant illuminated encoders and expressive touch strips elevate any DAW workflow, letting creators improvise with intelligent scales, explore iconic chord progressions and shape sounds in real time. Available spring 2026.

Flatland Cavalry Releases Uptempo Heartbreaker “Never Comin’ Back” Via Lost Highway

Eric Alper
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Flatland Cavalry Releases Uptempo Heartbreaker “Never Comin’ Back” Via Lost Highway

Critically acclaimed country-roots six-piece Flatland Cavalry drops new single, “Never Comin’ Back” via Lost Highway. Written by Flatland frontman Cleto Cordero with Luke Laird and Aaron Raitiere, the heartland heartbreaker disguises itself as an uptempo toe-tapper with the band’s signature Texas traditional instrumentation leading the charge. Dig beneath the surface and the straightforward lyrics reveal a lonely, remorseful breakup unfolding in real time. “This song stands out as an up-tempo heartbreak song with an infectious, bright-sounding chorus,” Cordero shares. “This juxtaposition makes for an interesting and soul-stirring experience. It feels confounding, like dancing in your living room right after your lover just walked out the door seemingly for good.” The accompanying music video, directed by Chris Beyrooty and shot in Houston, follows a persistent pup navigating the aftermath of his parents’ split while trying to reunite with his dog mom.

On February 2nd, “Never Comin’ Back” makes an impact as Flatland Cavalry’s debut single on country radio. The Texas outfit has racked up serious momentum over the past two years, earning back-to-back ACM Group of the Year nominations and their first RIAA gold certification for breakout hit “A Life Where We Work Out.” This spring, Flatland hits the road on their Spring Tour 2026, launching February 6th in Auckland, New Zealand as direct support for Lainey Wilson. The band’s headlining U.S. run begins March 19th in Mobile, Alabama, with dates spanning Brisbane, Melbourne, Fort Lauderdale, Knoxville, and Richmond before wrapping May 9th in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium supporting Morgan Wallen’s Still The Problem 2026 Tour, with festival stops including Troubadour Festival and Tortuga Music Festival along the way.

HEADLINE: 42 Dugg Drops New Single “IDB” With Official Music Video

Eric Alper
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HEADLINE: 42 Dugg Drops New Single “IDB” With Official Music Video

Detroit rapper 42 Dugg returns with “IDB,” a new single paired with its official music video. The track serves as another preview of his upcoming mixtape, which arrives this January. Dugg’s signature intensity remains front and center, showcasing the street-level storytelling and raw delivery that have made him one of hip-hop’s most compelling voices. Each new release demonstrates an artist hitting his creative stride, pushing forward with sharpened focus and expanding the sonic world he’s been building.

The video brings Dugg’s current moment to life through scenes of celebration and success. Footage captures him at nightclubs, jewelry stores, and gatherings with his crew before transitioning to shots of the rapper performing in front of a pair of white Rolls-Royce vehicles. Quieter moments balance the flash, including candid footage at a corner store and hotel room scenes that show the work behind the lifestyle.

EEP-OOP! Releases Debut Album ‘Sorry’ Through Mom’s Basement Records Today

Eric Alper
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EEP-OOP! Releases Debut Album ‘Sorry’ Through Mom’s Basement Records Today

Mom’s Basement Records is releasing EEP-OOP!’s debut LP, ‘Sorry’ on CD today. The band has already blown through a pressing of the album on vinyl but you can also listen to it on digital platforms now. EEP-OOP! is built for cheap beer, garage hang-outs, and full-throated singalongs. Hailing from Seattle, they’ve been marking their territory on regional stages for the last two years, converting fans with raucous live sets and earnest lyrics.

This quintet sings about all the good stuff: anxiety, depression, and alcoholism. They do it with a catchy flair that puts them somewhere between the melancholy of Off With Their Heads and the sunny pop punk of Blink-182. These influences are on full display in their debut ‘Sorry.’ Dirtbag anthems soar with big melodies, pairing perfectly with a six-pack and a dozen of your sweatiest friends. The album delivers the kind of honest, hook-heavy punk that turns strangers into believers and basements into sanctuaries.

Sublime Announces ‘Me Gusta Festival’ Debut With Slightly Stoopid In Fort Worth

Eric Alper
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Sublime Announces ‘Me Gusta Festival’ Debut With Slightly Stoopid In Fort Worth

The full music lineup has been announced for the first date of “Sublime Me Gusta Festival,” which debuts Saturday, May 9th, in Fort Worth, Texas, presented by ALT 103.7 and powered by SMKFLWR. Legendary Southern California band Sublime will be joined by their long-time friends and fellow icons, Slightly Stoopid, for this historic inaugural celebration, uniting two of the most influential bands in the punk–reggae–rock world on one stage. The Me Gusta Festival lineup will also feature main stage performances from Iration, Long Beach Dub Allstars, The Ataris, Codefendants, and HR of Bad Brains, as well as sets from Jakobs Castle featuring Jakob Nowell, Strange Case and more on the SVNBVRNT Stage.

This new multi-city celebration of reggae, punk rock, hip hop and the spirit of Sublime marks the beginning of a national festival series, created by Regime Music Group and Brew Ha Ha Productions, and built around the timeless sound, spirit, and cultural impact of Sublime. Taking its name from the iconic lyric “Me gusta mi reggae, me gusta punk rock” from the song “Caress Me Down,” the all-ages festival embodies everything Sublime stands for: sun-soaked vibes, rebellious spirit, and a love for music without boundaries. Each stop will feature a lineup hand-picked to represent the crossroads of reggae and punk, blending the laid-back grooves and the high-voltage attitude that have always been at the heart of Sublime. The festival offers full-day events packed with live performances, local vendors, art, food, drinks, and exclusive Sublime experiences designed to bring the culture to life.

Sublime Me Gusta makes its debut in Texas at the scenic Panther Island Pavilion, located at 395 Purcey Street on the Trinity River, with the beautiful downtown Fort Worth skyline as a backdrop. Additional dates, including one in Oregon on June 27th, will be announced in the coming weeks. The festival will also offer craft beer sampling as a $15.99 add-on purchase for those 21+, showcasing the best local, regional, and national craft beer, hard seltzer, and cider. Tickets start at $89.99 for General Admission.

Soul Legend Al Green Reimagines Classics On Intimate ‘To Love Somebody’ Covers EP

Eric Alper
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Soul Legend Al Green Reimagines Classics On Intimate ‘To Love Somebody’ Covers EP

Al Green releases a new digital EP via Fat Possum Records, featuring reinterpretations of songs originally recorded by the Bee Gees, Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, and R.E.M. The EP includes “To Love Somebody,” an alternate version of “Perfect Day” featuring RAYE, “I Found A Reason,” and his previously released rendition of “Everybody Hurts.” The project brings together material spanning multiple eras and songwriting traditions through Green’s vocal approach.

“When Fat Possum came to my studio and played me ‘To Love Somebody’ and ‘I Found A Reason,’ I felt this instant connection and harmonies immediately filled me,” says Green. “The music spoke to me, so we immediately went to work.” Produced by Clay Jones and Matthew Johnson, the recordings feature Green alongside the Hi Rhythm Section, with string arrangements by Stax legend Lester Snell. The EP follows Green’s 2023 release of “Perfect Day,” which The New York Times described as “a sumptuous reimagining,” and his 2024 version of “Everybody Hurts,” praised publicly by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe.

Indian Rock Breakouts Girish And The Chronicles Announce First Australian Tour

Eric Alper
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Indian Rock Breakouts Girish And The Chronicles Announce First Australian Tour

Girish And The Chronicles bring their high-voltage live show to Australia for the first time in March 2026, joined by Melbourne hard-rock force Shotgun Mistress. Based in Bengaluru, GATC have emerged as one of India’s most prominent rock exports, led by powerhouse vocalist Girish Pradhan. Acclaimed albums, relentless touring, and major international stages have driven their rapid global rise, building a reputation rooted in precision, power, and classic hard rock energy.

Their momentum continues following historic appearances supporting Guns N’ Roses and a landmark run on America’s Got Talent Season 20. Shotgun Mistress arrive fresh from high-profile tours and an ARIA-charting album, Kings Of The Revolution. Together, the two bands form a high-octane double bill that channels classic hard rock spirit with modern bite, delivering a focused, full-throttle live experience that lands in Australia at peak intensity.

Hilary Duff Returns to the Stage for First Live Show in Over 10 Years, Launching “Small Rooms, Big Nerves” Global Run

Eric Alper
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Hilary Duff Returns to the Stage for First Live Show in Over 10 Years, Launching “Small Rooms, Big Nerves” Global Run

Last night, multi-platinum global superstar Hilary Duff returned to the stage for the first time in over 10 years, launching her highly anticipated “Small Rooms, Big Nerves” global shows with a sold-out, emotional opening night at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Duff opened the night with “Wake Up” straight into “So Yesterday,” immediately setting a nostalgic tone before pausing to reflect on the significance of her return. The intimate, career-spanning set wove together fan favorites including “Metamorphosis,” “Fly,” “Beat of My Heart,” and “Come Clean,” balancing high-energy moments with stripped-back production and candid crowd interaction that underscored the closeness of the room. 

Photo Credit: Christopher Polk | @polkimaging

Highlights throughout the show included a playful fan-onstage moment during “With Love,” a disco-lit couch sequence for “Someone’s Watching Over Me,” “Roommates,” her second single to arrive off her forthcoming album luck… or something available February 20th, and “Why Not.” Hilary wrapped with an instrumental close to “Come Clean” that brought the main set to a euphoric end.

Photo Credit: Christopher Polk | @polkimaging

“When we started rehearsing for the tour, this felt so far away and now it’s real and way beyond my imagination. Thank you, guys, for showing up for me. I keep saying that over and over again, but I mean it”, says Hilary. “It’s so amazing to get to play old songs and connect on that level and see you all again and then share songs from luck… or something. It really means a lot to be able to play these new songs in this setting. I hope you’re loving the new and the old.” 

Duff returned for the encore with her acclaimed single “Mature,” marking a bold and self-assured reintroduction that has already earned praise from Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. She closed the night with the live debut of “What Dreams Are Made Of,” punctuated by a confetti-filled key change that delivered a celebratory, full-circle finale bridging nostalgia and a new creative chapter. 

Watch the debut performance HERE. 

Photo Credit: Christopher Polk | @polkimaging

The opening night set the tone for Duff’s limited global January run, offering fans a rare, up-close look at an artist reconnecting with live performance on her own terms — intimate, reflective, and intentionally personal.


The “Small Rooms, Big Nerves” shows continue later this month with upcoming stops at HISTORY in Toronto, ON (January 24), New York City’s brand new Brooklyn Paramount (January 27), and Los Angeles’ iconic Wiltern (January 29). Designed as a rare, up-close experience for fans, these intimate shows set the stage for what’s next in Duff’s live chapter.

Photo Credit: Christopher Polk | @polkimaging

David Letterman And Zach Galifianakis Team Up At Just For Laughs Vancouver

Eric Alper
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0
David Letterman And Zach Galifianakis Team Up At Just For Laughs Vancouver

David Letterman and Zach Galifianakis will take the stage together as part of Just For Laughs Vancouver for An Evening with David Letterman and Special Guest Zach Galifianakis on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The one-night-only event promises an unscripted, in-conversation format between two of comedy’s most influential voices, with doors opening at 6pm and the show beginning at 7pm. Tickets are priced from $79+, with presale access starting Tuesday, January 20 at 10am here.

Letterman’s career spans more than three decades in late-night television, earning him 52 Emmy nominations, 10 wins, two Peabody Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor, with current hosting duties on Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. This marks his first appearance in the city since 1978. Galifianakis brings his distinctive comedic voice shaped by stand-up, television, and film, including The Hangover trilogy, Baskets, and Between Two Ferns. Together, the pair will share stories, observations, and off-the-cuff exchanges in a rare live setting.

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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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