Kevian Kraemer releases his emotionally charged new single “you woke me up” via Atlantic Records, marking the first musical offering from the buzzing singer-songwriter this year. Co-written by Kraemer and produced alongside collaborators Michael Kamerman and Dan Rufolo, the song layers ethereal electric guitar transmissions between steady beat-craft. “‘you woke me up’ stems from a situation where my lack of awareness and communication hurt someone that I deeply care about and myself,” Kraemer shares. “It’s about growing and understanding that I need to be more intentional in my relationships with people, especially romantic ones. This song is bold, loud, and I wouldn’t want the start of 2026 to be any other way.”
oungBoy Never Broke Again Named Best Rapper Alive And Most Certified Rapper Of All Time
YoungBoy Never Broke Again is named Best Rapper Alive by Complex, joining an elite society including Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Drake, Ye, and more. The most-streamed artist in the world is also now the most certified rapper of all time, with the Recording Industry Association of America announcing that YoungBoy surpassed Drake and Jay-Z for the most gold and platinum songs and albums ever with 126 RIAA certifications. This honor comes with the release of his highly anticipated album ‘Slime Cry’, which debuted at number six on the Billboard Charts, making it his 17th Top 10 album. All of these recognitions occurred within one week.
Following the record-breaking success of ‘MASA’ and the landmark 2025 MASA Tour, hailed by The New York Times as the number one music moment of the year, YoungBoy’s ‘Slime Cry’ release solidifies him as one of the greatest of all time. Fans eagerly awaited the delayed release, and streaming numbers reflect that enthusiasm. The Baton Rouge rapper holds records as the youngest artist with 100 or more Billboard Hot 100 entries and as the rapper with the most charting albums in Billboard history.
Known for his raw, emotionally intense music, YoungBoy first gained attention with mixtapes like ’38 Baby’ in 2016 and ‘Mind of a Menace 3’, breaking through with ‘AI YoungBoy’ in 2017. With chart-topping albums including ‘Until Death Call My Name’ in 2018, ‘AI YoungBoy 2’ in 2019, ‘Top’ in 2020, ‘Sincerely, Kentrell’ in 2021, and ‘MASA’ in 2025, he has become the only hip-hop artist to debut three consecutive number one albums. His relentless output and deep connection with fans make him a defining force in contemporary music.
The Trousers Release Seventh Studio Album ‘Necessary Evil’
The Trousers release ‘Necessary Evil’, the seventh studio album from the Budapest-based hard rock and garage rock band. Songwriter and frontman Zoltán Kőváry started writing the songs in spring 2024, with the first single “Second hand suicide” released in May 2025. A Canadian rock radio called it “an instant rock classic,” while the second single “Restless in peace” tripled the band’s audience on Spotify. The material was finalized in summer 2025 and released in November by Music Fashion Records. Although the band has maintained their own mature sonic landscape since 2013’s ‘Freakbeat’, which featured Hellacopters frontman Nicke Andersson, ‘Necessary Evil’ represents a great step forward with more massive sound and melodic, catchy songs that avoid commercial polish. The album synthesizes 1960s groove and 1970s raw heaviness with modern sound, creating something timeless that serves as a soundtrack for a journey in the rock and roll universe. The feedbacks are excellent, with German Ox Fanzine and Italian Rock Hard both rating the album 9 out of 10. The former claimed “this is how a modern rock album should sound” while the latter elected it “the self-produced album of the month” in January 2025.
Carole King Celebrates 55th Anniversary Of ‘Tapestry’ With New Interactive Website
Carole King and Legacy Recordings celebrate the 55th anniversary of ‘Tapestry’, King’s landmark 1971 album that helped define the singer-songwriter era and remains one of the most influential records in music history. In celebration of the anniversary, the new Tapestry 55 website has officially launched, offering an immersive digital timeline, archival materials, and interactive moments highlighting the album’s creation and legacy. ‘Tapestry’ is available now on vinyl. Originally released on February 10, 1971, the album spent 15 weeks at number one, earned four Grammy Awards including Album, Record, and Song of the Year, and went on to achieve 14-times platinum certification and more than 30 million global sales. Its enduring chart legacy, combined with King’s unmatched songwriting contributions, cement its place as a generational masterpiece. This milestone year arrives as King made a special appearance at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she presented Song of the Year during the telecast in recognition of the album’s lasting cultural impact.
Eric Johnson Announces Spring U.S. Tour And Summer European Dates Beginning April 12
Eric Johnson announces a spring U.S. tour beginning April 12, spanning the South, Southwest, and West Coast through mid-May. The legendary guitarist, widely regarded as one of the most outstanding instrumentalists in rock over the past four decades, will showcase his signature blend of rock, blues, jazz, and melodic virtuosity that has captivated audiences worldwide for generations. Following the U.S. spring dates, Johnson heads overseas for a summer European tour beginning July 1 in the Netherlands, before launching an 11-show run across the United Kingdom wrapping up August 4. Select U.S. dates will feature special guest Kenny Wayne Shepherd, including shows in Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, Florida.
Already a legend before releasing his first album, Johnson’s early 1980s reputation among fellow musicians was built on jaw-dropping technique and a deeply musical approach that drew comparisons to Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix. His tenure with the Austin fusion band Electromagnets earned the group the nickname The Mahavishnu Orchestra of Texas. With the release of his 1986 solo debut ‘Tones’, the underground guitar hero emerged fully formed, landing on the cover of Guitar Player magazine and earning his first Grammy nomination for “Zap.” His follow-up album, the platinum-selling ‘Ah Via Musicom’, featured the Grammy Award-winning “Cliffs of Dover” and cemented Johnson’s status as a global guitar phenomenon. Johnson’s most recent studio release is a double album comprised of ‘The Book of Making’ and ‘Yesterday Meets Today’, released simultaneously on July 29, 2022.
Since 1986, Johnson has released 17 solo albums, along with notable collaborations including ‘Eclectic’ with Mike Stern and the platinum-selling ‘G3 Live’ with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. His accolades include eight Grammy nominations, a Grammy win for “Cliffs of Dover,” lifetime induction into the Guitar Player Gallery of Greats, and repeated honors in his hometown of Austin. In February 2024, Johnson was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Hall of Fame.
Eric Johnson Tour Dates:
4/12 – Tallahassee, FL @ The Moon
4/14 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Broward Center for the Performing Arts
4/15 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre
4/17 – Clearwater, FL @ Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
4/18 – Stuart, FL @ Lyric Theatre
4/19 – Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live
4/21 – Mobile, AL @ Soul Kitchen Music Hall
4/23 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Dallas
4/24 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
4/25 – Austin, TX @ Austin Blues Festival – Moody Amphitheater
4/26 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre
4/28 – Lubbock, TX @ Cactus Theater
4/30 – Albuquerque, NM @ KiMo Theatre
5/1 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
5/2 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort
5/3 – Anaheim, CA @ Grove of Anaheim
5/6 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
5/7 – San Juan Capistrano, CA @ The Coach House Concert Hall
5/8 – Fresno, CA @ Tower Theatre
5/9 – Monterey, CA @ Golden State Theatre
5/10 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre
5/12 – Grass Valley, CA @ Center for the Arts
5/13 – Napa, CA @ Uptown Theatre
5/15 – South Salt Lake, UT @ The Commonwealth Room
5/16 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
5/17 – Santa Fe, NM @ Lensic Performing Arts Center
5/19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
7/1 – Maastricht, Netherlands @ Muziekgieterij
7/2 – Paris, France @ La Machine du Moulin Rouge
7/4 – Cazorla, Spain @ Blues Cazorla
7/5 – Madrid, Spain @ Sala Villanos
7/6 – Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz 2
7/8 – Chiari, Italy @ Istituto Salesiano San Bernardino
7/10 – Sassari, Italy @ Abbabula Festival
7/11 – Cagliari, Italy @ Arena Fiera
7/13 – Budapest, Hungary @ Akvárium Klub
7/14 – Kraków, Poland @ Hype Park
7/15 – Nové Město, Czech Republic @ Rock Cafe
7/17 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg @ Rockhal
7/18 – Zoetermeer, Netherlands @ Poppodium Boerderij
7/19 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg @ Rockhal
7/20 – Aschaffenburg, Germany @ Colos-Saal
7/22 – Wolverhampton, UK @ KK’s Steel Mill
7/24 – Frome, UK @ Cheese & Grain
7/25 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly
7/26 – Basingstoke, UK @ Haymarket
7/27 – Southampton, UK @ The Brook
7/29 – Northampton, UK @ Roadmender
7/30 – Norwich, UK @ Epic Studios
7/31 – Holmfirth, UK @ Picturedrome
8/1 – Edinburgh, UK @ Queen’s Hall
8/3 – Sunderland, UK @ The Fire Station
8/4 – Lytham, UK @ Lowther Pavilion
Fcukers Release “Beatback” Single Ahead Of Debut Album ‘Ö’ And Harry Styles Tour
Fcukers release new single “Beatback” offering a glimpse into their forthcoming debut album ‘Ö’, out March 27. The New York-based duo unveils the official music video directed by Fcukers’ own Shanny Wise, with the track tapping back into the explosive sound that first put the group on the map. The release arrives during a monumental stretch for the duo, who recently performed a DJ set at W Magazine, Charli XCX and Saint Laurent’s Grammys After Party and announced upcoming performances opening for Harry Styles on the Together Together Tour in Brazil on July 17 and 18. After being named an Artist to Watch by both Spotify and Amazon Music, Fcukers were also included in Adidas Creative Class of 2026, performing at their NYC Flagship store on Saturday.
‘Ö’ was produced by Kenneth Blume and recorded last year during a whirlwind two-week studio session following an initial meeting between the trio. The album was mixed by multi-Grammy-winning engineer Tom Norris, who has worked with Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, and The Weeknd, with additional production from Dylan Brady of 100 Gecs on three tracks. After playing more than one hundred shows worldwide over the past year, the duo announced summer European tour dates happening right before they take the stage at NYC’s Governors Ball in June alongside A$AP Rocky and Lorde. “Beatback” is the latest glimpse of the energy they’ll bring on their upcoming North American headline tour kicking off April 2. The duo, made up of vocalist Shanny Wise and bass, keyboardist, and producer Jackson Walker Lewis, earned status as New York’s go-to party starters with their 2024 EP ‘Baggy’, featuring singles “Bon Bon” and “Homie Don’t Shake” in contention for numerous Song of the Summer accolades.
They Might Be Giants Announce ‘The World Is To Dig’ Album And The Bigger Show Tour
They Might Be Giants announce their highly anticipated new LP ‘The World Is to Dig’ arriving April 14 in all formats at the band’s website and on streaming services. An exclusive 180-gram vinyl color variant will be available at indie retail shops on April 17. The 18-song album marks the Brooklyn band’s first full-length release since 2021’s Grammy-nominated ‘Book’, blending sharp songwriting and bold experimentation into a refreshingly original collection. The album’s lead single “Wu-Tang” is out now, celebrating the power of Wu-Tang Clan over a fan as a transformative force while TMBG’s trademark melodicism buoys the listener along with waves of 1960s-style pop hooks. “Many years ago, we discussed the idea of celebrating an artist or a style of music, but in the form of a completely unrelated genre of music. The original idea was a Tin Pan Alley-style song extolling the greatness of heavy metal,” John Linnell says. “‘Wu-Tang’ was written more or less along those lines, partly inspired by their TV biopic, but void of any musical reference to the great hip-hop collective. Are we fans? Sure! Would we ever attempt to emulate their sound? Not publicly.”
On the heels of two years of sold-out touring, They Might Be Giants head back out on the road this spring with The Bigger Show Tour kicking off April 17. TMBG will host multi-night stands across the East Coast and Midwest in Brooklyn, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Woodstock with tickets on sale now. Multi-night passes and preferred rates at local hotels are available in select markets. Each show of a multi-night stand will be unique from the night before, with the stellar eight-piece band featuring a three-piece horn section performing in the An Evening With format with no opener. The band will spotlight a different album from their catalog each night in their first set, then play fan favorites along with deep cuts in the second, delivering an evening of unforgettable songs, dazzling arrangements, startling improvisation, and genuine positivity.
Flatland Cavalry Announced As Headliner For 34th Annual Calf Fry Festival In Oklahoma
The 34th Annual Calf Fry announces Flatland Cavalry as one of its headlining acts, taking place April 30 through May 2 at the Tumbleweed Outdoor Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Early Bird pricing is available now on General Admission, VIP, Ultra VIP Tickets, Cabanas, and RV Spots. The Nashville and Texas-based band recently celebrated ten years together with ‘Flatland Forever’, an acclaimed album honoring their journey and revisiting fan favorites while introducing new music that reflects their evolution. The past year marked a breakthrough for the band with their first ACM Award nomination for Group of the Year, their first RIAA gold certification for breakout single “A Life Where We Work Out,” and expansion into film and television with contributions to the Twisters and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes soundtracks, along with featured placements on Yellowstone and Landman.
Their relentless touring schedule reached new heights with sold-out headline performances at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena and the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Since forming in 2014, Flatland Cavalry has tallied seven number one singles on Texas Country Radio and surpassed 500 million total streams while sharing stages with Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, and Midland. In addition to Flatland Cavalry, the festival will also be headlined by Josh Meloy and Charles Wesley Godwin. For more than three decades, Calf Fry has been known for introducing rising artists and helping shape the future of Red Dirt and country music.
Cody Johnson Announces Debut UK And Ireland Tour With Parker McCollum And Emily Ann Roberts
Cody Johnson announces his debut headlining UK and Ireland tour for fall 2026 following the launch of his Cody Johnson Live ’26 Tour with two sold-out shows in Alabama over the weekend. The country star will perform in Manchester, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin with tickets going on sale Friday, February 13 at 10 am local time. Special guest Parker McCollum joins Johnson as main tour support, marking his highly anticipated first performances in the UK and Ireland. With his first four singles topping the charts and an impressive collection of awards already to his name, McCollum has quickly risen to country music stardom, selling out arenas and major festivals worldwide. Emily Ann Roberts will also join the tour as opening support for all UK and Ireland dates except Manchester, bringing her powerhouse vocals and rising star energy to the run.
Cody Johnson Tour Dates:
10/24 – Manchester, UK @ AO Arena
10/27 – London, UK @ The O2
11/1 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena
11/2 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
11/4 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ SSE Arena
11/5 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena
Taking Back Sunday Announces Summer Tour With Bayside Beginning May 31 In Dewey Beach
Taking Back Sunday announces a summer tour with special guests Bayside kicking off May 31 in Dewey Beach, Delaware, with stops in Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Cleveland, St. Louis, and more. “We first started playing shows with Bayside around Long Island and the greater tri-state area in the early 2000s. We played in basements and dive bars,” the band shares. “The shows weren’t very well attended but we were having the time of our lives. Since those days, we’ve been fortunate enough to remain friends and share labels and stages across the globe. In 2012 Bayside was kind enough to join us in celebrating our 10-year anniversary of ‘Tell All Your Friends’. After 14 years, we thought it was about damn time we hit the road with them again. We can’t wait to see you out there.” Presale, including tickets and VIP packages, begins Wednesday, February 11 at 10 am local time, with general on sale starting Friday, February 13 at 10 am local time.
Taking Back Sunday Tour Dates:
5/3 – Tampa, FL @ Busch Gardens
5/9 – Monterrey, Mexico @ Dia Libre Festival
5/23 – Hatfield, UK @ Slam Dunk South
5/24 – Leeds, UK @ Slam Dunk North
5/30 – Waterloo, NY @ del Lago Resort & Casino
5/31 – Dewey Beach, DE @ Bottle & Cork
6/1 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
6/3 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome at Virginia Beach
6/5 – Jacksonville, FL @ FIVE
6/6 – Jupiter, FL @ Abacoa Amphitheater
6/8 – Knoxville, TN @ The Mill & Mine
6/9 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
6/10 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland
6/12 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues Myrtle Beach
6/14 – Spartanburg, SC @ Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
6/16 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
6/18 – St. Louis, MO @ Ballpark Village
6/19 – Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theatre
6/20 – Prior Lake, MN @ Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
6/21 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
8/8 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest