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Folk-Pop Storyteller Louis O’Hara Announces Debut Album ‘A Peaceful Kind of Fun’

Eric Alper
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Folk-Pop Storyteller Louis O’Hara Announces Debut Album ‘A Peaceful Kind of Fun’

West Wales songwriter Louis O’Hara has announced the release of his debut album, A Peaceful Kind of Fun, out 7th November 2025 on Libertino Records. The news arrives alongside the release of “Finally Stick”, the album’s second single, on Tuesday 23rd September.

A Peaceful Kind of Fun is a 14-track collection that distils O’Hara’s poetic lyricism, tender folk roots, and subtle chamber-pop flourishes into a deeply personal yet quietly universal debut. Recorded with his band His Burley Chassis and produced by James Trevascus (Billy Nomates, Young Fathers, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis) in Spain, the album is shaped by themes of memory, loss, joy, and the places and people that anchor a life.

Throughout the record, O’Hara draws from family history, friendships, and rural West Wales landscapes to create songs that are intimate yet resonant. “The Kid In Me” channels recurring dreams of playing football for Wales as an ode to imagination and daydreaming. “Just Grand” (the album’s first single) is a tender farewell to his grandfather. “Sunnyhill Farm” recalls childhood summers spent on his aunt and uncle’s dairy farm. “Munnelly” traces his grandfather’s memories of the corncrake bird in rural Ireland, entwined with the fragility of dementia. Other highlights include “Magpie”, a love song to his closest friend, “Married”, written in celebration of his brother’s wedding, and “Plant a Tree”, which gathers pieces of life advice into a song of gratitude.

New single “Finally Stick” embodies the duality at the heart of O’Hara’s writing – beginning with the joy and lightness of love’s early stages before descending into the exhaustion and fallout of a relationship’s end. Its arrangement layers piano, clarinet, cello, electric guitar, and theremin, with a spoken-word bridge nodding to 1950s vocal groups such as The Ink Spots and The Capris.

The album gathers together fragments of memory, relationships, and place, weaving them into songs that honour the connections which shape a life. Moving between moments of joy, loss, and reflection, A Peaceful Kind of Fun lingers on the small details that stay with us – the echoes of childhood, the presence of family, the landscapes of home.

Album Tracklisting:

1. The Kid In Me

2. Just Grand

3. Sunnyhill Farm

4. Mewn Llun

5. Munnelly

6. Magpie

7. Audrey

8. Llygaid Glas

9. Married

10. Finally Stick

11. Tŷ Ger Y Môr

12. Tears

13. Truman’s Road

14. Plant a Tree

About Louis O’Hara:

Louis O’Hara is a singer-songwriter from Pembroke Dock, West Wales, whose music blends tender folk sensibilities with poetic lyricism and chamber-pop textures. His songs draw from memory, place, and quiet emotional truths, often described as nostalgic, emotional, and intimate.

After years living in Bristol and London, O’Hara returned to West Wales in 2024, a move that inspired the writing of his forthcoming debut album (due late 2025). Written between a cherished nylon-string guitar and his grandmother’s piano, the record reflects on themes of loss, love, and friendship, arranged with his band His Burley Chassis and recorded in Spain with producer James Trevascus (Billy Nomates, Young Fathers, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis).

His earlier EPs Clay (2024) and Pass The Blame (2025) established him as one of Wales’ most affecting new voices, drawing comparisons to Leonard Cohen, Sparklehorse, and Paul McCartney. With “Just Grand”, Louis O’Hara offers a glimpse into the emotional honesty and lyrical clarity of his upcoming full-length record.

Rock Powerhouse Orianthi Announces 2026 UK Tour Following ‘Some Kind of Feeling’

Eric Alper
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Rock Powerhouse Orianthi Announces 2026 UK Tour Following ‘Some Kind of Feeling’

Following the release of her new album Some Kind of Feeling, critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Orianthi is pleased to announce her January 2026 UK Tour.

Dates include Manchester, Band on the Wall (Jan 24), Glasgow, Oran Mor (Jan 25), Leeds, Brudenell (Jan 28), London, O2 Academy Islington (Jan 29), Planet Rocks’ Winter’s End (Jan 31) and Southampton, The Brook (Feb 1).

Orianthi’s new album Some Kind of Feeling was released digitally by Woodward Avenue Records on June 27th. The CD will be released on August 15th, followed by the vinyl on September 19th.

Orianthi produced three songs from the new album including “First Time Blues” feat. Joe Bonamassa, “Ghost,” and “Bad For Each Other.” The remaining seven songs on the album, including the current single “Attention,” are produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Country Communion, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Beth Hart, Joe Bonamassa).

MANCHESTER, BAND ON THE WALL
SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2026

GLASGOW, ORAN MOR
SUNDAY 25 JANUARY 2026

LEEDS, BRUDENELL
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2026

LONDON, O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON
THURSDAY 29 JANUARY 2026

PLANET ROCK’S WINTER’S END
SATURDAY 31 JANUARY 2026

SOUTHAMPTON, THE BROOK
SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2026

Alt-Pop Artist Rosie Carney Returns with Haunting New Single ‘Here’

Eric Alper
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0
Alt-Pop Artist Rosie Carney Returns with Haunting New Single ‘Here’

Irish singer-songwriter Rosie Carney makes a striking return today with “Here,” her brand new single which was co-produced by Ross MacDonald of The 1975 and Ed Thomas (FKA twigs, Cat Burns, Amaarae).

“Here” marks Carney’s first new music since her 2022 acclaimed sophomore record, i wanna feel happy and unveils a dramatic sonic evolution for the artist. The track is accompanied by a music video directed by Cal McIntyre (The Last Dinner Party) and cinematography by Charlotte Croft, filmed in rural Ireland.

Working closely with MacDonald and Thomas over months of sessions in London, Carney built a sonic world that pulls from shoegaze, alt-pop, and electronic textures, while remaining rooted in the raw emotional honesty that has defined her songwriting.

Alt-Pop Storyteller Jann Klose Brings Stop-Motion Magic to ‘When I’m With You’

Eric Alper
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0
Alt-Pop Storyteller Jann Klose Brings Stop-Motion Magic to ‘When I’m With You’

Jann Klose has unveiled the official music video for his latest single, “When I’m With You,” a joyful, synth-rock celebration of human connection. The video-shot entirely using stop-motion cinematography-was directed by Texas-born filmmaker Sam Casey and filmed on location throughout New York City, including iconic landmarks like Times Square, Lincoln Center, and the High Line.

The visually captivating video is the product of over 2,000 photographs, taken in a whirlwind six-hour shoot. Each frame was carefully captured one step at a time-echoing the lyricism and sentiment of the song itself. Jann’s idea to incorporate the concept of a “Daumenkino” (flipbook in German) into the visual storytelling adds a personal and playful layer to the experience, blending innovation with heart.

“I had this idea of shooting a full-on stop motion music video in NYC and pitched it to Sam just days after we met,” says Klose. “He loved it and jumped on board immediately. It was exhausting but exhilarating, and the result is beautiful. Along the way, we engaged with random fans on the street-something that really reflects the soul of the song, ‘When I’m With You.'”

Director Sam Casey embraced the challenge of using stop motion in a city that never pauses: “This is the first project I’ve done using stop-motion, and it was a blast. Jann’s vision for the flipbook opening-his ‘daumenkino’-set the tone. Shooting in NYC with moving elements all around us while controlling just one or two subjects gave the video a surreal, dreamlike quality. You don’t get multiple takes with stop motion, which makes each frame more intentional and alive.”

The single, co-written with Everett Bradley (Bon Jovi, Seal), is a vibrant and emotionally resonant anthem about intimacy, presence, and joy. Everett also co-produced and performed on the track, with production support from Marcus Dembinski, known for his work on Klose’s previous single “Surrender.”

“Now it’s an upbeat celebration with deep undertones of the human connection experience,” says Bradley.

Dembinski adds: “We leaned into influences like 80s synth pop, Billy Joel, A-ha, and the B-52s, and paired them with Jann’s powerhouse vocals and acoustic energy to craft a new sound for him-one that’s bold, bright, and honest.”

With its one-of-a-kind stop-motion artistry, spontaneous New York moments, and heartfelt storytelling, the “When I’m With You” music video is a vivid reminder that joy lives in the little things and connection is always just one step away.

Electro Duo TURNSPIT Cast a Spell with ‘Cinderella Girl’

Eric Alper
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Electro Duo TURNSPIT Cast a Spell with ‘Cinderella Girl’

Leeds-based duo TURNSPIT unveil their latest single ‘CINDERELLA GIRL’, out today. Building on the momentum of their debut track ‘SURRENDER’, the new release explores themes of transformation and rebirth, weaving lyrical depth with their distinctive sonic palette.

Drawing influence from an eclectic array of sources, from the surreal atmospheres of David Lynch and Takashi Miike soundtracks, to the experimental edge of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and Sonic Mook compilations, TURNSPIT have carved out a sound both cinematic and unpredictable. Recent live performances alongside Adult DVD, Honesty, and Night Tapes have cemented their place within the local scene, where their shows flow seamlessly between moments of intimate electronica and high-energy club intensity.

Entirely self-produced, the duo’s disciplined writing process keeps them in constant creative motion. Their inspirations stretch beyond music, pulling from experiences, events, and ideas that shape the world around them. “We’re especially drawn to the uncanny and the surprising,” they explain, “the things that feel like they’re about to fall apart, but somehow don’t.”

TURNSPIT recently performed at the inaugural Soho Electronic Music Festival and play the Mill Hill Chapel in Leeds 16th October. More dates to follow.

Pop Icons a-ha Celebrate 25 Years of ‘Minor Earth, Major Sky’ with Anniversary Edition

Eric Alper
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Pop Icons a-ha Celebrate 25 Years of ‘Minor Earth, Major Sky’ with Anniversary Edition

a-ha are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Minor Earth, Major Sky with a special edition release, out December 12. The album marked a defining moment in the Norwegian trio’s career. Originally released in 2000, it signaled a triumphant comeback after a seven-year hiatus, reaffirming both their lasting relevance and continued creative evolution.

The 25th Anniversary Edition pairs the original tracklist—remastered in 2019—with four exclusive live recordings from a-ha’s 2001 concert at Oslo’s Valhall Arena, now available on vinyl for the very first time. Pressed on two high-quality 180g silver vinyl LPs, this edition is a must-have for collectors and fans alike, offering a renewed perspective on a modern classic while celebrating a-ha’s enduring legacy in pop music.

Minor Earth, Major Sky tells the story of a band that, while seemingly pausing between 1994 and 2000, never stopped making music. The group has described this period as transitional: “ „No one believed that it was over, it was more that nothing kept us together at that point,” recalls Magne Furuholmen in the liner notes of the 2019 Deluxe Edition. The spark for their reunion came in 1998, when a-ha performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo—a one-off appearance that unexpectedly reignited their creative chemistry and paved the way for a new album that picked up right where Memorial Beach (1993) left off.

The Anniversary Edition features the full set of remastered originals—from the soaring title track Minor Earth, Major Sky and the dreamy Velvet to the timeless hit Summer Moved On—alongside four previously unreleased live versions (Minor Earth, Major Sky, The Sun Never Shone That Day, Velvet, and Summer Moved On). Blending studio precision with live emotion, this collection offers fans a rare glimpse into a-ha’s artistic vision and stage energy during that pivotal era.

“We make a-ha music, no matter the circumstances,” Magne Furuholmen wrote in 2019. A quarter of a century later, the 25th Anniversary Edition of Minor Earth, Major Sky stands as proof of that statement—a testament to the band’s timeless sound and enduring creative spirit.

Pre-order HERE.

Track listing

A

  1. Minor Earth, Major Sky (2019 Remaster)
  2. Little Black Heart (2019 Remaster)
  3. Velvet (2019 Remaster)
  4. Summer Moved On (2019 Remaster)

B

  1. The Sun Never Shone That Day (2019 Remaster)
  2. To Let You Win (2019 Remaster)
  3. The Company Man (2019 Remaster)
  4. Thought That It Was You (2019 Remaster)
  5. I Wish I Cared (2019 Remaster)

C

  1. Barely Hanging On (2019 Remaster)
  2. You’ll Never Get Over Me (2019 Remaster)
  3. I Won’t Forget Her (2019 Remaster)
  4. Mary Ellen Makes the Moment Count (2019 Remaster)

D

  1. Minor Earth, Major Sky (Live, Oslo 2001)
  2. The Sun Never Shone That Day (Live, Oslo 2001)
  3. Velvet (Live, Oslo 2001)
  4. Summer Moved On (Live, Oslo 2001)

Heavy Rock Visionaries Wucan Ignite With ‘Holz auf Holz’ from Upcoming Album ‘Axioms’

Eric Alper
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0
Heavy Rock Visionaries Wucan Ignite With ‘Holz auf Holz’ from Upcoming Album ‘Axioms’

Wucan recently announced their new album Axioms, releasing on August 29 via Long Branch Records. The new longplayer showcases the band’s artistic ingenuity while continuing the transformation first hinted at on the previous album Heretic Tongues and ultimately pushing that shift even further.

Today, the band releases “Holz auf Holz,” the third single from Axioms. “I wrote ‘Holz auf Holz’ on a cold March evening in 2024, during one of my little candle rituals at home,” shares singer Francis Tobolsky. “Suddenly, my incense caught fire without even touching the flame – and right in that moment, the melody came to me out of nowhere. It was immediately clear that this had to become a song.

“We call it ‘Holz’ for short, and it came together quite quickly, since the guys immediately understood what kind of track it was meant to be. To me, this song strongly reflects our East German rock and krautrock influences. And in true Wucan fashion, this German-language song serves as a commentary on the current political and social situation in Germany.”

As is well known, true art is characterized above all by its constant renewal – a combination of the tried and tested with the innovative.

Like nearly all influential acts in music history who have followed this golden rule, Wucan demonstrate their capacity for artistic evolution with Axioms. On Axioms, the four-piece heavy rock outfit led by frontwoman Francis Tobolsky blends the distinctive elements of their previous studio records – Sow The Wind (2015), Reap The Storm (2017), and Heretic Tongues (2022) – with fresh ideas, resulting in a broader stylistic range and a more clearly defined conceptual approach. In other words: While the band continues to reference hard rock, krautrock, East German rock, and metal, the eight new tracks are also infused with touches of progressive rock, isolated electronic elements, and a playful jazz attitude.

Or Tobolsky aptly puts it, “The foundation of our music is international ’70s hard rock enriched by contemporary influences – this time with even more bombast, brutality, and complexity.”

Country Star Cyndi Thomson Reclaims Her Story with ‘Life Ain’t Always Beautiful’

Eric Alper
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0
Country Star Cyndi Thomson Reclaims Her Story with ‘Life Ain’t Always Beautiful’

Hit country artist Cyndi Thomson released the official video for her version of “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful,” the poignant ballad she co-wrote with Tommy Lee James nearly two decades ago. Originally made famous by Gary Allan in 2005, the song has taken on new meaning for Thomson as she reclaims its message of resilience, hope, and finding beauty amid brokenness.

Filmed by Kate Clark inside an abandoned subway car covered in graffiti and decay, the video’s stark setting reflects life’s hardships. At its center, Thomson stands in a flowing red silk gown – a vivid, symbolic reminder that beauty and grace can shine even in the darkest of places.

“This song has been part of my story for years,” Thomson shares. “I wanted the video to capture the reality that life isn’t always perfect, but there’s still hope, still something beautiful waiting to be seen.”

The release comes at a pivotal moment in Thomson’s career, as she continues to connect with audiences through music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Known for her soaring vocals and timeless storytelling, Thomson’s career began with a record-breaking debut in 2001, when her first single, “What I Really Meant To Say,” became the highest-charting debut by a female country artist at the time. In May, she released her most recent EP, Acres of Diamonds, a celebration of the life she built while away from the music scene.

Soul-Pop Visionary Justin Maki Paints Outside the Lines with ‘Technicolor Dreams’

Eric Alper
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0
Soul-Pop Visionary Justin Maki Paints Outside the Lines with ‘Technicolor Dreams’

Japan-born, Canada-raised artist Justin Maki is making his boldest statement yet. On “Technicolor Dreams,” the FCLMA-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer unleashes a vibrant, groove-forward protest song – a defiant embrace of authenticity and individuality in the face of doubt.

Written originally with Canadian producer Drew Shalka (Mute Choir) during a snowstorm-stranded writing session in Nashville, “Technicolor Dreams” captures the thrill and uncertainty of chasing an unconventional path. “To others, our dreams are unattainable – naive, even,” says Maki. “To us, our dreams explode with colourful possibilities of what could be. Our lives, while unconventional, fill us with so much joy, passion, and purpose.”

When Maki brought the track into pre-production with VAŪLTS (JUNO Award-winners David Mohacsi and Maïa Davies), the song was completely torn apart and rebuilt. The bones – chord progression, melody, core concept – remained, but the team reimagined lyrics and arrangement until the track became the powerhouse single it is today. “It was hard to let go of ‘Technicolor Dreams’ as I knew it for so long before the pre-production process with VAŪLTS,” explains Maki. “But I heeded their JUNO Award-winning advice and (reluctantly and with much friction) trusted the process. I ultimately love how it turned out.”

Justin Maki is a musician, artist, and creative entrepreneur based in St. Thomas, ON. Named the FCLMA’s 2021 Pop Artist of the Year and 2022 Contemporary Singer-Songwriter of the Year, Maki blends influences from R&B, soul, funk, and jazz into an accessible pop framework – imagine Allen Stone meets Bruno Mars with the songwriting chops of John Mayer.

With a new record written from a staggering 100-song batch and recorded alongside decorated producers VAŪLTS, Justin Maki is poised to deliver his most cohesive and impactful body of work yet. “Technicolor Dreams” is just the beginning.

Turn It Up and Duck for Cover — Infamous Stiffs Unleash ‘The Ornery Six’

Eric Alper
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0
Turn It Up and Duck for Cover — Infamous Stiffs Unleash ‘The Ornery Six’

Infamous Stiffs release new EP ‘The Ornery Six’, out now on Golden Robot Records. California’s own Infamous Stiffs are back with a vengeance and release their brand-new EP ‘The Ornery Six’, out now via Golden Robot Records. The six-song barrage is available to stream now, and it’s everything fans have come to love – and fear – from these punk rock legends.

Unapologetic and loud, ‘The Ornery Six’ stays true to the band’s snarling roots, oozing grit and defiance from start to finish. With a relentless mix of crunching guitars, pummeling drums, and no-nonsense vocals, the Stiffs deliver their signature brand of punk rock ‘n’ roll with an extra shot of venom.

Tracks like ‘No Static’, ‘Evel Mann’, and ‘Walk Away’ channel a Frankenstein’s monster of punk influences, while the soul-scorching ‘Lonesoul’ and the unhinged ‘Loose Screwz’ reflect the chaos of modern life. The EP closes with ‘Top Secret’, a ripping tribute to LA punk legends Kaos and the late Johnny Stingray, tearing through the speakers like a high-octane homage to the scene that shaped them.

This is music to blast at full volume, whether you’re barreling down the freeway at 100 MPH or two-stepping through a bar brawl – either way, fists in the air are non-negotiable. Stream ‘The Ornery Six’ here.

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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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