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Indie Duo The Dream Eaters Serve Up Surreal New Single ‘Dead Friends’

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Brooklyn, NY/Toronto, ON-based indie rock/pop duo The Dream Eaters return with their macabre yet comic new single, “Dead Friends,” a track that transforms loneliness and loss into something strangely celebratory. Blending humour with the surreal, the song tells the story of a trip back to your hometown, only to realize the life you once knew has vanished. Friends are gone, but their ghosts remain – so you invite them over for dinner.

“It’s about taking a trip to your hometown, and the loneliness of realizing that what you knew as your life there has disappeared,” explains Jake Zavracky (vocals/guitar/programming). “So you go back to your apartment and have dinner with their ghosts. It’s humorous and surreal but also about celebrating the moments we shared with the people who have left us.”

What makes “Dead Friends” unique is its unflinching embrace of the macabre through something as ordinary as food. “I don’t know that anyone has ever written a song about making dinner for ghosts,” adds Zavracky. “It’s also about food, and how we use food to show love. Making dinner for people is the best way to show love for your friends.”

The track was mixed by Zavracky’s longtime friend John Dragonetti – known for his work in The Submarines and Jack Drag – adding another layer of nostalgia and connection to the release. It also draws inspiration from Italian chef Gennaro Cantaldo, who once cooked a lemon pasta for his late friend in a moving video that inspired Zavracky to write “Dead Friends” instantly.

Since 2015, The Dream Eaters have evolved from a dream pop band into a full-on video art project, releasing hundreds of darkly humorous and visually inventive videos. Vocalist/keyboardist Elizabeth LeBaron (originally from Calgary) and Zavracky (originally from Boston) began making music together while working at a bar in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood, eventually joined by drummer/dancer Steve Fugitt.

Their catalog includes EPs, two albums (We Are A Curse, 2017; Pagan Love, 2018), and their ongoing web series The Dream Eating Freakshow. With a growing cult fanbase across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and extensive touring in the U.S. and Canada, The Dream Eaters continue to balance catchy indie pop hooks with gothic humour and surreal storytelling.

13 Debut Albums That Were Instant Classics

Some albums don’t need time to find their place — they arrive fully formed, shaking the world and rewriting the rules. These debut records didn’t just introduce artists; they announced icons. From grunge revolutions to pop reinventions, here are 13 debut albums that landed as instant classics.

‘Are You Experienced’ – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)
The guitar became a cosmic instrument. Hendrix’s debut turned distortion into poetry, psychedelic rock into spectacle, and every solo into a declaration of genius. The world would never hear sound the same way again.

‘Appetite for Destruction’ – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
The Sunset Strip went supernova. Grit, rebellion, and swagger bled from every note as Axl, Slash, and the gang redefined hard rock with “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”

‘Boy’ – U2 (1980)
Echoing guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and boundless idealism. U2’s debut captured youth, hope, and the pulse of a band that would soon fill stadiums with sound and soul.

‘Born to Die’ – Lana Del Rey (2012)
A cinematic universe of heartbreak and Hollywood melancholy. Lana Del Rey’s debut introduced a lush, nostalgic world where glamour met gloom, all wrapped in vintage Americana.

‘CrazySexyCool’ – TLC (1994)
Silky harmonies and fearless attitude blended R&B, funk, and hip-hop into a smooth groove revolution. TLC’s debut made cool sound effortless and empowerment sound like the future.

‘Elvis Presley’ – Elvis Presley (1956)
The King walked in, guitar in hand, and the world started swiveling its hips. This record fused rhythm and blues with country twang and youth rebellion — and rock ’n’ roll was born.

‘Illmatic’ – Nas (1994)
Nine tracks of pure lyrical perfection. Nas painted New York street life with poetic detail, laying the blueprint for hip-hop storytelling that still echoes through every verse today.

‘Licensed to Ill’ – Beastie Boys (1986)
Punk energy met hip-hop swagger, and a party exploded. From “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” to “Fight for Your Right,” it was chaotic, clever, and completely culture-shifting.

‘Parachutes’ – Coldplay (2000)
Soft, shimmering, and heartfelt. With songs like “Yellow,” Coldplay introduced a wave of melodic melancholy that quietly took over radio and hearts everywhere.

‘Reasonable Doubt’ – Jay-Z (1996)
A hustler’s symphony of cool precision and ambition. Jay-Z’s debut mapped the intersection of street hustle and lyrical mastery — a blueprint for every mogul to come.

‘Ten’ – Pearl Jam (1991)
Grit met grace. Vedder’s voice roared with emotion, the guitars soared, and a generation found its anthem in the stormy heart of grunge.

‘The Fame’ – Lady Gaga (2008)
Pop’s new architect arrived in sequins and synths. Gaga’s debut mixed dance-floor euphoria with performance art flair, making fame itself her glittering playground.

‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ – The Velvet Underground (1967)
Avant-garde art met raw noise in a record that reshaped alternative music. Lou Reed, Nico, and Warhol’s factory turned outsider energy into timeless influence.

‘Michael Bolton’ Book Showcases Decades of Iconic Photography by Timothy White

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The quintessential collection of iconic photographs and poignant texts that reveal the visual and cultural legacy of American icon Michael Bolton as captured by longtime collaborator, renowned photographer, and dear friend Timothy White.

In 1987, celebrity photographer Timothy White got a call from American musician Michael Bolotin’s (now Bolton) record company asking him to work on a photo shoot. When Bolton came over to his studio, Timothy was struck by his calm persona, dry wit, and superb sense of humor. The two immediately hit it off. The resulting full-of-life photographs that captured Bolton’s charisma and charm marked the start of not only a professional but also a personal relationship that would come to establish Bolton’s visual legacy and identity.

Michael Bolton contains White’s handpicked collection of cinematic photographs featuring Bolton, on view together for the first time ever. The wide range of works include: Bolton with his trademark wavy locks, pictures in his breathtaking neoclassical home, classic editorial studio shots, and heartwarming selections from shoots across a variety of urban and rural landscapes. The work spans decades, featuring Bolton at all stages of his career.

Original quotes from celebrity friends are peppered throughout the book’s pages and highlight Bolton’s impact on a range of famous lives and on wider society. Dolly Parton notes how Bolton “stole her heart” the first time she heard him sing, Smokey Robinson declares Bolton “one of the greatest singers in life”, and The Lonely Island coin Michael a National Treasure. Additional mash notes from Kelly Clarkson, John Oliver, Zooey Deschanel, and Andre Agassi, to name a few, fill out the testimonials of love. Bolton and White themselves contribute text, as well as legendary Record Executive, Clive Davis.

Chock-full of cinematic visuals and touching, personal texts that reveal a side of the enigmatic megastar that has never been presented before, the book portrays a comprehensive visual overview of the beloved performer and his impact on popular culture, while also highlighting an intimate collaboration between two exemplars of their respective talent fields.

‘Blondie in Camera 1978’ Captures the Spark of a Band on the Brink of Stardom

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Blondie in Camera 1978 beautifully presents the most celebrated photos of the late 1970s’ biggest breakthrough band.

Blondie in Camera 1978 is richly illustrated with photographer Martyn Goddard’s most famous images of Blondie. Taken during their breakthrough year, these pictures have graced magazines, newspapers, promotional campaigns, posters and even the ‘Picture This’ single cover and the Best of Blondie album cover.

Blondie’s rise to the mainstream surface punctuated the late ’70s with a raft of unforgettable New Wave hits. The genre-mashing classic ‘Heart of Glass’ along with the likes of ‘Hanging on a Telephone’ and ‘Picture This’ were as zesty and fresh-faced as the young band members, who soon found superstardom as their singles landed and the strength of their attitude began to resonate. When Goddard traveled to New York in ’78 with an assignment to photograph lead-singer Debbie Harry, he couldn’t have imagined that Blondie’s songs and his images would soon become permanent fixtures on the cultural landscape.

This is the ultimate treasure trove for fans of one of the world’s biggest bands.

‘Their Generation’: The Who’s Explosive U.S. Tours Captured Through the Lens of Tom Wright

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The story of The Who’s momentous first tours of America told through fabulous photos by the band’s official photographer and tour manager Tom Wright with a foreword by Pete Townshend.

Tom Wright first met Pete Townshend at Ealing Art School in the early 60s. He became The Who’s official tour photographer and manager from 1967 in the US, also managing the Grande Ballroom in Detroit where The Who’s rock opera Tommy premiered. He was much more than the band’s photographer, he was a friend and photographed them right up to their farewell tour in 1991. Tom’s vast record collection and musical influences had a big impact on the band in their early years.

Their Generation covers The Who’s first tours of North America, a hugely creative time with explosive performances both on and off stage, the time of their US hit ‘I Can See for Miles’ and much more.

Through the fabulous photographs, many of which have never been seen before, we see the band backstage, onstage, on tour, at rehearsal, at ease, in studio, at home. The photos will be accompanied by extended captions providing background details of the time, the people and the places.

As well as The Who, Tom Wright toured with the Rolling Stones, the Faces, The James Gang, J. D. Elvis Costello, The Eagles and many more, documenting their performances and life on the road.

“One thing is certain, had I not met Tom Wright, The Who would never have become successful.” Pete Townshend

The Band CAMINO Expand ‘NeverAlways’ with New Single ‘12:34’ and Announce Global Tour

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Ahead of their much-anticipated global headline tour, The Band CAMINO have expanded on their third studio album NeverAlways with new track “12:34” – available now via Atlantic Records.

The Nashville-based trio – Jeffery Jordan, Spencer Stewart, and Garrison Burgess – kick off the North American leg of The NeverAlways Tour this Friday in Atlanta, GA with stops at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium on October 23rd and New York’s Brooklyn Paramount on November 11th ahead of UK, European, and Australia/New Zealand legs continuing through February 2026.

The shows follow the band’s exclusive run of shows deemed Tour Before The Tour, which saw them take on intimate venues across the country with shows selling out in under 20 minutes.

The Band CAMINO’s third studio album NeverAlways is highlighted by standout singles “Stupid Questions” and “Infinity,” both co-written with longtime collaborators Seth Ennis and Schmidt (capturing the classic CAMINO sound first heard on hit singles “Daphne Blue” and “See Through”). The 11-track collection also sees the trio team up with the likes of Captain Cuts, Jonah Shy (Role Model, Shawn Mendes), Gabe Simon (Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams) & more.

NORTH AMERICA
Oct 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

Oct 11, 2025 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium

Oct 13, 2025 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando

Oct 14, 2025 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live

Oct 16, 2025 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company

Oct 18, 2025 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater

Oct 19, 2025 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

Oct 21, 2025 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre

Oct 23, 2025 – Hollywood, CA – Hollywood Palladium

Oct 26, 2025 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex

Oct 28, 2025 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

Oct 30, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre

Nov 1, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis – SOLD OUT

Nov 2, 2025 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee

Nov 4, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant

Nov 5, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre

Nov 7, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE

Nov 8, 2025 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe

Nov 9, 2025 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY

Nov 11, 2025 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount

Nov 13, 2025 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

Nov 15, 2025 – Boston, MA – The MGM Music Hall at Fenway

Nov 16, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia

Nov 18, 2025 – Louisville, KY – Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

Nov 20, 2025 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed – SOLD OUT

Nov 21, 2025 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!

Nov 22, 2025 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle – SOLD OUT

UK + EU
Dec 9, 2025 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – The Garage

Dec 10, 2025 – Manchester, United Kingdom – New Century Hall

Dec 12, 2025 – London, United Kingdom – O2 Forum Kentish Town

Dec 14, 2025 – Haarlem, Netherlands – Patronaat

Dec 16, 2025 – Cologne, Germany – Kantine

Dec 17, 2025 – Berlin, Germany – Columbia Theater

NZ + AU
Feb 19, 2026 – Auckland, New Zealand – The Powerstation

Feb 21, 2026 – Sydney, Australia – Enmore Theatre

Feb 22, 2026 – Melbourne, Australia – Forum

Feb 24, 2026 – Brisbane, Australia – The Tivoli

Feb 26, 2026 – Fremantle, Australia – Freo Social

Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night Announce Enchanting 2025 Blackmore’s Night Tour

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Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and award-winning singer Candice Night return to the stage in November 2025. This tour is a musical journey through the band’s 25-year-long history, featuring songs from across their entire discography and offering fans an enchanting evening celebrating the music of Blackmore’s Night.

Six dates are set for November along the East Coast.

With a shared love for the tradition of Renaissance and folk-rock music, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and award-winning lyricist and singer Candice Night founded Blackmore’s Night in 1997. They have been enchanting audiences around the world ever since. Blackmore’s Night defines its music as Renaissance folk-rock, a unique and original genre of music inspired by the melodies and the tradition of the Renaissance period, translated into contemporary music.

In 1997, Blackmore’s Night released their debut album, Shadow Of The Moon, which immediately went gold in Japan and earned awards worldwide.

What followed was a success story that is one of its kind. After hitting off the celebrations for their 25th anniversary with a fully remixed edition of their debut album Shadow Of The Moon in 2023, Candice and Ritchie continued the festivities with the worldwide release of an anniversary edition of their acclaimed third studio album Fires At Midnight in 2024. Originally released in July 2001, Fires At Midnight entered the Official German Album Charts at No. 9 in 2001, making it Blackmore’s Night’s first record to hit the Top 10 Charts in Germany. The band’s latest studio album, Nature’s Light, brought Blackmore’s Night back to the German Top 10, and it has reinforced the relationship with the fanbase globally.

Meanwhile, their devoted fan base has grown exponentially as the band continues performing their mystical music for all ages. From grandparents to children, everyone is enjoying their medieval mood music and gypsy dances. Clearly, the music of Blackmore’s Night connects with fans on a deep level, allowing them to experience an entirely different era of merriment. In the age of digital music, new fans discover Blackmore’s Night every single day, making the band possibly the most-streamed artist of its genre. At the helm of this band is award-winning lyricist and vocalist, Candice Night, who not only contributes her unique, entrancing vocals, but also deftly navigates seven medieval woodwinds, including chanters, shawms, pennywhistles and recorders. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and celebrated guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, who traverses between acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, mandola and hurdy gurdy. Further enhancing the band’s inspired sound are keyboardist/back-up vocalist Bard David; violinist Scarlett Fiddler; back-up vocalist/rhythm guitar, Lady Jessie; bassist/rhythmic guitarist Earl Grey; and percussionist Troubadour of Aberdeen. With lyrics penned by Night, the collective embraces the aura of the old-world inn, from madrigals and ballads to good old-fashioned Renaissance-inspired pub songs.

Their sold-out concerts in castles and UNESCO sites worldwide are filled with thousands of fans dressed in Renaissance garb, dancing and singing as if time stood still. No clocks… no pressure… just the gaiety and camaraderie of a medieval pub. Everyone joins in and loses their stress in the music. The recent induction of Blackmore’s Night into the ‘Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame’ is yet another testament to their incredible artistry. In addition to her work with Blackmore’s Night, Candice Night released her deeply personal solo album Sea Glass in 2025. A collection of heartfelt songs inspired by life, love, and reflection, the album showcases her captivating vocals and intimate songwriting in a more contemporary setting. Sea Glass has already touched fans worldwide, offering yet another dimension of Candice’s artistry beyond the Renaissance-inspired world of Blackmore’s Night.

Blackmore’s Knight 2025 Tour Dates:

Nov 9 – Alexandra, VA @ The Birchmere
Nov 13 – Lititz, PA @ Mickey’s Black Box
Nov 15 – Newtown, NJ @ Newtown Theater
Nov 20 – Wilmington, DE @ The Queen
Nov 23 – Cohoes, NY @ Cohoes Music Hall
Nov 29 – Tarrytown, NY @ Tarrytown Music Hall

Indie-Pop Darlings Fickle Friends Announce Self-Titled Album and Drop New Single ‘Joe’

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Last week saw Brighton’s favourite indie pop troubadours Fickle Friends reveal the news of their upcoming eponymous third studio album, Fickle Friends, out 7th November via their own label, Palmeira Music. Today, they share the irrefutably fun and slightly chaotic single ‘Joe’. The four piece are embarking on a November UK tour, including a date in their native town’s coveted Green Door Store on album release day. The tour has sold out already in Brighton, London and Oxford – buy tickets for the remaining shows here.

Joe’ follows a line of successful singles, ‘Feral’, ‘Swoon’, ‘Dream’, ‘Happier’ and most recently, UP!. A testament to their exceptional talents and loyal fanbase, the aforementioned singles have hit tremendous streaming heights through an entirely independent approach, without having leaned on traditional industry support.

With their self-titled album, Fickle Friends are rewriting their own story – a radiant indie pop record that marks both a return, and a rebirth. Entirely self-produced and creatively directed by the band, Fickle Friends is a true DIY triumph – proof of what happens when artists trust their instincts and embrace total independence. It’s a love letter to joy, friendship, and finding your way back to the things that make you feel alive.

Across Fickle Friends’ 11 tracks, the band capture the euphoria and chaos of being alive right now, marrying cosy production and huge hooks with lyrics that are both deeply personal and wildly relatable.

After years of relentless touring and two acclaimed albums, the band stepped back to breathe, to rediscover why they started making music in the first place. The break wasn’t just necessary, it was transformative. What emerged was a renewed sense of purpose, and the songs that would become Fickle Friends.

At its heart, this is an album about happiness. Messy, complicated, hard-won happiness. It celebrates the friends who lift you up, the nights that stretch until morning, the thrill of falling in love, and the joy of finally letting yourself live unapologetically.

“This album feels like the most authentic we’ve ever been,” says vocalist Natassja Shiner. “It’s the sound of falling back in love with music, with being a band, and with life itself. It’s honest and FUN.”

Toto Legend Steve Porcaro Returns with Reflective New Album ‘The Very Day’

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Steve Porcaro-legendary songwriter, synth pioneer, and founding member of Toto-makes a long-awaited return this fall with The Very Day, his first solo album since 2016. Out now on Green Hill Music, the album begins its reveal today with the release of the radiant new single “Miss Jane Sinclair,” a breezy piano-driven track written in collaboration with author and longtime friend David Kamp.

A platinum-selling songwriter best known for penning songs like Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” and shaping the sonic landscape of ’80s pop with his signature synth textures, Porcaro has spent a lifetime in the studio crafting songs for others. His role as a behind-the-scenes architect of that sound was recently spotlighted in the HBO documentary Yacht Rock, which revisited the smooth pop era he helped define. But with The Very Day, he turns inward-finishing a deeply personal collection of tracks decades in the making.

“I found myself in this fortunate position where the coast was clear,” says Porcaro. “After years of spinning plates and making a living in music, I finally had the space to do what I love: be in the studio and finish my songs. This album is the start of a new chapter for me-no touring, no compromises, just making music on my own terms.”

Porcaro wrote and recorded the songs on The Very Day with a carefully chosen cast of friends and collaborators, including Michael McDonald, Jude Cole, Gardner Cole, and Jason Scheff. With a producer’s ear and a composer’s sensibility, Porcaro approached each track like casting a film-inviting voices and musicians who best served the story of the song. Though he’s never considered himself a lead vocalist, he sings several songs on the album, including “Miss Jane Sinclair.”

“I’ve always had a soft spot for a great hook, but I also grew up loving music that pushed the envelope-Steely Dan, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Yes,” he says. “Now I get to follow that instinct and be true to myself. These songs come from that place.”

Blake Davis, General Manager of Green Hill Music, adds: “Steve Porcaro is one of the great architects of modern pop. His touch-whether in the studio or behind the keyboard-has influenced generations. We’re honored to release The Very Day, a record that reflects both his legacy and his freedom to create exactly the music he wants to make.”

Texas Legend Robert Earl Keen Announces 2025 Holiday Tour ‘The Greatest Christmas On Earth’

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For fifteen years now, legendary Texas songwriter Robert Earl Keen has thrown his own kind of Christmas party, one that involves venues quite a bit larger than your usual great uncle’s living room and a few thousand more guests.

At this point, the REK Christmas tour has become part of some families’ traditions right alongside sweet potato casserole or leaving out treats for the reindeer. This year will be no different, with Keen and company announcing their 2025 holiday season tour: The Greatest Christmas On Earth.

From December 4th to the 21st, load up the kids-no matter if they’re grown or not-and head to the travelling musical circus where the Robert Earl Keen Band plan on bringing themes like lions, tigers, tight ropes, and clowns into the fold among Keen’s classic, singalong tunes to tour stops throughout the Southeast and Texas. Of course, each night wouldn’t be complete without a performance of the most dysfunctional holiday anthem ever, “Merry Christmas From The Family.” And that’s exactly the spirit of a Robert Earl Keen Christmas show: check all of your family, work, or life baggage at the door and have a good time, even if, no…especially if, you’re sitting next to your own argumentative kin. It’s a perfect 90 minutes of not having to make small talk with Brother Ken, New Wife Kay, Fred and Rita, and Cousin David!

Tickets for The Greatest Christmas On Earth tour, kicking off with a REK hometown show in Kerrville, Texas, on December 4th. Artist presale begins on Wednesday, October 8th at 10am local. Registration is now live via robertearlkeen.com/tour. General on sale is Friday, October 10th at 10am local.

Greatest Christmas On Earth Tour Dates:
Dec. 4 – Kerrville, TX – Arcadia Live Theatre
Dec. 6 – Tyler, TX – UT Tyler Cowan Center
Dec. 7 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric
Dec. 9 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
Dec. 10 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
Dec. 12 – Charlotte, NC – Carolina Theatre
Dec. 13 – Chattanooga, TN – Walker Theatre
Dec. 14 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
Dec. 16 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
Dec. 18 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Dec. 19 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Dec. 20 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Dec. 21 – Houston, TX – House of Blues