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WinterWonderGrass Steamboat 2026 Unveils Americana And Bluegrass Powerhouse Lineup

Eric Alper
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WinterWonderGrass Steamboat 2026 Unveils Americana And Bluegrass Powerhouse Lineup

WinterWonderGrass Steamboat is thrilled to announce the 13th annual installment of the beloved music, brews, mountains festival. This year will feature 30 bands on 4 stages over 3 days filled with new acts, music on the mountain, skiing and fun for the whole family including free pop up shows at Thunderhead Lodge, the infamous Grass After Dark late night sets and more. WinterWonderGrass has established a reputation in the Americana/bluegrass/roots communities as being a tastemaker and ahead of the curve when it comes to seeking out the best emerging talent. 2026 is no exception, and will highlight 11 acts that will make their WWG debut.

WWG remains focused on curating simple and authentic community gatherings for the adventurous spirit – where the quality of the experience is the top priority, not the number of tickets sold. In a world where few independent festivals remain, WinterWonderGrass prides itself on being one of the best. The full artist lineup is listed below and features The Devil Makes Three, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Elephant Revival, Sierra Hull, Andy Frasco, Lindsay Lou, and more.

Purchase tickets HERE.

2026 WinterWonderGrass Steamboat Lineup

THE DEVIL MAKES THREE
LEFTOVER SALMON
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY
ELEPHANT REVIVAL
SIERRA HULL
ANDY FRASCO (Artist at Large)
LINDSAY LOU (Artist at Large)
MOUNTAIN GRASS UNIT
MOONTRICKS
CLAY STREET UNIT
TOPHOUSE
CHAPARELLE
MAGOO
THE FRETLINERS
DANIEL RODRIGUEZ STRING BAND
THE LAST REVEL
BRONWYN KEITH-HYNES
WINTERWONDERWOMEN
PICKIN’ ON THE DEAD featuring ROB EATON
JOHNNY MULLENAX
AJ LEE (Artist at Large)
SILAS HERMAN & THE TONE UNIT
BANSHEE TREE
BROKEN COMPASS BLUEGRASS
TYREE WOODS (Artist at Large)
LITTLE MOON TRAVELERS
DEER CREEK SHARP SHOOTERS
GRAHAM GOOD AND THE PAINTERS

Irish Indie Artist Liam Foody Shares Reflective New Single ‘The One’

Eric Alper
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Irish Indie Artist Liam Foody Shares Reflective New Single ‘The One’

Since his 2024 debut, “New Local Hero” nominee Liam Foody has been earning widespread acclaim across Irish media, with features in Hot Press, The Beat, Pure M Zine, The Daily Music Report and more; his atmospheric indie sound and heartfelt songwriting positioning him as a sure ‘one to watch’ in the Irish music scene.

Upcoming single, “The One”, releasing October 10th, is another introspective release from the Ballyhaunis singer-songwriter. Written about the emotional struggle of holding on to things we don’t want to let go of, it also delves into the difficult, though important realization that everything happens for a reason. “Sometimes this truth is hard to accept,” Foody explains. “But it’s a part of life that we all have to face”.

The single, which came together rather unexpectedly, features longtime collaborator and fellow Mayo musician Kriss Kurda, who worked with Foody on second single “Waiting For You”.

Foody recalls, “I was in the studio working on a different song when the chorus melody came to mind. The rest of the song came together rather quickly after we stopped what we were doing and put everything into getting this track finished. My friend Kriss Kurda played a big role in bringing this song to life with the addition of synthesisers, live guitar and heavy drums. I then got in touch with Dublin based producer Gavin Doyle who worked his magic and made the song what it is”

With what is only his third original release, “The One” deepens the promise Foody has shown from the beginning, marking another confident step forward in the journey to becoming one of Ireland’s freshest new voices in indie.

We Are Scientists Reflect And Rip On ‘The Big One’ From Album ‘Qualifying Miles’

Eric Alper
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We Are Scientists Reflect And Rip On ‘The Big One’ From Album ‘Qualifying Miles’

“One problem with constantly mining your own personal life for lyrical inspiration is that you sometimes catch yourself experiencing personal interactions through the lens of your own future lyrical depiction of the moment,” says We Are Scientists vocalist and guitarist Keith Murray about the band’s emotionally raw new single, “The Big One.” “We hear a lot about artists coping with difficult emotional experiences by hashing them out in their work; much less is said about how the anticipation of doing that artistic hashing plays in at the actual moment. Like, ‘Oh, geez, I’m in trouble now-here comes a good song!'”

He continues: “There’s a scene in Noah Baumbach’s Kicking and Screaming where a couple, fresh out of undergrad, are fighting over who gets to ‘use this material in a story’,” he continues, alluding to the 1995 film. “As a referendum on artistic solipsism, it haunts me to this day. I guess ‘The Big One’ is about those moments when things go so awry that that sort of in-the-moment arm’s-length analysis is no longer a possibility. Now you’re just in it. It also has maybe my favorite guitar solo ever, so, yeah.”

“The Big One” is the final preview of Qualifying Miles, the band’s highly anticipated ninth studio album, out now via Gronland Records. It follows a trio of emotionally rich singles that capture the band’s sharpened, guitar-forward direction and trademark lyrical wit: the aching, effervescent “Please Don’t Say It,” the shimmering, self-lacerating ballad “I Could Do Much Worse,” and “What You Want Is Gone,” a melancholic mid-tempo stunner paired with a fan-shot tour video that leans into memory, longing, and letting go.

Together, the four singles serve as a proper reintroduction to We Are Scientists: a band reflecting on their past without being trapped by it, chasing an immediacy that feels both familiar and revitalized. The album’s title, Qualifying Miles, plays like a wry nod to the band’s decades-long journey, but there’s no nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake here, this is a collection of songs that crackle with life and gut-punch emotional resonance.

Qualifying Miles is a stripped-down, emotionally expansive record that sees We Are Scientists embracing the ’90s guitar rock influences that first lit the fuse back in their early Brooklyn days. Tracks like “Dead Letters,” “At The Mall In My Dreams” and “What You Want Is Gone” lean into themes of memory, impermanence, and the haunting weight of lost connections. But there’s levity, too – the band’s self-effacing humor and melodic swagger remain front and center.

Recorded with a “band in a room” ethos and a let-it-rip energy, Qualifying Miles finds longtime duo Keith Murray and Chris Cain pushing themselves toward something looser, louder, and more instinctive than anything they’ve done in years. For a band celebrating 20 years since their breakthrough debut With Love and Squalor, Qualifying Miles doesn’t feel like a victory lap – it feels like the start of something urgent and new.

Blues-Rock Guitarist Leilani Kilgore Unleashes Fiery Debut Album ‘Tell Your Ghost’

Eric Alper
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Blues-Rock Guitarist Leilani Kilgore Unleashes Fiery Debut Album ‘Tell Your Ghost’

Standout Nashville-based guitarist Leilani  Kilgore – who has been hailed by Guitar World, SPIN, Loud Hailer Magazine and  numerous others – has released her highly-anticipated debut album, Tell Your Ghost,  which is now available digitally on all streaming platforms, as well as on CD and vinyl.  

Tell Your Ghost – produced by Kilgore herself – showcases the prodigious guitar skills  and knack for compelling songwriting that have garnered her such widespread critical  acclaim. Spanning nine diverse tracks, the album also reflects Kilgore’s eagerness to  expand her sonic profile by fearlessly embracing more elements of rock and alternative  music while still paying homage to her roots in the blues.  

Kilgore has built and solidified a reputation as one of the most talented and highly regarded guitar acts in the industry. Hundreds of shows across the U.S. and  internationally have cemented her status as a can’t-miss live performer and helped her  build a robust, enthusiastic following, and she has released a string of successful  singles that have accumulated hundreds of thousands of streams. But after a series of  both professional and personal challenges in recent years, the West Coast native  decided the time was right to finally release a full-length album.  

“It was really important to be able to prove to myself, and others as well, that I was  capable of putting out an album after focusing solely on singles for so long and that it  was something actually worth doing,” notes Kilgore. “Admittedly, I also had a lot to get  off my chest after facing a number of issues over the past few years and recording this  album became a kind of therapy because I was able to tap into and emotionally process  those struggles in what is probably the most natural and healthy way for me – through  music.”  

Tell Your Ghost includes three of Kilgore’s previously-released singles – the thumping  and energetic “High/Low” that serves as the album’s opener, the mesmerizing, scaled back “Early Grave” that provides a stellar example of both Kilgore’s artistic versatility  and growth as a songwriter and the raucous banger “Wish You Were Dead,” which  delivers a healthy dose of infectious, crunchy guitars and the kind of raw energy for  which she is known.  

It also features “Spanish Moss,” which Kilgore counts as perhaps her favorite on the  album and represents everything that gets her excited about songwriting, and the  album-closing “I See Stars,” an emotional and poignant track that she predicts may  catch listeners a bit off guard.  

Although regarded primarily as a blues artist throughout her career, Kilgore approached  the recording process intent on making sure her debut album had a more rock-centric 

sound and an overall feel that mirrors her live performances, and she went about  executing that vision in part by deciding to produce Tell Your Ghost herself.  

“Ultimately, I realized that the best way to capture the sound I was looking for on the  album was to produce it myself,” she says. “I wanted this record to sound like we do as  a band when we play live and to capture the same energy and synergy we have when we’re on stage together. Making that happen in essentially only three days in the studio  was definitely a challenge at times but I think we accomplished what we set out to do  and I’m incredibly proud of the final product.” 

Tell Your Ghost Track Listing 

1. ‘High/Low’ 

2. “Back to You” 

3. “Spanish Moss” 

4. “Early Grave” 

5. “Creepin’” 

6. “Burn” 

7. “Can’t Take it Back” 

8. “Wish You Were Dead” 

9. “I See Stars” 

All songs on Tell Your Ghost were written and produced by Leilani Kilgore. She is joined  on the record by Jon Wisecarver (guitar), Josh Rice (bass) and David Keith (drums).  

Lauded by Guitar World for her “killer vibe and chops to back it up,” Leilani Kilgore is a  bona fide rising star whose distinctive, blistering rock sound features elements of soulful  blues and fearless, unapologetic emotional expression.  

The West Coast native first began playing professionally at the age of 14 before honing  her skills with performance- and guitar-focused training at the renowned Berklee  College of Music, and she has garnered critical acclaim throughout the industry for her prodigious musicianship and immense sonic profile ever since. 

Kilgore, dubbed a “must-see live performer” by Loud Hailer Magazine, has notched  hundreds of shows and festivals both in the U.S. and internationally, including  headlining slots on legendary stages like Sturgis Buffalo Chip and Summerfest, and she  has opened for such renowned acts as Buddy Guy, Lita Ford, 38 Special, The Dead  Daisies (feat. Glenn Hughes and Doug Aldrich) and Tommy Castro. 

Kilgore has released numerous successful singles since arriving in Nashville that have  accumulated hundreds of thousands of streams and earned her a large, loyal following  nationwide. In the Fall of 2025, she will release her debut full-length album, Tell Your Ghost, a nine-song collection that not only captures her prodigious guitar skills, but her  artistic versatility and evolution as a songwriter as well.

Eagles Extend Historic Las Vegas Rock Residency At Sphere With Four New 2026 Shows

Eric Alper
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Eagles Extend Historic Las Vegas Rock Residency At Sphere With Four New 2026 Shows

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, the best-selling album in U.S. history, four additional 2026 shows – Friday, February 20; Saturday, February 21; Friday, February 27; and Saturday, February 28 – have been added to the band’s residency at SPHERE in Las Vegas.

The residency, EAGLES – LIVE IN CONCERT AT SPHERE, now totals 52 shows from Friday, September 20, 2024, through Saturday, February 28, 2026, making it the longest-running Sphere residency since the revolutionary venue opened in September 2023. The general on-sale for the new shows, which offers fans the ultimate connection to the band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only Sphere can provide, will begin Friday, October 24 at 10:00 AM PT at https://ticketmaster.com.

To assist in getting tickets directly into the hands of fans, advance Artist presale registration is available now at https://eagles.com, powered by Seated, and begins Wednesday, October 22 at 10:00 AM PT.

Tickets start at $175 and reflect all-in pricing, meaning the ticket price listed is inclusive of taxes and fees.

Limited VIP Ticket Packages will be available at https://eagles.com and include premium seats, exclusive merchandise, parking, & more.

Vibee is the Hotel & Experience Package partner for the Eagles’ Sphere residency. Vibee packages include a concert ticket and 2-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas – the only resort connected to Sphere – with guests receiving priority entry to the venue, commemorative keepsakes, and more. Vibee Hotel & Experience packages for the newly announced dates are available beginning Wednesday, October 15 at 10:00 AM PT, exclusively at Eagles.vibee.com.

The Vibee Concierge and Eagles Third Encore Experience is conveniently located in The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, located just off Restaurant Row. Admission is free and open to the public. It features the Troubadour replica, exclusive to Vibee VIP guests, as well as the ‘Hotel California’ immersive experience, memorabilia, merch store, and all-new activations that all fans are sure to love. 

Eagles Third Encore (from Oct 10 – Feb.28):
Thursday: 11 AM – 7 PM / Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 8:00 PM / Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM

Eagles Vibee Concierge Hours:
Thursday-Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM  / Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM

EAGLES – LIVE IN CONCERT AT SPHERE

Newly Added:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Upcoming Shows:

Friday, October 31, 2025 / Saturday, November 1, 2025

Friday, November 7, 2025 / Saturday, November 8, 2025

Friday, January 23 / Saturday, January 24

Friday, January 30 / Saturday, January 31

These shows utilize Sphere’s next-generation technologies, including the world’s highest resolution LED display that wraps up, over and around the audience, creating a fully immersive visual environment. The venue also features the world’s most advanced concert-grade audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound, which delivers audio with unmatched clarity and precision to every guest.

In the Fall of 1971, the EAGLES formed, pioneered, and personified a uniquely American musical style, blending country, folk, R&B, rock, and pop sensibilities, and would go onto become one of the most creatively and commercially successful bands of all time.  In today’s faddish, fractured, rock landscape, the Eagles retain an appeal that transcends both generation and genre, cementing the band’s role as enduring musical icons.        The Eagles have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, scored six #1 albums, and topped the singles charts five times.  They earned six GRAMMY Awards, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, in their very first year of eligibility, and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016. The band’s Greatest Hits 1971-1977 is the best-selling album in history, with the RIAA certifying the collection at 38-times Platinum.  Hotel California is the third best-selling U.S. album in history, certified 26-times Platinum.  After its release in 1976, it topped the charts and earned two GRAMMY Awards for “New Kid In Town” and “Hotel California.” 

Metal Titans David Ellefson And Jeff Scott Soto Unite On ‘Unbreakable’

Eric Alper
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Metal Titans David Ellefson And Jeff Scott Soto Unite On ‘Unbreakable’

GRAMMY Award winning bassist David Ellefson (Ex-Megadeth) and acclaimed metal vocalist Jeff Scott Soto have once again joined forces and are set to release their highly anticipated second album “Unbreakable” out now via Rat Pak Records. Alongside the album announcement, the duo has unveiled a powerful new music video for the title track “Unbreakable,” giving fans a first taste of the record’s sound.

The duo Ellefson-Soto is joined by Italian guitarist Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi on drums and features 11 studio tracks with guest appearances from Tim Ripper Owens (KK’s Priest) and Burning Witches front-woman Laura Guldemond.

Recorded at Rogue Studios in Wembley UK, by Alessio Garavello and produced by Chris Collier (Mick Mars, Korn, Flat Black) “Unbreakable” is a sonic assault packed with catchy riffs, melodic vocals, and thoughtful lyrics that blends their classic metal roots with modern rock intensity.

“This album digs even deeper,” says Ellefson. “It’s heavier, more personal, and shaped by everything we’ve experienced on and off the stage.” Soto adds, “The energy we poured into this one-it’s the sound of two lifetimes colliding in riffs, rage, and redemption.”

Ellefson further comments, “One of the things I like most is I feel like you can hear a real sense of brotherhood on our records, that we’re really in the creative process together as a band. The consistency of our sound has remained intact while allowing us to further build upon each other’s strengths from our debut album. It’s an honest, organic approach that blends well and lets us explore new sounds and musical paths. At the end of the day, I don’t think there is anything that an artist desires more than that!”

Wale Announces Eighth Hip-Hop Album ‘Everything Is A Lot.’ Out November 14

Eric Alper
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Wale Announces Eighth Hip-Hop Album ‘Everything Is A Lot.’ Out November 14

Today, Grammy-nominated prolific rapper Wale announced the release of his highly anticipated, eighth studio album everything is a lot. arriving on November 14th via Def Jam Recordings. Spanning 16 tracks, the project dives into themes of mental health, self-discovery, and personal growth, peeling back the layers of Wale’s inner world with striking honesty. 

The album’s title, everything is a lot. (EIA) captures the heavy weight of life’s challenges and the emotional complexities that come with it. In a statement about the project, Wale shared, “EIA is one of my most personal and honest projects to date. It touches on the weight of life’s struggles and growth, and finding light through it all. EIA is about culture, it’s about resilience, and it’s about finding a way forward even when everything feels like a lot.”

Wale has offered a glimpse of what’s to come through the album’s singles thus far. His first release from the upcoming album, “Blanco,” is a somber, bluesy record unveiling a new layer of vulnerability and honesty from Wale. Wale’s following single, “Where to Start,” samples the 1992 R&B/Soul classic “I’m So Into You” by American R&B vocal trio SWV, embracing nostalgia alongside Wale’s unmistakable lyrical prowess.

A cornerstone of the DMV rap scene, Wale returns with EIA at a pivotal moment for hip-hop, defined by a renewed hunger for authenticity and unfiltered expression. As a seasoned player in the game with more than a decade of cultural influence behind him, Wale channels his personal evolution and emotional journey into the upcoming project. Concurrently, he honors his Nigerian heritage through collaboration with global artists to create a body of work that bridges continents and cultures. Fusing international sounds, a dynamic lineup of artists across genres and Wale’s signature lyrical depth, EIA is poised to make a lasting imprint on music while offering a profoundly human perspective on growth, resilience, and self-discovery. 

everything is a lot. Tracklist

  1. Conundrum
  2. Belly
  3. Where to Start
  4. Blanco
  5. Michael Fredo
  6. Power and Problems
  7. Mirroronnabenz
  8. YSF
  9. Tomorrow Today
  10. Big Head
  11. City On Fire
  12. Fly Away 
  13. Corner Bottles
  14. Like I
  15. Survive 
  16. Lonely

Wale has been one of rap’s most versatile and enduring artists since his breakout 2008 mixtape, A Mixtape About Nothing. Blending striking social commentary, confident lyricism, Seinfeld-inspired irony, and anthemic storytelling, he helped merge backpack rap with mainstream success, earning Platinum and Gold plaques along the way. Born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin to Nigerian immigrant parents in Washington, D.C., he pursued football in college before shifting to music, scoring his first local hit with 2006’s “Dig Dug (Shake It).” His critically acclaimed A Mixtape About Nothing solidified his reputation for tackling complex themes with nuance, paving the way for a major-label debut, Attention Deficit (2009), and later success with Ambition (2011), The Gifted (2013), The Album About Nothing (2015), and more. Aligning with Rick Ross’ MMG, he delivered Platinum hits like “Lotus Flower Bomb” and “My P.Y.T.,” proving his staying power. After a brief hiatus following Folarin II (2019), Wale returned in 2023 with a new deal at Def Jam, a #1 Nigerian hit, and a Kennedy Center headline show celebrating The Gifted. Now, with his highly anticipated eighth album on the horizon, he’s ready to begin his next chapter as one of hip-hop’s greatest writers.

Matt Berry And Jemaine Clement Explore AI Music Magic With The Orchid Synth

Eric Alper
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Matt Berry And Jemaine Clement Explore AI Music Magic With The Orchid Synth

Matt Berry, guided by narrator Jemaine Clement, dives into the world of the Orchid by Telepathic Instruments, a tabletop digital synthesizer powered by voice and music-driven AI. With just a few button presses, the Orchid generates rich, complex chords that span from classic Major and Minor tones to vibrant extensions like 6ths and 9ths. It’s an imaginative bridge between human creativity and machine intelligence, offering musicians endless harmonic possibilities.


TikTok Gives Songwriters Their Spotlight With New Songwriter Features Beta

Eric Alper
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TikTok Gives Songwriters Their Spotlight With New Songwriter Features Beta

Today TikTok is pleased to announce the beta launch of TikTok Songwriter Features, a new set of features and tools which have been designed to highlight and give due credit on TikTok to the amazing work of songwriters and the music they have created.

The new features mean that songwriters’ musical works and their shared content will sit side-by-side in one place on TikTok for the first time, giving songwriters the opportunity to highlight the works they have written or co-written, to share stories about their work, their music and their lives, and to help fans of their music to explore, use, share and save further works from their catalogue. 

TikTok Songwriter Features include:

  • Songwriter Account Label: Songwriters can register for a Songwriter Account, which will identify them as a Songwriter under their profile.
  • Songwriter Music Tab: The Songwriter Music Tab will spotlight a selection of the tracks that they have written/co-written

Songwriters including Lauren Christy, Toby Gad and Justin Tranter are among the first to use TikTok Songwriter Features.

The new TikTok Songwriter Features are in addition to an array of tools that songwriters can already use to raise their profile, build an audience and promote their music on TikTok and on other platforms, including:

  • #BehindTheSong: A campaign to shine a light on the unique stories behind the music created by songwriters, producers, and artists
  • ‘New’ tag on latest releases: A label to highlight new music releases to the TikTok community
  • Add to Music App: A feature which helps users to save a song that they discover on TikTok to their favorite music streaming service

TikTok Songwriter Features were developed in response to the feedback given by songwriters as part of a comprehensive songwriter survey by TikTok, featuring 871 songwriter respondents, and 18 in-depth interviews. The survey findings have informed the design of the TikTok Songwriter Features, with the goal of improving discovery, monetisation opportunities and raising the profile of songwriters on TikTok.

MIDiA Research’s newly-released second annual songwriter report complemented our findings in revealing that:

  • More than 80% of songwriters in Midia’s survey post on social media for their songwriting careers, and nearly one-quarter say that building a social media brand is among their top goals for this year
  • 53% of full-time songwriters who post content about their careers on social media do so on TikTok

Jordan Lowy, Global Head of Music Publishing Licensing and Partnerships at TikTok, said: “We are passionately committed to supporting songwriters at TikTok, which is why we built these tools to celebrate and elevate songwriters and their work on our platform. TikTok is unique in its ability to offer songwriters a way to highlight their musical works alongside their own content, helping them to tell stories about their music, their craft, and their lives, and to raise their profile and build their audience on TikTok, as hundreds of thousands of artist creators already do.”

Lauren Christy, Songwriter (Rihanna, Britney Spears, Dua Lipa, Shakira, Avril Lavigne), said: “Just as young Songwriters were losing hope on finding a pathway to success in music TikTok comes along to help save the day! I’m so thrilled to collaborate with TikTok on the beta roll out of their Songwriter features, helping songwriters share their music and stories. And I’m so proud to have been TikTok’s #BehindTheSong’s featured songwriter for the month of June 2025. Remember 48% of all streaming revenue is created by independent artists, and that would have been impossible without the help of TikTok. I am cheering along as this amazing tech company TikTok celebrates songwriters!” said 

Toby Gad, Songwriter (John Legend, Beyonce, Fergie, Madonna, Leona Lewis), said: “It’s so exciting that this feature allows songwriters to step out from behind the curtain and claim ownership over melodies and lyrics they hold so dear.” 

KOLE, songwriter (Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Ingrid Michaelson, Jason Mraz, Mimi Webb) said: “TikTok’s new songwriter features are an important step forward in recognizing and appreciating the creators behind the music that shapes our world. Since joining the platform, I’ve been able to connect with fans of my work who might never have found me otherwise. They didn’t need to search — I appeared on their For You Page, letting them know I had a hand in making a song they already loved. TikTok has become the ultimate connector for creatives, and I’m thrilled that these new features will make it even easier for songwriters like myself to build meaningful, direct relationships with listeners. In turn, this can empower songwriters to confidently advocate for their contributions, their creative value, and their essential role at the foundation of the music industry.” 

Savan Kotecha, Songwriter (Usher, Britney Spears, One Direction, Ariana Grande, Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Justin Beiber, Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Tate MCrae) said: “In this ever-changing music business, I’m always grateful for those who make a real effort to shine a light on songwriters—who can sometimes get lost in the conversation. I’m especially thankful to Tara Brady and the team at TikTok for constantly finding ways to highlight and support us. This new feature does exactly that—it gives songwriters the platform and recognition they deserve.” 

Derek Cournoyer, SVP, Global Digital Business, Kobalt Music, said: “We’re proud to partner with TikTok on this meaningful evolution in how music is experienced and credited. Fans are increasingly fascinated not only with the artists they follow, but also with how songs are written, who’s behind them, and the creative journey that brings them to life. These new songwriter features tap into that curiosity by giving songwriters a dynamic way to showcase their work, and TikTok is leading the way in elevating how their contributions are recognized on digital platforms.”

Rell Lafargue, Reservoir President and COO, said: “At Reservoir, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, looking to new platforms and tools to elevate the impact of our catalog and the work of our songwriters. TikTok continues to be a leader in music discovery, and we were pleased to collaborate with them on the beta rollout of their songwriter features. This initiative offers meaningful new ways for songwriters to connect with fans, spotlight their music, and share the stories behind their songs. It’s encouraging to see a tech platform like TikTok recognizing and celebrating songwriters, and we are proud to support these efforts.”

Sentric’s CEO Chris Meehan, said: “We’re proud to put our songwriters forward to take part in important initiatives like TikTok’s new Songwriter Product features. This launch is a meaningful step toward ensuring writers are properly credited, gain more visibility for their work, and are truly spotlighted as the creators behind the music.”

Laura Willoughby, Director of Global Creative Services, Warner Chappell Music, said: “This marks a significant step toward boosting songwriter visibility on TikTok. We’re seeing a growing trend of music fans wanting to discover and follow the creators behind their favorite songs, and we’re proud to champion an initiative that enhances in-app songwriter and music discovery.”

Songwriter Features are launching today as a small-scale, closed beta with a limited number of publisher partners. Songwriters and publishers who want to be next in line to sign up for the Songwriter Features beta test should complete a TikTok Songwriter Features waitlist form (EU / US / ROW).

All Roads Lead To Route 66: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Celebrates 100 Years Of The Mother Road

Eric Alper
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All Roads Lead To Route 66: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Celebrates 100 Years Of The Mother Road

Dusty trails, gleaming chrome, neon motel signs and the hum of the open highway — all roads lead to Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops, a new exhibition opening Feb. 6, 2026, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum that runs through May 4, 2026. Timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the iconic “Mother Road,” the exhibition explores the history and romance of Route 66 and its enduring ties to the American West.

“At its core, the story of the West is one of movement: people, cultures and communities forging new lives across vast landscapes,” said David Davis, Chief Curatorial Officer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. “Westward expansion was primarily driven by the need to move people and goods, and the paths carved across the frontier shaped settlement, commerce and identity. From Native trade routes to wagon trails, riverboats, railroads, automobiles and 18-wheelers, each left its mark on the American story.”

The exhibition will showcase artifacts, photographs, maps and multimedia experiences that reveal how the routes of the past evolved into a cultural phenomenon.

Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops explores three major themes:

  • The Ways West — Early Native American trade routes, migrant trails, railroads and early road systems that laid the groundwork for America’s transportation network.
  • The Mother Road — The origins, history and golden era of Route 66, including its role during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression and its rise as a symbol of American freedom and adventure.
  • Roadside Attractions — The explosion of roadside tourism and Western iconography along Route 66, from diners and motels to the birth of the Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1955.

“There is no better place to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 than right here in Oklahoma, where the highway stretches across more miles than any other state,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “From Tulsa to Oklahoma City to small towns along the way, Route 66 has always been part of our identity and economy. The Cowboy’s new exhibition will be a centerpiece of the 2026 centennial celebrations taking place throughout Oklahoma. As we welcome visitors from across the world in 2026, Oklahoma will once again be at the heart of America’s greatest road trip.”

Legacy of the Mother Road

Named in 1926, Route 66 stitched together existing roads into a lifeline from Chicago to Los Angeles. It carried families fleeing drought and depression, tourists drawn to neon and novelty, and dreamers chasing the horizon. John Steinbeck gave it an enduring name — the “Mother Road” — in The Grapes of Wrath.

“For nearly 60 years, Route 66 tied East to West until its decommissioning in 1985, but by then it had become much more than pavement,” said Davis. “It came to signify freedom, adventure and the American spirit — especially the untamed spirit of the West. Fittingly, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, as the Museum was originally known, was planted directly on the Mother Road in 1955.

Though no longer an official highway, Route 66’s spirit still runs strong. The 2026 centennial will celebrate how a road that became a legend, inspired generations and continues to carry the romance of the West worldwide.

“The Route 66 centennial is as much about the future as it is the past,” said Kerry Barrick, Route 66 Coordinator with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “Communities are using this moment to invest in tourism, revitalize main streets and share Oklahoma’s story with a new generation of travelers. The Cowboy’s exhibition will showcase the cultural heartbeat behind those efforts, connecting the highway’s history to the opportunities it continues to create for our state.”

The Museum’s Connection to Route 66

Route 66 isn’t just part of the Museum’s story — it’s the reason the Museum is located in Oklahoma City. More than 70 years ago, when cities across the country competed to host a new institution honoring the legends and landscapes of the American West, Oklahoma City’s bid succeeded through equal parts determination and geography.

The site chosen was Persimmon Hill in northeast Oklahoma City, perched directly on Route 66. High traffic counts made it a natural destination, and the city strengthened its case by donating the property. From the start, the Cowboy Hall of Fame was placed on Route 66 not only as a convenient stop for travelers, but as a lasting symbol of the freedom and adventure the Mother Road represented.

For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

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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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