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Black Stone Cherry Unveil ‘Celebrate’ EP With Title Track Music Video Featuring Confetti Finale

Eric Alper
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Black Stone Cherry Unveil ‘Celebrate’ EP With Title Track Music Video Featuring Confetti Finale

Black Stone Cherry announce their brand new EP ‘Celebrate’, digitally available March 6 via Mascot Records. Following the recent release of lead single “Neon Eyes”, the Kentucky hard rockers drop the music video for the EP’s title track “Celebrate”. The band shares their vision for the video: “We had so much fun coming up with the concept for the ‘Celebrate’ video. We got on a phone call with director Kyle Loftus, and we all hashed out ideas until we landed on something that got us all excited. We wanted the video to show what it’s like to be stuck in something, whether that be a boring job or maybe stuck in your own head, and how any little opportunity can lead to a small victory.”

The song itself celebrates every little thing in life, even if it’s just making it through the day. The band adds, “The video came out amazing with an amazing actor and musician, Aaron Paulsen, as the lead, and we get chills every time we watch it. The confetti at the end was one of our main requests as we wanted to visually show what it mentally feels like to celebrate inside your mind.” Black Stone Cherry are masters of taking a sombre subject and flipping it on its head, creating punchy, empowering rock songs.

Produced by the band and recorded at High Street Studios in Bowling Green, Kentucky, ‘Celebrate’ embodies happiness and heartache, muscular hooks and raw soul. The life experiences of four men approaching forty, two of them parents, shine through in one emotive, unpolished diamond of a record. Singer and guitarist Chris Robertson shares, “Any piece of art is a snapshot of that artist’s life. So I look at these songs as a culmination of everything we’ve lived since ‘Screamin’ At The Sky’.” Ben Wells adds, “None of us is precious, because we’re all fighting on the same team.”

The EP delivers six commanding, stage-ready original tracks and an inspired cover of Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” featuring Tyler Connolly of Theory Of A Deadman. “I’m Fine” offers a dreamily woozy, Nirvana-laced grunge singalong. The searing, mid-tempo heartache of “Deep” struck a particularly pertinent chord with Ben Wells, who channeled personal struggles into the track. The Simple Minds cover, immortalized in John Hughes’ seminal 1985 film The Breakfast Club, turns out to be a surprisingly natural fit for the band’s soulful gravel and sincerity.

Toy Car Drop Debut Album ‘Cream’ With Life-Affirming Single “Fishes” Leading The Charge

Eric Alper
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Toy Car Drop Debut Album ‘Cream’ With Life-Affirming Single “Fishes” Leading The Charge

Liverpool alt-rock four-piece Toy Car release their highly anticipated debut album ‘Cream’ with life-affirming single “Fishes” leading the charge. After a whirlwind of festival appearances and national radio attention, the band delivers an elaborate and determined collection built on stadium-sized riffs, hook-laden choruses and lines that hit like confessions shouted through a megaphone. Following electrifying sets at Y Not Festival and Isle of Wight Festival, Toy Car have carved their name onto the list of the UK alternative scene’s ones to watch.

Produced and mixed by Ben Harper at Liverpool’s iconic Motor Museum Studios, ‘Cream’ captures ten tracks of raw urgency, social edge and big-room intentions. The band offers soul-bearing lyricism reminiscent of Wunderhorse and a natural drift into stadium-sized choruses alongside The 1975. With support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X, Earmilk, and a sync feature on Made in Chelsea, Toy Car have proven themselves worthy of media and public attention as a band constructing songs wrought with emotion, whether in hope, sorrow or elation.

At the heart of the album sits “Fishes”, a soaring emotional alt-rock anthem built for the long nights of winter and the long days of summer to come. “Fishes is a confession. It’s someone asking for help,” says frontman Shaun Hough. “The other character is down to interpretation, but Fishes comes from a point of if people start talking, things can get better. It’s a pretty blunt reminder to live life, because we don’t know what’s waiting just around the corner.”

Toy Car’s blend of high-energy alt-rock and lyrical vulnerability draws from influences like Cage the Elephant, The Strokes, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, making them a must-see live band. Hough adds context to the album’s themes: “Lyrically, Cream is about growing up and finding your place in a world full of noise and opinions. It’s a rollercoaster, there’s something for everyone here. This record is about frustration with ourselves, with the idea that things get better just because you want them to. We didn’t want to play it safe, we wanted to challenge the room.”

LostAlone Unveil ‘Memories Under A Microscope’ With New Track “Compilation Of Complications”

Eric Alper
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LostAlone Unveil ‘Memories Under A Microscope’ With New Track “Compilation Of Complications”

LostAlone unveil ‘Memories Under A Microscope’, a lavish double vinyl compilation via SO Recordings. The riff-heavy, melody-drenched alt-rock-pop anthems of Steven Battelle have earned adoration from peers like Hayley Williams and My Chemical Romance, leading to a Warner Brothers signing in America at Gerard Way’s insistence. This collection serves as both introduction and celebration, pairing greatest hits with new, unreleased and rare works across nineteen tracks.

The compilation arrives in two parts. Disc one offers an easy digest of the most overtly commercial and pop-tastic morsels from the LostAlone catalogue. Disc two delivers new, unreleased and rare works for devoted fans. One vinyl disc is opaque pink, the other very clear. The announcement comes alongside brand new single “Compilation Of Complications”, available to stream now.

Hailing from Derbyshire and soaked in influences running from Queen to the solo albums by members of Queen, LostAlone have existed since Steven Battelle and drummer Mark Gibson were eleven years old. They added bassist Alan Williamson and toured with Enter Shikari, Paramore and Thirty Seconds To Mars. The band released four albums, received five star reviews, earned BBC Radio 1 playlisting, and even split up before reforming to play at My Chemical Romance’s request during their 2022 UK comeback shows.

LostAlone play their only headline show of the year the evening prior to release at London’s Oslo venue in Hackney on December 11, with support from Fearless Vampire Killers and BEX. Steven Battelle has kept busy between albums, deputising for Frank Iero on an LS Dunes European tour, co-writing McFly’s ‘Power To Play’ album, and writing for Tom Fletcher’s ‘The Creakers’ stage musical with Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter.

Unleash Debut EP ‘No Ball Games’ With Five Tracks Of Raw Alternative Fire

Eric Alper
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Unleash Debut EP ‘No Ball Games’ With Five Tracks Of Raw Alternative Fire

CRITCH have arrived with their debut EP ‘No Ball Games’, a raw and unfiltered expression from one of the North’s most exciting new alternative bands. The dynamic four-member band has spent the past year making waves with blistering live performances that have captivated audiences across festivals, headline gigs, and venues in two countries. Their emergence has been loud, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.

‘No Ball Games’ springs from lived experiences, capturing real moments, late nights, and the chaos of figuring it all out. The EP sheds light on darker emotions, paired with crisp instrumentation and relentless energy. Across its five tracks, “Healing Alone”, “Animal Kingdom”, “Coffee Stain”, “Skint”, and “Punk Floyd”, the band encapsulates the restless pulse of modern life and finds beauty in its imperfections.

Frontman James Critchlow explains the journey through the EP. “This EP holds a special place in my heart, as it’s a perfect blend of our first chapter. Starting with ‘Healing Alone’, which starts dark and melodic, gradually building into a harmonic chorus and building with each verse. Meanwhile, ‘Animal Kingdom’ and ‘Coffee Stain’ are our proven catchy singalong hits, garnering the most attention previous to the release. Not to forget ‘Skint’ and ‘Punk Floyd’, which demonstrate our heavier side that is adored live.”

The Most Popular Music for Gaming Playlists

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Gaming is no longer just a visual experience it’s auditory too. The right music can enhance focus, elevate excitement, and even improve performance during long gaming sessions. For many players, curating the perfect gaming playlist has become as essential as choosing the right controller or headset. Whether you’re immersed in competitive esports, exploring open-world adventures, or spinning online slots, music sets the tone for your gaming experience. Let’s explore the most popular music choices gamers are adding to their playlists.

High Energy Electronic and EDM

Unsurprisingly, electronic music dominates many gaming playlists. Genres like EDM, house, and trance are particularly popular among players who thrive on high energy beats. The driving rhythms, layered synths, and pulsating bass lines help maintain focus and provide an adrenaline boost during fast-paced action sequences.

For competitive gamers, EDM can improve reaction time by keeping the heart rate elevated and the mind alert. Many online streamers and esports players have popularized this trend, creating gaming mixes that combine popular tracks with game sound effects. If you want your gameplay to feel cinematic and intense, high energy electronic tracks are a go to choice.

Lo-Fi Beats for Relaxed Gameplay

While high intensity music works well for action packed games, lo-fi hip-hop and chill beats are increasingly popular for more relaxed or strategic gaming sessions. These soft, repetitive rhythms reduce distractions and create a soothing atmosphere, making them ideal for long RPG explorations, puzzle games, or strategy titles.

Lo-fi playlists often include rain sounds, soft percussion, and mellow synths that blend seamlessly into the background. Gamers report that this type of music reduces stress, improves focus, and creates a sense of flow, allowing them to stay immersed in the game without feeling overstimulated.

Video Game Soundtracks and Orchestral Scores

For many players, nothing beats the music designed specifically for gaming. Iconic soundtracks from franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Cyberpunk 2077 are frequently included in playlists. These scores are carefully composed to match gameplay mechanics, creating tension, excitement, or a sense of wonder exactly when it’s needed.

Orchestral scores and cinematic tracks are particularly popular for players who enjoy single player adventures or story driven games. The sweeping strings, bold percussion, and layered harmonies provide an immersive experience that draws players deeper into the game world. Including classic game soundtracks in a playlist also adds a nostalgic element, reminding players of their favourite gaming memories.

Pop and Mainstream Hits

Many gamers also mix in mainstream pop, rock, or hip-hop tracks. Catchy hooks and familiar rhythms can energize gameplay while maintaining a sense of fun. Some players prefer upbeat songs to keep morale high during challenging levels or long gaming marathons.

Streaming platforms and social media have made it easier than ever to discover trending tracks that resonate with the gaming community. In fact, some songs become synonymous with popular games simply because they are widely used in playlists by the community.

Loops, Remixes, and Mashups

Custom loops, remixes, and mashups have become a unique trend in gaming playlists. By taking existing songs and blending them with electronic beats, gaming sound effects, or other tracks, players create a personalized auditory experience that enhances immersion.

Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have entire communities dedicated to gaming remixes, allowing players to explore an endless stream of curated music tailored specifically for gaming. This trend highlights the creative ways players engage with music to enhance their gameplay experience.

Interactive and Dynamic Music

Emerging technology in gaming is making music more interactive. Some games now feature adaptive soundtracks that respond to player actions, creating a personalised experience. Players are increasingly seeking out music with similar dynamic qualities for their playlists tracks that can build tension, release energy, or create calm depending on the gaming context.

For example, rhythm based games and music centric titles encourage players to interact directly with the soundtrack, blending gameplay and music in an immersive way. Gamers who enjoy these experiences often incorporate similar tracks into their playlists for other genres, creating a seamless transition between interactive and background music.

Casino and Slot Themed Tracks

For fans of online casino games, music can set the stage for excitement and anticipation. Slot games have inspired specific sound preferences. Games like Rainbow Riches Casino are known not just for their colourful visuals but also for catchy, upbeat background music that keeps players engaged and entertained. Players often add tracks from these games to their playlists, combining the thrill of the casino with their personal gaming routine.

The playful, energetic tunes associated with slot games are designed to be fun and uplifting, making them perfect for boosting mood during gaming sessions. For fans of slots, including these tracks in a playlist creates a sense of continuity and nostalgia, even when playing entirely different types of games.

The music you choose for gaming can dramatically influence your experience, whether you’re seeking focus, excitement, or relaxation. From high-energy EDM and iconic video game soundtracks to lo-fi beats and casino inspired tunes, today’s gaming playlists are diverse, personalized, and carefully curated to match gameplay styles. As gaming continues to evolve, players are increasingly treating music not just as a background accessory but as an essential element of the gaming experience. Crafting the perfect playlist is now a key part of being a modern gamer and with so many options available, the possibilities are endless.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Phillgood Festival Launches In Bulgaria, With The Cure, Gorillaz, And Moby

Eric Alper
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Phillgood Festival Launches In Bulgaria, With The Cure, Gorillaz, And Moby

Fest Team has announced a new festival for 2026, Phillgood, set to debut July 17 to 19 at the Rowing Canal in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The inaugural edition is headlined by The Cure, marking their first-ever performance in Bulgaria, alongside Gorillaz, Moby, and Kneecap. The event introduces a three-stage concept, with programming divided across the Phillgood main stage, the electronic-focused Phillrave stage, and the more experimental Phillcool stage.

The Phillgood main stage also features Wolf Alice, Einsturzende Neubauten, Just Mustard, Sleaford Mods, Apashe and The Brass Orchestra, Thievery Corporation, The Subways, Son Lux, and Los Bitchos. Phillrave hosts artists including Acid Arab, Daniel Avery, Sofia Kourtesis, HAAi, KiNK, Kelly Lee Owens, Pretty Girl, and Swimming Paul, while Phillcool showcases KLAS, Cartrader, Zhluch and Gena, Jin Monic, Lunikk, and Hug or Handshake. Tickets are on sale via ticketstation.bg, with limited three-day and one-day passes remaining.

Untold Festival Adds Martin Garrix And Marshmello For 2026 Edition

Eric Alper
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Untold Festival Adds Martin Garrix And Marshmello For 2026 Edition

Untold Festival has announced a new wave of artists for its 2026 edition, set for August 6 to 9 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Newly added names include Martin Garrix, Marshmello, and a special Afrojack b2b R3hab performance. They join previously confirmed artists such as The Chainsmokers, Kygo, Lost Frequencies, Sebastian Ingrosso, MËSTIZA, and Steve Aoki, alongside live acts Flo Rida, Swae Lee, and Tash Sultana.

The upcoming edition is being presented as Untold One, signaling a new era for the festival following its 10th anniversary in 2025. More than 200 artists are expected to appear across eight stages, with organizers anticipating over 470,000 attendees across four days. Tickets are currently on sale, with general admission and VIP options available.

Sziget Boosts Pop And Electronic Power With 40 New Artist Additions

Eric Alper
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Sziget Boosts Pop And Electronic Power With 40 New Artist Additions

Sziget has announced 40 new artists for its 2026 edition, running August 11 to 15 in Budapest, Hungary. Newly confirmed names include Bring Me The Horizon, Zara Larsson, Parcels, Loyle Carner, and Nia Archives, adding pop and crossover appeal to a lineup that already spans electronic, alternative, and underground music. The electronic program also features Richie Hawtin, Boys Noize, Dixon, Sub Focus, Dimension, and Sara Landry, reinforcing the festival’s broad stylistic range.

The expanded lineup arrives as Sziget enters a new chapter, returning to independent operation after parting ways with former parent company Superstruct. Organizers anticipate hundreds of thousands of attendees from more than 100 countries, drawn by both the music and the festival’s long-standing mix of theatre, circus, art installations, and late-night programming on Budapest’s Island of Freedom.

Paradise City Festival Adds 30 Artists And Reinforces Its Sustainability Leadership

Eric Alper
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Paradise City Festival Adds 30 Artists And Reinforces Its Sustainability Leadership

Paradise City Festival returns to the gardens of Ribaucourt Castle in Steenokkerzeel, Belgium, from June 26 to 28, 2026, and has announced 30 new additions to its lineup. The latest wave of artists joins previously confirmed names including Richie Hawtin, Floating Points, De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, Modeselektor, and Job Jobse. The expanded program moves across club culture, live electronic performance, and genre-fluid sets, with live acts such as Cassius performing a special farewell show, alongside Weval, Anthony Rother, HENGE, and John Beltran.

Beyond music, Paradise City continues to set global standards for sustainability. The festival has received A Greener Future’s Outstanding Certification for a sixth consecutive year, a distinction unmatched worldwide. Paradise City is also nominated in five categories at the upcoming AGF Awards in London. Camping tickets, weekend passes, and Saturday tickets for 2026 are sold out, with limited Friday and Sunday day tickets available at press time.

Daniel Lanois Returns To Warner Records With New Single “Grace”

Eric Alper
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Daniel Lanois Returns To Warner Records With New Single “Grace”

Warner Records is honored to welcome legendary producer, songwriter and musician, Daniel Lanois back to its eclectic roster. The seven-time GRAMMY winner released his critically acclaimed solo debut, Acadie, via Opal/Warner Bros in 1989. The new deal spans a prolific thirty-six year period wherein Lanois released fourteen albums under his own name, including For The Beauty of Wynona (1993), Shine (2003), Rockets (2004), Belladonna (2005) and Flesh And Machine (2014). The joint arrangement encompasses catalog alongside new and unreleased works to be released through 2026 and beyond. 

Daniel Lanois’ new single “Grace” is available now on all streaming platforms. In this evocative reinterpretation of the classic folk hymn, “Amazing Grace,” Lanois’ signature production sets Aaron Neville’s timeless voice against Brian Blade’s improvised drumming, creating a poignant meditation on struggle, grace, and redemption — one that feels sonically and emotively expressive of the times we are living through. 

One of the world’s most influential music makers, Lanois emerged onto the global scene in the 1980s, collaborating with Brian Eno on a series of experimental and groundbreaking ambient albums, culminating in 1983’s Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks. His work in the early 80s with Eno and musicians such as Harold Budd and Jon Hassell ushered in new vistas of sonic possibility, leveraging the studio-as-instrument and employing pioneering production techniques to create immersive worlds of sound. From here, Lanois applied his questing creative spirit into a remarkable series of collaborations, producing timeless albums and commercial high-points with U2 (The Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can’t Leave Behind), Peter Gabriel (So, Us), Bob Dylan (Oh Mercy, Time Out of Mind), Robbie Robertson (Robbie Robertson), Neville Brothers (Yellow Moon), Emmylou Harris (Wrecking Ball), Willie Nelson (Teatro) and Neil Young (Le Noise) to name a few. The impact of Lanois’ production work has been vast, echoing for decades through the sound of contemporary popular music. Rolling Stone cited Lanois as “the most important producer to emerge in the 80s,” and his signature sound and style have influenced a countless number of artists.  

In addition to solo and production work, throughout his career Lanois has been active scoring film, TV and gaming projects. Together with Brian Eno and Roger Eno, he provided the music score for David Lynch’s Dune (1984), produced music for the Oscar-winning film Sling Blade (1996), produced an instrumental score for the Pixies documentary loudQUIETloud (2006), and soundtracked the Rockstar Games smash success, Red Dead Redemption II (2018). 

Never idle, Lanois remains ceaselessly creative in-studio, crafting new works and collaborating with artists on yet to be released projects. He spent much of the last year touring throughout North America with his live trio, joined longtime friends U2 on-stage for an appearance during their triumphant U2:UV residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, was part of the all-star musical ensemble celebrating Robbie Robertson at the Life Is a Carnival tribute at the Forum in LA, and reunited with friends and collaborators Emmylou Harris and Brian Blade at the GRAMMY Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Emmylou’s classic 1995 album, Wrecking Ball. 

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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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