Ophelia’s Beard, a Cardiff based artist, is currently making waves on the local scene with her compelling blend of haunting melodies and high-energy backing, firmly establishing her place in the shapeshifting world of folk-rock. Her new single, “Red Sea,” is a persuasive manifesto for their brand of “folk with a bite,” featuring a breezy roots arrangement that gradually and brilliantly morphs into something altogether more sinister. Fans of soaring vocals should take note: this track showcases Ophelia’s immense talent, offering a captivating new listen for those who love First Aid Kit and Florence + The Machine.
Rose’s Pawn Shop Releases Cinematic Americana Anthem “Where The Horizon Has A Light” From Upcoming Album
The LA-based Americana collective Rose’s Pawn Shop continues to bridge the old and the new with their latest single, “Where The Horizon Has A Light,” from the band’s upcoming album, ‘American Seams’, set for release on February 27th, 2026, on Copaco/Blue Élan Records. Blending driving roots instrumentation with cinematic folk-rock energy, the song beautifully embodies the expansive spirit at the heart of the record, celebrating endurance, reinvention, and the courage to chase something brighter. Fueled by frontman Paul Givant’s heartfelt vocals and storytelling, the track captures the resilience of reaching for something better on the other side of hardship.
Built around their trademark fiddle, guitars, and a propulsive rhythm section, “Where The Horizon Has A Light” unfolds like an open-road anthem, mirroring the narrative of escape and possibility. Givant shared that the creation of ‘American Seams’ felt like a throwback to the band’s early days, noting that they started with raw, bluegrass-inspired folk songs and, with the guidance of GRAMMY nominee producer Eric Corne, worked them into fully formed Americana folk-rock bangers. Recorded live at Robby Krieger’s Love Street Sound, the album is a testament to friendship, loss, and the shared joy of creation, featuring contributions from guitarist Zachary Ross, bassist Stephen Andrews, fiddle player Jesse Olema, and drummers Deacon Marrquin and Matt Lesser.
Waylon Hanel Captures Traditional Outlaw Spirit On New Album ‘When Waylon Came To Nashville’
The country singer-songwriter Waylon Hanel, an independent recording artist and Michigan native, released his third studio album, ‘When Waylon Came To Nashville’, globally on November 28th via CDX Records. Hanel’s latest offering is a modern-day sonic journey through the musical trademarks of traditional outlaw country, blending feel-good honky-tonk anthems with soul-stirring ballads. Hanel emphasized the album’s authenticity, stating, “Three chords and the truth, a steel guitar and a great story.” He recorded most of the tracks at Dark Horse Recording Studio with acclaimed producer Dave Hagen, who has worked with Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood, to hone the intentionally traditional sound.
The 23-year-old self-taught musician self-wrote two tracks, “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” and “My Name,” but also put his own stamp on three songs from outlaw country songwriter Billy Don Burns, including the title track. Hanel’s take on two Bernie Nelson songs also anchors the album, with his version of the hilarious true story behind “Tow Truck Driver” cracking the Top 10 on CDX’s True Indie chart. The album’s title track was inspired by country legend Waylon Jennings, and Hanel concluded, “you can bet your hard earned money that this record is country through and through, and I’m proud to have my name on it!” Hanel has also announced select live dates for December.
Track Listing & Songwriters:
- “Talk About Crazy” (Bill Don Burns, Karen Sue Brooks)
- “Keith Whitley Blue” (Bill Don Burns)
- “When Waylon Came To Nashville” (Bill Don Burns)
- “Red Bricks” (Dave Gibson, Peter Sallis, Brian White)
- “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” (Waylon Hanel)
- “Greyhound” (Bernie Nelson, Tommy Connors, Mark McGuinn)
- “Tow Truck Driver” (Bernie Nelson, Andrew Brockdorf)
- “My Name” (Waylon Hanel)
Upcoming Tour Dates:
- Dec. 06 – Montrose Pub / Montrose, Mich.
- Dec. 11 – The Machine Shop (w/ Creed Fisher) / Flint, Mich.
- Dec. 26 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az.
- Dec. 28 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az.
Christina Aguilera Ushers In Holiday Era With “My Favorite Things (Live from the Eiffel Tower)” Single
Global icon Christina Aguilera has ushered in a new holiday era with the release of “My Favorite Things (Live from the Eiffel Tower)”, a single from her soon to premiere holiday film Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms alongside the official live performance video.
This new music release follows the announcement of Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris, a special concert film premiering exclusively in theaters on December 14 and December 21 in over 700 theaters in the United States. The cinematic experience marks the 25th Anniversary of Aguilera’s beloved holiday album – My Kind of Christmas – and ushers in a new era of festive music from the global superstar.
In announcing the new era, Aguilera shared a message with fans on Instagram, reflecting the spirit of the project: “When the magic of Christmas meets the magic of Paris… something truly extraordinary happens. I can’t wait to share this holiday season with you.” Her excitement set the tone for the musical and visual journey that unfolds through the single and film.
Directed by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Sam Wrench, the film captures Aguilera performing for an intimate audience of 250 guests on the winter-garden terrace above the Musée du Quai Branly. Set against an Eiffel Tower transformed into a shimmering Christmas tree, Aguilera delivers reimagined holiday classics and career-defining hits. The film also weaves cinematic Parisian vignettes throughout, reflecting on love, motherhood, reinvention, and the artistic evolution that has shaped her legendary career. Additional scenes filmed at the iconic Crazy Horse feature Aguilera performing her anthems in an elevated cabaret sequence.
Tickets for Christina Aguilera: Christmas in Paris are available now at Fathom Entertainment and participating theatre box offices. Click HERE to purchase.
Throughout her career, Aguilera has sold nearly 100 million records worldwide, earned five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and received seven GRAMMY Awards, including two Latin GRAMMYs. Her most recent accolade—the 2022 Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album—continues to reinforce her cultural influence and enduring artistry across decades.
The special project is produced in partnership with 5020 Records, Fathom Entertainment, Vertigo Live Productions and Roc Nation.
Volumes Unleash New Single “Bad Habit” And Announce Fifth Album ‘Mirror Touch’
Fifteen years into their career, the Los Angeles quartet Volumes has proven their resilience, weathering every trend and challenge to come out stronger, delivering their highly anticipated fifth album, ‘Mirror Touch’, which will be released digitally on December 12th via Fearless Records. The physical album will follow on February 27th of next year. The group, comprised of Michael Barr and Myke Terry on vocals, Raad Soudani on bass, and Nick Ursich on drums, has quietly cultivated a massive impact over the last decade-and-a-half, amassing over 167 million streams in the U.S. alone with their inimitable hybrid of prog-spiked metal and hardcore spirit.
The band just unveiled the video for their new single, “Bad Habit,” a stunning sonic left turn that will surely turn heads. While the track still delivers the familiar guitar girth and grit loyal fans expect, Volumes leans heavily into melodic sensibilities and synths, trading its usual heavy dose of screams for fully clean verses and choruses. The result is a gorgeous and unexpected alt metal song. Vocalist Michael Barr noted that the song “is about identifying that habits that are deemed bad for you or unhealthy are sometimes the only thing getting you through life.” With ‘Mirror Touch’ on the way, the band is continuing its sensory assault with thick riffing, chilling soundscapes, and the venomous bite of its incomparable two-headed vocal hydra.
‘Mirror Touch’ Track Listing:
- “Sidewinder“
- “Bottom Dollar”
- “Bad Habit”
- “California”
- “Adrenaline”
- “Stitch”
- “S.O.A.P.“
- “Dream”
- “Worth It”
- “Suffer On” (Feat. Black Sheep Wall)
Brenden Starr Drops Pop-Rock Take On Steve Perry Classic “Foolish Heart”
Brenden Starr is back with his third release of the year, dropping a fresh take on the Steve Perry classic, “Foolish Heart,” following his recent successful singles “The Freshmen” and “Dreams.” This heartfelt release keeps the momentum going with a track that masterfully mixes pop and rock in an emotionally charged, Brenden Starr kind of way, featuring a strong sonic character that builds from a lounging feel into a huge, energetic chorus. Starr, known for his strong vocals and big productions, gives the Steve Perry hit a modern twist while keeping the original character of the song alive, making it an immediate vibe for fans of The Script, OneRepublic, and Journey.
Route 905 Country Festival Launches In Hamilton With Headliners Brett Kissel And Chase Rice
Hamilton, Ontario, has a brand new home for live country music with the launch of the Route 905 Country Festival, a two-day event celebrating both world-class talent and local Canadian country music. The festival promises a unique musical experience and unforgettable moments, headlined by two massive stars: Canadian favorite Brett Kissel and American powerhouse Chase Rice. Kissel is coming to the festival with an unparalleled rise to superstardom, boasting 23 Canadian Country Music Awards, three JUNO Awards for albums like ‘We Were That Song’, and five-times Platinum status for “Make a Life, Not a Living.”
Chase Rice brings his own impressive accolades, including triple-Platinum certification for his hit “Eyes On You,” double-Platinum for “Ready Set Roll,” and Telly and American Advertising Awards for his “Way Down Yonder” music video. With his album Ignite the Night topping the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, Rice guarantees a high-energy set. The Route 905 Country Festival will bring together top regional artists alongside these acclaimed headliners, establishing a new major festival in the heart of the 905 area. Tickets are available now here.
Zaq Baker Releases New EP ‘Fact and Fiction,’ A Blend Of Honest Songwriting And Quirky Humor
The captivating artist Zaq Baker has unveiled his new three-track release, ‘Fact and Fiction,’ which immediately showcases his signature blend of honest songwriting, quirky humor, and a uniquely creative mind. The EP begins with the soft, emotional piano ballad “everybody needs a jean,” a genuine love letter dedicated to a supportive mother figure who helped him navigate depression and doubt. This short collection quickly invites listeners deep into the distinct universe that only Baker could create.
The mood pivots entirely with track two, “isolation chic,” a funny and dramatic examination of a writer struggling to finish a novel, marked by jokes about genius and admissions of neglected hygiene. Baker then closes ‘Fact and Fiction’ in an unexpected, media-blended way by reading the opening chapter of his novel, Unspectacular. This story-driven twist introduces the main character, Mae Strand, and sets up a mix of family drama and emotional chaos, perfectly demonstrating Baker’s multi-faceted personality.
Foo Fighters Announce Benefit Concert At Kia Forum, Hosting Special Donation Drive For Early Tickets
Foo Fighters are playing a very special benefit concert on Wednesday, January 14th, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, with proceeds supporting organizations that Dave and Jordyn Grohl and the band have long supported, including Hope The Mission and Los Angeles Mission. The show, which also falls on Dave Grohl’s 57th birthday, is designed to provide food, clothing, shelter, and direct services to unhoused and food-insecure Angelenos. As Dave Grohl puts it, “What better way to spend my 57th birthday than making a bunch of noise with a bunch of friends for a good cause. This ain’t just a big ass rock show, it’s a big ass party with a heart.”
The only pre-sale opportunity for this major event will be an in-person, advance ticket purchase and donation drive taking place at the Forum on Sunday, December 7th. To participate in this exclusive pre-sale, fans must bring an item or items from Hope the Mission’s requested list, such as new socks and underwear, dried pinto beans, pasta, or dried rice. Monetary donations will also support both charities in their critical efforts. Rowan Vansleve, President of Hope the Mission, praised the band, saying, “Foo Fighters and their fans have a reputation of always stepping up to help when people need it, and this concert will be no different.” Dennis Oleesky, CEO of Los Angeles Mission, added that every ticket purchased and every donation “will directly help feed and house our unhoused neighbors.”
For further information on the charities, including how to help if you’re unable to attend the show or pre-sale/donation drive, go to https://foofighters.lnk.to/Mission26
Colorado Bluegrass Quartet Big Richard Signs With Signature Sounds, Drops Single “It’s Gonna Fall/Old Daingerfield”
The acclaimed Colorado bluegrass quartet Big Richard has officially signed with Signature Sounds, announcing their sophomore album and label debut, ‘Pet’, will be released on February 6th, 2026. Making music for the twenty-first century’s twisted cultural unease, ‘Pet’ is a fierce, provocative rejoinder to what troubles them and the world right now, and the band ensured the fervor of their live shows was captured by recording the album live to tape in single-shot performances. This week, the group drops the first single and album opener, “It’s Gonna Fall/Old Daingerfield,” which signals the kind of hard-driving, heavy-hitting songs the band selected for the record.
Mandolin and guitar player Bonnie Sims explained, “Big Richard is so much about our energetic delivery,” while cellist Joy Adams added that they wanted to craft a “banger set list” that makes people “feel the broadest bunch of feelings.” Label president Jim Olsen welcomed the group, praising the band’s “spirited performance that encompasses traditional repertoire and edgy, ground-breaking originals,” noting that Big Richard continues Signature Sounds’ tradition of introducing great, uncommon acoustic bands.