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Electro Duo TURNSPIT Cast a Spell with ‘Cinderella Girl’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-order HERE.

Track listing

A

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

B

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

C

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

D

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECRETS Reunite with Richard Rogers and Connor Allen, Release New Single “Paralyzed”

Eric Alper
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SECRETS Reunite with Richard Rogers and Connor Allen, Release New Single “Paralyzed”

American metalcore band SECRETS have officially released their brand-new single “Paralyzed” via SBG Records. The single arrives alongside the exciting news that Richard Rogers and Connor Allen have returned to SECRETS. This reunion injects fresh energy and nostalgia into the band’s sound while pushing them forward into their next era.

SECRETS recently signed with SBG Records, solidifying their commitment to creating their heaviest and most authentic music to date.

SECRETS is a post-hardcore band from Orange County, CA, delivering a hard-hitting blend of crushing breakdowns, soaring melodies, and emotionally raw lyrics. Since their 2010 debut, the band has released multiple acclaimed albums—including The Ascent (2012 that debuted at #3 on Billboard Heatseekers / #185 on Billboard 200), Fragile Figures (2013 that reached #59 on Billboard 200), Secrets (2018) and their heaviest and most personal effort to date, The Collapse (2022). Their music dives deep into themes of mental health, addiction, and perseverance, building a powerful connection with fans worldwide. Over the past decade, SECRETS has toured across the globe alongside The Devil Wears Prada, The Amity Affliction, Sleeping With Sirens, Asking Alexandria, Memphis May Fire, and more. SECRETS remain one of post-hardcore’s most authentic voices—turning pain into power and connection. 

PinkPantheress Announces ‘Fancy Some More?’ — A Global Reimagining of ‘Fancy That’

Eric Alper
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0
PinkPantheress Announces ‘Fancy Some More?’ — A Global Reimagining of ‘Fancy That’

British anti-popstar and producer PinkPantheress has announced Fancy Some More?, a reimagining of her critically-acclaimed and Mercury Prize-shortlisted mixtape Fancy That. Fancy Some More? will be released this Friday, October 10 via Warner Records UK.

On Fancy Some More?, PinkPantheress brings together an international spectrum of musicians, groups and producers, delivering 22 genre-blending remixes, including Swedish pop icon Zara Larsson on “Stateside,” American R&B heavyweight Ravyn Lenae on “Romeo,” Brazilian DJ sensation Mochakk on “Noises” & much more. Each track offers a new perspective on the signature PinkPantheress sound, expanding the Fancy That universe.

Released in May this year and written and produced by PinkPantheress, Fancy That was created alongside aksel arvid, Count Baldor, phil, Oscar Scheller, The Dare and others, bringing together a collective of creative minds to shape her latest sonic evolution. The 9-track project showcases her signature vocals and genre-blurring sound against a fun and kitsch-y backdrop, rooted in British culture.

Later this month, PinkPantheress will kick off her *sold out* North American An Evening with PinkPantheress residency-style tour, bringing Fancy That to audiences in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and more. The North American dates follow her sold-out two-night residency at London’s O2 Academy Brixton in September. 2026 will see PinkPantheress make her Coachella debut before heading to Barcelona’s Primavera Festival for her debut festival headliner performance.

Fancy Some More? Full Tracklisting
Disc 1:
Illegal + Anitta
Illegal + SEVENTEEN
Girl Like Me + Oklou
Tonight + JADE
Stars + Yves
Noises + JT
Nice to Know You + Sugababes
Stateside + Kylie Minogue
Stateside + Bladee
Stateside + Zara Larsson
Romeo + Ravyn Lenae
Romeo + Rachel Chinouriri

Disc 2:
Illegal + Nia Archives
Girl Like Me + Kaytranada
Tonight + Basement Jaxx
Tonight + Joe Goddard (Hot Chip)
Stars + DJ Caio Prince
Noises + Mochakk
Nice to Know You + Loukeman + Leod
Nice to Know You + Sega Bodega
Stateside + Groove Armada
Romeo + KILIMANJARO

Disc 3:
Illegal
Girl Like Me
Tonight
Stars
Intermission
Noises
Nice to Know You
Stateside
Romeo

Dropkick Murphys Announce 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Boston Shows and 30th Anniversary Celebration

Eric Alper
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Dropkick Murphys Announce 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Boston Shows and 30th Anniversary Celebration

Dropkick Murphys have announced the dates and venues for their 2026 St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration in Boston, which is also the band’s 30th birthday party. Part of their upcoming For The People…In The Pit Tour, the dates include March 13, 14, and 15, 2026, at MGM Music Hall at Fenway and March 17th at Citizens House of Blues. March 14th includes a special family-friendly afternoon mini-concert and meet & greet at 2 pm, also at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, which benefits the band’s charitable foundation, The Claddagh Fund. For this afternoon’s show, each adult ticket buyer can bring two kids under 13 for free.

Tickets for the Boston Dropkick Murphys’ St. Patrick’s Day 2026 shows go on sale this Friday, October 10th, at 10 am ET.

Full dates for the 2026 For The People…In The Pit Tour will be announced soon, along with support acts for the Boston shows. Before the St. Patrick’s Day hometown shows, Dropkick Murphys head to Europe for a fall headlining tour with Frank Turner and Haywire that kicks off October 15th in Milan, Italy.

On October 10th, Dropkick Murphys will also release physical CD and vinyl versions of their latest album, For The People, which follows the album’s July 4th digital release via the band’s Dummy Luck Music/Play It Again Sam. The CD and vinyl releases will include five bonus songs.

For The People shows courage and confidence, speaking up against the injustices happening in the United States, and does so with the strength and power that harkens back to Dropkick Murphys’ earliest punk rock roots. The album is more than a title. It’s a heartfelt stance, a declaration of who this band is–and who they’ve always been.

While on tour supporting For The People, Dropkick Murphys have continued to advocate for workers’ rights and human rights–as they have done for their entire 29+ year career–with surprise appearances at many picket lines across the U.S. to support unions fighting for fair wages and better contracts.

Dropkick Murphys 2026 For The People…In The Pit Tour St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration:

Mar 13 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mar 14 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mar 14 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway (2 pm mini-concert and meet & greet)
Mar 15 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mar 17 – Boston, MA @ Citizens House Of Blues

David Bowie’s Visionary Role in ‘The Nomad Soul’ Lives On in Gaming History

Eric Alper
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David Bowie’s Visionary Role in ‘The Nomad Soul’ Lives On in Gaming History

David Bowie didn’t just write the music for The Nomad Soul—he became its soul. Teaming with Reeves Gabrels, he crafted ten original songs and appeared in-game as Boz, a digital prophet guiding players through Omikron City. Bowie, his wife Iman, and his bandmates lent their likenesses, turning a late-’90s video game into an immersive art piece that blurred the boundaries between music, storytelling, and virtual identity.

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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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