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Blues-Rock Firebrand ZZ Ward Announces 2026 ‘Dirty Sun’ Tour with Electrifying Live “Dust My Broom” Performance
Blues-rock powerhouse ZZ Ward is bringing her gritty grooves and soulful swagger back to the stage with the announcement of her 2026 Dirty Sun U.S. headline tour. To mark the occasion, Ward dropped a stunning live performance video of the blues classic “Dust My Broom,” recorded at the legendary EastWest Studios in Hollywood. The clip captures Ward at her fiery best, backed by a powerhouse band in a performance that blends raw blues authenticity with her signature modern edge.
“‘Dust My Broom’ was such a blast to record live with some of the best musicians around!! Can’t wait to hit this one at the next shows on the Dirty Sun Tour,” Ward shared. The track’s live rendition is pure blues electricity, a nod to the genre’s roots while showcasing Ward’s unstoppable presence as one of today’s most exciting blues-rock artists.
The Dirty Sun Tour kicks off February 24, 2026, in Berkeley, CA at Cornerstone, and will travel through major cities and intimate venues alike before wrapping up on March 29 in Boston, MA at City Winery. Fans can expect Ward’s trademark fusion of soulful vocals, smoky guitar tones, and cinematic storytelling as she breathes new life into both originals and timeless blues favorites.
ZZ Ward – The Dirty Sun Tour Dates:
February 24 – Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone
February 25 – Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre
February 27 – Reno, NV – Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
March 1 – Phoenix, AZ – MIM
March 18 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
March 19 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest Cafe
March 21 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere
March 22 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head on Stage
March 24 – Portsmouth, NH – Jimmy’s
March 25 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center for the Arts
March 27 – New York, NY – City Winery
March 28 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Casino – Wolf Den
March 29 – Boston, MA – City Winery
Las Vegas Rockers Velvet Chains Unleash Haunting New Single “How the Story Ends”
Velvet Chains are back with a vengeance. The Las Vegas rockers have released their latest single, “How the Story Ends,” a gripping and emotional track that dives deep into the heart of human fragility. Blending raw emotion with razor-sharp production, the song showcases the band’s signature mix of melody, power, and soul, delivering a haunting anthem for anyone who’s ever faced loss, change, or the challenge of rebuilding from the ashes.
Premiered exclusively on SiriusXM’s Octane channel last week, “How the Story Ends” is already making serious waves. The single has now entered rotation on multiple rock stations across the U.S. and internationally, climbing quickly toward a potential Top 40 breakthrough on the Active Rock charts. With its surging guitars and emotionally charged lyrics, the track captures Velvet Chains at their most compelling.
“‘How the Story Ends’ is about searching for meaning in a world that has become uncertain and broken,” says bassist and founder Nils Goldschmidt. “It’s a reflection on loss, change, and the quiet yet brutal act of gathering what’s left of your life. It remains the most hauntingly raw and emotionally charged song we’ve ever written.” His words ring true as the song builds into a cathartic release, blending heartbreak with hope in perfect balance.
Velvet Chains continue to build their reputation as one of the most emotionally resonant forces in modern rock. With “How the Story Ends,” they’ve created a soundscape that feels both deeply personal and universally human — the kind of song that lingers long after the final chord fades.
Country-Rock Star Tyler Braden Extends His ‘Devil and a Prayer’ Tour with New 2026 Dates
Tyler Braden is taking his firebrand country-rock sound to even more cities. The rising powerhouse has announced new 2026 dates for his headline Devil and a Prayer Tour, kicking off April 9 in Fort Worth, TX. Known for his soaring vocals and blue-collar storytelling, Braden will bring his high-energy live show to fans nationwide with Clayton Mullen joining as support for all newly added shows.
The tour takes its name from Braden’s explosive debut album, Devil and a Prayer, released earlier this year via Warner Music Nashville. The 19-track project features fan favorites “DEVIL YOU KNOW” and “GOD & GUNS N’ ROSES,” showcasing Braden’s balance of grit and soul. With raw emotion and rock-infused swagger, he’s quickly carving out a space among country’s most exciting live performers.
Fans can catch Braden on tour across the country this winter and spring. The newly announced dates begin in Fort Worth and stretch through the Southwest, adding to an already packed 2026 schedule. Tickets for all new shows go on sale Thursday, October 31 at 10 AM local time via TylerBraden.com.
Tyler Braden – The Devil and a Prayer Tour Dates:
January 29 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line (with Owen Riegling)
January 30 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave II (with Owen Riegling)
January 31 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon (with Owen Riegling)
February 6 – Saint Louis, MO – Ballpark Village: Hot Country Nights (with Owen Riegling)
February 7 – Lincoln, NE – The Bourbon Theatre (with Owen Riegling)
February 13 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall (with Owen Riegling)
February 14 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre (with Owen Riegling)
February 15 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West (with Owen Riegling)
February 19 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall (with Owen Riegling)
February 20 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (with Owen Riegling)
February 21 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille (with Owen Riegling)
Newly Announced Dates (with Clayton Mullen):
April 9 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall
April 14 – Albuquerque, NM – The Dirty Bourbon
April 16 – Colorado Springs, CO – Phil Long Music Hall
April 17 – Grand Junction, CO – Warehouse 25 Sixty-Five
April 18 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
April 21 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater
April 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
With a mix of grit, heart, and pure adrenaline, Tyler Braden’s Devil and a Prayer Tour promises an unforgettable ride for fans of modern country-rock. From packed clubs to theaters buzzing with energy, every stop is set to deliver the kind of raw, electric connection Braden has become known for.
Canadian Folk Music Awards Shine Bright with 2026 Nominees Celebrating 45 Years of Folk Spirit
The Canadian Folk Music Awards have unveiled their 2026 nominees, celebrating 105 artists across 21 categories from coast to coast. Set to take place April 9–12, 2026 in Calgary, the 21st edition of the CFMAs continues its legacy of spotlighting Canada’s folk brilliance, honoring the artists who weave stories of tradition, truth, and timeless sound.
Leading the nominations are Toronto singer-songwriter AHI and Nova Scotia’s beloved duo Cassie and Maggie, with five nods each. AHI’s The Light Behind The Sun shines in Contemporary Album, Contemporary Singer, Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries, English Songwriter, and Single of the Year, while Cassie and Maggie’s Gold and Coal sweeps nominations for Traditional Album, Traditional Singer, Vocal Group, Ensemble, and Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries. With returning favorites and new faces, this year’s lineup celebrates the full spectrum of folk innovation.
Other multi-nominated artists include Max Francis, Boreal, Claire Morrison, Jessica Pearson & The East Wind, and The Fretless (featuring Madeleine Roger). Two-time nominees such as Aysanabee, Irish Millie, and Terra Spencer join the mix, proving that Canadian folk continues to evolve while staying rooted in its authentic storytelling spirit.
Here’s the complete list of 2026 CFMA categories and nominees:
Young Performer(s) of the Year / Jeune artiste(s) de l’année
- Ella Gunning Parker – Look Alive
- Irish Millie – Between Then and Now
- Luka Hall – To Be Honest
- Max Francis – Home
- Salt Beef Junkies – Unnamed Demo
New Artist(s) of the Year / Découverte(s) de l’année
- Claire Morrison – Where Do You Go at Night?
- Jessica Pearson and the East Wind – LIVE from Motel Chelsea
- Kazdoura – Ghoyoum (Clouds)
- Robert Thomas and the sessionmen – The Way We Roll
- Wyatt C. Louis – Chandler
Contemporary Album of the Year / Album contemporain de l’année
- AHI – The Light Behind The Sun
- Boreal – Winterbirds
- Claire Morrison – Where Do You Go at Night?
- Sacred Wolf Singers X Simon Walls – L’nu’k Mawiejik
- The Fretless (featuring Madeleine Roger) – Glasswing
Contemporary Singer of the Year / Chanteur contemporain de l’année
- AHI – The Light Behind The Sun
- Julian Taylor – Pathways
- Kyle McKearney – To The River
- Mia Kelly – To Be Clear
- Stephen Fearing – The Empathist
Global Roots Album of the Year / Album traditions du monde de l’année
- Ahmed Moneka – Kanzafula
- Amir Amiri Ensemble – Ajdad – Ancestors, Echoes of Persia
- Joaquin Nunez & Habana Safari – Ruta de la Clave
- Kazdoura – Ghoyoum (Clouds)
- Selcuk Suna – The Space Between
Stan Rogers Traditional Singer of the Year / Prix Stan Rogers Chanter traditionnel de l’année
- Sam Allison (Lotus Wight) – Original Works for Voice and Banjo
- Maggie MacDonald (Cassie and Maggie) – Gold and Coal
- Mathieu Baillargeon (La Déferlance) – Âmes des bois
- Matthew Byrne – Stealing Time
- Michael Darcy (Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps) – Homemade
Traditional Album of the Year / Album traditionnel de l’année
- Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
- Matthew Byrne – Stealing Time
- Max Francis – Home
- Richard Wood – Richard Wood Live! An Evening of Celtic Music
- The Barrel Boys – Chicken In The Window
French Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur-compositeur(s) francophone de l’année
- Fred Dionne – Eldorado
- Guillaume Arsenault – Les plantes continuent de pousser même quand tu dors – Face B
- Maude Carrier – Les journées grises
- Sandie Valiquette – Forêt Marine
- Yves Marchand – Tellement naturel
English Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur compositeur(s) anglophone de l’année
- AHI – The Light Behind The Sun
- Mia Kelly – To Be Clear
- Shane Pendergast – Winter Grace
- Suzie Ungerleider – Among the Evergreens
- Terra Spencer – Sunset
Indigenous Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur compositeur(s) autochtone de l’année
- Amanda Rheaume – The Truth We Hold
- Asiah Holm – The Mask That You Made
- Aysanabee – Edge Of The Earth
- Inuksuk Mackay, Tiffany Ayailk (PIQSIQ) – Legends
- Wyatt C. Louis – Chandler
Instrumental Composer of the Year / Compositeur(s) ou compositrice(s) de l’année
- Anne Lindsay – SOLOWORKS 2
- Dane George – Spring Buds
- Eric Abramovitz, Rebekah Wolkstein, Drew Jurecka (Schmaltz & Pepper) – Schmaltz & Pepper
- Max Francis – Home
- Trent Freeman, Karrnnel Sawitsky, Eric Wright, Ben Plotnick (The Fretless (featuring Madeleine Roger)) – Glasswing
Children’s Album of the Year / Album jeunesse de l’année
- Ginalina – All the Earth Speaks
- Heather Feather – Together
- James Culleton – Superfolk
- Marky Weinstock & Friends (a.k.a. Dr. Marky) – “Here for you!”
- Oh Clementine – One Thousand Mornings
Instrumental Group of the Year / Groupe instrumental de l’année
- Amir Amiri Ensemble – Ajdad – Ancestors, Echoes of Persia
- Amir Eslami – Multicultural Wind Ensemble
- Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira – Here To Stay
- Ladom Ensemble – Sofreh Tisch
- The Fretless (featuring Madeleine Roger) – Glasswing
Ensemble of the Year / Groupe de l’année
- Boreal – Winterbirds
- Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
- Garçons à Marier – La Dot
- Jessica Pearson and the East Wind – LIVE from Motel Chelsea
- The Southern Residents – Folk Signals
Vocal Group of the Year / Groupe vocal de l’année
- Boreal – Winterbirds
- Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
- Jessica Pearson and the East Wind – LIVE from Motel Chelsea
- PIQSIQ – Legends
- The Barrel Boys – Chicken In The Window
Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award / Prix Innovation musicale Oliver Schroer
- AHI – The Light Behind The Sun
- Calgaréal – Vanishing Points
- Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
- Oktoecho – Saimaniq Sivumut
- Payadora – Legend of Carau
Producer(s) of the Year / Réalisateur(s) de l’année
- Ben Plotnick (Loud in the Pines) – Every Colour Left
- Colin Buchanan & Davy Gallant (Lennie Gallant) – Shelter From the Storms
- Jim Bowskill (Brooks & Bowskill) – Blissful State of Mind
- Liam Duncan (Boy Golden) – For Eden
- Rayannah (Claire Morrison) – Where Do You Go at Night?
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year / Instrumentiste solo de l’année
- Max Francis – Home
- Olivia Barrett – Elsewhere
- Rachel Therrien – Mi Hogar II
- Scott Duncan – Grandpa & Me
- Yves Cloutier – Fleuve
Solo Artist of the Year / Artiste solo de l’année
- Duane Andrews – Duane Andrews And The Hot Club Of Conception Bay
- Heather MacIsaac – The Moon’s Daughter
- Lennie Gallant – Shelter From the Storms
- Mallory Chipman – Songs to a Wild
- Terra Spencer – Sunset
Single of the Year / Monoplage de l’année
- Edge Of The Earth – Aysanabee
- Human Kind – AHI
- Lost and Found – Sultans of String feat. Shannon Thunderbird
- To Fail – Rachel Cousins
- You Were There – Irish Millie
Album Artwork of the Year / Pochette de l’année
- Kevin Hutchings – Halcyon Days
- Nastasia Y – Kyiv Soul
- Oktoecho – Saimaniq Sivumut
- Ru Rose – Revival
- The Arrogant Worms – Canadian Famous
The 2026 Canadian Folk Music Awards promise four days of performances, community, and creativity, shining a light on the incredible diversity of Canada’s folk scene. From rising artists to established icons, this year’s nominees reflect a nation of storytellers who continue to shape the sound of Canadian culture.
R&B Visionary Trevor Jackson Unveils Soul-Stirring New Single “Man of Steel”
Trevor Jackson is wearing his heart on his sleeve with the release of his new single “Man of Steel,” out today on all streaming platforms via UnitedMasters. The track continues his emotionally charged journey, following his I Love You EP earlier this month, and offers the first glimpse of his forthcoming project, Goodbye. The song peels back the layers of strength and sensitivity, showing that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply feel.
Anchored by stripped-down guitar production and Jackson’s strikingly honest vocals, “Man of Steel” captures the delicate balance between endurance and emotion. It’s intimate yet cinematic, built on the quiet power of vulnerability. “Man of Steel” reminds listeners that even in moments of heaviness, beauty can emerge through authenticity and reflection.
“‘Man of Steel’ is about the weight that comes with being seen as unbreakable,” says Trevor Jackson. “It’s about realizing that true strength isn’t in pretending you’re okay, it’s in letting yourself feel.” With his confessional songwriting and soulful tone, Jackson continues to blur the line between R&B and emotional storytelling, inviting listeners into his world with sincerity and depth.
This new release also comes at an exciting time in Jackson’s career. Earlier this month, he joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as a series regular, building on his standout guest role last season. Between his music, acting, and storytelling, Trevor Jackson is carving out a space that’s as versatile as it is heartfelt. Man of Steel marks another bold step forward, setting the stage for Goodbye, due October 31.
ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN Strike a Historic Chord with New AI Music Registration Policy
In a groundbreaking move that hits all the right notes, ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have announced a new era for songwriters and composers: each organization will now accept registrations of partially AI-generated musical works. This united policy marks a turning point in how music creators and performance rights organizations approach artificial intelligence, embracing its potential while keeping human creativity at the heart of it all.
The alignment among the three major North American PROs reflects today’s evolving creative landscape, where artists increasingly use AI tools as part of their songwriting and production process. These new policies will allow works that blend human and AI contributions to be officially registered and included in the societies’ repertories, ensuring that songwriters remain recognized and compensated. However, compositions created entirely by AI remain ineligible.
“Songwriters and composers have always experimented with innovative tools as part of their creative process, and AI is no exception,” said Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP. “We are clarifying our registration policy to now welcome partially AI-generated musical works because we believe AI can be a powerful tool for our members, as long as the law puts humans first and technology companies play fair and respect the rights of creators.” BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill added, “This is an important first step in protecting human creativity as AI technologies evolve, while supporting the songwriters and composers who choose to use AI as a tool to enhance their creative process.”
SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown echoed their sentiments, emphasizing the balance between innovation and integrity: “This alignment creates a legal and ethical path forward for AI in music. It recognizes that music creators are embracing new tools, while reinforcing our commitment to what matters most: respect for their work and the protection of human creativity.” Together, these organizations are sending a powerful message that the future of music can embrace technology—without losing its humanity.
Folk-Punk Legends Violent Femmes Bring the Noise with ’45 Years’ Tour
Get ready to shout “Add It Up” at the top of your lungs—Violent Femmes are celebrating 45 years of glorious musical mayhem with a brand-new West Coast tour. The “45 Years of Violent Femmes” trek kicks off February 28 in Del Mar, CA at The Sound and runs through March 7 at Channel 24 in Sacramento. Fans can expect a raw, high-voltage celebration of the band’s most iconic hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites, all delivered with the same punk-folk fire that made them legends back in 1981.
From the opening chords of “Blister in the Sun” to the defiant shout of “Kiss Off,” the Violent Femmes have been the heartbeat of alternative music for over four decades. Their self-titled debut album flipped the script on rock by going platinum without ever touching the Billboard Top 200. That acoustic, street-corner energy inspired generations and still drives their shows today. Now, as they mark 45 years together, the band’s fearless spirit shows no signs of slowing down.
The tour hits some of the West Coast’s most beloved venues, starting February 28 at The Sound in Del Mar, followed by the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura on March 1, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on March 3, The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park on March 4 and 5, the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno on March 6, and a finale blowout at Channel 24 in Sacramento on March 7. Tickets and VIP packages go on sale October 31 at 10 AM ET via vfemmes.com/tour.
With their music featured in Netflix’s acclaimed 2025 series Four Seasons and fans still filling venues nationwide, Violent Femmes prove that true originals never fade—they just get louder. This tour isn’t just a look back at the past—it’s a victory lap for one of music’s most delightfully unpredictable and enduring bands. Forty-five years later, they’re still busking straight into our hearts, one blistering song at a time.
Pop Favorite David Archuleta Delivers Holiday Magic with ‘My Only Wish’
Pop favorite David Archuleta is bringing festive cheer with his new holiday EP My Only Wish, out November 14. The five-song project features three new originals co-written by Archuleta alongside remastered versions of “Christmas Every Day” and “Winter in the Air.” Its lead single, “Christmas in California,” captures his signature bright pop sound, inspired by time spent in Laguna Beach and filled with breezy, sunlit warmth.
Archuleta says he wanted My Only Wish to reflect where he’s at in life—fun, flirty, and full of feel-good energy. The EP includes a special duet with Jordin Sparks, marking their long-awaited collaboration. “We’ve been talking for years about doing something together,” Archuleta said. “She sounds so incredible. I’m always blown away by her voice.”
To celebrate the release, Archuleta will perform limited holiday shows this December in New York and Los Angeles. Fans can catch him at Joe’s Pub in NYC on December 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14, followed by two nights at The Peppermint Club in L.A. on December 18 and 19. VIP packages include meet-and-greets, signed holiday cards, and exclusive merch.
The My Only Wish EP follows a busy year for Archuleta, who also released his Earthly Delights (Deluxe Edition) and Crème Brulée (Mixes en Español) EPs, as well as co-writing a new song for Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. With millions of fans across platforms, his new holiday collection promises to bring the same mix of heart, hope, and pure pop joy that fans have come to love.
