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Reba McEntire Delivers Powerful Grammy Performance Of “Trailblazer (Dream Chaser Version)”

Eric Alper
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Reba McEntire Delivers Powerful Grammy Performance Of “Trailblazer (Dream Chaser Version)”

Reba McEntire took the Grammy stage on February 1st with a breathtaking performance of “Trailblazer (Dream Chaser Version)”, her first time performing at the ceremony. The special rendition – released via MCA – featured Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, who rewrote the track and co-produced it with McEntire, and Grammy-winning artist Lukas Nelson. The multi-generational collaboration honored the legacy of recently lost members of the creative community. McEntire told Entertainment Tonight before the show, “I got a lot of friends up there on that big screen. My son, Brandon Blackstock, we let him go to heaven in August, and so we’re gonna be celebrating him tonight also. We’ll miss ’em, and we’re hopin’ to be with ’em again someday soon.”

The stripped-down acoustic performance showcased McEntire’s signature vocal power alongside Clark and Nelson, blending classic country with contemporary edge. Originally penned by Clark, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson, and produced by McEntire alongside Tony Brown, “Trailblazer” has earned McEntire her 18th career Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. The moment demonstrated why McEntire remains one of country music’s most enduring voices, capable of delivering performances that connect emotionally while honoring those who shaped the creative community.

Grammy-Nominated Jamal Roberts Releases Amapiano Infused Single “Head Up”

Eric Alper
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Grammy-Nominated Jamal Roberts Releases Amapiano Infused Single “Head Up”

Grammy-nominated artist Jamal Roberts has released “Head Up”, a new single that pairs amapiano grooves with unflinching honesty about resilience. The track arrives via BMG and features production from RyKeyz, who has worked with Bebe Rexha, H.E.R., and Chris Brown. Written by Eskeerdo and Marcus Durand Lomax – whose credits include Justin Bieber, Teddy Swims, Miley Cyrus, and Zara Larrson – the song builds on what made Roberts an American Idol winner. His voice carries the emotional weight that turns a dance track into something genuinely moving. When he sings about perseverance, it lands because his delivery makes you believe every word.

The lyrics cut through without overcomplicating things. Roberts sings, “Everyone’s alive, but not everyone lives,” delivering one of the track’s sharpest moments with clarity and conviction. The chorus keeps it direct: “Keep your head up… the sun has been gone but it’s coming back around.” The release follows Roberts’ first Grammy nomination in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category for “Still (Live)”, his collaboration with Jonathan McReynolds. Recent appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, a performance during the National College Football Championship, and a set at the Grammy Museum prove Roberts is building real momentum with music that connects beyond the surface

Clyde The Band Releases Emotionally Charged New Single “Better”

Eric Alper
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Clyde The Band Releases Emotionally Charged New Single “Better”

Los Angeles alternative rock duo Clyde the Band has released “Better”, a raw and introspective single that captures the sting of emotional invalidation. The track draws from the band’s own experiences with relationships where feelings were dismissed and worth was questioned. Rooted in 90s alternative rock influences, “Better” blends gritty guitars and driving rhythms with hook-driven songwriting that balances melody and distortion. The song offers catharsis for anyone who has felt their emotions minimized by people they trusted most.

Clyde the Band continues to build their identity with a sound that feels both nostalgic and modern. The duo pairs unfiltered energy with emotional honesty, creating music that resonates with fans of Wunderhorse, Weezer, Fountains of Wayne, Pavement, and Pixies. “Better” showcases their ability to merge vulnerability with volume, proving that guitar-forward alternative rock still has plenty to say. The single stands as a relatable anthem for listeners navigating the quiet insecurity that comes when relationships leave you questioning yourself.

BTS Returns With New Album ‘Arirang’ And Global Netflix Live Stream Event

Eric Alper
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BTS Returns With New Album ‘Arirang’ And Global Netflix Live Stream Event

This is the moment millions have been waiting for. BTS is back. The K-pop phenomenon returns in March with ‘Arirang’, their first album in years following the members’ completion of mandatory military service in Korea. Netflix is making history by broadcasting the group’s first global performance live from Gwanghwamun in Seoul on March 21, just one day after the album drops on March 20. The landmark location offers stunning views of the iconic Gyeongbokgung palace, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture. One week later on March 27, Netflix will premiere BTS: The Return, an intimate documentary chronicling the making of ‘Arirang’. This is how you welcome back one of the biggest acts on the planet.

The seven-member supergroup is launching one of the most ambitious tours of their career, spanning 2026 and 2027 across Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia with an anticipated 79 stops. The tour kicks off with three nights in Goyang, South Korea, followed by two nights in Tokyo before hitting Tampa. BTS returns to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood for four massive shows on September 1, 2, 5 and 6, featuring a 360-degree in-the-round stage design that will create an immersive experience for fans. After their sold-out Permission to Dance on Stage engagements in Los Angeles back in 2021, this comeback feels like a cultural earthquake. The wait is over and the world is ready.

Pulp Covers ABBA’s “The Day Before You Came” With BBC Concert Orchestra

Eric Alper
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Pulp Covers ABBA’s “The Day Before You Came” With BBC Concert Orchestra

Pulp has delivered a stunning rendition of ABBA’s “The Day Before You Came” in the Radio 2 Piano Room, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. The performance showcases the band’s ability to reinterpret classic material with their distinctive touch. The cover demonstrates why Pulp remains one of Britain’s most compelling acts, bringing fresh emotional depth to the Swedish pop legends’ 1982 track.

The session also features performances of “Hymn Of The North” from their chart-topping album ‘More’ and the beloved classic “Something Changed”. The full performance is available on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers and includes an interview with Vernon Kay. This appearance highlights the band’s continued relevance and their skill at bridging generations of pop music. Pulp proves once again that great songs transcend their original context when placed in capable hands.

Rare Rolling Stones SNL Rehearsal Footage From 1978 Surfaces After Nearly Five Decades

Eric Alper
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Rare Rolling Stones SNL Rehearsal Footage From 1978 Surfaces After Nearly Five Decades

Rare behind-the-scenes footage from The Rolling Stones’ October 6, 1978 Saturday Night Live rehearsal has surfaced after nearly five decades. The video captures the Season 4 premiere preparation, offering an intimate look at how the SNL cast and crew worked to put the show together. Featured in this glimpse at what happens during an SNL rehearsal are John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, Al Franken, Tom Davis, and Garrett Morris. Director Dave Wilson and producer Lorne Michaels appear alongside a standout performance by Paul Shaffer doing his Don Kirshner impression. The opening skit shows the cast and The Rolling Stones blocking shots, revealing the technical choreography and collaborative energy that went into creating one of the show’s most legendary musical guest appearances during SNL’s golden era.

Mastodon’s Drummer Brann Dailor Tackles Weather Report’s “Birdland” For The First Time

Eric Alper
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Mastodon’s Drummer Brann Dailor Tackles Weather Report’s “Birdland” For The First Time

Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor steps into unfamiliar territory on Drumeo, hearing Weather Report’s jazz fusion classic “Birdland” for the first time and immediately crafting a drum part on the spot. The episode captures Dailor’s process as he navigates the intricate rhythms and syncopation of a genre far removed from his progressive metal roots, showcasing the adaptability and musicianship that has made him one of modern rock’s most respected drummers. Watching a player known for his technical prowess in heavy music decode and respond to jazz fusion in real time offers a fascinating glimpse into how elite musicians think across stylistic boundaries.

Will Arnett Takes On Hot Ones While Discussing Talk Shows And The Batman Voice

Eric Alper
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Will Arnett Takes On Hot Ones While Discussing Talk Shows And The Batman Voice

Will Arnett tackles the Hot Ones wings of death challenge while promoting his new Bradley Cooper-directed comedy-drama “Is This Thing On?” alongside Laura Dern. The Golden Globe Award-nominated SmartLess podcast host brings his signature deadpan humor to First We Feast’s iconic interview format, discussing the art of a great talk show appearance, his obsession with Golden Tee, and how he cracked the code on the Batman voice. Between bites of increasingly spicy wings, Arnett delivers the kind of candid, self-deprecating comedy that has made him a standout across breakout projects like Arrested Development, BoJack Horseman, and The Lego Batman Movie, proving he’s just as entertaining when his taste buds are under assault.


Jessie Ware Performs “I Could Get Used To This” On The Graham Norton Show

Eric Alper
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Jessie Ware Performs “I Could Get Used To This” On The Graham Norton Show

Jessie Ware brought “I Could Get Used To This” to The Graham Norton Show stage, delivering a captivating live performance that showcases her ability to translate studio polish into raw, engaging television moments. The performance captures the essence of what makes Ware such a compelling artist, balancing vocal prowess with an understated charisma that draws viewers in without overwhelming them. Her appearance on one of British television’s most beloved talk shows puts the track in front of a massive audience, introducing new listeners to her sound while giving longtime fans a fresh take on the song they already love.


Canada Black Music Archives Celebrates Black History Month Feb 5 at City of Toronto Archives w/Jully Black. Liberty Silver + More

Eric Alper
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Canada Black Music Archives Celebrates Black History Month Feb 5 at City of Toronto Archives w/Jully Black. Liberty Silver + More

The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA), presented by Word Media Group Inc with support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and the Department of Canadian Heritage brings its annual Black History Month Showcase to the City of Toronto Archives on Thursday, February 5, 2026, offering a special day of music, conversation, and cultural celebration rooted in Black Canadian excellence.

The daytime program features acclaimed chef, musician, and cultural ambassador Roger Mooking in conversation with CBMA co-founder Phil Vassell, exploring storytelling, legacy, and the importance of preserving Black music history. The evening showcase highlights live performances from Jully Black, Tanika Charles, Divine Brown, Dru (In Essence), and Liberty Silver, with DJ and production support from Carl Allen.

A defining voice in Canadian music, Jully Black brings her signature blend of R&B, soul, and cultural leadership to the Toronto stage. Tanika Charles adds her richly layered soul sound shaped by jazz, funk, and lived experience, while Dru delivers classic R&B presence grounded in Canadian music history. Liberty Silver completes the lineup with commanding vocals that reflect decades of artistry and influence.

The Black History Month Showcase takes place Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the City of Toronto Archives and is free to the public with the evening showcase from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Additional details and registration information on https://thecbma.com

Link: Black History Month Toronto Showcase Tickets 

The CBMA has been invited to display a specially curated exhibit at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite within the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park located at 111 Wellesley St. W, Toronto, Ontario. Installations from the CBMA, Archives of Ontario and the Black Diasporas will be featured in the Music Room of the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, Queen’s Park.

This event will begin on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, and run until Friday, February 13th from 10 am to 3 pm. An opening reception will be on February 12th from 10 am to 1 pm with remarks by the Lieutenant Governor, representatives from the Archives of Ontario, the CBMA, Black Diasporas, and poetry from Ontario Poet Laureate Matthew “Testament” Jones. Live music at noon with artist to be confirmed.

Link: CBMA’s Black History Month Exhibit Tickets, Wed, 11 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM

The Toronto showcase connects with CBMA’s wider Black History Month programming, including a special screening of Portia White: Think on Me by filmmaker Sylvia D. Hamilton at the Archives of Ontario on February 18, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. The screening, which Hamilton will attend, spotlights the enduring legacy of the legendary contralto. The evening includes a panel discussion hosted by University of Toronto Professor Mark Campbell, founder of the Northside Hip Hop Archive and Afrosonic Innovation Lab.

Link: “Portia White: Think on Me” Film Screening at Archives of Ontario Tickets, Wed, 18 Feb 2026 at 5:30 PM

“As a living archive, the CBMA continues to elevate the stories of Black Canadian musicians across generations, genres and across the country. To date, we’ve visited Montreal and on February 27th, we will be travelling to Vancouver.” says Phil Vassell, Executive Director of the Canada Black Music Archives.

Link: Black History Month Vancouver Showcase Tickets, Fri, 27 Feb 2026 at 5:00 PM

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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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