Nation of Language Perform Live on KEXP, Debut New Album on Sub Pop
Nation of Language stopped by KEXP for a full studio session, performing songs from their new album Dance Called Memory. The set featured “Inept Apollo,” “I’m Not Ready for the Change,” and more. With Cheryl Waters hosting, the performance captured the band’s synth-driven energy and marks their debut release on Sub Pop Records.
Taco Bell Drops Doja Cat Vinyl for Feed The Beat Record Club
Following May’s launch of the Feed The Beat Record Club, Taco Bell today announces a second edition for this week’s Tuesday Drop in the Taco Bell app. 500 Taco Bell Rewards members will have the chance to win a Record Club box, featuring a vinyl edition of Doja Cat’s brand new album Vie, which arrived just this past Friday via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records.
Each box includes a vinyl record plus an exclusive Feed The Beat Mexican Pizza vinyl slipmat. Taco Bell Rewards Members will have the chance to enter to win tomorrow, Tuesday September 30 from 2pm – 3pm PST in the Taco Bell app. In addition to the exclusive Tuesday Drop, Taco Bell Rewards Members can also score a free Mexican Pizza with an order $5+ in the Taco Bell app on Tuesday, September 30*.
Doja Cat’s history with Taco Bell and the Feed The Beat music program runs deep, with her bringing back the beloved Mexican Pizza in 2022, as well as multiple appearances in Big Game advertisements, including in 2025. Doja Cat made a surprise video appearance at this year’s Taco Bell Live Mas Live event in New York City in March. And in April Taco Bell premiered the track, “Cards” featured on Vie, in an advertisement for the 5/7/9 Combo.
The Feed The Beat Record Club launched in May of this year to great fanfare, featuring new albums from Anxious, Magdalena Bay, and Frankie and the Witch Fingers . With the launch, Taco Bell is bringing the music directly to its loyal, music-loving fans with these thoughtfully designed, limited edition vinyl record boxes.
Since 2006, Taco Bell and its Feed The Beat program have helped support more than 2,000 artists/bands. Along the way, we have helped fans discover new bands and bands discover new fans. Feed The Beat support starts in the form of feeding touring musicians with $500 in Taco Bell gift cards.
The brand’s passion for supporting artists and artist discovery does not stop with free food. The Feed The Beat program also boosts exposure for various artists by giving them a stage at events around the world, featuring their music in television commercials, and providing amplification through Taco Bell’s social presence.
About Taco Bell Corp.
For more than 62 years, Taco Bell has brought innovative, craveable, Mexican-inspired food to t
Oasis Partners with Opus and Photographer Simon Emmett for ‘OASIS LIVE ’25 OPUS’ Book
Opus today announces the partnership with the legendary band Oasis, Liam and Noel Gallagher and iconic photographer Simon Emmett to officially celebrate the reunion tour by creating the OASIS LIVE ’25 OPUS.
Oasis were a force that stormed a nation and conquered the world with a unique, mesmerising sound that seemed like it was ‘gonna live forever’. For millions of fans around the world Oasis provided the soundtrack for a generation with beautifully crafted melodies and relatable lyrics about everyday life. Their potent dose of British swagger was unmistakable, their working-class pride worn like a badge of honour with their anthemic rock music finding new audiences decades after their first release. Arriving on the music scene in the 90s, Oasis were prominent in the Britpop era and fashioned a feeling of youthful rebellion and optimism as political change in the UK generated much positive energy. Oasis offered a sense of pride and aspiration with an unapologetic attitude that many of their fans related to.
Oasis had become a cultural phenomenon, influencing musical trends, fashion and even popular culture. (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was the biggest British album of that decade, having now sold over five million copies in the UK, six million copies in the US and over 22 million worldwide. The band’s music was infectious and in 1996 at the height of their fame, Oasis headlined Knebworth in front of 250,000 fans. The story of Oasis had a true rock ‘n’ roll end when the band split up in 2009 leaving a stellar musical legacy. Many fans dreamed about the brothers reconciling, but that seemed unlikely.
Fast forward to August 2024 and a press announcement from Oasis sent the world into a frenzy with the news that the band would reunite to perform a series of concerts for the first time in 16 years.
Opus is thrilled to announce the OASIS LIVE ’25 OPUS that celebrates the most anticipated reunion of all time through the iconic lens of one of the world’s most influential photographers, Simon Emmett. Simon also captured the iconic portraits of Liam and Noel together that has been widely used since the announcement of the tour.
“Being chosen to photograph the top-secret Oasis reunion portraits was a real honour. As the only photographer to document it from the very start through to the end of the tour, it’s been a truly unique and privileged experience and insight. The extraordinary mania and positivity has been intoxicating. Much more than a band reunion, it’s been a real cultural movement.”
Simon Emmett
OASIS LIVE ’25 OPUS will be a celebration of the band’s live legacy, captured by the very best with unprecedented and unique access plus collaboration from both Liam and Noel.
The Limited Marquee Edition will be strictly limited to only 100 copies worldwide, with the edition measuring a giant 62cm x 45cm. The 400 pages will be printed in ultra-high-definition on luxury heavyweight 200gsm silk paper and then hand-bound by master binders, and presented in a silk covered clamshell case.
Three further editions – The ‘Midi’ and the ‘Retail’ edition will be made unlimited in number so that millions of fans around the world will have the opportunity to own and cherish their piece of Oasis history and memorabilia.
More details and information about all the unique Opus editions and special features to be released will be announced in the coming weeks during the Oasis Live ’25 Tour.
Jonas Brothers Add New Dates to ‘JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown’ Tour
After launching their milestone ‘JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown’ tour in August and playing sold-out shows across the U.S. and Canada, Jonas Brothers announced additional North American dates today. Tickets for the new shows go on sale Thursday, October 2 at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.com. Following his surprise appearances at the shows in New Jersey and Boston, Jesse McCartney will join as a special guest for additional dates in select markets.
The JONAS20 Tour highlights every chapter of Jonas Brothers’ 20-year journey, seamlessly blending early hits with solo projects such as Nick Jonas & the Administration and DNCE and brand-new tracks from their latest album Greetings From Your Hometown. Surprise cameos from Demi Lovato, Switchfoot and Dean Lewis on opening night set the tone for a tour filled with crowd-roaring sing-alongs to classics like “Lovebug,” “S.O.S.” and “Burnin’ Up,” underscoring the trio’s enduring impact and ever-growing fanbase.
Since the kickoff, the tour has been filled with headline-making surprise appearances. Fans have been treated to surprise collaborations and performances with 5 Seconds of Summer, Alessia Cara, All Time Low, Cartel, Chord Overstreet, Christina Perri, Dashboard Confessional, Fifth Harmony, Hanson, Hoobastank, Jack’s Mannequin, Jason Mraz, John Legend, JoJo, JP Saxe, Kelsea Ballerini, Machine Gun Kelly, Neon Trees, Paul Russell, Phantom Planet, Plain White T’s, Russell Dickerson, Ryan Cabrera, Simple Plan, Sum 41, The Click Five, The Veronicas and more making each night a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Fans around the world can stream the JONAS20: Greetings from Your Hometown tour live from Milwaukee on October 12, Orlando on October 26, and Buffalo on November 9 – exclusively on Samsung TV Plus!
See the full list of tour dates below.
‘JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown’ TOUR DATES:
+With The All American Rejects
#With Boys Like Girls
^With Jesse McCartney
*With Franklin Jonas
newly added dates bolded, go on sale Thursday, October 2
Mon Sep 29 – Phoenix, AZ – PHX Arena#*
Tue Sep 30 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater#*
Thu Oct 02 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena#*
Sun Oct 05 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena#*
Mon Oct 06 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center#*
Tue Oct 07 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center+*
Wed Oct 08 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center+*
Fri Oct 10 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center+*
Sun Oct 12 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum+*
Tue Oct 14 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena+*
Thu Oct 16 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center+*
Fri Oct 17 – Austin, TX – Moody Center+*
Sat Oct 18 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center+*
Sun Oct 19 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center+*
Wed Oct 22 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena+*
Fri Oct 24 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena+*
Sun Oct 26 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center+*
Mon Oct 27 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center+*
Tue Oct 28 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena+*
Wed Oct 29 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center+*
Fri Oct 31 – DNCE HALLOWEEN
Sat Nov 01 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena+*
Sun Nov 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse+*
Tue Nov 04 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center+*
Wed Nov 05 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center+*
Thu Nov 06 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena+*
Sat Nov 08 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center+*
Sun Nov 09 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center+*
Tue Nov 11 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena+*
Wed Nov 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena+*
Fri Nov 14 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena+*
Sun Nov 16 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center+*
Sat Nov 22 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center^*
Sun Nov 23 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesar’s Arena^*
Sat Nov 29 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*
Sun Nov 30 – Nick Jonas Sunday Best Brunch
Sun Nov 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center*
Wed Dec 03 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena^*
Thu Dec 04 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena^*
Sat Dec 06 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center^*
Tue Dec 09 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena^*
Thu Dec 11 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena^*
Fri Dec 12 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena^*
Sun Dec 14 – Hamilton, ON – TD Coliseum^*
Mon Dec 15 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre^*
Wed Dec 17 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre^*
Thu Dec 18 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena^*
Sat Dec 20 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena^*
Sun Dec 21 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena^*
Mon Dec 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center^*
Canada’s Walk of Fame Announces 2025 RBC Emerging Musician Program Winners
– Canada’s Walk of Fame is turning up the volume on Canada’s next big music stars, today announcing the five winners of the 13th annual RBC Emerging Musician Program, in partnership with Stingray. Celebrated as Canada’s premier platform for discovering and supporting the next generation of musical artists, the program offers career-changing mentorship, development, and performance opportunities.
Taking the spotlight this year are: Third Prize Winners John Fellner (London, ON), Braden Lam (Halifax, NS), and Andie Therio (Montreal, QC); Second Prize Winner Jennarie (Toronto, ON); and Grand Prize Winner Annabel Oreste (Laval, QC).
“I’m so thankful to God for opening this door in my life,” said Oreste. “I feel like the wind is finally carrying me toward new horizons. I make music to empower and to remind others of their worth. I’m deeply grateful to Canada’s Walk of Fame, RBC, and Stingray for believing in me and broadening my horizons. I’m so excited to share more of my world and my music on a national scale.”
This year’s submissions poured in from across the country, underscoring the strength and diversity of Canada’s musical landscape. A panel of over 20 industry judges reviewed each entry for originality, creativity, and talent, ultimately selecting five recipients whose music spans genres from country and folk to pop and R&B.
“What excites me most about this year’s winners is the individuality and honesty in their music,” said Griffin Sokal, Director of Marketing and Emerging Musician Program Manager, Canada’s Walk of Fame. “Each are at a pivotal moment where talent and drive meet opportunity, and it’s a privilege to help amplify their artistry. Their music is raw, real, and resonant – a reminder of why championing emerging voices matters.”
“At RBC, we’re inspired by the passion and determination of these artists,” said Gayle Corcoran, Senior Director, Social Impact, RBC. “Supporting programs that help early career musicians launch, means investing in the future of culture, creativity and community. That’s why RBC has been a long-standing supporter of Canada’s Walk of Fame and is proud to champion the next generation of Canadian talent.”
“Collaborating with Canada’s Walk of Fame on this program is an incredible opportunity to spotlight homegrown voices,” said David Purdy, Chief Revenue Officer of Stingray. “We believe Canadian music deserves to be heard everywhere. Throughout October, the new Canada’s Walk of Fame channel on Stingray Music will introduce this year’s winners, past alumni, and Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductees to audiences across the country and beyond.”
This year’s Grand Prize Winner is Annabel Oreste of Laval, Quebec, a Canadian-Haitian pop and R&B artist whose music embodies empowerment, resilience, and soul. Known nationally from her run on Star Académie (2021) as Princesse Annabel, she has since built a growing audience with powerful performances and heartfelt songwriting. Her viral cover of Anita Baker’s Body and Soul has surpassed 300,000 views on YouTube, and her singles Trop Jeune—created in partnership with the youth mental health organization Jeune en Tête, where she is an ambassador—and Hero have showcased her artistry on national stages, including Honey Jam 2024 and 2025 (broadcast on CBC Music and CBC Gem). With her debut EP Lovingly set for release in 2026, Annabel is quickly emerging as one of Canada’s most exciting new voices.
Instagram: @annabelorestemusic
The Second Prize Winner is Jennarie of Toronto, Ontario, an independent artist who blends pop, R&B, and jazz into a sound that is soulful, bold, and rooted in emotional truth. Proudly queer, plus-size, and neurodivergent, she creates music that uplifts underrepresented communities and celebrates self-love. In 2024, her empowering track Never Been Small went viral in response to online body-shaming, catching the attention of SZA and Meghan Trainor, amassing millions of views, and surpassing 2 million streams on Spotify. The song was recently featured in Rosebud Baker’s 2025 Netflix comedy special The Motherlode. Jennarie has performed at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and Pride Toronto, was selected for the RBC x MusiCounts First Up program, and has received support from FACTOR, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Chalmers Foundation.
Instagram: @jennariemusic
The Third Prize Winners:
- John Fellner (London, Ontario), a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk and R&B into a sound that is both intimate and contemporary. Starting out as a JUNO-nominated producer with over 80 million streams to his credit, John discovered a deeper resonance when writing from his own experiences. His thoughtful lyricism and emotional honesty earned him both the Aeolian Hall Songwriting Contest and Slaight Music’s It’s Your Shot Contest in 2023. With a growing presence as a performer, John is now stepping fully into his artistry, crafting songs that connect through vulnerability and depth. Instagram: @johnfellner
- Braden Lam (Halifax, Nova Scotia) blends authentic songwriting with modern indie flair, forging a 21st-century sound rooted in folk tradition. His debut album The Cloudmaker’s Cry earned praise from Billboard, Exclaim!, and Range Magazine, with the single Beautiful Neighbourhoods reaching #7 on the CBC Top 20 and placing in the Top 8 of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country program in 2025. He has performed internationally at The Great Escape (UK), Reeperbahn (Germany), and across Ireland, Scotland, the U.S., and Canada, building a reputation as one of Atlantic Canada’s most compelling young voices.
Instagram: @bradenlamusic - Andie Therio (Montreal, Quebec) is a singer-songwriter blending country, pop-rock, and folk into heartfelt songs drawn from her own experiences. She made her official debut in 2022 with She’s Good, a self-written EP that launched her career, followed by her first full-length album Back To You (2023), which earned airplay on SiriusXM Canada and a sold-out release show in Montréal. Since then, she has performed on major stages across Quebec, including Festival Country de Lotbinière, Lasso Montréal, and the Festival Western de St-Tite. After releasing the acoustic mini-album Home Sessions in 2025, Andie is preparing her next chapter with Nomade, the title track of her forthcoming French-language album set for 2026. Instagram: @andietherio
PRIZING DETAILS
The Grand Prize winner receives $20,000 cash, a private studio session at Metalworks Studios, and exclusive performance opportunities at Canada’s Walk of Fame events, including the 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame Rock the Halls charity concert at El Mocambo on December 20th, in support of Daily Bread Food Bank.
The Second Prize winner receives $10,000 cash, and each of the three Third Prize winners receives $5,000 cash.
All five winners will also receive:
- Exposure on the dedicated Canada’s Walk of Fame music channel launching this October on Stingray
- A performance at Festival du Voyageur 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba
- A showcase slot at Departure Fest in May 2026 in Toronto
- A creative workshop and mentorship panel at Toronto’s Arthaus
- One (1) group mentorship session with a Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee, Allan Slaight Music Impact Honouree, or established artist
- $2,000 toward the production of a performance video
- A personalized artist page on emergingmusician.ca
For more information about the winners and to hear their music, visit emergingmusician.ca.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Celebrates 30 Years of ‘Ledbetter Heights’ at Fallsview Casino
Kenny Wayne Shepherd brings his Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on March 14. Known for his explosive blues-rock sound and hits like “Blue on Black,” Shepherd promises a high-energy night celebrating three decades of genre-defining music. Tickets for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour performance go on sale on Friday, October 3 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.
“Shepherd’s explosive guitar work and unmistakable blues-rock sound made him a fan favourite in Niagara when he last played here in 2023,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing & Resort Operations. “As he marks the 30th anniversary of the Ledbetter Heights album, we’re excited to welcome him back to our stage and proud to be part of this milestone tour!”
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is a blues rock guitar virtuoso whose explosive sound has made him one of the most dynamic performers of his generation. With multiple Grammy nominations, five #1 blues albums, and the smash hit Blue on Black, Shepherd blends raw emotion with electrifying guitar work. Twenty-five years into his recording career Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to create genre-defining blues-infused rock n’ roll. Fans can look forward to powerful performances of favourites like “Deja Voodoo,” “True Lies,” “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway,” and more delivered with the raw emotion and modern edge that have defined his sound since his teens.
Show date & performance
Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026Showtime: 8:00pmVenue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
Tickets for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour performance go on sale Friday, October 3 at 10:00am.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation Announces 27th Annual Angel Ball at Cipriani Wall Street
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research announced today that their signature fundraiser, the Angel Ball, hosted by co-founders, songwriter Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter,will take place on Monday, October 27th at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Now in its 27th year, the black-tie fête is annually held in memory of Denise’s daughter Gabrielle Rich Aouad who passed away at the age of 27 from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This year, the Angel Ball will honor breast cancer survivor Tina Knowles, for her devotion to philanthropy and dedication to raising awareness for cancer research; and Skye & Don Rufus Hankey; and Amy Green, CEO and Founder of The Green Vision Foundation who together will be recognized for their unwavering dedication to philanthropy and their positive impact on society through their generous contributions.
CBS Mornings & Oprah Daily’s Gayle King will emcee the event, which will feature exciting performances by Paul Russell and Grammy Award-winning musician Ja Rule; along with special appearances by Michelle Williams, Star Jones, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, and more.
“It is truly remarkable to think this will be our 27th Angel Ball Gala. Raising money for cancer research is more important than ever and we are thrilled to celebrate three outstanding honorees who continue to champion our cause,” said Denise Rich.
The evening will be sponsored by Lorraine Schwartz; Valmont; Armand De Brignac Champagne; Naviva®, Rumor Rose and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Dinner Chairs of the Gala include Simone I. Smith, Lorraine Schwartz, and Ofira Sandberg.
Honorary Chairs of the Gala include Elizabeth Elting and Warren Lichtenstein.
Co-Chairs include Alana Kramer, Alex Pita, Alisa Roever, Ayaan Ahmed, Bianca Peters, Camilla Olsson, Christina Lo, Danielle Merollo, Eugenia Bullock, Evelyn Cueva, Hugh Barton, Janna Bullock, Lauren Summa, Lauren Wesley Wilson, Lizzie Asher, Morgan Shara, Nicoletta Kolpakov, Nicole Salmasi Norah Lawlor, Rebecca Morris, and Yelena Feuerman.
The Angel Ball will feature a live auction, hosted for the second year in a row by auctioneer Jamie McDonald. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on items such as stunning jewelry from celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz; an all inclusive total island buyout for up to 30 people at the luxurious Four Seasons Naviva in Punta Mita, Mexico; and a one-of-a-kind piece by American-born visual artist and innovator Paul Rousso.
Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation will also host an online auction which will run from October 15th – October 29th at charitybuzz.com/gabrielles and will feature unique experiences including exclusive access to the GBK Brand Bar’s Pre-Academy Awards luxury Lounge; a VIP experience with Balmain during Paris Fashion Week; a photo shoot with acclaimed photographer Fadil Berisha and trips to the fabulous Albany, Bahamas, Round Hill Resort and Isle Blue to name a few!
Dozens of generous and talented artists will also lend their support to The Angel Ball by donating works for the Gala’s Art Auction. Guests can bid in person and online at https://onecau.se/angelball on original works from Bradley Theodore, Mr. Brainwash, Hunt Slonem, Fer Da Silva, Noah Becker, Norman Reedus and Nick Moss, among others.
Since 1996, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation has funded over $45 million in research grants to the best and brightest early cancer scientists whose research focuses on finding better treatments, preventions and cures for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and related blood cancers. The Foundation is grateful for the support of many longtime donors and friends.
For ticketing information, please visit gabriellesangels.org.
11 Musicians Who NEED To Write Their Memoir
Some artists live such fascinating lives that their story practically begs to be written. Whether it’s wild tours, creative reinvention, or moments of pure rock ’n’ roll drama, these 11 musicians would deliver unforgettable memoirs.
Björk
From the Sugarcubes to solo stardom, Björk has continually reshaped the boundaries of music and art. Her reflections on Icelandic roots, avant-garde creativity, and collaborations with visionaries would make for a memoir as daring as her sound.
Damon Albarn
Blur, Gorillaz, The Good, The Bad & The Queen—Damon Albarn’s career is a journey through reinvention. A memoir would give insight into Britpop rivalries, global collaborations, and his unique ability to fuse pop with politics.
Courtney Love
Singer, actress, and outspoken figure, Courtney Love has never shied away from controversy. Her memoir would detail her time with Hole, marriage to Kurt Cobain, and the way she fought—and thrived—through chaos.
Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple’s deeply personal songwriting already feels like pages from a diary. A memoir could trace her battles with fame, creative perfectionism, and resilience, giving fans a deeper understanding of her uncompromising artistry.
Hans Zimmer
From The Lion King to Inception, Hans Zimmer has shaped how generations feel movies. His memoir could explore his rise from German rock bands to becoming Hollywood’s most in-demand composer, showing the magic behind the scores.
Kate Bush
Kate Bush has cultivated a sense of mystery for decades. Her memoir would be a revelation—sharing how she crafted songs like Wuthering Heights, embraced independence in the industry, and returned triumphantly with live shows.
Liam Gallagher
The younger Gallagher brother has lived a life of swagger, fights, and Britpop dominance. A memoir would no doubt be full of sharp wit, wild anecdotes, and brutally honest reflections on fame and family.
Mick Jagger
As the frontman of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger has lived rock history firsthand. A memoir could cover his rise in the ’60s, global tours, cultural influence, and the secrets behind keeping a band alive for six decades.
Noel Gallagher
Sharp-tongued and fiercely talented, Noel Gallagher has written anthems that defined a generation. His memoir would reveal the highs and lows of Oasis, his creative process, and his ever-complicated relationship with Liam.
Peter Gabriel
From his early days in Genesis to groundbreaking solo work, Peter Gabriel has always followed his own path. A memoir could cover his musical innovations, activism, and pioneering work in world music and technology.
Stevie Nicks
Fleetwood Mac’s queen of mystique, Stevie Nicks has already lived a story worthy of folklore. A memoir could trace her struggles, romances, mystical songwriting, and what it takes to become a true rock icon.
Trent Reznor
Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor turned darkness into art that reshaped alternative music. His memoir could explore his battles with addiction, Oscar-winning reinvention, and the power of vulnerability in music.
Breaking Down PROs (ASCAP, SOCAN, BMI) for Indie Musicians
For indie musicians, getting paid for your music isn’t just about streams or ticket sales—it’s about making sure your songs are properly registered so you can collect royalties when they’re played live, on the radio, or even at your favorite coffee shop. That’s where Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) step in. If you’ve ever wondered about ASCAP, SOCAN, or BMI, this guide will help break it down.
What is a PRO?
A Performance Rights Organization is a group that makes sure songwriters, composers, and publishers get paid when their music is performed publicly. “Public performance” can mean radio airplay, a TV commercial, background music in a store, or a live show. Instead of chasing down every venue or broadcaster, PROs collect licensing fees from businesses, then distribute that money back to the creators.
The Big Players
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)
- Founded: 1914
- Where: U.S.
- Who they serve: Songwriters, composers, and publishers across all genres.
- Membership: One-time $50 fee for songwriters.
- Notable feature: Run by its members (it’s a non-profit).
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
- Founded: 1939
- Where: U.S.
- Who they serve: Songwriters and publishers.
- Membership: Free for songwriters, fees apply for publishers.
- Notable feature: Known for being more indie-friendly early on and representing a wide range of genres.
SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada)
- Founded: 1990 (through a merger of two earlier Canadian groups)
- Where: Canada
- Who they serve: Canadian songwriters, composers, and publishers.
- Membership: Free to join.
- Notable feature: Covers both performance royalties and, through partnerships, reproduction royalties.
Why They Matter for Indie Musicians
Even if you’re not on the radio, PROs make sure you get paid for things you might not expect:
- Live gigs: Playing your own songs at a bar, café, or festival? You may be entitled to royalties.
- Streaming and radio: Internet and satellite radio stations report plays.
- TV and film: If your music is synced, PROs track usage.
For indie artists, these royalties can add up to an important income stream—especially when you’re touring or getting airplay on smaller stations.
How to Choose the Right One
- If you’re U.S.-based: You’ll likely join either ASCAP or BMI (you can only join one at a time). Both are reputable, so compare fee structures and payout schedules.
- If you’re Canada-based: SOCAN is the go-to choice.
- If you perform internationally: Many PROs have reciprocal agreements, so SOCAN members get royalties collected in the U.S. and vice versa.
Joining a PRO is one of the most important steps an indie musician can take to protect their rights and earn money from their songs. Whether you’re strumming in coffeehouses or landing syncs in indie films, these organizations make sure your work is valued wherever it’s heard.
Tip: Sign up early. The sooner you’re registered, the sooner you start collecting royalties that might otherwise slip away.