Home Blog Page 290

Norah Jones Welcomes Nathaniel Rateliff For Reflective New Podcast Episode

0

Norah Jones is joined by Nathaniel Rateliff on a new episode of Norah Jones Is Playing Along, continuing the podcast’s second season with an intimate and thoughtful conversation. The Grammy Award–winning artists trace the personal and creative paths that shaped Rateliff’s journey, reflecting on patience, self-discovery, and the discipline of singing from a truthful place.


Kate Rockwell Returns To “Heathers” As Off-Broadway Cast Shifts This January

0

Kate Rockwell will return to the Off-Broadway revival of “Heathers,” joining a slate of casting changes that begin January 26 at New World Stages. Rockwell reprises the roles of Ms. Fleming and Veronica’s Mom, parts she previously played during a limited engagement last year. She joins new cast members Adam Bashian, Jimmy Ray Bennett, and Thalia Atallah, while Peyton List is also set to begin performances as Heather Chandler on the same date.

The arrivals coincide with several departures, including Kerry Butler, who will give her final performance January 25 alongside Jodie Steele, Ben Davis, Cameron Loyal, and Lav Raman. With a book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, “Heathers” continues its New York run under the direction of Andy Fickman, revisiting the darkly comic story of Veronica Sawyer and the social hierarchy that defines her high school world.

Sony Simplifies Vinyl Listening With New PS-LX3BT And PS-LX5BT Turntables

0

 Sony Electronics Inc. today announced two new models of turntables, the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT, engineered to make it simple and easy to enjoy rich, authentic sound from vinyl records. Designed to suit both first-time vinyl listeners and audiophiles, the new turntables combine simple, intuitive operation with advanced wireless audio technology and exceptional craftsmanship.

Shared features of the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT

Both models offer one-button full auto playback and Bluetooth connectivity supporting aptX™, aptX™-Adaptive, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio allowing users to enjoy detailed sound even wirelessly, as well as through a wired connection. A USB output with three-level gain control makes it easy to record vinyl to digital, while a high-quality cartridge, aluminum platter, and transparent dust cover provide stable playback and protection. Each supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM records (7″ and 12″) and arrives in recycled packaging, reflecting Sony’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

PS-LX3BT – Your vinyl journey starts here

Perfect for newcomers to vinyl or those seeking a simple, lifestyle-friendly setup, the PS-LX3BT features a refined, aesthetic design, making it ideal for everyday spaces while fitting seamlessly into any lifestyle. Start listening right away with the attached audio cable and built-in phono equalizer. It delivers warm analogue sound with smooth tracking, perfect for everyday enjoyment.

PS-LX5BT  Upgrade your vinyl journey

For those looking to elevate their sound, the PS-LX5BT introduces premium refinements that enhance precise audio performance. Every element, from the rigid one-piece body and aluminum tone arm to the rubber mat and circuit design, is carefully engineered to suppress unwanted vibration and preserve audio purity. Building on this foundation of precision, it’s equipped with a high-grade cartridge that delivers rich sound with a wide soundstage, ideal for focused, dedicated listening beyond everyday use. The gold-plated audio jack supports a high-grade wired connection, while its sophisticated, minimalist design blends effortlessly into any interior, elevating both sound and surroundings.

Availability

The PS-LX3BT will be available for pre-sale starting today for a suggested retail price of $399.99 USD / $399.99 CAD at Sony.comBest BuyAmazon, and other authorized dealers.

For more information on the PS-LX3BT, please visit https://electronics.sony.com/audio/audio-components/turntables/p/pslx3bt

The PS-LX5BT will be available for pre-sale this spring for $499.99 USD / $549.99 CAD at Sony.com, Best Buy, Amazon, and other authorized dealers.

For more information on the PS-LX5BT, please visit https://electronics.sony.com/audio/audio-components/turntables/p/pslx5bt

Tom Jones And Nile Rodgers & Chic Unite For Summer Celebration At Chester Racecourse

0

Music icons Tom Jones and Nile Rodgers & Chic have announced a special outdoor summer show at Chester Racecourse on August 14, 2026, bringing together two era-defining forces for one night of live music. The event celebrates decades of timeless hits and enduring influence, spotlighting Jones’ powerhouse voice and Rodgers’ genre-shaping work as a songwriter, producer, and performer. The pairing promises a night rooted in legacy, groove, and unmistakable musical authority, underscoring why both remain towering figures on the world’s biggest stages.

Lori Rayne Breaks Country Rules With Gritty New EP ‘I Don’t Drink’

0

Alternative country artist Lori Rayne releases her new EP ‘I Don’t Drink’, now available across digital platforms. The project captures Rayne in sharp focus, blending Southern storytelling with heavier guitars and an alternative-country edge. Unfiltered and self-assured, the EP reflects an artist fully comfortable carving her own path. It lands as a confident, energized release that makes its point without compromise.

“I Don’t Drink is the most honest reflection of who I am as an artist,” Rayne says. “It holds all the styles and influences that shape my sound and personality.” The title track flips expectations of a typical night out, celebrating connection, movement, and release without alcohol at the center. Driven by thick guitars and a jamming country groove, the song plays like a line-dance-ready anthem built for packed floors and loud speakers. The response to the track has been immediate and enthusiastic, with its bold spirit and lived-in confidence standing out.

Across the EP, Rayne balances edge with range. “The One That Ran Away” leans into heartbreak and unresolved emotion, while “To Be Country” offers a grounded nod to her roots. “Where Do We Go” pushes further into rock-tinged territory, letting the guitars lead. A stripped-down cover of “Jolene,” originally made famous by Dolly Parton, closes the EP on a strikingly personal note, spotlighting Rayne’s voice and perspective with nothing in the way.

SiriusXM Names Its Future Five Artists Set To Shape The Sound Of 2026: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro, and Wind Walkers

0

SiriusXM today unveiled its Future Five for 2026, a curated list of five artists that were first championed by the platform and are predicted to break through and dominate this year.

As chosen by SiriusXM’s music programming team, the Future Five picks highlight five rising artists across all genres, including Hip Hop, Dance, Pop, Rock, and Country, that are believed to be some of the most up-and-coming voices that SiriusXM has been first to support. The 2026 Future Five include: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro and Wind Walkers. 

SiriusXM continues to use human insight and curation to further promote artist development and music discovery, with the programming team curating a list that reflects today’s most promising artists. Over the years, Future Five picks have been on point, proving the impact and success of SiriusXM’s human curation. Past Future Five selections include: Carly Pearce, Coco Jones, Doja Cat, Dominic Fike, Don Toliver, Gabby Barrett, Lil Uzi Vert, Leon Thomas,  Lola Young, Megan Moroney, Roddy Ricch, and more.

“SiriusXM’s Future Five is all about shining a spotlight on the artists we believe are ready to break through in a big way,” said Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Music Programming at SiriusXM and Pandora. “Our programming team lives at the forefront of music discovery, and these five artists capture exactly where each of their genres is headed next.”

The 2026 Future Five:

Carter Faith 

Since debuting on SiriusXM’s The Highway in 2022 as an unsigned artist, the channel has led the way in introducing the singer-songwriter to listeners across North America, putting the spotlight on her songs “Wild” and “Betty.” Support for Faith’s music continued on the channel into 2026 with her songs featured on its new music showcase, On The Horizon. To date, driven by SiriusXM’s support, “Betty,” has reached nearly 1 million on-demand streams per week and over the last 12 weeks, she’s accumulated 2 million on-demand streams. After signing with MCA and Universal Music Publishing Group, Faith began recording her long-awaited debut album Cherry Valley and will be featured in an upcoming Netflix film. 

Ian Asher

Fueled by SiriusXM’s support across BPM and Diplo’s Revolution channels, Ian Asher has rapidly risen in the dance music scene with his signature blend of house beats, catchy vocals, and global influences. Following his breakout success with the remix of Jain’s “Makeba,” Ian teamed up with Oliver Heldens on the hit “Mas Que Nada,” and Brazilian sensation Giulia Be on his latest track, “Let’s Go (Magalenha),” further solidifying his presence in the global dance music scene. Asher’s remix of Phantogram’s “Black Out Days” landed on BPM’s Top 52 of 2025 Countdown and the channel’s support continues in 2026 with BPM being one of the first to commit support to his new track, “Constellations.” With performances at iconic festivals and clubs like EDC Mexico, MDLBEAST, Exit Festival, Ushuaïa Ibiza, and Lollapalooza as well as a Las Vegas residency with Wynn Nightlife under his belt, Ian Asher is cementing his place as one of dance music’s most exciting new talents. 

Sienna Spiro

Since debuting in May 2024, Sienna has made an extraordinary impact in the music scene with her effortlessly soulful tone, cinematic storytelling, and subtly modern yet timeless sound. SiriusXM Hits 1 was an early supporter of Sienna with airplay beginning back in May 2025 with her first release, “Dream Police,” and has continued throughout the year. Her current hit “Die on This Hill” is featured on the channels HITBOUND with Mikey Piff and Sienna was named a Hits 1 To Watch.

Monaleo

Monaleo has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most compelling new voices and is making waves across SiriusXM’s Hip Hop channels. Her breakout hit “Beating Down Yo Block,” was recently featured on SoundCloud Radio’s Lookout show on Hip Hop Nation and SoundCloud Radio and Monaleo ranked #3 on Pandora’s Trendsetter list in January 2026. A commanding presence on stage, Monaleo joined Don Toliver, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Molly Santana on a sold-out arena tour, sharing her electrifying artistry with thousands of fans and further solidifying her place in the cultural conversation. 

Wind Walkers

After spending a decade making a name for themselves in the alternative metalcore genre, Wind Walkers refuse to limit their profound artistry. They have been making a big impact on SiriusXM’s Octane with three tracks from their EP, “The End Aesthetic,” “Eating My Heart Out,” and “Silk & Static,” added into heavy rotation, being named an Octane Accelerator and the EP ranked #8 on SiriusXM Octane’s Big Uns Countdown. Wind Walkers have expanded beyond their initial heavy metal sound, now defining themselves as one of the scene’s most prominent rising stars with their metalcore, post-hardcore and pop-fused sound.

Men At Work Revive “Who Can It Be Now?” On Jimmy Kimmel Live

0

Men At Work delivered a sharp and instantly recognizable performance of “Who Can It Be Now?” during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, bringing their signature mix of tension, humor, and new wave cool to late-night television.

“Hadestown” Welcomes New Broadway Principals For Spring Run At Walter Kerr Theatre

0

Broadway’s “Hadestown” will introduce a new group of principal cast members beginning March 3 at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The incoming lineup features Tony and Grammy Award winner J. Harrison Ghee as Hermes, Joshua Colley as Orpheus, and Jordan Tyson stepping into the role of Eurydice. Gary Dourdan and Gaby Moreno will both make their Broadway debuts as Hades and Persephone, respectively, marking a fresh chapter for the long-running production.

The new principals will succeed the current leading cast, who are scheduled to give their final performances on March 1. The outgoing company includes Morgan Dudley, Kurt Elling, Allison Russell, Paulo Szot, and Jack Wolfe, all of whom have helped shape the show’s most recent Broadway chapter. The transition reflects the musical’s ongoing ability to evolve while maintaining its emotional and musical core.

Now in its seventh year on Broadway, “Hadestown” remains one of the most celebrated musicals of the past decade. With a book and score by Anaïs Mitchell and direction by Rachel Chavkin, the production reimagines the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone through a folk and jazz-inflected lens. The show continues to resonate worldwide, with productions spanning the West End, international stages, and a record-setting North American tour.

Global Online Event Ticketing Market Marches Toward USD 99.31 Billion By 2032

0

The global Online Event Ticketing Market continues its steady expansion, with revenue projected to reach USD 99.31 billion by 2032, according to a new report from Verified Market Research. Valued at USD 56.7 billion in 2024, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8 percent from 2026 to 2032, driven by rising smartphone penetration, improved internet access, and a broad shift toward digital-first ticket purchasing across live entertainment, sports, and hybrid events.

Digitalization remains the market’s strongest catalyst. Event organizers increasingly rely on cloud-based ticketing platforms to automate sales, manage audiences, and access real-time analytics. Mobile ticketing and cashless payments continue to reshape consumer behavior, offering convenience, faster entry, and reduced friction at high-volume events. The resurgence of concerts, sports tournaments, festivals, and hybrid conferences has further accelerated demand for scalable online ticketing solutions capable of serving global audiences.

Despite momentum, the market faces persistent challenges. Data security concerns, ticket fraud, and high platform service fees remain key restraints, particularly for enterprise clients and mid-sized organizers. North America currently leads the market thanks to mature digital infrastructure and strong event demand, while Asia-Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing region. Major industry players include Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC, Eventbrite, StubHub, TickPick, Fandango, Atom Tickets LLC, Movietickets, Cinemark Holdings Inc, and Big Cinemas, all competing through technology investment, fraud prevention, and mobile-first innovation.

Reggae Land Unveils Generation-Defining Lineup For Biggest UK Festival Weekend Yet

0

Reggae Land has revealed their full line-up for its sixth and biggest edition to date when it returns to Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026. With more than 120 artists due to perform across seven stages, the announcement proves that this will be the celebrated festival’s most ambitious year yet, with one of the biggest ever reggae and dancehall festival line-ups ever assembled anywhere in the world. 

Since moving to Milton Keynes’ National Bowl, Reggae Land has transformed the iconic venue into a Caribbean cultural hub that carefully combines world-class performances with Caribbean food villages, rum bars, flea markets, museum spaces and immersive decor. In 2026, the festival expands further with the addition of two new stages, even higher levels of production and sound and up to 100,000 attendees across the weekend. All this and more makes Reggae Land a truly authentic and tastefully curated showcase of Caribbean music, food and art in many different forms. 

Across the much anticipated August weekend, Reggae Land will once again celebrate a full spectrum from roots and reggae royalty to dancehall, dub, jungle and carnival energy, all while bringing together legendary names, global stars, emerging artists and scene-defining selectors.

Saturday’s Main Stage is led by the return of two reggae and dancehall legends, bringing their exclusive world debut of landmark supergroup The King & The Royals, which unites the king of dancehall himself, Beenie Man, alongside reggae royalty, Morgan Heritage, both returning to Reggae Land having performed separately in 2023 and 2025 respectively. The King & The Royals serve up a historic, unifying live experience that brings together their two Grammy-winning legacies for one powerful, deeply authentic celebration, with spiritual uplift and lyrical mastery at its core. Dancehall fire and reggae soul will collide and feature many of their global hits, timeless classics and an emotional, high-energy vibe designed for all ages and all generations. They will be joined by debut performances from Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy and Jah9, as well as Konshens and Kranium, who both make their debut Reggae Land appearances. 

On Sunday, the Main Stage welcomes one of the most sought after dancehall artists on the planet, making his long awaited Reggae Land debut, the one and only Vybz Kartel. He is one of dancehall’s most influential and prolific artists and has long redefined the genre with his razor sharp lyricism, endless creativity and unmatched cultural impact. He’s a global hit machine with standouts including ‘Summertime,’ ‘Wine to the Top’ and “Party With Me” plus a catalogue that spans street anthems, club classics and melodic crossovers. On stage, Kartel brings intensity, presence and unifying singalongs charged with attitude and an unmistakable sound that has shaped modern dancehall.

Alongside him is another debut Reggae Land performance from the incredible Grammy nominated Shenseea, as well as the return of one of Jamaica’s most commercially successful exports, Shaggy, making his first appearance since headlining the very first Reggae Land back in 2022. Super Cat, Inner Circle and Mo’Kalamity & The Wizards make up the rest of Sunday’s mainstage line-up, who all continue the festival’s tradition of showcasing iconic voices alongside contemporary global stars. 

The One Love Stage continues to honour roots, culture and conscious sounds. Saturday’s lineup includes Richie Spice, Ken Boothe, Jesse Royal, Samory I, League of Rebelz and Ras Kwame, while Sunday sees performances from Sanchez, Mr Vegas, Alborosie, Third World and Hollie Cook.

New for 2026, the Dancehall Stage delivers high-energy performances and sound system culture across both days. Saturday features T.O.K, Charly Black, Stylo G, The Heatwave presents Hot Wuk and sets from Seani B, Kash & Pharaoh G, DJ Larni and DJ Dennyhus & Prime. Sunday brings Cham, Serani, Ding Dong, David Rodigan, Becca D, Shayna Marie, DJ Nate and DJ Davda.

The Carnival Stage brings crossover energy and bass-driven sounds. Saturday includes General Levy, the Jungle Cakes takeover featuring Ed Solo, Deekline, Benny Page, Navigator and Killa P, Eva Lazarus, Robbo Ranx, Prince Fatty & Horseman, Jamie Rodigan and Sugarkane. Sunday hosts Congo Natty, Fabio & Grooverider & MC GQ, Top Cat (Live), Ragga Twins Crew, Shabba presents Janelle Wynter, Serocee & Friends, Ras Kwame’s Reggae Recipe and Kaya Fyah.

The Dub Stage returns with heavyweight sound system culture across both days, including Mad Professor, Little Lion Sound, Reggae Roast, Scientist, Mungos Hi Fi  & Charlie P, Aba Shanti I, YNG CPTN Sound, Sisters in Dub, Saxon Sound, Side by Side Soundsystem, King Tubby’s Soundsystem and more.

Rompa’s Reggae Shack returns with Ayito, Clapper Priest, Chez, Boxer Banton, Daddy Nature, DJ Ardi, DJ Dansey, Uncle Dugs, Lionpulse and more across the weekend, while the newly introduced Bob’s Bar Stage provides a dedicated space for roots reggae, dub and lovers rock. Across the weekend, artists include Earl Gateshead, Don Letts, Iration Steppas, Channel One, Dub Pistols Sound System, Rhoda Dakar,  Greensleeves Hi Fi, Josh Skints, Mark Ryder, Gully B and Queen Bee. 

Nowhere in the country, or arguably anywhere in Europe, serves up such a rich, tasteful blend of Caribbean music and culture than Reggae Land, so make sure you’re part of this year’s biggest ever celebration. Tickets go on sale Friday 30th January at 9AM from £74.50 + booking fee. Sign up via www.reggaeland.co.uk