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How to Set Up Multiple Income Streams as an Indie Artist

Eric Alper

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Sep 27, 2025

How to Set Up Multiple Income Streams as an Indie Artist

Being an indie artist today means creativity on and off the stage. Music has always been about expression, but it’s also about building a sustainable path that keeps the art flowing. The beauty of the modern landscape is the sheer variety of ways to share music, connect with fans, and create revenue. Here are 10 ways indie artists can set up multiple income streams while staying true to their vision.

1. Streaming Platforms

Distribute your music across Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and beyond. Each play adds up, and a consistent release schedule builds both income and audience loyalty.

2. Merch Sales

Design t-shirts, hoodies, posters, or vinyl with artwork that reflects your identity. Fans love wearing and sharing something tangible that connects them to your music.

3. Live Performances

Whether it’s a local café, festival stage, or livestream from your living room, performing live creates unforgettable experiences and revenue through ticket sales.

4. Patreon or Membership Platforms

Give fans exclusive access to demos, behind-the-scenes content, or personal updates. A monthly subscription builds community and a steady stream of income.

5. Licensing and Sync Deals

Pitch your songs for TV, film, ads, or video games. A single placement can introduce your music to millions while generating significant royalties.

6. Teaching and Workshops

Offer lessons on your instrument, vocal training, or songwriting. Sharing knowledge not only brings income but also inspires the next wave of musicians.

7. Crowdfunding Campaigns

Platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo allow fans to directly support your projects. A campaign can fund your next album, video, or tour with excitement and transparency.

8. Physical Releases

Vinyl, CDs, and even cassette tapes hold a special charm. Limited editions and signed copies give collectors and fans something to treasure.

9. Collaborations and Features

Work with other artists on singles, EPs, or projects. Shared audiences mean shared revenue and new fans discovering your sound.

10. Digital Content and Branding

Create income through YouTube videos, podcasts, or social media partnerships. Authentic content builds your brand and opens doors for sponsorship opportunities.

Being an indie artist is about creativity, resilience, and building connections. Each stream of income is a note in a larger song, and together they create harmony for your career. The more ways you share your art, the stronger your foundation grows.

How Casinos Use Music to Build Their Brand Identity

Music

Eric Alper

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Sep 27, 2025

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By Mitch Rice

The concept of music has always appealed to people since the beginning of civilization. Different genres for different folks. Be it reggae, jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel music, classical, or even hip hop, all these types of music have been incorporated into today’s world. Songs are carefully curated by iconic artists who allow their music to be used for advertisements or even sporting events.

There’s a place where music is used even more effectively and less noticeably: casinos. Both physical and online casinos share a deep connection with music. Online casinos take this a step further. They mix music with features that give players more freedom, like flexible bets, fast payouts, and even no withdrawal restrictions. This lets players enjoy the games in their own way and really play with no limits and enjoy their favorite titles for much longer and with more excitement.

The Role of Sound in Casino Design

A lot of consideration comes into play when operators design an online casino experience. It goes beyond captivating visuals or even high-quality graphics. One essential element that many don’t notice or consider is the soundtrack. Studies in neuroscience show that certain sounds can boost excitement and keep players engaged longer, which is why casinos carefully design their soundtracks to create a more immersive experience.

The Psychology of Sound: The Near Miss Effect

Scientists often refer to the “near miss effect.” This occurs when a result is a close win, which is a huge psychological trigger. Research shows that players actually persist the longest when near-misses make up about a third of their results (around 30%), which is not too rare and not too frequent, compared to when near-misses happen less or more often (around 15% or 45% respectively). Casinos take advantage of this by embedding audio cues that mimic win sounds during these moments. A mix of rising tones, cymbal rolls, or pulsating synths amplifies the effect.

Dr J. Dixon, a scholar of game audio and psychology, explained that sounds play a huge role in transforming a player’s perception of near misses, seeing them closer to progress than failure, usually because of heightened emotions. This false feedback loop keeps players engaged for longer periods, even when no tangible gain is being made.

Music and Immersion in Gameplay

Sound helps casino owners create immersive environments that stimulate players’ senses and change how they respond to situations. Research also shows that people spend longer playing games with music because it improves concentration and focus, especially during repetitive tasks.

Neuroscientists have studied how music triggers dopamine release in casinos. The same neurotransmitter that activates during wins and rewards also fires when a song builds suspense. Rising pitches or rhythmic climaxes mirror emotional peaks in gaming, strengthening the reward loop. Music amplifies wins. Even when payouts are small, celebratory sounds can make a minor win feel significant, encouraging players to continue playing.

Virtual Casinos and Live Music Integration

Virtual casinos have taken things further by hosting live concerts or virtual performances within their gaming environments. This allows users to enjoy gaming and live entertainment simultaneously. Sometimes, to increase excitement, casinos feature iconic musicians in holographic performances. This blend of gaming and music creates dynamic, entertainment-driven experiences.

The Future: VR, AR, and Personalization

The future of casinos and music is set for even more growth. With advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), new possibilities are emerging for more enjoyable casino experiences. This could lead to highly music-themed environments, which will most likely blur the lines between music events and gaming.

Future casino platforms may soon feature personal user profiles that influence background music. A player who loves upbeat music could automatically receive an energetic soundtrack, while another who prefers ambient tones could enjoy a calmer experience. Such personalization will increase immersion and boost player satisfaction.

The gambling industry is set to grow exponentially through personalized innovations like AR, live casinos, and others. The global gambling market is expected to reach $574.55 billion in 2025, and almost $694 billion by 2029. As tech and music come together, future casinos might feel more like a personal concert or show, made just for each player.

Music and Casino Branding

Casino branding through music is subtle but highly effective. Every online casino embodies a distinct musical style that reflects its brand personality. For the older, wealthier generation, luxury-themed platforms may employ classical orchestral music to convey elegance. For Gen Z and millennials, casinos may use trap beats or hip hop to align with their edgier, risk-driven energy.

Music as a Marketing Tool

Many casinos use music beyond gameplay as a supplementary means of advertising. Promotional videos often include audio logos, signature sounds, or riffs that become memorable sound triggers. When executed well, users can recognize a casino through sound alone, reinforcing brand loyalty. Music also powers emotional priming. Upbeat and celebratory sounds are used to announce tournaments, free spins, or jackpots, elevating excitement and urgency during play.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Top 10 Companies Creating AI-Powered Assistants for Music Streaming

Music

Eric Alper

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Sep 27, 2025

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By Mitch Rice

The music streaming industry has undergone a remarkable transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence. Today’s listeners expect personalized recommendations, intelligent playlist curation, and seamless voice-activated controls that understand their musical preferences. Behind these sophisticated features are specialized development companies that create AI-powered assistants specifically designed for music streaming platforms.

These AI assistants do more than just play songs—they analyze listening habits, predict user preferences, understand natural language commands, and even suggest music based on mood, time of day, or activity. For streaming services looking to enhance user engagement and retention, partnering with the right development company is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 companies that are leading the way in developing AI-powered assistants for music streaming platforms.

1. CHI Software

When it comes to building sophisticated AI solutions for the music streaming industry, CHI Software stands out as a premier choice. This ai assistant development company has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to integrate intelligent voice and chat assistants into their streaming platforms.

Key Strengths:

Deep AI Expertise: CHI Software brings extensive experience in machine learning, natural language processing, and voice recognition technologies specifically tailored for music applications.
Custom Development Approach: Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the company creates bespoke AI assistants that align with each client’s unique requirements and brand identity.
End-to-End Services: From initial consultation and strategy development to implementation, testing, and ongoing support, CHI Software provides comprehensive services throughout the entire development lifecycle.
Advanced Personalization: Their AI assistants can analyze user behavior patterns, listening history, and contextual data to deliver highly personalized music recommendations that keep users engaged.
Multi-Platform Integration: The company excels at creating AI assistants that work seamlessly across mobile apps, web platforms, smart speakers, and IoT devices.
Scalability Focus: CHI Software designs solutions that can handle growing user bases and expanding music catalogs without compromising performance.

Why Choose CHI Software:

Working with CHI Software means partnering with a team that understands both the technical complexities of AI development and the specific challenges of the music streaming industry. Their collaborative approach ensures that clients remain involved throughout the development process, resulting in AI assistants that truly meet business objectives and user needs.

2. ScienceSoft

ScienceSoft is a US-headquartered IT consulting and software development company with over 35 years of experience. Their AI development team specializes in creating intelligent assistants for various industries, including music streaming.

Key Advantages:

Strong track record in enterprise-level AI implementations
Expertise in both voice and text-based conversational interfaces
Comprehensive quality assurance processes
Experience with major cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

ScienceSoft’s AI assistants for music streaming can handle complex queries, understand context, and provide intelligent recommendations based on sophisticated algorithms. Their focus on security and compliance makes them particularly suitable for enterprises with strict regulatory requirements.

3. Intellectsoft

Intellectsoft is a digital transformation consultancy that delivers cutting-edge AI solutions for the entertainment and media sectors. With a portfolio that includes work with Fortune 500 companies, they bring enterprise-grade expertise to music streaming AI development.

Notable Features:

Proven experience with entertainment industry clients
Strong emphasis on user experience design
Integration capabilities with existing streaming infrastructure
Advanced analytics and reporting features

The company’s AI assistants can understand nuanced music preferences, create dynamic playlists, and provide conversational interactions that feel natural and engaging to users.

4. Itransition

Itransition is a global software development company that has been delivering AI-powered solutions since 1999. Their music streaming AI assistants focus on creating immersive, personalized listening experiences.

Core Competencies:

Machine learning model development and training
Natural language understanding for music-related queries
Emotion detection and mood-based recommendations
Cross-platform voice assistant integration

iTransition’s approach emphasizes continuous improvement, with AI assistants that learn and evolve based on user interactions, becoming more accurate and helpful over time.

5. Konstant Infosolutions

Konstant Infosolutions is an award-winning mobile app and AI development company with particular strength in creating intelligent assistants for mobile-first music streaming platforms.

Key Benefits:

Mobile-first development philosophy
Rapid prototyping and agile development methodology
Cost-effective solutions without compromising quality
Strong focus on UI/UX optimization for voice interactions

Their AI assistants excel at understanding natural speech patterns and providing quick, accurate responses to user commands, making them ideal for on-the-go music streaming experiences.

6. Appinventiv

Appinventiv is a digital transformation company that combines AI expertise with deep understanding of consumer behavior. Their music streaming AI assistants are designed to maximize user engagement and retention.

Distinctive Advantages:

Data-driven approach to AI development
Expertise in recommendation engine optimization
Strong focus on personalization algorithms
Integration with social features and sharing capabilities

Appinventiv’s solutions often include social listening features that allow AI assistants to recommend music based on what friends and similar users are enjoying.

7. Oxagile

Oxagile specializes in video and music streaming solutions, making them particularly well-versed in the technical requirements of the industry. Their AI assistants are built with streaming infrastructure in mind.

Key Offerings:

Deep expertise in audio processing and streaming protocols
Low-latency voice recognition systems
Seamless integration with content delivery networks
Advanced audio analysis capabilities

The company’s AI assistants can analyze audio characteristics, identify songs, and provide intelligent search capabilities that go beyond simple keyword matching.

8. LeewayHertz

LeewayHertz is a technology development company with a strong focus on emerging technologies including AI and blockchain. Their music streaming AI assistants emphasize innovation and cutting-edge features.

Notable Capabilities:

Integration of blockchain for rights management
Advanced speech synthesis for natural-sounding responses
Multi-language support for global streaming platforms
API development for third-party integrations

LeewayHertz’s forward-thinking approach makes them an excellent choice for streaming platforms looking to incorporate next-generation features.

9. Fingent

Fingent is a custom software development company that creates tailored AI solutions for the media and entertainment industry. Their music streaming AI assistants focus on business outcomes and ROI.

Strategic Advantages:

Business-focused development approach
Strong project management capabilities
Emphasis on measurable results and KPIs
Long-term partnership model with ongoing optimization

Fingent works closely with clients to ensure that AI assistants not only function well technically but also drive concrete business results like increased user engagement and reduced churn.

10. Softeq

Softeq is a full-cycle technology development company with 30+ years of experience. Their AI assistants for music streaming platforms are built with enterprise reliability and scalability in mind.

Core Strengths:

Hardware and software integration expertise
Strong testing and quality assurance practices
Experience with complex, large-scale systems
Comprehensive documentation and knowledge transfer

Softeq’s solutions are particularly well-suited for established streaming platforms looking to add AI capabilities to mature, complex systems.

Choosing the Right Development Partner

Selecting the ideal company to create your AI-powered music assistant requires careful consideration of several factors:

Technical Expertise: Look for companies with proven experience in AI, machine learning, and natural language processing specifically applied to music and audio applications.

Industry Experience: Partners who understand the music streaming industry will better grasp the unique challenges and opportunities, from licensing complexities to user behavior patterns.

Scalability: Ensure the company can build solutions that grow with your platform, handling increasing users and expanding music catalogs.

Integration Capabilities: Your AI assistant needs to work seamlessly with existing streaming infrastructure, databases, and third-party services.

Support and Maintenance: AI assistants require ongoing optimization and updates. Choose a partner committed to long-term collaboration.

Portfolio and References: Review past projects and speak with previous clients to understand the company’s track record and working style.

The Future of AI in Music Streaming

As AI technology continues to advance, music streaming assistants will become even more sophisticated. We can expect to see enhanced emotional intelligence, better understanding of musical nuance, and more proactive assistance that anticipates user needs before they’re expressed.

The companies listed above are at the forefront of these innovations, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Whether you’re launching a new streaming platform or enhancing an existing service, partnering with experienced AI development specialists will be key to creating engaging, competitive user experiences.

By choosing the right development partner and investing in sophisticated AI assistance capabilities, music streaming platforms can differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market while delivering the personalized, intuitive experiences that modern listeners demand.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Stagecoach 2026 Unveils Star-Packed Lineup with Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Post Malone, and More

Music

Eric Alper

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Sep 26, 2025

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Stagecoach 2026 Unveils Star-Packed Lineup with Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Post Malone, and More

Saddle up, country lovers! Stagecoach is thrilled to unveil its much-anticipated 2026 lineup. Get ready for a roaring weekend of music magic beneath the desert sky. Country music’s biggest festival will be back April 24-26, 2026, at Indio’s iconic Empire Polo Club. This year’s festival will feature headlining performances from country music stars Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone.

Additionally, the festival is set to see performances by legendary artists, including Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, Red Clay Strays, Warren Zeiders, Nate Smith, Sam Barber, Gavin Adcock, Wyatt Flores, Hudson Westbrook, Cameron Whitcomb, and many more. The festival also welcomes Journey, Pitbull, BigXthaPlug, and Counting Crows to join the lineup for performances at the revived Mustang Stage, a destination for exclusive sets and immersive fan experiences.

Passes go on sale starting Thursday, October 2nd at 11 am PT.

The official 2026 Stagecoach Festival lineup was first announced this morning on SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56) by country star Bailey Zimmerman and Goldenvoice’s EVP of Festival Talent Stacy Vee during an interview with host Macie Banks.

Reimagined for 2026, the Mustang Stage fires up at dusk and serves as the new home for the electric, after-dark moments that have become a signature at Stagecoach. This bold attraction to the festival brings a surge of lively, high-energy to the grounds, setting the scene for iconic performances that stretch deep into the night. With a full-throttle spirit and wide-open space, the Mustang Stage creates the perfect setting for unforgettable sets from legends and boundary-pushers alike. Just steps away from the latest addition, the beloved Rose Garden Saloon returns for this year’s festival, offering fans a cold drink and a classic honky-tonk atmosphere.

In addition, the winner of the new CBS music competition series The Road with Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and Gretchen Wilson will take the stage at this year’s festival on the iconic Mane Stage and receive a $250,000 cash prize along with a recording contract from Country Road Records, a division of 101 Studios in partnership with Thirty Tigers.

Also new for 2026, Stagecoach is teaming up with Nashville’s Whiskey Jam to bring an exciting new element to the Palomino Stage. Known for spotlighting rising stars and fan-favorite talent in the heart of Music City, Whiskey Jam will host special sets, curating after-hours sets on Palomino with their signature mix of next-big-thing energy and country credibility. It’s a unique opportunity to bring one of Nashville’s most respected live music tastemakers out west, offering fans a memorable way to wrap up a special night at Stagecoach.

Stagecoach mainstays Diplo and Guy Fieri are set to return for festival goer favorites, Diplo’s HonkyTonk and Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse. Diplo’s HonkyTonk brings some of the biggest names in dance music to the grounds, while Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse showcases chefs, pit bosses, and BBQ vendors. Guy and friends will be showcasing their pits and rigs and offering taste tests to fans throughout the weekend with some special cooking demos along the way. Stay tuned for the full food and HonkyTonk lineups.

Amazon Music is also returning as the exclusive livestreaming destination for the fourth year. Fans can stream live performances from artists on Twitch, Prime Video, and the Amazon Music app each day.

Additionally, Boot Barn, the nation’s leading western and workwear retailer, is proud to be a first-time sponsor of Stagecoach 2026. Boot Barn will be the festival’s Official Boot Retailer and the presenting sponsor of the all-new Mustang Stage. Boot Barn’s country music roots run deep, from sponsoring the tours of prominent country artists to elevating up-and-coming talent through nationwide campaigns. With its Stagecoach debut, Boot Barn furthers its support for country music during the ultimate celebration that brings fans and artists together.

Circa Waves Share New Single “Old Balloons” from Upcoming Album ‘Death & Love Pt.2’

Music

Eric Alper

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Sep 26, 2025

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Circa Waves Share New Single “Old Balloons” from Upcoming Album ‘Death & Love Pt.2’

Liverpool’s indie powerhouse Circa Waves have unveiled their brand new single “Old Balloons” – an homage to touring, reflecting on life left back at home. It’s taken from the second chapter of their brand new album Death & Love Pt.2 – out October 24 via Lower Third/[PIAS] – with both parts making the whole 18 track album available to pre-order on CD and double gatefold vinyl.

As frontman Kieran Shudall describes; “‘Old Balloons’ is about being homesick on our first US tours. It’s the strange feeling of leaving home with the hope of “making it in America’, but knowing that if you do you will be home even less.”

Released in January 2025, Death & Love Pt.1 was all about starting from scratch and starting over after his lowest point with his brush with mortality. In early 2023, Kieran received a call from doctors to say that the main artery in his heart was severely blocked. Two days later, he was lying on an operating table watching a wire being inserted into his heart to fix it. What followed was the cancelling of a lot of shows, working out a lot of medication, and most crucially, now having to navigate a new way of life.

However, one record wasn’t enough to house all that would come flooding from such a profound experience. “I’d written so much stuff after all the heart incident stuff – there was a release of creativity,” Shudall admits. “There were more songs than I’d ever written before, in one furious writing period.”

The two albums were produced by Shudall and recorded between a friend’s studio in Finsbury Park and the iconic RAK studios in London, where Green Day and Muse happened to be working at the time (“I saw Billie Joe Armstrong in the toilet!” Kieran excitedly proclaims). The sister records come together to boast the sound of bouncing back from potential tragedy.

Now, after ‘part one’ tried to make sense of what he’d been through, “this album feels like the more optimistic part of the two records,” says Shudall. “It almost feels like if the first record was before the operation and death and fear of dying, then one is coming through the other side. It’s about love, life, survival and euphoria”.

Circa Waves was formed in Liverpool in May 2013. The band first gained a buzz and earned favorable comparisons to the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and the Vaccines before they hit the Top Ten with their debut, 2015’s Young Chasers. Buoyed by singles like “T-Shirt Weather” and “Stuck in My Teeth”, the album reached the Top Ten of the U.K. albums chart and paved the way for a series of well-attended live shows, including a sold-out date at London’s O2 . In 2020, they reached number four on the U.K. albums chart with Sad Happy and returned in 2023 with Never Going Under.

Life is for living – and living well – and Circa Waves are here to soundtrack that. There’s no time for pretense; but enough long nights to get lost in, another dance to be danced, and parties to be had with the people that matter the most. There’s always more love to be made.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Return with New EP ‘Night After Night,’ Their First Original Music Since 2009

Music

Eric Alper

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Sep 26, 2025

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Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Return with New EP ‘Night After Night,’ Their First Original Music Since 2009

When Grammy-winning artist, guitarist, and producer Buddy Miller calls you up and says, “Hey, I’ve got a song you oughta hear,” anyone in their right mind would have a listen. In this case, the voice on the other end of the line was Nitty Gritty Dirt Band co-founder Jeff Hanna, and boy, what a song it turned out to be.

“Night After Night,” the Dirt Band’s new single and the first listen from the group’s upcoming EP of the same name, is a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers–esque rocker perfectly suited to kick off their first release of all-new music since 2009’s Speed of Life and a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2022 release, Dirt Does Dylan.

Produced by fellow Grammy-winner and dobro master Jerry Douglas—who first met the Dirt Band at age 19 and went on to play on the group’s first number one single, “Long Hard Road”—Night After Night finds Hanna joined by bandmates Jimmie Fadden (drums), Bob Carpenter (harmony vocals, Hammond organ), Jaime Hanna (electric guitar, harmony vocals), and Ross Holmes (mandolin), plus guest musicians Viktor Krauss on acoustic and Tic-Tac bass and Douglas on lap steel guitar.

“Night after night, I’m so blue / Can’t even dream my dreams of you,” sings Hanna with his signature, ever-cool delivery while the freight-train groove of the band never lets up. “It’s right in our wheelhouse, and it’s pretty easy to tell what a blast we had playing and singing it,” Hanna exclaims.

Due out on October 24, 2025, the Night After Night EP was recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville and The Tractor Shed Studio in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and was mixed by Sean Sullivan alongside Hanna and Douglas. The EP is a family affair for Hanna, who co-wrote three of the new songs. “Nashville Skyline” was co-written by Hanna, his wife and celebrated songwriter Matraca Berg, and his son and bandmate Jaime. Jeff Hanna takes lead vocals on three of the five tracks, while Jaime steps up to the center microphone on the other two.

Fans can stream or purchase Night After Night now, and pre-order or pre-save the EP here. A very limited number of vinyl copies—with music on one side and a special etching on the other—as well as CDs are available at the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band online store.

The band is in the middle of their All The Good Times: The Farewell Tour and will return to the stage on October 3rd for a special set at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco. Full tour dates can be found below or at nittygritty.com/tour.

Night After Night Tracklist:

Night After Night
Nashville Skyline (feat. Matraca Berg)
If You Hang Around Long Enough
Peace and Quiet
For All The Good It Did

Catch Nitty Gritty Dirt Band On Tour

October 3 – San Francisco, CA – Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
October 15 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Concert Hall
October 16 – Kitchener, ON – Centre In The Square
October 17 – Orillia, ON – Casino Rama Resort Entertainment Centre
October 19 – Saginaw, MI – Theater at Dow Event Center
October 21 – Newark, OH – The Midland Theatre
October 22 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park
October 24 – Effingham, IL – Effingham Performance Center
October 25 – Muskegon, MI – Frauenthal Center
October 26 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center – Ford Theater
October 28 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry (Grand Ole Opry House)
March 20–25, 2026 – Miami, FL – Outlaw Country Cruise

Former Amon Amarth Members Launch New Band Fimbul Winter, Announce Debut EP ‘What Once Was’

Music

Eric Alper

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Sep 26, 2025

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Former Amon Amarth Members Launch New Band Fimbul Winter, Announce Debut EP ‘What Once Was’

Swedish melodeath torchbearers Fimbul Winter, featuring three former members of Amon Amarth, have announced their debut EP, What Once Was, due out November 14th via the band. Pre-save the first single, “Mounds of Stones.”

Carrying the weight of history and the force of unfinished business, What Once Was delivers five tracks of cold, uncompromising death metal steeped in the spirit of Sweden’s early scene. Recorded by Sverker Widgrin (Mörk Gryning, Wormwood) and Shaun Farrugia, and mixed and mastered by Marko Tervonen (The Crown, Sarcator), the band’s debut also features session bass from Tobias Cristiansson (Necrophobic, Dismember, etc.) Built on rediscovered riffs from the early days of Amon Amarth, alongside brand-new compositions, the EP proves that the sound that once shook underground halls in Stockholm still cuts just as deep today.

Formed by founding Amon Amarth members Anders Biazzi and Niko Kaukinen, along with longtime drummer Fredrik Andersson, with the addition of vocalist Clint Williams (Munitions, Nemesium), the band fuses decades of experience with a fresh, uncompromising energy. What Once Was delivers a sound that is cold, intense, and fiercely authentic—a bold statement from a band built on unfinished business and a shared passion for the roots of Swedish death metal.

The idea sparked when the former bandmates reunited to perform Amon Amarth’s 1994 demo The Arrival of the Fimbul Winter. That one-off became the seed of something more serious: a new band committed to channelling the relentless intensity of early Swedish death metal into the present day.

Jonny Greenwood Releases Score for Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’

Music

Eric Alper

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Sep 26, 2025

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Jonny Greenwood Releases Score for Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’

Nonesuch releases Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood’s score to the new action comedy film written, directed, and produced by Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another, digitally today, September 26, 2025; CD and vinyl LP versions will be available November 14. The album features eighteen new compositions performed by London Contemporary Orchestra, with conductor Hugh Brunt. Greenwood contributed piano, guitar, bass, percussion, and ondes Martenot. The title track may be streamed here.

Released via Warner Bros. Pictures in worldwide on September 26, One Battle After Another stars Academy Award and BAFTA winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. In the film, washed-up revolutionary Bob (DiCaprio) exists in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited, self-reliant daughter, Willa (Infiniti). When his evil nemesis (Penn) resurfaces after sixteen years and she goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her, father and daughter both battling the consequences of his past.

Anderson directs from his own screenplay. The producers are Oscar and BAFTA nominees Adam Somner and Sara Murphy and Anderson, with Will Weiske executive producing. In addition to Greenwood, the creative team behind the camera includes several other frequent collaborators, among them director of photography Michael Bauman; Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning production designer Florencia Martin; BAFTA-nominated editor Andy Jurgensen; Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; and casting director Cassandra Kulukundis.

One Battle After Another is Greenwood’s sixth Nonesuch-released Paul Thomas Anderson film score. Previous recordings include soundtracks to Phantom Thread, Junun, Inherent Vice, The Master, and There Will Be Blood. Nonesuch also released his collaboration with Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima / Popcorn Superhet Receiver / Polymorphia / 48 Responses to Polymorphia, his score to Tran Anh Hung’s film Norwegian Wood, and his performance of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint.

Indiewire says of Anderson and Greenwood’s collaboration: “Paul Thomas Anderson fans are well accustomed to how instrumental Jonny Greenwood’s music is to the auteur’s body of work. Whether it’s the foreboding strings in There Will Be Blood or the discordant percussion in The Master, Greenwood’s original scores expertly capture Anderson’s tones.”

Jonny Greenwood is best known for being the lead guitarist and multi-instrumentalist in the band Radiohead and more recently in The Smile. Radiohead have had phenomenal critical acclaim and huge popularity throughout their thirty-year career, earning multi-platinum record sales along the way, and the signs are that The Smile too are destined for great success. But Greenwood’s musical passions extend far beyond “rock” music. He has an extensive back catalogue of classical pieces, film soundtracks, and traditional middle eastern folk music.

Greenwood has always had a deep love for classical music. He has always held a fascination for Messiaen and Ligeti, for instance, and his first foray into music was as a young viola player, soon leading to him mastering piano, recorder, harmonica, and the ondes Martenot. He has penned a number of classical pieces including; smear, Popcorn Superhet Receiver, Doghouse, 48 Responses to Polymorphia, Water, and Horror vacui (Ivors Composer Award-winner for Large Scale Composition).

Sections of Popcorn Superhet Receiver were reworked for the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning Paul Thomas Anderson film There Will Be Blood (2007). Greenwood won Best Film Score at the Evening Standard British Film Awards, and Critics’ Choice Award for Best Composer by the Broadcast Film Critics Association of the USA, both in 2007. Other film scores composed by Greenwood include Norwegian Wood (Tran Anh Hung, 2010); We Need to Talk About Kevin (Lynn Ramsey, 2011); The Master, Inherent Vice, and Phantom Thread (all Paul Thomas Anderson, 2012, 2014, 2017 respectively); and The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion 2021). He and Anderson also collaborated on the 2015 album and film Junun along with Shye Ben Tzur and the Indian ensemble Rajasthan Express

Greenwood’s most recent work, Jarak Qaribak (2023) is an exploration of traditional Arabic folk music working with musicians spanning the Middle East.

One Battle After Another