Home Blog Page 290

ComplexCon 2025 Las Vegas Announces Lineup With Yeat, Peso Pluma, Central Cee, and Young Thug

Eric Alper
-
0
ComplexCon 2025 Las Vegas Announces Lineup With Yeat, Peso Pluma, Central Cee, and Young Thug

Today, ComplexCon, the pioneering festival and exhibition of convergence culture, unveils its 2025 Las Vegas line-up as it prepares for its highly anticipated return to Las Vegas October 25 – 26. On Saturday, Yeat & Friends, Peso Pluma and Central Cee will take over the main stage and on Sunday evening, Young Thug, Ken Carson and 2hollis will close out the weekend.

ComplexCon Las Vegas will showcase the hottest brands and designers in streetwear and beyond, giving attendees the opportunity to shop hundreds of exclusive and limited-edition releases from more than 300 of the most sought-after brands and cultural creatives, all available only at the festival.

As ComplexCon’s 2025 Global Artistic Director, acclaimed artist Daniel Arsham will lead the creative vision for the Las Vegas festival. Building on the success of his recent artistic direction at ComplexCon Hong Kong, Arsham will weave his iconic visual style across sculpture, architecture, drawing, and film, into every corner of the experience. Arsham will also design new immersive experiences and installations and release exclusive new merchandise available only at ComplexCon Las Vegas.

After a successful international expansion and a record-setting inaugural Las Vegas event in 2024, ComplexCon will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center, transforming the 1M sq ft venue into the boundary-pushing launchpad for the future of culture and creativity.

ComplexCon is the epicenter of today’s convergence culture, redefining the boundaries of music, style, art, food, innovation, sports and beyond. Established in Long Beach in 2016, and coined “Streetwear Disneyland” by The New York Times, ComplexCon has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting the biggest names in fashion, music, art and more. The event is known for featuring exclusive releases from the likes of Nike and Adidas and appearances by Pharrell Williams, Virgil Abloh, Nigo, J Balvin, Kid Cudi, A$AP Rocky and Hiroshi Fujiwara with artistic direction from globally acclaimed artists such as Takashi Murakami, Travis Scott and Cactus Jack, Verdy and Cactus Plant Flea Market.

In 2024, ComplexCon’s first-of-its-kind partnership with Travis Scott for his “CactusCon” takeover saw the festival push the envelope for how artists can create and interact with fans. ComplexCon’s global dialogue programming has hosted discussions with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Kobe Bryant, Michael B. Jordan, Lil Kim, Issa Rae and Yoon Ambush in years past.

Further announcements on festival programming, panels, performances and brand activations will be shared in the coming weeks.

VIP and general admission tickets are now available at ComplexCon.com. 

Hip-Hop Icon Snoop Dogg Launches TryDeathRow.com Cannabis Lifestyle Platform

Eric Alper
-
0
Hip-Hop Icon Snoop Dogg Launches TryDeathRow.com Cannabis Lifestyle Platform

The Doggfather himself is giving fans the ultimate gift: the official launch of TryDeathRow.com, a nationwide direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform that brings the unapologetic spirit of West Coast hip-hop and cannabis culture straight to consumers nationwide. The cannabis lifestyle site marks the next evolution of Death Row Records under Snoop’s creative leadership and further expands his cannabis empire.

To celebrate the launch, TryDeathRow.com is offering a special promotion: all products are Buy One, Get One Free, and customers receive free shipping on orders over $100. The promotion gives fans across the country a chance to experience Snoop’s handpicked lineup of hemp-derived cannabis products.

The launch of TryDeathRow.com follows Snoop Dogg’s 2022 acquisition of the legendary Death Row Records—the iconic label that defined a generation with artists like Dr. Dre, Tupac, and Snoop himself. Shortly after taking the reins, Snoop launched Death Row Records Cannabis, curating a premium catalog designed for both seasoned connoisseurs and everydayers. With the debut of TryDeathRow.com, Snoop is expanding that vision nationwide, giving everyone access to the same high-quality cannabis products he stands behind.

“The magic of Death Row Records has always been about realness—music that spoke to the people who lived it,” said Snoop Dogg. “TryDeathRow.com builds on the brand’s authenticity, culture, and connection. This is the place cannabis was meant to live.”

TryDeathRow.com features a premium selection of federally compliant hemp-derived products, including CBD and Delta-9 THC items personally vetted by Snoop. Only the finest buds make the cut—no seeds, no stems, no sticks—just top-shelf flower. The site also offers beverages, edibles, and other Death Row quality offerings.

Visit TryDeathRow.com to explore the full collection and experience the next chapter of Death Row’s legacy—where music, cannabis, and culture collide.

Beauty Icons Paris Hilton and Saweetie Star in NYX Campaign Celebrating $6 Butter Gloss

Eric Alper
-
0
Beauty Icons Paris Hilton and Saweetie Star in NYX Campaign Celebrating $6 Butter Gloss

NYX Professional Makeup poses the question, “What do Paris Hilton, Saweetie, and millions of beauty lovers have in common?”

They are all obsessed with the brand’s $6 Secret Weapon: NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss.

NYX Professional Makeup today announced the launch of “If You NYX [Professional Makeup] You Know,” a cheeky campaign celebrating the beauty brand’s pillars of professional quality, accessibility, and an extensive shade range. The campaign features global icons Paris Hilton and Saweetie starring in a variety of comedic sketches, educating audiences on how to never settle on both the quality and affordability of makeup—bringing the brand’s personality to life.

For the past 25 years, NYX Professional Makeup has proudly built a devoted community of confident and budget-savvy “baddies” who are “in the know.” The new IYNYK campaign was inspired by what the brand calls the worst-kept secret in the beauty industry: NYX Professional Makeup is the beauty brand of choice, with high-quality makeup at the best prices.

To bring the campaign to life, NYX Professional Makeup will premiere a series of short videos starring the celebrity talent on global social and digital channels, billboards, and retail takeovers beginning June 16. A social media campaign featuring international “baddies” sharing the secret from all over the world will follow, in which the brand illustrates the messaging of IYNYK. Featuring viral products including The Face Glue Gripping Primer and Setting Spray, Fat Oil Lip Drip, Butter Gloss, and the brand’s latest innovation, Smushy Matte Lip Balm, NYX Professional Makeup has a product for every baddie, everywhere.

Paris Hilton, CEO of 11:11 Media, said, “I have always loved all things beauty and believe that quality makeup should be accessible for everyone. The most incredible products aren’t always expensive and I can confidently say that NYX Professional Makeup offers quality makeup at the best prices—loves it!”

“I’ve been a NYX girlie since Day 1 when I was first learning how to do my makeup,” said Saweetie. “This campaign is a beautiful full-circle moment for me, and I always have so much fun working with the icon herself Paris Hilton. Can’t wait to see all the glam looks the ICY GRLs will be serving this summer.”

Entertainment has long-been central to NYX Professional Makeup’s marketing strategy over the years. The Gen-Z beloved brand has earned a reputation for its pop culture collaborations, changing the way beauty brands show up in uncharted territories. From becoming the first beauty brand to partner on a product collaboration with Netflix, to launching a Big Game commercial, to becoming the first beauty brand to release a musical album on TikTok, NYX Professional Makeup continues to innovate and evolve in pop culture.

“To put it simply, NYX Professional Makeup is in a different league of beauty,” said Denee Pearson, Global Brand President. “No other makeup brand offers quality without some compromise. NYX Professional Makeup delivers professional-grade formulas, a diverse shade range, and an accessible price point—so you never have to choose. We were inspired by the fact that baddies from every background genuinely love and use our brand: you can always find a NYX Professional Makeup product even in the most expensive handbag! We wanted to share that message in a fun and unexpected way, and what better baddies could illustrate this than the original influencer, Paris Hilton, and the ultimate icy It Girl, Saweetie? They prove what our fans already know: why choose, when you can have it all? If you NYX, you know.”

Global Loudspeaker Market to Hit USD 20.49 Billion by 2030 Fueled by Smart Homes and Wireless Tech

Eric Alper
-
0
Global Loudspeaker Market to Hit USD 20.49 Billion by 2030 Fueled by Smart Homes and Wireless Tech

The global loudspeaker market is valued at USD 16.42 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 20.49 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.

Loudspeakers are vital in delivering high-quality audio across diverse applications, from consumer electronics to public address systems and professional audio equipment. By converting electrical audio signals into sound, they enable immersive audio experiences in products like smartphones, home theaters, smart speakers, and soundbars. Rising demand for superior sound quality, the growth of smart homes, and advancements in wireless audio technology are major drivers of this market.

Report Scope

  • Market Revenue in 2025: USD 16.42 billion
  • Estimated Value by 2030: USD 20.49 billion
  • Growth Rate: 4.5% CAGR
  • Market Size Available for: 2021–2030
  • Forecast Period: 2025–2030
  • Forecast Units: Value (USD Million/Billion)
  • Coverage: Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends
  • Segments Covered: Component, product type, connectivity, functionality, vertical, region
  • Geographies Covered: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of World
  • Key Market Challenge: Supply chain disruptions and component shortages
  • Key Market Opportunities: Rising popularity of wireless and Bluetooth technologies
  • Key Market Drivers: Rising demand for smart speakers and home entertainment systems

Market Insights

Soundbars are expected to hold the second-largest market share during the forecast period. They have gained popularity as a sleek, space-efficient way to deliver home theater-like audio experiences. Designed to fit under televisions, soundbars enhance movies, music, and gaming with immersive sound. Companies like Samsung, Sony, LG, and Bose lead this segment, offering models across a wide price range. Recent innovations such as compact soundbars with Dolby Atmos showcase the industry’s focus on cutting-edge audio performance.

Smart speakers dominate the loudspeaker market by functionality. These devices integrate voice recognition technology and smart home capabilities, serving as hubs for controlling devices, streaming music, and accessing information. Amazon, Google, Apple, and Sonos are leaders in this space, with Amazon’s Echo series and Google’s Nest Audio among the most widely adopted due to their advanced features and ecosystem compatibility.

The United States is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The rapid adoption of voice-controlled devices has accelerated the integration of loudspeakers into smart homes. Nearly 50% of American households had smart home devices in 2021, and this number is expected to rise significantly with ongoing advancements in IoT technology. Growing consumer interest in high-quality audio and smart home ecosystems continues to fuel expansion.

Clave Especial Announces First U.S. Tour With “MIJA NO TE ASUSTES TOUR 2025”

Eric Alper
-
0
Clave Especial Announces First U.S. Tour With “MIJA NO TE ASUSTES TOUR 2025”

Clave Especial, one of the fastest-rising groups in contemporary Mexican music, has announced their first-ever tour across the United States: the “MIJA NO TE ASUSTES TOUR 2025.” This tour will visit 17 key cities throughout the country. The tour takes its name from their debut album, MIJA NO TE ASUSTES, which was released on February 20. The album debuted at No. 2 on Apple Music—just behind Bad Bunny—and surpassed 1.6 billion streams across digital platforms. It has been certified Gold and has established itself as one of the most significant releases in the genre this year.

With a sound that blends corridos, urban-influenced production, and introspective lyrics, Clave Especial has emerged as a defining voice for a new generation. Born in Salinas, California, and raised in immigrant farmworker families, the group’s members combine authenticity, academic backgrounds, and a creative vision that resonates with a binational audience. Currently, the band boasts over 15 million monthly listeners on Spotify—a reflection of their growing global impact and strong connection with their digital fanbase.

They are the only Mexican music group—alongside Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Regida—to appear on the cover of Spotify’s flagship playlist, Viva Latino. They were also named Artists to Watch by the platform and featured on the cover of Rompiendo Los Angeles, a rare milestone for any act in the genre.

Since signing with Street Mob Records, Clave Especial has released a streak of international hits that have further solidified their growing influence, including “Rápido Soy” (275M), “No Son Doritos” (225M), “Kalashnikov” (200M), “No Pasa Nada” (150M), “Como Capo” (150M), and “Tu Tu Tu” (120M). Each release has helped establish the band as one of the most consistent and impactful acts in today’s regional Mexican scene.

The tour will also offer a variety of VIP packages and experiences for fans looking to take their concert night to the next level. Packages vary but may include premium tickets, a meet-and-greet, a photo opportunity with Clave Especial, a specially designed VIP gift, early venue entry, and more. The contents of VIP packages vary by offer. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Hailing from Salinas, California, Clave Especial reshapes Regional Mexican music with a bold blend of corridos, urban-influenced production, and introspective lyrics. Born to immigrant farmworker families and holding college degrees, the group embodies a rare mix of authenticity, ambition, and cultural pride. Their freshman album, Mija No Te Asustes (February 2025), debuted at #3 on Apple Music, surpassed 1.6 billion streams, and earned a Gold certification. Since signing with Street Mob Records, they’ve released a streak of multi-platinum hits: “No Son Doritos” (6x Platinum), “Tu Coquette” (4x Platinum), “No Pasa Nada” (4x Platinum), “Voy Enfierrado” (3x Platinum), and “Rápido Soy” (70M+ streams). With nearly 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify, they’ve appeared on the covers of top playlists like Viva Latino and Rompiendo: Los Angeles and were named one of Spotify’s Artists to Watch. Tracks like “Tu Tu Tu” and “Como Capo” are charting on both global and national rankings. Pivotal moments in their rise include performing “Kalashnikov” as boxer David Benavidez’s official walkout song at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and a celebrated guest performance with Fuerza Regida in Honduras. This June, they will co-headline Neton Vega’s sold-out shows at Toyota Arena.

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:

SEP 25 – San José, CA

SEP 26 – San Diego, CA

SEP 28 — El Paso, TX*

OCT 2 – San Antonio, TX*

OCT 5 – Atlanta, GA*

OCT 9 – Las Vegas, NV*

OCT 11 – Seattle, WA*

OCT 12 – Portland, OR*

OCT 18 – Houston, TX

OCT 19 – Irving, TX

OCT 24 – Denver, CO

OCT 25 – Chicago, IL

OCT 26 – Silver Springs, MD

NOV 21 – Charlotte, NC*

NOV 23 – McAllen, TX*

NOV 26 – Brooklyn, NY

NOV 29 – Los Ángeles, CA

*Not A Live Nation Date

The B-52s And Devo Announce Special Co-Headlining Performances

Eric Alper
-
0
The B-52s And Devo Announce Special Co-Headlining Performances

Two of rock’s most influential and distinctive forces, The B-52s and Devo, will unite for the 2025 “Cosmic De-Evolution Tour”: a co-headlining 11-date run serving as both bands’ continuing concert farewells. Lene Lovich will open the celebratory trek, which currently launches September 24th  in Toronto and wraps November 2nd in Houston.

“In 2022, I swore I’d never get on a tour bus again” said Fred Schneider “but we were careful to say to our fans that we would still perform in special situations that don’t require all of the awful tour travel. Our Vegas residency is going great, and when we were offered the chance to do a small run of shows with Devo, we all said this is an extraordinary opportunity we couldn’t say no to.”

Added Kate Pierson, “When we first came from Athens to New York City to perform, punk was in full force…and New Wave was right on its tail! We loved all the New Wave groups, including Patti Smith, Talking Heads, Blondie and the Ramones. We also really dug the far-out weirdness of Devo, which seemed very in tuned to our sensibilities. We remember one of our first shows– amazed that David Bowie, Brian Eno, Frank Zappa, Allen Ginsberg, Talking Heads and Blondie all came to see us!  When we opened the Mudd Club, we partied with Devo and really hit it off on the dance floor. Later, Brian Eno went onto to produce Devo’s incredible first album…and now we will align again ! So put on your wig hats and Devo bonnets and get ready to party! This is going to be wild.”

Said Cindy Wilson, “When both of our bands performed at the recent SNL 50 concert at Radio City, we started talking and agreed we had to do these shows” says Cindy Wilson. “Believe or not, we’ve never done more than a festival or two together in all this time. This will be amazing and I can’t wait for The B-52s to share these stages with Devo!”

Said Mark Mothersbaugh, “The B-52s had one of the best sounds  of any of the bands out there in the late 70’s early 80’s – Rock Lobster is one of my favorite songs – DEVO used to sing it to Booji Boy after DEVO shows. It was either fate or luck or the SNL anniversary that brought us all together to create this amazing chance to go out on tour. All I can say is Cosmic Devolution is REAL!”

Added Gerry Casale, “Devo and The B-52s on tour together! That it took almost 50 years to happen is rather mind-blowing. But better late than never.  We each did something right in different ways that withstood the test of time.  Now we’re here to prove we can still “bring it” as they say!”

The B-52s— led by original co-founders Fred Schneider (vocals), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), and Cindy Wilson (vocals)—kicked off their extended goodbye run back in 2022. Since that time, they have electrified select venues and large music festivals across the U.S. and even established a Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre, powered by their colorful, danceable iconic classics that have made a seismic impact on New Wave and music history. As they prepare for a 2025 farewell tour, a high-profile documentary and their first official book, The B-52s undoubtedly stand poised to inspire and influence future generations.

This curtain-call timing overlaps with Devo, who are also fronted by three of their original members: Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Gerald Casale (vocals, bass, keyboards), and Bob Mothersbaugh (guitar, vocals). In 2023, the fellow New Wave icons (“Whip It,” “Uncontrollable Urge”) kicked off their own farewell tour, 50 Years of De-Evolution, paired with a compilation album of the same name. That jaunt has since been extended and continues through the summer and fall of 2025.

COSMIC DE-EVOLUTION TOUR DATES 2025

9/24 – Toronto, ONT @ Budweiser Stage
9/25 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
10/2 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
10/4 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
10/5 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
10/16 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
10/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
10/24 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
10/25 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
11/1 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater
11/2 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sponsored by Huntsman

Americana-Soul Singer Kristina Train Reimagines Cher Classic With Haunting New Single “Believe”

Eric Alper
-
0
Americana-Soul Singer Kristina Train Reimagines Cher Classic With Haunting New Single “Believe”

With her soulful, unmistakable alto and a knack for storytelling, Kristina Train delivers a bold emotional turn on her new single “Believe,” out now. A stark, slow-burning reinterpretation of Cher’s 1998 dance anthem, Train strips away the synth-pop sheen to reveal something raw, aching, and utterly human — an anthem transformed into a heartbroken question.

“This Cher song has been an earworm for me since it came out in 1998,” Train shares. “I’ll randomly be shopping in Kroger, and it keeps playing over and over in my head. The message is strong, and it’s so empowering and conquering. And I thought, ‘What if I redid it, but looking at the other side of the coin’? What if it was more vulnerable, as if you’re somebody who’s still in the crushed state, and you’re wondering, ‘I don’t know if there’s life after love.’ I wanted to put that feeling into it and showcase a different side of the song.”

“Believe” is the second preview from Train’s forthcoming album County Line, due out September 19, 2025. Produced by Colin Devlin and Kirk Pasich at Dave’s Room in Los Angeles, the album is a stripped-down, soul-baring work that glows with Americana heart, vintage finesse, and lyrical depth.

Backed by an elite band — including Matt Chamberlain (Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Brandi Carlile) lends his dynamic touch on drums, Paul Bushnell (Tim McGraw, Shakira, Michael Bublé) holds down bass with understated power, and Marty Rifkin (Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty) on pedal steel — County Line also features lush string arrangements by Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne, performed by the Oklahoma Film Orchestra.

Throughout the album’s 11 tracks, Train explores heartbreak, resilience, nostalgia, and reckoning with stunning originals and reimagined classics — including powerful new takes on songs by Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson, now sung from a strong-woman perspective.

County Line is Kristina Train’s fifth full-length release, following Spilt Milk, Dark Black, Rayon City, and 2022’s Body Pressure. From her early days as the last artist signed by Arif Mardin to acclaimed performances on the BBC’s Abbey Road Sessions and Later with Jools Holland, Train has forged a singular path — and County Line may be her most personal, potent offering yet.

Alt-Folk Band Caamp Share Wholesome Video for “Ohio’s Ugly” From New Album ‘Copper Changes Color’

Eric Alper
-
0
Alt-Folk Band Caamp Share Wholesome Video for “Ohio’s Ugly” From New Album ‘Copper Changes Color’

 Caamp shared the official video for “Ohio’s Ugly” — the Ohio natives’ tongue-in-cheek nod to their home state.

“It’s a song about falling in love with a girl and wanting to pull her back to Ohio,” Caamp’s co-founder and frontman Taylor Meier explains. “People don’t understand why we’re still here, but anybody from the Midwest will tell you there’s a magic to it. I travel all over the world now, but nothing beats coming home.”

Comprised of all home videos of the band from the past decade+, the seriously wholesome video is a celebration of their growth, bond, and friendship over the years. From starting the band in Athens, OH while Meier attended OU to selling out Red Rocks and Columbus’ Nationwide Arena and earning their fourth No. 1 AAA and Americana radio single, the band’s bond is stronger now than ever, and the video highlights some of their happiest memories just being together.

Ohio’s Ugly is one of the standout tracks from Caamp’s just-released fifth studio album, Copper Changes Color (Mom+Pop Music), which debuted on Spotify’s Top 10 Albums: Debut USA. The album – which Garden & Gun praises for its “Strokes-like strut, all clanging electric guitars at a punchy clip” while still nailing “the sweet spot of Caamp’s trademark folk and delicate banjo beneath Meier’s distinctive baritone” – is both a reflection on growth and evolution and a celebration of the dreams and bonds that endure.

The band recently celebrated their fourth No. 1 single on AAA and Americana radio with “Let Things Go.” Caamp also wrote and recorded “And It’s Gone” as the main title theme for Stick, the just-released AppleTV+ original sports comedy starring and executive produced by Owen Wilson that is currently the #1 show on AppleTV+.

Caamp recently kicked off their 2025 US Tour with sold-out shows in Austin, St. Louis, Chicago (two nights) and will play a sold-out show in their home state tonight in Cleveland. The band will continue their 30+ date run with shows in New York City (sold out), Washington DC (first night sold out), Los Angeles, Nashville (sold out) and more. Plus, last week they announced their 2025 UK & Europe Tour, which will see the band hit 11 markets starting October 13 in Madrid, Spain.

Copper Changes Color Tracklist:

Millions
One True Way ft. Madi Diaz
Brush
Porchswing
Fairview Feeling
Shade
Waiting Up (For You)
Mistakes
Ohio’s Ugly
Living & Dying & In Between
Drive

Caamp 2025 Tour Dates:

Oct 13 | Mon Live | Madrid, Spain 

Oct 14 | Razzmatazz 2 | Barcelona, Spain 

Oct 17 | Santeria Toscana 31 | Milan, Italy 

Oct 19 | Carlswerk Victoria | Cologne, Germany 

Oct 20 | Huxley’s Neue Welt | Berlin, Germany 

Oct 22 | TivoliVredenburg | Utrecht, Netherlands 

Oct 23 | Café de la Danse | Paris, France 

Oct 26 | QMU | Glasgow, Scotland 

Oct 27 | O2 Ritz Manchester | Manchester, United Kingdom 

Oct 29 | O2 Forum Kentish Town | London, United Kingdom 

Nov 1 | The National Stadium | Dublin, Ireland 

Funk-Soul Legends WAR Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and Release 50th Anniversary Edition of ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’

Eric Alper
-
0
Funk-Soul Legends WAR Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and Release 50th Anniversary Edition of ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’

WAR was recently honored by The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, with a dedicated star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Receiving their star in the category of Recording, the beloved Long Beach-founded band-turned global hitmakers’ ceremony featured a reunion of original band members Lonnie Jordan, Howard Scott, Harold Brown, Lee Oskar and founding producer Jerry Goldstein, and were joined by emcee Jimmy Jam, guest speaker George Lopez, and more. Variety writes, “when it comes to low rider Cali-cool multiculturalism, WAR wrote the biggest, loudest book,” and today, WAR not only adds a distinguished chapter to their legacy, but reaches a defining milestone in their storied career.

Ever the trailblazers, WAR’s ceremony was a Walk of Fame first – the celebration doubled as a low rider car show with cars provided by Los Angeles car clubs including Imperial Car Club, Groupe ELA, Spirit Car Club, and Southern Life Car Club. Following the dedication, the celebrations stepped indoors to Amoeba Hollywood, just feet from WAR’s newly minted star, for a special record signing with the bandmembers, including the band’s latest release of Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition), out today via Avenue/Rhino. 

A multi-million-selling, blockbuster album, Why Can’t We Be Friends? has left an indelible mark on music history. 50 years later, this deluxe 3CD, 3LP and Digital collection commemorates 50 years of some of the band’s most iconic songs, including its timeless title track, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” the perennially cool “Low Rider,” “So” and more. Coinciding with WAR’s year-long 55th Anniversary, Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) features the original album newly remastered by Bernie Grundman, alongside two additional discs, including seven unearthed bonus tracks, rare jam sessions and unedited mixes, as well as a revelatory recording about the making of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?.” WAR’s previous box set, honoring 50 years of The World Is a Ghetto, was named Best New Reissue by Pitchfork, and hailed as one of the best of the year by The New York Times, Variety and more, and Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) continues that streak. 

While WAR’s signature fusion of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, rock and street music is what first propelled them to prominence 55 years ago, it was their ability to craft songs of social consciousness that further cemented their place in the modern American songbook. The immediate global impact of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” was so powerful that NASA transmitted the title track into space during the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. 

Since then, WAR have continued to sing out against racism, hunger, crime and conflict, working with PETA, Venice Family Clinic, Toys for Tots, and St. Jude’s Hospital, all while their music has been sampled by Janet Jackson, Tupac, the Beastie Boys, Method Man, Sublime, Redman, Cypress Hill, Shaggy, A$AP Mob, Scarface, the Geto Boys, De La Soul, Flo Rida, Liam Payne, Thomas Rhett, and more, and covered by everyone from Willie Nelson to The Muppets, George Clinton, Phish, ZZ Top and The Isley Brothers. With more than 50 million albums sold, 20 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records, three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations, a GRAMMY Hall of Fame entry, four #1 LPs, nine Top 10s and twenty Top 40 songs, WAR didn’t just define the sound of the 1970s, they became a lasting voice for creative collaboration and social change, with a mission of love and harmony that resonates now more than ever.

Alt-Country Rockers Gasoline Lollipops Release Bold New Album ‘Kill The Architect’

Eric Alper
-
0
Alt-Country Rockers Gasoline Lollipops Release Bold New Album ‘Kill The Architect’

The Colorado-based alt-country rock band Gasoline Lollipops released their new album Kill The Architect via ALP Recordings. Produced by longtime Los Lobos member Steve Berlin, the album tackles our struggle for balance and connection in the midst of political turmoil. Earlier this week, the band also released the semi-autobiographical video for “Tennessee Nights,” which charts frontman Clay Rose’s brief rendezvous with a couple of drug-running hopeless romantics in the hills of Tennessee.

“The music video for ‘Tennessee Nights,’ as well as the song itself, handles the heavy with a light touch,” shares Rose. “The song concerns a short period of time preceding my first, long stint of sobriety. I spent that time in Nashville with two colorful characters, Travis and Caroline. We were reckless and dangerous, drugged and deluded enough to think we were on a never ending rollercoaster ride. It turned out to be a trap door to Hell, but until we realized that, it was some of the best  fun we’d ever had. The video leans into the cheerful delusion of escape, and the immortal hubris of youth. No Coast Productions was amazing to work with, and we had a blast making the video. The best part? Unlike the history we were reporting, at the end of the shoot, there was nothing to escape. Thank evolution for change, and thank God for LSD.” 

From the new album, the band has already released the menacing “Holy Rebel”, which saw Rock and Roll Globe liken the group to “Lucero, Sixteen Horsepower and even Violator-era Depeche Mode.” Meanwhile, the reflective first single “Humanity” and its frenetic official music video was lauded by Riff Magazine for its “bluesy, punk-inspired alt-country rock” sound.

Taking shape as Rose composed music for Sam & Delilah, a psychedelic country ballet based upon the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, Kill The Architect tackles the duality of human nature – good and evil / light and dark – and how balance is only achieved when we accept both sides of the coin into ourselves. This is also reflected in the LP’s sound, with many of the songs firmly rooted in the band’s folk and country influences (like “Humanity”) and the other half owing more to the noisy punk rock Rose grew up listening to (with “Holy Rebel” being a prime example of this).   

“As humans, we’ve separated ourselves based upon our beliefs and the identities we’ve created,” shares Rose. “Those things might have weight, but ultimately, it’s not real. It’s fleeting. It goes away when you go to sleep. It’s not worth dying for, and it’s certainly not worth killing for. If you’ve gotta kill something, kill your identity and be liberated. That’s what Kill the Architect is about.

Kill the Architect was recorded with Berlin at Dockside Studio in Lafayette, Louisiana from a series of live-in-the-studio performances. In addition to Berlin, the album features appearances from a number of Rose’s friends and musical collaborators including GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov, Fruition’s Mimi Naja, Phoebe Hunt and Rose’s mother Donna Farar, a longtime Nashville songwriter. Formed in the early 2000s as a cow-punk duo, the Gasoline Lollipops’ hometown following in Colorado eventually began to expand and so did their lineup which currently includes Don Ambory, Scott Coulter, Brad Morse and Kevin Matthews. 

Kill The Architect Tracklist
1. Tennessee Nights
2. Holy Rebel
3. Mercy
4. Honeysuckle And Poison Oak
5. Horse Or The Cart
6. Kill The Architect
7. Humanity
8. Come Here To Die
9. Black Hole
10. Elvis
11. Working For The Devil
12. The River

1...289290291...3,013Page 290 of 3,013

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper