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CBMA Brings Toronto’s Black Music Legacy To Life This Black History Month

Eric Alper
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CBMA Brings Toronto’s Black Music Legacy To Life This Black History Month

The Canada Black Music Archives hosts its annual Black History Month Showcase on Thursday, February 5, 2026, celebrating Black music, culture, and community in Toronto. Taking place at the City of Toronto Archives, the free event brings together artists, historians, and audiences for an evening rooted in legacy and living creativity. Support comes from TD Bank Group through TD Ready Commitment and the Government of Canada via the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The day begins with a special afternoon presentation featuring musician and chef Roger Mooking in conversation with CBMA co-founder Phil Vassell. The discussion centers on creativity, heritage, and the role of Black artists in shaping Canadian culture. The exchange highlights lived experience and cultural memory, grounding the celebration in reflection as well as recognition.

The evening showcase delivers a powerful lineup of Black Canadian talent. Performances include Jully Black, Liberty Silver, Tanika Charles, Divine Brown, and Dru of In Essence, with DJ Carl Allen on the decks. Hosted by Mel Boogie, the night brings soul, R&B, and shared history into one room. The program stands as a joyful and resonant celebration of Black excellence in Canadian music.

Date: Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Time:  5 PM – 10 PM Location: City of Toronto Archives: 255 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2V3

Admission: FREE! Reserve your tickets here.

Zac Brown Band Takes ‘Love & Fear’ On The Road With Massive U.S. Tour

Eric Alper
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Zac Brown Band Takes ‘Love & Fear’ On The Road With Massive U.S. Tour

Zac Brown Band announces the Love & Fear US tour presented by Margaritaville at Sea, launching a 27-date run that stretches from July through November 2026. The tour follows the band’s landmark engagement at Sphere Las Vegas and the release of their eighth studio album, ‘Love & Fear’. Stops include iconic venues such as Fenway Park in Boston, Forest Hills Stadium in New York, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, bringing the band’s expansive live show to major markets nationwide.

The Love & Fear era reflects a bold creative chapter for the band, blending their roots-driven foundation with immersive storytelling and large-scale production. That vision took shape at Sphere, where the album’s themes of gratitude, resilience, and connection anchored a career-spanning performance. The upcoming tour builds directly from that momentum, pairing beloved songs with newer material in a set that highlights the band’s range, chemistry, and genre-crossing musicianship. The response to the album and recent shows has been resoundingly enthusiastic, reinforcing the band’s enduring connection with their audience.

“I can’t wait to get this back on the road after an epic experience at Sphere,” says Zac Brown. “Every night we play is a chance to turn it up, mix things around, and share an unforgettable night with our incredible fans.” He adds, “The Love & Fear tour is all about big energy, our new album, entertaining covers, the hits you know and love, a few unexpected curveballs, and a whole lot of fun.” Support on select dates includes Grace Potter, Brothers Osborne, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Fitz and the Tantrums.

Zac Brown Band Love & Fear Tour Dates:
July 17 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
July 18 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Arena
July 31 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena
Aug 2 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
Aug 13 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Aug 14 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
Aug 15 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug 27 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Aug 28 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Aug 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann
Sept 10 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
Sept 11 – St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center
Sept 17 – Charleston, SC @ Credit One Stadium
Sept 18 – Tampa, FL @ Benchmark International Arena
Sept 19 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Oct 8 – Knoxville, TN @ Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Oct 9 – Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Oct 10 – Greensboro, NC @ First Horizon Coliseum
Oct 19 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Oct 20 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Oct 23 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
Oct 24 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Nov 5 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
Nov 6 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Nov 19 – Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
Nov 20 – Des Moines, IA @ Casey’s Center
Nov 21 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena

Jessie Ware Opens A New Era With Sweeping Single “I Could Get Used To This”

Eric Alper
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Jessie Ware Opens A New Era With Sweeping Single “I Could Get Used To This”

Jessie Ware returns with “I Could Get Used To This,” a bold new single that opens the door to her next creative chapter. Out now via Interscope Records, the track arrives as a confident opening statement, pairing emotional release with classic pop grandeur. Built on cascading strings and a sense of theatrical lift, the song places Ware’s voice squarely at the center, poised, powerful, and completely assured. The record radiates confidence and joy, landing as an immediate and exhilarating listen.

Speaking about the track, Ware calls it “an invitation into the world of this album.” She adds, “I wanted to set the scene of the world that I’m trying to paint in the album; romance, real love, performance, celebration and pleasure (always!) in a garden full of gods and goddesses.” Written with Miranda Cooper, Sophia Brenan, and Jon Shave, the song also marks a personal milestone. “First key change I’ve ever done,” Ware notes, calling it an exciting starting point for what’s to come.

Released alongside the single is a video directed by Fa & Fon, drawing inspiration from the goddess Juno and the language of theatrical performance. The visual world leans into ceremony, glamour, and feminine power, reinforcing the song’s sense of scale and confidence. “I Could Get Used To This” introduces an era shaped by pleasure, clarity, and freedom, presenting Jessie Ware at her most radiant and fully realized.

The Paper Kites Return With Warmth And Wonder On New Album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’

Eric Alper
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The Paper Kites Return With Warmth And Wonder On New Album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’

The Paper Kites release their seventh studio album, ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’, available now via Nettwerk. The album captures a moment of reconnection for the band, shaped by time spent writing together at their longtime rehearsal farm in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley. “This record feels like a band remembering what made them fall in love with playing music in the first place,” says lead vocalist Sam Bentley. “Five friends, five musicians, rediscovering what made them want to do this together.”

That shared space left a clear imprint on the songs. “A lot of these songs were written out at the farm we rehearse at, which has become a place of great direction and growth for us over the years,” Bentley explains. “As such, the record has taken on much of the character of that place, and you’ll see it reflected in the colours and visuals surrounding the album.” The result is an intimate and emotionally clear collection that feels grounded, cohesive, and deeply human.

Recent singles “Change Of The Wind,” “Shake Off The Rain,” “Every Town,” and “When The Lavender Blooms” each arrived with videos filmed at the farm, spotlighting individual band members and reinforcing the album’s personal tone. The response has been strongly enthusiastic, with critics praising the band’s restraint, warmth, and honesty. The album resonates as a quietly powerful listen that rewards stillness and attention.

The release also includes a new video for the previously unreleased track “Morning Gum.” Reflecting on the process, Bentley adds, “We had a beautiful time making this album. There’s a lot of the five of us in this record. We hope you enjoy.” The statement feels fitting for an album built on connection, patience, and the enduring bond between collaborators.

White Denim Finds Strength, Groove, And Connection On New Album ’13’

Eric Alper
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White Denim Finds Strength, Groove, And Connection On New Album ’13’

White Denim steps forward with ’13’, a vibrant and deeply personal album due out April 24, 2026 via Bella Union. Built around ideas of community, family, and creative freedom, the record reflects James Petralli’s lived experience with clarity and intent. “I’ve always wanted to make work that’s a reflection of my life experience,” he says. The album engages themes of power, generational cycles, shame, violence, and survival while holding firmly to connection as its core value.

Musically, ’13’ moves with restless confidence. Rock, funk, soul, dub-inflected calypso, blues, and sunshine pop blend into a groove-heavy statement that feels immediate and alive. The opening track and lead single, “(God Created) Lock And Key,” sets the tone with sharp funk-blues energy and visceral impact. The record lands as a bold, gripping listen that commands attention from start to finish.

Tracklist:

  1. (God Created) Lock And Key
  2. Chew Nails
  3. Only A Fool
  4. Time Time
  5. Crossfyre
  6. Keep Calling Me (Baby)
  7. Earth To
  8. That’s Rap
  9. Hired Hand #2
  10. Ruby
  11. Matchbook Baby
  12. Quiet Moment
  13. Drive Trucks

Here Is Who Is Playing The Super Bowl Plus All The Big Details

Eric Alper
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Here Is Who Is Playing The Super Bowl Plus All The Big Details

Bad Bunny headlines the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. This performance marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Latino and Spanish-speaking artist to headline the event as a solo act. He describes the upcoming show as a celebration for his people and his culture. The production will be directed by Hamish Hamilton and produced by Jesse Collins and Roc Nation.

The pregame lineup features a variety of generational talents including Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile, and Coco Jones. Charlie Puth will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” after auditioning with a personal demo for Jay-Z and Roger Goodell. Brandi Carlile is set to perform “America the Beautiful” while Coco Jones will deliver a live rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The broadcast will feature inclusive performances from deaf artists Fred Beam, Julian Ortiz, and Celimar Rivera Cosme. In a historic first, Rivera Cosme will lead a multilingual signing program for the halftime show that incorporates Puerto Rican Sign Language. These collaborations with Alexis Kashar and Howard Rosenblum ensure the global celebration remains accessible to all fans. The NFL and Roc Nation emphasize that these artists embody the best of music and culture. Bad Bunny reveals that receiving the call from Jay-Z was a very special moment that inspired him to immediately double his workout intensity.

This Super Bowl marks the 60th anniversary of the game and is expected to draw a massive global audience on NBC and Telemundo. The halftime show follows a year of record-breaking success for Bad Bunny, including his 2025 album ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ and becoming Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the year. While the setlist remains a secret, the production team notes that the focus is on a grand spectacle rather than viral rumors. This event represents a massive cultural collision of sports and pop music on the industry’s most significant entertainment stage. The show will officially kick off around 6:00 p.m. local time following the first half of the game.

Martin And Molly Tuttle Turn A Lifelong Dream Into Two Signature Guitars

Eric Alper
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Martin And Molly Tuttle Turn A Lifelong Dream Into Two Signature Guitars

C. F. Martin & Co. proudly announces two new signature instruments created in collaboration with GRAMMY-winning guitarist Molly Tuttle: the D-18 Molly Tuttle and D-X2E Molly Tuttle. Unveiled at The 2026 NAMM Show, the models follow Martin’s recently refreshed Road Series and the launches of the Super D-18, Super HD-28, Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus, and Custom Shop M Paisley Ember Burst.

For Molly, the partnership reflects a lifelong connection to Martin guitars. “I’ve always dreamed of playing Martin guitars ever since I started playing the guitar,” she says. “To see my name on this Martin guitar and to have had a hand in designing it, it was just a huge moment for me.”

D-18 Molly Tuttle

Inspired by Molly’s treasured 1943 D-18, the D-18 Molly Tuttle features a 1 11/16″ nut width, rear-shifted scalloped bracing, a 1940s neck profile, and her signature moon phase fingerboard inlays. “I just love how D-18s sound,” she says. “It has that classic D-18 sound… it’s wonderful to use in the studio because the notes are so clear.”

A vintage sunburst top, silver Martin script logo, and oval tuner buttons complete the personalized aesthetic.

D-X2E Molly Tuttle

The D-X2E Molly Tuttle brings Molly’s preferred feel to the X Series and becomes the first X model to feature a 1940s-style neck shape and 1 11/16″ nut width. “It’s this beautiful kind of V-shaped neck that I find extremely comfortable to play,” she notes. With a sunburst solid spruce top, durable figured mahogany HPL, moon-phase markers, and Martin E1 electronics, it’s designed for players seeking tone, reliability, and accessibility. “You could pick this up and go down and play a gig with it that very day.”

A Collection with Personal Meaning

Molly’s moon-phase inlays appear on both models and carry symbolic weight. “I feel like the moon represents creativity, inspiration, your subconscious,” she says. “Sometimes when I realize it’s a new moon, I think that’s a good time to plant the seeds of new ideas.”

She hopes the new guitars spark that same inspiration in others: “I hope you pick one up. I hope you love playing it. I hope they kind of unlock some new ideas in your playing.”

Availability

The D-18 Molly Tuttle, D-X2E Molly Tuttle, and the Molly Tuttle Signature Strap—a black vegan leather strap embossed in silver foil with her moon-phase motif—will be available online and through authorized Martin dealers following their debut at The 2026 NAMM Show.

For more information, visit martinguitar.com.

Marty Stuart Honors A Life Of Preservation With Cynthia Lake Building Dedication

Eric Alper
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Marty Stuart Honors A Life Of Preservation With Cynthia Lake Building Dedication

Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music celebrated the dedication of the newly completed Cynthia Lake Building on Wednesday, January 14, honoring the visionary preservationist and philanthropist whose passion for music history inspired the project.

Marty Stuart, GRAMMY-winning artist and Philadelphia native, praised Lake’s dedication to preserving music history. “I first heard about Cynthia when she rescued the boxcar that Merle Haggard and his family were raised in,” Stuart said. “She saw the value in having it restored. That’s who she is, and this building is a total reflection of Cynthia. It’s full of art, full of love and full of warmth– just like her.”

The Cynthia Lake Building houses administrative offices for Congress of Country Music staff and provides a state-of-the-art green room for visiting artists. The green room includes three private dressing rooms with showers, a kitchenette and a spacious gathering area. Upstairs, a world-class stage connects performers to the heart of the Ellis Theater.

“I’m so thankful to Cynthia for her vision and generosity,” said Stuart. “This building is more than a space– it’s a home for artists, staff and for the heart of country music.”

With the completion of both the Ellis Theater and the Cynthia Lake Building, construction at the Congress of Country Music continues to move forward. The next phase, which is already under construction, focuses on Exhibit Hall. Once completed, Exhibit Hall will feature country music artifacts and immersive displays from the Marty Stuart Collection and other artifacts in collaboration with the Country Music Hall of Fame. The current timeline anticipates the museum opening in Spring 2027, offering visitors a comprehensive and inspiring experience of country music’s past, present and future.

Yamaha Turns 60 Years Of Guitar Craft Into A Full Volume Celebration

Eric Alper
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Yamaha Turns 60 Years Of Guitar Craft Into A Full Volume Celebration

Yamaha, the world’s leading manufacturer of musical instruments, proudly marks the 60th anniversary of guitar manufacturing, highlighting six decades of artistry, innovation, and connection with guitar players worldwide. The celebration kicks off this year at The NAMM Show 2026, featuring special product releases, artist appearances, and a tribute honoring the brand’s lasting legacy in the guitar industry.

Yamaha Guitars Celebrates 60 Years of Craftsmanship and Innovation with New Anniversary Models
Yamaha Guitars Celebrates 60 Years of Craftsmanship and Innovation with New Anniversary Models

Since 1966, Yamaha guitars have been synonymous with quality and creativity, inspiring generations of guitarists across every stage of their journey. The 60th anniversary celebration underscores the brand’s commitment to all players – from beginners to professionals – and showcases two exclusive, limited-edition models that exemplify its finest craftsmanship.

  • 60th Anniversary Revstar Professional (RSP20B 60TH NBB): A bold evolution of the original Yamaha Revstar design, featuring a flame maple top, Noble Black Burst finish, gold vibrato hardware and commemorative 60th anniversary detailing. Limited to 65 units in the U.S. (200 globally), this model delivers premium tone and playability for discerning electric guitarists and collectors.
  • 60th Anniversary FG9 Acoustic Guitar (FG9 60TH NT): Built for the acoustic connoisseur, this dreadnought-style guitar pairs an Adirondack spruce top with stunning Guatemalan rosewood back and sides, accented by a washi-paper inner label and anniversary headstock stamp. Only 25 units in the U.S. (100 globally) will be available, making this a true collector’s piece.

In addition to these flagship models, Yamaha will debut exciting new additions to its lineup, including;

  • Chris Buck Signature Revstar (RS02CB HG): Designed with his input, this custom model features custom-voiced P-90-style pickups, a wraparound bridge, a chambered body and a carbon-reinforced neck. It comes finished in Honey Gold and delivers resonance, balance and inspiration to help players discover their sound.

We are also introducing the new Pacifica SC Series and the TAS3 C TransAcoustic guitar – the concert style, second-generation TransAcoustic, reinforcing the commitment Yamaha has to innovation across all tiers.

“The 60th anniversary of Yamaha guitars is equally about making a statement about our future as much as it is a celebration of our past,” said Yoh Watanabe, director of marketing for guitars at Yamaha. “From the Revstar to the FG series, every Yamaha guitar reflects our crafting tradition combined with elite engineering – produced with a passion for empowering players to make themselves heard.”

Sony LinkBuds Clip Let Music And Real Life Share The Same Moment

Eric Alper
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Sony LinkBuds Clip Let Music And Real Life Share The Same Moment

 Sony Electronics Inc. has announced its latest wearable audio innovation: the LinkBuds Clip Truly Wireless Open Earbuds, new truly wireless open-clip earbuds that let users enjoy their music and the real world at the same time, redefining how people experience entertainment.

LinkBuds Clip offer a natural listening experience that keeps listeners aware of their surroundings, making it easy to hear traffic, conversations, and announcements without removing the earbuds. The socially friendly design allows users to keep listening while conversing naturally with people nearby, with reduced ear fatigue thanks to improved airflow and the absence of ear canal pressure. Designed for everyday use, they provide a secure fit, enhanced situational awareness, and long-lasting comfort.

Designed to stay open

LinkBuds Clip make it possible to enjoy a seamless listening experience, whether you’re at work, on the move, exercising, or just going about one’s day.

Designed with customer feedback in mind, the LinkBuds Clips feature a C-shaped design that doesn’t intrude into the ear canal, so they easily fit a wide variety of ear shapes. The main body and the upper band provide a wide fitting range and excellent stability. Fitting cushions are also included, allowing users to adjust the fit to their preference by changing the position on the band.

LinkBuds Clip feature three listening modes, letting you switch between them by tapping on the earbuds. Standard mode offers impressive sound quality with clear vocals and plenty of detail, perfect for enjoying a wide range of music. In noisy environments such as train stations and crowded areas, Voice Boost mode makes listening easier. By amplifying voices, the LinkBuds Clip allow you to enjoy content like podcasts or videos in a broader range of situations. In quieter spaces where you may be concerned people will hear what you are listening to, you can switch to Sound Leakage Reduction mode and enjoy your content without worrying about disturbing anyone.

Sony’s renowned sound and call quality

The LinkBuds Clip’s unique open shape does not compromise on Sony’s renowned audio quality, delivering impressive sound and touch control features. Leveraging Sony’s many years of expertise in audio technology and the sound tuning expertise refined through its flagship 1000X series, LinkBuds Clip offer natural, expansive sound that stays true to the original.

The earbuds feature music upscaling with DSEE1, 360 Reality Audio for a personalized immersive audio experience as well as Background Music Effect2. In addition, there’s a 10-band EQ, which is customizable in the Sony | Sound Connect app3, plus with “Find Your Own Equalizer” it’s even easier for users to find their preferred sound.

LinkBuds Clip are equipped with advanced voice signal processing and high-precision voice pickup technology and deliver excellent call quality. Using a bone conduction sensor to precisely capture the user’s voice and an AI-based noise reduction system to eliminate background noise, LinkBuds Clip keeps the voice clear and natural, even in noisy environments.

Designed to look good and be comfortable

Wherever you are, LinkBuds Clip provide a resonant and comfortable listening experience. The earbuds are lightweight and exceptionally comfortable, made to be worn all day without even noticing they’re there.

Optional Fitting Cushions provide a tighter and secure fit, so the earbuds stay put, even during outdoor sports like running.

The design is inspired by ear cuffs and features a wide range of color variations4, so it’s easy to match any style.

LinkBuds Clip can be personalized with optional case covers and Fitting Cushions.5

Useful functions

Enjoy a long-lasting battery life of up to 37 hours6 with quick charge that allows for up to 1 hour of use after just 3 minutes of charging to keep listening uninterrupted. LinkBuds Clip also feature IPX4 water resistance7, so users don’t have to worry about sweat or rain. Additionally, Multipoint Connection8, for easy swapping between devices, and customizable settings through the Sony | Sound Connect app3.

LinkBuds Clip also has tap control and quick access. Plus, scene-based listening adapts sound to match user’s surroundings and activities.

Environment in mind

Sony’s products are designed not only to pursue sound quality but also consider the environment. LinkBuds Clip packaging is made entirely without plastic, highlighting Sony’s dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of their products and practices, with approximately 20% of total plastic used being recycled material9 10.

Pricing and availability

LinkBuds Clip are available now in black, greige, green, and lavender with a suggested retail price of $229.99 USD / $299.99 CAN at Sony.com, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized dealers.

LinkBuds Clip case covers and Fitting Cushions are available now in coral, green, blue, lavender, and black with a suggested retail price of $24.99 USD at Sony.com.

About Sony Electronics, Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs.

1 Activate DSEE from the Sony | Sound Connect app.
2 Sony | 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer is an app that personalizes your sound experience when connected to a BRAVIA TV.
3 Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information. Some services may not be available in certain countries/regions.
4 Colors of product and accessories vary. Product availability varies by retailer and/or region.
5 LinkBuds Clip wireless headphones and Case Covers are sold separately. Timing of release and sales channels vary by region.
6 1x charging with charging case is needed. Up to 9 hrs (earbuds) + up to 28 hrs (charging case), total of up to 37 hrs when Bluetooth connection. Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, storage, and usage. Batteries are consumable products and their capacity degrades over time as they age. Sony does not guarantee the life span of the battery.
7 Protection assured against water splashes from any angle, excluding the sound tube (sound outlet) of the headphones. The charging case is not water resistant.
8 Interoperability and compatibility among Bluetooth® devices vary.
9 Recycled plastic is used in multiple parts of the earbuds body and the case, which is subject to change.
10 Depending on geographical region. Coating and adhesive materials excluded.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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