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Garrett Anthony Rice Blends Britpop Glow and Soulful Echoes on New Indie-Folk Single “It’s Not The Summer”

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Garrett Anthony Rice has a way of writing songs that feel like they were already waiting for you. His latest, “It’s Not The Summer,” steps out of the shadows with an easy glow, letting light in without rushing it.

The track is touched by Britpop’s golden haze, but it’s no nostalgia trip. Crisp guitars ring out over a gentle, steady pulse; breezy rhythms carry the song forward with the same patience that runs through its core. There’s a quiet acceptance here that life doesn’t always meet you where you want it to, and that’s fine. Seasons change. Things shift. It won’t be like this forever. And in Ireland, where summer rain often drowns out the sunshine, that irony lands all the more sharply.

“It’s Not The Summer” sounds like sunshine caught in a jar. The song flickers with familiar ghosts, a breakdown with Lennon’s trace in it, handclaps that carry the spirit of “Here Comes the Sun,” and a whistle at the end that drifts the way Otis Redding once did on “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay.” Rather than imitation, these touches feel like memories folded into something new, lived-in, and wholly Rice’s own.

The single adds a softer hue to the unfolding Equinox, the 18-track double album recorded between Ireland and the UK in 2024. Following the gospel haze of “Eden,” the road-dust grit of “In the Sun,” the urgency of “I Found Myself Today,” and the introspective burn of “Property,” this one opens a window and lets warmth spill in.

“It’s Not The Summer” doesn’t try to solve anything. It just offers what it has: patience, clarity, and the reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is wait for the next season to come.

Brooks & Dunn and Chris Stapleton Lead Star-Studded Two Step Inn 2026 Festival Lineup

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Two Step Inn, the world’s largest outdoor honky tonk, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated lineup for its fourth annual festival, returning to Georgetown’s beautiful San Gabriel Park on April 18-19, 2026. This year’s event promises an unforgettable weekend with a mix of country icons, rising stars, and genre-bending artists.

Headlining the 2026 festival are the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn, who will close out Saturday night, and Grammy-winning superstar Chris Stapleton, who will bring the festival to a powerful close on Sunday.

Additional performers include Goo Goo Dolls, BigXthaPlug, Tracy Lawrence, Wyatt Flores, Shenandoah, Wade Bowen, The Band Perry, Kaitlin Butts, The Red Clay Strays, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Travis: More Life, Clay Walker, Anne Wilson, The Castellows, Avery Anna, Laci Kaye Boothe, and others.

In addition to the stellar musical acts, organizer C3 Presents listened to fan feedback and is introducing several new improvements for 2026 to enhance the overall experience. Changes include additional restrooms, more entry lanes, fewer tickets, and more first-come, first-served seating.

Presales start Friday, September 26th, at noon local time. The guaranteed lowest-priced 2-Day GA tickets will be offered for the first hour of the presale. Fans can sign up for the presale code and get more information on all ticket types, including GA+, VIP, and Platinum. A public sale will follow if tickets remain.

Since its inaugural year, Two Step Inn has become a staple of the Central Texas music scene and a significant economic driver for the region. In 2025 alone, the festival generated over $128.5 million for the local and regional economy and donated over $1.19 million to Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation.

LG’s AI-Powered ‘Radio Optimism’ Campaign Proves Love and Gratitude Still Top the Charts

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LG Electronics (LG) today announced the success of its AI-powered Radio Optimism campaign, which revealed a universal truth: despite the rapid advances in technology, love and gratitude toward family and loved ones remain life’s foremost priorities.

Available in six languages, the creative platform inspired people globally to create more than 700,000 personalized songs. These AI-generated tracks – listened to and shared over 1.5 million times – underscored the enduring importance of human connection across cultures.

Designed to counter the sense of disconnection often associated with social media, Radio Optimism invited users to write a message to a loved one, select a genre and vibe, and generate a one-of-a-kind AI song. By turning music into a heartfelt gesture, the campaign brought LG’s Life’s Good brand promise into the digital spaces where people most often connect.

Expressions of love proved most prominent, appearing in over 30 percent of the songs, followed by messages of gratitude and encouragement. Family emerged as the most frequent recipient, followed by friends, reaffirming that when it comes to care and affection, people turn first to those closest to them.

The campaign drew an overwhelming response, generating over 30 million social engagements worldwide and 2.4 billion views of its content. Partnerships with global and local influencers amplified its reach, including Australian father-daughter duo Ben and Zara, who created a special birthday song for Ben’s son, and Brazilian creator Jessie Shen, who created a touching song for her partner.

The campaign also captured unique cultural moments, such as sports fans crafting team anthems and pet owners dedicating songs to their companions, illustrating the evolving ways people express and share what matters most.

“Through this creative campaign, we believe we helped people rediscover the enduring values that remain unchanged even in times of change and volatility,” said Kim Hyo-eun, head of LG’s Brand Management Division. “It deeply resonated with people worldwide, reflecting the lasting value of Life’s Good. We will continue to engage with them, upholding this promise and inspiring optimism for a better life.”

The Radio Optimism campaign demonstrates how AI, when used thoughtfully, can strengthen emotional bonds in the digital age. By enabling users to create personalized songs trained on properly licensed music from original artists, LG upheld its commitment to responsible innovation while fostering a global movement of optimism and meaningful connection.

10 of the Best Versions of “Hallelujah”

When Leonard Cohen released “Hallelujah” in 1984, it quietly slipped into the world without much fanfare. It wasn’t until John Cale’s 1991 version—and Jeff Buckley’s haunting 1994 recording—that the song began its unlikely journey to becoming one of the most beloved pieces of modern music. With over 300 known covers in countless languages, “Hallelujah” has become a universal anthem of longing, joy, grief, and grace.

Here are ten of the most powerful versions, arranged alphabetically by artist and year of release.

Alexandra Burke – 2008
The X Factor winner’s take brought “Hallelujah” to the top of the UK Christmas charts. With a soaring pop arrangement and wide appeal, her version became one of the fastest-selling singles by a British female artist.

Jeff Buckley – 1994
Haunting, intimate, and achingly beautiful, Buckley’s version on Grace has become the definitive rendition for many. His ethereal voice transforms Cohen’s words into something fragile, timeless, and unforgettable.

John Cale – 1991
The version that started it all. Recorded for a Leonard Cohen tribute album, Cale’s piano-led interpretation gave the song new life and inspired nearly every cover that followed, including Buckley’s.

Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris with Charlie Sexton – 2010
Performed live at the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon, their heartfelt duet showed the song’s power to bring people together in moments of crisis, offering comfort and solidarity through music.

k.d. lang – 2004
Lang’s soaring voice gives “Hallelujah” a near-operatic sweep. Her performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony was seen by billions, and Cohen himself praised her version as pure bliss.

Leonard Cohen – 1984
The original remains striking in its quietness. More subdued than later interpretations, Cohen’s delivery is half hymn, half whisper—setting the stage for the song’s extraordinary journey.

Pentatonix – 2016
This a cappella version stripped the song down to pure harmonies. Their desert-set music video went viral, showcasing the beauty of voices alone carrying the emotion of Cohen’s masterpiece.

Rufus Wainwright – 2001 (Shrek Soundtrack)
Though John Cale’s version appeared in Shrek, it was Wainwright’s piano-driven cover that landed on the soundtrack. His warm, theatrical voice brought tenderness to a new generation of listeners.

Tori Kelly – 2016
Recorded for the animated film Sing and performed at the Emmy Awards, Kelly’s heartfelt rendition captures the song’s blend of vulnerability and hope, powered by her soulful vocal control.

Willie Nelson – 2006
Nelson’s country-tinged version adds a weathered wisdom to the song. His steady phrasing and gentle delivery feel like a lived-in prayer, adding another layer to the song’s legacy.

“Hallelujah” is the rare song that holds space for joy and sorrow at once. Each version adds a new shade of meaning, proving that Leonard Cohen was right when he said there are “many different hallelujahs.”

Heavy Metal Icons Iron Maiden Announce Monumental ‘Run For Your Lives’ UK Show At Knebworth Park

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Following last week’s reveal of their ‘Run For Your Lives’ World Tour 2026 European dates, heavy metal legends Iron Maiden have confirmed their return to the UK with a major outdoor headline show at the historic Knebworth Park.

The band will host a full Iron Maiden-curated weekend, transforming Knebworth into “Maiden World” with themed attractions. Fans can expect the largest-ever Eddie’s Dive Bar, Maiden-inspired food stalls, exclusive stands, and a modern twist on the venue’s iconic Knebworth Fayre tradition.

A specially selected supporting line-up has also been announced:

The Darkness
The Hu
Airbourne
The Almighty

For those camping on-site, Friday night will feature Maiden-themed entertainment, including DJs, live music, attractions, and the expanded dive bar experience, setting the stage for the headline event.

The Knebworth performance continues Iron Maiden’s celebration of five decades as one of metal’s most influential acts. Tickets go on sale Saturday, September 27th at 10 a.m. UK time via ironmaiden.knebworth.commyticket.co.ukticketmaster.co.uk, and ironmaiden.com.

Country Rock Artist Joe Hermes Drops Feel-Good Single “A Honky Tonk Feelin’”

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There are certain songs that just make you feel good, and that’s what Joe Hermes’ new track “A Honky Tonk Feelin’” is all about. The positive vibes are even evident in the title, a barnburner of a song meant for toe tapping, head bobbing, and raising a glass to. These are the types of songs that Hermes is becoming known for as he continues to attract more and more attention in the country rock scene.

“A Honky Tonk Feelin’” is reflective of the working-class roots that Hermes comes from, a blue-collar country rock anthem that would fit into any era of music. It’s a good time jam meant for blasting at a tailgate, in a dive bar, or from pickup truck speakers cruising down the highway. It’ll get the whole bar rocking, and suddenly your concerns about getting a good night’s sleep fall completely by the wayside.

“A Honky Tonk Feelin’” seems like the right vibe to end the summer off with. A commitment to good times and good friends, even if the days are getting shorter. Considering his background and personality, it’s no wonder that Hermes enjoys a good night out. He is a man of faith, family, and values, a former football player who has a good heart. He’s fun-loving, and he tries to convey that through his music.

A native of Illinois, Hermes grew up equally on country and rock n’ roll. You can hear both sides of that in his music, with his intense, soulful, raw, and honest approach. It was 2020 when Hermes first made his debut with the EP Souls With Stones. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, he soldiered on and focused primarily on songwriting. Once things settled down, he had songs ready to go and released the full-length Rockin’ A Country Town in 2023. He has continued releasing several singles since then and has become more established as a live act.

Sometimes you just got to let loose. Fortunately, we have artists like Joe Hermes here to remind us to.

Pop-Rock Band The Cab Announce Comeback EP ‘Road To Reign: A Prelude’ Out September 26

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After more than a decade of silence, The Cab is back with their highly anticipated new EP Road To Reign: A Prelude. An emotional and moving collection of songs that showcases The Cab’s signature genre-blending sound, the EP is set to be released on September 26th. Pre-save Road To Reign: A Prelude now here.

Road to Reign: A Prelude marks the start of a brand new chapter for The Cab, whose fans have kept the band’s legacy alive over the last ten years while patiently waiting for their return. This EP sets the tone for what’s to come, reminding longtime fans why they fell in love with The Cab in the first place and giving new ones a reason to stick around.

Shares vocalist Alex DeLeon: “After all of these years we knew that the time was now. We missed the fans. We missed them singing with us. We missed staying after shows and getting to know them. The Cab is theirs as much as it is ours. I don’t think we have ever been so excited to be onstage and to travel the world performing. These first four songs are just a window looking into what’s to come and we have so much more in store for everyone. We won’t take a single song or show for granted. Being in this band is what we were born to do!

Catch The Cab on tour this fall beginning October 8th. The band will be joining All Time Low for select dates of the Everyone’s Talking! Tour, in addition to performances at When We Were Young Festival, and headline shows in Singapore and Philippines in December. For a full list of upcoming shows, please see below or visit https://thecabband.com/.

Road To Reign: A Prelude Track Listing:

1. Pain

2. Rollercoaster

3. Every Little Lie

4. Stay This Way Forever

Upcoming Tour Dates:

10/8 – Fayetteville, AR @ JJ’s Live **

10/9 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion **

10/11 – Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha **

10/12 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rock Amphitheatre **

10/14 – Seattle, WA @ Wamu Theater **

10/16 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center **

10/17 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

10/18 – Las Vegas, NV @ When We Were Young Festival

10/19 – Las Vegas, NV @ When We Were Young Festival

10/21 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic **

10/22 – Inglewood, CA @ Youtube Theater **

10/23 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theater **

10/25 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom **

10/26 – San Antonio, TX @ Boeing Center at Tech Port **

10/28 – St. Louis, MO @ The Factory **

10/29 – Waukee, IA @ Vibrant Music Hall **

10/31 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee **

11/2 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe **

11/3 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore **

12/10 – Singapore @ Foo Chow Building (SOLD OUT)

12/11 – Singapore @ Foo Chow Building

12/13 – Philippines @ New Frontier Theater

** – Indicates show with All Time Low

About The Cab:

The Cab is an American pop-rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, known for their emotionally rich songwriting, genre-blending sound, and sharp musicality. Since their formation in 2005, the band has carved out a lasting place in the alternative music scene—fusing sleek pop production with rock instrumentation, R&B influences, and lyrical depth.

Originally discovered by Panic and the Disco and Fall Out Boy, The Cab gained early momentum with their breakout debut album, Whisper War(2008) released through Fueled by Ramen. Achieving a #1 charting position on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart, Whisper War featured fan-favorite singles “Bounce,” “I’ll Run,” and “One of THOSE Nights.” 

In 2011, the band made a bold creative leap with Symphony Soldier—an independently released, self-funded album that elevated their sound to cinematic levels. With songs like “Angel with a Shotgun” and “Endlessly,” the record showcased The Cab’s ambition and artistic independence, solidifying their place among the most emotionally resonant bands of their era.

“Angel With a Shotgun” established itself as a fan favorite off the record, surpassing 260M+ streams and quickly becoming the band’s most-streamed song. Despite being released in 2011, well before the days of TikTok, the song has had incredible success on shortform platforms, reaching 400M+ views across 300K+ TikTok creates to date. The song’s impact on shortform platforms broke into fan subcultures, where it emerged as the de facto theme song for Nightcore, resulting in 260M+ views specifically across Nightcore UGC videos.

“Angel With a Shotgun” remains a timeless hit, recently resurging on TikTok where – in the last month alone – it shot up with 16K+ creates delivering over 43M+ views across the sound. More than a decade after its release, the song’s continued relevance reinforces The Cab’s reputation in the pop-punk community and beyond.

After an extended hiatus, in 2025 The Cab have officially returned announcing their first new music in over a decade as well as live touring dates.

Diving deeper into themes of growth, reinvention, and emotional clarity, filtered through the lens of lived experience and creative maturity, their new music offers listeners the same relatable themes & cinematic energy that originally made them fans of The Cab 10+ years ago.

The highly anticipated new EP,To Reign: A Prelude, is just the beginning as the band prepares to release their first full length album since 2012 in 2026.

The band’s current lineup features the return of members Alex DeLeon (vocals), Alex Marshall (guitar, keys), Dave Briggs (drums), and Joey Thunder (bass).

Metalcore Band Lost In Hollywood Share New Single “Pretty Skin”

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Impactful, melancholic, and energetic — these are qualities with which Lost in Hollywood vocalist Amon Garrasi, guitarist Timo Dymala, bassist Julian Utz, and drummer Samuel Minio capture the emotions of their listeners.

Lost in Hollywood were founded in early 2023 and quickly gained attention in the metalcore scene with their debut album The Beauty of Death gaining over 1.9 million streams. Their first live shows, including at the Reeperbahn Festival 2024, showcased the band’s immense potential. 

In 2025, Lost in Hollywood signed with Arising Empire, toured as support for SETYØURSAILS, and additional concerts and festival appearances for this year and next year are already confirmed.

For their single“Pretty Skin,” the band worked with Manuel Kohlert of Future Palace during the songwriting process. The song was co-produced and mixed by Max Ivory and mastered by Christoph Wieczorek — one of the most demanded producers in the scene who has worked on critically acclaimed albums with acts such as Electric Callboy, Future Palace, Annisokay,and many more.

Death-Pop Band Blood Command Unleash Explosive New Single “Mariah’s Song”

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Norwegian death-pop renegades Blood Command return with their explosive new single“Mariah’s Song.” Fronted by the unstoppable Nikki Brumen, the track fuses razor-sharp riffs, hardcore urgency, and a soaring emo-tinged chorus, channeling the chaos of overwhelming, forbidden love into a devastating anthem.

With over 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a relentless touring schedule that has taken them to major festivals like 2000 Trees, ArcTanGent, Reload, Mystic, and Mighty Sounds, as well as upcoming European club shows and a confirmed slot at Wacken Open Air 2026, Blood Command continue to cement their reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting heavy acts. “Mariah’s Song” captures the raw energy of their celebrated live performances while proving once again that the band’s unique blend of punk fury and irresistible pop sensibility is impossible to ignore.

5 Surprising Facts About Marvin Gaye’s ‘Here, My Dear’

Marvin Gaye’s Here, My Dear is one of the most personal records in soul music. Released in 1978, it stands as both an artistic statement and an emotional document. Every track reflects the honesty of a songwriter willing to place his private life into his music, a quality that has since influenced countless pop artists who draw from their own personal journeys.

1. A Double Album Born From Divorce

Here, My Dear was created as part of Gaye’s divorce settlement with Anna Gordy Gaye. He agreed to give her half of the royalties from his next album, and instead of a “quick” project, he poured his emotions into an expansive double LP.

2. A Studio of His Own

The sessions took place at Marvin Gaye Studios in Los Angeles. Surrounded by a familiar space, Gaye wrote and performed with intimacy, playing all the keyboard parts himself and shaping the sound with engineer Art Stewart.

3. The Artwork as Storytelling

The cover shows Gaye in a toga in a neo-Roman setting, while the back depicts a collapsing temple marked “matrimony.” Inside, the fold-out artwork presents a Monopoly-style board with images of marriage, music, and judgment, offering a striking visual reflection of the album’s themes.

4. A Song Without Boundaries

“When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You” runs over six minutes with no chorus or bridge, flowing like a confessional conversation. Gaye used it as both a centerpiece and a reprise, creating a structural anchor that guided the album.

5. A Funky Space Journey

“A Funky Space Reincarnation” takes listeners to an imagined cosmic world influenced by Parliament-Funkadelic and Earth, Wind & Fire. Its playful groove balances the heavier moments of the album, showing Gaye’s range as both a soul poet and a funk innovator.

Here, My Dear captures Marvin Gaye’s artistry at its most fearless. The album transforms personal experience into musical storytelling, a tradition later embraced by pop artists who use their work as a mirror of their own lives. Its honesty and innovation continue to resonate, making it a true gem in his catalog.