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Billy Strings Extends Headline Tour With New Winter Dates in Athens, Asheville, Nashville, and the Ryman

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2x Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Billy Strings will extend his headline tour through the winter, with newly confirmed stops at Athens’ Akins Ford Arena (two nights), Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena (four nights), and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (two nights), followed by an exclusive performance at the Ryman Auditorium. See below for the complete tour itinerary.

Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting tomorrow, September 17 at 10:00am local time, with general on-sale following on Friday, September 19 at 10:00am local time. Tickets for the Ryman Auditorium show will be available via lottery. To be eligible for the Fair AXS ticketing request, fans are required to purchase a ticket for at least one of the two Bridgestone Arena shows. Full details can be found at www.billystrings.com/tour.

Ahead of his winter run, Strings is currently on the road with Bryan Sutton for a series of special, intimate sold-out shows and will continue to perform headline dates this fall, including upcoming stops at Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena (two nights), Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater (three nights), Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center (two nights), and Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena (two nights), among others.

The upcoming performances add to another landmark year for Strings, who recently joined host Sam Briger on NPR’s Fresh Air for an in-depth conversation about his life and career, including his most recent full-length album, Highway Prayers. Produced by Strings and Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Mac Miller, Aimee Mann) and released via Reprise Records, the album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s all-genre Top Album Sales Chart—the first bluegrass album in 22 years to do so. The record continues to receive widespread acclaim, with GQ calling Strings “the hottest roots-music phenomenon in decades” and Pitchfork praising, “the bluegrass wunderkind expands his palette, exploring new textures and emotional registers while staying true to his beloved genre.” Listen to Highway Prayers HERE.

Following Highway Prayers, Strings released an exclusive Apple Music Nashville Sessions EP featuring reworked songs from the record, as well as a surprise collaborative album, Live at the Legion, with Sutton (stream/purchase here). Recorded live on April 7, 2024, at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82, the album showcases the acclaimed duo performing 20 traditional bluegrass and folk songs, including new renditions of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” Doc Watson’s “Way Downtown,” and more.

Since his 2017 debut, Strings has been awarded Best Bluegrass Album at the 67th and 63rd Grammy AwardsArtist of the Year at the 2023 and 2022 Americana Music AwardsEntertainer of the Year at the 2023, 2022, and 2021 International Bluegrass Music AwardsBest New Headliner at the 2022 Pollstar Awards, and Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic at the 2021 Pollstar Awards, among several other accolades. He has also performed on The Late Show with Stephen ColbertThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonJimmy Kimmel Live!, PBS’ Austin City LimitsBluegrass Underground, and countless sold-out shows worldwide.

BILLY STRINGS CONFIRMED TOUR DATE

BOLD = on sale Friday, September 19 at 10:00am local time

September 16—Chattanooga, TN—The Signal* (SOLD OUT)
September 17—Chattanooga, TN—The Signal (SOLD OUT)
September 20—Minneapolis, MN—Huntington Bank Stadium – Farm Aid 40
October 3—Oslo, NO—Sentrum Scene (SOLD OUT)
October 5—Copenhagen, DK—Poolen (SOLD OUT)
October 7—Utrecht, NL—TivoliVredenburg (SOLD OUT)
October 8—Utrecht, NL—TivoliVredenburg (SOLD OUT)
October 10—London, U.K.—Royal Albert Hall
October 12—Dublin, IE—National Stadium (SOLD OUT)
October 23—Huntsville, AL—Orion Amphitheater
October 24—Huntsville, AL—Orion Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)
October 25—Huntsville, AL—Orion Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)
October 31—Baltimore, MD—CFG Bank Arena
November 1—Baltimore, MD—CFG Bank Arena
November 7—Pittsburgh, PA—PPG Paints Arena
November 8—Pittsburgh, PA—PPG Paints Arena (SOLD OUT)
November 11—Rochester, NY—Blue Cross Arena
November 12—Albany, NY—MVP Arena
November 14—Newark, NJ—Prudential Center
November 15—Newark, NJ—Prudential Center
December 5—Louisville, KY—KFC Yum! Center
December 6—Louisville, KY—KFC Yum! Center
December 10—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center
December 12—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena
December 13—Austin, TX—Moody Center
December 14—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater (SOLD OUT)
February 6—Athens, GA—Akins Ford Arena
February 7—Athens, GA—Akins Ford Arena
February 10—Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 11—Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 13—Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 14—Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 20—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena
February 21—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena
February 22—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium†

Post Malone to Play First-Ever Solo Headline Show in India at Guwahati’s Khanapara Veterinary Ground

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9x diamond-certified GRAMMY Award-nominated global superstar Post Malone will return to India this December for his first-ever solo headline show. Produced by BookMyShow Live and Live Nation in collaboration with the Government of Assam, the exclusive concert will take place on December 8, 2025 at Khanapara Veterinary Ground in Guwahati, Assam, marking his first stadium performance in the region.

The announcement follows the massive success of the tour’s North American run, which drew over 1 million fans and grossed more than $170 million — Post’s highest-attended and best-selling tour to date — and his first-ever stadium shows across the UK and Europe, playing to record-setting crowds and wrapping in London on September 20th and 21st at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Now, with his debut solo headline show in India, Post Malone marks a new chapter in his global touring story. The Guwahati concert is set to be a historic show not only for fans across the Northeast but also for the entire nation, underscoring Assam’s emergence as a vibrant destination for international performers.

Padmapani Bora, Managing Director, Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), said, “Assam is endowed with rich biodiversity, vibrant heritage, music, and culture, and has always been a preferred tourist destination. Under the visionary leadership of State’s Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has embarked on an exciting journey into Concert Tourism, leveraging its newly introduced Concert Tourism Policy to attract a larger influx of tourists aiming at greater economic advantage to the region. As a landmark initiative in this direction, we are proud to welcome Post Malone, one of the world’s most celebrated artists, for his first and only performance in India. His show is a testament to how India’s live entertainment landscape is rapidly expanding, with Assam emerging as an important contributor to this growth. Through our partnership with BookMyShow, we look forward to creating many such milestones that celebrate the spirit of Assam while bringing the world to our doorstep.” 

Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events, BookMyShow, added, “Post Malone represents the very best of contemporary global music, an artist whose unique sound and persona resonate with millions across the world. To bring him exclusively to Guwahati is to open a powerful new chapter for live music in the Northeast. The region has long nurtured a passionate and discerning fanbase, with music deeply ingrained in its cultural fabric. By hosting an artist of Post Malone’s stature here, we are not just creating a landmark moment for fans but also showcasing Guwahati’s potential as a world-class destination for music experiences. This is the beginning of a long-term vision where live entertainment becomes both a cultural bridge and an economic driver, placing Assam firmly on the global live music map.”

TICKETS: Tickets for Post Malone’s performance in Guwahati will be available beginning Saturday, September 20 at 12PM IST exclusively on BookMyShow

14 Albums to Listen to Front to Back

Some albums aren’t just collections of songs—they’re journeys. The following 14 records are best experienced in full, from the opening note to the final fade. Each tells a story, builds a mood, and rewards you for staying with it all the way through.

Kind of Blue – Miles Davis

A cornerstone of jazz, Davis and his band created a timeless exploration of mood and improvisation. It’s an album that flows like water, perfectly suited to uninterrupted listening.

Laughing Stock – Talk Talk

A masterclass in atmosphere, this record dissolves rock into something intimate and spiritual. Every track feels like a meditation, best absorbed as a whole.

Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin

From “Black Dog” to “Stairway to Heaven,” the power of this record is in its balance of hard rock force and mystical beauty. It’s a seamless listen, epic yet cohesive.

Loveless – My Bloody Valentine

The definitive shoegaze record, full of swirling guitars and ethereal vocals. Its immersive soundscape only makes sense when experienced start to finish.

OK Computer – Radiohead

Radiohead’s sprawling statement on modern alienation flows like a cinematic arc. It’s an album that rewards attention with new details on every listen.

Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys

Brian Wilson’s magnum opus blends lush arrangements with aching emotion. The sequencing pulls you through joy, longing, and hope in one continuous sweep.

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac

An album of heartbreak and resilience, each track feeds into the next with raw emotion. The shared story between band members makes it a complete experience.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles

The Beatles reshaped what an album could be, creating a vivid world of sound. It’s best appreciated as one flowing performance, playful and profound.

The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd

A concept album about time, money, and mortality, every song segues into the next. Listening front to back feels like stepping through a single dream.

To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar

A monumental hip-hop record weaving jazz, funk, and social commentary. Its power comes from the narrative unfolding across the entire tracklist.

What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

This album is a soulful plea for love and understanding, threaded together as one continuous suite. It’s meant to be heard as a complete statement.

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars – David Bowie

A glam rock masterpiece, Bowie tells the story of an alien rock star with flair and emotion. The album unfolds like a theatrical performance, meant to be experienced from beginning to end.

Yellow House – Grizzly Bear

Lush harmonies and intricate arrangements make this indie classic feel like a single composition. Its hushed beauty unfolds gradually, rewarding patience.

Ys – Joanna Newsom

With long, winding songs and rich orchestration, Newsom crafts a world best entered without pause. It’s a storybook in album form, built for deep listening.

How to Use Discord to Grow Your Fan Community

In today’s music world, connection is everything. Fans want more than just songs—they want to feel part of something bigger. Discord has become one of the most exciting platforms for artists to build genuine communities, offering a mix of conversation, collaboration, and creativity all in one place. Here are five ways you can use it to grow and nurture your fanbase.

1. Create a Welcoming Hub

Think of your Discord server as a digital backstage pass. By setting up clear channels—like introductions, music drops, or casual chats—you make it easy for fans to dive in and feel at home. A warm welcome message and pinned guidelines help set the tone for an inclusive, fun environment.

2. Share Exclusive Content

Give your fans something special they can’t find anywhere else. This could be demos, behind-the-scenes videos, or even song lyrics before they’re released. Exclusivity sparks excitement, and when fans feel they’re part of an inner circle, their loyalty and support naturally deepen.

3. Host Interactive Events

Live listening parties, Q&As, or songwriting workshops on Discord transform fans into active participants. Use voice channels for casual hangouts and text channels for feedback or polls. These events make fans feel more connected to your creative process and each other.

4. Empower Fan Leaders

Every thriving community has its champions. Appoint trusted fans as moderators or give them special roles with fun badges. When fans feel empowered to help shape the space, they’ll bring their energy, ideas, and dedication, making the server vibrant and self-sustaining.

5. Integrate with Your Music and Merch

Discord can be a central hub linking fans directly to your music, merch drops, and tour updates. Use bots to share links to streaming platforms, ticket sales, or even limited-edition merch codes. This seamless integration makes Discord both a gathering place and a launchpad for your projects.

Discord is more than just another social app—it’s a community builder. By creating spaces for connection, offering exclusives, and inviting fans to take part in your journey, you turn listeners into loyal supporters. The stronger your community, the stronger your career grows alongside it.

EA Sports Unveils Groundbreaking 109-Track ‘FC 26’ Soundtrack Featuring Ed Sheeran, The Cure, Fred again.., and More

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Electronic Arts Inc. has unveiled the highly anticipated soundtrack for EA Sports FC 26, continuing the franchise’s 20+ year legacy of influencing the global music landscape. With a tradition of spotlighting future chart-toppers and cultural icons, this year’s soundtrack is packed with 109 tracks representing 30+ nations from both world-renowned and rising artists, including Italian international Moise Kean, known onstage as KMB, who becomes the first professional footballer to be featured on a FC soundtrack; all of which will set the tone for EA Sports FC 26, set to launch on September 26th.

“For more than two decades, EA Sports has shaped global culture by introducing millions of players to new music, artists, and genres,” states Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive and President of Music for Electronic Arts. “FC 26 is one of the most diverse and bold soundtracks yet – echoing the voice of the FC community through song and culture.”

This year’s groundbreaking lineup features tracks from two-time Grammy winner Fred again.., who will be making an FC Soundtrack return alongside Billboard Women In Music Producer of the Year PinkPantheress, and a never-before-heard song from global superstar and part club owner of Ipswich Town Ed Sheeran. The soundtrack also highlights Brazilian rising star Ebony with her bold style and powerful lyrics, experimental Afrobeats artist Obongjayar, Grammy-nominated trio Ham, British rock pioneers The Cure, and many more.

Alongside 27 previously unreleased tracks, the FC 26 Soundtrack also features highly anticipated tracks from BRIT-nominated singer-songwriter Joy Crookes – who is celebrated for her soulful blend of R&B, jazz, and South Asian influences – and Alewya, the London-based artist renowned for fusing electronic, Afrobeat, and alternative sounds.

Through the FC 26 Soundtrack, EA Sports FC continues to build on its reputation as a cultural tastemaker. Previous soundtracks have featured upcoming talent who have gone on to be household names, including the likes of Glass Animals, John Newman, Lola Young, Nia Archives, Madeon, and Alex Spencer. These artists have created moments that transcend the pitch and celebrate culture, artistry, and the power of music to bring people together.

Pre-orders are now available for EA Sports FC 26, which will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Tool Announce First New Zealand Show in Five Years with Exclusive Spark Arena Date

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Tool will make their long-awaited return to New Zealand, announcing an exclusive Auckland headline show at Spark Arena on Saturday, November 22nd. Renowned for their mind-bending musicianship, boundary-pushing visuals, and one of the most powerful live experiences in rock, the group will deliver an unmissable night for Aotearoa fans, marking their first performance in the country in five years.

Presales start on Thursday, September 18th, ahead of the general sale on Monday, September 22nd at noon local time.

Formed in 1990, Tool, featuring drummer Danny Carey, bassist Justin Chancellor, guitarist Adam Jones, and frontman Maynard James Keenan, is one of the most groundbreaking, muscular heavy bands of our era. They have redefined the possibilities of rock through complex, hypnotic compositions and unparalleled live production through their five studio albums.

Fear Inoculum debuted at No. 1 in New Zealand, the band’s third consecutive No. 1 in the country.

Tool has been on the road in 2025, including performing their first-ever set at Lollapalooza Argentina in March, joining the festival also in Chile and Brazil. In July, they also paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, joining the late rocker onstage at Black Sabbath’s final reunion show.

Sublime Return to #1 After 27 Years as “Ensenada” Tops Billboard Alternative Airplay

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Sublime has officially returned to the top of the charts as their new single “Ensenada” reaches the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart. This milestone marks the band’s first No. 1 hit since their iconic 1997 single “What I Got,” setting a new record for the longest gap between No. 1s in the chart’s history. The success of “Ensenada” not only underscores the enduring influence of Sublime’s music, but also shines a spotlight on Jakob Nowell’s artistry, songwriting talents, and the vital role he plays in continuing his father, Bradley Nowell’s legacy. “Ensenada” is the first truly original song from start to finish written by the trio since Jakob—son of founding front man Bradley Nowell—stepped into the role of lead vocalist and guitarist.

“A Sublime song at No. 1 again? Crazy. In the studio, we weren’t trying to write songs with radio in mind. During the process, all I wanted was to make music that reflected and celebrated the classic Sublime sound. It blows my mind that ‘Ensenda’ has done as well as it has. The lyrics were all throwaway inside jokes just to make each other laugh. Now a lot of people are laughing and smiling along with us, and that is a truly beautiful thing,” Nowell shares.

“Ensenada” was produced by Jon Joseph (BØrns) and is the first release from the band’s highly anticipated upcoming new album, Till The Sun Explodes.

“Ensenada” and its ascent to No. 1 were driven by an entirely independent team, without the support of a major label. “Ensenada” was released under Jakob Nowell’s newly started SVNBRVNT Records, Regime Music Group, and distributed by Create Music. Sublime’s management team at Regime Music Group led the charge with marketing and promotion. Regime has six labels under its umbrella with a staff that works both on the label and management side. Co-founder Kevin Zinger, along with Mike Parrish, led the charge on the radio promotion. Zinger and Co-Manager Joe Escalante (who also owned punk Label Kung Fu) have a long history with Sublime that dates back to the early ’90s.

It’s been a landmark year for Sublime, with 2025 marking a powerful new chapter in the band’s history. In addition to the breakout success of their single “Ensenada,” which has racked up millions of streams and topped the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, the band has delivered performances at multiple high-profile music festivals across the world. The trio returned home to Long Beach to perform an unforgettable set at the 30th anniversary Warped Tour. Sublime also treated fans to a rare, intimate acoustic set at New York City’s Silver Lining Lounge, presented by the Lipps Service podcast. Most recently, Sublime took over Las Vegas with their event Fear, Loathing and Sublime in Las Vegas, a multi-day celebration of music, culture, and the band’s unmistakable impact on alternative music.

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Soundtrack Hits #1 on Billboard 200, Reigns as Year’s Biggest Soundtrack

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Global pop culture phenomenon, KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) secures the top spot at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, in addition to No. 1 Streaming Album, and a 12th consecutive week as the No. 1 Soundtrack. The soundtrack continues to be the biggest-selling soundtrack of the year with over three billion global streams, and the first to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in three-and-a-half years. “Golden” continues to dominate the charts, topping the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 1 for a fifth consecutive week. Since its release on Netflix on June 20th, KPop Demon Hunters has skyrocketed to become the most popular Netflix film of all time.

The soundtrack features original songs written by Danny Chung, Ido, Vince, Kush, Ejae, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, Mark Sonnenblick, Daniel Rojas, and produced by Teddy Park, 24, Ido, Dominsuk, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, and Ian Eisendrath. Original songs are performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee, Neckwav, and Lea Salonga. The soundtrack also includes the original song “Takedown” featuring Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung from K-pop powerhouse girl group Twice.

Last week, Visva/Republic Records released a deluxe edition featuring 35 songs. The set contains unreleased tracks “Prologue (Hunter’s Mantra)” and “Jinu’s Lament,” and sing-along, instrumental, and a cappella versions of the film’s hit songs.

KPop Demon Hunters, a Netflix film from Sony Pictures Animation, follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey – when they aren’t selling out stadiums, they use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise. KPop Demon Hunters stars Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong and Ji-young Yoo, and is available now on Netflix.

Demi Lovato Announces Ninth Album ‘It’s Not That Deep,’ Out October 24

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Global superstar Demi Lovato has announced her forthcoming ninth studio album, It’s Not That Deep, arriving October 24th via DLG Recordings/Island Records. Executive produced by Zhone (Kylie Minogue, Troye Sivan, Kesha), the 11-track album revisits the dance-pop sound laced throughout Demi’s previous hit records and brings a celebratory energy that’s about taking full control while letting inhibitions go. The album’s release is preceded by its sleek and sexy electro-pop lead single “Fast,” as well as the fierce and infectious anthemic pop banger “Here All Night,” released last week.

The title evokes a personal mantra for Lovato, as she returns to the carefree charm that once defined her earlier eras and finds the joy in life’s pleasures.

“This music is a perfect reflection of where I’m at today,” Lovato says. “I had such an incredible time making this album with Zhone, and it was such a freeing experience to let loose and have fun with it. With my past eras, I often wrote cathartic music about heavy topics that I needed to process. When I got back in the studio this time around, those songs just weren’t resonating anymore because I’m not in that place in life. I’m happy, I’m in love, and I just want to enjoy life and have fun. I realized it’s not that deep anymore, and that became the ethos for this album. It’s Not That Deep is meant for late nights and dancefloors, and I can’t wait for you all to dance with me.”

The album’s most recent single, “Here All Night,” solidifies the album as the dance-pop era of the year, pairing Lovato’s powerhouse vocals with pulsing production to create a euphoric anthem for nights that never end. To accompany the release, the former Disney starlet reunited with acclaimed director Hannah Lux Davis (“Cool for the Summer,” “Sorry Not Sorry”) to create a visually stunning video, which sees Demi pent up in her apartment as she finds the freedom to let loose.

The Nova Exhibition Is Coming To Berlin

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The Nova Exhibition makes its European debut on October 7th, at Berlin’s historic Tempelhof Airport. In a city that bears profound historical and cultural significance, the exhibition serves as both a remembrance of the tragedy at the Nova Music Festival and invites reflection on the responsibility in shaping a more humane and compassionate future.

The exhibition offers a profound space for remembrance and reflection, honoring the victims of October 7th while bringing together communities, leaders, and visitors from all walks of life. Join us in bearing witness to this moving tribute and standing in solidarity with a global call to remember.

The Nova Exhibition is an in-depth remembrance of the brutal massacre at The Nova Music Festival on October 7th, 2023. The installation sets out to recreate a festival dedicated to peace and love that was savagely cut short by a terrorist attack on that fateful day. The attack at The Nova Music Festival was the largest massacre in music history. 

This exhibition will bring the story of Nova, voices of those who survived, and memories of those who were lost at the Festival on October 7th, honoring a community forever changed and reminding us of the urgent need for unity and compassion in the world today.

For more information on the Nova Exhibition go to novaexhibition.com