Home Blog Page 297

Gov’t Mule Announce 2025 New Year’s Run at Proctors and Beacon Theatres, Plus Island Exodus 16 in Jamaica

Eric Alper
-
0
Gov’t Mule Announce 2025 New Year’s Run at Proctors and Beacon Theatres, Plus Island Exodus 16 in Jamaica

Acclaimed Grammy-nominated band Gov’t Mule has announced the details for their annual New Year’s Run, the quartet’s venerable commitment of bringing together the Mule community to ring in the new year since 2002. This year’s three-night stand begins Sunday, December 28th at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, New York, and then returns to the famed Beacon Theatre in New York City, the longstanding home of Mule’s New Year’s shows, for back-to-back nights Tuesday, December 30th and Wednesday, December 31st.

Presale tickets start on Wednesday, September 17th, ahead of the general sale on Friday, September 19th at 10 am local time. VIP packages include reserved seating, access to soundcheck, a limited edition signed poster, and more. The Ultimate Guitar Player Package will also be available for the December 28th and 30th shows, featuring one Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul Standard 60s Cherry Gibson Guitar (played and autographed by Warren), two premium reserved tickets, VIP priority entry, private post-show meet & greet, and photo with Warren, and more.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut album this year, Gov’t Mule is currently on their Back In The Saddle Tour, the band’s first big tour run since February 2024. The first leg of the 29-date outing wrapped this weekend in Massachusetts and included five co-headlining shows with longtime friends Tedeschi Trucks Band. The second leg of the headlining tour will launch on October 10th in Bowling Green, Kentucky, before Gov’t Mule stops in Macon, Georgia, on October 11th for the final co-headlining show with Tedeschi Trucks Band. From there, the Back In The Saddle Tour will continue throughout the East Coast and Midwest, stopping in such cities as Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, Raleigh, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, Reading, and New Haven. Gov’t Mule will conclude the tour with Mule-O-Ween 2025, their annual Halloween tribute-themed shows. This year’s two-night celebration will be on October 31st in Washington, DC, and November 1st in Philadelphia.

Following the New Year’s Run, Gov’t Mule heads back to Jamaica for Island Exodus 16, their annual “concert-cation” experience, from January 15-18, 2026. Island Exodus moves to a new location this year, the Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay in Trelawny, Jamaica, offering an elevated experience for all attendees and musicians at the all-inclusive resort. Hosted by Gov’t Mule, who will perform three 2-set shows, and Warren Haynes, who will perform a special afternoon solo set, Island Exodus 16 will also feature special guest John Scofield sitting in with Mule throughout the event and performances from moe. and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, each doing two shows throughout the event.

Sabaton Unleash 31-Date North American Tour for 2026 as Anticipation Explodes for New Album ‘Legends’

Eric Alper
-
0
Sabaton Unleash 31-Date North American Tour for 2026 as Anticipation Explodes for New Album ‘Legends’

Global power metal giants Sabaton have announced a massive 31-date North American tour set for early 2026. The announcement follows the band’s extensive 2025 international run and coincides with rising anticipation for Legends, their upcoming album due October 17th via Better Noise Music.

Kicking off February 9th in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the tour will hit venues across the U.S. and Canada, including major stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston, before wrapping April 20th in Vancouver, BC. Known for their explosive stage presence and signature blend of history and heavy metal, Sabaton will deliver an epic live experience for fans of all ages.

Presales are underway, ahead of the general sale on Friday, September 19th at 10 am local time.

The tour comes on the heels of the release of their latest single, “Crossing The Rubicon,” a high-powered collaboration featuring Jonny Hawkins and Mark Vollelunga of Nothing More. The track is currently hitting rock radio, while the original version will appear on Legends, marking Sabaton’s debut release with Better Noise Music.

Sabaton 2026 North American Tour Dates:

Feb 9 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ War Memorial Auditorium
Feb 10 – Tampa, FL @ Yuengling Center
Feb 13 – Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
Feb 14 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom
Feb 15 – San Antonio, TX @ Boeing Center at Tech Port
Feb 18 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre
Feb 20 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Kia Forum
Feb 21 – Wheatland, CA @ Hard Rock Live
Feb 24 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center
Feb 26 – Loveland, CO @ Blue Arena
Feb 27 – Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha
Feb 28 – St. Louis, MO @ The Factory
Mar 2 – Des Moines, IA @ Vibrant Music Hall
Mar 3 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
Mar 4 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
Mar 7 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Mar 8 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
Mar 10 – Pittsburgh, PA @ UPMC Events Center
Mar 11 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
Mar 12 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mar 14 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome^
Mar 15 – Washington, DC @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Mar 17 – Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Special Events Center
Mar 18 – Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
Apr 6 – Halifax, NS @ Scotiabank Centre
Apr 9 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell
Apr 11 – Toronto, ON @ Great Canadian Toronto
Apr 14 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
Apr 17 – Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Convention Centre
Apr 18 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Centre
Apr 20 – Vancouver, BC @ PNE Forum

Lewis Capaldi Shatters Records, Sells 200,000 Tickets, and Announces His Biggest UK & Ireland Shows Yet

Eric Alper
-
0
Lewis Capaldi Shatters Records, Sells 200,000 Tickets, and Announces His Biggest UK & Ireland Shows Yet

After unprecedented demand that saw the biggest ever rush for tickets across both pre-sale and general sale, Lewis Capaldi is blazing through a triumphant 200,000-ticket sold out 17-date UK arena tour – and he shows no sign of slowing down as he announces his biggest ever UK and Irish headlining shows for next summer.

Kicking off at Dublin’s Marlay Park on June 24, 2026, Lewis will take on eight huge outdoor headlining shows, including London’s 65,000 capacity American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Saturday, July 11th.

Pre-sales start on Thursday, September 18th at 9 am local time, ahead of the general sale on Friday, September 19th.

The announcement comes during Lewis’s current sold-out 17-date UK arena tour, his first return to touring in two years, and has been sending fans into overdrive, debuting new songs as well as racing through a hit-laden set – serving as a powerful reminder of the connection he commands. The response to the tour has been electric.

Capaldi made a powerful return, topping the charts with his comeback single “Survive.” The track not only became his sixth No. 1 hit, but it also became the fastest-selling single of 2025 and had the biggest opening week sales of his career, surpassing Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga.

With this success, he joins an elite group of artists with six UK No. 1 singles, including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Drake, Lady Gaga, and Queen, and surpasses the records of notable artists like David Bowie and Katy Perry.

A headliner-sized Pyramid Stage crowd embraced the emotion of Lewis’s return – one of the cultural moments of the year – for a powerful, hit-laden half-hour Glastonbury set. “I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish last time,” said Lewis. That he emphatically did, with his soaring vocals leading the crowd through classics, as well as a first live showing for ‘Survive’, and a unifying performance of ‘Someone You Loved’.

Before his comeback, Capaldi played a run of Scottish warm-up shows in May that saw him return to the stage as a guest of mental health charity CALM, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. With no pressure and no level of expectation, the shows allowed Capaldi the space to gauge his comfort and emotional response before returning to the spotlight – a move which ended up proving nothing short of a triumph.

Capaldi’s lastest release, the hit-stacked record Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, scored him his second UK No. 1 album, creating another three heartbreaking UK No. 1 singles with “Pointless,” “Wish You The Best,” and the platinum-certified “Forget Me,” working with hitmakers including Max Martin (Taylor Swift, The Weeknd), Malay (Lorde, Frank Ocean), and longtime collaborator Phil Plested (James Bay, Bastille).

Lewis Capaldi 2026 Outdoor Summer Dates:

June 24 – Dublin @ Marlay Park
June 26 – Limerick @ Thomond Park
June 28 – Exeter @ TX Maxx Presents Live at Powderham
June 30 – Cardiff @ Blackweir Fields
July 4 – Leeds @ American Express Presents Roundhay Festival
July 11 – London @ American Express Presents BST Hyde Park
Aug 20 – Belfast @ Vital
Aug 22 – Manchester @ Wythenshawe Park

Why Crypto Casino Platforms Work Better Without User Accounts

Eric Alper
-
0

By Mitch Rice

Digital platforms often inherit legacy structures even when they no longer serve the underlying system. The traditional online casino model – built around user registration, KYC validation, and promotional account incentives – creates a layered barrier between intention and action. When the infrastructure changes, the logic must adapt.

A crypto casino built natively for decentralized assets removes those redundant layers. Instead of email verifications, players connect wallets. Instead of form fields, the deposit transaction becomes the onboarding step. This doesn’t only save time; it also repositions trust. Platforms no longer ask for identity – they validate intent through action. A user sends crypto, plays, and if successful, withdraws, all without exposing any personal detail.

Wallets Replace Identity

The power of anonymity in decentralized systems is often misunderstood. It isn’t secrecy for secrecy’s sake – it’s a structural guarantee. In a crypto-first casino, the wallet isn’t just a payment tool; it’s a complete access layer. It holds funds, manages history, and replaces usernames entirely.

Without the need for names, addresses, or documents, interactions shift from identity management to process execution. The wallet becomes the center of logic: if it holds tokens, it plays; if it wins, it receives. This creates an entirely different relationship between player and platform. Trust is measured in uptime, transaction confirmation, and payout consistency – not in branding, loyalty programs, or customer support promises.

Simplified Systems Resist Exploits

Account-based systems often carry the risk of exploit through bonus abuse, identity manipulation, or data mining. When there is no account – only a wallet – the vectors for abuse narrow sharply. Promotions based on account history disappear. KYC circumvention is irrelevant. Duplicate identity concerns no longer exist.

This design reduces surface area for both internal failure and external attack. The absence of traditional user data removes the burden of securing it. There’s no password recovery system to hack, no email list to leak, and no stored verification documents to protect. What remains is a lean protocol: funds in, results out, records logged transparently, and minimal operational noise.

Fast Entry Means Higher Retention

Gambling platforms typically battle churn during the onboarding phase. Time-to-first-play is a metric with deep implications: the longer the delay, the higher the chance of abandonment. Crypto-native casinos solve this structurally. If a user arrives with tokens in a supported wallet, nothing blocks the start of play. No confirmation emails. No promo fields. No captcha puzzles.

This instant access has behavioral effects. Sessions become more spontaneous. Less planning is needed. Micro-deposits and quick gameplay loops create a rhythm that’s hard to replicate in traditional ecosystems. The absence of a login box isn’t just convenience – it’s part of a deeper retention strategy rooted in seamlessness.

Payout Logic Without Delay

Where traditional systems verify identity before allowing withdrawals, crypto platforms execute exits via smart contracts or programmed logic. The result is a payout structure that removes human involvement and compresses processing times to minutes – or seconds. No forms to fill. No documentation required. If balance conditions are met, funds move.

This model is sustainable only because it rejects the assumptions of account-based systems. Risk management is not offloaded to support staff – it’s embedded into the code. Withdrawal caps, fee structures, and transaction logic are predetermined. Once a player meets the criteria, the action triggers. That’s not convenience; it’s engineering built to be trusted.

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

The Best Types of Slot Games

Eric Alper
-
0

By Mitch Rice

Slot games have been a fan-favourite in the world of online and offline casinos for decades. Their simple gameplay, eye-catching visuals, and the thrill of potential big wins make them irresistible. Over the years, this popular pastime has evolved significantly, offering a diverse range of themes, features, and mechanics. Below, we’ll explore some of the best types of slot games, with a special spotlight on the ever-popular Big Bass Bonanza.

1. Classic Slots: Nostalgia at Its Best

For players who appreciate simplicity and a touch of nostalgia, classic slots are the perfect choice. Often inspired by the traditional fruit machines found in physical casinos, these games feature three reels and symbols like cherries, BAR icons, and lucky sevens. While their design is straightforward, classic slots still pack a punch with their charm and accessibility. They’re ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more traditional slot experience.

2. Video Slots: A World of Creativity

Video slots are where innovation and entertainment collide. These games are typically five-reel slots with stunning graphics, intricate storylines, and a plethora of bonus features. Themes can range from ancient civilizations to Hollywood blockbusters, ensuring there’s something for everyone. They also often include interactive elements, such as mini-games, expanding wilds, or cascading reels, which elevate the gaming experience.

3. Progressive Jackpot Slots: Life-Changing Wins

For those chasing the dream of hitting a massive payday, progressive jackpot slots are the ultimate choice. These games are linked across multiple casinos, meaning a portion of each player’s wager contributes to a growing jackpot. The thrill of knowing that you could potentially win millions with a single spin makes these slots incredibly enticing. Popular examples include Mega Moolah and Hall of Gods.

4. Megaways Slots: Endless Winning Possibilities

The advent of Megaways slots has revolutionized the slot gaming world. This unique mechanic, developed by Big Time Gaming, offers thousands of ways to win by varying the number of symbols on each reel with every spin. With up to 117,649 potential paylines, these games offer excitement and unpredictability. Bonanza and Extra Chilli are among the standout titles in this category.

5. Big Bass Bonanza: Fishing for Wins

Among the most beloved slot games in recent times is Big Bass Bonanza. This game takes players on a fishing adventure, combining a unique theme with rewarding features. Developed by Pragmatic Play, Big Bass Bonanza boasts five reels and ten paylines, making it easy to dive into.

The game’s Free Spins feature is particularly enticing, offering players the chance to reel in big wins with the help of the fisherman wild symbol. With its vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay, it’s no wonder that Big Bass Bonanza has garnered such a loyal following. Want to give Big Bass Bonanza a try then visit Virgin Games.

6. Branded Slots: Your Favorite Franchises Come to Life

Branded slots bring beloved movies, TV shows, and celebrities to the casino world. These games allow players to immerse themselves in familiar universes while spinning the reels. Examples include slots based on Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, and even famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix.

7. 3D Slots: Immersive Experiences

For players who crave cutting-edge visuals and immersive gameplay, 3D slots are an excellent option. These games use advanced graphics and animations to create a captivating experience. Titles like Gonzo’s Quest and Robin Hood: Shifting Riches demonstrate how 3D technology can elevate slot gaming.

Conclusion: Something for Everyone

The world of slot games is vast and varied, offering options for every kind of player. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgia of classic slots, the immersive storytelling of video slots, or the adrenaline rush of progressive jackpots, there’s a game out there waiting for you.

Among these, Big Bass Bonanza stands out as a must-try, thanks to its engaging theme and rewarding features. As you explore the world of slot games, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the adventure.

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

Jane Siberry, The Organ Albums Receive 2025 Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize Designation

Eric Alper
-
0
Jane Siberry, The Organ Albums Receive 2025 Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize Designation

The two new Heritage Prize winners were announced at 9 PM at the 2025 Polaris Concert & Award Ceremony, which took place at Toronto’s Massey Hall on September 16.

The Polaris Heritage Prize is a hall-of-fame critics prize and public support campaign celebrating classic Canadian albums created before Polaris began in 2006. Like the Polaris Music Prize album prize, winners and nominees of the Heritage Prize are albums of the highest artistic distinction, without regard to sales or affiliations. Each year, one album is selected by a public vote and one by the Polaris Heritage Prize jury.

Grab That Gun, this year’s Heritage Prize public vote winner, was released in 2004 and was Vancouver-based band The Organ’s only full-length album. Featuring a dramatic indie rock sound, the album topped the charts at Canadian campus radio stations for two months that year and included the singles “Brother” and “Memorize the City.”  

Jane Siberry’s 1985 album The Speckless Sky received its Heritage designation via jury vote. Siberry’s third album included the singles “One More Colour” and  “Map of the World (Part II).” Notably, “One More Colour” has been covered by the likes of The Rheostatics as well as Sarah Polley, who recorded a version of it for the film The Sweet Hereafter.

The Organ’s Katie Sketch provided the following statement:

“Winning the Polaris for Grab The Gun is a wonderful surprise. This record would not exist without the talents of Paul Forgues and the late Todd Simko, who poured countless hours into every song on a shoestring budget. Paul recorded most of the tracks in the back of an unfinished office space, and Todd mixed the album in his garage studio. We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to listen, and to those who stood with us in a time when queerness was ridiculed and shamed. We also acknowledge that the landscape remains hostile towards trans people and we urge Canadians to protect our most vulnerable. ank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Jane Siberry provided the following statement about The Speckless Sky:

“Forty years later, I still feel like a baby musician, still inching towards my prime. The songs on my new recording, Thicket, are about struggling to become more conscious, that darn ego, dogs, Atlantis, dogs and joy. So, nothing has changed really. I am grateful to be a musician, sweating a privilege to be a musician and possibly of service. Thank you to everyone, whoever you are, whatever you are doing. May whatever lights you up be your compass. Helping each other remember our original beauty, innocence and joy. Joy to musicians world-wide.”

There were 12 albums nominated for Heritage Prize consideration this year:

Choclair – Ice Cold

The Constantines – The Constantines

Franck Dervieux – Dimension M

Do Make Say Think – Goodbye Enemy Airship, The Landlord Is Dead

Doughboys – Crush

Dubmatique – La Force De Comprendre

Mort Garson – Mother Earth’s Plantasia

The Organ – Grab That Gun

Propagandhi – Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes

Rascalz – Cash Crop

Jane Siberry – The Speckless Sky

Strawberry – Brokeheart Audio

Heritage Prize balloting was officially opened on August 5 and closed on August 21. Music fans were able to vote once per day to support their favourite albums. This was the first time Heritage Prize winners have ever been revealed during the annual Polaris concert event. In previous years, the Heritage Prize winners were announced in mid-October. This adjustment was one of many Polaris undertook this year as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations that also included the launch of the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize, the Polaris Festival and the Polaris Submission Portal.

This year’s Heritage Prize jury included Michael Elves, Phyllis Grant, Peter Hemminger, Lise Hosein, Omar Husain, Nancy Lanthier, Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo, Mack Meyer, Rosheeka Parahoo, Blayne Smith and Dylan Hudecki. Forty-three albums have received Heritage Prize designation since its introduction in 2015. Past winning albums include Eric’s Trip Love Tara, Feist Let It Die, Harmonium L’Heptade, Faith Nolan Africville, and Neil Young After The Gold Rush.

Mariah Carey Announces ‘Christmastime in Las Vegas’ Holiday Residency at Dolby Live

Eric Alper
-
0
Mariah Carey Announces ‘Christmastime in Las Vegas’ Holiday Residency at Dolby Live

Mariah Carey is decking the halls of Las Vegas with her glittering holiday spectacular, Mariah Carey’s Christmastime in Las Vegas, at Dolby Live at Park MGM.

The festive run of ten magical performances will occur from November 28th through December 13th, transforming the Strip into a winter wonderland filled with holiday hits, sparkle, and Carey’s legendary vocals. The shows follow her critically acclaimed residency, Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas at Dolby Live in 2024 and 2025.

Presales start on Wednesday, September 17th, ahead of the general sale on Saturday, September 20th, at 10 am PT.

Carey and Live Nation Las Vegas will donate $1 of every ticket purchased to The Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Mariah. Camp Mariah is the summer component of the year-round Career Awareness Program. Children, ages 11-15, attend Camp Mariah for three weeks each summer. Campers explore their interests in classes like film, photography, fashion, culinary arts, debate and international relations. A careers class helps campers create resumes and cover letters and conduct mock interviews. Campers also play team sports, swim every day and explore the outdoors in environmental science class. Camp Mariah is named in honor of Board member Mariah Carey for her generous support.

Dolby Atmos is an immersive audio experience transforming how music is created and enjoyed. At Dolby Live at Park MGM, Dolby Atmos brings live performances to the next level by taking listeners inside the music to reveal details with unparalleled clarity and depth. Whether it’s hearing the layers of instruments move all around, catching the subtle breath a singer takes between lyrics, or being enveloped in a wave of melodies, nothing compares to hearing music live in Dolby Atmos.

Sammy Hagar Brings Back ‘The Best of All Worlds’ Residency to Las Vegas in 2026

Eric Alper
-
0
Sammy Hagar Brings Back ‘The Best of All Worlds’ Residency to Las Vegas in 2026

On the eve of his return to Las Vegas to perform at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar has announced the return of his hit The Best of All Worlds residency to Dolby Live at Park MGM for 11 performances for March 11-21 and September 18-26, 2026.

The 2026 residency will reunite Hagar with the powerhouse Best of All Worlds Band featuring fellow Hall of Famer and original Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, 15-time Grammy nominee and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff, and multi-instrumentalist Rai Thistlethwayte. The high-octane “only in Las Vegas” show is a celebration of Hagar’s legendary catalog, including the deepest dive yet into his tenure with Van Halen. The Las Vegas residency represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this band of brothers deliver one of the most legendary hits-packed live shows of their careers.

“I can’t tell you how hard it’s been not to leak this announcement,” Hagar says. “Those last nine shows were some of the best shows I’ve done in my life. I love this band like no other and can’t wait to do it again. One listen to the live residency record coming out and you will understand this is my idea of retirement! Beats golf any day.”

Presales start tomorrow (Tues, Sept 16th) at 10 am local time ahead of the general sale on Friday, September 19th.

Adding to the excitement, Hagar will release Sammy Hagar & The Best of All Worlds Band – The Residency, a 19-track live album recorded during his first Dolby Live run, on October 10, 2025, via Big Machine Rock. The album captures rare deep cuts and Van Halen favorites, with the first advance track, “Summer Nights (Live),” available now on all DSPs.

Custom-built for Dolby Live’s intimate and electric atmosphere, The Best of All Worlds delivers an unfiltered connection to the music that defined a generation. With fresh setlists each night, Hagar dusts off Van Halen deep cuts, solo anthems, and fan favorites not heard live in decades. The residency was a critical and box office hit, with fans and media alike calling it one of the strongest rock residencies in Las Vegas history.

The Lemonheads Share New Single “Togetherness Is All I’m After” From Forthcoming Album ‘Love Chant’

Eric Alper
-
0
The Lemonheads Share New Single “Togetherness Is All I’m After” From Forthcoming Album ‘Love Chant’

The Lemonheads have shared their new single “Togetherness Is All I’m After”, which is the fourth single from their forthcoming album, “Love Chant,” that arrives via Fire Records on Friday, October 24.

“Togetherness Is All I’m After” opens with a whallop before dissolving into a final whispered plea: “Baby, don’t blow it.” Between its crashing introduction and dissonant fade-out, lead singer/guitarist Evan Dando skips a gentle and familiar melody across a thick, dense, and beautiful bed of guitars whose bite doesn’t pierce but rather builds the track’s fuzzy sheath. His voice has gathered a wisdom about it since the last Lemonheads album 20 years ago, which gives the understated, natural delivery on “Togetherness Is All I’m After” a special gravity. The song was co-written by Evan Dando with John Strohm of Blake Babies.

“Listen to the wind blow / A whisper through the trees / Where did all the time go
What brought you to your knees / The strategy of time is you can speed it up you can slow it / And when you laid it on the line / Baby, don’t blow it.”

Recorded at Sao Paulo’s A9 Audio with producer Apollo Nove (Rita Lee, Bebel Gilberto, Seu Jorge), Love Chant marks the welcome return of a justifiably legendary rock ‘n’ roll band, with founding singer-songwriter-guitarist Evan Dando joined by a bevy of dear friends and collaborators including J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr), Juliana Hatfield, Tom Morgan (as co-writer for “Deep End”), producer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Antony and the Johnsons), Nashville’s Erin Rae, John Strohm of the Blake Babies co-wrote and played guitar on “Togetherness,” and Nick Saloman of The Bevis Frond (a songwriter and performer on the swirling psych-folk gem “Roky”). Adam Green of cult New York favorites The Moldy Peaches also contributes as co-writer on the loose-limbed country detour “Wild Thing.”

The album was heralded by the premieres of the hard-hitting singles, “In The Margin” and “Deep End,” as well as the introspective “The Key of Victory.” “In The Margin” is a classic Dando composition: half-broken, half-beautiful, wrapped around a melody that disarms before it detonates. “Deep End” was co-written by Dando with longtime collaborator Tom Morgan of Smudge, the churning, riff-powered track, which features an instantly identifiable guitar solo from J Mascis and backing vocals from dear friend and frequent Lemonheads guest Juliana Hatfield. The song was met by worldwide attention upon its premiere last month by such high-profile publications as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Uncut, Stereogum, and Consequence, the latter of which praised its long-awaited reprise of the Lemonheads’ “scrappy, guitar-forward rock sound.” An official music video, filmed on location in São Paulo, Brazil, by directors Carlão Busato and Luigi Parisi, is streaming now on YouTube.

“The Key of Victory” is all slow motion and soft shadows – a modal, meditative piece anchored by Apollo Nove’s winding guitar and Erin Rae’s spectral harmonies. The song was written with David Ashby (Rum Shebeen), and its vocal was recorded at Abbey Road. Stamped with a profound lightness and beauty, “The Key of Victory” is indicative of the songwriting diversity at play on Love Chant.

Slightly Stoopid Release “Step Into The Sun,” First Single From Upcoming Tenth Album

Eric Alper
-
0
Slightly Stoopid Release “Step Into The Sun,” First Single From Upcoming Tenth Album

Today, San Diego, CA based musical outfit Slightly Stoopid unveils their new single “Step Into The Sun,” a radiant feel-good summer anthem celebrating life, love and the uplifting sentiment of understanding. Recorded at the famed Sonic Ranch studios in El Paso Texas, the track captures the band’s unmistakable chemistry and the infectious energy that’s earned them a devoted global following over the course of 3 decades of creating music.

“Step Into The Sun” also marks the first single from Slightly Stoopid’s forthcoming tenth studio album, set for release next year. The record will be the band’s first full-length project in eight years, following 2018’s Everyday Life, Everyday People.

Opening with a breezy electric guitar riff layered over strummed acoustic chords, “Step Into The Sun” comes to life with warm flashes of organ, bursts of brass, and the signature vocal interplay of Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald. They ask, “When’s the sun gonna shine across your eyes again? / When’s the tide gonna hide your footprints in the sand?” before offering a gentle reminder: “Whether you’re right, whether you’re wrong / Whether you see it, or whether you don’t / All in all it’s the life that you’re given / All in all it’s the way that you live it.” Blending elements of acoustic soul and classic rock, the song channels Slightly Stoopid’s unmistakable live energy — a genre-hopping groove that has captivated fans worldwide since their 1994 debut.

Speaking about their new track, Miles Doughty notes: “‘Step Into The Sun’ takes you on a journey as the band reflects on life, love and the ones we share it with. Through the energy of Sonic Ranch Studios we were able to capture the organic feel with the whole band jamming. Hope you feel the love!”

Slightly Stoopid recently visited the KROQ Helpful Honda Sound Space, where they performed “Step Into The Sun” live, along with fan favorites like “2 AM” and their new cover of Sublime’s “Slow Ride.” Watch the performance HERE. 

The new track kicks off what promises to be a busy summer for Slightly Stoopid, with a cross-country headlining tour launching June 12. Supported by Iration and Little Stranger, the tour hits major markets like Boston, Philadelphia, Austin, and Charleston, with standout shows at the Santa Barbara Bowl and a return to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The band will also make several highly anticipated festival appearances, including sets at Bonnaroo, Cali Vibes, Brighter Daze, Point Break, and Reggae Rise Up (Oregon and Las Vegas). To get fans ready for the road ahead, Slightly Stoopid has launched a Step Into The Sun Summer Tour 2025 playlist on Spotify — a handpicked mix of sun-soaked tracks to set the vibe for the season. Listen HERE. 

A full tour itinerary can be found HERE. 

Along with the new music and summer tour, Slightly Stoopid recently announced the 11th edition of their Closer to the Sun all-inclusive concert vacation in Mexico. A one-of-a-kind concert experience known for its vibrant community of fans, artists, and crew, the vacation includes three shows by Slightly Stoopid with a stacked lineup of additional performers. Attendees can expect multiple shows by Dirty Heads, Pepper, The Elovaters, The Movement, HIRIE, DENM, Little Stranger, and Z-Trip. Additional concerts from Rebelution, and Rome, plus a special ‘Traffic Jam” performance by Damian Jr. Gong & Stephen Marley, and an Old Soul Unplugged set by Stephen Marley to round out the musical vacation. 

1...296297298...3,009Page 297 of 3,009

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