Only Spike Milligan could make war correspondence riotous. In 1943, the comic genius laced a family letter with sly clues to his Italian post. Taika Waititi’s reading revives the brilliance—equal parts mischief, charm, and timeless Milligan wit.
Christoph Waltz Brings Haunting Drama to ‘Sesame Street’ Theme on Kimmel
Trust Christoph Waltz to transform Sesame Street into Shakespearean gloom. On Kimmel, he gave the children’s classic a brooding dramatic read. The result? A theme song dripping with despair, poetry—and undeniable brilliance.
Rare and Never-Before-Seen Images of The Band Captured by Elliott Landy Featured in New Two-Volume Photography Collection
Acclaimed music photographer Elliott Landy, renowned for his iconic images of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Band, unveils a deluxe two-volume set of photographs chronicling one of the most pivotal eras in rock and roll history. The Band Photographs, 1968–1969: Two-Volume Set will be released on November 25, 2025, by Weldon Owen International.
This extraordinary collection presents nearly 400 images capturing The Band at the height of their creative breakthrough, including rare and never-before-seen photographs from their sessions at the legendary Big Pink house in Woodstock, New York. Unearthed from a long-forgotten box of negatives, these intimate portraits showcase the group as they crafted their first two albums—Music from Big Pink and The Band—defining a sound that reshaped American music.
With his trusted lens, Landy documented The Band not just as performers, but as friends and artists in their natural surroundings—lounging at Big Pink, rehearsing in Woodstock, or walking through the Hudson Valley landscape. His relaxed and deeply personal approach allowed him to capture the spirit of five musicians discovering their singular voice.
“Elliott’s photos are more than just images,” said Weldon Owen International in announcing the book. “They are a living chronicle of The Band’s birth as cultural icons.”
Austin City Limits to Livestream Jon Batiste’s ‘BIG MONEY’ Tour Performance Worldwide October 3
Acclaimed television music series Austin City Limits (ACL) is thrilled to present a worldwide livestream event with seven-time GRAMMY Award- and Academy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste on October 3rd.
As a preview to ACL’s Season 51, which premieres the following day, fans everywhere can experience this highly anticipated taping live in its entirety from the iconic Austin City Limits stage in Austin, Texas. The performance streams free and live on the ACLTV YouTube Channel and YouTube.com/jonbatistemusic, beginning promptly at 9pm ET/8pm CT on Friday, October 3rd.
An electrifying live performer, Batiste brings his newly launched BIG MONEY Tour to ACL for the first-ever livestream of his latest album and tour. The full-hour broadcast episode of this performance will air on PBS and stream on pbs.org/austincitylimits on November 22, 2025, as a highlight of the television series’ upcoming Season 51, which kicks off on October 4 with a season premiere episode featuring Grammy-winning artist and producer FINNEAS making his solo headlining debut.
Jon Batiste first appeared on ACL in 2021 during Season 47, delivering an ecstatic, fan-favorite set. The American original now returns as a seven-time Grammy winner, performing highlights from his acclaimed ninth studio album, BIG MONEY (Verve/Interscope). A genre-defying collection featuring collaborations with No I.D., Randy Newman, Andra Day and more, the rootsy album deepens the New Orleans native’s exploration of the American musical canon. Expansive yet deeply personal, BIG MONEY weaves together soul, hip-hop, jazz, blues and pop, continuing Batiste’s mission of blending innovation with emotional resonance.
“We have such a profoundly rich cultural inheritance in America that many of us don’t know of, don’t fully embrace, don’t fully understand,” the artist recently told Rolling Stone. “Artists have to keep making statements that point back to that and counter things that are trying to dilute that or erase it.”
Batiste comes to the ACL stage directly from his current BIG MONEY Tour, with more than 30 dates across the U.S. this fall. On Wednesday, October 1, Batiste will bring his BIG MONEY Tour to Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry. Midway through its 30-date run, the tour features Golden Globe Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and activist Andra Day on select dates, with singer-songwriter and actress Diana Silvers supporting throughout.
Jack Johnson Brings Surf Film Classics ‘Thicker Than Water’ and ‘The September Sessions’ Back to the Big Screen
Acclaimed musician, filmmaker and surfer, Jack Johnson returns to the big screen for the first time in decades for three unforgettable nights, celebrating the re-release of his landmark surf films that helped define a generation and launched his career in music, Thicker Than Water (1999) and The September Sessions (2000).
Meticulously remastered in 4K from the original 16mm film prints, Thicker Than Water and The September Sessions will return to theaters for the first time in 25 years. Previously unavailable to stream or purchase, these screenings mark the first opportunity for audiences to experience both films since their original release. For surf fans from the late nineties, this is a chance to relive the films in their most vivid form and for a new generation, an introduction to the works that fused surf, film, and music into a cultural movement. Accompanying the screenings will be newly reissued limited-edition vinyl of the original soundtracks.
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, Johnson will return for a one-night-only event at the historic Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, featuring back-to-back screenings of Thicker Than Water and The September Sessions. The evening will also include an intimate Talk Story with filmmakers Jack Johnson, Chris Malloy and Emmett Malloy, followed by a live performance from Jack & Friends, including Hermanos Gutierrez, G. Love, Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski, Zach Gill, Todd Hannigan, Xocoyotzin Moraza, and Rob Machado.
The celebration continues at the Coast Film Festival in Laguna Beach on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, 2025, where Jack will present Thicker Than Water and The September Sessions, respectively. Additionally, Jack will perform with friends, Hermanos Gutierrez, G. Love, Todd Hannigan, Xocoyotzin Moraza, bandmates Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski, and Zach Gill on Saturday and G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, bandmates Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski and Zach Gill, along with Matt Costa on Sunday.
Thicker Than Water, a film by Jack Johnson, Chris Malloy, and Emmett Malloy, was filmed across the globe and captured the beauty, camaraderie, and wanderlust of surf exploration at the turn of the millennium. The film’s soundtrack introduced audiences to Johnson’s music for the first time, sparking a career that would soon reach audiences worldwide.
The September Sessions, filmed by Jack Johnson during a spontaneous trip to Indonesia, remains one of the most intimate portraits of surf legend Kelly Slater ever put to film. With unforgettable waves from Kelly, Rob Machado, Brad Gerlach, Shane Dorian, Ross Williams, and Luke Egan, the movie captured the essence of surf life away from competition, raw, soulful and timeless, and inspired generations.
Due to the limited capacity of these special events, tickets will only be available through a request system powered by Seated. This system is designed to block scalpers and bots, ensuring tickets end up in the hands of real fans. Fans can register now until Tuesday, September 30th at 7pm PT at https://jackjohnsonmusic.com/. Fans must register separately for each show they wish to attend.
On Wednesday, October 1st, a select number of fans will either have their tickets secured for them automatically via Seated, or will be notified that they will receive a unique code to have an opportunity to purchase tickets on the venue’s ticketing platform the following day on Thursday, October 2nd starting at 10am PT. Remaining fans will be placed on a waitlist and notified if additional tickets become available for purchase.
Net proceeds will go to Johnson ‘Ohana Foundation to support Southern California based ocean conservation groups, with proceeds of the Laguna Beach shows also benefiting Coast Film Foundation to support its mission of connecting outdoor and ocean communities through film.
Maggie Andrew Unleashes Alt-Pop Fire With New EP ‘HOW TO SING FOR MONEY’
Alt-pop powerhouse Maggie Andrew reveals her new EP, HOW TO SING FOR MONEY. The project features buzzworthy singles such as “Fall Like A Feather,” “How To Sing For Money,” and “Emotional Touchdown,” which broke through on US pop radio this week with a top 60 debut.
With HOW TO SING FOR MONEY, Andrew cements herself as a rising phenom, fully in command of her expansive pop vision. Through glowing ’80s synthscapes, arena-rocking existential dilemmas, and moments of intimate reflection, she delivers melodies that oscillate between sweet and striking. Her lyricism balances sharp wordplay with unflinching vulnerability, underscoring what sets her apart as a songwriter. The record stands as both a milestone in Andrew’s artistry and a glimpse of what’s ahead.
“I think ‘HOW TO SING FOR MONEY’ offers a clear view into another dimension or chapter of myself,” Andrew says. “It reveals who I am and what I can do if I have the tools and the opportunities.”
One of the opportunities that helped make this record happen was Andrew’s 2024 win in CBC Music’s Searchlight competition, which earned her a recording residency at Calgary’s National Music Centre. Before heading west, she spent a month in Toronto writing and preparing with longtime collaborators Carleton Stone and Kyle Mischiek. “That month helped reignite the magical creative environment I’d been craving,” Andrew says. Their close-knit history—Stone is her partner, Mischiek her ex, and both are frequent collaborators—made for especially fruitful sessions. With the exception of one song, the HOW TO SING FOR MONEY EP emerged entirely from that period of writing.
On HOW TO SING FOR MONEY, Andrew moves fluidly across sounds and themes: the gauzy synths of “Emotional Touchdown” capture the emptiness of a jet-set life; the title track’s grinding guitars mirror the exhaustion of the music industry; and the hazy melancholy of “Unfinished Business” explores the ache of chasing someone still caught in their past. The EP’s focus single, “Did You Cry,” erupts into distortion-fueled catharsis, while “Father Figure” pairs acoustic strums with reflections on growing up and transcending her past. She denounces the idea of a big bearded guy upstairs with the buoyant, folk-leaning “If God Was Real,” before closing with “Fall Like a Feather,” a stirring anthem of resilience.
Alongside the EP, Andrew unveils the cinematic video for “Did You Cry,” directed by MOOSECANFLY. In it, she embodies a runaway bride escaping a toxic relationship before it’s too late. “I wanted to conceptualize the aftermath of a breakup,” Andrew says. “When you’re with someone and think you’re in love, it’s easy to make promises. The video represents running away from something—or someone—who turned out to be no good. By contrasting stillness with chaos, it captures the wreckage that comes from having your heart broken.”
Call it alternative pop, or call it something else—Andrew’s music resists labels, but its constant is clear: “I embrace my flair and attitude; I don’t give a fuck about external pressure when I’m making music,” she says. “My voice is the thing that makes my sound my own, and the elements around it will always shift and change.”
10 Indigenous Artists You Need to Know on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools, honour survivors, and amplify Indigenous voices. Music is one of the most powerful ways to listen, learn, and heal — and these artists are helping lead the way.
Francis Baptiste
Syilx singer-songwriter Francis Baptiste blends indie folk textures with lyrics sung in both English and nsyilxcən, the endangered language of his community. His work is a moving act of reclamation, using contemporary songwriting to preserve and revive Indigenous language.
Mike Bern
From Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick, Mike Bern crafts rock and soul-infused songs rooted in his Maliseet heritage. With airplay on Indigenous radio and festival stages across the country, his voice carries both grit and tenderness, bridging tradition with modernity.
Trent Agecoutay (Uncle Trent)
Métis singer-songwriter Trent Agecoutay, known as Uncle Trent, writes music steeped in storytelling and connection. Drawing from country, folk, and blues traditions, his songs explore family, heritage, and lived experience in ways that resonate across cultures.
Susan Aglukark
The first Inuk artist to win a JUNO Award, Susan Aglukark has been a trailblazer for decades. Singing in English and Inuktitut, she fuses pop and traditional Inuit sounds, often highlighting themes of healing, hope, and cultural pride. Her legacy paved the way for many who followed.
Tom Wilson
A towering figure in Canadian music, Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond) reconnected with his Mohawk heritage later in life. His art — spanning music, visual work, and his memoir Beautiful Scars — reflects identity, discovery, and the lifelong journey of truth.
TRIBZ
TRIBZ is more than a band; it is a coalition of experience, heritage, and conviction. Comprised of Juno Award–winning vocalist Errol Starr Francis, Six Nations Tuscarora guitarist Earl Johnson, Mohawk bassist Donny Hill, and Hamilton drummer Dave Davidson, the group has over four decades each of lived musical history. Their music is a melting pot of R&B, blues, Motown, reggae, rock, and Indigenous tradition, unified under a mission of peace, love, and empowerment.
Stirling John
Ojibwa Inspirational Country artist Stirling John, from Saugeen First Nation, brings uplifting energy to every track. Influenced by country greats like Paul Brandt, he uses music as a platform to shine a light on real-life struggles and triumphs.
Logan Staats
After winning The Launch in 2018, Logan Staats has become one of the most recognizable Indigenous voices in Canada. The Mohawk singer-songwriter draws deeply from Six Nations’ blues and rock traditions, blending raw emotion with a mission of healing and sovereignty.
Joel Wood
Cree musician Joel Wood, winner of the 2024 JUNO for Traditional Indigenous Artist of the Year, infuses his songs with powwow and round dance traditions. By centering the Cree language in his music, he preserves its beauty while bringing traditional forms to new audiences.
Zoon
Anishinaabe artist Daniel Monkman, known as Zoon, has been hailed as a pioneer of “moccasin-gaze,” merging shoegaze textures with Indigenous identity and language reclamation. Their JUNO-nominated album Bekka Ma’iingan explores resilience, colonial history, and self-discovery.
These are just ten of the many Indigenous artists making vital, beautiful music today. On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, take the time to listen — and then go seek out more voices. Indigenous music is vast, diverse, and essential, and it deserves to be heard every day of the year.
20 Songs That Define the 1990s
The ’90s: a decade of flannel, frosted tips, girl power, boy bands, and the occasional song about an actual worm. These 20 tracks, alphabetized for your convenience, double as a playlist and a time machine.
“1979” – The Smashing Pumpkins (1995)
Billy Corgan bottled suburban ennui into a shimmering alt-rock daydream. “1979” gave us car rides with the windows down, a Grammy nod, and an anthem for every teen wanting to be in the next great band.
“All I Wanna Do” – Sheryl Crow (1993)
Turns out, all Sheryl wanted was some fun in the sun with a margarita and a sardonic smile. This breezy hit won Record of the Year at the Grammys and proved radio was ready for cool-kid storytelling.
“Basket Case” – Green Day (1994)
Three chords, a caffeine rush, and Billie Joe asking if we have the time to listen to him whine. Answer: yes. Dookie sold 20 million copies, and pop-punk went from Gilman Street to the world.
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” – The Verve (1997)
Strings looped into infinity, Richard Ashcroft pacing a London street like it was his personal catwalk. The single hit #2 in the U.K., and suddenly everyone wanted to walk dramatically to work.
“Black Hole Sun” – Soundgarden (1994)
A psychedelic lullaby disguised as grunge thunder. MTV played the surreal video nonstop, and Chris Cornell’s voice stretched across a decade that loved its darkness weird and melodic.
“Doo Wop (That Thing)” – Lauryn Hill (1998)
Debuting at #1, Lauryn Hill gave us wisdom, harmonies, and the joy of shouting “That thing!” in the car. A feminist manifesto disguised as a summer jam, it snagged two Grammys and eternal rotation.
“Don’t Speak” – No Doubt (1995)
What began as a ska band from Anaheim turned into the breakup ballad heard ’round the world. Gwen Stefani poured her heart out, and Tragic Kingdom moved 16 million copies while we all cried in Doc Martens.
“Enter Sandman” – Metallica (1991)
A lullaby from hell, built on one of the most recognizable riffs in metal. It launched The Black Album to 30 million sales and guaranteed at least one baseball player still uses it as walkout music.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” – Coolio (1995)
Stevie Wonder sample, Michelle Pfeiffer in a classroom, and Coolio delivering rap sermons for the ages. It sold millions, won a Grammy, and remains one of the ’90s most quoted cultural artifacts.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston (1992)
Whitney didn’t just sing this song—she levitated it into eternity. From The Bodyguard soundtrack, it spent 14 weeks at #1 and sold 20 million copies. A karaoke Everest ever since.
“Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls (1998)
Written for City of Angels, but it really belongs to everyone who ever fell in love at a school dance. Eighteen weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Airplay chart later, it’s still a slow-dance staple.
“Losing My Religion” – R.E.M. (1991)
Mandolin in hand, Michael Stipe turned doubt into art and gave alternative rock its mainstream coronation. Two Grammys, endless MTV play, and suddenly mandolins were cool again.
“My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion (1997)
Leonardo DiCaprio sinks, Celine soars. The Titanic theme topped charts in 25 countries, sold 18 million copies, and turned pan flutes into a global emotional trigger.
“No Scrubs” – TLC (1999)
T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli set the record straight on dating standards. The track hit #1, won two Grammys, and gave us the most important PSA of the decade: say no to scrubs.
“Say My Name” – Destiny’s Child (1999)
Part love song, part interrogation, part Beyoncé’s arrival notice. The harmonies are tight, the beat futuristic, and the Grammys (two of them) rolled in. Everyone started practicing their vocal runs.
“Semi-Charmed Life” – Third Eye Blind (1997)
Sunshine melody meets lyrics about… well, less sunny things. It peaked at #4 on Billboard, stayed on the radio forever, and proved the ’90s loved hiding darkness under “do-do-do’s.”
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana (1991)
One riff, one cheerleader video, and suddenly grunge had a passport to the mainstream. Nevermind knocked Michael Jackson off the charts, sold millions, and made flannel an international fabric.
“Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
Originally by Ednaswap, Natalie’s version became the global heartbreak standard. It was one of the most played songs on ’90s radio, complete with iconic video: Natalie, empty room, emotional devastation.
“Wannabe” – Spice Girls (1996)
“Zig-a-zig-ah” became a global language. Topping charts in 37 countries, it remains the best-selling single by a girl group and the unofficial national anthem of sleepovers everywhere.
“You Get What You Give” – New Radicals (1998)
A one-hit wonder that refuses to fade. With its mix of pep and protest, it became a youth anthem praised by everyone from Joni Mitchell to Bill Clinton. A reminder that kindness rocks.
How To Build a Patreon That Actually Engages Fans
The magic of a membership or Patreon comes alive when it feels like a genuine exchange. Fans want to support artists, and artists want to share their world in meaningful ways. The best memberships glow with creativity, intimacy, and a sense of community.
Starting Out: Finding Your Foundation
Launching a membership begins with clarity. Ask yourself: What do I want to share? The answer sets the tone. It could be music demos, journal entries, artwork, or simply conversations. Choose a platform that feels intuitive—Patreon, Bandcamp, or even a personal website. Fans respond best when the structure reflects your authentic style.
The Power of Early Access
Fans love being close to the creative spark. Early releases of songs, video premieres, or newsletters make supporters feel like insiders. A “first listen” or “first look” turns anticipation into celebration, and the joy of discovery becomes collective.
Storytelling as Connection
Membership thrives on storytelling. Short updates about your songwriting day, a snapshot from rehearsal, or a note about a lyric’s inspiration transform into anchors of intimacy. These glimpses make the creative journey feel shared, not distant.
Interactive Magic
Fans want to engage, not just observe. Polls about setlists, live chats, or fan-submitted questions spark dialogue. By inviting input, you cultivate a space where everyone feels valued. Engagement flows naturally when fans see their voices matter.
Keepsakes and Treasures
Merchandise within a membership carries special energy. Limited-edition prints, handwritten lyrics, or a playlist made just for supporters feel timeless. These items are not just merch—they are symbols of belonging, reminders of the connection between artist and fan.
Rhythm and Consistency
Consistency builds trust. Updates every week or every month keep the pulse strong. Even short messages let fans know you are present. The rhythm matters more than the scale—members love being reminded that they are part of something ongoing.
Building Community Together
A membership creates a gathering place. Comment threads, forums, or private Discord servers grow into spaces where fans connect with one another. Music ignites friendships, and the community expands beyond the artist’s own voice.
The Living Space of Creativity
When a membership grows with openness, it becomes a living extension of your artistry. Fans experience the music not only as finished songs but as evolving stories. Together, you and your supporters create a space that feels vibrant, collaborative, and full of possibility.