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Alternative Punk-Hip-Hop Rebels Oxymorrons Return With “Cool Being You”

Eric Alper
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Alternative Punk-Hip-Hop Rebels Oxymorrons Return With “Cool Being You”

New York’s genre-blurring punks Oxymorrons are back with “Cool Being You” – a vibrant new single that dives headfirst into a dynamic fusion of alternative, punk, and hip-hop. Entirely written, recorded, and produced by the band, the track also marks the start of a bold new chapter, with Oxymorrons announcing their upcoming EP ‘Create, Destroy, Rebuild, Repeat.’, to release fall 2025.

Opening with atmospheric textures, driving drums, pulsating bass, and delicate guitar lines, “Cool Being You” quickly explodes with gritty “modern punk” production, the sonic playground where Oxymorrons thrive. Trading verses that range from melodic crooning to swagger-drenched rap to guttural screams, all three vocalists bring an unmistakable energy and depth. It’s a natural next chapter in the band’s sonic evolution, one that builds on their roots while pushing further into the unexpected.

“This is for those who were told they have to fit into a box. ‘Cool Being You’ is about shaking that off and owning every piece of yourself,” says the band. “There’s freedom in being exactly who you are, and this track is the soundtrack to that energy.”

More than just a new single, “Cool Being You” marks the beginning of a new era for Oxymorrons – not just sonically, but personally and creatively. Now a lean, focused three-piece made up of vocalist brothers Deee and KI alongside guitarist Jafe Paulino, the band is embracing their independence and entering a phase defined by full creative control. Although they’ll miss their brother, ex-drummer Matty Mayz, they are excited for and proud of him with his new restaurant venture. “If you know Matty the only thing he loves more than drumming is food. We may not be sharing the stage but we are sharing meals as often as we can.” Their upcoming EP ‘Create. Destroy. Rebuild. Repeat.’ reflects that shift: raw, self-defined, and completely on their own terms.

“We’re excited about this new chapter – it feels like a reset, but with everything we’ve learned along the way,” the band shares. “We’ve always believed in doing things differently, and now we get to do that without compromise. The vision is clearer than ever.

Jennifer Alvarado Reimagines The Proclaimers Classic With “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” Cover

Eric Alper
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Jennifer Alvarado Reimagines The Proclaimers Classic With “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” Cover

 Jennifer Alvarado delivers her fan favorite cover “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” to all streaming and download platforms on the heels of her recent EP release “Lately.” Cultivating her take on a classic tune, Alvarado releases her unique version of this acclaimed tune. With its roots firmly planted in country and Americana, the song features lush pedal steel guitars and a haunting, stripped-back arrangement that amplifies Alvarado’s raw, compelling vocals.

The song’s lyrics aren’t only catchy, they resonate with fans. With lyrics like, “When I wake up, well, I know I’m gonna be / I’m gonna be the one who wakes up next to you / When I go out, yeah, I know I’m gonna be / I’m gonna be the one who goes along with you,” The original writers of the track, The Proclaimers, unironically cultivated a cult classic love song that can also be screamed in the back of your small town favorite bar. With a chorus like, “But I would walk five hundred miles / And I would walk five hundred more / Just to be the one who walked a thousand / Miles to fall down at your door.” This tune is sealed as a sing along.

When asked why she chose this classic tune to re-record, Alvarado stated she’s “loved the song since [she] first heard it as a child.” The album art was created to pay homage to the original “The Proclaimers” art that was used for the cassette tape that went along with the Benny and Joon soundtrack (1993)….”since that is closer to when and why I heard the song.” Alvarado states.

Reviving this classic hit with a modern feel is a blissfully unexpected move from Jennifer Alvarado, and you should check it out for yourself.

Randall King Taps Braxton Keith for Heartfelt New Single “Cheatin’ On My Honky Tonk”

Eric Alper
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Randall King Taps Braxton Keith for Heartfelt New Single “Cheatin’ On My Honky Tonk”

 In the 18 months since Randall King released his sophomore major label album, Into The Neon, the Hereford, Texas native got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Brittany Warthan, and the pair welcomed their first child together – a daughter named Paisley Leanna – in April. Reflecting on this new stage in his life, King is spending less time under the neon signs that he’s grown accustomed to with the release of “Cheatin’ On My Honky Tonk” feat. Braxton Keith, available now.

“My fans all know how much I love a honky tonk, however life’s looking a little different these days,” shares King. “I’m spending less time under that neon glow and more time at home with my girls, and this song felt like the perfect way to bridge Into The Neon and this next chapter. I couldn’t think of anyone better to join me on it than my good buddy Braxton Keith. Hope y’all enjoy!”

“Cheatin’ On My Honky Tonk” was written by Phil O’Donnell, Ira Dean and Ronnie Dunn. Paired with fellow Texas native Braxton Keith on vocals, King wittily depicts a man’s maturation as his priorities shift from frequenting his local honky tonk to spending time at home with his newfound love.

“Randall’s been championing me in my career from the beginning,” remarks Keith. “We had a lot of fun on this one. It was an honor to be asked to sing on his song.”

As King returns to the studio, readying his next album for 2026, the man Holler declared “the genre’s neo-traditional figurehead” will continue touring throughout 2025, with a mix of headlining shows and support dates on Luke Bryan’s Country Song Came On Tour.

King’s sophomore album, Into The Neon, was released Jan. 26, 2024 to critical acclaim, leaving Texas Monthly observing “his Texas bona fides are unimpeachable.” Into The Neon was also named among the top country albums of 2024 by Entertainment Focus and Whiskey Riff. The album yielded King’s first country radio single, “I Could Be That Rain.”

Phil Vassar Reimagines Fan Favorite With Heartfelt “Mississippi Remix”

Eric Alper
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Phil Vassar Reimagines Fan Favorite With Heartfelt “Mississippi Remix”

Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and piano-pounding hitmaker Phil Vassar delivers “Mississippi Remix” – a fresh take on his beloved 2017 track “Mississippi.” Originally featured on his American Soul album, the song marked Vassar’s return to original material after a years-long hiatus and quickly became a fan-favorite.

Now reimagined, “Mississippi Remix” – produced by Dean Sams of Lonestar – brings new emotional depth and refined production to a track that has long resonated with listeners. A mid-tempo, piano-led ballad, it stays true to Vassar’s roots as a piano-driven storyteller – blending his signature melodic hooks. Nostalgic, romantic, and rich with vivid imagery, the track is more than just a place; it stands as a powerful symbol of lost love and the enduring emotions that linger long after.

Ahead of the release of “Mississippi Remix,” Phil Vassar turned up the heat with his summertime anthem “All American Summer,” which dropped on May 2. Having premiered exclusively with Storme Warren on Garth Brooks’ The Big 615, the feel-good track was co-written by Vassar, alongside longtime collaborator Tony Mullins. Vassar says, “‘All American Summer’ is a fun one I wrote with my buddy Tony Mullins, a fellow Virginian. We wanted to capture that same energy as ‘Six-Pack Summer’-and I think we knocked it out of the park. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season.”

Tony Mullins is one of Nashville’s most accomplished GRAMMY Award-winning songwriters, known for crafting chart-topping hits across country music. His credits include the 2000 ASCAP Song of the Year, “How Forever Feels,” recorded by Kenny Chesney, along with standout songs for artists like Ricky Skaggs, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Tim McGraw, and Craig Morgan.

Currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of his era-defining smash “Just Another Day in Paradise,” Vassar is bringing his fiery keys and signature sound to stages across the nation for the “25 Years of Paradise” Tour. This tour isn’t just a celebration – it’s a statement. A life-altering heart attack and stroke in 2023 that nearly claimed his life reshaped Vassar’s outlook.

“You can’t outrun your genetics, but you can take care of yourself,” he reflects. His recovery has prompted a shift toward a calmer, more grateful life. “I’m way calmer now than I used to be. I’ve learned to enjoy the moment,” he says, now embracing life with renewed perspective

Foggieraw Serenades With Love and Culture on New Single “Nefertiti”

Eric Alper
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Foggieraw Serenades With Love and Culture on New Single “Nefertiti”

Acclaimed rapper and masterful storyteller Foggieraw returns with a charming expression of his love on a new single entitled “Nefertiti.” On this song, Foggieraw serenades his queen with masterful lyrics that makes you blush. “Nefertiti” finds him returning to the fun in love – a sweet attempt to win his lady back laced with clever references to iconic cultural moments.

Poetic lyrics over jazz production beautifully intertwine with melodic vocals that envelop you in his warmth and soul as he raps, “My sweet Nefertiti let’s sign us a peace treaty. Let’s go back to when me and you was sweeties. Let’s go back to when every shirt you owned was graffiti, printouts of Betty Boop and Tweety.”

The track follows a high-profile run for Foggieraw, including a Best Video Director nomination at the 2025 BET Awards and a spot on Vogue’s “Best Dressed” list. It also builds on the momentum of his recent single “Prairie View” featuring Monaleo, which ESSENCE praised as “New Hip-Hop Music To Soundtrack The Weekly Grind.” The accompanying music video takes these rising stars back to Prairie View A&M University. Sporting a vintage Minnesota Vikings pullover, Foggieraw raps to the camera, channeling classic swagger. Directed by nehemyuh, the drama in the song’s verses plays out on-screen, and Stunna 4 Vegas even makes a cameo!

Recently, Lauryn Hill tapped him to join her on stage to perform during her iconic Miami Jazz In The Gardens set. He closed out 2024 with “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” including a music video starring Anycia. HotNewHipHop praised, “There’s a sense of unpredictability with Foggieraw that makes each one of his releases exciting to parse over.”

Prior, “Stay Awhile” (feat. Ari Lennox) graced the ESSENCE “Best New Music This Week” roundup, and Rolling Out plugged it on “New Music Friday.” Not to mention, Foggieraw supported Wale on the iconic MC’s “Every Blue Moon Tour.” Throughout 2024, Foggieraw has made a significant impact across music, fashion, and culture. He became a face of New Balance’s 990v6 campaign, performed at the Chicago Bulls’ “Club Red” concert, and directed Summer Walker’s “Drown In My Love” video. His singles “Stay Awhile” and “Destiny” racked up millions of streams and earned praise from outlets like Billboard, Uproxx, Wonderland, and more. Foggieraw’s momentum continued with a standout appearance in the BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, while also securing co-signs from stars like Alicia Keys, SZA, Anderson.Paak, and more. He further infiltrated fashion, walking in Milan Fashion Week for Pharrell’s Moncler collection and starring in campaigns for Nike Yardrunners and Sergio Tecchini.

4batz Links With Wale on Soulful New Single “When I Get Home”

Eric Alper
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4batz Links With Wale on Soulful New Single “When I Get Home”

Dallas-based R&B phenomenon 4batz pairs up with hip-hop heavy hitter Wale for his new single, “When I Get Home,” a beautiful melodic R&B tune that flows off of Batz’s signature vocals and Wale’s smooth rapping flow. This is the third release going into Batz’s sophomore project. The record lands alongside an official music video, available everywhere now.

“When I Get Home” follows the release of last month’s surprise two-pack entitled “Since Ya’ll Say Ion Drop Enough…here.” Each song-“Me U & Pride” and “Hope U Don’t Mind”-is accompanied by a visualizer streaming on his official YouTube channel.

For the slick, swaggering, and soulful “Me U & Pride,” he joined forces with iconic multi-GRAMMY Award-winning producer Tricky Stewart [Justin Bieber, Rihanna]. 4batz leans into the production with a stunning performance, stretching his seismic and showstopping vocals in the process. Meanwhile, he also flaunts his voice on the irresistible “Hope U Don’t Mind,” shining over a soundscape cooked up by frequent collaborator Seva.

4batz continues a banner year so far. Recently, he turned up at both weekends of Coachella, lighting up the stage like only he can. Not to mention, he took home “Best New R&B Artist” at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Plus, he put up numbers with “n da morning,” reeling in over 1.5 million Spotify streams in less than two weeks. Billboard named it one of the “R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week,” raving, “The track exudes intimacy, trust, and an all-consuming pull to devotion.” ESSENCE touted it among the “Hottest New Music This Week,” while HotNewHipHop declared, “4batz is once again pushing the boundaries of contemporary R&B.” Its predecessor “MORTAL KOMBAT” also quickly eclipsed 1 million Spotify streams.

4batz continues to assert himself as a vital and vulnerable R&B visionary. He initially made waves with “act i: stickerz ’99’,” bulldozing a path for “act ii: date @ 8.” The latter caught the attention of Drake, who hopped on the official Remix, which catapulted into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot R&B Songs Chart and onto the Hot 100. He accelerated his rise with u made me a st4r, generating over half-a-billion streams and inciting the applause of NPR, Billboard, and more. Not to mention, he collaborated with Usher, Lil Baby, Skilla Baby, and Jeremih, among others.

Photo Gallery: The Doobie Brothers and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on September 18, 2025

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: The Doobie Brothers and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on September 18, 2025

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band

Lyn Lapid Covers Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” on BUZZKILL World Tour

Eric Alper
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Lyn Lapid Covers Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” on BUZZKILL World Tour

 As she continues the North American leg of her BUZZKILL World Tour, Gold-Certified singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Lyn Lapid surprises fans today with a cover of Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind”!

Lapid writes the soundtrack to seeing life a little differently. Her unfiltered observations ripple across fluid soundscapes anchored by subtle alternative R&B grooves, loose jazz phrasing, and unassuming pop ambition. The 22-year-old Filipino American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist continues to strike a chord with audiences through her unpredictably catchy and undeniably candid songcraft.

In 2020, a series of viral ukulele covers on TikTok brought the Maryland native her first brush with virality. Her personal vision took shape across a series of essential fan favorite singles such as “Producer Man,” “When She Loved Me,” and the Gold-Certified “In My Mind.” Early co-signs came courtesy of Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jungkook of BTS.

During 2023, she made waves with to love in the 21st century EP and its extended edition, the epilogue. She incited the applause of Rolling Stone, Billboard, E! Online, BuzzFeed, UPROXX, HYPEBAE, Refinery29, and LADYGUNN, among others. Speaking to her impact, Forbes touted her among its “AAPI Artists to Watch,” and Atwood Magazine christened her an “exceptional artist-to-watch.” She emerged as the rare collaborator equally comfortable on a track with Ruth B and mxtmtoon or Eric Nam and Whethan. Beyond touring with the likes of Ricky Montgomery and Claire Rosinkranz, she graced the bill of Head In the Clouds Festival and has sold out two nationwide headline tours in 2023 and 2024.

Generating over 1 billion streams, packing venues on headline tours, and attracting widespread critical acclaim, she narrates a season of self-actualization and newfound confidence on her 2025 full-length debut, BUZZKILL, out now on Mercury Records.

Geoff Mann Honors Herbie Mann and Hunter S. Thompson With ‘Underground’ Tribute Album

Eric Alper
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Geoff Mann Honors Herbie Mann and Hunter S. Thompson With ‘Underground’ Tribute Album

Acclaimed drummer, composer, and producer Geoff Mann is set to release Underground, a full-length tribute to his father Herbie Mann’s landmark 1969 album Memphis Underground. Out today is the second offering from the project: a cinematic reinterpretation of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the abolitionist anthem popularized through Herbie’s fusion classic and later adopted by Hunter S. Thompson as the official campaign song for his 1970 run for Sheriff of Pitkin County.

The notorious gonzo journalist also cited Memphis Underground as one of his ‘Favorite Albums of the 1960s’ adding to its cross-genre, cross-cultural commercial success that garnered a devout audience across the globe. On his cinematic approach to the classic soul ballad, Geoff Mann says, “I treated this arrangement almost as if it was film score, starting very minimally with just the rhythm section and slowing building up and adding instruments chorus by chorus until we finally hit the melody at the very end.”

Herbie Mann’s original Memphis Underground remains a landmark in the melding of jazz and Southern soul and is often cited as one of the first albums deemed as “fusion.” Released on Atlantic Records, the album brought together a merger of New York jazz soloists including Roy Ayers, Larry Coryell, and Sonny Sharrock with the rhythm section at Memphis’ American Sound Studio, a hub for R&B and soul hits. Produced by the legendary Tom Dowd, the record blended deep groove and improvisational freedom to create a genre-crossing sound that resonated well beyond the jazz world. It remains one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time and was famously praised by Rolling Stone as “a piece of musical alchemy.”

Speaking about the new reinterpretation project, Geoff Mann says, “Memphis Underground deserves to be remembered for the impact that it had, but in my opinion it could only be properly re-presented as an evolution of the original concept. There are others who could’ve made a similar record with the same intention, but having a unique insight into my father’s music, being both intimately familiar and detached at the same time, I was the only one who was going to do it.”

The Funeral Portrait Share Emotional New Single “Evergreen” From Deluxe Album ‘GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY – FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS’

Eric Alper
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The Funeral Portrait Share Emotional New Single “Evergreen” From Deluxe Album ‘GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY – FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS’

 “It’s an attempt to put all of our anxious thoughts into one place,” explains singer and songwriter Lee Jennings of The Funeral Portrait about the inspiration for their newly released single “Evergreen.”

“Evergreen” is one of the three brand new songs featured on the deluxe edition of the red-hot emo-rooted band’s second album, the 24-track GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY – FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS: DELUXE EDITION (the track listing is listed below).

“The song speaks to universal and painful truths-that love is the source of all suffering, and the bittersweet feelings that coincide with it,” elaborates Jennings. “The lyrics come from an extremely personal place and are set against a melancholy, stripped-back track that helps accent one of our most emotional hymns to date.”

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT-Lee Jennings (Vocals), Cody Weissinger (Guitar), Caleb Freihaut (Guitar/Auxiliary), Robert Weston (Bass), and Homer Umbanhowar- (Drums)-has “carved out a unique space in modern rock, blending theatrical energy with deeply personal storytelling” (Hard Rock Reviews, 5/27/25). With “Evergreen,” the Atlanta band is excitingly building on their radio success. They achieved the #1 spot last November on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay and Mediabase’s Active Rock radio charts with their smash single “Suffocate City (feat. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills).” They’re once again enjoying #1 success on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with “Holy Water,” which features guest vocals by Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch; the song is also firmly planted in the Top Five on Mediabase’s Active Rock charts with “Holy Water.”

The montage video for “Evergreen” illustrates THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT’s exciting success story. It’s been steadily growing since joining forces with Better Noise Music, known for its creative artist development, innovative cross-media strategies, and ability to build international success stories. The campaign for THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT began in August 2022, almost three years ago, with the release of “Voodoo Doll” when they were an opening band in 300-400 person venues (or smaller). Now they’re drawing the biggest crowds at the major festivals, touring all year with bands like Ice Nine Kills, and gearing up for a European tour this fall.

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That Eric Alper

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

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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