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Dropkick Murphys Honor Ken Casey’s Grandfather With Emotional New Single “Chesterfields And Aftershave”

Eric Alper
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Dropkick Murphys Honor Ken Casey’s Grandfather With Emotional New Single “Chesterfields And Aftershave”

Dropkick Murphys have just released a new single and video from their powerful and poignant For The People album. Following the success of the early track “Who’ll Stand With Us?,” a call to stand together against divisiveness and inequality, the new single and video for “Chesterfields And Aftershave” pay tribute to singer and founder Ken Casey’s late grandfather, who was an important role model in his life.

The video, directed by Jon Vulpine, features evocative vignettes that follow a young “Ken Casey” and demonstrate the steadying influence his late grandfather had on his childhood. The video includes historical television clips of Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Boston Celtics games that Ken watched with his grandfather when he was a child, as well as a clip from the Red Sox’s 2004 World Series-clinching victory referenced in the song, thanks to the help of MLB, the NHL, and the NBA.

The video culminates with the song’s refrain “I hope I’d make you proud” as Ken’s grandfather watches on (in spirit) while Dropkick Murphys perform the song at their recent free show for the Quincy 400 celebration – just a mile up the road from where the band formed in 1996.

Casey explains the song’s inspiration, “My father died when I was young and my grandfather raised me. He passed away before the band got going. I hope my grandfather would’ve really liked the message that we carry in our music because he’s the one that ingrained a lot of those beliefs in me. I hope I would’ve made him proud and I hope the band would’ve made him proud.”

Dropkick Murphys recently shared a video of band members speaking about people who helped them become who they are today.

“In a chaotic time, this heartfelt song about the people who helped us become who we are today was released just in time for Grandparents Day (September 7 in the U.S),” the band shares.

The post includes a call for fans to tag @DropkickMurphys in a post (or send a DM) “talking about someone who’s been instrumental in YOUR life…and don’t forget to play Chesterfields in the video!”

Dropkick Murphys have also announced the titles of the 5 bonus songs that will be included on the For The People vinyl and CD release, out October 10 via the band’s Dummy Luck Music label / Play It Again Sam. Four of these songs are exclusive to the physical album and “Sirens” was previously only released digitally as a single.

John Butler Unveils 10th Album ‘Prism,’ A Bold Leap Into Surf Folk And Pop Experimentation

Eric Alper
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John Butler Unveils 10th Album ‘Prism,’ A Bold Leap Into Surf Folk And Pop Experimentation

John Butler released his 10th full-length studio LP on September 5th, 2025, marking his third in just two years. Prism is a return to John’s solo roots, though not to the style that defined his early solo work.

The single “Trippin’ On You”—released in April ahead of his U.S. summer tour—leans more toward Jack Johnson–style surf folk than the guitar-centric sound of John’s earlier releases. With minimal percussion, it’s a neo-poppy keyboard tune built around a gumball power-pop lyrical hook. Compare this to “Ocean,” John’s 1998 all-instrumental, 12-minute debut opus, and it feels like two completely different artists. That contrast seems intentional—a line in the sand declaring: “I am not what I was before. I am new, and I want to do new, different things.”

“So Sorry,” the second single from Prism, follows in the same spirit as “Trippin’ On You.” To find tracks with more grit, like “Gets No Better” and “The Way Back,” you have to dig deeper into the LP. Those cuts carry a little sumptin’ sumptin’—call it cojones if you will—a bit of raw energy over polished intent. Reportedly, it took John nearly six years and several restarts to complete this LP, during which he released two others. By his own admission, birthing this album was not easy or straightforward. Perhaps only “Hand in Mine” reflects the guitar style he began with nearly 30 years ago; everything else pushes into new, if not fully conquered, territory.

Throughout his career—whether solo or fronting the ever-shifting John Butler Trio—John’s music has spanned reggae, alt-rock, folk, and ambient. But this latest release feels more commercially oriented than his past work. Produced with keyboardist James Ireland (Pond, San Cisco), the record is slick—at times bordering on plastic. There are no errors anywhere, but of course it’s the flaws and atonal mutations that make music feel alive, and this album lacks that spark.

As a collection, Prism is certainly listenable, but it doesn’t feel like a progression in John’s music. It’s also not the LP I would reach for first in his catalog. Ultimately, it feels unfinished—like John stopped short of where the music was leading him and settled for, “It’s good enough, and it will sell.” That’s a shame, because he remains an artist capable of so much more.

Zach McPhee Soars With Gold Hit “Smoke,” First CCMA Nomination, National Tours, And New Single “Feel Free”

Eric Alper
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Zach McPhee Soars With Gold Hit “Smoke,” First CCMA Nomination, National Tours, And New Single “Feel Free”

With a Gold-certified radio hit in “Smoke,” his first CCMA nomination and upcoming national tours, Zach McPhee is cementing his place as one of Canadian country music’s most exciting new voices – and he’s just getting started. Now, the Okanagan Valley singer-songwriter launches his next chapter with the release of his new single, “Feel Free.”

Written by McPhee with Brock Phillips and Jesica Hurst, “Feel Free” plays on the double meaning of its title – giving someone the space to move on, while also embracing the freedom that comes with letting go. With its edgy rock-country production, the track blends relatability and energy, showcasing the mix of heartfelt storytelling and modern country edge that has made McPhee a fast-rising favourite.

“Smoke” became a staple at Canadian country radio this year, spending four weeks inside the Top 10 and going on to achieve Gold certification. Off the strength of songs like “Smoke” and “Tears That You’ll Never Find” and his acclaimed debut EP Feels Country to Me (and its 2024 Deluxe Edition), McPhee has already amassed more than 30 million streams.

He will join Jess Moskaluke for a Western Canadian run from September 17 to October 4 across Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan, followed by a string of Ontario dates opening for James Barker Band from November 4 to 13 (full tour schedule below).

Tour Dates:

September 17 – Sidney, BC – Mary Winspear Centre*
September 19 – Kelowna, BC – OK Corral Cabaret*
September 20 – Kamloops, BC – The Night Shift on 5th*
September 21 – Cranbrook, BC – Key City Theatre*
September 22 – Lethbridge, AB -Yates Memorial Centre/Sterndale Bennett Theatre*
September 25 – Swift Current, SK – Swift Current Allied Arts Centre*
September 26 – Red Deer, AB – Bo’s Bar & Grill*
September 27 – Calgary, AB -Deerfoot Inn & Casino*
October 1 – Rocky Mountain House, AB – Rival Trade Brewing*
October 2 – Grand Prairie, AB – Great Northern Casino*
October 4 – Fort Saskatchewan, AB – Dow Centennial Centre/Shell Theatre*
November 4 – Brantford, ON – Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts+
November 5 – St. Catharines, ON – FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre+
November 6 – Kingston, ON – Kingston Grand Theatre+
November 7 – Keswick, ON – Stephen Leacock Theatre+
November 9 – North Bay, ON – Capitol Centre+
November 11 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Machine Shop+
November 13 – Thunder Bay, ON – NV Music Hall+

*with Jess Moskaluke
+with James Barker Band

Indie Pop Artist Sophia Warren Releases ‘Adesso’ EP With Cinematic Single “Purple”

Eric Alper
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Indie Pop Artist Sophia Warren Releases ‘Adesso’ EP With Cinematic Single “Purple”

Sophia Warren returns with Adesso, the second installment in her trilogy of EPs, now available via Tigris 33/UMG. Paired with the release is the raw and resonant track “Purple,” complete with a cinematic visualizer, both of which mark Warren’s continued evolution as an artist unafraid of vulnerability.

Produced by Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Slowdive), Adesso — meaning “now” in Italian — represents a declaration of presence. It captures Warren’s growth as she seeks healing and identity beyond the shadows of past relationships. “The EP asks, who am I without them? What do I truly want?” says Warren. “These songs are about me peeling back the layers of uncertainty and learning to trust my own voice. It’s scary, it’s raw, but it’s real.”

Among its standout tracks, “Purple” reflects a mental shift — from battling anxiety to coexisting with it. “It’s the sound of me facing my anxiety,” Warren shares, “of standing still in the chaos of my own mind and choosing to embrace every part of myself even when it wasn’t easy, even when I wanted to run from it.”

Visually and sonically atmospheric, Adesso is a rich continuation of Warren’s conceptual storytelling. Following her debut EP, this release builds toward a larger narrative arc set to unfold across three parts, tracing her personal and emotional journey toward self-discovery.

Moon River Music Festival Launches First-Ever Cruise ‘Moon River At Sea’ With Star-Studded Lineup

Eric Alper
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Moon River Music Festival Launches First-Ever Cruise ‘Moon River At Sea’ With Star-Studded Lineup

After more than a decade as one of the South’s most beloved music weekends, Moon River Music Festival—founded by Drew Holcomb and praised by Southern Living and Garden & Gun as a must-attend Southern festival, with Paste delivering glowing “best-of” recaps—takes to the open water for the first time with Moon River At Sea, sailing November 11–15, 2026 from Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Jewel.

Launched in Memphis in 2014 and relocated to Chattanooga in 2018, Moon River quickly earned national recognition, including a 2019 Pollstar Awards nomination for Best Music Festival Under 30K Capacity, alongside landmark events like Newport Folk Festival and The Ohana Fest. The new at-sea edition brings Moon River’s artist-led curation, community spirit, and all-killer-no-filler programming to an intimate ocean getaway.

“Moon River has always been about community — artists and fans making memories together,” says Drew Holcomb. Taking that spirit to sea will allow us to create even more intimate moments, unforgettable collaborations, and a vacation you’ll talk about for years.”

 
Intimate Performances & Special Programming

Moon River At Sea features performances from Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Mat Kearney, JOHNNYSWIM, Mon Rovîa, Ellie Holcomb, The Brook & The Bluff, The Lone Bellow, Donovan Woods, The National Parks, The Arcadian Wild, Sean McConnell, Natalie Hemby, Madeline Edwards, Carly Bannister, Happy Landing, Abraham Alexander, The New Respects, Hogslop String Band, K.S. Rhoads, The Neighbors, Small Time, and Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights, plus stand-up from Dustin Nickerson, Jenna Kim Jones, and Carly Bannister.

Curated activities include:

●    Sailaway Show with Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

●     All-Star Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

●    “Truth Behind the Songs” with Natalie Hemby

●    Not-So-Newlywed Game hosted by Drew & Ellie Holcomb

●    Bourbon on the Boat tasting with Drew Holcomb

●     Headphone disco parties, autograph sessions, games, and more
 

Ship & Destination

Norwegian Jewel offers multiple dining venues and bars, a spacious Pool Deck with hot tubs, Jewel Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, and more. In Nassau, guests can soak up white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters and shore excursions will be available 4–6 weeks prior to sailing (bookable upon receipt of official booking number).

 
Key Dates & Booking

●    First Round Presale Sign-Ups: now through September 14 at 11:59 PM ET

●    Second Round Presale Sign-Ups: through September 21 at 11:59 PM ET

●    Final Round Presale Sign-Ups: through September 24 at 11:59 PM ET

●    Public On-Sale: September 26 at 2:00 PM ET exclusively at MoonRiverAtSea.com

●    Bonus: First 400 cabins booked during presale receive access to an exclusive “Kitchen

●    Covers” set by Drew & Ellie Holcomb

●    Deposit: Bookings available for $100 down per person before March 11, 2026

MOON RIVER AT SEA

PRESENTED BY DREW HOLCOMB AND THE NEIGHBORS

Sailing November 11-15, 2026 from Miami, FL to Nassau, Bahamas

aboard Norwegian Jewel

Lineup:

Old Crow Medicine Show

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Mat Kearney – JOHNNYSWIM

Mon Rovîa – Ellie Holcomb – The Brook & The Bluff – The Lone Bellow

Donovan Woods – The National Parks – The Arcadian Wild

Sean McConnell – Natalie Hemby – Madeline Edwards

Carly Bannister – Happy Landing – Abraham Alexander

The New Respects – Hogslop String Band – K.S. Rhoads

The Neighbors – Small Time – Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights

Shut Up & Dance – Kate Smith Yoga

Comedian Sets:

Dustin Nickerson

Jenna Kim Jones

Carly Bannister

Indie Rock Artist Henry J. Star Announces Debut Album ‘The Soft Apocalypse’ With Poignant New Single “Petrichor”

Eric Alper
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Indie Rock Artist Henry J. Star Announces Debut Album ‘The Soft Apocalypse’ With Poignant New Single “Petrichor”

Henry J. Star, the creative alias of Knoxville, TN-born singer-songwriter Devin Badgett, was born out of an offering to his younger self. The debut project of the visionary creative, Henry J. Star is a rich tapestry of sonic and personal influences—drawing from Japanese adventure games, ambient music, and Southern literature—to chronicle a powerful journey toward understanding and healing.

Earlier this summer, Badgett announced his debut album, The Soft Apocalypse, out October 17 via Acrophase Records, and introduced the world to Henry J. Star through lead single “Greenway”—a track that earned him early comparisons to Youth Lagoon and Alex G.

Now, Henry J. Star has shared “Petrichor,” a heavy and powerful reckoning on what it means to navigate the world as a Black individual. The track opens with a gut-punch question:
“What if I die today?”

It’s a song about the exhausting calculus of simply existing — the weight of everyday decisions, and the real, lived consequences they carry.

Written, produced, and largely performed by Badgett in bedrooms and basements across Tennessee, The Soft Apocalypse is a fearless realization of his singular creative vision. The album draws from the complex weight of Badgett’s past—including his father’s incarceration, the intricacies of his multi-racial identity, and the quiet isolation of suburban life. For Badgett, music became a lifeline—a way to build a world beyond what he could see.

A worn VHS copy of The NeverEnding Story sparked that sense of wonder early on. “It was perhaps the first time I believed that a better world was not only possible, but worth fighting for,” he says.

LEGO Unveils Epic Star Wars Death Star Set With 9,023 Pieces And 38 Minifigures

Eric Alper
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LEGO Unveils Epic Star Wars Death Star Set With 9,023 Pieces And 38 Minifigures

LEGO is set to release its most ambitious Star Wars build yet: the new Death Star. Standing 28 inches tall and 32 inches wide, the set features 9,023 pieces and 38 minifigures. Arriving October 4, 2025, at $999.99, it promises an immersive galactic experience for collectors. This centerpiece build captures the scale and detail fans have dreamed of. You can get it here.

40 Fingers Perform Mesmerizing Four-Guitar Cover Of David Bowie’s “Life On Mars”

Eric Alper
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40 Fingers Perform Mesmerizing Four-Guitar Cover Of David Bowie’s “Life On Mars”

The four virtuosos of 40 Fingers have turned David Bowie’s “Life on Mars” into a breathtaking guitar symphony. Filmed in a desert glowing red like the planet, the cover radiates artistry and atmosphere. It’s a cinematic take on a classic that feels both otherworldly and timeless.



Sebastian Schub Shares Intimate New Single “Be Still” From Debut EP ‘Sing Like Madonna’

Eric Alper
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Sebastian Schub Shares Intimate New Single “Be Still” From Debut EP ‘Sing Like Madonna’

Sebastian Schub has released “Be Still,” a beautifully restrained and intimate new single from his debut EP Sing Like Madonna, out now via Island EMI / Capitol Records.

“Be Still” puts Schub’s rich baritone front and center, capturing the emotional resonance that has drawn audiences across sold-out tours and viral online moments. It’s a powerful showcase of Schub’s emerging artistry and the depth behind his songwriting.

Born in Hamburg, Schub’s journey began as a child in the city’s youth opera academy, studying mime, theatre, and vocal performance. A move to London at 17 saw him busking to support his dreams. With time, practice, and open mic gigs at Camden’s Spiritual Bar, he developed the sound that now defines his work.

His debut EP is the culmination of years spent refining his voice—both musically and lyrically. A non-native English speaker, Schub worked hard to master the language and its nuances. “I read Jane Eyre four times… just to get it,” he says.

Now collaborating with producers like Steve Fitzmaurice, Rob Kirwan, and Dann Hume, Sebastian Schub is ready for his moment.

The Eagles Expand Sphere Residency To 48 Shows Through January 2026

Eric Alper
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The Eagles Expand Sphere Residency To 48 Shows Through January 2026

residency, now featuring 48 shows through January 31st, offers fans the ultimate connection to the band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only Sphere can provide.

The general on-sale for the new shows will begin Friday, September 19th, at 10 am local time.

Advance presale registration is available by Seated, and begins Wednesday, September 17th at 10 am PT. Live Nation, Ticketmaster, and Sphere presales begin Thursday, September 18, at 10 am PT. Tickets start at $175 and reflect all-in pricing.

Limited VIP Ticket Packages will be available with premium seats, exclusive merchandise, parking, & more.

Vibee is the Hotel & Experience Package partner for the Eagles Sphere residency. Vibee packages include a concert ticket and a two-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas – the only resort connected to Sphere – with guests receiving priority entry to the venue, commemorative keepsakes, and more. Vibee Hotel & Experience packages for the newly announced dates are available beginning Tuesday, September 9th at 10 am PT.

The Vibee Concierge and Eagles Third Encore Experience is conveniently located in The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, located just off Restaurant Row. Admission is free and open to the public. It features the Troubadour replica, exclusive to Vibee VIP guests, as well as the Hotel California immersive experience, memorabilia, merch store, and all-new activations that all fans are sure to love.

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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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