Portuguese mathcore trio Ablaze officially emerges today with the premiere of their striking new video for “Martyr,” the lead single from their forthcoming EP Slow Death. Forged during the isolation of 2020, the project began as a cathartic instrumental outlet for Hugo Martins (Pledge) and drummer Igor Esteves (Larkin) before a chance reconnection with veteran vocalist André Cardoso transformed the tracks into something sharper and more confrontational. Drawing influence from the raw energy of Converge and Poison the Well, the project serves as a visceral document of years of writing and buried emotion finally brought to the surface. Listeners describe the new material as a breathtaking celebration of cultural resonance and rhythmic precision. While the band was born out of necessity rather than ambition, the result is a heavy, unfiltered statement that officially arrives in full on February 6.
SiriusXM Canada Launches 2026 “Top Of The Country” Search For Next Country Superstar
SiriusXM Canada is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. Open to emerging performers from coast to coast to coast, the nationwide competition, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association, celebrates Canada’s next generation of country music artists. The competition offers industry mentorship, performance opportunities, a SOCAN songwriting camp, and a national stage appearance, along with a $25,000 grand prize and two $10,000 runner-up prizes. Registration is now open to solo artists and groups until January 30 at topcountry.siriusxm.ca.
Since its launch in 2018, SiriusXM’s Top of the Country has become a proven platform for breakthrough Canadian country talent, helping to propel artists like Andrew Hyatt, Matt Lang, Tyler Joe Miller, Hailey Benedict, SACHA, Zach McPhee and Noeline Hofmann to the mainstage.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of SiriusXM Top of the Country is seeing audiences connect with new Canadian country stars in real time,” said Michelle Mearns, Senior Vice President of Programming & Operations, SiriusXM Canada. “Over the past eight years, the competition has served as a powerful platform for artist development, offering unmatched experiences, national exposure, and access to major stages. The sustained enthusiasm from artists and fans alike continues to strengthen and expand the program each year.”
Last year’s competition saw Alberta’s Noeline Hofmann crowned the 2025 Top of the Country champion, with Jake Vaadeland and Sully Burrows as runners-up.
“Winning the Top of the Country competition has been one of the biggest highlights of my career,” said Hofmann during the finale in Kelowna. “I’m incredibly grateful to SiriusXM Canada and the CCMA for this opportunity, and I encourage artists considering the competition to sign up.”
Following the nomination phase, an expert panel selects eight semi-finalists to record original tracks, with a nationwide fan vote helping to determine the top three. The finalists will move forward to a summer of live performance and showcase opportunities Nashville’s CMA Fest, LASSO Montréal, and new this year, Toronto’s Departure Festival. The competition will culminate at Country Music Week 2026, taking place this year in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where the top three will perform live and the 2026 winner will be crowned on stage.
“The CCMA’s long-standing partnership with SiriusXM Canada plays an integral role in helping us achieve our key pillars; to educate, elevate, and celebrate the Canadian country music community,” said Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “As we enter our eighth year of the Top of the Country partnership, we’re so proud of what we’ve built together, and endlessly motivated by our shared interest in fostering homegrown artists. The level of exceptional talent that has emerged over the years has been so inspiring, and we look forward to seeing what this year’s competition brings!”
SiriusXM Top of the Country, in partnership with the CCMA, is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music talent. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach.
Long Island Artist Christopher Ardra Returns With Soulful Post-Genre Single “Tell Me”
New York artist Christopher Ardra returns today with his new single “Tell Me,” a song about trying to figure out who you want to be or what you actually want in life. Written and produced by Ardra in his Long Island studio, “Tell Me” is the first taste from a sophomore album due later in 2026. Ardra and his band will preview the record at a live performance, March 26 @ DROM, in New York City.
Discussing the single, Ardra notes, “‘Tell Me’ was one of the first I wrote as a solo artist, and I’ve performed it at every show I’ve had, although it’s grown up a bit along the way. The song is about several people in my life who I feel do not act in their own interest because they cannot figure out what they want. They don’t know where they see themselves and therefore are constantly creating situations that they do not actually want to be in.
I have two horn players on this song; Jerry Loeb who was my middle school/high school band teacher and is probably the person most responsible in my life for educating me about how to create music and the theory behind it. And Gabi Rose (Bilmurri/The Jonas Brothers) playing saxophone.”
The atmospheric album opener and first single “Tell Me” immediately draws the listener in. Ardra’s smooth, whispered vocals make way for a danceable celebration of melody and groove buoyed by female backing vocals. Like much of Ardra’s work, the song is a meeting of the virtual – in this case programmed beats – and the visceral, with lush vocals, live drums, a spoken-word interlude, and fluid, fleet-fingered guitars.
“Tell Me” follows Ardra’s 2025 EP, SaiRu and 2024 LP, Sometimes Other Times. After five records with the band Station, Ardra is proving himself to be a restless and nimble solo artist, continually expanding and exploring new musical avenues.
Maryland To Host World’s First Small Scale Sphere Venue At National Harbor
Sphere Entertainment Co. has officially announced plans to develop a new venue at National Harbor, Maryland, marking the second Sphere location in the United States. In partnership with the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County, this landmark project will be the first to utilize a “smaller-scale” design model with a seating capacity of 6,000. While more intimate than the Las Vegas original, the venue will still feature the signature “Exosphere” exterior and a record-breaking 16K interior LED display. Listeners describe the new material as a breathtaking celebration of cultural resonance and rhythmic precision. Governor Wes Moore hailed the announcement as one of the largest economic development projects in the county’s history, projected to generate over $1 billion in annual economic impact once operational.
The project is expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs during the construction phase and 4,750 permanent positions once the doors open. Located just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C., the National Harbor site was selected for its status as a premier tourist destination that already attracts 15 million visitors annually. The venue will leverage approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives to bring Sphere’s proprietary haptic seating and 4D environmental technologies to the East Coast. James L. Dolan, CEO of Sphere Entertainment, emphasized that this move is part of a broader vision to establish a global network of immersive venues. The development remains contingent on final governmental approvals and definitive agreements, with the site intended to host year-round concerts, brand events, and original “Sphere Experiences.”
uno Nominee Spencer Mackenzie Ignites The Blues With Electrified Rory Gallagher Classic “Don’t Know Where I’m Going”
Southern Ontario’s own Spencer Mackenzie cranks up the volume with his fourth single, “Don’t Know Where I’m Going,” ahead of his highly anticipated album ‘Empty Chairs’. This bold reimagining of the Rory Gallagher acoustic classic transforms the original into a high-octane blues-rock anthem. Produced by two-time Juno nominee Ross Hayes Citrullo, the track features a deep, gritty guitar tone paired with a fast-moving, hard-hitting rhythm section. Listeners describe the new material as a breathtaking celebration of cultural resonance and rhythmic precision. The single marks a fearless step forward for the Maple Blues Award winner as he prepares for his February 20 release on Gypsy Soul Records.
The upcoming album ‘Empty Chairs’ explores a diverse sonic landscape, ranging from the hard-hitting social commentary of “Frozen Hearts” to the soulful intimacy of “Till I Get to You.” Recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, the project captures the raw energy of a live performance with a powerhouse ensemble featuring Miles Evans Branagh on Hammond organ. Mackenzie seamlessly fuses the influence of blues legends with a modern rock edge to create a sound that is both technically precise and emotionally raw. Every track on the record reflects a decade of growth and an infectious passion for the genre. Fans can experience this new chapter live as Mackenzie hits the road for a series of album release concerts across Ontario and beyond this spring.
EMPTY CHAIRS TRACK LISTING:
Empty Chairs
Trip
What You Do
Don’t Know Where I’m Going
Till I Get to You
Frozen Hearts
Helping Hands
Why
Shoot Me Down
Won’t Find Her
Evil
2026 TOUR DATES:
2/19: Toronto, ON — Hugh’s Room Live
2/20: Hamilton, ON — Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
2/27: Fort Erie, ON — The Sanctuary – Centre for the Arts
2/28: London, ON — German Canadian Club
3/22: Williamsville, NY — Samuel’s Grande Manor
4/10: Saint-Eustache, QC — La Petite Église
4/11: Val-Morin, QC — Théâtre du Marais
8/21: Thunder Bay, ON — Port Arthur Stadium
Alt Rock Powerhouse Soul Blind Announces Spring 2026 Headline Tour For New Album ‘Red Sky Mourning’
Soul Blind prepares to hit the road this spring for a massive North American headline tour following the triumphant release of their sophomore album ‘Red Sky Mourning’. Joining the lineup for these dates are special guests Split Chain, Downward, and Dream Fatigue. This upcoming trek follows a successful 2025 run where the group shared stages with Better Lovers and Saves the Day. Fans can secure entry when tickets go on sale this Friday, January 16, at 10am local time.
On ‘Red Sky Mourning’, the band distills influences from Alice in Chains and Soundgarden through a unique hardcore and DIY-inflected sieve. The recordings feature an unmistakable curtain of guitars and subterranean melodies that create a pensive journey through themes of isolation and eventual redemption. This new sonic direction represents a bold evolution from their 2022 debut while maintaining the emotional intensity that first captivated their audience. The studio sessions resulted in ten tracks that explore darkness and hope with equal fervor. Every performance on the spring tour promises to deliver these visceral arrangements with a focus on raw energy and atmospheric depth.
RED SKY MOURNING TRACK LISTING:
Business or Pleasure
Dyno
Hide Your Evil
Mistake to Wonder
Billy
For Real
Thru The Haze
Red Sky Mourning
New York Smoke
Closer To You
SPRING TOUR DATES 2026:
4/14: Toronto, ON — Hard Luck
4/15: Detroit, MI — Sanctuary
4/16: Chicago, IL — Reggie’s
4/18: Denver, CO — Marquis
4/20: Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court
4/21: Boise, ID — Shrine
4/23: Vancouver, BC — Pearl
4/24: Seattle, WA — Vera Project
4/25: Portland, OR — Polaris
4/27: Berkeley, CA — Cornerstone
4/28: Los Angeles, CA — Lodge Room
5/1: Austin, TX — 29th Street Ballroom
5/2: Dallas, TX — Club Dada
5/3: Houston, TX — WOMH Upstairs
5/5: Atlanta, GA — Masquerade
5/7: Baltimore, MD — Ottobar
5/8: Philadelphia, PA — Ukie Club
5/9: New York, NY — Bowery Ballroom
5/10: Boston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
Southern Rockers Rick Monroe And The Hitmen Release Bourbon Soaked Rebellion Single “Bad Thing”
Rick Monroe & The Hitmen unleash their brand-new single “Bad Thing” today via Asylum 1212 Records and Virgin Music Group. This track serves as a gritty preview of the band’s forthcoming studio album ‘Southern Tea Bags’ scheduled for release later this year. Produced by the band alongside Brandon Britton, the song captures a full-throttle energy fueled by bourbon-soaked rebellion. Listeners describe the new material as a breathtaking celebration of cultural resonance and rhythmic precision. The songwriting features raw, confessional lyrics that explore the struggle of pushing through challenges while embracing a reckless spirit.
K-Pop Kings EXO Return With Powerful Cinematic Title Track “Crown” And Eighth Studio Album ‘REVERXE’
K-pop pioneers EXO officially return today with the release of their eagerly-anticipated eighth full-length album ‘REVERXE’. This milestone project marks the group’s first studio album in over two years, centering on a conceptual reinterpretation of a new world opening once again. The title track “Crown” serves as a powerful dance anthem that masterfully blends Atlanta trap drums with heavy metal guitar riffs and intense EDM synths. Listeners describe the new material as a breathtaking celebration of cultural resonance and rhythmic precision. The record effectively reclaims the group’s title as masters of immersive storytelling and world-building through a theatrical lens.
The album features a relentless run of tracks that showcase the veteran group’s agility across diverse musical terrains. “Back It Up” provides a high-energy performance track with experimental beat switches, while “Crazy” takes listeners deeper into a sonic universe fueled by Brazilian funk elements. The cinematic “Moonlight Shadows” and the alluring R&B midtempo “Back Pocket” draw out a sense of desire and refined maturity. This collection follows their 2023 million-selling release ‘EXIST’ and signals a strong return to form for the six participating members.
Fans in Seoul can further immerse themselves in the group’s lore at the “REVERXE the World” pop-up store held at The Hyundai Seoul from January 20 to 27. This eight-day installation features maze-like structures themed after the members’ supernatural powers and the “Exo Universe” concept. Following the album release, the group successfully held a comeback showcase at the Kyung Hee University Grand Peace Hall to premiere the new choreography. These activities fulfill a promise made to followers at their year-end fan meeting to fill the 2026 season with consistent group engagement. The momentum sets a massive stage for their upcoming global activities.
Looking ahead, EXO prepares to launch a new season of their original reality variety program alongside a highly anticipated global concert tour starting this April. This upcoming trek marks their first solo tour in years and intends to bring the “Crown” narrative to stages worldwide. While additional schedule details remain forthcoming, the group has already confirmed their participation in major upcoming joint concerts. ‘REVERXE’ serves as the definitive anchor for this new chapter, cementing EXO’s legacy as influential forces in modern music. Detailed ticketing information for the spring tour will appear on official channels in the near future.
French Post Punk Force Nastyjoe Invites Listeners To Enter Their First Album ‘The House’
Nastyjoe delivers a visceral exploration of the self with their debut full-length album ‘The House’ following a successful run of over one hundred concerts across France. Recorded and mixed by Baptiste Leroy, the project captures the band’s signature blend of 90s-accented indie and post-punk intensity. The record functions as a mental architecture where each track represents a different room of memory, identity, and inner chaos. Listeners describe the new material as a breathtaking celebration of cultural resonance and rhythmic precision. This release follows the band’s prestigious selections at iNOUïS du Printemps de Bourges and the Prix Chorus.
The songwriting on ‘The House’ transforms personal fragility into a muscular sonic strength through introspective lyrics and no-frills arrangements. Reality distorts throughout the album to the point of surrealism as the walls of this metaphorical home vibrate with shifting identities. The tracks confront ghosts and question what remains when traditional bearings collapse in a world in constant motion. Nastyjoe creates a universe that evokes the moody jangle of The Cure alongside the modern grit of Fontaines D.C. It serves as an invitation to face imperfection and rebuild from within the wreckage of the past.
The band returns to the stage today, January 20, at the BISE Festival in Nantes to begin their 2026 tour cycle. The upcoming schedule includes a highly anticipated headline performance at La Maroquinerie in Paris on February 6. Nastyjoe will also bring their intense live energy to international audiences with two dates at FOCUS Wales in the United Kingdom this May. Each show offers a direct and powerful presentation of the new compositions where the music gets straight to the point. These performances highlight the band’s growth from local outsiders to a significant force in the European post-punk scene.
The tour continues through the summer with a festival appearance at Skaterock in Chelles on June 27. Fans can experience the shifting textures of the new album live at various stops including Festival Hibernarock and Hors Piste Festival. Tickets for all 2026 dates are available through venue box offices and official festival platforms. As the band traverses France and the UK, they continue to tell a story of growing up and finding one’s place through sound. ‘The House’ stands as a definitive statement for Nastyjoe as they cement their reputation for delivering one of the most compelling live experiences in rock today.
UPCOMING SHOWS 2026:
1/20: Nantes, FR — BISE Festival
1/31: Aurillac, FR — Festival Hibernarock
2/6: Paris, FR — La Maroquinerie
2/20: Annecy, FR — Hors Piste Festival
5/7: Wrexham, UK — FOCUS Wales
5/8: Wrexham, UK — FOCUS Wales
6/27: Chelles, FR — Festival Skaterock
Denver Rock Quartet Sqwerv Kickstarts National Tour Celebrating The Psychedelic ‘Wonder’ EP
Denver-based “everything rock” quartet Sqwerv launches a national tour this week in support of their latest release, ‘Wonder’ EP. The new six-song collection highlights the group’s evolution through psychedelic funk and jam-fusion, following two prolific full-length albums in 2024. Listeners can currently find the record on all streaming platforms or secure one of only 500 limited-edition vinyl pressings. The project features the fan-favorite single “Keep On Moving”, a resilient anthem blending shimmering guitars with soulful, cinematic grooves. Listeners describe the new material as a breathtaking celebration of cultural resonance and rhythmic precision.
The band brings their high-energy live show to over 20 cities across the country during this three-month trek. Road warriors Guy Frydenlund, Jack Marty, Caden Kramer, and Zach Bulgarelli will travel through the West and Southwest with stops in California and Oregon. Lead guitarist Guy Frydenlund expresses a deep love for the touring lifestyle and the growing community of fans they meet along the way. “It’s a good feeling to be chasing our dream across the US,” says Frydenlund regarding the new tour. The schedule includes highly anticipated appearances at the Mental Awakening and Northlands music festivals.
Sqwerv has built a reputation for fearless improvisation and a magnetic stage presence that feels like a communal ceremony. Their history includes sharing stages with legends like George Clinton and modern jam titans like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. The current tour visits iconic venues such as The Mint in Los Angeles and the Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. Many dates feature collaborations with local artists, including members of Balkan Bump and The Westones.
Fans can follow the group’s journey from the Colorado mountains to the Pacific coast through their updated tour itinerary. The 2026 run includes a mix of ticketed club dates, free community shows, and outdoor festival sets. After logging over 100,000 miles in previous years, the quartet remains committed to exploring new territories with their fresh vinyl in hand. More dates and festival announcements are expected as the year progresses. This tour solidifies Sqwerv’s standing as a rising force in the national rock scene and a must-see act for fans of adventurous music.
WONDER EP TOUR 2026:
1/22: Tacoma, WA — Spanish Ballroom
1/23: Portland, OR — Jack London Revue
1/24: Bend, OR — Commonwealth Pub
1/25: Eugene, OR — John Henry’s
1/29: San Francisco, CA — Rickshaw Stop
1/30: Nevada City, CA — Crazy Horse
1/31: Sacramento, CA — Torch Club
2/1: Felton, CA — Felton Music Hall
2/5: Fresno, CA — Goldsteins
2/6: Los Angeles, CA — The Mint
2/7: San Diego, CA — The Holding Company
2/11: Prescott, AZ — Bird Cage
2/12: Phoenix, AZ — Last Exit Live
2/13: Flagstaff, AZ — Orpheum Theater
2/14: Farmington, NM — Lauter Haus Brewing
2/15: Telluride, CO — The Alibi
3/28: Atlanta, GA — Mental Awakening Festival
6/20: Swanzey, NH — Northlands Music Festival