The official trailer has been released for ‘Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It’, a new documentary exploring the life, music, and personal journey of Billy Preston. The film traces Preston’s path from backing Mahalia Jackson at age five to becoming a Grammy-winning solo artist and a key collaborator with artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Ray Charles. Alongside his musical legacy, the documentary examines Preston’s struggle to reconcile his faith within the Black church with his sexuality, highlighting a lifelong search for love, identity, and acceptance.
Official Trailer Released For Billy Preston Documentary, ‘That’s The Way God Planned It’
Canadian Singer Songwriter Maddisun Shares Official Video For “Amber” During UK And Ireland Tour
Canadian artist Maddisun has released the official music video for “Amber” as she continues a run of live dates across the UK and Ireland. The song appears on her third album ‘The Pages’, which arrived on digital platforms in October following an earlier physical release on vinyl, CD, and cassette. Written by Maddisun and Julian Bueckert, who also produced the track, “Amber” is the latest visual drawn from an album built as a twelve-song musical journal.
Reflecting on the video, Maddisun says, “This song is about self-exploration and manifesting our own positive energy amidst the whirlwind of activity and opinions that surround us.” She adds that she and director Laura Lynn Petrick chose a ’90s-inspired digital and Super 8MM aesthetic set in Toronto to emphasize staying grounded and tuning out background noise. ‘The Pages’ was written entirely by Maddisun, with production split between Bueckert, Ian Docherty, and Jim Bryson, and follows years of touring across Canada, Ireland, and the U.S.
Songwriters Hall Of Fame Names Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, And More As 2026 Inductees
Musical icons Walter Afanasieff; Terry Britten and Graham Lyle; Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS; Kenny Loggins; Alanis Morissette; Christopher “Tricky” Stewart; and Taylor Swift will become the latest inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 2026 Induction and Awards Gala. These legendary songwriters are credited with mega-hits such as “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Hand In My Pocket,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Footloose,” “Single Ladies,” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”
The star-studded event is slated for Thursday, June 11th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.
SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers expressed, “The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs. Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history. This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions.”
Key songs in each 2026 inductees catalog include:
Walter Afanasieff
* All I Want For Christmas Is You * My All * Hero * Love Will Survive * One Sweet Day *
Terry Britten and Graham Lyle
* What’s Love Got To Do With It * We Don’t Need Another Hero * Typical Male * Devil Woman * I Should Have Known Better *
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS
* Rock and Roll All Nite * I Love It Loud * Calling Dr. Love * Shout It Out Loud * Christine 16*
Kenny Loggins
* Danny’s Song * Footloose * Celebrate Me Home * Return to Pooh Corner * What A Fool Believes *
Alanis Morissette
* You Oughta Know * Ironic * Hand in My Pocket * Thank U * Uninvited *
Christopher “Tricky” Stewart
* Umbrella * Single Ladies * Obsessed * Just Fine * Break My Soul *
Taylor Swift
* All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) * Blank Space * Anti-Hero * Love Story * The Last Great American Dynasty *
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) serves as a vital bridge between music’s past and future. In the Hall, musical pioneers are enshrined and celebrated, while the organization’s outreach to the music community grooms the next generation of troubadours. To qualify for induction, a songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song.
The New Pornographers Announce New Album, ‘The Former Site Of’ And Share Video For “Votive”
Today, following news of their 2026 tour, The New Pornograpers – A.C. Newman, Kathryn Calder, Neko Case, John Collins, and Todd Fancey — announce their new album, The Former Site Of, out on March 27, 2026. The album is now available to pre-order on CD, LP, or limited-edition red and orange marble “Mai Tai” Peak Vinyl from the Merge store, as well as clear and black-spattered “Spilled Ink” vinyl exclusive to The New Pornographers’ webstore. Listen to lead single “Votive” wherever you stream music, and watch the Michael Arthur-animated video below.
Built around the sound of frontperson A.C. Newman’s mandolin, “Votive” builds from an atmospheric synth and keyboard opening into a wide-open jam. The video, animated by Michael Arthur, draws on the imagery of Newman’s lyrics alongside his and keyboardist/vocalist Kathryn Calder’s hooky refrain, “I didn’t see you there.”
On The Former Site Of, the tenth studio album from the acclaimed supergroup, ten short stories of people at personal and societal extremes are collected as meticulously crafted pop songs. The record was first crafted by Newman in his home studio before being brought to the band, composed of A.C. Newman, Kathryn Calder, Neko Case, John Collins and Todd Fancey. The band is joined for the first time by storied session drummer Charley Drayton (Divinyls, The Rolling Stones, Fiona Apple). Josh Wells (Destroyer, Black Mountain) will join as the touring drummer for the band’s upcoming dates in the Spring.
Of the making of the album, Newman shares, “Having time in my studio really opened things up. I don’t like wasting my bandmates’ time, and always felt guilty when I’d give them a song, ask them to do something, then completely change the song and ask them to do it again. Now I can get the skeleton of a song together first—just a couple of elements, the key feeling, really as little as possible—before bringing it to the band and running from there.”
The band will kick off their U.S. tour on April 22 at The Wilbur in Boston with stops at New York’s Webster Hall, Los Angeles’ Teragram Ballroom, Chicago’s The Metro, Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club and many more, with support from Will Sheff of Okkervil River. Tickets are available now at thenewpornographers.com, full details and a list of dates can be found below.
The New Pornographers on tour:
Apr 22 Boston, MA – The Wilbur*
Apr 23 New York, NY – Webster Hall*
Apr 24 Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre*
Apr 25 Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall*
Apr 27 Detroit, MI – El Club*
Apr 29 Milvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre*
Apr 30 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues*
Mat 01 Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall*
May 02 Minneapolis, MN – The Fitzgerald Theater*
May 03 Chicago, IL – The Metro*
May 05 Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre*
May 06 Salt Lake City, UT – The Commonwealth Room*
May 08 Seattle, WA – The Showbox*
May 09 Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater*
May 11 San Francisco, CA – The Castro Theatre*
May 12 Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom*
May 13 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom*
May 15 Austin, TX – Mohawk Outside*
May 16 Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater
May 17 Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live*
May 19 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse*
May 20 Saxapahaw, NC – Haw River Ballroom*
May 21 Washington, D.C. – 9:30 Club*
* w/Will Sheff (of Okkervil River)
The Beach Boys Celebrate Mid-1970s Era With 73-Track Collection ‘We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years’
In the mid-1970s, the unexpected success of two back-to-back Top 10 greatest hits albums pushed The Beach Boys toward their early surf-and-cars past, fueling hits-laden nostalgia tours at sold-out stadiums and arenas across the U.S. Amidst this era, America’s Band, led by Brian Wilson’s return to songwriting and producing, quietly made some of the rawest, unexpected, and most emotionally exposed studio recordings of their career at their recording haven, Brother Studio in Santa Monica, Calif. Across a period defined by intense touring, shifting internal dynamics, and the highly publicized “Brian’s Back!” campaign, all five principal members — Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine — contributed to a body of work far more complex than the era’s public narrative suggested.
Following the revelatory ’70s-era box sets Feel Flows — centered on the albums Sunflower and Surf’s Up — and Sail On Sailor, which explored the Carl and the Passions – “So Tough” and Holland sessions, We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years turns to the next chapter of the band’s evolution. The expansive new collection, due February 13 via Capitol/UMe, gathers this pivotal period, recorded between 1976-77 at Brother Studio into one place for the first time, anchoring itself around a newly remastered edition of The Beach Boys Love You (1977) and the album sessions, the first-ever official release of the long-shelved Adult/Child sessions, and a wealth of outtakes and alternates from the transitional 15 Big Ones (1976) sessions. These recordings powered the era’s “Brian’s Back!” campaign — launched to rebalance the band’s commercial fortunes — which presented Brian as returning to full creative command even as his participation in the studio remained uneven and, at times, fragile.
The six-disc box set (3CD & 3LP), co-produced by acclaimed producer/mixing engineer James Sáez and longtime Beach Boys historian Howie Edelson, with artist direction from band archivist Alan Boyd, offers an in-depth look at Brian’s late-’70s burst of songwriting and producing while also showcasing the essential contributions of Mike, Al, Carl, and Dennis. The 73-track collection, boasting 35 unreleased and 22 newly mixed tracks, presents the majority of the album sessions across three LPs with additional outtakes, alternate mixes and demos on three CDs, which also include the same tracks as the vinyl. The albums are packaged in a handsome 12.75” x 12.75” slipcase emblazoned with a picture of the stunning stained-glass window that hung in Brother Studio and features a 40-page booklet with extensive, illuminating liner notes by co-producer Edelson that draws on new and archival interviews with all of The Beach Boys and the Brother Studio engineer team of Stephen Moffitt, Earle Mankey and John Hanlon to tell the story of this integral and influential era. The booklet is filled with a slew of rare photos, tape box images and artifacts of the era and a complete sessionography detailing when and where every recording was made.
“We Gotta Groove,” the song that gives the set its name, is available to listen to now. An upbeat outtake of the Love You sessions, written and produced by Brian Wilson, the track, which has been newly mixed by co-producer Sáez, was recorded to 2” 24-track tape between October-November 1976 at Brother Studio and features Mike Love on lead vocal, with backing vocals and electric guitar by Billy Hinsche, and Brian on vocals and all other instrumentation, including Baldwin electric harpsichord, drums, tack upright piano, Hammond B-3 organ, electric bass and tambourine.
In celebration of this historic release, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles will host a special evening on Thursday, February 12, bringing together the compilation producers Edelson and Sáez in conversation with the original Brother Studio engineers, Stephen Moffitt, Earle Mankey and John Hanlon, who will reunite for the first time since these recordings were made 50 years ago to talk about this pivotal and underappreciated period of The Beach Boys catalog. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: INSERT LINK
Upon returning home from Holland where they recorded their 1973 album of the same name, The Beach Boys relocated their homebase from Brian’s Bel Air mansion to a former X-rated movie theater at 1454 5th St. in Santa Monica, Calif., that they christened Brother Studio. The studio was designed and headed up by Stephen Moffitt who had previously created Geordie Hormel’s Village Recorders – a West L.A. mainstay for so many top acts over the years. In addition to The Beach Boys, Brother hosted sessions by Elton John, Eric Carmen, The Runaways, Helen Reddy, The Paley Brothers, and The Quick, among others.
The first disc of We Gotta Groove features The Beach Boys Love You which has been newly remastered from the original 1977 mix, alongside 10 period outtakes, providing a fuller picture of the fruitful album sessions that lasted from October 1976 to January 1977. Recorded largely at Brother Studio with Brian at the console and playing most of the instruments, Love You strips the group to blocky analog synthesizers, pounding piano, and close-mic’d vocals. Its distinctive sound world — driven by ARP and Oberheim synths rather than traditional Beach Boys instrumentation — has since become one of the most studied and influential aspects of the album, turning songs about parenthood (“I Wanna Pick You Up”), romance (“Roller Skating Child”), the cosmos (“Solar System”), and talk show hosts (“Johnny Carson”) into something both childlike and unexpectedly modern. Mike and Al’s unmistakable vocal signatures — from Mike’s bass and baritone leads to Al’s crystalline high parts — play a crucial role in grounding Brian’s synthesizer-driven arrangements, while Carl’s controlled, elegant leads and Dennis’s rough-edged emotional intensity add depth and contrast throughout.
While divisive among critics and fans at release, Brian frequently cited Love You as his favorite Beach Boys record, calling it “the best album we ever made.” Over the ensuing nearly five decades since its release, it has become a cult classic and a touchstone for musicians far outside classic rock circles. R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck has also singled it out as his favorite Beach Boys album, and generations of indie and alternative artists have gravitated toward its cracked vocals, minimal synth-pop textures, and outsider sincerity — hearing in it a proto-new-wave sensibility as much as a late-period Beach Boys LP. As Edelson writes in the liners, “Upon the initial release of The Beach Boys Love You, non-believers picked up on the D.I.Y. punk ethos from the Lower East Side all the way to the hipper enclaves across Europe. Today, Brian Wilson’s left field use of keyboards in the 1970s is considered to be an early influence for 1980’s New Wave, Synth Pop, and New Romantic record makers.”
If Love You is the era’s officially released peculiar masterpiece, Adult/Child is its whispered legend. Recorded in 1977 with arranger Dick Reynolds, whose sophisticated Four Freshmen–style charts Brian had idolized since youth, the shelved album leans into big-band swing, lounge textures, fitness jingles, and some of Brian’s most disarmingly intimate originals, including “Still I Dream of It” and “It’s Over Now.” Brian sidestepped the electronic buzz found on Love You and instead tapped into a simpler era. “I wrote a song for Frank Sinatra once called ‘Still I Dream Of It.’ He didn’t say yes to the song. It was a beautiful song about loneliness and hope. The song ended up on an album named Adult/Child, which was filled with those kinds of songs. It was a Beach Boys album that never came out,” Brian remarked in an interview.
Prepared for release but ultimately vetoed and left in the vault, Adult/Child circulated for decades only through collectors’ tapes and bootlegs, attaining near-mythical status among fans. Its mixture of big-band pastiche, autobiographical confession, and unabashed eccentricity left both the label and parts of the band uncertain how to present it, resulting in its quiet shelving. We Gotta Groove finally assembles the material in a coherent album sequence for the first time, supplemented by new 2025 backing-track mixes and session highlights. The group’s distinctive vocal blend, including prominent contributions from Mike, Al, Carl and Dennis adds warmth and cohesion to Brian’s idiosyncratic material, revealing Adult/Child as more of a Beach Boys project than its mythology has often implied.
We Gotta Groove also offers a new perspective on 15 Big Ones through its wealth of studio material rather than its familiar running order. Combining oldies covers with new Brian-penned compositions, the 1976 album, which marked the group’s first long player to feature a “Produced by Brian Wilson” credit since 1966’s Pet Sounds, divided critics even as it returned The Beach Boys to the U.S. Top 10 and produced a major hit with “Rock and Roll Music.” 15 Big Ones was mostly recorded between March through May 1976 at Brother Studio and released quickly after in July of that year. The new set offers the opportunity to hear a variety of covers that were in contention for the album but ultimately didn’t make the cut, including “Mony Mony,” “Running Bear,” “Shake, Rattle & Roll, “On Broadway,” and “Sea Cruise.” Hearing these outtakes reveals the muscular band interplay and dense vocal arrangements beneath the mid-’70s production gloss — including Mike’s dominant lead on the hit single, Al’s powerful vocal contributions, and Carl’s pivotal production leadership — reconnecting the album to the group’s deep studio-craft traditions.
This period also coincided with The Beach Boys’ transformation into one of America’s most successful touring acts, playing massive summer-circuit shows even as their studio recordings grew stranger, more insular, and more Brian-centric behind the scenes. Across its six discs, We Gotta Groove places these contradictions into context, highlighting parallel creative threads in the Beach Boys universe: Dennis’s haunting “Holy Man,” Carl’s developing compositions that would later evolve on L.A. (Light Album), Mike and Al’s essential vocal and conceptual contributions, and a suite of Brian’s studio-cassette demos that reveal Love You and Adult/Child in their most vulnerable form — just voice and keyboard, unvarnished and immediate.
Pulling together newly mixed tracks like “We Gotta Groove,” “Hey There Mama,” and “Short Skirts,” along with finally finished versions of long-circulating titles, We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years reframes 1976–77 as one of the most revealing and creatively restless chapters of the band’s evolution — a moment when all five Beach Boys were navigating change, rediscovering their creative identities, and shaping a deeply human turning point in the continuing story of The Beach Boys.
WE GOTTA GROOVE: THE BROTHER STUDIO YEARS
Disc 1 — The Beach Boys Love You Album (1977 Mix)
LP1 Side 1
1. Let Us Go On This Way
2. Roller Skating Child
3. Mona
4. Johnny Carson
5. Good Time
6. Honkin’ Down The Highway
7. Ding Dang
LP1 Side 2
8. Solar System
9. The Night Was So Young
10. I’ll Bet He’s Nice
11. Let’s Put Our Hearts Together
12. I Wanna Pick You Up
13. Airplane
14. Love Is A Woman
Love You Outtakes (CD Only)
15. Ruby Baby *
16. Marilyn Rovell *
17. Sherry She Needs Me *
18. Lazy Lizzie *
19. We Gotta Groove (2025 Mix) *
20. Hey There Mama (2025 Mix) *
21. Clangin’ (2025 Mix) *
22. Love Is A Woman (Al Jardine Vocal) *
23. Johnny Carson (Alternate Mix With Intro) *
24. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling *
Disc 2 — Adult/Child Sessions
LP2 Side 1
1. Life Is For The Living *
2. Deep Purple *
3. It’s Over Now
4. Still I Dream Of It
5. Everybody Wants To Live *
6. Lines *
7. It’s Trying To Say *
LP2 Side 2
8. Shortenin’ Bread *
9. New England Waltz *
10. Life Is For The Living (Backing Track) *
11. Deep Purple (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
12. It’s Over Now (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
13. Still I Dream Of It (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
1974 – 1977 Select Outtakes (CD Only)
14. Holy Man (2025 Mix Carl Wilson Vocal) **
15. Carl’s Song 1 (It Could Be Anything) (2025 Mix) **
16. Carl’s Song 2 (Angel Come Home) (2025 Mix) **
17. String Bass Song (Rainbows) (2025 Mix) **
18. 10,000 Years Ago *
19. Gimme Some Lovin’ (2025 Mix) *
20. Honeycomb (Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford Vocal) *
21. In The Back Of My Mind (1975 Alternate Take 2025 Mix) **
Disc 3 — 15 Big Ones Outtakes and Alternate Mixes
LP3 Side 1
1. Just Once In My Life (2025 Mix) **
2. Mony, Mony (2025 Mix) *
3. Running Bear (2025 Mix) *
4. Shake, Rattle And Roll *
5. On Broadway (2025 Mix) **
6. Sea Cruise (2025 Mix) **
LP3 Side 2
7. Chapel Of Love (2025 Mix) **
8. Short Skirts (2025 Mix) **
9. TM Song (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
10. Rock And Roll Music (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
11. Had To Phone Ya (2025 Deconstructed Mix) **
12. Just Once In My Life (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
Love You Alternate Mixes (CD Only)
13. Let Us Go On This Way (Alternate Mix) *
14. Mona (2025 Deconstructed Mix) **
15. Honkin’ Down The Highway (Billy Hinsche Vocal) *
16. Ding Dang (Session Highlights and Unedited 2025 Mix) **
17. Solar System (2025 Backing Track Mix) **
18. The Night Was So Young (2025 Vocals Only Mix) **
19. Let’s Put Our Hearts Together (2025 Coda Mix) **
Love You Brian Cassette Demos (CD Only)
20. That Special Feeling (Demo) *
21. It’s Over Now (Demo) *
22. They’re Marching Along (Demo) *
23. Love Is A Woman (Demo) *
24. Mona (Demo) *
25. Airplane (Demo) *
26. Let’s Put Our Hearts Together (Demo) *
27. I’ll Bet He’s Nice (Demo) *
28. Still I Dream Of It (Demo) *
* previously unreleased
** newly mixed in 2025
Luis Fonsi Teams Up With Feid On New Single “Cambiaré”
At a time when music is more necessary than ever, LUIS FONSI kicks off 2026 with an unexpected surprise alongside FEID and releases “Cambiaré,” a song that invites listeners to move, feel and reconnect with joy through rhythm.
Known for his versatility and constant artistic evolution, FONSI surprises us once again with a song that celebrates his cultural roots from a fresh perspective in an unexpected and exciting collaboration with Colombian artist FEID.
“I’m very excited to write and perform a song that’s different from what I’ve been doing throughout my 27-year career. I feel excitement, nerves and adrenaline; I love feeling this way. It feels like starting over,“ explained FONSI. ”It all comes from a place of respect and celebrating my roots, my culture, and that ‘key’ that I carry inside. Without risk, there is no progress, and without courage, there is no evolution.”
“Cambiaré” was born during a songwriting session in Los Angeles with ANDRÉS TORRES and MAURICIO RENGIFO, who regularly collaborate with FONSI. “We had already written many songs, but this one kept running through my head. Every time I sang it, it demanded rhythm and movement. I tried to take it in a different direction, but the song had its own path. I closed my eyes, let myself go, and I’m very happy with the result,” he says.
Musically, the song is based on the rhythms and cadence of salsa, reinterpreted from a contemporary production that connects tradition with a new generation. The song was composed by LUIS FONSI, FEID, ANDRÉS TORRES, and MAURICIO RENGIFO, who were also in charge of production alongside MARCOS SÁNCHEZ.
The collaboration with FEID came about naturally during the creative process. “When I recorded the demo, I knew I wanted a voice with a different color, one that would bring another perspective. I wanted to work with someone fresh, with a very current energy, and with an artist whom I deeply admire. I felt it was the perfect moment for Feid and me to do something completely different and, at the same time, very special for the audience,” FONSI adds.
For the official video, FONSI worked, once again, with renowned director CARLOS PÉREZ, creative director of Elastic People and responsible for iconic videos such as “Despacito,” “Échame La Culpa,” “Imposible,” and “Roma.” Filmed in Puerto Rico, the video captures the essence and energy of the song, developing a story that begins mysteriously and culminates in a vibrant celebration in the streets.
This past weekend, FONSI and FEID met at Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they surprised the crowded streets with an exclusive preview of “Cambiaré.” Within minutes, videos of the viral moment began circulating massively on social media, making the appearance one of the most talked-about events of the weekend.
Dermot Kennedy Announces Third Album, ‘The Weight of the Woods’, And Shares New Single “Funeral”
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy announces his third album, The Weight of the Woods, out March 27th on Island/Interscope Records. The album news is accompanied by the release of the lead single “Funeral” and its stunning music video starring Charlie Rowe and directed by Charlie Sarsfield. The rousing, victorious track premiered last night as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record.
The Weight of the Woods is the organic cultural intersection between Dermot’s native Ireland and Nashville, home to the album’s producer Gabe Simon [Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey]. Simon stole away to Ireland for six weeks tapping into an uncanny collaborative energy with Dermot, where most of the album was written and recorded in a studio down the road from Dermot’s home. As part of the process, Kennedy and Simon also decamped to Gabe’s studio in Nashville. ‘The end result is Dermot’s most self-assured work to date, with deeply poetic lyrics and authentic musicality drawing inspiration, energy, and strength from his strong Irish roots.
“To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story. There’s a forest behind my house, which is a haven for my sense of wonder. It’s a peaceful place where I can escape. I’ve entertained the idea of living somewhere else, but I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.”
With a refreshed approach to his songwriting and production, Dermot has peeled away the layers to let his stunning voice shine through. He explains, “If I get up in a pub with just a guitar or a piano, I’m certain that I can sing to a room full of people. It’s where I’m the most comfortable. I wanted that element to be front-and-center on this album.” The Weight of the Woods blends traditional folk textures, with hints of country influence and soaring melodies that linger long after first listen.
Known for his passionate and powerful live performances, Kennedy has graced the stages of such iconic venues as London’s O2 and New York City’s Madison Square Garden. In May and June, he headlines his largest tour to date across Europe before a run of six UK arena shows, including a return to London’s O2 on June 5th. In July, Dermot returns home for two headline shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the home of Irish Rugby. North American dates will be announced soon.
Other recent live events for Dermot include intimate, stripped back tours of Europe, the UK and North America, a special half-time performance at Soccer Aid Match in Manchester, and memorable shows with GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Zach Bryan at London’s British Summer Time Festival and Indiana’s famed Notre Dame Stadium. Dermot also launched MISNEACH, a new annual global music festival conceived and curated by Dermot himself, celebrating Ireland’s rich musical heritage and culture.
Photo credit: Silken Weinberg.
EUROPE AND UK HEADLINE TOUR 2026
May 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark, Falkonersalen – SOLD OUT
May 12 – Stockholm, Sweden, Annexet
May 14 – Hamburg, Germany, Barclays Arena
May 15 – Berlin, Germany, Max-Schmeling-Halle
May 17 – Zurich, Switzerland, Halle 622
May 18 – Paris, France, L’Olympia
May 20 – Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Rockhal
May 21 – Brussels, Belgium, Forest National
May 23 – Munich, Germany, Zenith
May 24 – Vienna, Austria, Gasometer
May 26 – Dusseldorf, Germany, Mitsubishi Electric Halle
May 27 – Amsterdam, Netherlands, AFAS Live
May 29 – Glasgow, UK, OVO Hydro
May 30 – Manchester, UK, AO Arena
Jun 1 – Cardiff, UK, Utilita Arena
Jun 2 – Leeds, UK, First Direct Bank Arena
Jun 4 – Birmingham, UK, Utilita Arena
Jun 5 – London, UK, The O2
July 11 – Dublin, Ireland, Aviva Stadium – SOLD OUT
July 12 – Dublin, Ireland, Aviva Stadium
Best Used Cars for Long Motorway Journeys
By Mitch Rice
When going on longer trips or commuting many miles daily, cars made for comfort and efficient driving are necessary to avoid fatigue and expensive fuel costs. Luckily, there are plenty of good options on the UK car market, as today’s diesel or hybrid powertrains tend to have high levels of fuel economy when used on highways.
Furthermore, the latest technology features, like Adaptive Cruise Control & Lane Keeping Assist, have greatly reduced the effort of driving in heavy traffic conditions. The following guide summarises the top eight used vehicles that are equipped with these advanced technologies, which make long-distance driving a much more enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Top Used Cars for Motorway Driving
The best long-distance cars focus on comfort, efficiency and luxury of construction.
- Audi A6 – For those who enjoy comfort and style
- Volvo V90 – Swedish quality and luxury
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class – German engineering for silent, blissful rides
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range – The benchmark for all other electric vehicles
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI (Mk7/7.5) – Among the most popular for city driving as well
- Ford Mondeo – A classic choice that will fit most people
- Jaguar F-Pace – For the SUV enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary
- Skoda Superb – Durable comfort at a reasonable price
Audi A6: The Executive Cruiser
The Audi A6 has been a leader in refinement on the Autobahn, offering a quiet, comfortable cabin, great seating, and a perfect driving position. While carVertical offers specialised tools like an Audi VIN decoder free to confirm factory specifications, their main history report is essential for uncovering hidden issues like mileage tampering or past accidents on any vehicle you’re considering, from this A6 to the Volvo or Mercedes on our list.
The A6 is solid and accurate at high speeds. A proper history search is critical for any high-end pre-owned vehicle. Dedicated VIN decoders for Audi automobiles will allow the potential buyer to have a complete insight into both the factory specifications and the previous history of the particular vehicle, so that they can purchase the authentic, fully-equipped, expected Audi automobile.
Volvo V90: The Scandinavian Sanctuary
The Volvo V90 estate offers superb comfort in a stylish and contemporary package. The driving characteristics of the V90 estate focus on comfort and subdued handling characteristics rather than sporty characteristics that are ideal for long-distance travelling. The interior is well designed with a focus on Scandinavian design and has been constructed with high-quality and soothing design materials, as well as very comfortable, ergonomic seating that was designed with orthopaedics in mind.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Limousine Comfort
The Mercedes E-Class is a great choice if you want the luxury of an S-Class without paying the price of an S-Class. The E-Class has been referred to as one of the quietest and most luxurious cars available, and many people describe the driving experience as having “limousine-like comfort.”
The E-Class has an optional air suspension system that offers a super-soft, comfortable ride similar to being on a magic carpet. E-Class interiors are of exceptional quality and provide excellent long-distance comfort with a wide selection of configurations for both sedans and wagons, with tons of cargo room. The E-Class also offers a variety of diesel and hybrid engine options for those of you who want to travel efficiently over long distances.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range: The Electric Interloper
When it comes to the best used cars for long distance driving, driving around town or simply commuting to work, a home charging station could make your experience with the Model 3 an entirely new one. Long Range Model 3 provides you with about 300 miles of true range, so for most trips within the UK, you can charge up to three times while driving.
The experience of operating a Model 3 on the motorway is nothing short of amazing. The car is virtually silent, boasts the same acceleration as a supercar, responds to driver input extremely well, and has Autopilot, the best driver-assist technology available today for any product.
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI (Mk7/7.5): The Compact All-Rounder
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is great for highway use, as the 2.0 litre TDI diesel is also the most powerful and most refined of all the Volkswagen vehicles. Compared to other vehicles, it offers the quietest, smoothest and most comfortable ride. The Golf also provides an excellent ergonomic design inside.
The 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine has excellent fuel economy (50+ mpg), which makes it a great vehicle to own and operate. If you need additional storage capacity, there is the Golf Variant with additional space and all the same attributes as the hatchback that make it fun to drive. The Golf Variant is the ideal choice for people with a lot of highway miles to drive and who do not want the headache of driving a larger vehicle.
Ford Mondeo: The Unflappable Workhorse
The Ford Mondeo has long been established as the UK’s top-selling company car for good reason. With lots of space inside, a very affordable price tag, and it’s well-known for being comfortable while giving a great drive experience and driving position, as well as being stable when going at high speeds.
The 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines are incredibly efficient and long-lasting,g with the ability to achieve 60+ miles per gallon when driven properly. Later variants will also have a hybrid powertrain, which will give you excellent fuel efficiency when driven in everyday conditions. Overall, you get a lot of value for every mile you drive with the Mondeo.
Jaguar F-Pace: The Sporty SUV Contender
Do you want an SUV with ample cargo capacity and a commanding view from the driver’s seat? If you prefer a sporty and responsive vehicle to a big, cushy snoozer, the Jaguar F-Pace is an excellent choice. It is a premium SUV that offers much better sportiness in terms of handling than most other premium SUVs. It is still quiet and really well built both inside and out.
The Jaguar F-Pace uses Ingenium diesel engines, which offer superior performance & fuel efficiency when compared to similarly sized diesel-fuelled automobiles built by other automobile manufacturers. Driving an F-Pace will not only be fun but will also give you style as you drive to & from work each day!
Skoda Superb: The Space and Value Champion
Space is where the Skoda Superb truly excels. The Superb’s rear legroom is similar to that of many limousines. The boot has one of the biggest spaces of any hatchback or estate. The Skoda Superb is also efficient, with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that can achieve over 60 miles per gallon.
The Skoda Super has an excellent driving experience with plenty of room due to its size. It has a near-luxury feel and has ample space compared to the expense of typical luxury brands. Thus, the Skoda Super is the best choice for those who drive a lot and want the most utility at the least cost.
Key Factors for a Long-Distance Champion
When searching for the best used cars for motorway driving, you should take into account comfort, how well they are built, and their ability to hold up over time in order to support your long-distance driving. These important considerations should be taken into account.
The Paramount Importance of Comfort and Refinement
Noise and poor seating systems in a vehicle contribute to driver fatigue when travelling for long periods. An excellent vehicle for long-distance travel will have a lot of comfort features, which include quietness, sound insulation from tyre noise, and wind noise, as well as a suspension system that can absorb small bumps and cracks in the asphalt without sending those bumps and cracks into the passenger cabin of the vehicle.
Fuel Economy: The Crucial Calculation for High Mileage
For drivers who travel 15,000-20,000 miles annually, fuel efficiency becomes an important factor in how much they spend on their car’s operating costs. Diesel engines have been successful in this area, typically providing 10-15% greater fuel economy than their equivalent gasoline models while cruising at high steady speeds over the long term.
Prioritising Space and Practical Luggage Capacity
Having ample passenger space in long-distance vehicles is one of the most beneficial features for families. With sufficient cabin space, all passengers will be comfortable. Additionally, the vehicle’s storage capacity is important. Most saloon cars have relatively compact trunk areas, while most estates have a much larger storage area, which allows for larger items like suitcases, sporting equipment and dog cages to be carried.
Technology and Safety for Effortless Miles
Technology can help make driving on highways safer and more comfortable. For example, having an easy-to-use infotainment system connected to your smartphone, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, will give you navigation options, entertainment options, etc. Also, consider using any driver-assistance tech available, like adaptive cruise control, for added safety and comfort while driving.
Essential Tips for Buying Your Used Motorway Car
Finding the right model is only half the battle; finding the right example of that model is crucial. Here’s how to ensure your purchase is sound.
The Non-Negotiable Vehicle History Check
Don’t make the mistake of falling in love with the wrong car! If you’re considering buying an Audi, you may want to check out some specialised tools like the ‘Audi VIN Decoder’, so you can confirm the details of the car’s production versus what the seller claims. If you didn’t know already, running a vehicle history report is the best way to avoid this, as it will tell you if there’s an outstanding loan on the vehicle, if it has been ‘written-off’, and if there are problems with the odometer.
A Realistic View of Long-Distance Running Costs
Driving on motorways normally results in much less strain being put on the clutch and gearbox than driving through major city traffic. Motorway driving results in a different wear pattern from city driving. Highway driving creates constant pressure on your wheels, brakes and motor, so you should always have quality tyres on your automobile.
Choosing the Right Fuel Type for Your Pattern
Select your fuel type based on how you drive. A modern Euro 6 Diesel should provide you with the best fuel efficiency and lowest CO2 emissions on a motorway where you’re travelling at a constant speed. If you do a lot of urban driving or if you drive into cities that have strict emissions requirements, a full Hybrid or a new efficient Petrol Turbo will be a better fit and should save you money.
The Critical Test Drive: Inspecting for Comfort and Condition
During your test drive, choose a dual carriageway. Stay at 70 mph for at least 20 minutes. When you do this, consider how much wind noise, tyre noise, and vibrations from the drivetrain you notice while driving. Also, test how the car reacts to having strong winds coming from the side, and whether the car has a robust sensation when driving straight. After driving for one hour, see if your seats are still comfortable.
Before purchasing a vehicle, it is essential to check that all driver aids and technology are functioning correctly. It is wise to consider higher miles on the odometer for a vehicle with complete service records. This is because motorway miles are much less taxing than many short trips and repeated cold starts. A pre-purchase inspection from your trusted mechanic should be done to build your confidence in the vehicle’s condition.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Alt text: A couple on their way across the country, visiting distant relatives
When it comes to long-distance travel, one of the top considerations when buying a used car is the type of car that offers maximum comfort. To that end, the car you purchase should offer both maximum comfort and excessive fuel efficiency. When browsing used cars, services such as carVertical’s VIN decoder can be a powerful tool to uncover history, past owners and potential finance problems.
Diesel vehicles generally provide improved fuel economy when compared to other fuel types. However, for optimum performance for short trips and long distances, a hybrid or gasoline car is likely your best option. It’s also important to get a complete vehicle history report on any specific vehicle you are considering.
By focusing on the elements of comfort, efficiency, and reliability, you will be able to easily find the used car that will allow you to fully enjoy every long trip you take.
Why Website Maintenance Aurora and SEO Toronto Strategies Are Now Essential for Service Businesses Competing with AI-Powered Search Results
By Mitch Rice
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI-powered search engines are changing the way users discover services online. For service-based businesses in Aurora, maintaining a secure, fast, and optimized website is no longer optional—it is essential. Pairing Website Maintenance Aurora with strategic seo toronto efforts ensures that your business stays visible, credible, and competitive.
The Impact of AI on Search Visibility
AI-powered search engines prioritize high-quality, authoritative, and fast-loading websites. This means service businesses cannot rely solely on traditional SEO. Proper Website Maintenance Aurora ensures that your website remains technically sound, while seo toronto strategies optimize content for AI-driven search algorithms. Together, these practices help maintain and improve your online rankings.
Enhancing User Experience Through Maintenance
A well-maintained website offers seamless navigation, fast load times, and minimal downtime. These factors directly influence search rankings, as AI algorithms consider user engagement metrics. By investing in Website Maintenance Aurora, service businesses can reduce bounce rates and improve conversions, while seo toronto strategies ensure that this enhanced user experience is discoverable in search results.
Security as a Competitive Advantage
Cybersecurity is more critical than ever, particularly when AI search engines detect sites with potential vulnerabilities. Website Maintenance Aurora includes regular updates, malware scans, and backups, protecting your business and client data. Combining this with seo toronto ensures your site maintains credibility, which search engines reward with higher rankings and better visibility.
Optimizing for AI-Driven Search Queries
AI-powered search relies on context, intent, and semantic relevance rather than just keywords. A strategic seo toronto approach involves optimizing content, meta descriptions, and structured data to align with these AI requirements. In parallel, Website Maintenance Aurora guarantees that your site remains technically compliant and fast-loading, creating a seamless experience for both users and AI crawlers.
Local SEO Advantages for Service Businesses
For service-based businesses, local visibility is paramount. Effective Website Maintenance Aurora ensures your Google Business Profile, contact pages, and service descriptions are always up to date. Coupled with seo toronto tactics such as local keyword targeting and geo-specific content, businesses can attract clients who are actively searching for nearby services, even in AI-driven search results.
Continuous Monitoring and Performance Reporting
Top agencies offering Website Maintenance Aurora provide ongoing monitoring of website performance, security, and SEO metrics. Regular performance reports give businesses actionable insights, allowing adjustments to seo toronto strategies. This continuous feedback loop ensures your site remains competitive in an AI-influenced digital landscape.
Mobile Optimization and Speed as SEO Essentials
AI-powered search increasingly emphasizes mobile-friendly design and page speed. Maintaining these standards requires consistent updates and monitoring, making Website Maintenance Aurora critical. When combined with seo toronto, businesses can enhance visibility, ensuring their services are easily accessible to users on all devices.
Integrating Content Strategy with Maintenance
A well-maintained website supports a content strategy that drives traffic and engagement. Updating blog posts, service pages, and FAQs through Website Maintenance Aurora ensures that content remains relevant and optimized. Strategic seo toronto efforts then make this content discoverable, effectively attracting leads and nurturing clients in a competitive AI-driven market.
Reducing Downtime to Protect Reputation
Website downtime can hurt both user trust and search rankings. Website Maintenance Aurora minimizes disruptions with scheduled updates, emergency fixes, and proactive monitoring. Paired with seo toronto, this approach ensures that your site remains authoritative and visible, reinforcing your business’s reputation in the digital marketplace.
Long-Term Growth Through Integrated Strategies
Combining Website Maintenance Aurora with seo toronto strategies provides a sustainable framework for long-term growth. Service businesses in Aurora can not only stay ahead of AI-driven competitors but also continuously improve their website performance, local visibility, and client engagement. For example, partnering with a trusted agency like GlobeSign, located at 2 Bloor St E Suite #3500, Toronto, ON M4W 1A8, Canada, +1 416-258-7576, provides both expert maintenance and strategic SEO support to drive measurable results.
Investing in Website Maintenance Aurora alongside seo toronto strategies is no longer optional—it is essential for service businesses competing in an AI-driven search environment. By securing your site, optimizing for AI search intent, and maintaining a seamless user experience, your business can stay visible, trusted, and profitable in today’s competitive digital landscape.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Recording Studio to Online Store: Using SSL Certificates to Safeguard Brand
By Mitch Rice
labels, the real action now happens online: you promote on social, send fans to your site, sell merch and tickets through your store, run email lists, and maybe even host a private fan community. In other words, your music brand has quietly become a digital business.
With that shift comes a responsibility many musicians and small labels overlook: web security. When a fan lands on your site and sees a browser warning saying “Not Secure,” they don’t think, “Oh, this artist just hasn’t configured SSL yet.” They think, “Is this safe? Should I really put my card details here?” SSL certificates are one of the simplest tools you can use to avoid that moment of doubt and protect both your fans and your income.
Why Musicians and Labels Need a Secure Online Presence
Fans today expect an “official” website to be safe to use. That expectation isn’t limited to big-name artists; even a small indie act or DIY label is judged by the same standard as major platforms.
They rely on your site for things like:
- Buying merch, vinyl, digital downloads, or tickets
- Downloading stems, sample packs, or fan-only tracks
- Joining mailing lists, fan clubs, or VIP communities
If the browser labels your site as not secure, three things tend to happen:
First, fewer people complete purchases or signups. Even if you use a reputable payment processor, the presence of a warning at the top of the page is often enough to make someone abandon their cart.
Second, your professional image takes a hit. Managers, promoters, and potential collaborators are used to working with secure sites. A missing SSL certificate can subtly signal that your business setup is still rough around the edges.
Third, you increase the risk of disputes, refunds, or chargebacks. If anything does go wrong, fans are more likely to blame you for not providing a secure environment.
What Is an SSL Certificate? (Plain-English Version)
An SSL/TLS certificate is like a digital ID card for your website. When you install one properly, it does two key things.
First, it encrypts the connection between your visitor’s browser and your server. Instead of information like passwords, addresses, or payment details traveling in plain text, it goes through an encrypted “tunnel.” That’s why you see https:// and a padlock icon rather than just http://.
Second, it proves some level of identity. At a basic level, the certificate confirms that the server responding when you visit yourband.com really is controlled by whoever set up that domain. In higher validation levels, it can also prove that the site is run by a specific, legally registered organization.
This is why streaming platforms, ticketing providers, and payment processors have all moved to HTTPS by default. Without it, they’d be wide open to eavesdropping and impersonation attacks.
Real-World Risks for Music Brands Without SSL
It’s easy to think, “I’m just a small artist, who would target me?” But many attacks are automated, and they don’t care about your follower count.
On public Wi‑Fi, for example, a fan might log into your store or fan club from a café or venue. Without encryption, someone on the same network could potentially intercept that traffic and steal login details.
If you run a membership site or fan community, stolen credentials can quickly turn into a cascade of problems: hacked accounts, spam postings, and damage to your reputation when fans realize the issue started on your site.
There’s also the risk of clone sites. Scammers can spin up a fake copy of your store or pre‑order page with a similar URL and try to trick fans into buying from them. If your real site isn’t secured properly, it’s harder for fans to tell which one to trust.
Finally, search engines now demote non‑HTTPS sites. That means if you’re not using SSL, you may literally show up lower in search results, making it harder for new listeners to discover you organically.
How SSL Certificates Protect Your Online Store and Assets
When you secure your site with SSL, every interaction between your fans and your brand gets a layer of protection.
- Encryption: Store checkouts, login forms, newsletter signups, and contact forms are all shielded from prying eyes. Even if someone intercepts the traffic, what they see is unreadable.
- Authentication & Brand Trust: A valid, browser‑trusted certificate on your domain helps fans feel confident they’re dealing with the real you, not an impostor. This is especially important when sending people to custom URLs in pre‑save campaigns, crowdfunding drives, or exclusive content pages.
- Practical & Platform Requirements: Many e‑commerce, membership, and email tools now assume you’re on HTTPS and may not integrate fully without a valid certificate. If you plan to partner with labels, distributors, or sponsors, having basic web security in place also makes technical onboarding and security reviews much smoother.
Choosing the Right SSL Certificate for Your Music Brand
Not every artist or label needs the same kind of certificate. The right choice depends on how you’ve structured your online presence.
- Domain Validation (DV): Usually enough for an artist website or basic landing page. Proves control of the domain and provides encryption and a padlock with minimal fuss.
- Organization Validation (OV): Better for registered labels, studios, or agencies. Shows a real, verified organization stands behind the site, helpful in B2B contexts.
- Extended Validation (EV): Highest level of vetting, common with big labels and large e‑commerce operations where legal and compliance teams want maximum assurance.
You also need to think about coverage. A single‑domain certificate will secure yourband.com or store.yourband.com. A wildcard certificate secures *.yourband.com, covering your main site plus blog, store, members area, and other subdomains under the same root. Multi‑domain certificates can secure different domains at once, which is helpful for small labels managing several artist sites under one umbrella.
A solo artist with one site might only need DV for a single domain. A band with a main site plus a separate store subdomain could benefit from a wildcard. A label with multiple artist sites and a studio site might find multi‑domain or a mix of certificates more efficient.
Implementing SSL on Common Music Platforms
If you rely heavily on hosted platforms like Bandcamp, Spotify for Artists, or Apple Music artist pages, you don’t need to worry about SSL there, they manage it for you.
The responsibility comes in when you own and control the site, such as a WordPress + WooCommerce store, a Shopify or BigCartel merch shop, or a custom site on a VPS.
In many cases, your web host offers a straightforward way to add SSL, either as a free option or a low‑cost add‑on. Once installed, you’ll want to force all traffic to HTTPS, usually through 301 redirects and sometimes additional headers like HSTS. After that, you can test using your browser’s padlock icon and online SSL checkers to make sure everything is configured correctly.
A common mistake is only securing yourband.com and forgetting www.yourband.com or subdomains like store.yourband.com. Another is leaving images, scripts, or embeds loading over plain http, which can cause browser warnings even when the main page is secured.
It’s also easy to underestimate the need for HTTPS if you don’t think you “sell anything.” But if you have contact forms, login pages, or mailing list signups, you are still handling personal data that deserves protection.
Security as Part of Your Brand, Not Just Tech Overhead
In the end, SSL isn’t just a technical checkbox; it’s part of how you present yourself as a serious, trustworthy music brand. Protecting fan data is a way of respecting your audience. A secure site converts better, looks more professional, and makes it easier to work with industry partners who expect a minimum level of security.
Take the time to audit your current artist, label, or studio domains. Make sure every fan‑facing URL uses HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate. It’s one of the simplest, most cost‑effective steps you can take to protect your music, your fans, and your future online.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.