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Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ with Deluxe Anniversary Edition as “We Belong Together” Hits 7x Platinum

Eric Alper
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Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ with Deluxe Anniversary Edition as “We Belong Together” Hits 7x Platinum

Mariah Carey, the best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, has just released a 20th anniversary suite of definitive, expanded deluxe releases of her iconic, multi-platinum 10th album, The Emancipation of Mimi, in celebration of two decades of the modern classic.

The album’s era-defining hit “We Belong Together” has also now just been certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA while “It’s Like That” has just been certified Platinum. The Emancipation of Mimi has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, making it both the best-selling album of 2005 and one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.

Available now via Def Jam/UMe as a lavish 45-track 5LP box set, as well as 40-track Digital Deluxe Edition, The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) combines the original album, featuring the era-defining R&B hits “It’s Like That,” “We Belong Together,” “Shake It Off,” “Say Somethin’,” “Fly Like A Bird,” and “Get Your Number,” along with beloved tracks from the Ultra Platinum Edition, with the hit singles “Don’t Forget About Us,” “Makin’ It Last All Night (What It Do),” “Secret Love,” and “Sprung,” plus dozens of bonus tracks, spanning from Emancipation era dance remixes, artist collabs, instrumentals, acapellas, and edits, culled from various CD singles and maxi singles, to brand new remixes by the likes of KAYTRANADA and Esentrik. The Digital Deluxe Edition has been specially curated by Mariah to offer a unique listening experience.

The centerpiece of The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) is the long-awaited, fan-requested official release of “When I Feel It,” a standout song produced by Mahogany Beatz that was originally intended for The Emancipation of Mimi but ultimately unreleased due to clearance issues with its sample of The Dynamic Superiors’ “Here Comes That Feeling.”

Housed in a beautiful slipcase, the expansive 5LP vinyl collection features exclusive packaging with a 28-page booklet with stunning photos of Mariah as well as a personal letter from the legendary singer to her fans about the significance of this unprecedented album in her extraordinary career. A Deluxe 2LP vinyl set is also available.

“Twenty years ago, I was facing a crossroads in my career,” Mariah writes in the liner notes about the years leading up to her landmark “comeback” album. The Emancipation Of Mimi was more than just an album title; it was a declaration of artistic freedom. Twenty years later, I celebrate this album with all of you. Thank you for embracing this chapter of my story, for believing in the music, and for always allowing me to be me.”

Some of the many highlights of the anniversary edition include Mariah’s 2021’s inspired late night jam session, “We Belong Together (Mimi’s Late Night Valentine’s Mix), her unforgettable performance of “Don’t Forget About Us” / “We Belong Together” from the 2024 American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special, the first of many 20th anniversary festivities around The Emancipation of Mimi, and the unreleased treasures “We Belong Together (Instrumental),” “Shake It Off (Acapella),” and “Circles (Acapella).”

Mariah will talk about the making of The Emancipation of Mimi and dive deep into the 20th Anniversary Edition in an exclusive Spotify Listening Party this Monday, June 2 at 2 pm PT/5 ET. The event will be hosted and moderated by radio personality and TV host, Nessa, of NYC’s Hot 97 and her nationally syndicated show, Nessa On Air. Fans will have the opportunity to submit questions while listening to the album together with Mariah. For more information, visit: MariahCarey.lnk.to/ListeningParty

Mariah has been celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation of Mimi all year long, including with a sold out 24-show Las Vegas Residency, “The Celebration of Mimi,” which continues as a worldwide tour this year with stops in England, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Most recently she performed three sold out stadium shows in Shenzhen and Shanghai, China.

Mariah is also currently offering special 20th anniversary merch on the Mariah Carey Amazon Store. Additionally, Mariah has launched a new site, Mimi20.com, where she has been posting voice memos and other personal missives to the Lambs. The site is a nod to Mariah’s old fanclub website honeybfly.com.

An overwhelming triumph on both a personal and professional level, The Emancipation of Mimi marked Mariah’s reclamation of her throne as the reigning queen of pop and R&B. From the bass-rattling beats and sparkling vocals in opener “It’s Like That” to the slinky mid-tempo “Shake It Off” and the all-time romantic ballad “We Belong Together” (which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a whopping 14 weeks – the longest of any song during the 2000s – and was later declared by the magazine “song of the decade”), The Emancipation of Mimi was not so much about recounting her industry struggles as it was a pop icon doing what she does best. In that way, The Emancipation of Mimi was a masterclass in “show, don’t tell,” as Mariah and a trusted group of peers rolled out 14 tracks with breezy beats, soaring powerhouse vocals, and of-the-moment production that sounds as fresh in 2025 as it did in 2005.

Soaring to No. 1 with more than 404,000 copies sold in its first week of release, The Emancipation of Mimi was Mariah’s first album since 1997’s Butterfly to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, ultimately becoming the best-selling album of 2005 in the U.S with nearly five million units sold. Globally, it was the world’s second best-selling album of the year and it reached the top five in Canada, Denmark, France, and Japan. The Ultra Platinum Edition, released in November 2005 with several new tracks, including the towering “Don’t Forget About Us,” would keep the album in the top 5 for many more months and give Mariah her 17th No. 1 hit, trying her with Elvis Presley for the most No. 1 singles by a solo artist (a record she’d eventually surpass). Collectively, the two albums would earn her ten GRAMMY Award nominations: eight in 2006 for the original release (the most received by Mariah in a single year), including the big three: Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year (“We Belong Together); and two in 2007 for the Ultra Platinum Edition. In 2006, Mariah took home trophies for Best Contemporary R&B album and Best R&B Song and Best Female Vocal Performance for “We Belong Together.”

The Emancipation of Mimi continues to remain as relevant and vital two decades after the legendary Mariah Carey freed herself from the constrictions and expectations of the industry and listened to her heart to create a timeless masterpiece filled with heart, soul and her incredible, peerless vocals.

Jackson Hole’s Surprisingly Good Musical Calendar

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Jackson Hole’s Surprisingly Good Musical Calendar

Wyoming’s Jackson Hole isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of must-visit music destinations. But here’s the thing, this mountain paradise has quietly developed one of America’s most distinctive and surprisingly robust musical offerings. From world-class classical performances at 8,000 feet to legendary house bands that have been playing for five decades, Jackson Hole rewards music lovers who venture beyond the obvious.

Why should the music industry care about Jackson Hole? Simple: it’s where authentic Western culture meets serious musical programming, creating experiences you literally cannot find anywhere else. Jason Ziernicki, founder of local news site Antlers Arch and Jackson Hole insider, puts it perfectly: “What makes Jackson special isn’t just the landscape, but the community that calls it home. The music scene here reflects that same authentic, uncompromising spirit.”

7 Essential Musical Experiences Worth the Journey

1. Grand Teton Music Festival

Running July 3-August 23, this 64th-season festival brings 250+ musicians from world-renowned orchestras to Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village. Under Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles, it’s genuinely “one of America’s most impressive music festivals.” The acoustics are superb, but it’s the setting that makes this unforgettable – imagine hearing Beethoven with the Grand Tetons as your backdrop.

2. King Concerts at Snow King Mountain

This is where things get properly mental (in the best way). A scenic gondola whisks you up to an 8,000-foot concert venue with Teton views that’ll make you forget whatever act you came to see. The 2025 lineup includes Thievery Corporation, Modest Mouse, De La Soul, Wilco, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. VIP packages get you priority gondola access and stage-side viewing. It’s concert-going as adventure sport.

3. Stagecoach Bar’s “Sunday Church”

Here’s your deep cut: The Stagecoach Band in nearby Wilson has been playing Sunday nights for over 50 years, making them possibly America’s longest continuously-running house band. It’s called “Sunday Church” for good reason: there’s something genuinely spiritual about this community-minded tradition that’s outlasted most of the acts currently topping the charts.

4. Silver Dollar Showroom

The Wort Hotel’s showroom features thousands of real 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars embedded in the bar top, but the music history is the real treasure. This 1950s-era venue has hosted everyone from Willie Nelson to current local favorites. Tuesday bluegrass with One Ton Pig, plus Thursday-Saturday evening performances with zero cover charge. Ziernicki notes: “It’s authentic Wyoming atmosphere without the tourist trap feeling.”

5. Rendezvous Music Festival

April’s multi-day festival spans Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and downtown venues, featuring rock, country, and Americana acts across multiple stages. The timing is genius, pairing serious music programming with spring skiing conditions. It’s shoulder season programming done right.

6. Concerts on the Commons

Every Sunday from July through August, Teton Village hosts free outdoor concerts at 5 PM. Local, regional, and national acts perform in a gorgeous outdoor setting where dancing by the stage isn’t just encouraged – it’s expected. Zero admission cost, maximum mountain charm.

7. Targhee Bluegrass Festival

Running since 1987, this August festival combines headlining acts with music camp workshops and artisan demonstrations. The mountain setting provides natural amphitheater acoustics, and the family-friendly atmosphere includes proper kids’ activities. It’s bluegrass programming that respects both the music and the setting.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

VIZE Unveils New Single “Wait (Alibi Blue)” via Epic Germany Ahead of Homecoming Show at Berlin’s Uber Eats Music Hall

Eric Alper
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VIZE Unveils New Single “Wait (Alibi Blue)” via Epic Germany Ahead of Homecoming Show at Berlin’s Uber Eats Music Hall

This is what the reunion after the summer break sounds like: VIZE presents his new single “Wait (Alibi Blue)” from Epic Germany. 

Having once again performed at the biggest EDM festivals in recent weeks (including Airbeat One, Parookaville, Beatparade, Tomorrowland), VIZE follows up his latest collaboration with British pop hitmaker Tom Gregory (“Make It Right”) with a highly emotional late-summer anthem – and deliberately keeps his fans in suspense a bit: “Wait (Alibi Blue)” sounds like longing and anticipation, late summer vibes and the last long nights of the year.

As VIZE’s soundtrack for a reunion after the long summer break, “Wait (Alibi Blue)” lands on playlists on September 5th. At the same time, the acclaimed producer, who now boasts over three billion combined streams, is shortening the wait for his big live home performance in Berlin, which takes place the weekend after the single’s release (September 6th) at the Uber Eats Music Hall.

Waiting can be so beautiful, a sweet, absolutely intense feeling – when you’re waiting for someone you love: That’s the emotional essence of the latest VIZE track, in which the Berlin native reveals his flair for big emotions and gripping stories. Celebrated for his high-profile collaborations with various pop acts, VIZE relies on catchy melodies, hypnotic repetitions, and emotional storytelling for “Wait (Alibi Blue)”: “I’ll wait right here/till you come back around,” the longing wait begins. Initially subtly melancholic, the mood lightens with the first beat drop – with VIZE perfectly exploring the sweet spot between emotionality and euphoria, anticipation and feel-good vibes.

“… won’t be long now, till you come back around!“

“‘Wait (Alibi Blue)’ is about holding on to someone, even if that person isn’t with you right now,” says VIZE about his latest solo single, which makes waiting sound absolutely carefree and summery. “The song is calm, dreamy, and full of hope – like that feeling when you know someone will find their way back to you someday.”

Celebrated since 2018 for various groundbreaking house innovations (from slap house to prock house), Berlin-based EDM sensation VIZE has now racked up more than three billion combined streams. He has already collected over 75 gold and platinum awards in 18 countries and sold over 1.3 million albums, making VIZE easily one of the biggest EDM acts in Europe. Equally dominant on playlists like “Glad You Came,” “Stars,” “Ghost Town,” and “Never Let Me Down,” recorded with Tom Gregory, were the countless remixes/productions for/with colleagues such as Felix Jaehn (“Close Your Eyes”), Zara Larsson, Sam Feldt, Afrojack, Leony, R3HAB, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Papa Roach, Capital Bra (#1!), Mark Forster, Imanbek, Alan Walker, and Tokio Hotel. VIZE has long been one of the biggest live acts in his field: On the road virtually nonstop for years, VIZE has performed at all the major festivals of his time, including Tomorrowland, Parookaville, Creamfields, Lollapalooza Berlin, Electric Love, Airbeat One, SonneMondSterne, and more. He will round off this year’s summer tour, which includes trips to Denmark and Italy as well as a Formula 1 pit stop in Austria, with an XXL home performance on September 6th at Berlin’s Uber Eats Music Hall.

Dess Dior Returns with Fierce New Single “IDC” Featuring BJRNCK A Bold Reimagining of Field Mob and Ciara’s 2006 Hit “So What”

Eric Alper
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Dess Dior Returns with Fierce New Single “IDC” Featuring BJRNCK A Bold Reimagining of Field Mob and Ciara’s 2006 Hit “So What”

Atlanta’s reigning “It Girl,” Dess Dior, returns today with her latest single, “IDC” featuring R&B singer-songwriter BJRNCK. The track delivers a fierce reinterpretation of Field Mob’s 2006 hit “So What” (featuring Ciara), blending nostalgia with a fresh, fearless energy. The result is a bold, female-led anthem about empowerment, self-worth, and walking away from anything that no longer serves you.

Produced by veteran ATL hitmaker OG Parker, “IDC” taps into the ongoing resurgence of sample-driven music, standing out as a confident, modern take on love, detachment, and resilience. Set against a hard-hitting beat and layered with BJRNCK’s smooth, soulful vocals, Dess Dior delivers razor-sharp verses with her signature Atlanta flair, asserting independence and emotional clarity in a digital age.

“This record is about standing on business and knowing exactly who you are,” says Dess Dior. “I didn’t want it to sound soft or passive. I wanted it to feel powerful. BJRNCK brought that same fearless energy to the song. Her voice gave it soul and a sense of control. Together, we made a track that says, ‘I’m not stressing over you. I’m elevating.’”

“IDC” adds another standout to Dess Dior’s growing catalog, solidifying her place as both a music and fashion force. With over 4.5 million followers across platforms, she’s built a loyal fanbase by staying true to her roots while pushing boundaries. Her authenticity, style, and cultural impact continue to set her apart.

The release arrives at a pivotal moment for women in music, as more artists are reclaiming and reimagining samples from the early 2000s to tell their own stories. “IDC” is not just a song, it’s a statement.

A dynamic force in music, fashion, and culture, Savannah, Georgia, native Dess Dior, born Destiny Bailey, is a standout voice in hip-hop’s new generation. Known for her signature style and undeniable presence, she has built a devoted audience of more than 4.5 million followers, including over 2 million on Instagram alone.

Since launching her music career in 2020, Dess has delivered confident and infectious records that empower and inspire, including collaborations such as “Stone Cold” with Mariah the Scientist and “Favourite Girl” with Darkoo. As a standout star of BET+’s The Impact Atlanta, she brings her influence, drive, and authenticity to the screen, forging deeper connections with fans across every medium she touches.

Now, Dess Dior is preparing to release her highly anticipated debut project, marking a major milestone in her evolution as a recording artist. Whether she’s setting trends or setting the tone, Dess continues to shape culture through her sound, style, and vision.

Folk Canada Announces 2025 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominees

Eric Alper
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Folk Canada Announces 2025 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominees
  • Folk Canada is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2025 Ontario Folk Music Awards, in recognition of the outstanding work and contributions of Folk artists and musicians from across the province of Ontario.
  • Presented in partnership with the National Arts Centre, the 31st annual Ontario Folk Music Awards will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the National Arts Centre and will formally launch the Folk Music Ontario Conference. The event will feature performances by a select number of nominated artists and special guests, and for the first time in 2025 will include two brand new categories, Music Video of the Year and the Culture in Climate Award, which recognizes an individual, organization, or company in Canada’s Folk music sector that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to climate action and environmental responsibility. Still to be announced are the Estelle Klein Award recipients, the first ever Culture in Climate recipient, the laureate for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award and the Taylor Mitchell Bursary recipient. 
  • Tickets to the award ceremony are available by RSVP to those who have already registered for this year’s Folk Music Ontario Conference. Please click here for more information and to reserve your ticket.
  • The 2025 nominated artists come from all across Ontario, including Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto Mississauga, Guelph, Windsor, Peterborough and more.
  • Established in 1987 and now in its 38th year, the 2025 Folk Music Ontario Conference will take place October 15-19 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre and welcomes attendees from across the country to the event.
  • To learn more, Folk Canada invites interested parties to visit the website and sign up for their newsletter. You can also register for the 2025 Folk Music Ontario Conference here.
  • The 2025 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominees are:
  • Song of the Year
  • “Weighing Down” by Julian Taylor (Julian Dean Taylor, Tyler James Ellis)
  • “There is a Power” by Larry Folk (Lawrence J Folk)
  • “Just A Little Bit” by Lynne Hanson (Lynne Hanson, Blair Michael Hogan)
  • “Only the Strong Survive” by Sam Drysdale (Sam Drysdale, Ally Sou, Tal Vaisman)
  • “Best Remembered” by Savannah Shea (Savannah Shea)
  • “Train Coming” by The Angelique Francis Band (Angelique Francis, Kiran Francis)
  • Album of the Year
  • “Anniversary” by Abigail Lapell
  • “Precious Diamonds” by Adrian Sutherland
  • “Kanzafula” by Ahmed Moneka
  • “Ghoyoum” by Kazdoura
  • “Slice of Life” by Larnell Lewis
  • “Azadi” by Tamar Ilana
  • Recording Artist of the Year
  • Abigail Lapell
  • Jessica Pearson and the East Wind
  • Julian Taylor
  • Steven Taetz
  • The Angelique Francis Band
  • Tragedy Ann
  • Performing Artist of the Year
  • Bruno Capinan
  • Gal George Gjurin
  • Irish Millie
  • Jessica Pearson and the East Wind
  • Sultans of String
  • Tennyson King
  • Music Video of the Year
  • “Precious” by Adrian Sutherland
  • “Khayal” by Kazdoura
  • “Only the Strong Survive” by Sam Drysdale
  • “Every Morning” by Tragedy Ann
  • “Waltz of the Birds and the Bees” by Willowbrook

Roger Eno Announces New Album ‘Without Wind / Without Air’ Out October 31 via Deutsche Grammophon Featuring Grace Davidson and Family Collaborations

Eric Alper
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Roger Eno Announces New Album ‘Without Wind / Without Air’ Out October 31 via Deutsche Grammophon Featuring Grace Davidson and Family Collaborations

British composer and multi-instrumentalist Roger Eno has recorded Without Wind / Without Air, his third solo album for Deutsche Grammophon. Following on from the success of The Turning Year (2022) and the skies, they shift like chords (2023), the new album includes both solo piano pieces and tracks orchestrated for various combinations of clarinet, guitar, bass, strings, synths, percussion and electronics. There are guest vocal appearances from soprano Grace Davidson and Roger’s daughters Cecily Eno and Lotti Eno, with Roger himself singing on The Moon And The Sea. Jonathan Stockhammer conducts the Scoring Berlin strings on three tracks, while Eno’s friend and producer Christian Badzura arranged and plays on several tracks as well as having co-written the opening and closing numbers, Forgiveness and After Rain.

Without Wind / Without Air will be released digitally and on vinyl on 31 October 2025. A first digital single, Forgiveness, will be shared on 5 September, with Alembic Distillation out on 19 September and There Was A Ship on 10 October. A limited-edition LP version includes a signed artcard of an image created by Roger Eno. Though abstract in origin, an experiment with pen and ink, it suggests insects in flight or mayflies dancing above water. The mayfly, long a symbol for the brevity of life, also features on the album cover, designed by Cecily Eno.  

The album title comes from the lyrics of Doubled by the Sun, by Italian band The Doubling Riders. “My friend Pier Luigi Andreoni and I worked on various projects together in Italy in the 1990s,” says Eno. “He kindly gave me permission to use this line, which has a wonder-filled, late-summer atmosphere of almost motionlessness and peace.”

The sheer poetry of the lyric was enough for him at first, but has recently taken on a new meaning, as he explains: “I was forced to look at the fragility of species and climate, and their dependence on ‘turns of chance’ and carelessness. This alters ‘without wind, without air’ into a warning, a vision of a terribly bleak future – if any future at all.”

That shift of meaning is audible in the dissonances of the title track, which call to mind an impending storm. Roger’s subtle, slowly moving piano line is joined by the dark sounds of low strings, synths and electronics; high, wordless vocals from Grace Davidson; and the piercing wail of Alexander Glücksmann’s clarinet. There is a similar feel to The Final Year Of Blossom, again featuring the pure tones of Davidson’s voice, a track inspired by the fear that one day the Japanese cherry trees will fail to bloom.

Happier days are conjured by There Was A Ship, a folk ballad about reunited lovers, sung by Cecily Eno. She performed this song with both her father and her uncle in the amphitheatre of Herodes Atticus in Athens, as part of the acclaimed and first-ever joint concert given by Roger and Brian Eno (available to stream on STAGE+). In There Was A Ship’s mournful counterpart, The Moon And The Sea, Roger tells a tale of unrequited love – his poignant vocal line was captured in one take.

Without Wind / Without Air is punctuated by three magical tracks for Roger’s solo piano. Spell offers another folk-influenced flowing melody, in contrast to the more classical Alembic Distillation, with its echoes of the keyboard music of Bach and Scarlatti, while the softly resonating Saudade (“Nostalgia”) lives long in the memory

Lang Lang Announces ‘Piano Book 2’ Out October 17 Featuring Classical Favorites Film Themes and Gaming Soundtracks

Eric Alper
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Lang Lang Announces ‘Piano Book 2’ Out October 17 Featuring Classical Favorites Film Themes and Gaming Soundtracks

Six years after the release of his celebrated Piano Book album, Lang Lang returns with Piano Book 2. Set to be released on digital and physical formats on 17 October 2025 via Deutsche Grammophon, this new volume of short and accessible piano works offers a fresh selection that ranges from iconic classical compositions and contemporary pieces to music from TV, film, and gaming soundtracks. Liszt’s Consolation No. 2 is the first track from the album to be released, out on 5 September and available to stream/download on all platforms.

Lang Lang’s Piano Book has become his highest-streaming album to date, surpassing one billion streams worldwide, and remains one of the biggest-selling classical albums from 2019. It went platinum in China, charted in the Top 10 in the German pop charts, and peaked at No. 1 in the classical charts across the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia.

The release of Piano Book 2 is further proof of Lang Lang’s commitment to inspire pianists of all ages, levels and backgrounds, amplifying the message that classical music is for everyone. It continues the vision established by Piano Book, his efforts led by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF), and his engagement with the millions of fans who follow him on social media. The so-called “Lang Lang effect” has already encouraged tens of millions of children in China and beyond to learn the piano and other instruments, supported by the LLIMF’s unique educational programmes, masterclasses, mentoring schemes, and additional initiatives.

Lang Lang refers to the 32 tracks on his new album as “miniature masterpieces”. They were carefully selected based on messages from fans, school syllabus content, and his own teaching experience – as well as works especially close to his heart – with subtle nods to modern media and streaming culture.

Famous works by Bach, Mozart, Satie, Debussy & co. sit alongside new arrangements of themes from the anime TV series Naruto, films La La Land, Amélie, and Cinema Paradiso, and the video game Black Myth: Wukong. Aware that gaming is a key source of inspiration for younger listeners, composers, and performers today, Lang Lang also plays excerpts from Nobuo Uematsu’s score for Final Fantasy X and Yu-Peng Chen’s Genshin Impact soundtrack.

His program also embraces internet-born favorites: Andrew Wrangell’s Rush E and Tony Ann’s Icarus, which he and the composer perform in a brand-new four-hands version created by Ann for Piano Book 2.

Other tracks in this wide-ranging mix include jazz standard I’m Confessin’, popularised by Thelonious Monk, and numbers from two of today’s best-known pianist-composers, Joe Hisaishi (Spring) and Ludovico Einaudi (Fly).

There is something for everyone in Lang Lang’s latest thoughtfully curated anthology. He concludes a message to his fans by saying, “I hope this collection helps you discover new favourites, reconnect with familiar melodies, and find renewed inspiration at the piano.”

Piano Book 2 will be available digitally and on 2 CD and 2 LP formats, including a marbled vinyl edition and CD/LP versions with signed art cards available from the DG Store. A limited-edition CD offers access to downloadable sheet music and select tutorials via an NFC chip.

Lang Lang starts the 2025-26 season with tour dates in Canada/the USA (19-29 September & 4/7 December), the UK (3-10 October), Germany (13 October-8 November), France (11 November) and Hong Kong (11/13 December) – full details here.

Carter Faith Shares New Single “Arrows (Die For That Man)” from Forthcoming Debut Album ‘Cherry Valley’ Out October 3

Eric Alper
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Carter Faith Shares New Single “Arrows (Die For That Man)” from Forthcoming Debut Album ‘Cherry Valley’ Out October 3

Rising Nashville star Carter Faith, who was named Music Row’s 2025 Breakthrough Artist of the Year earlier this week, shares her new song “Arrows (Die For That Man)” today—listen here and watch the visualizer here. Her highly anticipated debut album, Cherry Valley, is set for release October 3 via Gatsby Records/MCA—pre-order/pre-save here.

“I wrote ‘Arrows’ after meeting a man for five minutes and developing an unhealthy and delusional crush on him,” says Carter. “As the song goes, I truly felt like I would die for that man. I’ve said before that I’m a girl who’d die for love but would never let it kill me. That’s what this song is about.”

“Arrows (Die For That Man)” follows the release of “Bar Star” and its  music video starring Academy Award-winner Billy Bob Thornton – watch here. The video, which debuted last week, received enthusiastic acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard and Entertainment Tonight, among many more.

The track continues a string of previously unveiled songs, including “If I Had Never Lost My Mind…,” “Grudge,” “Sex, Drugs and Country Music,” Together, these songs have helped tide fans over since the arrival of The Aftermath EP last fall, which featured a duet with Alison Krauss and debuted to praise from Billboard, The Tennessean, American Songwriter, and others.

Cherry Valley is a document of Carter’s time in Nashville, working chronologically through her breakout successes and gut-punching breakups, new loves and family dustups. It’s named for an imagined place, a road sign Carter once saw that came to signify her creative home, a sweet spot where her old school influences like Tammy Wynette, Nancy Sinatra, Pet Sounds and Revolver meet today’s country. The album synthesizes all that into a signature Carter Faith sound.

The songs on Cherry Valley span Carter’s journey from her North Carolina hometown to Nashville, with all the heartbreak, triumph and hazy nights in between. Carter and longtime producer Tofer Brown spent two years crafting tracks for the album before finally entering the studio in 2024 to lay it down. All the while, Carter was working relentlessly to climb the ranks of country music, signing to MCA and Universal Music Publishing Group, gracing the Opry stage a dozen times, sharing stages with idols like Willie Nelson, and racking up hundreds of millions of streams.

Her time on the road with Little Big Town draws to a close tomorrow, following her Stagecoach debut and runs with Ella Langley and Carly Pearce. Carter recently joined Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild on the stage of the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors for a duet of “Lies Lies Lies” written by ACM Songwriter of the Year, Jessie Jo Dillon. She’ll head back out to join Noah Cyrus next week and will finish off the year supporting Marcus King and Kelsea Ballerini this winter. See below for full routing.

CARTER FAITH—CHERRY VALLEY

1. Cherry Valley
2. Sex, Drugs, and Country Music
3. Arrows (Die For That Man)
4. Bar Star
5. Betty
6. Grudge
7. Six-String
8. If I Had Never Lost My Mind…
9. Misery Loves Company
10. Drink Up, Baby
11. Burn My Memory
12. Sails
13. So I Sing
14. Changed
15. Still A Lover

CARTER FAITH LIVE

September 5—Chula Vista, CA—North Island Credit Union Amphitheater*
September 6—Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheater*
September 12—Santa Ana, CA—Observatory†
September 13—San Diego, CA—House of Blues†
September 15—San Francisco, CA—The Regency Ballroom†
September 18—Vancouver, B.C.—Queen Elizabeth Theatre†
September 19—Seattle, WA—Showbox SoDo†
September 20—Spokane, WA—Knitting Factory†
September 21—Portland, OR—McMenamins Crystal Ballroom†
September 23—Salt Lake City, UT—The Union Event Center†
September 24—Denver, CO—Fillmore Auditorium†
September 26—Kansas City, MO—Uptown Theater†
September 27—Minneapolis, MN—The Fillmore Minneapolis†
September 29—St. Louis, MO—The Pageant†
September 30—Chicago, IL—Riviera Theatre†
October 2—Detroit, MI—Masonic Temple Theatre†
October 4—Montreal, QC—MTELUS†
October 7—Boston, MA—Citizens House of Blues†
October 8—Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Paramount†
October 10—Philadelphia, PA—The Fillmore Philadelphia†
October 11—Silver Spring, MD—The Fillmore†
October 13—Charlotte, NC—The Fillmore Charlotte†
October 15—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium†
October 17—Atlanta, GA—Tabernacle†
October 18—St Petersburg, FL—Jannus Live†
October 20—Houston, TX—House of Blues Houston†
October 21—Dallas, TX—House of Blues Dallas†
October 22—Austin, TX—Emo’s Austin†
October 24—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren†
October 31—Little Rock, AR—The Hall‡
November 2—Corpus Christi, TX—Concrete Street Amphitheater‡
November 5—Lubbock, TX—Cook’s Garage‡
November 6—Albuquerque, NM—Revel‡
December 6—Sydney, AU—ICC Sydney Theatre§
December 7—Melbourne, AU—Margaret Court Arena§
December 11—Melbourne, AU— Margaret Court Arena§
December 13—Brisbane, AU—Brisbane Entertainment Centre§
*with Little Big Town
†with Noah Cyrus
‡with Marcus King
§with Kelsea Ballerini

Flowerovlove Drops New Single “I’m Your First” via Capitol Records Ahead of Haim and Khalid Support Dates and ACL Fest Debut

Eric Alper
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Flowerovlove Drops New Single “I’m Your First” via Capitol Records Ahead of Haim and Khalid Support Dates and ACL Fest Debut

Named as a 2025 artist to watch by Rolling Stone and InStyle, flowerovlove continues to prove herself worthy of these accolades with her new summer banger “I’m your first,” released today by Capitol Records. From first steps to first kiss, life holds many memorable firsts – but none quite compare to one’s first “baddie.” She sings enticingly, “it’s exciting baby u should come own it / It’s a milestone it’s ur big moment / in your crush career you got promoted / I’m your trophy / come hold it.” Listen HERE.

She gives a winsome performance of “I’m your first” from atop a pedestal in the accompanying video, directed by Matty Peacock (Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande).

The 20-year-old UK artist will open for Haim on select dates in September, including opening night at the TD Pavilion at the Mann in Philadelphia (September 4). See below for itinerary. Tickets are available HERE. She will open for Khalid at the Washington State Fair on September 11 and make her Austin City Limits Festival debut next month, performing on October 5 and 12.

After touring the U.S. with Halsey earlier this summer, flowerovlove opened for Olivia Rodrigo at London’s Hyde Park, where she arrived onstage in a giant shoe. She recently achieved a new milestone, making her debut at Lollapalooza. There, flowerovlove climbed out of an enormous purse and performed “I’m your first” live for the very first time. The props are a nod to her inimitable style and the song’s reference to how the mini skirt warrior likes to “match my shoe with my bag.” Rolling Stone said, “Flowerovlove put on a colorful set, literally.” Atwood Magazine observed, “flowerovlove stole the show, not once, but twice with her performances at the Bud Light stage and Toyota Music Den…[She] made an effort to connect with listeners on a deeper level…”

“I’m your first” is the follow-up to “new friends,” which she released in June. Clash Magazine said, “A carefree summer single, ‘new friends’ is packed with vivacious energy…Lyrically, flowerovlove is the ultra-relatable girl-next-door aiming to embrace positivity in her life.” Winner of a Music Week Women In Music award and nominated for a MOBO, flowerovlove has amassed over 123 million combined global streams in her career to date, including 35 million streams for “breaking news” and nearly 20 million for “a girl like me.” She recently teamed up with Louis Vuitton on the LV Style Diary.

flowerovlove – U.S. Tour Dates

Supporting Haim
9/4 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
9/5 – Boston, MA – The Stage at Suffolk Downs
9/6 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
9/9 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl

Supporting Khalid
9/11 – Puyallup, WA – Washington State Fair

Festivals
10/5 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Festival
10/12 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Festival

The Last Dinner Party Share New Single ‘The Scythe’ from Forthcoming Album ‘From The Pyre’ Out October 17

Eric Alper
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The Last Dinner Party Share New Single ‘The Scythe’ from Forthcoming Album ‘From The Pyre’ Out October 17

The Last Dinner Party are pleased to share ‘The Scythe’, our second preview of forthcoming album From The Pyre out 17th October 2025 via Island Records. 

First conceived as a breakup song in Abigail Morris’ teens, the poised slow burn of ‘The Scythe’ exhibits the considerable songwriting range possessed by The Last Dinner Party, who first caught worldwide attention through their brand of potent theatrical rock.

Abigail on ‘The Scythe’:

“This song began 9 years ago, like a prophecy. I wrote it before I had known anything of grief or heartbreak, how a relationship ending feels exactly the same as that person dying. Once you know how it feels to lose someone you enter a new realm from which you can never return. You’re trying to reach them telepathically through psychics or song lyrics (sometimes those two become the same) and sometimes they give you a reply. It can take 9 years to realise you’re even grieving at all but once you do you see them everywhere – in a robin, in a street fox, in a Wim Wenders film. The Scythe comes for everyone and you shouldn’t be afraid about what’s on the other side.”

“The music video for ‘The Scythe’ is one of our proudest and most intimate. From one angle it’s a celebration of all the relationships that make it so far you both feel like you can live forever, from another it’s the fantasy of imagining what it would look like if your parents had been able to grow old together.”

‘The Scythe’ is the second track to be lifted from The Last Dinner Party’s forthcoming second album From The Pyre, following the July release of western-flecked earworm ‘This Is The Killer Speaking’ – listen here.

The London five-piece headed into the studio early 2025 with Grammy Award winning producer Markus Dravs (Wolf Alice, Florence & The Machine, Bjork) to start work on the follow-up to their number 1 debut album, 2023’s Prelude to Ecstasy. From The Pyre is the sound of a band having a lot of fun rather than feeling any innate pressure to follow-up on what was an explosively successful debut record. It’s also the sound of a young band developing and maturing their songwriting together, as tight a unit as the endless months out on the road pay testament to.   

The Last Dinner Party on From The Pyre: 

“This record is a collection of stories, and the concept of album-as-mythos binds them. ‘The Pyre’ itself is an allegorical place in which these tales originate, a place of violence and destruction but also regeneration, passion and light.  

“The songs are character driven but still deeply personal, a commonplace life event pushed to pathological extreme. Being ghosted becomes a Western dance with a killer, and heartbreak laughs into the face of the apocalypse. Lyrics invoke rifles, scythes, sailors, saints, cowboys, floods, Mother Earth, Joan of Arc, and blazing infernos. We found this kind of evocative imagery to be the most honest and truthful way to discuss the way our experiences felt, giving each the emotional weight it deserves.”  

“This record feels a little darker, more raw and more earthy; it takes place looking out at a sublime landscape rather than seated an opulent table. It also feels metatextual and cheeky in places, like a knowing look reflected back at ourselves.”  

With two BRIT Awards to their name (including Breakthrough Artist earlier this year), and having sold out virtually every show they played right across the globe (including three sold-out hometown shows at London’s Eventim Apollo), The Last Dinner Party’s arrival and subsequent worldwide success was one of the most thrilling introductions to a new British band in decades, and From The Pyre’s opening introduction suggests that unparalleled success story shows no signs of relenting.  

Pre-order From The Pyre here.

Tickets for The Last Dinner Party’s UK/EU tour are available here
15th October – Pryzm, Kingston (w/ Banquet Records) *Matinee* – SOLD OUT
15th October – Pryzm, Kingston (w/ Banquet Records) *Evening* – SOLD OUT
17th October – The Level, Nottingham (w/ Rough Trade) *Matinee* – SOLD OUT
17th October – The Level, Nottingham (w/ Rough Trade) *Evening* – SOLD OUT
19th October – 1865, Southampton (w/ Vinilo Records) – SOLD OUT
20th October – HMV Empire, Coventry (w/ HMV) – SOLD OUT
22nd October – Live House, Dundee (w/ Assai) – SOLD OUT
23rd October – The Dome, Liverpool (w/ Rough Trade) – SOLD OUT

UK Headline Tour:
14th November – 3Arena, Dublin
17th November – Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
20th November – O2 City Hall, Newcastle
23rd November – Bridlington Spa, Bridlington
26th November – Aviva Studios, Manchester
29th November – The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
30th November – The Prospect Building, Bristol
2nd December – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
4th December – Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth
5th December – Brighton Centre, Brighton
7th December – O2 Academy Brixton, London
8th December – O2 Academy Brixton, London

2026

10th January – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
13th January – AEC Theatre, Adelaide
15th January – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
17th January – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney
19th January – Riverstage, Brisbane
22nd January – Spark Arena, Auckland
8th February – Colisieu dos Recreios, Lisbon
10th February – Sala La Riviera, Madrid
11th February – Razzmatazz, Barcelona
13th February – Fabrique, Milan
14th February – The Hall, Zurich
16th February – Zenith, Munich
17th February – Forum Karlín, Prague
19th February – Gasometer, Vienna
20th February – COS Torwar, Warsaw
22nd February – UFO im Velodrom, Berlin
23rd February – Palladium, Cologne
25th February – Le Zénith, Paris
27th February – Forest National, Brussels
1st March – AFAS Live, Amsterdam
3rd March – Vega, Copenhagen
4th March – Fållan, Stockholm
6th March – Sentrum Scene, Oslo

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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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