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Eagle Owl Releases Dark and Powerful New Single ‘Way Out’ Featuring Jaydi Zavala

Eric Alper
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Eagle Owl Releases Dark and Powerful New Single ‘Way Out’ Featuring Jaydi Zavala

Eagle Owl, the rising Canadian voice fusing alt-pop, alt-R&B, and hip-hop, announces the release of his powerful new single “Way Out.” The track embodies raw emotion and cinematic darkness, pushing the boundaries of genre while staying rooted in the culture’s spirit of truth-telling and resilience. Blending melodic hooks with hard-hitting bars, Eagle Owl captures what he describes as his own self-portrait: ‘For me, “Way Out” is like a self-portrait. It represents my inner battles, our struggles in life wanting a way out especially in this day and age.’

Eagle Owl’s story has always been about standing apart. Based out of Winnipeg and pulling inspiration from early Billie Eilish, BANKS, G-Eazy, 6LACK, and Bad Omens, his sound is steeped in both vulnerability and power. Growing up in the church, his lyrics often move through themes of faith, struggle, and survival. ‘My work speaks to the misunderstood, the seekers, the outlier fans and even to the outsiders,’ he explains.

“Way Out” was born on a day Eagle Owl felt mentally trapped. ‘I needed to create something that felt like an escape hatch for my own thoughts basically wanting a way out,’ he recalls. That raw emotion spilled directly into lyrics like: ‘Never had a way out, on my way out, try to shut it out, that it’ll never will work out, never found a way out, never had a handout, you never understand who I really am’. The track stands as both testimony and therapy, speaking to anyone chasing freedom from toxic cycles, expectations, or inner walls.

Production-wise, “Way Out” is crafted with meticulous intent. Eagle Owl drew sonic inspiration from alt-pop/R&B giants like The Weeknd and memyself&vi, shaping a record that feels vulnerable and menacing at once. Wanting to elevate the track’s dynamic, he enlisted Jaydi for a collaborative performance: ‘I have been wanting a song to collaborate with a female artist for years, this song just felt natural for that, where it’s almost like a two-person dynamic by the end of it and Jaydi fitted perfectly,’ Eagle Owl explains.

The mix was handled by local producer Cailen Penner, chosen deliberately to keep the energy rooted in Winnipeg’s creative community. ‘It did take a few tries to get the perfect mix but Cailen did perfect for mixing both my and Jaydi’s vocals,’ Eagle Owl shares. For mastering, he linked with industry veteran Travis Ference, who has worked with Imagine Dragons, Taylor Swift, and Big Time Rush. ‘He loved it before even he started working on it… he sent myself the first master and I was blown away that I’m like this can actually be a radio hit!’

The single is about survival. ‘The core emotion behind “Way Out” is the feeling of wanting to break free, whether it’s from toxic cycles, expectations, or your own inner walls,’ Eagle Owl emphasizes. Lyrics like ‘I’m from the north, you’re from the south, I’m trying everything, I wish it was something,’ ground the track in lived reality and cultural duality, reflecting both place and perspective.

“Way Out” also sets the tone for Eagle Owl’s upcoming EP, which he describes as darker, more personal, and representative of his journey over the past few years. By blending his alt influences with hip-hop’s confessional roots, Eagle Owl positions himself as an artist who speaks directly to the misunderstood, the seekers, and the outsiders—a voice from Winnipeg echoing far beyond its borders.

With ‘Way Out,’ Eagle Owl is delivering more than a single. He’s opening a chapter that balances melody and menace, faith and fire, artistry and authenticity. As he puts it: ‘When people hear “Way Out,” I hope they feel like they can get out of their way—out of that funk, that relationship, or whatever the case might be. Just hope you get a way out.’

Brandon Isaak Returns With ”Walkin’ With The Blues” and New Single “Little Did He Know”

Eric Alper
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Brandon Isaak Returns With ”Walkin’ With The Blues” and New Single “Little Did He Know”

Born in Whitehorse and now rooted on Vancouver Island, Brandon Isaak has carved out a reputation as one of Canada’s most authentic voices in the blues. His latest project, ‘Walkin’ With The Blues’, has spent three weeks on the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart—including a turn at #1—proving that Isaak’s deep respect for tradition resonates with audiences across the country.

Isaak, a seasoned musician with nearly four decades of experience and two decades steeped in the blues, has long been admired for his gravelly voice, wailing guitar solos, and storytelling chops. With a career that has taken him across three continents, he has built a sound rooted in the masters—T-Bone Walker, Ronnie Earl, Anson Funderburg, Fenton Robinson—while remaining distinctly his own. His electric blues brings both urgency and reverence, honoring the canon while speaking to today.

The making of ‘Walkin’ With The Blues’ was as raw and heartfelt as the music itself. Recorded on Vancouver Island with ribbon microphones, vintage gear, and Isaak at the helm as producer and engineer, the album thrives on immediacy. ‘We crafted this album in a single room, with ribbon mics, cold beer, and all the heart we could muster,’ Isaak shares. ‘Every note played was real, unfiltered, honest.’ That spirit fuels the record’s shuffles, ballads, and grooves.

Backed by The Saints of Swing—Joey Smith on upright bass, Darryl Havers on piano, Mike Kalanj on organ, Chris Norquist on drums, Leo Valvassori on bass, Jerry Cook on saxophones, and Alfons Fear on trumpet—the album captures the energy of seasoned players at their peak. Together, they create a sound that is lush, lived-in, and endlessly alive, echoing decades of blues lineage.

The new single, “Little Did He Know,” out now, continues Isaak’s trademark blend of humour and heart. ‘I always love blues artists with a sense of humour and a funny lyric,’ Isaak says. ‘This song was written after decades of research into life and women. I have written everything I know about woman in this one comprehensive study, in a song called Little Did He Know.’ Both playful and wise, the track embodies Isaak’s approach to storytelling: deeply rooted in tradition, yet always personal.

Isaak reflects on the process: ‘What a rewarding and magical experience it was to write and record this new album. Time seemed to slip away as I immersed myself in the music. I set out to create an old-school blues record, the kind that filled the airwaves of my childhood.’ That dedication shows, with ‘Walkin’ With The Blues’ already hailed as his most straight-up blues record to date.

With the new album, Isaak enters a new chapter one defined not by reinvention, but by refinement. His music doesn’t aim to modernize the blues so much as to reassert its timeless appeal. Every chorus, riff, and lyric speaks to why this music endures: it is human, it is honest, it is alive.

To celebrate the release, Isaak will embark on an extensive tour across Western Canada, bringing his new album to life with performances full of storytelling, humour, and heart.

Tour stops include:

• Sept 4 – Blues Barn – Leduc, Alberta

• Sept 5 – Large House Concert – Red Deer, Alberta

• Sept 6 – Badlands Amphitheatre – Drumheller, Alberta

• Sept 11 – Mackie House Concert – Coldstream, BC

• Sept 13 – Vibrant Wine Vineyard – Kelowna, BC

• Sept 20 – Osborne Bay – Crofton, BC

• Oct 7 – Oak Bay Recreation Centre – Victoria, BC

• Oct 18 – Cobblestone Music Venue – Cobblestone, BC

• Oct 31 – Marsh Lake – Yukon

• Nov 1 – Old Firehall – Whitehorse, Yukon

• Nov 21 – Hermann’s Jazz Club – Victoria, BC

Blues audiences know Isaak not just as a musician, but as a storyteller, teacher, and keeper of the flame. He’s dedicated to sharing the lessons of life and music with younger players, passing down the wisdom of his heroes while carving out his own distinct place in the tradition.

Country Singer-Songwriter Francine Honey Shifts into High Gear with Sassy Single ‘Cadillac’

Eric Alper
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Country Singer-Songwriter Francine Honey Shifts into High Gear with Sassy Single ‘Cadillac’

Ever wish your life came with leather seats, cruise control, and a killer soundtrack? Look no further. Canadian singer-songwriter Francine Honey’s single *’Cadillac’* is a joyful, high-octane ode to blazing your own trail with horsepower and heart. With lap steel licks and a hook you’ll be humming for days, ‘Cadillac’ is the feel-good anthem for anyone who’s ever wanted to floor it — in heels.

Francine Honey is a little bit country, a little bit folk, a little bit blues — and all heart. An internationally acclaimed, bilingual artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Francine has racked up accolades including 2023 Songwriter of the Year from the Austin Songwriting Group and multiple international songwriting wins. Her seventh album, ‘Rockets In My Boots’, is just around the bend, and ‘Cadillac’ is one of the shiniest gems in the garage.

“I grew up in the pits — literally,” Francine laughs. “My dad raced snowmobiles and cars, and we owned a stock car racetrack. There were more weekends at the track than the mall, that’s for sure.” The song’s inspiration started with a riff on her Ben Harper Asher lap steel and a songwriting group prompt. “I heard the word ‘Cadillac’ and boom — I was off to the races.”

Honey isn’t just waxing nostalgic. ‘Cadillac’ blends memories of her dad’s classic Eldorado with her own drive to carve a path in male-dominated spaces — from IT to country music. “I can do anything,” she sings. “Burning down the track in my Cadillac.” It’s playful, empowering, and radiates pure joy.

“This song is for anyone embracing their own curves and swerves,” says Francine. “You can be a classy car chick, break the mold, and still chase what you deserve.” The result? A bluesy rockin’ anthem featuring the legendary Fats Kaplin and produced by Grammy-nominated Neilson Hubbard — best enjoyed with the top down and volume up.

The song’s bridge comes straight from her dad’s advice: *“Life’s like that car / It’s gonna fly by girl / So hit the gas / Then enjoy the ride.”* That advice — and those Sunday drives — fuel the soul of this song.

While the track revs with sass, underneath the hood it’s classic Francine: honest, hopeful, and grounded in lived experience.  “It’s a reminder to take the wheel in your own life.”

*’Cadillac’* is out now on all streaming platforms. It’s already a finalist in the ASGI Rock category — not bad for a song born in the fast lane and raised on grit, grace, and gasoline.

Whether you’re chasing dreams, healing heartbreak, or just running errands with the windows down, Francine Honey’s ‘Cadillac’ is your new musical co-pilot.

Ash Ravens Hits the Gas on a Raw, Riff-Fueled Album ‘Joyride Blues’

Eric Alper
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Ash Ravens Hits the Gas on a Raw, Riff-Fueled Album ‘Joyride Blues’

Ash Ravens doesn’t just play the blues—he lives them, bends them, and invites you to go along for the ride. With the release of his latest album, Joyride Blues, the two-time Capital Music Award nominee proves that sometimes you have to lose the map to find the groove. Drawing from life in Bangladesh, Los Angeles, Melbourne, and now Ottawa, Ash weaves global threads into a record that’s as gritty as it is heartfelt, as classic as it is brand new.

Born in Bangladesh and raised on the sounds of bluesmen and jazz legends, Ash Ravens took the long road to Canada—through music cities like Melbourne and L.A.—and brought every influence with him.

His sound fuses the soul of blues with rock swagger, country honesty, and jazz complexity. He’s as likely to tear through a Joe Bonamassa-style riff as he is to whisper a nylon-string lament under the stars. “I’ve always believed the blues could hold everything I’ve seen,” Ash says. “And on this album, I gave it all.”

A two-time City of Ottawa arts grant recipient and a regular on the Canadian scene, Ash is known for his heartfelt lyrics, technical precision, and fearless blending of genre. “Blues is the root, but everything else is the fruit,” he smiles, name-checking heroes like Robben Ford, Matt Schofield, and John Scofield. “They taught me you don’t have to pick one path. You can carve your own.”

Joyride Blues shows off just how many paths he’s carved. There’s the full-throttle joy of the title track, where he sings, “I don’t care baby / I’m only here for the joyride,” over a groove you can feel in your bones.

There’s the traditional shuffle-blues of “My Ship Has Sailed,” with Ash confessing, “This old ship was my last chance of salvation / now devils got my name and he’ll lead me to temptation.”

And then there’s “Love Fades Away,” a midnight ballad that cuts deep: “Once burned so bright, now it’s just grown old… Through our tears we realise, love fades away.”

“Joyride Blues is about chasing something,” Ash shares. “Sometimes it’s love, sometimes it’s meaning, sometimes it’s just a feeling. But even when things fall apart, you can still sing your way through.” Nowhere is that clearer than in “This Soul Ain’t for Sale,” where Ravens growls, “There ain’t no devil who can hold me, no chains ‘round my feet / This soul ain’t for sale, I will always be free.”

Recorded across several cities but always anchored in the blues, the album’s final track, “Somewhere South,” has its own story. Ash explains: “I was stuck. I grabbed a nylon-string guitar, went outside on this quiet southern porch, hit record, and played into the warm night. What you hear is the first take—cicadas and all.” It’s a soft landing for a high-octane record, like the last cigarette after a long road trip.

And not all inspiration came from the South. One instrumental, “Skating on the Rideau,” was sparked by a literal glide down Ottawa’s frozen canal. “It was one of those nights where everything feels alive and dangerous,” Ash laughs. “When I got home, the riff just poured out. It’s blues, but it’s got that winter magic baked in.”

Ash is currently booking shows for fall and winter 2025 and plans to bring the album across Canada and beyond. “These songs were meant to be played loud, with real people in the room,” he says. “Joyride Blues is the kind of album that finds you wherever you are—and then takes you somewhere else.”

Blending back porch warmth, downtown grit, and a global spirit, Ash Ravens has made an album that’s both a personal journey and a universal groove. So, grab your boots, your headphones, or your skates—and buckle up for the ride.

Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe Rolls Out ‘Faded Tattoo’ – A Blues Burner With Soul to Spare

Eric Alper
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Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe Rolls Out ‘Faded Tattoo’ – A Blues Burner With Soul to Spare

A good blues song sticks to your ribs, and Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe serves it up hot. Their new single *’Faded Tattoo’ is out now, and it’s as smoky and soulful as a late-night confession. A slow-burning ode to heartbreak, regret, and uncanny déjà vu, it’s a track built on stories lived, scars worn, and love that lingers — like the ink of a name you never really forget.

Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe is fronted by Detroit-born bassist and vocalist David G. Rose (aka Rosie), backed by a powerhouse lineup of road-tested Canadian players: Tony Moretta (lead guitar, backing vocals), Gabor Szepesi (keyboards), and Steven K Henry (drums, backing vocals). These are musicians with four decades of history, groove, and soul between them — and you can hear it in every note.

“The idea came from a buddy with a tattoo of his ex — and a girlfriend who hated it,” Rosie laughs. “He said, ‘She’s just like her.’ Boom — lyrics started writing themselves.” By the end of the night, the song was written and ready. No demo. No second guessing. Just straight to the studio.

‘Faded Tattoo’ was produced by Mars Mauro Giammarco and co-produced by Rosie himself. The single features lyrics by Rosie, with music written collaboratively by the members of Rosie’s Smokehouse. Released on MoMojo Records (a division of Nola Blue Inc.), the track has already started turning heads in the blues world.

From the haunting organ lines to the rhythm section that hits like heartbreak, every inch of *’Faded Tattoo’* is dripping in authenticity. It’s a classic soul-blues groove wrapped in a story that’s painfully familiar — and undeniably powerful.

The lyrics paint it best: *“I’ve got a faded tattoo, of an old, old flame. Reminding me of all the heartache and pain.” It’s personal, it’s relatable, and it’s delivered with grit and grace.

Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe isn’t trying to reinvent the blues — they’re living it, one gig, one story, and one soul-shaking song at a time. And with *’Faded Tattoo’*, they’ve just laid down their next classic.

JUNO Winner Angelique Francis Roars Back With Soul-Stirring, Genre-Bending ‘Not Defeated’ Album of Grit, Groove, and Glory

Eric Alper
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JUNO Winner Angelique Francis Roars Back With Soul-Stirring, Genre-Bending ‘Not Defeated’ Album of Grit, Groove, and Glory

You know you’re in the presence of a force when someone plays upright bass, harmonica, keys, and cigar box guitar and that’s *before* they open their mouth. Angelique Francis isn’t just the future of blues, roots, and soul; she’s the freight train pulling the whole genre into a new dimension. With her third studio album, Not Defeated, out on August 7th, the Ottawa-born powerhouse is delivering a rallying cry for resilience, packing soul anthems, gospel grooves, and barn-burning guitar solos into one of the most exciting Canadian releases of the year.

Born in Ottawa and raised in a household where music was both language and lifeline, Angelique first hit the stage at age seven and was playing festivals by thirteen. By 14, she was already playing with music icons like Beth Hart and Shamekia Copeland. She has sinceshared the stage with music legends: Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Gary Clark Jr, and many more. Her musical DNA includes Aretha Franklin on keys, Willie Dixon on bass, Big Mama Thornton on harp, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe on guitar; and somehow, she plays them all. This multi-instrumentalist charts her own path: rocking stages across the globe, serenading audiences with her upright bass, harmonica, and powerful voice; all at the same time.

After winning the 2023 JUNO for Blues Album of the Year with Long River, Francis was declared Performer of the Year by Folk Canada in 2024, swept multiple Canadian Blues Music Awards, and landed a 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award nod for Song of the Year. But more than the accolades, it’s her ability to unify joy and struggle that sets her apart. “Music has always been about healing for me,” Angelique shares. “It’s how I process the world and how I imagine a better one. One of my main goals as a musician is to spread joy amongst my listeners. To give people hope in times of struggle.”

On Not Defeated, she goes all in. “I may be down / but I’m not defeated,” she howls on the album’s title track. This high-powered soul-blues infused number highlights the analogy connecting the album’s tracks. “My album is a collection of songs and stories about the hardships and challenges of our past, present, and future, and the strength that lies within us all to overcome them”. The overarching theme is linked across every song, spinning a variety of tales that range from sensual, introspective, to comical.

From the sultry celebration of “Sugarcane Jukejoint” to the explosive funk-blues grooves of “Do That Work,” every track is steeped in soul and purpose. This album of completely original tunes was crafted in the signature Francis style; a fusion of Blues and Blues influenced genres (roots, folk, soul, rock, gospel, Americana, funk, jazz, classic R&B, and many more). She takes her listeners on a journey through a diverse mix of styles; from upbeat and exciting, to intimate and profound.

A featured track, “Escape” (ft. Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), is an electrifying spiritual gut-punch. “I just can’t escape… my fears… / but I can stand / I will face it and give it all I can,” Francis belts with raw intensity, her voice swirling with Kingfish’s molten guitar. This timeless uplifting anthem encourages listeners to create their own light in the face of darkness.

Then there’s “Watch Me Grow,” a compelling tune that marries blues riffs with swagger, slick spoken word poetry, and New Orleans horns. It’s a song that declares: “Our path may be challenging, but onwards we fight / Watch me grow, watch us grow.”

Francis says: “Each one of us has the power to create positive change within this world. When people come together, support one another, and love each other, we can accomplish wonders.”

The album also features another sonic firestorm in “Train Coming” with Grammy Nominee Eric Gales, a blues-rock juggernaut that flawlessly electrifies listeners with its power and sizzle; a multifaceted metaphor about shedding one’s burdens and charging ahead towards a brighter future.

For Francis, music is her life, love, and family (quite literally). Her band includes sisters Kharincia Francis (sax), Kira Francis (trombone), Kayla Francis (vocals), and Father Kiran Francis (drums). “I am so lucky to have my family by my side,” she says. “It feels like a dream come true! They are fantastic musicians, and together our music is a reflection of who we are and the values we were raised on. That Love can conquer all.” Other talented members of The Angelique Francis Band on this album include Ed Lister (trumpet), Dave Williamson (electric guitar), and Andrew Knox (trumpet).

Coming off a whirlwind summer with performances at Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival (USA), Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival (QC), Niagara Jazz Festival (ON), Fort Langley Jazz Festival (BC), etc., Angelique and the band will board the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise this September, performing from Seattle to Alaska alongside some of the biggest names in Blues (such as Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Little Feat, and many others). “I can’t wait to bring this new music to people,” she beams. “Every show feels like a homecoming, whether we’re in Toronto or Romania.”

As for what’s next? Francis is set to tour in the fall (including Massey Hall, the Prismatic Arts Festival in Halifax, and Aeolian Hall in London) and is already working on her tour for 2026.

With Not Defeated, Angelique Francis has delivered more than just a record. She’s offered a soundtrack for anyone who’s ever fallen and got back up anyway. “Failure, fear, and pain may come; but as long as we have hope, we will not be defeated.”

Zara Larsson Announces 2026 North American Midnight Sun Tour With Amelia Moore

Eric Alper
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Zara Larsson Announces 2026 North American Midnight Sun Tour With Amelia Moore

Global pop powerhouse Zara Larsson announces her North American Midnight Sun Tour for 2026.

The 30-date trek is set to kick off on February 28, 2026, in Portland, OR, at the Crystal Ballroom and will take Zara across the US and Canada, including stops in San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and more. The tour will wrap on April 12ht in Houston, ,TX at the House of Blues. Pop artist Amelia Moore will join her on all North American headline dates.

Presales start tomorrow (Wed, Sept 3rd) at 10 am local time ahead of the general sale on Friday, September 5th.

Currently on tour with Tate McRae across North America, Larsson is set to perform at New York City’s Madison Square Garden this week, and Los Angeles’s The Forum on September 26-27. On October 28th, she will kick off a European headlining tour, before hitting the road in February 2026 alongside OneRepublic in Australia and New Zealand.

The run is in support of her new album Midnight Sun, set for release on September 26th via Sommer House/Epic Records. Created over the last year with frequent collaborator MNEK, alongside producers Margo XS and Zhone, as well as songwriter Helena Gao, the album is a true tour de force.

Just two weeks ago, Larsson unleashed the album’s latest buzzing single, “Crush.” Out of the gate, the song was most-added at Top 40/pop radio in the US. Last week, the pop star shared the dynamic video for the song, directed by Grant James Thomas. “Crush” follows the album’s transcendent title track, “Midnight Sun,” which has penetrated the culture with virality all summer thanks to the song’s Charlotte Rutherford-directed, Y2K-inspired music video and Zara’s own vocal prowess on the track. Zara kicked off the Midnight Sun era with the confident and rowdy “Pretty Ugly” and its gloriously messy music video, also directed by Charlotte Rutherford and choreographed by Zoi Tatopoulos. Fittingly, the music video is nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography.

Zara Larsson 2026 North American Midnight Sun Tour Dates:

Feb 28 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
Mar 1 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
Mar 3 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
Mar 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
Mar 7 – Anaheim, CA @ HOB Anaheim
Mar 8 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
Mar 10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
Mar 11 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
Mar 13 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore Minneapolis
Mar 14 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Mar 15 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
Mar 17 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
Mar 18 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Mar 20 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre and Ballroom
Mar 21 – Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live!
Mar 22 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
Mar 24 – Toronto, ON @ History
Mar 26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
Mar 28 – Boston, MA @ HOB Boston – Music Hall
Mar 30 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia
Mar 31 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem
Apr 1 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
Apr 3 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
Apr 4 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
Apr 5 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
Apr 7 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live
Apr 8 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ HOB Lake Buena Vista
Apr 10 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
Apr 11 – Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
Apr 12 – Houston, TX @ HOB Houston

State Champs Drop New Single “Common Sense” and Gear Up for Festivals and Tours

Eric Alper
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State Champs Drop New Single “Common Sense” and Gear Up for Festivals and Tours

Albany-raised pop-punk band State Champs released a new single, “Common Sense,” via Pure Noise Records. It’s a punchy, high-energy track that’s packed with the band’s signature catchy hooks and dynamic guitars, while showcasing a heavier side to their evolving sound.

The band shared their sentiments on the new track: “Common Sense brings out a slightly darker and heavier side to us while keeping the Champ’s integrity strong. Lyrically, it’s about completely investing yourself in someone while also being naive to the fact that you never had anything in common to begin with.”

This is the first song the band has put out since their self-titled record came out in November 2024. The album marked a new chapter for the band, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their roots. It featured hit singles including “Light Blue,” “Too Late To Say,” and “Silver Cloud.” The album received praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, AltPress, Rock Sound and New Noise Magazine, admiring its blend of nostalgic Warped Tour-era energy and modern pop punk sounds. It cemented them as torchbearers on the scene and is one of the band’s most celebrated albums to date.

This September the band will be on tour with A Day to Remember and Yellowcard for select dates. Later this year they will be performing at several music festivals including Four Chord Music Festival on September 13, Vans Warped Tour Orlando on November 15 – 16, and Aftershock Festival on October 2. They will also be back on the Emo’s Not Dead Cruise in January 2026.

Troubadour Festival Returns November 15 With Clay Walker, 30 BBQ Joints, and Fifth Anniversary Celebration

Eric Alper
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Troubadour Festival Returns November 15 With Clay Walker, 30 BBQ Joints, and Fifth Anniversary Celebration

Troubadour Festival, Texas’ largest barbecue and country music experience, returns to Old Celina Park in Celina on Saturday, Nov. 15, for its fifth-anniversary edition.

Produced by Double Tap Entertainment, Troubadour Festival will feature eight artists for an all-day live music and culinary event, with performances from headliner Clay Walker as well as Braxton Keith, Randall King, Cody Canada & The Departed, Silverada, Bottomland, Presley Haile and Chloe Kimes.

Beyond the stage, festivalgoers can explore 30 award-winning barbecue restaurants from across Texas, many of which are recognized in the Michelin Guide and on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list, including several North Texas favorites. For the first time, the festival will introduce themed showcases, grouping restaurants into five categories: Meat Church & Friends Live Fire Experience, 44 Farms Beef, Pork, Tex + Mex BBQ and Asian-Style BBQ. Each set of pitmasters will bring their own approach to the theme, providing attendees with a variety of barbecue styles and flavors to taste.

Participating restaurants include: 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio), B4 Barbeque (Mabank), Bar-A-BBQ (Montgomery), Blood Bros. BBQ (Houston), Brotherton’s Barbecue (Pflugerville), CM Smokehouse (Austin), Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (Aledo), Eaker Barbecue (Fredericksburg), Evie Mae’s Barbecue (Wolfforth/Lubbock), Helberg Barbecue (Waco), Hurtado Barbecue (Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield), Hutchins Barbeque (Frisco, McKinney), LJ’s Barbecue (Brenham), LocalCraft BBQ (Newark), Lockhart Smokehouse (Dallas, Plano, Arlington), Meat Church (Waxahachie), North Texas Smoke (Decatur), Panther City Barbeque (Fort Worth), Parish Barbecue (Austin), Patriotic Pig Smokehouse (North Richland Hills), Reese Bros. BBQ (San Antonio), Roegels Barbecue Co. (Houston, Katy), Rossler’s Blue Cord BBQ (Harker Heights), Slaughter’s Barbecue (Sulphur Springs), Smoak Town BBQ (Fate), Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ (Tyler), Sunbird Barbecue (Longview), Tejas Chocolate & BBQ (Tomball), Tyler’s Barbeque (Amarillo) and Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q (Allen).

“It’s hard to believe we’re already here, but we’re beyond excited for Troubadour Festival this year in Celina,” said Chase Colston, festival promoter and co-owner of Double Tap Entertainment. “We’re rolling out an entirely new concept to the barbecue sampling, which our restaurants are thrilled about. Combined with our new ticket opportunities, upgraded amenities and this year’s lineup, we’ve got something truly special for Celina in 2025 as we celebrate our fifth year.”

Available ticket types include: GA (starting at $59), GA+ (starting at $99), BBQ (starting at $129), BBQ+ (starting at $169), VIP (starting at $239) and VIP+ (starting at $899). All tickets feature all-in pricing, inclusive of taxes and fees. A limited number of Tier 1 GA, GA+, BBQ and BBQ+ tickets will also be available at a discounted rate for active and former military, students, first responders and educators with valid ID. VIP+ tickets include early entry with an additional hour of barbecue tastings, exclusive front-of-stage access, entry to a private VIP+ lounge featuring premium stage views and upgraded seating and access to VIP+ concierges and climate-controlled restrooms. Guests will also enjoy an open bar and a catered dinner from world-renowned Hutchins Barbeque, as well as receive a VIP+ festival gift and exclusive t-shirt. More information on ticket offerings here.

Beginning this year, a portion of proceeds from Troubadour Festival will benefit Hogs for the Cause, the festival’s official charitable partner. Hogs for the Cause is a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families across the country with children undergoing treatment for brain cancer. To date, the organization has distributed more than $15 million to families and hospital programs. Each year, Hogs for the Cause also hosts its premier barbecue and music festival of the same name.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hogs for the Cause as the official charitable partner of Troubadour Festival,” said Colston. “We have long admired their mission and look forward to seeing the impact Troubadour Festival and its fanbase can make on such a meaningful cause. Many of our participating pitmasters have also supported Hogs for the Cause over the years. We’ve always said Texas barbecue is a family, and this partnership is another example of that.”

For more information on tickets, the festival lineup, directions and FAQs, visit troubadourfestival.com.

Carla Harvey Launches New Project The Violent Hour Band With Upcoming California Shows

Eric Alper
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Carla Harvey Launches New Project The Violent Hour Band With Upcoming California Shows

Carla Harvey has announced the formation of a new project called The Violent Hour Band. The group consists of Allie Kay (rhythm guitar), Kiana De León (lead guitar), Carla Harvey (vocals), Jewell Steele (bass) and Sasha De Leon (drums).

The Violent Hour Upcoming Shows:

09/20 The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
09/21 Whisky a Go Go
09/22 Whiskey a Go Go

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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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