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SOCAN And The Annex Hotel Launch Late Check Out Music Series

Eric Alper
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SOCAN And The Annex Hotel Launch Late Check Out Music Series

SOCAN is proud to announce its collaboration with The Annex Hotel for Late Check Out, a new original music performance series celebrating Canadian songwriting through intimate, artist-focused sessions filmed on site at the hotel. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creativity, culture, and meaningful support for music creators.

Beginning in February, Late Check Out will roll out as a monthly series across digital platforms featuring some of the country’s most compelling artists. In each session, performers share one original song and one cover in an intimate hotel setting. Stripped down and story-driven, the series puts full focus on lyrics, voice, and the craft of songwriting.

“SOCAN is always looking for new ways to support and champion music creators, and Late Check Out is an exciting new platform to showcase Canadian talent in a way that feels personal and meaningful,” said Houtan Hodania, Creative Executive at SOCAN. “We’re thrilled to partner with The Annex Hotel to bring this vision to life.”

For The Annex Hotel, Late Check Out builds on a long-standing commitment to culture-forward programming and artist storytelling. Among those initiatives is a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artist Daniel Caesar for Daniel’s Room, and Artists Living Comfortably, an interview series focused on creative lives.

“Canada has incredible musical talent, but we’ve lacked a recurring performance platform that meets it at a global cultural level,” said Chieff Bosompra, Director of Partnerships & Culture at The Annex Hotel. “Late Check Out is designed to be a must-stop for artists passing through Toronto and a series that genuinely champions Canadian music and presents it with the attention it deserves.”

Led by Chieff Bosompra, Late Check Out was developed to address a gap in Canada’s music content landscape.The series is positioned at the intersection of music, place, and contemporary culture and reinforces the hotel’s role as a creative hub for Canadian artists.

Noah Kahan Announces Massive Stadium Tour And Fourth Album ‘The Great Divide’

Eric Alper
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Noah Kahan Announces Massive Stadium Tour And Fourth Album ‘The Great Divide’

Following his highly anticipated return with new single “The Great Divide” and the announcement of his upcoming fourth studio album, 2x GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum superstar Noah Kahan announces today that he will return to the road this summer for a monumental, career-defining stadium run. Produced by Live Nation, Noah Kahan: The Great Divide Tour kicks off June 11th and makes 23-stops at stadiums across North America through August, including a two-night homecoming at Boston’s Fenway Park, as well as shows at Los Angeles’ Rose Bowl Stadium, New York’s Citi Field, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, and more. Gigi Perez is set to join Kahan as support. See the full routing below.

To participate in the Noah Kahan Artist Presale on Tuesday, February 10th at 12pm local time, you must sign up HERE by Thursday, February 5th at 11:59pm ET. No codes are needed—access is tied to your Ticketmaster account, and anyone who signs up can join the sale. There may be a presale code required on non-Ticketmaster ticketing sites. The general onsale will take place on Thursday, February 12th at 12pm local time at https://noahkahan.com/pages/tour. 

Noah Kahan is using Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange to help fans get tickets at the original price. Tickets purchased on Ticketmaster will be non-transferable and can only be resold on Ticketmaster at face value. In Illinois, New York, and Colorado where laws prevent resale restrictions, tickets can be transferred but Ticketmaster will still honor Noah Kahan’s terms by keeping resale prices at face value on its site.

This past Friday, Noah Kahan released his brand-new single, “The Great Divide,” which was recorded at Vermont’s Guilford Sound. The track debuted as Kahan’s highest streaming launch to date. Upon release, it skyrocketed to #1 on the Spotify Top Songs USA Chart and #3 on the Top Songs Global Chart. He also announced his highly anticipated fourth studio album of the same name will arrive April 24th via Mercury Records. Last night at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, Kahan partnered with Mastercard to premiere the official music video for the anthemic track during Mastercard’s GRAMMY Awards commercial break. Shot in Nashville by director Parker Schmidt the video brings the song’s profound themes to life—exploring childhood friendship, shame, guilt, separation, and the complicated truths tied to where Kahan comes from. Fans can watch the official music video HERE and explore Priceless Experiences through The Mastercard Collection HERE.

Kahan’s forthcoming album, The Great Divide, finds him at his most honest, reflective, and emotionally resonant. Produced by acclaimed producer and Stick Season collaborator Gabe Simon (Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Koe Wetzel) alongside GRAMMY-winning producer Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift, Bon Iver), the album explores Kahan’s evolving relationship with family, friends, home, and his sense of self. Recorded at a secluded farm outside of Nashville, Gold Pacific Studios in Nashville and at Dessner’s famed Long Pond Studio in New York, the project expands Kahan’s sound while remaining rooted in the vulnerability that defines his work.

The Great Divide was written in the wake of Kahan’s career-defining Stick Season era. Released in 2022, the 4x Platinum album and its 8x Platinum breakout single propelled the beloved Vermont songwriter to multiple GRAMMY nominations, global #1 records, billions of streams and millions of albums sold, and over 1.5 million tickets sold with headline shows in legendary venues around the world—including two historic sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Boston’s Fenway Park.

NOAH KAHAN: THE GREAT DIVIDE TOUR:
June 11th // Orlando, FL // Kia Center
June 26th // Philadelphia, PA // Citizens Bank Park
June 28th // Toronto, ON // Rogers Stadium
July 1st // Cincinnati, OH // Great American Ball Park
July 3rd // Pittsburgh, PA // PNC Park
July 10th // Boston, MA // Fenway Park
July 11th // Boston, MA // Fenway Park
July 14th // Chicago, IL // Wrigley Field
July 18th // Queens, NY // Citi Field
July 22nd // Washington, DC // Nationals Park
July 25th // Raleigh, NC // Carter-Finley Stadium
July 27th // Atlanta, GA // Truist Park
July 30th // Arlington, TX // Globe Life Field
August 2nd // St. Louis, MO // Busch Stadium
August 5th // Minneapolis, MN // Target Field
August 8th // Denver, CO // Coors Field
August 15th // Pasadena, CA // Rose Bowl Stadium
August 17th // San Diego, CA // Petco Park
August 19th // Phoenix, AZ // Chase Field
August 21st // San Francisco, CA // Oracle Park
August 25th // Sandy, UT // America First Field
August 28th // Vancouver, BC // BC Place
August 30th // Seattle, WA // T-Mobile Park

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum Vermont singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has risen from his New England roots to become a globally resonant voice of his generation. Across his career, Kahan has amassed nearly 15 billion global streams, sold nearly 12 million global albums, earned 22 Platinum and Gold certifications, and sold over 1.5 million tickets with headline shows in legendary venues around the world—including two historic sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Boston’s Fenway Park. In addition to receiving two GRAMMY nominations, he’s been recognized by the BRIT Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeart Radio Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Americana Honors & Awards, and more.

Kahan’s critically acclaimed breakthrough 2022 album Stick Season became a cultural phenomenon. Over the span of two years, the 4x Platinum album and its 8x Platinum title track reached number one across North America, the UK, and Europe, becoming the fourth best-selling album of 2024 and remaining in the Top 15 more than three years after its release. In 2023 following the release of Stick Season, Kahan launched his mental health non-profit, The Busyhead Project, which has raised over $5.5 million to date in support of its mission to increase awareness around the importance of mental health.

Now, Kahan enters his next artistic era with The Great Divide, his fourth studio album, due April 24th via Mercury Records. Written in the wake of his rapid rise to global fame, the album finds Kahan at his most honest, reflective, and emotionally resonant—grappling with success, identity, family, distance, and the unspoken truths that separate people from one another. Produced by acclaimed producer and Stick Season collaborator Gabe Simon (Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Koe Wetzel) alongside GRAMMY®-winning producer Aaron Dessner (Taylor Swift, Bon Iver), The Great Divide builds on Kahan’s signature storytelling while pushing his sound into more expansive, anthemic, and sonically adventurous territory. In support of the new album, Kahan will embark on The Great Divide Tour this summer, headlining stadiums across North America for his biggest tour to date. At the heart of Noah Kahan’s music remains the same guiding purpose that first drew fans in: honest storytelling, shared vulnerability, and songs that help listeners feel understood.

Randy Cobb Delivers Raw Honesty with New Single “Hard To Breathe” Following Chart Success

Eric Alper
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Randy Cobb Delivers Raw Honesty with New Single “Hard To Breathe” Following Chart Success

Rising traditional country artist Randy Cobb continues his recent chart momentum with the release of his emotionally charged new single, “Hard To Breathe.” Available now on all digital streaming platforms, the track serves as a vulnerable follow-up to his current radio hit “The Sand.” Written by Cobb alongside Jeff King and Mark Dooley, the song captures the intense weight of inner conflict and the struggle to find one’s footing in transformative moments. “This song came from a very real place,” Randy shares. “It’s a story of risking it all, making the first move, and realizing the feeling is shared and better than expected.”

The release comes as Cobb—a Pensacola, Florida native now based in lower Alabama—solidifies his place in the country scene under South Sixty Five Entertainment Group. His journey back to music is one of profound resilience; after stepping away in 2012 to run a trucking company and care for his family, the devastating losses of his mother, brother, and business during the pandemic reignited his creative purpose. This authenticity is already resonating with listeners, as his single “Not On Me” has surpassed 4 million views on YouTube. Cobb, influenced by legends like Keith Whitley and George Strait, remains grounded in the traditional storytelling that first inspired him. “Hard To Breathe” highlights his growth as a songwriter while maintaining the roots-driven honesty that fans have come to expect.

First Full Trailer For Biopic “Michael” Reveals Jaafar Jackson’s Stunning Transformation

Eric Alper
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First Full Trailer For Biopic “Michael” Reveals Jaafar Jackson’s Stunning Transformation

Lionsgate has released the official full-length trailer for Michael, the highly anticipated biographical drama chronicling the life and legacy of the King of Pop. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar nominee John Logan, the film stars Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his cinematic debut. The trailer provides a front-row seat to Michael’s journey, from his early years as the standout lead of the Jackson 5 to his relentless pursuit of becoming a global solo superstar. Supporting the lead is an ensemble cast including Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as attorney John Branca. The footage highlights iconic career milestones—including glimpses of the “Thriller” and “Billie Jean” eras—while exploring the intense family dynamics and creative ambition that fueled his rise to fame.

Produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody), the film is described as an “honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man” beyond the music. The trailer focuses heavily on the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing Michael’s fateful decision to strike out on his own with the Off the Wall album. Producer Graham King shared that Jaafar “organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael” in a way no other actor could. With choreography and cinematography designed to recreate his most legendary performances, the film aims to capture both the triumphs and the human struggles of the most influential entertainer in history. Michael is scheduled to moonwalk into theaters and IMAX worldwide on April 24, 2026.

David Lynch Reflects On The “Phenomenal” Magic Of The Beatles

Eric Alper
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David Lynch Reflects On The “Phenomenal” Magic Of The Beatles

In a captivating archival interview featured in the Disney+ documentary Beatles ’64, legendary filmmaker David Lynch recounts his firsthand experience of the band’s first U.S. concert at the Washington Coliseum. Lynch, who was a high schooler in Alexandria at the time, describes the sheer intensity of the event, remembering the Beatles performing in a boxing ring surrounded by a “phenomenal” wall of sound and screaming fans.

Genesis Rarities And Hits Explored In ‘Top Of The Pops’ Performance Compilation

Eric Alper
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Genesis Rarities And Hits Explored In ‘Top Of The Pops’ Performance Compilation

A new archival compilation from BillFilm highlights the definitive ‘Top Of The Pops’ appearances of Genesis, spanning their most commercially successful era from 1980 to 1992. The collection features the band’s transition from progressive rock stalwarts to global pop icons, starting with the 1980 performance of “Turn It On Again” from the Duke sessions. The retrospective also includes the 1981 appearance for the experimental title track “Abacab” and the rare 1982 performance of “Paperlate,” a brass-heavy hit from the 3×3 EP. The compilation is bookended by two distinct appearances from 1992, showcasing the massive success of their We Can’t Dance era with performances of “Hold On My Heart” and a live-captured version of the 1986 classic “Invisible Touch.”

These performances serve as a visual timeline of the band’s evolution at the BBC’s Elstree and Television Centre studios. While “Turn It On Again” highlights the group’s rhythmic complexity, later hits like “Invisible Touch” demonstrate the polished, stadium-ready sound that defined the late eighties and early nineties. The inclusion of the 1982 footage is particularly significant for collectors, as “Paperlate” remains one of the few instances where the band utilized the Earth, Wind & Fire horn section’s influence in a televised setting. Each segment has been curated to provide fans with a high-quality look at the weekly singles chart rundowns that made ‘Top Of The Pops’ a British institution for over forty years.

Brooklyn Artist Avery Friedman Performs “NY Slice” Set For WFUV FM At City Winery Following Debut Success

Eric Alper
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Brooklyn Artist Avery Friedman Performs “NY Slice” Set For WFUV FM At City Winery Following Debut Success

Brooklyn-based artist Avery Friedman recently brought her vulnerable and optimistic sound to City Winery for a special “NY Slice” performance, featuring tracks from her 2025 debut album, New Thing. Originally from Cleveland, Friedman’s path to music was born out of a period of isolation following a traumatic mugging in New York City. “Avery Friedman never set out to become a musician, but found her way there almost by accident,” noted Alisa Ali, explaining how Friedman traded her therapeutic city walks for a guitar to process her experiences. Accompanied by her producer and guitarist James Chrisman, she performed a setlist that included “Underbelly” and a medley of “Into” and “New Thing.” Since opening for Mt. Joy last autumn, Friedman has quickly moved from recording in her apartment to becoming a rising voice in the indie scene, with her lead single “Flowers Fell” earning praise for its raw honesty and introspective depth.

When Voices Collide: 10 Songs Where Lyrics Overlap in Perfect Chaos

Eric Alper
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When Voices Collide: 10 Songs Where Lyrics Overlap in Perfect Chaos

There’s something uniquely thrilling about songs where two vocalists, or even the same singer, deliver different lyrics at the same time. Whether it’s counterpoint, call-and-response, or emotional overlap, these tracks turn competing voices into unforgettable moments.

“Battle of Evermore” — Led Zeppelin

Robert Plant and Sandy Denny trade and overlap mythic verses, turning the song into a dramatic folk dialogue that feels ancient and cinematic.

“California Dreamin’” — The Mamas & the Papas

Layered harmonies and overlapping lines give this classic its drifting tension, reinforcing the song’s sense of longing and restlessness.

“Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team)” — Taking Back Sunday

A defining emo moment, with duelling vocals shouting conflicting perspectives at once, capturing emotional chaos in real time.

“Father and Son” — Cat Stevens

Stevens sings both roles, overlapping viewpoints to dramatize generational conflict and quiet heartbreak within a single performance.

“Feeling This” — blink-182

The climactic outro layers contrasting lyrics from Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, creating one of pop-punk’s most iconic overlapping finales.

“Hold Me” — Fleetwood Mac

Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie’s overlapping lines subtly underline the emotional complexity that defines the band’s songwriting.

“I’ve Got a Feeling” — The Beatles

Paul McCartney and John Lennon sing two different ideas at once near the end, merging optimism and mantra into joyful disarray.

“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” — Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley overlap spoken and sung parts, turning the track into a full-blown theatrical exchange of voices and intent.

“Scarborough Fair / Canticle” — Simon & Garfunkel

A masterclass in counterpoint, pairing a traditional ballad with an anti-war lyric sung simultaneously beneath it.

“Under Pressure” — Queen & David Bowie

Recorded separately, Bowie and Freddie Mercury’s overlapping vocals collide into a tense, human exchange that defines the song’s emotional core.

The Biggest Winners and Moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards

Eric Alper
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The Biggest Winners and Moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards

The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered a night defined by historic wins, cultural milestones, and moments that extended far beyond the stage. Hosted by Trevor Noah for the final time, the ceremony reflected a music industry shaped by global sounds, political awareness, and long-awaited recognition.

Below is a rundown of key winners across major categories, and our five moments that defined the night.

Major Grammy Winners: 2026

Album, Song, and Record Highlights

  • Album of the Year: Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
    The first Spanish-language album ever to win the category, marking a historic moment for Latin music.
  • Song of the Year: Billie Eilish & Finneas – “Wildflower”
  • Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther”

Rock & Alternative

  • Best Rock Album: Turnstile – NEVER ENOUGH
  • Best Rock Song: Nine Inch Nails – “As Alive as You Need Me to Be”
  • Best Rock Performance: YUNGBLUD – “Changes (Live From Villa Park)”
  • Best Alternative Music Album: The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
  • Best Alternative Music Performance: The Cure – “Alone”

Pop & Dance

  • Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young – “Messy”
  • Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga – Mayhem
  • Best Dance/Electronic Recording: Tame Impala – “End of Summer”
  • Best Dance/Electronic Album: FKA twigs – EUSEXUA
  • Best Remixed Recording: Lady Gaga & Gesaffelstein – “Abracadabra (Gesaffelstein Remix)”

Rap & R&B

  • Best Melodic Rap Performance: Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther”
  • Best Rap Song: Kendrick Lamar feat. Lefty Gunplay – “TV Off”

Country, Roots & Americana

  • Best Country Solo Performance: Chris Stapleton – “Bad as I Used to Be”
  • Best American Roots Performance: Mavis Staples – “Beautiful Strangers”
  • Best Americana Performance: Mavis Staples – “Godspeed”
  • Best American Roots Song: I’m With Her – “Ancient Light”
  • Best Americana Album: Jon Batiste – Big Money
  • Best Bluegrass Album: Billy Strings – Highway Prayers

Soundtrack & Visual Media

  • Best Compilation Soundtrack: Sinners (Various Artists)
  • Best Score Soundtrack: Sinners – Composer Ludwig Göransson
  • Best Song Written for Visual Media: “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters

Industry Honors

  • Producer of the Year (Non-Classical): Cirkut
  • Best Recording Package: Bruce Springsteen – Tracks II: The Lost Albums

Five of the Biggest Moments of the Night

1. Bad Bunny Makes Grammy History

Bad Bunny’s Album of the Year win marked the first time a Spanish-language record claimed the Grammys’ top prize. His emotional acceptance speech, dedicated to immigrants and diaspora communities, became the defining image of the night.

2. Immigration Takes Centre Stage

Multiple artists, including Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, and Bad Bunny, used the ceremony to speak out against ICE and immigration policies. Red carpet badges and acceptance speeches turned the Grammys into a rare moment of collective political expression.

3. Billie Eilish’s Continued Grammy Dominance

With “Wildflower” winning Song of the Year, Eilish secured her third victory in the category this decade. The win reaffirmed her position as one of the Grammys’ most consistently rewarded artists.

4. Trevor Noah vs. Trump Becomes a Headline

A joke by host Trevor Noah referencing Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein sparked an immediate backlash from the former president, including a public threat of legal action. The exchange quickly overshadowed parts of the broadcast.

5. K-Pop Finally Breaks Through

“Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy. While other nominees went home empty-handed, the win signaled a long-awaited shift in Grammy recognition for the genre.

The 2026 Grammys weren’t just about trophies. They reflected a changing industry where global voices, political urgency, and long-overdue recognition shared the spotlight. From Bad Bunny’s history-making win to genre-defining breakthroughs across pop, rock, and roots music, this year’s ceremony will be remembered as a turning point.

Jethro Tull Guitar Legend Martin Barre Releases Candid Autobiography ‘A Trick Of Memory’

Eric Alper
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0
Jethro Tull Guitar Legend Martin Barre Releases Candid Autobiography ‘A Trick Of Memory’

Legendary guitarist Martin Barre shares his definitive story with the release of his autobiography, ‘A Trick of Memory.’ The book, published by McNidder & Grace, chronicles his journey from a childhood in Birmingham to becoming the backbone of Jethro Tull’s sound for over four decades. Barre explores his transition from the flute and saxophone to the guitar, a move that eventually led to the creation of the iconic “Aqualung” riff. The guitarist provides an honest look at the creative sessions behind landmark albums such as ‘Stand Up’ and ‘Crest of a Knave.’

In the memoir, Barre provides candid reflections on life on the road and the internal dynamics of one of rock’s most enduring bands. “As reluctant as I am to try and pretend that my story’s important, I want it on record,” Barre shares regarding his decision to write the book. He notes that the text is biased toward his formative years in the fifties, sixties, and seventies, which he describes as “dear to me.” The author emphasizes that he does not live a rock-star life and remains focused on delivering the highest standard of music today. “My personality isn’t rooted in who I was and what I did; it’s rooted in who I am today,” the guitarist adds.

The autobiography features unique sidebars titled “A Tull Tale,” providing insider anecdotes that are not found in official band histories. Barre discusses the “personal shock” of the band’s 2011 dissolution and his subsequent journey as a solo artist and bandleader. Peers such as Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris have already noted the significant influence Barre’s melodic and precise playing had on the progression of rock and metal. To celebrate the publication, Barre is currently touring his “A Brief History of Tull” electric show across Europe.

With over 200 pages including a color photograph section, ‘A Trick of Memory’ is available in hardcover starting February 5, 2026. The book offers gear enthusiasts a deep dive into “Instruments of Torture” and the evolution of his signature tone. Barre remains a vital force in the music industry, continuing to mentor younger musicians while maintaining a demanding international tour schedule. This memoir serves as an essential guide for fans of progressive rock and the untold history of British music. It marks a significant milestone in the career of a musician who helped define an entire generation.

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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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