Today, lo-fi alt-pop band Weston Estate share their new single “COOL GIRL,” out now on Arista Records. “COOL GIRL,” created during a writing trip in Oak Land, North Carolina is the Raleigh natives first new single since their EP SUPERBLOOM released at the beginning of summer.
Listen to “COOL GIRL” HERE and revisit SUPERBLOOM HERE.
The self-written and produced single “COOL GIRL” is an epic sound journey that moves between hushed intimacy, sunny full-band moments, darkly disjointed passages and ethereal bliss. Discussing the new single, Weston Estate shares, “’Cool Girl’ is about moving how you want, even when nobody is watching. Being wild and untouchable. Someone with a magnetic energy that you can’t seem to stay away from, but you also know that you can’t pin them down. It’s about watching someone you love outgrow the world around them. It’s the realization that she’s meant for something bigger, and the hardest but most honest thing you can do is ask her to leave you behind and step into that larger life.”
Weston Estate kept busy this summer which kicked off with the release of their anticipated EP SUPERBLOOM. August saw the band make their way to Europe both for shows in London and to appear as the surprise guest at influencer/boxer Logan Paul’s wedding before hosting their own self-curated SUPERBLOOM Fest in Brooklyn, the band’s new hometown. The festival included a performance from the band as well as by their friends Biking with Francis, Wolfacejoeyy, Yung Fazo and more.
SUPERBLOOM cemented Weston Estate’s status as a “no-skip” band. The previously unheard “Thinking Out Loud”is an epic sonic journey in three minutes, moving from hushed intimacy to sunny full-band moments to darkly disjointed passages to ethereal bliss. The lyrics similarly wrestle with post-breakup complexity: “Wasted, on again off again, back on just to find out what it’s like / Thinking maybe time will tell me how to fail you / I can’t get away, you feel like mine.”
Fans were previously treated to the lushly R&B-infused “Camouflage” and EP opener “I Saw Something,” described by Melodic Magazine as “an exhilarating mix of lush indie, vibrant alt-pop, and experimental dance.” Weston Estate preceded their SUPERBLOOM era with the one-off single “Petra,” which inspired Ones To Watch to rave that “the group ushers listeners into a vibrant and vulnerable world full of lush soundscapes and heart-aching lyricism that resonates with a palpable emotional depth.” That sentiment rings truer now than ever.
Weston Estate Release New Single “COOL GIRL” Following Summer of ‘SUPERBLOOM’ Highlights
Amazon Music Celebrates Country Music Month with New Originals and Historic Grand Ole Opry Takeover
This week, Amazon Music kicks off Country Music Month with a month-long slate of content celebrating the best in country music.
To kick the celebration off, Amazon Music will release four new Amazon Music Originals, including Kane Brown’s reimagined marching band version of his album track, “2 Pair (Game Day Version),” available now. Additional Country Music Month Amazon Music Originals include Noeline Hofmann’s cover of Guy Clark’s “Dublin Blues,” which will be released on October 3rd; Tucker Wetmore’s cover of The Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands To Yourself,” releasing October 10th; and Carter Faith’s cover of Addison Rae’s “Fame Is A Gun,” out October 21st.
“I love that my fans have made ‘2 Pair’ the song of the summer—so how about a version for the football season with a drumline and marching band?” said Kane Brown. “Hope this gets you pumped up. Go Dawgs!”
Amazon Music is making history as the first streaming service to curate a Grand Ole Opry takeover, featuring performances by Lauren Alaina, Dan + Shay, Russell Dickerson, Carter Faith, Noeline Hofmann, and Lainey Wilson on October 21st. This themed Opry show will be hosted by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton of the Country Heat Weekly podcast. Streaming on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, Prime Video, and the Amazon Music app, the celebration of Country Music Month and the Opry’s 100th anniversary will transform the iconic Opry barn from its iconic red to “Country Heat” orange during the special show. Carter Faith will also debut her Amazon Music Original cover of “Fame Is A Gun” during the broadcast.
Country has long been a top-performing genre on Amazon Music. The “Country Heat” brand recently achieved a major milestone: surpassing 30 billion streams in the US alone since its 2016 launch. The flagship country destination, which includes both the “Country Heat” playlist and station, has become a key source for country music discovery. This includes the Country Heat Weekly Podcast, hosted by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton, which entertains listeners with today’s top tracks, shares the latest country music news, features candid conversations with beloved artists, celebrates milestones in country music history, and spotlights rising stars.
With exclusive content, curated programming, and high-profile live events, Amazon Music continues to solidify its role as a major destination for country music discovery and artist support. This year’s Country Music Month campaign highlights the commitment from Amazon Music to telling the stories behind the music and creating deeper connections between artists and fans.
Melissa Carper Joins JD McPherson’s “Socks: A Rock & Roll Christmas” Tour This Holiday Season
Austin-based singer-songcrafter/upright bassist Melissa Carper will join JD McPherson’s upcoming “Socks: A Rock & Roll Christmas” Tour, a run of 14 dates that kicks off in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 4.
“It’s a dream come true to be opening for my friend JD McPherson on his annual Christmas tour,” Carper says. “JD encouraged me a couple of years ago to record a Christmas album; he told me how fun it is to write Christmas songs, and I’ve taken that advice to heart! This tour is going to be a blast and, I’m sure, the best holiday season I have had in years.”
Rolling Stone Country has praised Carper’s writing and style, saying she sounds like a “voice from a bygone era.” Dubbed “Hillbillie Holiday” by friend and frequent collaborator Chris Scruggs, Carper has an instinctive sense for storytelling, both observant and intuitive.
As with the message of her latest LP, 2024’s Borned In Ya (Mae Music/Thirty Tigers), these traits have been sharpened by life experiences and the many turns of her career. Carper’s deep, old-timey music roots were firmly planted as a child, playing upright bass and singing in her family’s traveling country band in rural Nebraska. Her love of country classics was cultivated as she lay beneath the console listening to her parents’ record collection. Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, and more became the soundtrack of her youth. When Carper’s father gifted her a collection of Jimmie Rodgers’ recordings, she began to find her voice and calling as a songwriter.
As a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she spent much of her time in the music library, instinctively drawn to the great jazz classics and jazz vocalists such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. She also discovered Lead Belly, uncovering a deep well within when singing his songs. Carper stands firmly on the shoulders of American ramblers, crooners, and songsters; you’ll hear all of these influences in the music she has made over the years as a member of numerous touring acts and as an internationally recognized solo performer.
Carper’s Daddy’s Country Gold (2021) and Ramblin’ Soul (2022) both received strong critical praise for their seamless blend of vintage styles and her warm, distinctive vocals. Borned In Ya built on that journey and cemented Carper’s reputation as one of today’s most compelling and authentic voices in roots music.
SOCKS: A ROCK & ROLL CHRISTMAS TOUR DATES
12/4 – Louisville, KY – Headliners
12/5 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
12/6 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle
12/7 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl
12/9 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
12/10 – Baltimore MD – Ottobar
12/11 – Wilmington, DE – Arden Gild Hall
12/12 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
12/13 – Rochester, NY – Temple Theatre
12/14 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
12/16 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall
12/17 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
12/19 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
12/20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
O.A.R. Announce 20th Anniversary Edition of ‘Stories of a Stranger’ with Rare Bonus Tracks
Craft Recordings and O.A.R. are proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Stories of a Stranger, the band’s landmark fifth studio album, with a special expanded edition. Available December 5, Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition) revisits a pivotal era in the multi-platinum band’s career, pairing the original 2005 album with rare bonus material: a long-out-of-print EP—featuring performances of “Heard the World,” “Lay Down,” and “About Mr. Brown,” plus the studio outtake “Sometimes,” from the original Stories of a Stranger sessions.
The reissue arrives in both 2-LP and digital formats, with the vinyl housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket. Alongside the standard vinyl edition, an exclusive “Cloud Swirl” color pressing will be available via the band’s official store. To coincide with today’s announcement, O.A.R. have shared “Sometimes (Stories of a Stranger Sessions)” as an advance single, offering fans the first glimpse of the expanded material. Stream/download the track and pre-order the full collection now.
With O.A.R.’s 30th anniversary on the horizon, Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition) ushers in a new chapter of celebration for the multi-platinum-selling five-piece: Marc Roberge (lead vocals, guitar), Richard On (lead guitar, backing vocals), Chris Culos (drums), Benj Gershman (bass), and Jerry DePizzo (saxophone, guitar, backing vocals). As the band prepares for an action-packed 2026 marking three decades together (more details coming very soon), they reflect on Stories of a Stranger as a pivotal moment in their journey—a career that has included multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, two sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden, more than a dozen packed shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and one of the most passionate fan communities in modern rock.
“Stories of a Stranger marked a new chapter for our band,” says DePizzo. “To revisit it 20 years later, and to share songs like ‘Sometimes’ as part of this expanded edition, feels like opening a time capsule with our fans. This deluxe edition isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating how far we’ve all come together.”
Formed in 1996, O.A.R. (short for Of A Revolution) got their start in Rockville, Maryland, and built a grassroots fanbase while attending The Ohio State University, thanks in no small part to their exhilarating live show. After making their debut with 1997’s The Wanderer, the band continued to cultivate their colorful and wildly catchy sound—a one-of-a-kind collision of bright and bold guitar work, heart-pounding rhythms, high-energy horns, and sing-along-ready vocals.
Released on October 4, 2005, by Everfine Records and Lava Records, Stories of a Stranger emerged as a monumental triumph for the band, with AllMusic declaring that the album “presents everything that defines O.A.R.” Along with debuting at No. 40 on the Billboard 200, the 12-song LP delivered hit singles like “Heard the World,” “Lay Down,” and the Gold-certified “Love and Memories.” Penned with multi-GRAMMY®-winning songwriter Glen Ballard, the soul-baring “Love and Memories” reached No. 98 on the Billboard Pop 100, No. 30 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, and No. 18 on the Adult Top 40.
Recorded during the Stories of a Stranger sessions, “Sometimes” makes for a glorious addition to the album. With its feel-good message of open-heartedness and hope, the life-affirming anthem provides an instant mood boost by way of its bouncing rhythms, driving guitar riffs, and sublime sax solo. Featured on Side D of Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition), “Sometimes” appears alongside O.A.R.’s euphoria-inducing live renditions of “Heard the World,” “Lay Down,” and longtime fan favorite “About Mr. Brown”—all recorded on July 22, 2005, at the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey.
Since the arrival of Stories of a Stranger, O.A.R. have cemented their legacy with an ever-adventurous catalog now comprised of ten studio LPs and six live albums (most recently, 2024’s Live From Boston). Known for their extensive summer touring and extraordinarily close connection with their fans, the band looks toward their 30th anniversary festivities with equal parts gratitude, awe, and elated anticipation.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve been making music together for three decades,” says DePizzo. “When we first started playing in a basement, none of us could have imagined the journey that would follow. In 2026, we get to celebrate 30 years of O.A.R. the best way we know how—out on the road with a massive summer tour, sharing new music, honoring the songs that brought us here, and capturing it all on film. It’s not just a milestone for the band, it’s a celebration of the community that’s been with us every step of the way.”
One Hundred Moons Share Haunting New Single “Ear to Ear” Ahead of ‘Black Avalanche’
Toronto’s One Hundred Moons has released their most recent single, “Ear to Ear,” serving as the latest glimpse into their forthcoming album, Black Avalanche. It’s a song that drifts along like a whisper in a dark, dimly lit corridor. Vocals thread through layers of murky guitars, and minor chords twist in both unsettling and undeniably attractive ways. Listening to it is akin to being guided through a haunted labyrinth without knowing the way out, discovering something surprising at each new turn.
In a densely layered soundscape, flourishes of dissonance contribute to bringing a sharp melodic edge that, in turn, makes it impossible to resist the pull. One Hundred Moons specializes in making atmospheres that are so palpable they seem to have a certain weight. By the time it’s done, the song has left tiny pieces of itself behind in your brainstem, a spectral resonance that makes you want to go back again and again for another listen.
This release comes in the middle of the band’s fall tour, where the songs from Black Avalanche will find new life on stage. The trek started September 19th at Maxwell’s in Waterloo, and continues through Oshawa, Niagara, Toronto, Hamilton, and Windsor. Each show promises to transform the album’s hypnotic textures into an immersive live experience.
“Ear to Ear” offers another window into what the upcoming album, Black Avalanche, promises to offer. For anyone drawn to music that challenges as much as it captivates, this track, as well as the album it hints at, promises a journey worth taking.
Dayseeker Release Haunting New Single “Bloodlust” Ahead of ‘Creature In The Black Night’
Fresh off an epic performance in front of tens of thousands of rabid fans at Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky this past weekend, Southern California’s DAYSEEKER — Rory Rodriguez [vocals], Gino Sgambelluri [guitar], Ramone Valerio [bass], and Zac Mayfield [drums] — have released the visualizer for “Bloodlust.”
“‘Bloodlust’ is one of the more eerie and chaotic tracks on the record. It’s about people in your life who want to metaphorically drain the blood from you — those you can’t trust and don’t belong in your life,’ says Rodriguez.
The track is the band’s newest single from the upcoming album Creature In The Black Night, out October 24 via Spinefarm.
Produced by Daniel Braunstein (Spiritbox, Silent Planet) and mixed by Zakk Cervini (Blink-182, Bring Me The Horizon, Lorna Shore), the album is Dayseeker’s most immersive and intentional record to date — eerie, cinematic, and threaded with a dark (and sexy) emotional current.
While not a concept album in the traditional sense, Creature in the Black Night exhibits thematic cohesion, from its shadowy visual identity, Grim Reaper iconography, and ominous atmosphere, to how its songs unfold like chapters. “There’s a horror-inspired vibe that took hold early on,” Rodriguez explains. “It wasn’t planned. But once it started showing up in the songs, we leaned into it.”
Fans expecting a sorrowful descent into depression might be surprised — Creature In The Black Night has sharper edges, heavier riffs, and a newfound sense of clarity. “There was this idea that we’d get more and more commercial over time,” Rodriguez says. “But I think the opposite happened — we’re riffing more, I’m screaming more. And it feels good. It feels honest.”
Dayseeker hasn’t just evolved. They’ve ascended.
CREATURE IN THE BLACK NIGHT TRACK LISTING:
“Pale Moonlight“
“Creature In The Black Night“
“Crawl Back To My Coffin”
“Shapeshift“
“Soulburn”
“Bloodlust”
“Cemetery Blues”
“Nocturnal Remedy”
“The Living Dead”
“Meet The Reaper”
“Forgotten Ghost”
Dayseeker will spend the rest of 2025 on tour. They are serving as support for both Ice Nine Kills and In This Moment through the fall. All dates are below.
DAYSEEKER ON TOUR:
SUPPORTING IN THIS MOMENT:
9/27 — El Paso, TX — Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
10/1 — Los Angeles, CA — Hollywood Palladium
10/2 — Las Vegas, NV — The Pearl Concert Theater
10/3 — Paso Robles, CA — Vina Robles Amphitheater
10/4 — Sacramento, CA — Discovery Park
10/8 — Spokane, WA — The Podium
10/10 — Idaho Falls, ID — Mountain Center America
10/11 — Casper, WY — Casper Events Center
10/12 — Colorado Springs, CO — Ford Amphitheater
10/14 — Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
10/19 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
10/21 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy
10/23 — Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Special Events Center
10/24 — Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Events Center
Ankor Unleash Powerful New Single “MADARA” with a Dark Vision of Dreams and Freedom
ANKOR are an alternative metal band based in Catalonia, Spain, fast becoming one of the rising stars in the European contemporary metal scene.
Today, they have shared the video for new single “MADARA.”
“Imagine living in your perfect world for eternity…but knowing the real world outside is dying,” the band offers about the deeper meaning of the song. “An endless dream, no war, no pain, but no freedom or voice. Would you be a part of Madara’s dream?”
What choice would YOU make?
The multicultural quintet, consisting of vocalist Jessie Williams (Bristol, UK), drummer Eleni Nota (Athens, Greece), guitarists David Romeu, Fito Martinez, and bassist Julio López (Catalonia, Spain), have grown steadily since their origins in Els Pallaresos, a village near Barcelona, back in 2003.
From these humble beginnings, Ankor have built a worldwide fanbase and a reputation for being an absolute powerhouse live, through headlining tours of mainland Europe and Asia. But it was with the December 2022 release of breakthrough single “Prisoner” that a new era begun.
With over three million streams and counting, “Prisoner” has triggered a sonic and aesthetic (r)evolution for Ankor, their musical and visual worlds ascending to new creative heights ever since; The conceptually bound singles “Oblivion,” “Darkbeat,””Stereo,” and “Venom”that have followed have seen lyrical narratives, sonic aesthetics, and self-directed and edited music videos flow together to reshape Ankor in a playful, energetic, and refreshing new form: a fusion of Asian pop-culture, contemporary metalcore, and a dash of Spanish heritage.
The band previously shared the single (and first for UNFD) “Embers.”
Japanese Rockers lynch. Reignite Their Indie Flames with Re-Recorded Classics and New EP ‘BRINGER’
Japanese rock band lynch. continue their 20th Anniversary Project by re-recording a second batch of fan favourites from their indie days. A new song called ‘BRINGER’ has also been recorded, which the band says is “quintessentially lynch.” in a new video message recorded by the members especially for their fans outside of Japan.
In total, today sees 27 lynch. tracks released digitally. Their third and fourth indie albums THE AVOIDED SUN and SHADOWS have been completely re-recorded and sounding fresher than ever, which EP BRINGER collates deep cuts from the band’s discography, along with their new song from which the EP receives its name.
12 Influential Early Videos Before MTV
When MTV debuted on August 1, 1981, it felt like the beginning of music video culture. But long before the satellite dish beamed Video Killed the Radio Star into living rooms, musicians and directors had already been experimenting with visuals that pushed songs into new artistic territory. These early clips, concert films, and TV promos shaped the way artists used video as a language of their own — making MTV possible in the first place.
Here are 12 influential videos that lit the path.
The Beatles – Paperback Writer (1966)
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, this promo clip was shot outdoors at Chiswick House. The Beatles are relaxed yet enigmatic, with the visuals giving the sense of a band evolving beyond pop idols into something larger.
The Doors – Break On Through (To the Other Side) (1967)
A kaleidoscopic studio-set clip showcasing Jim Morrison’s hypnotic performance style. The swirling visuals captured psychedelia in motion and gave rock fans a preview of how atmosphere could be engineered through film.
David Bowie – Space Oddity (1969)
Released alongside his breakthrough single, this short film paired Ziggy Stardust’s proto-visionary imagery with the song’s sci-fi narrative. Bowie was already positioning music video as performance art.
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)
A defining pre-MTV video. Dramatic lighting, layered imagery, and bold editing built an atmosphere equal to the operatic song itself. Without this clip, the music video boom might have looked very different.
ABBA – Knowing Me, Knowing You (1977)
ABBA leaned on visual storytelling as much as their immaculate harmonies. The wintry landscape, camera zooms, and dramatic staging turn the breakup song into pure cinema.
Devo – Jocko Homo (1977)
Self-produced, raw, and unsettling. Devo’s basement-filmed video turned satire into spectacle, blurring the lines between art school project and cultural prophecy.
Blondie – Denis (1978)
Debbie Harry fronts the band with a mixture of glamour and irony, fusing punk’s sneer with pop’s shine. Blondie showed how a clip could play with identity as much as melody.
Kate Bush – Wuthering Heights (1978)
In flowing red and white dresses, Bush performs otherworldly choreography in two distinct versions. Both highlight her theatrical sensibility and foreshadow how music video could become high art.
Talking Heads – Psycho Killer (1978, live for BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test)
The stark staging and Byrne’s twitchy performance demonstrated how a live video could still feel surreal, foreshadowing the conceptual performances that would dominate ’80s art rock.
The Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star (1979)
Though remembered as MTV’s first broadcast, the video existed earlier, setting the stage with futuristic imagery and meta-commentary about the medium itself.
Elvis Costello – Oliver’s Army (1979)
A straightforward performance clip elevated by sharp edits and Costello’s energy. Proof that minimal visuals could still amplify a song’s urgency.
Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough (1979)
Jackson, backed by glowing special effects, showed how a single performer could dominate a frame with charisma and rhythm. It pointed directly toward the spectacle-driven future of the genre.
Before MTV, these visuals were often scattered across regional TV, European broadcasts, or late-night shows. They weren’t always easy to find, but they proved that artists saw video not just as promotion, but as a creative canvas. From Bowie’s cosmic theater to Queen’s operatic shadows, the DNA of the modern music video was already written.
By the time MTV launched, the language was in place — artists were ready, cameras were rolling, and the world was primed for a revolution that had already been a decade in the making.
How to Stand Out at Festivals as an Emerging Artist
Festivals are wonderlands where fans gather to discover new sounds and celebrate community. For emerging artists, stepping onto that stage is a powerful way to create lifelong fans and win over the industry. Here are five ways to sparkle in the crowd.
1. Light Up the Stage with Visuals
Outfits, backdrops, or creative lighting add another layer to your performance. When the music pairs with strong visuals, the crowd gets a full show they’ll always remember.
2. Create a Bond with the Crowd
Call out the festival name, invite people to clap, sing, or dance with you. Every cheer becomes louder when the audience feels like they’re part of the moment.
3. Offer a Festival-Only Surprise
Unveil a brand-new track, play a special cover, or bring out a guest. Exclusive moments give fans a story to tell long after the festival ends.
4. Be Present Beyond the Stage
Mingle with fans, snap photos, or share small tokens like stickers or pins. These connections spread your energy through the entire festival.
5. Shine Through Your Unique Sound
Play with confidence in your voice, lyrics, and style. Authentic music is magnetic, and the more you lean into your individuality, the stronger your impact.
Festivals are built on energy, discovery, and connection. When emerging artists embrace those values, every set becomes a celebration — and every fan walks away with a new favorite.