Remember when music sounded like the future through the crackle of a computer chip? Makary Brauner’s 1-bit take on Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” proves that even stripped to its rawest form, a great song can still give you chills.
25 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About The Simpsons’ Emmy-Winning Composer Alf Clausen
Alf Clausen might not be a household name, but his music has been in your head for decades. The sly string runs under Sideshow Bob, the Broadway-sized numbers about monorails and burlesque houses, the emotional underscoring that made Springfield’s chaos feel cinematic — that was Alf. From Jamestown, North Dakota, to the world’s biggest animated family, Clausen’s career is a map of television’s golden sound. Here are 25 things you didn’t know about him, each one another note in a life scored to perfection.
- Alf was born in Minneapolis on March 28, 1941, but grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota.
- Henry Mancini’s Sounds and Scores was the book that inspired him to pursue composing.
- He started on French horn in seventh grade, sang in choir, and later picked up bass guitar.
- He originally studied mechanical engineering before switching to music theory at North Dakota State.
- He took a Berklee correspondence course in jazz and big band writing while still in Fargo.
- He was the first French horn player to attend Berklee when he enrolled in the ’60s.
- His playing appears on Berklee’s Jazz in the Classroom albums.
- After graduating in 1966, he taught at Berklee for a year before heading west.
- In Los Angeles, he ghostwrote jingles, arranged charts, and even copied the music for The Partridge Family theme.
- Donny & Marie hired him as a score writer after an emergency chart; he soon became their full music director.
- For years, he flew weekly from LA to Utah to record the show’s score.
- He scored 63 of the 65 episodes of Moonlighting — including the black-and-white dream episode and Atomic Shakespeare.
- He composed for ALF, weaving quirky music around the show’s puppet star.
- His orchestration work included films like The Beastmaster, Splash, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Naked Gun.
- He joined The Simpsons in 1990, after Matt Groening told him the show should be scored like a drama, not a cartoon.
- He once wrote 57 musical cues in a single week for the series.
- His motto: “I can make you feel five ways in thirteen seconds.”
- Clausen avoided strict character themes, instead giving each episode its own “mini-movie” score.
- The one exception: Mr. Burns and Sideshow Bob got their own recurring motifs.
- He always used a full 35-piece orchestra — a rarity for TV.
- He won back-to-back Emmys for The Simpsons songs “We Put the Spring in Springfield” and “You’re Checkin’ In.”
- He was nominated for more Emmy Awards than any other musician — 30 in total.
- He won five Annie Awards for The Simpsons episodes across a decade.
- His work lives on in three soundtrack albums: Songs in the Key of Springfield (1997), Go Simpsonic with The Simpsons (1999), and The Simpsons: Testify (2007).
- In 2011, ASCAP gave him the Golden Note Award, with Paul Williams praising his “wonderfully happy music.”
Alf Clausen’s career is a reminder that music on television can be as inventive, powerful, and lasting as anything in concert halls or cinemas. His scores didn’t just accompany jokes — they elevated them, turned satire into spectacle, and made cartoon emotions feel deeply real. In Springfield and beyond, his sound is timeless, proof that even in a world of quick gags, the right melody lingers forever.
Bono Releases ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ With Live Recordings Of U2 Classics
Island Records has released ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’, a new Limited Edition 3-track Live EP from Bono to accompany the acclaimed Apple Original Film titled ‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ on Apple TV+. Listen HERE.
The ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ features live recordings of three U2 tracks – Desire, The Showman and Sunday Bloody Sunday – taken from Bono’s one-man stage show of the same name, itself inspired by his bestselling memoir ‘Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story’.
The ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ sees Bono joined once again by musicians Gemma Doherty (Harp, Keyboard, Vocals) and Kate Ellis (Cello, Keyboard, Vocals), as well as Musical Director Jacknife Lee.
The film ‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ received its worldwide premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. An abridged paperback version of the autobiography, also titled ‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ and featuring a new introduction by Bono, has been published by Penguin Random House as a companion to the film and EP. Details here.
‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ will be available digitally on May 30th. A 7” black vinyl will be released on May 30th (Ireland, UK and Germany) and June 13th (Rest of World).
The tracklisting for ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ is:
- Desire (Stories Of Surrender Version)
- The Showman (Stories Of Surrender Version)
- Sunday Bloody Sunday (Stories Of Surrender Version)
2ŁØT And Aloe Blacc Release Bold New Single “Immortal” Inspired By Memento Mori
The emerging genre-bending outfit 2ŁØT has teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated artist Aloe Blacc to release “Immortal,” a bold new single inspired by the ancient philosophical concept of memento mori—a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die.” Far from morbid, the song is a rallying cry for courage and clarity, urging listeners to reflect on life’s impermanence and ask a single transformative question: What would I do if I weren’t afraid?
Fusing 2ŁØT’s genre-defying sound with Aloe Blacc’s soul-stirring voice, “Immortal” is both a spiritual provocation and a musical revelation. The track draws its power from the timeless reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed—and dares the listener to live fully, bravely, and with purpose. “‘Immortal’ is about unlocking the part of you that’s waiting to be set free,” says Rudy Love Jr. of 2ŁØT. “It’s a reminder that fear is the biggest barrier between you and your true calling. If you knew your time was short, what would you change?”
“From a lyrical standpoint, it’s one of the strongest songs I’ve been a part of writing,” reflects Aloe Blacc. “This line—‘when I tumble over, the broken pieces fit together better in the end’—reminds me of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pieces are mended with gold. The broken parts of us, when they’re healed, become the strongest parts of us.”
Earlier today, Aloe Blacc and 2ŁØT appeared on KTLA in Los Angeles for the first live performance of their new single “Immortal.” The stripped-down set offered a raw, intimate take on the track’s powerful message, paired with a short on-air interview that gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration and the meaning behind the song.
“Immortal” builds on the conceptual foundation laid by 2ŁØT’s debut album Entropy, which draws from another powerful law of existence: the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, which states that all systems tend toward disorder over time. Where Entropy explored how to make peace with chaos, Immortal calls for action—to transcend it.
With singles like “Never Knew You,” “Arrow of Time” (featuring Michael Kang of The String Cheese Incident), and “Call For Me,” 2ŁØT has built a body of work rooted in personal resilience, social impact, and philosophical depth. In April, the band released “Entropy (Paul Oakenfold Remix),” a euphoric reinterpretation of their title track by one of dance music’s most legendary producers. It marked the band’s entry into the global electronic scene, expanding their reach without compromising their core message.
On June 13–14th, Aloe Blacc and 2ŁØT will reunite to perform “Immortal” live at Somewhere Festival & Conference in Wichita, KS—one of the most socially conscious festivals in the country. The event will feature genre-spanning acts like Deadmau5, Flying Lotus, and Suki Waterhouse, as well as immersive tech, interactive art installations, and a community-driven conference. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: somewhere-fest.com.
At the heart of Somewhere Festival is a shared ethos with 2ŁØT: that music can be a vehicle for meaning, connection, and social change. Festival organizers partner with nonprofits including The Phoenix, 1 Million Strong, Create Campaign, and others to offer real-world opportunities for impact—turning the festival into a launchpad for community action and dialogue.
“It’s about giving artists the space to create, but also the tools to build sustainable careers,” adds Rudy Love Jr. “The knowledge to make an impact, and the community to support them along the way.”
Grammy nominated Aloe Blacc has long been a voice for the people—a globally recognized singer, songwriter, and changemaker whose music uplifts, empowers, and unites. Best known for genre-defying anthems like the international smash “Wake Me Up” with Avicii, anthemic “The Man,” and the timeless “I Need A Dollar,” Blacc continues to inspire through sound and purpose. In 2025, Aloe Blacc returns with his most mission-driven work to date: a new full-length album titled Stand Together. Stand Together is both a celebration and a call to action, with Blacc’s signature soul and sincerity woven into every note. With powerful new music, renewed purpose, and a voice as vital as ever, Aloe Blacc stands at the center of culture and conscience in 2025—reminding the world that one good song really can change everything.
2ŁØT is a five-piece band known for their genre-defying sound, Electronic Jam Music (EJM). Formed during challenging times, the group combines elements of hip hop, soul, funk, jazz, rock, and electronic music. Comprised of members Rudy Love Jr. (vocals / keys), Omar Jawar (drums), Sage Judd (keys), Chase Koch (guitar), and Robert Trusko (bass), 2ŁØT is dedicated to advocating for social change, focusing on overcoming addiction, supporting youth, and criminal justice. Their mission is to activate and inspire audiences through both their music and their commitment to making a difference.
Lukas Nelson Releases New Song “Born Runnin’ Outta Time” From Album ‘American Romance’
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Lukas Nelson’s new song, “Born Runnin’ Outta Time,” is out today. Written by Nelson, Jon Decious, and Nate Ferraro, the track finds Nelson searching for balance between his own ambitions and the present moment. Listen/share HERE.
Of the song, Nelson shares, “I’ve always wrestled with that impulse—the ambition versus the ability to appreciate what I have. Nothing you ever get will be good enough, and nothing you ever achieve will fill that hole, so you must be able to find peace now. Whatever comes is just icing on the cake.”
“Born Runnin’ Outta Time” is the latest single from Nelson’s highly anticipated new album, American Romance, out June 20—his first solo project and his first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville (pre-order/pre-save here). Produced by Grammy Award-winner Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), American Romance cements Nelson as a singular artist, showcasing his songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound in a way that feels both familiar and new. Across these twelve tracks—including collaborations with Sierra Ferrell and Stephen Wilson Jr.—Nelson tells stories of life on the road, detailing the joys, complexities, beauty, and heartbreak he has encountered while traveling the country.
In advance of the release, Nelson has shared two additional album tracks: “Pretty Much” and “Ain’t Done.” Billboard praises the latter, noting that “it brims with the insightful songwriting and grizzled voice he’s known for,” while Relix declares, “the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s new project brings more masterfully crafted Americana, but with a newly intimate focus on the soloist’s words and voice,” and Whiskey Riff proclaims that it is “a beautiful song full of hope… showcas[ing] his incredible, very honest talent for songwriting that is unlike anyone else in country—or music in general.”
Reflecting on the project, Nelson adds, “This album is the first chapter in a whole new era of my life as an artist. It’s a love story to the country that raised me—diners and highways that carried me through the joy and pain that led to the music you hear now.”
In addition to Nelson and Jennings, the record features special contributions from Anderson East (“Disappearing Light,” producer) and SistaStrings (“Montana,” cello and viola), as well as Matt Chamberlain (drums), Corey McCormick (bass), Marty Muse (dobro), Russ Pahl (pedal steel), Chris Powell (drums), Brian Whelan (acoustic guitar), and Eleanor Whitmore (fiddle).
Known for his captivating live performances, Nelson will play select headline shows this summer and appear at several major festivals, including CMA Fest, Newport Folk Festival, and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. See below for the current tour itinerary.
Since his debut over a decade ago, Nelson has become one of the most respected voices in music, releasing eight studio albums, including 2023’s Sticks and Stones, which spent 18 weeks in the top 10 of the Americana Albums chart and reached #1 on the Alt Country chart. A highly sought-after collaborator both in the studio and on stage, Nelson recently teamed with The Travelin’ McCourys and Sierra Ferrell for a bluegrass-inspired rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” and has also worked with artists such as Lainey Wilson, ERNEST, Miranda Lambert, The Pistol Annies, and more. Most recently, he performed at the MusiCares 2025 Person of the Year Gala, honoring the Grateful Dead with “It Must Have Been the Roses,” again alongside Ferrell.
Nelson has sold out countless headline shows, appeared at renowned festivals such as Stagecoach, Ohana Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, and Farm Aid, and made multiple appearances on late-night television, including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Additionally, he co-produced and co-wrote much of the music for the acclaimed 2018 film A Star is Born, in which he also appeared. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.
American Romance – Track List
Ain’t Done
Pretty Much
Make You Happy
Outsmarted
Disappearing Light (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.)
Born Runnin’ Outta Time
All God Did
Montana
Friend in the End (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
The Lie
American Romance
You Were It
Lukas Nelson – Confirmed Tour Dates
September 13—Telluride, CO—Telluride Blues and Brews 2025
September 19-21—Bristol, TN—Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
September 26—Dana Point, CA—Ohana Festival
October 3-4—Memphis, TN—Mempho Music Festival
October 10—North Charleston, NC—Riverfront Revival Music Festival
Dean Lewis Shares Soul Baring Ballad “Truth” From ‘The Epilogue Deluxe’
Global superstar Dean Lewis has shared his fan track “Truth”. This new track comes from the deluxe edition of his third studio album, The Epilogue, out now. The Epilogue (Deluxe) will be available on DSPs and as a limited edition 2LP vinyl.
Serving as a sequel to Dean’s smash hit “Waves,” “Truth” is a soul-baring ballad that dives deep into the emotional wreckage of heartbreak, exploring the raw aftermath of betrayal and unspoken truths. With hauntingly intimate vocals and rousing production, the track captures the ache of unanswered questions and the lingering hope for closure. This is heartbreak laid bare – honest, aching, and unforgettable. The accompanying visual picks up where “Waves” left off, continuing the story with powerful visual callbacks and emotional depth. While “Waves” charted the rise and fall of a relationship in real time, “Truth” is the quiet storm that follows – a raw reflection on love lost, where time has passed but the pain still lingers. This seamless follow-up delivers a hit of emotion and closure that longtime fans will feel instantly.
Originally released in October, The Epilogue delivered standout singles including “Trust Me Mate,” “Memories,” “All I Ever Wanted,” and “Empire.” To date, tracks from The Epilogue have accumulated over 500 million global streams and have been supported extensively across DSPs worldwide, including features on the covers of Apple Music’s Global NMD, Spotify’s NMF ANZ, and Amazon’s Acoustic Chill, as well as out-of-home (OOH) campaigns on YouTube LA and New York and Spotify Germany. Internationally, The Epilogue made a significant impact, debuting at #10 on the Spotify Global Chart, #17 in the Netherlands, and #18 in Switzerland.
Dean has released two tracks to date from his forthcoming The Epilogue (Deluxe). His hit, “With You,” has had over 95M streams, hit Top 50 Global Shazam + Top 10 AU Shazam, Top 15 AU Radio and spent 16 weeks in Hot Hits Australia. Dean’s current single, “I Hate That It’s Truth,” has also had over 25M streams and currently featured in Spotify’s Hot Hits Australia and Belgium.
Latin Pop Magic As Shakira And Alejandro Sanz Share Intimate ‘Besame’ Video From Tour Rehearsals
Alejandro Sanz and Shakira have just released the official video for their latest collaboration “Besame,” an intimate piece filmed during rehearsals for the opening night of Shakira’s U.S. tour on May 13 in Charlotte, North Carolina. With “Besame,” Sanz and Shakira pick up right where they left off, delivering a heartfelt performance that highlights the magic they create together, honest and timeless.
Directed by longtime creative partner Jaume de Laiguana – who’s worked closely with both artists for over two decades – the video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the powerful chemistry between two of Latin music’s most iconic voices. What started as a rehearsal turned into a spontaneous and emotional moment that set the tone for the night, with Sanz joining Shakira as a surprise guest onstage to perform “La Tortura.”
The track is featured on Y ahora que (And Now What), Sanz’s latest project, a six-song release that marks the beginning of a bold new era in his career with features like Manuel Turizo and Grupo Frontera. Released on May 23, the EP is the first chapter of a larger creative journey that will continue to unfold this year. With ¿Y ahora que?, Sanz asks a question that feels more relevant than ever – a simple phrase loaded with meaning. It’s a moment of reflection, a call to evolve, and above all, an invitation to feel. In 2025, this is his answer: music.
30 Great Albums Under 30 Minutes
The beauty of a short album lies in its urgency—songs that don’t sprawl, but burn bright and fast. These 30 records prove that sometimes less really is more, each one delivering an unforgettable experience in under half an hour.
At Last! – Etta James
One of the most iconic debuts in soul, her powerhouse voice glides from torch songs to blues with timeless command.
Bad Brains – Bad Brains (ROIR cassette, 1982)
Hardcore velocity meets reggae grooves, a landmark in punk history that shaped the sound of two genres at once.
Bookends – Simon & Garfunkel
Artful and tender, its folk-pop vignettes capture youth, memory, and fleeting time with remarkable clarity and balance.
Daytona – Pusha T
Lean, razor-sharp, and uncompromising, Pusha’s bars hit with surgical precision, each track polished into a diamond of modern rap minimalism.
Descendents – Milo Goes to College
A blueprint for pop-punk, its blast of teenage longing and energy still feels like a diary scrawled in riffs and sweat.
Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Swamp rock at its tightest, every riff feels like a river current—steady, soulful, and impossible to resist.
Joyce Manor – Joyce Manor
A whirlwind of emo-punk hooks, its songs are over before you catch your breath, and that’s the beauty of it.
Lady Soul – Aretha Franklin
Aretha’s voice soars across unforgettable tracks, delivering gospel-fired power with pop precision and monumental emotion.
Leave Home – Ramones
A second blast of leather-jacket punk that’s just as urgent as their debut, brimming with bratty anthems.
Little Richard – Little Richard
A pure shot of rock and roll energy, its piano-pounding swagger set the blueprint for decades of wild stagecraft.
Meat Puppets II – Meat Puppets
A kaleidoscope of desert psychedelia and hardcore roots, finding strange beauty in lo-fi textures and ragged harmonies.
Nashville Skyline – Bob Dylan
Smooth vocals and country charm show Dylan at ease, crafting timeless Americana with warmth and surprising tenderness.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme – Simon & Garfunkel
Pastoral harmonies and intricate arrangements turn folk into something cinematic, showing how delicacy can feel monumental.
Pink Moon – Nick Drake
Just voice and guitar, this stripped-down masterpiece captures an intimate, haunting beauty that feels endlessly timeless.
Pixies – Come On Pilgrim
Eight songs of jagged guitars and surreal imagery that opened the door to alt-rock’s next wave.
Ramones – Ramones
Four chords, blistering pace, and unforgettable choruses—punk’s ground zero still sounds like a revolution in fast-forward.
Reign in Blood – Slayer
Relentless and ferocious, every second of its runtime is pure thrash precision, carving out a genre benchmark in under 30 minutes.
Rocket to Russia – Ramones
The third Ramones album delivers surf-rock sparkle and punk bite in equal measure, proving the formula still hits like a rush of adrenaline.
Roxy Music – Roxy Music (US release)
The edited US version of their debut burns with glam-rock extravagance, still bursting with Brian Eno’s otherworldly textures.
Some Rap Songs – Earl Sweatshirt
Abstract and deeply personal, Earl condenses fractured beats and raw confession into a spellbinding mosaic of modern hip-hop.
Sounds of Silence – Simon & Garfunkel
A perfect union of folk lyricism and pop melody, driven by harmonies that still ring with clarity and purpose.
Tell Mama – Etta James
Fierce and commanding, she delivers deep soul with grit and elegance, every note radiating pure emotion.
The Clash – The Clash (US version)
The UK debut is a sprint of punk anthems, each one brimming with fire, hooks, and cultural urgency.
The Notorious Byrd Brothers – The Byrds
Psychedelia meets folk-rock in a kaleidoscope of harmonies and studio experimentation that still shimmers with invention.
Unsilent Death – Nails
Twenty minutes of searing hardcore intensity, every track explodes with feral energy and precision.
Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes
Every song hits like a nervy confession, blending punk energy with acoustic bite in unforgettable fashion.
Wild Honey – The Beach Boys
Sunshine-soaked and playful, it embraces soul and simplicity, proving the band’s knack for melody shines in every setting.
Younger Than Yesterday – The Byrds
A cornerstone of psychedelic folk-rock, blending chiming guitars and exploratory songwriting into a vivid sonic trip.
Zombie – Fela Kuti
Afrobeat at its most commanding, its hypnotic grooves and bold political fire fill every second with vitality.
10 Essential Non-Gear Items Every Musician Should Bring to a Gig
Every gig is an adventure, and the best performances come from being fully prepared. Beyond guitars, amps, keyboards, and sticks, there’s a world of small items that keep the night running smoothly. These essentials don’t make sound, but they make sure you do.
- Spare Cables and Adapters
A single adapter can save an entire show. Pack a small bag of instrument cables, power adapters, and ¼-to-XLR converters so you’re ready for any stage setup. - Power Strips and Extension Cords
Venues rarely have outlets where you need them. Bring your own reliable strip and extension cord so you control where the power flows and set up without stress. - Gaffer Tape
Gaffer tape secures cables, marks stage positions, and even holds down a pedal that wants to slide. It peels off cleanly and earns its reputation as a gigging musician’s secret weapon. - Setlists and Sharpies
A clear, printed setlist taped to the stage keeps the show tight and focused. A Sharpie writes through sweat, dim light, and last-minute changes with ease. - Extra Strings, Sticks, and Picks
Fresh strings, a couple of sticks, and plenty of picks keep the music flowing. Replacing them on the fly takes seconds and shows the crowd you’re always ready. - Tuner and Batteries
Even the tightest set falls flat without perfect tuning. Keep a backup tuner and extra batteries handy so you stay in tune from the first song to the encore. - Hand Towel and Water Bottle
Performance is physical. A towel keeps your grip steady, while water keeps your energy strong and your voice clear under the stage lights. - Small Tool Kit
A multi-tool, string winder, and screwdriver solve countless problems in minutes. Toss them in a pouch and you’ll always look like the pro who has it covered. - Earplugs
Protecting your hearing is a long-term investment. Quality earplugs let you hear clearly on stage while keeping your ears safe for decades of music ahead. - Merch
A gig is more than music—it’s a chance to connect. Having t-shirts, CDs, vinyl, or stickers on hand gives fans a way to support you and carry a piece of the night home. - Positive Attitude
The best gear in the world can’t beat the energy you bring. Show up ready to collaborate, adapt, and share the joy of music—it’s contagious and unforgettable.
Preparation is part of performance. With these essentials packed and ready, you walk into every venue with confidence and peace of mind. Here’s to smooth setups, great sound, and nights filled with music you’ll never forget.
David Lee Roth’s Isolated Vocals for Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher”
What do you think the teacher’s gonna look like this year? “Hot for Teacher” came out in October 1984, the last single of Van Halen’s original era. It opens with 30 seconds of Alex Van Halen’s drums, has the band as kids in the video, and even ends with a riff from their early demo “Voodoo Queen.” But you don’t need that now. You want the whoops and hollers of David Lee Roth.