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Zara Larsson Unveils Bold New “Crush” Video Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Midnight Sun’

Eric Alper
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Zara Larsson Unveils Bold New “Crush” Video Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Midnight Sun’

Multi-platinum chart-topping global pop powerhouse Zara Larsson releases the music video for her new single “Crush.”

The video highlights Zara’s dynamic performance skills and personality, filled with fun and bold choreography. Directed by Grant James Thomas, the clip depicts the emotional turbulence that ensues when love is forbidden and unrequited, via a pesky creature. A personification of something elusive and unattainable, it is the exact thing that Zara fervently seeks to catch

“Crush” is the latest single taken from the Swedish star’s highly anticipated new album, Midnight Sun, which is set for release on September 26th via Sommer House/Epic Records.

Written by Zara with Helena Gao and producers Margo XS, MNEK, and Zhone, “Crush” serves up a masterclass in dancing through the pain while our heroine details the exquisite torture of catching feelings for someone while you’ve already got a good thing at home. Last week, “Crush” was the most-added song at Top 40/pop radio.

“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. With cosigns and memes from everybody from Renee Rapp, Kylie Jenner, PinkPanthress, Ariana Grande and Halle Berry, creations on TikTok around the song have tripled in recent weeks. Recently, Zara released a two-track bundle comprising a remix by Chicago DJ Alex Chapman and a live version that came with a performance video shot in the gorgeous northern Swedish village of Björkliden during an actual midnight summer sun.

Zara kicked off this 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 was just nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography. The song and video are both unapologetically unfiltered, just like Midnight Sun, the album. The ten-track set ripples with confidence as its storytelling bursts with truth and vulnerability, plumbing the depth and growth of Zara’s artistry and journey over nearly 20 years in the public eye. It is unafraid to show all sides of the 27-year-old: lovestruck, wistful, ambitious, cocky, flippant, and uncertain, often in the same breath.

The pop star recently kicked off a North American arena tour alongside Tate McRae, which is set to hit Boston, MA tonight (Wed, Aug 27th) at the TD Garden. With stops along the way, including New York, NY’s Madison Square Garden on September 2-3, and Los Angeles, CA’s The Forum on September 26-27, Zara has been teasing the new album by performing some of the unreleased music. 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.

Dua Lipa Launches Radical Optimism Pop-Up Stores in Six US Cities Ahead of Tour

Eric Alper
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Dua Lipa Launches Radical Optimism Pop-Up Stores in Six US Cities Ahead of Tour

In the lead-up to her highly anticipated North American leg of her Radical Optimism Tour, global pop powerhouse Dua Lipa has announced several Radical Optimism Pop-Up Stores presented by American Express that will open in multiple cities across the US, including Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

As with previous fan pop-ups in Australia and the UK, the pop-up will offer visitors an immersive retail experience with exclusive merch, unique photo opportunities, and a refreshment station serving one of Dua’s favorite drinks available for sale. Fans attending the NYC and LA pop-ups can also experience being inside the music of Radical Optimism, presented in L-ISA Immersive Sound, the ultra-high resolution spatial audio technology from L-Acoustics.

American Express Platinum Card members can gain early access to the pop-up from 10-11 am local time each day for themselves and one guest, a dedicated checkout lane, access to purchase an exclusive merch item, and one complimentary gift with any purchase made with an eligible Amex card, while supplies last.

The North American run kicks off on September 1st with two nights in Toronto before hitting the States through October 16th.

The global tour supports Dua’s third studio album, Radical Optimism, which was released on May 3rd via Warner Records. The album went straight to No. 1 in 11 countries, including the UK where it became the biggest album debut from a UK artist in 2024 and garnered the highest week-one sales from a UK female artist since 2021. In the US, the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Dua’s biggest sales week yet.

All stores will open to the public daily from 11 am until 6 pm local time.

Chicago, IL – September 6th-7th at Anthony Gallery (1360 W Lake St. Chicago, IL)
Atlanta, GA – September 12th-13th at Cam Kirk Studios (112 Krog St. NE, Atlanta, GA)
New York, NY – September 17th-21st at The Hole NYC (312 Bowery, New York, NY)
Dallas, TX – September 27th-28th at Kettle Art Gallery (2650 Main St, Dallas, TX)
Los Angeles, CA – October 3rd-6th at The Hole LA (844 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA)
Seattle, WA – October 11th-12th at The Jack (74 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA)

Robby Krieger to Honor 60 Years of The Doors with ‘Morrison Hotel’ Celebration at the Greek Theater

Eric Alper
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Robby Krieger to Honor 60 Years of The Doors with ‘Morrison Hotel’ Celebration at the Greek Theater

Robby Krieger, the legendary guitarist of The Doors, is gearing up for A 60th Anniversary Doors Celebration at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 30th. This historic show will honor the pioneering Los Angeles band’s iconic 1970 Morrison Hotel album, which features the classics “Roadhouse Blues,” Waiting For The Sun,” and “Peace Frog,” along with all the Doors’ hits. The night will open with a performance from Tripform featuring Pablo Manzarek (son of original Doors member, the late Ray Manzarek) before Krieger and his band take the stage for an unforgettable night of Doors’ hits that will feature guest vocalists.

“Sixty years or so ago, when The Doors were happening, I had no idea that in the next century, we would still be talking about and playing The Doors records, Krieger says. “I feel so blessed that just about every day someone stops me and recognizes me and wants to talk about The Doors and to thank me for making the music that they love still today. The people that recognize me seem to be getting nicer all the time…I like to say that it’s a good problem to have.”

“I love seeing people at the Greek even though I’ve never played there myself,” Krieger adds. “I have seen many shows there and the sound is great, and it has a magical feel being out under the stars; like a more intimate Hollywood Bowl.”

The Greek Theater show will cap off A Doors’ 60th Anniversary celebration, which Krieger kickstarted earlier this year by performing five sold-out shows at the Whisky A Go Go, the legendary venue where it truly started for The Doors.

Bon Jovi Unites with Bruce Springsteen, Jelly Roll, Avril Lavigne and More on ‘Forever (Legendary Edition)’ Out October 24

Eric Alper
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Bon Jovi Unites with Bruce Springsteen, Jelly Roll, Avril Lavigne and More on ‘Forever (Legendary Edition)’ Out October 24

Bon Jovi will release its long-awaited Forever duets project on October 24th via Island Records. Forever (Legendary Edition) features the 2024 LP with some of music’s biggest stars. Bruce Springsteen, Jelly Roll, James Bay, Robbie Williams, Jason Isbell, Ryan Tedder, The War and Treaty, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Lainey Wilson, Avril Lavigne, and Marcus King are among the guest artists.

The new song, “Red, White and Jersey,” and “Hollow Man” with Springsteen will be released on Friday, August 29th.

“This album is more than just a collection of collaborations; it is an album borne out of necessity. My vocal cord rehab was a well-documented journey that played out while releasing Forever in 2024. I was singing well in the studio for recording, but the vocal demands and rigors of touring were still slightly out of reach for me. Without an ability to tour at that time, I continued working in the studio and called on some friends, great singers, artists, musicians and also just great people,” Jon Bon Jovi says in a statement.

He continues, “The result is an album with a new viewpoint and new spirit – a collaboration album that proves we all get by in this world with a little help from our friends. I feel tremendous joy and gratitude in releasing this album, and I think it shows in the music. I can say with certainty that there is always something bigger than ME, and that’s WE.”

Last June, the band released Forever via Island Records. The album features the blockbuster single “Legendary” along with “Living Proof.” Upon its release in March 2024, “Legendary” vaulted to the top of the Billboard Digital Song Sales Chart and No. 2 on the Rock Digital Song Sales Chart, climbing to the Top 20 on the Adult Pop Airplay Chart. A duets edition is reportedly in the works.

In June, the band performed an intimate private Nashville show in conjunction with Jon Bon Jovi’s Runaway Tours. In its first show since April 2022, the band hosted a three-day, two-night luxury event in Music City, which featured admission to the private phone-free performance, a Bon Jovi Forever Party at JBJ’s Nashville, and more.

Last year saw the group let cameras inside their lives for the career-spanning four-part docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story on Hulu. The series was made with full cooperation from all past and present members of Bon Jovi. The docu-series is a ROS production, the banner of filmmaker Gotham Chopra.

1. Red, White & Jersey
2. Legendary featuring James Bay
3. We Made It Look Easy featuring Robbie Williams
4. Living Proof featuring Jelly Roll
5. Waves featuring Jason Isbell
6. Seeds featuring Ryan Tedder
7. Kiss The Bride featuring Billy Falcon
8. The People’s House featuring The War & Treaty
9. Walls Of Jericho featuring Joe Elliott
10. I Wrote You A Song featuring Lainey Wilson
11. Living In Paradise featuring Avril Lavigne
12. My First Guitar featuring Marcus King
13. Hollow Man featuring Bruce Springsteen
14. We Made It Look Easy/Hicimos Que Pareciera Fácil featuring Carin León

Ben Gallaher Announces Heartland-Rock Album ‘Time’ Out September 26 with New Single “Rearview”

Eric Alper
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Ben Gallaher Announces Heartland-Rock Album ‘Time’ Out September 26 with New Single “Rearview”

QHMG/Stone Country Records’ triple-threat singer, songwriter and guitarist, Ben Gallaher, will release a new 13-track high-octane, heartland-rock album, Time, on September 26th.

This Friday, August 29th, Gallaher will release album teaser track “Rearview,” a four-on-the-floor, windows-down singalong about makin’ memories with the one you love.

Produced by Neil Thrasher and Patrick Thrasher, Time is an arena-ready album stacked high with Telecaster twang and southern storytelling, delivering a next-level showcase for the melody-driven country-rock hybrid that’s become Gallaher’s calling card. The modern-day guitar hero plays every lead guitar solo on the album and co-wrote five of its thirteen songs, including the standout, melodic title track, on which Gallaher sings the universally relatable, heartbreaking line, I wish I could move on like time.

“When we were trying to figure out what I wanted to name the album, this idea came to me, because it’s much bigger than just the song ‘Time’ itself,” says Gallaher. “It’s about how every song and every guitar riff and every live show only come with time. And that’s exactly what went into making this record: time. These songs take me to different moments in my life and in my journey, all leading to finally making the record that I’ve always wanted to make.”

Unreleased album highlights include the focus track “I’ll Take You,” a nothing-beats-you love song originally written as a ballad but transformed in the studio by Gallaher and producers Neil and Patrick Thrasher into a radio-friendly tempo track centered around a driving guitar riff. Another rousing earworm, “Betcha Money,” rocks out what Gallaher describes as “a classic story of a girl falling for a country boy.” “Where Do You Go” lays down a softer, pulsing groove while Gallaher’s smoky vocals ask for direction because his girl is gone.

Previously released album highlights include the summer blockbuster, end-credit-worthy ballad “Bullet,” whose heart-stopping, high-stakes official music video catapulted into CMT Music’s 12 Pack Countdown. “Cuts Like a Knife” is a ripping, must-hear cover of Bryan Adams’ classic No. 1 smash, on which Gallaher plays every lead guitar part, including the song’s iconic Stratocaster solo. “Stomp” is a swampy, front-porch party song inspired by Gallaher’s guitar riff that became a viral sensation, generating more than 36 million organic social views and earning the rising star more than 400,000 social media followers.

Supporting Gallaher’s soaring lead-guitar work on Time are some of Nashville’s top session musicians on rhythm guitar. They include four-time Academy of Country Music Guitar Player of the Year Tom Bukovac, who has played on albums for more than 1,200 artists from Glen Campbell and Hank Williams, Jr. to Vince Gill and Morgan Wallen. Other notable guitarists playing rhythm on Gallaher’s album are Jedd Hughes (Brandy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Dierks Bentley), Justin Ostrander (Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Riley Green), Adam Shoenfeld (Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Alabama) and Ilya Toshinskiy (Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn).

To celebrate his album announcement, Gallaher will perform “Stomp” live in-studio on WGN-TV Chicago’s Midday News this Friday, August 29th, ahead of his headlining show that night at Carol’s Pub in Chicago as part of his 2025 Bullet Tour. Upcoming tour dates include Decatur, Georgia, on September 11th, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, on September 18th.

1. I’ll Take You (Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley, Tony Martin)
2. Rearview (Chris DeStefano, Travis Wood, Casey Brown, Jordan Minton)
3. Bullet (Ben Gallaher, Chris August, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher)
4. Betcha Money (Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley, Lee Thomas Miller)
5. Where Do You Go (Neil Thrasher, Josh Thompson, Kelley Lovelace)
6. Dirt Ones (Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
7. Time (Ben Gallaher, Neil Thrasher, Tony Martin)
8. Mistakes (Ben Gallaher, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
9. Kinda Can’t Say No (Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher)
10. Love Is Hard (Neil Thrasher, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Tony Martin)
11. Cuts Like a Knife (Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance)
12. Whiskey on a Wound (Ben Gallaher, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher)
13. Stomp (Ben Gallaher, Neil Thrasher, Patrick Thrasher, Wendell Mobley)

Amanda Shires Unveils Rock-Driven “Piece of Mind” Ahead of New Album ‘Nobody’s Girl’

Eric Alper
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Amanda Shires Unveils Rock-Driven “Piece of Mind” Ahead of New Album ‘Nobody’s Girl’

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Amanda Shires has shared her latest single, “Piece of Mind.” The music video was directed by Taylor Kelly. “Piece of Mind” is the second track to be released ahead of her anticipated new album, Nobody’s Girl, out September 26th on ATO Records.

Written by Amanda and produced by Lawrence Rothman, “Piece of Mind” is a bold and emotionally charged, rock-driven anthem. Its raw energy is highlighted by Amanda’s signature fiddle playing, and themes of unapologetic liberation from the past, survival, and clarity in the face of feeling dismissed.

Shires says, “This one came when I was finally done being polite about pain. I wrote this song because I never got closure. Piece of Mind became the place I said everything I didn’t get to say. Writing it gave me an ending. Not tidy. Not bitter. Just mine.”

Produced by Lawrence Rothman, Nobody’s Girl is a meticulously crafted collection of songs spanning folk, rock, roots and country influences. A deeply personal body of work, its themes deal with heartbreak and loss, resilience, self-discovery and empowerment. The album was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville and Rotham Recorders in Nashville.

This fall, Shires will be supporting Aly & AJ on an extensive North American tour kicking off September 19th in Los Angeles. She will also be performing at AmericanaFest in Nashville on September 11th at Exit/In, and making a guest appearance at Musicians Corner on September 12th. Later this fall, Amanda will also join the Allman Betts Family Revival Tour.

OMG Girlz Serve Confidence in Fierce New “Tea” Video and Announce First-Ever Headline Tour

Eric Alper
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OMG Girlz Serve Confidence in Fierce New “Tea” Video and Announce First-Ever Headline Tour

Powerhouse Atlanta female R&B trio OMG Girlz are owning who they are and what they’ve got in the new official music video for their latest single “Tea.” Blending dynamic dance sequences with head-turning choreography under the creative direction of Anthony Burrell, Zonnique “Star” Pullins, Bahja “Beauty” Rodriguez, and Breaunna “Babydoll” Womack are serving body “Tea” in the Vision Mob-directed clip out now.

Produced by Tommy Brown, Damare “Mob” Mobley, and Pacific-Joshua “Glitch” Zagabe, the track’s thick bassline thumps and wobbles while breathy vocals dip in and out of hypnotic claps. Once the beat kicks in, the ladies spit some game, “You can take a seat / And I’ll teach you a lesson.” Picking up the pace, they boost the bars with boasts à la “Know I’m hot across the States / From Atlanta to LA” and “I’m the baddest – The baddest in the room.” It all culminates in a chantable chorus punctuated by the trio’s charisma, attitude, and spirit. Meant to empower, “Tea” – written by Rodriguez, Womack, Pullins, Serrin Joy Scrutchings, and Alivia “Blue” Roberts – is a reminder to never stop celebrating who you are. As such, it also picks up a thread from their formative material, championing femininity and unapologetic confidence always.

Readying to next bring “Tea” to the stage, OMG Girlz launches the group’s first-ever headline run, The Name Stays Tour presented by Coca-Cola and Pretty Hustle, with a hometown kickoff at Vinyl in Atlanta on Saturday, August 30th. The limited trek hits major cities before wrapping on September 12th at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall in Dallas.

Sean Paul Reinvents the Music Video with AI-Directed “Ginger,” Blending Dancehall and Cinematic Fantasy

Eric Alper
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Sean Paul Reinvents the Music Video with AI-Directed “Ginger,” Blending Dancehall and Cinematic Fantasy

For the first time in his career, Grammy Award-winning global superstar Sean Paul steps behind the lens with the release of his AI-directed music video for his smash single “Ginger,” a bold fusion of dancehall, cinema, and cutting-edge technology.

Always one to innovate, Sean Paul wanted “Ginger” to be more than a performance piece. With AI as his tool, he created a visual universe impossible to capture with traditional filmmaking. The result is a groundbreaking, cinematic experience where each frame resonates with power, color, and unforgettable imagery.

The video reimagines Sean Paul as the lead in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films—a concept that blends nostalgia with fantasy. From the adventurous world of Indiana Jones to the high-tech spectacle of Iron Man, the romance of Titanic, the swashbuckling spirit of Pirates of the Caribbean, and the adrenaline of Mission Impossible, Sean Paul embodies these roles with charm and humor, stepping outside his traditional persona in music videos.

The journey begins aboard the Titanic, with Sean Paul taking on the lead role opposite a mysterious young woman with striking ginger-colored hair—a symbolic nod to the song’s title. Each scene builds in scale and imagination, transporting viewers into a world of striking, surreal visuals.

As creative director, Sean Paul demonstrates not only his versatility as an artist but also his willingness to push creative boundaries.

“AI is here, and I wanted to do something different,” says Sean Paul. I think it’s funny to have me in all those different epic films and TV shows as the hero figure. Suggesting that I am the hero for the special ‘ginger’ I am singing to. But literally “Ginger” is just ode to all the spicey ladies out there in the universe. Nuff love every time to all my ladies.”

With “Ginger,” Sean Paul reaffirms his role as a pioneer in global music—blending innovation, entertainment, and cultural impact into an unforgettable visual statement.

Ellefson-Soto Unleash Metal Fury with “Vengeance” Featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens from New Album ‘Unbreakable’

Eric Alper
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Ellefson-Soto Unleash Metal Fury with “Vengeance” Featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens from New Album ‘Unbreakable’

Former Megadeth Grammy Award-winning bassist David Ellefson and acclaimed metal vocalist Jeff Scott Soto have unleashed the official music video for “Vengeance,” featuring guest vocals from former Judas Priest and current KK’s Priest frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens.

The track comes from Ellefson-Soto’s highly anticipated sophomore album Unbreakable, out now via Rat Pak Records. “Vengeance” showcases the band’s heavier, more aggressive sound while highlighting the commanding presence of Owens, whose dynamic performance adds an electrifying layer to the song, driving you into a true dark nightmare.

“One of the darker tracks from our new album. We are honored to have Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens with us on this one as he and Jeff tell the savory story of sweet revenge,” says Ellefson.

“I loved this song when I was the only singer on it, but I loved it even more when we got our friend Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens to duet with me on it. It’s heavy, tons of attitude and full metal assault!” adds Soto.

The duo Ellefson-Soto is joined by Italian guitarist Andy Martongelli and Paolo Caridi on drums. Unbreakable features 11 studio tracks.

Recorded at Rogue Studios in Wembley, UK, by Alessio Garavello and produced by Chris Collier (Mick Mars, Korn, Flat Black), “Unbreakable” is a sonic assault packed with catchy riffs, melodic vocals, and thoughtful lyrics that blend their classic metal roots with modern rock intensity.

Moon Allure Unveils Soulful New Version of “Erykah’s Interlude” Featuring Grammy Nominated Rapper D Smoke

Eric Alper
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Moon Allure Unveils Soulful New Version of “Erykah’s Interlude” Featuring Grammy Nominated Rapper D Smoke

Rising R&B and neo-soul artist Moon Allure returns with an intoxicating update to her fan favourite track Erykah’s Interlude, now featuring the lyrical genius and poetic flow of Grammy-nominated rapper D Smoke. This collaboration blends Moon Allure’s hypnotic vocals and lush production with D Smoke’s bilingual lyricism, creating a fresh sonic experience that is both timeless and deeply personal.

Originally released in 2023, Erykah’s Interlude quickly became a listener favourite for its smoky, late-night groove and soulful nod to the eclectic spirit of Erykah Badu. In this new rendition, D Smoke weaves verses that broaden the track’s narrative, offering reflections on love, self-discovery, and resilience.

Speaking on the making of the track, Moon Allure says, “Erykah’s Interlude is about the sacred space two people create in love, a space that holds grace no matter where life takes you. It’s about honoring the layers you discover in someone over time. This song reminds me how beautiful and warm being in love feels.”

Representing Compton, California, Moon Allure delivers R&B that’s as smooth and soulful as it is cinematic. A filmmaker and artist, she directs all her own visuals, creating music that feels like a full sensory experience, turning each song into a piece of art. As the founder of Young MovieMakers of America, she’s taught hundreds of kids the power of storytelling, proving that creativity isn’t just her craft, it’s her calling. Moon Allure is here to leave her mark on R&B and show the world the stories, soul, and artistry that Compton creates.

Her single Erykah’s Interlude has become one of Moon Allure’s highest-streaming tracks to date, independently surpassing two million streams on Spotify alone. A new version featuring Grammy-nominated rapper D Smoke adds a fresh dimension to the record.

Moon Allure says, “Having D Smoke on this track was really something special. I really appreciate his poetic approach; his verse paints vivid pictures of moments with someone he loves. I believe his verse really complemented my feminine energy and the way I speak on love in the song. His honest and artistic contribution really added another layer to the listening experience.”

Collaborating with an artist who also represents Los Angeles makes the song even more meaningful. This release marks another bold step in Moon Allure’s growing impact on the R&B scene.

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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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