A good blues song sticks to your ribs, and Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe serves it up hot. Their new single *’Faded Tattoo’ is out now, and it’s as smoky and soulful as a late-night confession. A slow-burning ode to heartbreak, regret, and uncanny déjà vu, it’s a track built on stories lived, scars worn, and love that lingers — like the ink of a name you never really forget.
Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe is fronted by Detroit-born bassist and vocalist David G. Rose (aka Rosie), backed by a powerhouse lineup of road-tested Canadian players: Tony Moretta (lead guitar, backing vocals), Gabor Szepesi (keyboards), and Steven K Henry (drums, backing vocals). These are musicians with four decades of history, groove, and soul between them — and you can hear it in every note.
“The idea came from a buddy with a tattoo of his ex — and a girlfriend who hated it,” Rosie laughs. “He said, ‘She’s just like her.’ Boom — lyrics started writing themselves.” By the end of the night, the song was written and ready. No demo. No second guessing. Just straight to the studio.
‘Faded Tattoo’ was produced by Mars Mauro Giammarco and co-produced by Rosie himself. The single features lyrics by Rosie, with music written collaboratively by the members of Rosie’s Smokehouse. Released on MoMojo Records (a division of Nola Blue Inc.), the track has already started turning heads in the blues world.
From the haunting organ lines to the rhythm section that hits like heartbreak, every inch of *’Faded Tattoo’* is dripping in authenticity. It’s a classic soul-blues groove wrapped in a story that’s painfully familiar — and undeniably powerful.
The lyrics paint it best: *“I’ve got a faded tattoo, of an old, old flame. Reminding me of all the heartache and pain.” It’s personal, it’s relatable, and it’s delivered with grit and grace.
Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe isn’t trying to reinvent the blues — they’re living it, one gig, one story, and one soul-shaking song at a time. And with *’Faded Tattoo’*, they’ve just laid down their next classic.
You know you’re in the presence of a force when someone plays upright bass, harmonica, keys, and cigar box guitar and that’s *before* they open their mouth. Angelique Francis isn’t just the future of blues, roots, and soul; she’s the freight train pulling the whole genre into a new dimension. With her third studio album, Not Defeated, out on August 7th, the Ottawa-born powerhouse is delivering a rallying cry for resilience, packing soul anthems, gospel grooves, and barn-burning guitar solos into one of the most exciting Canadian releases of the year.
Born in Ottawa and raised in a household where music was both language and lifeline, Angelique first hit the stage at age seven and was playing festivals by thirteen. By 14, she was already playing with music icons like Beth Hart and Shamekia Copeland. She has sinceshared the stage with music legends: Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Gary Clark Jr, and many more. Her musical DNA includes Aretha Franklin on keys, Willie Dixon on bass, Big Mama Thornton on harp, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe on guitar; and somehow, she plays them all. This multi-instrumentalist charts her own path: rocking stages across the globe, serenading audiences with her upright bass, harmonica, and powerful voice; all at the same time.
After winning the 2023 JUNO for Blues Album of the Year with Long River, Francis was declared Performer of the Year by Folk Canada in 2024, swept multiple Canadian Blues Music Awards, and landed a 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award nod for Song of the Year. But more than the accolades, it’s her ability to unify joy and struggle that sets her apart. “Music has always been about healing for me,” Angelique shares. “It’s how I process the world and how I imagine a better one. One of my main goals as a musician is to spread joy amongst my listeners. To give people hope in times of struggle.”
On Not Defeated, she goes all in. “I may be down / but I’m not defeated,” she howls on the album’s title track. This high-powered soul-blues infused number highlights the analogy connecting the album’s tracks. “My album is a collection of songs and stories about the hardships and challenges of our past, present, and future, and the strength that lies within us all to overcome them”. The overarching theme is linked across every song, spinning a variety of tales that range from sensual, introspective, to comical.
From the sultry celebration of “Sugarcane Jukejoint” to the explosive funk-blues grooves of “Do That Work,” every track is steeped in soul and purpose. This album of completely original tunes was crafted in the signature Francis style; a fusion of Blues and Blues influenced genres (roots, folk, soul, rock, gospel, Americana, funk, jazz, classic R&B, and many more). She takes her listeners on a journey through a diverse mix of styles; from upbeat and exciting, to intimate and profound.
A featured track, “Escape” (ft. Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), is an electrifying spiritual gut-punch. “I just can’t escape… my fears… / but I can stand / I will face it and give it all I can,” Francis belts with raw intensity, her voice swirling with Kingfish’s molten guitar. This timeless uplifting anthem encourages listeners to create their own light in the face of darkness.
Then there’s “Watch Me Grow,” a compelling tune that marries blues riffs with swagger, slick spoken word poetry, and New Orleans horns. It’s a song that declares: “Our path may be challenging, but onwards we fight / Watch me grow, watch us grow.”
Francis says: “Each one of us has the power to create positive change within this world. When people come together, support one another, and love each other, we can accomplish wonders.”
The album also features another sonic firestorm in “Train Coming” with Grammy Nominee Eric Gales, a blues-rock juggernaut that flawlessly electrifies listeners with its power and sizzle; a multifaceted metaphor about shedding one’s burdens and charging ahead towards a brighter future.
For Francis, music is her life, love, and family (quite literally). Her band includes sisters Kharincia Francis (sax), Kira Francis (trombone), Kayla Francis (vocals), and Father Kiran Francis (drums). “I am so lucky to have my family by my side,” she says. “It feels like a dream come true! They are fantastic musicians, and together our music is a reflection of who we are and the values we were raised on. That Love can conquer all.” Other talented members of The Angelique Francis Band on this album include Ed Lister (trumpet), Dave Williamson (electric guitar), and Andrew Knox (trumpet).
Coming off a whirlwind summer with performances at Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival (USA), Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival (QC), Niagara Jazz Festival (ON), Fort Langley Jazz Festival (BC), etc., Angelique and the band will board the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise this September, performing from Seattle to Alaska alongside some of the biggest names in Blues (such as Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Little Feat, and many others). “I can’t wait to bring this new music to people,” she beams. “Every show feels like a homecoming, whether we’re in Toronto or Romania.”
As for what’s next? Francis is set to tour in the fall (including Massey Hall, the Prismatic Arts Festival in Halifax, and Aeolian Hall in London) and is already working on her tour for 2026.
With Not Defeated, Angelique Francis has delivered more than just a record. She’s offered a soundtrack for anyone who’s ever fallen and got back up anyway. “Failure, fear, and pain may come; but as long as we have hope, we will not be defeated.”
Global pop powerhouse Zara Larsson announces her North American Midnight Sun Tour for 2026.
The 30-date trek is set to kick off on February 28, 2026, in Portland, OR, at the Crystal Ballroom and will take Zara across the US and Canada, including stops in San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and more. The tour will wrap on April 12ht in Houston, ,TX at the House of Blues. Pop artist Amelia Moore will join her on all North American headline dates.
Presales start tomorrow (Wed, Sept 3rd) at 10 am local time ahead of the general sale on Friday, September 5th.
Currently on tour with Tate McRae across North America, Larsson is set to perform at New York City’s Madison Square Garden this week, and Los Angeles’s The Forum on September 26-27. On October 28th, she will kick off a European headlining tour, before hitting the road in February 2026 alongside OneRepublic in Australia and New Zealand.
The run is in support of her new album Midnight Sun, set for release on September 26th via Sommer House/Epic Records. Created over the last year with frequent collaborator MNEK, alongside producers Margo XS and Zhone, as well as songwriter Helena Gao, the album is a true tour de force.
Just two weeks ago, Larsson unleashed the album’s latest buzzing single, “Crush.” Out of the gate, the song was most-added at Top 40/pop radio in the US. Last week, the pop star shared the dynamic video for the song, directed by Grant James Thomas. “Crush” follows the album’s transcendent title track, “Midnight Sun,” which has penetrated the culture with virality all summer thanks to the song’s Charlotte Rutherford-directed, Y2K-inspired music video and Zara’s own vocal prowess on the track. Zara kicked off the Midnight Sun era with the confident and rowdy “Pretty Ugly” and its gloriously messy music video, also directed by Charlotte Rutherford and choreographed by Zoi Tatopoulos. Fittingly, the music video is nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography.
Zara Larsson 2026 North American Midnight Sun Tour Dates:
Feb 28 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom Mar 1 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo Mar 3 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater Mar 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern Mar 7 – Anaheim, CA @ HOB Anaheim Mar 8 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren Mar 10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot Mar 11 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall Mar 13 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore Minneapolis Mar 14 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave/Eagles Club Mar 15 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre Mar 17 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre Mar 18 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre Mar 20 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre and Ballroom Mar 21 – Columbus, OH @ KEMBA Live! Mar 22 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE Mar 24 – Toronto, ON @ History Mar 26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount Mar 28 – Boston, MA @ HOB Boston – Music Hall Mar 30 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia Mar 31 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem Apr 1 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte Apr 3 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz Apr 4 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works Apr 5 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle Apr 7 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live Apr 8 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ HOB Lake Buena Vista Apr 10 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater Apr 11 – Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory Apr 12 – Houston, TX @ HOB Houston
Albany-raised pop-punk band State Champs released a new single, “Common Sense,” via Pure Noise Records. It’s a punchy, high-energy track that’s packed with the band’s signature catchy hooks and dynamic guitars, while showcasing a heavier side to their evolving sound.
The band shared their sentiments on the new track: “Common Sense brings out a slightly darker and heavier side to us while keeping the Champ’s integrity strong. Lyrically, it’s about completely investing yourself in someone while also being naive to the fact that you never had anything in common to begin with.”
This is the first song the band has put out since their self-titled record came out in November 2024. The album marked a new chapter for the band, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their roots. It featured hit singles including “Light Blue,” “Too Late To Say,” and “Silver Cloud.” The album received praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, AltPress, Rock Sound and New Noise Magazine, admiring its blend of nostalgic Warped Tour-era energy and modern pop punk sounds. It cemented them as torchbearers on the scene and is one of the band’s most celebrated albums to date.
This September the band will be on tour with A Day to Remember and Yellowcard for select dates. Later this year they will be performing at several music festivals including Four Chord Music Festival on September 13, Vans Warped Tour Orlando on November 15 – 16, and Aftershock Festival on October 2. They will also be back on the Emo’s Not Dead Cruise in January 2026.
Troubadour Festival, Texas’ largest barbecue and country music experience, returns to Old Celina Park in Celina on Saturday, Nov. 15, for its fifth-anniversary edition.
Produced by Double Tap Entertainment, Troubadour Festival will feature eight artists for an all-day live music and culinary event, with performances from headliner Clay Walker as well as Braxton Keith, Randall King, Cody Canada & The Departed, Silverada, Bottomland, Presley Haile and Chloe Kimes.
Beyond the stage, festivalgoers can explore 30 award-winning barbecue restaurants from across Texas, many of which are recognized in the Michelin Guide and on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list, including several North Texas favorites. For the first time, the festival will introduce themed showcases, grouping restaurants into five categories: Meat Church & Friends Live Fire Experience, 44 Farms Beef, Pork, Tex + Mex BBQ and Asian-Style BBQ. Each set of pitmasters will bring their own approach to the theme, providing attendees with a variety of barbecue styles and flavors to taste.
Participating restaurants include: 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio), B4 Barbeque (Mabank), Bar-A-BBQ (Montgomery), Blood Bros. BBQ (Houston), Brotherton’s Barbecue (Pflugerville), CM Smokehouse (Austin), Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (Aledo), Eaker Barbecue (Fredericksburg), Evie Mae’s Barbecue (Wolfforth/Lubbock), Helberg Barbecue (Waco), Hurtado Barbecue (Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield), Hutchins Barbeque (Frisco, McKinney), LJ’s Barbecue (Brenham), LocalCraft BBQ (Newark), Lockhart Smokehouse (Dallas, Plano, Arlington), Meat Church (Waxahachie), North Texas Smoke (Decatur), Panther City Barbeque (Fort Worth), Parish Barbecue (Austin), Patriotic Pig Smokehouse (North Richland Hills), Reese Bros. BBQ (San Antonio), Roegels Barbecue Co. (Houston, Katy), Rossler’s Blue Cord BBQ (Harker Heights), Slaughter’s Barbecue (Sulphur Springs), Smoak Town BBQ (Fate), Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ (Tyler), Sunbird Barbecue (Longview), Tejas Chocolate & BBQ (Tomball), Tyler’s Barbeque (Amarillo) and Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q (Allen).
“It’s hard to believe we’re already here, but we’re beyond excited for Troubadour Festival this year in Celina,” said Chase Colston, festival promoter and co-owner of Double Tap Entertainment. “We’re rolling out an entirely new concept to the barbecue sampling, which our restaurants are thrilled about. Combined with our new ticket opportunities, upgraded amenities and this year’s lineup, we’ve got something truly special for Celina in 2025 as we celebrate our fifth year.”
Available ticket types include: GA (starting at $59), GA+ (starting at $99), BBQ (starting at $129), BBQ+ (starting at $169), VIP (starting at $239) and VIP+ (starting at $899). All tickets feature all-in pricing, inclusive of taxes and fees. A limited number of Tier 1 GA, GA+, BBQ and BBQ+ tickets will also be available at a discounted rate for active and former military, students, first responders and educators with valid ID. VIP+ tickets include early entry with an additional hour of barbecue tastings, exclusive front-of-stage access, entry to a private VIP+ lounge featuring premium stage views and upgraded seating and access to VIP+ concierges and climate-controlled restrooms. Guests will also enjoy an open bar and a catered dinner from world-renowned Hutchins Barbeque, as well as receive a VIP+ festival gift and exclusive t-shirt. More information on ticket offerings here.
Beginning this year, a portion of proceeds from Troubadour Festival will benefit Hogs for the Cause, the festival’s official charitable partner. Hogs for the Cause is a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families across the country with children undergoing treatment for brain cancer. To date, the organization has distributed more than $15 million to families and hospital programs. Each year, Hogs for the Cause also hosts its premier barbecue and music festival of the same name.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hogs for the Cause as the official charitable partner of Troubadour Festival,” said Colston. “We have long admired their mission and look forward to seeing the impact Troubadour Festival and its fanbase can make on such a meaningful cause. Many of our participating pitmasters have also supported Hogs for the Cause over the years. We’ve always said Texas barbecue is a family, and this partnership is another example of that.”
For more information on tickets, the festival lineup, directions and FAQs, visit troubadourfestival.com.
Carla Harvey has announced the formation of a new project called The Violent Hour Band. The group consists of Allie Kay (rhythm guitar), Kiana De León (lead guitar), Carla Harvey (vocals), Jewell Steele (bass) and Sasha De Leon (drums).
The Violent Hour Upcoming Shows:
09/20 The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA 09/21 Whisky a Go Go 09/22 Whiskey a Go Go
Fresh off the heels of her acclaimed new album, people stories (Epic), ascendant young R&B star UMI has announced a Fall/Winter tour with stops across North America, including New York’s infamous Terminal 5 and LA’s iconic The Wiltern.
Fans can take their concert experience to the next level with official VIP packages, available at wearesuper.co/umi. Packages may include best-in-house seating, a pre-show meditation experience led by UMI, autographed laminate, early entry to the GA floor, and more special surprises. Availability is limited in each city.
After a string of lauded independent releases, people stories marks UMI’s major label debut and is her most personal and expansive album to date. Inspired by the stories of fans and loved ones, the record overall explores the depth of the human experience and the surprising inner connectedness of our life stories. She sings about ego, healing, identity, and connection-all filtered through her signature tranquil songwriting and seamless ability to weave across genres like soul, R&B, folk, and pop.
UMI U.S. + CANADA LIVE DATES: October 28 – The Complex – The Grand – Salt Lake City, UT October 29 – The Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO October 31 – The Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX November 2 – Emo’s – Austin, TX November 3 – House of Blues – Houston, TX November 5 – The Joy Theater – New Orleans, LA November 6 – The Masquerade – Heaven Stage – Atlanta, GA November 8 – The Underground – Charlotte, NC November 9 – The Fillmore – DC – Silver Spring, MD November 11 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA November 12 – Royale – Boston, MA November 14 – Terminal 5 – New York, NY November 16 – The Beanfield Theatre – Montreal, QC November 17 – The Phoenix Concert Hall – Toronto, ON November 19 – St. Andrews Hall – Detroit, MI November 20 – The Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL November 23 – Varsity Theatre – Minneapolis, MN November 27 – Vogue Theatre – Vancouver, BC November 30 – The Showbox – Seattle, WA December 2 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR December 5 – Channel 24 – Sacramento, CA December 6 – The Warfield – San Francisco, CA December 8 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA December 10 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA March 31 – The Republik – Honolulu, HI
Rick Astley has announced details of a UK and Ireland arena tour taking place in April 2026. The run begins at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on April 10th and will include 12 shows, finishing at London’s The O2 on April 25th. Astley will be joined on the tour by special guest Gabrielle.
Alongside the tour, Rick Astley will publish the paperback edition of his autobiography, Never, on October 9th, 2025, via Macmillan. The book was originally released in hardback in 2023 and became a Top 10 Sunday Times bestseller. Never is Astley’s first and only official autobiography.
Tour Dates:
04/10 – Glasgow – OVO Hydro 04/11 – Newcastle – Utilita Arena 04/13 – Belfast – SSE Arena 04/14 – Dublin – 3Arena 04/16 – Liverpool – M&S Bank Arena 04/17 – Manchester – Co-op Live 04/18 – Leeds – First Direct Arena 04/20 – Bournemouth – International Centre 04/21 – Cardiff – Utilita Arena 04/22 – Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena 04/24 – Birmingham – bp pulse LIVE 04/25 – London – The O2
Tickets go on general sale at 9:30am on September 5th, 2025. Get more details from the Official Rick Astley Website.
Continuing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s classic 1975 summer blockbuster, Jaws, UMe is releasing Jaws (Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) in Dolby Atmos. The GRAMMY-winning album recording, with music by legendary composer John Williams, has been mixed by Atmos pioneer Steve Genewick from the multi-track masters in collaboration with reissue producer Mike Matessino. Fans can now dive deeper than ever into the music, hearing every layer with crystal clear precision and immersive depth.
Listen to Jaws (Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) in Dolby Atmos now, HERE.
Brand new stereo mixes of the soundtrack album recording will be released by UMe to all digital partners on October 17. A “Shark Infested” Water-Filled LP with these new mixes will be released as a collectible numbered edition – up to 1,975 – on the same date. An unnumbered pressing will be released on November 21, 2025. The perfect collector’s item for film and vinyl buffs alike, this release has real water sealed and pressed between two translucent vinyl discs. Order the new stereo mixes, both digitally or physically, HERE.
On CD, a 50th Anniversary Special Edition 3-Disc Set is now available from soundtrack specialty label Intrada. This release pairs the GRAMMY-winning soundtrack album with the Academy Award-winning film score recording (licensed from Universal Studios), and includes exclusive extra tracks from both recordings. The film score recording has also been released digitally from Back Lot Music and on vinyl from Mondo.
Check out the special website Jaws50Music.com for links and information about all of the Jaws soundtrack releases.
August 29 marked the start of the theatrical re-release of Jaws in cinemas from Universal Studios, including IMAX, 3D and 4DX presentations. On September 14, the anniversary celebration continues with the opening of JAWS: The Exhibition at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. The movie has also been released in a new 4K UHD edition from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, which includes the feature length documentary Jaws@50: The Definitive Inside Story. The legendary John Williams score continues to be played live-to-picture at Jaws in Concert in cities around the world.
“JAWS” (Music From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The breaking point is nothing but a glimmer of faint light way out on the horizon behind Kristen Ford. On her newest album, Pinto, the queer, biracial, L.A. songwriter blasts way beyond the point of caution and unveils a wild landscape of visceral emotion. Listen to the album HERE.
Ford’s world is one of the deepest feelings: whether fuming at queer repression, falling head over heels in love, or learning to finally and wholeheartedly practice true self-acceptance. Pinto is a place where she can be candid enough to openly share her losses while being mindful enough to acknowledge her wins. In revealing both her scars and her successes, Ford raises a spirited cry that invites the listener to boldly embrace themselves, to take up space, and to loudly state that “enough is enough.”
The lessons that Ford explores on Pinto are those learned the hard way: from helplessly watching the state-sanctioned suppression of queer rights in the US, through finding new love after a gut-wrenching divorce, and from the daily microaggressions that come with being sold a patriarchal expectation of ‘womanliness’.
With a series of acclaimed releases under her belt, no one could accuse this veteran songwriter of lacking poetic nuance, but it is hard to ignore the raw and undiluted messages that are contained within Pinto. “You can’t control me, my pride or my joy, I don’t owe you a damn thing, if I’m a girl or a boy” she rages in her honeyed-husky vocals on “Wild Heart.”
Elsewhere, she sneers “Raise your glass to the mighty Mississippi, and God bless a Southern man, how quickly you forget my great great great grandmother, she died picking cotton on stolen land” on “White Man’s Dream.”
Pinto is undoubtedly Ford’s most political, most pointed, and most energizing outing yet. What sets Ford apart from her similarly enraged songwriting allies is her unique ability to craft these feelings into candy-coated rock that uses its sweet exterior to deliver these bitter truths. Whether it’s the realities of living outside the “good ole boys party” contrasted against the crunchy guitar bounce of “White Man’s Dream”, or the plight of the lost millennial on the undeniably smile-inducing single “Here’s To You Kid”, Ford deftly navigates uncomfortable topics with clarity and purpose. Elsewhere, she breaks the tension by making space for moments of queer joy on “The Fall” and “Brand New Pair (Alright),” and radical self-acceptance on “Grrrl In The Mirror.”
It was at a Ford show in 2022 that she first caught the ear of legendary songwriter Ani DiFranco. It was to be another pivotal DiFranco moment for Ford, who credits attending an Ani show at age 15 as the spark that led her to become a songwriter. Over the preceding months, the two struck up a working relationship that has since seen them tour together and co-write four of the twelve songs that will appear on Pinto. Their connection continues with the release of Pinto, which arrives on August 22nd via DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records.
Pinto would not be the dynamic, ass-kicking, name-taking, barnstorming experience it is without the team of trusted collaborators that Ford carefully assembled to bring this album to life. Initial tracking began with engineer Matty Alger at The Cabin in Ford’s then-hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, took a Louisiana detour for overdubbing at DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Studios before arriving at John Driskell Hopkins’ Brighter Shade Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Hopkins, who is perhaps best known as a founding member of Zac Brown Band, has also built a distinguished career in his own right as a songwriter and producer. With Pinto he takes on the role of producer (alongside Ford and co-producer DiFranco), wrangling all these parts into the carefully crafted final album, while also co-writing the uplifting ballad “Richest In The World” and lending his rich baritone voice to that song and others on Pinto.
The final polish arrives courtesy of multi-platinum GRAMMY-winning mastering engineer Randy Merrill (Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo) at Sterling Sound in New Jersey.
In its journey traversing the nation, Pinto is dappled with color and flavor as varied as America and reflects Kristen’s experience as a lost millennial, roaming endless freeways in search of the truth. The truth, as far as Pinto is concerned, is that YOU still matter. Working people, women, queer people, immigrants, creators in their 30s and beyond, still matter. We didn’t time out on that. It is an album that embodies Ford’s belief that “the rulebook has been thrown out by the current administration, but we can turn this disorder back on them and boldly create the world we want.” Or, as she puts it in her less guarded moments, “it’s time to be louder, be bigger, be brasher motherf*cker!”
Kristen Ford is currently on a wide-ranging US tour that takes in dates in over fifteen states and includes shows with Rachel Sage, Tom Goss, Mya Byrne, and more.
