Black Mountain in a field full of stoner-rock faithful is a perfect match, and this set delivers. Recorded in June 2022 at Freak Valley Festival in Netphen, Germany, a niche event devoted to stoner and psychedelic rock, and broadcast as part of the long-running Rockpalast series, the hour-long performance now lives online.
Video: Black Mountain Bring Heavy Riffs To Germany’s Freak Valley Festival In 2022
Hans Zimmer And Tech Heavyweights Back Payam Music To Build A National Piano School
A music legend and a who’s-who of tech are betting big on piano lessons. Payam Music, the school rethinking how students learn the instrument, has announced a partnership with composer Hans Zimmer alongside funding from top tech and media executives, including Mark Cuban, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Cloudflare co-founder Michelle Zatlyn and Dropbox CEO Drew Houston. Code.org founder Hadi Partovi joins as CEO, with the investment fueling a national rollout of brick-and-mortar piano schools across the U.S.
The method is the hook. As featured on 60 Minutes, Payam Music built a proprietary approach inspired by the psychology of language acquisition, teaching students through an intuitive alphanumeric notation instead of leaning on sheet music from day one, so they can play their favorite songs right away. The results are striking: 96% of students reach diploma-level within four years, against a national average where just 2% get there in 12.
Founder Payam Khastkhodaei framed it as a movement challenging the traditional model, where learning feels like play and success follows naturally from students falling for the instrument. Partovi, who scaled computer science education to 100 million students at Code.org and whose own son has studied at the school since 2020, pointed to building creativity, confidence and grit as the skills parents and employers want most, especially in the age of AI.
The talent pipeline is the showstopper. Top students will be mentored by Zimmer and other leading composers through Bleeding Fingers, the multiple Emmy-winning, BAFTA-nominated collective he co-founded with Russell Emanuel and Steve Kofsky. Zimmer said music education has long been stuck in the past and praised Payam for rewriting the playbook, adding he’s thrilled his studio will help nurture the next generation of composers.
Cuban put it bluntly, saying too many kids give up on music because traditional methods don’t work, and that Payam has cracked the code with an approach that keeps them engaged and learning.
The expansion reaches well beyond its current footprint. The school will grow past its locations in Washington, California, New York and Maryland to sites across the country, and extend its reach further through live one-on-one online lessons. New students can sign up or request a location at payammusic.com.
Country Newcomer Lauren Rismiller Pulls Up A Barstool On New Single “Heart Broke In A Bar”
Lauren Rismiller is starting her year off from a lonely barstool. The rising indie country artist has released “Heart Broke In A Bar,” the first single in her 2026 Waterfall series of recordings, out now via Tennessee Rolling Hill Records. Listen here.
Penned by the Ohio-based songwriter and recorded in Nashville under producer Jesse Savio and vocal engineer Adam Yust, the coming-of-age heartbreak anthem plays as a solo pour of regret under neon lights. The instrumentation draws straight from the ’90s Women of Country playbook, blending mournful pedal steel and twangy electric guitar solos with a steady acoustic rhythm, all framing Rismiller’s velvety, drawling vocals. The upbeat tempo rubs against the forlorn sentiment in a way that gives the song its kick.
The track doubles as a personal manifesto against nostalgia, and as a prequel to her November 2025 release “I Miss Johnny.” It’s a pledge to swear off the past and anyone with his likeness, no do-overs, no sequels, no repeat plays.
Rismiller traced the idea to her own hometown stages. Playing bars, she’d watch couples singing and dancing while other singles sat heartbroken, and the song ties together that observation and that lone figure at the bar, weighing the choice not to make the same mistake twice. Her advice, in short: if you see trouble coming, don’t mess around with him.
The release marks the 20-year-old’s third studio recording, following “I Miss Johnny” and her holiday two-pack EP ‘Mistletoe Won’t’, both out in December 2025. A natural storyteller from Darke County, Ohio, Rismiller threads vocal styles in the vein of Jennifer Nettles and Lainey Wilson with compositions likened to Emily Ann Roberts, building a sound that pairs nostalgic warmth with contemporary grit.
Anyma Makes His Canadian Debut With ‘Aeden’ At West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park
Canadian fans are finally getting the full Anyma experience. The electronic artist will make his first-ever Canadian appearance this summer with Anyma Presents Aeden, set for Saturday, August 29, at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. Presented by OFF2 and Insomniac as part of Soulrise Music Festival, the day pairs a special headline set from Anyma with performances from Argy, Kevin de Vries, Korolova, Son of Son and Daijo.
Anyma has built a reputation as one of electronic music’s most talked-about names, blending melodic techno with immersive live visuals and large-scale stage production across headline performances and sold-out shows around the world. The Vancouver event marks the first time Canadian fans will see the full production live.
The setting fits the spectacle. Running from 1 to 10 pm along the waterfront at Ambleside Park, the event is expected to draw fans from across British Columbia and beyond.
Presales start June 8, ahead of the public sale on June 9 at noon PST, with more information and ticket details to come through official event channels.
Def Leppard Bring Extreme Along For Fall Tour Of Mexico And South America
Def Leppard aren’t done with 2026 yet. The rock legends have announced a fall tour of Mexico and South America with special guest Extreme, extending a year that’s kept them firmly on the road.
The run starts stateside before heading south. The band plays Hollywood, FL, at Seminole Hard Rock Live on October 15, then crosses into Queretaro, Mexico, on the 17th at the Autodroma Queretaro. From there it’s three Mexican shows followed by stops in San Salvador, Alajuela, Quito, Bogota and Buenos Aires, wrapping in Santiago on November 8 at the Movistar Arena.
The on-sale rolls out in stages. Rock Brigade members get first access to tickets and VIP packages starting tomorrow, with general tickets going on sale Friday, June 5 at 10a unless otherwise noted. Santiago goes on sale June 6, San Salvador June 8, Quito June 9, and Alajuela June 12.
Tour Dates:
10/15/2026 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Live
10/17/2026 – Queretaro, MX @ Autodroma Queretaro
10/19/2026 – Mexico City, MX @ Palacio de los Deportes
10/21/2026 – Guadalajara, MX @ Arena VFG Guadalajara
10/24/2026 – San Salvador, SV @ Estadio Cuscatlan
10/27/2026 – Alajuela, CR @ Parque Viva
10/30/2026 – Quito, EC @ Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa
11/2/2026 – Bogota, CO @ Movistar Arena
11/5/2026 – Buenos Aires, AR @ Movistar Arena
11/8/2026 – Santiago, CL @ Movistar Arena
Video: Within Temptation Command Spain’s Resurrection Fest In 2019, Now Streaming
Within Temptation in full flight is a spectacle, and this one’s now streaming. Professionally shot at Resurrection Fest 2019 in Viveiro, one of Spain’s most celebrated rock and metal festivals, the video captures the Dutch symphonic metal titans at epic scale. Sharon den Adel leads the charge with commanding, ethereal vocals, shifting effortlessly from operatic highs to intimate, emotional moments, while the band unleashes its signature fusion of heavy guitar riffs, sweeping orchestral arrangements and soaring melodies. The elaborate stage production, all dynamic lighting and striking visuals, turns the set into a theatrical experience that pulls the massive crowd into the gothic worlds the music conjures. The setlist runs deep, threading beloved classics like “Stand My Ground” and “Mother Earth” through newer anthems. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it’s a definitive showcase of one of modern metal’s most compelling live acts.
Reggaeton Heavyweights Anuel AA, Ozuna And Kali Uchis Lead Coca-Cola Flow Fest In Mexico City
One of the biggest Latin urban festivals on the planet just dropped a monster lineup. OCESA has unveiled this year’s Coca-Cola Flow Fest, with Anuel AA, Ozuna, Tito Double P, Kali Uchis and Grupo Frontera headlining a two-day event that stacks a diverse bill of 60-plus artists.
The festival hits Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on November 28 and 29. Banamex cardholders get presale access June 4, with the general on-sale opening the following day.
Day one carries serious firepower. Anuel AA and Tito Double P top the bill, with Grupo Frontera as a special guest, alongside Chencho Corleone, Manuel Turizo, Ñengo Flow, Zion, El Bogueto, Tokischa, Kevin Roldan, Ken-Y, Clarent and many more.
Day two keeps the momentum rolling. Ozuna and Kali Uchis lead the November 29 bill, with Yandel Sinfónico taking the stage plus special guests Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez. Trueno, Tito El Bambino, Farruko, Dei V, Alleh and J Álvarez round out the day.
With a roster that spans reggaeton, Latin trap, regional Mexican and more, Flow Fest once again shapes up as a marquee weekend for fans of the genre.
Wilco Head To Marrakech For First-Ever African Shows In 2027
Wilco is taking the band to a brand-new continent. The indie rock favorites have announced their first-ever performances in Africa, partnering with Pilgrimage of Sound for a getaway in Marrakech, Morocco, that promises three completely unique nights of music with no repeats across the weekend.
The shows run March 25-27, 2027, at the Palm Events Center just outside Marrakech. Organizers frame it as more than a concert, calling Wilco (In Morocco) an immersion into Moroccan culture and the city itself, headlined by the band.
The packages lean into the destination. Pilgrimage of Sound offers attendees either four or five nights in luxurious Marrakech accommodations, round-trip airport transfers from Marrakech Menara, daily shuttles to and from the venue, and a merchandise package shipped to their door. Lodging ranges from modern hotels across the city’s historic, luxury and contemporary districts to high-end Riads tucked inside Marrakech’s 1,000-year-old Medina.
The days are built for exploring. Ahead of each nightly concert, attendees can roam at their own pace, with roughly a dozen curated excursions on offer alongside fellow attendees, including a sunrise hot air balloon ride, a cultural journey through the Medina, and a guided hike through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Multi-day tours before and after the shows are available too, along with VIP options. The trip follows the band’s Iceland excursion in 2023.
Presale registration opens today at 12 p.m. CST at wilcoinmorocco.com. A presale for Wilco in Iceland attendees starts Wednesday, June 10 (12pm CST), followed by a presale Thursday, June 11 (12pm CST) for Sky Blue Sky and Solid Sound attendees and general presale registrants. The general on-sale begins Friday, June 12 (12pm CST).
Liu Yuning And J. Balvin Reimagine A Van Halen Classic On Coca-Cola World Cup Anthem “JUMP”
As the world counts down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Coca-Cola ignites the excitement with its brand-new official anthem, “JUMP” – the 2026 FIFA World Cup Coca-Cola Anthem. The song is jointly produced by Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) and Coca-Cola. Alongside the global version, a specially adapted Chinese recording has been released, infusing the iconic melody with the soul of traditional Chinese music and unstoppable energy. Performed by Coca-Cola brand ambassador Liu Yuning and global superstar J. Balvin, “JUMP” launched on May 6th across Tencent Music Entertainment’s QQ Music, Kugou Music, and Kuwo Music – as well as global streaming giants Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. This is more than a song: it is a musical tribute that proudly lets the world hear the power and passion of China’s voice.
Making history as Coca-Cola’s first Chinese-language World Cup anthem in 12 years, “JUMP” reimagines a rock classic by Van Halen. With a dream production team including Steve Vai and Travis Barker, the track shatters creative boundaries – rock solid at its core, yet richly layered with traditional Chinese instrumentation. The pipa dances, the guzheng sings, the Tang drum thunders, and the erhu whispers with ancient depth – all intertwined with blazing electric guitars and pounding drumbeats. Then comes Liu Yuning’s fiery, signature rap, injecting a distinctly Chinese spirit of courage and joy into the anthem. The result is a breathtaking fusion where Chinese musical heritage and global rock energy collide in a moment of pure, jubilant celebration.
From a bold reimagining of a classic to a profound cultural fusion, “JUMP” is more than a World Cup anthem – it is a powerful declaration of Chinese voices embracing the world stage with confidence and pride. The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate arena for global connection, and “JUMP” lets fans everywhere feel the depth of Chinese culture and the warmth of China’s open heart through every uplifting note. It is Coca-Cola’s way of using music to unite the world, capturing the spirit of “cheering, raising a glass, and seizing the moment” – with Chinese voices shining brightly as an essential part of the global celebration.
Coca-Cola endorses cultural exchange and global unity through music. With “JUMP,” the brand proudly champions the beauty of China’s musical traditions and their place on the world’s biggest stage. As stadiums roar and fans jump as one, this anthem – blending raw passion with the elegance of Chinese musical aesthetics – will echo through every unforgettable moment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, connecting hearts across all borders.
New Photo Book Captures The Beatles’ Final Concert Through Jim Marshall’s Lens At Candlestick Park
The Beatles’ last public concert gets a definitive visual record. ‘Beatles by Jim Marshall: Live at Candlestick Park 1966’, out now via Chronicle Books, relives the historic night through the eyes of one of rock’s greatest photographers, collecting more than 150 photos and proof sheets, half of them never before seen.
The access was extraordinary. The Beatles specifically requested Marshall as their photographer, and he was the only one allowed backstage during the Candlestick Park show. He captured not just the concert but the intimate moments around it, the band meeting the Baez sisters and hanging out in the locker room before taking the stage.
The presentation matches the moment. The book shows the images at large scale in the rich, high-contrast tones Marshall favored, and includes his proof sheets, offering a look at how he selected his iconic shots. An in-depth essay by music historian Joel Selvin brings the night back to life.
Marshall’s standing is hard to overstate. The legendary photographer, who died in 2010, shot virtually every major musician of his era across rock, jazz, blues and country, and was the first photographer awarded a Grammy Trustees Award for chronicling music history. Annie Leibovitz simply called him THE rock and roll photographer. The book was assembled with Amelia Davis, who owns and manages Jim Marshall Photography, and Selvin, a longtime San Francisco Chronicle music journalist.
The timing carries weight too. August 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ final live public concert, making this lavish 176-page volume a fitting way to travel back to that historic night.