Home Blog Page 389

AG Club Duo Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy Drop New Single “Again” With Global New Balance Campaign

Eric Alper
-
0
AG Club Duo Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy Drop New Single “Again” With Global New Balance Campaign

The duo of Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy of hip-hop collective AG Club release the brand new single “Again.” The song arrives in tandem with the launch of the Global Access On Tour With AG Club – New Balance 1000 For JD Sports campaign, which stars the duo and features “Again” throughout.

“Again” was produced by Beach Noise, UV Killin Em, and Gray Toomey, and as is customary with the fast-rising group, they arrived primed and ready to make it an AG Club summer. The airy and serene production provides a comfortable sonic backdrop that Baby Boy and Fontaine use to toast to the good life – a lifestyle they’ve earned through their diligent ascent in the last few years. Notably, it arrives as the collective’s first new single since their acclaimed 2024 mixtape BRODIE WORLD.

BRODIE WORLD was a bold step in the evolution of AG Club’s sound, fusing playful imagination with an innate sense of aesthetic-a whimsical, masterful, and electric body of work full of sharp technique and raw impulse. Upon release, BRODIE WORLD was met with excitement and critical acclaim. Stereogum praised AG Club’s “day-glo, reckless, youthful charm” while proclaiming that they “exist in their own lane,” while Alternative Press called the mixtape a “tremendous experiment in having fun that, despite being ‘made for their friends,’ we all benefit greatly from.” Uproxx noted the “unique production” of BRODIE WORLD, which “carries the[eir] laid-back, anything-goes raps, and it’s clear these guys are just having fun with it.” HYPEBEAST highlighted the “contagious candor” of the rap duo, while Ones To Watch commented upon release of the mixtape, “the Bay Area’s AG Club is everyone’s favorite secret, though the secret is certainly starting to get out.” Pigeons and Planes got right to the point: “We’ve been waiting for this album!”

AG Club has steadily built its audience with a multitude of releases since 2019, leading to acclaimed appearances at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Camp Flog Gnaw, Austin City Limits, and the 2024 X Games. AG Club has been crowned the “next big music collective,” by Nylon, “genuine, pure, and unlike anything you’ve experienced before” by Billboard and “The Bay Area music collective you wish you could join” by i-D. Baby Boy and Fontaine’s commitment to cohesion and culture has helped them develop a cult-like following that continues to grow with them, from 2020’s Halfway Off The Porch to 2022’s Imposter Syndrome.

AG Club has done it “Again” as they make their mark on 2025, with much more on the horizon.

Kanii Launches Bold New Era With Indie-Tinged Single “skin”

Eric Alper
-
0
Kanii Launches Bold New Era With Indie-Tinged Single “skin”

 D.C. alt-pop provocateur Kanii kickstarts a new era with his propulsive new single “skin.” On the indie-tinged cut, fuzzy synths and guitars create a striking backdrop for vulnerable lyrics that emit a deep sense of longing. That bittersweet tone is reflected in a blurry-eyed video that finds the singer, songwriter, and artist sorting through the aftermath of a rager.

“skin” carves out new sonic territory for Kanii, but whether he’s exploring R&B, club beats, or something closer to pop punk, his songs remain youthful, restless, and undeniably catchy. Over driving percussion and vibrant chords, he lets loose the emotional poetry that’s become his trademark: “Do you feel my veins and arteries? The shortness in my lungs when you’re in my skin? / The blood it flows inside of me, your heart is just enough when you’re in my skin.”

The full extent of Kanii’s vision comes across in the “skin” video, which opens on him dozing on the floor of a cozy room, flashing back to the night before. In the same space, we see teens jumping on furniture, shooting silly string and bubble guns, and dancing with abandon. Other moments are more hallucinatory, with the kids faded or fading in a parked car while he sings, or Kanii and a friendly dalmatian exploring a field full of flowers. It all feels like a fever dream.

Kanii kicked off 2024 with “hate me” featuring wolfacejoeyy and The Heart Racers EP, a joint project with Riovaz and Nimstarr, that includes the retro-leaning singles “tell me” and “lost without you.” His swelling discography also boasts streaming hits like “nightcrawler,” “it was nice knowing u,” and “pretty photos.” His ascent first began in 2023 with the RIAA Gold-certified earworm “I Know,” which cracked the Billboard Hot 100.

The result of his sonic explorations is a global streaming tally that amasses nearly one billion streams. Now, with “skin,” the stage is set for an ambitious new phase that demonstrates the full scope of Kanii’s ever-evolving artistry.

Treaty Oak Revival Release Acoustic Album ‘The Talco Tapes’ Featuring Goo Goo Dolls Cover “Name”

Eric Alper
-
0
Treaty Oak Revival Release Acoustic Album ‘The Talco Tapes’ Featuring Goo Goo Dolls Cover “Name”

Treaty Oak Revival released The Talco Tapes, an acoustic album, via TOR Records, distributed by Interscope Records. Recorded live in the studio, the album features stripped-down versions of eight songs from the Odessa, Texas-based band’s first two albums, including the Gold-certified “I’m The Worst” and “Ode To Bourbon,” plus their soulful version of The Goo Goo Dolls’ 1995 hit “Name.”

“We had the idea to make an acoustic album a few years back, and it was always a project we wanted to pursue. So many people bring up our ‘PBS Unplugged’ session on YouTube, and we wanted to make a record that would be an ‘upgraded’ version of what we did in that session,” explains Treaty Oak Revival. “We thought it would be a great passion project for us that the fans would love, while also showing people that we are more than just a rock band. Each of our songs can translate from a hard rock banger to a laid-back country tune, if we put our minds to it.”

In the accompanying video, fans can see Treaty Oak Revival performing the album’s songs, live in the studio, along with behind-the-scenes footage of the band in between each song performance. View below.

“We chose to cover ‘Name’ by Goo Goo Dolls mainly because it was a song we all felt we knew and could relate to, especially being born in the nineties and growing up in the early 2000s,” says Treaty Oak Revival. “We also chose it because it’s a very beautiful, but slow song that we wouldn’t usually cover. We wanted to challenge ourselves to see what kind of personal twist we could put on it.”

The Talco Tapes also includes acoustic versions of four songs from Treaty Oak Revival’s 2021 debut album, No Vacancy, and four songs from 2023’s Have A Nice Day. Both albums have been lodged in the top 20 of the Apple Music country charts for the past year-and-a-half. Treaty Oak Revival has amassed over one billion streams with these two self-released albums. Six of the band’s songs have been certified Gold by the RIAA with some approaching Platinum soon. Nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award in the New Duo or Group of the Year category, Treaty Oak Revival is currently the biggest band in country and rock music, doing 22 million streams and selling 18,000 albums per week.

Treaty Oak Revival’s 2025 North American tour includes numerous sold-out headline shows plus performances at such festivals as Railbird, Bonnaroo and Tailgate N’ Tallboys Illinois.

Byrdie Wilson Confronts Heartbreak and Addiction on New Single “Over Me”

Eric Alper
-
0
Byrdie Wilson Confronts Heartbreak and Addiction on New Single “Over Me”

Rising country artist Byrdie Wilson finds her voice with the release of her newest single, “Over Me,” available everywhere now! Co-written with fellow singer-songwriter Krissy Feniak, the track is a no-holds-barred look at the gut-wrenching moment when someone you love chooses alcohol over a future together.

Driven by a haunting melody and emotionally charged lyrics, “Over Me” paints a vivid picture of the wreckage left behind when addiction and dishonesty take the wheel. With lines like “It’s a quarter to 3 / You’re drinking Jack over me,”Wilson’s voice is equal parts grief-stricken and unflinching, striking a perfect balance between vulnerability and strength.

“Everyone talks about heartbreak, but not everyone talks about what it feels like when someone you love won’t fight for you – when they keep choosing the bottle or the betrayal instead,” says Wilson. “This song is for anyone who’s ever realized they deserve more and decided not to settle.”

With echoes of Miranda Lambert grit and Kelsea Ballerini vulnerability, Wilson’s voice cuts through the noise and makes you feel every word. It’s not just a breakup anthem; it’s a breakthrough.

Sebastian Schub Shares Tender New Single “Be Still” From Debut EP ‘Sing Like Madonna’

Eric Alper
-
0
Sebastian Schub Shares Tender New Single “Be Still” From Debut EP ‘Sing Like Madonna’

Sebastian Schub has released “Be Still,” a new track from his debut EP Sing Like Madonna. “Be Still” is streaming now . The EP is out now via Island EMI / Capitol Records.

“Be Still” is a tender, intimate track putting the emphasis on Sebastian’s rich and powerful baritone vocal. It’s another beautiful taster to Seb’s first full body of work.

Sebastian Schub recently completed his sold-out UK tour and heads to the US in June for shows in New York and Los Angeles. Later this summer, he supports Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park in London.

Sebastian Schub has lived a thousand lives before the one presented on his debut single “Sing Like Madonna.” An opera singer, actor, busker and now solo star in waiting, the German-born, London-based artist has gone from performing on the streets to blowing up on TikTok, every one of these disparate experiences moulding him into a special and distinctive new voice.

Born in Hamburg, Seb was enrolled into the city’s youth opera academy as a five-year-old, learning mime and musical theatre as well as singing. When he moved to London at 17 years old, his initial dream was to make it as an actor. With work in that field eluding him, he busked on the streets to make money.

Though he attended – and then dropped out of – music school, Seb found that the real work required to make it in music came from the hard yards of busking and pub gigs rather than a formal education.

While the days would be spent playing songs by other artists, it would be at 11pm on the South Bank, “when everyone had stopped listening,” that Seb would try new things out and find different tones and styles to his voice. He then scraped together some originals to get slots at Camden’s Spiritual Bar, the legendary open-mic venue that hosted early gigs from the likes of Michael Kiwanuka and Jade Bird.

With his rich, deep voice, he captivated rooms previously awash with inane chatter and got busy and impatient Londoners to pause their stomps around the city to watch him perform on the pavement.

After putting in the proverbial 10,000 hours, doing the hard yards and playing the dead gigs, it was somewhat perfect that Seb’s music then exploded online overnight. Immediate virality is common for songwriters in 2025, but very few experience it after toiling away like he has, meaning that Seb was ready for the whirlwind that is sure to follow.

Working with Steve Fitzmaurice (Glen Hansard, Sam Smith) and Rob Kirwan (Hozier, PJ Harvey), he then settled into a working relationship with Kiwi producer Dann Hume (Laura Mvula, Matt Corby) and decamped to work and record at his studio on Barry Island, Wales. A competent producer himself, Schub found in Hume a collaborator who “does everything that I do but better than me. The creative choices he makes are often what I like anyway. He’ll plug the guitar in and make it sound exactly the way I would want it to sound.”

Sebastian’s songwriting finds its inspiration within the Glen Hansards of the world (the beloved Irish troubadour who brought his no-nonsense songwriting to Broadway and the West End in the award-winning musical Once). Hansard’s honesty and realism captured Schub’s imagination from an early age, and it’s that honesty and realism that drives his own songcraft in the otherwise modern day.

It took Seb time and effort to find his lyrical voice, too. “English isn’t really my language and I didn’t speak it until I was 15,” he says, “so I wasn’t really thinking about lyrics much when I started.” He studied English Literature, giving him a greater grasp of the language’s nuances and power. “I read Jane Eyre four times – in English, in German, in English and then in English again, just to get it. It’s work that’s really paid off. It took a long time, but now I can really trust that I know how to talk and write now.”

Though he might only be crossing your radar very recently, Seb’s musical history is a rich and detailed one defined by hard graft. It’s shown on a debut EP packed with depth, heart, and ambition – the latest building block for a future star and one that’s been a long time coming.

Sting and Shaggy Reunite to Co-Headline ‘One Fine Day Festival’ With O.A.R., Marcia Griffiths, The Original Wailers, and More

Eric Alper
-
0
Sting and Shaggy Reunite to Co-Headline ‘One Fine Day Festival’ With O.A.R., Marcia Griffiths, The Original Wailers, and More

Sting and Shaggy will again reunite to host, curate and co-headline the One Fine Day Festival, a full day of eclectic music featuring a diverse artist lineup across two stages returning exclusively to The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The charity partner for this special event is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Headlining the main stage at TD Pavilion at The Mann, Sting and Shaggy, both managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, will perform their biggest hits together, trading off and collaborating on ‘Every Breath You Take,’ ‘Englishman In New York,’ ‘Message In A Bottle,’ ‘It Wasn’t Me,’ ‘Boombastic,’ ‘Angel’ and others, including “Til A Mawnin,'” their latest collaborative single which debuted at #1 on the iTunes reggae songs chart.

“One Fine Day” will fill the air with uplifting spirit and energy along with additional musical performances including on the main stage at TD Pavilion at The Mann: O.A.R., Marcia Griffiths, and Chance Emerson; and on the Highmark Skyline Stage at The Mann: The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Big Freedia, and SOPHIE GREY. all against the beautiful backdrop of Fairmount Park.

Reflecting on 2023’s ‘One Fine Day,’ Sting says, “the energy was unforgettable, and the connection with the crowd in Philadelphia was something truly special.” He continues, “Shaggy and I have an effortless creative chemistry-we’re always pushing each other into unexpected and exciting musical directions. We’re looking forward to returning to one of our favorite cities for another day of hits and musical adventure.”

“Sting is a constant spark for musical curiosity,” says Shaggy. “Every time we collaborate, it’s a fusion of our cultures, styles, and that shared sense of exploration. After the incredible vibes at the last ‘One Fine Day,’ we knew we had to bring it back. We’re excited to return to Philly and once again gather some of our favorite artists to celebrate music the way we love it-full of energy, soul, and surprises.”

The inaugural One Fine Day Festival was held at The Mann in September 2023 while this year’s lineup promises another unforgettable musical experience, featuring dynamic performances by indie rock/reggae jam band, O.A.R., the legendary reggae vibes of The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, and the iconic voice of Marcia Griffiths. Audiences will also be treated to the high-energy bounce of Big Freedia, the poignant songwriting and powerful voice of BMI John Lennon Award-winner Chance Emerson, and the fresh electronic pop of SOPHIE GREY. – a classical-musician-turned-modern-pop-queen who writes and produces all of her music. From reggae classics to indie soul and electrifying beats, this diverse roster offers something for every music lover.

Dave Lenahan Releases New Single “Baby I’m Gone” Ahead of Concept Album ‘Absalom’

Eric Alper
-
0
Dave Lenahan Releases New Single “Baby I’m Gone” Ahead of Concept Album ‘Absalom’

Dave Lenahan, a seasoned Nashville-based singer-songwriter with roots in Cleveland’s golden era of rock, continues to craft heartfelt narratives that blend his unique fusion of Cleveland rock and Americana. His new single, “Baby I’m Gone,” delivers a stirring vocal performance underscored by rich country instrumentation. It explores the strength it takes to leave a relationship where love is no longer enough. You can find the single out now on all digital streaming platforms.

With lyrics like, “You just don’t know what you got till it’s gone / Someday you’ll miss me when I get the strength to move on / But, I can be free from you here / It’ll just take a couple more beers / And, baby, I’m gone,” Lenahan captures the emotional complexity of walking away with honesty and vulnerability.

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Lenahan was shaped by legendary artists such as Michael Stanley, Dan Fogelberg, and The Eagles. Beginning guitar at age 11 and sharpening his craft in church choirs and worship bands, he spent four decades in radio before dedicating himself fully to songwriting. As Cincinnati coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), he has co-written hundreds of songs and shared stages with indie and Americana talents at venues like The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room.

His 2023 debut album, Or Something Like That…, introduced his warm, rootsy sound to a broader audience and set the stage for his upcoming concept album Absalom. His project is inspired by a forgotten 19th-century cemetery near his home, a site he helped uncover with the help of fellow songwriters and historical researchers. Songs like the haunting title track “Absalom” and “Father of Peace” have already earned Top 10 finalist honors in the World Songwriting Awards.

“Baby I’m Gone,” alongside tracks such as “Die On This Barstool,” “First,” and “Faces in the Glow,” was recorded with Grammy-winning producer Alan Sanderson (Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Fiona Apple, B.B. King, Counting Crows, Elvis Costello, Ziggy Marley, Ryan Adams, Weezer, and The Rolling Stones) in San Diego. The album features collaborations with acclaimed writers including Jessica Nixon, Taylin Rae, and Norm McDonald. Previously recorded by Chancey Williams, “Baby I’m Gone” has become a standout fan favorite and frequent show-closer for Lenahan.

With over 1 million Spotify streams, including the viral “Squirrel Train” by Pamela Hopkins (which reached #1 on Australia’s OZCMR chart), Lenahan’s impact extends beyond music. As host of The Songwriter Connection podcast, winner of the 2024 Elite Music Award for Podcast of the Year, he highlights rising and established songwriters with insight and humor.

Writing nearly 100 songs annually and performing over 100 shows each year, Dave Lenahan remains deeply committed to mentorship, community, and authentic storytelling. With Absalom on the horizon, he continues to push creative boundaries while honoring the heartfelt narratives that define his work.

‘Hardcore Punk in the Age of Reagan’ by Robert Fitzgerald Explores Punk’s Defiant Soundtrack to the 1980s Presidency

Eric Alper
-
0
‘Hardcore Punk in the Age of Reagan’ by Robert Fitzgerald Explores Punk’s Defiant Soundtrack to the 1980s Presidency

Few politicians produced the musical reaction that Ronald Reagan did. His California-branded conservatism inspired countless young people to pick up guitars and thrash out their political angst. Punk bands across the United States took aim at the man, his presidency, and the idea of America he was selling to voters nationwide. Small yet vibrant scenes across the country emerged to challenge the communal norms and social values projected on them by the popular media and consumer culture. Punk enthusiast Robert Fitzgerald argues that these songs’ lyrics aren’t just catchy and fun to scream along with; they also reveal the thoughts and feelings of artists reacting to their political environment in real, forthright, and uncensored time.

In candid detail, Fitzgerald shows how these lyrics illustrated what young adults felt and how they reacted to one of the most influential and divisive leaders of the era. Punk lyrics are seemingly simple, the author argues, but they sketch out a complex, musically inspired countermovement that is as canonical in the American songbook as the folk and rock protest music that came before.

Giant Announce New Album ‘Stand And Deliver’ With Single “It’s Not Right”

Eric Alper
-
0
Giant Announce New Album ‘Stand And Deliver’ With Single “It’s Not Right”

Giant are excited to announce the release of their new album ‘Stand And Deliver,’ via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the release, the band has shared a new track, “It’s Not Right.” This single is accompanied by a visualizer.

GIANT is entering a powerful new chapter in their storied career, featuring a fresh lineup that propels the band’s signature sound to exhilarating new heights. Drummer and founder David Huff expressed his excitement for the new album:

“Making GIANT records has always been our passion! Thanks to everyone at Frontiers, we can make our dreams happen. I know it’s a bit of a different lineup, but whoever is in the lineup, the legacy of GIANT lives on.”

‘Stand And Deliver’ showcases once again the talents of David Huff on drums, Mike Brignardello on bass, Kent Hilli (of Perfect Plan) as the commanding lead vocalist, with the addition of Jimmy Westerlund (One Desire) on guitars. Westerlund also takes on mixing duties alongside Alessandro Del Vecchio, who adds his touch on keyboards as a featured guest.

As if this dynamic combination of talent was not enough, the album also includes some gems penned by the original guitarist and singer Dann Huff including “Time To Call It Love” (a collaboration with the late Mark Spiro), “Holdin’ On For Dear Life” and “Paradise Found”, coming both from his sessions with Van Stephenson, which strongly link the new album with the sound of the classic album ‘Time To Burn’.

However, with this new album, GIANT delivers the hard-hitting rock and melodic hooks that fans have come to expect while pushing the boundaries of the genre with a state-of-the-art production.

Damiano David Releases Debut Solo Album ‘Funny Little Fears’ Featuring Suki Waterhouse and d4vd

Eric Alper
-
0
Damiano David Releases Debut Solo Album ‘Funny Little Fears’ Featuring Suki Waterhouse and d4vd

Maneskin frontman Damiano David has today released his highly anticipated debut solo album Funny Little Fears, out now via Sony Music Italy / Arista. The album is available digitally and physically in several formats on vinyl and CD.

Marking a bold and defiant new chapter in Damiano’s career and artistry, Funny Little Fears sees the acclaimed artist break the molds of expectation, both sonically and lyrically, defy genre boundaries, and bravely journey deep within the confides of his own mind as he confronts his fears.

The album features previously released singles ‘Born With A Broken Heart’, ‘Silverlines’ produced by Labrinth, ‘Next Summer’ and ‘Voices’, and also features collaborations with English singer-songwriter and actress Suki Waterhouse on The Bruise and visionary artist d4vd on Tangerine.

Discussing the album, Damiano says “I’ve described FUNNY LITTLE FEARS as the emotional diary of my past year. Writing it helped me overcome certain emotional blocks and anxieties, and allowed me to reveal a personal and musical side that is important to me.”

On his collaboration with Suki Waterhouse, he says “I love Suki’s voice; it gives me the vintage vibes that I adore. Her overall look and image are so elegant and she is a perfect fit for a song like ‘The Bruise.'”

On his collaboration with d4vd, Damiano says “d4dv is an artist I truly respect; his latest album is amazing. I couldn’t be happier to know that he liked ‘Tangerine’ and wanted to collaborate on it. He added an incredible and distinct touch to the song.”

On working with Damiano, d4vd says “I was honored that Damiano invited me to be on his album. That’s like the biggest honor that someone could give you and I’ve been a fan of him & Maneskin for so long now so it was a no brainer. And I love the song!”

On Wednesday, MTV premiered a Global First Look of ‘FUNNY little STORIES’, a short film showcasing four tracks from the album. The film was featured across MTV’s global social media platforms and television channels. The video made its global broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop and across MTV’s global network of channels, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards.

1...388389390...3,032Page 389 of 3,032

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper