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Free Magic Eraser: The Ultimate Tool for Effortless Photo Editing

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

In today’s digital age, visuals are everything. Whether you’re a social media enthusiast, small business owner, or content creator, high-quality photos can make a big difference in how your audience perceives you. But let’s face it—most of us aren’t professional photographers or expert editors. That’s where tools like a Free Magic Eraser step in, making it easier than ever to clean up images, remove unwanted objects, and give photos a professional polish—without expensive software or steep learning curves.

This article explores what the Free Magic Eraser is, how it works, and why it’s quickly becoming a must-have for anyone who wants to edit photos effortlessly.

What Is the Free Magic Eraser?

The Free Magic Eraser is an online tool that allows users to remove unwanted objects, blemishes, or distractions from photos in seconds. Think of it as a virtual cleanup brush. Whether you want to remove a photobomber, remove a sign from the background, or eliminate wrinkles in scanned documents, this tool makes the process simple and fast.

Unlike traditional editing software such as Photoshop, the Free Magic Eraser doesn’t require complex skills. It uses artificial intelligence to detect objects and seamlessly fill in the erased area with natural-looking surroundings.

Why Photo Clean-Up Tools Are Essential

We live in a visual-first culture. Instagram posts, TikTok thumbnails, eCommerce product shots, and even LinkedIn profile photos need to look sharp and professional. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always give us perfect settings. Here’s where a tool like the Free Magic Eraser shines:

  • Social Media Content: Remove photobombers or clutter from the background.
  • Product Photography: Remove distracting objects to create a clean, professional product display.
  • Travel Photos: Say goodbye to unwanted strangers in your vacation snapshots.
  • Marketing Materials: Keep images distraction-free for banners, posters, and ads.

The truth is, every detail in your photo matters. A tiny distraction can take away from the story you’re trying to tell.

How the Free Magic Eraser Works

The process is surprisingly simple. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Upload Your Image – Start by uploading a photo to the Free Magic Eraser tool.
  2. Highlight the Area – Use the brush to mark the object, blemish, or section you want to erase.
  3. AI Magic Happens – The tool automatically removes the selected object and replaces it with a natural fill.
  4. Download and Share – Save your cleaned-up photo instantly.

No complex layers, no hours of fine-tuning—just quick and clean edits.

Free Magic Eraser vs. Traditional Editing Tools

You might wonder, why not just use Photoshop or another editing program? While those platforms are powerful, they come with steep price tags and learning curves. Here’s how the Free Magic Eraser compares:

FeatureFree Magic EraserTraditional Tools (Photoshop, GIMP)
CostFreePaid (often expensive)
Ease of UseBeginner-friendlyRequires training
SpeedInstant resultsTime-intensive
AccessibilityBrowser-based, no install neededRequires software download

For quick edits, the Free Magic Eraser is the perfect choice. Of course, professional designers may still use advanced tools, but for everyday users, this free option gets the job done beautifully.

Real-World Examples of Using Free Magic Eraser

To give you a better picture, let’s look at some everyday situations where this tool proves invaluable:

  • E-commerce Seller: An online seller photographed jewelry, but there was lint on the cloth background. With the Free Magic Eraser, they erased it instantly without reshooting.
  • Travel Blogger: A blogger posted a photo of a scenic mountain, but several tourists were in the frame. With a few clicks, they disappeared, leaving only the breathtaking landscape.
  • Event Photographer: At a wedding, a trash bin was visible in the corner of the shot. Instead of editing for hours, the photographer used the eraser to remove it within seconds.

Beyond Erasing: Pairing It with an AI Background Remover

Sometimes you need more than just object removal—you may want to completely transform your image background. That’s where tools like an AI Background Remover come in.

By combining both tools, you can:

  • Remove unwanted objects (with Magic Eraser).
  • Replace or completely change the background (with AI Background Remover).

For example, a clothing store could remove price tags with the Free Magic Eraser and then swap the background for a stylish studio look using the AI Background Remover. The result? Professional-quality product photos without hiring a photographer.

Tips for Getting the Best Results with Free Magic Eraser

While the tool is straightforward, here are some tips to maximize results:

  1. Use Precise Highlighting – Carefully brush over the exact object you want gone for cleaner results.
  2. Work on High-Resolution Images – The better the photo quality, the more seamless the erasing effect.
  3. Zoom In for Detail – Small distractions like spots or wrinkles are easier to erase when zoomed in.
  4. Pair with Background Editing – As mentioned, combining it with background tools gives you greater creative freedom.
  5. Experiment with Different Photos – Practice on different types of images to understand how AI fills in spaces.

Who Should Use Free Magic Eraser?

The beauty of this tool is its versatility. It’s not limited to professionals—anyone can benefit from it:

  • Influencers: Keep feeds polished and clutter-free.
  • Students: Perfect for cleaning up images for presentations or projects.
  • Small Business Owners: Create marketing materials without hiring designers.
  • Casual Users: Edit family photos or vacation shots effortlessly.

The Future of AI Photo Editing:

AI-powered tools like the Free Magic Eraser are only the beginning. As artificial intelligence advances, we’ll see even smarter editing features—think auto-retouching, lighting adjustments, and realistic background generation. For now, free tools like this give everyday users the power to create stunning visuals without costly investments.

Conclusion:

In a world where visuals are crucial, the Free Magic Eraser makes professional-quality editing accessible to everyone. It saves time, reduces stress, and delivers polished results—all without the need for expensive software or advanced editing skills. Whether you’re enhancing social media posts, product photos, or personal memories, this tool has the potential to transform your images instantly.

Pair it with an AI Background Remover, and you’ll have a powerful duo for crafting clean, eye-catching visuals that stand out.

So next time you snap a great photo but notice an unwanted distraction, remember: with just a few clicks, you can erase the problem and keep the moment picture-perfect.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Bowling For Soup Announce Live Album ‘A Hangover You Definitely Deserve’ with New Single “A-Hole”

Eric Alper
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Bowling For Soup Announce Live Album ‘A Hangover You Definitely Deserve’ with New Single “A-Hole”

Bowling For Soup are thrilled to announce a brand new live album in celebration of the triumphant 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album A Hangover You Don’t Deserve!

Recorded during their huge sold out February 2025 UK tour in Manchester, A Hangover You Definitely Deserve (Live) brings the anniversary tour to BFS fans all across the world in its full glory. This includes all the between song banter that is the cornerstone of any live Bowling For Soup experience.

A Hangover You Definitely Deserve (Live) will be released on the 24th of October through the bands’ own Brando/Que-So Records. Frontman Jaret Reddick discusses the initial decision to take the 20th anniversary of “Hangover” on the road and to then make it into a live album: “I remember being terrified as the 20th anniversary of this album approached. We would have to learn all 18 song…at least half of which, we hadn’t played since recording the album. But as we started plowing away through the album, the magic came back. It was such a good time in our lives and our career making this monster! I hope that comes across on this live recording. I sure feel like it does.”

In addition to the album announcement, Jaret, Gary and Rob are offering a first taste of the live “Hangover” experience right now, releasing the much loved A-Hole as a single. This is a decision twenty one years in the making, as Jaret explains:

“A-Hole’ is one of those songs that I always thought could have been a single. Then, when we did the album tour and asked John James Ryan to join us on stage with his Sax, it took on an even greater life! This song was the highlight of my night during the tour. And I am so glad we are getting to release it in this capacity.”

Blitz Vega Unleash Electro-Punk Rock Single “Superbrain” Honoring Andy Rourke’s Legacy

Eric Alper
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Blitz Vega Unleash Electro-Punk Rock Single “Superbrain” Honoring Andy Rourke’s Legacy

Blitz Vega, the project co-founded by Kav Sandhu and the late Andy Rourke of The Smiths have just released a brand new single, “Superbrain.” The track is a swaggering, groove-heavy track that blends rock grit with electro-punk energy while tackling our messy love/hate relationship with technology.

After Andy passed in 2023, Kav dedicated himself to ensuring that his friend’s legacy ended on a high with their debut album Northern Gentleman. And that’s what he achieved with what Louder Than War described as a “a life-affirming, rollicking, thrilling, kinetic, sometimes unbearably poignant tribute.” Clash agreed, summarizing it as a “striking, emotional collection of songs, embedded in energy and life, their final work is a heartfelt farewell to a friend.”

Yet there’s still more to come from Blitz Vega as they share the new single “Superbrain.” It was first written and demoed in 2020 but was only recently completed by Kav. It’s the ultimate fusion of the two styles that Blitz Vega excels at: dirty, groove-heavy rock ‘n’ roll, with electro-leaning breakbeats and wild synth stabs, all infused with swaggering, punkish attitude. Its lyrics target tech issues that have only grown in importance since it was originally written. Technology should supplement human ingenuity, but from data-harvesting to AI infiltrating real creativity, that ideal hasn’t been realised.

Kav says, “The song is about the complicated relationship humans have with technology in the age of conflicting information impacting the way people think and their actions. Also, the importance of genuine creativity and how it should be valued.

I first wrote the lyrics for this song in 2020. I was recently going through songs Andy and I worked on that didn’t make the album and this one stuck out. The lyrics I wrote are strangely relevant to events today.”

“Superbrain” is now available on all streaming platforms, planned as a fan-first teaser of what to expect as the finishing touches are put to a new Blitz Vega EP. Yet the reaction was so overwhelmingly positive it was clear that “Superbrain” deserved a bigger moment in the spotlight. As “Superbrain” proves, the duo have plenty of material (in varying stages of completion) that more than matches what Blitz Vega achieved with Northern Gentleman.

Kav Sandhu and Andy Rourke formed Blitz Vega in Los Angeles on Christmas Day 2017. It provided a special spark for them both: Kav was inspired by Andy’s remarkable talent and personality, while Kav offered Andy a new focal point and partner to help reignite the pioneering musicianship that made him such a highly respected figure. In a happier timeline, Blitz Vega would now be powering towards their second record. But instead, Kav is ensuring that his late friend’s final project reaches its full potential and achieves the attention that it deserves.

Big Big Train Release 18-Minute Live Epic “Beneath The Masts” from Forthcoming Album ‘Are We Nearly There Yet?’

Eric Alper
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Big Big Train Release 18-Minute Live Epic “Beneath The Masts” from Forthcoming Album ‘Are We Nearly There Yet?’

Big Big Train are pleased today to release a new live single “Beneath The Masts.” The 18 minute song is taken from the band’s forthcoming live album Are We Nearly There Yet? which will be released on 19th September 2025.

Sub-titled Live Around The World, the album collects together a series of performances recorded in 2024 and 2025 on the band’s tours, which visited the UK, USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Portugal as well as co-headlining Cruise To The Edge in both years.

“Why are we releasing an 18 minute song as a single? Because we can!” lead vocalist Alberto Bravin laughs. “We always felt that Beneath The Masts was one of the strongest tracks on our last studio album The Likes Of Us and were delighted to discover that audiences regarded it as one of the highlights of the shows we played in autumn last year and in spring this year. So we couldn’t resist the opportunity to release it as the second single from Are We Nearly There Yet?”

“We’ve now played Beneath The Masts live almost 30 times,” guitarist Rikard Sjoblom adds. “I could play it another 30 times in the near future and not get bored – I believe it’s one of Big Big Train’s strongest longer songs, right up there with East Coast Racer. Like East Coast Racer, it’s also developed further as we’ve played it live and now contains an additional instrumental section influenced by one of the 1970s ultimate prog classics.”

Are We Nearly There Yet? has been mixed by Alberto Bravin and will be released via Big Big Train’s own label English Electric Recordings on 2CD and 3LP housed in a gatefold sleeve, via Bandcamp high resolution download and streaming. The 3LP version of the album will be available as limited edition 180 gram transparent violet vinyl (exclusive to Burning Shed and The Bandwagon USA) and 180 gram black vinyl. Pre-orders will be accompanied by a signed Are We Nearly There Yet? art card.

Doves Announce ‘So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves’ with Unreleased Track “Spirit Of Your Friend” and New Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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Doves Announce ‘So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves’ with Unreleased Track “Spirit Of Your Friend” and New Tour Dates

Doves have revealed the name of the unreleased track set to appear on their upcoming collection of three decade-spanning career highs, ‘So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves’ alongside the 18 other hit singles, album highlights and B-sides PLUS two additional live dates for their December 2025 UK Tour. For the first time since 2007 they return to Manchester’s O2 Apollo, heading home for Christmas two nights after performing at Sheffield’s Octago

Announced for release earlier this month on multiple formats, becoming the first Doves compilation available on vinyl, ‘So, Here We Are…’ will not only feature the band’s era-defining, radio and dancefloor-friendly classics such as Black And White Town, Pounding and There Goes The Fear, but also the previously unheard Spirit Of Your Friend. It arrives as an unearthed gem, recorded in 2006 as part of the Kingdom Of Rust sessions.

Encapsulating every stage of the band’s storied presence as adored creators of expansive, euphoric melancholia, the running order includes their earliest singles, lifted from their first Mercury Award-nominated album, 2000’s Lost Souls, The Cedar Room and Caught By The River. Spooling patiently forward through 25 years of music, more recent highs are drawn from 2020’s No.1 album, The Universal Want, such as radio favourite, Prisoners, alongside Carousels, and Broken Eyes.

Renegade and Cold Dreaming, taken from this February’s sixth studio album, Constellations For The Lonely, and 2025’s Record Store Day special, Lean Into The Wind, all shine further light on Doves inspired resurgence following their 2018 return from an almost decade long hiatus.

Band co-founder and singer on many of the band’s hits, Jimi Goodwin says: “So, here we are… a ‘best of’ can be a difficult thing to pull off but it was surprisingly easy once we got thinking. It’s by no means complete but, then how could it be? It’s been revelatory and somehow cathartic, revising what we’ve achieved together. I mean, wow! Did we really write this stuff?”

Released with EMI North on Fri 14 November 2025, digitally and on double vinyl and CD, offering limited collectors editions across both physical formats, the tracklisting for ‘So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves’ has been confirmed as follows:

1. Black And White Town
2. Pounding
3. Snowden
4. Cold Dreaming
5. Catch The Sun
6. Broken Eyes
7. Kingdom Of Rust
8. Darker
9. There Goes The Fear
10. Renegade
11. Prisoners
12. Here It Comes
13. Carousels
14. Caught By The River
15. Walk In Fire
16. Lean Into The Wind
17. Spirit Of Your Friend
18. The Man Who Told Everything
19. The Cedar Room

Sleep Nation Ignite Alternative Rock Drama with New EP ‘The Spaceman – Conquest’

Eric Alper
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Sleep Nation Ignite Alternative Rock Drama with New EP ‘The Spaceman – Conquest’

Nashville-based alternative rock duo Sleep Nation unleashes their new project, The Spaceman – Conquest, now available on all digital streaming platforms. The EP was preceded by two singles this month, including “Set Up The Controls” which debuted on Apple Music “New In Alternative” playlist.

Sleep Nation is a Music City-based band composed of Bran Merritt and Joey Lauretta that continues to carve out their place in modern rock ‘n’ roll. Blending rock guitars, gritty synths and modern drum production, they’ve created a sonic signature that’s unmistakably their own with Conquest.

The EP finds Sleep Nation writing with precision and intent, each track carrying a distinct perspective. In “Stardust Slacker,” Merritt sings: “Oh, Stardust Slacker, thief of the night / Leading the lost with a dangerous light / No ties, no guilt, a cosmic disguise / With asteroid eyes.” The figure of the Slacker emerges as a reckless guide – someone who thrives on detachment, pulling others into orbit with nothing to offer but danger. The imagery of “asteroid eyes” makes the character both hypnotic and merciless, setting the tone for the record’s darker corners.

That intensity sharpens further on “Staring Out Into Space,” one of the EP’s most pointed moments: “And suddenly, it all makes sense / A twisted kind of self-awareness / But beauty is a cheap disguise / A mask for hunger, a veil for lies / One billion choke on poisoned streams / While rulers dance on shattered dreams.” The lyrics move from inner revelation to blunt critique, tying personal awakening to global collapse. The song doesn’t soften its message – corruption, environmental decay, and exploitation are laid bare, pushed forward by the track’s escalating tension.

Conquest threads these narratives together, examining masks, illusions, and the hard truth of transformation. The result is a collection that pairs theatrical rock production with lyrics that refuse to look away from the chaos – whether personal or universal. 

Geese Share Groovy Rock Single “100 Horses” from Upcoming Album ‘Getting Killed’

Eric Alper
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Geese Share Groovy Rock Single “100 Horses” from Upcoming Album ‘Getting Killed’

New York City’s Geese share new single “100 Horses”. The second – intentional – early offering from the band’s new album follows lead single “Taxes” and the rogue leak of “Trinidad” by Cameron Winter at Newport Folk Festival, which Stereogum described as “violently different” than its predecessor, “in the best possible way.” The band’s new single is the rambling, groovy rock tune that welcomes global collapse with open arms, propelled forward by a steadily chugging rhythm section and muddied guitars that soundtrack Cameron’s absurdist apocalyptic dance party.

Geese’s third studio album, Getting Killed, obliterates any expectations the band has set with their discography to date. After lighting the fuse with the beguiling post-punk experiments of their 2021 debut album Projector and the rollicking cowboy rock record followup of 2023’s 3D Country, Getting Killed examines the wreckage of blowing up those ideas and picking up the pieces to form their own bold and exacting vision. The album was recorded with renowned producer Kenneth Blume in his LA studio over a month-long stretch and what Geese emerged with is a chaotic comedy of epic proportions. Getting Killed balances a disarming new tenderness with an intensified anger, with each member of the band wielding an earned, unshakeable confidence and a hearty disdain of conventional music structures.

In October, Geese will embark on ‘The Getting Killed Tour’, which will see the band headline shows across North America this Fall on the biggest headline run of their career. Launching in Burlington, Vermont, on October 10th and concluding with back-to-back hometown shows at Brooklyn Paramount on November 20th and 21st, most shows are now sold out or second dates have been added.

The band’s 2023 sophomore album 3D Country has developed into a modern classic, with Rolling Stone calling it “one of the best New York rock albums of the past few years” and Paste calling it the “best rock record made by Zoomers ever.” Geese have played festival sets at Bonnaroo, Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Dog Days, Pickathon, Newport Folk Festival, ACL and more, and have toured with the likes of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Greta Van Fleet, Spoon, Jack White and Vampire Weekend. Geese first started teasing music from the new album at festival sets earlier this year, whipping up fans into an absolute frenzy on the heels of frontman Cameron Winter’s widely-lauded and mildly befuddling solo debut Heavy Metal. Critically-acclaimed by The New York Times, Pitchfork, i-D, GQ & more, Winter’s idiosyncratic, soul-searching personal journey has led him back to Geese, who have a bold, powerful new record in the chamber with Getting Killed.

Marshall Crenshaw Unearths Rare Demo “Walkin’ Around” for Archival Album ‘From The Hellhole’

Eric Alper
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Marshall Crenshaw Unearths Rare Demo “Walkin’ Around” for Archival Album ‘From The Hellhole’

Acclaimed singer/songwriter and record-maker Marshall Crenshaw shares “Walkin’ Around,” a previously unreleased demo recording featured on From The Hellhole out Friday, August 29 on Yep Roc Records. Curated by Crenshaw, the 14-track remixed and remastered collection features rare deep cuts and a series of songs from previously released limited edition EPs released between 2012-16.

Of “Walkin’ Around” Crenshaw offers, “My home recording of a song that wound up on my 5th album (“Life”s Too Short”). I like it better than the album track, even though it was recorded on a crappy tape machine. This recording has never been released. A few years ago, a person that I’ve known and liked for a long time reached out to tell me how this song had been a favorite of his since 1991, and he asked if I had a demo of it, or any alternate version of it, that I’d be willing to send to him. I was happy that he asked, and was really happy to discover that the demo is GREAT. There are maybe a couple of notes in it that I’d fix, but it really has that spirit and that immediacy that happens when you record a brand new song that you’re excited about. Hearing it made me wish that I’d had professional quality recording equipment of my own back then- that way the “demo” could’ve been the record. (By the time I did the album version, the song was maybe a year old.) Ever since then I’ve been waiting for a chance to release this track, and here it is.”

Produced by Crenshaw, From The Hellhole was primarily recorded in his home studio, affectionately dubbed “The Hellhole,” and mostly spans the last two decades (plus one song from 1990) resurrecting eleven of the eighteen tracks originally issued on the EPs, all of which have been out of print since 2017. With rights now reverted to Crenshaw, these recordings have been compiled here in the interest of what he describes as “legacy curation”-a personal mission to properly archive and reissue work that continues to resonate. Of the eleven EP tracks, eight have been remixed. “They’re their possible best selves now,” says Crenshaw.

From The Hellhole includes “Grab The Next Train” and “Move Now,” as well as several highly personal renditions of songs by various artists such as The Bobby Fuller Four, Rare Earth, Karen and Richard Carpenter, and Todd Rundgren. Crenshaw explains, “People over the years have suggested to me, ‘Hey, you oughta do a covers album’- I went halfway there with this one, and had a lot of fun doing it.”

In support of the album, Crenshaw will hit the road on a fall tour with stops throughout the Midwest, Southeast, and East Coast.

The Vintage Caravan Unveil Retro-Prog Single “Crossroads” from Forthcoming Album ‘Portals’

Eric Alper
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The Vintage Caravan Unveil Retro-Prog Single “Crossroads” from Forthcoming Album ‘Portals’

After they recently joined forces with Opeth’s Mikael Akerfeldt on their latest single “Philosopher”, Icelandic retro-fueled prog rock trio The Vintage Caravan have released a new song taken from their forthcoming studio album, Portals, due out on September 26, 2025 via Napalm Records

A music video for the band’s new single, “Crossroads” – a thunderous blend of 70s-inspired riffs and modern energy – is now premiering below. The track showcases The Vintage Caravan’s signature fusion of classic hard rock, blues, and psychedelia.

Bassist Alexander Orn Numason reveals: “We are very happy to present to you our new single Crossroads! The song, which is a slight departure from our previous work, almost ended up on our album Monuments. Ultimately we felt like the time wasn’t right but fast forward a few years, we had a few playthroughs and finally we felt like we were able to do the song justice.

“This album is very much about trying out new styles and techniques and this was the perfect fit for this diverse catalog of songs. At this point in our career we feel like we can really try completely new things and just allow songs to be what they are without having to adhere to a certain style and I think it really shows with this album.

“Lyrically the song was written when I was at a certain crossroads in my life. It reflects on that through the lens of being lost in a forest at nighttime and your mind racing at every sound and sight. The cherry on top for this song were the guest vocals from Icelandic powerhouse singer Eypor Ingi, who happened to be in Porto at the time.

“We sincerely hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!”

Luther Dickinson Reimagines Grateful Dead’s Blues Roots on ‘Dead Blues Vol. 1’

Eric Alper
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Luther Dickinson Reimagines Grateful Dead’s Blues Roots on ‘Dead Blues Vol. 1’

Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars will release Dead Blues Vol. 1 on October 17, 2025 via Strolling Bones Records. The 9-song set was produced by the 10-time GRAMMY Award-nominated Dickinson and is a collection of blues songs the Grateful Dead performed throughout their career by Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bo Diddley, the Mississippi Sheiks, Willie Dixon, and more. The album features vocals by Datrian Johnson, as well as a host of special guests including Phil Lesh’s son Grahame Lesh, Steve Selvidge of The Hold Steady, Dickinson’s brother and North Mississippi Allstars bandmates, Cody Dickinson, and Ray Ray Holloman (Eminem), and more. 

Dead Blues Vol. 1 lands somewhere between the Mississippi Delta and outer space, reimagining an array of traditional blues tunes from the Dead’s catalog through a boldly experimental sonic palette. The songs here bear little resemblance to their forefathers; the musical beds are more Memphis funk and jazz than blues and folk, and the melodies are completely transformed to match. Only the lyrics remain largely unchanged, and the result is an exhilaratingly adventurous work that’s equal parts innovation and preservation. Dead Blues Vol. 1 is a distinctly modern, original take on the foundational building blocks of American music delivered by one of its most steadfast champions.

Today, PopMatters premiered Dickinson’s rendition of “Who Do You Love.” Dickinson says, “This Bo Diddley classic is built on a track I wrote on bass and keyboards and finished with my Memphis friends, Mem_Mods (Steve Selvidge and New Memphis Colorways). Their contributions and Datrian Johnson’s vocals fit so naturally and felt so good, I knew we were on a like-minded endeavor showcasing some of my closest friends as well as scratching an aesthetic and stylistic itch of mine.” 

Dickinson may have grown up on roots music, but for the last decade, he’s had his mind on the Grateful Dead thanks to the late Phil Lesh, who invited him and his brother to join the Phil & Friends collective back in 2013. “I honestly hadn’t spent much time with the Dead’s music growing up,” Dickinson confesses, “but when Phil invited Cody and I to play with him, we jumped at the opportunity.” The pair then studied up on the band’s catalog in preparation for rehearsals and performances with the legendary bassist. “The more we performed together, the more I realized how many great old blues songs the Dead had played in their time, which led to the Dead Blues concept.” Dickinson adds, “Phil changed my life. He welcomed me into his crew, taught me his repertoire, shared his improvisational approaches, and introduced me to a whole new community of musicians. This record reflects Phil’s wild musical spirit and approach to re-interpretation.”

When the pandemic put a stop to touring and performing in 2020, Dickinson found himself working on an instrumental album written on bass and keyboards. As the project evolved, he began bringing in friends and family to help flesh out the tracks. Just when he thought he was finished, a new friend arrived to change everything. “When John Medeski introduced me to Datrian Johnson, I had this revelation that he could sing the lyrics from the Dead Blues catalog on top of my instrumentals. He’s one of the most moving vocalists I’ve ever worked with on stage, and recording with him was just so effortless. He understood exactly what I was trying to do and brought this record to a whole new level.” 

Dead Blues Vol. 1 may end up surprising longtime listeners of Dickinson, and that’s precisely the point. Dead Blues is, in the end, neither a blues record nor a Dead record, but rather something wholly new inspired by the revolutionary impact of both.” 

Dead Blues Vol. 1 will be available across digital platforms, compact disc, and standard black vinyl and is available for pre-order NOW via STROLLING BONES RECORDS. 

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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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