Water has always been a metaphor for survival, struggle, and release—and Ben Caplan turns it into a stage. In “The Flood,” Eduardo de la Cerda’s underwater lens captures a performance that feels both fragile and fierce, a song transformed into a living current.
Rømain Surprises With 6 Minute Compilation Of Famous Songs And Their Unexpected Origins
The best part of music history is discovering what you thought you knew. Rømain’s compilation reveals the hidden backstories of famous tunes, reminding us every melody has a journey worth hearing.
Yogetsu Akasaka Transforms Ancient Heart Sūtra With Beatboxing And Live Looping
When centuries-old wisdom meets modern rhythm, magic happens. Yogetsu Akasaka’s take on the Heart Sūtra layers tradition with loops, turning meditation into music that feels eternal and brand new all at once.
DJ Earworm Blends “Mr. Brightside” “Forever Young” And “Stay” Into Timeless Mashup
Only DJ Earworm could make three decades dance together. By stitching The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” and The Kid Laroi’s “Stay” into one mashup, he proves that the best songs don’t just last—they keep finding new ways to live.
Nicolas Macia And Mc Bess Create Dreamy Visuals For Alt Funk Track “Alice”
Some songs paint pictures, and some pictures sing. In “Alice,” Nicolas Macia and mc bess blur the lines between the two, crafting a dreamy ride where sound and vision melt into something magical.
Makary Brauner Reimagines Massive Attack Classic “Teardrop” In 1 Bit On Atari 130 XE
Remember when music sounded like the future through the crackle of a computer chip? Makary Brauner’s 1-bit take on Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” proves that even stripped to its rawest form, a great song can still give you chills.
25 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About The Simpsons’ Emmy-Winning Composer Alf Clausen
Alf Clausen might not be a household name, but his music has been in your head for decades. The sly string runs under Sideshow Bob, the Broadway-sized numbers about monorails and burlesque houses, the emotional underscoring that made Springfield’s chaos feel cinematic — that was Alf. From Jamestown, North Dakota, to the world’s biggest animated family, Clausen’s career is a map of television’s golden sound. Here are 25 things you didn’t know about him, each one another note in a life scored to perfection.
- Alf was born in Minneapolis on March 28, 1941, but grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota.
- Henry Mancini’s Sounds and Scores was the book that inspired him to pursue composing.
- He started on French horn in seventh grade, sang in choir, and later picked up bass guitar.
- He originally studied mechanical engineering before switching to music theory at North Dakota State.
- He took a Berklee correspondence course in jazz and big band writing while still in Fargo.
- He was the first French horn player to attend Berklee when he enrolled in the ’60s.
- His playing appears on Berklee’s Jazz in the Classroom albums.
- After graduating in 1966, he taught at Berklee for a year before heading west.
- In Los Angeles, he ghostwrote jingles, arranged charts, and even copied the music for The Partridge Family theme.
- Donny & Marie hired him as a score writer after an emergency chart; he soon became their full music director.
- For years, he flew weekly from LA to Utah to record the show’s score.
- He scored 63 of the 65 episodes of Moonlighting — including the black-and-white dream episode and Atomic Shakespeare.
- He composed for ALF, weaving quirky music around the show’s puppet star.
- His orchestration work included films like The Beastmaster, Splash, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Naked Gun.
- He joined The Simpsons in 1990, after Matt Groening told him the show should be scored like a drama, not a cartoon.
- He once wrote 57 musical cues in a single week for the series.
- His motto: “I can make you feel five ways in thirteen seconds.”
- Clausen avoided strict character themes, instead giving each episode its own “mini-movie” score.
- The one exception: Mr. Burns and Sideshow Bob got their own recurring motifs.
- He always used a full 35-piece orchestra — a rarity for TV.
- He won back-to-back Emmys for The Simpsons songs “We Put the Spring in Springfield” and “You’re Checkin’ In.”
- He was nominated for more Emmy Awards than any other musician — 30 in total.
- He won five Annie Awards for The Simpsons episodes across a decade.
- His work lives on in three soundtrack albums: Songs in the Key of Springfield (1997), Go Simpsonic with The Simpsons (1999), and The Simpsons: Testify (2007).
- In 2011, ASCAP gave him the Golden Note Award, with Paul Williams praising his “wonderfully happy music.”
Alf Clausen’s career is a reminder that music on television can be as inventive, powerful, and lasting as anything in concert halls or cinemas. His scores didn’t just accompany jokes — they elevated them, turned satire into spectacle, and made cartoon emotions feel deeply real. In Springfield and beyond, his sound is timeless, proof that even in a world of quick gags, the right melody lingers forever.
Bono Releases ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ With Live Recordings Of U2 Classics
Island Records has released ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’, a new Limited Edition 3-track Live EP from Bono to accompany the acclaimed Apple Original Film titled ‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ on Apple TV+. Listen HERE.
The ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ features live recordings of three U2 tracks – Desire, The Showman and Sunday Bloody Sunday – taken from Bono’s one-man stage show of the same name, itself inspired by his bestselling memoir ‘Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story’.
The ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ sees Bono joined once again by musicians Gemma Doherty (Harp, Keyboard, Vocals) and Kate Ellis (Cello, Keyboard, Vocals), as well as Musical Director Jacknife Lee.
The film ‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ received its worldwide premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. An abridged paperback version of the autobiography, also titled ‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ and featuring a new introduction by Bono, has been published by Penguin Random House as a companion to the film and EP. Details here.
‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ will be available digitally on May 30th. A 7” black vinyl will be released on May 30th (Ireland, UK and Germany) and June 13th (Rest of World).
The tracklisting for ‘Stories Of Surrender EP’ is:
- Desire (Stories Of Surrender Version)
- The Showman (Stories Of Surrender Version)
- Sunday Bloody Sunday (Stories Of Surrender Version)
2ŁØT And Aloe Blacc Release Bold New Single “Immortal” Inspired By Memento Mori
The emerging genre-bending outfit 2ŁØT has teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated artist Aloe Blacc to release “Immortal,” a bold new single inspired by the ancient philosophical concept of memento mori—a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die.” Far from morbid, the song is a rallying cry for courage and clarity, urging listeners to reflect on life’s impermanence and ask a single transformative question: What would I do if I weren’t afraid?
Fusing 2ŁØT’s genre-defying sound with Aloe Blacc’s soul-stirring voice, “Immortal” is both a spiritual provocation and a musical revelation. The track draws its power from the timeless reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed—and dares the listener to live fully, bravely, and with purpose. “‘Immortal’ is about unlocking the part of you that’s waiting to be set free,” says Rudy Love Jr. of 2ŁØT. “It’s a reminder that fear is the biggest barrier between you and your true calling. If you knew your time was short, what would you change?”
“From a lyrical standpoint, it’s one of the strongest songs I’ve been a part of writing,” reflects Aloe Blacc. “This line—‘when I tumble over, the broken pieces fit together better in the end’—reminds me of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pieces are mended with gold. The broken parts of us, when they’re healed, become the strongest parts of us.”
Earlier today, Aloe Blacc and 2ŁØT appeared on KTLA in Los Angeles for the first live performance of their new single “Immortal.” The stripped-down set offered a raw, intimate take on the track’s powerful message, paired with a short on-air interview that gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration and the meaning behind the song.
“Immortal” builds on the conceptual foundation laid by 2ŁØT’s debut album Entropy, which draws from another powerful law of existence: the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, which states that all systems tend toward disorder over time. Where Entropy explored how to make peace with chaos, Immortal calls for action—to transcend it.
With singles like “Never Knew You,” “Arrow of Time” (featuring Michael Kang of The String Cheese Incident), and “Call For Me,” 2ŁØT has built a body of work rooted in personal resilience, social impact, and philosophical depth. In April, the band released “Entropy (Paul Oakenfold Remix),” a euphoric reinterpretation of their title track by one of dance music’s most legendary producers. It marked the band’s entry into the global electronic scene, expanding their reach without compromising their core message.
On June 13–14th, Aloe Blacc and 2ŁØT will reunite to perform “Immortal” live at Somewhere Festival & Conference in Wichita, KS—one of the most socially conscious festivals in the country. The event will feature genre-spanning acts like Deadmau5, Flying Lotus, and Suki Waterhouse, as well as immersive tech, interactive art installations, and a community-driven conference. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: somewhere-fest.com.
At the heart of Somewhere Festival is a shared ethos with 2ŁØT: that music can be a vehicle for meaning, connection, and social change. Festival organizers partner with nonprofits including The Phoenix, 1 Million Strong, Create Campaign, and others to offer real-world opportunities for impact—turning the festival into a launchpad for community action and dialogue.
“It’s about giving artists the space to create, but also the tools to build sustainable careers,” adds Rudy Love Jr. “The knowledge to make an impact, and the community to support them along the way.”
Grammy nominated Aloe Blacc has long been a voice for the people—a globally recognized singer, songwriter, and changemaker whose music uplifts, empowers, and unites. Best known for genre-defying anthems like the international smash “Wake Me Up” with Avicii, anthemic “The Man,” and the timeless “I Need A Dollar,” Blacc continues to inspire through sound and purpose. In 2025, Aloe Blacc returns with his most mission-driven work to date: a new full-length album titled Stand Together. Stand Together is both a celebration and a call to action, with Blacc’s signature soul and sincerity woven into every note. With powerful new music, renewed purpose, and a voice as vital as ever, Aloe Blacc stands at the center of culture and conscience in 2025—reminding the world that one good song really can change everything.
2ŁØT is a five-piece band known for their genre-defying sound, Electronic Jam Music (EJM). Formed during challenging times, the group combines elements of hip hop, soul, funk, jazz, rock, and electronic music. Comprised of members Rudy Love Jr. (vocals / keys), Omar Jawar (drums), Sage Judd (keys), Chase Koch (guitar), and Robert Trusko (bass), 2ŁØT is dedicated to advocating for social change, focusing on overcoming addiction, supporting youth, and criminal justice. Their mission is to activate and inspire audiences through both their music and their commitment to making a difference.
Lukas Nelson Releases New Song “Born Runnin’ Outta Time” From Album ‘American Romance’
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Lukas Nelson’s new song, “Born Runnin’ Outta Time,” is out today. Written by Nelson, Jon Decious, and Nate Ferraro, the track finds Nelson searching for balance between his own ambitions and the present moment. Listen/share HERE.
Of the song, Nelson shares, “I’ve always wrestled with that impulse—the ambition versus the ability to appreciate what I have. Nothing you ever get will be good enough, and nothing you ever achieve will fill that hole, so you must be able to find peace now. Whatever comes is just icing on the cake.”
“Born Runnin’ Outta Time” is the latest single from Nelson’s highly anticipated new album, American Romance, out June 20—his first solo project and his first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville (pre-order/pre-save here). Produced by Grammy Award-winner Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), American Romance cements Nelson as a singular artist, showcasing his songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound in a way that feels both familiar and new. Across these twelve tracks—including collaborations with Sierra Ferrell and Stephen Wilson Jr.—Nelson tells stories of life on the road, detailing the joys, complexities, beauty, and heartbreak he has encountered while traveling the country.
In advance of the release, Nelson has shared two additional album tracks: “Pretty Much” and “Ain’t Done.” Billboard praises the latter, noting that “it brims with the insightful songwriting and grizzled voice he’s known for,” while Relix declares, “the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s new project brings more masterfully crafted Americana, but with a newly intimate focus on the soloist’s words and voice,” and Whiskey Riff proclaims that it is “a beautiful song full of hope… showcas[ing] his incredible, very honest talent for songwriting that is unlike anyone else in country—or music in general.”
Reflecting on the project, Nelson adds, “This album is the first chapter in a whole new era of my life as an artist. It’s a love story to the country that raised me—diners and highways that carried me through the joy and pain that led to the music you hear now.”
In addition to Nelson and Jennings, the record features special contributions from Anderson East (“Disappearing Light,” producer) and SistaStrings (“Montana,” cello and viola), as well as Matt Chamberlain (drums), Corey McCormick (bass), Marty Muse (dobro), Russ Pahl (pedal steel), Chris Powell (drums), Brian Whelan (acoustic guitar), and Eleanor Whitmore (fiddle).
Known for his captivating live performances, Nelson will play select headline shows this summer and appear at several major festivals, including CMA Fest, Newport Folk Festival, and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. See below for the current tour itinerary.
Since his debut over a decade ago, Nelson has become one of the most respected voices in music, releasing eight studio albums, including 2023’s Sticks and Stones, which spent 18 weeks in the top 10 of the Americana Albums chart and reached #1 on the Alt Country chart. A highly sought-after collaborator both in the studio and on stage, Nelson recently teamed with The Travelin’ McCourys and Sierra Ferrell for a bluegrass-inspired rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” and has also worked with artists such as Lainey Wilson, ERNEST, Miranda Lambert, The Pistol Annies, and more. Most recently, he performed at the MusiCares 2025 Person of the Year Gala, honoring the Grateful Dead with “It Must Have Been the Roses,” again alongside Ferrell.
Nelson has sold out countless headline shows, appeared at renowned festivals such as Stagecoach, Ohana Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, and Farm Aid, and made multiple appearances on late-night television, including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Additionally, he co-produced and co-wrote much of the music for the acclaimed 2018 film A Star is Born, in which he also appeared. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.
American Romance – Track List
Ain’t Done
Pretty Much
Make You Happy
Outsmarted
Disappearing Light (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.)
Born Runnin’ Outta Time
All God Did
Montana
Friend in the End (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
The Lie
American Romance
You Were It
Lukas Nelson – Confirmed Tour Dates
September 13—Telluride, CO—Telluride Blues and Brews 2025
September 19-21—Bristol, TN—Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
September 26—Dana Point, CA—Ohana Festival
October 3-4—Memphis, TN—Mempho Music Festival
October 10—North Charleston, NC—Riverfront Revival Music Festival