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Wyatt Ellis Reimagines Bluegrass Classic “Country Boy Rock ’N Roll” With Trey Hensley and Michael Cleveland

Eric Alper
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Wyatt Ellis Reimagines Bluegrass Classic “Country Boy Rock ’N Roll” With Trey Hensley and Michael Cleveland

Wyatt Ellis continues to reinvigorate the traditional bluegrass cannon with his powerful rendition of “Country Boy Rock ’N Roll,” a song originally brought to life by Don Reno, Red Smiley, and The Tennessee Cutups in 1956. First discovering the track as a country song through one of his musical heroes, Marty Stuart, Ellis soon uncovered the song’s bluegrass roots. With lyrics that echo his own rural upbringing and go on to mirror his musical journey, the track highlights the enduring appeal of bluegrass and its ability to connect across generations. With his signature mandolin playing and lead vocals, Ellis is joined by two of today’s most accomplished bluegrass musicians. Trey Hensley contributes tenor vocals and powerful guitar work, while Michael Cleveland delivers an electrifying fiddle performance alongside Noah Goebel’s twin fiddle harmony.  

The rhythm section is driven by Gibson Davis on banjo and Sarah Griffin on upright bass, two members of Ellis’ touring band. Together, they breathe new life into this bluegrass classic while staying true to its spirit. This version of “Country Boy Rock ’N Roll” proves that bluegrass can evolve without losing sight of where it came from. At just 16, Wyatt Ellis is one of the most exciting young voices in the genre. Building on the momentum of his debut album Happy Valley, he steps further into his role as a bandleader and vocalist. Inspired by the bluegrass legends who came before him, Ellis’ deep respect for tradition combined with a bold sense of creativity sets him apart as a torchbearer for the next era of bluegrass.

Directed by Joseph Cash, the video was shot at various locations in Paris, KY including Stone Farm, a prestigious location known for breeding champion horses.

Born in the rich musical bed of East Tennessee, Wyatt Ellis has quickly become one of the most-watched young musicians in bluegrass. A skilled vocalist, gifted multi-instrumentalist, and natural bandleader, Wyatt is redefining what it means to carry tradition forward with heart and authenticity. Raised near the Great Smoky Mountains, his first memory of hearing the mandolin—Bobby Osborne’s solo on the bluegrass classic “Rocky Top”—sparked a deep love for the instrument. That early inspiration came full circle when Wyatt was mentored by the legendary musician himself, and later featured on Bobby’s final recording of the Tennessee anthem that first drew his heart to music. During the pandemic, Wyatt poured himself into learning. He studied with master musicians, composed original tunes, and developed a voice and sound all his own. From pickin’ alone in his living room to fronting a dynamic band on stages across the country, Wyatt’s path has been unparalleled. His debut album, Happy Valley, a reflection of his East Tennessee roots and musical virtuosity, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart—marking the arrival of a bold new voice grounded in tradition.

Luther Dickinson Announces ‘Dead Blues Vol. 1’ Featuring Grahame Lesh, Steve Selvidge, and Datrian Johnson

Eric Alper
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Luther Dickinson Announces ‘Dead Blues Vol. 1’ Featuring Grahame Lesh, Steve Selvidge, and Datrian Johnson

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. 

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.

Dead Blues Vol. 1 Track Listing: 
 
1. One Kind Favor 
2. Who Do You Love 
3. Sitting on Top of the World 
4. King Bee 
5. Mystery Train 
6. Minglewood Blues 
7. I Just Want to Make Love to You 
8. Little Red Rooster 
9. High Heeled Sneakers

MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Downtown Jamboree to Feature Christian McBride, Lakecia Benjamin, Jazzmeia Horn, and More September 13

Eric Alper
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MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Downtown Jamboree to Feature Christian McBride, Lakecia Benjamin, Jazzmeia Horn, and More September 13

The nationally-recognized nonprofit organization JAZZ HOUSE KiDS announced the full lineup of the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Downtown Jamboree and Block Party, taking place in downtown Montclair, NJ on September 13. 

The Gotham Kings led by trumpeter and two-time GRAMMY winner Alphonso Horne kicks off the Downtown Jamboree with the sounds of New Orleans and his high energy second line band. This year’s headliners performing on the main stage sponsored by Signature Cruise Experiences include acclaimed saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix with a meld of jazz, R&B and funk; the multi-awarding winning vocalist Jazzmeia Horn; Christian McBride’s Ursa Major, the nine-time GRAMMY winner’s bold multi-generational quintet; and the JAZZ HOUSE Collective celebrating the music of this year’s Legacy Artist, New Jersey’s own James Moody. 

There is more music on the Emerging Musicians Stage, where more than 50 young artists from the JAZZ HOUSE KiDS program ages 14 to 25 will be featured, including the debut of this year’s alumni JAZZ HOUSE All-Stars, a group of accomplished musicians who will set sail in January 2026 on McBride’s World at Sea, bringing the thrill of live performance across the Caribbean and performing on the same stage as some of the hottest stars today including Samara Joy, Ledisi, Benny Green, Cecile McLaurant Salvant and the Christian McBride Big Band.

McBride is JAZZ HOUSE Artistic Director and Curator of the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST. Earlier this month, NPR’s Morning Edition aired an interview with McBride and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS Founder Melissa Walker about the organization and its talented alumni making waves in the jazz world including Matthew Whitaker, Isaiah Thompson, Julian Lee and Zoe Obadia.   

“This year’s MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST lineup is a thrilling showcase of jazz’s boundless creativity.  World-class artists and up-and-coming musicians bring their bold voices and magic to the stage, reflecting the heartbeat of this culturally-rich community full of fans that have supported this festival for more than 15 years. It’s not just a celebration of world-class talent but of the joyful, unifying spirit of jazz that continues to bring us all together.” – Christian McBride, Artistic Director + Curator 

But keeping pace with the festival’s success and popularity has required tremendous effort and resources. For the first time, due to today’s volatile climate and uncertainty, several committed government and corporate sponsors—including the National Endowment for the Arts—have rescinded funding, requiring innovation, adjustments, and new partnerships to sustain the Festival.

Despite challenging times and ongoing uncertainty in arts funding, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS remains steadfast in its mission: to bring world-class jazz to Montclair, attract friends and fans from far and wide, and keep its promise that the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST remains a No Tickets Required event —free and open to all—in celebration of the rich multicultural heritage of our nation.

This year, the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL unveils many new surprises and pivots to an exciting new chapter, deepening its roots in the heart of Montclair through two dynamic collaborations: the Wellmont Theater for the summer and BDP Holdings’ Lackawanna Plaza for September.

MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL teamed up with the Wellmont and the New Jersey Hall of Fame in June, July, and August for a series of 10 free outdoor concerts at the Wellmont Arts Plaza, including the TD Bank-presented MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL Soundcheck Series featuring New Jazz Underground on July 30 and the upcoming series closer featuring Cuban percussionist and singer Pedrito Martinez on August 20.

On Saturday, September 13 the Downtown Jamboree + Block Party will move to its new site on the eight-acre historic Lackawanna Plaza property with the closing of the adjacent Essex County road Grove Street, transforming once again the downtown corridor of Montclair into a vibrant arts and culture hub.

“Our renewed collaborations with longtime partners and supporters reflect the strength of our community and our shared commitment to Montclair’s renowned status as a destination for the arts. Over the years, MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST and its fans have weathered electrical storms, heat waves and even a State of Emergency. We were proud to be one of the first large-scale events to safely bring people together after the pandemic. This year, with the same spirit, grit, and determination, we’re once again bringing a powerful cultural offering that celebrates the best of who we are—as individuals, as one family—and champions the next generation of young musicians and future leaders.” – Melissa Walker, Founder + President of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and the brainchild of the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL

From its humble beginnings in 2010 as a student concert in Nishuane Park with a few hundred people, to last year’s glorious 15th Anniversary celebration welcoming more than 26,000 attendees, and activating over $1.5M to support the local economy, MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL is recognized as one of the most diverse, inclusive events in the region.  Produced by the nationally-acclaimed jazz education and performance organization JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, now in its twenty-third year, the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL remains free and open to the public — thanks to the strength of both public and private partnerships. 

Inside, the recently reactivated Lackawanna Station is filled with art, food and shops by local entrepreneurs, while outside, the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL is pulsing with energy — 8 hours of world-class jazz on two outdoor stages followed by a funk + soul dance party kicked of by our very own, Christian McBride, DJ Brother Mister followed by DJ Prince Hakin; 150+ artisan and food vendors in the Rao’s Homemade Marketplace; specialty jazz cocktails from Allied Beverage brands and the official 2025 Montclair Jazz Brew from Montclair Brewery at Jazz Bars; the Family Jazz Discovery Zone with community partners Montclair Art Museum, Montclair Public Library, Montclair YMCA, and more; official festival merch; VIP and membership experiences with Egan & Sons; and new many surprises to come. 

New this year, the day’s festivities kick off with Gotham Kings’ New Orleans styled second line band marching down Bloomfield Avenue from Church Street and Park Avenue to the new site at Lackawanna Plaza.

“I’m proud to support the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL and the incredible work of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS in bringing the arts to our township. This event is a beautiful reflection of Montclair’s creative spirit and community pride, uniting people from all backgrounds through the power of music. I look forward to it every year as a celebration of summer, culture, and connection.” – Mayor Dr. Baskerville, Montclair Township

“BDP Holdings is proud to once again bring the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST to the newly activated Lackawanna Station. Honoring the power of music, art and community has always been a cornerstone of BDP’s work, including bringing the Festival downtown, alongside the rest of the team, in 2021. Come see the murals of globally celebrated artists Jerkface, Jeks, D*Face, BK Foxx, Sheryo & Yok and more, plus exciting installations of various mediums throughout the Station. Listen, dance, shop, eat and enjoy the beauty of Montclair’s unique community at this year’s MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL!” – David Placek, CEO, BDP Holdings

Back by popular demand, the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL will feature a giant Block Party presented by new sponsor United Airlines, as DJ Brother Mister (AKA Christian McBride) and New Jersey’s own DJ Prince Hakim take over the Signature Cruise Main Stage for a dynamic funk & soul dance party at 8:00 pm following eight hours of live jazz.  Earlier this month, United Airlines sponsored JAZZ HOUSE KiDS’ first European tour with 20 members of its award-winning JAZZ HOUSE Big Band in a six-city tour through Italy, where they had the honor of playing at the historic Umbria Jazz Festival and Ancona Jazz Festival, and meeting and performing alongside legends like Dianne Reeves, Herbie Hancock, Angélique Kidjo, Samara Joy, and Gregory Porter. 

Together with our renewed partnerships — Wellmont Plaza, BDP Holdings, and Montclair Center BID — and the support and advocacy of NJ State representatives, the County of Essex, Montclair Township, Montclair Center BID, a host of corporate sponsors — Xfinity, Rao’s Homemade, Lincoln of Wayne, Signature Cruise Experiences, United Airlines, Optimum and Manhattan Mechanical Contractors– local businesses and individual patrons, MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL welcomes all who want to celebrate America’s rich history of jazz, youth development and community building.

Celebrated Newark, New Jersey native, centennial artist and face of the 2025 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL is revered saxophonist James Moody, who is depicted in the festival artwork by visual artist in residence Andres Chaparro. In 2011, his wife Linda Moody founded the James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey in memory of her late husband. Partnered with JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, this award provides a $10,000 scholarship for an outstanding graduating senior heading to college who embodies the qualities that NEA Jazz Master expressed throughout his life and music – musicianship, creativity, leadership and community involvement. 

HOW TO GET INOLVED!
The JAZZ HOUSE “All Access Pass” Membership Program for individuals and local businesses provides great perks at the 2025 MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST Soundcheck Series concerts this summer and the Downtown Jamboree and Block Party in September as well as special benefits to JAZZ HOUSE events all year long.

Shakti to Release ‘Mind Explosion: 50th Anniversary Tour Live’ Honoring Zakir Hussain

Eric Alper
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Shakti to Release ‘Mind Explosion: 50th Anniversary Tour Live’ Honoring Zakir Hussain

The international ensemble SHAKTI celebrated their 50th anniversary with an unprecedented world tour that followed their first new studio recording in more than 45 years, the brilliant GRAMMY award-winning album, This Moment. Just over a year after the tour’s end, “a curtain came down on a monumental part of my life,” recalls guitarist, composer, and Shakti Co-Founder John McLaughlin. “On December 15th, 2024,” he continues, “after 55 years of countless concerts, recordings, travels, meals, and laughter together, my Indian Brother Zakir, departed.”
 
In recognition of Hussain’s immense contributions – not only as a percussionist and a friend but as a catalyst to greater human understanding through the universal language of music – Shakti’s remaining members have prepared one last offering: Mind Explosion: 50th Anniversary Tour Live, via Abstract Logix out this Friday, August 1, 2025.  The recording features  the final Shakti lineup of McLaughlin (guitar, guitar synth), Hussain (tabla), vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram.  Mind Explosion was recorded throughout the 2023 tour and includes expansive and invigorating explorations of material spanning the full length of Shakti’s repertoire.

“I think every single musician in India would have loved to be part of Shakti,” explains vocalist Mahadevan. “I thank the almighty that I was the chosen one to be part of this group, with these maestros who are not only musicians – they are my gurus.”
 
“What else can epitomize the history of Shakti if not the final live recording?” McLaughlin asks. “The title Mind Explosion is very close in meaning to the Sanskrit word nirvana – mind blowing in the sense of overwhelming bliss or ecstasy. Now that the album is completed, I find the title to be absolutely appropriate: The music is heartfelt, deliriously joyful, and masterly all at the same time. It is our greatest achievement.”
 
“For me,” Mahadevan echoes, “the music of Shakti is an amazing combination of soul, complexity, precision, and high level of musicality. It was like being in a musical university of life.”
 
“I have had quite a number of musical formations, some of them truly outstanding in my career,” McLaughlin reflects – looking back on a journey that includes not only his own classic solo albums and epochal recordings and performances with his Mahavishnu Orchestra but also trajectory-altering forays alongside Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Carlos Santana, Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia, and others. “But,” he concludes, “Shakti stands above all of them.”

McLaughlin recently shared with Music Radar, “You can imagine losing somebody after so much time is hard,but we have the record, and that is joyful and beautiful, like Shakti.” He continued,“The band was based on the precepts of love, affection, joy, and excitement. And because of that, every night was amazing.”

“There are no words to express my deep sense of gratitude to the musical power of Shakti, for now and forever more, we walk in the universal path of music, love and togetherness that they carved out for all of us,” says, Souvik Dutta, Founder of Abstract Logix who produced Shakti’s 50th Anniversary Tour and their Grammy Winning album, This Moment.

My Morning Jacket Announces ‘Z 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition’ and Special Tour Performances

Eric Alper
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My Morning Jacket Announces ‘Z 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition’ and Special Tour Performances

My Morning Jacket will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their acclaimed 2005 album, Z, with a very special new deluxe edition, arriving via ATO Records on Friday, October 3rd. Remastered from the original master tapes, the Z 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition will be available digitally, on CD, and as a 3 LP set on pink, coral and blue-colored vinyl, highlighted by 14 key outtakes from singles and film work, previously unreleased material, demos, and more, including the new single, “Where To Begin,” available now digitally.

Written especially for Cameron Crowe’s 2005 film Elizabethtown – set in Kentucky and partially shot in MMJ’s hometown of Louisville – “Where to Begin” was among the first songs recorded by the band with then-new members keyboard player Bo Koster and guitarist Carl Broemel, the latter on stone-country pedal steel guitar.

To further commemorate the 20th anniversary of the project, the band has slated several very special shows that will see them performing the landmark collection in its entirety. The Z – 20th Anniversary shows will take place as part of previously announced dates on the upcoming second leg of their My Morning Jacket “Is” On Tour, including Morrison, CO’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA’s Hollywood Palladium, Brooklyn, NY’s Brooklyn Paramount, Chicago, IL’s The Salt Shed, and Atlanta, GA’s Fox Theatre.

Z proved an immediate milestone for My Morning Jacket upon its October 4, 2005, release, earning worldwide critical applause for its ambitious fusion of sonic approaches, musical styles, and expressive songcraft. Co-produced with legendary British producer John Leckie – known for his work with XTC, The Stone Roses, and Radiohead, among many others – Z marked the band’s fourth studio album and first to feature its current, enduring lineup of James, keyboard player Bo Koster, guitarist Carl Broemel, bassist Tom Blankenship, and drummer Patrick Hallahan. From the radiant “Wordless Chorus” and big-riff crunch of “Gideon” to the astral-funk spinout, “Off the Record,” and improvisational thunder of “Dondante,” the album proved My Morning Jacket’s breakthrough, employing such surprising influences as dub, reggae, and electronica to create an awe-inspiring collection that wasn’t simply rock ‘n’ roll, yet in James’ words, “moved you like rock ‘n’ roll.”

2025 has seen My Morning Jacket continuing on its ever-evolving creative journey with their tenth studio album and first full-length new collection in more than three years, Is, available everywhere now via ATO Records. Produced by triple Grammy Award-winner Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam), the album “is” sees the Louisville, KY-bred five-piece once again expanding the limits of their sound and elevating their artistry to unprecedented heights. Songs like the ravishing lead single, “Time Waited,” the larger-than-life anthem “Half A Lifetime,” and the psychedelically propulsive “Squid Ink” represent some of the most masterfully realized work yet from a band fully committed to their belief in music as a conduit for revelation of all kinds.

CD 1: Remastered Album

Wordless Chorus
It Beats For You
Gideon
What a Wonderful Man
Off the Record
Into the Woods
Anytime
Laylow
Knot Comes Loose
Dondante

CD 2: B-Sides

Where to Begin
Chills
How Could I Know (Oxen)
The Devil’s Peanut Butter
Wordless Chorus (Jim Demo)
It Beats For You (Jim Demo)
Laylow (Jim Demo)
Into the Woods (Band Dance Version)
Off the Record (Jim Demo)
Anytime (Jim Demo)
Knot Comes Loose (Jim Demo)
Dondante (Jim Demo)
Original Ending (Off the Record)
Where to Begin (Jim Demo)

Depeche Mode to Release ‘M’ in Cinemas and IMAX Worldwide Oct. 28

Eric Alper
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Depeche Mode to Release ‘M’ in Cinemas and IMAX Worldwide Oct. 28

Following a rapturous reception at this year’s Tribeca Festival, Depeche Mode, along with Trafalgar Releasing and Sony Music Vision, announce the release of the feature film Depeche Mode: M, coming to cinemas and IMAX worldwide for a limited theatrical event beginning Tuesday, October 28th. The film is expected to screen in 2,500+ cinemas in more than 60 countries, giving fans worldwide the opportunity to join Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, director Fernando Frias and company on this unique cinematic journey into the heart of Mexican culture’s relationship with death, framed by the iconic live performances of Depeche Mode.

Tickets go on sale starting September 17th.

Conceived and directed by award-winning Mexican filmmaker Fernando Frias, Depeche Mode: M is an expressive and dynamic cinematic experience built around footage from the band’s three sold-out Mexico City Foro Sol Stadium shows on the 2023-2024 Memento Mori Tour. The feature-length film takes audiences on a musical and spiritual journey, as the songs resonate in real time with fans. It illustrates the band’s timeless multi-cultural influence while delving into the profound connection between music, mortality, and Mexican tradition.

“At its core, our new film ‘M’ is about the deep connection between music, culture, and people—and Fernando Frías, who directed and conceived the film, did a beautiful job telling that story that through the lens of Mexican culture and our shows in Mexico City,” states Dave Gahan.

Through Frias’ creative lens, the film explores the parallels between the themes on Depeche Mode’s latest album, Memento Mori, and the deep connection to death and mortality in Mexican culture. Frias is best known for his award-winning film I’m No Longer Here, which won Mexico’s prestigious Ariel Academy Awards with ten wins, including Best Picture and Best Direction. The film also earned Frias a DGA nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement. Additionally, it was Mexico’s submission to the Oscars in 2021 and was shortlisted for Best International Feature. His latest film, I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me, premiered to critical acclaim.

Depeche Mode’s Memento Mori Tour saw the band play to more than three million fans at 112 shows globally. The tour followed Depeche Mode’s 15th studio album, Memento Mori, released in 2023. An indelible inspiration to fans, critics and artists alike, Depeche Mode continues to forge ahead, with the Memento Mori album and tour representing the latest chapter of a peerless and ongoing legacy.

GWAR Returns to Australia for First Time in Over a Decade With ‘The Return of Gor Gor’ and “Tyrant King” Action Figures

Eric Alper
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GWAR Returns to Australia for First Time in Over a Decade With ‘The Return of Gor Gor’ and “Tyrant King” Action Figures

Shock rock overlords GWAR storm back to Australia this December for Good Things Festival 2025, their first Down Under shows in over a decade, and they’re bringing the carnage in more ways than one. Alongside their milestone multimedia release, The Return of Gor Gor, GWAR has teamed with Trick or Treat Studios to launch a new series of officially licensed action figures, perfect for fans who want to bring the Scumdogs’ chaos home.

The band’s Australian return follows the release of The Return of Gor Gor, a grotesque, hilarious, and gloriously violent audio/visual assault celebrating 40 years of GWAR’s intergalactic mayhem. Featuring the brutal new single “Tyrant King” and a 32-page comic, the release resurrects GWAR’s legendary reptilian war beast, Gor Gor, in all its blood-drenched glory.

“GWAR is obtaining work visas as undercover plumbers to unclog all the disgusting items Aussies put down their drains,” says Jizmak Da Gusha. “But, the truth is, we have been asked to come back to Australia to fix all of their government’s problems. Should take about a week. I’m secretly excited to go down under because it’s shark season and lots of people are being eaten, which is very entertaining for me. Fun vacation all around.”

“For the second time in 40 years, GWAR is going down under. That’s right. December 2025, we invade our favorite penile colony. So throw another corpse on the barbie and get ready for metal, mutants, blood, and trickling rivulets of laughter! Because we are the true gods of shock rock, and we are coming to Australia!” adds The Berserker Blöthar.

From the farthest reaches of space come the Scumdogs of the Universe—now in collectible plastic form! Trick or Treat Studios has unleashed a new series of officially licensed GWAR action figures, each packaged in retro-style blister cards featuring artwork by Dug Nation.

Each figure comes with character-specific weapons and instruments, ready to bring the chaos wherever you take them. Pustulus Maximus features a spear, dagger & guitar; Beefcake the Mighty with sword & bass; Jizmak Da Gusha with war hammer & drumsticks; Balsac the Jaws of Death with battle axe & guitar; and Blöthar the Berserker with sword & shield.

In addition to the five figures, the Spew Tank is a plastic jar with a screw-top lid, filled with vile red spew, translucent red blood slime, and containing the most crucial pieces of the Scumdog leader himself, Oderus Urungus.

Inside the Spew Tank, you’ll find his head, torso, and the legendary Cuttlefish of Cthulhu, ready to assemble with the limbs included in the five GWAR action figures.

Pre-orders from gwar.net include Oderus for free.

GWAR Australia Good Things Festival 2025 Dates:

Dec 5 – Melbourne, AU @ Flemington Racecourse
Dec 6 – Sydney, AU @ Centennial Park
Dec 7 – Brisbane, AU @ Showgrounds

Nashville Startup Launches ‘Tiny Vinyl’ Collectibles Featuring Kacey Musgraves, Motley Crue, Black Sabbath & More

Eric Alper
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Nashville Startup Launches ‘Tiny Vinyl’ Collectibles Featuring Kacey Musgraves, Motley Crue, Black Sabbath & More

A Nashville-based startup has unveiled a new four-inch record called Tiny Vinyl. The discs are a miniaturized version of traditional vinyl records, measuring four inches in diameter, but designed to be played on a standard 33 1/3 rpm turntable. However, some turntables with auto-stop or auto-return features may struggle to play these small records due to their tonearms not reaching the center of the platter.

Each record can hold one song per side, with a maximum of about four minutes of music on each side.

Tiny Vinyl is considered “collectible,” combining the resurgence of vinyl with the popularity of miniature and collectible culture. They often come with unique, numbered editions and special packaging.

The startup has partnered with various record labels and artists to release music in this format, including Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Motley Crue, Melanie Martinez, Black Sabbath, Teddy Swims, The Notorious B.I.G., Backstreet Boys, and others. About two dozen releases are available through an exclusive national partnership with Target.

The company highlights the use of 100% bio-attributed vinyl and the significantly reduced material compared to a standard 12-inch LP (15-gram versus 140-gram), positioning them as a more eco-friendly option.

VIMIC Returns to Release ‘Open Your Omen’ and Honors Joey Jordison With “In Your Shadow”

Eric Alper
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VIMIC Returns to Release ‘Open Your Omen’ and Honors Joey Jordison With “In Your Shadow”

VIMIC, featuring late Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, has come back together with the help of Jordison’s family to release the long-awaited Open Your Omen album after years of working to secure the rights to the album.

The band has released “In Your Shadow,” its first single since 2017. It follows a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $100,000 to make the now-independent album release possible. Written by Jordison, lead vocalist Kalen Chase, and former VIMIC member Kris Norris as a tribute to the late Peter Steele of Type O Negative, the song has taken on new meaning as a tribute to Jordison and producer Kato Khandwala.

“Joey was a big fan of Peter Steele and he actually introduced me to him in 2007,” says Chase. “So there was no pushback on writing a tribute song about him. It’s a departure from the more extreme stuff we were doing for the record, which made it feel fresh. Playing it live was special because everybody had somebody specific in mind they were playing for. Now we’re playing it for Joey.”

VIMIC will perform at Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles on October 3rd with support from Wednesday 13 (who was in Murderdolls with Jordison), and featuring a number of drummers behind Jordison’s iconic kit. A night honoring Joey Jordison and the release of the album is presented by the Joey Jordison Charitable Fund.

Big Loud Announces AmericanaFest Takeover at Skydeck Featuring Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., Thelma & James, Zandi Holup, and Coleman Jennings

Eric Alper
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Big Loud Announces AmericanaFest Takeover at Skydeck Featuring Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., Thelma & James, Zandi Holup, and Coleman Jennings

Big Loud announces its AmericanaFest Takeover at Skydeck on Broadway – a curated special event highlighting the genre’s remarkable talent. The takeover will feature performances by Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., Thelma & James, Zandi Holup, and Coleman Jennings. Set for Wednesday, September 10th, doors open for AmericanaFest pass holders at 11 am and for the general public at 11:30 am. The event is open to all ages and admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Charles Wesley Godwin is a country and Americana staple with an acclaimed catalog of road-tested songs. Godwin’s 19-track Family Ties marked a triumphant breakthrough for the West Virginia native. Earlier this year, he released a stunning seven-song EP, Lonely Mountain Town. With new music on the horizon, Godwin will continue to tour throughout the year, hitting iconic venues along the way, like a sold-out headliner at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on October 15th.

Stephen Wilson Jr. is an Indiana-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter/guitarist. Wilson Jr.’s star continues to rise as his lauded debut album, Søn of Dad, continues to make waves in the industry and with his growing audience. In addition to his wildly successful Son of Dad Tour which includes two sold-out shows at Ryman Auditorium in November, Wilson Jr. will support labelmate Hardy through September.

Thelma & James is an undeniable force. Married Nashville-based singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge form the new musical partnership Thelma & James. Not realizing the best writing partner was right under their noses the whole time, their first co-write in over a decade produced “Happy Ever After You,” which has racked up over 20 million streams. The rising duo has since released a string of resonating songs, including “First Love,” “Chainsmokin Memories,” and most recently “Canaries in a Coal Mine.”

Prolific artist-writer Zandi Holup just released her debut album, Wildflower, a revelatory body of work born from embracing her singular eccentricity. Produced by Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, Wyatt Flores), throughout Wildflower‘s 11 tracks, Holup embeds her songwriting with a lovely entangling of poetry, confession and fable-like narrative. The Pennsylvania-born, Nashville-based artist has shared the stage with Steve Earle, Amanda Shires, Johnson, Wyatt Flores, 49 Winchester, Midland and more.

Characterized by seamless vibrato, narrative-driven lyrics and melodic arrangements, Austin-based Coleman Jennings has created a vigorous and distinct sound. Resembling that of traditional outlaw country paired with the upbeat progressions of classic rock, folk and blues, Jennings has developed a dedicated fan base thanks to his unique sound and wise-beyond-his-years songwriting.

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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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