Once Bitten, a high-octane new group composed of veterans from the ’80s hard rock scene, has officially released their debut single, “Rockin’ Like the 80s.” Available through Sterling Music Group, the track serves as both a sonic time capsule and a heartfelt tribute to the era that defined the members’ careers. The lineup features a powerful collection of talent, including Tony Montana from the multi-platinum Great White era and powerhouse vocalist Andrew Freeman. Rounding out the group are longtime members of Jack Russell’s Great White: guitarist Robby Lochner, bassist Dan McNay, and drummer Ken Mary. Together, they have crafted a track that Montana describes as an “open letter of thanks” to the fans who have supported them across multiple iterations of the Great White legacy.
The new single follows the tragic passing of legendary frontman Jack Russell in August 2024, an event that deeply impacted the band and their community. “Rockin’ Like the 80s” was specifically written to bridge the gap between the nostalgic energy of the 1980s and the modern rock landscape. Beyond their new material, Once Bitten has hit the road to perform a setlist that balances original hits with the Great White classics they helped make famous, such as “Rock Me” and “Save Your Love.” By focusing on authentic, guitar-driven performances and the “pure rock attitude” that earned their predecessor a Grammy nomination, Once Bitten is establishing itself as a factual continuation of a historic legacy for a new generation of listeners.
Renowned NYC songwriter and producer Charlie Nieland has officially released ‘Stories From The Borderlines’, a dazzling and deeply personal album that explores the intricate geography of human connection and severance. Known for his work producing legends like Debbie Harry and Blondie, Nieland has crafted a collection of cinematic soundscapes that act as a form of imaginative resistance against a darkening world. The record serves as a visceral blend of post-punk, glam, and dream pop, drawing on influences ranging from David Bowie to the Cocteau Twins. Recorded primarily at Saturation Point Studios in Brooklyn, the album features longtime collaborators Billy Loose on drums and Dan McAssey on guitar, as well as stunning synth work from Joe McGinty of The Psychedelic Furs.
Coinciding with the release, Nieland has unveiled the official video for the single “Shame,” a visually striking piece directed by Hypnodoll and filmed by Alice Teeple. The track delves into themes of weaponized obsession and self-loathing, pairing dark lyrical inquiry with firecracker energy. ‘Stories From The Borderlines’ was preceded by ‘The Ocean Understands’ EP and the epic lead track “Win,” which features activism-focused verses from Staten Island rapper spiritchild. As an artist who has been awarded a Gold record for his work with Blondie and scored iconic projects like The Safety of Objects, Nieland continues his evolution on this solo effort, meticulously mining for light through a lens of 80s and 90s synth-driven reverence.
Texas-based electronic and ambient composer Paris Music Corp. (a.k.a. John Andrew Paris) has released his latest full-length album, ‘Ecotone’. Rooted in Paris’s return to his childhood home in Brownsville, the record is a deeply personal exploration of the transitional zones where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico and American culture intermingles with Mexican heritage. Written, recorded, and mastered at Tarantula Studios throughout 2024 and 2025, the album’s title refers to the high biodiversity found in overlapping ecosystems—a metaphor Paris applies to the dense, layered loops of processed guitar and live percussion that define his sound. The release is accompanied by a cinematic video for the track “Rituals,” which captures the dark, futuristic imagination and ethereal darkwave elements that have become his trademark.
The album features the lead single “No Soy A.I.,” a dark slab of swirling electro that stands as the only track on the record with vocals, provided by fellow Texan musician and actor RayPerez. The song serves as a humanistic challenge to the “algorithmic chill” of modern times, specifically addressing the detachment of AI-driven relationships. With a career spanning decades and collaborations with legends like Arthur Brown, Paris has utilized his return to South Texas to craft his most geographically inspired work to date. From the 80s darkwave influence of “Midnight Pad” to the ambient tranquility of “Wetlands,” ‘Ecotone’ is a factual and immersive sonic journey that solidifies Paris Music Corp.’s status as a visionary in the electronic underground.
London-based four-piece Honest Work have made their official debut with the release of the pulsating single “Horses for Meat.” Partnering with the influential independent label Nice Swan Records—the early home of acts like English Teacher and Sprints—the band has quickly transitioned from the underbelly bars of East London to a broader stage. The track is a structurally precise blend of garage rock, grunge, and metal, characterized by a driving rhythm that collapses into tender, melodic interludes. Lyrically, the band describes the song as a exploration of desolation and the primal instinct to survive, using a harsh winter landscape as a metaphor for the extreme measures taken during modern-day struggles.
The release follows a significant period of momentum for the group, who recently completed their first headline UK tour and performed at the Left Of The Dial Festival in Rotterdam. Having already shared stages with the likes of FEET and Grandmas House, Honest Work’s sound balances brash, unfiltered energy with sharp songwriting and a reverence for “old school” rock dynamics. Produced to capture the raw intensity of their live performances, “Horses for Meat” establishes the quartet as a compelling new voice in the UK indie-rock landscape. With the support of Nice Swan Records behind them, the band is poised to be a factual standout in the 2026 alternative circuit.
Pop sensation Olly Murs has officially released his eighth studio album ‘Knees Up’, a project that marks a vibrant return to his musical roots. Released via BMG, the album is a 12-track collection heavily influenced by the rhythms of British ska, drawing inspiration from legends like Madness. The latest single, “Run This Town,” serves as the definitive anchor for this new era. Produced by Mark Taylor and co-written with Sam Preston (The Ordinary Boys), the track is an infectious, horn-heavy anthem that Murs has actually held onto since his debut in 2010. By revisiting this “cheeky” and energetic sound, Murs has successfully pivoted toward a more authentic and “daring” style that he describes as the most excited he has felt about music in years.
Following a massive 15th-anniversary arena tour alongside special guests Blue, Murs celebrated the new record with an exclusive, intimate performance at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town. This era of his career—which he playfully calls “Olly 2.0″—has been further highlighted by the success of tracks like “Save Me” and “Bonkers,” which set the stage for the album’s release. ‘Knees Up’ is available in multiple formats, including a transparent green vinyl and a deluxe CD edition featuring live versions of fan favorites like “Troublemaker” and “Dance With Me Tonight.” As he moves into 2026, the Essex-born singer continues to prove his status as a permanent fixture in the British pop landscape, blending nostalgic ska-pop with a fresh, modern energy.
The legendary David Byrne, visionary frontman of Talking Heads and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, recently joined Jack Coyne on the streets of New York City for a viral episode of ‘Track Star’. Known for challenging both pedestrians and famous musicians on their recorded music knowledge, Coyne put Byrne to the test with a curated tracklist that spanned soul, punk, and world music. Byrne not only passed with ease—identifying artists ranging from James Brown and Iggy Pop to Willie Nelson and Fela Kuti—but he also enriched the game with deep historical context and personal stories from the 1970s and ’80s New York scene. This appearance follows a busy 2025 for Byrne, which included the release of his solo album ‘Who Is The Sky?’ and a celebratory series of live dates that reaffirmed his status as a permanent fixture in the city’s creative landscape.
Fallsview Casino Resort welcomes Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the three-time GRAMMY Award-winning country band to the Avalon Theatre April 18 as part of their All the Good Times: The Farewell Tour. Tickets for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, ALL THE GOOD TIMES: The Farewell Tour are onsale now through ticketmaster.ca.
“Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has an incredible legacy with 60 years of legendary performances. We are thrilled to welcome them as they celebrate their iconic hit music spanning generations,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing & Resort Operations.
With a career spanning nearly six decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band stands as one of the most influential groups in American roots music. Blending country, folk, rock and bluegrass, they’ve delivered timeless classics like “Mr. Bojangles”, “Fishin’ in the Dark” and “An American Dream”. Renowned for their groundbreaking 1972 album Will the Circle Be Unbroken, which united generations of country legends, the band continues to captivate audiences with their signature harmonies, musicianship and storytelling. And speaking of music, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has a newly released 5-song EP, Night After Night. The new single title track—a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers-esque rocker—is perfectly suited to kick off their release of all-new music since 2009’s Speed of Life and follow-up their critically-acclaimed 2022 release, Dirt Does Dylan.
Show date & performance
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
ALL THE GOOD TIMES: The Farewell Tour – 60 Years of Dirt
Rising country star Andrea Vasquez has released the official music video for her sass-fueled single, “Everything I Wish I Did.” Directed by Oceanna, the video was filmed at The Centennial in Nashville and captures the high-energy “what if” spirit of the track, transforming a local bar into a rowdy, liberated jam session with friends. The song—co-written by Vasquez, Bailey Morgan, and Dallas Jack—serves as a standout anthem from her latest six-track project, ‘El Camino’. Produced by Jason Bobo, the track flips the traditional breakup narrative on its head, trading wallowing for the bold, fiery energy reminiscent of genre staples like “Before He Cheats.”
The video follows a significant milestone in Vasquez’s breakout year: the ‘El Camino’ EP release showcase at Soho House Nashville. As one of Grammy.com’s “10 Latina Country Artists To Know Now,” Vasquez continues to blend her cultural heritage with fearless country grit. Beyond the studio, she has become a vocal advocate for Latin voices in the genre through her podcast, Latina in Nashville, and her work with The Country Latin Association. This latest visual release reinforces the storytelling prowess that has already earned her features in Rolling Stone and Billboard, proving that ‘El Camino’ is a factual turning point in her journey as a premier voice in modern country music.
The Squirrel Nut Zippers have announced an exclusive “In The Afterlife” weekend at the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their platinum-selling album ‘Hot’. Taking place March 20–21, 2026, the event features two full performances of the landmark record in its entirety, including hits like “Hell” and “Put a Lid On It.” The weekend is designed as a fully immersive experience, transforming the hotel—famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining—into a haven of vintage jazz and haunted glamour. Beyond the main stage sets, the band will host a “Late Night New Orleans Throw Down” for hotel guests and a Saturday “New Orleans Jazz Brunch” featuring the Back O’ Town Allstars.
Recorded originally at Daniel Lanois’ Kingsway Studio, ‘Hot’ became a cultural phenomenon that helped ignite the late-’90s swing revival. This anniversary residency looks to honor that legacy with rare amenities, including screenings of restored Fleischer Studios cartoons and a pop-up shop featuring limited-edition ‘Hot’ vinyl and merchandise. Bandleader Jimbo Mathus noted that the venue’s ghostly reputation perfectly complements the “spirits of old New Orleans” that have always inhabited the band’s music. The event serves as a factual centerpiece of their 2026 tour, which also includes “In The Afterlife” dates in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Key West, ensuring that the band’s signature blend of Delta blues and gypsy jazz continues to reach a new generation of fans.
To ensure the best experience, fans are encouraged to book official ticket and room packages directly through the Stanley Hotel. These packages provide exclusive access to the late-night afterparty and a special meet-and-greet with the band. As ‘Hot’ continues to see a resurgence—fueled by the inclusion of “Hell” in recent television hits like Wednesday—this weekend stands as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Zippers in one of America’s most iconic and atmospheric settings.
The James Hunter Six shares the blues blaster “Ain’t That A Trip,” a rare duet with legendary Irish singer Van Morrison. This is one of the most joyous songs on the band’s forthcoming album Off The Fence, their first release with Easy Eye Sound which is out January 16.
British singer, songwriter and GRAMMY-nominated James Hunter was first introduced to Van Morrison in the early ’90s, and appeared on two of his albums – 1994’s live set, A Night In San Francisco and ’95’s Days Like This. The following year Morrison returned the favor, guesting on Hunter’s Believe What I Say. Three decades on, Hunter explains what it means to have him return for another collaboration: “I’ve always reckoned Van’s voice, right from the paint-stripping howls of the Them days to the Smokey Robinson-esque ‘Crazy Love.’ It’s a real kick having him sing on something I wrote. Is that a trip or what?”
He adds, “This song is the result of a suggestion that I write something in the style of Jimmy Reed. It’s rather more verbose than Jimmy’s style but his heartfelt simplicity isn’t easy to emulate.”
A legendary fixture in the scene for over three decades, James Hunter has been dubbed “The United Kingdom’s Greatest Soul Singer” by MOJO. His eleventh studio album delivers another dose of timeless rhythm & soul, marking 40 years since his recording debut. Featuring twelve self-penned gems, each song is delivered with Hunter’s customary blend of smooth vocal control coupled with heart-worn grit and wit. Last month, the band shared “A Sure Thing,” the album’s infectious debut single shimmering with Northern Soul vibes and Hunter’s renowned lyrical word play.
The James Hunter Six – who, alongside James, also include Myles Weeks (double bass), Rudy Albin Petschauer (drums), Andrew Kingslow (keyboards, percussion), Michael Buckley (baritone saxophone) and Drew Vanderwinckel (tenor saxophone) – are masters of their craft and have developed a near-telepathic relationship with their leader. Off The Fence is full of examples of their innate understanding of the music and the needs of each song.
Hunter’s own musical journey started 66 miles from London in Colchester, Essex, where he was born in 1962. His life-changing moment came at the age of nine when his grandmother handed him her Dansette record player and a collection of old 78s. Included in that pile of shellac was a copy of Jackie Wilson’s 1958 hook-filled hit, “Reet Petite” – a tune that musically helped transform R&B into soul. It proved equally as transformational as far as young James was concerned, providing him with a gateway to a whole new musical world that seemed a million miles away from 70s Winter of Discontent Essex.
James Hunter will be touring in the UK and Europe in early 2026. See a full list of dates below and find more information here: jameshuntermusic.com/tour.html
Off The Fence Tracklist
Two Birds With One Stone
Let Me Out Of This Love
Gun Shy
Believe It When I See It
Here And Now
Off The Fence
Ain’t That A Trip (feat. Van Morrison)
One For Ripley
Trouble Comes Calling
Particular
A Sure Thing
Only A Fool
The James Hunter Six 2026 European Tour
January 16 – Bristol, UK @ Thekla
January 17 – Brighton, UK @ Concorde 2
January 19 – London, UK @ 229
January 20 – Colchester, UK @ Colchester Arts Centre
January 26 – Glasgow, UK @ Òran Mór
January 28 – Newcastle, UK @ The Cluny
January 29 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
January 30 – Cambridge, UK @ Storey’s Field Centre
