Fountain Island are a three-piece pop punk band from Newbury, UK known for energetic live shows and catchy, summer soaked anthems channeling feel-good vibes with their motto “Every day is a holiday.” Founded in 2020 by singer Alex Porro and named after what All American Rejects singer Tyson Ritter dreamt heaven would be called, their influences stem from early 00s US & UK Pop Punk blended with the Emo and Pop Punk revival of the 2020s, creating their own infectious summer sprinkled tunes trickling through the current UK pop punk scene. Since 2021, they’ve been releasing tracks, with 2023’s “Pretty Little Nightmare” garnering the attention of BBC Radio 1 Introducing’s Rock expert Alyx Holcombe, while their next single “Ain’t Got You” gained the title of Track of the Week on BSB TV. After taking a break in 2024 to write, Jay Barnett & Jamie Holmes became permanent members of Fountain Island in early 2025 with the intention to release new EP ‘Motor Hotel’ in late 2025 or early 2026, positioning the band alongside the likes of State Champs, Neck Deep, Waterparks, girlfriends and Stand Atlantic.
Shaylen Throws Caution To The Wind On Party-Ready Anthem “Jack Gets Me Sober”
Tennessee whiskey and dive bars take center stage on Shaylen’s new song “Jack Gets Me Sober,” released via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. The party-ready anthem finds the rising powerhouse singer and songwriter throwing caution to the wind in the name of a good time, capturing nights where best intentions and “never agains” don’t stand a chance against Jack Daniel’s and an ex’s blocked number staring back from a phone screen. Penned with co-writers Andrew Baylis, Conor Matthews and Brett Tyler, the track showcases Shaylen’s signature tongue-in-cheek honesty coupled with a shot of self-aware confessions about the messy, unhinged moments of being human. The song follows releases of the confident “Loneliest Man” and emotionally charged “Daddy Issues” earlier this year, plus “Second Time Around” with labelmate Noah Hicks and the brutally honest ballad “To Tell You The Truth.”
Following a decade-long stint pursuing music in LA, Shaylen returned to her home state of Tennessee in 2022 to take a leap of faith into Country music and has since amassed 100+ million streams with independent releases “What If I Don’t,” “Been There Before” and “Let Me Let You.” Quickly cementing her status as one to watch, the vocalist has emerged as one of the most prominent rising female artists in the genre as Holler proclaims she mixes the chandelier rattling delivery of Kelly Clarkson with the cowgirl-next-door charm of Carly Pearce.
Genre-Blurring Alt-Pop Artist Maisi Explores Self-Sabotage On Vulnerable New Single “try” From ‘u Could Be Something’ EP
Maisi delivers her latest single “try,” a slower and vulnerable track about self-sabotage, untapped potential and the quiet wish for someone you love to finally believe in themselves. The genre-blurring alt-pop artist, producer and DJ fuses electro-pop, indie-pop and hyperpop while taking cues from the likes of Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek, MARINA and The 1975, pairing glossy, forward-thinking production with raw, introspective lyricism. Describing her sound as “existential angst pop,” Maisi captures the chaos, humour and anxiety of being in your twenties with music that is as self-aware and emotionally charged as it is danceable. The song connects with a generation more open about mental health than ever before, where phrases like “bed rotting” appear across social media and the struggle to keep moving feels deeply personal but universally shared. Inspired by people in her life who could be brilliant but hold themselves back, “try” serves as both an ode to lost potential and a plea to keep trying.
Maisi has had an exciting year on the live circuit, having already supported artists including Chinchilla, Michael Aldag, piri & tommy, and joining Mae Muller and Sophie and the Giants for upcoming dates. Quickly establishing herself as a standout presence on the London and UK live scene through dynamic performances at showcase nights like Abbie McCarthy’s Good Karma Club and Honour Morrison’s Good Vibes Only, she’s also the creator of The Cxnty School Disco, a chaotic, nostalgia-fuelled club night celebrating 2000s bangers, hyperpop and indie sleaze that has sold out every time and even took over a stage at Truck Festival. She’s throwing a Cxnty School Disco party on October 10th to celebrate the release of “try” and the ‘u could be something’ EP. Maisi’s music has helped her find an audience of 160,000 on TikTok with over 9 million likes and a combined following of over 180,000 across all social media platforms, with her collaboration with piri on “Head” taking over the internet last year, seeing over 40,000 TikTok creations and reaching number 1 in the TikTok charts.
Sugar Returns With First New Music In Over Three Decades “House Of Dead Memories” And Announce Live Shows
Sugar, the iconic alternative rock trio led by Bob Mould alongside bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis, has returned with their first new music together in over three decades, “House of Dead Memories.” Recorded at Tiny Telephone Oakland in June 2025, the song arrives via Granary Music and BMG as the band prepares to celebrate with their first live performances together since January 1995. Shows are set for New York City’s Webster Hall on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd, and London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th. Next month, Sugar’s essential 1992 debut album ‘Copper Blue’ will be commemorated with ‘Copper Blue – The Singles Collection,’ a limited edition 4 LP box set releasing via BMG on November 28th as part of Record Store Day Black Friday. The collection gathers anthemic favorites like “Changes,” “A Good Idea” and “If I Can’t Change Your Mind,” all originally released on 12-inch vinyl in the UK via Creation Records backed with beloved B-sides like “Needle Hits E” and “Clownmaster,” plus live recordings from Sugar’s 1992 performance at Chicago’s Cabaret Metro, with “Helpless” presented on 12-inch vinyl for the first time.
Having already placed his indelible mark on rock’s future direction with Hüsker Dü, Mould teamed with Barbe and Travis to found Sugar in late 1991, making their live debut at Athens, GA’s famed 40 Watt Club. ‘Copper Blue’ immediately proved a sensation, earning worldwide acclaim for the melodic strength and intensely cathartic popcraft of songs like “A Good Idea,” “Helpless” and the alternative rock radio hit “If I Can’t Change Your Mind.” Sugar unleashed ‘Beaster’ in 1993, debuting at No. 3 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart and No. 4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart with a more visceral energy and dark melancholy than its predecessor. 1994’s ‘File Under: Easy Listening’ landed in the top 10 on the UK Official Albums Chart and upper reaches of the overall Billboard 200, pushing boundaries on songs like the country-flavored “Believe What You’re Saying” and incendiary “Gee Angel” without sacrificing their signature intensity. Despite their successes, Sugar called it a day following a Japanese tour in early 1995, with the original members reconvening three decades later to record “House Of Dead Memories.”
Orianthi Releases Fifth Single “Dark Days Are Gone” From Acclaimed Album ‘Some Kind Of Feeling’
Critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Orianthi has released “Dark Days Are Gone,” the fifth single from her studio album ‘Some Kind Of Feeling’ via Woodward Avenue Records. Produced by Kevin “The Caveman” Shirley, who handled seven of the album’s tracks alongside Orianthi’s production on three songs including “First Time Blues,” “Ghost” and “Bad For Each Other,” the new single continues her prolific streak of stylistically diverse releases that have launched a fresh, adventurous phase of her solo career. The Australian native has collaborated with Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora over the years, and was hired by Michael Jackson for his London performances the year of his untimely death, while her success as an artist in her own right started with her Top 20 Billboard pop hit “According to You” and gold-selling 2009 Geffen album ‘Believe.’ With every new single, Orianthi demonstrates she’s at the top of her game in every way, finding fresh, vulnerable yet attitude-filled musical stories while showcasing the guitar chops that have made her a modern-day rock icon.
Four Professional Drummers Share Advice On Finding Your Rhythm In TED-Ed Series “Think Like A Musician”
Four accomplished drummers Tony Succar, Matt Flynn, Matt Tong and Matt Johnson sit down for the TED-Ed series “Think Like a Musician” to explore their individual journeys behind the kit. Each musician opens up about the moments that first drew them to drumming, the process of carving out their own distinct approach to the instrument, and the lessons learned along the way that shaped their careers. Their collective wisdom offers practical guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their drumming abilities and discover their own rhythmic voice.
The Wonder Years Celebrate 10 Years Of ‘No Closer To Heaven’ With Remixed And Remastered Version
Philadelphia’s The Wonder Years are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their fan-favorite record ‘No Closer to Heaven’ with a fully remixed and remastered edition that breathes new life into the 2015 album while honoring its original spirit. The album is available to stream digitally everywhere now, with limited vinyl available for pre-order ahead of its full release on November 21st. The special double LP features the newly mixed and mastered recordings, two b-sides never before on vinyl, three previously unreleased demo recordings, and 10 swappable, specially curated cover art card designs. Fans were also treated to a brand new music video for “I Don’t Like Who I Was Then,” which has never received the video treatment before. Dan Campbell shares that hearing these remixes was like hearing the album for the first time all over again, with the band excited for people to finally hear ‘No Closer to Heaven’ as it was meant to sound, hoping it deepens the love fans already have for these songs while finding its way to new listeners after all this time.
The Wonder Years are one of the most enduring forces in modern alternative with a career spanning over two decades and a deep catalogue of releases. Having toured the globe extensively including North America, Europe and Australia, the band has shared the stage with My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Descendants, Thursday, Bleachers and more. They’ve also created their own label and annual festival Loneliest Place On Earth, which has hosted bands like Hot Mulligan, Origami Angel and Laura Stevenson. Their 2018 album ‘Sister Cities’ debuted at #5 on the US Top Albums Chart and 2020’s ‘The Hum Goes On Forever’ was hailed as one of the best albums of the 2020s so far by Paste Magazine, with the band writing “New Lows” as the theme song for WWE’s Becky Lynch this summer, proving their extensive reach in both music and entertainment worlds.
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival Announces 2026 Lineup With Matt Rife And Nikki Glaser Across Six Cities
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival enters its sixth consecutive year as one of North America’s premier destinations for live comedy, unveiling the first wave of headliners for the 2026 season across its open-air, multi-city format. Comedian, actor and global social media sensation Matt Rife will headline across all six GOCF weekends in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, Calgary, Spokane and Vancouver, bringing his magnetic stage presence, razor-sharp crowdwork and viral appeal to outdoor venues throughout the summer. Comedian, actor and television host Nikki Glaser will headline in Halifax, closing out the weekend alongside Fortune Feimster and Steph Tolev, with more 2026 lineup reveals to come. What sets the festival apart is its commitment to building community beyond the stage through The Great Outdoors Community Fund, which invests in local charities and organizations reflecting its three core pillars of Arts & Culture, Mental Health and Sustainability, ensuring each city stop sees meaningful support directed toward initiatives that strengthen local creative industries and foster inclusion.
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival 2026:
EDMONTON, AB | KINSMEN PARK | JULY 17-19
Friday, July 17 – TBA
Saturday, July 18 – Matt Rife & Friends
Sunday, July 19 – TBA
WINNIPEG, MB | ASSINIBOINE PARK | JULY 17-19
Friday, July 17 – TBA
Saturday, July 18 – TBA
Sunday, July 19 – Matt Rife & Friends
HALIFAX, NS | GARRISON GROUNDS | AUGUST 6-9
Thursday, August 6 – Matt Rife & Friends
Friday, August 7 – Matt Rife & Friends
Saturday, August 8 – TBA
Sunday, August 9 – Nikki Glaser, Fortune Feimster, Steph Tolev
CALGARY, AB | PRINCE’S ISLAND PARK | AUGUST 28-30
Friday, August 28 – Matt Rife & Friends
Saturday, August 29 – TBA
Sunday, August 30 – TBA
SPOKANE, WA | ONE SPOKANE STADIUM | AUGUST 28-30
Friday, August 28 – TBA
Saturday, August 29 – Matt Rife & Friends
Sunday, August 30 – TBA
VANCOUVER, BC | STANLEY PARK | AUGUST 28-30
Friday, August 28 – TBA
Saturday, August 29 – TBA
Sunday, August 30 – Matt Rife & Friends
Ska Tune Network Teams Up With Em For Energetic Ska Cover Of Nirvana’s “Lithium”
Jer from Ska Tune Network has released a ska reimagining of Nirvana’s 1991 track “Lithium,” enlisting sax player and vocalist Em to bring horn-driven energy to the grunge classic. The collaboration transforms the original song’s dark introspection into an upbeat ska anthem while preserving its emotional weight. Brass arrangements and driving rhythms give the cover a fresh perspective that bridges the gap between Seattle grunge and the ska revival movement, creating something that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Priscilla Block Announces 2026 Things You Didn’t See Tour With Over 20 Theater Dates Including Ryman Auditorium
Priscilla Block has announced her 2026 Things You Didn’t See Tour, named in support of her acclaimed sophomore album released October 10th. The trek sees the country star headlining over 20 theaters across America, kicking off Thursday, January 22nd in San Luis Obispo with stops in Denver, Fort Worth and more before culminating at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, March 4th with Priscilla Block & Friends. Throughout the run, fans can expect Block’s signature blend of cheeky charm, electrifying stage presence and heartfelt vulnerability as she performs new tracks from ‘Things You Didn’t See,’ her 14-track pop-country album produced by Grammy Award winner David Garcia, alongside fan favorites that have solidified her as one of country music’s most compelling new voices. The response to this album has been unbelievable, and Block promises performances of every song from the record with something worth showing up for.
Priscilla Block 2026 Things You Didn’t See Tour Dates:
Jan 22 – San Luis Obispo, CA @ Fremont Theater
Jan 23 – Napa, CA @ Uptown Theatre Napa
Jan 24 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Jan 29 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
Jan 30 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Jan 31 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
Feb 5 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
Feb 6 – Denver, CO @ Grizzly Rose
Feb 7 – Grand Junction, CO @ Warehouse 2565
Feb 12 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion Ballroom
Feb 13 – Fayetteville, AR @ Ozark Music Hall
Feb 14 – Ft. Worth, TX @ Billy Bob’s Texas
Feb 19 -New Braunfels, TX @ Gruene Hall
Feb 20 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
Feb 21 – Baton Rouge, LA @ Texas Club
Feb 26 – Columbus, OH @ The Bluestone
Feb 27 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Clyde Theatre
Feb 28 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
Mar 4 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium