Breaking Benjamin guitarist Keith Wallen dropped his most recent solo album Infinity Now last year via Rise Records. He is continuing to release new music.
On now, he throws his fans a glorious and gorgeous curveball with an unexpected but on point cover of Avril Lavigne’s contemplative classic “I’m With You”, along with a music video.
The video finds Wallen, back to the camera, in an open box truck, singing as thought his life depends on it. As it were, the song had a lasting impact on Wallen. “‘I’m With You’ is a song that takes us all back to the early 2000s,” Wallen offers. “We were younger and ready to take on the world. I remember where I was when I first heard the song, which to me makes it a timeless work of art. It was fun to record this and live in that moment for a little while again.”
“Is It True” CD single by Carla Olson and Tall Poppy Syndrome (w/Clem Burke of Blondie) to be released August 1, 2025. After receiving numerous requests for a physical release, Tres Melo Musique is happy to announce a deluxe CD single release of “Is It True,” the collaboration between acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Carla Olson and Tall Poppy Syndrome, the Indie Rock band consisting of Vince Melouney, Australian guitar legend and member of the (psych-era) Bee Gees; Clem Burke, the renowned drummer of Rock And Roll Hall-Of-Famers Blondie; guitarist Jonathan Lea of the critically-acclaimed Art Pop group The Jigsaw Seen and singer Paul Kopf and bassist Alec Palao of Strangers In A Strange Land.
“Is It True” was originally a hit for Brenda Lee who recorded it in London with Jimmy Page on guitar. Carla and the guys have adapted the song to suit their style, highlighting Clem’s powerful drumming and Alec’s unique, melodic bass lines. Vince contributed the lead guitar breaks while Jonathan added an assortment of guitars including baritone and electric 12-string. Last but not least, Paul embellished the track with an exceptional backing vocal arrangement. “Is It True” is the follow-up to Carla’s single “It Makes Me Cry” (with Allan Clarke of The Hollies) and Tall Poppy Syndrome’s version of The Kinks’ “This Time Tomorrow” which received support from Kinks Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory. Both tracks received substantial radio airplay worldwide in 2024.
Carla is a longtime friend of TPS members Vince, Jonathan and Clem who all thought it would be fun to record something together. Everybody suggested songs to record but it was difficult to find one that everyone liked until Jimmy Page posted Brenda Lee’s version of “Is It True” on his social accounts and Jonathan listened to it, thinking it might work. Later the same day, he heard Palmyra Delran play Brenda’s version on her show in Little Steven’s Underground Garage and considered it to be a “sign.” Jonathan then sent the track to Carla and the guys and everyone agreed that it was a good choice (Clem was familiar with the single and admired Bobby Graham’s fantastic drumming on it.) This new version of “Is It True” was recorded in Los Angeles last Summer (produced by Jonathan Lea, Carla Olson and engineer Mark Wheaton) and was mastered by Sean Magee (The Beatles’ remastered catalog, “The Rolling Stones In Mono” box set) at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Shortly after “Is It True” was released digitally, Little Steven Van Zandt (Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, “The Sopranos”) heard it on the air and chose it to be featured as a “Coolest Song In The World” at his “Underground Garage” station at SiriusXM where it has remained in rotation since, racking up almost 500 spins there.
The “Is It True” Deluxe CD single was designed by “Best Recording Package” Grammy nominee (and TPS bandmember) Jonathan Lea and renowned graphic designer Mark London (Brian Wilson’s “Smile.”) The disc includes Vocal and Instrumental versions of the track and is packaged in a gatefold sleeve that also includes a 4″ square art card hand-signed by Carla, a 4″ round sticker and a download card (with link to high resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio files) in a resealable plastic outer sleeve
The limited edition CD will be available on August 1, 2025 at Tall Poppy Syndrome’s Bandcamp page (tallpoppysyndrome.bandcamp.com,) the Tres Melo Musique Shop (tresmelomusique.bigcartel.com,) Amazon and other outlets (a seven-inch vinyl single will be released on November 14.)
After more than a decade, The Autumn Defense returns with Here and Nowhere, their long-anticipated sixth studio album slated for an October 10 release on Yep Roc Records.
Today, they share the first single “The Ones,” a track built on emotional contradictions with a gentle, easygoing feel that belies unsettled lyrics. Of the song, Pat Sasone offers: “‘The Ones’ is a meditation on impermanence, and wrestling with the loss of people and things that have been meaningful in a life. Musically, the song takes inspiration from some songs that were popular on the radio in my childhood, in which now I recognize a certain eeriness or disquiet. I thought this musical backdrop fit well with the theme of the fading of a familiar world.”
Their first album since 2014’s Fifth, Here and Nowhere picks up exactly where the band left off, infusing their breezy, harmony-drenched take on Laurel Canyon with lush orchestration and psychedelic flourishes. “It wasn’t intentional,” says Sansone. “We thought we’d take a short break from recording, but between our work with Wilco, other personal projects, and the disruption of the pandemic, ten years went by in the blink of an eye.”
Recorded in two free-flowing sessions at Nashville’s Creative Workshop, the album, produced and mixed by Pat Sasone, finds the band contemplating the passage of time, reckoning with what we lose, what we gain, and who we become along the way. “Old Hearts” blends melancholy reflection with a comforting glow, while “I’ll Take You Out Of Your Mind” and “Ravens Of The Wood” hints at Big Star; the tender “Old Hearts” channels Fred Neil and Harry Nilsson; and the buoyant “In The Beginning,” offering shades of Carole King’s Tapestry.
Founded by John Stirratt (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo) and Pat Sansone (Wilco) and featuring longtime rhythm section James Haggerty (bass) and Greg Wieczorek (drums), The Autumn Defense first emerged with 2001’s The Green Hour and has maintained the same core lineup for almost 20 years. While often categorized as a Wilco side project, the band’s sound has always been decidedly more West Coast than alt-country.
In support of the album, the band will embark on a nine-date fall tour, with stops throughout the Northeast and South, as well as a December West Coast show in Los Angeles.
The Autumn Defense Tour: October 24 – Barns at Wolftrap – Vienna, VA October 25 – Ardmore Music Hall, Philadelphia, PA October 26 – Concert in the Studio – Freehold, NJ October 28 – Iron Horse – Northampton, MA October 29 – Arts at the Armory – Boston, MA October 30 – Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY November 7 – Green Room – Memphis, TN November 8 – 5 Spot – Nashville, TN November 9 – Eddie’s Attic – Atlanta, GA December 7 – The Lodge Room – Los Angeles, CA
Riding high on the explosive global success of their hit single “Dirty Work,” worldwide K-pop sensation, aespa, is back with even more fire with their new release “Dark Arts” – out now via SM Entertainment / Virgin Records. Teaming up with KRAFTON’s PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, “Dark Arts” is a fierce new anthem that channels unshakeable determination, fearless ambition and thrill of the battle.
K-pop superstars, aespa, known for their unique sound and captivating performances, are collaborating with KRAFTON’s PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, a global leader in the battle royale genre, on their new single “Dark Arts.” This partnership offers fans a fresh and diverse experience, merging the distinct universes and symbolism of both entities.
“Dark Arts” encapsulates a fierce determination to achieve victory in intense battles for survival. The track features aggressive rhythms and fast-paced guitar sounds, effectively conveying the tension of combat. It creates a dynamic synergy with aespa’s unique hip style, building high expectations among global music fans.
Starting with the first teaser content released on June 21, aespa’s collaboration with PUBG:BATTLEGROUNDS has continued to build excitement with a main film teaser video and images showcasing aespa transformed into fierce in-game warriors. With the full version of the main film set to be released on aespa’s official YouTube channel alongside the track, anticipation is high for an enthusiastic response from fans. Aespa’s first-ever live performance of “Dark Arts” will happen at the PNC 2025 Grand Finals on July 27 at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul.
Last month, the global K-pop sensation released “Dirty Work”, which debuted at #5 on the Billboard’s Global 200 chart and #2 on Billboard’s Global Excluding US chart, marking the group’s highest ranks and second and third top 10 on the respective Billboard charts. Additionally, the single debuted #1 on Spotify’s “Top Songs Debut Global” charts on June 27-29. Earning over 1.01 million pre-orders and over 27 million music video views, the song not only ranked high on major domestic music charts but also is leading on other global charts, including five No. 1 positions on China’s largest music platform QQ Music. Additionally, it holds the No. 1 spot on KuGou Music’s Digital Album Sales chart and Japan’s AWA real-time Rising chart, showcasing its strong global presence.
Today, rising singer-songwriter Thomas Edwards shared that he has signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville. To celebrate the announcement, the East Tennessee-born artist will release a new song, “Drunk Enough,” this Friday (7.18).
“I’m so excited to be working with Warner and their great team of driven people,” Edwards said. “After spending the last four years in town improving my craft as a writer and artist, I am excited to let these songs out in the world with great partners at Warner. I look forward to challenging myself as a creative and all the great music to be made ahead!”
Edwards’ boozy new song “Drunk Enough,” out Friday, was penned by the singer along with Dave Cohen and Aaron Ratiere. The track follows previously released “Old Crowd” and his debut song “Runnin’ Through That T,” which was inspired by his collegiate football career at the University of Tennessee. The ode to Rocky Top garnered attention from Tennessee fans and beyond, inspiring the singer to continue honing his craft off the field. Edwards is set to release additional new music soon.
Multi-platinum Australian band Vacations has announced they will release their 2018 debut album, Changes, on vinyl for the first time, along with a special 10th Anniversary first-time vinyl combo of their first two EPs, Days (2015), and Vibes (2016) on September 5th.
Changes, will be available as a baby blue vinyl, and features their platinum single “Telephones'” and fan favorite “Honey” and Days/Vibes will be a split double mint and baby pink 180G vinyl and include fan favorite “Day Dreamin,” double-platinum certified single “Young,” and certified gold track “Relax.”
All three records not only continue to resonate with longtime fans, but also played a pivotal role in catapulting the band to global recognition, laying the groundwork for their sustained success and cult following. The band adds, “These early releases mean the world to our fans, we can’t thank everyone enough for their support over the years.” Pre-order here.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Days, lead singer and songwriter Campbell Burns announced today two special solo shows at the First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn, NY on September 12th and 13th. Burns exaplains, “I moved to NYC earlier this year, and I wanted to do something to celebrate the milestone. After seeing a few shows at churches around Brooklyn, I felt like I wanted to try my own take on it. I’ve been trying out more solo performances lately, and whilst they are terrifying, I think they’re the final boss as an artist (for me, anyway) in a live context. These shows will be part celebration, part practice. I may try to tell some jokes too, and I think I want to cover Yung Lean or Sade, who knows!”
Brighton indie riser Opal Mag shares brand new track ‘Kitchen Song’. Taking influences from the likes of Mazzy Star, The Sundays, The Breeders, and The Smashing Pumpkins, Opal Mag blends hazy, atmospheric soundscapes with confessional, unfiltered lyricism. Writing for the dreamers and the bedroom dwellers, her songs feel like secrets whispered late at night; raw, intimate, and achingly real.
With recent supports ticked off alongside acts including Black Honey and Phoebe Green, and several festival appearances lined up in the coming months, the songwriter’s early releases have already won acclaim from tastemakers Stereogum, So Young Magazine and Under The Radar, and found a home on stations such as BBC 6 Music (Emily Pilbeam), KEXP (Cheryl Waters) and Triple J (Colby Robertson).
Speaking ahead of the release, the newcomer explained: “‘Kitchen Song’ is a love letter to quiet, solitary nights spent in the sanctuary of my bedroom. While the world celebrates outside – voices lifted in karaoke, lights flashing through windows – I find a quieter kind of joy. I dance barefoot across the floor, play with makeup like it’s paint on a canvas, try on outfits just for the thrill of transformation. I eat popcorn by the handful, strum my guitar in soft, wandering melodies, lose myself in the dreamy corners of Pinterest and flick through old magazines like they’re portals to another time. Nostalgic films and TV shows hum in the background, and the radio plays songs that seem to understand exactly how I feel. It’s not loneliness – it’s magic. A night made just for me.”
In a spellbinding solo performance, Japanese musician Keizo Ishibashi breathes new life into the folk standard “The Water is Wide” using his self-invented Cantawheel. Inspired by the Medieval hurdy-gurdy, the device fuses tradition with innovation, delivering a rich, continuous resonance that blurs the line between strumming and bowing. A haunting tribute to centuries of musical craftsmanship.
Nashville-based country artist Onoleigh announces the launch of OVATION, a new live music series designed to spotlight rising talent while giving back to the community through charitable partnerships.
Curated and hosted by Onoleigh herself, the series debuts with a powerhouse lineup including: Paul Sidoti (Taylor Swift’s longtime guitarist and vocalist) – Noah Thompson (winner of American Idol Season 20) – Erin Kirby (rising country artist, duet with Kameron Marlowe) – Carson Beyer (accomplished singer-songwriter with 4 million streams) – MisterMoon (featured on season 26 of NBC’s The Voice)
The first installment of OVATION will directly benefit the W.O. Smith Music School, a Nashville nonprofit that provides high-quality music education to children from low-income families for just 50 cents a lesson. The event’s primary sponsor, Free Guitars for Kids, is donating multiple guitars to the school, reinforcing the mission of putting instruments, and opportunity, into the hands of Nashville’s youth.
“Music saved my life,” says Onoleigh, who has shared stages with John Oates, KT Tunstall and Smokey Robinson and released her debut EP First Rodeo earlier this year. “When I volunteered at W.O. Smith, I saw firsthand how deeply they impact kids’ lives. OVATION is my way of paying it forward-bringing artists together to celebrate music while uplifting the community.”
Set in iconic venues across Music City, each OVATION event features a full house band and a rotating lineup of guest performers. With every show aligned to a nonprofit partner, the series is as much about purpose as it is performance, proving that music can entertain, inspire, and uplift all at once.
Country music’s riveting artist, Gavin Adcock, released new song “Sunset,” his latest offering from the forthcoming album Own Worst Enemy, this past Friday 7/11.
The brand-new album, Own Worst Enemy, is set to release August 15th via Adcock’s own Thrivin’ Here Records LLC under exclusive license to Warner Music Nashville, and serves as the follow-up to Adcock’s debut for the label, Actin’ Up Again, which released just under a year ago (August 2, 2024).
During week of release, Actin’ Up Again topped more than 15 million on-demand U.S. streams, eventually being crowned the largest major-label country debut from a solo male artist released in 2024.
Collectively, Adcock’s releases thus far have pushed the rebel-rouser over the BILLION global streams mark in addition to recently receiving four RIAA certification plaques: “A Cigarette” (PLATINUM), “Run Your Mouth” (GOLD), “Deep End” (GOLD), and “Four Leaf Clover” (GOLD).
With Adcock’s new, co-written, song “Sunset” now available, the raucous Georgia-native has shared more details surrounding his new project Own Worst Enemy.
