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Eric Church Launches Epic “Free the Machine Tour” with Elle King, Marcus King Band & Charles Wesley Godwin

Eric Alper
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Eric Church Launches Epic “Free the Machine Tour” with Elle King, Marcus King Band & Charles Wesley Godwin

With his highly anticipated album Evangeline vs. The Machine out now, Eric Church will bring the next chapter of his critically acclaimed live show to fans in major cities coast to coast as his Free the Machine Tour kicks off a run of 22 arena dates on Sept. 12.

“Eric Church in concert is as much a catharsis as a hell-raising Friday (or Saturday) night,” declares POLLSTAR, with Stereogum adding that he is “at the top of his genre because he breaks its rules in big, exciting arena-filling ways.” Praised by Forbes for his “leave-it-all-on-the-stage mentality,” Church will be joined across varying dates by special guests Elle King, Marcus King Band and Charles Wesley Godwin.

“From front to back, these shows will be different than anything you’ve ever seen or heard from us before,” shared Church in a video message sent directly to Church Choir members. “I cannot wait to see you on the road for this tour.”

Having consistently taken industry-leading precautions to protect fans from scalpers, Church is reserving all pit tickets on the Free the Machine Tour for premium Church Choir members to ensure his most passionate and loyal fans are closest to the stage. Premium Church Choir members will receive request instructions via email. Pit tickets will be will-call only to deter resale (except where prohibited by state law).

The news of a tour comes just ahead of the imminent release of Church’s latest album, Evangeline vs. The Machine, available everywhere this Friday, May 2. Expanding the legacy of one of country music’s most fearless storytellers and anchored by lead single “Hands of Time” – which debuted as the most-added song at Country radio and earned Church a new personal record for first-week impact with 135 stations.

Free the Machine Tour
Sept. 12 || Pittsburgh, Penn. || PPG Paints Arena || Elle King
Sept. 13 || Columbus, Ohio || Nationwide Arena || Elle King
Sept. 18 || Philadelphia, Penn. || Wells Fargo Center || Elle King
Sept. 19 || Boston, Mass. || TD Garden || Elle King
Sept. 20 || Brooklyn, N.Y. || Barclays Center || Elle King
Sept. 25 || Green Bay, Wisc. || Resch Center || Marcus King Band
Sept. 26 || Milwaukee, Wisc. || Fiserv Forum || Marcus King Band
Sept. 27 || Des Moines, Iowa || Wells Fargo Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 2 || Detroit, Mich. || Little Caesars Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 3 || Lexington, Ky. || Rupp Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 9 || Indianapolis, Ind. || Gainbridge Fieldhouse || Marcus King Band
Oct. 10 || Grand Rapids, Mich. || Van Andel Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 11 || Cleveland, Ohio || Rocket Arena || Marcus King Band
Oct. 23 || Salt Lake City, Utah || Delta Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Oct. 24 || Boise, Idaho || ExtraMile Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Oct. 25 || Spokane, Wash. || Spokane Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 6 || Vancouver, B.C. || Rogers Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 7 || Portland, Ore. || Moda Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 8 || Seattle, Wash. || Climate Pledge Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 13 || Sacramento, Calif. || Golden 1 Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 14 || Fresno, Calif. || SaveMart Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 15 || Inglewood, Calif. || Intuit Dome || Charles Wesley Godwin

Cola Boyy’s Posthumous Album “Quit to Play Chess” Shines with Indie-Pop Brilliance on New Single “Crushin’”

Eric Alper
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Cola Boyy’s Posthumous Album “Quit to Play Chess” Shines with Indie-Pop Brilliance on New Single “Crushin’”

Matthew Urango – aka – the “disabled disco innovator” – aka – Cola Boyy latest track “Crushin'” is out now. Produced with Jared Salomon (Lola Young, Remi Wolf), “Crushin'” is a quintessential Californian indie pop song and the latest taste from the artist’s upcoming posthumous sophomore album Quit to Play Chess, also out now.

“Crushin'” joins previous album cuts “Walk Again” and “Babylon.” Colay Boyy was able to work on Quit to Play Chess right up until he passed away, approving the mastering that very day, making the release date the only posthumous thing about it. Trusted collaborators on this release include Andrew VanWyngarden, co-leader of MGMT, Jared Solomon (Remi Wolf, Lola Young, Foushee), Nate Fox (Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne), Blase and Lewis OfMan.

The new album was designed as capsules where hip-hop and R&B flourish (scratching, brass samples, pitched vocals, among others) merge, and enrich Cola Boyy’s sound without distorting the groovy DNA of his music. While his previous album unfolded as a radiant disco-funk manifesto, Quit to Play Chess, transcends stylistic boundaries with songwriting that is strikingly immediate.

At its core, Cola Boyy’s music will continue to serve as a soundtrack for revolutions: against ableism, inequality, and xenophobia. He used music as a message to bring people together, shining a light on the things we all have in common instead of the things that divide us.

Kae Tempest Unleashes Bold and Personal Fifth Album “Self Titled” with Fraser T Smith, Neil Tennant, Young Fathers & More

Eric Alper
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Kae Tempest Unleashes Bold and Personal Fifth Album “Self Titled” with Fraser T Smith, Neil Tennant, Young Fathers & More

Acclaimed musician, poet and author Kae Tempest returns with his fifth studio album, Self Titled, out now. The 12-track album is BRIT and two time Mercury Music Prize nominee Kae’s most intimate and revealing project to date. Self Titled not only explores who Kae is as an artist, it reaches into the essence of Kae as a person. It’s bold, witty, and, at times, profoundly moving, in ways that surprise and linger.

A new single, “Know Yourself” has also been revealed today, along with a video filmed in London’s oldest barber shop. Kae says of the track, “I love this song. It samples a lyric I wrote years ago, where my younger self is talking to their younger self. A dialogue between selves across time, in real time. Or maybe I could put that simpler – When I was young I sought help from my older self. I came into my head, I told me know yourself.”

At its core, Self Titled is a love letter to Tempest’s younger self – a conversation across time, shaped by the people, places, and experiences that define him. Guest appearances include Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, Young Fathers, Connie Constance, and Tawiah. The album is both a bold new chapter and a deep reflection, positioning Kae Tempest at the forefront of contemporary music and storytelling.

Working with Fraser T Smith, the GRAMMY-winning producer behind Adele and Stormzy for the first time on an album, sparked a union that saw a flood of new ideas and unexpected directions. Fraser encouraged Kae to be both an active participant in production and guided him to write in the first person, to tell his own story.

The result is a body of work that sees Kae reconnect with his Hip Hop roots while paying a gentle homage to contemporary pop – an exhilarating album from start to finish.

Kae kicked off the year with a headline appearance at BBC Radio 6 Music Festival and a handful of sold out underplay shows in March – offering an early glimpse of new material to an electrified response from both fans and critics. The album’s first single, “Statue In The Square”, was released in March – a raw, rhythmic track driven by Tempest’s signature fast flow and hard-hitting lyrics. Its accompanying video, filmed in Deptford, features a powerful lineup of influential community voices, including Princess Julia, Joelle Taylor, Sweatmother, Debbie Smith, and Dr Ronx, capturing the track’s urgent energy in celebratory fashion.

TURNSTILE Drop Double Video for “SEEIN’ STARS” / “BIRDS” Ahead of New Album “NEVER ENOUGH”

Eric Alper
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TURNSTILE Drop Double Video for “SEEIN’ STARS” / “BIRDS” Ahead of New Album “NEVER ENOUGH”

TURNSTILE have shared a double music video for “SEEIN’ STARS” / “BIRDS” – two new songs off their eagerly awaited album NEVER ENOUGH, out now.

The new music video is directed by the band’s own Brendan Yates and Pat McCrory and “SEEIN’ STARS” includes additional vocals contributed by Blood Orange’s Devonte Hynes and Paramore’s Hayley Williams. Both tracks are available today across all streaming platforms.

Earlier this month TURNSTILE announced details of NEVER ENOUGH and shared the album’s title track along with a music video directed by Yates and McCrory. NEVER ENOUGH marks the band’s first full-length release in four years.

Recorded between Los Angeles and their homes in Baltimore, NEVER ENOUGH is produced by TURNSTILE’s Brendan Yates. The expansive collection is a restless and exhilarating evolution of the band’s genre-defying sound. A transformative journey, both fearless and alive, by one of the most forward-thinking and influential bands of their generation. NEVER ENOUGH follows TURNSTILE’s widely celebrated album GLOW ON, which earned the band four GRAMMY nominations.

Posthumous Indie Dream-Pop Debut from Nell Smith, “Anxious,” Arrives on Bella Union in a Heartbreaking, Beautiful Crescendo

Eric Alper
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Posthumous Indie Dream-Pop Debut from Nell Smith, “Anxious,” Arrives on Bella Union in a Heartbreaking, Beautiful Crescendo

Bella Union has released Anxious, the critically acclaimed posthumous debut solo album from Nell Smith. The prodigious artist made a name for herself with her debut release Where The Viaduct Looms in 2021, a brilliant collaboration with The Flaming Lips that explored the works of Nick Cave. Anxious is a mesmerizing selection of songs that explore the highs, lows and uncertainty of teenage life. Posthumous record releases will always be charged with emotion but when the release comes from a 17 year-old artist that was just getting started it’s heartbreaking beyond expression.

Filmed on October 5, 2024, the official video shoot for album cut “Split In The Sky” wrapped up at about 6pm, only a matter of hours before the tragic accident that took her life. Nell enjoyed the process of developing the story for the video which was shot just outside of Fernie in British Columbia at a derelict ranch and farmhouse. It was a tempestuous weather day which also reflects the rollercoaster of emotions behind the song’s opening lines about getting her first tattoo backstage at a gig she did with The Flaming Lips. Her father Jude Smith shares, “It rained, then the sun came out, then it rained again. She was cold and then warm and experiencing many of those senses we take for granted for the last time. Her last creative endeavour has left us with a lasting memory and a touching visual story to go with a beautiful song that completes her album with a fitting crescendo.”

A lot of Nell’s creative drive was rooted in raw teenage emotions; apprehension; love; travel; gratefulness; ambition; and grief. These moods are visited throughout the tracks on the album with an instrumental approach that brings joy into even the darkest of songs. Guided by the talented Jack and Lily Wolter of Penelope Isles, who helped shape Nell’s songs, some of which had been in the works since she was twelve years old, the result is an album brimming with emotion, playful melodies and a depth that hints at what Nell’s future may have held.

“It is still very painful when I realize Nell is gone”, says Wayne Coyne. “I keep thinking I’ll check my text messages from her. I’m sure she has a new drawing or new piece of a song or a new photo of her cat… and then I remember she is gone. Now when I’m listening to her singing these songs there is a brief fantastical joy. Her voice hits the ear, the ear tells brain this is the sound of love, the brain lets the mind fly through the billions of connections it has with Nell’s life… but as it flies it also flies to her death… there is something holy that happens now.”

The Nell Smith Memorial Fund set up by Nell’s family to honor her legacy and support emerging musicians has already raised $55,000. The fund aims to raise $100,000 and award $10,000 every year for ten years with profits from the release going directly into the fund’s corpus. New to the website are lovingly crafted limited edition Nell & Wayne T-shirts celebrating their creative relationship.

Rising Country Star Tyra Madison Drops “Kentucky In Me”

Eric Alper
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Rising Country Star Tyra Madison Drops “Kentucky In Me”

Rising country artist Tyra Madison is proud to share her newest single, “Kentucky In Me.” Steeped in southern pride and true authenticity, the track is a heartfelt tribute to Tyra’s home state, capturing the spirit, strength, and soul that have shaped her identity.

Produced by David Kalmusky and written by Tyra Madison, Terri Jo Box, and David Kalmusky, the single is now streaming worldwide. Built on a richly textured, down-home sound with twang, bluegrass, and rhythm at its core, “Kentucky In Me” is both deeply personal and universally relatable – an anthem for anyone who carries the spirit of their roots wherever they go. Tyra’s vivid storytelling and soaring vocals paint a picture of small-town resilience and unwavering authenticity.

“It’s an ode to my old Kentucky home,” says Tyra. “The song has hints of bluegrass in it, which is what I grew up on. You bleed blue, work hard, and love hard. Everyone has their hometown song, and this is mine.”

The release of “Kentucky In Me” follows Tyra’s recent single “Party Girl,” a track that explores the emotional struggle of concealing inner pain behind a facade of fun and frivolity. The track can be streamed here. Both songs showcase the depth and range fans can expect from her upcoming EP, set to arrive in early summer.

Hailing from Pine Top, Kentucky, Tyra Madison is continuously rising in the country music scene. Her journey began at the age of four when she was first exposed to bluegrass music through gatherings with her papaw, mamaw, and uncle. As she grew older, her interests blossomed when she moved to Nashville. She honed her craft and pursued a degree at Belmont University.

Her perseverance in the industry paid off with the release of her viral hit, “Right Girl Wrong Time.” With over 12 million streams and widespread recognition, Tyra continues to grow as a captivating live performer, sharing stages with acclaimed acts including Nelly, Ernest, Maddie & Tae, Brad Paisley, and more. She’s also performed at notable events like Country Radio Seminar and Live in the Vineyard Goes Country, cementing her reputation as a standout performer.

Kacey Musgraves Returns to Lost Highway Records – Full Circle with a New Cover of “Lost Highway”

Eric Alper
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Kacey Musgraves Returns to Lost Highway Records – Full Circle with a New Cover of “Lost Highway”

Kacey Musgraves has signed to Nashville-based Lost Highway Records. The 8x GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter is the first artist signed by the relaunched label – and she was the final artist signed to Lost Highway in 2011. In 2012, Lost Highway was absorbed by Mercury Nashville while she was working on her debut studio album, Same Trailer, Different Park.

“Lost Highway was always a musical stable for artists who might be considered outliers or outlaws; those who live on the fringe,” recalls Kacey Musgraves. “In 2011, when other record labels questioned my songwriting and my more traditional country sound, Lost Highway believed in me, signing me to my first label deal and helped me take my music around the world. That journey has now come full circle in such a special way with John Janick and Interscope and I’m deeply honored to be able to once again call Lost Highway my musical home.”

John Janick, Chairman & CEO, Interscope Capitol and IGA, said, “Kacey exemplifies the kind of culture- shifting, left-of-center artists that Lost Highway has always been known for. Given the close relationship she’s had with both Lost Highway and Interscope, it seemed only natural for her to be the first artist signed in this new chapter.”

Luke Lewis, who founded Lost Highway in 2000 and signed Musgraves in 2011, said, “For 20 years, my job was to run Mercury and MCA labels, which were primarily mainstream country endeavors. The last 10 years of my time there were passionately dedicated to starting and leading Lost Highway, which was the most rewarding time of my entire career. The label went on to cultivate some of the greatest singer/songwriters I have had the honor to work with, and I am extremely proud to have helped them further their amazing musical journeys. I am beyond grateful that this very special label is now in the hands of John Janick, Robert Knotts, Jake Gear and the Interscope team, and I am certain Lost Highway will have an incredible second inning.”

Today, Musgraves marked this momentous new beginning by releasing her interpretation of the song for which the label is named – the Leon Payne-penned “Lost Highway,” which Hank Williams covered in 1949. Listen to the song, which was produced by: Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, below:

The 15 Best Sad Songs to Play With a Whiskey in Hand

Eric Alper
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The 15 Best Sad Songs to Play With a Whiskey in Hand

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when a sad song meets a good whiskey. The glass sweats, the chords hit different, and time slows down just enough to let the feeling in. Whether it’s heartbreak, homesickness, or the beauty of a perfectly written verse, these 15 songs pair perfectly with that slow sip of something strong.

1. Chris Stapleton – “Whiskey and You”
Straight from the barrel of heartbreak. A stripped-down ballad where every word feels like it was poured from the same bottle.

2. Adele – “All I Ask”
For when the voice cracks and the night gets heavy. Adele brings the drama, the ache, and the echo.

3. George Jones – “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
Country music’s Mount Everest of sorrow. Legendary storytelling and a final twist that still stings decades later.

4. Amy Winehouse – “Love Is a Losing Game”
Bittersweet, jazzy, and completely devastating. Like a rainy window in song form.

5. Jason Isbell – “Elephant”
Quiet, vivid, and heart-wrenching. A song about illness, love, and the things we don’t know how to say out loud.

6. Lucinda Williams – “Sweet Old World”
A reflection on life, loss, and the details that make everything worth holding onto.

7. Jeff Buckley – “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over”
Operatic, raw, and beautiful in all the messy ways. Buckley floats, falls, and rises—all in one glass.

8. Townes Van Zandt – “Waiting Around to Die”
Bleak but poetic, with the kind of honesty that only Townes could write. A song that lingers like the last sip.

9. Billie Holiday – “I’ll Be Seeing You”
Classic and ghostly. Billie’s voice haunts this wartime standard with more emotion than words can hold.

10. Johnny Cash – “Hurt”
A cover that became something else entirely. Every line sounds like a reckoning.

11. Gillian Welch – “Everything Is Free”
Melancholy wrapped in grace. A modern lament about art, value, and the changing world.

12. Bonnie Raitt – “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
The piano starts, the whiskey swirls, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and everything makes sense.

13. Phoebe Bridgers – “Funeral”
Tender and darkly funny, this song captures the strange sadness of growing up in slow motion.

14. Ray Charles – “Drown in My Own Tears”
The title says it all. Gospel-infused pain with every note soaked in soul.

15. Brandi Carlile – “The Story”
A love song, a pain song, a life song. It soars, it cracks, and it lands right in the center of the heart.

Sad songs and whiskey go hand in hand—not because they wallow, but because they understand. They’re comfort, confession, and catharsis in equal measure. So pour one, press play, and let the music do what it was made to do.

10 Tips for Getting on Artist Showcases and Industry Events

Eric Alper
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10 Tips for Getting on Artist Showcases and Industry Events

Every year, thousands of artists dream of stepping onto a showcase stage or being part of a music industry event. It’s a thrilling goal—and totally possible with a bit of strategy, sparkle, and the right timing. Here are 10 tips to help any artist stand out, show up, and shine bright in the eyes of festival bookers and industry pros.

1. An EPK Is a First Impression—Make It Count
Think of the Electronic Press Kit as a virtual handshake. A great EPK includes a short bio, links to music, performance clips, quality photos, and a contact email that actually works.

2. Apply Early—Deadlines Are Not Suggestions
Applications sent early often get more attention. Booking teams appreciate artists who plan ahead, and early submissions sometimes catch a calmer moment in the selection process.

3. Match the Music to the Event
Every showcase has a personality. Artists who take time to understand the event’s style and purpose can tailor their pitch to fit like a well-loved guitar strap.

4. Energy Counts—On Stage and Behind the Scenes
Bookers love artists who bring excitement, joy, and a spark that lingers. That includes rehearsal-ready sets, engaging performances, and a respectful presence in green rooms and group chats.

5. Share the Wins
Even small milestones matter. Whether it’s local airplay, playlist features, glowing reviews, or a sold-out living room tour—everything helps tell the story.

6. Treat Social Media Like a Tour Diary
Curated feeds, behind-the-scenes moments, and fan interactions all help showcase momentum. Industry pros often scroll through profiles to get a feel for what’s happening.

7. Bragging Is Allowed—In Moderation
When done right, confidence is compelling. A single sentence about notable gigs, collaborations, or cool facts can make an application more memorable.

8. Be Kind and Professional in Every Interaction
Emails, DMs, and casual conversations can lead to opportunities. Artists who treat every interaction with respect tend to be remembered in a good way.

9. Practice the Set Like It’s Already Booked
Strong live sets start long before the stage. Artists who rehearse transitions, timing, and sound check etiquette often deliver sets that earn applause from both fans and festival teams.

10. Keep Submitting, Keep Growing
Rejections happen, but they don’t close the door. Many showcase slots go to artists who applied more than once, and growth from year to year often catches a booker’s eye.

Music events love artists who are ready, organized, and passionate. These tips won’t guarantee a spot, but they do help make applications stronger, more appealing, and easier to say yes to. Keep the music going—the next showcase might be calling soon.

Sweet Unearth Rare ‘Level Headed’ Demos and Mixes in New CD Release

Eric Alper
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Sweet Unearth Rare ‘Level Headed’ Demos and Mixes in New CD Release

 Sweet’s Level Headed Alternate Mixes & Demos is out now via Metalville Records. Level Headed, originally released in January 1978, was without doubt the most distinctive album Sweet had ever produced up to that point. AllMusic praised the album in their retrospective review for its wild mix of styles and the band’s shift from their earlier bubblegum singles to album-orientated rock.

In many ways, it was a gamble for Sweet. On the one hand, it shows many facets of the band that were easily overlooked on earlier albums and, at the same time, for the first time, new & previously unheard aspects.

Level Headed gave Sweet their last Top Ten hit with the dreamy “Love Is Like Oxygen,” a single that would later prove to be essential in the band’s oeuvre.

The new release Level Headed Alternate Mixes & Demos on Metalville Records is a real rarity in Sweet’s catalog. The album was previously only available as a strictly limited vinyl version in the USA and is now released on CD worldwide for the first time.

Tracklisting for Sweet’s Level Headed Alternate Mixes & Demos
1. Brian Interview 1978
2. Dream On
3. Love Is Like Oxygen
4. California Nights
5. Strong Love
6. Fountain
7. Lady of The Lake
8. Silverbird
9. Lettres D’amour
10. Air On A Tape Loop
11. Unused Idea
12. Cover Girl

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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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