Page 495 – That Eric Alper

10 Tips for Getting on Artist Showcases and Industry Events

Eric Alper

-

Jul 19, 2025

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

Music

Eric Alper

-

Jul 19, 2025

0

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

Punk Icon Marky Ramone Launches ‘Blitzkrieg’ Tour Across the U.S. This Fall

Music

Eric Alper

-

Jul 19, 2025

0

Punk Icon Marky Ramone Launches ‘Blitzkrieg’ Tour Across the U.S. This Fall

Legendary drummer Marky Ramone (Ramones, Grammy Winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) announces limited USA tour dates with his band “Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg” as part of his 2025 World Tour.

“See ya there! Playing all your favorite songs non-stop!” exclaims Marky Ramone of the short trek that will include performances at Riot Fest and Rocklahoma.

In addition to the festival dates, the short trek will also include shows in Austin, Dallas, Cleveland and Philadelphia and kicks off on August 27th. See the dates below:

TOUR DATES:
Aug. 27 Austin, TX Mohawk
Aug. 28 Dallas, TX Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Aug. 29 Pryor, OK Rocklahoma

Sept. 18 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
Sept. 20 Chicago, IL Riot Fest
Sept. 24 Philadelphia, PA Ardmore Music Hall

5 Surprising Facts About Britney Spears’ ‘Blackout’

Eric Alper

-

Jul 18, 2025

0

5 Surprising Facts About Britney Spears’ ‘Blackout’

In 2007, Britney Spears released Blackout in the middle of chaos. The tabloids were on fire, the paparazzi swarmed, and every messy headline tried to write her story. But then Blackout dropped—and the music told it better. Ahead of its time, full of risk, full of shimmer and darkness, this was her comeback and a blueprint for all pop artists who followed.

Here are 5 facts that reveal the real pop culture power pulsing under Blackout’s sequins and synths.

1. Britney Was Listening to Rihanna—and That’s How “Everybody” Was Born
Producer J.R. Rotem met Britney in Vegas and played her Rihanna’s “SOS.” She was instantly drawn to the mix of pop and edge. That meeting led to the track “Everybody,” a song built around a sample of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Britney took the glossy ‘80s influence, added her breathy vocal stamp, and made it shimmer with the clubby cool of 2007.

2. “Heaven on Earth” Was Britney’s I Feel Love Moment
Nicole Morier, one of the track’s co-writers, said the inspiration came from Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love.” The synth pulses and breathy, overlapping harmonies pay tribute to the Giorgio Moroder style that redefined dance music. Britney named it her favourite track on Blackout, and it stands as one of her most hypnotic and emotionally honest songs—even though it never saw the spotlight.

3. Danja’s Influence Brought Underground Beats Into the Mainstream
Danja, who had just stepped out of Timbaland’s shadow, created a new sonic world for Britney that drew from hip-hop, dubstep, and electro. Tracks like “Freakshow” and “Get Naked” pushed her into bold, uncharted territory. The “wobbler” effect in “Freakshow” made it one of the first major pop tracks to flirt with dubstep—long before Skrillex and Co. stormed the charts.

4. “Piece of Me” Was Pop’s Most Unfiltered Response to the Media
Swedish producers Bloodshy & Avant teamed up with Klas Åhlund (of Robyn fame) and wrote “Piece of Me” as a commentary on celebrity surveillance culture. Britney recorded it in just 30 minutes—lyrics memorized, delivery locked in. The robotic vocal layers and warped structure matched the distorted version of herself that the world was obsessed with watching.

5. “Gimme More” Introduced the Line That Redefined a Decade
That opening phrase—“It’s Britney, bitch”—became one of pop’s most iconic intros. Danja, inspired by producer tags in hip-hop, crafted the song’s outro to cement his name, but Britney’s line became the cultural imprint. From memes to remixes to drag performances, that intro became shorthand for power, defiance, and the eternal comeback.

Blackout‘s influence can be heard in everyone from Charli XCX to Tinashe, from The Weeknd’s after-hours synths to Beyoncé’s icy vocal production. Britney took the chaos and made it art. No heavy promo, no glossy rollout—just pure, club-ready brilliance.

She executive produced her own reinvention. And that’s pop culture history.

5 Surprising Facts About Blur’s ‘Parklife’

Eric Alper

-

Jul 18, 2025

0

5 Surprising Facts About Blur’s ‘Parklife’

By 1994, Blur had tossed their suede jackets over the Britpop fence and marched full-speed into Parklife—an album pulsing with lager-laced poetry, sideways glances, and anthems for a new kind of Englishness. It’s a record that rolls its Rs, winks from behind oversized specs, and proudly walks the pavement between punk mischief and pop theatre.

It’s more than greyhounds and horn sections. Here are 5 facts about Parklife that pull back the curtain on this Britpop classic.

1. Parklife Nearly Had a Very Different Name and Look
Before the greyhounds, the track jackets, and the cockney charm, the album was nearly called London. The proposed cover? A fruit-and-veg cart. Damon Albarn was quick to bin the idea, opting instead for something more graphic, more working-day surreal. The final artwork—two dogs mid-race—captured the tempo and twitch of 90s Britain with perfect timing. Check out the cool Pet Shop Boys remix, too.

2. “Girls & Boys” Came Straight Outta Magaluf
Damon wrote the tune after a package holiday in Spain where the dance floors pulsed with gender-fluid hookups and sunburnt Brits. “Disco drums, nasty guitars and Duran Duran bass,” is how Alex James described it. Dave Rowntree didn’t even drum on it—he programmed it instead, then called it his favourite Blur song. Four notes. One universal groove.

3. “To the End” Was a French Cinema Moment on a Britpop Album
With its swooning strings and Laetitia Sadier’s haunting French vocals, “To the End” stepped out of Camden and into a smoky Parisian café. Unlike the rest of the album, it was produced by synth-pop legend Stephen Hague. Its cinematic swell offered a heart-on-sleeve contrast to the album’s more boisterous moments—proof that Blur could do poetry as well as pub banter.

4. Phil Daniels’ Involvement Was a Happy Accident
Daniels was originally brought in to read a poem for another track. That idea was scrapped, but Albarn offered him lead vocals on “Parklife” instead. Daniels agreed, cut the track in about 40 minutes, and opted for royalties over a fee. His spoken-word swagger added the perfect dose of character—and a bit of East End spice—to the band’s observational romp.

5. Blur Predicted Their Britpop Legacy Before It Happened
Way back in 1990—before Leisure, before Modern Life Is Rubbish—Albarn told a group of journalists that Blur’s third album would cement them as the quintessential English band of the ’90s. Fast-forward four years, and Parklife landed like a pint on the bar at last call: foamy, bold, and dead on arrival.

With Parklife, Damon Albarn turned the everyday into an art form, Graham Coxon played like a punk with a degree in jazz, and Phil Daniels made dog racing sound like Shakespeare. It’s a Mod album for modern minds. Put it on, grab a pint, and strut like you’ve got nowhere to be and everything to say.

My Morning Jacket to Join ACL Hall of Fame with Induction by Cameron Crowe, Free Taping Set for August 1

Music

Eric Alper

-

Jul 18, 2025

0

My Morning Jacket to Join ACL Hall of Fame with Induction by Cameron Crowe, Free Taping Set for August 1

Austin City Limits (ACL) proudly announces that special guest Cameron Crowe will induct rock legends My Morning Jacket into the 2025 Austin City Limits Hall of Fame on Friday, August 1. The Oscar-winning filmmaker and best-selling author will be on hand to honor his friends as the American originals enter the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, joining the esteemed acts inducted since 2014.

In their return to the ACL stage for the first time in nearly a decade, My Morning Jacket will perform a full set taping for the occasion. In a new first, the show is open to all, and the Hall of Fame will not be a ticketed event. Fans will have the opportunity to win free passes to attend by signing up for a ticket giveaway on acltv.com beginning July 24 through July 29.

Cameron Crowe: “Thank you to Austin City Limits for the invitation to help honor My Morning Jacket. MMJ has the rarest kind of mastery. Their songs explode with passion and feeling on stage and in the studio. They’ve long been one of my favorite bands. I can’t wait for a chance to see them play again on the ACL stage.”

Jim James: “We are so excited to experience this ACL honor with the great Cameron Crowe! We have long loved his beautiful visions in the art of filmmaking, as well as his wisdom and humor in the world of music journalism. His art and friendship has enriched our lives so much over the years and we are so stoked to share the stage with him!”

One of America’s most iconic music journalists, Cameron Crowe helped define the job by becoming Rolling Stone’s youngest-ever contributor as a fifteen-year-old high school graduate. He went on to profile the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Elton John, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Who at the heady height of the album-oriented rock era.

Crowe became an acclaimed filmmaker writing and/or directing some of the most beloved films of the past forty years, from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Say Anything… and Singles, to Jerry Maguire, Vanilla Sky and Almost Famous.

Crowe’s long-awaited memoir, The Uncool, will be published by Avid Reader Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, on October 28, 2025. Hamburgers for the Apocalypse: The Music Journalism of Cameron Crowe, a companion collection of the author’s essential interviews and newly conducted follow-up conversations, will be published in 2026.

The Induction and taping will take place at ACL’s studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. The hourlong broadcast episode will air as a season highlight of Austin City Limits’ upcoming Season 51, premiering this October on PBS. The series recently celebrated its milestone 50th Anniversary in 2024 with a landmark campaign honoring its legacy and future. The live music beacon is a public media institution that continues to champion artistry, authenticity and music discovery.

ACL is thrilled to welcome My Morning Jacket into the ACL Hall of Fame and to showcase their latest sonic adventure, is. The Louisville, KY-bred five-piece recently released is, their first album in nearly four years, and their 10th studio album. My Morning Jacket has made a trio of fan-favorite appearances on Austin City Limits over their 25+ year career, with revelatory performances that have earned the band a place in the ACL canon. They made their series debut in Season 31 (2006) and returned within the course of a decade during Season 34 (2008) and Season 42 (2016). Bandleader Jim James also appeared during that period with Monsters of Folk (S36/2010), and as a guest of Bright Eyes (S30/2005) and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (S37/2011). Additionally, James also taped a solo appearance in 2013 for Season 39.

Since its inception in 2014, the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame has honored legendary artists who have played a pivotal role in the trailblazing music series’ remarkable half-century legacy as a music institution. The inaugural awards honored Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The Hall of Fame has inducted over twenty-five artists at ten previous ceremonies including Lloyd Maines, Asleep at the Wheel, Loretta Lynn, Guy Clark, Flaco Jimenez, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Rosanne Cash, The Neville Brothers, Ray Charles, Marcia Ball, Los Lobos, Lyle Lovett, Buddy Guy, Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Alejandro Escovedo, Sheryl Crow, Joe Ely, John Prine and Trisha Yearwood. The 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame welcomed Garth Brooks to its ranks.

Widely ranked among the greatest live bands of their generation, My Morning Jacket have long maintained their status as one of the most vital forces in American rock-and-roll. Known for their thrillingly expansive and eclectic sound, the five-piece – vocalist/guitarist Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, guitarist Carl Broemel, drummer Patrick Hallahan, keyboardist Bo Koster – has influenced an entire era of musicians, largely by staying one step ahead of mainstream pop culture and following their instincts toward endless innovation. For more than 25 years, My Morning Jacket has achieved an incredibly rare feat in the world of modern rock – upholding a long-established cultural legacy while sustaining all the curiosity and creative hunger of their earliest days.

5 Surprising Facts About Gorillaz’s ‘Demon Days’

Eric Alper

-

Jul 18, 2025

0

5 Surprising Facts About Gorillaz’s ‘Demon Days’

When Demon Days arrived in 2005, Gorillaz took a leap from animated curiosity to sonic trailblazer. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett built a band out of ink and ideas, but the music—dark, genre-hopping, and downright addictive—cemented its place as a defining album of the 21st century. It’s an end-of-the-world party on wax, with rappers, rockers, and storytellers all in the same chaotic orbit.

You’ve likely blasted “Feel Good Inc.” more times than you’d admit, but here are five facts even die-hard fans might’ve missed.

1. The Album’s Concept Was Sparked by a Dusty Train Ride
The ghostly tone of Demon Days can be traced back to a surreal train journey Damon Albarn took through China and Mongolia. Endless fields of dead trees, dust bowls, and satellite towns on their knees shaped his vision. What he saw became the album’s emotional spine: a world both collapsing and beautiful, surreal in the morning light after a long, haunted night.

2. “Dare” Was Born From a Manc Accent and a Bit of Karma
“Dare” was originally called “It’s There,” but Shaun Ryder’s unmistakable Mancunian twang kept turning it into “It’s Dare.” Albarn ran with it, embracing the happy accident. Ryder had supported Albarn during his Britpop fallout, so bringing him in felt like balance being restored. The result? A #1 single and one of the most joyfully weird moments in UK pop.

3. Dennis Hopper’s Cameo Was as Real as It Gets
“Fire Coming Out of the Monkey’s Head” features Hollywood icon Dennis Hopper narrating a parable about greed and ruin. Albarn tapped Hopper for his voice and gravitas, giving the track an eerie resonance. The story sits perfectly within Demon Days—a bedtime tale gone wrong, where consumerism swallows the earth and only the mountain remembers.

4. The Strings Were So Good They Became a Band
The rich, cinematic strings on Demon Days were aranged under the baton of Isabelle Dunn, they became a permanent ensemble called Demon Strings. This collective would tour with Albarn and contribute to later Gorillaz and solo projects. Their sweeping arrangements gave tracks like “El Mañana” and “Don’t Get Lost in Heaven” their emotional depth.

5. Gorillaz Fans Helped Shape the Album’s Legacy
The “Reject False Icons” campaign was a great viral one. Fans graffitied the phrase, designed artwork, and even entered a talent contest to collaborate with the band. Three winners made their mark on the “Kids with Guns”/“El Mañana” single, showing how Demon Days blurred the lines between creator and community.

Demon Days is a night-time journey that still holds up in the morning. From glitched-out grooves to orchestral flair, it’s a layered listen that rewards you every time. It’s the sound of postmodern Britain, viewed through cracked windows and neon haze—and 20 years later, we’re still on that ghost train.

5 Surprising Facts About 2Pac’s ‘All Eyez on Me’

Eric Alper

-

Jul 18, 2025

0

5 Surprising Facts About 2Pac’s ‘All Eyez on Me’

When All Eyez on Me dropped on February 13, 1996, it became a cultural earthquake. 2Pac walked out of prison and straight into the studio, recording with a purpose few could match. The result was a double album that blended ambition, artistry, and West Coast grit. From the iconic features to the thunderous singles, it defined an era and helped build the sound of a generation.

You’ve heard the hits and memorized the hooks. Now here are 5 facts about All Eyez on Me that highlight the genius behind the music.

1. The Original Title Was Euthanasia
2Pac first planned to call the album Euthanasia, reflecting a darker creative space during the early sessions. But as he recorded and reflected on the intense focus from media, police, fans, and rivals, he chose a name that captured that pressure. All Eyez on Me came from that real feeling of being watched at all times.

2. 2Pac Wrote with Lightning Speed
Studio stories from producers and engineers confirm that Pac could write entire verses in under 15 minutes. Songs like “California Love” came together in one take, with the kind of creative energy that filled the room instantly. He recorded with urgency and a sense of mission that kept the sessions moving fast and full of momentum.

3. The Double Album Was a Contract Move
When Suge Knight paid Pac’s $1.4 million bail, he agreed to record three albums for Death Row. All Eyez on Me was delivered as a double album, fulfilling the first two parts of that deal. It was the first globally released hip-hop double album by a solo artist, setting a new standard for how rap projects could be delivered.

4. A Richard Pryor Sample Hides in the Mix
“Heartz of Men” features a surprise nod to comedy legend Richard Pryor, sampling a bit from his 1974 album That Nigger’s Crazy. The addition added texture and tension to the track, echoing Pac’s own ability to mix truth, wit, and edge. Pryor’s raw storytelling fit perfectly in Pac’s world.

5. The Feature List Built a Coast-to-Coast Bridge
From Snoop Doggy Dogg and Nate Dogg to Redman and Method Man, All Eyez on Me united a powerhouse roster. It wasn’t limited to just one region—Pac invited Bay Area favorites like E-40 and Rappin’ 4-Tay alongside East Coast icons. This made the album a celebration of rap’s reach and Pac’s connections.

All Eyez on Me marked a moment where every beat carried weight and every verse spoke with purpose. 2Pac recorded like he had everything to prove and nothing to hold back. The energy is still alive today—play it loud, and the world still listens.

Descendents Announce Long-Awaited ‘Milo Goes to College’ Reissue—Out Sept 19 in Deluxe LP, CD, Cassette Formats

Music

Eric Alper

-

Jul 18, 2025

0

Descendents Announce Long-Awaited ‘Milo Goes to College’ Reissue—Out Sept 19 in Deluxe LP, CD, Cassette Formats

Few records in punk history have left as massive a footprint as the Descendents’ Milo Goes to College. The 1982 debut fused the aggression of hardcore with catchy hooks, adolescent angst, and unmistakable personality – helping spark an entire genre now known as pop punk. Its influence remains undeniable over four decades later, earning spots on Rolling Stone’s list of the “40 Greatest Punk Albums of All Time,” Spin’s “50 Most Essential Punk Records,” and Pitchfork’s “200 Best Albums of the 1980s.”

Now, Descendents and Org Music are proud to announce the long-awaited reissue of Milo Goes to College, available September 19th on LP, CD, and cassette.

Reclaimed by the band and lovingly restored, this release marks the beginning of an extensive reissue campaign that will include the band’s foundational albums from their early years, originally released on New Alliance and SST Records. Milo Goes to College leads the way, setting the tone for what’s to come with a variety of formats and exclusive editions.

Among them is a stunning limited “Punk Note” edition featuring alternate packaging by John Yates (Stealworks), inspired by the iconic jazz designs of Reid Miles and Francis Wolff whose work helped define the Blue Note jazz label. This visual reimagining of punk classics continues the aesthetic series that began with Org Music’s Bad Brains reissues. Each “Punk Note” title includes new liner notes by BrooklynVegan senior editor Andrew Sacher and is housed in a deluxe case-wrapped jacket.

The reissue will be available in the following variants:

WIDELY AVAILABLE FORMATS:

Black LP
“Grey Matter” LP
Punk Note Edition (black vinyl)
CD
Cassette

LIMITED/EXCLUSIVE VARIANTS:

Punk Note Edition (silver vinyl) – Org Music exclusive
“Suspended Gold” LP – Descendents Exclusive
Pink LP – Zia Records exclusive
Smoke LP – Rough Trade exclusive
“Statue of Liberty” LP – Going Underground Records & Seasick Records exclusive
Black LP with Exclusive Obi Strip – Celebrated Summer Records
“Coffee” Cassette – Tapehead City exclusive
More classics are on the way. The reissue campaign will continue with I Don’t Want to Grow Up, Enjoy!, ALL, Bonus Fat, and more – each reissued under the band’s own control and vision.

This project isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about preservation, intention, and giving a new generation access to one of punk’s most influential catalogs.

Staytus Unleashes Industrial Catharsis with New Sean Beavan–Produced Single “Headache”

Music

Eric Alper

-

Jul 18, 2025

0

Staytus Unleashes Industrial Catharsis with New Sean Beavan–Produced Single “Headache”

Industrial-electronic artist Staytus releases her latest single, Headache, now available on all major digital streaming platforms. Produced by acclaimed music producer Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, Slayer), Headache offers an intense sonic journey, combining haunting industrial textures with piercing lyrics that confront emotional exhaustion, betrayal, and inner turmoil.

The song’s stark verses and unrelenting chorus paint a vivid portrait of isolation and disillusionment. With lines like “the seeds of pain have been sown” and “i need a break / this i cannot take,” Staytus captures the raw frustration of being trapped in cycles of hurt and deception.

“This track came from a place of overwhelming mental fatigue and the need to break free from toxic patterns,” said Staytus. “Headache is both a confession and a release-an attempt to make sense of the noise inside my mind.”

Headache is the latest in a series of genre-bending releases from Staytus, known for blending industrial, electronic, and nu-metal elements into a deeply personal and cinematic sound.