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Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Opens Elite New York City Workshop For Historic Public Tours

Eric Alper
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Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Opens Elite New York City Workshop For Historic Public Tours

 Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is opening its doors for a truly unique opportunity to tour its elite puppet-building workshop in Queens, New York City, where legendary characters from film and television have been created and built for decades. The 80-minute tours take place multiple times throughout the day each Saturday, beginning on February 14, 2026. Tickets include a walk-through of the award-winning Creature Shop, founded by legendary puppeteer and director Jim Henson, as well as special photo opportunities of beloved and iconic characters, a puppetry demonstration from an actual Henson puppeteer, a meet and greet with one of the Creature Shop’s talented puppet builders, and special surprises. Tickets are $150 (plus tax and fees) and are on sale now. Visit www.JimHensonExperiences.com for tickets and additional information.

Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is the celebrated creative hub where award-winning artists and makers have created hundreds of the world’s most famous puppet characters including stars from Fraggle Rock, The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, and many more. New York City is the original and longest home to the workshop and specializes in the renowned Henson style of puppets and walkaround characters.  

Emily Scott Robinson Delivers Hard Won Perspective On New Studio Album ‘Appalachia’

Eric Alper
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Emily Scott Robinson Delivers Hard Won Perspective On New Studio Album ‘Appalachia’

Critically-acclaimed songwriter Emily Scott Robinson released her ten-song collection ‘Appalachia’ today through Oh Boy Records. Produced by Josh Kaufman at Dreamland Recording Studios, the record pairs incisive songwriting with warm-sounding organic production. This body of work functions as a deeply-human meditation on the intersection of grief and community. Alongside the album launch, Robinson debuted a new video for “Cast Iron Heart”, a duet featuring John Paul White. This collaboration captures a resilient-style love forged through time and trust.

Robinson describes the project as a record for anyone currently in the thick of a struggle. On the intention behind the music, Robinson states: “This is often a dark world, but we can be lights for each other. I hope my music can be a light for you in the days to come.” The tracks navigate personal narratives against the backdrop of a shifting American landscape. This album is a fearless and tender triumph of modern storytelling. Robinson explains that the songs are for “the misfits and f*** ups and shattered perfectionists and freshly humbled.”

Waking Stone Unleashes Visceral New Single “Make Money” As A Critique Of Greed

Eric Alper
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Waking Stone Unleashes Visceral New Single “Make Money” As A Critique Of Greed

Modern rock-outfit Waking Stone has released “Make Money”, a sharp-edged single that critiques the pervasive greed of the current era. As the fourth track from their upcoming album, the song presents a stark vision of a society where corporate ambition is prioritized over human welfare. While the band’s previous three singles leaned into an upbeat-and-hopeful protest style, this new release adopts a more intense and visceral tone. Critics have already noted the group’s ability to forge a unique path in the modern scene through music that provides a sense of palpable freedom. This latest anthem serves as a high-energy rallying cry that confronts the unhinged nature of billionaires gambling with the future.

Netflix Travels Back To Hawkins With New Animated ‘Stranger Things’ Series This April

Eric Alper
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Netflix Travels Back To Hawkins With New Animated ‘Stranger Things’ Series This April

Netflix expands the Hawkins universe with a new animated spin-off premiering on April 23, 2026. This series rewinds the timeline to the winter period between the second and third seasons of the original show. The plot examines the aftermath of a creature escaping the Upside Down following Eleven’s efforts to close the gate. By focusing on this specific gap, the project offers a fresh look at the characters during their younger years. This production is a nostalgic and essential addition to the supernatural franchise.

Kent Nishimura Displays Acoustic Guitar Mastery With Stunning New Cover Of Toto’s “Rosanna”

Eric Alper
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Kent Nishimura Displays Acoustic Guitar Mastery With Stunning New Cover Of Toto’s “Rosanna”

Acoustic guitarist Kent Nishimura has delivered a breathtaking solo rendition of the 1982 Toto hit “Rosanna”. Performing with just a single guitar, Nishimura manages to replicate the intricate layers of the original pop-rock anthem through extraordinary fingerstyle technique.

Ben Reel Reaffirms The Power Of Love On His Twelfth Album ‘Spirit’s Not Broken’

Eric Alper
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Ben Reel Reaffirms The Power Of Love On His Twelfth Album ‘Spirit’s Not Broken’

Irish troubadour Ben Reel released his twelfth studio album ‘Spirit’s Not Broken’ on January 23, 2026, through Mars Music Group. The record launches with raw rock energy before transitioning into soulful R&B-infused grooves. This musical evolution evokes the spirits of Otis Redding and Van Morrison while maintaining Reel’s signature sound. The focus track “Better Be Better” utilizes pounding drums and sixty-inspired guitars to narrate a desperate plea for relationship survival. This project marks another chapter in a career spanning over thirty-five years, which began in 1989 with the band Promised Land during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The album serves as a reminder of human connection in a world facing conflict and climate anxiety. Regarding the central theme, Reel states: “In the chaos, love is our anchor. It starts within—facing our fears, learning to love ourselves—so we can care for others.” This body of work is an uplifting and deeply-human collection that prioritizes internal growth. Reel notes that “at the end of the day, love and connection are all we truly have.” The songs move from high-intensity rock to reflective passages that highlight his distinctive vocal style.

Reel has built a vast international reputation by blending rock, folk, soul, and reggae across his discography. He has collaborated with industry veterans like Garry W. Tallent of the E Street Band and supported legendary acts including The Cranberries and Jools Holland. His tireless work ethic has led to four studio albums in the current decade alone. From Nashville’s Bluebird Café to major festivals in the Netherlands and Spain, Reel continues to perform for a loyal global fan base. This new release confirms his status as one of the most enduring voices in the Irish music scene.

Bristol Rock Trio Sunglasz Vendor Release Eerie New Single “Was On Fire” Before February Tour

Eric Alper
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Bristol Rock Trio Sunglasz Vendor Release Eerie New Single “Was On Fire” Before February Tour

 Bristol-based rock trio Sunglasz Vendor have released their new single “Was On Fire”, a track that explores the depths of romantic solitude and unrequited love. The song opens with harsh mechanical screeching before settling into a stop-start rhythm that allows singer-guitarist Rafi Cohen to unpack themes of despair. Recorded with producer Joseph Futak in Hither Green, this release sees the band embracing a more maximalist sound compared to their previous work. The group formed in early 2023 from members of Bristol’s avant-garde scene including Bingo Fury and Ex-Agent.

On the new single, Cohen offers: “’Was On Fire’ documents the feeling of being past it – like the best is behind you and the only way is down.” The lyrics present bleak visions of lonesome life interspersed with sardonic wordplay. This track is the second single from their recent recording sessions, following the success of “I’ll Do To You Yourself” which received support from BBC 6 Music and KEXP. This record is a daringly skittish and raw explosion of rock energy. The band combines the familiar hooks of rock radio with a sense of free-form anarchy.

The trio will mark the release with a four-date tour across the United Kingdom this February. Their live performances have previously earned them opening slots for notable acts such as The Breeders and Squid. The band features a classic guitar-bass-drums lineup where all elements grate against each other to create an anthemic cacophony. Following their debut album ‘Unwinding’, which arrived in May of last year, the group continues to gain momentum within the indie-rock landscape. Fans can catch their impassioned sets in York, Sheffield, Cardiff, and Bristol throughout the month.

Live Dates:

February 6 – York, Young Thugs Studio

February 7 – Sheffield, Hatch

February 12 – Cardiff, Porter’s

February 24 – Bristol, The Croft

Teddy Swims And Green Day Join Super Bowl LX Pregame For Massive Milestone Celebration

Eric Alper
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Teddy Swims And Green Day Join Super Bowl LX Pregame For Massive Milestone Celebration

Super Bowl LX arrives at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026, with an expansive pregame ceremony featuring music and storytelling. Multi-platinum artist Teddy Swims headlines the tailgate concert while Bay Area native LaRussell performs as the in-stadium house band. The opening ceremony features a special performance by Green Day to usher Super Bowl MVPs onto the field. This event marks the sixtieth anniversary of the championship game and will be broadcast globally in 195 countries. Fans can watch the festivities live on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo starting on Sunday afternoon.

The pregame lineup includes Charlie Puth performing the national anthem and Brandi Carlile singing “America the Beautiful.” R&B artist Coco Jones will also take the stage to deliver “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before kickoff. This production is a vibrant and essential celebration of American culture and sports history. Powerful American Sign Language performances by Fred Beam and Julian Ortiz will be featured throughout the broadcast. The ceremony also includes a joint flyover by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy to honor the nation’s 250th birthday.

Honorary captains for the coin toss include Hall of Famers Lynn Swann, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning alongside three Bay Area youth leaders. New England Patriots fan Jon Bon Jovi and Seattle Seahawks fan Chris Pratt will introduce their respective teams to the crowd. The official coin for the toss is the historic Libertas Americana medal originally commissioned by Benjamin Franklin. This project emphasizes the legacy of the game while looking toward the future of the sport. The entire pregame show sets a dynamic tone for the biggest night in professional football.

Global sensation Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show with a historic multilingual signing program. This performance marks the first time a Super Bowl halftime show incorporates Puerto Rican Sign Language led by Celimar Rivera Cosme. The 2026 celebration blends high-energy musical acts with significant historical tributes to mark multiple national milestones. Each segment of the entertainment reflects the evolving nature of the championship experience. The stadium campus in Santa Clara will serve as the hub for this massive international cultural moment.

Black Reuss Completes A Five Year Conceptual Journey With New Gothic Metal Album ‘Death’

Eric Alper
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Black Reuss Completes A Five Year Conceptual Journey With New Gothic Metal Album ‘Death’

Black Reuss returns in 2026 to unveil ‘Death’, the fourth chapter in a river-of-life concept that began five years ago. This new album follows ‘Metamorphosis’, ‘Journey’, and ‘Arrival’ to complete the project’s first conceptual cycle. The river serves as the central metaphor for a life in constant motion and transformation. This record is a dense and emotionally-charged exploration of melodic gothic metal. Maurizio Dottore wrote, composed, performed, and produced the entire album to ensure a singular creative vision. He is joined by Diego Rapacchietti, the drummer of the Swiss thrash band Coroner, who provided the drum tracks.

The lead single “Oblivion” arrived on January 30, 2026, offering a first glimpse into this immersive soundscape. It was followed on February 13, 2026, by the darker and heavier track “Endgame”. The full album ‘Death’ is released on February 27, 2026, marking the closing of a major passage while hinting at new waters ahead. This music is a monumental and profound reflection on finality and transformation. Tracks like “Phoenix” and “Elysium” explore the spectral spaces where endings reveal a deeper essence. Dottore recorded the instruments at Black Reuss Studio to maintain emotional clarity throughout the process.

The sonic identity of the record was forged through the work of Roberto Macis and Giovanni Versari. Vocals were captured by Roberto De Luca at erreDIelle Studio while Tommy Vetterli recorded the drums at Newsound Studio. This production blends heavy-hitting instrumentation with deep introspection to define the Black Reuss universe. The project treats the concept of death as a threshold into deeper creative currents rather than a final ending. This approach allows the river to continue flowing through hidden and uncharted darkness.

Dublin Duo Burglar Unleash New Single Lovey Ahead Of Mammoth 2026 Irish Tour

Eric Alper
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0
Dublin Duo Burglar Unleash New Single Lovey Ahead Of Mammoth 2026 Irish Tour

Dublin-based duo Burglar have arrived with their new single ‘Lovey’ as they prepare for a series of Irish tour dates. Composed of Willow Hannon and Eduardo Pinheiro, the band formed in college through a shared affinity for acts like Stereolab and Smashing Pumpkins. Their sound blends Hannon’s indie-pop roots with Pinheiro’s background in the Brazilian punk-rock scene. The result is a catchy and energetic style defined by distorted guitars, buzzing synths, and interchangeable vocal leads. This release follows the group being spotlighted in Dork’s HYPE List 2026 and the Irish Times’ 50 People to Watch for 2026.

The new track showcases the duo’s unique mix of dissociative lyricism and confessional-style storytelling. Regarding ‘Lovey’, Pinheiro revealed: “It’s a breakup track I wrote a week after it happened.” The songwriter initially set the material aside for a year before revisiting the narrative to add a more playful perspective. Pinheiro explained: “I tried to make it more fun by saying embarrassing things and commenting on the things I just said.” This record is a sharp and addictive explosion of modern indie-rock energy. The song serves as a reminder that the weight of heartbreak exists primarily within the mind.

Burglar have established themselves as fixtures of the live circuit across the United Kingdom and Ireland. They have previously supported artists such as The Belair Lip Bombs and US Girls while performing at London venues including Moth Club and The Windmill. The upcoming Irish tour dates coincide with this single release to mark the start of a busy-feeling year for the pair. Their music emphasizes harmonic work and high-energy performance for a live setting. Pinheiro noted that while writing the track: “the main thing I tried to remind myself with this was that heartbreak wasn’t (totally) physical.”

The duo continues to refine their sound by leaning into their contrasting musical histories. By pairing Hannon’s Dublin-grown indie influences with Pinheiro’s punk-rock foundations, Burglar creates an uncompromising and fresh sonic identity. Their lyrics often function as a commentary on the songwriting process itself. This approach has allowed them to transcend the local scene and gain significant critical attention. The new single is available now as the band begins their scheduled run of performances.

Live Dates:
4th Feb – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club, Limerick
5th Feb – Roisin Dubh, Galway
6th Feb – Whelan’s Upstairs, Dublin

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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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