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Voice AI Agents for Music Events: Automating Fan Support, Boosting Sales, and Scaling Engagement

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Music events today aren’t just about lights, stages, and sound — they’re operations involving thousands (or millions) of fans, countless moving parts, and relentless demand for real-time support.

Whether you’re managing a 500-person indie show or a 50,000-person music festival, the same challenges apply: fans want answers now, staff are stretched thin, and every missed interaction is a lost sale or frustrated attendee.

That’s why Voice AI Agents are becoming the secret weapon for smart event organizers. These AI-powered assistants are helping music brands automate fan interactions, streamline ticketing, and deliver 24/7 support — without hiring an army.

What Are Voice AI Agents?

Voice AI Agents are intelligent virtual assistants that use speech recognition and natural language processing (NLP) to hold real conversations with fans — by phone, SMS, or chat.

But unlike traditional bots or IVR menus, these agents actually talk and understand — and they’re trained specifically to support live event workflows.

With a platform like Neyox.ai, Voice AI Agents can:

  • Answer ticketing questions
  • Share event details and schedules
  • Handle parking and venue queries
  • Send alerts and updates
  • Resolve support requests instantly
  • Operate 24/7 — no wait, no hold, no friction

Why They Matter for Music Events

In the lead-up to a concert or festival, inbox volume spikes with repetitive questions:

  • “When do gates open?”
  • “Is parking available?”
  • “Can I bring a backpack?”
  • “Where’s my ticket?”
  • “What time is the headliner on?”


Voice AI Agents handle these at scale — giving fans instant answers and freeing your team to focus on complex issues and on-site execution.

Key Benefits of AI Voice Agents for Music Events

  • Instant Response to Fan Inquiries: No hold times, no backlogs. Every fan gets help in seconds.
  • 24/7 Support Before, During, and After the Event: From pre-sales to post-event feedback — Voice AI never sleeps.
  • Higher Ticket Conversion Rates: Answering questions in real time keeps buyers engaged — and more likely to purchase.
  • Reduced Support Team Costs: Scale your operations without expanding headcount.
  • Better Fan Satisfaction: Quick, clear answers = happy attendees = better reviews.
  • Multilingual Support: Help fans in English, Spanish, French, or any language you need — instantly.

What Voice AI Agents Can Do for Events

Before the Event:

  • Answer FAQs about dates, pricing, artists, and venue
  • Assist with ticket purchase issues or promo codes
  • Provide info about travel, accessibility, and lodging

During the Event:

  • Share real-time updates (delays, lineup changes, weather)
  • Help attendees find parking, entrances, restrooms, or vendors
  • Push last-minute alerts or security messages

After the Event:

  • Gather feedback
  • Provide links to merchandise
  • Offer exclusive content to boost loyalty and retention

ROI for Organizers

Event organizers using platforms like Neyox.ai report:

  • 30–50% drop in support requests handled by humans
  • 25% increase in pre-sale conversions
  • Faster issue resolution
  • More repeat attendees thanks to smoother experiences


In short: Voice AI Agents reduce chaos, cut costs, and keep fans engaged from first click to encore.

Misconceptions (And Reality)

“Won’t fans prefer speaking to a real person?”
Not when they’re in a hurry. Most fans just want quick answers — and Voice AI delivers.

“This is only for huge events, right?”
Wrong. Voice AI scales beautifully — from 300-person clubs to 3-day mega-festivals.

“What if fans ask something weird or emotional?”
Agents can escalate to human reps seamlessly — they handle the 80%, your team handles the rest.

The Future of Music Events Is Automated and Always-On

As music fans expect more speed, more access, and more control, Voice AI is helping organizers deliver exceptional service — without burning out staff or overcomplicating operations.

The question isn’t if Voice AI will shape music events — it’s who’s using it first.

Ready to Turn Up the Volume on Your Event Support?

Let Voice AI Agents help you scale your event operations, support your fans 24/7, and sell more tickets — all with less effort.

Visit www.neyox.ai to book your free demo and see how AI can make your next event smoother, smarter, and more successful.

About Neyox.ai: Neyox.ai is an advanced Voice AI platform that automates customer interactions across industries like real estate, healthcare, travel, finance, recruitment, wellness, hotels, and e-commerce. From appointment booking to lead capture and 24/7 support, Neyox.ai delivers fast, human-like conversations that save time and boost engagement.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Choosing the Best Lightsaber: A Guide for Aspiring Jedi and Sith

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

In the galaxy far, far away—and in living rooms, cosplay halls, and dueling arenas here on Earth—choosing a lightsaber is more than just a purchase. It’s a declaration of who you are. Whether you walk the noble path of the Jedi or embrace the power and ambition of the Sith, the best lightsaber is the one that reflects your identity, fighting style, and connection to the Force.

With modern advancements like custom lightsabers and Neopixel lightsaber technology, fans now have access to sabers that are just as impressive as the ones wielded on screen. But how do you choose the right one?

This guide breaks down the key factors every aspiring Force-user should consider when selecting their ideal lightsaber.

1. Light Side or Dark Side: What’s Your Alignment?

Before choosing your saber, consider your side of the Force:

  • Jedi typically wield blue or green lightsabers, symbolising protection, harmony, and peacekeeping.
  • Sith favour the red lightsaber, representing passion, power, and dominance.

Each blade colour has its own symbolism and history in the Star Wars universe. Your choice reflects your personality and role—are you a guardian of the Republic or a challenger of the old ways?

2. Hilt Design: Classic, Elegant, or Battle-Worn?

The hilt is your lightsaber’s handle, but it’s also a piece of art.

  • Classic Hilts mimic the sabers of characters like Luke Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi.
  • Crossguard Designs, like Kylo Ren’s, are more aggressive and dramatic.
  • Minimalist Custom Hilts allow you to create a saber that’s completely your own.

Modern custom lightsabers allow full personalisation of the hilt—grip material, colour, emitter style, and even etchings. Whether you’re recreating a screen-accurate saber or building a new legacy, the hilt tells your story.

3. Blade Technology: Neopixel vs. Base-Lit

The battle between realism and cost-efficiency often comes down to blade technology:

Neopixel Lightsaber

  • Features a strip of bright LEDs throughout the blade
  • Offers smooth swing effects, realistic ignition, and multiple blade styles
  • Delivers the most realistic lightsaber experience available today
  • Ideal for collectors, performers, and cosplayers seeking cinematic quality

Base-Lit Blade

  • LED is in the hilt only; blade lights up from the bottom up
  • More durable for heavy dueling
  • Less expensive, great for beginners and kids

For those seeking the ultimate in visuals and responsiveness, the Neopixel lightsaber is hands-down the best choice.

4. Soundboard & Effects: Feel the Power

No lightsaber is complete without the iconic hum, crackle, and clash. Today’s top-tier sabers include soundboards that:

  • Feature character-based sound fonts (like Darth Vader, Rey, or Mace Windu)
  • Include blaster deflection, lock-up, and power-on effects
  • Allow custom sounds via SD cards or internal software

Want your lightsaber to feel alive in your hands? Choose one with a high-quality soundboard that matches your vibe.

5. Blade Colour Options

While traditional colours like blue lightsaber, green, and red are popular, custom and Neopixel sabers allow colour cycling through a rainbow of options, including:

  • Purple (like Mace Windu’s saber)
  • White (used by Ahsoka Tano)
  • Yellow, cyan, magenta, and more

Some fans pick their blade colour based on aesthetics, while others connect it with their Star Wars roleplay character’s backstory. With the best sabers, the choice is always yours.

6. Purpose: Display, Cosplay, Dueling, or All-In-One?

Your choice also depends on how you’ll use your saber:

  • Display: Go for character replicas or premium finish sabers.
  • Cosplay: Choose lightweight hilts with realistic ignition and colour effects.
  • Dueling: Pick base-lit or duel-ready Neopixel sabers with reinforced blades.
  • All-In-One: Some advanced sabers combine realism and durability, perfect for fans who want it all.

7. Customisation: Build Your Legacy

One of the biggest reasons to invest in a custom lightsaber is the ability to personalise every part:

  • Swap out hilts, blades, pommels, and emitters
  • Load your own sound fonts
  • Program unique ignition effects and blade styles

With full customisation, you’re not just choosing a saber—you’re building your legend.

Final Thoughts: Your Lightsaber, Your Legacy

Whether you seek the calm control of the Jedi or the raw power of the Sith, your lightsaber is a symbol of your journey through the Force. Thanks to today’s incredible technology and craftsmanship, you no longer have to imagine what it’s like to wield one—you can feel it for yourself.The best lightsaber isn’t just the most expensive or flashiest—it’s the one that reflects your passion, character, and path. So take your time, explore your options, and when the moment feels right.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Metal Guitarist Dan Sugarman Launches Slipstream: A Live-Streaming Music Mentorship Platform Built for Creative Breakthroughs

Eric Alper
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Metal Guitarist Dan Sugarman Launches Slipstream: A Live-Streaming Music Mentorship Platform Built for Creative Breakthroughs

Today, acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, producer, mentor and entrepreneur, Dan Sugarman (Ice Nine Kills, ex-As Blood Runs Black, Fallen Figure) officially launches Slipstream, a revolutionary live-streaming music education and mentorship platform built to transform the way musicians teach, learn, create, and connect. It flies in the face of lifeless pre-recorded lesson platforms lacking the hands-on guidance needed for students to make meaningful, sustained, and motivated progress.

In Sugarman’s own words, “Slipstream is a revolution in live-streaming music education and mentorship, designed to help musicians escape creative paralysis and reach their full potential. It offers real-time, interactive group coaching sessions led by musicians like myself, who are actually out there doing it; blending hands-on guidance with a thriving community to help transform musical skill-sets and mindsets. If Masterclass and Twitch had a lovechild, Slipstream would be it.

Most music education today is pre-recorded and passive. You can’t ask questions, can’t get feedback, and end up stuck with general advice meant for the masses. Not the individual. Slipstream was built to solve that-plugging hungry, ambitious musicians directly into the source. All in live-streamed, two-way sessions that eliminate the guesswork, self-doubt, and information overload.

Slipstream isn’t a course. It’s not a webinar. It’s a living, breathing creative dojo-where musicians evolve and grow through immersive learning, accountability, and personalized direction, from me, and an ever evolving team of industry experts from a wide variety of instruments and genres.”

Slipstream’s first live-streamed [Sessions] event will be “How to Write a Song like Ice Nine Kills”, where students can tap into Sugarman’s extensive experience with one of the most popular bands in metal today.

Students, players, and fans can pre-order their tickets here and be entered to win incredible prizes. The Slipstream [Sessions] begin and go live on July 26, 2025.

In this four-part series taking place on 4 consecutive Saturdays starting on July 26th, 2025, Dan will take musicians from riff-inception to a polished track ready for mix-complete with behind-the-scenes insights, interactive problem-solving, and exclusive creative resources, including DAW templates, a tab book trilogy, and personalized feedback opportunities. Fans and players that join Slipstream will have the chance to win prizes during each session.

Tickets will be available at early-bird pricing in three tiers (information at joinslipstream.com), each offering increasingly adding exclusive access and bonus content-including entry to win gear provided by Sweetwater, like the coveted Neural DSP Nano and Quad Cortex. Huge bundles from D’Addario, and plugins from Neural DSP, Submission Audio, Mixwave, GuitarPro, and more. One pre-order attendee will also be chosen at random for a free upgrade to a higher tier – see end for full tier break-down.

After the “How to Write a Song like Ice Nine Kills” [Sessions] is a wrap, members will gain 1-month free access to the [Lounge] and be given the chance to join Slipstream [Labs] for more coaching and weekly guidance.

Slipstream [Lounge] is a 24/7 members-only greenroom where players communicate, spark collaborations, participate in challenges, get short-form lessons and exercises, articles, live-stream bonuses, and tap instant support from their coach.

Slipstream [Labs] is your weekly live power-hour, with coach led insights, laser sharp tools, and on-screen fixes that you can walk away and apply immediately to your playing, songwriting, and career – all delivered to you in real-time.

Slipstream is not just for the advanced or the elite-it’s for every musician who’s felt stuck, isolated, or burned out. Whether you’re a bedroom virtuoso, a gigging performer craving fresh energy, or a rising songwriter stuck in a rut, Slipstream’s real-time, two-way mentorship model offers the guidance and community needed to break free from analysis paralysis and finally level up. Slipstream is for musicians who are ready to spread their creative wings and take flight.

Slipstream Pre-Order Tiers
Sparrow – $97 Early Bird // $127 Standard

Access to Live Group [Sessions]
Access to Vaulted Video of the INK [Sessions]
1 Month Free Access to the Lounge after the [Sessions] end
Exclusive Learning Resources like Tabs, Articles, and Exercises [Lounge].
Early Access to Announcements & New Content [Lounge]
Member Challenges During [Sessions] + [Lounge]
Early Bird Pricing on [Lounge] and [Labs] + An Early Bird Community Badge
Collaboration Opportunities with Other Musicians
Entered to win a massive MusicNomad Guitar Maintenance Kit from Sweetwater, Neural DSP License, Submission Audio License, Guitar Pro License, D’Addario 10x sets of NYXL guitar strings of choice, Micro Rechargeable Tuner, Pro-winder in white, and more!

Owl – $197 Early Bird // $257 Standard (includes everything above)

In depth Breakdowns of Each Session, a transcription with key moments and takeaways digitally bookmarked for you
Priority Q&A in Group Sessions
Chance to be Brought on-screen to ask your Question and get real-time answers and feedback
Tabs of the song when the [Sessions] wrap
Entered to win a Neural DSP Nano Cortex, provided by Sweetwater, Neural DSP License, Submission Audio License, Guitar Pro License, D’Addario 10x sets of NYXL guitar strings of choice, Micro Rechargeable Tuner, Maintenance Kit, Swivel Auto-lock Strap, and more!

Eagle – $397 Early Bird // $457 Standard (includes everything in previous 2 tiers)

One Guaranteed Live On-Screen Question
Stems of the song when the [Sessions] wrap for remix and learning purposes.
Direct Feedback on Performance Recordings Between events
1-hour weekly group check-in [Lab] to go over what you’re doing, give insight, tips, and guidance.
30-days of Direct Access to Dan for guidance and help through text-support between [Sessions]
Entered to win a Neural DSP Quad Cortex from Sweetwater, Neural DSP License, Submission Audio License, Guitar Pro License, D’Addario 10x sets of NYXL guitar strings of choice, Micro Rechargeable Tuner, Maintenance Kit, Swivel Auto-lock Strap, and more!

Electro-Funk Five-Piece Parcels Drop “Yougotmefeeling” Lyric Video Following Glastonbury Sunset Set

Eric Alper
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Electro-Funk Five-Piece Parcels Drop “Yougotmefeeling” Lyric Video Following Glastonbury Sunset Set

Having just performed a joyous and critically-acclaimed set on Glastonbury Festival’s West Holts stage, 5-piece band Parcels have released a lyric video for their recent single “Yougotmefeeling,” out now via Because Music.

Having previously only played Glastonbury years ago on a much smaller stage, this year’s performance on the revered West Holts stage was a landmark moment for Parcels. They performed the coveted “sunset slot” – as the sun set over the crowd on a warm, summery Sunday on Worthy Farm.

The appearance on Glastonbury’s West Holts stage was met with widespread critical acclaim, with Billboard UK commenting: “this was one of the stage’s biggest, and grooviest, crowds of the whole weekend […] their live set has since developed into one of the most electrifying shows on the circuit”. The Guardian agreed, proclaiming: “when they’re good, they’re so so good”. ShortList chose the performance as one of their Top 10 Best Performances of Glastonbury 2025 and The Independent said: “very impressive, and they sound magnificent”. The whole set is available to watch in full (from the UK) on The BBC’s iPlayer, and for those wishing to see Parcels live, the band are playing London’s OVO Wembley Arena on September 27th.

Recent single “Yougotmefeeling” is taken from Parcels’ forthcoming third studio album, LOVED, set for release September 12th via Because Music. The album follows their previous studio LPs, the critically acclaimed 2021 release Day/Night, and the band’s breakthrough debut Parcels from 2018.

Punk Rockers Dropkick Murphys Return With Politically Charged Album For the People Out Now Digitally

Eric Alper
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Punk Rockers Dropkick Murphys Return With Politically Charged Album For the People Out Now Digitally

Punk Rockers Dropkick Murphys Return With Politically Charged Album For the People Out Now Digitally
 Dropkick Murphys have just released the digital edition of their timely and passionate new album For The People via the band’s Dummy Luck Music / Play It Again Sam label. The vinyl and CD release will follow October 10 and will include 5 bonus tracks.

As the band’s 13th studio album, For The People shows courage and confidence, speaking up against the injustices happening in the United States, and doing so with the strength and power that harkens back to Dropkick Murphys’ earliest punk rock roots.

For The People is more than a title. It’s a heartfelt stance, a declaration of who this band is – and who they’ve always been. Whether writing about politics, family, friends or simply “life” on For The People, the stories run deep, the memories push hard, and the joy remains infectious.

To drive the message home further, For The People is accompanied by an album cover created by renowned social/political artist Shepard Fairey’s design firm Studio Number One and depicts a black rose, symbolizing change, renewal, new beginnings, courage, confidence, strength and power.

Country Veteran Adam Warner Returns With Rowdy New Anthem ‘Came Back Country’ Out August 1

Eric Alper
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Country Veteran Adam Warner Returns With Rowdy New Anthem ‘Came Back Country’ Out August 1

Nashville-based independent artist Adam Warner brings a big sound to the country scene straight from his small-town roots. With his timeless drawl and laid-back charm, Warner has perfected the art of a good time. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he returned to Nashville to chase a lifelong dream – and after years of paying his dues and developing his show, is starting to make waves with loyal followers, whom he is most grateful for. From sharing the stage with country legends like Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson, Jerrod Niemann, American Young, Midland, Trace Adkins, Neal McCoy, Rhonda Vincent, and Darrell Singletary, to performing at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House, Warner has earned his place in the heart of the country music community. Now, four albums and one EP later, the humble singer-songwriter shows no signs of slowing down, returning with his highly anticipated new single, “Came Back Country,” out August 1st.

Co-written by Warner alongside Jeb Gibson and Daniel Dennis – who also produced the track with Warner (making his official debut as co-producer) – the song is a lively ode to the ladies who come from all over, from California and beyond, to experience the magic of Nashville. As the Louis Vuittons come off and the denim jeans, Daisy Dukes, cowboy hats, and boots slip on, it’s all about embracing the spirit of the city, especially for those unforgettable bachelorette parties where everyone just wants to be part of the party.

Warner shares, “Jeb Gibson, Daniel Dennis and I were in the studio working on another project and got to talking about the bachelorette parties that come to Nashville every week day in and day out and Jeb said he had a song idea about how girls ‘Came Back Country’ upon visiting Nashville but wasn’t quite sure where to go with the song…It seems that people come to Nashville and just let their hair down and leave their problems at home or at the airport! Nashville has become the ‘it’ city to come and let loose and live life, and have a great time for the weekend or the week! It’s a place where if even for a weekend, you can be your best ‘country girl’ with your friends by your side! Once Jeb said the title, the three of us just knocked this song right out based on what we have witnessed with the growth and change of Nashville!”

Country’s breakout artist has learned not to take himself too seriously, and his music gives his audience permission to do the same. With standout releases like “4 Square Miles,” which reached #1 on The Country Network’s Video Countdown, and “Semper Fi” featuring Trace Adkins, a tribute to active and former military that was named Independent Country Music Song of the Year, Warner has carved out a place of honor in the genre. His high-energy anthem “Welcome to the South” even became a game-day staple at Tennessee Titans home games in Nissan Stadium.

In 2022, Warner released the acclaimed album What We’re Known For, earning rave reviews from the industry. The 12-track project featured fan favorites such as “Catchin’ Hell,” “Reason to Redneck,” “One Drunk,” “Split A Beer,” “Lost In A Country Song,” a powerful remake of the classic “Long Haired Country Boy,” and the title track “What We’re Known For.”

2023 brought even more momentum, highlighted by the heartfelt re-release of “First Face”, a tribute to Warner’s wife, Megan, and their first child, Rivers Paige. In 2024, Warner continued to deliver hits with a steady stream of new singles and milestone performances, including his debut appearances at both CMA Fest and the iconic Country Thunder festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

2025 is already shaping up to be a milestone year for the Nashville authentic country music sensation, marked by the release of his most dynamic project yet. His 12-song album Where I’m Coming From, released in May, features streaming favorites like “The People”, a patriotic salute to everyday Americans, along with “The Farmer,” “Back When,” “Outlaws Baby,” and “Do Country” featuring Nate Kenyon. The project also highlights “Most of This Town” and three distinct versions of “Bridge I’d Love To Burn” – including the original, a club mix, and a mandolin mix featuring rising bluegrass phenom Wyatt Ellis.

Having just lit up the stage at Summerfest, up next, fans can expect to see the Marine-turned-country sensation’s music philosophy brought to life at The Hoofbeat Festival, the legendary Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA and at various clubs, venues and festivals throughout the United States.

“Do what you love and love what you do,” Warner asserts, “there’s no restart button. One of the greatest things about music is that it lives forever, my songs will be around long after I’m gone. But while I’m here, I want to help people live in the moment. At the end of the day, if I can play a part in one person’s good day, if I can make people feel something, I know I’ve done my job as an artist and entertainer!”

Rascal Flatts’ Sold-Out Hometown Show To Stream Globally Via Veeps On July 27

Eric Alper
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Rascal Flatts’ Sold-Out Hometown Show To Stream Globally Via Veeps On July 27

Fans across the world can relive Rascal Flatts’ unforgettable hometown show in Columbus, Ohio during a special global streaming event Sunday, July 27th at 7pm CT / 8pm ET. “Rascal Flatts is back and better than ever,” (Us Weekly) with the performance marking the superstar trio’s return to the road for the first time since 2019, and “a testament to their musical legacy, deep connection with fans, and the undeniable magic they create together on stage,” (Country Now). Now, fans will be able to enjoy this unforgettable evening, with tickets available for purchase today HERE. As part of their subscription, Veeps All Access members will be able to watch the show for free. All streaming tickets will include a three-day rewatch window and are available via Veeps.com and through the Veeps app on Roku, Apple TV, iOS, and Android.

The band celebrated their return to the Buckeye State with a surprise appearance by Carly Pearce to perform a soaring “My Wish” with the trio. Also joined by Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane across the 21-stop tour, the Country music mainstays wrapped their sold-out LIFE IS A HIGHWAY TOUR last month, “the musicianship throughout was superb” with capacity crowds singing along to their iconic two decades-spanning catalog of hits, “Rascal fans who wanted to party were no doubt satisfied,” (Arkansas Times). The country stars’ “nostalgic” setlist – including fan favorites “Me and My Gang,” “Fast Cars And Freedom,” “Life Is A Highway” and more – had every arena singing along night after night, with every song “reminding the crowd of the years they’ve spent singing along to the anthemic tunes that were the soundtrack to many of the concertgoer’s childhoods and lives,” (Music Mayhem). 

“Celebrating their 25th anniversary as if no time had passed at all,” (Billboard), Rascal Flatts made their historic return to CMA Music Fest last month, as the guys “put Nissan Stadium into a state of energetic euphoria” with their headlining set receiving “the most robust sing-along yet of CMA Fest’s Nissan Stadium shows,” (The Tennessean). The superstar group also released their much-anticipated LIFE IS A HIGHWAY: REFUELED DUETS collaboration album this summer, praised as “a bold, celebratory reimagining of the band’s storied back catalogue” (Entertainment Focus). The project features nine reimagined, beloved Rascal Flatts hits – including the “immediate bestseller” (Forbes) reimagination of “What Hurts The Most” with Backstreet Boys – as well as their record-breaking new track, “I Dare You” with Jonas Brothers. The trio “sensibly allow a string of pop, rock and country vocalists to change the oil, whilst they rest easy on a backseat built on their trusted formula of honeyed vocals and major key chirpiness,” (Holler) creating all-new arrangements of timeless hits from their acclaimed catalogue.

Hailed as one of the most influential groups in modern country history, Rascal Flatts are a chart-topping trio created by vocalist Gary LeVox, multi-instrumentalist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney. Since their founding in 2000, they’ve cemented their place in music history with genre-crossing hits like breakout hit, “Prayin’ for Daylight,” “Bless The Broken Road,” “What Hurts the Most,” and “Life Is a Highway.” Together the Grand Ole Opry members have racked up 17 No. One hits, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads, and over 12 billion total lifetime streams, with 4.6 billion streams on Spotify alone, while also selling over 11 million concert tickets and earning more than 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, making them one of the most awarded country groups of the past two decades. Now emerging from hiatus with renewed passion, the trio has reunited to take care of unfinished business with their collaboration album LIFE IS A HIGHWAY: REFUELED DUETS, celebrating 25 years of hits and the impact of one of the most influential groups in country music.

SiriusXM Covers 2025 MLB All-Star Week with Live Broadcasts and Exclusive Braves Programming

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM Covers 2025 MLB All-Star Week with Live Broadcasts and Exclusive Braves Programming

SiriusXM will offer listeners nationwide coverage of the events of Major League Baseball’s 2025 All-Star Week, with live broadcasts of the 95th All-Star Game Presented by Mastercard, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the MLB Draft Presented by Nike, and more special programming from Atlanta, GA.

On Sunday, July 13, starting at 5pm ET, SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel will offer live coverage of the first round of the MLB Draft Presented by Nike, from the Coca-Cola Roxy in The Battery Atlanta. SiriusXM listeners will hear the live selections of every team in the first round. SiriusXM’s Dani Wexelman and Grant Paulsen will host alongside former MLB general managers Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette, two longtime pro personnel experts who will react to picks and share their analysis. 

For Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby, SiriusXM’s on-site programming from Truist Park will begin at 2 pm ET with a Media Day show hosted by Dani Wexelman, Jim Duquette and Grant Paulsen. At 5 pm ET Mike Ferrin, Jim Bowden and former big leaguer Cole Tucker will be on the field to host SiriusXM’s pre-game programming and interview many of the All-Stars in attendance. The MLB Network Radio channel will air ESPN Radio’s broadcast of the Home Run Derby starting at 8 pm ET.

On Tuesday, July 15, MLB Network Radio’s coverage of the MLB All-Star Game Presented by Mastercard begins at 5 pm ET with an MLB All-Star Pregame Show hosted by Mike Ferrin, Cole Tucker and Jim Duquette. Listeners will hear interviews with many of the coaches and players on the field at Truist Park The pre-game show will lead into ESPN Radio’s play-by-play broadcast of the All-Star Game starting at 8 pm ET.

Beyond the special coverage of these All-Star Weekend events, MLB Network Radio offers baseball fans a daily lineup of MLB talk 365 days a year, featuring shows hosted by former players, managers, front office executives and other baseball insiders. The exclusive 24/7 channel is available to listeners nationwide in their cars on channel 89 and on the SiriusXM app: https://sxm.app.link/MLBonSXM.

In honor of the Midsummer Classic being played in Atlanta, MLB Network Radio will also be re-airing three Atlanta Braves-themed episodes of “The Road to Cooperstown” podcast, which is a collaboration between SiriusXM and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Listeners will hear in-depth conversations between SiriusXM host Jon Morosi and legendary Braves John Smoltz, Chipper Jones and Tom Glavine as they share memories from their extraordinary lives and careers on their journey to the Hall of Fame.

Post-Punk Project The Sick Man Of Europe Shares “Sanguine” Video Ahead of UK and EU Tour

Eric Alper
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Post-Punk Project The Sick Man Of Europe Shares “Sanguine” Video Ahead of UK and EU Tour

Following the release of the debut self-titled album, which came recently on The Leaf Label, The Sick Man of Europe shares new video for album standout track “Sanguine”. The Sick Man of Europe is also set to play a headline London show at The George Tavern on July 8th with other dates to follow later this year.

On the track, The Sick Man of Europe said “‘Sanguine’ touches on the idea of ‘self-realisation’. It occupies those moments where the fever dream shatters and every possible action seems wrong. Wracked with doubt – can the body shift towards an alternative?”

Emerging from London’s underground music scene, The Sick Man Of Europe is distinctly monochrome in its outlook. Each note counts in this climate, economical but played with absolute precision and conviction. Propelled forward by machines and seeking solace in repetition. The same fears. Looking for answers or something to believe in, but finding more questions in an age of absolute

The Sick Man Of Europe demo tape arrived in a brown manila envelope accompanied by a short typewritten letter. Information was limited but what was clear, from the name, the imagery and typography, right through to the music – the project arrived almost fully formed. Minimal, but with a strong eye for the right detail.

On the eponymous debut album, that eye is focussed firmly on the battle between the internal and the external; the tensions between human identity, technological advancement and the pursuit of meaning in the modern world. “Where does the machine end and humanity begin?” TSMOE asks. “Can we transform ourselves in an increasingly impersonal world? Every day we feel the pressure to adapt and fit in, but that’s often at odds with our need for solitude and self-reflection. That’s where this record comes from.”

The Sick Man Of Europe name connects the current post-Brexit landscape to the austerity of Thatcherite Britain and the social conditions that shaped the likes of Bauhaus and Joy Division. These are touchstones for TSMOE, but the influence and discipline of Neu!, Suicide and Swans are just as intrinsic to the sound.

Produced as a reaction to previous musical projects, TSMOE was looking for clarity and complete control in its creative endeavours. It’s consciously anti-rock in its recorded approach – no low-end bass guitar, minimal effects and no live drums. Dedication to the craft of focussed song writing rather than attempting to follow current production trends.

Lead single “Obsolete” was the first track produced under these self-imposed restrictions.

“There’s nothing more human than the fear of the inevitable and we’re reminded of it everywhere we look,” TSMOE explains.

“As the relentless pace of progress takes over, everything we’ve ever made is retired so quickly in the name of endless growth. At what point do we become obsolete?”

The term ‘the sick man Of Europe’ has been associated with many nations over the years, having first been coined by Tsar Nicholas I to describe the Ottoman Empire in 1833, and has been used more recently as a label for the UK, Greece and Germany. It means something different depending on when and where you grew up, and the music of TSMOE holds that same ambiguous power. The debut album is a timely release as cold war maps are re-drawn and geopolitical tensions ramp up. TSMOE is a global citizen of an increasingly fractured world.

The Sick Man Of Europe will be released on black vinyl and as a limited edition of 300 on ‘Sanguine Red’ vinyl for sale through indie shops and on Bandcamp. The album follows the release of the Moderate Air Quality EP on cassette in February, and the EP tracks are included on the CD version of the album.

The Sick Man Of Europe accompanied Snapped Ankles on their recent UK tour, and will be performing widely over the course of this year with more dates to be announced soon.

Tour dates

Tue 8 Jul – The George Tavern, London, UK

Fri 25 Jul – Deer Shed Festival, North Yorkshire, UK

Sat 2 Aug – Multitude Festival, Milton Keynes, UK

Sat 30 Aug – Manchester Psych Fest, Manchester, UK

Wed 1 Oct – The Attic, Leeds, UK

Thu 2 Oct – The Golden Lion, Todmorden, UK

Fri 3 Oct – The Flying Duck, Glasgow, UK

Sat 4 Oct – Zerox, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Sat 18 Oct – Sŵn Festival, Cardiff, UK

Thu 23 Oct – Left Of The Dial Festival, Rotterdam, NETHERLANDS

Sat 8 Nov – Simple Things Festival, Bristol, UK

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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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