Home Blog Page 535

Gregg Alexander Celebrates BMI Award for “Murder on the Dancefloor” Amid Resurgence, Reflection, and Rare New Radicals Footage

Eric Alper
-
0
Gregg Alexander Celebrates BMI Award for “Murder on the Dancefloor” Amid Resurgence, Reflection, and Rare New Radicals Footage

Last month New Radical Gregg Alexander was honored at the BMI Awards in Beverly Hills, CA for his work co-writing the iconic copyright, “Murder On The Dancefloor” .

The song was initially a global hit in 2001 for his co-writer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor on her LP Read My Lips, and reached #2 on the UK singles charts in 2002.  But last year it equaled its original chart position and saw a global resurgence due in large part to it being used in a pivotal scene, which Alexander coined to Billboard as the “sadly oft true to life” Saltburn. 

The song was also covered by Interscope Aussie indie duo Royel Otis. Their version hit #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and became one of Australia’s biggest songs of 2024, whilst sparking a global bidding war.

Alexander originally planned “Murder On The Dancefloor” to be the 1st single for his band’s critically acclaimed platinum debut, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed, Too.  But after writing “You Get What You Give” not only did “Murder” not become a single it was abandoned for inclusion on their debut LP.

But in March last year Alexander shared a snippet of his original “Murder On The Dancefloor” demo in a viral Guardian interview just before “soft releasing” his demo’s full length version on DSP’s in support of Kamala Harris the week she accepted the Chicago DNC Presidential nomination.  The song also honored Doug Emhoff and Michelle Obama both sharing “You Get What You Give” as their “walk on” music at the DNC‘s August, 2024 convention when they spoke in immediate succession.

This year’s BMI Award for “Murder On The Dancefloor” coincides with Alexander winning the rights organization’s coveted song of the year award two decades back for his Santana/Michelle Branch “The Game Of Love“, which also won a Grammy for best pop collaboration with vocals.  This year’s BMI song of the year winner was Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things”.

Alexander, who sadly lost his mom in March, was going through boxes and came upon a lost DVD of his band’s only live “hatless” performance of his mid 2000’s Santana classic. A song both Tina Turner and Macy Gray sang, and Michelle Branch won a Grammy for, but Gregg’s live version has never been seen online!

Says Alexander:  

“Sophie’s ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ resurgence tragically happened between 2024’s untimely passing of my dad in mid-May and the following March loss of my heartbroken mom, as often happens when a family caretaker spouse unexpectedly passes.  

“So after seven weeks by my mom’s hospital bedside, alongside “Unwritten” author and New Radical Danielle Brisebois and my big sister too, when the phone rang and BMI’s Barbara Cane surprised me “Murder” was winning a BMI award—-she also shared wise personal advice. 

“Which is: anyone hospitalized can hear and feel you are there! So they will benefit from their fave music playin’ and hearing words of support. So always speak aloud of life’s best memories— because your loved ones can still hear you amidst your love and eminent security!

“This inspired me to drive to Public Storage to sift through dozens of ‘boxes of memories.’  Like 80’s solo writing tapes and, to wax poetic, yoga-nurse bic pic lisa p GPP Municipal receipts!  90’s reels and ‘house bros’ played ‘Buisness!’  loan gestures!? Even 2000’s nut The Mob hoe ‘JT5 bus assault toys!’ Troll’s racist voicemail rolls from years of yore—that’s a quadruple rhyme!

“But most blessedly CD’s of mom’s fave 70’s Carpenters tunes to play her—instead of the heart wrenching tapes my retch sobbing dad made weeks before passing. To frankly shed light on the ‘disowned stalker heathen Aiuto,’ to quote my dad and means ‘Help in Italian!’, and those will shake down hour vids ghostwriters visits dad encountered last May.

“So when I stumbled upon a DVD of Dani and my only New Rad-era filmed “hatless” performance we felt a brief respite from those events. Us soon blastin’ music at BMI’s office whom christened it a sweet time capsule of my sarcastic “No Mayo!” mom’s fave song of mine, ‘The Game Of Love.’ 

“Watch in memoriam of last month being the one year mark of my lovably unique dad Tony’s passing.  And honoring now above much missed BMI CEO Frances W Preston!  And also with thanks for BMI’s current ‘sage advice’ VP Barbara Cane (and my greatly missed mum Sharon!) please watch New Rad’s one-off ‘dancin’ on the tables’ song of the year performance from two decades back.  To quote Adele, from ‘When we were young!'”

Tom Petty’s ‘Wildflowers’ Celebrated in Limited-Edition Book Featuring Rare Photos, Artifacts, and Signed Collectibles

Eric Alper
-
0
Tom Petty’s ‘Wildflowers’ Celebrated in Limited-Edition Book Featuring Rare Photos, Artifacts, and Signed Collectibles

Created in collaboration with the Tom Petty Estate, Genesis Publications presents Wildflowers, a landmark publication celebrating the creation of one of Tom Petty’s most beloved and enduring albums. Limited to just 1,500 numbered copies worldwide, every copy is signed by Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Published in the year of Tom Petty’s 75th birthday, Wildflowers invites readers into the studio, the songwriting process, and the mind of an artist at the peak of his creative powers.

Wildflowers features a rich collection of rare and previously unseen images. Photographer Robert Sebree, who was present throughout the sessions, captures the creative energy of the studio environment. His work is complemented by film stills from Martyn Atkins, taken during his time documenting the making of the album, and photography by Mark Seliger, who shot Tom Petty for his Rolling Stone cover shoot that accompanied the album’s release. Together, these images offer an intimate portrait of an artist deeply immersed in the act of creation.

The collection includes rare ephemera from the Petty archives-much of it previously unpublished-and brings together, for the first time in one volume, handwritten lyric sheets, setlists, guitar notes, recording track sheets, and studio documentation, many shown in facsimile. This material is complemented by newly commissioned photography of Tom Petty’s personal items from the era, including his Gibson Firebird Sunburst, Blonde ‘Toru’ Telecaster, Martin D-41, and the iconic Gibson SJ-200 Acoustic built for him during the Wildflowers sessions. Wardrobe pieces from the ‘You Don’t Know How It Feels’ music video and his Rolling Stone magazine cover shoot are also featured, along with much more-all photographed at the Clubhouse, the recording studio that served as the creative base for the making of Wildflowers.

At the heart of Wildflowers lies a deeply immersive manuscript, drawn from the original transcripts of the acclaimed documentary movie Somewhere You Feel Free. Presented for the first time in print, Wildflowers collates uncut interviews, extended commentary, and newly added reflections that together paint an intimate and revealing portrait of Tom Petty at a profoundly transformative moment in his life and career.

In addition to Tom Petty’s own words, the book features contributions from those who were in the room with him during the making of Wildflowers-Mike Campbell, George Drakoulias, Steve Ferrone, Adria Petty, Rick Rubin, Benmont Tench, and Alan ‘Bugs’ Weidel.

Spanning 240 pages, this extensive and revealing commentary offers a rare first-person account of Tom Petty’s emotional and creative journey. From writing and pre-production to recording with producer Rick Rubin and Heartbreakers bandmates Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, this is the definitive chronicle of one of the most revered albums in modern music.

Wildflowers is published in a limited edition of only 1,500 numbered copies worldwide, each hand signed by Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench.

Numbered 1 to 350, the Deluxe copies are quarter-bound in red vegan leather, featuring a debossed Wildflowers emblem and spine lettering. The padded cloth cover features an inset photograph of Tom Petty during the Wildflowers recording sessions, with foil-stamped lettering, and gold page edging. The limited edition is presented in a red clamshell box, die-stamped with the Wildflowers emblem and finished with white and gold foiling. The interior lining is screen-printed with a design based on the grill cloth of Tom Petty’s VOX amp.

Three art prints are additionally included: a reproduction of the original Dogs With Wings sketch, a photographic print of Tom’s Martin D41 guitar and jacket, pictured at the Clubhouse, and a specially created collage of film stills shot during the album’s recording, exclusive to the Deluxe copies. The prints are individually numbered, stamped, and are suitable for framing (size: 203mm x 254mm / 8″ x 10″).

Finally, exclusive to the Deluxe copies, is an enamel pin badge, similar to a badge of Elvis Presley that Tom Petty wore at this time, as well as a Dogs With Wings bandana.

Numbered 351 to 1,500, the Collector copies are quarter-bound in red vegan leather, featuring a debossed Wildflowers emblem and spine lettering. The cover is screen-printed with a photograph of Tom Petty taken during the Wildflowers recording sessions, with foil-stamped lettering, and gold page edging. The limited edition is presented in a red clamshell box, die-stamped with the Wildflowers emblem and finished with white and gold foiling. The interior lining is screen-printed with a design based on the grill cloth of Tom Petty’s VOX amp.

Two art prints are additionally included: a reproduction of the original Dogs With Wings sketch, and a photographic print of Tom’s Martin D41 guitar and jacket, pictured at the Clubhouse. The prints are individually numbered, stamped, and are suitable for framing (size: 203mm x 254mm / 8″ x 10″).

Both edition includes exact replicas of the following items from the Tom Petty archives: a Wildflowers guitar sticker, as featured on Tom Petty’s ‘Torucaster’, three guitar picks, and one satin and one laminate pass from the Dogs With Wings tour. Pre-order here

Gibson Honors Black Sabbath With SG Guitar Auction at Historic Heavy Metal Concert ‘Back to the Beginning’

Eric Alper
-
0
Gibson Honors Black Sabbath With SG Guitar Auction at Historic Heavy Metal Concert ‘Back to the Beginning’

Over the past 130 years, the groundbreaking instruments from Gibson have been the catalyst for some of the loudest and most powerful moments in rock. The iconic instrument brand is beyond proud to partner with the historic forthcoming Back to the Beginning show–the long-awaited, one-night-only all-star concert on Saturday July 5, at Villa Park in Birmingham–marking the first performance in over 20 years of the original Black Sabbath lineup: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.

Gibson will donate two Gibson SG Standard guitars–the world-famous guitar model beloved by Tony Iommi–which will be signed by the artists backstage at ‘Back to the Beginning.’ Music fans worldwide will have the chance to bid on these one-of-a-kind signed guitars during the high-profile charity auction live at www.ozzyauction.co.uk, which will run only until 10pm on Sunday, July 6. All proceeds from the auction will be shared equally between three causes close to the Osbourne family’s heart: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

“It’s an honor to pay tribute to Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath, and it’s back to the beginning for me as well,” says Cesar Gueikian, President and CEO of Gibson. “I started playing guitar because of Black Sabbath and Tony’s riffs. Tony is ‘THE RIFFLORD’ and the bands paying tribute to Black Sabbath on this epic day owe a great deal to them for paving the way for heavy metal. I am deeply honored to call Tony my friend, my adopted godfather, and to have had the chance to collaborate with him at Gibson and on the single ‘Deconstruction,’ co-written with Serj Tankian. I wouldn’t be at Gibson without that moment when I was 10 years old, when after discovering Black Sabbath, my life in music unfolded from that point onward. All of us at Gibson are proud to be playing a part in this epic last show and going back to where everything began for Black Sabbath!”

Alongside the Gibson SG Standard guitars, Gibson will also be present backstage with a selection of guitars, as well as an interactive experiences and a photo booth with Indian Motorcycles as part of the unforgettable backstage environment available for the performers, VIP guests, and industry legends.

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate a defining moment in rock and roll history while supporting three life-changing charities. Every bid placed will directly help fund vital research, care and support for those who need it most. Fans interested in bidding on the Gibson SG guitars, or other items in the Back to the Beginning charity auction, can find more details at: www.ozzyauction.co.uk

Gibson is backstage at Back to The Beginning getting these epic guitars signed by the icons themselves. The final reveal of all signatures on the guitars above will drop on Sunday, July 6 – stay tuned at: https://www.ozzyauction.co.uk/.

The Gibson SG Standard rocks the classic looks and features associated with the late-60s-style SG™ models so many players love. A solid mahogany body provides the backbone for singing sustain, while a rounded profile mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard deliver a comfortable playing experience across all 22 frets. A long tenon 19th fret neck joint enhances resonance, making it ideal for everything from vintage blues to modern high-gain solos. In the electronics department, the 490R (neck) and 490T (bridge) Alnico 2 humbuckers™ produce a versatile range of tones. Their clear, balanced output can easily cover a wide range of genres-softening nicely for warm clean passages and roaring to life when pushing an amp into overdrive.

Dedicated volume and tone controls, along with a 3-way toggle switch, offer quick access to any sound you need. Visually, a black 5-ply full-face pickguard sets this SG Standard apart from other models, and chrome-finished hardware adds a timeless touch. Grover® Rotomatic® tuners keep tuning precise, while the aluminum Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece ensure reliable intonation. Rounded out by black Top Hat knobs with silver reflectors, this SG Standard captures the look and spirit of Gibson’s classic late-60s design. A soft shell guitar case is also included, providing convenient protection whether you’re heading to rehearsal or hitting the road.

If you’re in search of an iconic, no-nonsense rock machine with a heritage that spans decades, the Gibson SG Standard stands ready to deliver.

Payment for this item will be taken and paid directly to the charities. A member of the team will inform you of your winning bid and supply payment details. Subject to availability.

Back to the Beginning marks the historic return of the original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – performing together for the first time in 20 years. The all-star celebration of heavy metal’s founding fathers will see Ozzy take to the stage for a short solo set before reuniting with Black Sabbath for his final ever performance, making this one of the most significant live music events of the decade.

Ozzy said “It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born. How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”

Formed in Birmingham in 1968, Black Sabbath went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling over 75 million albums and defining a genre. Music Director Tom Morello has described Back to the Beginning as “the greatest heavy metal show ever.”

The event will also feature performances from Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Gojira, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, Anthrax and Mastodon. A supergroup of legendary musicians will also take to the stage, with confirmed artists including Billy Corgan, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Slash, Frank Bello, Fred Durst, Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis, KK Downing, Lzzy Hale, Mike Bordin, Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian, Sleep Token ii, Papa V Perpetua, Tom Morello, and Zakk Wylde.

Taking place on Saturday, 5 July, at Villa Park in Black Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham, Back to the Beginning is a landmark celebration of the band’s groundbreaking legacy and their enduring influence on rock and metal music. Featuring sets from iconic bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon, as well as a supergroup of famous musicians from across the world, the show will mark the historic stage return for the original four members as Ozzy Osbourne performs a short solo set before joining Black Sabbath for his final bow.

Nicki Bluhm Blends Folk-Rock and Psychedelic Soul on New Album ‘Rancho Deluxe’

Eric Alper
-
0
Nicki Bluhm Blends Folk-Rock and Psychedelic Soul on New Album ‘Rancho Deluxe’

Today, Nicki Bluhm has announced her eighth studio album Rancho Deluxe, due out October 3. A musical patchwork quilt that captures Nashville’s collaborative spirit, Rancho Deluxe finds Bluhm reflecting on well-earned lessons from nearly two decades in the music business. Along with the announcement, Bluhm shares her infectious new single “Cumberland Banks.” Laced with banjo (played by Mumford & Sons’ Matt Mennefee) and dobro (played by Greensky Bluegrass’ Anders Beck), it’s a nod to her new home down South inspired by her time touring with the celebrated bluegrass group The Infamous Stringdusters.

Bluhm on the new song: “Canoeing down the Cumberland River was a favorite pastime of ours, until the day we found ourselves huddled under a bridge fearing for our lives in the midst of a Tennessee thunderstorm. This song is that story told in the form of a late-night summertime John Hartford and Roger Miller pick-along.”

Recorded as live takes over just five days, Rancho Deluxe takes its name from the Nashville home studio that Bluhm assembled with her co-writer, producer and partner Jesse Noah Wilson. Joined by first-rate musicians Kai Welch (Kacey Musgraves), Jess Nolan (Jenny Lewis) and Cameron Neal (Elle King, Shakey Graves), together they pulled from a swirl of influences, including folk-rock, western psychedelia and ‘60s West Coast soul music. The end result features songs that are rooted in resilience, relaxation and the relationships she’s built with like-minded collaborators.

“This is a harvest record,” shares Bluhm. “It’s a collection of the fruits of my labor. I’ve taken all these life lessons and experiences, and I’ve learned from them. Jesse and I have an amazing arsenal of friends and family that we recruited to play on the record, and that interplay lends itself to a freedom in the studio. We were focused on catching the moment, being in the room together, and experiencing something communally.”

Rancho Deluxe follows Bluhm’s 2023 Cher tribute album, The Beat Goes On, and her 2022 original LP Avondale Drive which was met with acclaim from Relix, PopMatters, The Bluegrass Situation and Americana UK who raved, “Nicki Bluhm might have invented a whole new genre of music with her latest solo album.”

Over the years the San Francisco native has toured with the likes of Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, sharing the stage with the same icons who have helped inspire her trademark mix of rock, California country and hippie soul. Full of that independent spirit, Rancho Deluxe ultimately shows that Bluhm couldn’t be any less interested in the rat race of the music industry these days. Instead, she’s doubling down on what — and who — she really loves. “I’m growing, I’m reflecting, and I’m recalibrating,” she says. “I’m forging ahead in a new way, but doing it on my own terms this time.”

Bluhm is currently on the road this summer including a stop in San Francisco on July 31 for The Heart of Town, a special three-night concert series celebrating the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary. In September, Bluhm will be performing at AmericanaFest in Nashville – see below for a full list of dates or visit her website.

Rancho Deluxe:

1. Bay Laurel Leaves

2. Tumbleweed

3. Falling Out Of Dreams

4. Keep On Growing

5. Cumberland Banks

6. Change The Channel

7. Simple Side Of Me

8. Trying To Survive

9. Taking Chances

10. Long Time To Make Old Friends

Tour Dates:

July 11-12 – Nashville, TN @ Celebration of Summer Jam at Watkins Glen – Analog at Hutton Hotel

uly 31 – San Francisco, CA @ The Heart of Town – Pier 48 in Mission Rock

August 14 – Park City, UT @ Park City Song Summit

August 17 – Truckee, UT @ Terrapin Roadshow at Truckee – Salty Gebhardt Amphitheater

September 10 – Nashville, TN @ AmericanaFest – The 5 Spot

September 12-14 – Jackson, WY @ Horseshoe Music Festival

Blues-Rock Fans Can Win a Genre-Defining Cruise With Joe Bonamassa and Friends

Eric Alper
-
0
Blues-Rock Fans Can Win a Genre-Defining Cruise With Joe Bonamassa and Friends

Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA), the nonprofit founded by blues-rock icon Joe Bonamassa, is excited to announce its latest sweepstakes: a chance to win an extraordinary musical adventure aboard the sold-out Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Alaska cruise. This unique floating music festival will sail from Seattle, WA, to Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, BC, aboard Norwegian Jade from September 15 to 21, 2025. The sweepstakes is now open through July 18th, 2025, with the winner announced on July 25. For more information, visit HERE.

Music lovers can enter by donating to KTBA – with every $25 donation earning 10 entries and unlimited chances to win. All proceeds directly benefit KTBA’s mission to fund music education programs, scholarships, and resources for schools in need across the U.S. Since 2011, KTBA has impacted more than 110,000 students by helping sustain the art of music in schools.

The Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Alaska cruise will feature performances by Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Little Feat, Marc Broussard, The Record Company, The Heavy Heavy, Shemekia Copeland, and many more, offering six days of world-class music, intimate collaborations, and specially curated activities in a breathtaking setting.

The Grand Prize Package (Valued at $10,484):

    One balcony cabin for two aboard the KTBA at Sea Alaska Cruise (includes taxes, fees, and gratuities)
    $1,000 travel stipend
    Meet and greet with Joe Bonamassa for two
    Spa experience certificate
    Dinner for two at a fine dining restaurant aboard the ship
    $50 festival merchandise voucher

The sweepstakes comes amid a season of exciting milestones for Bonamassa. His highly anticipated new album Breakthrough, arrives July 18th via J&R Adventures, featuring recent singles including the title track “Breakthrough,” the soulful anthem “Still Walking With Me,” the moody “Shake This Ground,” and the high-energy rocker “Trigger Finger,” released just last week. The album reflects Bonamassa’s most genre-blending and ambitious work yet, crafted across sessions in Greece, Egypt, Nashville, and Los Angeles.

On the road, Bonamassa just wrapped a successful European tour with Black Country Communion and is gearing up for his European summer run, with shows at iconic venues including Montreux Jazz Festival, Bospop, and more. His U.S. summer tour kicks off July 31st at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, with stops at Red Rocks, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and two fall dates in Chicago supporting The Who, plus more shows at major venues across the country.

Since its inception in 2011, KTBA has impacted over 110,000 students across the U.S. by funding music programs, scholarships, and grants. The foundation expanded its mission in 2020 with the Fueling Musicians Program, offering financial relief to musicians facing hardship. To date, KTBA has raised over $2.7 million in support of music education and artist aid.

For sweepstakes details, official rules, and to make a donation for your chance to win, visit https://joeb.me/2025AlaskaSweeps. For more information on Joe Bonamassa’s music, tour dates, and upcoming album, visit jbonamassa.com.

10 Modern Folk Artists You Need to Hear Right Now

Eric Alper
-
0
10 Modern Folk Artists You Need to Hear Right Now

Folk music was never just about banjos and ballads — it’s about truth. And today’s folk artists are carrying that torch with brilliance, honesty, and raw emotional power. From viral storytellers to genre-benders, these 10 modern folk voices are making the old new again — and reminding us that the most powerful songs often come from the quietest places.

Brandi Carlile
A powerhouse of harmony and heartache, Brandi’s voice carries generations of pain and hope. Folk, rock, country — she makes it all feel intimate.

Gregory Alan Isakov
If stardust had a soundtrack, it would sound like Isakov. His songs float between the terrestrial and the celestial — like a diary you forgot you wrote.

Hozier
Yes, that Hozier. Behind the hits is a deeply literary folk songwriter pulling from blues, gospel, and myth. Lush, layered, and lyrically loaded.

Iron & Wine
Whispered vocals, rich acoustic textures, and poetry for the soul — Sam Beam’s work is a masterclass in quiet resonance.

John Dawson
With “Mend In My Ways,” and so many others, Dawson offers a reckoning. Every line is etched with regret, humility, and love rediscovered. He doesn’t sing at you — he sings with you, side by side, because he gets it.

Kelsey Waldon
Grounded in Kentucky dirt, Kelsey’s music is steeped in truth. Her voice carries Appalachian grit and modern reflection in equal measure.

Leyla McCalla
A cellist, folklorist, and former Carolina Chocolate Drop, McCalla reclaims folk with Haitian roots and historical resonance. Every song is a lesson and a gift.

Sufjan Stevens
He turned banjo ballads into sacred text. Whether chronicling states or grief, Sufjan’s work redefines intimacy in folk-pop.

The Milk Carton Kids
Two guitars, two voices, infinite beauty. Their stripped-down sound and tight harmonies harken back to Simon & Garfunkel with a twist of wry humor.

Waxahatchee
Katie Crutchfield’s raw lyricism and Americana-soaked melodies cut through the noise. A modern folk icon with punk heart and Southern soul.

10 Essential Tips for Building a Social Media Studio at Home

Eric Alper
-
0
10 Essential Tips for Building a Social Media Studio at Home

Want to create scroll-stopping content without leaving your house? With a few smart investments and a little DIY magic, your home can become the ultimate social media studio. Whether you’re a TikToker, YouTuber, or just love the glow of a ring light, here are 10 tips to level up your space and make every post pop.

1. Find Your Light
Natural light is gold, but if the sun’s not cooperating, invest in a good ring light or LED panel. Lighting sets the tone — literally.

2. Pick a Quiet Spot
Choose a room with minimal echo and outside noise. Add a rug, curtains, or foam panels to absorb sound and keep things crisp.

3. Set Up a Solid Background
A clean background matters. Try a solid wall, curated shelf, or a green screen if you want to edit in post — just don’t forget to tidy up.

4. Use a Tripod or Mount
No more shaky hands. A reliable tripod (or phone clamp) keeps your camera steady, your angles consistent, and your content looking polished.

5. Upgrade Your Mic
Audio matters more than you think. Grab a lav mic or a small condenser mic to ensure your voice comes through loud, clear, and scroll-worthy.

6. Control the Clutter
A tidy setup means less editing later. Keep cords managed, props minimal, and everything you need within arm’s reach.

7. Master Your Framing
Rule of thirds. Headroom. Eye level. Learn the basics of composition to instantly improve how you appear on camera.

8. Test Before You Shoot
Always do a quick test run — lighting, sound, camera angle. You’ll catch weird shadows, low batteries, and accidental bedhead before it’s too late.

9. Use Apps Like Canva
Level up your visuals with free tools like Canva. From thumbnails to Reels templates, the right design app makes your content look pro.

10. Be Yourself, But Louder
The best studio setup means nothing without personality. Let your energy fill the space — it’s your studio, your voice, your stage.

10 Powerful Songs About the Environment to Spin on International Plastic Bag Free Day

Eric Alper
-
0
10 Powerful Songs About the Environment to Spin on International Plastic Bag Free Day

July 3 is International Plastic Bag Free Day — a reminder to ditch disposables and sing along with artists who’ve raised their voices for the Earth. These 10 environmental anthems remind us why the fight to protect our planet matters — and why music might just be one of its greatest allies.

“Big Yellow Taxi” – Joni Mitchell
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot — Joni’s iconic warning about environmental destruction still rings true decades later. A catchy chorus, a chilling truth.

“Earth Song” – Michael Jackson
What about elephants? What about rain? Michael’s powerful ballad channels spiritual grief for a planet slipping away in silence.

“It’s Not Easy Being Green” – Kermit the Frog
Yes, the Muppet classic — but behind the felt is a song about embracing nature and identity. It’s heartfelt, simple, and strangely perfect for today.

“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” – Marvin Gaye
Pollution, radiation, oil spills — Marvin Gaye saw the writing on the wall in 1971. A soulful plea for a cleaner, safer Earth.

“Beds Are Burning” – Midnight Oil
The land belongs to the First Nations — and Midnight Oil made sure the world heard it. A fierce political and ecological anthem with stadium-sized urgency.

“My City Was Gone” – The Pretenders
Strip malls and highways swallowed hometown memories. Chrissie Hynde’s song mourns the loss of nature to unchecked development.

“No More Plastic” – The 1975
A spoken word piece with climate activist Greta Thunberg at the helm — an urgent wake-up call in the form of indie minimalism.

“Pollution” – Tom Lehrer
Witty, sarcastic, and depressingly accurate — Tom Lehrer’s satire on smog, sludge, and waste might make you laugh before it makes you cry.

“Rainforest” – Paul Hardcastle
An instrumental groove with a message in its name. Smooth jazz meets soundscape tribute to endangered ecosystems.

“Where Do the Children Play?” – Cat Stevens
Can progress coexist with preservation? Cat Stevens wonders if bulldozers and highways have left any room for future generations to dream.

The Turtles’ Isolated “Happy Together” Vocals Are Pure Sunshine

Eric Alper
-
0
The Turtles’ Isolated “Happy Together” Vocals Are Pure Sunshine

You don’t know harmony until you hear The Turtles’ “Happy Together” vocals in total isolation. Stripped of everything but pure melody, this version lets you feel every ounce of joy, longing, and sunshine from 1967. Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon wrote it, but The Turtles lived it — and this video proves why it went #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Press play and get happy.












1...534535536...3,030Page 535 of 3,030

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper