Home Blog Page 543

Morgan Wade’s “East Coast” Marks a Bold New Chapter in Country Storytelling

Eric Alper
-
0
Morgan Wade’s “East Coast” Marks a Bold New Chapter in Country Storytelling

Morgan Wade has released her brand new single “East Coast.” Showcasing Morgan’s songwriting prowess, the new single is a masterclass in storytelling and sentiment. The deeply reflective ballad gives listeners a taste of what’s to come from the country singer, solidifying her staying power in the genre and a major artist-to-watch. A fan favorite during her live shows across the country, the single finally arrives alongside an accompanying music video, aptly filmed on the coastline with powerful imagery.

An exploration of heartbreak and loss, “East Coast” chronicles the fallout of a former love and grapples with the feelings of darkness that accompany it. “I’m gonna drive to the coast/Drown myself in the sea,” Morgan laments, “You know I love you most/But you took the life out of me.” With lyrical depth and powerful vocals, Morgan perfectly captures the enduring pain of moving on from a past relationship.

“East Coast” is Morgan’s first look at her forthcoming new music and follows her most recent album, Obsessed, released late last year. The project arrived as a solo-written opus, which No Depression celebrated, “She’s without a doubt one of the finest singers in country and Americana music today, and this album is her best yet.” The 14-track LP pared things back to the essence of who she is as a musician, storyteller, and human. Obsessed followed her debut Reckless (which Rolling Stone declared the Best Country Album of the Year upon release) and sophomore effort Psychopath, which was spotlighted by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, People, Tennessean, Variety, and many more.

John Street and Oskar Cox Jensen’s “Our Subversive Voice” Explores 500 Years of English Protest Songs

Eric Alper
-
0
John Street and Oskar Cox Jensen’s “Our Subversive Voice” Explores 500 Years of English Protest Songs

Whether accompanying a march, a sit-in, or a confrontation with police, songs and protest are inextricably linked. As a tool for political activism, the protest song spells out the issues at the heart of each cause. Over a surprisingly long history, it has been used to spread ideas, inspire political imagination, and motivate political action.

The protest song is – and has always been – a form of political oratory as vital to political representation as it is to performance. Investigating five centuries of English history, Our Subversive Voice establishes that the protest song is not merely the preserve of singer-songwriters; it is a mode of political communication that has been used to confront many systems of oppression across its many genres, from street ballads to art song, grime to hymns, and music hall to punk. Our Subversive Voice traces the history of the protest song, examines its rhetorical forms, and explores the conditions of its genesis. It recounts how these songs have addressed discrimination and inequality, exploitation and the environment, and immigration and identity, and how institutions and organizations have sought both to facilitate and to suppress them. Drawing on a large and diverse corpus of songwriters, this book argues that song does more than accompany protest: it choreographs and communicates it.

The protest song, Our Subversive Voice shows, is an enduring, affecting, and effective means of expression and an essential element in understanding the drive to create political change, in the past and for the future.

‘One Foot on the Platform’ Captures Peter Goddard’s Legendary Rock Criticism

Eric Alper
-
0
‘One Foot on the Platform’ Captures Peter Goddard’s Legendary Rock Criticism

The final word from one of popular music’s greatest critics.

In the summer of 2020, acclaimed music critic and journalist Peter Goddard began work on a new book that would take readers on a journey back through his fifty-plus years spent writing professionally about rock music and the musical styles circling it—everything from blues and jazz to country and classical. His plan was to revisit his old haunts and their habitués, scenes and figures he first wrote about starting in the mid-1960s when he became Canada’s first on-staff popular music critic, to show how ongoing revisions continually reframe first impressions.

Tragically, Goddard died in 2022 before work on the manuscript was complete. But many of the core essays—on Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, the Who, k.d. lang, David Bowie, Liza Minelli, The Band, Neil Diamond, and others—are here. Accompanying these new essays is a collection of some of the best writing of Goddard’s career—ranging from interviews with B. B. King, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Janis Joplin to reviews of classic albums by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Neil Young, to close readings of Leonard Cohen, Anne Murray, Led Zeppelin, and Gordon Lightfoot. Taken as a whole, One Foot on the Platform represents more than fifty years of thought and writing by one of Canada’s foremost cultural critics.

Conan O’Brien Unleashes Comic Chaos on Space Ghost Coast to Coast

Eric Alper
-
0
Conan O’Brien Unleashes Comic Chaos on Space Ghost Coast to Coast

Before podcasting royalty and late-night dominance, Conan O’Brien lent his voice to the surreal brilliance of Space Ghost Coast to Coast. This raw behind-the-scenes clip captures his signature absurdity and fast-talking wit in full form — a cult classic moment from a cult classic show.












Flashback Fun: ‘Fun Rock’ Compilation Spins the Best of Novelty and Nostalgia

Eric Alper
-
0
Flashback Fun: ‘Fun Rock’ Compilation Spins the Best of Novelty and Nostalgia

Relive the golden age of novelty and feel-good rock with Fun Rock, the 1986 compilation from Heartland Music and Warner Special Products. Featuring hits like “Wooly Bully,” “Tequila,” and “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah,” this four-LP set is pure retro joy with a wild streak — perfect for collectors or anyone craving a dose of pure musical fun.












Frank Zappa’s 1968 Whisky a Go Go Show Restored With Audio

Eric Alper
-
0
Frank Zappa’s 1968 Whisky a Go Go Show Restored With Audio

Shot on July 23, 1968, this rare 16mm footage of Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at the Whisky a Go Go has been fully restored and synced to new 2023 audio mixes. It’s the first time this performance has been experienced as intended — a historic moment Zappa himself never lived to witness.












Folk Icons and New Voices Shine in 2024 Philadelphia Folk Festival Lineup

Eric Alper
-
0
Folk Icons and New Voices Shine in 2024 Philadelphia Folk Festival Lineup

The 62nd Philadelphia Folk Festival is excited to announce the complete lineup of artists performing on the Main Stage Evening Concerts during the weekend of August 15-17 at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township. Newly added artists include Alejandro Escovedo; Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole; Eileen Ivers; The Gibson Brothers; The Lee Boys; and Ordinary Elephant. Veteran Philadelphia area singer-songwriter, John Flynn, will emcee the Main Stage for the festival weekend as well as perform.

The festival also features a special Thursday Night Concert Just for Campers on August 14 with a lineup announcement in July.  

These artists join previously announced Main Stage Evening Concert performers Alison Brown; American Patchwork Quartet; The April Fools: David Buskin, Robin Batteau, Christine Lavin, John Forster, and Carla Ulbrich; David Jacobs-Strain and Bob Beach; John Gorka; John McCutcheon; John Moreland; Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley; Robin & Linda Williams; Solas; SONiA disappear fear; Tim O’Brien with Jan Fabricius; and Vanessa Collier. The festival will also feature performances by Ben de la Cour; Brittany Ann Tranbaugh; Cloudbelly; Elijah Wald; Goldpine; Jesse Terry; The Kennedys; Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise; Larry Ahearn; Lili Anel; Max Davey; Reggie Harris; and Sam Robbins. More performers will continue to be announced leading up to the festival.

The Philadelphia Folk Festival is presented by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the past, promoting the present, and securing the future of folk music and related forms of expression through education, presentation, and participation.
 

The Philadelphia Folk Festival fosters music discovery in a safe and family-friendly setting with camping, food trucks, crafts, and a variety of activities for all ages. Educational workshops and Dulcimer Grove (specifically designed for the youngest attendees of the festival) will offer enrichment and more enjoyment of the weekend.

 
The Philadelphia Folk Festival’s legacy includes a multi-generational audience who make returning to the farm each summer an annual event. Longtime gate volunteer Julie Leinhauser says, “I have been coming to Fest since I was three months old, and my family has been involved for decades — my main gate family and my campsite family, who are truly my closest friends and a part of my family. My dad hasn’t missed a festival in the last 50 years. During the dark pandemic days my fest family and friends from the Folk Fest became even more like family. We celebrated, laughed, and cried together. We kept each other going. I am so grateful for the people and good times this festival has brought into my life.”
 

Bluegrass Trailblazers Sister Sadie Release Soul-Stirring Album ‘All Will Be Well’

Eric Alper
-
0
Bluegrass Trailblazers Sister Sadie Release Soul-Stirring Album ‘All Will Be Well’

Today, Nashville’s GRAMMY-nominated all-female bluegrass band Sister Sadie release their highly anticipated fourth studio album, All Will Be Well, their second release for preeminent bluegrass label Mountain Home Music Company.

Sister Sadie broke new ground with a somber yet uplifting exorcism of the generational trauma of domestic abuse on their recent single, “Let The Circle Be Broken,” a song the group’s co-founder Deanie Richardson says is “about that generational trauma and abuse that keeps getting passed down. The continuing of that trauma and abuse stops with me. It doesn’t go any further.”

The band has been releasing singles since the debut of the title track the week of the 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association awards — where they added to their collection with trophies for Richardson (Fiddle Player of the Year) and singer/guitarist Jaelee Roberts (Female Vocalist of the Year) — and receiving high acclaim from bluegrass radio, media and fans alike.

“The sounds on this record are heavily influenced by the recent resurgence of the 90’s country sound we all love so much,” says guitarist/vocalist Dani Flowers, who co-wrote more than half of the album’s songs, “along with the bluegrass instrumentation that has brought us where we are today. From the studio to the stage, the songs from this record have brought us back to life and connected us to each other in brand new ways.”

Drawing on an array of musical supporters ranging from brand new Grand Ole Opry member Steve Earle, who turns in an empathetic harmony vocal on “I Wish It Would Rain,” to legends like pedal steeler Russ Pahl and keyboard player Catherine Marx, to world-class colleagues like guitarist Seth Taylor (Dailey & Vincent, Post Malone), multi-instrumentalist Mary Meyer and drummer Dave Racine, All Will Be Well features compelling arrangements that place unbounded virtuosity at the service of a collection of songs as strong as any emerging from Music Row.

“This record takes you on a musical/emotional journey,” says Richardson. “This has been one of my dream records to make. I love country music and bluegrass music. It’s the perfect combo of both. I am so proud of this record. I’m so proud of these ladies. This has also been the scariest record to put out. I have been in a lot of fear about the acceptance of this record from the Bluegrass world and the country world, and at the end of the day, it’s a damn good record and I love listening to it. I hope you do as well.”

“All Will Be Well is by far the most fun and most fulfilling recording experience I’ve had in my 15+ years in the music business,” says Flowers. “Each song was carefully selected. Some we poured pieces of our souls into, others we’ve loved for years and years — and we each deeply relate to every song.”

Adam Sandler Announces Massive “You’re My Best Friend” Comedy Tour

Eric Alper
-
0
Adam Sandler Announces Massive “You’re My Best Friend” Comedy Tour

Following successful sold-out performances in 2022 and 2023, critically acclaimed comedian Adam Sandler announces his new tour – the You’re My Best Friend Tour. Promoted by Live Nation, the fall 2025 arena tour will bring Sandler to more than 30 cities across North America, kicking off September 5 in Jacksonville, FL, and making stops in markets including New York, Toronto, Chicago, Indianapolis, Omaha, and Seattle.

TICKETS:  Tickets will be available starting with Live Nation & various venue presales beginning today at 12 PM local time. All presales end Thursday, June 26 at 10 PM local time. The general on sale begins Friday, June 27 at 12 PM local time at Ticketmaster.com

ADAM SANDLER: YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND TOUR DATES

Fri Sep 05 – Jacksonville, FL – Vystar Memorial *

Sat Sep 06 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena *

Sun Sep 07 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center *

Mon Sep 08 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena *

Wed Sep 10 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena

Thu Sep 11 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center

Fri Sep 12 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena

Sat Sep 13 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

Mon Sep 15 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Tue Sep 16 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena – CO-PRO

Wed Sep 17 – Syracuse, NY – Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial

Fri Sep 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

Sat Sep 20 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

Sun Sep 21 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

Fri Sep 26 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena*

Sat Sep 27 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

Sun Sep 28 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center

Tue Sep 30 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Sun Oct 05 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum

Mon Oct 06 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Sun Oct 12 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Mon Oct 13 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena

Tue Oct 14 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Wed Oct 15 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena

Thu Oct 16 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center

Fri Oct 17 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

Mon Oct 20 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Tue Oct 21 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Ohama

Sun Oct 26 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center

Mon Oct 27 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Arena

Tue Oct 28 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Wed Oct 29 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Fri Oct 31 – Las Vegas, NV – Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Sat Nov 01 – Las Vegas, NV – Fontainebleau Las Vegas

*Not a Live Nation Date

Adam Sandler needs no introduction, he has found enormous success as an actor, producer, musician, and writer.  His last tours in 2022 and 2023  were sold out.  The 2024 Netflix special Adam Sandler: Love You  was filmed over two days in sold-out concerts in Los Angeles. 100% Fresh, which was Sandler’s first comedy special in twenty years, was released by Netflix in 2018. Warner Bros Records also released the audio companions for both the Adam Sandler: I Love You special and 100% Fresh. On screen, audiences can see Sandler in the highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2 streaming on Netflix on July 25 and the upcoming Noah Baumbach film, Jay Kelly  this fall.

From Seoul to the World: 10 K-Pop Artists You Need to Know

Eric Alper
-
0
From Seoul to the World: 10 K-Pop Artists You Need to Know

What started in Seoul is now everywhere. K-Pop is a global cultural movement powered by jaw-dropping performances, tight choreography, and fandoms that could run entire countries. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive deep, there’s no better time to discover the artists redefining what pop music can be. Here are 10 K-Pop acts you need to know—each one a masterclass in music, performance, and connection.

1. BTS

The group that kicked down the doors for K-Pop globally. With poetic lyrics, social commentary, and stadium-shaking shows, BTS is the blueprint.

2. BLACKPINK

Part pop, part fashion empire, all attitude. With global hits and historic Coachella appearances, BLACKPINK has become a movement of its own.

3. EXO

Known for tight harmonies and sci-fi concepts, EXO ruled the 2010s and laid the groundwork for K-Pop’s global expansion.

4. TWICE

The queens of catchy choruses and bubbly visuals. Their relentless energy and multilingual success have made them fan favorites worldwide.

5. Stray Kids

Self-producing rebels with heart. Stray Kids mix rap, rock, and raw emotion into high-intensity bangers that go straight to the bloodstream.

6. SEVENTEEN

A 13-member group known for self-choreographed routines and musical diversity. If you want synchronized brilliance, start here.

7. ATEEZ

With pirate-themed beginnings and cinematic energy, ATEEZ is performance-driven K-Pop at its most theatrical and fierce.

8. NewJeans

Fresh, retro, and impossible to pin down. NewJeans brings ’90s R&B vibes to Gen Z cool, redefining what a K-Pop girl group can sound like.

9. ENHYPEN

Formed through a reality show and destined for arenas. ENHYPEN blends coming-of-age themes with high-concept storytelling.

10. LE SSERAFIM

Fearless and fashion-forward. LE SSERAFIM stands for strength and elegance, with bold songs about self-love and empowerment.

Want a starting point for the biggest musical wave in the world? Start with these 10 and prepare to fall hard down the rabbit hole.

1...542543544...3,042Page 543 of 3,042

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