Home Blog Page 548

Jordan Davis Previews ‘Learn The Hard Way’ With New Single ‘Turn This Truck Around’ Ahead of Fall Tour

Eric Alper
-
0
Jordan Davis Previews ‘Learn The Hard Way’ With New Single ‘Turn This Truck Around’ Ahead of Fall Tour

Multi-platinum award-winning singer/songwriter Jordan Davis released new track “Turn This Truck Around,” off his highly anticipated upcoming album, Learn The Hard Way, out August 15. Listen to “Turn This Truck Around” here and pre-save/order Learn The Hard Way here.

Out August 15th, Davis’ new album, Learn The Hard Way, also features his Top 15 and climbing single “Bar None,” (#13 Billboard Country, #14 Mediabase/Aircheck).

 earlier this month with an official premiere in Times Square. The award-winning singer/songwriter also recently visited Live With Kelly And Mark to perform “Bar None” and made stops at Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and CBS Mornings to discuss the new single, upcoming album release and the fall launch of his Ain’t Enough Road tour, which includes headlining dates at Los Angeles’ The Greek Theatre, New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, and numerous cities across the US. The tour kicks off September 11th in Greater Palm Springs, CA, at Acrisure Arena. For more information on the Ain’t Enough Road tour and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Learn The Hard Way follows Jordan’s Platinum-selling debut album, Home State and his Platinum-selling album Bluebird Days, which was released on February 17, 2023 and produced four consecutive #1 singles (“What My World Spins Around,” “Tucson Too Late,” “Buy Dirt” and “Next Thing You Know”) and two “Song of the Year” winning song titles “Next Thing You Know” (ACM) and “Buy Dirt” (CMA and NSAI) off of one album – the first artist in history to ever do so. His RIAA Gold-certified single “I Ain’t Sayin’,” off Learn The Hard Way, earned Davis his 8th official chart-topping single in the US and topped the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart for more than 8 weeks, earning the single the most weeks at No. 1 on UK Radio Charts in 2024. Pre-add/pre-save Learn The Hard Way here.

Ain’t Enough Road Tour Dates
Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Greater Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena
Friday, September 12, 2025 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord
Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
Friday, September 19, 2025 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Friday, September 26, 2025 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
Thursday, October 2, 2025 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Friday, October 3, 2025 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Thursday, October 9, 2025 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
Friday, October 10, 2025 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion
Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Dayton, OH – Wright State University Nutter Center
Friday, October 17, 2025 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center
Thursday, October 23, 2025 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
Friday, October 24, 2025 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena

Award-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Jordan Davis’ highly-anticipated second full-length album, Bluebird Days, produced four consecutive No. 1’s and two “song of the year” award-winning titles including the 5X Platinum-selling hit “Buy Dirt,” (CMA Awards 2022, NSAI Awards 2023) and 3X Platinum-selling “Next Thing You Know” (ACM Awards 2024). All penned by Davis, the Louisiana-born and raised star also released the chart-topping hit singles “What My World Spins Around” and “Tucson Too Late,” in addition to “Next Thing You Know” and “Buy Dirt,” earning numerous award nominations, including CMA, ACM, CMT, American Music Award, Billboard Music Award and iHeart Award nods as well as his second Platinum-Certified album, Bluebird Days. Davis previously notched four consecutive No. 1 hits-totaling eight No. 1s on Country radio – off of his Platinum-Certified debut album Home State including the 4x Platinum “Singles You Up,” and 2x Platinum-selling songs “Take It From Me” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot” along with his most recent No.1 single “I Ain’t Sayin’” off his upcoming album Learn The Hard Way. 

In 2019, Davis was awarded Best New Country Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, in addition to being a 2X nominee for ACM New Male Artist of the Year, and was named Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018. He’s appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, CBS Mornings, College GameDay, and more. He has earned praise from Billboard, saying Davis is a “modern-day storyteller” with MusicRow noting, “this man never disappoints.”

Starting 2025 off internationally, Davis served as direct support for Luke Combs’ stadium tour in New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, Davis was direct support for Luke on his 2024 Growin’ Up and Getting Old Tour and followed with his string of U.S. and international shows headlining his DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR in the fall of 2024. Davis announced his Ain’t Enough Road Tour for fall of 2025- the nationwide tour kicks off Thursday, September 11th in Greater Palm Springs, CA at Acrisure Arena, with additional stops in Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, St. Louis, Rosemont, Savannah and more before wrapping up on Saturday, October 25th in Estero, FL at Hertz Arena. Davis’ highly anticipated upcoming album Learn The Hard Way is set to be released August 15th and includes certified Gold and 8th career No. 1 “I Ain’t Sayin’,” alongside recent releases “Turn This Truck Around,” “Bar None,” “In Case You Missed It,” “Know You Like That,” “Jesus Wouldn’t Do,” and title track “Learn The Hard Way.” 

Mabel Shares Self-Titled Mixtape ‘Mabel’ and Focus Track ‘Turn Me Up’ Ahead of Intimate Headline Tour

Eric Alper
-
0
Mabel Shares Self-Titled Mixtape ‘Mabel’ and Focus Track ‘Turn Me Up’ Ahead of Intimate Headline Tour

Today, BRIT award-winning artist Mabel releases her self-titled mixtape ‘Mabel’, including new focus track ‘Turn Me Up’, out now via Polydor Records.

The mixtape marks a bold reintroduction to the BRIT award-winning artist, offering a raw and unfiltered statement of who Mabel is today. Recorded over the past few months, largely at her home studio, the 9-track mixtape features a number of close collaborators, including a verse from Clavish and production by Oscar Scheller (PinkPantheress, Shygirl), Arthur Bean (Central Cee) and more. Blending multiple genres and reconnecting with her acclaimed earlier sound, the project captures the full spectrum of Mabel’s artistry and identity.

Speaking about the mixtape, Mabel said: “This mixtape being self-titled is an important moment for me because it feels like a reintroduction. It’s the first time since the very beginning of my career that I’ve felt this free making music and the project is a beautifully chaotic blend of all the things that make me who I am. When writing it I reflected a lot on my ten years in the industry and the tape ended up being a somewhat toxic love letter to the ups, downs and in between of everything I’ve experienced. I hope that when people listen to this project they truly get to know me better!”

The project includes previous singles ‘Benz’ ft. Clavish, ‘January 19’ and ‘Love Me Gentle’, as well as new focus track ‘Turn Me Up’. Produced by Oscar Scheller, the standout track is a dreamy, guitar-led cut laced with hypnotic riffs and deep, crashing percussion. Mabel glides effortlessly over the woozy production with understanded confidence. Speaking about ‘Turn Me Up’, Mabel added: “This track is definitely my favourite on the mixtape. It’s about the imperfect side of relationships and meeting your match for better or for worse!”

 Mabel’s self-titled mixtape marks her first project since 2022’s studio album ‘About Last Night…’ and follows a string of critically acclaimed singles over the last year including, ‘All Over You’ ft. King Promise, ‘Vitamins’, ‘Stupid Dumb’ ft. Ty Dolla Sign and ‘Chat’.

Later this year, Mabel will embark on the ‘Right On Time’ UK and European headline tour, her first tour since 2020. Kicking off in Bristol on November 3rd, this tour will see Mabel perform seven dates across the UK and Europe, including shows in London, Paris, Stockholm and more. Reflecting the deeply personal nature of the mixtape, these special intimate shows will be a return to her roots and offer fans a closer, more personal experience with Mabel than ever before. Full dates below and limited tickets available here.

EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
MON 3 NOV – THEKLA, BRISTOL
WED 5 NOV – CLUB ACADEMY, MANCHESTER
FRI 7 NOV – VILLAGE UNDERGROUND, LONDON
FRI 21 NOV – NALEN KLUBB, STOCKHOLM
MON 24 NOV – FRANNZ CLUB, BERLIN
TUE 25 NOV – PARADISO TOLHUISTUIN, AMSTERDAM
THU 27 NOV – NOUVEAU CASINO, PARIS

Mabel, born Mabel Alabama-Pearl McVey, is one of the UK’s brightest popstars. She has amassed twelve top 20 singles with hits like ‘Don’t Call Me Up’, ‘My Lover’ and ‘Fine Line’, two UK top 3 albums and won Best Female Solo at the BRITs. Mabel released her platinum-selling debut album ‘High Expectations’ in 2019 – the biggest-selling debut by a British woman that year. Released in 2022, Mabel’s sophomore album ‘About Last Night’ became her highest charting release to date, debuting at number two on the Official Charts and received critical acclaim from the likes of NME, The Observer and DIY. Mabel has now surpassed over 4.5 billion streams, and 8 million singles sold worldwide. She has also graced the cover of numerous publications including British GQ, Glamour, ES Mag and more.

‘Mabel’ Tracklist:
1. January 19
2. Right On Time
3. Lay Me Down
4. Run Me Down
5. Turn Me Up
6. Venus
7. Love Me Gentle
8. Benz ft Clavish
9. Is It Love?

Hanumankind Drops ‘Monsoon Season’, Announces First-Ever North American Tour Following Global Breakthrough

Eric Alper
-
0
Hanumankind Drops ‘Monsoon Season’, Announces First-Ever North American Tour Following Global Breakthrough

Speaking on the project, Hanumankind’s camp shares Monsoon Season is a compilation of songs gathered over the years before the spotlight and the noise. The tracks come from a time of obscurity, shaped in the quiet, a persistent grind, long before recognition came knocking. A multitude of sounds and emotions because change has been the only constant throughout.

Hanumankind also announced his debut headlining North American dates earlier this month which will see the “Big Dawgs” rapper tour across major cities kicking off in Atlanta, GA and include stops in Washington, DC, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles as well as hometown Houston, TX. “OTW TOUR — NORTH AMERICA” builds upon the momentum of his triumphant U.K and European run, which featured sold-out performances in Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin, and London.

HANUMANKIND NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINING TOUR DATES:
8/22 Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
8/23 Washington, DC @ The Howard Theatre
8/24 Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
8/26 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
8/28 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
8/29 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
8/31 Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
9/2 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
9/3 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
9/4 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

Hailing from the Southern Indian state of Kerala, Hanumankind is one of India’s most exciting additions to the global music scene. He grew up in Houston, TX where he found his affinity for rap and freestyling before moving back to India in his adulthood. And it was here, in the burgeoning independent music scene of India where Hanumankind would cut his teeth at local open mics while releasing a string of EPs and singles catching a swell of local support — showcasing unmatchable lyrical prowess while delivering visually striking music videos. The energy matched his live shows where he quickly began to sell out club shows, performing at festival weekenders and more. He would then sign with Def Jam India in 2023 and became one of Rolling Stone India’s “Future of Music” artists later that year. Six months later, Hanumankind broke onto the global stage with a bold new single “Big Dawgs,” produced by Kalmi. It came with an attention grabbing music video directed by filmmaker Bijoy Shetty where Hanumankind revives the adrenaline-fueled allure of the Well of Death — an iconic attraction at Indian carnivals. Bijoy’s direction captures the vibrant energy of the art form, blending Indian cultural elements with modern hip-hop flair. Capturing the attention of critics and fans alike on the internet, “Big Dawgs” won the hearts of many including rap icons like Bun B, Project Pat and A$AP Rocky who would go on to be featured on a remix. The song peaked at #9 on the Global charts and has celebrated numerous breakthrough moments including peaking at #23 on Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart. The song ended the year RIAA Platinum certified and in the Top 10 of Most Streamed Rap Songs charts on Spotify joined by rap luminaries like Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, 21 Savage and more. He would then sign to Capitol Records and begin a run of live shows and festivals including a debut performance at Coachella earlier this year. Preceding the debut appearance, Hanumankind released his follow up single “Run It Up” — yet another explosive arrival, it reuniting the triple threat that is Hanumankind, producer Kalmi and filmmaker Bijoy, and took over conversations across the internet and social media. HMK has been heralded by the likes of Rolling Stone, Complex, NME, The Guardian and more as an artist to watch as he continues to break boundaries of blended sounds, arresting visuals and one-of-a-kind performance energy that comes from an artist destined to change the landscape of hip hop to come.

Hanumankind — Monsoon Season Tracklist:
1. Reckless (Ft. Denzel Curry)
2. ⁠Big Dawgs (Ft. Kalmi)
3. ⁠Goons (Ft. Maxo Kream)
4. ⁠Run it Up
5. ⁠Someone Told Me (Ft. Roisee)
6. ⁠Cause (Ft. Rudy Mukta)
7. ⁠29.11.23
8. ⁠Monsoon Season
9. ⁠Holiday
10. ⁠Villainous Freestyle
11. ⁠Sicko
12. ⁠Big Dawgs Remix (Ft. A$AP Rocky)

MGK Unleashes “miss sunshine,” a Psychedelic Slice of Lost Americana Ahead of New Album

Eric Alper
-
0
MGK Unleashes “miss sunshine,” a Psychedelic Slice of Lost Americana Ahead of New Album

Multi-platinum recording artist mgk, returns with his new single and video “miss sunshine.” The single is a road trip-ready summer anthem that seamlessly blends the soulful sounds of southern rock and modern pop. “miss sunshine” adds another tile to mgk’s lost americana mosaic. The Sam Cahill directed video, showcases mgk and his band as giants in a meticulously crafted miniature world, which perfectly complements the song’s carefree, psychedelic-tinged vibe.

His forthcoming album will includes previous singles, “vampire diaries” and “cliché,” is set to release globally on August 8. Fans can pre-order lost americana HERE. Earlier this week mgk launched a save the date for his annual MGK Day weekend celebration. The three-day event in Cleveland, Ohio honors his local impact with a star-studded weekend of community events, music, art, and philanthropy.

The GRAMMY-nominated musician recently performed at Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards and Today Citi Concert Series. Adding to the excitement, mgk is set to headline the 30th Anniversary Vans Warped Tour in Orlando, FL on November 15-16. He will also headline Mobile Zone at Sphere Stage during the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX on November 20-22.

The renowned superstar eclipsed genre expectations by releasing the widely acclaimed album Tickets to My Downfall in 2020. The platinum album topped the Billboard 200 and became his first No. 1 effort. The album landed 18 tracks on the Hot Rock Songs chart. Platinum singles, “bloody valentine” and “my ex’s best friend,” both went No. 1 at Alternative. His follow-up album, mainstream sellout, became his second album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album”.

Daniel Caesar Shares “Have A Baby (With Me),” Talks ‘Son Of Spergy’ and Creative Sparks With Tyler, The Creator

Eric Alper
-
0
Daniel Caesar Shares “Have A Baby (With Me),” Talks ‘Son Of Spergy’ and Creative Sparks With Tyler, The Creator

Daniel Caesar releases new single “Have A Baby (With Me),” the first taste of his forthcoming album Son Of Spergy, which is set for release later this year via Republic Records. First teased last week with a video letter shared on socials, the album was further discussed in Daniel’s Billboard cover story that was released yesterday. In conversation with Tyler, The Creator, the two discuss Daniel’s career to date, their creative relationship (especially as it pertains to Daniel’s work across Tyler’s 2024 album CHROMAKOPIA), what fans can expect from Son Of Spergy, and more. 

The single arrives on the heels of Daniel’s feature on “The Field,” from Blood Orange’s forthcoming album Essex Honey, alongside Caroline Polachek, Tariq Al-Sabir, and The Durutti Column. Even more recently, he contributed songwriting, backing vocals and production to “DEVOTION” featuring Dijon on Justin Bieber’s latest album SWAG.

Listen to “Have A Baby (With Me)” above now, read Daniel Caesar’s Billboard cover story for more about Son Of Spergy and stay tuned for more album news soon.

Morgan Wallen Drops “Miami” Remix With Lil Wayne & Rick Ross After Hard Rock Stadium Hype

Eric Alper
-
0
Morgan Wallen Drops “Miami” Remix With Lil Wayne & Rick Ross After Hard Rock Stadium Hype

After teasing a new rendition of his Keith Whitley-inspired “Miami” in The Magic City itself during his walkouts at Hard Rock Stadium on July 11 and 12, Morgan Wallen‘s remix featuring rappers Lil Wayne and Rick Ross is available now.

Wallen first tossed the idea of featuring a rapper on the Charlie Handsome produced song during his interview with Theo Von in April, stating at the time, “It seemed like it could use a rapper on there. I didn’t end up using a feature… it’s one of those songs where it wouldn’t be surprising if we got a remix and did that once it’s out.”

“Miami” is track 35-of-37 on Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, released in May. I’m The Problem remained atop the Billboard 200 chart for eight consecutive weeks in the U.S. and Canada and has already yielded four No. 1’s at country radio, including “Just In Case,” which is on its third week at No. 1, and the title track, which remained at No. 1 for eight weeks.

Upon its release, I’m The Problem debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries, while Wallen also broke his own record for the most simultaneous entries in Billboard Hot 100 History, with 37 songs charting on release week – claiming all top three spots. Wallen has since claimed ten weeks with at least three songs in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the only country artist to achieve this feat. Wallen is on his ninth consecutive week atop the all-genre Billboard Artist 100 chart – marking 28 career weeks on top.

Abroad, I’m The Problem became Wallen’s first album to debut at No. 1 on the U.K. Official Charts, making him one of only five artists to debut at summit with a country album. In Australia, I’m The Problem became the longest-running No. 1 album by a country artist in ten years, with three consecutive weeks atop the ARIA albums chart, while “What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)” recently topped Australia’s Country Airplay chart.

The project sparked Wallen’s 2025 I’m The Problem Tour, which is currently underway, with just 12 dates remaining. I’m The Problem Tour included previous stops in Houston, Texas; Miami Gardens, Fla.; Glendale, Ariz. and two consecutive nights at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisc., marking the largest concerts in the state’s history.

With upcoming stops in Seattle, Wash.; Cleveland, Ohio; Foxborough, Mass. and more, I’m The Problem Tour features a rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel join in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as second-of-four, and Zach John King added as first-of-four on all remaining dates. 

Morgan Wallen 2025 I’m The Problem Tour Dates
July 25 // Lumen Field // Seattle, Wash. w/ Anne Wilson and Miranda Lambert
July 26 // Lumen Field // Seattle, Wash. w/ Anne Wilson and Brooks & Dunn
Aug 1 // Levi’s Stadium // Santa Clara, Calif. w/ Anne Wilson and Miranda Lambert
Aug 2 // Levi’s Stadium // Santa Clara, Calif. w/ Anne Wilson and Brooks & Dunn
Aug 15 // Huntington Bank Field // Cleveland, Ohio w/ Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert
Aug 16 // Huntington Bank Field // Cleveland, Ohio w/ Ella Langley and Thomas Rhett
Aug 22 // Gillette Stadium // Foxborough, Mass. w/ Corey Kent and Miranda Lambert
Aug 23 // Gillette Stadium // Foxborough, Mass. w/ Corey Kent and Miranda Lambert
Sep 4 // Rogers Centre // Toronto, ON w/ Gavin Adcock and Miranda Lambert
Sep 5 // Rogers Centre // Toronto, ON w/ Gavin Adcock and Brooks & Dunn
Sep 12 // Commonwealth Stadium // Edmonton, AB w/ Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert
Sep 13 // Commonwealth Stadium // Edmonton, AB w/ Ella Langley and Brooks & Dunn
*Zach John King added as first-of-four on all remaining dates

Photo Gallery: Our Lady Peace, Collective Soul, Wintersleep, and Greylin at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on July 24, 2025

Eric Alper
-
0
Photo Gallery: Our Lady Peace, Collective Soul, Wintersleep, and Greylin at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on July 24, 2025

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Collective Soul
Collective Soul
Collective Soul
Collective Soul
Collective Soul
Collective Soul
Wintersleep
Wintersleep
Wintersleep
Wintersleep
Wintersleep
Greylin
Greylin
Greylin

‘Pride & Prejudice (sort of)’ Is the Riotous, Joyful Theatre Experience You Deserve

Eric Alper
-
0
‘Pride & Prejudice (sort of)’ Is the Riotous, Joyful Theatre Experience You Deserve

I’ve never laughed that much in a theatre. That’s what you need to know. Not polite, scattered chuckles, but real, involuntary bursts—gasping, shoulder-shaking, face-hurting laughter that came in waves and never quite let up. Two and a half hours flew by at the CAA Theatre, where Pride & Prejudice (sort of) has returned for a summer run. I’ve seen clever shows before. I’ve seen daring. But this was something else entirely: a play that feels like it was built not only to entertain but to gather a roomful of strangers and make them feel like co-conspirators.

Created and co-directed by Isobel McArthur, this irreverent reimagining of Jane Austen’s novel is told from the perspective of five working-class women—the maids, the background characters, the invisible hands that hold everything together. They take over the stage and the story, trading bonnets for microphones and courtship rituals for karaoke. It’s not a parody. It’s not satire. It’s theatre that embraces chaos, craft, and comic timing with equal precision.

Each of the five core performers plays multiple roles with remarkable fluidity, leaping between characters, accents, and emotional tones without missing a beat. Naomi Preston Low’s Elizabeth Bennet anchors the show with control and intelligence, drawing laughs with deadpan delivery and silences as much as with lines. Rhianna McGreevy, toggling between Mrs. Bennet and Darcy, is an astonishing presence—shifting posture, pitch, and rhythm in a heartbeat, and somehow making both roles equally compelling. Eleanor Kane brings a delightful unpredictability to Lydia and Mary; her ability to command the stage with a glance or an off-kilter gesture made her scenes some of the evening’s most surprising.

Emma Rose Creaner and Christine Steel round out the cast with finely calibrated performances. Creaner’s Bingley is a bright, lovable fool whose optimism is both hilarious and strangely touching, while Steel’s Jane and Lady Catherine are played with a quiet mastery that gave even the broadest moments a kind of gravity. All five performers handle the script’s constant tonal pivots with ease—from farce to pathos, from slapstick to sincerity—without ever losing their grip on the audience.

What astonished me most was how well the show managed its emotional register. Yes, it is loud and bawdy (which is what the world needs more of), but beneath the chaos is a tightly constructed commentary on class, agency, and voice—both literal and metaphorical. The pop songs that dot the show’s landscape aren’t throwaway gags. When “You’re So Vain” erupts in a showdown between Elizabeth and Darcy, it feels both entirely ridiculous and, somehow, emotionally honest. “Young Hearts Run Free” lands as a disco interlude and a feminist declaration.

The theatre itself—modest in size, with excellent acoustics—is essential to the experience. Sitting among a crowd that was as audibly delighted as I was made the production feel communal. There was something deeply satisfying in hearing so many others laughing, recognizing the joke, joining in on the ride. It reminded me of what live theatre can do that streaming can’t: it creates a room where the energy feeds back on itself.

By the end, as the final song echoed and the audience stood for its curtain call, I realized I hadn’t looked at my watch once. I had been completely absorbed. Pride & Prejudice (sort of) is a reclamation of her wit, spirit, and sharp social gaze, filtered through the lens of women who rarely get the spotlight. It is both joyful and deliberate in its disorder, and I would see it again in a heartbeat.

Due to popular demand, PRIDE & PREJUDICE*(*SORT OF) by Isobel McArthur, last season’s sold-out, irreverent and hilarious smash-hit comedy will return to Toronto’s CAA Theatre for a strictly limited engagement, July 22 to August 17, 2025. 

Tickets will go on sale at 10AM on Friday March 7, 2025 at www.mirvish.com or by phone at 1.800.461.3333. 

21 Greatest Opening Lines in Rock History

Eric Alper
-
0
21 Greatest Opening Lines in Rock History

Some songs don’t walk into the room—they kick the door down, wink at the bartender, and drop a lyric so good you’re hooked for life. The opening line is the handshake, the headline, the hit of electricity that says, “Sit down. You’re not going anywhere.”

Here are 25 of the greatest first lines in rock history—the ones that grab you by the collar and pull you into a world of riffs, rebellion, and poetic chaos.

“Please allow me to introduce myself…” – The Rolling Stones, “Sympathy for the Devil”
Like the Devil showing up in a velvet blazer. Mick Jagger makes the apocalypse sound charming.

“Hello darkness, my old friend…” – Simon & Garfunkel, “The Sound of Silence”
A mood. A meme. A masterpiece. Sadness has never sounded so poetic.

“Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world…” – Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’”
If you’ve ever belted this in a karaoke bar with strangers, congratulations—you’ve lived.

“You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar…” – The Human League, “Don’t You Want Me”
Soap opera vibes in under ten words. And the synth hasn’t even kicked in yet.

“Load up on guns, bring your friends…” – Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Teen angst wrapped in gasoline and flannel. Welcome to the ’90s.

“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” – Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Six words and you’re already questioning your existence. Freddie didn’t come to play.

“There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold…” – Led Zeppelin, “Stairway to Heaven”
A myth, a journey, a shopping metaphor that launched a thousand guitar solos.

“I may not always love you…” – The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows”
Starts like a breakup, ends up being one of the greatest love songs ever recorded. Brian Wilson magic.

“I am an antichrist, I am an anarchist…” – Sex Pistols, “Anarchy in the U.K.”
Not exactly easing into things. Punk arrived, and it had something to say.

“Let me tell you how it will be…” – The Beatles, “Taxman”
George Harrison and his guitar had some financial advice—and a killer riff.

“I get up in the evening, and I ain’t got nothing to say…” – Bruce Springsteen, “Dancing in the Dark”
The most relatable lyric ever written for anyone who’s stared at a blank Word doc at 10 p.m.

“We don’t need no education…” – Pink Floyd, “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)”
Technically a double negative. Still got banned by schools. Mission accomplished.

“I heard there was a secret chord…” – Leonard Cohen, “Hallelujah”
And every songwriter has been chasing it ever since.

“You can’t start a fire without a spark…” – Bruce Springsteen, “Dancing in the Dark”
Yes, it’s so good it gets to be on this list twice. Bruce is the king of opening lines and midlife crises.

“We’re leaving together, but still it’s farewell…” – Europe, “The Final Countdown”
No one knows where they’re going. But the synth riff is already packing snacks.

“Oh mama, can this really be the end?” – Bob Dylan, “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again”
Bob says what we’re all thinking after checking the news.

“It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday…” – Billy Joel, “Piano Man”
He paints the entire bar in one line. And somehow makes harmonica cool.

“She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene…” – Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”
A mysterious woman. A bass line that grooves forever. Instant drama.

“She came from Greece, she had a thirst for knowledge…” – Pulp, “Common People”
Jarvis Cocker narrates class warfare like it’s a soap opera. And we’re all ears.

“You got a fast car, I want a ticket to anywhere…” – Tracy Chapman, “Fast Car”
One line, and you’re already in the passenger seat, chasing something better. Pure storytelling.

“Once upon a time, you dressed so fine…” – Bob Dylan, “Like a Rolling Stone”
A fairytale opening for the end of innocence. Dylan brings the thunder with a sneer.

10 Tips for Making Social Media Work for You (Without Losing Your Mind)

Eric Alper
-
0
10 Tips for Making Social Media Work for You (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s face it—social media is loud, fast, weird, and kind of wonderful. It’s a place where you can promote your work, meet cool people, and find out what your cousin ate for lunch. But it can also feel like drinking from a firehose while juggling flaming hashtags. Here are 10 fun and totally doable ways to make social media your buddy, not your burnout.

1. Post like you’re texting a friend
People love warmth and honesty. Whether you’re sharing a playlist or your dog’s latest nap pose, talk like you’re chatting with someone who roots for you. Bonus points for kindness and gifs.

2. Set a timer, not a trap
Give yourself a window—15 minutes in, 15 minutes out. Social media thrives on endless scrolling, but you thrive on balance and snacks. Let your phone serve you, not the other way around.

3. One platform at a time, superstar
Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads… it’s a lot. Pick your favorite and give it love. Like your favorite concert venue, some places just fit your voice better than others.

4. Use the mute and unfollow buttons like glitter
Your feed should lift you up, not leave you spiraling. Curate with joy. You’re not stuck in a group chat—you’re building a digital space that makes you smile.

5. Celebrate the little things
Finished a rough draft? Shared a song you love? High five! Your feed doesn’t need to be groundbreaking to be great. Small moments are the ones that connect us all.

6. Take breaks like it’s a holiday
Step away guilt-free. The internet keeps spinning, but you don’t have to. Touch grass. Hug a dog. Let your brain do something offline and deeply unfiltered.

7. Embrace your weird
You’re into niche documentaries and haunted house soundtracks? Amazing. The internet is wide enough for every passion. Someone out there has the same obsession—and they’ve probably got a fan account for it.

8. Schedule posts like a time-traveling genius
Apps can post for you while you sleep, shower, or rock out at a concert. Use them! Be everywhere without being everywhere. That’s what robots are for.

9. Ask questions that start conversations
Instead of shouting into the void, invite people in. “What’s your favorite comfort album?” gets more joy than “LOOK AT MY CONTENT.” Talk with, not at.

10. Log off with love
You did your best today. Whether you posted or just lurked, you showed up. Now go reward yourself with a snack, a nap, or a dance break to Fleetwood Mac.

Social media is a strange, sparkly parade—and you get to choose your float. Be kind, be curious, and most importantly, be you.

1...547548549...3,109Page 548 of 3,109

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