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Blues-Rock Veteran Warren Haynes Of Gov’t Mule & Allman Brothers Unveils ‘The Whisper Sessions’ Featuring Derek Trucks

Eric Alper
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Blues-Rock Veteran Warren Haynes Of Gov’t Mule & Allman Brothers Unveils ‘The Whisper Sessions’ Featuring Derek Trucks

GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer, and Gov’t Mule front man Warren Haynes has announced The Whisper Sessions, a collection of stripped-down versions of songs off his recent solo album, Million Voices Whisper. The 9-track digital-only album – which includes a stunning version of the Allman Brothers Band classic “Melissa” with Haynes’ longtime ABB bandmate Derek Trucks, who is featured on three songs – will be released on Friday, September 12th via Fantasy Records. The intimate renditions peel back the layers to spotlight Haynes’ soulful voice, masterful guitar work, and the heartfelt storytelling at the album’s core. Coinciding with today’s announcement, Haynes has issued the first single from The Whisper Sessions onto DSPs with “These Changes” featuring Trucks, who also co-wrote the song, available now. “These Changes” is about someone who is trying to work through hardships and acknowledges that the relationship is important enough to do whatever it takes to make it better. 

“‘These Changes’ is a song I wrote with Derek Trucks that we recorded in the studio together,” shares Haynes. “I love this song, which is about looking back and forward at the same time and navigating your way through an ever-changing life. The instrumental section at the end, where we are trading guitar riffs and playing off of each other, was not in the original arrangement as we wrote it – it just came about organically once we started recording the song. It was a great opportunity for the two of us to rekindle our chemistry that we’ve had for a long time.”

The Whisper Sessions is a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the essence of each track – where every lyric and note resonated with newfound clarity and depth. The album features seven standout tracks from Haynes’ acclaimed fourth solo album, Million Voices Whisper, including the singles “This Life As We Know It,” which reached Top 15 on the Americana singles chart and Top 40 at Triple A radio, and “Real Real Love,” also featuring Trucks, whose lyrics were initially started by Gregg Allman, as well as two poignant covers, each reimagined to highlight Haynes’ emotive vocals and six-string mastery. See below for full track listing. Prepare to experience the raw emotional power of Million Voices Whisper like never before.

“We didn’t plan to release stripped-down versions of the songs from Million Voices Whisper, it just kind of happened organically,” says Haynes. “We were combing through these performances and realized that they offer a unique perspective into the songs themselves, so we thought it would be cool to make them available.”

Million Voices Whisper, released in November 2024, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums Chart and marked Warren’s first solo album in nearly a decade. The 11-song, self-produced collection of soulful blues-rock has been hailed his best album yet. In addition to the multiple appearances from Trucks, Million Voices Whisper includes guest spots from Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson on the single “Day of Reckoning.” .

Haynes, who recently partnered with Gibson for the release of his first signature guitar, the Gibson Warren Haynes Les Paul™ Standard, is heading overseas to Europe in July for a 10-date tour with the Warren Haynes Band [drummer Terence Higgins, bassist Kevin Scott, keyboardist Matt Slocum, and saxophonist Greg Osby]. Upon his return to the States, Haynes will shift gears and hit the road with Gov’t Mule for their newly-announced Back In The Saddle Tour. The late summer and fall dates – Mule’s first big tour run since February 2024 – will find the acclaimed GRAMMY-nominated quartet of Haynes (guitar, vocals), Matt Abts (drums), Danny Louis (keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals) and Kevin Scott (bass) travel throughout the East Coast and Midwest until the end of October. Tickets for the Back In The Saddle Tour are on sale now. Gov’t Mule, who are celebrating the 30th anniversary since the release of their self-titled debut album, also have a run of co-headlining shows with Tedeschi Trucks Band coming up later this year. See below for all of Warren Haynes’ upcoming tour dates and visit https://warrenhaynes.net/ for more info and to purchase tickets. 

The Whisper Sessions Track Listing:

1.  Back Where I Started

2.  Till The Sun Comes Shining Through

3.  From Here On Out

4.  Til I Can Make It On My Own

5.  You Ain’t Above Me

6.  This Life As We Know It

7.  Real, Real Love (feat. Derek Trucks)

8.  These Changes (feat. Derek Trucks)

9.  Melissa (feat. Derek Trucks)

Joe Bonamassa Drops “Trigger Finger” Ahead Of New Album ‘Breakthrough’ Out July 18

Eric Alper
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Joe Bonamassa Drops “Trigger Finger” Ahead Of New Album ‘Breakthrough’ Out July 18

Blues-rock icon Joe Bonamassa returns today with the release of “Trigger Finger,” the latest single from his eagerly awaited new album Breakthrough, due out July 18th on J&R Adventures. Marking another bold chapter in Bonamassa’s storied career, the track captures his signature fusion of powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and raw vocal swagger. Co-written with longtime collaborator Tom Hambridge, “Trigger Finger” is a hard-hitting, up-tempo anthem about resilience, reinvention, and the fire that fuels forward motion. 

With its fiery guitar work and no-nonsense lyrics, “Trigger Finger” finds Bonamassa leaning into a grittier, more rocking sound that highlights the album’s adventurous spirit. Produced by Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Journey), Breakthrough was crafted across Greece, Nashville, and Los Angeles, blending global influences into a dynamic, genre-bending collection.


 “Trigger Finger” follows the release of the album’s title track “Breakthrough,” a soulful and uplifting anthem of transformation, along with the moody, introspective “Shake This Ground” and the warm, groove-driven “Still Walking With Me.” Each of these singles showcases a different facet of Bonamassa’s evolving artistry and the emotional range of Breakthrough, his most stylistically diverse studio effort to date.

With over 50 albums, 28 #1 Billboard Blues albums, and a lifelong commitment to evolving the genre, Joe Bonamassa continues to set the standard for modern blues-rock. Breakthrough promises to further cement his legacy as one of the most innovative guitarists and songwriters of his generation.

The new single arrives as Bonamassa rides a wave of momentum. Fresh off a European tour with his supergroup Black Country Communion, he now sets his sights on summer dates across Europe, including sold-out shows in Ireland and appearances at iconic festivals like Montreux Jazz Festival and Bospop. His U.S. summer tour kicks off July 31st at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, with stops at Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Red Rocks, and more. In September, Bonamassa will headline the Bourbon & Beyond Festival before setting sail on the sold-out Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Alaska cruise.
 
For more information on Breakthrough, tour dates, and VIP packages, visit jbonamassa.com.

CD Track list
1. Breakthrough
2. Trigger Finger
3. I’ll Take The Blame
4. Drive By The Exit Sign
5. Broken Record
6. Shake This Ground
7. Still Walking With Me
8. Life After Dark
9. You Don’t Own Me
10. Pain’s On Me
 
VINYL Track list
 
Side A
1. Breakthrough
2. Trigger Finger
3. I’ll Take The Blame
4. Drive By The Exit Sign
5. Broken Record
 
Side B
1. Shake This Ground
2. Still Walking With Me
3. Life After Dark
4. You Don’t Own Me
5. Pain’s On Me
 
JOE BONAMASSA – TOUR SCHEDULE
 
EUROPE SUMMER TOUR 2025
July 1 – Cork, IE – Live at The Marquee*
July 2 – Cork, IE – Live at The Marquee*
July 3 – Cork, IE – Live at The Marquee
July 6 – Klam, AT – Clam Castle
July 8 – Veszprém, HU – Veszprémfest
July 10 – Stuttgart, DE – Jazzopen Stuttgart
July 13 – Weert, NL – Bospop
July 16 – Montreux, CH – Montreux Jazz Festival
July 18 – Pordenone, IT – San Valentino Park
July 19 – Rome, IT – Auditorium Parco della Musica – Cavea

* Sold Out
 
U.S. SUMMER TOUR 2025
July 31 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
August 1 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
August 3 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
August 5 – Airway Heights, WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest
August 6 – Pocatello, ID – Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
August 8 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 9 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino Amphitheater

SEPTEMBER 2025
September 7 – Chicago, IL – United Center*
September 9 – Chicago, IL – United Center*
September 12 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond Festival
September 13 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap
September 15-21, 2025 – Seattle, WA – Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea ALASKA

 *Supporting The Who

U.S. FALL TOUR 2025
November 3 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre
November 5 – Toronto, ON – The Theatre at Great Canadian Toronto
November 7 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
November 8 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre
November 10 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Theatre
November 11 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
November 14 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
November 15 – Houston, TX – The Hobby Center
November 18 – Corpus Christi, TX – American Bank Center Selena Auditorium
November 19 – Abilene, TX – Abilene Auditorium
November 21 – Midland, TX – Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
November 22 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater
November 23 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
November 25 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
November 26 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
November 29 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
November 30 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
December 2 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre
December 3 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
December 5 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena
December 6 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

Kyle Hollingsworth Announces New Album ‘All We Are’ With Tour, Brew Fest & Beer Collaboration

Eric Alper
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Kyle Hollingsworth Announces New Album ‘All We Are’ With Tour, Brew Fest & Beer Collaboration

Today, accomplished keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and brewmaster Kyle Hollingsworth announces his new solo album, All We Are, set for release on August 1, 2025 via SCI Fidelity Records. “This album starts with my songwriting,” Hollingsworth shares. “I’m better able to express what I’m feeling in the moment, and I keep pushing myself to explore further.”

That spirit of exploration is at the heart of All We Are—a bold new chapter in a career long defined by creative risk-taking. More than 20 years over the past seven solo releases, and over three decades into his journey with The String Cheese Incident, Hollingsworth continues to evolve, delivering a sound that’s both fresh and unexpected. 

The title track and first sampling from the new album, “All We Are” is a shimmering, alt-rock-leaning single that trades extended solos for song-focused structure and lyrical introspection—yet remains undeniably funky in true Kyle fashion.  Pre-save the new album now.  

Alongside the new album, Hollingsworth has teamed up with 4 Hands Brewing Company (St. Louis, MO) to craft the perfect beer pairing to complement the music.  Look for the collaboration beer this fall in the Midwest near Kyle Hollingsworth Band tour dates at select retailers and taps.  

In support of the new album, the Kyle Hollingsworth Band will play a number of dates throughout Colorado, the Northeast and the Midwest.  Including a fun-filled album release party at Kyle’s iconic beer festival, Kyle’s Brew Fest, hosted at Wibby Brewing Co in Longmont, CO, on September 6. Stay tuned for beer collaborations, the brewery lineup, special guest musicians, exciting activities and more at Kyle’s favorite event of the year.  For all news and up-to-date tour information.  Please visit kylehollingsworth.com.

Kyle Hollingsworth Band on Tour

July 26 – Crafts Cocktails & Corks  – Winter Park, CO

Sept 06 – Kyle’s Brew Fest at Wibby Brewing Co. – Longmont, CO

Sept 18 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY*

Sept 19 – StageOne at FTC – Fairfield, CT*

Sept 20 – Sherman Stage at Renegade Winery – Stroudsburg, PA* 

Sept 21 – Annapolis Baygrass Festival – Annapolis, MD

Oct 24 – High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI^

Oct 25 – Howlin’ At The Moon – Naperville, IL+ 

Oct 26 – Riverside Theater (outdoors) – Milwaukee, WI#

*w/ The Jauntee

^w/ Neighbor

+w/ Family Groove Company

#Free Widespread Panic pre-party in the street

“I feel like I’m bolder and braver right now than I’ve ever been with my music,” Kyle Hollingworth asserts, as he considers the scope of his expansive new studio album All We Are. “It begins with my songwriting, where I’m better able to express what I’m experiencing in the moment, while my willingness to explore continues to grow.” 

This is a striking statement from the accomplished keyboard player and vocalist, as it comes more than two decades after the release of first solo album, and well over thirty years into a vibrant musical career. Then again, given the propensity for chasing new sounds that has been his hallmark, Hollingsworth’s latest creative progression is equally invigorating and inevitable.

The title track, which opens his fifth full-length record, sets the tone for the wide-ranging artistic expression to follow. “All We Are” presents a guitar-driven sonic landscape in which Hollingsworth’s signature keyboards play a compelling support role yet are not the focal point. The lyrics are atmospheric and evocative, touching on the themes of life experience and transformation that recur throughout the release.

While the self-produced All We Are explores new terrain, the songs inhabit Kyle Hollingsworth’s vivid and bright-hued environs. “Carnival” is inspired by his touring with the String Cheese Incident, the group he’s animated since 1996. The composition began as a bluegrass-infused instrumental inspired by Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby’s collaborative studio record, then took on new colors after Hollingsworth fashioned lyrics to reflect the “traveling circus” of the String Cheese experience.

The keyboardist has long demonstrated his affinity for the live setting both with SCI and his own Kyle Hollingsworth Band. He’s adept at pushing musical bounds, yet his contributions are often blithe and buoyant. While touring the globe, performing in some of the world’s most prestigious arenas and amphitheaters, he’s endeared himself to audiences through his absorbing technical flourishes and stirring improvisational flair.

Hollingsworth moved to Colorado over 30 years ago due to a yearning for the outdoors, which he evokes in a song named after the Centennial State. “Colorado” depicts the physical surroundings that ground his work, even as he keeps his eye on the horizon. The tune also speaks to his songwriting process, as he notes, “I get a lot of my creative energy when I’m biking, paddleboarding or skiing. Something will come to me and I’ll sing it into my phone.” However, he adds, “I respect how the song wants to be written. I don’t force it. After I get home, I’ll live with it a little bit and purposely let it breathe.” This deliberative approach allows him to nurture material that draws from a panorama of genres and reference points.

On All We Are Hollingsworth embraces his instincts for utilizing a rich musical palette yet infusing it with new shadings and shadows. This encompasses “Tee’s Strut,” which offers a nod to funk-fusion progenitor Richard Tee, as well as “Lost in the Mirror,” which employs an Afrobeat style while Hollingsworth muses on his 13-year-old daughter’s newfound fixation with her image. “Waiting On Time” was initially inspired by the music of Gregg Allman yet it also represents a new narrative songwriting technique for Hollingsworth, who frames the composition in the third-person to share an account of a man’s addiction. Hollingsworth also applies this method to “Coming On Strong” in which the female protagonist rides her motorcycle through a hurricane and away from personal strife.

The album concludes with a reprise of “All We Are,” which serves to underscore the ideas that inform the release. Hollingsworth explains, “There’s a throughline of how we are able to live in this universe. I’m in constant amazement and wonder of humanity, life on the planet and the beauty of nature all around me. I also continue to be a searcher, looking for challenges that may present themselves. I’m always experimenting musically and trying to stretch beyond what people expect of me, while continuing to examine what I expect of myself.”

Mötley Crüe Teams With Dolly Parton for ‘From The Beginning’ Album & Vegas Residency

Eric Alper
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Mötley Crüe Teams With Dolly Parton for ‘From The Beginning’ Album & Vegas Residency

Rock legends Mötley Crüe have announced the release of From The Beginning, a brand-new singles collection arriving on September 12, 2025 via BMG, the same day that the legendary rockers will kick off their highly anticipated 10-show residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, NV. 

From The Beginning is Mötley Crüe’s definitive compilation and traces the band’s storied career from their start on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to their current status as global rock titans. The album includes a stunning new version of the band’s revered classic, “Home Sweet Home,” reimagined as a heartfelt duet with none other than globally beloved superstar Dolly Parton that is out everywhere now. 

Bringing together two giants of American music, the new rendition of “Home Sweet Home” feat. Dolly Parton offers a powerful twist on the 1985 hit. To drive home the song’s positive message of hope, a portion of the proceeds from the single will benefit Covenant House, an organization close to the hearts of the members of Mötley Crüe. Covenant House provides safe shelter, meals, hope and more to help youth experiencing homelessness.

The members of Mötley Crüe shared in a joint statement, “‘Home Sweet Home’ was first released in 1985 as a single from our Theatre Of Pain album. For an icon like Dolly Parton to sing on a song that has not only meant so much to us but to all the fans through the years, is a career high that means a lot to us. We couldn’t be happier to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Home Sweet Home’ in this special way, and we’re excited to share this version of the song with all the Dolly and Mötley fans around the world.”

The members add, “That we were able to unite with Dolly to raise awareness for homeless youth and the amazing work of Covenant House, which provides them safe housing and care, makes it even more special. We hope you’ll enjoy ‘Home Sweet Home’ featuring Dolly Parton as much as Dolly and we enjoyed creating it.”

Dolly Parton offered, “It was an honor and a joy working in the studio on Mötley Crüe’s 40th Anniversary re-release of ‘Home Sweet Home’. I was so pleased that they would ask me to sing on such a classic.”

Premiering today at 12pm EST / 9am PST, watch the official video for the track which pays homage to the classic original video for the song from 1985.

From The Beginning spans four decades of Crüe anthems, kicking off with their first global single and MTV video “Live Wire” and winding through the years to 2024’s Top 5 Rock smash “Dogs Of War”. In between are the hits and fan favorites that shaped the rock genre and a generation including “Kickstart My Heart”, “Dr. Feelgood”, “Girls, Girls, Girls”, “Shout at the Devil”, “Smokin’ In The Boys Room”, “Wild Side” and many more.

The original studio albums that featured these tracks, including the decade plus GOLD, PLATINUM and MULTI-PLATINUM run of classics Too Fast For Love, Shout At The Devil, Theatre Of Pain, Girls Girls Girls, and Dr. Feelgood combined have sold over 100 million albums globally, generated 10 Billion Streams, and dominated the charts around the world. Mötley Crüe’s loyal fans have been there from the beginning, and their support remains as strong as ever.  But with their music featured in video games, movie trailers, films, TV shows and sporting events daily, new fans continue to discover the band’s amazing catalog. In 2022, the band made a triumphant return, launching a global stadium tour that reaffirmed their place as rock’s most notorious band and one of the best live shows ever.

In other exciting Crüe LIVE news, on the same day From The Beginning is available, the band returns to the Las Vegas Strip for The Las Vegas Residency. Beginning September 12 and running through October 3, these 10 shows at Park MGM will be the first and only chance for Mötley Crüe fans to see the band live in 2025.  For tickets, packages and more info check here – https://www.ticketmaster.com/MotleyCrueVegas

From The Beginning will be available for streaming in standard audio and Dolby Atmos audio. The physical configurations include the standard CD and 2LP sets alongside CD & 2LP exclusive variants at Walmart, a 2LP exclusive at Target, and a 2LP exclusive at Amazon. Pre-Save and Pre-order HERE.

Coinciding with the release of “Home Sweet Home” featuring Dolly Parton, a limited edition Dölly Crüe merch collection is available now HERE.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Bow Livestreams July 5 With Metal Legends

Eric Alper
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Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Bow Livestreams July 5 With Metal Legends

Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath’s final ever performance BACK TO THE BEGINNING: OZZY’S FINAL BOW will be livestreamed worldwide on 5th July!

Ozzy and the original Black Sabbath members – reuniting for the first and last time in two decades – will be joined by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera and many more. For fans who’ve followed Ozzy’s 50-year reign, the global livestream offers a front row seat to a once-in-a-lifetime goodbye – with access to the raw livestream from 3:00pm on July 5th, and exclusive access to rewatch the concert in its entirety for another 48 hours.

Get your livestream ticket at https://backtothebeginning.com/ now.

Marshall Crenshaw Announces ‘From The Hellhole’ Album of Rare Tracks, Deep Cuts

Eric Alper
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Marshall Crenshaw Announces ‘From The Hellhole’ Album of Rare Tracks, Deep Cuts

Acclaimed singer/songwriter and record-maker Marshall Crenshaw has shared the song “Move Now” as a preview to his forthcoming From The Hellhole, a 14-track collection of handpicked, remixed, and remastered songs featuring tracks from a series of EPs along with several rare deep cuts.

Primarily recorded in his home studio, affectionately dubbed “The Hellhole,” the collection mostly spans the last two decades (there’s one song from 1990) and will be released August 29 on Yep Roc Records.

Produced by Crenshaw, From The Hellhole resurrects eleven of the eighteen tracks originally issued on a series of limited-edition Record Store Day vinyl EPs released between 2012 and 2016, all of which have been out of print since 2017. With rights now reverted back to Crenshaw, these recordings have been compiled here in the interest of what he describes as “legacy curation”-a personal mission to properly archive and reissue work that continues to resonate. Of the eleven EP tracks, eight have been remixed. “They’re their best selves now,” says Marshall.

The album’s three additional tracks include a striking demo of 1991’s “Walkin’ Around,” a previously unreleased version of “I Just Want to Celebrate” (by Motown’s Rare Earth), and “Couldn’t I Just Tell You,” originally recorded for a 2022 Todd Rundgren tribute project. Crenshaw also includes several highly personal renditions of songs that shaped him, including “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” a dreamy, dub-infused homage to Karen Carpenter and the legendary Wrecking Crew.

In support of the album, Crenshaw will hit the road this fall with stops throughout the Midwest and East Coast.

From The Hellhole Tracklisting:
1.I Don’t See You Laughing Now – (M. Crenshaw)
2. (They Long To) Be Close To You – (Bacharach-David)
3. Driving and Dreaming – (M. Crenshaw-D. Bern)
4. I Just Want To Celebrate – (N. Zesses-D. Fekaris)
5. Move Now – (M. Crenshaw-D. Bern)
6. Made My Bed, Gonna Lie In It – (George Young)
7. Walkin’ Around – (M. Crenshaw)
8. No Time – (J. Lynne)
9. Grab The Next Train – (M. Crenshaw-D. Bern)
10. Didn’t Want To Have To Do It – (John Sebastian)
11. Stranger and Stranger – (M. Crenshaw)
12. Couldn’t I Just Tell You – (Todd Rundgren)
13. Red Wine – (M. Crenshaw-D. Bern-J. Ruben)
14. Never To Be Forgotten – (B. Fuller-R. Fuller)

Marshall Crenshaw Tour Dates:
September 10 – Natalie’s Grandview – Columbus, OH
September 11 – Kentucky Exposition Center – Louisville, KY
September 13 – City Winery – St. Louis, MO
September 14 – City Winery – Chicago, IL
September 17 – 3rd & Lindsley – Nashville, TN
September 18 – Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown – Athens, GA
September 19 – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA
September 21 – Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC
November 13 – Elkton Music Hall – Elkton, MD
November 14 – Ram’s Head – Annapolis, MD
November 16 – Birchmere – Alexandria, VA
November 20 – Center for Arts in Natick – Annapolis, MD

10 Tips for Working With a Producer (and Getting the Most Out of the Session)

Eric Alper
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10 Tips for Working With a Producer (and Getting the Most Out of the Session)

A great producer is like a great director—there to help bring your vision to life while adding just enough magic of their own. If you’re lucky enough to be stepping into a studio session with a producer, here are ten time-tested tips to make sure you’re not just prepared—but inspired.

1. Know What You Want, But Be Willing to Change
Arrive with a clear vision for your song, but remember that magic often happens in the unplanned moments. A producer can hear possibilities you might’ve missed, so don’t be too rigid—be curious.

2. Bring Demos, Not Diamonds
A rough demo helps paint the picture, even if it’s just voice and guitar. Don’t obsess over perfection; producers love shaping raw material into polished gold. That’s part of the job—and the joy.

3. Respect the Role
A producer isn’t just hitting buttons; they’re managing mood, momentum, and musical decisions. Trust their ears and instincts—especially when they push back. It means they care about the outcome as much as you do.

4. Be On Time and In Tune
It sounds simple, but punctuality and preparation show respect. The more time you spend ready, the more time you spend creating. Also—check your tuning. Seriously.

5. Listen Actively
Don’t just hear the playback—listen. Producers may adjust one note, one word, one tone, and ask for your take. Engage with intention. The details are where greatness lives.

6. Ask Questions, Not Permission
If something feels off or unclear, speak up. Producers welcome thoughtful questions—it shows you’re invested. But don’t second-guess every decision. There’s a difference between collaboration and control.

7. Let the Song Lead
You might love that guitar solo, but if it doesn’t serve the song, it’s a distraction. Producers are trained to follow the emotional arc of the track. Let them guide you toward what the song truly needs.

8. Create a Safe Space for Mistakes
The best sessions are built on trust, not tension. Don’t fear getting it wrong. The Beatles didn’t cut “Strawberry Fields Forever” in one take. Magic often arrives disguised as a misstep.

9. Take Breaks, Don’t Break Down
Long sessions can fray the nerves. A good producer knows when to push—and when to pause. Hydrate, breathe, and step out of the booth when you need to reset your ears and your head.

10. Finish Strong, Then Let It Go
Wrap the session with intention, but don’t obsess endlessly. A producer will refine the mix and polish the track. Trust them to carry it home, just as they trusted you to give your all.

In the end, working with a producer is about chemistry, communication, and a shared commitment to the song. The studio is your playground, but also your proving ground. So show up, stay open, and let the music do what it was born to do—connect.

The Day Jobs Rock Stars Left Behind

Eric Alper
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The Day Jobs Rock Stars Left Behind

Before the lights, the tours, and the gold records, many rock and pop musicians clocked in for “regular” jobs just like the rest of us. Whether behind a desk, in a field, or on a factory floor, these now-legendary artists once held roles you’d never expect. Some returned to civilian life after their time in the spotlight, while others never looked back. Here’s a look at the fascinating (and sometimes surprising) day jobs rock stars left behind.

1. Ozzy Osbourne
Before becoming the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy worked in a slaughterhouse, slicing open cow carcasses—an origin story as metal as it gets.

2. Kurt Cobain
The Nirvana frontman worked as a janitor, reportedly writing lyrics while cleaning toilets at his local high school.

3. Jack White
Before the White Stripes, he was a furniture upholsterer—and even opened his own shop with fellow musician Brian Muldoon.

4. Elvis Presley
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was an apprentice electrician before recording his first hit at Sun Records.

5. Noel Gallagher
Before Oasis stardom, he was a roadie for Manchester band Inspiral Carpets, traveling and setting up gear.

6. Lemmy Kilmister
The Motörhead icon was once a roadie for Jimi Hendrix, helping set up one of rock’s most iconic sounds.

7. Sting
Before Police fame, Sting worked as a tax collector—arguably the least rock ‘n’ roll job imaginable.

8. Brandon Flowers
The Killers’ frontman worked as a bellhop at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas before hitting it big.

9. Vanilla Ice
After music success, he pivoted to real estate and home renovation, starring in The Vanilla Ice Project and The Vanilla Ice Home Show.

10. Ailidh Lennon (Sons and Daughters)
She traded music for weaving and cooking, moving to the Isle of Iona to work as a weaver and chef.

11. Alan Donohoe (The Rakes)
The post-punk singer became a software engineer, finding intellectual fulfillment in coding after leaving the band.

12. Lloyd Dobbs (The Paddingtons)
Dobbs became a charity manager at Goodwin Development Trust, helping improve his community in Hull.

13. Alannah Currie (Thompson Twins)
She now works as an artistic furniture upholsterer under the name Miss Pokeno, combining activism with design.

14. Benedict Gautrey (The Cooper Temple Clause)
After earning a degree in occupational psychology, Gautrey now works at Great Place to Work UK.

15. MC Hammer
After financial struggles and personal loss, he became a pastor at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose.

16. Willa Ford
The “I Wanna Be Bad” singer turned a difficult music experience into a successful interior design career.

17. Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Steely Dan)
He went from guitar solos to national security, becoming a counterterrorism consultant for the U.S. government.

18. Alice Nutter (Chumbawamba)
She left music to become a successful screenwriter and playwright, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

19. Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes)
She became a nurse, minister, and secretary, returning to the nurturing roles she’d dreamed of as a child.

20. Russell Senior (Pulp)
After leaving Pulp, he became an antiques dealer and novelist, citing creative tensions within the band.

21. Terminator X (Public Enemy)
After a motorcycle accident, he became an ostrich farmer in North Carolina, inspired by a UK trend.

22. Jim Martin (Faith No More)
He now farms giant pumpkins and manages properties, comparing pumpkin-growing to perfecting music.

23. JB Gill (JLS)
After his boyband days, he became a farmer raising pigs and turkeys, and hosted a kids’ show about country life.

24. Bill Berry (R.E.M.)
Following a health scare, he became a hay farmer in Georgia, embracing a quieter rural life.

25. Dan Spitz (Anthrax)
He became a master watchmaker, continuing a family tradition he first learned from his grandfather.

26. Elliot Lurie (Looking Glass)
After “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” he became a music executive at Twentieth Century Fox.

Whether by necessity, burnout, or passion, these musicians traded in their microphones for farming tools, software, or a steady 9-to-5. Their stories are reminders that behind the fame often lies a deeply human journey—and sometimes a second act that’s just as inspiring as the first.

Remembering Lou Christie With 25 Fascinating Facts About the “Lightnin’ Strikes” Hitmaker

Eric Alper
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Remembering Lou Christie With 25 Fascinating Facts About the “Lightnin’ Strikes” Hitmaker

Lou Christie, born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco on February 19, 1943, passed away on June 18, 2025, at the age of 82. Best known for his soaring falsetto and chart-topping ’60s hits, Christie left behind a musical legacy that spans decades. From high school choirs to rock ‘n’ roll superstardom, here are 25 facts that celebrate his remarkable life and career—all drawn from his official biography.

  1. Lou Christie was born in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, and grew up in suburban Pittsburgh.
  2. His birth name was Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco.
  3. He studied music and voice in high school and served as student conductor of the choir.
  4. At age 15, he met his lifelong songwriting partner, Twyla Herbert.
  5. Christie’s first local hit was “The Jury” with his group Lugee & The Lions.
  6. He adopted the stage name Lou Christie when Nick Cenci signed him in 1962.
  7. His breakout hit, “The Gypsy Cried,” sold over one million copies and hit #24 on Billboard.
  8. Christie’s second hit, “Two Faces Have I,” peaked at #6 in 1963 and also sold a million copies.
  9. He joined Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars tour alongside Diana Ross and Brian Hyland.
  10. “Lightnin’ Strikes” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on his 23rd birthday, February 19, 1966.
  11. That song also reached #1 in Canada and broke into the UK Top 20.
  12. His controversial follow-up, “Rhapsody in the Rain,” was banned by many radio stations.
  13. Despite bans, he scored three charting singles simultaneously in March 1966.
  14. In 1969, Christie had a major resurgence with “I’m Gonna Make You Mine,” which hit #10 in the U.S. and #2 in the UK.
  15. He recorded the 1971 concept album Paint America Love, which he considered a career highlight.
  16. His version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was replaced last minute by Robert John’s vocals.
  17. Christie shifted to a country style in 1974 and charted with a cover of “Beyond the Blue Horizon.”
  18. He signed Pittsburgh band Sweet Breeze in 1978 and helped them score a regional hit.
  19. In 1981, he had a final U.S. chart hit with “Summer ’81 Medley” under the name The Cantina Band.
  20. Christie recorded a duet with Lesley Gore in 1986, covering “Since I Don’t Have You.”
  21. In 1997, he released Pledging My Love, his first studio album in two decades, which Billboard called the “Most Impressive Comeback” album.
  22. He hosted shows on SiriusXM’s ’60s channel and remained active on the oldies circuit.
  23. He released new music into the 2020s, including “Luv Attack” in 2022.
  24. After Bobby Rydell’s death, Christie joined the touring supergroup Dick Fox’s Golden Boys.
  25. He maintained his falsetto singing voice into his 70s, continuing to perform live with vigor.

Lou Christie’s musical journey was one of evolution, reinvention, and staying power. From teenage dreams of making it on American Bandstand to a lifetime of memorable melodies, he gave his voice—and heart—to generations of fans. Rest in peace, Lou Christie. Your lightnin’ still strikes.

Annie Aiello Honors Olivia Newton-John With Emotional “Change Of Heart” Performance

Eric Alper
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Annie Aiello Honors Olivia Newton-John With Emotional “Change Of Heart” Performance

Annie Aiello, the powerhouse vocalist and producer behind the nationally touring, award-winning tribute show Always Olivia, has been honored with a rare and heartfelt opportunity: performing the deeply personal song “Change of Heart” live — a piece co-written by Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning pianist and composer Jim Brickman and the late, beloved music icon Olivia Newton-John. 

Originally performed only by Newton-John herself, “Change of Heart” holds profound emotional significance for Brickman, who shared a close friendship and creative bond with the icon. In a moving tribute to her legacy, Brickman invited Aiello to bring the song to life once more in a special live performance — a moment he chose to share with his global fan base.

“Being asked to sing this song — one that Olivia poured her heart into — is beyond humbling,” said Aiello. “It’s an honor to carry her spirit forward and to share this moment with Jim Brickman, whose connection to Olivia makes this performance all the more meaningful.”

Aiello’s performance has already begun resonating with fans of both Brickman and Newton-John, who have praised her emotional delivery and vocal authenticity. With Always Olivia, Aiello has captivated audiences nationwide with her heartfelt renditions of Newton-John’s greatest hits, earning acclaim for her uncanny vocal resemblance and deep reverence for Newton-John’s artistry.

This live rendition of “Change of Heart” not only celebrates Newton-John’s enduring legacy but also introduces a new generation of listeners to the emotional depth and beauty of her music — through the voice of an artist who truly understands her heart.

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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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