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Spotify Wrapped 2025 Reveals Global Top Artist Bad Bunny and Top Song “Die With A Smile”

Eric Alper
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Spotify Wrapped 2025 Reveals Global Top Artist Bad Bunny and Top Song “Die With A Smile”

The 2025 Spotify Wrapped is here, highlighting a year where fandom rose to unprecedented heights across music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Globally, Bad Bunny dethroned Taylor Swift, becoming the Global Top Artist for an incredible fourth time with more than 19.8 billion streams. His album, ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’, also claimed the Global Top Album spot. The biggest song in the world was the collaboration smash hit “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, which racked up over 1.7 billion streams in 2025 alone.

In Canada, Drake once again secured the top spot as the most streamed artist in the country, followed by Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen. Drake and The Weeknd also dominated the worldwide stage, taking the third and fourth spots, respectively, on the Global Top Artists list. The top song in Canada was “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, while Morgan Wallen’s ‘I’m The Problem’ was the most streamed album. Quebec saw a significant 20% increase in Francophone music consumption, with Charlotte Cardin’s “Feel Good” and Les Cowboys Fringants’ “L’Amérique pleure” leading the local charts.

Beyond music, The Joe Rogan Experience claimed the title of the Global Top Podcast for the sixth year in a row. In the Audiobooks Premium category, Rebecca Yarros’s ‘Fourth Wing’ was the most listened-to title both in Canada and globally, showcasing the enduring power of fantasy. This year’s personalized experience has expanded dramatically, introducing Fan Leaderboards, Clubs based on listening style, and new features like Top Albums and Top Audiobook Genre, ensuring every user can dig deeper into the stories that defined their year.

TOP LISTS

This year they saw fandom rise like never before across music, podcasts and audiobooks. This was truly a year for fans. Here’s how Canadians listened:

MUSIC (CANADA)

  • Top Artists in Canada
    • This year, Drake topped the list as the most streamed artist in Canada, followed by Taylor Swift (#2), Morgan Wallen (#3), The Weeknd (#4) and Kendrick Lamar (#5). See the bottom of this email for the full Top 10 List.
    • Top Canadian Artists Globally: Toronto’s very own The Weeknd and Drake also took the #3 and #4 spots as the most streamed artists globally. See the bottom of this email for the full Top 10 List.

“APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars became the third top song in Canada. 

A BIG YEAR FOR QUEBEC

  • 2025 has been a major year for Francophone music on Spotify. In fact, we saw a 20% increase of French-Canadian music consumption in Quebec from the previous year, taking the year as a whole, and an 11% increase across Canada. This is represented across some of the amazing Franco-Quebecois music being played in its home province, including:

MUSIC (GLOBAL)

Top Music (Global)

  • Global Top Artist: With more than 19.8 billion streams globally in 2025,Bad Bunny is Spotify’s 2025 Global Top Artist for the fourth time after holding the title in 2020, 2021 and 2022. 
  • Spotify is celebrating Bunny’s milestone by giving fans multiple ways to engage, including a Global Film Launch, Fan Experiences, On-Platform Easter Egg and more. See all details here.  

AUDIOBOOKS IN PREMIUM

PODCASTS

For even more on the most-streamed music, podcasts and audiobooks of 2025, head to Spotify’s For the Record blog. 

PERSONALIZED USER EXPERIENCE

Eligible users can now access their personalized 2025 Wrapped Experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android). Please make sure your Spotify app is updated to the latest version to access. Users can easily access their personalized user experience in the Wrapped feed on Home. 

With 2025 Wrapped, we’ve refreshed some of the classics you love while adding nearly a dozen new and updated ways to connect and dig deeper into the stories and moments that defined your year. This year, you can experience your Wrapped, your way – with the ability to control the speed of your experience and revisit specific moments without starting from the beginning.  

  • Refreshed Classics: 
    • Top Genres: This fan favorite is back to show you the genres that shaped your sound this year.
    • Top Song Quiz: Guess which track soundtracked your year in this interactive quiz.
    • Top Artist Sprint: Watch the sprint for your No. 1 spot. This story visualizes how your top five artists shifted in your personal rankings month by month.
    • Top Songs and accompanying playlist: See your top five songs of the year and get your personalized Your Top Songs 2025 playlist, which now shows how many times you streamed each of your top 100 tracks this year.
  • What’s New: 
    • Listening Age: This story compares your musical tastes to others’ in your age group, looking at the release years of the tracks you listen to most.
    • Top Albums: For the first time, we’re spotlighting the albums you returned to again and again.
    • Top Audiobook Genre: This story highlights your top audiobook genre and the book you listened to most from that genre.
    • Your Author Clip: This year, we’re also including messages from authors, so you may hear from the writer behind your favorite audiobook. Clips include authors like Dan Brown, James Patterson, Abby Jimenez, and more.
    • Your Podcaster Clip: You may also hear from one of your favorite podcast creators, now appearing directly in your Wrapped experience. Clips include hosts from shows like The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, The Mel Robbins Podcast, and Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
    • Fan Leaderboard: Think you’re one of your top artist’s biggest fans? This year, you might see where you rank among their listeners worldwide, based on your total minutes listened.
    • Clubs: This story celebrates the streaming habits that defined your year. You’ll be sorted into one of six Clubs – each representing a unique listening style – and see the role you play within that community.
    • Listening Archive: Finally, get personalized snapshots of your most memorable streaming days. Powered by AI, this feature delivers up to five unique reports based on your daily listening. Available in English in select markets.
    • Wrapped Party: For the first time ever, we’re introducing Wrapped Party – a new interactive feature that turns your listening data into a live competition you can play with friends. It’s the latest way to level up Wrapped, making it more exciting and fun than ever. ​​To join Wrapped Party, visit the Wrapped Hub on the platform, search for ‘Wrapped Party’ in Spotify, or access it at the end of your personalized experience.

2025 SPOTIFY WRAPPED CANADA TOP LISTS

Canada’s Top Artists of 2025

  1. Drake
  2. Taylor Swift
  3. Morgan Wallen
  4. The Weeknd
  5. Kendrick Lamar
  6. Zach Bryan
  7. Tate McRae
  8. Travis Scott
  9. SZA
  10. Kanye West

Canada’s Top Songs of 2025

  1. “Ordinary” by Alex Warren
  2. “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars
  3. “APT.” by ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
  4. “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
  5. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
  6. “Haegeum” by Agust D
  7. “Golden” by HUNTR/X, REY NUNA, EJAE, KPop Demon Hunters Cast, REI AMI
  8. “luther (with sza)” by Kendrick Lamar, SZA
  9. “That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams
  10. “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan

Canada’s Top Albums of 2025

  1. “I’m The Problem” by Morgan Wallen
  2. “KPop Demon Hunters” by KPop Demon Hunters Cast
  3. “SOS Deluxe: LANA” by SZA
  4. “So Close To What” by Tate McRae
  5. “You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1)” by Alex Warren
  6. “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter
  7. “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” by PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake
  8. “One Thing At A Time” by Morgan Wallen
  9. “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan
  10. “The Life of a Showgirl” by Taylor Swift

Canada’s Top Podcasts of 2025

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience
  2. The Mel Robbins Podcast
  3. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
  4. Call Her Daddy
  5. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
  6. Huberman Lab
  7. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
  8. Modern Wisdom
  9. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
  10. Crime Junkie

Canada’s Top Audiobooks in Premium of 2025

  1. “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
  2. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
  3. “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien
  4. “Iron Flame” by Rebecca Yarros
  5. “Lights Out” by Navessa Allen
  6. “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas
  7. “Quicksilver” by Callie Hart
  8. “The House of My Mother” by Shari Franke
  9. “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden
  10. “A Court of Wings and Ruin” by Sarah J. Maas

Quebec’s Top Franco-Quebecois Songs of 2025

  1. “Feel Good” by Charlotte Cardin
  2. “L’Amérique pleure” by Les Cowboys Fringants
  3. “Je te laisserai des mots” by Patrick Watson
  4. “Les étoiles filantes” by Les Cowboys Fringants
  5. “Le stade” by Fredz
  6. “Sur mon épaule” by Les Cowboys Fringants
  7. “Copilote” by FouKi, Jay Scøtt
  8. “Ça va” by Émile Bilodeau
  9. “Toune d’automne” by Les Cowboys Fringants
  10. “Woodstock” by Jay Scøtt

Quebec’s Top Franco-Quebecois Artists of 2025

  1. Les Cowboys Fringants
  2. Souldia
  3. Jay Scøtt
  4. Enima
  5. Fredz
  6. Les Trois Accords
  7. Québec Redneck Bluegrass Project
  8. Lost
  9. Charlotte Cardin
  10. FouKi

2025 SPOTIFY WRAPPED GLOBAL TOP LISTS

Global Top Artists of 2025:

  1. Bad Bunny
  2. Taylor Swift
  3. The Weeknd
  4. Drake
  5. Billie Eilish
  6. Kendrick Lamar
  7. Bruno Mars
  8. Ariana Grande
  9. Arijit Singh
  10. Fuerza Regida

Global Top Songs of 2025:

  1. “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
  2. “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
  3. “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars
  4. “Ordinary” by Alex Warren
  5. “DtMF” by Bad Bunny
  6. “back to friends” by sombr
  7. “Golden” by HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast
  8. “luther (with sza)” by Kendrick Lamar
  9. “That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams
  10. “WILDFLOWER” by Billie Eilish

Global Top Albums of 2025:

  1. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny
  2. KPop Demon Hunters by KPop Demon Hunters Cast, HUNTR/X, Saja Boys
  3. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
  4. SOS Deluxe: LANA by SZA
  5. Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
  6. MAYHEM by Lady Gaga
  7. You’ll Be Alright, Kid by Alex Warren
  8. I’m The Problem by Morgan Wallen
  9. GNX by Kendrick Lamar
  10. Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny

Global Top Podcasts of 2025:

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience
  2. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
  3. The Mel Robbins Podcast
  4. Call Her Daddy
  5. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
  6. Huberman Lab
  7. Crime Junkie
  8. Modern Wisdom
  9. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
  10. The Tucker Carlson Show

Global Top Audiobooks in Premium of 2025:

  1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
  2. Lights Out: An Into Darkness Novel by Navessa Allen
  3. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
  4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
  5. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
  6. The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke
  7. The Wedding People: A Novel by Alison Espach
  8. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
  9. Quicksilver: The Fae & Alchemy Series, Book 1 by Callie Hart
  10. Great Big Beautiful Life: Reese’s Book Club by Emily Henry

Keaton Henson Shares New Album ‘Parader’ And Grunge-Tinged Single “Operator”

Eric Alper
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Keaton Henson Shares New Album ‘Parader’ And Grunge-Tinged Single “Operator”

Enigmatic polymath Keaton Henson has shared his critically acclaimed ninth studio album, ‘Parader’, his first since 2024’s Somnambulant Cycles. To mark this highly anticipated release, Henson also shared a grunge-tinged, self-reflective new single titled “Operator.” While his previous single, “Lazy Magician,” hinted at him beginning to shed the “quiet boy” persona that has defined much of his career, ‘Parader’ sees Henson fully embracing the heavier, grunge-infused sounds of his youth. This shift was previously evident on his single “Insomnia,” where he entwined aching self-observation with a defiant sound he terms as “musical snark.”

Today’s new single, “Operator,” is a Slow Pulp-esque track that sees Henson grappling with questions of autonomy amidst heavy, soaring guitars as he confronts his relationship with self-loathing. It is arguably one of the album’s most overtly loud tracks, combining thick distortion-led riffs that build into the rhythmic chorus where he sings, “I don’t wanna make do / I don’t wanna hate you / But I do.” Speaking on the single, Henson shared: “It is a song about the id and self-loathing, it is an apology letter to me for how much I hate myself sometimes. The ‘operator’ can be tied to the ‘parader’ of the album title, a part of yourself outside of your control, either the part you wish you could conquer and change, or just a version of yourself that is perceived by others, I wish I wasn’t always this guy basically, but I’m apologising to him for feeling that way.”

To piece ‘Parader’ together, Henson collaborated with a wealth of talent who could harness these heavier influences and bring them into the light. Production duties were split between Luke Sital-Singh, who grew up in a similar area at a similar time as Henson, and Alex Farrar, whom Henson refers to as “the king of that loud, snarky American DIY sound.” The intimately tender track “Furl” also found a first-time co-writer in his wife, artist and musician Danielle Fricke, while the earlier mentioned “Lazy Magician” was co-written with Ratboys’ Julia Steiner. Henson explained that Steiner’s voice is highly evocative of the sound he loved back then, reminding him of Rilo Kiley.

The album finds Henson, now thirty-seven years old, coming somewhat full circle with apparitions of his younger self—the teenager catching American punk bands in the suburbs of London. He explains that the record is definitely pulling from the things he listened to when he was young, but those influences are being spat out through the lens of him and his career now. Under the weight of this poignant introspection, ‘Parader’ has legitimate confidence, with Henson noting, “I think it’s just me accepting that part of me is this. It’s louder and brasher, but not from a performative point of view. Maybe I’m just accepting that that is all part of me as well.”

Robin Ross & The Melodynes Drop Fun-Loving Single “Spill No Mo Wine”

Eric Alper
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Robin Ross & The Melodynes Drop Fun-Loving Single “Spill No Mo Wine”

Pennsylvania-based outfit Robin Ross & The Melodynes present the fun-loving single “Spill No Mo Wine,” a track born from a high-spirited gathering on Lake Huron. Straight from the bottle right to your dancing feet, this song captures the energetic atmosphere of friendship and celebration, cleverly using a humorous mishap as a metaphor for resilience when life’s plans briefly spill out of control. Anchoring the band’s sophomore ‘Mind Space’ album, scheduled for release in early 2026 via RPM Entertainment, the band infuses classic rock with modern pop sensibilities in the spirit of The B-52s, with a side of The Pretenders.

Robin Ross & The Melodynes is truly about big fun between like-minded artists, including famed engineer Jonathan Duckett and storied folk-rock artist TW Howell, whose collective good vibes seep into the music. Ross, who produced and engineered the album, recounted the song’s origin on the shores of Lake Huron: “I sat down, put the wine carefully on a rock and began playing, when this riff started. I took one more sip of wine, put it down and it fell off the rock, spilling the wine completely into the soppy sand.” He continued that the song is about grit and how, sometimes, best laid plans can vanish in one quick moment, noting that the glass held firm and did not break. With deep musical roots dating back to 1988, Ross also maintains his progressive rock ties, planning a new Jack’s Maze album in Spring 2026.

Track Listing for ‘Mind Space’

  1. “Spill No Mo Wine”
  2. “Echo Of Love”
  3. “Campfire On The Moon”
  4. “Mind Space”
  5. “Shiny Blue Shoes”
  6. “Come On In”
  7. “Free The Young”
  8. “Cause I Do”
  9. “Sweet Jane”
  10. “Taking All Of My Heart”
  11. “Curious Mind”
  12. “Follow”

TWO TONNE MACHETE Confront Dissent With Urgent New Single “PIGS PIGS”

Eric Alper
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TWO TONNE MACHETE Confront Dissent With Urgent New Single “PIGS PIGS”

North West England and North Wales alt-punk force TWO TONNE MACHETE deliver an urgent anthem with their latest single, “PIGS PIGS.” Written during a time of escalating crackdowns, the song confronts the State’s growing use of force and surveillance against peaceful demonstrators. Referencing real police tactics like kettling and tasers, the track is a powerful call for resistance and solidarity.

At its core, “PIGS PIGS” is loud, uncompromising protest music for the present moment. The band, fronted by Emily, infuses full-throttle energy, striking vocals, and razor-sharp guitars with a fierce political ethos confronting misogyny and control. Following a huge 2025 live circuit run, TWO TONNE MACHETE plans a new EP and extensive UK tour in Spring 2026.

Wave Of The Flood Rings In The Season With New Single “The Drunken Bellringers”

Eric Alper
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Wave Of The Flood Rings In The Season With New Single “The Drunken Bellringers”

Raise a glass to the humorous new single “The Drunken Bellringers” from Scottish folk artist Wave Of The Flood. Inspired by a historical visit to Bath Cathedral, where the bell ringers were once asked to stop for becoming a health and safety hazard due to overindulging in merriment, the song playfully celebrates this lost British tradition with wit and warmth. Lindsay Strachan, the creative force behind Wave Of The The Flood, explained that the long history of bell ringing for community events and holidays struck him, and the comical story of the overly merry ringers who caused their tradition to stop became the inspiration for the track.

Strachan shared: “I visited the belltower on a tour a few years ago and was struck by the beautiful sound of the bells, and the long history that bell ringing has across the land – chiming for weddings, Christmas, and community events. But, they were once a fun regular hobby too, until the bell ringers were asked to stop for being a health and safety hazard The idea really tickled me, so I wrote a comical take on the characters I imagined.” “The Drunken Bell-Ringers” is the seventh in a series of twelve monthly singles released in tribute to the golden era of the forty-five-rpm record and to mark Strachan’s own forty-fifth-birthday year.

The track was produced by acclaimed folk artist Kris Drever of Lau, who lends his signature guitar and rousing vocals to the recording. It also features John McDonald on double bass and Dylan Cairns on fiddle, creating a joyful, toe-tapping slice of festive folk that is the perfect soundtrack to a cheerful Christmas pint.

Confess Unleash “5 Years In A Cave” Single From Reissued ‘In Pursuit Of Dreams’ LP

Eric Alper
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Confess Unleash “5 Years In A Cave” Single From Reissued ‘In Pursuit Of Dreams’ LP

Iranian-Norwegian metallers Confess have followed up the success of their previous singles with the release of their latest track, “5 Years In A Cave,” unveiled on October 31st. The track arrives ahead of the re-release of their second album, ‘In Pursuit Of Dreams’, available today, November 7th, through their EVIN Productions imprint. This reissue is not just a fresh look at a classic; it comes complete with three previously unheard tracks: “Watch The Decay Of Sun,” “Convention,” and “Face-Off.”

Frontman Nikan Khosravi offered poignant reflection on the featured single. Khosravi stated: ““5 Years…” comes from the darkest days of my youth, a time when depression, anger, and substance abuse were eating me alive. Writing it was like bleeding onto paper, a way to survive when I couldn’t see a way out. Remastering this track now feels like looking my younger self in the eye — not to glorify the pain, but to show that I carried it, and I came through it.” This deeply personal track provides insight into the emotional foundation of an album that quickly became a piece of history.

Khosravi went on to discuss the re-release, marking the 10th anniversary of the album’s initial release while the band was still in Iran. He said, “To mark the 10th anniversary of “In Pursuit of Dreams”, we are proud to announce a reissue of the album, freshly remastered and featuring three previously unreleased songs, finally revealed after a decade.” He emphasized the album’s lasting impact: “This isn’t just an album; it’s a piece of history. The last record we dropped while still in Iran, it became a lightning rod for rebellion, defiance, and unapologetic expression. Just two weeks after its release, the authorities arrested us for its incendiary, protest-fuelled lyrics. This was the spark that ignited a movement and put us on the global map. Widely regarded as one of the most impactful and groundbreaking metal albums in the history of the Middle East, we believe “In Pursuit of Dreams” firmly established our place in the metal world.”

The re-release caps off an incredible year for Confess. Back in January, they released their stunning new album, ‘Destination Addiction’, which earned rave reviews from publications like Metal Hammer and Norway Rock Magazine. The album was produced by Khosravi, mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated Alberto De Icaza, and featured performances from extreme metal luminaries George Kollias and Marzi Montazeri. The band’s extraordinary story of survival, resistance, and musical defiance, following their arrest and exile, was recently featured in a full feature episode of the HULU show “Into The Void: Life, Death & Heavy Metal,” produced by VICE Studios Canada. Confess stated that this exposure proves “that no system can silence metal. We were once called criminals for playing heavy music, now our story is streaming worldwide. That’s not just a win for us. It’s a victory for the entire global metal scene.”

Track Listing for ‘In Pursuit Of Dreams’ (Reissue)

  1. “Teh-Hell-Ran”
  2. “I’m Your God Now!”
  3. “See You on the Other Side”
  4. “Thorn Within”
  5. “5 Years in Cave”
  6. “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Exhausted!”
  7. “Tsunami of Hate”
  8. “New World Order”
  9. “Aborted Déjà Vu”
  10. “Dysentery”
  11. “I Want Nothing More but the Past…”
  12. “The Alphabet of Power”
  13. “Did You Get My Last Message?”
  14. “The Last One Standing”
  15. “Watch the Decay of Sun” (Bonus Track)
  16. “Convention” (Bonus Track)
  17. “Face-Off” (Bonus Track)

Indie-Soul Artist Jeremy Voltz Returns With Introspective New Single

Eric Alper
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Indie-Soul Artist Jeremy Voltz Returns With Introspective New Single

Burned-out mathematician turned indie-soul artist Jeremy Voltz is back with “Feel It All,” a deeply introspective track that captures the push and pull of human relationships. The song is about the struggle to care for someone despite the anger, distance, and vulnerability that connection naturally brings. As the latest release from Voltz’s 2025 music campaign, the single explores the complicated, tender, and ultimately unbreakable nature of these bonds.

Voltz shared the origin of the song, explaining that it came from a rocky relationship with a friend. “I tried for almost a year to distance myself and keep safe at arm’s length,” Voltz shared. “But I realized that no matter how hard I tried not to care about my friend, I couldn’t stop. My anger had dried up without me noticing, and I even tried to cling to it so I wouldn’t have to care, because caring is hard. But ultimately, care blooms in spite of our best efforts.” This honest reflection is captured beautifully in the track’s lyrics, which include the lines:

The cracks are showing The flowers bloom Pretend I don’t see ‘em open With the morning dew

Uniquely, this marks the first song Voltz has ever released that he created using an Akai MPC—the legendary drum machine and sampler made famous by J Dilla. Voltz discovered the instrument through Dilla’s influence on D’Angelo’s music, finding it an amazing new way to create away from his guitar. He explained that the track inspired the lyrics, which is usually the other way around for him. He said, “When I came up with the beat, these emotions and lyrics flowed out of me almost instantly.” Voltz summarized the song’s core message: “The message of the song is that you can try as much as you want to harden yourself, to not care, but care and concern grow in spite of yourself. Like a flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk.”

A seasoned performer, Jeremy Voltz has toured the UK, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the US, and Canada, playing both full-band shows and intimate acoustic sets. His music has received significant recognition, with his debut album Weekender named Album of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards (2022). His sophomore album Running Away (2023) received national airplay through Stingray and CBC Radio, and his tracks have been featured in commercials for Ford, the NFL, and Honda, as well as on various networks like Hallmark, TLC, Discovery Channel, Great American Family, and Australia’s Seven Network.

The Balboas Announce New LP ‘Bite! Blood! Repeat!’ Featuring Mike Watt and The 5.6.7.8.s

Eric Alper
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The Balboas Announce New LP ‘Bite! Blood! Repeat!’ Featuring Mike Watt and The 5.6.7.8.s

The Balboas are back, unleashing their latest thirteen-song LP, ‘Bite! Blood! Repeat!’, a swirling vortex of sharp teeth and bad intention. This record is another notch in the belt of The Balboas’ prolific discography, spanning punk-rock, rockabilly, and garage rock and tearing those genres into raw flesh. The entire album is laced with sex, mysticism, and mayhem, promising a wild ride for listeners.

Richard Griffith, the co-founder of The Balboas and Professor of Psychology at The University of Florida, offered unique insight into the band’s process. He explained that while one might initially hear chaos, the band is anything but random when creating a record. The result is a product of The Balboas’ time tested process, which he described as methodical. The album’s title isn’t just wordplay from song lyrics; it signifies the meticulous way The Balboas go about their business, much like highly organized piranhas.

The album boasts an impressive list of collaborators, demonstrating the band’s wide-reaching influence. It features contributions from Minutemen legend Mike Watt, Paul Roessler of Screamers and 45 Grave, Eddie Spaghetti of Supersuckers, and the powerful vocalist Kitten Kuroi, known for working with Billy Idol. The track list also includes a truly timely collaboration with The 5.6.7.8.s, famous for their role in the Tarantino film Kill Bill. They teamed up with The Balboas on a song about the movie’s psychotic teenage bodyguard, Go Go Yubari, released to coincide with Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, the full four-hour theatrical release out in December.

The excitement surrounding the record is shared by the legendary contributors, including Jimmy Dale, the Son of Dick Dale, who said, “We managed bring quite the curveball of raw energy that the music scene really is lacking. Of course, I’d lay it down on the skins, guitar, whatever for them. I feel right at home.” Discussing one of the album’s drops, the heartshaking “Florida Man,” Richard Griffith commented: “Florida Man is a greasy, distorted, journey through the stereotype of the crazy lifestyle of the sunshine state. The song features The Balboas in one of their most depraved spells, fully immersed in a southern methamphetamine moment. It captures all the anger of a failed attempt to join the ranks of the mythical Florida Man, and features Dusty Watson on his first washboard recording.”

ZEKE Unleash Speed Rock Fury With New ‘Peterbilt’ 7-Inch Single

Eric Alper
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ZEKE Unleash Speed Rock Fury With New ‘Peterbilt’ 7-Inch Single

The moment has arrived: ZEKE has unleashed a brand-new 7″ single featuring the tracks “Peterbilt” and “From The Ashes,” delivering an adrenaline rush only this band can provide. Since forming back in Seattle in 1992, ZEKE has been the definitive force in speed rock, forging an unrelenting mix of hardcore punk energy, pure rock ‘n’ roll swagger, and absolutely breakneck fury. Fans of raw aggression and attitude should pay close attention.

The two new tracks are nothing short of a frontal assault. They feature razor-sharp riffs, unrelenting drumming courtesy of founding member Donny Paycheck, rumbling bass from Jason Freeman, and the signature feral snarl of frontman and founding member Blind Marky Felchtone. With Jeff Hiatt on guitar completing the lineup, every second of this single hits like a strike. Every note is pure velocity, representing rock ‘n’ roll pushed deep into the red.

This is the sound of a band channeling their explosive live energy straight onto vinyl. In less than three minutes, they deliver the kind of sonic intensity most bands cannot capture across a whole full-length album. “Peterbilt” stands as uncompromising, high-octane punk rock—raw, direct, and unapologetically loud. Furthermore, the band is committing to physical media, as the tracks are not available on streaming platforms, making this 7″ an essential purchase for anyone who craves aggression, speed, and attitude.

ZEKE is back, sounding faster, louder, and more ferocious than ever, ready to tear through Europe on a headlining tour.

ZEKE Tour Dates

  • 18.03.2026 – NL – Eindhoven – Effenaar
  • 19.03.2026 – DE – Saarbrücken – Studio 30
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Supertramp Members Unite for Bright New Christmas Single

Eric Alper
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Supertramp Members Unite for Bright New Christmas Single

A beautiful, brand-new Christmas single has arrived just in time for the holidays, and it brings an unexpected gift for music fans. “My Christmas Day,” a track recorded with an incredible 165 fully organic acoustic layers, features special guest performances from three legendary members of Supertramp. This is truly a collaborative holiday treat for the ears.

The contributing Supertramp members are vocalist Jesse Siebenberg, clarinetist John Helliwell, and original co-founder Richard Palmer-James, who appears on the mandolin. The track arrives as a wonderful end-of-year celebration, offering listeners something genuinely warm, cheerful, and human-made. This rich, textural production stands as a refreshing contrast to the rapid rise of AI-generated music, crafted with meticulous care and absolutely filled with classic Christmas brightness.

Beyond the talented Supertramp trio, the single features an absolutely remarkable lineup of session musicians. Bassist Sylvin Marc, known for his work with Chris Rea, adds deep grooves, while Steve Shehan, whose percussion credits include Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Sting, lays down complex rhythms. Furthermore, the single boasts symphonic arrangement work from maestro Lee Holdridge, famous for his contributions to tracks by Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand.

Accompanying the release is a charming animated music video. It is entirely hand-drawn, human-made, and sweetly nostalgic, intentionally echoing holiday film traditions rather than relying on modern digital shortcuts. Warm, deeply melodic, and built with world-class musicianship at its core, “My Christmas Day” lands as a potent reminder of what this season is meant for—connection, creativity, and the kind of beautiful music that brings people together.

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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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