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Best Site to Buy and Sell CS2 Skins

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore trader, CS2 skins are more than just cosmetic items — they’re part of the game’s culture and economy. From flashy knife skins to rare gloves, owning the right items is a way to show off style, status, and sometimes even make a little cash. Whether you’re looking to customize your loadout or turn virtual items into real cash, knowing where to buy and sell CS2 skins safely and profitably is key.

With so many trading platforms available today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we break down some of the best sites to buy and sell CS2 skins — looking at speed, pricing, ease of use, and security.

What to Look For in a CS2 Skin Marketplace?

Before diving into our top pick, let’s cover the essential features a good skin marketplace should offer:

  • Security & Trustworthiness: Look for platforms with verified user reviews, solid reputation, and anti-scam protection.
  • Low Fees: High commission fees can eat into your profits. Choose marketplaces with transparent and competitive rates.
  • Fast Payouts: Whether you’re selling skins or buying with real money, speed matters.
  • Wide Selection: A top site should offer thousands of skins — from budget-friendly pistols to ultra-rare knives and gloves.
  • Multiple Payment Options: Credit cards, crypto, PayPal, and even local payment methods help make transactions easier.

Why Skin.Land Is the Best Site to Buy and Sell CS2 Skins

Here’s what makes Skin.Land the top choice for thousands of gamers:

✅ Instant Sales

Want to sell your skins without waiting days for a buyer? Skin.Land buys your CS2 skins directly — no auctions, no waiting. Just select your items and get paid instantly.

✅ Real Cash, Real Fast

Unlike other sites that make you jump through hoops, Skin.Land offers instant payouts through SEPA, crypto, and bank cards. Most transactions are completed within minutes.

✅ Fair and Transparent Prices

No hidden commissions or sudden drops in value. Skin.Land’s pricing is based on real-time market data, so you always get what your skin is truly worth.

✅ Multi-language and Global Support

The platform supports users from all over the world, with local languages and payment options.

✅ Safe and Secure

Skin.Land is fully trusted by the community, with years of experience, verified transactions, and top-tier security. Your items and your money are always protected.

✅ Trusted by Thousands

With a growing user base and excellent reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Skin.Land has quickly built a solid reputation

Other Popular Platforms for CS2 Skin Trading

Here are some others commonly used and trusted CS2 skin marketplaces :

  • Skinport – A user-friendly site with strong security and competitive pricing. Supports real money transactions and offers multiple currencies.
  • DMarket – Known for its large inventory and global audience. Offers both skin trading and NFT integration.
  • CS.MONEY – One of the oldest platforms, with strong branding and frequent promo campaigns.
  • TradeIt.gg – Offers bonuses and a fast, simple UI. Frequently used by newer traders.
  • Bitskins – A long-time player in the skin market, although popularity has shifted over time.

Each platform has its strengths. Some specialize in fast sales, others in rare or high-value skins, and some in user-to-user trading.

Tips for Safe Buying and Selling

  • Double-check URLs: Scam sites often copy branding of legit marketplaces.
  • Avoid logging in via suspicious links: Always type the URL manually or use bookmarks.
  • Use escrow when possible: Many marketplaces offer built-in protection for both buyers and sellers.
  • Beware of “too good to be true” offers: Scams often involve underpriced items or rushed trades.

Final Thoughts

Buying and selling CS2 skins has become an entire ecosystem of its own. Whether you’re looking to build your dream loadout or cash out rare items, choosing the right platform can help you get better value, faster trades, and safer experiences.

While no single site is perfect for everyone, evaluating your needs — budget, location, desired items, and payment preferences — will help you pick the best option for your situation.

And as always: trade smart, stay safe, and enjoy the game.

And as always: trade smart, stay safe, and enjoy the game.

85 Facts About Ringo Starr For His 85th Birthday

Eric Alper
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85 Facts About Ringo Starr For His 85th Birthday

Born July 7, 1940, Sir Ringo Starr is more than the drummer for the Beatles — he’s a musical icon, peace-and-love advocate, and one of rock’s most beloved personalities. To celebrate his 85th birthday, here are 85 real, fascinating facts about Ringo Starr. Each one is a glimpse into the life of the man who kept the beat and never stopped moving forward.

  1. Ringo Starr was born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England.
  2. He is the longest-living member of the Beatles as of July 2025.
  3. As a child, he suffered from appendicitis and peritonitis, spending nearly a year in hospital.
  4. He later contracted tuberculosis and spent two years in a sanatorium.
  5. His first exposure to drums came while recovering in hospital, using a cotton bobbin to tap furniture.
  6. He formed his first band, the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, in 1957.
  7. He joined Rory Storm and the Hurricanes in 1959.
  8. He adopted the stage name “Ringo Starr” due to his rings and love of country & western.
  9. He officially joined the Beatles in August 1962, replacing Pete Best.
  10. Ringo’s first performance with the Beatles was on August 18, 1962.
  11. His first Beatles recording session was on September 4, 1962.
  12. He sang lead vocals on several Beatles songs, including “Yellow Submarine.”
  13. He wrote and sang “Don’t Pass Me By” and “Octopus’s Garden.”
  14. Ringo was praised for his acting debut in A Hard Day’s Night (1964).
  15. He won a Melody Maker poll for his performance in Help! (1965).
  16. He temporarily left the Beatles during the White Album sessions in 1968.
  17. He returned to the studio to find his drum kit covered in flowers.
  18. He considered his drumming on “Rain” his best Beatles performance.
  19. Ringo’s first solo album was Sentimental Journey (1970).
  20. His 1973 album Ringo was a top 10 hit in the U.K. and U.S.
  21. The single “Photograph” hit #1 in the U.S. in 1973.
  22. “You’re Sixteen” also topped the U.S. charts in 1974.
  23. He directed the 1972 T. Rex documentary Born to Boogie.
  24. Ringo voiced Thomas the Tank Engine for its first two seasons.
  25. He played Mr. Conductor in the PBS show Shining Time Station.
  26. He formed the All-Starr Band in 1989.
  27. The All-Starr Band has toured with 13 different lineups.
  28. Ringo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — as a Beatle in 1988 and solo in 2015.
  29. He was knighted in 2018 for services to music.
  30. Ringo narrated 26 episodes of Thomas & Friends.
  31. He appeared in The Last Waltz with Bob Dylan and The Band in 1976.
  32. His solo single “Back Off Boogaloo” peaked at #2 in the U.K. in 1972.
  33. Ringo sang on Cilla Black’s TV show in 1968.
  34. His playing helped popularize the matched grip technique in drumming.
  35. He inspired Phil Collins, who cited his drum fills on “A Day in the Life.”
  36. He played drums on Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band and Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.
  37. He performed at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
  38. He appeared on The Simpsons in the episode “Brush with Greatness.”
  39. Ringo received the fifth spot in Rolling Stone’s reader poll of greatest drummers.
  40. He helped promote The Beatles: Rock Band in 2009.
  41. He released the holiday-themed album I Wanna Be Santa Claus in 1999.
  42. He performed “Photograph” at the 2002 Concert for George.
  43. He launched a peace campaign called #peacerocks in 2014.
  44. Ringo received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
  45. He received a Diamond Award on behalf of the Beatles in 2008.
  46. He published a MasterClass on drumming and collaboration in 2021.
  47. His catchphrase and life motto is “peace and love.”
  48. He has eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
  49. Ringo is a vegetarian and avoids garlic and onions due to allergies.
  50. He meditates daily.
  51. Ringo auctioned Beatles memorabilia in 2015, raising over $9 million.
  52. He co-wrote “It Don’t Come Easy” with George Harrison.
  53. He played drums on “Real Love” and “Free As A Bird,” the Anthology Beatles tracks.
  54. His solo song “Never Without You” was a tribute to George Harrison.
  55. He often credits Jim Keltner as his favorite drummer.
  56. He owns properties in Los Angeles, Monte Carlo, and Chelsea.
  57. He received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 2022.
  58. His drums helped Ludwig dominate the U.S. market in the 1960s.
  59. His vocals appear on “Act Naturally,” “Honey Don’t,” and “Boys.”
  60. He named “With a Little Help from My Friends” as a favorite song to perform.
  61. Ringo starred in the cult comedy Caveman (1981) with future wife Barbara Bach.
  62. He married Barbara Bach on April 27, 1981.
  63. Ringo performed “Walk with You” with Paul McCartney in 2010.
  64. He toured Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 2013.
  65. He performed two sold-out concerts in Israel in 2018.
  66. He contributed to the 2020 charity single “Here’s to the Nights.”
  67. He toured in 2022 after a pandemic hiatus.
  68. He tested positive for COVID-19 in October 2022, cancelling several shows.
  69. He released the EP EP3 in September 2022.
  70. He collaborated with T Bone Burnett on the 2025 album Look Up.
  71. His drumming influenced Steve Smith, drummer of Journey.
  72. He was inspired by skiffle, big band, and rockabilly music.
  73. Ringo described Gene Autry as his first musical hero.
  74. He played biscuit tins and washboards before owning drums.
  75. His first drum kit was a Christmas gift made from scrap pieces.
  76. Ringo was knighted at Buckingham Palace by Prince William.
  77. His solo career includes over 20 studio albums.
  78. He performed with Paul McCartney at the 2014 Grammy Awards.
  79. He played on “Little Willow,” McCartney’s tribute to Maureen Starkey.
  80. He sang “Good Night” on the Beatles’ White Album.
  81. Ringo was the first Beatle to become a grandfather in 1985.
  82. His 1976 home video for “Snookeroo” featured a 40-foot robot.
  83. He appeared in Lisztomania, Son of Dracula, and Blindman.
  84. Ringo is the only Beatle to have been in The Magic Christian with Peter Sellers.
  85. On his 85th birthday, he remains the beat behind the peace and the love.

10 Afrobeat Artists You Need To Know Right Now

Eric Alper
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10 Afrobeat Artists You Need To Know Right Now

Afrobeat continues to pulse across the globe — blending West African rhythms, funk, jazz, highlife, and hip-hop into one unstoppable cultural force. As global streaming climbs, major labels and music supervisors alike are paying close attention to the genre’s infectious energy. Platforms like Boomplay and Audiomack report exponential growth in Afrobeat streams, and Billboard now tracks Afrobeats with its own chart, reflecting the genre’s growing impact.

Here are 10 Afrobeat artists who define the sound and push it forward — each with a style that demands to be heard.

Adekunle Gold
Blending highlife, pop, and Afrobeat with sleek vocal delivery, Adekunle Gold brings a romantic, soulful vibe to the genre.

Asake
Known for his fusion of Fuji music and modern Afrobeat, Asake’s energetic style and choral hooks have made him a chart staple.

Ayra Starr
One of the genre’s fastest-rising stars, Ayra Starr combines Afrobeat with pop and R&B to create a bold, genre-bending sound.

Burna Boy
A global giant and Grammy winner, Burna Boy infuses Afrobeat with reggae, dancehall, and global influences while staying rooted in Nigerian culture.

CKay
CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” became a global anthem, and his smooth blend of Afrobeat and emo-pop continues to resonate across continents.

Davido
A superstar with global hits and deep roots in Nigerian pop, Davido brings high-energy, melodic Afrobeat that lights up any dance floor.

Femi Kuti
Son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Femi keeps the political spirit alive with fiery saxophone solos and socially conscious lyrics.

Fireboy DML
With a flair for songwriting and genre fusion, Fireboy’s Afrobeat-infused sound balances emotional depth and radio-ready production.

Tiwa Savage
A pioneering female force in Afrobeat and Afropop, Tiwa blends Afrobeat rhythms with sultry vocals and fearless lyrics.

Wizkid
One of the most influential Afrobeat artists today, Wizkid helped usher the genre into the global mainstream with smooth vocals and endless hits.

10 Tips for Making Instrumental Versions That Music Supervisors Love

Eric Alper
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10 Tips for Making Instrumental Versions That Music Supervisors Love

When music supervisors search for the perfect track to pair with a scene, an instrumental version can often seal the deal. In fact, many supervisors request stems or instrumentals by default — especially for commercials, trailers, or dialogue-heavy scenes where lyrics might clash. According to a Guild of Music Supervisors survey, more than 70% of supervisors say that having a clean instrumental version makes a track far more licensable.

If you want to increase your sync chances, here are 10 tips to make your instrumental version stand out — and stay in demand.

Start With the Hook
Without lyrics, your instrumental needs to shine on its own — lead with the melodic hook or strongest riff to grab attention fast.

Don’t Just Mute the Vocals
Instrumentals work best when thoughtfully mixed — fill any gaps left by missing vocals with subtle instrumentation, not silence.

Use the Same Mastering Chain
Keep your instrumental version mastered to the same loudness and polish as the full mix. Supervisors don’t want a version that sounds like a demo.

Avoid Overcrowding
With no vocals to guide the ear, be careful not to overload the midrange. Keep your arrangement clean and clear.

Tag and Label Correctly
Include clear file names like SongTitle_Instrumental.wav — and make sure the metadata reflects it too. Music libraries love clean naming.

Create an Alt Mix with Light Vocals
Sometimes a ‘vocal underscore’ version — with just some ooohs or harmonies — can be more usable than a fully stripped track.

Watch the BPM and Key Info
Supervisors often search by tempo and key — so always provide accurate BPM and key data in your submissions.

End Cleanly
Avoid fade-outs unless they serve the project well. A clean button ending helps editors cut to black or transition between scenes.

Mind the Emotion Arc
Even without vocals, your instrumental should tell a story — build dynamics to mirror the emotional arc of your full version.

Make It Easy to License
Have your instrumental pre-cleared with all rights in order, ideally one-stop. The easier you make it for a supervisor, the more likely your song gets placed.

10 Songs That Celebrate Honesty On Tell The Truth Day

Eric Alper
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10 Songs That Celebrate Honesty On Tell The Truth Day

Today is Tell the Truth Day — a fun holiday that celebrates honesty, integrity, and speaking from the heart. Whether the truth heals, hurts, or frees, music has always had a way of delivering it with power and grace. These ten songs capture the spirit of sincerity, each in their own way.

“All the Truth That I Can Tell” – Dashboard Confessional
Chris Carrabba strips it down to pure acoustic honesty in this intimate reflection on vulnerability and being seen.

“Ain’t That the Truth” – Brother Ali
A soulful reminder that truth can sting but still set you free, Brother Ali blends rhythm and revelation in this powerful track.

“Confessions” – Usher
Usher lays it all bare in this iconic R&B confession, where honesty becomes both a release and a reckoning.

“Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” – Culture Club
With longing and vulnerability, this ballad is a plea for emotional truth between two people caught in love’s uncertainty.

“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” – Chicago
Sometimes the truth lies in apology, and Chicago’s ballad captures the emotional honesty behind regret and reconciliation.

“Honesty” – Billy Joel
A timeless piano ballad that gently demands the kind of truth we all seek in love and friendship.

“I Can’t Tell You Why” – Eagles
The Eagles deliver bittersweet emotion in this soft rock classic about the complexity of relationships and unspoken truths.

“I’m Not Gonna Lie” – DJ Khaled feat. Future
With unfiltered lyrics and bold delivery, this track leans into brutal truth with swagger and steel.

“Tell the Truth” – Otis Redding
Otis Redding brings soul-deep conviction to this groove-packed call for honesty in love.

“Truth Hurts” – Lizzo
Empowering and unapologetic, Lizzo’s breakout hit is a fearless celebration of self-worth and radical honesty.

Karen Carpenter’s Isolated Vocals For “Rainy Days and Mondays” Will Soothe You

Eric Alper
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Karen Carpenter’s Isolated Vocals For “Rainy Days and Mondays” Will Soothe You

“Rainy Days and Mondays” showcased Karen Carpenter’s soaring voice and Richard Carpenter’s ear for emotional precision. Written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, the song became a Gold-certified hit and a signature moment for the Carpenters. Backed by the legendary Wrecking Crew, it captured a mood and made it unforgettable.


Unlocking Qi2 Charging: The Game-Changer for Car Chargers in 2025

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Wireless Charging’s Frustration Era is Over. Here’s Why Qi2 Matters.Let’s face it: we’re shackled to our phones. Yet for years, “wireless” charging felt anything but free—fumbling to find the sweet spot on a pad, watching your iPhone crawl from 20% to 30% during a road trip, or worse, smelling that dreaded overheating plastic.

Enter Qi2. Backed by Apple and the Wireless Power Consortium, this magnetic revolution (literally) snaps your device into perfect alignment every time. And with Qi2.2’s looming upgrade promising smarter thermal management and adaptive speeds, it’s not just an improvement—it’s the death knell for clunky, inefficient charging.

What Is Qi2?

Launched by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), Qi2 is the second major version of the globally recognized Qi wireless charging standard. It introduced Magnetic Power Profile (MPP)—a feature that uses magnets to automatically align your magsafe iphone charger for faster, more efficient charging. Sound familiar? That’s because it builds on Apple’s MagSafe technology( Apple was involved in developing the Qi2 standard), now available to the broader industry.

Qi2 enables up to 15W fast charging with better heat control and greater compatibility across brands and devices. But the story doesn’t end here.

What’s Coming Next: Qi2.2

Qi2.2 is the highly anticipated upgrade to Qi2, and it’s set to raise the bar even further. This isn’t just a simple iteration—it addresses long-standing problems with wireless charging and brings to your everyday life real, practical and tangible improvements.

Key Features of Qi2.2:

  • Faster Charging Speeds: It supports even higher power output for quicker and more efficient charging—without compromising safety. This is great for getting a quick power boost during your busiest hours.
  • Improved Magnetic Alignment: Built-in magnets enable you to quickly snap your device into the best position each time, which reduces the possibility of misalignment and thus improves stability.
  • Backward Compatibility: Qi2.2 devices work with older Qi and Qi2 wireless chargers all the same, so you don’t have to put your existing gear into waste.

Why It Matters to You:

  • Less Waiting: Charge your phone in less time, even during short breaks.
  • No More Guesswork: Just drop your phone onto the car charger fast charger and it connects perfectly.
  • More Compatible Accessories: Your devices will work more reliably, from car mounts to desktop stands.
  • Easy Upgrades: You won’t have to overhaul your entire setup to take advantage of the new standard.

ESR’s Qi2 Car Charger with CryoBoost: Speed Meets Stability

While Qi2.2 is still on the horizon, ESR is already delivering cutting-edge solutions built on Qi2 technology. Case in point: the ESR Qi2 Car Charger with CryoBoost.(esrtech.com)

What Makes It Stand Out:

  • 15W Magnetic Fast Charging: Provides full-speed charging for MagSafe-compatible devices—even while navigating or streaming.
  • CryoBoost Active Cooling: ESR’s proprietary tech keeps temperatures down, ensuring peak performance and battery safety during long drives. It solves the biggest pain point of drivers using phones for navigation: overheating.
  • Magnetic Precision: Built-in magnets align your phone immediately—no slipping, no hassle.

ESR’s Qi2 car charger with CryoBoost ensures your phone always stays charged, cool, and ready for any purposes, whether you’re planning your daily commute, departing on a weekend/holiday road trip, or just running errands around town. Designed with both protection and performance in mind, this car cell phone charger delivers fast and stable power while on the other hand, intelligently dealing with heat—so you can navigate, stream, or take calls without problems. It’s not only a MagSafe car mount charger; it also reflects the innovation behind the upcoming Qi2.2 standard.

Final Thoughts

More than just about convenience, wireless charging is also about performance, safety, and effortless integration into your life. With Qi2 already changing the market and more revolutionary Qi2.2 on the way, the wireless charging experience is becoming faster, smarter, and gives you more user-friendly experience than ever.

And with brands like ESR leading the way, you don’t have to wait for the future. You can start experiencing it—right now.

Enter Qi2. Backed by Apple and the Wireless Power Consortium, this magnetic revolution (literally) snaps your device into perfect alignment every time. And with Qi2.2’s looming upgrade promising smarter thermal management and adaptive speeds, it’s not just an improvement—it’s the death knell for clunky, inefficient charging.

Brandon Isaak Releases ‘Walkin’ With The Blues’ – A Raw, Soulful Journey into Classic Electric Blues

Eric Alper
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0
Brandon Isaak Releases ‘Walkin’ With The Blues’ – A Raw, Soulful Journey into Classic Electric Blues

Brandon Isaak, the Whitehorse-born bluesman known for his gravelly voice and deep respect for tradition, returns with Walkin’ With The Blues—his most authentic and electrified blues album to date. Recorded live off the floor with minimal mics, vintage gear, and a soul soaked in the genre’s deepest roots, the record is a love letter to classic blues—gritty, emotional, and defiantly old-school.

“This is the most straight-up blues record I’ve ever made, and I could not be more pleased with how it turned out,” Isaak shares. “I wanted to make a record with strong lyrics, soulful playing, and zero tolerance for wanking—and I think I’ve achieved this.” The album marks Isaak’s first time producing and engineering on his own, a feat he describes as both a challenge and a dream realized.

The lead single and title track, “Walkin’ With The Blues,” captures Isaak’s hallmark songwriting style—equal parts heartbreak and hard-won wisdom. Lyrics like “With the blues as my companion / down this long hard road / we’ll keep on walkin’ / and share this heavy load” show Isaak’s emotional range, drawing listeners deep into his world of lost love and gritty perseverance.

Themes throughout the album stretch from life and love to death, sex, and even murder—all delivered with what Isaak calls “gusto and passion.” Each track is infused with the vintage tones of electric blues, channeling the spirit of legends like T-Bone Walker and Ronnie Earl. “I’ve always dreamed of making an electric blues album that captures the feel of the records I grew up on,” he says. “This one’s for the guitarists I worshipped as a kid.”

The record was made with Isaak’s touring band, The Saints of Swing, on Vancouver Island. “We built this in a single room with ribbon mics, cold beer, and heart,” he says. “Every note played was real, unfiltered. The drums, the guitars, the feel—it’s all there, honest and alive.” That honesty translates to every track, from rollicking shuffles to mournful ballads.

A true blues craftsman with over 37 years on the road, Isaak has toured across three continents and earned accolades including a 2024 Juno nomination for Blues Album of the Year. His performance resume includes 13 European tours and four nominations at the 2023 Maple Blues Awards, where he was recognized for Male Vocalist of the Year, Album/Producer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Acoustic Act of the Year.

To celebrate the release of Walkin’ With The Blues, Brandon Isaak will embark on an extensive tour across Western Canada, bringing his new album to life with performances full of storytelling, humour, and heart. Tour stops include:

  • June 26 – Hermann’s Jazz Club – Victoria, BC
  • June 28 – Evergreen Cultural Centre – Coquitlam, BC
  • July 5 – Large House Concert – Errington, BC
  • July 6 – Chemainus Blues Festival – Chemainus, BC
  • July 8 – 39 Days of July – Duncan, BC
  • July 12 – Large House Concert – Main Island, BC
  • July 13 – 39 Days of July – Duncan, BC
  • July 24 – Parksville Museum – Parksville, BC
  • July 25 – Fort Langley Jazz Festival – Fort Langley, BC
  • Sept 4 – Blues Barn – Leduc, Alberta
  • Sept 5 – Large House Concert – Red Deer, Alberta
  • Sept 6 – Badlands Amphitheatre – Drumheller, Alberta
  • Sept 11 – Mackie House Concert – Coldstream, BC
  • Sept 12 – Dream Café – Penticton, BC
  • Sept 13 – Vibrant Wine Vineyard – Kelowna, BC
  • Sept 20 – Osborne Bay – Crofton, BC
  • Oct 7 – Oak Bay Recreation Centre – Victoria, BC
  • Oct 18 – Cobblestone Music Venue – Cobblestone, BC
  • Oct 31 – Marsh Lake – Yukon
  • Nov 1 – Old Firehall – Whitehorse, Yukon
  • Nov 21 – Hermann’s Jazz Club – Victoria, BC

Whether performing solo or backed by a powerhouse band, Isaak’s shows are rooted in the blues tradition—one part celebration, one part confession, all heart. “I’m not trying to reinvent the blues,” he says. “I’m just doing what it’s always done—telling stories, sharing truths, and keeping the fire burning.”

Martha and the Muffins’ Mark Gane’s ‘Garden Music’ Is a Meditative Journey Through Sound, Soil, and Sonic Memory

Eric Alper
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Martha and the Muffins’ Mark Gane’s ‘Garden Music’ Is a Meditative Journey Through Sound, Soil, and Sonic Memory

Mark Gane—co-founder of iconic Canadian band Martha and the Muffins and the mind behind international hit “Echo Beach”—has released his first solo album, Garden Music, a collection of experimental instrumental compositions inspired by plant names and imagined inner worlds. Released May 1, 2025, Garden Music is a sprawling, deeply intuitive project that took shape over decades and now arrives as an ambient, artful meditation on memory, nature, and sound.

The Toronto-based composer, visual artist, and sonic experimenter first began dreaming of Garden Music years ago, spurred by a suggestion from his partner and creative collaborator Martha Johnson. “She said I should do a solo project that combined my three great loves—music, painting, and gardening,” Gane explains. “Eventually, I started asking: If plants were people, what would their lives sound like?” That seed grew into a rich, textured album composed from over 50 years of collected studio, field, and found recordings.

Listen to it now on Apple Music, Bandcamp, or Qobuz.

Each of the 11 instrumental pieces is named after a common plant—Bee Balm, Feverfew, Creeping Charlie, and the haunting Love Lies Bleeding, which includes the lone sung lyric: “Honey Bee you’re gone for good, and so I sing this song…”. From miniature sonic sculptures to lush ambient collages, Gane’s compositions defy genre and reward close listening. Reviewers have called the album “a film that passes before the eyes of our ears” and “a whimsical wander through the landscape of the author’s imagination”.

Though highly conceptual, Garden Music isn’t cold or calculated. “My approach was almost entirely intuitive,” says Gane. “I wasn’t trying to force anything. I just let each piece evolve from sounds I’d archived—live recordings, field sounds, tape hiss, voice fragments. The presence of the human voice showed up unexpectedly and stayed.” That presence takes many forms: a chopped-up interview with Delia Derbyshire, a 1951 Valentine from Gane’s mother, a ghostly late-night phone call in Deadly Nightshade.

Originally set aside while Martha and the Muffins projects took precedence and both artists dealt with health challenges, Garden Music was resurrected in 2022 during COVID lockdowns. “Finishing it felt like gardening,” Gane says. “Meditative, grounded, outside of time.” Even after mixing wrapped, the album sat quietly for two years—delayed not by doubt, but by a reluctance to re-enter the promotional machine. “When faced with the choice of building a website or working in the garden, the garden always won,” he laughs.

Gane recommends listening in the dark, lying down, allowing the music to wash over like dusk wind through lavender. Mixed with Ray Dillard and mastered by Graemme Brown at Zen Mastering, Garden Music is a testament to Gane’s lifelong practice across disciplines. His history spans avant-garde performance, collaborations with sonic pioneers like Laurie Anderson and John Oswald, and design work ranging from album art to urban gardens.

Though best known for pop brilliance with Martha and the Muffins—including co-producing albums with Daniel Lanois and David Lord—Garden Music reveals a different Gane: a solitary gardener of sound, sowing strangeness and beauty in equal measure. “It was most interesting to have no idea what was creating the sounds I was hearing,” wrote Kevan Staples of Rough Trade. “So otherworldly… quite literally wonderful”.

Garden Music is available now on all major streaming platforms. For listeners of Brian Eno, Pauline Oliveros, or Boards of Canada—and for anyone who finds solace in the hum of life’s quiet corners—Mark Gane’s long-awaited solo debut offers a richly immersive world to disappear into.

Men Without Hats Travel Back to the Future With New Single “I ❤️ the ‘80s” and UK/EU Tour

Eric Alper
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Men Without Hats Travel Back to the Future With New Single “I ❤️ the ‘80s” and UK/EU Tour

Dust off your Walkman, dig out that denim jacket, and prepare for a neon-coloured nostalgia trip: Men Without Hats are back with a synth-pop banger that celebrates the decade that made them legends. Their new single, “I ❤️ the ‘80s,” is out now with a hairsprayed wink and a shoulder-padded strut, and it’s everything you’d expect from the band who gave us “The Safety Dance”—and more.

“I ❤️ the ‘80s” is a riotous, melodic time machine powered by boom boxes, moonwalks, tube tops, and enough pop-culture references to make Stranger Things blush. “Everybody felt alive / Back in 1985,” sings frontman Ivan Doroschuk, before commanding us to “Party like it’s ‘82” and “Dance safely across the floor / Like we did in ‘84.” If you were there, you’ll get goosebumps. If you weren’t, this is your crash course.

This gloriously cheeky synth-soaked anthem is the lead single from their upcoming album Men Without Hats On The Moon, slated for release in mid-October. Produced by Grammy and Juno winner Brian Howes (Hinder, Simple Plan), mixed by the legendary Mark Needham (The Killers, Elton John), and mastered by Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, U2), the track was written by Ivan Doroschuk and Howes and recorded at Black Stove Studios on Vancouver Island.

It’s a high-voltage return from a band whose influence on pop culture is still alive and pogo-dancing. From Montreal basement gigs in 1977 to stadium-filling synth anthems in the ’80s, Men Without Hats have carved out an enduring space in music history. “Pop Goes The World” and “The Safety Dance” are more than hits—they’re international memes, football chants, and soundtrack staples for generations.

As Ivan puts it: “One of the biggest challenges in writing this song was narrowing down all the things I loved about the ’80s… The song could have been half an hour long!” In place of a guitar solo, the band even cheekily dropped in a sing-along refrain of “Pop Goes The World,” a move that marries nostalgia with cheeky brilliance.

This single drops just in time for the band’s first UK and EU tour in nearly a decade. Kicking off August 21 at The Old Woollen in Leeds and winding through Edinburgh Fringe, Liverpool, Utrecht, Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, the tour wraps in Malmö on September 17. Fans can expect a non-stop, high-energy blast of classics, deep cuts, and fresh material, delivered with charisma and big-haired enthusiasm.

This lineup—Ivan Doroschuk (vocals), Sahara Sloan (keyboards and vocals), Sho Murray (guitar), and Adrian White (drums)—is tight, charismatic, and utterly infectious. Sahara, daughter of founding member Colin Doroschuk, brings the band’s story full circle with next-gen synth magic and harmonies that sparkle.

The live album, recorded during their 2024 North American tour, just dropped in February 2025, keeping the party alive on vinyl and streaming. With 31 million views on YouTube, nearly 10 million monthly Spotify listeners, and a fanbase spanning generations, Men Without Hats continue to blend the joyful absurdity of the 1980s with modern polish.

“I ❤️ the ‘80s” isn’t about going back—it’s about bringing the joy of that era forward. So, pull up those leg warmers, crank the volume, and dance safely into the future.

MEN WITHOUT HATS – 2025 TOUR DATES

July 1, 2025 – Officer’s Square – Fredericton, NB
July 25, 2025 – Canyons Village – Park City, UT
July 28, 2025 – Soda Row Live Daybreak – South Jordan, UT

August 6, 2025 – Peach Fest – Penticton, BC
August 9, 2025 – Rock the Kooney’s – Cranbrook, BC
August 12, 2025 – The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
August 13, 2025 – Oriental Theatre – Denver, CO
August 14, 2025 – Beaver Creek – Beaver Creek, CO
August 16, 2025 – Rock the Harbour Festival – Dartmouth, NS

UK/EU TOUR

August 21, 2025 – The Old Woollen – Leeds, UK
August 22, 2025 – Fringe Festival (La Belle Angele) – Edinburgh, UK
August 23, 2025 – Academy 3 – Liverpool, UK
August 24, 2025 – Craufurd Arms – Milton Keynes, UK
August 25, 2025 – The Garage – London, UK

August 27, 2025 – De Helling – Utrecht, NL
August 28, 2025 – Nieuwe Nor – Heerlen, NL
August 29, 2025 – Mergener Hof – Trier, GER
August 30, 2025 – Das Rind – Russelsheim, GER
August 31, 2025 – Exil – Gottingen, GER

September 2, 2025 – Feierwerk – Munich, GER
September 3, 2025 – Die Stadtmitte (80’s Party) – Karlsruhe, GER
September 4, 2025 – Sumpfblume – Hameln, GER
September 5, 2025 – Trompete – Bochum, GER
September 6, 2025 – NCN Festival – Leipzig-Deutzen, GER

September 8, 2025 – Shiva – Bremerhaven, GER
September 9, 2025 – Markthalle @ MarX – Hamburg, GER
September 10, 2025 – Lido – Berlin, GER
September 11, 2025 – Die Pumpe – Kiel, GER
September 12, 2025 – Hotel Cecil – Copenhagen, DEN
September 13, 2025 – Musikens – Gothenburg, SWE
September 14, 2025 – Slaktkyrkan @ Hus 7 – Stockholm, SWE
September 16, 2025 – John Dee – Oslo, NOR
September 17, 2025 – Babel – Malmö, SWE

FALL 2025 – CANADA & U.S. – MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

October 4, 2025 – Base31 – Picton, ON
October 16, 2025 – The Parker – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
October 17, 2025 – Moss Centre – Miami, FL
October 18, 2025 – Sunrise Theatre – Ft. Pierce, FL
October 19, 2025 – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL

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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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