Home Blog Page 563

Marcus King Band Fires Up ‘The Darling Blue’ Tour with New Album, All-Star Guests, and Soul-Stirring Stops

Eric Alper
-
0
Marcus King Band Fires Up ‘The Darling Blue’ Tour with New Album, All-Star Guests, and Soul-Stirring Stops

Fresh on the heels of confirming their new album, Marcus King Band sets a North American headline tour—The Darling Blue Tour (Pt. 1).

The 13-date run kicks off September 11 in Davenport, including stops in Memphis, Albuquerque, Little Rock and more. Support across select dates comes from Angel White, Laci Kaye Booth and Carter Faith. Complete list of dates below.

Artist presale begins Wednesday, July 16 at 10 A.M. local time, followed by Spotify presale on Thursday, July 17 at 10 A.M. local time, and local presales at 12 P.M. local time. General on sale begins Friday, July 18 at 10 A.M. local time. Tickets and more information HERE.

Their much-anticipated forthcoming album, Darling Blue, is set for release on September 26 via American Records/Republic Records. Pre-order/pre-save HERE, and listen to just released tracks “Here Today” featuring Jamey Johnson and Kaitlin Butts and “Carry Me Home” from the LP.

The album finds Grammy-nominated Marcus King reuniting with his longtime live band for their first recorded album together since 2018’s Carolina Confessions. Inspired heavily by his home state of South Carolina, the new album incorporates elements of country, folk, psychedelic rock and Motown-era R&B and continues the conversation on King’s experience with addiction and depression.

“It truly felt like home,” King details. “Like my band and I were just working out songs to perform live but ended up creating a piece of recorded music for our fans to hear. Our goal is always to be a vessel and allow the music to flow through us and tap into something that’s already there in the room. But more than anything I’ve done before, this album felt like a real concerted effort to make music for myself, and for ourselves as a band—creating for the love of creating and being as honest as we possibly can. We put everything we had into making something that we love and we have faith that the audience will feel that and love it too.”

They’ve also shared “Honky Tonk Hell”—which became the fastest single in King’s career to hit 1 million streams—as well as “Carolina Honey” from the album. Watch a performance of “Honky Tonk Hell” at Bonnaroo below.



The beloved Marcus King Band Family Reunion music festival will return for its fourth installment this summer, taking place in Charleston, SC for the first time ever. Over the course of two days—August 23 and 24—the festival will see performances by the Marcus King Band, Jamey Johnson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Molly Tuttle, Hiss Golden Messenger and more. Tickets and more information are HERE.

This year also finds King hitting the road with Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Eric Church and Dwight Yoakam. Find a complete list of dates below. In addition to King’s performance at Bonnaroo, he recently took the stage at CMA Fest in Nashville, performing at Nissan Stadium alongside Brooks & Dunn. He also played Spotify House before joining forces with Jordan Davis for a special performance of their unreleased track, “Louisiana Stick.” Additionally, King surprised fans with a pop-up set at Chief’s for Sirius XM and sat in with Lukas Nelson for his set as well.

Greenville, South Carolina-born, Nashville-based Marcus King started performing alongside his blues guitarist father when he was just eight years old. He made his solo debut with El Dorado (2020), produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. The album was met with widespread acclaim, with the Associated Press calling it “a definite high point of 2020.” It went on to earn King his landmark Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

He followed up the success of El Dorado with Young Blood (2022), also produced by Auerbach. His sophomore album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Blues Albums Chart, the magazine described it as a “staggeringly confident work.” Last year King returned with his third album, Mood Swings, produced by Rick Rubin, of which Rolling Stone said, “he…goes for something much more daring, vulnerable, and openhearted.”

MARCUS KING BAND—DARLING BLUE
1. On & On
2. Here Today ft. Jamey Johnson & Kaitlin Butts
3. Honky Tonk Hell
4. Heartlands
5. Die Alone
6. Somebody Else ft. Jesse Welles
7. Levi’s & Goodbyes
8. Carolina Honey
9. No Room For Blue
10. Blue Ridge Mountain Moon
11. Dirt (Nashville version) ft. Billy Strings
12. The Shadows ft. Noah Cyrus
13. Pretty Petty
14. Carry Me Home

TOUR DATES
July 16 /// San Sebastian, ES /// Victoria Eugenia Antzokia
July 17 /// Madrid, ES /// Noches Del Botánico
July 18 /// Vila Nova De Gaia, PT /// Meo Mares Vivas
July 20 /// Santa Domingo De La Calzada, ES /// Rockland Art Festival
July 27 /// Boise, ID /// Knitting Factory*
July 29 /// Monterey, CA /// Golden State Theatre*
July 30 /// Santa Rosa, CA /// Luther Burbank Theater*
August 1 /// Mammoth Lakes, CA /// Mammoth Festival
of Beers and Bluesapalooza
August 2 /// Sacramento, CA /// Channel 24*
August 14 /// Park City, UT /// Park City Song Summit
August 15 /// West Valley City, UT /// Utah First
Credit Union Amphitheatre†
August 16 /// West Valley City, UT /// Utah First
Credit Union Amphitheatre†
August 17 /// Jackson, WY /// Snow King Mountain
August 23 /// Charleston, SC /// Marcus King
Band Family Reunion Festival
August 24 /// Charleston, SC /// Marcus King
Band Family Reunion Festival
August 31 /// Aspen, CO /// Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival
September 5 /// Madison, IN /// Unbroken Circle
Festival At Bicentennial Park
September 11 /// Davenport, IA /// Capitol Theater*
September 12 /// Lincoln, NE /// Pinnacle Bank Arena‡
September 15-21 /// Seattle, WA /// Keeping The
Blues Alive at Sea Alaska
September 25 /// Green Bay, WI /// Resch Center§
September 26 /// Milwaukee, WI /// Fiserv Forum§
September 27 /// Des Moines, IA /// Casey’s Center§
September 28 /// St. Louis, MO /// Evolution Festival
October 2 /// Detroit, MI /// Little Caesars Arena§
October 3 /// Lexington, KY /// Rupp Arena§
October 9 /// Indianapolis, IN /// Gainbridge Fieldhouse§
October 10 /// Grand Rapids, MI /// Van Andel Arena§
October 11 /// Cleveland, OH /// Rocket Arena§
October 12 /// Peoria, IL /// Civic Center Theater*
October 14 /// Lawrence, KS /// Liberty Hall*
October 16 /// Sugar Land, TX /// Smart Financial
Centre At Sugar Land**
October 17 /// Stephenville, TX /// Twisted J Live
October 18 /// Austin, TX /// Moody Center**
October 19 /// Fayetteville, AR /// JJ’s††
October 21 /// Starkville, MS /// Rick’s Cafe††
October 23 /// Memphis, TN /// Graceland*
October 24 /// Fairhope, AL /// Live at Five*
October 25 /// Birmingham, AL /// Legacy Arena at The BJCC‡
October 30 /// Catoosa, OK /// Hard Rock Live
October 31 /// Little Rock, AR /// The Hall‡‡
November 1 /// Gonzales, LA /// Boots On The Bayou
November 2 /// Corpus Christi, TX /// Concrete Street Pavilion‡‡
November 5 /// Lubbock, TX /// Cook’s Garage (indoors)‡‡
November 6 /// Albuquerque, NM /// Revel‡‡
November 11-16 /// Los Angeles, CA /// Blue Note LA
May 29 /// Panama City Beach, FL /// Gulf Coast Jam

*with Angel White
†with Chris Stapleton
‡with Cody Johnson
§with Eric Church
**with Dwight Yoakam
††Laci Kaye Booth
‡‡Carter Faith

All Aboard! Mumford & Sons Revive the Railroad Tour with Star-Studded House Band and Southern Soul

Eric Alper
-
0
All Aboard! Mumford & Sons Revive the Railroad Tour with Star-Studded House Band and Southern Soul

Mumford & Sons today unveil new details for their upcoming Railroad Revival Tour stops in Louisiana and South Carolina. The New Orleans date on August 3 will now be held at Champions Square and will feature Baskin, LA’s Lainey Wilson, while the South Carolina date on August 4 will now be held at Simpsonville, SC’s CCNB Amphitheatre and will feature Charleston, SC’s Darius Rucker. Stops at Richmond, VA’s Allianz Amphitheater on August 5 and Burlington, VT’s Champlain Valley Exposition Center on August 7 will also feature yet-to-be-announced special surprise guests.

Kicking off next month, the four-date run will feature Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane alongside an all-star traveling “house band” on all stops, which includes Nathaniel Rateliff, Trombone Shorty, Madison Cunningham, Lucius, Chris Thile, Celisse, Leif Vollebekk, Ketch Secor and more. Originally conceived as a way to reimagine the way musicians experience the country while touring and therefore change the way music is made and performed, each stop will feature a unique, once-in-a-lifetime concert featuring new music, collaborations, shared musicianship and communal spirit.

Of the tour, Mumford shares, “We felt we had some unfinished business on the great American railroad. So, we’ve spent a lot of time cooking up this idea for another rolling festival to rip through the south and east of the U.S., picking up exactly where we left off in New Orleans and ending in Vermont. The spirit of what we do, at its core, is always about people and collaboration. So, every show will be a collaborative performance from a bunch of our favourite people on the planet, and every show will be different. This will, without doubt, be the coolest house band we’ll ever get to play in.”

Lovett adds, “One of the best and most enjoyable parts of sharing our journey together as Mumford & Sons has been the opportunity to venture down paths less travelled. We couldn’t be more excited to be doing that again this year with the announcement of our latest adventure. Another great habit we’ve developed as a band has been to share and collaborate as we go—and that’s led us to a community of kindred brothers and sisters. We’ve invited a handful of them to join us on the train tracks, and it’s going to make for one hell of a show.”

Moreover, Jess Wolfe from Lucius adds, “There’s something romantic, analog, old school about traveling by train. Seeing each landscape unfold before you. Can’t imagine a more fitting way to spend a week capturing some magic with Marcus, Ben, Ted and so many dear friends than on this free spirit ride up the eastern seaboard.”

Originally held in 2011, the first Railroad Revival tour featured Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show and made stops in Oakland, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Tempe, AZ, Marfa, TX, Austin, TX and New Orleans, LA. A documentary titled, Big Easy Express, directed by Emmett Malloy followed the journey and went on to win Best Long Form Music Video at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

The Railroad Revival tour adds to landmark year for Mumford & Sons following the release of their acclaimed fifth studio album, RUSHMERE. In addition to the upcoming performances, the best-selling, beloved trio will embark on a 32-date North American arena and amphitheater tour this summer and fall including stops at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium (two nights) and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena as well as extensive dates across Europe.

Brent Cobb & The Fixin’s Turn Up the Volume on New Southern Rock Album ‘Ain’t Rocked in a While’

Eric Alper
-
0
Brent Cobb & The Fixin’s Turn Up the Volume on New Southern Rock Album ‘Ain’t Rocked in a While’

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb and his band The Fixin’s release their anticipated new album, Ain’t Rocked in a While, today via Ol’ Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers.



Produced by Cobb and Oran Thornton, Ain’t Rocked in a While captures the electric energy of Cobb’s live shows, while still keeping his signature storytelling at the forefront. Recorded live to tape at The Black Palace in Springfield, MO, the album finds Cobb returning to his roots, as he blends his timeless country sound with influences from classic rock. Alongside today’s release, a new lyric video for “Bad Feelin’” is also out now.



In celebration of the new album, Cobb & The Fixin’s will perform a special pop-up album release show at Nashville’s The Blue Room on July 15 in addition to an extensive headline tour through this fall. Upcoming stops include New York’s Bowery Ballroom, Los Angeles’ Troubadour, Chicago’s Joe’s on Weed St., Washington, D.C.’s The Hamilton, Tucson’s Club Congress and Portland’s Aladdin Theater, among many others. See below for complete itinerary. Full details can be found at www.brentcobbmusic.com/tour.

Reflecting on the project, Cobb shares, “I feel like sometimes when people come to our shows, there might be a disconnect. People might view me as just a singer-songwriter. You know, sit down and tell ‘em a nice, little Southern story. Sing ‘em a song. And our live show kinda rocks. Sometimes people are taken aback. I want people to have an album of reference.”

In addition to Cobb (vocals, guitar), The Fixin’s are Len Clark (drums), Matt McDaniel (guitars) and Josh Williams (bass).

Based in Ellaville, GA, Cobb has released five albums to date including 2023’s acclaimed record, Southern Star—a love-letter to his southern roots, filled with the sounds and stories of his home state of Georgia. Of the record, Rolling Stone declared, “Few artists embody the South quite like Brent Cobb…he summons the easygoing vibes and sounds of his native Georgia,” while No Depression praised, “A true songwriting craftsman with a disarming drawl and plainspoken lyricism, Cobb’s music often feels like it exudes a sense of authenticity and tradition.”

In addition to his work as an artist, Cobb is an esteemed songwriter with cuts by Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Little Big Town, Hailey Whitters, Whiskey Myers and many more. Additionally, his song, “Snakebite,” was featured in the first season of Paramount’s “Landman” this past fall, and he released his first children’s book, Little Stuff, in 2021, which was written as a reflection on what’s truly important in life and was inspired by Cobb’s song of the same name from his album, Keep ‘Em On They Toes.

AIN’T ROCKED IN A WHILE TRACK LIST
1. Beyond Measure
2. Ain’t Rocked in a While
3. Bad Feelin’
4. Do It All the Time
5. Even If It’s Broke
6. In Our Hands
7. Power Man
8. Take Yer Meds
9. Til Dawn
10. Beyond Measure (Fixin’s)

BRENT COBB CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
July 11 /// Fort Worth, TX /// Billy Bob’s
July 15 /// Nashville, TN /// The Blue Room
July 18 /// Redmond, OR /// FairWell Festival
July 19 /// Whitefish, MT /// Under The Big Sky Festival
July 20 /// Whitefish, MT /// The Remington
August 1 /// Bozeman, MT /// Sweet Pea Festival
August 15 /// Des Moines, IA /// Iowa State Fair
August 16 /// Hobart, IN /// The Art Theater
August 17 /// Cadillac, MI /// Coyote Crossing Resort
August 22 /// Douglas, GA /// Martin Center
August 28 /// Columbus, OH /// A&R Bar
August 29 /// Lexington, VA /// Lime Kiln Theater
September 25 /// Minneapolis, MN /// Fine Line
September 26 /// Davenport, IA /// Racoon Motel
September 27 /// Chicago, IL /// Joe’s on Weed St.
September 28 /// Grand Rapids, MI /// The Stache
September 30 /// Flint, MI /// The Machine Shop
October 1 /// Cleveland Heights, OH /// Grog Shop
October 3 /// Toronto, ON /// The Velvet Underground
October 4 /// Buffalo, NY /// Buffalo Iron Works
October 5 /// Pittsburgh, PA /// Thunderbird Café & Music Hall
October 7 /// Washington, D.C. /// The Hamilton
October 8 /// Ardmore, PA /// Ardmore Music Hall
October 10 /// Woodstock, NY /// Levon Helm Studios
October 12 /// Fall River, MA /// Narrows Center of the Arts
October 13 /// New York, NY /// Bowery Ballroom
November 7 /// Kansas City, MO /// Knuckleheads Saloon
November 8 /// Mcalester, OK /// Dancing Rabbit Music Festival
November 10 /// Albuquerque, NM /// Revel
November 11 /// Tucson, AZ /// Club Congress
November 13 /// Los Angeles, CA /// Troubadour
November 16 /// Menlo Park, CA /// The Guild
November 18 /// Healdsburg, CA /// Little Saint
November 20 /// Portland, OR /// Aladdin Theater
November 21 /// Seattle, WA /// Tractor Tavern
November 22 /// Spokane, WA /// The District at Knitting Factory
November 23 /// Great Falls, MT /// The Newberry
December 4 /// Las Vegas, NV /// The Theater at Virgin Hotels*
December 5 /// Las Vegas, NV /// The Theater at Virgin Hotels*

*supporting The Red Clay Strays

Björk’s Dazzling Concert Film ‘Cornucopia’ Gets First-Ever Physical Release in Multiple Formats

Eric Alper
-
0
Björk’s Dazzling Concert Film ‘Cornucopia’ Gets First-Ever Physical Release in Multiple Formats

Following the global cinematic release of Björk: Cornucopia, the visionary live experience is now set for its first-ever physical release. Available in multiple formats including 3LP, 2CD+DVD, 2CD, DVD, and Blu-ray.

Talking about the film Björk said: “I am so thrilled to share the film for my concert Cornucopia with you. This has been a long journey with hundreds of people helping. I am so beyond enormously grateful to every single one of them. I feel the modern concert film is a matriarchally friendly construct, welcomed in the current climate—where female musicians can share their worlds uncorrupted.”

Directed by Ísold Uggadóttir, Cornucopia is Björk’s most ambitious live production to date — a powerful fusion of nature, technology, and sound. The film features creative direction, musical arrangements, production, and performance by Björk, showcasing her singular vision throughout.

Visual co-creative direction is led by James Merry, with additional contributions from a stellar lineup of artists: Andrew Thomas Huang, Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Pierre-Alain Giraud, Nick Knight, Tobias Gremmler, and Warren Du Preez & Nick Thornton-Jones. Their boundary-pushing visuals merge seamlessly with Björk’s avant-garde sonic landscapes.

The production also features the talents of producers Sara Nassim and Kat Mansoor, with Bergur Þórisson serving as musical director and re-recording mixer. Artur Tort provides the film’s stunning cinematography, while editing comes from Walter Mauriot.

The film is produced by S101 and Snowstorm, in association with Level Forward (also acting as Impact Producer). Executive producers include Derek Birkett; Adrienne Becker and Roger Clark for Level Forward; and Davíð Helgason for Foobar.vc. Co-executive producers are Ian Wheeler for Talkhouse; Susan Lord and Brogan Bamborgan for Level Forward; Benjamin Ratz for Foobar.vc; and Sigrid Dyekjær.

Björk is one of the most innovative and influential artists of her generation. Known for her groundbreaking music, visual art, and performances, Björk’s career has constantly pushed boundaries in music, technology, and activism. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, she continues to inspire and challenge audiences with her bold creative visions. From her critically acclaimed app album Biophilia to the immersive Vulnicura VR, Björk has always embraced new technology to enhance her artistry. With Cornucopia, she redefined what it means to be a performer in the 21st century, blending music, theater, and visual art to deliver a message of environmental hope and resilience.

Rising Country Duo The Band Loula Announce Debut EP ‘Sweet Southern Summer,’ Produced by John Osborne

Eric Alper
-
0
Rising Country Duo The Band Loula Announce Debut EP ‘Sweet Southern Summer,’ Produced by John Osborne

Emerging country duo The Band Loula will release their anticipated debut EP, Sweet Southern Summer, August 22 (pre-save/pre-order here). In advance of the release, the title track is available now.



Reflecting on the project, the duo—Logan Simmons and Malachi Mills—shares, “Our new song ‘Sweet Southern Summer’ is a postcard from the things that raised us in North Georgia…dirt roads, rocking chairs, honeysuckle off the vine, and growing up on Lula Road. It bottles up the kind of front-porch summer that never really leaves you, no matter how much time passes. This track sets the tone for our upcoming EP, which is a patchwork of stories that encompass who we are.”

Produced by John Osborne (Brothers Osborne) with additional production from Greg Bieck (Little Big Town, etc), the EP signals a breakout year for The Band Loula, spotlighting the duo’s powerful storytelling and unique swampgrass sound. The project consists of six tracks including previously released songs “Can’t Please ‘Em All” and “Running Off The Angels,” the latter of which Billboard calls “An immensely promising release,” while All Country News declares, “a haunting, culturally charged ballad that cements their place as one of the genre’s most compelling new acts” and Music Row proclaims, “Bluesy, swampy and cool, this conjures a spell with its mysterious, haunting, Biblical images of damnation and redemption…Highly engaging.”

North Georgia natives and longtime friends, The Band Loula continues to garner widespread attention across the industry with their undeniable chemistry and near-blood harmonies, and recently made their Grand Ole Opry debut, for which they received a standing ovation.

Powerful live performers, The Band Loula is currently on the road with Dierks Bentley and Zach Top as part of Bentley’s extensive Broken Branches Tour and has spent much of the past few years touring alongside artists such as Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, Paul Cauthen, Elle King and Brent Cobb. The duo was also recently confirmed to perform at Watershed Festival at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, WA on August 3. See below for current tour itinerary.

SWEET SOUTHERN SUMMER TRACK LIST
1. Running Off the Angels
2. Sweet Southern Summer
3. Can’t Please ‘Em All
4. Karma’s the Devil
5. I Love Leavers
6. Nobody Knows

THE BAND LOULA CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
July 11 /// Bristow, VA /// Jiffy Lube Live*
July 12 /// Mansfield, MA /// Xfinity Center*
July 18 /// Cincinnati, OH /// Riverbend Music Center*
July 19 /// Noblesville, IN /// Ruoff Music Center*
July 31 /// Salt Lake City, UT /// Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater*
August 1 /// Nampa, ID /// Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater*
August 3 /// Quincy, WA /// Watershed Festival
August 7 /// Camden, NJ /// Freedom Mortgage Pavilion*
August 8 /// Raleigh, NC /// Coastal Credit Union Music Park*
August 9 /// Charlotte, NC /// PNC Music Pavilion*
August 14 /// Darien Center, NY /// Darien Lake Amphitheater*
August 15 /// Holmdel, NJ /// PNC Bank Arts Center*
August 16 /// Bethel, NY /// Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*
August 21 /// Savannah, GA /// Enmarket Arena*
August 22 /// Birmingham, AL /// Coca Cola Amphitheater*
August 23 /// Biloxi, MS /// Mississippi Coast Coliseum*
August 24 /// Gainesville, GA /// Smithgall Arts Center
August 28 /// New York, NY /// Madison Square Garden*
August 29 /// Burgettstown, PA /// The Pavilion at Star Lake*
August 30 /// Clarkston, MI /// Pine Knob Music Theater*

*supporting Dierks Bentley and Zach Top

Global Collective Africa Express Unleashes Genre-Bending Album ‘Bahidorá’ Featuring Damon Albarn, Luisa Almaguer & More

Eric Alper
-
0
Global Collective Africa Express Unleashes Genre-Bending Album ‘Bahidorá’ Featuring Damon Albarn, Luisa Almaguer & More

The new studio album from globally acclaimed music phenomenon Africa Express is out now digitally via World Circuit Records, with a physical release on CD and vinyl to follow next week on July 18. Listen and pre-order CD/vinyl HERE.

Africa Express presents… Bahidorá was recorded in Mexico last year and features six lead singles featuring Latin pop with soulful vocals over a reggaeton beat on “Mi Lado,” the fast and furious “Kuduro,” a stunning cinematic duet “Soledad” sung in Spanish by Damon Albarn and Luisa Almaguer, the cool laid back slice of hip-hop on “Otim Hop,” the powerful and haunting mystical hymn to the ancestors and ancient on “Invocation,” and Mexican singer-songwriter Luisa Almaguer singing once again on “Hacernos Asi,” a passionate and deeply personal meditation on being transgender in a hostile world.

In celebration of the release the group is debuting a new video for the track “Dorhan Oullhin” (“What the Heart Desires”) featuring Imarhan & Damon Albarn.


Africa Express went to the Americas for the first time in 2024 to headline the Mexican festival Bahidorá, a trip which saw an extraordinary group of musicians, singers and DJs from around the world come together to rehearse, perform and write new music ahead of an epic five-hour show on the banks of the ancient springs of Bahidorá. Afterwards, they stayed on to record together in field studios, tents and hotel rooms. The result is this remarkable collection of 21 tracks, the project’s sixth album and first since 2019’s Africa Express presents…Egoli, which was recorded in Johannesburg.

An album like no other, Africa Express presents… Bahidorá is a sonic trip which distills the joy of a musical adventure in Mexico into 21 extraordinary songs that are perfect for our times. Featuring artists from four continents but with roots firmly planted in Mexico, it entwines rich musical traditions ranging from cumbia, hip-hop and kuduro through to soul, salsa and the sweetest pop.

Africa Express is an adventure and a journey, always evolving and exploring fresh musical boundaries. It is based on respect and seeks to promote a simple concept: that human beings are stronger when we collaborate, when we communicate openly and when we accept that we all have something to say. It is about breaking down barriers with artists from different nations, genders, generations and musical genres, joining forces in a display of unity. The idea is perfectly expressed by the eclecticism, spirit and sounds of Africa Express presents… Bahidorá.

Africa Express started in 2006 in Mali, connecting local stars Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyaté and Amadou & Mariam with visiting artists including Martha Wainwright, Fatboy Slim and co-founder Damon Albarn. Now it is a globally-known project, yet it never loses its capacity to surprise, whether live or on record. It has invited Western artists to countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Mali; staged collaborative concerts lasting up to seven hours from Liverpool to Lagos; taken a train filled with musicians around Britain to mark the London Olympics; reformed a Syrian orchestra divided by civil war; and recorded the first African interpretation of Terry Riley’s minimalist classic “In C.” Participating artists have included Baaba Maal, Blur, Charli XCX, Faia Younan, Femi Kuti, Flea, Franz Ferdinand, Kano, Oumou Sangaré, Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Rachid Taha, Rokia Traoré and Tony Allen, among many others.

TRACK LIST AFRICA EXPRESS PRESENTS… BAHIDORÁ
1. Soledad ft. Damon Albarn, Luisa Almaguer, Nick Zinner, Seye Adelekan, Joan As Police Woman, Mexican Institute of Sound
2. Otim Hop ft. Otim Alpha, Bootie Brown, K.O.G., Tom Excell
3. Mi Lado ft. Alansito Vega, Poté, Mare Advertencia
4. Seya ft. Onipa, Fatoumata Diawara, Abou Diarra,
Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié
5. Tayhana ft. Tayhana, Otim Alpha, La Bruja de Texcoco
6. Kuduro ft. Fatoumata Diawara, Moonchild Sanelly, Tom Excell
7. Defiant Ones ft. Son Rompe Pera, M.anifest, Ophélia Hié,
Mélissa Hié, Mexican Institute of Sound
8. Raise A Glass ft Django Django, Mare Advertencia, Seye Adelekan
9. Ofrenda de Sangre ft. Luisa Almaguer,
Mare Advertencia, Alansito Vega
10. Chucha ft. Son Rompe Pera, Joan As Police Woman, Otim Alpha, Abou Diarra, Ophélia Hié, Mélissa Hié, Mexican Institute of Sound
11. Quisiera ft. Luisa Almaguer, Alansito Vega,
Nick Zinner, Joan As Police Woman
12. The Sky Above You ft. Seye Adelekan, Luisa Almaguer, Joan As Police Woman, Nick Zinner, Imarhan, Damon Albarn
13. Dorhan Oullhin (What The Heart Desires) ft. Imarhan, Damon Albarn
14. El Niño ft. Eme Malafe, Los Pream, Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié, Joan As Police Woman, Marco Carrion, Alansito Vega
15. Invocation ft. Onipa, Jupiter Bokondji, Otim Alpha,
Damon Albarn, Joan As Police Woman
16. Hacernos Así ft. Luisa Almaguer, Damon Albarn, Seye Adelekan, Nick Zinner, Joan As Police Woman, Mexican Institute of Sound
17. Frenemies ft. Hak Baker, Bonobo, Damon Albarn,
Otim Alpha, Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié
18. Kelegusta ft. Tayhana, Otim Alpha, La Bruja de Texcoco
19. El Diablo y La Bruja ft. La Bruja de Texcoco, Los Pream
20. Pánico (Cuelga al DJ) ft. Mexican Institue of Sound, Damon Albarn, Los Pream, Nick Zinner, Montana Kinunu Ntunu
21. Adios Amigos ft. Baba Sissoko, Luisa Almaguer, Joan As Police Woman, Abou Diarra, Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié, Yendé Balamba

GRAMMY-Winning Rock Duo The Black Keys Drop “On Repeat” Ahead of New Album ‘No Rain, No Flowers’

Eric Alper
-
0
GRAMMY-Winning Rock Duo The Black Keys Drop “On Repeat” Ahead of New Album ‘No Rain, No Flowers’

oday, Grammy-winning rock duo The Black Keys released their new song “On Repeat” via Easy Eye Sound/Warner Records – listen here. The song marks the latest offering from their upcoming thirteenth studio album, No Rain, No Flowers which is set for release on August 8 via Easy Eye Sound/Warner Records. Previously released single “The Night Before” continues to dominate the Alternative charts with Clash calling it “a blast of raw rock energy”. 

The new release comes on the heels of the band wrapping up their explosive European tour with over 65,000 tickets sold, including sell out shows at Berlin’s Zitadelle Spandau and London’s Alexandra Palace Park. The band will close out their run in Europe this weekend headlining both Festival Internacional De Benicàssim and RockLand Art Fest in Spain, hitting well over 100,000 fans over this leg. 

Following a hugely successful first leg of their North American tour, selling over 80,000 tickets across just 12 shows, The Black Keys will kick off the second US leg on August 9th in Atlantic City. Drawing from their acclaimed, decades-spanning catalog, the band will continue to deliver the powerhouse performances that have cemented their status as one of rock’s most dynamic live acts. The tour will hit iconic venues such as Forest Hills Stadium in New York and will also include a special hometown stop at Blossom Music Center in Ohio. Get tickets here. See full routing below. 

Produced by the band themselves and recorded at Easy Eye Sound Studios in Nashville, the new album No Rain, No Flowers features an incredible list of collaborators including GRAMMY award-winning songwriters Rick Nowels and Daniel Tashian as well as legendary keys player/producer Scott Storch (Dr. Dre, The Roots). Pre-order/pre-save the album here. 

No Rain, No Flowers Tracklist: 

1. No Rain, No Flowers 

2. The Night Before 

3. Babygirl 

4. Down to Nothing 

5. On Repeat 

6. Make You Mine 

7. Man On A Mission 

8. Kiss It 

9. All My Life 

10. A Little Too High 

11. Neon Moon 

No Rain, No Flowers Tour Routing: 

+ Indicates support from Gary Clark Jr. 

^ Indicates support from The Heavy Heavy 

# Indicates support from The Velveteers

7/19 – Benicassim, Spain – Festival Internacional De Benicàssim 

7/20 – Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain – RockLand Art Fest 

# 8/9 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center

# 8/10 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Steel Stage 

+ 8/13 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium 

+ 8/15 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion 

+ 8/16 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway 

8/17 – Springfield, MA – MassMutual Center 

+ 8/19 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater 

+ 8/21 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre 

+ 8/22 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center 

+ 8/24 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater 

+ 8/28 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion 

+ 8/29 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 

+ 8/30 – Canandaigua, NY – Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center 

+ 8/31 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage 

+ 9/3 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island ^9/5 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion 

^9/6 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory 

^9/7 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre 

9/11 – Mexico City, Mexico – Pepsi Center 

9/20 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Music Festival

Alt-Rock Trailblazers Rainbow Kitten Surprise Drop Shout-Along Summer Anthem “Dang” with Cinematic Twist

Eric Alper
-
0
Alt-Rock Trailblazers Rainbow Kitten Surprise Drop Shout-Along Summer Anthem “Dang” with Cinematic Twist

Genre-bending live sensations Rainbow Kitten Surprise have unveiled the perfect summer anthem, “Dang,” out today. Along with the track, the band released a stunning music video chronicling a couple’s epic adventure through Nashville in search of a secret rooftop concert. Listen to “Dang.”

On “Dang,” steady guitar riffs build towards a chorus that begs to be shouted out a car window while driving with your best friends, with frontwoman Ela Melo’s powerful vocals taking center stage. The accompanying video is inspired by 2008’s Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, which follows a group of high schoolers on their quest around New York to see their favorite band perform at a pop-up show. Rainbow Kitten Surprise give the film a queer, East Nashville twist in the video, which follows a real-life couple racing around the city to catch an RKS performance, finding moments to connect (and even perform karaoke) along the way. 

On creating this song, the band shares, “When we wrote this, we envisioned tracking it with Jay Joyce and it’s pretty legendary that actually came to be. ‘Dang’ is loosely based on a performance that drew inspiration from ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.’ The song is both an ode to some earlier RKS sounds and also a letter to the fans who have supported us through many iterations of the band. For your enjoyment, here’s ‘Dang.’”

“Dang” comes in the midst of Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s massive Thanks For Coming Tour, which has seen the band headline amphitheatres across North America. This touring run has featured countless sold-out shows (several of which were livestreamed to fans worldwide via Nugs) and generated major excitement from fans, due in part to the band performing a handful of never-before-heard unreleased tracks. The tour has also received widespread critical praise, with Little Village proclaiming, “There was no mistaking it — RKS wasn’t just back; they were reborn.” and South Florida Insider describing the show as “a masterful display of live music—raw, unpredictable, and utterly unforgettable.”

The Thanks For Coming Tour continues through October and includes a sold-out stop at Morrison’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, notably marking the band’s fourth time selling out the venue. For the tour, the band launched the Rainbow Kitten Surprise Fund, created in collaboration with PLUS1, which will donate $1 from every ticket sold to promoting equality by way of LGBTQ+ rights, mental health care access, and supporting food sovereignty. Tickets are available at https://www.rksband.com/#tour – see full routing below.

The new track is the band’s first release since “Espionage,” which came out in February of this year and has already become a fan favorite on the road. These songs are the latest offerings since last year’s, LOVE HATE MUSIC BOX, which was released to widespread critical acclaim from Consequence,  Paste, SPIN, Billboard, and more. The record was also the band’s first album in 6 years, following 2018’s How to: Friend, Love, Freefall, which has seen massive growth over the last month, with hit track “It’s Called: Freefall” even being played in the latest season of Ginny & Georgia.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise have plenty more in store…stay tuned!

THANKS FOR COMING TOUR 2025

* with Medium Build 

^ with Petey USA

+ with Jelani Aryeh

7/25/25 Columbia, MD – Chrysalis at Merriweather Park ^

7/26/25 Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summerstage ^ [SOLD OUT]

7/27/25 La Fayette, NY – Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards ^

7/29/25 Lewiston, NY – Artpark Amphitheater *

7/30/25 Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion *

8/1/25 Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park *

8/2/25 Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater *

8/3/25 Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Waite Park Amphitheater *

8/5/25 Fargo, ND – UP District Festival Field *

8/10/25 Jacksonville, OR – Britt Pavilion *

8/11/25 Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater *

8/13/25 Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater * [SOLD OUT]

8/14/25 Spokane, WA – Pavilion at Riverfront *

8/16/25 Palmer, AK – Alaska State Fair 

9/5/25 Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater *

9/6/25 Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater * [SOLD OUT]

9/8/25 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks * [SOLD OUT]

9/21/25 Richmond, VA – Iron Blossom Show +

9/28/25 Sacramento, CA – Channel 24 +

9/30/25 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre +

10/1/25 Albuquerque, NM – Revel +

10/3/25 Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion +

10/4/25 Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater +

10/7/25 Louisville, KY – Old Forester’s Paristown Hall +

10/10/25 Hattiesburg, MS – The Lawn at Lake Terrace +

10/14/25 New Orleans, LA – Fillmore New Orleans +

10/16/25 Athens, GA – The Classic Center +

10/17/25 Boone, NC – Holmes Convocation Center @ Appalachian State University + 

10/18/25 North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery – Lawn +

Rising Pop Powerhouse Alex Sampson Gets Deep and Honest on New Single “Growing Pains”

Eric Alper
-
0
Rising Pop Powerhouse Alex Sampson Gets Deep and Honest on New Single “Growing Pains”

Today, buzzing singer, songwriter, and vocal powerhouse Alex Sampson unveils an introspective and intimate new single entitled “Growing Pains” out today.

“‘Growing Pains’ is the most personal song I’ve written yet. It comes from the most vulnerable part of my heart. It’s about moving away from everything I’ve ever known and trying to find out who I am as an adult,” says Alex. “I’m getting deeply personal with my lyrics and writing in a way that I haven’t before in my next chapter of my music. I hope the fans love ‘Growing Pains’ and it makes them want to give their family a call and tell them they love them.” 

The song layers loose acoustic guitar over a head-nodding beat. Alex’s nostalgic lyrics tell a Gen-Z coming-of-age story as he comes to a realization on the refrain, “I got growing pains, but I’m not getting taller.” Emotion overflows through airy harmonies, and he accepts, “I’m still a kid inside…In the end, it’s fine, and if it’s not, it’s not the end tonight.” It instantly transfixes with a raw and relatable vibe of its own.

It lands on the heels of his single “Used To You.” The latter has clocked north of 1.5 million streams and counting, emerging as a fan favorite. Alex also recently wrapped up North American and European tour dates with Jamie Miller. This Summer, Alex is set to perform in New York City with additional dates to be announced soon. Tour routing below and tickets can be purchased HERE.

Last year, he dropped his highly anticipated sophomore EP, Hopeless Romantic. Alex also appeared on America’s Got Talent where he performed songs such as “If You Were My Girl,” “Pretty Baby,” and “Wallflower.” Watch his live performance of “If You Were My Girl” HERE, “Pretty Baby” HERE and “Wallflower” HERE. 

Alex Sampson has consistently affirmed himself as a dynamic vocalist and diverse creative. Growing up in a small town in Canada, music offered a window to a bigger world. Upon gaining traction with a series of covers on TikTok, he connected with audiences via his first original single “Stay Here.” On its heels, Alex released “All That We Could Have Been” and “Play Pretend.” All of this led up to his debut EP, Blurry Vision, his appearance as a contestant on season 19 of America’s Got Talent, and his latest ep, Hopeless Romantic. 2025 is set to be a breakout year for the rising pop powerhouse as he gears up to release “Used To You” and even more new music. 

Tour Routing: 

07.23.25 Hudson Yards, Wells Fargo Stage New York, NY 

GRAMMY-Winning Alt-Rock Duo Twenty One Pilots Announce New Album ‘Breach’ and Massive 2025 Tour

Eric Alper
-
0
GRAMMY-Winning Alt-Rock Duo Twenty One Pilots Announce New Album ‘Breach’ and Massive 2025 Tour

GRAMMY-winning rock sensation Twenty One Pilots have announced that their highly anticipated new album, Breach, will be arriving on September 12 via Fueled By Ramen. The album comes just before the kickoff of THE CLANCY TOUR: BREACH 2025, which hits stadiums and amphitheatres across North America beginning September 18 with a sold-out show at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium. Yesterday, frontman Tyler Joseph also revealed the album’s tracklist via his social media, followed by a cryptic Instagram Live, which also confirmed the release date this morning. See the official tracklist below. 

BREACH TRACKLIST

1. City Walls

2. RAWFEAR

3. Drum Show

4. Garbage

5. The Contract

6. Downstairs

7. Robot Voices

8. Center Mass

9. Cottonwood

10. One Way

11. Days Lie Dormant

12. Tally

13. Intentions

THE CLANCY TOUR: BREACH 2025

Tickets and info at twentyonepilots.com/tour

Thu, Sep 18 – Cincinnati, OH – TQL Stadium [SOLD OUT]

Sat, Sep 20 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage [SOLD OUT]

Sun, Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Tue, Sep 23 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Wed, Sep 24 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Sat, Sep 27 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

Sun, Sep 28 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

Tue, Sep 30 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre

Wed, Oct 01 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater

Sat, Oct 04 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Sun, Oct 05 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

Tue, Oct 07 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

Wed, Oct 08 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Fri, Oct 10 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

Sat, Oct 11 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre [SOLD OUT]

Tue, Oct 14 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater

Wed, Oct 15 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre [SOLD OUT]

Fri, Oct 17 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater

Sun, Oct 19 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP [SOLD OUT]

Mon, Oct 20 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion [SOLD OUT]

Thu, Oct 23 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sat, Oct 25 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium [SOLD OUT]

Sun, Oct 26 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium

1...562563564...3,103Page 563 of 3,103

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper