Home Blog Page 566

Devon Allman Announces ‘The Blues Summit’ Album With All-Star Guests and U.S. Tour

0

Devon Allman and Ruf Records are excited to unveil their upcoming collaborative release, The Blues Summit, a star-studded album set to drop on July 25. The project boasts standout guest performances from Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Robert Randolph, Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray, Sierra Green, and others. Ahead of the release, Allman will debut two new tracks, “Peace To The World” featuring Robert Randolph, and “After You” available on DSPs along with album pre-orders this Friday, June 27.

Making this album with these legends and finally having my touring band be on record is just a grand slam for me musically. Also, returning to Ruf Records as I expand my European touring is an important move for me. I look forward to playing these songs on stage worldwide over the next 12 months.”  – Devon Allman on The Blues Summit 

Following the album’s July release and a series of European festival performances, Devon Allman’s Blues Summit U.S. Tour will kick off on August 1 in Pontoon Beach, IL, and will wrap up on Sept 12 at the iconic Telluride Blues & Brews festival. The touring lineup features Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray, and Sierra Green and promises to bring a high-energy celebration of blues music across the country. For all news and up-to-date information, please visit https://devonallmanproject.com/devon-allmans-blues-summit/.

Blues has always been at the core of the Allman legacy, serving as a foundational influence in Devon Allman’s career. His partnership with Ruf Records through his own Create Records imprint feels like a natural evolution, especially given his longstanding relationship with label founder Thomas Ruf. Since its inception in 1994, Ruf Records has earned a reputation as one of the premier labels in blues rock, holding a meaningful place in Devon’s musical journey. 

As the next generation of Allman music, Devon continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his skillful guitar playing and compelling songwriting. His artistic contributions are proof of his impact on the blues rock as both a deeply personal and universally resonant genre. Through his performances and recordings, Devon ensures that the music that has always been so important to his family continues to thrive and inspire new audiences.

Devon Allman’s Blues Summit Tour

August

1 – Pontoon Beach, IL – Pontoon Beach Concert Series at Randall D. Dalton Veterans Park 

7 – Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Cane’s River Center

8 – Lake Charles, LA – The Rosa Hart Theatre

9 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theater

10 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Center

13 – Union Hall, VA – The Coves

14 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theater

15 – Norfolk, CT – Infinity Hall

16 – Jordan, NY – Kegs Canal Outdoor Stage

17 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center

20 – Atlantic City, NJ – Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk

21 – Cranston, RI – The Park Theatre

23 – Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts

September

4 – Phoenix, AZ – MIM

5 – Las Vegas, NV – Big Blues Bender

6 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House

9 – Santa Fe, NM – The Lensic

10 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Center

11 – Parker, CO – Parker Arts

12 – 13 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brews

Lyle Lovett Announces Fall 2025 Acoustic Group Tour Following Sold-Out Summer Shows

0

4x Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor Lyle Lovett has unveiled new dates for his 2025 tour—this time with his Acoustic Group. The 14-city trek will kick off on September 23 in Rocky Mount, VA, and wrap on October 1 in Lufkin, TX. Tickets will be available starting this week, with an exclusive pre-sale beginning tomorrow, June 25, at 10:00 AM Central Time, followed by the general on-sale Friday, June 27, at 10:00 AM Central. For tickets, visit https://tour.lylelovett.com.

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band are currently on the road in the U.S. The trek kicked off in April with three special performances with the Nashville Symphony, and will conclude on August 7 at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA. Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will return to the road this October for a run of Texas dates.

Whether performing solo, with his Large Band, or alongside his Acoustic Group, Lyle Lovett’s live shows reflect his proud Texas roots and showcase his wide range of musical influences. His blend of authenticity and versatility makes him one of the most compelling and multifaceted artists in music today.

Lyle Lovett has expanded the boundaries of American music throughout a remarkable career and 14 albums. Lovett is known for his masterful storytelling, and the Texas native combines country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues into a singular, genre-defying sound that constantly defies expectations. Since releasing his self-titled debut album in 1986, Lovett has consistently been celebrated as one of the most influential musicians of this century.

A 4x Grammy-Award winner, Lovett has earned widespread recognition, including the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award and the title of Texas State Musician. Most recently, he received the prestigious International Trailblazer Award at the UK Americana Music Awards. With a catalog as rich as it is diverse, Lovett’s work continues to resonate with audiences and remains among the most enduring in contemporary music.

Lyle Lovett 2025 Tour Dates:

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

June 25, 2025 – Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

June 26, 2025 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live – Sacramento

June 27, 2025 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater

June 28, 2025 – Carnation, WA – Remlinger Farms

June 29, 2025 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

July 2, 2025 – Boise, ID – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden

July 3, 2025 – Idaho Falls, ID – Mountain America Center

July 4, 2025 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM

July 5, 2025 – Ketchum, ID – The Argyros Performing Arts Center

July 8, 2025 – Jackson, WY – Jackson Hole Center for the Arts – Center Theater

July 9, 2025 – Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater

July 10, 2025 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

July 11, 2025 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

July 12, 2025 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center

July 13, 2025 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

July 16, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion

July 17, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater

July 18, 2025 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory

July 19, 2025 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium

July 20, 2025 – Bay Harbor, MI – Great Lakes Center for the Arts

July 21, 2025 – Grand Rapids, MI – Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

July 23, 2025 – Richmond, KY – EKU Center for the Arts

July 24, 2025 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre

July 25, 2025 – LaGrange, GA – Sweetland Amphitheatre

July 26, 2025 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts

July 27, 2025 – Richmond, VA – Dominion Energy Center

July 29, 2025 – Lowell, MA – Lowell Memorial Auditorium

July 30, 2025 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent

July 31, 2025 – Sidney, ME – Bowl in the Pines

August 1, 2025 – Shelburne, VT – The Green at Shelburne Museum

August 2, 2025 – Katonah, NY – Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts – Venetian Theater

August 3, 2025 – Hammondsport, NY – Concerts At Point of the Bluff

August 5, 2025 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall

August 6, 2025 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion

August 7, 2025 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap

October 15, 2025 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre#

October 16, 2025 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre#

October 17, 2025 – Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall 

#On sale June 27

Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group – JUST ANNOUNCED

September 23, 2025 – Rocky Mount, VA – The Harvester

September 24, 2025 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Gaillard Center

September 25, 2025 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center

September 26, 2025 – Greenville, SC – Peace Concert Hall*

September 27, 2025 – Chattanooga, TN – Walker Theatre

September 28, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall

September 29, 2025 – Charlotte, NC – Knight Theater

October 1, 2025 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

October 2, 2025 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

October 3, 2025 – Augusta, GA – Bell Auditorium

October 4, 2025 – Decatur, AL – Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts

October 5, 2025 – Boone, NC – Appalachian State University^

October 8, 2025 – Metairie, LA – Jefferson Performing Arts Center+

October 9, 2025 – Shreveport, LA – Strand Theatre+

October 11, 2025 – Lufkin, TX – Temple Theater&

+On sale now

*On sale July 11

& On sale August 4

^On sale August 27

A.R. Rahman Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for “The Wonderment Tour”

0

Oscar and Grammy-winning composer, songwriter, and global music icon A.R. Rahman will bring his latest immersive concert experience, “The Wonderment Tour,” to North America this summer. With less than 30 days remaining before the first date, fans have already secured nearly every available seat. The 16-city arena tour is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after cultural events of the summer.

Rahman unveiled “The Wonderment Tour” with a spectacular sold-out stadium performance in Mumbai, drawing 50,000 fans to witness the global premiere of his latest artistic vision. More than a concert, the show redefined live performance through breathtaking visuals, narrative transitions, and a transformative soundscape that blended technology with timeless emotion. From that unforgettable night in India, “The Wonderment Tour” now begins its next chapter across the United States and Canada.

Presented by Concerts West, AEG Presents, and Kash Patel Productions, “The Wonderment Tour” brings together a visionary ensemble of vocalists and musicians who join A.R. Rahman in a genre-spanning live experience. This powerful collaboration seamlessly blends orchestral arrangements, electronic soundscapes, and songs from Indian and global cinema, creating an event that invites audiences to look beyond their expectations and experience the wonder within. Rooted in Rahman’s creative spirit, the performance celebrates the wonder of every breath, the wonder of music, the wonder of love, and the wonder of you. “The Wonderment Tour” offers a live experience that is layered, emotional, and cinematic, crafted to awaken the senses and connect people through sound and story.

Featured Artists Include:

  • Shweta Mohan is one of South India’s most celebrated playback singers, with over 750 recordings and five Filmfare Awards.

  • Shuba Vedula, professionally known as Shuba, is an Indian American artist who rose to fame on American Idol and now captivates millions through her original music and viral performance videos.

  • Rakshita Suresh is known for her dynamic vocals in films such as Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two and Mimi, as well as her long-standing collaborations with Rahman.

  • Mayssa Karaa, Grammy-nominated Lebanese American singer recognized for blending Arabic and Western sounds, including her chart-topping collaboration with Rahman on “Hayati.”

  • Zanai Bhosle, an emerging Indian artist and granddaughter of Asha Bhosle, brings a fresh voice rooted in musical and royal heritage.

  • A. R. Ameen, son of Rahman and a rising playback star, is known for his soulful performances in Dil Bechara, Ayalaan, and his single, “Sago.”

  • Nakul Abhyankar is a multilingual vocalist and composer with credits in Frozen 2, Cobra, and Sarkar.

  • Adithya Radhakrishnan, also known as Adithya RK, whose recent film songs “Hey Nainika” and “Sooreede” showcase his vocal versatility.

  • Nitesh Aher, a Bollywood playback singer, is featured in the upcoming film Bollywood Tere Ishq Mein.

Instrumentalists and Touring Band:

  • Ranjit Barot is a renowned drummer and music director with a decades-long legacy, including work on the Oscar-nominated score for 127 Hours.

  • Ashwin Srinivasan is a world-traveled flautist and multi-instrumentalist with classical and global music credentials, including collaborations in film and theater.

  • Aleif Hamdan is an Indonesian-Malaysian guitarist whose fusion of jazz, world, and contemporary music earned acclaim across Asia and the United States.

  • Nilanjana Ghosh Dastidar, a prominent bassist touring with Rahman worldwide and is recognized for her contributions to elevating bass performance in live orchestration.

  • Evelyn Soto is a Colombian singer and percussionist known for leading genre-blending Latin ensembles and representing cultural diversity on stage.

This collective of global talent joins Rahman on a sonic journey through his most iconic film scores, beloved soundtracks, and innovative new material. With performances in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English, the concert is designed as a multilingual celebration of sound, art, and cultural connection.

Tickets are available now at www.arrahman.com or directly on the Scotiabank Arena website. Fans are encouraged to secure seats early, as many cities are already nearing full capacity.

TD Coliseum Set To Open In Hamilton This Year

0

amilton, Ontario is getting a reimagined music-first venue for premium concerts, sports, and entertainment in the heart of downtown, and it’s called TD Coliseum.

On Wednesday, TD announced a multi-year naming rights sponsorship to reinvent Hamilton Arena, as part of a multi-million-dollar revamping led by Oak View Group (OVG), a worldclass leader in live venue development.

Slated to open in late 2025, TD Coliseum will be designed to deliver a premium experience for concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, trade shows, and community events.

Some of the performers already confirmed for TD Coliseum include Andrea Bocelli on December 9, Brad Paisley on December 12, and the 55th Annual JUNO Awards broadcast, sponsored by TD, live on CBC on March 29, 2026.

“We are proud to take part in the revitalization of this iconic landmark,” said Raymond Chun, Group President and CEO, TD Bank Group.

“By securing the naming rights to TD Coliseum, we are not just investing in bricks and mortar – we’re investing in the heart of the Hamilton community. TD Coliseum will be a catalyst for community growth and an inclusive space that brings people together. It’s an honour to be part of that vision.”

OVG is developing TD Coliseum in an effort to turn the 18,000 seat venue into a premier entertainment facility with a reimagined façade, premium seating, enhanced acoustics to amplify the listening experience, improved sightlines, next generation touchless and self-serve technologies for food and beverage purchases to minimize transaction times, and upgraded concourses and concession areas.

“This sponsorship goes far beyond naming rights — it reflects a shared commitment to delivering world-class experiences and making a lasting impact where it matters most: in the heart of the communities we serve,” said Tim Leiweke, Chairman and CEO, Oak View Group.

“We’re proud to join forces on this transformative project and to welcome TD as the official naming rights sponsor of this storied venue. This milestone represents more than a financial investment — it’s a powerful affirmation of Hamilton’s growth, vibrancy, and bright future.”

One of the centrepieces of the new facility is The Iron Cow Public House, an in-arena, full-service restaurant and bar that is being developed by celebrity chef Matty Matheson.

According to a release, as a partner in the development, Live Nation will play a pivotal role in bringing major national and international acts to the venue, enhancing its position as a premier entertainment destination.

“TD Coliseum represents the next chapter for live music in Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe,” said Live Nation Canada Chairman Riley O’Connor.

“With the modernization of TD Coliseum, we know artists and fans will have an unforgettable experience. Live Nation Canada is excited to bring the best in musical talent from across Canada and the world to the venue.”

OVG advises that upgrades and renovations to TD Coliseum are to include specially designed artist lounges, upgraded production facilities, electrical and lighting upgrades as well as updates to the arena’s telecommunications infrastructure, wireless network, and video/network/security systems.

OVG officials said the arena design will feature a “community-centric approach” that will include thoughtfully appointed suites, clubs and lounges that prioritize comfort, connection and conversation. New mid-level and floor level suites will feature the innovative design of combining bunker suite privacy with direct visual access to the seating bowl and the event taking place.

Million Dollar Bashers to Perform Dylan ’65 Classics at Bob Dylan Center Celebration

0

The Bob Dylan Center will celebrate its newest exhibition, “Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65,” with two special performances by the Million Dollar Bashers—featuring members of Sonic Youth, X, Wilco, and more—on July 26 at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Million Dollar Bashers are an ad-hoc supergroup comprising Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth; John Doe of X; Nels Cline and Mikael Jorgensen of Wilco; Ethan Miller of Howlin Rain; singer-songwriter Sunny War; three-time U.S. Poet Laureate and Bob Dylan Center artist-in-residence Joy Harjo (accompanied by Doug Keith); dream-pop duo Dean & Britta of Luna; singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock; and singer-songwriter Emma Swift. Ranaldo will serve as musical director for the evening.

The name “Million Dollar Bashers” nods to the musicians—including Ranaldo, Shelley, and Doe—who performed on the soundtrack of the 2007 Todd Haynes–directed Dylan biopic I’m Not There. Dylan first recorded the song “Million Dollar Bash” with The Band in 1967 and officially released it as part of the Basement Tapes collection in 1975. The evening’s set list will spotlight Dylan songs from 1965, the year he electrified the Newport Folk Festival with members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and released the landmark albums Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited.

“I can’t wait to hear what Lee Ranaldo and the Million Dollar Bashers—featuring many of our favorite artists—have in store for this celebration of the ‘Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65’ exhibition,” said Steven Jenkins, director of the Bob Dylan Center. “With amazing vocalists like Dean & Britta, John Doe, Robyn Hitchcock, Emma Swift, Sunny War, and our artist-in-residence Joy Harjo on stage alongside a crazy-great house band led by Lee, I expect we’ll get Dylan classics and deep cuts performed with passion and inventiveness by these longtime fans.”

The concerts will cap a week of Dylan-related festivities in Tulsa, including the opening of the comprehensive exhibit “Going Electric: Bob Dylan ’65” and the return of the biannual World of Bob Dylan conference organized by the University of Tulsa.

Tickets will be available for two concert times: a seated early show at 6:30 p.m. and a standing-room-only late show at 9:30 p.m. Sales open to Bob Dylan Center members on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 a.m. CT; to World of Bob Dylan conference registrants on Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m. CT; and to the general public on Friday, June 27, at 10 a.m. CT.

“Going Electric,” the center’s most comprehensive exhibit to date, chronicles the rise of folk-rock in 1965, culminating at the Newport Folk Festival. Highlights include the original manuscript of “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Mike Bloomfield’s electric guitar from the Newport performance, and other rarely or never-before-seen artifacts.

An exclusive member opening of the exhibit will be held on Wednesday, July 23, at the center, followed by a one-time screening at Circle Cinema of rare footage from Dylan’s controversial July 25, 1965, Newport Folk Festival appearance and a Q&A session.

More information about the concerts, exhibit, and memberships is available at bobdylancenter.com.

The Bob Dylan Center, located at 116 E. Reconciliation Way in Tulsa, Oklahoma, inspires and celebrates fearless creativity by exploring the music and artistry of the Nobel Prize–winning singer-songwriter as a catalyst for personal expression and cultural change. As the primary public venue for the Bob Dylan Archive® collection, the center curates and exhibits more than 100,000 items spanning Dylan’s career, including handwritten manuscripts, notebooks and correspondence; films, videos, photographs and artwork; memorabilia and ephemera; personal documents and effects; unreleased studio and concert recordings; musical instruments; and many other elements. The center presents a full roster of public programs, including concerts, film screenings and author talks. Since opening in May 2022, the Bob Dylan Center has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and nearly 40 countries and has earned numerous design awards along with praise from The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Variety, Uncut, and Mojo.
 

198 Movie Characters Recreate Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” in Wild Mashup

0

One of the catchiest songs of the 2000s, now sung by everyone from Darth Vader to Ferris Bueller. This is what happens when movie magic meets Gorillaz greatness.












Puddles Pity Party Covers My Chemical Romance’s “Helena” With Haunting Beauty

0

Only Puddles Pity Party could make emo sound like an old jazz standard. His take on “Helena” is equal parts theatrical, tender, and totally unforgettable.












10 Pop Songs That Were Way Ahead of Their Time

Pop music is supposed to follow trends. But sometimes, it leads them. These are the songs that didn’t just top charts—they defied their era, reshaped pop’s future, and made everyone else play catch-up. Whether with production, politics, or sheer audacity, here are 10 pop songs that were way ahead of their time.

Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill” (1985)
A moody synth-pop anthem with swelling emotion and gender-swapping empathy? In 1985, it was singular. Today, it sounds like it could’ve been made last week—and finally hit #1 in 2022.

Madonna – “Vogue” (1990)
Long before mainstream knew about ballroom culture, Madonna shined a spotlight on it with style, elegance, and house beats that predicted the future of club music and queer visibility.

Prince – “Dirty Mind” (1980)
A lo-fi synth-funk masterpiece that mixed punk energy with raunchy bedroom talk. It made no commercial sense in 1980—and rewired pop for a more daring, DIY future.

Robyn – “Dancing On My Own” (2010)
Heartbreak on the dancefloor wasn’t new, but Robyn’s emotionally raw, synth-powered anthem laid the blueprint for sad bangers a decade before it became the default mood.

The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows” (1966)
Tape loops. Sitar drones. Lyrics pulled from a Tibetan Book of the Dead. This was Revolver’s final track, but the beginning of experimental pop as we know it.

Janet Jackson – “Rhythm Nation” (1989)
A socially conscious pop anthem with militant beats and metallic production. Janet didn’t just dance to the rhythm—she demanded change with it, years before it was in vogue.

Beck – “Loser” (1993)
Folk-hop? Slacker surrealism? Genre-hopping nonsense that somehow made total sense? “Loser” predicted the meme-ified, genre-less era way before Spotify did.

Billie Eilish – “Bury a Friend” (2019)
Built on minimalist horror-core production and whisper vocals, Billie’s breakout track sounded more like a nightmare than a hit—and opened a new lane for eerie, intimate pop.

Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime” (1980)
A stream-of-consciousness sermon backed by Afrobeat rhythms and synths. David Byrne sounded like a preacher from another planet—and now everyone’s caught up.

Brandy & Monica – “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)
A dramatic duet of digital R&B perfection. The vocals? Timeless. The concept? Soap-opera gold. The production? It still slaps harder than anything from its time.

Some songs ride the wave. Others are the wave. These ten pop tracks didn’t wait for culture to catch up—they went full speed ahead into uncharted territory and pulled the rest of the world along with them.

10 Tips for Uploading to DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore Without Mistakes

Getting your music onto Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else is easier than ever—but only if you do it right. Distributors like DistroKid, CD Baby, and TuneCore make it simple, but even seasoned artists can trip up on metadata, audio quality, or artwork specs. Whether you’re about to release your first single or your tenth album, here are 10 essential tips to help you upload smoothly and professionally.

1. Double-Check Your Metadata
Your artist name, track titles, and album name must be consistent, properly capitalized, and free from typos. Don’t use all caps unless that’s your official brand. Metadata mistakes can lead to delays—or worse, someone else’s artist page.

2. Use High-Quality Audio Files
Upload WAV files (44.1kHz/16-bit or higher) for best results. Avoid MP3s—they’re compressed and may sound lower quality. A great mix deserves a great upload.

3. Match Your Artwork to Specs
Cover art must be a perfect square (usually 3000×3000 pixels) and free of URLs, pricing, or social handles. Blurry or incorrectly sized images will get flagged, delaying your release.

4. Don’t Include “Feat.” in the Track Title
Distributors often ask for featured artist names in their own designated field. Including them in the title can cause confusion and mess up your Spotify artist profiles.

5. Choose the Correct Language and Explicit Settings
If your lyrics aren’t in English or contain explicit content, be honest about it. Labeling tracks accurately ensures they land in the right regions and playlists—and avoids takedowns.

6. Keep Your Release Date Realistic
Give your distributor at least two weeks (ideally four) before your intended release. This gives time for review, troubleshooting, and pitching to playlist editors.

7. Use ISRCs and UPCs Correctly
If you already have an ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) or UPC (for albums), enter it. Otherwise, let the distributor assign them. Reusing codes incorrectly can create catalog chaos.

8. Verify Your Artist Profile Links
Distributors often let you link to existing Spotify or Apple artist profiles. Choose wisely—accidentally linking to the wrong artist page can take weeks to fix.

9. Set the Right Songwriter and Publisher Credits
Even if you’re unsigned, enter your full name and “self-published” (or similar) to avoid rights conflicts. Accurate publishing info helps with royalties and sync placements.

10. Test Your Track Name Formatting
Avoid odd characters, unnecessary capitalization, or mixing languages unless stylistically intentional. Clean formatting keeps your release looking sharp across platforms.

Ready to Release? Triple-Check First
Your music deserves a flawless launch, and a little extra time now saves major headaches later. Treat your upload like the final step in your creative process—not an afterthought. With clean metadata, the right assets, and a bit of patience, you’ll be ready to hit “submit” with confidence.

50 Surprising Facts About George Michael

George Michael—born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou—was more than just a pop icon. He was a master of reinvention, a voice of his generation, and a quiet but powerful force in philanthropy. Behind the leather jacket and mirrored shades was a man who gave anonymously to families in need, championed causes close to his heart, and left a legacy of compassion as much as music. As we mark his birthday, here are 50 surprising and wholesome facts about the one and only George Michael.

  1. George Michael’s real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou.
  2. His father was a Greek Cypriot restaurateur, and his mother was an English dancer.
  3. He began showing interest in music after a childhood head injury at age 8.
  4. George met his future Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley at Bushey Meads School.
  5. Before Wham!, he busked on the London Underground performing Queen songs.
  6. He worked as a DJ at local restaurants and schools before making it big.
  7. The ska band he played in before Wham! was called The Executive.
  8. Wham!’s first album Fantastic went to No. 1 in the UK.
  9. “Careless Whisper” was technically George’s first solo single, despite being on a Wham! album.
  10. Wham! became the first Western pop act to tour China in 1985.
  11. At the historic China concert, George tried to get the crowd clapping, but they thought he was asking for applause.
  12. The documentary Wham! in China: Foreign Skies captured their groundbreaking tour.
  13. He legally changed his name to George Michael as he entered stardom.
  14. George won his first Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year in 1985.
  15. He donated all profits from “Last Christmas” to Band Aid.
  16. He performed with Elton John at Live Aid, singing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”
  17. He co-wrote “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” with Aretha Franklin, earning a Grammy.
  18. His debut solo album Faith sold over 25 million copies globally.
  19. The single “I Want Your Sex” was banned on many stations but still became a huge hit.
  20. “Faith” was the top-selling single in the US in 1988.
  21. He performed with Aretha Franklin during the Faith Tour in Los Angeles.
  22. The Faith album won Album of the Year at the 1989 Grammys.
  23. Despite superstardom, he opted out of promotion for his second solo album.
  24. The video for “Freedom! ’90” famously featured supermodels instead of himself.
  25. He performed “Somebody to Love” with Queen at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.
  26. George considered it the proudest moment of his career.
  27. His duet with Elton John from that show went to No. 1 in both the US and UK.
  28. “Jesus to a Child” was a tribute to his late partner Anselmo Feleppa.
  29. The album Older produced six UK Top 3 singles in a two-year span.
  30. George was awarded Songwriter of the Year for the third time in 1996.
  31. His Ladies & Gentlemen hits collection spent over 200 weeks on the UK chart.
  32. “Outside” poked fun at his own 1998 arrest and became a hit.
  33. He performed a duet with Mary J. Blige called “As,” reaching the UK Top 5.
  34. His 1999 album Songs from the Last Century consisted entirely of covers.
  35. He co-produced a duet with Whitney Houston, “If I Told You That,” in 2000.
  36. George released a protest song, “Shoot the Dog,” criticizing UK-U.S. politics.
  37. He performed at the 2005 Live 8 concert with Paul McCartney.
  38. His 25 Live tour in 2006 marked his first tour in 15 years.
  39. George was the first artist to perform at the renovated Wembley Stadium.
  40. He guest-starred in Eli Stone and inspired a season’s worth of episode titles.
  41. He recorded a wedding gift cover for Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
  42. George fell into a coma from pneumonia in 2011 and later performed a free concert for the hospital staff who saved him.
  43. His final concert took place at London’s Earls Court in 2012.
  44. George funded the annual Christmas lights and fair in Highgate for over a decade.
  45. He anonymously paid for a woman’s IVF treatment after seeing her story on TV.
  46. He tipped a barmaid £5,000 to help pay off her student debt.
  47. George was a major donor to Childline, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Terrence Higgins Trust.
  48. His piano from John Lennon was sent on a peace tour across America, funded entirely by George.
  49. The song “Last Christmas” finally hit UK #1 in 2021—36 years after its release.
  50. Even after his death, George’s legacy continues through posthumous releases, documentaries, and tributes to his generosity.