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Joel & Kristen Broughton’s “Luke” Brings Grace, Grit, and a Life-Changing Choice to Country Radio

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Some songs make you dance. Some make you cry. And every once in a while, a song comes along that makes you remember what really matters. Luke, the newest release from Tahan Music Co., is one of those rare songs, the kind you’ll want to sing with the windows down, then sit in silence afterward just to take it all in before playing it over and over again.

Officially releasing today, Luke is a lovable, pro-life country music anthem written by Tahan Music Co.’s Christian songwriters Joel and Kristen Broughton. Luke begins with a simple memory: two six-year-old boys meet on a spring day, bond over fishing and laughter, and build a lifelong friendship. But by the end of the song, listeners realize their bond was only made possible by a decision that changed everything – a woman who almost ended her pregnancy, but at the last moment, chose life.

One choice, made alone and in silence, becomes the foundation of the song.

“This was never just about two friends,” says Joel. “It’s a story about God’s grace showing up in some of the quietest, most unexpected places, like in the reality of a baby’s kick on the way to a clinic.”

This is the second release from Tahan Music Co. Luke blends warm country rhythms with emotional storytelling in a way that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s the follow-up to their breakout debut Astronaut, but this time, the spotlight is on the ripple effect of one life and how God uses even the smallest moments to write eternity into the everyday.

“This song is inspirational, sweet, and honest,” says Kristen Broughton, Artistic Director and co-writer of Luke. “Something that feels like sunshine and truth all at once. This song celebrates the kind of friendship that sticks, and the kind of grace that saves in a moment and lasts for a lifetime.”

Luke was written to encourage women who are scared, those waiting to be born, and the listeners who need a reason to believe that their life is greatly valuable.

The Heart Behind the Song

From the first lines: “On a sunny spring day when I just turned six / A small kid came running holdin’ two big sticks,” the song captures something timeless: the innocence of childhood, the simplicity of friendship, and the way those early bonds can shape a lifetime.

But the real turn comes later as the lyrics reveal that Luke, the boy who became the narrator’s best friend, almost wasn’t born at all:

“Luke’s mama finally told him that he almost didn’t make it
When his dad left her she cried and couldn’t take it
And on the way to end it she felt him kick on that drive
And through God’s sweet grace she couldn’t do it he was alive.”

The lyric is soft-spoken. But its message is not. It’s bold, unflinching, and full of truth. Luke offers a window into what happens when God interrupts our pain with His grace and how the ripple of one life affects generations.

“We believe that music can speak where conversations sometimes can’t,” Joel adds. “God gave us this song. The lyrics came fast, and we know they weren’t from us. They were meant to go out and do something. Luke is going to help people. We’ve already seen it start.”

Not Just a Song…A Message

For Joel and Kristen, Luke represents more than another great summertime single in the country space. It’s a declaration of values. A testimony in melody. A cultural conversation-starter grounded in spirit and story.

“So many songs today are about what’s been lost,” says Kristen. “What about singing about what’s been found?”

“This song is for every woman who wonders if she has what it takes to become a mom.” Kristen continues. “It’s for every listener who wonders if their life is valuable.”

The Sound of Summer Reimagined

Musically, Luke brings a clean, modern tone to the table layered with warmth, anchored in tradition, and paced to let the lyrics breathe. Produced by Ben Reno, the track showcases Tahan Music Co.’s signature sound: rich storytelling, masterful instrumentation, and crystal-clear purpose.

The song’s arrangement is intentionally unhurried. There are no overproduced moments, just two friends, a lake, and a lifetime of laughter stitched through with quiet awe. It’s a song that can stay on repeat all day long. It’s for backroads, barbecues, and barstools, and every moment in between.

“We don’t make music to chase the charts,” Joel says. “We make it to tell the stories that God gives us to reach those who need it.”

And while the song opens with playfulness, sunlight, friendship, fishing, it doesn’t shy away from depth. Luke carries the significance of memory, the power of legacy, and the quiet strength of women who say yes to life when the world may tell them not to.

This is country music in its purest form; honest, reflective, rooted in story. An any town narrative with eternal meaning.

“God gave us this song,” Kristen shares. “It’s like He was handing us a message that someone out there needs right now. We know it’s not our story, but we also know it is someone’s. Maybe it’s the story for many.”

At its core, Luke is a highly enjoyable, gentle yet powerful reminder that every life carries divine purpose. But it’s not just a great message, Joel and Kristen dialed in the perfect sound, and with their producer, Ben Reno, assembled a phenomenal team to bring Luke to life.

Craftmanship, Credibility, and Nashville Excellence

Beyond its heartfelt message, Luke stands out for its stellar musical craftmanship. Once again, this single features Austin Addams, a master of all things stringed, whose dynamic studio work, versatility, and commanding stage presence has made him a standout across Nashville and beyond. Addams layers strings with subtle brilliance, deepening the track’s emotional pull.

The heartbeat of the track is carried by Shawn Fichter on percussion, an industry veteran known for his work with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, and more – whose rhythmic touch anchors Tahan’s songs with precision, warmth, and power.

Under the guidance of Ben Reno, the song unfolds with depth, polish, and intentionality. Rounding out the track is a lineup of seasoned Nashville musicians and vocalist whose contributions reflect the same level of excellence, bringing richness and authenticity to every note. Every element is a testament to Tahan Music Co’s commitment to both message and musical mastery.

A Song That Could Save a Life

The theme of grace in Luke isn’t abstract, it’s literal. The song centers on the truth that every life is a miracle, and every person born is part of a bigger plan. Luke’s mom, who almost gave up, chooses life because of one small kick. That kick becomes a ripple, and that ripple becomes the whole story.

“We often say, ‘share a song, save a life,’” Kristen says. “And this is that kind of song. It’s a reminder that life isn’t a limitation. It’s a gift. It’s not the end of your dreams; it’s the beginning of God’s plan to add more to it.”

In a culture that tells women to fear motherhood, Luke flips the script. It honors motherhood. It honors courage. And it celebrates the choice to follow God’s plan instead of fear.

Songwriters. Storytellers. Truth Carriers.

“It’s a calling,” Joel says. “We write every word, every melody, with prayer and intention. We believe God deposits songs into our hearts — not just for entertainment, but for impact.”

As founders and songwriters behind Tahan Music Co., Joel and Kristen are building something far deeper than just a label. They’re cultivating a creative space for truth to be sung over culture, a sound that’s unafraid to carry light into dark places and hope into hearts that have been weary for too long.

Tahan means “merciful” in Hebrew, a reflection of the heart behind every note. But it also holds a second, powerful meaning for Tahan Music Co.

TAHAN: They All Have A Name.

Every child. Every life. Every heartbeat. Each one known by God. Each one worth honoring.

“Our music exists to show people they’re not forgotten,” Kristen says. “Life isn’t random chance. There is divine design and purpose in everyone.”

Threads of Grace: Stories That Intertwine

If Luke teaches anything, it’s that no story stands alone. The life of one child becomes the joy of another. One woman’s decision in the quiet of her car becomes the legacy of decades of friendship, laughter, love, and purpose. Grace kicks in and it becomes a lifetime of impact.

“That’s the part we can’t afford to miss,” Joel says. “Every life carries threads that will someday hold someone else together. Every person is a solution, an answer to someone’s prayer. God has always been the master weaver. He interlaces people’s lives for redemption, for restoration, for purpose.”

“That’s right. Life isn’t a limitation, it’s a launchpad into more,” Kristen adds. “When we surrender our plans to God’s story, we don’t lose — we gain. We gain identity. Healing. Joy. A future. Family and relationships. And we get to play a part in someone else’s miracle too.”

The beauty of Luke lies in its simplicity- the daily, familiar things we all hold dear: friendships that last a lifetime, fishing trips passed down from one generation to the next. The idea of legacy is central to the song’s impact. Luke doesn’t just honor a single life, it honors what that life means to others. The role we play in each other’s stories. And it holds up the idea that even in our smallest choices, we are setting into motion ripples effects that last for generations, that affect many more than just us.

A New Kind of Country, A New Kind of Mission

At a time when mainstream country is saturated with heartbreak, rebellion, and empty noise, Tahan Music Co. is carving out space for something different, something that speaks to the soul, not just the ear.

“We’re not afraid to be different,” Joel says. “Because what’s popular isn’t always what’s right. We’re here to bring back depth — to write songs that say what people have been aching to hear. They want truth. They want something to smile about. When a song like Luke goes out into the world, we trust that God will send it where it needs to go.”

The Ripple Effect of a Single Life

One of Luke’s most powerful themes is the unseen ripple effect of choosing life. One woman’s quiet decision not only allowed her son to live, it created an entire legacy.

“It’s easy to forget that every life affects more than just one person,” says Kristen. “Luke’s story reminds us that one decision against fear can lead to a lifetime of joy, laughter, and connection.”

Joel nods, “When we think about ending a pregnancy, it’s not just about the woman or just about the child. It’s about the whole family, the best friend. The future wife. The kids. The generational impact. We don’t necessarily realize what’s lost, but God does.”

The lyrics are laced with these ripples, fishing trips, marriage celebrations, future grandchildren, and all of it possible because of grace.

The song’s central lyric, “Mama says I’m only here by Grace, but I don’t know her, do you?”, brings grace into focus as something mysterious, protective, and divinely real. By the end of the song, the listener understands that grace was never another person. It was God himself, God’s grace, guiding a frightened woman to choose life and step bravely into the role of motherhood at what may have seemed the worst time possible.

As Luke releases across all major streaming platforms today, Tahan Music Co. isn’t praying just for streams, but for stories. For ripple effects. For divine interruptions in the best ways.

“We hope women will hear Luke and pause before making a forever decision out of fear,” Joel says. “We hope people will realize that being a great friend to someone else makes them an everyday hero too.”

Kristen adds, “See, only God can create life, and when He does, it’s never by accident. We need to get this. Every child is part of His flawless plan, even when the timing feels unexpected, or the circumstances look messy. Think of Luke’s story- God didn’t cause Luke’s mom to be in pain, but He was standing by, full of mercy, because He’s good, and He gave her a new reason to celebrate.”

“Life isn’t perfect and nobody has it all together,” Kristen continues, “His grace is available to everyone. In any given moment we can stop, turn to Jesus and ask Him to help, and He will help. No one is alone. God isn’t mad at you, and He doesn’t cause pain- He is good, and He loves you. So, what if the mess is really just an opportunity for a miracle? Life is a miracle. God can use one life to change everything.”

Share a Song. Save a Life.

Tahan Music Co. can’t do it alone. They need you. That’s why they’re inviting every listener to become a part of the movement. Share a Song, Save a Life. It’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s a call to action. When you share Tahan Music Co.’s music on social media, when you add it to your playlists, when you tell your friends about it, you’re doing more than just supporting an artist. You’re giving someone else the chance to hear a message that could literally save a life.

Even if this music only ever saved one life, it would all be worth it. But imagine the ripple effect—imagine millions of lives touched by the message of life, hope, and love that Tahan Music Co. is sharing. That’s why supporting this movement is so important. It’s about changing hearts, one song at a time. It’s about being a light in the darkness. It’s about using country music to build a culture of life.

We know that God often uses the simple things of this world to accomplish His greatest works. Every melody, every lyric, every chord progression is a gift meant to be shared. They knew that when they said “yes” to sharing that gift, God could take it and do something incredible. And you can be part of all that too.

Share a Song, Save a Life.

Ali Siddiq Releases 2 New Comedy Specials & Announces 34 More Dates for His 2025 ‘In the Shadows Tour’ Starting Aug 22

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Stand-up comedian and renowned storyteller, Ali Siddiq, has announced 34 more cities for his 2025 IN THE SHADOWS TOUR. The prolific storyteller will be in a city near you starting August 22, 2025. This announcement comes on the release of his two new comedy specials; MY TWO SONS premiered on YouTube May 11th and received over 5 million views in the first 30 days, and RUGGED premiered on YouTube June 15th and received over 1 million views in the first 24 hours.

Tickets on sale at AliSiddiq.com/#tour.

SHOW DATES
August 22: Atlantic City, NJ / Tropicana
August 29 : Huntsville, AL / Von Braun Center – Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
August 30 : Chattanooga, TN / Walker Theatre
August 31 : Greenville, SC / Peace Center
September 5 : Buffalo, NY / Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo
September 6 : Toronto, ON / Bluma Appel Theatre
September 12 : Lexington, KY / Lexington Opera House
September 13 : St Louis, MO / Stifel Theatre
September 19 : Gulfport, MS / iMPAC
September 20 : Dothan, AL / Dothan Opera House
September 26 : San Diego, CA / Balboa Theatre
September 27 : Sacramento, CA / Channel 24
October 3 : Greensboro, NC / Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
October 4 : Columbia, SC / Township Auditorium
October 10 : Wichita, KS / Temple Live
October 11 : Fayetteville, AR / Walton Arts Center
October 17 : Louisville, KY / Bomhard Theater
October 18 : Cincinnati, OH / Taft Theatre
October 24 : Rockford, IL / Coronado Performing Arts Center
October 25 : Flint, MI / Capitol Theatre
November 1 : Little Rock, AR / Robinson Center Performance Hall
November 7 : Omaha, NE / The Astro Theater
November 8 : Kansas City, MO / The Midland Theatre
November 14 : Orlando, FL / Walt Disney Theater
November 15 : Tampa, FL / Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Morsani Hall
November 21 : Norfolk, VA / Chrysler Hall
November 22 : Richmond, VA / Carpenter Theatre
November 28 : Grand Prairie, TX / Texas Trust CU Theatre
December 5 : Portland, OR / Aladdin Theater
December 6 : Seattle, WA / Moore Theatre
December 12 : New Haven, CT / College Street Music Hall
December 13 : Brooklyn, NY / Kings Theatre
December 19 : Fort Myers, FL / Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
December 20 : Palm Beach, FL / Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

In 2024, Vulture called ALI SIDDIQ stand-up comedy’s most prolific storyteller. Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ali’s unique style of stand-up originated behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. He is the first comedian to ever release a 4-part series of comedy specials, The Domino Effect 1-4, which has over 40 million views combined on YouTube. In 2022, Ali released two new hour specials, THE DOMINO EFFECT on YouTube and UNPROTECTED SETS on EPIX. To date, THE DOMINO EFFECT has over 16 million views, ranking it in the top 5 most watched comedy specials of 2022. In May 2023, Ali released THE DOMINO EFFECT part 2: LOSS, the sequel to his viral stand-up special, which already has over 8 million views. In 2024, Ali released two more specials in the series. THE DOMINO EFFECT part 3: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL premiered on YouTube in May with over 8 million views currently , and THE DOMINO EFFECT part 4: PINS & NEEDLES premiered on YouTube in June with over 7.5 million views to date. In 2025, Ali will be releasing four more specials and Executive Produced a 5th. Ali Siddiq presents Marcus D. Wiley: Marriage is Major Surgery premiered on YouTube Feb 12 with over 3 million views currently. MY TWO SONS premiered on YouTube May 11th and did over 5 million views in the first 30 days. RUGGED premiered on YouTube June 15th and received over 1 million views in the first 24 hours.

People received their first taste of Ali Siddiq when he appeared on HBO’s DEF COMEDY JAM and LIVE FROM GOTHAM, and in 2013 he was named Comedy Central’s “#1 Comic to Watch”. In 2014, Ali impressed comedy enthusiasts by displaying his ability to captivate an audience with his “Mexicans Got On Boots” tale, a descriptive storytelling, with over 16 million views, of a prison riot on THIS IS NOT HAPPENING, the first of three appearances. His stories continued with his HALF HOUR special, which premiered on Comedy Central in the Fall of 2016. Immediately following the premier of that special, Comedy Central offered Ali an hour-special where he performed for inmates live in a Texas jail, sending Ali back to where it all started. The hour special, Ali Siddiq: It’s Bigger Than These Bars, premiered in February 2018 on Comedy Central and has over 3.5 million views on YouTube. In 2019, Ali was a top 5 finalist on NBC’s BRING THE FUNNY. He also appeared as a regular cast member on the reboot of PUNK’D for Quibi.

Additionally, Ali has appeared on several popular podcasts and TV shows like The Joe Rogan Experience, Club Shay Shay, The Breakfast Club, 85 South, Kill Tony, VladTV, Good Morning America, Uncle Joey’s Joint with Joey Diaz, Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank, Bertcast, Are You Garbage, Your Mom’s House and many others.

Farrah Mechael Returns with “I Don’t” Ahead of New Summer Singles

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Chart-topping recording artist Farrah Mechael kicks off summer 2025 and marks a bold return to the spotlight with her first release of the summer “I Don’t”— the first track from a wave of upcoming releases by Scorpio Productions LLC and AngelSound Records.

Written by her sister/longtime creative partner Tamara Mechael and produced by Argon Volt, the track showcases Farrah’s signature ethereal vocal layers floating over a moody, emotional beat. From the opening line, “I don’t feel alive anymore,” to the guttural chants of “You lied,” to the devastating and poetic imagery of “Rip me up with red stained glass,” “I Don’t” blends heartbreak with clarity. Farrah’s vocal delivery and genre blurring sound evoke lyrical drama, pure confidence, and raw edge.

The song pulls from Farrah and Tamara’s global music journey, one that has included songwriting collaborations with top producers, charting internationally on iTunes in Greece, Bahrain, and Italy, and U.S. tour stops at the Gramercy Theatre, the Roxy, and House of Blues. Farrah has opened for Chris Brown, Big Sean, and Tory Lanez at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, and performed at iHeartRadio’s Wango Tango as an opening act for Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, and Marshmello alongside acts including Sabrina Carpenter and Jack & Jack. Somewhere along the way, Farrah and Tamara both found time to take online classes and graduate with honors from Purdue University Global with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration and Information Technology with a concentration in Global Marketing Management.

In 2022, Farrah’s single “Burning” hit #1 on New Music Weekly’s independent charts and #21 on the Top 40 Charts, nestled right between Beyonce and Lady Gaga.

As co-founders of Scorpio Productions LLC, the team also runs AngelSound Records and Zamara Amaris Music Publishing, which have facilitated publishing deals with Universal Music Publishing Group for top songwriters. The family-led creative empire is also behind the upcoming reality series “Knot Normal,” documenting their rise in real time.

“I Don’t” is just the beginning. A slate of new music from Farrah Mechael is dropping single-by-single starting June 21, 2025, backed by over a decade of groundwork, real stories, and next-level production.

Blue Man Group’s ‘Bluevolution’ Tour Returns with New Shows, Character & Streaming Content

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Blue Man Group announces today on World Music Day that it’s hitting the road again with the highly anticipated return of the global smash hit Bluevolution, National Tour. For the first time since 2023, the iconic trio will travel across the United States performing at premier venues in major cities. Beginning in January 2026, audiences will rock, laugh and party as three bald and blue characters explore the world and discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn. For the full list of stops and to purchase tickets, visit blueman.com.

The beloved production will continue to showcase classic Blue Man favorites along with brand new content including the addition of a new character exclusive to the current Tour. The “Rockstar” is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist with striking blue hair who will join the Blue Men in creating a multi-sensory experience fans can remember for years to come. Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interactions and hilarious absurdity, showgoers will join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.

Blue Man Group continues to redefine live entertainment through their combination of rhythmic artistry, groundbreaking technology and immersive audience interaction. The upcoming tour showcases over three decades of creative evolution, with the iconic trio continuing their legacy as innovators of experimental performance while consistently delivering their signature blend of musical innovation, visual spectacle and spontaneous humor that has captivated millions of fans worldwide.

In addition to the live tour announcement, Blue Man Group content will be available on FAST channels starting today. Blue Man Group programming will go live at 3 – 8 a.m. ET, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET and 5 – 11 p.m. ET on the Cirque du Soleil channel. The exclusive channel can be found on Amazon, Distro TV, Plex and Anoki TV, with Philo joining on June 24, bringing the Blue Man Group experience directly to streaming audiences.

Show times vary by venue, with many locations offering both matinee and evening performances. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit blueman.com or call 1.800.blueman.

Hip-Hop Artist Tatted Ru to Drop “One Time” on June 21

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On June 21st, Tatted Ru is set to release his new single, ‘One Time,’ the anticipated follow-up to his recent track ‘Lemon Talk’.

For Laquann Childress—better known as Tatted Ru—music isn’t just background noise. It’s the main event. Growing up in Whiteville, North Carolina, Tatted Ru figured out early that real music sticks with you because it comes from a real place. “It’s always been about personal experiences for me,” he says. “If I haven’t lived it, I can’t rap about it.”

That’s not for show. Every track, every verse, every hook—each one carries the weight of what he’s lived, and that’s especially true with his new release, ‘One Time.’ Sometimes it’s wild, sometimes it’s raw, but it’s never fake. ‘People connect with honesty. They know when you’re trying too hard or just saying what you think they want to hear. I stay true to myself, always.’

The emotional connection Tatted Ru has with his music runs deep. It’s not just about telling stories—it’s about making people feel something. Whether he’s rapping about heartbreak, hustle, or just straight-up fun, he puts purpose behind every word. “The qualities of music that stick out to me are the ones that hit you in the chest,” he says. “That’s what I want people to feel when they hear me.”

And sometimes, that honesty means expressing things most people would shy away from. Take, for example, from his upcoming release, a line that’s as unfiltered as it is fearless—addressing past relationships, personal confidence, and raw emotion. It’s bold. It’s unapologetic. And it’s exactly the kind of realness that’s earned him a loyal and growing following.

But it’s not just about shock value or clever wordplay. For Tatted Ru, it’s about building something bigger—a real bond with his supporters. “I’m not just trying to make fans. I want to make a connection,” he says. “If you relate to what I’m saying, if you see yourself in my story, then we’re already family.”

That connection is about to get even stronger. On June 21st, Tatted Ru is dropping his new single, “One Time.” He’s been teasing it all summer, and the anticipation is real. “This one’s special,” he says. “It’s everything I’ve been through, packed into one track. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”

Crumbl & Benson Boone Launch “Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie” Inspired by ‘Mystical Magical’

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Crumbl is joining forces with the musical superstar that is quite literally backflipping his way into fame – Benson Boone! Inspired by the dreamy vibes from his hit Mystical Magical, Crumbl is releasing a cookie that’s just as celestial and cosmic as his sound. Benson Boone’s Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie is coming to all Crumbl locations on Monday, June 23rd.

Channelling the same mood and magic as its musical muse, this cookie is sweet, surreal, and a little otherworldly. It’s a chilled chocolate cookie packed with cookies & cream pieces, crowned with vibrant moonbeam ice cream-inspired lemon, berry, and marshmallow toppings, and finished with a sweet white drizzle and a final sprinkle of cookies & cream.

Crumbl Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder Sawyer Hemsley shared that the singer was very hands-on in crafting this cookie. “Benson’s creativity, passion, and musical energy made this one of the most fun collaborations we’ve ever done,” says Hemsley. “We took the way his song makes you feel and turned it into something you can taste.”

Benson Boone’s Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie will be the star of Crumbl’s weekly rotating menu from June 23-28. Catch the dreamy dessert before it vanishes into the stars!

Crumbl is a popular dessert franchise with a mission to bring friends and family together over the best desserts in the world. Crumbl was founded in 2017 in Logan, Utah, by Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley. In just seven years, Crumbl has grown from a humble cookie shop to the fastest-growing dessert chain in the US, with over 1,100 locations across all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. The rotating menu offers new flavors every week, while regularly bringing back crowd favorites and unique original recipes, all served in Crumbl’s iconic Pink Box. Don’t miss the weekly menu drops posted every Sunday at 6 pm MST on Crumbl’s social media accounts. Visit Crumbl online at crumbl.com, on social media (@crumbl), or at any of the store locations.

Sarah McLachlan Announces ‘Better Broken’ Album

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Today, 3X GRAMMY Award winner and global phenomenon Sarah McLachlan announced Better Broken, her first album of new material in over a decade, due out September 19 via Concord Records. Her tenth studio album and debut release for Concord Records, Better Broken takes its title from its opening track, out today – a soul-searching reflection on the fortitude that comes from weathering life’s constant storms – and furthers her legacy with a selection of songs that speak an uncompromising but radically illuminating truth about the state of the human condition. Pre-order the album and stream “Better Broken” HERE. Watch the “Better Broken” music video, directed by Lauren Wade and produced by Zebulon Griffin.

“A lot of the lyrics on this record came from thinking about the world right now and asking, ‘How do we move through this landscape? How do we keep our heads above water when it feels like so much is falling apart?’” says McLachlan. “I don’t know if I have any answers, but channeling all that angst and uncertainty into the music has been so cathartic. I hope that this record provides people with some relief and release—but in the end I just want them to take whatever they need from it, and make the songs part of their own story.”

Mainly recorded at the legendary Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, Better Broken instills a potent new energy into her lush and moody form of pop-rock, with contributions from esteemed musicians like Wendy Melvoin (a former guitarist for Prince and the Revolution), drummer Matt Chamberlain (Bob Dylan, David Bowie), multi-instrumentalist Benny Bock (Lucy Dacus, beabadoobee), and pedal-steel guitarist Greg Leisz (Kacey Musgraves, Florence + the Machine). In a monumental leap for McLachlan, Better Broken finds her widening her creative circle and working with producers Tony Berg (Phoebe Bridgers, boygenius) and Will Maclellan (Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers). 

The tracklisting’s myriad high points include “Gravity,” The first song she recorded for the album that delves deeper into her emotional life and explores the complexities of her relationship with her older daughter, “One In a Long Line,” an irrepressible anthem railing against the rapid erosion of women’s rights in recent years, “Long Road Home,” a rapturous love song, the pedal-steel-laced reverie “Reminds Me,” a lovestruck duet with MUNA’s Katie Gavin, and the title track, out now. All throughout Better Broken, McLachlan and her fellow musicians bring an ineffable beauty to her expression of longing and grief and fierce determination.

Over the course of her three-decades-long career, McLachlan has won 3 GRAMMY Awards, 12 JUNO Awards, and sold over 40 million albums worldwide. McLachlan also founded the groundbreaking all-female music festival Lilith Fair, featuring an A-list lineup for female alternative musicians of the moment, including Sheryl Crow, Jewel, The Indigo Girls, Lisa Loeb, Fiona Apple, Erykah Badu, Tracy Chapman, Natalie Merchant and more. McLachlan is also a philanthropist and the founder of Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM), a not-for-profit that offers music instruction and mentorship at no cost to children and youth facing barriers to access. SoM was founded in Vancouver in 2002 and it currently serves over 1,200 students a year with locations in Vancouver, New Westminster and Edmonton. McLachlan personally covers the administrative costs so that every dollar raised goes directly to support the students.

Better Broken Tracklisting

Better Broken
Gravity
The Last to Go
Only Way Out Is Through
Reminds Me (feat. Katie Gavin)
One In a Long Line
Only Human
Long Road Home
Rise
Wilderness
If This Is the End…

sych-Rock Trio Daisychain Release ‘All in a Name’ Featuring “G-String”

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Today, Chicago-based psych-rock trio Daisychain share their rich, electrifying debut album All in a Name, produced by renowned producer, mixer, and engineer Sylvia Massy (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, Prince), out everywhere now. Alongside the full, punchy project, the band pens an ode to being young and impulsive with “G-String,” a summery, vibrant, pop-leaning track—and DIY music video—that documents a girls’ trip in Vegas that may or may not have involved a corporate lawyer and seemingly limitless funds.

Daisychain recently completed the Southwest leg of the She’s a Freak tour, including their special hometown record release in Chicago. Next month, they’ll move through much of the Midwest and Colorado, and will pass through Germany, Denmark, and Austria this fall. In September, they’ll support Chicago funk/soul rocker Neal Francis. See all dates at daisychainmusic.net/tour-dates.

The band’s incredibly high-energy live show was praised by Culture Flux in Texas, who wrote, “[Daisychain] light up the room with pure rock ’n’ roll energy from the first song to the last… catchy melodies, blues-filled groove, and soulful delivery.”

Several publications, including Melodic Magazine, Psychedelic Scene Magazine, Newcity Chicago, and The Indy Review, praise its vast sonic palette, versatility, and raw lyricism.

The spirited album showcases Daisychain’s complexities as people, their tight-knit bond as friends, and versatility as artists, featuring sounds from woodwinds, chimes, and pump organs, mixed with synthesized vocal and guitar harmonies. Inside her Ashland, Oregon-based studio, celebrated producer Massy created a safe space for the group to experiment and elevated their sound and strengths, whittling 100 tracks down to ten. Matching the band’s name, the project sonically blends sultry, soulful vocals with moments of fierce garage rock and classic 1970s rock, resulting in a robust, thrilling listening experience.

Vocalist and bassist Nickole Regala is proud to present a project that is true to who the group is today and celebrates female voices. On the raw creative experience, Regala says, “‘All in a Name’ will always represent to me the discipline, vulnerability, and humility it takes to make a great album. Whether it was the intensity of the writing process, the three-week recording sabbatical, or life just life-ing us, this album feels like us, which is why I can’t stop listening to it.”

On “G-String,” the band steps away from their rock-heavy, witchy sonic palette and leans into their femininity with a lighter, dreamy sound and lyrics that explore a rambunctious weekend between best friends. Pulling inspiration from Lana Del Rey and The Velvet Underground, Regala adds, “The truth was twisted in this song, but just enough to give it a little imagination. A memoir of being young, girlish, and impulsive.”

Earlier this year, the group shared the project’s lead single, “Waste Your Time,” a harmony-filled, guitar-driven dance-pop tune that chronicles the complexities of unrequited love, alongside its playful, Chicago-set music video. Last month, pulling from bands like The Black Angels and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, “Rivers” and its video shot the band into a new dimension with bluesy, droning, heavy guitars that dominate the soundscape, complete with roaring riffs that emulate a bustling river flowing into the sea.

Daisychain is a femme-fronted psych/blues-rock trio from Chicago made up of Nickole Regala (bass, vocals), Frankie Sripada (lead guitar), and Sophia Williams (rhythm guitar, vocals). Formed in 2017, Regala and Williams met at a local open-mic night, and weeks later they were jamming. Sripada was invited into the mix, and the trio began rehearsing as Daisychain in the basement of their neighborhood coffee shop. Since then, the trio has toured the country—playing Chicago’s legendary Metro—and now, with their full-length album out in the world, aims to cement themselves further within the rising indie-psych-rock landscape.

Daisychain’s visceral, lively debut album All in a Name is out now. Catch the band live throughout the Midwest and Colorado this July, and in Europe this fall, with tickets on sale here. Keep up with the trio on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for much more from the rising trio.

Danny Roberts Dedicates “Leitchfield” to His Hometown With Fiddle-Driven Fire

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After an emotional Grand Ole Opry appearance that included a retirement sendoff of long-time Grascals bassist Terry Smith, the group’s leader, mandolinist Danny Roberts might have been in a nostalgic mood when he chose the next in his series of singles for Mountain Home Music Company. Named for his youthful home in western Kentucky, “Leitchfield” is a lively instrumental that, much like the winding country roads around the town, takes a few unexpected turns along the way.

“When I wrote this tune,” Roberts recalls, “I didn’t have a title in mind and needed to come up with something to call it. While listening to the song and pondering on a name, I got thinking about the fact that my lifelong friend, Jimmy Mattingly, played fiddle on it. That led me down the path of recalling us growing up on adjacent farms, going to school and playing music together, which gave me the idea that it would be cool to have a song named after our hometown of Leitchfield, KY. It was so much fun getting to record this with some of the greatest musicians I’ve ever picked with — Jimmy, Tony Wray, and Andrea Roberts — and I appreciate them helping me bring this tune to life.”

Sure enough, after its jittery opening, “Leitchfield” drops into an insistent groove behind Roberts’ elegant statement of its melodic outlines before Wray and Mattingly serve up blazing solos — the former on both guitar and, especially, with a bold banjo break that will remind listeners of the years he spent playing with New Grass legend John Cowan — followed by a deft round of interplay between Mattingly and Roberts that brings the tune to a satisfying conclusion.

“Leitchfield and Grayson County are the fiddling capital of Kentucky,” notes Roberts, “And they’ve produced many fiddlers and other musicians over the years; I’m very proud to call it home. I was honored to receive the Key to the City from Mayor Harold Miller at last year’s Twin Lakes National Fiddler Championship, and I’m dedicating ‘Leitchfield’ to all the wonderful folks there!”

Robert Jon & The Wreck Release “Keep Myself Clean” off ‘Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes’

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Southern California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck return with “Keep Myself Clean,” the final track to be released ahead of their forthcoming studio album Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes, due out August 22nd via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. Produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Rival Sons), the single is available now on all major streaming platforms.

“Keep Myself Clean” is a grimy, slow-burning rocker that finds the band digging into their heaviest themes yet. With gritty guitar tones, a swampy groove, and a vocal delivery packed with hard-earned truth, the song delivers a raw warning against the destructive pull of fast living.

“‘Keep Myself Clean’ came together in Savannah from a few different ideas, with Dave Cobb’s brilliance shaping an entirely new concept,” says guitarist Henry James. “It was raw, menacing, and powerful-Dave even plays a few guitar tracks on it. We rolled tape with that energy still fresh in our fingers.”

“Lyrically, it’s a cautionary tale inspired by life in the fast lane,” he continues. “It warns of the risks of chasing the next party or fix, and how that path can lead people we know down some dark roads. That chaos matched the vibe in the room when we cut the track. We’re honored to share it with the world.”

The release follows a powerful string of singles from Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes, including the haunting “Dark Angel,” the swaggering “Better Of Me,” the electrifying “Highway,” the reflective “Ashes in the Snow,” the smoldering “Long Gone” (co-written with John Oates), and the high-octane “Sittin’ Pretty.” Each song has revealed another layer of the band’s range, grit, and storytelling prowess.

Recorded in Savannah, Georgia with the band living communally throughout the process, Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes captures the kinetic energy of a group locked in and creating in real time. Cobb’s production adds urgency and edge to the band’s signature blend of rock, soul, and Southern roots music.

“This record really represents who we are right now, both musically and personally,” says frontman Robert Jon Burrison. “We stepped away from our day-to-day and just focused on the songs, and you can feel that in every track.”

Mixed by Greg Gordon (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson), the album will be available on CD, digital platforms, and limited-edition colored vinyl, accompanied by special merchandise bundles that include an exclusive shirt and bandana.

Since forming in 2011, Robert Jon & The Wreck-featuring Robert Jon Burrison (vocals, guitar), Henry James (lead guitar, vocals), Andrew Espantman (drums, vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keys)-have built a devoted international following with their explosive live shows and emotionally resonant songwriting. Their work continues to push Southern rock forward while staying deeply connected to its roots.

The band is currently in the midst of their Summer European tour, with upcoming shows in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, including stops at Hookrock Festival and Melkweg in Amsterdam. Following the European run, they’ll return stateside for a packed schedule of U.S. dates, including performances at Fargo Blues Festival, Stone Pier, Madison Ribberfest, and a featured slot at the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival in September.