The American rock band The Modern Era is officially back after nearly a decade away, announcing their return with the blazing new single “Dear Anyone.” The track marks the group’s first new music since 2016 and serves as the opening salvo for a long-awaited full-length album slated for release in 2026. The new single signals a major evolution for the band, featuring production work with legendary producer Jack Endino, known for his work with Nirvana and Mudhoney, and showcasing the group’s renewed focus, urgency, and hunger.
The band, formed in Minneapolis with Jack Swagger, Chris Fister, Josh Ripley, Ben Pelowski, and Nick Pelowski, first earned attention in the Midwest rock scene with independent releases beginning in 2013. Their breakout moment arrived in 2015 when the track “A Million Things” was featured in the A24 film Barely Lethal, followed by U.S. tours supporting the Meat Puppets and Richie Ramone behind their debut album, ‘Too Loud, Too Bad!’. After their 2016 release, ‘Repeat Offender’, the members pursued personal projects, but quietly completed their second self-produced album behind the scenes. The “Dear Anyone” video, filmed at The Green Room in Minneapolis, captures the raw, frenetic energy of The Modern Era’s live show—lean, loud, and unfiltered—offering the perfect first taste of the recharged, sharpened version of the band stepping confidently back into the spotlight.
The Nantes, France-based noise-rock four-piece Tickles has finally delivered their highly anticipated debut studio album, ‘Sugar & Plastic Plates’, which is officially out NOW, November 28th, on limited edition vinyl via Stolen Body Records and A Tant Rêver du Roi (FR). Emerging from the vibrant punk scene in 2018, Tickles quickly carved out a reputation as one of France’s most exciting and unpredictable new bands with their raw, bruising 2020 debut EP, ‘I Love You Paul’. Their fusion of noise, punk, and post-hardcore, combined with chaotic live energy, immediately drew comparisons to Idles, Fontaines D.C., and METZ.
The nine-track studio album was recorded with Christophe Hogommat and mixed by Joris Saïdani, with mastering by Thibault Chaumont. While still charged with the raw intensity of their noise-punk roots, the quartet digs deeper here to deliver a darker, more furious, and visceral full record. Through apocalyptic riffs, thunderous basslines, frenetic rhythms, and cynical lyrics, Tickles wrestles with isolation, anxiety, abandonment, and the scars of childhood. Vocalist Lucas Bonfils explained that the recording process “flowed effortlessly as we’ve spent a long time refining these nine tracks and knew exactly what we wanted,” allowing them to experiment freely and explore unusual sounds and textures. Ahead of the release came the final single, “Daughters Around,” a heavy yet disco-tinged song that tackles the complexities of family life and gender dynamics, following the earlier single, “The Safest Car,” which explores the fear of leaving one’s comfort zone.
Bonfils added that the album title, subject matter, and artwork capture “the bittersweet feeling of birthdays, moments filled with joy, yet sometimes tinged with solitude as connections slowly fade and loneliness quietly settles in.” Continuing the lineage of Nantes’ punk underground, Tickles delivers music that is as cathartic as it is chaotic: a true celebration of noise, release, and reckless abandon.
TRACK LISTING: 1. I Am Not The Body 2. The Safest Car 3. Daughters Around 4. Love Cells 5. Cheeks 6. Haunted 7. Norah 8. One Foot Chair 9. Drawings
Rising UK alt-pop band South Arcade unleashes a massive statement with the release of their five-track EP, ‘PLAY!’, which is out now via BKM Artists and LAB Records in partnership with Atlantic Records. The EP, mixed by Adam Hawkins, bursts with undeniable energy, confidence, and a new sense of emotional depth, fully capturing the sound of a band coming into their own. ‘PLAY!’ features the recent singles “FEAR OF HEIGHTS” and the Radio 1 favorite “Supermodels,” along with two previously unheard songs, including the anthem “Bleed Out,” with its razor-sharp melodies, and the vulnerable “Blood Run Warm,” which was featured as the Hottest Record on Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders.
The band revealed that ‘PLAY!’ was written almost entirely on the road while touring this year, explaining that the tracks “have definitely been inspired by what we think the crowds will like live and what we think people will like in our future sets.” They added that the title is a nod to both playing shows and the feeling of pressing play on a movie or video game, reflecting their busy lives. This release lands amid their biggest UK and Ireland tour yet, including a massive show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town tonight. Following a successful US debut headline tour this past fall, which included a standout set at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, South Arcade is rising fast and shows no signs of slowing down, with major 2026 festival appearances announced for Download and TRNSMT.
Louisville thrash underdogs BELUSHI SPEED BALL have done the unthinkable once again by reissuing their latest album, ‘Stellkira: Editioñ Extra De Luxe’, on a Nintendo Game Boy Advance cartridge. The unique version features the entire album with full video, including fan favorites like “My Favorite Color Is Pizza” and “Garth, Let My Family Go.” The band—known for their unconventional releases like albums on N64 and Furby formats—is currently recording their fourth album and has announced select 2026 tour dates, including Mean Mel’s in Cookeville, Pilot Light in Knoxville, and Milwaukee Metal Fest.
The band said they “done did it again” and that the Game Boy Advance version, with its “full video technology,” will make fans “cream over the nostalgia of watching ‘Shark Tale’ in 11p resolution!” The award-winning band is also offering a 50% discount on their Bandcamp merch using the code “thankyou50,” with free domestic and international shipping. Catch the masters of executing the unthinkable live on the road next year.
Tour Dates:
Jan 23 – Cookeville, TN – Mean Mel’s Jan 24 – Knoxville, TN – Pilot Light June 5 – 7 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest
LA-based indie pop artist Dani Felt delivers a fresh and atmospheric take on the timeless favorite “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” released November 22nd. Produced by Ernest Lee and mixed by Dallas Jack, the single re-imagines the holiday classic with a moody, cinematic edge that beautifully fuses modern pop sensibilities with heartfelt nostalgia. The track, which features soulful vocals and lush production, reflects both the warmth and bittersweet emotion of the season, showcasing Felt’s signature mix of vulnerability and strength. She commented, “I wanted to put out something magical for the end of the year to reach everyone’s hearts for the holidays.”
Rock supergroup THE FELL, featuring legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, multi-platinum producer Mike (K.) Krompass, and Australian vocal powerhouse Toby Rand, issued their debut EP, ‘Killswitch,’ on October 24th. And on November 28th, the band will release a new single, the melodic yet rocking “Footprints.”
“Footprints perfectly blends everything I love about making records — a little bit of heavy, big pop-leaning melodies, and radio-ready hooks, all wrapped in a big, modern rock production,” Krompass explained. “Toby Rand and I poured ourselves into this one and our collective personalities brought it to life.”
“Footprints is that song where all the pieces fall into place — the energy of modern rock, the lift of a pop melody, and those undeniable radio hooks. One of my favs on the record. Toby Rand and I wanted to capture the sweet spot between modern rock intensity and hook-driven pop. It’s got riffs, melody, and a production that punches – it’s just us.”
Sheehan also explained why the song remains so special to him. “‘Footprints’ is one of the very first songs I heard from Mike and Toby and I was instantly hooked! I love this track! And it led to the formation of The Fell!”
Rand also offered his support of the track. “‘Footprints’ is about realizing that sometimes we wander down the wrong path and find ourselves searching for redemption. By retracing our footprints, we can see where we took the wrong turns – and where we found success. It’s a reminder to keep navigating and to keep finding our way in an ever-changing, chaotic world. ‘Footprints’ was also the first completed song we created as a band, and became the barometer for the style of music we were writing. Excited to share this remix with the world.”
Originally filmed in Warsaw, Poland, the “Footprints” music video began its journey several years ago, when Mike, Toby, and Billy were on the road promoting the single. Under the vision of Polish director Łukasz, the band descended into a World War II underground bunker to capture the songs raw, grunge energy. Scheduling challenges kept the original cut from being released — until now. Reimagined with newly captured footage, this music video finally comes to life as part of the Footprints remix. A long time in the making, “Footprints” is a reminder that The FELL’s music truly stands the test of time.
Fusing soaring vocals, elite musicianship, and massive rock production, THE FELL’s sound is both cinematic and immediate, anchored in timeless rock energy but elevated by contemporary edge and sonic depth. Drawing immediate comparisons to the guitar-driven, hard rock crunch of Mammoth, the alt-rock edge of Alter Bridge and melodic drive of Velvet Revolver, THE FELL carves out their own niche delivering hard-hitting, emotionally charged anthems that connect with fans across generations.
THE FELL draws its name from Old English, where fell meant a rugged highland or mountain. Rooted in Celtic heritage, it speaks to our shared backgrounds. It’s a symbol of enduring strength, untamed spirit, and the peaks we climb together in music and in life. THE FELL’s powerhouse lineup features legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, Sons of Apollo), multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and guitar player Mike (K.) Krompass (Smash Mouth, Nelly Furtado, Everybody Loves an Outlaw, Dead Romantic), and vocal powerhouse Toby Rand (Rockstar: Supernova, Juke Kartel, Ashen Moon), whose dynamic voice soars over a backdrop of “Killswitch”‘s grinding riffs and thunderous grooves.
The Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies and the Department of Music in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design are proud to present are proud to present Socalled, AKA Josh Dolgin in a special concert featuring Katie Moore, Nizo Alimov and Marc Decho. This quartet, formed especially for this concert, will visit the repertoire of Socalled’s discography and explore the musical possibilities of beats and funky Yiddish melodies and words colliding with Macedonian Roma trumpet.
Socalled, the band, has been making records and performing around the world for over two decades, presenting their “unique blend” of folk melodies, technology, song, rap, improvisation and groove. Nominated for a World Music JUNO award and subject of an NFB documentary film, Socalled is Josh Dolgin, now a course lecturer at McGill University teaching about the history of Eastern European Yiddish music. His project brings together friends and collaborators from just about every style and generation you can imagine: he has worked with legends like Fred Wesley, Boban Markovich, Kiran Ahlualiah, Enrico Macias, Gonzales, Roxanne Shante, Ethel Raim, DJ Assault, the Klezmatics, Joao Parabya and many others.
Since the beginning, the voice of Socalled, the band, has been Katie Moore, a Montreal-based bluegrass and country singer/songwriter with a legendary reputation for a golden, mesmerizing voice and brilliant lyrics. Katie and Socalled (AKA Josh Dolgin) will be joined in this special concert by Nizo Alimov, a Macedonian Roma trumpet virtuoso from the Kocani Orchestra now based in the Toronto region, and old friend Marc Decho, insane Jazz/Latin bassist who has recently relocated to Toronto from Wakefield/Chelsea, Dolgin’s hometown.
“Sound and Sense: Jewish Music @ York” is a performance and lecture series dedicated to showcasing the multicultural diversity of Jewish musical expression as well as the ongoing intersections between Jewish and non-Jewish musical practices and communities. The initiative is driven by an inclusive philosophy that believes in the power of music to serve as a bridge-builder and a vehicle for cultural exchange and dialogue.
The series has been made possible via the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation.
Live Nation and Hiyo Social Tonics have officially announced a multi-year partnership, a strategic move that also includes an equity investment from the world’s leading live entertainment company. This collaboration is set to introduce Hiyo’s feel-good, better-for-you beverages to music fans at select U.S. venues and festivals. The deal is one of the biggest in Hiyo’s history and centers the brand’s fruit-forward, mood-boosting social tonics right in the heart of the live music experience.
Hiyo’s social tonics are crafted with adaptogens, nootropics, and functional botanicals designed to deliver the brand’s signature “float,” an uplifting sensation of calm and clarity that helps fans feel good and present in the moment. Live Nation’s latest fan research strongly supports this partnership, showing that six out of ten fans alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at live events, and a massive 80% agree that a great beverage enhances the live experience. Evan Quinn, Hiyo’s Chief Executive Officer, noted, “Consumers today are looking for choices when it comes to how they connect, celebrate, and socialize, and partnering with Live Nation puts us at the center of that shift. It’s a powerful opportunity to bring our feel-good social tonics to some of the most iconic music venues in the country.” The brand will first introduce its Blackberry Lemon flavor, a bold, refreshing, low-calorie option that is 0% ABV, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and USDA Organic Certified.
Live Nation’s equity stake in Hiyo is a strategic investment that will accelerate Hiyo’s national expansion. It aligns with Live Nation’s growing investment portfolio, which backs brands like JOLENE Coffee, Liquid Death, and Owen’s Craft Mixers, all meeting evolving consumer demands. Tom Allison, SVP of New Ventures at Live Nation, commented, “Fans celebrate in different ways throughout a show, sometimes with an alcoholic beverage, sometimes with non-alcoholic alternatives, and often a mix of both. As fans’ tastes continue to evolve, Hiyo fits naturally into what they’re reaching for next. We’re excited to bring the brand into our venues.” Ian Knowles, Hiyo’s Chief Strategy Officer, added that the partnership brings their mission to life on the “biggest cultural stage there is, live music,” enhancing how people socialize and helping fans everywhere “feel the float” as they connect and experience the joy of live music.
Music icon David Byrne performed a legendary set at the Tiny Desk, fitting his full marching band-style touring ensemble in the small office space. The set featured two new songs, “Everybody Laughs” and “Don’t Be Like That,” plus brilliant Talking Heads tracks “(Nothing But) Flowers” and a huge version of “Life During Wartime.”
If touring built the modern music industry, streaming rewired it. Spotify’s global reach has turned songs into long-term cultural giants, with billions of plays accumulating long after their chart runs end. The result is a ranking that blends pop superstars, viral moments, slow-burn sleepers and unexpected classics.
The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” leads all-time with more than 5.1 billion streams, the first song in Spotify history to cross the 5-billion mark. Ed Sheeran continues his dominance with multiple entries, while Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Post Malone and Glass Animals highlight just how eclectic streaming success has become.
Below is a streamlined breakdown of the top 20 most-streamed songs on Spotify — just the key facts, delivered cleanly.
Top 20 Most-Streamed Songs on Spotify (number – streams – artist – song – release date)
5.160B – The Weeknd – Blinding Lights – 29 Nov 2019
4.664B – Ed Sheeran – Shape of You – 6 Jan 2017
4.229B – The Weeknd & Daft Punk – Starboy – 21 Sept 2016
4.211B – The Neighbourhood – Sweater Weather – 3 Dec 2012
4.146B – Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved – 8 Nov 2018
4.136B – Harry Styles – As It Was – 1 Apr 2022
4.038B – Post Malone & Swae Lee – Sunflower – 18 Oct 2018
3.899B – Drake ft. Wizkid & Kyla – One Dance – 5 Apr 2016
