South Bay–born, Nashville-based alternative and pop-punk artist MEGG released her single “Clarity” from her EP ‘Low Life Club,’ with the track taking her back to her roots as a vocalist as a cry for any semblance of honesty in a currently very dark world. A collection of six raw and unapologetic tracks, ‘Low Life Club’ cements MEGG’s status as one of pop-punk’s boldest new voices, blending pop sensibility with punk-rock roots into a sound that’s rebellious, catchy and deeply personal, a fearless soundtrack for tomboys, romantics, loudmouths and misfits alike. Channeling Gwen Stefani’s swagger, Hayley Williams’ firepower and Joan Jett’s grit, MEGG brings early-2000s energy into a modern, unapologetically self-defined era, with the EP feeling like the unofficial soundtrack to the West Coast and easily some of the best music she’s ever put out, multidimensional with heaviness, vulnerability, riot, vocal chops, nostalgia, party and everything in between. A graduate of USC’s inaugural Popular Music Performance Program, MEGG has been tearing up stages across the country from headlining hometown venues like Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach to packing The End in Nashville, sharing stages with KISS and The Used, opening at Musink, performing at the 30th Anniversary Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach and singing the National Anthem for the LA Dodgers, LA Galaxy and LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Following a string of singles including the bratty fan-favorite “IDC” currently spinning on SiriusXM’s The Pop Off and 107.7 The Bone’s Bone Breakers, MEGG continues building momentum that just might be unstoppable in 2026.
How Music and Sound Design Influence Player Behavior in Online Casinos
By Mitch Rice
Music and sound design play a far bigger role in online casinos than many players consciously realize. Every spin, win, and bonus trigger is supported by carefully selected audio elements designed to guide emotions and decision-making. As sound designer Brian Eno once said, “Sound is the emotional glue of experience.” In digital gambling environments, that glue keeps players engaged, relaxed, and focused, even during long sessions.
Online casino platforms intentionally use audio cues to create familiarity and trust. Subtle background music lowers stress, while win sounds reinforce positive feedback loops in the brain. Australian and international players who explore modern casino platforms often respond instinctively to these cues, staying longer and interacting more frequently with games. This approach is especially visible on curated platforms such as The Clubhouse casino, where soundscapes are designed to feel premium, immersive, and balanced rather than overwhelming. At The Clubhouse casino, players encounter clean interface sounds, controlled win effects, and ambient music that supports concentration instead of distraction. This type of sound design encourages users to play responsibly while still enjoying the thrill of real-money gaming in a refined digital environment.
Why sound affects decision-making
Human brains are wired to respond to sound faster than visuals. A sudden tone triggers attention instantly, while rhythmic patterns can influence mood and perception of time. In online casinos, developers use this principle to make gameplay feel smooth and continuous. Soft looping music reduces the sense of waiting between spins, while celebratory sounds after wins increase dopamine release, reinforcing engagement.
Psychologist Charles Spence explained this effect clearly: “What we hear changes how we feel about what we see.” When a win is paired with uplifting audio, players perceive it as more significant, even if the payout is small. This does not force behavior, but it subtly nudges emotional responses in predictable ways.
The role of tempo and rhythm
Tempo is one of the most important sound elements in casino games. Faster rhythms create excitement and urgency, while slower tempos promote calm and longer play sessions. Slot games often adjust tempo dynamically, increasing intensity during bonus rounds and lowering it during base gameplay.
This technique mirrors strategies used in video games and even retail stores. Studies show that slower music encourages people to stay longer, while faster beats increase short-term activity. In casinos, balancing these tempos is essential to maintain enjoyment without creating fatigue.
Audio branding and trust
Sound also helps build brand identity. Just as a luxury hotel has a recognizable atmosphere, premium casino platforms use consistent audio themes to signal quality and reliability. Repeated exposure to the same sound palette builds familiarity, which reduces uncertainty and increases comfort.
Players often associate clean, non-aggressive audio with fairness and professionalism. Platforms that avoid harsh sounds or excessive noise are perceived as more trustworthy. This perception directly affects how confident users feel when depositing, playing, and withdrawing funds.
Common sound elements used in online casinos
Most modern platforms rely on a structured audio framework that includes:
- ambient background music to set mood
- win and bonus sounds to reinforce success
- subtle interface clicks for feedback
- silence during losses to avoid frustration
Each element is carefully tested to ensure it supports engagement without manipulation.
Sound design and responsible play
Well-designed audio does not aim to pressure players. On the contrary, responsible operators increasingly focus on neutral, controlled soundscapes. Excessive noise can increase impulsive behavior, while balanced audio helps players stay aware of time and spending.
Game developers now collaborate with behavioral researchers to refine audio systems that support enjoyment without encouraging harmful patterns. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainable entertainment rather than short-term intensity.
Final reflections
Music and sound design quietly shape how players feel and behave in online casinos. From reducing stress to enhancing the excitement of a win, audio influences perception more deeply than visuals alone. The most successful platforms understand that sound should guide, not overwhelm.
As online casinos continue to evolve, sound design will remain a key factor in player experience. When used thoughtfully, it transforms digital games into immersive environments that feel engaging, trustworthy, and enjoyable. For players, recognizing this influence adds a new layer of awareness and appreciation to every spin and every sound they hear.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Canadian Singer-Songwriter Maddisun Shares Official Music Video For “Big Star” From Third Album ‘The Pages’
Canadian singer-songwriter Maddisun has shared the official music video for “Big Star,” written by Maddisun and produced by Jim Bryson as the featured track from the Cranbrook, BC-based artist’s third album ‘The Pages.’ The album features twelve tracks all written by Maddisun with ten produced by Julian Bueckert and one produced by Ian Docherty in addition to Bryson’s contribution of “Big Star,” with each song or “page” reflecting Maddisun’s experiences with love, loss, growth, connection and self-discovery through an old soul vibe structured as a deeply personal musical journal. The bold release strategy honours her fans, the mediums from which Maddisun first discovered music, and the album’s vintage folk, rock n’ roll, southern rock and Americana influences. “Big Star” specifically tackles the emotional cycle artists run through in the ongoing quest to “make it,” with Maddisun self-producing a video starring herself and her 1976 Chevy Chevette that reflects the timeless vibes of the song and reinforces the album’s core themes about turning hardest moments into beauty. The nomadic musical adventure for Maddisun has taken her throughout Canada, to Ireland and to Los Angeles, with the last five years seeing her drop two prior albums and over ten singles while playing 500+ shows including four NXNE showcases and a Folk Canada showcase at Folk Alliance International.
Chris Jericho Announces Rock N’ Wrestling Rager At Sea: The Seventh Cruise Of A Seventh Cruise Sailing November 2026
World champion pro wrestler, lead singer of Fozzy and New York Times best-selling author Chris Jericho and Sixthman have rung the bell for Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea: The Seventh Cruise of a Seventh Cruise, sailing November 7th through 11th, 2026 from Miami, FL to Bimini, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Jewel. Presales for Sea Alumni begin October 20th with additional presales through October 26th, while the public sale begins October 28th at 2 pm ET, with bookings available for just $100 down per person when reservations are made before May 11th, 2026 or while cabins last. Presided over by the Regent of the Rager himself Chris Jericho, the seventh sailing will feature four high-flying days of pro wrestling mayhem, loud music and immersive adventure on the Caribbean Sea with an all-star assortment of legendary superstars of the squared circle including Jeff Hardy, Saraya, The Great Muta, Dave LaGreca, Nic Nemeth, Bully Ray, Elayna Black, Ted DiBiase, Carlito, Shotzi Blackheart, The Shockmaster, Vampiro, The Blue Meanie, A.J. Francis, Natalia Markova, Victoria Crawford, Mo Jabari, Indi Hartwell, Lacey Lane, Kacy Catanzaro, Ricky Knight Jr., Sonny Onoo, Chris Van Vliet, Gabby LaSpisa and more to be announced.
The incredibly stacked card will also boast electrifying musical performances by Fozzy, The Iron Maidens, Kuarantine, Guardians Of The Jukebox, Downstait, Killer Dwarfs, The Violent Hour, Beasto Blanco, Peroxwhy?Gen, Little Miss Nasty, Jeremy Would Let Me Drown, David Roy and Dueling Pianos, plus the comedy stylings of Brad Williams, April Macie, J.B. Ball and Marcus Monroe, live podcast recordings including Talk Is Jericho, The Paranormal 60 with Dave Schrader and Rulebreakers with Saraya, and an extensive selection of talent-hosted experiences, autograph and photo sessions, paranormal activities and more. The Norwegian Jewel will make certain this is the most exciting festival cruise ever with fully stocked bars at almost every corner, tasty dining options, the Pool Deck with multiple hot tubs, the Jewel Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court and so much more. Beyond the onboard experience, Ragers will explore and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches in the breathtaking island of Bimini, Bahamas, a first-time port of call for Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea situated only 50 miles from Miami in the Bahamas’ western-most chain of islands.
SAINT ASONIA Unleash Blistering Cover Of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” As Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne
Hard rock powerhouse SAINT ASONIA have unleashed their electrifying take on the Black Sabbath classic “Paranoid,” paying tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and honoring the song that helped lay the foundation for heavy metal, with the cover arriving alongside an official visualizer. Fronted by Adam Gontier and joined by Staind guitarist Mike Mushok, SAINT ASONIA deliver a blistering version of the iconic 1970 anthem with their own unmistakable intensity through razor-sharp riffs, a thunderous rhythm section and Gontier’s gritty, soaring vocals that breathe new life into “Paranoid” while saluting the Prince of Darkness himself. The band recorded this cover of Sabbath years ago while recording the ‘Extrovert’ EP, though it didn’t end up on that release, with Gontier sharing that when they recently lost Ozzy, they all talked and decided now was the time to put it out there as their own little tribute to the band and the man who changed the landscape of heavy music forever and opened the door for bands like them.
British Singer-Songwriter Ben Denny Mo Releases ‘The Norfkl Tapes’ EP Shaped By Dyslexia And Mediterranean Life
British singer-songwriter Ben Denny Mo has released his new EP ‘The Norfkl Tapes,’ capturing the essence of his artistry through a marriage of deeply personal storytelling with dynamic, textured arrangements. The 8-track EP was primarily recorded with producer Jack Murphy at Crystal Studios in North Norfolk, expanding on Ben’s acoustic demos with layers of guitar, drums and keys, with standout track “Medusa” coming from sessions with Rhys Downing at Grange Farm, That Other Studio and Abbey Road where the EP was mastered by Christian Wright. The record is shaped by Ben’s dyslexia, the reason he turned to music in the first place after not being allowed into certain classes at school because they didn’t understand dyslexia or think he was smart enough, with picking up a guitar showing him that none of that mattered. The title ‘The Norfkl Tapes’ reflects this part of his story, offering a subtle nod to the misspellings that once defined his struggle, now reclaimed as a source of strength. Thematically, the EP traces the highs and lows of relationships with songs like “In The Breakdown” and “You and I” wrestling with the pain of letting go while “September” celebrates fleeting love and tender memories, “Lay Me Down” talks of falling in love but having to let them go for the good of both, “Asylum” widens the lens to the struggles of people Ben has observed around him, and the vibrant “Change My Eyes” and myth-inspired “Medusa” bring playful energy to the collection.
Ben’s journey has carried him from the Norfolk countryside to the Maltese island of Gozo where the rhythms of the sea and Mediterranean sun seep into his music, blending acoustic folk, pop and soul with a storyteller’s heart that’s been compared to Jonah Kagen, Dave Matthews Band and John Martyn. Known for his unconventional “two capo” guitar style and soulful, raspy vocal delivery, Ben’s performances are as intimate as they are anthemic, having graced Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Secret Garden Party and London’s Omeara, while radio support has included two Record of the Week slots on local BBC Introducing and spins on BBC 6 Music. With his band Barefoot Lions he has performed at several festivals in Gozo and is a regular face on the local music scene, while when not writing or performing, Ben works as a chef on Gozo, feeding the soul in more ways than one.
NYC Industrial Metal Act BLACK SATELLITE Release Post-Apocalyptic Video For Third Single “Doom Or Die” From ‘AFTERMATH’
NYC-based BLACK SATELLITE artfully fuse industrial and metal influences to create a sound that’s dark, edgy and distinctly their own on their third single and video “Doom or Die” from their self-released second full-length album ‘AFTERMATH’, out now. Singer, songwriter and frontwoman Larissa Vale wanted to go in a completely different direction and write a party song for the end of the world, assuming an alter ego and exploring a concept from an entirely new angle that functions outside of mundane reality. The video was shot in the Nevada desert’s scorching heat with the band filming in Las Vegas for their first time doing a video on the west coast, and Vale notes they didn’t have to pretend to appear stranded in the middle of the desert as they really did feel like they were fighting for their lives in the middle of summer in Vegas. “Doom or Die” follows the sonically intense and lyrically unflinching second single “Kill For You” along with a captivating video, and the first single “Downfall”accompanied by a haunting video.
Ben Grosse mixed the bulk of ‘AFTERMATH’ with Kane Churko producing and mixing/mastering the album’s three singles, with Femmemetalwebzine.net describing the album as fusing industrial and metal influences that transcend conventional boundaries while solidifying their place in the genre, marking the follow-up to their debut album ‘ENDLESS’ hailed by Alternative Press as one of their “12 Bands You Need To Know.”
Greater Manchester Indie Rockers Mercy Kelly Turn Up The Volume With Emotional New Single “Breathe For Her”
Greater Manchester’s indie rock torchbearers Mercy Kelly have returned with their new single “Breathe For Her,” a heart-on-sleeve, stadium-sized statement that cements the band as one of the North West’s most vital voices in indie and alternative rock. Crafted by the dynamic songwriting duo of frontman Jack Marland and lead guitarist Adam Bridge, the track is an emotional odyssey diving headfirst into the depths of love, loss and life’s weightiest moments, displaying vulnerability while weaving Mercy Kelly’s signature lyrical romanticism with shimmering ’80s-inspired textures and razor-sharp pop hooks. The sonic journey feels both intimate and colossal, like a whispered confession shouted from a mountaintop. To capture this bold vision, Mercy Kelly crossed the M62 to record at Liverpool’s legendary Kempston Street Studios, a hallowed space once known as Parr Street Studios where icons like Coldplay and Justin Bieber have laid down tracks alongside local heroes like Keyside, teaming up with producer Alex Quinn to infuse “Breathe For Her” with fresh energy and sonic depth that soars and stings in equal measure. With Marland’s emotive vocals and Bridge’s searing guitar work at the helm, the band’s anthems channel the reckless energy of youth and the ache of lived experience, with “Breathe For Her” marking a defining moment following the breakout success of their earlier single “Speak Too Soon.”
Nashville Arena Rockers Rebels Opera Deliver Debut Single “Smile Now, Cry Later” Channeling Classic Rock Energy
Nashville arena rockers Rebels Opera hit the ground running with debut single “Smile Now, Cry Later,” bringing the spirit of the glory days of the late 80’s and early 90’s straight into 2025 with big hooks, massive choruses and driving excitement designed for hands in the air and the live show experience. The band channels the raw, unfiltered energy of AC/DC, Def Leppard, Cinderella and Kix while forging a modern sound that resonates with today’s audiences, infused with classic rock ingredients and a fresh, contemporary edge. The group features brothers Tate Richardson on vocals and Clint Richardson on guitars joined by Paul Klein on bass and Grady Steel on drums, who tore up Rock Fest 2025 with their explosive debut performance. Fresh from Sienna Studios Nashville, they’ve tracked five songs with producer Tuk Smith, including their AC/DC and Kix-charged first single written and produced by Tuk Smith, mixed and mastered by Anthony Foxc, released on all streaming platforms October 15th, 2025 accompanied by a full production video shot by Vidoe Rahim. Their VIP-only demos “Down With The City,” “Love Like A Live Wire,” “Surfing With the Angels” and “Call of the Night” have earned rave reviews and electrifying buzz for their gritty, soulful take on hard rock as they gear up for their debut 10-song album in early 2026.
Dropkick Murphys Announce 2026 For ‘The People…In The Pit’ St. Patrick’s Day Tour With The Aggrolites And Haywire
Dropkick Murphys have announced the full routing for their 2026 For The People…In The Pit St. Patrick’s Day Tour with The Aggrolites and Haywire supporting on most dates. The trek kicks off February 9th in Portland, Maine and culminates March 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th in Boston with the band’s annual run of hometown dates during St. Patrick’s Day week.
The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day weekend shows in Boston also celebrate the band’s 30th birthday and include a special family-friendly afternoon mini-concert and meet & greet at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on March 14th at 2 pm, with this special afternoon event benefiting the band’s charitable foundation The Claddagh Fund, where each adult ticket buyer can bring two kids under 13 for free. During the tour, Dropkick Murphys will perform two special hockey post-game solo shows on March 7th with the Milwaukee Admirals, free to attend with a game ticket, and March 11th with the Springfield Thunderbirds, accessible only with a combination ticket package including admission to both the T-Birds game at the MassMutual Center and the concert at the adjacent MassMutual Convention Center Exhibition Hall.
Dropkick Murphys recently released the physical CD and vinyl versions of their latest album ‘For The People,’ which follows the album’s July 4th digital release, with the CD and vinyl releases including five bonus songs “Dropped On My Head,” “Take Your Bow,” “Straight Edge (I Liked You Better),” “A Hero Among Many” and the previously released “Sirens.” The album shows courage and confidence, speaking up against injustices happening in the United States with strength and power that harkens back to Dropkick Murphys’ earliest punk rock roots, serving as more than a title but a heartfelt stance and declaration of who this band is and who they’ve always been. While on tour, Dropkick Murphys have continued to advocate for workers’ rights and human rights as they have for their entire 29+ year career with surprise appearances at many picket lines across the U.S. to support unions fighting for fair wages and better contracts. Before the St. Patrick’s Day hometown shows, Dropkick Murphys head to Europe for a fall headlining tour with Frank Turner and Haywire that kicks off October 15th in Milan, Italy.
Dropkick Murphys 2026 For The People…In The Pit St. Patrick’s Day Tour Dates:
Feb 9 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
Feb 10 – Montclair, NJ @ The Wellmont Theater
Feb 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
Feb 13 – Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre
Feb 14 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
Feb 15 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
Feb 17 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
Feb 18 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
Feb 19 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Feb 21 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal
Feb 22 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
Feb 24 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory
Feb 25 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
Feb 26 – Omaha, NE @ The Admiral
Feb 27 – West Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
Mar 1 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
Mar 3 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
Mar 5 – East Moline, IL @ The Rust Belt
Mar 6 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
Mar 7 – Milwaukee, WI @ Panther Arena
Mar 8 – Louisville, KY @ Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
Mar 10 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
Mar 11 – Springfield, MA @ MassMutual Center
Mar 13 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mar 14 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway (Matinee)
Mar – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mar 15 – Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mar 17 – Boston, MA @ Citizens House of Blues