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Summer Walker Brings The “Still Finally Over It” Tour To Arenas Across North America And London

Eric Alper
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Summer Walker Brings The “Still Finally Over It” Tour To Arenas Across North America And London

Summer Walker has a major arena run locked in, and the demand is already speaking for itself. The Grammy-nominated R&B artist has announced a second London date at the O2 Arena, added after the first sold out, capping a massive international stretch of her 2026 Still Finally Over It Tour, promoted by Live Nation.

The tour launches May 26 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, rolling through Brooklyn, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles before wrapping July 3 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Walker then takes the tour overseas, with both August 1 and August 2 now confirmed at London’s O2 Arena. Odeal and Monaleo join on select dates.

The run is built on real momentum. Walker’s album ‘Finally Over It’ debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The intimate lyricism and raw vocal delivery that define her studio work translate powerfully to the live setting, and these shows promise something far more personal than a standard arena night out.

Walker has already been building anticipation in creative fashion. She surprised students at Georgia State University alongside 40 women in bridal gowns, and Still Finally Over It limos were spotted circling landmarks in Atlanta and Los Angeles. It is the kind of rollout that matches the emotional weight of the music.

Japanese Pop Sensation One or Eight Delivers Bold New Mini Album ‘Gather’ and North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Japanese Pop Sensation One or Eight Delivers Bold New Mini Album ‘Gather’ and North American Tour

One or Eight arrived with a statement. The Japanese pop act’s new mini album, ‘Gather’, is out now on Atlantic Music Group, a high-energy collection that pushes the group’s sound into bold new territory. The project draws from a wide spectrum of influences, genre-blending with confidence, and signals a pivotal new chapter for a group that has been building serious momentum since their 2024 debut.

The album opens with “Tokyo Drift,” a fast-paced anthem written by Pharrell that samples the iconic Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) theme. An action-packed music video accompanies the track, transporting viewers straight to the streets of Tokyo. Also on the album, “DSTM” features the first-ever sample of Rihanna’s global hit “Don’t Stop the Music,” a distinction that speaks to the group’s ambition.

Then there’s “Power,” a hard-driving pop track built for momentum. The song recently earned a significant placement as the Ending Theme Song 1 for the TV anime Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers, currently streaming in North America on Crunchyroll/Discotek. “Power” is a declaration of strength and self-belief, and it earns that description.

The group’s track record backs it all up. Their debut single “Don’t Tell Nobody,” produced by Ryan Tedder and David Stewart, hit No. 1 on Billboard Japan’s Heatseekers Songs chart. “Kawasaki” with Big Sean reached No. 5 on the U.S. iTunes Top Rap & Hip-Hop Songs chart. One or Eight also made history as the first Japanese group to walk the red carpet at the VMAs.

Now they take it live. The One or Eight 1st Live Tour, Gather, kicks off April 8 at The Roxy in Los Angeles, with dates across the U.S. and South America including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Mexico City, and São Paulo.

The Types Of Media That Actually Help Grow An Artist Career

Eric Alper
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The Types Of Media That Actually Help Grow An Artist Career

There has never been a wider, more dynamic media landscape for artists than there is today. For those building a career in music, that’s not a challenge, it’s an advantage. The key is understanding how different types of media support different stages of growth, and how they work together to create momentum that lasts.

At the center of everything are an artist’s own platforms. Social media channels such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are no longer just promotional tools. They are the primary way audiences discover, engage with, and stay connected to artists. These platforms offer a direct line to fans, allowing artists to share music, personality, process, and perspective in real time. When used consistently and thoughtfully, they create familiarity, and that familiarity builds trust over time.

Short-form video has become one of the most effective entry points for new audiences. Whether it’s a performance clip, a creative visual, or a behind-the-scenes moment, these pieces of content introduce the music in a way that feels immediate and accessible. For many listeners, this is the first interaction they’ll have with an artist. Approached creatively, short-form video becomes less about promotion and more about storytelling in its most distilled form.

Long-form media plays a different but equally important role. Podcasts, in-depth interviews, and documentary-style content provide space for artists to expand on their story, influences, and creative journey. These formats allow for a deeper level of engagement, giving audiences the opportunity to understand not just the music, but the person behind it. This is often where casual listeners become long-term fans.

Direct-to-fan communication channels such as email and SMS continue to be highly effective. These platforms offer a level of access and ownership that is increasingly valuable. When fans choose to subscribe, they are expressing clear interest, and that creates an opportunity for more meaningful interaction. Announcements about releases, tours, and exclusive content tend to resonate strongly in these spaces because they feel personal and intentional.

Live and local media remain essential components of a growing artist’s ecosystem. Community radio, regional publications, and local press help translate online attention into real-world support. They connect artists to audiences within specific markets and often play a significant role in building a foundation that can expand outward. Strong local engagement frequently leads to stronger touring opportunities and sustained regional growth.

Curated playlists and tastemaker platforms offer another powerful avenue for discovery. Placement within a trusted playlist or channel introduces music to listeners who are already open to finding something new. Beyond streaming numbers, these placements provide context, positioning an artist alongside others in a way that can shape perception and build credibility.

Independent media voices, including bloggers, content creators, and newsletter writers, also contribute meaningfully to an artist’s visibility. These individuals often have highly engaged audiences and a distinct point of view. When they support an artist, that endorsement carries a level of authenticity that resonates deeply with their followers.

Ultimately, all of these forms of media are most effective when they are aligned with a clear and compelling artist narrative. Every interview, post, feature, and piece of content contributes to how an artist is understood. When that story is consistent and authentic, each media touchpoint reinforces the others.

A successful career is rarely built on a single moment or a single platform. It develops through a network of connections, each one strengthening the relationship between artist and audience. By understanding the role of each type of media and approaching them with intention, artists can create a presence that is not only visible, but sustainable.

13 Songs That Became Classics Without Being Singles

Eric Alper
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13 Songs That Became Classics Without Being Singles

Some songs don’t arrive through the charts, they arrive through repetition, discovery, and time. You hear them on the radio, in a film, from a friend, and suddenly they’re everywhere. No single release, no big push, just songs that connect so deeply they proved you don’t need a 45 to make history.

“Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin
Eight minutes, no edits, no compromise. Led Zeppelin kept this off the singles chart on purpose, and it became one of the most played songs in rock radio history anyway.

“Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
A George Harrison gem that quietly grew into the band’s most-streamed song. It never had a single release, but its warmth and melody made it timeless.

“The Chain” – Fleetwood Mac
Built from multiple song ideas and studio magic, this Rumours standout became a fan favorite and one of the band’s most enduring tracks without ever being pushed as a single.

“Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones
A dark, electrifying opener that captured the tension of its era. It never got a single release, yet it remains one of the Stones’ most powerful recordings.

“Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
Too long for a traditional single, but too joyful to ignore. Radio embraced it anyway, turning it into one of Stevie Wonder’s most beloved songs.

“Where Is My Mind?” – Pixies
It found its moment years later on the big screen and never looked back. A cult classic that became the band’s defining song without a single push.

“Blister in the Sun” – Violent Femmes
An acoustic punk anthem that lived on album play and college radio. It didn’t arrive as a single until much later, long after it became iconic.

“Cruel Summer” – Taylor Swift
A fan favorite that grew through streaming and social media buzz. Its eventual single release came years after listeners had already made it a hit.

“Superman” – Goldfinger
A video game placement turned this into a generation-defining track. It never needed a traditional release to become a staple of pop-punk culture.

“Baba O’Riley” – The Who
Synths, power chords, and one of rock’s most famous intros. Despite its massive impact, it never arrived as a standard single in key markets.

“There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” – The Smiths
Beloved by fans from the start, this track built its reputation over time and only saw a single release years after the band had ended.

“Thunder Road” – Bruce Springsteen
An opening track that sets the tone for an entire album. It became one of Springsteen’s signature songs without ever being packaged as a single.

Honey Jam Is Searching The Country For Female Artists Ages 14 To 25

Eric Alper
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Honey Jam Is Searching The Country For Female Artists Ages 14 To 25

Honey Jam is celebrating 30 years of developing some of Canada’s most compelling emerging artists, and they’re looking for the next generation right now. They want female artists between the ages of 14 and 25, representing every style imaginable: pop, hip hop, jazz, soca, R&B, gospel, rock, dancehall, blues, alternative, opera, and country. If you make music and you’re ready to be heard, this is the opportunity to pay attention to.

There’s a live audition happening in Toronto on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Live Nation Lounge, 2 Snooker Street, Liberty Village. Registration opens at 11am. You don’t need to be contacted or pre-approved in advance. Fill out the submission form, show up, and bring your best one minute. That’s all you need to walk in the door.

A few things to know before you go. Come prepared with a printed one-pager that includes your bio, a photo, contact info, and social media links. Honey Jam will provide a Yamaha 88-note weighted digital piano for the auditions, but full bands cannot be accommodated at this stage (if selected for the showcase, you’ll have access to the house band). Song choice matters: pick the same song you’d perform at the showcase. Original songs are encouraged. Covers are welcome, but bring your own voice to them.

Artists selected for the programme receive free access to music industry workshops, one-on-one vocal and performance coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities, promotional support, consideration for airplay on a major national radio station, and your bio and links on honeyjam.com for a full year. There are also opportunities for paid performances and much more.

This is a national search. Artists from every province are welcome to submit online if they can’t make the Toronto date. Head to honeyjam.com for the submission form and full details. Applications are open now.

Nicholas Brendon, Who Brought Xander Harris To Life On Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dies At 54

Eric Alper
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Nicholas Brendon, Who Brought Xander Harris To Life On Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dies At 54

Nicholas Brendon, Who Brought Xander Harris To Life On Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dies At 54

Nicholas Brendon, the actor who spent seven seasons as the heart and humor of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died Friday, March 20, in his sleep. He was 54. His family confirmed the news, stating that he passed of natural causes. “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” the family said in a statement. “He lived with intensity, imagination, and heart.”

Born Nicholas Brendon Schultz in Los Angeles in 1971, he came to acting as a way to manage a stutter that had shaped much of his early life. It worked. He was cast as Xander Harris in 1997 and appeared in all but one of Buffy’s 144 episodes across seven seasons, earning Saturn Award nominations in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Xander was the everyman of the Scooby Gang, the one without powers, the one who showed up anyway. Brendon brought warmth, wit, and unexpected depth to the role, and audiences never forgot it.

Beyond Buffy, Brendon had a recurring role as FBI technical analyst Kevin Lynch on Criminal Minds, appeared alongside Bradley Cooper in the short-lived Fox series Kitchen Confidential, and starred in the cult film Psycho Beach Party. He remained a fixture at fan conventions for years, maintaining a genuine and generous connection with the audiences who grew up watching him.

In his later years, Brendon faced serious health challenges, including a heart attack, a congenital heart defect diagnosis, and multiple spinal surgeries stemming from cauda equina syndrome. He was open about his struggles with depression and substance abuse, and faced multiple arrests over the years. His family noted that at the time of his passing, he was receiving treatment, optimistic, and had found a new passion in painting and visual art.

Nicholas Brendon is survived by his identical twin brother, Kelly Donovan.

Shoes’ Gary Klebe Goes Solo With New Single “Room To Breathe” And Debut LP ‘Out Loud’ Due April 17

Eric Alper
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Shoes’ Gary Klebe Goes Solo With New Single “Room To Breathe” And Debut LP ‘Out Loud’ Due April 17

Gary Klebe built his reputation as a founding member of Shoes, the pioneering power pop group who were recording DIY albums in their own living room back in 1977, years before punk made it fashionable. Now, more than five decades into that band’s run, Klebe steps out alone with “Room To Breathe,” the second single from his debut solo album ‘Out Loud,’ arriving April 17 via Black Vinyl Records.

This record is a genuine one-man operation. Klebe wrote every song alone and recorded almost everything himself, serving as engineer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist in his own basement studio, working nights and weekends around his ongoing work with Shoes. Drums were tracked in Nashville with John Richardson (Gin Blossoms, Badfinger, Tommy Keene), but the rest came together through vintage gear, favorite stompboxes, and decades of accumulated craft.

“Room To Breathe” opens ‘Out Loud’ with immediate urgency. Klebe describes it as a song about a man who has hit his tipping point, someone who finally understands that not making a decision is itself a decision. “He knows the time for action is in the here and now,” Klebe shares. “Gotta go. Gotta run. Gotta fly out of here.” Raw, distorted power chords collide with sharp pop melody, and the result is exactly what you’d hope from someone with Klebe’s track record.

The first single “Not Tough Enough” set the tone, a hook-driven, guitar-heavy track that drew immediate praise. ‘Out Loud’ is eleven tracks of that same energy, personal, propulsive, and built entirely on feel. Shoes have never stopped making music, and this album proves Klebe hasn’t either.

‘Out Loud’ Tracklist:

  1. Room To Breathe
  2. Not Tough Enough
  3. Love Beyond
  4. Wrong All Along
  5. Eyes Open Wide
  6. Shake Me
  7. No Afterglow
  8. Bridges Are Burned
  9. Won’t Quit On You
  10. Invading My Space
  11. In A Heartbeat

Sleeping With Sirens Deliver Honest And Urgent New Single “An Ending In Itself”

Eric Alper
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Sleeping With Sirens Deliver Honest And Urgent New Single “An Ending In Itself”

Sleeping With Sirens are back with “An Ending In Itself,” a new single produced by Will Yip (Turnstile, Circa Survive, Movements) and their first release with Rise Records since ‘Feel,’ which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The track is driven by unrelenting angst and enormous melodies, and it hits with the kind of emotional directness that has kept this band relevant for fifteen years.

Frontman Kellin Quinn wrote the song as a direct response to the pressure of performing wellness in an era that rarely makes room for honesty. “This song is a love letter to anyone in the midst of struggle,” Quinn shares. “I think it’s important to have open dialogue and to ask for help when we need it. This song is about being brave enough to admit that we’re not always okay. No matter what you’re going through, there is hope.” That message lands with weight, and the music backs it up completely.

The band, Quinn on vocals, Nick Martin and newest member Tony Pizzuti on guitars, Justin Hills on bass, and Matty Best on drums, has built one of the more durable catalogs in modern alternative rock. Seven studio albums, thousands of shows, and a fanbase that keeps growing. Earlier Rise releases include ‘With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear’ and gold-certified ‘Let’s Cheers to This,’ which produced the platinum single “If You Can’t Hang.”

Fifteen years in, Sleeping With Sirens are finding new audiences while holding the ones they earned. “An Ending In Itself” is the kind of single that reminds you exactly why. The band hits the festival circuit this year with appearances at Welcome to Rockville, Warped Tour (DC, Long Beach, and Orlando), Inkcarceration, Louder Than Life, and Aftershock.

Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band Hit The Road This Summer On The “Keep The Party Going” Tour

Eric Alper
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Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band Hit The Road This Summer On The “Keep The Party Going” Tour

Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band are back on the road this summer, and they’re doing it right. The “Keep The Party Going” Tour kicks off July 9 in Bethlehem, PA, a 19-date run across major venues from Texas to Boston, led by 10-time CMA winner Mac McAnally alongside Scotty Emerick, Will Kimbrough, Peter Mayer, and Nadirah Shakoor sharing lead vocal duties. This is a band built for the stage, and they’ve been proving it for decades.

The Coral Reefer Band’s history with Jimmy Buffett stretches back to 1973. Most current members performed alongside him for over 30 years, across more than 40 tours and 30 albums. They didn’t just back Jimmy, they co-wrote with him, built the sound with him, and became as much a part of the Parrothead experience as the man himself. Before he passed in September 2023, Buffett asked his band to keep the party going. That’s exactly what this tour is.

The setlist will pull from the deep catalog of songs that defined Buffett’s career, with room for deep cuts and personal stories from musicians who were there for all of it. The tour also continues Buffett’s long-standing commitment to Singing for Change, his charity supporting grassroots community organizations across the country. This is a summer night done properly, singalongs included.

VIP packages are available for fans looking to go deeper, including soundcheck access, meet and greet opportunities with Mac McAnally and band members, premium seats, and exclusive gift items. Tickets are on sale now.

Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band “Keep The Party Going” Tour Dates:

Jul 9 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center

Jul 10 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Jul 11 – Washington, DC – The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Jul 14 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park

Jul 16 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater

Jul 18 – Atlanta, GA – Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park

Jul 19 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater

Jul 21 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

Jul 23 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park

Jul 24 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Jul 25 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

Jul 28 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia

Jul 30 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park

Jul 31 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater

Aug 1 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Aug 4 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

Aug 6 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Aug 7 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion

Aug 8 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion

GIMS, Sombr, Sofi Tukker, And Alessia Cara Lead Festival Fono’s Massive 2026 Quebec City Lineup

Eric Alper
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GIMS, Sombr, Sofi Tukker, And Alessia Cara Lead Festival Fono’s Massive 2026 Quebec City Lineup

Festival Fono returns to Quebec City from September 10 to 12, 2026, and the lineup is serious. Nearly 40 artists across three distinct stages on the Universite Laval campus, headlined by GIMS, Grammy-nominated sombr, Alessia Cara, Sofi Tukker, Angus & Julia Stone, Natasha Bedingfield, Chance Peña, Fredz, and Ariane Moffatt.

The festival unfolds across three purpose-built spaces. Vallee Beneva handles the marquee moments, including sombr’s first-ever Quebec City performance. Boise Coors Light brings a more adventurous mix, with NYC electronic duo Sofi Tukker, Congolese-Belgian singer-songwriter Lous & The Yakuza, and Australian electric folk duo Angus & Julia Stone among the highlights. Forêt Electro runs from site opening to close across two stages, completely reimagined for 2026 and dedicated entirely to electronic music.

“We wanted to build much more than a music lineup: a true end-of-summer experience,” says BLEUFEU President Nicolas Racine. Louis Bellavance, Vice-President of Content and Artistic Direction, adds that the program is built so each stage holds its own identity while naturally drawing audiences between spaces. The architecture of this lineup reflects exactly that thinking, and it shows.

Fono is also bringing back its After-Hours Shows, with three secret locations and three mystery artists offering contest winners exclusive late-night experiences. Three-day General Admission passes are on sale now at festivalfono.com, starting at $149 before taxes, with Universite Laval student passes available at $109. Prices hold until July 31, 2026.

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That Eric Alper

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

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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