Sixpence None the Richer brought a nostalgic glow to NPR Music with a festive Tiny Desk Concert, marking the return of a beloved holiday tradition at the office. The set opened with the gentle waltz of “The Last Christmas,” a track inspired by guitarist Matt Slocum’s journey into parenthood, followed by a comfort-filled rendition of the holiday standard “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Frontwoman Leigh Nash anchored the performance with her signature “candied” vocals, blending career-defining hits like “Melody of You” and the 30th-anniversary staple “Kiss Me” with the soul-stirring solo track “Eternal Gifts.”
The Killers and Janelle Monáe Headline Inaugural Freely Fest in Nashville
Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena is set to host the inaugural Freely Fest on April 8, 2026, a groundbreaking event launched by the nonpartisan nonprofit Freedom Forum. The festival features a heavy-hitting lineup including The Killers, T-Pain, Dominic Fike, Janelle Monáe, and Avery Anna, all coming together to celebrate the power of music and the First Amendment. Freedom Forum Chair and CEO Jan Neuharth emphasizes that the event aims to shine a light on freedom of speech as a foundational right that fuels global culture and creative expression. Beyond the live performances, the festival will stream globally, ensuring that its message of “purposeful entertainment” and the defining anthems of the First Amendment reach a worldwide audience.
The one-day event is designed to be more than just a concert, incorporating artist storytelling and interactive experiences that bring First Amendment freedoms to life. Fans attending the arena experience can access VIP packages that offer premium lounge settings, all-inclusive hospitality, and exclusive merchandise. Tickets for the historic gathering go on sale this week, following a specialized presale that began on December 18, 2025. As Freedom Forum marks over three decades of defending the rights to speech, press, and assembly, Freely Fest stands as their latest major initiative to inspire a new generation to value and protect the fundamental liberties that allow the music industry to thrive.
John Corabi Embraces Rock’s Enduring Spirit with Solo Debut ‘New Day’
Rock icon John Corabi has announced the release of his first-ever full-length solo album of original material, ‘New Day’, arriving April 24, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Recorded in Nashville and produced by the multi-platinum Marti Frederiksen, the record is a soul-infused journey through classic ’70s rock, blending organic musicianship with Corabi’s signature commanding vocals. The title track, out now alongside a nostalgic official music video, serves as an upbeat anthem for self-reinvention, encouraging listeners to find beauty in life’s smaller moments. Featuring an elite roster of contributors including Guns N’ Roses’ Richard Fortus and Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr, the album provides a timeless, instrument-driven sound that showcases Corabi’s masterful songwriting and authentic rock-and-roll heart.
The project marks a pivotal milestone for Corabi, integrating fan-favorite singles like “Così Bella” and “Your Own Worst Enemy” into a cohesive collection that honors the melodic grandeur of early influences like Queen and Boston. To bring the new material to the stage, Corabi will embark on the “European Shuffle Tour” in February and March 2026, with key stops at London’s Underworld and the Belfast Empire. Backed by an all-star band featuring members from Whitesnake, Tesla, and Winger, these performances promise to capture the high-energy spirit of the Nashville sessions. As 2026 approaches, ‘New Day’ stands as a testament to Corabi’s enduring legacy and his unwavering passion for creating music that is as deeply personal as it is powerful.
Logan Wedgwood’s Sounds Escape Explores Emotional Landscapes on ‘Electric Love’
Logan Wedgwood’s Sounds Escape Explores Emotional Landscapes on ‘Electric Love’
Logan Wedgwood, Sounds Escape,
Auckland-based multi-instrumentalist Logan Wedgwood has unveiled his latest transportive project under the moniker Sounds Escape with the release of the stunning new album ‘Electric Love’. Born from the isolation and uncertainty of the 2020 pandemic, the project marks a triumphant return for Wedgwood, a former touring drummer who stepped away from the music scene in 2009 to focus on his young family and business career. After finding “salvation” in the daily ritual of teaching himself guitar, Wedgwood evolved rough riffs into intricate, cinematic compositions that bridge the gap between fragile melodies and thunderous, forty-instrument arrangements. ‘Electric Love’ serves as a visceral document of this journey, offering listeners a “rollercoaster” of rhythm and sound designed to be an immersive, emotional experience.
The album’s leading single, “Exploding Stars,” acts as the definitive entry point into Wedgwood’s ambitiously layered style, capturing the tension and release that define the Sounds Escape sound. Whether it is a single, wandering guitar line or a dense wall of orchestral sound, every arrangement is led by feeling rather than traditional structure, making it the perfect companion for late-night reflection or an atmospheric film score. Following the success of his debut anthology ‘Voices’, this new collection solidifies Sounds Escape as a standout in the modern instrumental genre. By turning the “rug pulled out from under him” into a creative catalyst, Wedgwood has crafted a body of work that invites the audience to find their own connection within the silence and the noise.
Austin Michael Drowns Heartbreak in Traditional Anthem “Why Not Whiskey”
Former rodeo star turned country newcomer Austin Michael is proving that his grit isn’t just for the arena with the release of his new single, “Why Not Whiskey.” A raw, honky-tonk-driven anthem, the track pairs traditional country swing with a barroom realism that touches on everything from shattered relationships to outrunning the pain. Co-written with heavyweights Joe Clemmons and Shane Minor, “Why Not Whiskey” serves as the fourth preview to his highly anticipated 13-track collection, ‘Lonestar’, which is out March 6th. The song highlights Michael’s transition from a 15-year-old viral sensation on ‘American Idol’ to a formidable Nashville songwriter, blending the self-reliant ethos of his Texas upbringing with a vulnerable, troubadour-inspired edge that has already amassed over 17 million streams.
‘Lonestar’ marks a definitive coming-of-age for the 22-year-old artist, who spent years sleeping in his car in Nashville to knock on doors for a chance to be heard. The album features a lineup of powerful previews including “Back on a Barstool,” “Hard Earned Heartache,” and “Whiskey on a Wildfire,” each detailing the winding road from a Texas ranch to the stages of Music City. Having already shared the spotlight with icons like Justin Moore and Chris Young, Michael’s straight-shooting storytelling is anchoring him as one of the most authentic voices in the modern neotraditional movement. Whether he’s roping on national television or delivering a “bottom-of-the-glass” confessional, Michael remains rooted in the independence of his “Lonestar” identity, offering a collection that is as much about perseverance as it is about country music.
Michael Bublé’s ‘Christmas’ Becomes Canada’s Christmas #1 Album
Michael Bublé has officially reclaimed his throne as the king of the holidays, as his 2011 blockbuster album ‘Christmas’ returns to #1 on the Canadian Albums Chart. This resurgence ends Taylor Swift’s impressive ten-week reign at the top spot, proving the enduring power of Bublé’s festive classic more than a decade after its initial release. With over 16 million physical copies sold worldwide and billions of streams to date, ‘Christmas’ remains a global phenomenon that continues to define the holiday season for millions of listeners. This return to the summit caps off a landmark 2025 for the Canadian icon, who earlier this year received a hero’s welcome while hosting the JUNO Awards in his home province of British Columbia.
Beyond the charts, Bublé’s year has been defined by significant global milestones and heartfelt community service. Just weeks ago, he performed for His Holiness the Pope in Vatican City, a “bucket-list” moment he described as one of the greatest honors of his life. Returning home to Vancouver, Bublé spent time volunteering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, surprising local clients while distributing Senior’s Program Packs. From the world’s most spiritual stages to hands-on charity work in his local community, Bublé’s 2025 has been a powerful testament to his status as a global superstar with a deep commitment to human connection.
Andradite Explores the Edge of Fragility and Fury with ‘Ruined’ EP
Cologne-based modern metal act Andradite has released their debut EP ‘Ruined’, a direct and unfiltered exploration of self-hate, trauma, and the chaotic process of release. Driven by the creative core of frontwoman Coco, the band has carved out a unique sonic identity that oscillates between crushing, down-tuned breakdowns and the ethereal shimmer of dark industrial synths. This five-track collection serves as a powerful document of the band’s growth, anchored by Coco’s versatile vocal presence that transitions seamlessly from bottomless, visceral shouts to fragile, crystal-clear cleans. As bassist Sudi and guitarist Mia note, the diversity of ‘Ruined’ reflects an intense musical journey, intentionally moving through different emotional landscapes to create a vision that hits hard precisely because it refuses to hide its scars.
Scott Bradlee and Casey Abrams Deliver Spontaneous Jazz Magic with “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
Postmodern Jukebox mastermind Scott Bradlee has reunited with his longtime collaborator and ‘American Idol’ standout Casey Abrams for a high-energy, jazzy reimagining of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” Released just in time for the 2025 holiday peak, the track features Abrams’ signature gritty vocals and virtuosic upright bass work, turning the seasonal staple into a lively, spontaneous jam session. Bradlee, the architect behind PMJ’s “vintage-meets-modern” revolution, provides the perfect piano foundation for Abrams to shred, proving once again why this duo is a fan-favorite powerhouse within the collective. This release follows a prolific year for Bradlee, including his new ‘Lounge Language Models’ album and the ‘Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe’ tour, adding a final burst of festive spirit to a record-breaking 2025.
15 Songs to Pair with a Good Cry
Music understands feelings before we do. It sits beside us when words fall short, turns tears into something productive, and reminds us we are not alone in whatever ache we are carrying. Whether you are sad-sad, nostalgic-sad, or just emotionally overwhelmed by existing, these songs meet you exactly where you are and stay until the feeling passes.
Sometimes you do not need a solution. You just need a song that gets it.
Here are 15 songs to pair with a good cry, no judgment, tissues encouraged.
- “All I Want” by Kodaline
Pure emotional surrender. This song does not ask you to be okay, it lets you fall apart and breathe through it. - “Motion Picture Soundtrack” by Radiohead
Soft, devastating, and beautiful in the quietest way. This one feels like crying alone at night with the lights off. - “Liability” by Lorde
For the moments when you feel like too much and not enough at the same time. Intimate and painfully honest. - “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt
The universal anthem of loving someone who cannot love you back. Still hits every single time. - “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver
Fragile, raw, and emotionally exposed. This song feels like heartbreak whispered directly into your ear. - “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
Hope, struggle, and longing all wrapped into one song. It sneaks up on you and suddenly you are crying. - “Someone Like You” by Adele
A goodbye that hurts because it is kind. Let this one roll while you stare out a window dramatically. - “Black” by Pearl Jam
Big feelings, bigger emotion. This song is made for releasing everything you have been holding in. - “River” by Joni Mitchell
Gentle sadness that feels timeless. Perfect for reflective tears and quiet moments of longing. - “Fix You” by Coldplay
Sometimes you cry because you wish someone could save you. Sometimes you cry because you know they cannot. - “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
For grief, nostalgia, and all the things you wish you could redo. This song feels like memory in slow motion. - “I Know It’s Over” by The Smiths
Melancholy at its most dramatic. Lean into it and let Morrissey do the emotional heavy lifting. - “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
A song about loss that never tries to soften the truth. Heavy, honest, and quietly powerful. - “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
Sometimes you need a reminder that feeling broken is part of being human. This song holds your hand through it. - “Cellophane” by FKA twigs
Vulnerable, exposed, and deeply personal. This is the sound of standing in your truth and crying anyway.