Montreal born, Hamilton based multidisciplinary artist Lisa SQ unveils her spectacular debut full length album, ‘Reel Me In’, a kaleidoscopic reflection on introspection, growth, and pure sonic experimentation. This record is truly a sonic photo album, capturing her penchant for turning life’s sticky moments into artful, indie pop catharsis, with a playful spirit fueling the whole collection. The album’s creation embraces spontaneity and collaboration, being half recorded overseas in a converted stone abbey on the Isle of Wight and half captured during impromptu Toronto sessions with Tyler Kyte, Ian Docherty, and David Granshaw. The lead single “Teeth” is a hypnotic swirl of dream pop textures and lyrical bite that builds toward an explosive finale, complete with a spontaneous French verse. Lisa SQ explains that “‘Teeth’ is young love and falling hard. It’s lapping up the poison of pop culture romance – the glamourized torment of Ross and Rachel. Bonnie and Clyde, doomed from the start.” This emotionally resonant sound balances nostalgic warmth, drawing from influences like Billie Holiday and David Bowie, with avant garde experimentation that will instantly pull you in.
Tate McRae Drops Massive Deluxe Album ‘SO CLOSE TO WHAT’
GRAMMY nominated pop sensation Tate McRae just released ‘SO CLOSE TO WHAT??? (deluxe)’, the expanded edition of her number one critically acclaimed album ‘So Close To What’ via RCA Records. This new edition is absolutely packed, featuring five brand new tracks for fans to dive into. Her latest song, “TIT FOR TAT,” debuted high at number three on Billboard’s Hot 100, marking her third top 10 hit on the chart. Other exciting additions include the upbeat and sonically lush “NOBODY’S GIRL,” the fan favorite “ANYTHING BUT LOVE,” the emotive “TRYING ON SHOES,” and “HORSESHOE.” Along with the release, Tate also shared the ethereal music video for “NOBODY’S GIRL,” which was directed by Thibaut Grevet and features choreography by the talented French dance collective, (LA)HORDE.
Tate McRae is a certified triple threat who has garnered over 20.8 billion overall streams, multiple number one hits, and a number one album on the Billboard 200 chart. The star recently wrapped up her sold out global Miss Possessive Arena Tour, selling over a million tickets. Rolling Stone called the show “a manic pop glitz spectacle” while The New York Times praised the way that dance is thrillingly showcased. The Calgary native’s success includes multiple JUNO Awards, MTV VMAs, and she was recently featured on TIME100’s Next issue. Her earlier work includes the 5x Platinum single “you broke me first” and her certified Platinum sophomore album ‘THINK LATER’, which featured the 4x Platinum global number one single “greedy.”
SO CLOSE TO WHAT??? (deluxe) Tracklist:
01 TRYING ON SHOES
02 ANYTHING BUT LOVE
03 NOBODY’S GIRL
04 HORSESHOE
05 TIT FOR TAT
06 Miss possessive
07 Revolving door
08 bloodonmyhands (feat. Flo Milli)
09 Dear god
10 Purple lace bra
11 Sports car
12 Signs
13 I know love (feat. The Kid LAROI)
14 Like I do
15 It’s ok I’m ok
16 No I’m not in love
17 Means I care
18 Greenlight
19 2 hands
20 Siren sounds (bonus)
21 Nostalgia
Garth Brooks Adds Zac Brown Band And Ashley McBryde To His Big London Return
Garth Brooks is making his spectacular return to London in 2026, and he is bringing some serious star power with him. The Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde are the first supporting acts announced for the massive show on Saturday June 27th at the Great Oak Stage at American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. This standing room only concert marks Brooks’ first performance in the city in 28 years, following his three headlined concerts in Belfast, Northern Ireland, back in November 1998 during his second world tour. Brooks is the first headliner for the annual concert series, and tickets are available now. This London date is a significant one for his supporting acts; it is the only show on the calendar for Zac Brown Band after they headline a series of shows at the Las Vegas Sphere through mid January, and it adds to McBryde’s busy schedule which includes a return to her Redemption Bar at Chief’s on Broadway. The London concert is the third announced for Brooks in 2026, following two kick off performances for Milwaukee’s Summerfest in June.
Keith D Robinson Finds True Love Is Digital In The Visual For “Foolish Luv”
Keith D. Robinson returns to the screen with the release of the highly entertaining visual for his latest single “FOOLISH LUV.” This mid tempo obsession explores how technology and artificial intelligence are creeping into modern romance, inspired by the chaotic cat and mouse chase between Dr. Ted Richardson and Leslie Thomas from the soap “Beyond the Gates.” Directed by Robinson and Julius “Bigfellow” Twum, the short form visual co stars actress Trisha Mann Grant, who portrays Leslie Thomas on the hit CBS series. The story opens at The Man Store, a fictional state of the art department store specializing in customized robotic men, where millions of excited women are devastated because the in demand Keith D. Robinson 2.0 models are sold out! Store manager Trisha Mann Grant then unveils the new and improved robotic sensation the “Teddy Boo 3T,” choosing one lucky woman, Candice Marie Singleton, to take the model home. Robinson shares the genius behind the idea: “The irony of making this visual was the out of the box approach we took that seems to be less and less out of the box as the days go by as we go spiraling towards technology invading every space of humanity.”
HAWXX Returns With A Powerhouse New Single “Resistance Is Justified”
London based progressive punk metallers HAWXX never hide in the shadows, and they certainly are not resting on their laurels with the launch of their brand new single, “Resistance Is Justified.” This politically charged track is the first blast off their anticipated second album, set for release in Spring 2026. In a world where artists are increasingly finding their platforms and livelihoods under threat, HAWXX fearlessly steps up to give a voice to the voiceless in the face of adversity. This band channels their mission through music that hits hard and sends an unmistakable message of protest and strength.
Vocalist Anna shared the incredibly personal story behind the music, commenting: “‘Resistance is Justified’ is a song about my good friend Jordan, who has been in prison for one year without trial. He and 23 others, known as the Filton 24, have been imprisoned for allegedly destroying weapons in the Elbit Factory that were due to be sent to Israel. Since then, the UK Government has called them a terrorist organization, and anyone seen to be publicly supporting them has been arrested. This song condemns this decision of the UK government and condemns the silencing of our human right to protest injustice. I have played Jordan the song over the phone while he is in his cell.” The track features a powerful tapestry of collaborations, bringing together talented music teacher Ahmed Muin Abu Amsha from Gaza, members of the Greek Flotilla mission, Millie Manders, Petrol Girls, and many others, including a moving speech sample from Jordan’s sister, Brogan. This is metal music as a crucial act of solidarity and pure volume.
The Studio 68 Is Back And Their New Album ‘Rollin’ Is A Rock N Soul Trip
Imagine Janis Joplin jamming with the Small Faces down at Withnail and I’s place; now you are sensing the wonderfully weird world of The Studio 68! This high octane rock and roll band formed in North London and, after a chaotic lifestyle derailed them in the nineties, they regenerated Doctor Who style in 2023. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Dani Turner, the six piece has since blown the doors off everywhere from the Shiiine On festival to Camp Bestival and is ready to unfurl their new album ‘Rollin” upon the world. Set for release this coming February 20th 2026 via the legendary UK mod and punk label Detour Records, the album is available on CD, download, and a limited edition bright orange vinyl. This week, the psychedelic express rolls back into town with brand new single “Need A Miracle,” a gilt edged rock and soul anthem fusing a relentless four to the floor Northern Soul groove with a tune worthy of peak era Fleetwood Mac.
Recorded in London with legendary producer Brian O’Shaughnessy, ‘Rollin” is a passionate love letter to rock and roll’s late sixties and early seventies heyday. The album sees the 68! fusing funk, soul, jazz and blues to create a modern classic. Dani Turner’s vocals are extraordinary, bringing to mind the majesty of Merry Clayton’s vocals on the Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” Band spokesman Paul Moody states that the song is “a cautionary tale for anyone thinking about entering this weird and wonderful business. It’s a tribute to every band that has ever fallen foul of the music biz — an aural ragu for a dish served cold.” The musicianship is truly remarkable, with Thrill Heaven’s mesmeric Hammond playing standing out on the six minute epic “Time Slips Through Your Hands.” The album’s lyrics are contemporary, holding up a mirror to Britain in 2025 on the epic “The Way It Is.”
The overall effect is an album constructed with an attention to detail worthy of the Brill Building, promising to stay on your turntable for months. The band’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the progressive social and cultural spirit of 1968, and Paul Moody affirms, “We’re here to bring the joy — and the danger — back into rock ’n’ roll. The psychedelic express is picking up speed and we’d love you to come along for the ride.” Fans can hear these and other choice cuts from the record at their not to be missed album launch at the legendary 100 Club on Wednesday January 28, which will feature XL, Raw Sonik, and an all star DJ lineup.
TESLA Announces Two Huge Tours For 2026 Including The Return Of Carnival Of Sins
egendary rockers TESLA are setting up for an absolutely massive 2026 by announcing two different tours, including a return to the summer stadium circuit. First, the band kicks off the Still Keepin’ It Real Tour in January after spending the past year successfully bringing their ‘Keepin’ It Real’ Tour to sold out venues nationwide. That momentum builds into the Summer 2026 run for The Return of Carnival of Sins Tour alongside Motley Crue and Extreme. Bassist Brian Wheat is highly enthusiastic about the summer shows, saying, “We’re looking forward to playing this summer with the legendary Motley Crue and Extreme. We played with Motley Crue way back in 1990 on the “Dr. Feelgood” tour and had a blast. The shows were off the hook. Now we are playing this summer and Extreme is joining us as well. I believe the shows will be a complete ‘hard rockin’, song filled rock n’ roll extravanganza!”
TESLA’s bluesy, soulful sound is firmly embedded in the organic, authentic roots of 1970s rock and roll, drawing inspiration from icons like Bad Company and Led Zeppelin. The Sacramento rockers have a rich history, beginning as City Kidd before honoring inventor Nikola Tesla with their new name. Their platinum debut album, ‘Mechanical Resonance’, included Top 40 hits “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi,” and their subsequent double platinum album, ‘The Great Radio Controversy’, featured “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and “Love Song.” The band famously stripped down for their album ‘Five Man Acoustical Jam’, which produced their biggest hit single, the cover of Five Man Electrical Band’s “Signs.” Today, TESLA continues to record and release new music, like the single “All About Love” featured on their ‘All About Love’ EP, all while keeping their legacy alive by selling out venues all over the world.
Tesla Tour Dates 2026
Thur, Jan 15 @ Peppermill Concert Hall in Wendover, NV
Fri, Jan 16 @ Peppermill Concert Hall in Wendover, NV
Fri, Jan 23 @ Wild Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA
Sat, Jan 24 @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City, NJ
Fri, Jan 30 @ Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT
Sat, Jan 31 @ Seneca Allegany Resort & Casinos in Salamanca, NY
Fri, Feb 6 @ Casino Rama Resort in Rama, ON
Sat, Feb 7 @ MGM Northfield Park Center Stage in Northfield, OH
Fri, March 6 @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater in Pompano Beach, FL
Sat, March 7 @ Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL
Sun, March 8 @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre in St. Augustine, FL
THE RETURN OF THE CARNIVAL OF SINS – 2026 TOUR DATES:
Fri, Jul 17, 2026 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 — Buffalo, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 — Clarkson, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 — Toronto, ON — RBC Amphitheatre
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 — Bangor, ME — Maine Savings Amphitheater
Mon, Jul 27, 2026 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Wed, Jul 29, 2026 — Saratoga Springs, NY — Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Fri, Jul 31, 2026 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center
Mon, Aug 3, 2026 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Fri, Aug 14, 2026 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Sat, Aug 15, 2026 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Mon, Aug 17, 2026 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Fri, Aug 21, 2026 — Shakopee, MN — Mystic Lake Amphitheater
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
Tue, Aug 25, 2026 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center
Thu, Aug 27, 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI — Acrisure Amphitheater
Fri, Aug 28, 2026 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
Tue, Sep 8, 2026 — Kansas City, MO — Morton Amphitheater
Thu, Sep 10, 2026 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 — Houston, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sun, Sep 13, 2026 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Fri, Sep 18, 2026 — Chula Vista, CA — North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 — Long Beach, CA — Long Beach Amphitheater
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 — Salt Lake City, UT — Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 — Wheatland, CA — Toyota Amphitheatre
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheater
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 — Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater
30 Essential Singer-Songwriter Albums
Singer-songwriter albums feel like conversations in a quiet room. They’re intimate, word-driven, and often recorded with just enough production to let the stories breathe. From 1960s classics to 21st-century heartbreak, here are 30 of the best.
A Crow Looked at Me – The Microphones (2017)
Phil Elverum turns grief into stark, unguarded songs that feel almost too personal to overhear. Recorded at home with minimal gear, it’s as much a document of love as of loss.
After the Gold Rush – Neil Young (1970)
Neil Young blends fragile piano ballads, country rock, and dreamlike imagery into a record that feels both homespun and visionary. Its cracked vocals give it a haunting timelessness.
All Things Must Pass – George Harrison (1970)
George Harrison finally steps into full bloom, filling this triple LP with spiritual yearning and melodic grace. Even amid lush production, his songwriting shines with clarity and warmth.
Astral Weeks – Van Morrison (1968)
Van Morrison’s mystical blend of folk and jazz flows like one long improvisation. Its stream-of-consciousness storytelling remains one of the most transportive listens ever captured on tape.
Blood on the Tracks – Bob Dylan (1975)
Bob Dylan’s breakup album distills heartbreak and storytelling into sharp, cinematic vignettes. It’s equal parts confessional and mythic, showing Dylan’s pen at its most human.
Blue – Joni Mitchell (1971)
Joni Mitchell bares her soul in a set of songs that redefine intimacy in music. Every open tuning and vocal leap feels like a revelation written in real time.
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel (1970)
Paul Simon’s songwriting and Art Garfunkel’s soaring vocals reach spiritual heights here. Its mix of gospel, folk, and pop perfection made it an instant classic.
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road – Lucinda Williams (1998)
Lucinda Williams writes like a poet and sings like she’s lived every word. The album’s Americana roots and vivid small-town details make it endlessly re-listenable.
Carrie & Lowell – Sufjan Stevens (2015)
Sufjan Stevens strips back to a whisper, chronicling childhood, grief, and forgiveness. Its quiet acoustic textures create one of the most delicate emotional portraits in modern music.
Construção – Chico Buarque (1971)
Chico Buarque fuses samba rhythms with razor-sharp political poetry. Its looping structure and hypnotic phrasing make this a landmark of Brazilian songwriting.
Either/Or – Elliott Smith (1997)
Elliott Smith turns lo-fi melancholy into melodic gold. His hushed voice and confessional lyrics make each track feel like a secret whispered directly to you.
Excitable Boy – Warren Zevon (1978)
Warren Zevon’s dark humor and sharp storytelling collide on this twisted pop-rock gem. It’s witty, weird, and utterly unforgettable.
Fetch the Bolt Cutters – Fiona Apple (2020)
Fiona Apple turns percussive clatter and stream-of-consciousness lyrics into raw power. Every track feels spontaneous, urgent, and gloriously alive.
Grace – Jeff Buckley (1994)
Jeff Buckley’s angelic vocals and cinematic arrangements make this one of the most haunting debuts in rock. His version of “Hallelujah” is only the beginning.
Graceland – Paul Simon (1986)
Paul Simon bridges continents and cultures with South African rhythms and his sharp lyrical wit. It’s joyous, political, and irresistibly melodic.
Harvest – Neil Young (1972)
Neil Young’s most accessible record marries country soul with introspective lyrics. “Heart of Gold” made him a superstar, but the album’s quiet moments endure longest.
Heartbreaker – Ryan Adams (2000)
Ryan Adams captures post-breakup ache with alt-country simplicity and ragged beauty. It’s raw emotion, captured before fame complicated the story.
Hejira – Joni Mitchell (1976)
Joni Mitchell’s road record stretches across endless highways and jazz-infused basslines. Her lyrics wander with poetic detachment and hard-earned wisdom.
I See a Darkness – Will Oldham (1999)
Will Oldham (as Bonnie “Prince” Billy) sings of mortality and friendship in fragile tones. Stark, spiritual, and deeply human, it’s a minimalist masterpiece.
Illinois – Sufjan Stevens (2005)
Sufjan Stevens turns the state of Illinois into a symphonic folk epic, full of brass, choirs, and heart. Every track overflows with life, history, and wonder.
Imagine – John Lennon (1971)
John Lennon’s most iconic solo record combines political pleas with personal peace. The title track alone cements it as an anthem of idealism and hope.
Late for the Sky – Jackson Browne (1974)
Jackson Browne meditates on love and disillusionment with clarity and grace. Each song unfolds like a quiet revelation at dusk.
Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers (2020)
Phoebe Bridgers builds cinematic heartbreak out of whispered vocals and dark humor. It’s equal parts dreamy and devastating.
Rain Dogs – Tom Waits (1985)
Tom Waits turns street poetry and junkyard percussion into his own mythic world. It’s grimy, tender, and wholly singular.
Sail Away – Randy Newman (1972)
Randy Newman’s piano pop hides biting satire beneath its lush melodies. Equal parts charming and caustic, it’s songwriting as social commentary.
Starsailor – Tim Buckley (1970)
Tim Buckley stretches folk into avant-garde territory with fearless experimentation. His voice leaps from whispers to wails, chasing transcendence.
Sweet Baby James – James Taylor (1970)
James Taylor’s warm voice and fingerpicked guitar defined the mellow ’70s singer-songwriter sound. Every song feels like a gentle conversation.
Tea for the Tillerman – Cat Stevens (1970)
Cat Stevens marries spiritual searching with melodic simplicity. It’s a record of quiet questions and graceful answers.
When the Pawn… – Fiona Apple (1999)
Fiona Apple’s jazzy phrasing and lyrical bite create a lush, confessional world. It’s fearless, soulful, and bursting with emotion.
Windswept Adan – Ichiko Aoba (2020)
Ichiko Aoba crafts a dreamlike journey through acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals. It feels like an ocean breeze turned into sound.
Ys – Joanna Newsom (2006)
Joanna Newsom’s five-song odyssey of harps and orchestral arrangements reads like modern folklore. Her language and ambition make it a world unto itself.
Alchemize Drops Bouncy New Single “Do You Feel Alive” And It Is Cathartic
Manchester’s five piece R&B metal fusion band Alchemize is set to release their dynamic new single “Do You Feel Alive?” on November 21st 2025 via Year Of The Rat Records. This is a band with real momentum, having already landed official playlisting across Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL, secured coverage with BBC Radio 1 including Track Of The Week, and played multiple sold out headline shows with groups like Chaosbay and Black Coast. Singer Adam Kenyon shared the creative dynamic, stating “This track came from a really personal place. Lyrically, it’s about watching someone you care about slowly turn into someone you no longer recognise, that Jekyll-to-Hyde feeling when a close friend or partner drifts away, and you’re left questioning everything. There’s frustration, hurt, and that bittersweet acceptance that some relationships just can’t be saved. Musically though, we wanted to do the complete opposite, keep it light, fun, and bouncy. We took inspiration from our earlier releases and tried to capture that raw, playful energy we had when we first started writing together.” The result is a high energy track that turns pain into something cathartic and fun to move to.
Tyler Farr Is Launching The Intimate And Personal ‘Quit Bein’ Country’ Acoustic Tour
Platinum selling country powerhouse Tyler Farr has unveiled his upcoming Quit Bein’ Country Tour, an intimate 15 date acoustic run kicking off in February 2026. The tour follows the release of Farr’s latest EP, ‘Quit Bein’ Country’, a collection which has already surpassed one million streams across platforms. This acoustic tour is specifically designed to bring fans closer than ever, featuring stripped back, story driven performances of tracks from the new EP. Fans will enjoy his greatest hits and fan favorites like “Redneck Crazy” and “A Guy Walks Into a Bar,” offering a rare chance to experience his signature vocals and raw emotion in a more personal setting. Farr shared his thoughts on the project, saying “I’m so excited to bring the Quit Bein’ Country Tour to fans in a way that feels personal and true to the heart of these new songs. This EP comes from a real place, and these shows will too.”
Farr has successfully cemented his reputation as one of the genre’s most compelling voices, having previously earned three number one hits including “Redneck Crazy,” “Whiskey in My Water,” and “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” He remains the only solo male country artist in the past decade to have both of his first two albums debut in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200, including his debut ‘Redneck Crazy’. The tour launches with a full band kickoff performance at Nashville’s iconic Exit/In before Farr takes the acoustic experience on the road. This acoustic run ushers in a fresh chapter for Farr, one rooted in faith, family, and small town values, while carrying the same honesty and grit his fans know and love.
Tyler Farr 2026 Quit Bein’ Country Tour Dates:
Feb 6 – Nashville
Feb 7 – Chicago
Feb 14 – Everglades City, FL
Feb 19 – Fort Smith, AR
Feb 20 – Springfield, MO
Feb 21 – Jackson, TN
Feb 26 – Madison, WI
Feb 27 – Whitefish Bay, WI
Feb 28 – Plain City, OH
Mar 5 – Des Moines, IA
Mar 6 – Omaha, NE
Mar 7 – Tulsa, OK
Mar 12 – Cadillac, MI
Mar 13 – Flint, MI
Mar 14 – Indianapolis