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Term Plan for NRI: A Complete Guide to Life Cover from India

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

A Term Plan for NRI is conceptualised for Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizens of India or Persons of Indian Origin cardholders, & their families to fulfil the financial requirements. Irrespective of the place of residence, the term plan provides financial security along with the death benefit in the absence of the policyholder.

Term Insurance for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) offers financial security to their family members, with reasonable premium costs. It offers several benefits, such as flexible policy terms, easy claim settlement processes, cost-effective premiums, etc. However, one should take into consideration certain factors, such as documents required, eligibility criteria, taxation benefits, medical examination required, etc., thus helping in choosing an insurance company. 

Eligibility Criteria

One can purchase a term plan in case of an NRI having a minimum age of 18 years & a maximum of 65 years of age. Provided below is a list of individuals who can buy a term plan in India:

  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

They are a citizen of India who is temporarily living in India, having a valid Indian passport. 

  • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of India Origin (PIO)

They are foreign nationals except for Pakistan & Bangladesh, having the mentioned criteria fulfilled:

  1. Spouse of an Indian National
  2. Parents or grandparents who were Indian citizens
  3. Previously, having an Indian passport
  • Foreign Nationals

They are foreign nationals residing in India.

Reasons to Buy a Term Plan in India by NRIs

While looking forward to the family’s financial future, choosing a plan from the best term insurance company in India will bring multiple benefits that best suit your requirements. These are as mentioned below:

  • Cost-Effective Protection for Family Members:

A term plan often offers a considerable amount of coverage at affordable premium rates. Hence, these plans offer financial security to their family members within their budget.

  • Significant Tax Advantages:

It offers deduction of tax on the premium amount paid u/s 80C. Additionally, the death benefits received are also exempt from tax, hence increasing the financial strength of the NRI.

  • Convenient Payment & Management:

It offers easy modes of payment, which also include payment through NRE or NRO account, digital platforms, etc., which can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

  • Global Coverage with Local Benefits:

This term plan offers worldwide coverage, ensuring protection & safety irrespective of where the NRI lives. The family members residing in India will continue getting benefits.

  • Simplified Process Despite Distance:

This plan often allows the policyholder to get themselves examined in their country of residence, verifying documents virtually, without any requirement to visit India.

Steps to Apply for a Term Plan by NRI

Provided are the steps to be followed to apply for an NRI term insurance:

Step 1: Conduct Research about the Plans

Assess the term plans available & compare those that can be applied by NRI individuals.

Step 2: Choose a Plan

Choose a plan, depending on certain factors, such as policy tenure, coverage required, affordable premiums, turnaround time, claim settlement ratio, etc.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Fill out the accurate details, which include your personal, financial, & occupational information.

Step 4: Submit the Documents

Submit the required documents, such as a visa, address proof, passport, photographs, etc.

Step 5: Conduct Medical Check-Ups

Get the medical check-ups performed either in India or abroad, as required by the insurance company.

Step 6: Make the Premium Amount

Make the payment towards the premium amount via the international mode of payment options provided by the insurance company.

Step 7: Issuance of Policy

Once the submission & verification of documents have been completed, the insurance company will issue the policy document. It will be sent to your registered emailaddress.

Premium Payment Modes for NRIs

Provided are the premium payment options made available for NRIs:

Payment MethodDetails
Cheque PaymentsPremium amount can be paid by cheques drawn from NRE, NRO, or FCNR accounts.
NRE/NRO/FCNR AccountsPayments can be made through Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO), Non-Resident External (NRE), or Foreign Currency Non-Repatriable (FCNR) accounts through internet banking.
Digital Wallets & UPISome insurance companies also allow payments through Unified Payments Interface (UPI)& digital wallets for added convenience.
International Credit or Debit CardsInsurance companies may also accept MasterCard, International Visa, &American Express cards for premium payments.
SWIFT TransfersPremium amount can be remitted directly from the foreign bank accounts using SWIFT transfers in various currencies.

Tax Implications 

  • According to Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of India, 1961, a deduction of up to INR 1,50,000 can be availed on the premium amount paid towards the term plan.
  • The amount of death benefit received by the beneficiaries is totally exempt from tax u/s 10(10D), subject to certain terms & conditions.
  • Additionally, if the payouts received are not exempt from tax u/s 10(10D), they will be subject to the tax deducted at source, i.e. TDS. NRIs are eligible to avail of credit for the total tax liability incurred.

How to Claim an NRI Term Insurance in India?

Mentioned are the steps to claim an NRI Term Insurance in India:

Step 1:For instance, inform the insurance company about the death of the policyholder.

Step 2: Complete all the formalities, such as submitting the documents. This includes claim forms, policy documents, medical & death certificates, post-mortem reports, etc.

Step 3: The investigation will be performed by the insurance company, which may take up to 3 months. 

Step 4: The insurance company may ask for any additional documents for clarification purposes.

Step 5: The insurance company, after approval, will disburse the claim amount.

Conclusion

A term plan is a very important decision in your life in terms of financial management, as it offers financial security to your family in your absence. A term plan for NRIs provides this security, even if you reside in any other country, away from your family. This helps an NRI remain tension-free in case of any mishap. 

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

From Beginner to Pro: Choosing the Right Class for Your Quilting Journey

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Quilting is more than a craft, it’s a journey of creativity, patience, and skill-building. Whether you’re picking up a needle and thread for the first time or looking to refine advanced techniques, finding the right quilting class can make all the difference in your progress and enjoyment. The key is matching your current skill level and goals with the right type of instruction.

Starting Out: Beginner Quilting Classes

If you’re new to quilting, start with a beginner-friendly class that covers the basics. These classes typically focus on essential techniques such as fabric selection, cutting, piecing, and simple machine sewing. You’ll likely complete a small project, like a lap quilt or table runner, that teaches you how to follow patterns and handle your materials confidently.

Look for classes that include:

  • Hands-on guidance with rotary cutters, rulers, and sewing machines

  • An introduction to basic blocks (like the nine-patch or rail fence)

  • Simple finishing techniques like binding and basic quilting stitches

Most importantly, beginner classes should create a relaxed, supportive environment where you can build confidence without pressure.

Intermediate Classes: Building on the Basics

Once you’ve made a few quilts and feel comfortable with your tools, you may be ready for intermediate classes. These courses delve deeper into pattern complexity and offer a chance to explore your personal style.

In intermediate classes, you might learn:

  • How to work with triangles and curves

  • Foundation paper piecing

  • Color theory and fabric coordination

  • Free-motion quilting and new stitching patterns

These classes often include projects that take longer to complete and encourage more creativity in design. They’re ideal for quilters who want to challenge themselves without feeling overwhelmed.

Advanced and Specialty Classes: Mastering the Art

For experienced quilters looking to refine their skills or explore specific styles, advanced or specialty classes are a perfect fit. These sessions may focus on intricate piecing techniques, hand quilting, appliqué, art quilting, or even quilt show preparation.

Advanced classes are best suited for quilters who:

  • Are confident in reading and modifying complex patterns

  • Want to explore traditional or modern quilting genres more deeply

  • Are interested in textile design, dyeing, or surface embellishment

Many advanced classes are taught by master quilters or nationally recognized instructors and may be offered in multi-day workshops or retreats.

Online vs. In-Person: Which Format Is Right for You?

Both formats have their perks. In-person classes offer hands-on help, social connection, and direct instructor feedback. They’re great for tactile learners and those who enjoy group settings.

Online classes, on the other hand, offer flexibility, access to top-tier instructors from around the world, and the ability to learn at your own pace. Many online platforms also include downloadable resources and community forums for support.

Final Stitch: Choose the Class That Fits You

No matter where you are in your quilting journey, the right class can motivate, educate, and inspire. Take time to evaluate your skill level, goals, and preferred learning style before enrolling. Whether you’re sewing your first stitch or preparing a quilt for exhibition, there’s always something new to learn, and joy to be found in quilting.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Heaven Shall Burn Honor Killswitch Engage With “Numbered Days” Cover Featuring Jesse Leach

Eric Alper
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0
Heaven Shall Burn Honor Killswitch Engage With “Numbered Days” Cover Featuring Jesse Leach

Following their tradition of covering some of their favorite and most influential tracks featuring members of the original, Heaven Shall Burn are releasing “Numbered Days” (Feat. Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage).

They have also shared a visualizer that is accompanying the celebration of the friendship between the bands. Bonus points for anyone catching the title of one of Heaven Shall Burn’s classics in the lyrics.

The band comments, “Killswitch Engage are THE metalcore band! When we heard ‘Numbered Days’ for the very first time, it totally blew us away. It was clear that something new was brewing up. No other band has influenced this style of music more and interpreted it better. Just because the guys have been very good friends for many years doesn’t mean you can’t pay tribute to this great band. We hope the song means as much to you as it does to us!”

Leach further adds, “All of us are honored by Heaven Shall Burn covering ‘Numbered Days.’ That song truly kicked off an album for us that would change our lives. All these years later to have people still resonate with our music means the world to us. Now to have a band like Heaven Shall Burn cover it 23 years later is really wild! Grateful and very stoked to have been a part of the reshaping of this song and to hear someone else’s take on it!”

Make sure to catch Killswitch Engage on their upcoming European tour, because “Numbered Days” isn’t the only song from this legendary band that had a lasting impact on modern extreme music.

Another pending question is finally answered: After Heaven Shall Burn had to cancel some shows due to their singer Marcus Bischoff suffering from a severe infection of his vocal chords, the band is happy to announce that Britta Gortz from HIRAES will be filling in. “We have a plan!” says Bischoff. “Britta from HIRAES will fill in for me at the upcoming shows, so tomorrow in Kufstein as well as next weekend! Give her a warm welcome, show her what HSB fans are made of and make the shows something very special in the band’s history! We are really looking forward to it! Things are already looking better for me, too! Your Molle and the HSB guys!”

Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings Reunite as The Guess Who for Rock Legends Cruise

Eric Alper
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0
Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings Reunite as The Guess Who for Rock Legends Cruise

 It was announced today that Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings will be playing as The Guess Who for the first time in 23 years when they take part in the Rock Legends Cruise as it sails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida through the Caribbean, February 23-27, 2026.

As principal songwriters of The Guess Who’s early hits, Bachman and Cummings helped propel the band to international success with songs such as “These Eyes,” “Laughing,” “Undun,” “American Woman,” “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature,” and “No Time.” Their 1970 album, American Woman, reached number one in Canada, and the title track became the first Billboard number one hit by a Canadian group.

After the group disbanded, Burton continued his winning streak with a gold record for his solo debut single “Stand Tall.” He followed his inaugural solo success with more than a dozen hit singles and albums including “I’m Scared,” “My Own Way to Rock,” “Break It to Them Gently,” and “You Saved My Soul.” Burton’s 1978 album Dream of a Child became the first quadruple platinum-selling album by a Canadian artist.

Randy went on to find success as Bachman-Turner Overdrive with hits such as “Let It Ride,” “Roll on Down the Highway,” “Takin’ Care of Business,” “Lookin’ Out for #1,” “Hey You,” and the BTO anthem “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet.”

For the cruise, passengers can look forward to two hours of hits from The Guess Who, along with songs from BTO and Burton Cummings’ solo career. Joining Burton and Randy on stage will be Sean Fitzsimons (drums, vocals), Jeff Jones (bass, vocals), Nick Sinopoli (percussion, vocals), Tim Bovaconti (guitar, vocals) and Joe Augello (guitar, vocals).

The Guess Who joins the previously announced line up of Gene Simmons Band, Kevin Cronin Band, Blue Oyster Cult, Uriah Heep, Jefferson Starship, Ugly Kid Joe, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Gary Hoey, and Two Wolf.

Chris Slade Releases Lyric Video for “Time Flies” From New Album ‘Timescape’

Eric Alper
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Chris Slade Releases Lyric Video for “Time Flies” From New Album ‘Timescape’

THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE released the amazing lyric video for the track “Time Flies” from their new album “Timescape”.

Chris Slade discusses the new video and song, “Time Flies, the song and the video was originally envisaged as a sort of sonic experiment. I only had the vaguest idea of a melody, but I knew I wanted the end of the lines to be repeated in echo. I’d demo’d half the song with Mike Clark (keyboards) help before I thought, “This needs a chorus”.  The heartbeat etc. and the silences between sections was a very dangerous thing to have in the middle of a song. The inspiration for both song and video came from some meditation experiences both real and imagined. You’d be surprised if you knew which is real and which imagined. I’ve been doing zen meditation since early 1970s.  70s saw me meditating twice a day for 45mins each sitting, every day.  Even when travelling on tour with Manfred Mann’s Earthband all over the world. I’ve never taken hallucinogenic drugs even while spending all my life, so far, in rock bands.”

Chris continues, “The End of the Universe bought in James Cornford on guitar. It comes from the concept of the end of time itself which could be next Wednesday or 115, million, million, centuries away, or, whenever you can make it really.  The stars will literally go out one by one just like The Carpenters predicted.”

THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE album Timescape can be purchased or streamed at: https://smarturl.it/ChrisSladeTimeline

Chris Slade launched the band ‘THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE’ in 2012 to mark 50+ years as a professional rock drummer. For this project, Slade took on phenomenal vocalists STEVE GLASSCOCK and PAUL “BUN” DAVIS with the added stunning musical techniques of guitarist JAMES CORNFORD along with keyboard and guitar player MICHAEL J. CLARK you most certainly have a band to be reckoned with and worthy to mark Slade’s illustrious musical career.

This is a concept for Slade that will include performances from a varied set list from Tom Jones, Manfred Mann’s Earthband, Uriah Heep, The Firm, ASIA, MSG, David Gilmour, Gary Moore along with a fair degree of AC/DC numbers and many surprises to be unwrapped along the way.

“After all these years recording and playing with some of the world’s greatest rock musicians such as Tom Jones, Manfred Mann’s Earthband, Gary Moore, Gary Numan, Denny Laine, Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, David Gilmour, Uriah Heep, Asia and of course AC/DC

Slade started his career at the age of 16 with Tom Jones before he changed his name to Tom Jones, this included World tours and recording throughout the 60’s.

Chris Slade was a founding member of ‘Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’ in January of 1971. He was to spend seven years with the band, recording eight albums and achieving three UK Top Ten singles in the process: ‘Joybringer’ (No. 9, October 1973), ‘Blinded By The Light’ (No. 6, September 1976 & a multi million selling #1 in the USA) and ‘Davy’s On The Road Again’ (No.6, June 1978). After ‘Earthband’ he spent 2 years with ‘Uriah Heep.’ A Year with Gary Numan and a year with David Gilmour in 1984.

He later teamed up with Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers and bassist Tony Franklin to form ‘The Firm’. They produced two excellent albums for Atlantic in 1985 and 1986 that gave them a few radio hits including ‘Radioactive’ and ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed.’

Then Chris joined Gary Moore, taking over from Cozy Powell just four days before the start of the 1989 ‘After The War’ tour. It was at one of Gary Moore’s gigs in The UK that Malcolm Young saw Chris Slade play. After the tour it was Chris’s intention to put together a band with ex-Aerosmith guitarist Rick Dufay. But the call from AC/DC scuppered those plans as he was destined to tour and record with them over the course of the next five years, playing on their acclaimed ‘Razors Edge’ Album, and giving a killer performance on their concert DVD “Live from Donington”.

After his stint with AC/DC Chris joined the prog-rock band ‘Asia’, who (even with the many personnel changes over the years) had still been managing to churn out some excellent music. Chris recorded with them on their 2000-2004 studio recordings, ‘Aura’ and ‘Silent Nation’ , and put forth his ‘trademark’ energy-filled live performances on all the subsequent tours that ensued over five years in total.

In the 21st Century, for a period of 5 years, Slade played drums for German guitarist Michael Schenker before forming THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE in 2012.

BABYMETAL Announces New Album ‘METAL FORTH’ With Poppy, Tom Morello, and More

Eric Alper
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BABYMETAL Announces New Album ‘METAL FORTH’ With Poppy, Tom Morello, and More

BABYMETAL will release their new album METAL FORTH on August 8 via Capitol Records. Meaning “beyond metal,” METAL FORTH features collaborations with Poppy, Spiritbox, Tom Morello, Bloodywood, Electric Callboy, Polyphia, and Slaughter to Prevail-artists BABYMETAL has connected with while touring the globe. Fans can stream the previously released singles “RATATATA” (with Electric Callboy), “from me to u (feat. Poppy)”, and “Song 3” (with Slaughter To Prevail) now on all digital platforms.

METAL FORTH follows 2019’s METAL GALAXY and THE OTHER ONE, their 2023 concept album. PAPER said, “On THE OTHER ONE, the band cracks open the Metalverse, surfing through parallel universes and a dizzying maze that tests their perceptions of truths, lies, and what rests beyond the darkness.”

For the first time ever BABYMETAL will offer autographed copies of the new album in strictly limited quantities, as well as a box set, alternate cover art versions, LPs, CDs, cassettes, merchandise bundles and more. Visit https://shop.metalforth.com to purchase.

Formed in 2010, BABYMETAL quickly gained popularity in Japan for their explosive live shows. By 2013, they had become a force of their own – opening for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn, and Lady Gaga, and bringing the ferocity of metal to a global audience. With over 15 years of history and a diehard international following, BABYMETAL isn’t just a band – they’re a movement redefining what heavy music looks and sounds like. Fronted by three dynamic women – SU-METAL, MOAMETAL, and MOMOMETAL – BABYMETAL has helped reshape the face of metal, inspiring a new generation of women and girls who see themselves in this sound and on these stages.

This week, BABYMETAL will kick off their biggest North American tour yet in Houston on June 13, with support from Black Veil Brides, Jinjer, and Bloodywood on select dates. The 24-date run hits major cities including Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, and San Francisco with a newly announced, special show taking place at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This arena show, taking place Saturday, November 1st is BABYMETAL’s largest US headline show to date.

See below for the full list of North American dates.

BABYMETAL NORTH AMERICA 2025 TOUR DATES:
Fri Jun 13 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall^=
Sat Jun 14 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory^=
Tue Jun 17 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center^=
Wed Jun 18 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy^=
Fri Jun 20 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre^=
Sat Jun 21 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion^=
Tue Jun 24 – New York, NY – The Theater at Madison Square Garden^=
Wed Jun 25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway^=
Fri Jun 27 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena^=
Sat Jun 28 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann Center^=
Mon Jun 30 – Laval, QC – Place Bell^=
Wed Jul 2 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum^=
Thu Jul 3 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre^=
Sat Jul 5 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
Sun Jul 6 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park+=
Tue Jul 8 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom+=
Wed Jul 9 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory+=
Fri Jul 11 – Denver, CO – The JunkYard+=
Mon Jul 14 – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Center+=
Tue Jul 15 – Kent, WA – accesso ShoWare Center+=
Thu Jul 17 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic+=
Fri Jul 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic+=
Sun Jul 20 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort+=
Mon Jul 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre+=
Wed Jul 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre+=
Sat Nov 1 – Intuit Dome – Los Angeles, CA

^With Black Veil Brides
+With Jinjer
=With Bloodywood

GRAMMYs Announce New Categories & Major Eligibility Updates Ahead of 2026 Awards

Eric Alper
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GRAMMYs Announce New Categories & Major Eligibility Updates Ahead of 2026 Awards

Music’s Biggest Night is set to return in a big way. Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, when the 68th GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Nominations will be revealed on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, and from there, the countdown begins.

But this isn’t just another GRAMMY season — it’s a signal that the Recording Academy is actively listening, learning, and evolving with the times. Two new categories — Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover — have officially been added to the awards roster. These updates aren’t just cosmetic; they reflect deep conversations among Academy members and a growing awareness that the musical landscape is more nuanced and diverse than ever before.

In an exclusive with GRAMMY.com, Mason underscored how essential these changes are. The goal isn’t simply more categories — it’s about more meaningful celebration. From revisiting what “Best New Artist” can mean, to broadening eligibility for packaging categories that reflect the real-life way music is sold today (yes, direct-to-fan vinyl counts now), the GRAMMYs are trying to meet the moment. And in 2026, the moment is big.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key updates:

  • General Field
  • Eligibility for Best New Artist has been expanded to include artists who have been previously nominated in Album Of The Year, but whose contributions fell below the current 20 percent playing time threshold. This update allows acts who were credited as featured artists on projects that were GRAMMY nominated for Album Of The Year in a previous awards cycle to be eligible for Best New Artist consideration.
  • Country Field
  • The existing Best Country Album Category has been renamed Best Contemporary Country Album, and a new Category, Best Traditional Country Album, has been added.
  • Classical Field
  • In Classical Categories, composers and lyricists/librettists are now eligible for GRAMMY recognition alongside all other key creative personnel including artists, producers, and engineers on winning albums.
  • Packaging Field
  • The existing Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package Categories have been combined into one single Category: Best Recording Package. A new Category, Best Album Cover, has also been added.
  • The physical product eligibility requirement for Best Recording Package, Best Album Notes, and Best Historical Album has also been expanded to be more representative of today’s marketplace. This change ensures that physical album packages sold directly to fans through an artist’s or label’s website are eligible for GRAMMY consideration.
  • Additionally, the Craft Committee serving in this field is transitioning from a regional to a national model.

Each rule tweak, redefinition, and category addition is a step toward recognizing the evolving ways music is made, consumed, and shared.

Stay tuned to live.GRAMMY.com for full coverage and updates on this year’s show, and get ready to celebrate the artists, the innovators, the visuals, the songs — and yes, the album covers — that made 2025 unforgettable.

The Black Crowes Celebrate 25 Years of ‘Live at the Greek’ With Jimmy Page With New Video

Eric Alper
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0
The Black Crowes Celebrate 25 Years of ‘Live at the Greek’ With Jimmy Page With New Video

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Live at the Greek, The Black Crowes have released a behind-the-scenes video on the making of their legendary collaboration with Led Zeppelin icon Jimmy Page. The remixed and remastered album captures the raw power of their live performances, blending blues-rock swagger with guitar god brilliance. It’s a must-listen for any rock fan revisiting a once-in-a-lifetime musical moment.












John Entwistle Performs “My Wife” on Old Grey Whistle Test in Classic 1973 Performance

Eric Alper
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1
John Entwistle Performs “My Wife” on Old Grey Whistle Test in Classic 1973 Performance

There are bass players, and then there’s John Entwistle. This blistering 1973 performance of The Who’s ‘Who’s Next’ standout “My Wife” on The Old Grey Whistle Test captures The Who’s legendary low-end wizard at his peak—effortlessly precise, thunderously powerful, and cool as ever.












Raf-Saperra and Ikky Unleash Genre-Bending Punjabi Pop Banger “Step Out”

Eric Alper
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0
Raf-Saperra and Ikky Unleash Genre-Bending Punjabi Pop Banger “Step Out”

– Cultural vanguard Raf-Saperra returns today with his brand new single “Step Out” produced by hitmaker Ikky and backed by Polydor Records in the UK and Universal Music Canada.
 
An unexpected new chapter from the British Punjabi musical disruptor, Raf-Saperra takes his boldest artistic leap to date with a vibrant, infectious pop track delivered through his signature Punjabi lens. “Step Out” is the latest collaboration between Raf and Ikky, following “Heer” from earlier this year.


 About the new single, Raf says: “First time stepping into the pop lane… and who better to do it with than the hitmaker himself, Ikky. ‘Step Out’ is a full-blown earworm – catchy, bold, and backed by a visual straight out of a cartoon-meets-cinema dream. Press play and don’t look back!”

A powerful blend of catchy melodic hooks, electronic textures, and Raf’s trademark folk lyricism, “Step Out” is lifted from his upcoming pop-focused EP in collaboration with Ikky. This song is Raf and Ikky’s take on the Dub music that has inspired London with a blend of dancehall that has inspired Toronto– all with the strength of Punjabi music coming from these two global stars.
 
The track is accompanied by a sleek, high-energy visual directed by Bedroom Projects and Avleen Kaur, spotlighting Raf in full transformation mode, stepping confidently into new sonic terrain. “Step Out” signals a striking new direction for an artist known for bending genre rules and elevating underground sounds.
 
Rooted in traditional Punjabi singing, but equally shaped by Streatham’s rap culture and East Coast hip-hop, Raf-Saperra is one of the most daring and original voices to emerge from London in recent years. His 2023 project Ruff Around The Edges was critically acclaimed as one of the most genre-bending debuts in the British underground, and his 2024 follow-up 5 Deadly Venomz, a hard-hitting Punjabi boom-bap rap project, proved Raf could go bar-for-bar with rap royalty like Conway The Machine, Dave East, and Big Body Bes, all while staying rooted in his cultural identity. Raf has routinely spoken fondly of the Punjabi music scene in Canada and sold out shows across the country. With “Step Out,” he formally lends his voice to one of the nation’s most in-demand producers.
 
With his upcoming EP, Raf is out to prove something different: that Punjabi music isn’t confined to genre, and neither is he.

The single and EP are produced by Ikky, one of the most important and influential producers in the global Punjabi music movement. With over 3 billion streams to his name, the Toronto-based super-producer has redefined what Punjabi music can sound and feel like in the modern era. His sonic blueprint has powered crossover anthems for the likes of AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, Diljit Dosanjh, Shubh, and more, blending rich Punjabi instrumentation with stadium-sized pop and R&B polish.
 
“Step Out” is more than a single – it’s a statement.



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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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