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Corey Feldman Celebrates 50 Years With Beatles-Inspired Single “Characters”

Eric Alper
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Corey Feldman Celebrates 50 Years With Beatles-Inspired Single “Characters”

Corey Feldman, the actor and musician who has entertained generations through unforgettable roles in The Goonies, Stand By Me, The Lost Boys, and with Billboard-charting songs like “Go 4 It” featuring Snoop Dogg and “U R Free” from The My Truth soundtrack, is marking a major milestone-50 years in entertainment-with the surprise release of a brand-new single titled “Characters.”

The song, set for release on June 22, 2025, is Feldman’s first new music in over a year and is deeply inspired by his lifelong love of The Beatles. Early listeners have described the track as a heartfelt tribute, capturing a sound and spirit that echoes the legendary band’s influence.

“Characters” looks back on Feldman’s extraordinary five-decade career through a psychedelic rock lens, blending nostalgic themes with modern production. The song explores the idea that we all play different roles in our lives and in the lives of those we love-mirroring the many distinct characters Feldman has brought to life since first appearing on screen at just four years old in 1975.

Featuring a full 8-piece live orchestra, the single also marks a technological milestone as Feldman’s first release in Dolby Atmos. Created in partnership with Sugar Studios in Hollywood, the Dolby Atmos version will offer an immersive 3D audio experience, available within weeks of the standard stereo release.

The track was co-written and produced with longtime collaborator Gregg Sartiano, with Feldman performing drums, keyboards, vocals, and orchestral arrangements. Sartiano contributed the remaining instrumentation, background vocals, and conducting duties. The stereo version will be available across all major digital platforms, with additional formats to follow.

A music video is also in the works, promising a groundbreaking concept inspired by some of Feldman’s most iconic characters. The project will feature visual work by rising artist and designer Chris Carneal of EveryDayLand, blending creative storytelling with forward-thinking technology.

The release of “Characters” follows a landmark year for Feldman, who is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Goonies and a run of four new films released over the past six months-including the critically acclaimed The Birthday and Sour Party, which was recognized at the Cannes Film Festival.

On the music side, Feldman continues to produce new work through his label CiFi Records, including projects with emerging talent like powerhouse vocalist Adrien Skye. With more new music on the horizon-and potential plans for a world tour-“Characters” marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Feldman’s evolving career.

Trax Records Celebrates 40 Years With Genre-Defining House Compilation and Vinyl Drops

Eric Alper
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Trax Records Celebrates 40 Years With Genre-Defining House Compilation and Vinyl Drops

Trax Records turns 40: the global house revolution continues with an anniversary compilation that celebrates its iconoclastic spirit and fearless leader that will be released on June 20th.

Launched by Larry Sherman from a modest vinyl pressing plant on Chicago’s industrial west side in 1985, Trax was never part of the industry machine. It emerged organically, rooted in rebellion, community, and the do-it-yourself ethos. The label’s bold, unapologetic, and experimental sound defined a generation and continues to evolve over four decades. Screamin’ Rachael, one of the first women in electronic music to perform and lead, remains at the helm, championing Trax’s spirit of independence and innovation.

Rachael’s journey into house music began with her punk roots and close ties to Chicago’s underground scene. Her early experiences near Frankie Knuckles’ Warehouse and her pioneering vocal work on what Rolling Stone later called the first vocal house track marked the start of a genre-defining career. Along the way, she helped bring Chicago’s sound to new cities, introducing house music to the New York Club Kid scene, collaborating with Afrika Bambaataa to help establish Hip House, and working with DJ luminaries like Larry Levan and DJ Keoki.

To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Trax presents Trax Records: The 40th Anniversary Collection-a bold, multi-format release that captures the essence of the label’s past, present, and future. Curated by artist and provocateur Jorge, the collection will roll out digitally and in limited-edition vinyl drops beginning June 20. The compilation serves as a masterclass in house music’s evolution, pairing foundational artists like Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Phuture, Ron Hardy, Armando, and Paul Johnson with boundary-pushing producers including Jorge, Hiroko Yamamura, and Analog 87. From iconic anthems like “Move Your Body” and “Your Love” to genre-blending remixes and experimental deep cuts, the compilation underscores Trax’s role as originator and innovator.

What has always set Trax apart is its refusal to compromise. The label gave DJs top billing long before the superstar DJ era and championed Hip House before the mainstream caught on. Under Screamin’ Rachael’s guidance, Trax continues to prioritize artistry over algorithms-relying not on hype or follower counts, but on heart, history, and the pulse of the underground.

“We don’t follow the formula of looking at follower counts. We care about music. That’s why Trax still means something,” says Rachael.

Each drop in the series will feature carefully curated tracks, pressed by Desslab in limited vinyl runs of just 150 copies each, accompanied by bespoke artwork.

These records are not just collectibles but artifacts of an ongoing cultural movement. To mark the release, Trax will host an in-store celebration on June 20 at Reckless Records (33 S Wabash, Chicago), featuring performances by Joe Smooth, Ron Carroll, and Screamin’ Rachael, alongside new-generation artists LaZara and Chillsesh. Jorge will also take to the decks with a special DJ set that charts Trax’s sonic evolution from warehouse roots to global acclaim.

In addition to the compilation, Trax has released Rising Again (TRX2620), a limited-edition vinyl project that complements the anniversary celebration by spotlighting intergenerational collaboration and sonic experimentation. Produced by Pi Rho and limited to just 500 copies, the release features Screamin’ Rachael, Joe Smooth, Jacques x Gregory, Spada, Kushgad, and DJ ThadX. It fuses vintage production techniques with innovative tech, such as brainwave-generated soundscapes, while donating all proceeds to SocialWorks, the nonprofit founded by Chance the Rapper. While the main anniversary compilation defines the legacy, Rising Again amplifies its cultural resonance, bringing together music, tech, and philanthropy in true Trax fashion.

The 40th anniversary also introduces Trax’s first official fashion line, created in collaboration with Chicago designer Mario Maldonado. Distributed through Desslab, Juno, HHV, and deejay.de, the line blends classic Trax iconography with a contemporary edge, channeling the label’s history into a wearable statement. “We’re not a bottle-service brand. We came from basements and bedrooms-and that’s where the revolution started,” Rachael reflects.

Today, Screamin’ Rachael continues to evolve Trax Records through touring, mentorship, and community engagement, particularly with emerging artists and youth in Chicago and Nashville. Her work in arts advocacy and LGBTQ media further highlights the label’s ongoing commitment to championing voices from the margins. “Trax has always been about raw creativity,” she says. “This label is my life-and I’m not done.”

Forty years on, Trax Records remains as vital, vibrant, and visionary as ever-still breaking boundaries, still amplifying voices, and still jackin’.

TRACKLIST:
Jacques x Gregory feat. Screamin’ Rachael – I’ll Take You There (Full Journey Mix)
Willie Wonka – What Is House
Frankie Knuckles – Your Love
Marshall Jefferson – Move Your Body
Stylophonic – Jack It Up
Armando – Love In Heart
Mark Row, Jame Starck feat. Carol Jiani – Free Your Mind
Paul Johnson – Follow This Beat
Screamin’ Rachael – Rising (Lea Rognoni Remix)
F*** Charley Pleasure Zone – House Nation
Yuri Suzuki – DATA MANIA
D Beat – Pump It (Lea Rognoni Remix)
Sir Nesis- Freaks (So Called Friend Remix)
Frankie Bones – Beat Me Up
Joey Beltram – The Start It Up
Ricky Dillard – As Always (Full Vocal Version)
Marshall Jefferson – Ride The Rhythm (Remix)
Owen E – Shift
Analog 87 – rOOmclaSSic
Jorge, Carmelo Carone – Jack the Acid Kid (Hiroko Yamamura & Eric Elvambuena Remix)
Phuture – Spank Spank (Original Mix)
Screamin’ Rachael – Gina (XXX) [Someone from Lithuania with a Friend Named Jorge Remix]
Jared – Fly So High (Roger Sanchez Tilt Mix)
Hercules – 7 Ways to Jack
Ron Carroll – 1993 the Bargin Enterprize
Luca Gerlin – Battery (Kkles Mix)
Jesse Velez – Girls Out On The Floor (Dub)
Camilo Do Santos – 1984
Samurai Sam – House of Japanese
David Chong – There Is No Place
Frankie Knuckles – Your Love (You Got The Love Remix)
Seph Martin – Rainy Nights
Larry Sherman – Colors
Miss Autumn Leaves – No Turning Back
Late Nite ‘DUB’ Addict – The ‘F’ Word
Carlos Nilmmns feat. Genoveva – Fade Out (Original Mix)
Ron Hardy – Liquid Love (Chicago Mix)
Screamin’ Rachael – Sensation (Zewmob Radio Edit)
Chris Jones – Strong2 (Dance Mix)
Screamin’ Rachael – My Main Man

Belgian Garage-Rock Rebels SONS Unleash Euphoric New Era With ‘Hallo,’ Out September 26

Eric Alper
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Belgian Garage-Rock Rebels SONS Unleash Euphoric New Era With ‘Hallo,’ Out September 26

Belgian powerhouse, SONS today announce their new album Hallo – out September 26 via [PIAS] Recordings. With the follow up to Sweet Boy, the four-piece enter a new era, one in which their explosive garage-rock gives way to songs that now also shine and sparkle. Hallo is the sound of youth unleashed. “Hello, we are SONS!”

SONS still relentlessly beat their instruments but what sets Hallo apart from previous releases is a certain joie de vivre that has crept in. By looking deeper into themselves, they have discovered that not every message needs to be accompanied by a fist on the table. A tap on the shoulder and a telling glance can sometimes be more effective.

The talisman for this fresh, musical, but still sharp and powerful sound: producer David McCracken. Also known for shaping the sexy groove of dEUS classic The Architect, the British producer has an impressive resume having worked with Stone Roses’ frontman Ian Brown, A$AP Rocky, Beyonce and Depeche Mode amongst others. McCracken loved the band’s new demos and made several trips to the band’s hometown of Melsele to help whip the songs into shape. The band then decamped to London to record the album.

SONS utilized the skills and knowledge McCracken brought to the fore as can be heard on the infectiously danceable first single “Do My Thing”, which amassed over 300 radio plays in Belgium, climbed to the top 5 of leading radio Studio Brussels listeners chart De Afrekening and got support in The Netherlands, Germany, France and Eastern Europe.

Working with McCracken proved to be a perfect match for SONS. “He took us completely out of our comfort zone,” says singer/guitarist Robin Borghgraef. “His way of working was very straightforward, and he constantly asked us – and certainly me as a singer – the question, ‘What do you want to say?’ That approach made us start thinking more deeply about what we wanted for this record. And, unlike previous albums, the lyrics on ‘Hello’ received much more attention. More than once, the lyric served as the foundation of a song, whereas before we took a different approach: make up riffs, figure out a song and add lyrics. This new approach added depth to the album.”

As for the subject matter on Hallo, SONS continues to find inspiration in everyday life and in the way we allow ourselves to be held hostage to hustle and bustle of things. Furious title track “Hello” is about the constant accessibility and love/hate relationship with social media, where everyone follows each other blindly. “This song set the tone for the sound of the whole album”, Robin explains, “So here we say ‘Hello’ to everyone who knows us or doesn’t know us yet. Welcome to our latest record.”

Singer-Songwriter Ali McGuirk Announces New Album ‘Watertop,’ Out September 12

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter Ali McGuirk Announces New Album ‘Watertop,’ Out September 12

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ali McGuirk  has announced that her highly-anticipated third album, Watertop will be released September 12th on Signature Sounds. Watertop is available for pre-save and pre-order here (and vinyl via Bandcamp).Her first release since the 2022 album Til It’s Gone, Watertop elevates McGuirk’s signature soulful and smoldering sound to new heights—this time, the production is richer, and the message is unflinching. McGuirk recently realized how much her voice as an artist has evolved while writing and arranging the new album. “I’m actually delivering a message, not necessarily processing my feelings, but delivering my thoughts on the matter. That felt like a different role to embody as a songwriter.” 

Today, McGuirk shares the album’s second single, “More Than Enough.” Joined by Dwight Ritscher and Nicole Nelson of Dwight & Nicole, the track is a tender song about the highs of finding your person. Grounded by the creative use of an organ and D’Vibes keys, the song’s percussion literally shimmers. Listen HERE.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment that led to the freedom in McGuirk’s songwriting on Watertop. Perhaps it was when she began treating social activism—and her care for others—as a spiritual practice. This transformation gave Watertop its raison d’etre, which comes at you quickly with the opening track, “Love Goes First.” 

On Watertop, McGuirk takes a magnifying glass to the complexities of human and societal value, unraveling the meanings of care, empathy, love, and even greed. Sonically, she leans into creating experimental soundscapes filled with her soulful, smoldering sound and aims right for the heart with her songwriting. Altogether, the songs are a microscopic look at our societal values. McGuirk shies away from nothing, exploring the meaning of things like God, empathy, love, and greed.  

Blending classic soul power with a folk songwriter lyricism, New England’s Ali McGuirk has the rare ability to silence a room with just a few words of a song. With a voice that is raw and sultry and a style rooted in improvisation, her sets are a hypnotic and intimate journey. More new music is expected from Ali in 2025.

On her 2022 Signature Sounds debut ’Til It’s Gone, McGuirk delivered a sublime set of songs that pairs her trademark soul sound with rootsy turns and raw rock ‘n’ roll detours. The album landed on the Boston Globe’s Top 50 Albums list for 2022. Consequence of Sound raved, “‘All Back’ feels like it could exist somewhere outside of space and time– it could be on a record in the background of a party in a 1970s bungalow, or it could be on your Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify. Either way, it’s a great listen.”

McGuirk co-produced ‘Til It’s Gone with Jonah Tolchin (a star singer-songwriter in his own right) and a set of session legends: Little Feat guitarist/mandolinist Fred Tackett, organist Larry Goldings (James Taylor, Norah Jones), singer Valerie Pinkston (Ray Charles, Luther Vandross), percussionist Lenny Castro (Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder). They provided the astounding chops, but the true magic of the album comes from McGuirk’s singular voice as both singer and songwriter. The nine tracks run from intimate introspection to wider meditations on oppression and justice, from tough r&b and tender soul to big rock guitar and twangy folk. And McGuirk’s voice – bold, buttery, spellbinding – carries each song to the next til they’re gone.

McGuirk currently divides her time between touring North America and Europe and crafting new compositions in her lakeside Vermont cottage . She has performed spellbinding sets at Boston Calling, Merlefest, Americanafest, and NPR’s Mountain Stage. 

Watertop Tracklist:

  1. Love Goes First
  2. Graveyard
  3. More Than Enough (Ft. Dwight & Nicole)
  4. Where Does All The $ Come From?
  5. Exorcist
  6. When I See You
  7. Wedding Song
  8. Call It What You Want

Ali McGuirk Tour Dates:

JUN 6 FRI        Lizard Lounge  Cambridge, MA

JUN 7 SAT       Radio Bean   Burlington, VT

JUN 14 SAT     Timber House  Kings County, NY

JUN 19 THU    Groove  New York, NY

JUN 20 FRI      Green River Festival 2025   Greenfield, MA

JUN 21 SAT     The Parlour   Providence, RI

JUL 16 WED    Middlebury Festival On The Green   Middlebury, VT

SEP 6 SAT       Henryfest 2025   Walnut Hill, ME

Puddles Pity Party Pays Tribute to Paul Reubens With Heartfelt Theme Song Cover

Eric Alper
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Puddles Pity Party Pays Tribute to Paul Reubens With Heartfelt Theme Song Cover

If you didn’t expect to cry over a clown singing the Pee-wee’s Playhouse theme song, surprise! Puddles Pity Party takes Paul Reubens’ legacy and turns it into pure, helium-filled heartbreak. This one’s for the big top in the sky.











National Music Centre Unveils Updated Speak Up! Exhibition Honouring Indigenous Trailblazers

Eric Alper
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National Music Centre Unveils Updated Speak Up! Exhibition Honouring Indigenous Trailblazers

The National Music Centre (NMC) is proud to unveil a refreshed iteration of its award-winning Speak Up! exhibition, opening June 18 at Studio Bell. This year’s update honours a new wave of inspiring Indigenous artists and changemakers whose voices and stories continue to resonate. In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, NMC will also welcome the public with free admission and a special live event featuring one of the exhibition’s newest honourees.

The evolving Speak Up! exhibition, supported by TD Bank Group, now features acclaimed “Inuindie” pop artist Beatrice Deer from Quaqtaq, Nunavik, and the acclaimed Inland Tlingit dance group Dakhká Khwáan Dancers based in Whitehorse, Yukon, renowned for their focus on reclaiming and promoting their languages and traditions through the art of singing, drumming, dancing and storytelling. The exhibition also pays tribute to the enduring legacies of influential Indigenous trailblazers: Ray St. Germain, a Métis country music legend and Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, affectionately known as “Winnipeg’s Elvis”; pioneering country star Harry Rusk, the first Indigenous artist to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville; and Inuk artist Kelly Fraser, who championed Inuit culture with her music, blending Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop and hip hop.

Visitors can discover newly added artifacts, including Ray St. Germain’s personalized six-string Ovation guitar and a modernized “arnauti,” or traditional Inuit women’s garment, designed and made by Beatrice Deer, along with a fully updated gallery experience. The exhibition also continues to showcase powerful contributions from past featured artists, including Drezus, Tom Jackson, Fawn Wood, Jeremy Dutcher, and Northern Cree.

On June 21, David McLeod, curator of the National Music Centre’s Speak Up! exhibition, will host a free live event, featuring a performance by Beatrice Deer. Melding indie rock, modern folk, and traditional throat singing, and performing in Inuktitut, English, and French, Deer’s music bridges worlds – cultural, musical, and spiritual. Opening the program, Blackfoot traditional singer Norvin Eagle Speaker will take the stage alongside grass dancer Takota Eagle Speaker, and fancy dancer Miracle Eagle Speaker. The artists will perform two sets at 10:45 am and 12:45 pm.

“What an honour it is to be part of the Speak Up! exhibition,” said Beatrice Deer. “This is an opportunity to share that we Inuit are still blessed to speak our language, tell our stories, and sing our songs. To show that we still live our hunter-gatherer lifestyle to this day, and to share those stories with the world. I am honoured that I get to represent my people in Speak Up!”

Since its launch in 2019, the Speak Up! exhibition has celebrated 32 influential Indigenous artists from across Canada who have made a lasting impact on culture through music. Through powerful storytelling, immersive audio, and personal artifacts, Speak Up! invites visitors to explore how these artists are using their voices to spark dialogue, inspire change, and share what it means to be First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada.

“This year’s Speak Up! exhibition is not only a celebration of Indigenous excellence in music, but also a heartfelt tribute to the legacies of trailblazing artists who are no longer with us,” said David McLeod (member of the Pine Creek First Nation), Curator of Speak Up! and NMC Board Member and Chair of NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee. “Artists like Ray St. Germain, Harry Rusk, and Kelly Fraser utilized their artistic platforms on a national scale to elevate Indigenous stories, culture, and history, ultimately sparking social change. Their inspirational talents and legacies continue to resonate today, and we are thrilled to ensure their contributions are celebrated, and will also inspire new generations.”

The Speak Up! exhibition is supported by TD Bank Group, who deepened its commitment to NMC’s Indigenous programming in 2022 through the OHSOTO’KINO initiative. Named after a Blackfoot phrase meaning “to recognize a voice of,” OHSOTO’KINO is guided by NMC’s Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee and plays a central role in shaping exhibitions and programs at Studio Bell. The initiative supports multiple pillars: the creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator, the annually refreshed Speak Up! exhibition, and original digital content on NMC’s Amplify platform at amplify.nmc.ca.

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and admission will be free for everyone. Learn more at studiobell.ca/whats-on. The updated iteration of the Speak Up! exhibition will open on June 18 and run until June of 2026.

The National Music Centre (NMC) has a mission to amplify the love, sharing, and understanding of music. It is preserving and celebrating Canada’s music story inside its home at Studio Bell in the heart of the East Village in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. NMC is the home to four Canadian music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame. Featuring musical instruments, artifacts, recording equipment, and memorabilia, the NMC Collection spans over 450 years of music history and innovation. A registered charity with programs that include exhibitions, artist development, performance, and education, NMC is inspiring a new generation of music lovers. For more information about NMC’s onsite activities, please visit studiobell.ca. To check out the NMC experience online, including video-on-demand performances, made-in-Canada stories, and highly entertaining educational content, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
 

Lola Young Announces First-Ever North American Headline Tour

Eric Alper
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Lola Young Announces First-Ever North American Headline Tour

On the heels of her performance at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Ivor Novello’s Rising Star Award winner and Brit-nominated South London singer / songwriter Lola Young announces her headline North American tour slated for this November and December. The 17-date run will see Lola bring her powerhouse vocals to Toronto, New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Vancouver and Seattle, before wrapping up in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 6th at 10am local time.

Since its release, Lola’s latest single “One Thing,” which arrived with a Dave Meyers-directed video, has garnered millions of views and streams as well as praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, PAPER Magazine and Billboard, who described the track as “a slinky sex jam that showcases Young’s ability to oscillate between commanding and yearning.”

Boasting over 1 billion all-time streams globally across her catalog of releases, Lola Young continues to achieve tremendous success. Her platinum-certified #1 single “Messy,” which The New York Times described as “one of the most legitimately viral and popular songs of 2025” from her acclaimed 2024 album, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway, recently hit #1 on the Billboard Pop Airplay chart, #1 at Hot Adult Contemporary, #1 on the Alternative Rock Billboard chart as well as reaching the upper regions of the Billboard Hot 100. Lola Young is the first female artist to have a debut single go #1 at both Pop and Alternative since Lorde’s “Royals.” “Messy” also held the top spot in the UK for four consecutive weeks, making Lola one of only two British female artists to reach #1 in the UK Singles Chart within the last year.

This April, Lola made her debut performance at the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where she premiered “One Thing,” and was nominated for an American Music Award for Social Song of the Year for “Messy.” Additionally, Lola received 3 nominations at this year’s Ivor Novello awards and won the Rising Star Award following her “Best Pop Act” nomination at this year’s BRIT Awards. Lola was also named as a Future 25 artist with Rolling Stone, performed her track “Conceited” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, spoke with NPR about her breakout and sat with The Los Angeles Times to discuss her rise and debut Coachella performance.

Lola has since collaborated with Tyler, The Creator (“Like Him”), and Lil Yachty (“Charlie”) and continues to make a global impact with her music and compelling personality. She will open for Billie Eilish in Paris during her Hit Me Hard and Soft headline tour before an exciting Summer festival run including Glastonbury and All Things Go in New York and Washington, D.C.

Upcoming Live Dates
* = headline show

6/4 – La Madeleine @ Brussels, Belgium*
6/5 – Georg-Elser-Halle @ Hamburg, Germany*
6/10 – Accor Arena @ Paris, France [Billie Eilish Support]
6/11 – Accor Arena @ Paris, France [Billie Eilish Support]
6/15 – Capital FM Summertime Ball @ London, UK
6/17 – Meltdown Festival @ London, UK
6/27 – Glastonbury @ Somerset, UK
7/3 – Open’er Festival @ Poland
7/4 – Rock Werchter @ Werchter, Belgium
7/5 – Roskilde Festival @ Roskilde, Denmark
7/17 – Gurtenfestival @ Bern, Switzerland
7/18 – Lollapalooza Paris @ Paris, France
8/7 – Øya Festival @ Oslo, Norway
8/9 – Way Out West Festival @ Gothenburg, Sweden
8/10 – Flow Festival @ Helsinki, Finland
8/14 – Paredes De Coura @ Paredes de Coura, Portugal
8/16 – MS Dockville @ Hamburg, Germany
8/17 – Lowlands Festival @ Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands
9/27 – All Things Go Festival @ Forest Hills, New York
9/28 – All Things Go Festival @ Columbia, MD

NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR

11/01 – Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
11/04 – Boston, MA @ Roadrunner
11/05 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
11/08 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
11/09 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem
11/11 – Nashville, TN @ The Pinnacle
11/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
11/19 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
11/21 – Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
11/24 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed
11/25 – St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theatre
11/28 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium
11/29 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center
12/01 – Vancouver, BC @ Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
12/02 – Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater at Lumen Field
12/04 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
12/06 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

Jake Minch Announces ‘George’ Tour Across North America

Eric Alper
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Jake Minch Announces ‘George’ Tour Across North America

Rising singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jake Minch confirms his North American headline tour today. Kicking off in August, the dates include stops at Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right, Los Angeles’ Moroccan Lounge, Chicago’s Schubas Tavern, Toronto’s Velvet Underground and more.

Artist presale begins Wednesday, June 4 at 10 A.M. local time with tickets on sale to the public starting Friday, June 6at 10 A.M. local time. Visit shop.jakeminch.com/ for more information and see below for a complete list of dates.

The tour will see Jake performing songs from his highly anticipated debut album, George, set for release on July 11 via 2for2 projects/Mercury Records—pre-save/pre-order it HERE. Jake recently shared the first single from the album, “Fingers and Clothes”—listen HERE.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Jake Minch burst onto the scene in 2023 with his hit single “handgun” racking up 1.3 million views on the song’s initial taser and earning support from the likes of Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, Zach Bryan, Gracie Abrams, Fletcher and many more. Over the last few years, the 2for2 projects/Mercury Records artist has garnered a dedicated fanbase through his deeply personal lyrics on love, growing up and grief. Jake has toured the world over, sharing stages with the likes of The Head And The Heart, Jeremy Zucker, Ben Abraham, Holly Humberstone, Grace Enger and Sadie Jean.

Recorded and produced between Los Angeles and Connecticut by Minch and Tony Berg (Taylor Swift, Boygenius) with contribution from Mason Stoops (Lizzy McAlpine, Role Model), George finds the 22-year-old storyteller exploring grief, guilt and identity through the complexities in his personal relationships. Titled after Jake’s birth name, George captures the angst and discomfort of growing up and leaving home with a disarming vulnerability that traces the album’s 12 tracks.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ro-iMw4vwGw%3Fsi%3DSBjGuoQOmS37i5G5

JAKE MINCH LIVE
August 3—Constellation Room—Santa Ana, CA
August 4—Moroccan Lounge—Los Angeles, CA
August 5—Cafe Du Nord—San Francisco, CA
August 7—Madame Lou’s—Seattle, WA
August 9—Polaris Hall—Portland, OR
August 12—Lost Lake—Denver, CO
August 15—7th St Entry—Minneapolis, MN
August 18—Schubas Tavern—Chicago, IL
August 19—Cannery Hall—Nashville, TN
August 20—Vinyl—Atlanta, GA
August 22—Songbyrd—Washington, D.C.
August 23—The Lounge at World Cafe—Philadelphia, PA
August 25—Velvet Underground—Toronto, ON
August 27—The Middle East – Sonia—Cambridge, MA
August 28—Baby’s All Right—Brooklyn, NY

Lukas Nelson Honored With Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award by Music Heals International and Gibson Gives

Eric Alper
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Lukas Nelson Honored With Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award by Music Heals International and Gibson Gives

Music Heals International (MHI) whose global mission brings music and musicians to children in need to rebuild communities and inspire resilience and creativity, has announced the first-ever annual recipient for the MHI Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award in partnership with Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand. MHI is honored to recognize acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson whose commitment to music and its healing power beautifully reflects the spirit of this award at this inaugural event. This one-night-only, intimate event features a special live music performance from Lukas Nelson and Friends, including Paul Beaubrun from Arcade Fire, and more, on Wednesday, June 18 from 7:00pm-9:30pm at the Gibson Garage Nashville located at 209 10th Ave S, Suite 209 in downtown Nashville, TN. All proceeds from the event will benefit Music Heals International; tickets for the Lukas Nelson event are limited and on sale now HERE.

“Music Heals International is proud to honor Lukas for his incredible contributions to our work and mission over the past decade by presenting him with the first-ever Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award, alongside our wonderful partner, Gibson Gives” says Sara Wasserman, Founder and Executive Director, MHI. “This award is especially meaningful-not only does it celebrate Lukas as an extraordinary artist and musician whose gifts uplift the world, but it also honors the enduring legacy of my father, which continues to live on through the work of MHI.”

“Gibson Gives is proud to support the remarkable programs and mission of Music Heals International,” adds Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We are especially excited to honor Gibson artist, Lukas Nelson with the inaugural Rob Wasserman Memorial Ambassador Award at our Gibson Garage in Nashville–celebrating not only his artistry, but the profound impact he and Music Heals International continue to make through the power of music.”

Following Haiti’s devastating earthquake songwriter in 2010, Music Heals International Founder and Executive Director, Sara Wasserman began volunteering in the country through J/P Haitian Relief Organization, now CORE -. After seeing the unmistakable impact of music as a tool to help children cope and find joy after this traumatic uprooting, Sara started Music Heals International as a way to bring music education to the children of Delmas 32 and communities beyond.

As a singer, recording artist, and producer, music has always been an important part of Sara Wasserman’s life. The daughter of GRAMMY®-winning bassist Rob Wasserman, she first began performing on tour with her father and Bob Weir’s band, RatDog. This was followed by solo tours of the U.S. and Europe and the release of her debut album Solid Ground, which featured collaborations with Aaron Neville, Lou Reed, Christian McBride, Stephen Perkins, Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman. Sara joined the Board of Directors of the Peruvian children’s orphanage Casa de Milagros in 2007 and produced a series of fundraising concerts, featuring many of the artists with whom she has collaborated. She also served on the host committee in 2013 and 2014 for Sean Penn & Friends Help Haiti Home Gala. Her passion for music and helping children build better lives led her to volunteer in Haiti with J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO) in 2012 and ultimately launch Music Heals International in partnership with CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), and Music Will.

The leading global guitar brand, Gibson continues to shape the sounds of generations of musicians across the globe. Gibson supports the global music community through its philanthropic division, Gibson Gives. The mission of Gibson Gives is to support non-profit organizations worldwide in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, and health and wellness initiatives. 100% of donations to Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Music Heals International; tickets for the Lukas Nelson event are limited and on sale now HERE. 

GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson has become one of the most respected voices in music today. Poised for a landmark year, Nelson will release his anticipated new album, American Romance, on June 20— his first solo project and first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winner Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), American Romance cements Nelson as a singular artist, as he showcases his songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound in a way that feels both familiar and new.

Throughout his esteemed career, Nelson has also established himself as a highly sought-after collaborator both in the studio and on the stage, having recently joined forces with The Travelin’ McCourys, to arrange and perform a bluegrass-inspired rendition of Adele’s iconic hit, “Someone Like You,” which featured Sierra Ferrell. Teaming up with rising stars and music veterans alike, Nelson has also worked with Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Ernest, Miranda Lambert/Pistol Annies and more. He also recently performed at the MusiCares 2025 Person of the Year Gala, where he honored the Grateful Dead by performing “It Must Have Been the Roses” with Ferrell.

Known for his captivating live performances, Nelson has sold out countless headline shows and been featured at renowned festivals such as Stagecoach, Ohana Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, and Farm Aid, in addition to multiple appearances on late night shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Additionally, Nelson co-produced the music for the acclaimed 2018 film A Star is Born, in which he also appeared. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.

Pre-order American Romance, the new album from Lukas Nelson, out June 20 on Sony Music Nashville: HERE.

Africa Express Announces Album ‘Bahidorá’ Featuring Damon Albarn, Bootie Brown, Fatoumata Diawara, Nick Zinner & More

Eric Alper
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Africa Express Announces Album ‘Bahidorá’ Featuring Damon Albarn, Bootie Brown, Fatoumata Diawara, Nick Zinner & More

Globally acclaimed music phenomenon Africa Express is sharing two new singles in celebration of their highly anticipated forthcoming studio album, Africa Express presents… Bahidorá (due July 11 via World Circuit Records). Stream/share “Soledad,” featuring Damon Albarn, Luisa Almaguer, Nick Zinner, Seye Adelekan, Joan as Police Woman and the Mexican Institute of Sound, and “Otim Hop,” featuring Otim Alpha, Bootie Brown, K.O.G. and Tom Excell, HERE.

“Soledad” is a stunning, cinematic duet sung in Spanish by Damon Albarn and Luisa Almaguer—a melancholic and beautiful track with mournful lyrics that intone “Soledad soledad soledad sin fin” (“Loneliness, loneliness, endless loneliness”). It is accompanied by “Otim Hop,” a cool slice of laid-back hip-hop, with Bootie Brown’s slick tale of a hustle spliced with Ugandan Afrofuturist Otim Alpha’s autobiographical lyrics about “big man running trying to escape poverty.”

Mexican singer-songwriter and trans-community advocate Luisa Almaguer notes, “ ‘Soledad’ and Africa Express are both symbolic and material examples of reparation for the historical debt that whiteness and the mainstream owe to racialized and independent artists around the world. It makes me very happy to be part of this; it still feels like a dream to me. It’s a beautiful glitch in the Matrix.”

Damon Albarn says, “Luisa possesses one of the most unique and enchanting voices I have ever heard. It’s a real honor to accompany her on this piece of music,” while Marco Carion and Camilo Lara of the Mexican Institute of Sound add, “We spent a week in magical Bahidorá and this is the result—our rendition of the Mexican bolero in the voices of Luisa and Damon. ‘Soledad’ speaks of loneliness, but through the collaboration with Luisa, Damon, Camilo, Seye, Nick and Joan, that loneliness turned into a beautiful sense of union. We are tremendously proud of ‘Soledad.’ It was an honor and a privilege to collaborate with such incredible musicians.”

American rapper and songwriter Bootie Brown (The Pharcyde) goes on, “Listening to the stories Otim was telling made me realize that you have to adapt to struggle. And when you think you have it hard, there is someone who can top your struggle very easily… The song was created when we were just sitting around after a long day, and it was time to pack to get ready for the ride to the airport. Magic man Otim had an idea, and we all came together for one last effort.”

Recorded in Mexico, Africa Express Presents… Bahidorá will be available digitally as well as in double CD and double gatefold vinyl LP formats; pre-order/pre-save the record HERE.

Africa Express went to the Americas for the first time in 2024 to headline the Mexican festival Bahidorá—a trip that saw an extraordinary group of musicians, singers and DJs from around the world come together to rehearse, perform and write new music ahead of an epic five-hour show on the banks of the ancient springs of Bahidorá. Afterwards, they stayed on to record together in field studios, tents and hotel rooms. The result is this remarkable collection of 21 tracks, the project’s sixth album and first since 2019’s Africa Express presents… Egoli, which was recorded in Johannesburg.

An album like no other, Africa Express presents… Bahidorá is a joyful and mind-blowing sonic trip which distills the joy of a musical adventure in Mexico into 21 extraordinary songs that are perfect for our times. Featuring artists from four continents but with roots firmly planted in Mexico, it entwines rich musical traditions ranging from cumbia, hip-hop and kuduro through to soul, salsa and the sweetest pop.

Africa Express is an adventure and a journey, always evolving and exploring fresh musical boundaries. It is based on respect and seeks to promote a simple concept: that human beings are stronger when we collaborate, when we communicate openly and when we accept that we all have something to say. It is about breaking down barriers with artists from different nations, genders, generations and musical genres, joining forces in a display of unity. The idea is perfectly expressed by the eclecticism, spirit and sounds of Africa Express presents… Bahidorá.

Africa Express will hit the road this summer for a run of dates across Europe, including the Roskilde Festival on July 6 and Barcelona’s Cruïlla Festival on July 11. See below for a list of tour dates.

ABOUT AFRICA EXPRESS
Africa Express started in 2006 in Mali, connecting local stars Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyaté and Amadou & Mariam with visiting artists including Martha Wainwright, Fatboy Slim and co-founder Damon Albarn. Now it is a globally known project, yet it never loses its capacity to surprise, whether live or on record. It has invited Western artists to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Mali; staged collaborative concerts lasting up to seven hours from Liverpool to Lagos; taken a train filled with musicians around Britain to mark the London Olympics; re-formed a Syrian orchestra divided by civil war; and recorded the first African interpretation of Terry Riley’s minimalist classic “In C.” Participating artists have included Baaba Maal, Blur, Charli XCX, Faia Younan, Femi Kuti, Flea, Franz Ferdinand, Kano, Oumou Sangaré, Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Rachid Taha, Rokia Traoré and Tony Allen, among many others.

TRACK LIST
AFRICA EXPRESS PRESENTS… BAHIDORÁ
1. Soledad ft. Damon Albarn, Luisa Almaguer, Nick Zinner, Seye Adelekan,
Joan As Police Woman, Mexican Institute of Sound
2. Otim Hop ft. Otim Alpha, Bootie Brown, K.O.G., Tom Excell
3. Mi Lado ft. Alansito Vega, Poté, Mare Advertencia
4. Seya ft. Onipa, Fatoumata Diawara, Abou Diarra, Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié
5. Tayhana ft. Tayhana, Otim Alpha, La Bruja de Texcoco
6. Kuduro ft. Fatoumata Diawara, Moonchild Sanelly, Tom Excell
7. Defiant Ones ft. Son Rompe Pera, M.anifest, Ophélia Hié,
Mélissa Hié, Mexican Institute of Sound
8. Raise A Glass ft Django Django, Mare Advertencia, Seye Adelekan
9. Ofrenda de Sangre ft. Luisa Almaguer, Mare Advertencia, Alansito Vega
10. Chucha ft. Son Rompe Pera, Joan As Police Woman, Otim Alpha,
Abou Diarra, Ophélia Hié, Mélissa Hié, Mexican Institute of Sound
11. Quisiera ft. Luisa Almaguer, Alansito Vega, Nick Zinner, Joan As Police Woman
12. The Sky Above You ft. Seye Adelekan, Luisa Almaguer, Joan As Police Woman,
Nick Zinner, Imarhan, Damon Albarn
13. Dorhan Oullhin (What The Heart Desires) ft. Imarhan, Damon Albarn
14. El Niño ft. Eme Malafe, Los Pream, Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié,
Joan As Police Woman, Marco Carrion, Alansito Vega
15. Invocation ft. Onipa, Jupiter Bokondji, Otim Alpha, Damon Albarn,
Joan As Police Woman
16. Hacernos Así ft. Luisa Almaguer, Damon Albarn, Seye Adelekan, Nick Zinner,
Joan As Police Woman, Mexican Institute of Sound
17. Frenemies ft. Hak Baker, Bonobo, Damon Albarn, Otim Alpha,
Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié
18. Kelegusta ft. Tayhana, Otim Alpha, La Bruja de Texcoco
19. El Diablo y La Bruja ft. La Bruja de Texcoco, Los Pream
20. Pánico (Cuelga al DJ) ft. Mexican Institue of Sound, Damon Albarn,
Los Pream, Nick Zinner, Montana Kinunu Ntunu
21. Adios Amigos ft. Baba Sissoko, Luisa Almaguer, Joan As Police Woman,
Abou Diarra, Mélissa Hié, Ophélia Hié, Yendé Balamba

TOUR DATES
July 5—Roskilde, DK—Roskilde Festival
July 6—Budapest, HU—Müpa
July 8—Berlin, DE—Huxleys
July 9—Hamburg, DE—Elbphilharmonie

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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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