Home Blog Page 640

Jon Bellion Returns With Powerful New Album FATHER FIGURE Featuring Pharrell, Luke Combs & Jon Batiste

0

GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter/producer Jon Bellion has released his highly-anticipated album FATHER FIGURE featuring Pharrell Willaims, Luke Combs and Jon Batiste.

The album marks a personal and artistic rebirth for Jon, who became a father to three boys during his time away from the spotlight. Fatherhood became both his muse and motivation, influencing the album’s sweeping orchestral arrangements, poignant piano lines, sharp lyricism, and signature beats. From the outpouring of love, pride, and care to the challenges, questions, and mistakes, the project showcases the many facets of what it means to be a loving father and supportive partner.

To celebrate the album, Jon Bellion hosted an exclusive album listening party last night in Brooklyn where he showed up to debut the full album in front of fans ahead of release. Next, he gears up for his first live show in 6 years, with an intimate one-night-only performance at SOBs on June 9 – a rare, up-close show for approximately 400 fans, offering an exclusive first look at his latest body of work. Upon announcement, both appearances sold-out within minutes solidifying the demand for the new album.

Jon Bellion on FATHER FIGURE: “I want people to be encouraged that wherever they are in life right now, it’s worth fighting for. It’s worth continuing. It’s worth the struggle. I just want them to see a portrait of somebody just trying to figure it out, an actual guy who gets tired, who worries about his relationship with his kids, and who worries that he’s not going to be as good of a father as his father. There are real struggles and real battles going on, and I just want to encourage everyone to go into fight mode for it.”

The album was originally announced via an email blast shared to his fans via The Beautiful Mind Club Forum and is released on Beautiful Mind Records – which Jon launched in 2019 to support and collaborate with artists he loves. Since its inception, he’s signed Tori Kelly and band Lawrence to the label, marking a new chapter for him. After renegotiating his label contract and celebrating the birth of a new baby, he’s fully embracing his independence to shape his career on his own terms.

Jon Bellion’s latest single, “WHY” featuring Luke Combs, debuted at #4 on Spotify’s USA Chart after over 1M streams within the first 24 hours, following the release of “HOROSCOPE” featuring Pharrell – another standout collaboration that continued to build excitement around his return. Earlier this spring, Bellion shared his single “WASH”, which marked his triumphant return to solo music after six years out of the spotlight and has already amassed over 7.5M streams. The track arrived with a visually stunning music video, shot across Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, which premiered exclusively to his fan club 48 hours before its official release. Dropped alongside “WASH” was “KID AGAIN”, a nostalgic reflection on the carefree innocence of youth, which has garnered over 10.5M streams. In addition to his brand new music, Bellion co-wrote and co-produced the brand new Rihanna track “Friend of Mine,” covered by Billboard which was released last month.

Continuing to interact with his fan-focused website and forum of over 137k members, Bellion has taken a new approach with the roll-out of this album, sharing personal messaging, exclusive photos and entire music video drops days before they are pushed out on public channels. These “fan-first” drops reinforce his deep appreciation for the community that has supported him over time, highlighting his ongoing efforts to foster a direct relationship with his audience.

Following the release of 2018’s Glory Sound Prep, Bellion made headlines not only for his artistry but also for his decision to step away from solo music. Frustrated by inequitable recording and performance contracts and eager to focus on building a family, the Long Island native shifted his creative energy behind the scenes. In that time, he crafted chart-topping hits for Burna Boy, Rihanna, Anuel AA, Justin Bieber, Tainy, Khalid, Lil Wayne, Camila Cabello, Jon Batiste, Eminem, Fireboy DML, Skrillex, Dua Lipa, Jungkook, Miley Cyrus, Quincy Jones, Pharrell, Timbaland, The Kid Laroi, Selena Gomez, Roc Marciano, Halsey, Ayra Starr, and Jimin.

As he steps into this new chapter of life and creativity, one thing is certain: Jon Bellion’s journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

FATHER FIGURE TRACKLISTING
HOROSCOPE (feat. Pharrell Williams)
FATHER FIGURE
OBLIVIOUS
WHY (feat. Luke Combs)
WASH
VINNY’S ARTICHOKES
ITALIA BREEZE
GET IT RIGHT
KID AGAIN
MODERN TIMES (feat. Jon Batiste)
WASH2
RICH AND BROKE
DON’T SHOOT
MY BOY

Samara Cyn Announces New Backroads EP, Shares Smino Collab “Brand New Teeth”

0

Samara Cyn announces the arrival of her highly anticipated new Backroads EP is slated for release on June 20th. In celebration, Samara shares her explosive collaboration with Smino on their new track “Brand New Teeth.” Born from an organic interaction, full of mutual admiration, this track is a portrait of their unmatched chemistry with complimentary sounds. Produced by emil and D’Mile, “Brand New Teeth” reveals the larger theme of delusion that is at the core of the EP through a moment of deep self reflection for the young artist. The staggering new body of work will display Samara’s ability to traverse multiple genres in this dream-like landscape, as she creates with a soulful ease and a uniquely textured, boundless sound that has established her as one of the most exciting artists in hip hop at the moment.

Additionally, Samara is currently on tour supporting Smino on his headline Kountry Kousins Tour that kicked off on April 23rd, in Vancouver, Canada. Smino personally selected Samara to support him on every date of his tour as an admirer of the young artist which has led to a genuine friendship between the two artists. The tour will wrap up in his hometown of St. Louis on June 22, 2025.

The song arrives hot on the heels of the colossal acclaim for Samara following the release of her debut project The Drive Home which was chosen as one of Complex’s Best Albums of 2024 and lauded by Rolling Stone, GENIUS, VIBE, UPROXX, Pigeons and Planes and many more. Samara has also been topping several Best New Artists lists including YouTube’s Foundry, Spotify’s Artist to Watch, Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch, Billboard’s Hip-Hop, African & R&B Artists to Watch, Complex 25 Rappers to Watch, GENIUS 8 Great Artists to Watch and many more. Additionally, Samara was recently the the new face for KIA where her groundbreaking track “Rolling Stone” came to life thanks to their most recent “Movement That Inspires” campaign

Mumford & Sons Hit #1 on Americana Radio Albums Chart With Rushmere, Launch U.S. Tour

0

Mumford & Sons’ latest album Rushmere lands #1 on the Americana Radio Albums Chart this week! The album was released March 28, and hasn’t left the chart’s TOP 5 since, fueled by the multi-week #1 single, “Rushmere,” and their new, fast-climbing track, “Caroline.”

MUMFORD & SONS launch their North American headline tour this Thursday night in Bend, Oregon including stops at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley, and The Hollywood Bowl over the next week.

Mumford & Sons Tour Dates:
Thursday, June 5, 2025 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Friday, June 6, 2025 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Monday, June 9, 2025 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek Theatre
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek Theatre
Thursday, June 12, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
Saturday, June 14, 2025 – West Valley City, UT @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
Friday, June 20, 2025 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
Saturday, June 21, 2025 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC
Sunday, June 22, 2025 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
Friday, July 18, 2025 – Quincy, WA @ The Gorge Amphitheatre
Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Whitefish, MT @ Big Mountain Ranch
Monday, July 21, 2025 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Thursday, July 24, 2025 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Azura Amphitheater
Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sunday, July 27, 2025 – Charleston, SC @ Credit One Stadium
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Thursday, July 31, 2025 – Huntsville, AL @ Orion Amphitheater
Friday, August 1, 2025 – Huntsville, AL @ Orion Amphitheater
Sunday, August 3, 2025 – New Orleans, LA @ Woldenberg Park
Monday, August 4, 2025 – Greenville, SC @ Piedmont Fairgrounds
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – Richmond, VA @ Allianz Amphitheater
Thursday, August 7, 2025 – Burlington, VT @ Champlain Valley Exposition Center
Friday, August 8, 2025 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Saturday, August 9, 2025 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
Saturday, October 9, 2025 – Saint Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum
Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
Friday, October 17, 2025 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Monday, October 20, 2025 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Friday, October 24, 2025 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
Sunday, October 26, 2025 – Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center Arena

Little Feat Drop Stunning “Shipwrecks” Video From Bold New Album ‘Strike Up the Band’

0

Today, Little Feat – criminally underrated pioneering rock band – dropped a spectacular music video for new song “Shipwrecks,” which featured on their recently released studio album, Strike Up The Band, out now, via Hot Tomato. LISTEN HERE.

GLIDE MAGAZINE premiered the music video, describing the track-which was penned by new lead guitarist and vocalist Scott Sharrard- as “deeply passionate,” praising Scott’s impressive guitar skills, which “Clearly, he’s learned his lessons well, from the ABB namesake in addition to his current bandmates via their own redoubtable legacy.”

Sharrad added, “There’s an old saying that when we invented ships we also invented the shipwreck. This song is a reflection on mortality and life’s journey that was fueled by some lyrical inspiration from the late French poet Blaise Cendrars. The singular open A tuning chord voicing’s of the great Lowell George also informed the structure of the riffs that provide the backdrop. The cherry on top is the ride out of the track which finds Bill Payne revisiting an old Moog synth that we found at the studio over an odd time groove that cooks.” 

Little Feat continue to tour through the summer (dates below) are hosting a three-day festival in Woodstock, New York for August 30 through September 1 with plans to record performances for a new live album. Tickets go on sale via littlefeat.net.

At this point in its illustrious, nearly 60-year career, rock legends Little Feat could be excused if they wanted to take its proverbial foot off the gas. However, that wouldn’t be in Little Feat’s DNA. From the very first note of Strike Up The Band, you will hear Little Feat–who have been rocking and rolling since 1969– mean business. 

Little Feat built a cult following in the late 60s and 70s for their pioneering gumbo of New Orleans rhythm-and-blues, country, hard-rock, funk, and jazz. Celebrated as a key influence by icons from Bonnie Raitt to The Rolling Stones (and more recently current stars like 1975’s Matt Healy), yet, commercial success remained at arms length. Songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Spanish Moon,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Rock and Roll Doctor” are legends in the rock and roll songbook. Through the ups and downs, love and loss, the lineup shifts, and endless touring they have remained together and the closest of friends. 

During their wilderness years, when the band was on periods of hiatus, individual members collaborated with a laundry list of legends including Bob Dylan, Boz Scaggs, J. J. Cale, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Buffett, Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Bryan Adams, Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, Toto, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Robert Palmer, Bob Weir, Mick Fleetwood, Phil Lesh – you name a musician from the classic rock era, they have likely played with them! 

Their elastic lineup has included the late great Lowell George, founding drummer, Richie Hayward,  and guitarist Paul Barrere, and to this day features founding member Bill Payne on keys, alongside the classic lineup of Fred Tackett on guitars/vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on percussion/vocals. They recently enlisted younger members Scott Sharrard on lead/vocal and Tony Leone on drums/vox which reinvigorated their creative spirits and live show. 

The seeds for Strike Up the Band may have been initially planted in 2019, but the current iteration of the band coalesced in 2021. Following a year of zapping files back and forth due to the pandemic, that November was when the band first started jamming with guitarist/vocalist Scott Sharrard, who joined in 2019, and drummer Tony Leone, who joined in 2020. 

“Once again, we’re introducing something that we’re going to call Little Feat to people who would be accepting and some who would not,” Payne says. “The ramp to believing in ourselves was in the songs we wrote. And the minute we had this new band, we wanted to be realistic and that was to make a record.”

To solidify the writing, Payne left his home in the West and headed to New York. In just four days, he wrote three songs with Sharrard and Leone. That window spawned one of the album’s finest tracks, “4 Days of Heaven, 3 Days of Work.” 

“Bill brought this title to Tony and I, and I knew immediately that we were going to cook something up that would be special,” Sharrard says. “The lyrics and music embrace what I call ‘Gonzo Funk,’ Little Feat’s unique brand where you combine a slinky groove with some far-out lyrical imagery.” 

Together with producer Vance Powell (Phish, Chris Stapleton, Jack White), and collaborators including Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, they created their new album in Nashville, and Strike Up The Band is destined to be considered their later year magnum opus. Songs like funk-fueled “Too High To Cut My Hair,” which tastemaker PASTE MAGAZINE described as sounding, “as good as ever, cutting a funk track with the fire of a wicked blues tempo,” as well as “Shipwrecks,” are as dexterous, considered, and creative as any song Little Feat has created to date. 

Their lyrics are inventive, transportive, abstract, and emotive in their pursuit of celebrating the good times and holding you close in the bad. Guitars scream and slide, pianos rock and boogie, and drums shuffle you down the road in a way that only Little Feat can. This is the album Little Feat fans have been waiting for and is an undeniable statement from a band who in many ways are just getting started in their 56th year. 

With buzz off the back of their GRAMMY nomination for their recent album Sam’s Place, their own festival, a newly announced national tour, and much more in the works, Little Feat are not weathered statues in the hall of rock fame. They remain the collective and creative force they have always been. The beauty of Little Feat perhaps lies in the band’s ability to continuously evolve yet keep the spirit of what we all know and love about them, constant and alive. At this stage in a band’s career, few, if any would be willing to evolve at the level Little Feat does. That in itself, is quite the feat.  

Neal Casal’s Early Recordings Unearthed in Posthumous Album and Photo Book ‘No One Above You’

0

Neal Casal was a revered singer/songwriter whose ten solo albums are widely regarded as classics in the roots and Americana music canon. He was also a celebrated guitarist and consummate collaborator who could be found playing alongside artists ranging from Willie Nelson to Shooter Jennings, The Jayhawks to Phil Lesh. More than a sideman, he was a bandmate and an integral part of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, GospelbeacH, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Beachwood Sparks, Hard Working Americans, The Skiffle Players and Circles Around The Sun. His tragic passing in 2019 left a hole in the hearts of fans and friends alike, leaving many looking for a few more moments from the prolific artist. A new collection of mostly unreleased early studio recordings and demos, No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998), issued in tandem with a book of rare and unseen photographs, No One Above You (Christy Coleman + Neal Casal – A Love Story In Photographs), compiled by his former wife Christy Coleman, provide just that, offering an intimate look at Casal’s formative years, creatively and personally. Both album and book will be available September 12, 2025. The first single and opening track, “Silver Dollar” is out today. 

Primarily recorded between 1991 and 1995, in the years before Neal’s album debut Fade Away Diamond Time, the songs collected here trace the lines of his fledgling career, furrowed with the songwriter’s mix of humility and hope. No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998)—to be issued via the Neal Casal Music Foundation and RPF Records—includes a bounty of unheard Casal compositions alongside covers of Tom T. Hall, The Incredible String Band, and Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman. Longtime manager Gary Waldman, Cardinals’ bandmate Jon Graboff and Grammy Award-winning engineer Jim Scott compiled and remixed the recordings, adding a handful of subtle additions to Neal’s original takes, with performances by John Ginty, Dan Fadel, Angie McKenna, Jeff Hill, Graboff and more. The collection runs through Casal’s reverent explorations of Americana, streaked with melancholy, heartache, humanity, and humor. Painting a multi-dimensional picture of Neal’s early days, the liner notes offer a personal recollection from Waldman, explaining the events that lead Casal to pursue a solo career, and detailing his evolution from these nascent studio days into a revered songwriter and in-demand guitarist.

Likewise, the companion photo memoir, No One Above You (Christy Coleman + Neal Casal – A Love Story In Photographs) provides a vital document of this era. Coleman shares images of the couple’s courtship and companionship, culled from pictures captured by herself, Casal, and a few friends along the way. It’s an unvarnished vision of backstage solitude, after hours revelry, and the counterbalance of a home away from the crowds.

Available now to pre-order from the Neal Casal Music Foundation, the album—on limited edition 180-gram green vinyl, 180-gram black vinyl, CD and digital formats —and book are accompanied by two limited edition tees designed by Nashville-based imogene + willie—one in vintage white, the other in faded black—each featuring an original SX-70 Polaroid from the book.

An aural and visual treasure, No One Above You acts as a fitting elegy for fans, but also a welcome introduction and indoctrination for anyone who needs a reminder that love is real.

No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998)​
Track Listing

1. Silver Dollar
2. Quiet Desperation
3. Someone Else’s Shoes
4. The Search For Silver Lake
5. Indian Summer
6. Running Wild
7. After All This Time
8. Cora Jones
9. To The Water
10. Valley Of The Fallen
11. Greatest Friend
12. Second Handed Flowers
13. Mellow Down Easy

LEGO Launches Empowering ‘She Built That’ Campaign With Reimagined RUN DMC Anthem

0

The LEGO Group today launched a new campaign, She Built That. Together with a Global Girls Crew they’ve re-imagined RUN DMC’s trailblazing hip hop track “It’s Like That” into a vibrant celebration of girls’ creativity.

In a world where “building” is still seen through a gendered lens, the re-envisioned anthem, first launched in 1983 by RUN DMC constructs a new narrative. Titled “She Built That,” the updated lyrics and music video aim to inspire society and girls globally to see themselves as inspiring builders, creators and innovators. The new rendition of the hit brings together standout stars from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, showing how girls are already shaping the world around them in incredible ways.

Regarded as a pioneering anthem of its time “It’s Like That” revolutionised hip-hop, blending street realities with a hopeful message. The LEGO Group’s reimagined version honours the past and paves the way for a future where all girls can confidently declare: “She Built That!”

Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels said: “Run DMC has always stood for breaking barriers and inspiring change. We’re excited to see our classic anthem reimagined as “She Built That”, celebrating the creativity and innovation of girls everywhere. Just as we pushed the limits of hip-hop, we want to inspire a world where every girl recognizes her building power.”

The campaign comes at a time when society’s view of builders is still heavily influenced by gender stereotypes. Despite progress, new global research commissioned by the LEGO Group reveals that when children hear the word “builder” – ‘a man on a construction site’ (39%) and a ‘boy playing with building blocks’ (36%) top the list*.

The survey, which quizzed 32,605 parents and children* across 21 countries**, found that 80% of those adults polled believe society still views boys as naturally better builders than girls. Unsurprisingly, as a result, girls and mums often undervalue their own building skills compared to boys and dads****. The LEGO Group wants to change this.

The research also uncovered a confidence gap in children, with girls rating themselves lower in building abilities than boys. 70% of girls said they find it hard to think of themselves as someone who is good at building things.

Encouragingly, 81% of parents believe it’s time to make the word “building” more gender-inclusive, and children agree – over 92% say everyone should feel capable of building, while 86% believe that early creative support could empower them to change the world.

Lena Dixen, SVP, Product Group, Core Businesses at the LEGO Group, said: “Being a builder goes beyond hard hats and hammers; it’s about harnessing the creative potential within every young person to construct dreams, forge connections, and shape the future. Every girl and woman is a builder – whether it’s assembling teams, tackling challenges, or pushing boundaries. With ‘She Built That,’ we aim to empower the next generation of female builders and help foster a society where all children can realize their full creative potential and receive the recognition they deserve, regardless of gender.”

Led by 17-year-old Chicago-born scratch sensation DJ Livia and star drummer and author Nandi Bushell, from Ipswich in Suffolk, the LEGO Group’s Global Girls Crew is a powerhouse of young creators.

Rewriting the rules of what it means to build, “She Built That” also features alt-pop trailblazer Cacien (Shenzhen, China), hip hop-inspired vocalist and producer Pink Oculus (Amsterdam, Netherlands), and viral dance duo Brooke Blewitt and Jess Qualter (Blackpool, UK).

Nic Taylor, SVP at the LEGO Group and Head of Our LEGO Agency adds: “As we set out to celebrate the incredible creativity of female builders, repurposing RUN DMC’s iconic song was a natural choice. ‘It’s Like That’ has always been about challenging norms and inspiring change, and with ‘She Built That,’ we’ve infused it with the essence of empowerment and innovation. This reimagined anthem is a movement to redefine what it means to be a builder. We want to inspire girls everywhere to see themselves as creators and pioneers, capable of shaping their world in extraordinary ways.”

The Girls Who Built That
DJ Livia – real name Olivia Borjas – is proof that building something extraordinary starts with creativity and belief. Born and raised in Chicago, she has been spinning decks since she was five. Her big break came at just 10-years-old, when the Kardashians booked her to play a birthday party. Now 17, she’s worked with Snoop Dogg and Bad Bunny, rubbed shoulders with the likes of Christina Aguilera and built a following of over 1.2 million on TikTok.

But her journey hasn’t been easy. “There was a time my family was homeless in Chicago,” says DJ Livia. “What kept us going was refusing to give up. That’s what building is to me – and what ‘She Built That’ stands for. It’s about rising up and creating something out of nothing.” Her advice? “You are stronger than your circumstances and you have everything it takes to build your future.”

DJ Livia’s story shows how passion paves a path to success. Nandi Bushell’s is another. She discovered her talent for drumming at just five years old after watching a Beatles video with her family. As a reward for her hard work at school, her parents bought her a drum kit – little did they know it would change her life. Posting drum covers online from her home in Ipswich, England, she skyrocketed to fame, amassing over 75 million views on YouTube. She quickly caught the attention of global rock legends, sparking an extraordinary journey that has seen her perform alongside Lenny Kravitz, battle Dave Grohl in a viral drum-off, and feature in Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee.

Now a global inspiration, the South African-born British musician, singer and author said: “It’s crazy to think I found my passion and purpose before I even left primary school. I built my dream from nothing but a drum kit, a love for music and a belief that anything is possible. Girls can build anything they imagine. The ‘She Built That’ campaign is an invitation to girls everywhere to reclaim the word ‘builder’ and redefine what it means today.”

To help champion and celebrate girls’ creativity, the LEGO Group has launched its latest iteration of Creativity Workshops. As part of this, it is offering a series of exciting workshops for young creators aged 6-12, available at select LEGO Stores and on LEGO.com. Designed to inspire creative freedom, these workshops explore themes like Friendship, Botanicals, and Summer Fun, and will run throughout the year. In addition to in-store workshops, there are also Creativity Workshops at Home, where you can watch online and join in from anywhere. The Friendship workshop is already live, so be sure to check it out! Watch the Creativity Workshops at Home and sign up for the in-store workshops now at www.LEGO.com/CreativityWorkshops.

To mark the launch of She Built That, the LEGO Group is also launching a new game. Players will be able to move their own LEGO minidoll avatar and create their own version of the music video, with lots of special features included such as customizable camera angles, cool backdrops and exciting side quests. The game launches on www.kids.lego.com/she-built-that from today, 4th June.

The LEGO Group will unveil the next phase of the She Built That campaign later this year, looking to further empower girls to build inspiring futures.

SiriusXM to Broadcast Exclusive Live Coverage of 125th U.S. Open from Oakmont

0

SiriusXM will be the exclusive national audio broadcaster for the 125th U.S. Open Championship, and will offer live shot-by-shot coverage across all four days of Championship play – June 12-15 – from Oakmont Country Club, outside Pittsburgh, PA.

On Thursday and Friday, SiriusXM’s coverage will extend from the day’s first tee time (approximately 7 am ET) through the end of play. On the weekend, SiriusXM’s on-course coverage will begin at 10 am ET on Saturday and Sunday and run through the completion of play both days. If there is a tie atop the leaderboard after 72 holes, SiriusXM will provide live coverage of every stroke of the ensuing playoff.

U.S. Open Week on SiriusXM programming is available to subscribers nationwide in their cars (channel 92) and on the SiriusXM app.

SiriusXM’s U.S. Open Championship broadcast team will feature Taylor Zarzour and Brian Katrek as the play-by-play voices, alongside analysts Steve Melnyk and Brendon de Jonge. Three-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin will join the SiriusXM team on air to provide analysis during the Saturday and Sunday rounds.

Fred Albers, Emilia Doran, Andres Gonzalez, John Maginnes and Carl Paulson will be on-course reporters. Jason Sobel will provide commentary and conduct interviews with players. Immediately following each round, listeners will hear a two-hour wrap-up of the day’s play, hosted by Gary Williams.

“Our SiriusXM U.S. Open broadcast team does an extraordinary job of bringing listeners inside the ropes at one of the best events in golf,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Well before the opening round, fans have SiriusXM to prepare them for the Championship with in-depth analysis of the course, the field and the latest news from the week. Then once the first tee shot is in the air and through the finish, our hosts and analysts are calling the action throughout the day, ensuring our audience won’t miss a moment.”

In addition to the live Championship broadcasts, SiriusXM will offer a daily lineup of original talk programming hosted by current and former U.S. Open competitors and other golf insiders that will deliver all the latest news and analysis leading up to the Championship. SiriusXM’s live programming begins at 7 am ET each weekday.

2009 U.S. Open Champion Lucas Glover will host a live episode of his SiriusXM program, “The Lucas Glover Show,” Tuesday at 8 am ET, as he prepares to compete in his 17th U.S. Open Championship.

New episodes of “The Rocco Hour,” hosted by Rocco Mediate, will air Monday and Tuesday at 7 pm ET. Mediate competed in 14 U.S. Open Championships in his career with three top-10 finishes, including his epic 19-hole playoff duel with Tiger Woods in 2008 that lives on as one of the most exciting finishes in U.S. Open history.

For more on SiriusXM’s daily golf programming go to SiriusXM.com/golfonsxm.

The U.S. Open Championship, conducted by the USGA, is the ultimate test of golf for the best players in the world. Played on America’s greatest courses, the U.S. Open annually provides thousands of golfers of all backgrounds the opportunity to qualify through a rigorous two-stage process. SiriusXM’s U.S. Open broadcast rights come through its agreement with the United States Golf Association and NBCUniversal, the principal domestic media partner of the USGA.

YouTube Channel Security: Essential Steps to Protect Your Content Empire

0

By Mitch Rice

YouTube has become the cornerstone of digital content manufacturing, millions of creators have created enough viewers and generated significant revenue through their channels. However, with this success there is an increase in vulnerability for cyber hazards, which is more important than before the channel safety.

The rise in YouTube channel hijacking incidents has left many creators devastated, losing years of hard work overnight. Professional channel hack protection services have become essential for serious content creators who want to safeguard their digital assets and maintain their online presence.

The Growing Threat Landscape

YouTube channels face many security challenges in today’s digital environment. Hackers target successful channels for various reasons: modification theft, content manipulation, customer base exploitation, and even demanding ransom. Financial incentives for cyber criminals continue as manufacturer economy revenue reaches new heights.

Recent data suggests that the manufacturer-centered cyber attack has increased by 300% in the last two years. These attacks often target channels with adequate subscriber count, installed modification streams, or valuable brand partnership. The results are beyond temporary discomfort – they can destroy careers and eliminate primary income sources.

Common Attack Vectors

Understanding how the attackers compromise on YouTube channels, helps the creators to implement effective defensive measures. Fishing remains the method of the most prevalent attack, where the creators receive lawful emails requesting login credentials or account verification. These sophisticated scams often copy the official YouTube communication.

Social engineering attacks target the creators through fake cooperation offers, sponsorship deals or technical support requests. The attackers spend a lot of time in researching their goals, which makes their attitude highly assured. They exploit the associate nature of material construction to achieve access to sensitive account information.

Malware distribution through fake software tools represents another important threat. Creators often download video editing software, thumbnail generators, or analytics tools from informal sources, inadvertently install keymounts or credentials that compromise their accounts.

Building Your Security Foundation

Strong password management channel forms the cornerstone of safety. Creators should use unique, complex passwords for their YouTube accounts and avoid reusing credentials in many platforms. Password managers provide an excellent solution to create a safe password without the burden of memory.

Two-carcass certification (2FA) creates an additional security layer that significantly reduces unauthorized access risks. YouTube supports various 2FA methods, including SMS code, authenticator apps and hardware security key. Hardware keys provide the highest security level, which provide protection against refined fishing attacks.

Regular safety audit helps identify potential weaknesses before it becomes a problem. Manufacturers should review account permissions, associated applications and login history from time to time. Any suspicious activity or unfamiliar equipment should trigger immediate password change and safety reviews.

Advanced Protection Strategies

Email safety is particularly worth noting because most of the account agreement begins with email-based attacks. Creators should use email address dedicated to their YouTube accounts, which differ from individual or other commercial communication. This isolation limits exposure and makes safety monitoring more manageable.

The browser safety plays an important role in protecting login credentials. Using specially dedicated browsers or browser profiles for YouTube management reduces exposure to malicious websites and extensions. Regular browser updates and careful extension management prevent many general attack vectors.

Network safety ideas become important for creators working from different places. Public Wi-Fi networks pose significant risk, and creators should use VPN services when reaching their accounts from incredible networks. Home network security should include router firmware updates and strong Wi-Fi passwords.

Recovery Planning and Backup Strategies

Despite the best security efforts, the account agreement may still be. Damage and restoration time is reduced by having a comprehensive recovery scheme. This involves maintaining detailed documents of account settings, contact information for YouTube support and maintaining backup access methods.

Material backup strategies prevent data loss during safety events. Creators should maintain local copies of their videos, channel art and important metadata. Cloud storage solutions provide extra excess, even if primary storage systems are compromised, ensuring material survival.

The brand safety is spread beyond technical safety measures. Creators must secure social media handles in platforms, register relevant domain names, and establish trademark security for valuable intellectual property. These steps prevent imperfections and brand weakening during security incidents.

Professional Security Solutions

Many successful manufacturers believe that DIY safety measures have limitations, especially when their channels grow in value and complexity. Professional security services provide comprehensive security that individual creators cannot achieve independently. These services offer continuous monitoring, danger intelligence and rapid event reaction capabilities.

Enterprise-grade security solutions include advanced danger detection, automated response systems and dedicated security analysts. They monitor suspected activities, unauthorized access efforts and a possible compromise indicator on many channels and platforms.

Investment in professional security services often pays for itself by stopping a single major security event. The cost of losing a mudrested channel with millions of customers is higher than the cost of comprehensive safety safety.

Future-Proofing Your Channel

Security threats continue to develop as attackers develop new techniques and target more valuable assets. Being informed about emerging hazards helps the creators to adapt their safety strategies accordingly. Following cyber security news, manufacturer participates in security communities, and participating in relevant webinars provides valuable insights.

Adoption of technology should include security ideas from the beginning. New equipment, platforms and services should undergo safety evaluation before integration in material construction workflows. This active approach prevents the introduction of weaknesses through convenience-centered decisions.

The creation of security awareness within the creator teams becomes important as channels grow. Team members, editors and colleagues should understand the best practices and their role in maintaining the channel safety. Regular training and clear safety policies help to maintain security levels continuously.

Conclusion

YouTube channel safety requires continuous attention and investment, but the protection provides is invaluable. Manufacturers applying comprehensive safety strategies can focus on building materials without constant concern about potential hazards. The combination of strong personal practices and professional security services creates the most effective defense against modern cyber threats.

The continuous growth of the manufacturer economy will increase safety threats, making active security more important than ever. Today, the creators who prefer security will come in a better position to maintain their success and protect their investment in rapidly dangerous digital scenario.

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

Gibson Launches Global Search for Michael J. Fox’s Missing ‘Back to the Future’ Guitar

0

Today, Gibson, the iconic and leading instrument brand, has launched a global search for the world-renowned Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar that Michael J. Fox played in the 1985 hit film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, BACK TO THE FUTURE, which became the biggest film of 1985 in the U.S. and the second highest-grossing worldwide.

The stunning guitar was showcased during the beloved film’s unforgettable “Enchantment Under the Sea” school dance scene, a pop culture moment that has inspired many musicians to pick up guitars for the very first time after witnessing the character of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) play the legendary song “Johnny B. Goode.” During the making of the 1989 sequel to the film, the filmmakers went to look for the guitar, and it was nowhere to be found. Now, music fans worldwide have the chance to help Gibson find the most important guitar in cinema history.

Fans who have any tips as to the whereabouts of the missing original Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar that Michael J. Fox played in the film BACK TO THE FUTURE can contact Gibson via www.LostToTheFuture.com or call/text 1-855-345-1955.

Watch/share the call-to-action video for the global guitar search featuring Emmy winner Michael J. Fox and his fellow stars of BACK TO THE FUTURE, including Lea Thompson, Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd, Harry Waters Jr., GRAMMY® winner and Academy®Award nominee Huey Lewis, and more.

Released on July 3, 1985, BACK THE FUTURE scored an Academy Award® and three additional nominations and launched a franchise that would go on to earn almost $1 billion globally.

Directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Oscar® nominee Bob Gale, BACK THE FUTURE was executive produced by three-time Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, eight-time Best Picture nominee Kathleen Kennedy and five-time Best Picture nominee Frank Marshall. The film was produced by Neil Canton and Bob Gale.

From the innovative storytelling and characters to the unforgettable guitar performance of the song “Johnny B. Goode,” the film has left an enduring impact on pop culture and remains one of the most beloved and culturally significant films of all time. The film continues to influence and inspire new generations of fans everywhere with its dynamic special effects, beloved characters, and innovative storytelling.

The discovery of what happened to the film’s Gibson ES-345 would add a critical chapter to the film’s cinematic history.

“Guitar has always been a big part of my life,” says Michael J. Fox. “When we talked about the ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’ scene in Back to the Future, I sat down with the cinematographer and choreographer and said I want to riff through all of my favorite guitarists, like doing Jimi Hendrix behind the head, Pete Townshend doing a windmill, and the Eddie (Van Halen) hammer thing, it was so cool that they were open to that, and we laid it all out there. I’m really happy with the scene because it was an expression of my love for guitar and all the great players. I didn’t realize the influence the scene had on people, John Mayer said, ‘I play guitar because of you,’ and Chris Martin said the same thing, and I am glad they took it further than I did, they went to the trouble of being really good players. I just love the guitar, and I love the movie.”

“Years ago, I was astonished to learn this beloved cinematic artifact had apparently disappeared into the space-time continuum,” says Bob Gale, co-creator/screenwriter/producer of BACK TO THE FUTURE. “Since we don’t have a functioning time machine, this effort is probably our best chance to solve a decades-long mystery.”

“This is one of the most exciting moments at Gibson for me,” says Cesar Gueikian, President & CEO of Gibson. “Back To The Future is one of the most important and significant movies of my life, and the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ school dance scene marked me musically in a profound way. Working with Michael J. Fox, Bob Gale and the rest of the Back To The Future team is a dream come true. I hope we find Marty’s Gibson ES-345! To everyone out there who is as passionate as I am about this iconic film, please help us find it!”

“I started searching for this guitar back in 2009 on my first day on the job at Norman’s Rare Guitars,” says Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson. “After 16 years of searching, I’m so excited to get the entire guitar community together to help find the guitar that made me, and so many other guitarists of my generation, want to learn to play.”

“Watching Michael J. Fox’s iconic performance of ‘Johnny B. Goode’ during the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ dance was a moment that struck a chord with an entire generation of kids, inspiring them to pick up a guitar for the very first time,” adds Todd Harapiak, Gibson Media Director. “Few moments in film have had such a lasting impact on musicians as this scene in Back to the Future, and we’re thrilled to embark on a journey to find this guitar that’s carried the legacy of film and rock history for nearly four decades.”

“This is the movie that made me want to be a filmmaker, and the scene that made me pick up a guitar for the first time,” says Doc Crotzer, Director of the upcoming documentary film LOST TO THE FUTURE. “As children of the ’80s, it is our duty to take fans of music, fans of the movie, and fans of true crime documentaries with us on this too-crazy-to-believe quest to find our generation’s Excalibur.”

In tandem with the worldwide hunt for the missing Gibson ES-345 and to further celebrate the 40th anniversary of BACK TO THE FUTURE this year, Gibson Films has now started production on a new documentary film titled LOST TO THE FUTURE.

The forthcoming documentary LOST TO THE FUTURE from Gibson Films will feature in-depth interviews with BACK TO THE FUTURE cast members Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, and Harry Waters Jr., musician Huey Lewis (“The Power of Love”), and the film’s co-creator/screenwriter/producer Bob Gale, as well as the world-renowned music superstars that have been inspired by the film over the decades. In the quest to find the elusive original Gibson ES-345 guitar, documentary Director Doc Crotzer (Roadhouse, Glee), alongside Mark Agnesi (Director of Brand Experience at Gibson), will guide viewers in the global hunt for this legendary instrument from long-forgotten film prop warehouses, fascinating vintage guitar shops, auction houses, and shadowy back alleys. The LOST TO THE FUTURE documentary will transport viewers back to 1985 to celebrate the music, culture, and defining moments of the era through a rich collection of archival photos, stories, film clips, and iconic songs.

Molly Tuttle Unveils Genre-Bending Album ‘So Long Little Miss Sunshine,’ Announces 2025 U.S. Tour

0

Following back-to-back Grammy-winning albums with her band Golden Highway, along with a Best New Artist nomination, Molly Tuttle releases her new solo album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, on August 15, 2025 via Nonesuch Records. Recorded in Nashville with producer Jay Joyce (Orville Peck, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson), the fifth full album from the singer, songwriter, and virtuoso guitarist marks a sonic departure from her recent work and features twelve new songs—eleven originals and one cover, of Icona Pop and Charli xcx’s “I Love It.” The album’s first single, “That’s Gonna Leave a Mark,” which she co-wrote with Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra), is also out today; links to listen are below.

Tuttle and her new live band will set out on a run of summer tour dates in the US on June 6 in Vail, CO. This fall, they’ll kick off “The Highway Knows” tour on September 10  with a show in Chicago, IL. The dates include both festival and headline shows and conclude on December 13 at The Fillmore in San Francisco. Along the way, she stops at Brooklyn Steel in New York, The Fonda in Los Angeles, and Thalia Hall in Chicago. She also plays an intimate show at New York’s Mercury Lounge on June 24. Tickets for most of the newly announced dates are on-sale Friday, June 6 here; all shows are listed below.

Tuttle says, “I’ve been wanting to make this record for such a long time. Part of me was scared to do such a big departure, and that went into the album title.” Eventually she decided, “‘You know what? I’m just not going to care what people think. I’m going to do what I want.’”

She continues, “I wrote ‘That’s Gonna Leave a Mark’ with my friend Kevin Griffin. He has such a brilliant pop sensibility. We reworked it a little bit last year. It’s fun, sort of sassy, and that guitar part is one of my favorites that I play on the record.”  

Tuttle’s career has charted a course between honoring bluegrass and stretching its boundaries. One of the most decorated female guitarist alive, she was the first woman to win the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Award’s Guitar Player of the Year in 2017, at age twenty-four, and won again the following year, with nominations nearly every year since; she has also won Americana Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year award. 

On her new album—a hybrid of pop, country, rock, and flat-picking, plus one murder ballad—Tuttle goes to a whole new place. Her virtuoso guitar work takes center stage on this album more than ever, and for the first time, she introduces her banjo playing into two of her recordings.“I like to be a bit of a chameleon with my music. Keep people guessing and keep it full of surprises,” she says.

So Long Little Miss Sunshine was recorded with drummer/percussionists Jay Bellerose and Fred Eltringham, bassist Byron House, and Joyce on multiple instruments. Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show) also plays banjo, fiddle, and harmonica, as well as singing harmony; much of the LP was co-written with Secor, who is also Tuttle’s partner. “We spend so much time together, we live together, and anytime I have a song idea, or he has one, it’s just so easy to transition from whatever we’re doing into writing a song.”

Tuttle also conceived the artwork for So Long Little Miss Sunshine, which features multiple Mollys, each wearing a different wig except for one with nothing on her head at all. Tuttle has been bald since she was three years old due to the autoimmune condition alopecia areata; she acts as a spokesperson for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. 

So Long Little Miss Sunshine Track List:

1. Everything Burns

2. The Highway Knows

>3. Golden State Of Mind

4. Rosalee

5. I Love It

6. That’s Gonna Leave A Mark

7. Easy

8. Summer Of Love

9. Old Me (New Wig)

10. Oasis

11. No Regrets

12. Story Of My So-Called Life

Summer Tour Dates:

6/6 – Mountains of Music Concert Series – Vail, CO

6/14 – All Good Now Festival @ Merriweather Pavilion – Columbia, MD

6/22 – Mountain Jam Festival – Highmount, NY

6/24 – Mercury Lounge – New York, NY

6/26 – ROMP – Owensboro, KY

6/27 – Blue Ox Music Festival – Eau Claire, WI

6/28 – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI

7/3 – High Sierra – Quincy, CA

7/5 – Grassfire Festival – Garrettsville, OH

7/19 – Caramoor American Roots Music Festival – Katonah, NY

7/25 – RockyGrass Festival weekend Golden Highway – Lyons, CO

8/1 -2 – Wildlands Festival – Big Sky, MT

8/8 – The Amphitheater at Canyons Village – Park City, UT

8/9 – Knitting Factory – Boise, ID

8/10 – Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival – Alta, WY

8/14 – The Burl – Outdoors – Lexington, KY

8/15 – State Theatre – State College, PA

8/16 – Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots – Manchester Center, VT

8/17 – Point of the Bluff Vineyards – Hammondsport, NY

8/21 – The Ramkat – Winston-Salem, NC

8/22 – Georgia Mountain Fair – Hiawassee, GA

8/23 – Marcus King Family Reunion – North Charleston, SC

8/30 – Rhythm & Roots Festival – Charlestown, RI

“The Highway Knows Tour 2025”

9/10 – Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL

9/11 – Masonic Cathedral Theatre – Detroit, MI

9/12 – Globe Iron – Cleveland, OH

9/13 – Carnegie Homestead Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA

9/15 – Opera House – Toronto, ON

9/17 – Royale – Boston, MA

9/18 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY

9/20 – XPoNential Music Festival – Philadelphia, PA

9/23 – The Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA

9/25 – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre – Wilmington, NC

9/26 – Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC

9/27 – Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

9/28 – Tennessee Theatre – Knoxville, TN

9/30 – Victory North – Savannah, GA

10/1 – The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL

10/2 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL

10/3 – Moon Crush (Avett Brothers) – Miramar Beach, FL

10/4 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA

10/10 – The Hawthorn – St. Louis, MO

10/11 – Liberty Hall – Lawrence, KS

10/12 – Slowdown – Omaha, NE

10/14 – The ELM – Bozeman, MT

10/16 – The Showbox – Seattle, WA

10/17 – Roseland Theater – Portland, OR

10/18 – Holly Theater – Medford, OR

10/19 – Cascade Theatre – Redding, CA

10/25 – Ogden Theater – Denver, CO

11/2 – Suwannee Hulaween – Live Oak, FL

11/12 – Poplar Hall – Appleton, WI

11/13 – Grand Theater – Wausau, WI

11/14 – Varsity Theatre – Minneapolis, MN

11/15 – Stoughton Opera House – Stoughton, WI

11/16 – Englert Theater – Iowa City, IA

11/18 – Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL

11/20 – Vogue – Indianapolis, IN

11/21 – Memorial Hall – Cincinnati, OH

11/22 – Athenaeum Theatre – Columbus, OH

11/23 – TBD – Roanoke, VA

12/3 – Atone’s – Austin, TX

12/5 – Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ

12/6 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA

12/7 – Arlington Theater – Santa Barbara, CA

12/10 – Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ

12/11 – The Fonda – Los Angeles, CA

12/12 – Tower Theatre – Fresno, CA

12/13 – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA