Page 644 – That Eric Alper

Openness Trio to Release ‘Openness Trio’ Debut Album on Blue Note Records July 11

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

Openness Trio to Release ‘Openness Trio’ Debut Album on Blue Note Records July 11

Blue Note Records has announced the July 11 release of Openness Trio, the debut album by a unique collective comprised of guitarist and producer Nate Mercereau, saxophonist Josh Johnson, and percussionist Carlos Niño. Free-thinking creators who bring a depth of experience from wide-ranging collaborations with the likes of André 3000, Meshell Ndegeocello, Kamasi Washington, Shabaka, Jeff Parker, Makaya McCraven, and many more, the trio presents a profound musical offering.

The album is five recordings from five different sessions all around Los Angeles and Ventura County – outdoors in the hills of Ojai with a view of the Topatopa Mountains, an intimate living room setting in Elysian Park, in an Oak Tree Cathedral at the Churchill Orchard in Ojai, a Garden of Electronics in the courtyard of an Echo Park home, and a recording session under a pepper tree at Elsewhere in Topanga Canyon. Listen to the lead track “Hawk Dreams.”

“Openness Trio is a title that could easily be the name of this group,” says Mercereau. “‘Openness’ is the ideal word and description for what is happening here. Listening, Immersive Emoting, Deep Communication, Discovery, Trust, Exploration, and arriving to the moment to witness and share where we are, where we are going, and where we’ve been – these are all things that allow our music to happen in the way that it does.”

“It is very rare to feel so able to trust anyone so much, it expands your trust and awareness of yourself, and your sense of being trustworthy,” says Niño. “My favorite thing about playing with this Trio is in the Title: Openness. The totally psychic communication, connection that we have together is electric and deeply nourishing, invigorating… It is Open.”

“The trio’s title speaks to the music and so much more,” says Johnson. “The trio and its members have expanded my perceptions in and outside the music. For me, it’s reinforced prioritizing beauty and deep care of the music. I remember so fondly being together and playing in the Ojai orchard in early 2021. It was the first time I’d played music with people in a long time, and I remember feeling so so connected. The trio became 3D to me that day – soaring from the start.”

The Bacon Brothers Bring Their Signature ‘Forosoco’ Sound to Sold-Out Crowds on Freestanding Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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The Bacon Brothers Bring Their Signature ‘Forosoco’ Sound to Sold-Out Crowds on Freestanding Tour

The Bacon Brothers look forward to taking their show on the road this Summer. The Freestanding Tour commences in Paw Paw, MI on July 16th. (Scroll down for tour dates.) The 5-piece outfit is rehearsed and raring to go and looks forward to playing at sold-out houses of enthusiastic fans along the way. Kevin declares, “Connecting with people through music is a joy!”

The Bacon Brothers, featuring Michael & Kevin Bacon, have spent over three decades creating their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music. They call that diverse sound “Forosoco,” it’s taken them worldwide, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and Gruene Hall. They’ve been featured by the BBC, Associated Press, SiriusXM, Billboard, and Paste Magazine and have appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Carpool Karaoke, just to name a few. They’ve released twelve records, the most recent being the 2024 release, Ballad Of The Brothers. It’s a record that highlights the similarities between Kevin Bacon (known worldwide as an A-list Hollywood actor) and Michael Bacon (celebrated as an Emmy-winning composer) and the differences, too.

The critics have embraced The Bacon Brothers with The Alternate Root declaring, “Ballad of the Brothers offers the kind of competence and credibility that most bands would be delighted to enjoy. The Bacons are sizzling yet again.” Taste of Country stated simply that the pair made “Breezy, anthemic country rock,” and Ink 19 effused “The Bacon Brothers have come full circle, creating their own soundtrack that resonates with authenticity and innovation.”

In April, Kevin and Jennifer Nettles released an album inspired by the television show The Bondsman, which premiered on Amazon Prime. Several of the songs written and performed by Bacon and Nettles are included in the series, and some of the songs are included in their album, with a video created for “Hell And Back”. Rounding out the collection is “Digging”, a track co-written with Michael Bacon.

TOUR DATES
7/16 Paw Paw, MI Warner Vinyards
7/17 Cincinnati, OH The Ludlow Garage
7/19 Shelbyville, KY Jeptha Creed Distillery
7/25 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere SOLD OUT
7/26 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
7/27 Hammondsport, NY Point of the Bluff Vineyards
8/1 Dewey Beach, DE Bottle & Cork
8/2 Richmond, VA Tin Pan Richmond
8/3 Cape May, NJ Cape May Convention Hall
8/7 Decatur, IL Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater
8/8 Nashville, IN Brown County Music Center
8/9 Nashville, TN The Polka Theatre
8/30 Orkney Springs, VA Shenandoah Music Festival
8/31 Annapolis, MD Maryland Hall
9/4 Erie, PA Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center
9/5 + 9/6 Clayton, NY Clayton Opera House
9/11 Plymouth, NH The Flying Monkey
9/12 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
9/13 Uncasville, CT The Cabaret Theatre
9/14 Huntington, NY The Paramount
10/24 Coppell, TX The Coppell Arts Center
10/25 Salina, KS The Stiefel Theatre

Isaiah Falls Announces LVRS Paradise Tour Across North America and Europe

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Isaiah Falls Announces LVRS Paradise Tour Across North America and Europe

Rising R&B newcomer Isaiah Falls is set to take the stage across North America for his 17-stop LVRS Paradise Tour in support of his two-disc debut album, LVRS Paradise, out now via LVRS ONLY/ROC Nation Distribution. Kicking off on July 1 in Montreal at the International Montreal Jazz Festival, the tour will travel through several major destinations like Toronto, Chicago, and New York, concluding at San Francisco’s The Independent on August 1. Tour support will include Karri and members of Isaiah’s Luxury Lane collective. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase HERE.

After closing out the U.S. run, Isaiah brings LVRS Paradise overseas for a string of European shows this fall. He’ll touch down in Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and London—offering fans a deeper glimpse into the world he’s built with LVRS Paradise in some of the continent’s most intimate venues.

New merch pieces will also be available soon via https://isaiah-falls.com/.

On May 2, Isaiah Falls released side A of his debut album, LVRS Paradise. Expanding on the seductive world of his breakout EP Drugs N’ Lullabies, Falls introduces a deeper chapter of his sonic evolution–a moody, immersive space he calls “a safe place for lovers.” Across hazy grooves, after-hours textures, and intimate confessions, LVRS Paradise captures both sides of desire: the euphoria of new love and the serenity of being fully seen, leaning into moody textures. Indulging in the late-night vulnerability fans first fell for, with features from Ambré, Odeal, and Joyce Wrice, Falls traces intimacy and connection with ease, offering a portrait of love built on the courage to surrender. Listen HERE.

Side A opens with “FOR LVRS ONLY,” a lush, slow-burning invitation that sets the tone for the project’s meditative sensuality, painting the scene of gentle, intentional love. The focus track, “TRICK DADDY,” flips into a more playful, flirtatious gear–an anthem of extravagant devotion where Falls packages grand gestures and modern love languages in a confident, feel-good moment rooted in partnership and pleasure. On “BUTTERFLIES” featuring Joyce Wrice, Falls leans into the emotional high of infatuation, his syrupy cadences melting into Wrice’s dreamy harmonies. While “SEARCHING” featuring Odeal, uses ambient synths, vulnerable vocals, and an entrancing rhythm to capture the ache of longing an emotional distance. The project closes on a spiritual note with “HEAVEN2ME,” a gospel-tinged ballad that nods to the divine nature of love–a final exhale that elevates the romance to something bigger than the physical.

In addition to headlining his own LVRS Paradise North American Tour, Isaiah Falls will join SiR’s Stepping Into The Light Tour as a special guest for 10-dates this May, kicking off May 7 at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. Isaiah and SiR–both torchbearers of R&B’s new wave are a can’t-miss double bill. Tickets are available HERE.

With comparisons to Drake, Bryson Tiller, and Brent Faiyaz, Isaiah Falls is cementing his place as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices. His breakout project, Drugs N’ Lullabies, landed on VIBE’s 25 Best R&B Albums of 2024, which featured his breakout single, “Florida Baby,” earning him Billboard’s Rookie of the Month and spots on Billboard and Complex’s 2025 R&B Artists to Watch lists. Drugs N’ Lullabies was also praised by VIBE, Yams Magazine, and Rap-Up as one of 2024’s best albums, with VIBE naming “Butterflies” one of the year’s Best R&B Songs. Most recently, he delivered an exclusive performance of “DIVA” to mark the relaunch of Billboard Live. With features in UPROXX and VIPER Magazine, Isaiah Falls is on a mission to rekindle the romance in R&B–one soul-baring verse at a time.

ISAIAH FALLS LVRS PARADISE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

JULY 1 – Montreal, QC | Montreal Jazz Festival

JULY 4 – Toronto, ON | Velvet Underground

JULY 7 – Detroit, MI | El Club

JULY 8 – Chicago, IL | The Promontory

JULY 10 – Cambridge, MA | The Middle East – Sonia

JULY 12 – New York, NY | Gramercy Theatre

JULY 14 – Washington, DC | Union Stage

JULY 16 – Atlanta, GA | Aisle 5

JULY 19 – Orlando, FL | The Beacham

JULY 23 – Houston, TX | House of Blue – Bronze Peacock

JULY 24 – Dallas, TX | House of Blues Houston – Cambridge Room

JULY 25 – Austin, TX | Parish

JULY 27 – Phoenix, AZ | Crescent Ballroom

JULY 29 – Los Angeles, CA | The Echoplex

JULY 31 – Sacramento, CA | The Rink Studios

AUGUST 1 – San Francisco, CA | The Independent

ISAIAH FALLS LVRS PARADISE EUROPEAN TOUR DATES

SEPTEMBER 23 – Paris, FR | La Place

SEPTEMBER 24 – Amsterdam, NL | Paradiso

SEPTEMBER 25 – Berlin, DE | Badehaus

SEPTEMBER 28 – London, UK | Village Underground

LVRS PARADISE (SIDE A) TRACKLIST

1. FOR LVRS ONLY

2. A FLORIDA LUV STORY

3. GET YA MONEY

4. TAKE A HIT

5. TRICK DADDY

6. DESIRES ft. Ambré

7. SEARCHING ft . Odeal

8. BUTTERFLIES ft. Joyce Wrice

SIR THE STEP INTO THE LIGHT TOUR – ISAIAH FALLS SPECIAL GUEST

MAY 7 – Vancouver, BC | Commodore Ballroom

MAY 8 – Portland, OR | Crystal Ballroom

MAY 11 – Seattle, WA | Showbox SoDo

MAY 13 – San Jose, CA | San Jose Civic Auditorium

MAY 15 – Sacramento, CA | Ace of Spades

MAY 20 – Dallas, TX | House of Blues Dallas

MAY 22 – New Orleans, LA | The Fillmore New Orleans

MAY 24 – Orlando, FL | House of Blues Orlando

MAY 25 – Miami Beach, FL | Fillmore Miami Beach

MAY 28 – Charlotte, NC | The Fillmore Charlotte

30 Famous Musicians Who Secretly Rocked Your Childhood TV

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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30 Famous Musicians Who Secretly Rocked Your Childhood TV

You ever hear a cartoon theme song so good it made you pause mid-Cheerio? Turns out, a bunch of them were secretly written or sung by your favorite bands and artists. They weren’t just jingles—they were bangers in disguise. The more you dig, the more you realize: your childhood playlist was stacked with legends.

The theme for Rocko’s Modern Life? That’s the B-52’s giving your Saturday morning a dose of weird, wild, and wonderful. And when Ms. Frizzle revved up the bus in The Magic School Bus, that wasn’t just cartoon chaos—that was Little Richard turning a science class into a rock ‘n’ roll field trip.

PBS got real lucky when Ziggy Marley stepped in with the joyful reggae vibes of Arthur. That theme wasn’t just catchy, it was soul medicine. And over on Nickelodeon, TLC brought the ‘90s cool to All That, making the opening track a moment of hip-hop history.

Before you ever heard “Girlfriend” on the radio, Bowling For Soup was already winning kids over with the endlessly fun theme to Phineas and Ferb. And speaking of pop-punk, Simple Plan powered up What’s New, Scooby-Doo? with enough energy to turn a mystery van into a tour bus.

Coolio rapped his way into Nickelodeon lore with the unforgettable theme to Kenan & Kel. Cyndi Lauper sprinkled glitter and punk magic on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. And Solange Knowles gave The Proud Family a voice with so much soul, you’d swear Destiny’s Child was in the living room.

Will.I.Am brought a futuristic funk to Samurai Jack, while Taj Mahal made Peep and the Big Wide World feel like a front porch jam session. Meanwhile, Tally Hall gave Happy Monster Band music that could’ve just as easily been a Pitchfork-endorsed indie EP.

If the lyrics “Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog” live rent-free in your head, you have They Might Be Giants to thank for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And yes, those same Johns gave educational brilliance to Higglytown Heroes, JoJo’s Circus, and Jack’s Big Music Show.

Let’s not forget Andre 3000 creating and composing music for his own animated series Class of 3000. Christina Milian absolutely crushed the catchy theme to Kim Possible. And Dr. John lent his iconic New Orleans charm to the Curious George theme song.

Modern shows didn’t skip out either: Jeff Rosenstock composed the punky perfection of Craig of the Creek, while Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy brought his stadium-sized pipes to Spidey and His Amazing Friends. Meanwhile, Estelle not only voiced Garnet on Steven Universe, but sang part of the show’s beloved theme song.

Iggy Pop somehow sang the theme to Aaahh!!! Real Monsters and Space Goofs, and Joe Perry of Aerosmith provided guitar heroics for Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Not to be outdone, Aaron Neville sang Little People, Bruce Cockburn did Franklin, and Macy Gray delivered a heartfelt theme for As Told By Ginger.

Even The Jonas Brothers rocked out the theme for American Dragon: Jake Long, Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo gave us Rugrats, Grimes created the whimsical intro to Hilda, and The Darkness injected high-voltage glam into Grace’s Amazing Machines.

And yes, Wayne Brady sang the funky, unforgettable theme to The Weekenders. Because of course he did.

So next time someone says “kids’ music doesn’t slap,” play them Yo Gabba Gabba! — a show created by The Aquabats and featuring guest performances by The Killers, MGMT, The Roots, and Weezer. Then watch their face melt like a LEGO sneaker in the sun.

Lace Up and Brick Out: LEGO and Nike Team Up for the Ultimate Dunk Tribute

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

0

Lace Up and Brick Out: LEGO and Nike Team Up for the Ultimate Dunk Tribute

If you ever dreamed of combining your sneaker obsession with your childhood LEGO passion, July 1 might just become your favourite day of the year. For the first time ever, LEGO and Nike have joined forces to create the LEGO Nike Dunk set — a 1,180-piece, high-top sneaker tribute that lands squarely in the sweet spot between streetwear cred and brick-building bliss. Priced at $129.99 CAD, this is a flex, a collectible, and a hands-on homage to one of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes.

With over 1,000 pieces, the set is packed with fan-service details. We’re talking interchangeable laces, hidden stash compartments, and even a rotating basketball toy that adds an extra level of play and display. At 9.5 inches high and 15 inches wide, this can sit quietly on a shelf, but it’s bold, bricked-up, and proudly wearable — well, at least by your imagination.

What makes this launch even more exciting is that it’s just the beginning. Following the July release of the LEGO Dunk build, Nike and LEGO are rolling out a full collection of LEGO-inspired sneakers and apparel in August and September, continuing into the fall. Yes, your brick-built kicks could have a matching real-life pair. It’s like having your cake and constructing it, too.

This is more than a nostalgic nod. It’s a love letter to design junkies, toy collectors, and sneakerheads alike — and it’s being treated with the attention it deserves. The promotional rollout reflects what the industry is doing right now: prioritizing bold collabs, maximizing multi-platform buzz, and using culturally iconic items to build brand loyalty across generations. It’s not just about the bricks anymore — it’s about how they fit into our lifestyle stories.

Whether you’re new to LEGO builds or a longtime AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), this release hits that rare space where collectible culture and pop design intersect. And let’s be honest — who wouldn’t want to explain to guests why there’s a brick sneaker sitting on your coffee table with a secret stash compartment and its own basketball-playing LEGO minifig named B’Ball Head?

Coldplay Opens Stanford Stadium to Live Music for the First Time With Sold-Out Shows

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Coldplay Opens Stanford Stadium to Live Music for the First Time With Sold-Out Shows

This past weekend, Coldplay launched the 2025 North American leg of their record-breaking Music Of The Spheres World Tour with two sold-out performances at Stanford Stadium. Held on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1, the shows marked a landmark moment for both the band and the region, as the stadium – long renowned for its sporting legacy – opened its doors to live music for the very first time.

Please find below approved photographs from the performances:

The band performed to an elated audience, delivering a set full of songs from their latest global No. 1 album Moon Music, alongside beloved classics including “Yellow”, “Viva La Vida”, “Paradise”, “Fix You”, “The Scientist”, “A Sky Full Of Stars” and many more. The show, renowned for its dazzling production and immersive experience, once again featured Coldplay’s hallmark visuals – LED wristbands, confetti bursts, lasers, and fireworks lighting up the venue in spectacular fashion.

Support for the North American dates came courtesy of Willow and Elyanna, both of whom were met with rapturous reception from the early evening crowds.

Photo Credit: Anna Lee

Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour has now sold over 12 million tickets globally – the most ever for a single tour – firmly establishing it as a cultural and touring phenomenon. Beyond the record-breaking numbers, the band’s commitment to creating a joyful, inclusive, and environmentally responsible live experience for fans continues to set a new touring benchmark across the world.

Last summer, the band issued an update on their sustainability initiatives, revealing that, on a show-by-show comparison, the current tour has so far produced 59% less CO2e emissions than their previous stadium tour in 2016/17, exceeding their original target of a 50% reduction. More than 9 million trees have already been planted around the world (with a further million currently being planted). Full info can be found at sustainability.coldplay.com.

DHL is the Official Logistics Partner of the Music Of The Spheres World Tour, supporting the band in their mission to cut tour emissions by 50%.

UPCOMING MUSIC OF THE SPHERES 2025 WORLD TOUR DATES:

JUNE

6: Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

7: Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

10: Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High (Support: Willow, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

13: El Paso, TX – Sun Bowl Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna, Jim Ward) – SOLD OUT

14: El Paso, TX – Sun Bowl Stadium (Support: Willow, Elyanna, Jim Ward) – SOLD OUT

JULY

7: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

8: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

11: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

12: Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

15: Boston, MA – Gillette Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

16: Boston, MA – Gillette Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

19: Madison, WI – Camp Randall Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

22: Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna, Bobby Gonz) – SOLD OUT

26: Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

27: Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium (Support: Ayra Starr, Elyanna) – SOLD OUT

AUGUST

18: Hull, UK – Craven Park Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

19: Hull, UK – Craven Park Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

22: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

23: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

26: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

27: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

30: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

31: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

SEPTEMBER

3: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

4: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

7: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

8: London, UK – Wembley Stadium (Support: TBA) – SOLD OUT

Tyla Releases Explosive New “Bliss” Video Directed by Director X

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Tyla Releases Explosive New “Bliss” Video Directed by Director X

Tyla has released a brand new Director X directed music video for her track “Bliss”. Tyla’s penchant for the larger-than-life is on full display in her quite literally explosive new video for “Bliss,” starring the South African native breaking free into euphoria with an eruptive desert backdrop pacing the action. It’s an intimate new feature that allows Tyla’s vulnerable demeanor to take centerstage, replete with sultry close-ups and direct communication through the camera lens.

Along with her recent win for Favorite Afrobeats Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards, Tyla’s latest single and video “Bliss” aims to add to her historic reign and career highlights which notably already include her debut album, TYLA, which was the highest charting for an African female soloist in Billboard 200 history. “Water,” her triple-platinum superstar-turning hit, helped the singer achieve the same feat on the Billboard Hot 100.

Following her first-career GRAMMY victory in 2024 -” Water” for ‘Best African Music Performance’ – Tyla has received nods at the BET Awards, MTV VMAs, MTV Europe Awards, and a plethora of others. Most recently, at Billboard Women in Music, Tyla was the Impact Award honoree and performed the chart-topping single from her TYLA+ deluxe album, “PUSH 2 START.” In conversation with Billboard, Tyla gave fans a taste of what’s to come from her second go-round.

“I’ve changed a lot in a short amount of time because I was kind of forced to – with how fast I had to adapt to everything,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to be the same energy at all, especially with what I’ve started making. It’s different, but also still Tyla.”

This summer, TYLA will host Nickelodeon’s legendary Kids Choice Awards on June 21st and after an electrifying performance at Coachella, she will continue to bring the party to the festival stage as she is set to play the heralded Governors Ball in June and revered Bonnaroo Festival shortly after.

Sparks Celebrate Career-Best Chart Success as ‘MAD!’ Storms UK Albums

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Sparks Celebrate Career-Best Chart Success as ‘MAD!’ Storms UK Albums

As they prepare for their MAD! Tour, with dates in the UK in June and July, Sparks – brothers Ron and Russell Mael – are celebrating their career-best UK chart position. Their 28th studio album MAD!, released on May 23 2025, entered at Number 1 in the Official Physical Albums Chart, Official Independent Albums Chart, Official CD Albums Chart, Official Vinyl Albums Chart and Official Scottish Albums Chart, and at Number 2 in the Official Albums Chart (sales and digital combined).

Sparks previously peaked at Number 4, 51 years ago, with 1974’s Kimono My House. MAD! gives them their seventh UK Top 40 album to date and fourth UK Top 10 in the last 8 years.

Speaking to the Official Charts they said: “We’re so deeply appreciative of the way our new album MAD! has been embraced by all of you, to such an extent that it’s reached Number 2, our highest chart position ever! Hard to believe! We will continue – to paraphrase a certain band, Sparks – to “do things our own way,” knowing the support we’re getting from all of you. See you soon on the UK leg of our tour in June and July!”

The band also took to social media to thank their fans saying “Thank you everybody for making MAD! be this incredible achievement for Sparks, we’re just so over the moon and want to thank you all for your wonderful support and reception to the album” Russell Mael.

“We’ve always felt really strongly about this album musically and we’re glad that so many people seem to agree with our judgement” Ron Mael.

Sparks’ MAD! Tour kicks off in Japan this week before returning to Europe. Fans can expect musical thrills and unbridled joy from the career-spanning show. UK dates are:

Wed. June 18 – London, Eventim Apollo
Thu. June 19 – London, Eventim Apollo
Sat. June 21 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Sun. June 22 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Tue. June 24 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall (SOLD OUT)
Fri. July 18 – Edinburgh, Edinburgh Playhouse
Sat. July 19 Wolverhampton, The Halls

Kizz Daniel Drops New EP ‘Lemon Chase’ Ahead of Forthcoming Album ‘Uncle K’

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Kizz Daniel Drops New EP ‘Lemon Chase’ Ahead of Forthcoming Album ‘Uncle K’

Nigerian superstar Kizz Daniel returns with a brand-new EP entitled Lemon Chase. The 7-track project is a precursor to his forthcoming album, Uncle K, which is primed for widespread acclaim.

On the EP, Kizz Daniel says “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade out of it. I wanted this project to feel like real life; sweet, sour, confusing, beautiful. This is music for your heart, for when you’re healing, or hoping, or remembering. I just wanted it to be honest, authentic and true to self.”

With Lemon Chase, Kizz Daniel continues to grow, not just as a hitmaker, but as a storyteller who’s open to pulling back the curtain. The international pop star has an ability to draw listeners into a space where vulnerability, raw emotions, and self-reflection all exist in equal measure. The EP, out now, includes guest appearances from FOLA, Zlatan, ODUMODUBLVCK, Bella Shmurda, Runtown, Angelique Kidjo, and Johnny Drille.

Kizz Daniel has been building anticipation for Uncle K with a series of singles and next-level collaborations like “Police” featuring Johnny Drille and five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo. Now, the Ogun star delves deeper into his personal story while providing listeners with the latest taste of his upcoming fifth studio album.

Otis Redding Statue Unveiled in Macon to Honor King of Soul’s Legacy

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 2, 2025

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Otis Redding Statue Unveiled in Macon to Honor King of Soul’s Legacy

The Otis Redding Foundation celebrates Otis Redding’s ongoing legacy with the Otis Redding Statue, a life-size bronze sculpture that pays tribute to the King of Soul and his multi-platinum, international classic hit “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” With June marking Black Music Month, the statue honors the late icon’s cultural contributions in the history of American music, and legacy of his deep roots in Macon giving back to the community. This June, the Otis Redding Foundation will also lead their popular Otis Music Camp, the annual summer program that empowers new generations of young artists through arts education.

The Otis Redding Statue is now installed at the corner of Cotton Avenue and Cherry Street in downtown Macon, atop a new water fountain added to its design by sculptor Bradley Cooley Jr. It stands in front of the cultural hub the Redding family has built along Cotton Avenue, which includes the Zelma Redding Amphitheater and Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA), and the Otis Redding Museum. The statue is an enduring reflection of Macon’s rich musical legacy, a community that’s been a vital home to helping Otis Redding, the Redding family, and many artists to flourish. The statue was previously displayed since 2002 in Macon’s Gateway Park overlooking the historic Ocmulgee River, and originally created by sculptors Bradley Cooley and Bradley Cooley Jr.

“The statue of Otis Redding is not simply a symbol of the Reddings’ enormous impact on Macon. It being on Cotton Avenue, mere feet from where a relocated statue of a Confederate soldier stood for almost a century is a beautiful testament to Macon’s generational progress. The statue of Otis Redding and the Center are a true representation of who we were, are, and can and will be” – says Seth Clark, Mayor Pro Tempore for Macon-Bibb County and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.

Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice President and Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation, says – “As lifelong residents of Macon, our family is proud to have our father’s statue relocated to Cotton Avenue, together in front of the new amphitheater named for our mother, and just blocks from property our father owned in the 1960s. Macon has always been a vibrant community that has been an important foundation to support our father and mother’s dreams, nurturing us to be able to lead and develop opportunities to support the dreams and education of future generations. At the Otis Redding Foundation, we carry on our purpose of serving the youth and adults of Macon and middle Georgia, together let’s continue to make an impact for our community to continue thriving here at home and the world.”

Established in 2007 by Founder and President Zelma Redding, the Otis Redding Foundation is now housed in ORCA, now the home site for its signature summer camp programs (Otis Music Camp and Camp Dream). The Otis Music Camp runs June 2 – 21, 2025, serving youth ages 12-18 interested in the music business. Camp Dream will follow from July 14 – 25, 2025, serving children ages 5-11 to explore the arts, from music and dance to visual arts and theater. The state-of-the-art ORCA is a 15,000 sq-ft facility encompassing the Zelma Redding Amphitheater, multiple creative labs and classrooms, and the O3 Recording Studio, named after Otis Redding, III, who passed away in April, 2023.

This June in celebration of Black Music Month, also sees one of Otis Redding’s most acclaimed albums Otis Blue, getting a mastered vinyl treatment, to be released by Warner Music’s Rhino Reserve premium vinyl series on June 27th. For more information on the Otis Redding Foundation, its programs and ORCA, visit https://www.otisreddingfoundation.org/ and https://www.orcamacon.org/.