Rising country musician Sam Williams gets vulnerable on catchy new track “Lose You Too” . This is the third offering from Sam’s forthcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR, out July 11.
Penned by Sam, Emily Weisband (BTS, Camila Cabello, Dan+Shay), and Alysa Vanderheym (Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Jelly Roll) “Lose You Too” blends raw, honest lyrics over a glossy, country-pop production as Williams confesses, “I’ve already lost more than I thought I’d ever lose / I can’t lose you, too” – and yeah, it kinda wrecks you in the best way.
Of the track, Sam reflects, “Releasing a song you wrote in a different chapter of your life is a little uncomfortable, especially one that holds so much hope. Not gonna lie, it hurts to revisit this chapter… but “Lose You Too” still slaps. There’s a softness in this song that I’m proud of, and maturing means learning not to dim the parts of yourself that feel deeply. I’ve learned I can lose beautiful things, and still believe that the love I put into the world will come back around.”
“Lose You Too” will be featured on Sam’s forthcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR, alongside previously released tracks “No Problem” and title track “COUNTRYSTAR.” The vibrant and daring seven-song project underscores Williams’ versatile songwriting skills. To bring this new sound to life, Sam collaborated with producer Nick Bailey, whose credits include Lana Del Rey, Quavo, Maroon 5, and Blake Shelton, and producer Yung Lan (Morgan Wallen, Lil Uzi Vert).
Up next, Sam will be taking over CMA Fest with multiple performances. He’s set to light up the Love and Acceptance at Category 10 on Monday, June 2, before taking over The Listening Room Cafe with Amanda Shires and Lawrence Rothman on Tuesday, June 3. He’ll also be performing at MCA’s Sounds Like Nashville Live at Skydeck on Broadway on Friday, June 6, before closing out the weekend at Hard Rock Cafe on Sunday, June 8.
Sam continues to push Nashville into bold new territory with his fearless creativity and boundary-pushing sound. With Act II: COUNTRYSTAR on the horizon, it’s clear that Sam is bringing a whole new energy to this three-act trilogy.
In the digital era, website security is paramount. For businesses and individuals managing multiple subdomains, securing each one individually can be cumbersome and costly. A wildcard SSL certificate offers a cost-effective solution by securing your primary domain and all its first-level subdomains with a single certificate. This article delves into cheap wildcard SSL certificates, highlighting top providers, their offerings, and the benefits of opting for this solution.
What Is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A wildcard SSL certificate is a digital certificate that secures a primary domain and an unlimited number of first-level subdomains. For instance, a wildcard certificate for *.example.com will secure www.example.com, mail.example.com, blog.example.com, and any other subdomain under example.com. This eliminates the need to purchase and manage separate certificates for each subdomain, streamlining the process and reducing costs.
Benefits of Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
Cost-Effective Security: Purchasing a single wildcard SSL certificate is more affordable than buying individual certificates for each subdomain.
Simplified Management: Managing one certificate for all subdomains reduces administrative overhead and the risk of errors. Enhanced Trust: Displaying HTTPS across all subdomains boosts user confidence and can improve search engine rankings.
Scalability: As your website grows and you add more subdomains, a wildcard certificate automatically covers them without additional costs.
Top Providers of Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
SSL2BUY
Overview: SSL2BUY offers a wide range of affordable wildcard SSL certificates from reputable Certificate Authorities (CAs) like Comodo, RapidSSL, and GeoTrust.
Example: The Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard certificate is available for $26/year, providing domain validation and 256-bit encryption.
ClickSSL
Overview: ClickSSL provides budget-friendly wildcard SSL certificates with quick issuance times and strong encryption.
Example: The Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard is priced at $45/year, offering unlimited subdomain coverage and a $10,000 warranty.
CheapSSLShop
Overview: CheapSSLShop offers competitive pricing on wildcard SSL certificates, catering to various business needs
Example: The GlobalSign Wildcard SSL certificate starts at $29/year, providing domain validation and robust encryption.
CheapSSLsecurity
Overview: CheapSSLsecurity offers affordable wildcard SSL certificates with quick issuance and strong encryption.
Example: The Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard is available for $59.95/year, offering domain validation and a $10,000 warranty.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificate
Validation Type: Wildcard SSL certificates typically offer Domain Validation (DV), which verifies domain ownership. For higher trust levels, consider Organization Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) certificates, though they are less common for wildcard certificates.
Warranty: A warranty provides financial protection in case of a security breach due to a certificate flaw. Ensure the certificate offers a sufficient warranty amount.
Issuance Time: Consider how quickly the certificate is issued. Some providers offer instant issuance, while others may take longer.
Browser Compatibility: Ensure the certificate is compatible with all major browsers and devices to avoid trust issues.
Support: Opt for providers that offer 24/7 customer support to assist with any issues or questions.
How to Install a Wildcard SSL Certificate
Purchase the Certificate: Choose a provider and purchase the wildcard SSL certificate that fits your needs.
Generate a CSR: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server for the primary domain.
Submit the CSR: Submit the CSR to the Certificate Authority (CA) for validation.
Install the Certificate: Once issued, install the wildcard SSL certificate on your server.
Verify Installation: Use online tools to verify that the certificate is correctly installed and covers all subdomains.
Conclusion
Opting for a cheap wildcard SSL certificate is a smart choice for website owners looking to secure their primary domain and unlimited subdomains affordably. By considering factors like validation type, warranty, issuance time, browser compatibility, and support, you can select the best certificate to meet your needs. Providers like SSL2BUY, ClickSSL, CheapSSLShop, and CheapSSLsecurity offer competitive pricing and reliable services to help you enhance your website’s security without breaking the bank.
As cyber threats continue to grow and user expectations for online security become higher, SSL certificates have transformed from a “nice-to-have” into a non-negotiable requirement for every website. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Thanks to competitive pricing and a wide range of Certificate Authorities (CAs), you can now find cheap SSL certificates that offer robust encryption, browser trust, and essential protection—without the high cost.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cheap SSL certificates: what they are, how they work, who they’re ideal for, and where to get them at the best prices in 2025.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital certificate that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between a website and a user’s browser. It ensures that data exchanged—like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information—remains confidential.
When a website has an SSL certificate installed, the browser displays:
A padlock icon in the address bar
HTTPS instead of HTTP
Optional company details (with higher-level certificates)
All of this signals to users that the site is trustworthy and secure.
Why Do You Need an SSL Certificate?
No matter how large or small your website is, SSL certificates offer critical benefits:
Encrypt user data to prevent interception by hackers
Authenticate your website to prove it’s legitimate
Improve SEO rankings since Google prefers HTTPS sites
Avoid browser warnings that label your site as “Not Secure”
Boost user trust and increase conversion rates
What Are Cheap SSL Certificates?
Cheap SSL certificates are domain-validated (DV) certificates offered at low prices—sometimes even for free. Despite being affordable, they still use the same 256-bit encryption as higher-tier certificates.
What makes them cheaper is:
Minimal validation (domain ownership only)
Lower warranty amounts
Fewer or no add-ons like site seals or support
Shorter validity or fewer advanced features
For most blogs, small businesses, portfolios, and startups, these certificates offer everything needed to secure a site efficiently and affordably.
Types of Cheap SSL Certificates
When you’re shopping for cheap SSL certificates, here are the most common options available:
🔐 Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates
Fast issuance (within minutes)
Requires only email or DNS validation
Ideal for blogs, informational websites, personal projects
Price: $0 to $30/year
🌐 Wildcard SSL Certificates
Secure a domain and all its first-level subdomains (e.g., *.yourdomain.com)
Great value for dynamic websites
Price: $30 to $150/year
🧾 Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificates
Secure multiple different domains under one certificate
Used by agencies, portfolio sites, or enterprise networks
Price: $60 to $200/year
Note: These cheap SSL certificates still offer solid encryption but are best suited for non-commercial or low-risk sites.
Top Providers for Cheap SSL Certificates in 2025
Here are the most trusted and affordable providers to buy SSL certificates without overspending:
1. SSL2BUY
Reseller offering certificates from Comodo, Sectigo, GeoTrust
Prices start as low as $5/year
Supports all major SSL types
2. Namecheap
Excellent reputation and user interface
PositiveSSL from Sectigo starting at $7.88/year
Free 1-year SSL with domain purchase
3. SSL.com
Easy-to-navigate platform
Offers free basic DV SSL for testing
Paid DV SSLs start from $14.95/year
4. GoGetSSL
Known for deep discounts
Offers cheap wildcard SSLs and multi-domain options
PositiveSSL Wildcard starts around $29/year
5. Let’s Encrypt (Free Option)
100% free DV SSL certificates
Requires manual renewal every 90 days unless automated
No customer support or warranties
Price Comparison: Cheap SSL Certificates (DV)
Provider
Certificate Name
Price (USD/year)
Warranty
Browser Support
SSL2BUY
PositiveSSL DV
$5 – $8
$10,000
99.9%
Namecheap
PositiveSSL
$7.88
$10,000
99.9%
GoGetSSL
RapidSSL DV
$8.50
$10,000
99.9%
SSL.com
Basic SSL DV
$14.95
$10,000
99.9%
Let’s Encrypt
Free SSL
$0
None
99.9%
Tip: Always look for multi-year options to save even more, as some resellers offer significant discounts for 2–5 year terms.
How to Buy Cheap SSL Certificates (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose a Provider
Pick a reliable SSL provider based on your needs (number of domains, support level, warranty).
Step 2: Select Certificate Type
DV SSL for basic needs, Wildcard if you have subdomains, or SAN SSL if you own multiple websites.
Step 3: Generate a CSR
A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is created via your hosting panel (like cPanel or Plesk).
Step 4: Complete Domain Validation
Usually done via email or DNS record verification for DV certificates.
Step 5: Install the Certificate
Use your host’s SSL tools or manually install it on the server.
Step 6: Redirect to HTTPS
Set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS and update internal links.
Who Should Use Cheap SSL Certificates?
Cheap SSLs are perfect for:
Small business websites
Personal blogs or portfolios
Nonprofits and community projects
Temporary or campaign-based websites
Development or staging environments
If you’re not collecting sensitive information or processing payments, a cheap SSL certificate offers more than enough protection.
When Not to Use a Cheap SSL Certificate
Avoid relying on cheap SSLs if you:
Handle credit card data or sensitive financial info
Operate a large e-commerce platform
Need Extended Validation (EV) for reputation or compliance
Require dedicated customer support and large warranty backing
In those cases, an OV or EV SSL from a premium provider is recommended.
With the right provider and a clear understanding of your needs, finding cheap SSL certificates that don’t compromise on security is entirely possible in 2025. They offer essential encryption, fast setup, and full browser compatibility—making them ideal for budget-conscious individuals and small businesses.
Whether you choose a $7/year PositiveSSL or a free Let’s Encrypt certificate, what matters most is taking action to secure your website. In a digital environment where users demand privacy and browsers penalize insecure sites, SSL is a smart and necessary investment—no matter your budget.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
From Hibbing to Highway 61, from folk clubs to Nobel lectures, Bob Dylan has never stopped moving, questioning, or reinventing what a songwriter—and a song—can be. Whether you came for the protest anthems, the cowboy hats, or the Christmas album (!), there’s always another Dylan phase to discover.
Bob Dylan’s original stage name was Elston Gunnn—with three n’s.
He once played piano for Bobby Vee—twice—in 1959.
Dylan wrote his first original song, “Song to Woody,” as a tribute to his idol, Woody Guthrie.
His high school yearbook predicted he’d join Little Richard.
He claims the only person he ever wanted to meet in life was Elvis Presley.
The Beatles first heard The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan in Paris and wore the record out.
He changed his name legally to Bob Dylan in 1962—his father signed the paperwork.
He nearly joined the Army just to get a free haircut.
He introduced the Beatles to marijuana in 1964.
He was the first rock artist to win a Pulitzer Prize (special citation, 2008).
Dylan didn’t speak for an entire week after JFK was assassinated.
He was once booed at the Newport Folk Festival—for playing electric guitar.
“Like a Rolling Stone” was rejected by Columbia Records’ execs for being “too long.”
Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower” made Dylan say, “That’s how it’s supposed to sound.”
His 1966 motorcycle crash might not have even happened—no ambulance, no hospital report.
He’s been on what’s called the “Never Ending Tour” since 1988.
He once released a 17-minute song about the JFK assassination…in 2020.
Dylan only made one Super Bowl ad—in 2014, for Chrysler.
He drew the original sketch for his Self Portrait album cover.
He learned to write songs by copying Hank Williams lyrics by hand.
He secretly married Carolyn Dennis in the 1980s and kept it quiet for over a decade.
He wrote “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” for a Western movie starring Kris Kristofferson.
Dylan turned down appearing at Woodstock.
He’s painted more than he’s released albums—his art has been shown in major galleries.
In 1965, he played nine songs in a row using the same four chords—and no one complained.
He once said he found religion through a song, not a preacher.
Dylan’s handwritten lyrics have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
He recorded a Christmas album in 2009 and donated all profits to charity.
He’s had the same bassist, Tony Garnier, for over 30 years.
Johnny Cash sent a letter to Broadside magazine defending Dylan before they even met.
Dylan once said his favorite rapper was…Eminem.
He’s covered Sinatra songs more than any other artist since 2015.
In his Nobel lecture, he cited Moby-Dick and All Quiet on the Western Front as literary influences.
He co-wrote songs with George Harrison that were never released.
His backup singers in the ’70s included Luther Vandross.
One of his biggest early gigs? A short scene on a BBC TV drama.
“Mr. Tambourine Man” was inspired by a real-life tambourine man named Bruce Langhorne.
He once called U2’s Bono “the voice of this generation—mine’s a bit more hoarse.”
His biggest hit in the 2000s? “Make You Feel My Love,” via Adele, Garth Brooks, and Billy Joel.
He once played harmonica on a Ramblin’ Jack Elliott album while eating a sandwich.
His memoir Chronicles: Volume One skips the ’60s almost entirely.
He was mistaken for homeless in Long Branch, NJ in 2009 and questioned by police.
Dylan said he doesn’t believe in following news but still reads The Economist.
He was the subject of Martin Scorsese documentaries twice.
Dylan reportedly doesn’t own a cellphone.
He once made a rap cameo on a Kurtis Blow album.
He used to mime along to Little Richard records in front of a mirror as a kid.
Dylan’s son Jakob Dylan is the lead singer of The Wallflowers.
His 1970 album Self Portrait was critically trashed—so he named his next album New Morning.
He wrote “Forever Young” as a lullaby for his son.
His biggest concert? Over 600,000 fans in Rio de Janeiro, 1990.
He was nominated for an Emmy for his song in Ted Lasso.
He once wrote a song with Sam Shepard.
He’s played over 3,000 shows on the Never Ending Tour.
He owns a whiskey brand—Heaven’s Door.
The “Judas!” heckle in Manchester was immortalized on tape… and Dylan shouted back.
He toured with the Grateful Dead and Tom Petty in the ’80s.
He once painted 32 iron gates and called it “visual music.”
He wrote 30 songs for a Broadway musical with the director of Girl from the North Country.
He said the one thing he regrets is… not learning piano properly.
Dylan’s childhood home in Hibbing, MN, still has its original mailbox.
He wrote “Tangled Up in Blue” while living in the Minnesota woods.
He’s been known to test his band with new arrangements—during the show.
He prefers to tour small venues instead of stadiums.
He wrote “Blowin’ in the Wind” in under 10 minutes.
He was awarded France’s Legion of Honour—after initial pushback from officials.
He owns thousands of vinyl records—and still prefers analog.
He once turned down a chance to join Paul Simon’s tour just to “stay home and cook.”
He appeared on MTV Unplugged—against his label’s advice.
The most covered Dylan song? “Blowin’ in the Wind,” with over 375 versions.
He told 60 Minutes he made a deal “with the chief commander… of this earth and the world we can’t see.”
Dylan’s handwriting is nearly illegible—his publishers often require a translator.
He wrote “Visions of Johanna” in a freezing hotel room with no heat.
He got married in secret—twice.
He once sent a thank-you note to a fan who returned a lost harmonica.
He never attended his Nobel Prize ceremony—but he sent Patti Smith.
Dylan says he never listens to his own albums after release.
He once wrote a song called “Wiggle Wiggle.” Critics did not love it.
His music has appeared in over 100 film soundtracks.
Dylan was once asked to write a James Bond theme. He politely declined.
His latest single hit #1 on the Billboard Rock chart—at age 79.
He says he writes best at 3 a.m.
Dylan has performed with everyone from The Band to Stevie Wonder to Norah Jones.
He’s the only songwriter to win an Oscar, Pulitzer, and Nobel Prize.
And finally… when asked if he’d ever retire, Bob Dylan said: “I’ll let you know when I get there.”
So happy 84th to the artist who made poetry sing and made pop music think. Here’s to the stories behind the songs, the secrets inside the bootlegs, and the magic of a career that keeps unfolding like a scroll from another time.
Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Sam Ryder has released his powerful new single “OH OK” alongside the beautiful B-side “Armour.” The single marks the second offering from this bold new musical chapter, and the latest flavor of Sam’s self-coined “Frontier Soul” genre. Both “OH OK” and “Armour” are out now via Artist Theory.
“OH OK” follows Sam’s first new single, “White Lies,” which racked up over half a million streams in its first week alone. With 20 million loyal followers across platforms, fans have organically discovered Sam’s authentic artistry, powerful vocals and infectious, magnetic presence.
After wrapping a successful North American tour in Los Angeles on May 21st, Sam also announced his biggest headline show to date at London’s massive Wembley Arena on November 6th. He also makes his Glastonbury debut at the iconic UK festival in June.
Co-written and produced by Sam Ryder, Kamille (Dua Lipa, JADE, Sia) and Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Smith) “OH OK” defiantly narrates the mixed emotions of moving on in a relationship, touching on themes of self-confidence and doing things on your own terms. It comes alongside the B-side “Armour,” a raw ballad that delves into the vulnerability of baring your soul and the quiet fear of removing emotional armour. “Armour” was co-written by Sam Ryder, Todd Clark (Noah Kahan, Dermot Kennedy) and Quinn Lewis.
Sam explains, “I wrote “OH OK” about jealousy, stoicism and the eternal, draining, rebound cycle at the end of a relationship. It’s about the universal feeling of making an ex jealous or being made to feel jealous by an ex and the ways in which we can claim our own power back while in that temporary space. Understanding the truth behind empty actions and acting rather than reacting seem to be the key to this, and I hope ‘OH OK’ serves as a reminder that if you’re going through it, this too shall pass.”
Discussing “Armour,” Sam continues “‘Armour’ was written about someone who used to be in my life, but who I went separate ways with. After a few months of reflection, I realized I wrote it about myself, or maybe even as a reminder to myself to forgive and keep letting go. Playing it live has been where I’ve found the song resonating with a wider audience and I’m excited to share it with the world.”
Laying the foundations for this new era both in the UK and Nashville, Sam deeply embedded himself in the cultural scene there, bringing his musical vision to life. Redefining his sound alongside an incredible team of collaborators, his musical journey evolved in parallel to his own path of self-discovery, resulting in his most vulnerable, intimate, and unfiltered work to date.
During lockdown, Sam caught the attention of millions on TikTok, including the likes of Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys, Sia and others. In 2023, he was nominated for an Emmy award for the song, “Fought & Lost” written for Ted Lasso, featuring Queen guitarist Brian May. After a dizzying couple of years that saw his hit single “Space Man” at the forefront of British airwaves and a #1 UK album, billions of streams, stadium performances and more, Sam took some time away to pause and reflect. Having reclaimed creative control, Sam is now making music on his own terms.
LA-based artist Carter Vail releases his new single “Stunner” out now via RCA Records . “Stunner” is the latest single from Carter Vail, following the release of “Baked Alaska” and the critically praised 100 Cowboys.
The new track is a raw and electrifying indie anthem that dives into the turbulent aftermath of a passionate but destructive relationship. With sharp, cinematic storytelling and a driving, hook-filled chorus, it channels both fiery heartbreak and longing. Blending the best of indie rock and modern alt-pop, “Stunner” hits with a raw, unfiltered edge.
On the single, Carter shares: “‘Stunner’ is about a love story, but one that leaves you feeling like roadkill. Less Jim & Pam, more Jigsaw and his victims. The best kind of love there is. I wrote and recorded it in my house, and it’s my favorite.”
Carter Vail is the kind of artist who radiates positivity, no matter the circumstance. Known for his infectious blend of pop-rock since 2018, his music is as uplifting as it is introspective. Whether you’re tuning into his vibrant anthems or enjoying his witty, relatable videos on TikTok and Instagram, it’s clear he’s carved out a unique space where humor, heart, and relentless optimism shine through.
On his sophomore LP 100 Cowboys, Vail continues to deliver his signature turbocharged, alt-pop sound-but with a deeper emotional edge. Inspired by a difficult breakup, the album features his most raw and personal lyrics yet, earning him recognition from Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, NPR, and The New York Times. With songs that are both cathartic and compelling, 100 Cowboys charts a journey of heartbreak and healing, wrapped in his unmistakable charm and buoyant energy. It’s a record that blends the anthemic with the intimate, reflecting the complexities of love and loss through Carter’s playful yet poignant lens.
In 2024, his viral hit “Dirt Man” garnered over 30 million views and saw him touring alongside Yung Gravy on the “Grits & Gravy” tour and selling out his own headlining shows across N. America, Europe and the United Kingdom.
With upcoming headline shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco, alongside major festival appearances at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza this summer, 2025 is already shaping up to be a massive year for Vail.
So you think you don’t like heavy metal? That’s cool. But maybe you’ve just never been properly introduced. Like olives, or jazz, or that one cousin you avoided until they showed up with concert tickets. Here are 10 metal albums even non-metalheads might just fall in love with. No screaming required. (Okay, maybe just a little.)
1. Metallica – Metallica (a.k.a. The Black Album) This is Metallica’s greatest magic trick: taking speed metal and turning it into stadium anthems. “Enter Sandman” sounds like it was born to blare out of a sports arena. It’s big, bold, and—dare I say—catchy. Even your dad probably owns this album and doesn’t know it. A perfect gateway for the metal-curious.
2. AC/DC – Back in Black Technically hard rock, but close enough to wear the leather jacket. This album is 100% riffs, rhythm, and fun. “You Shook Me All Night Long” is practically karaoke canon at this point. It’s loud, but it grooves. If metal had a house party, AC/DC would be on aux.
3. Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast Don’t be scared by the title—this is like horror movies with a great soundtrack. Galloping guitars, soaring vocals, and lyrics that sound like they were cribbed from an epic fantasy novel. If you like Shakespeare, Dungeons & Dragons, or both, this is your jam.
4. Ghost – Impera Imagine a metal band dressed like spooky cardinals but sounding like 1980s stadium pop-rock got haunted by Queen. Ghost is heavy metal for people who like melody, drama, and costumes. “Call Me Little Sunshine” could’ve been on Stranger Things—and that’s a compliment.
5. Black Sabbath – Paranoid This is the birthplace of heavy metal. But it’s also surprisingly bluesy and laid-back in parts. “Paranoid” and “Iron Man” are riffs you already know, even if you didn’t realize they were metal. Ozzy’s voice is more “mad scientist” than “screaming banshee.” Trust him.
6. System of a Down – Toxicity Yes, things get weird here—but in a fun way. This is metal for fans of political satire, performance art, and rapid tempo changes. One minute you’re moshing, the next you’re in a Middle Eastern folk song. It shouldn’t work. It totally does. Plus, it’s never boring.
7. Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory If you grew up in the 2000s, this album was everywhere—and with good reason. It blends nu-metal with rap and emo in a way that feels like teenage angst bottled into perfect little packages. Screams? Yes. Hooks? Also yes. For many, this was the gateway drug.
8. Mastodon – Crack the Skye This is metal for people who love prog rock, sci-fi, and long headphone sessions. It’s heavy, yes, but also weirdly calming in parts. The title track alone is a journey—think Pink Floyd with battle axes. You don’t just listen to this album, you explore it.
9. Evanescence – Fallen Amy Lee’s vocals are operatic, emotional, and cinematic. This is the metal album for people who love movie soundtracks and dramatic flair. “Bring Me to Life” was inescapable in the early 2000s for a reason—it’s catchy, emotional, and totally non-threatening.
10. Rammstein – Mutter German industrial metal? Hear me out. This album is all about rhythm and energy—you don’t even need to understand the lyrics to get into it. It’s dark, theatrical, and feels like something Darth Vader would play while working out. Plus, “Sonne” absolutely slaps.
Heavy metal isn’t all screaming and guitar solos (though we love that, too). It’s emotion, drama, energy, and—believe it or not—melody. If you find the right entry point, it’s just music with extra weight. Like a weighted blanket… but louder.
Zerox Machine is an immersive journey through the vibrant history of British punk and its associated fanzines from 1976 to 1988. Drawing on an extensive range of previously unpublished materials sourced from private collections across the United Kingdom, Matthew Worley describes and analyzes this transformative era, providing an intimate glimpse into the hopes and anxieties that shaped a generation. Far more than a showcase of covers, Zerox Machine examines the fanzines themselves, offering a rich tapestry of firsthand accounts, personal stories, and subcultural reflections. With meticulous research and insightful analysis, this book captures the spirit and essence of British youth culture, shedding new light on a pivotal movement in music history and offering a unique alternative history of Britain in the 1970s and ’80s.
In response to overwhelming demand from listeners worldwide, buzzing Chicago artist, producer, and DJ Proppa officially unveils “Grove St. Party” with multiplatinum hip-hop icon and trap innovator Waka Flocka Flame-out now via Major Recordings/Warner Records.
Proppa’s visionary rework of Waka’s classic “Grove St. Party” has already surged at festivals and on stages around the world since the producer first introduced it live this year. The culture has wholeheartedly and fervently embraced it. His mix notably received support from the likes of John Summit, Dom Dolla, Marshmello, Mau P, Cloonee, Odd Mob, Sidepiece, and many more. Moreover, it has moved audiences everywhere from ULTRA Miami and China’s VAC Vision & Colour to EDC Orlando. None other than Apple C.E.O. Tim Cook even experienced it at the Everything Always’ Super Bowl LIX Bourbon Street pop-up!
Online, live performance videos of various DJs dropping the track in their sets have stirred up a flurry of activity as well, tallying over 175K-plus cumulative “likes.” Prior to release, an unofficial Soundcloud rip also went crazy and gathered north of 290K plays and 15K “likes.”
Turning up the heat, Proppa artfully produced a dancefloor-ready track around Waka’s instantly recognizable hook. Laced with a thumping bassline, neon synths, and a club-shaking beat drop, “Grove St. Party” has the power to ignite any celebration this summer. Ultimately, it fuses two eras of sonic disruption on one undeniable and unshakable genre-busting banger.
“Grove St. Party” maintains Proppa’s incredible momentum in 2025, amplifying his influence across electronic music. Earlier this year, he linked with ABSNTH on “Bananas” in addition to joining forces with “DJ Susan and Lachi on “Top Spot.”
Taking flight out of the Windy City, Chicago-based Proppa continues a long history of electronic music innovation harbored by his hometown. He initially incited the adoration of a fervent fanbase by delivering viral remixes for “Work” by A$AP Ferg and “Always On Time” by Ja Rule and Ashanti. However, his trendsetting rework of Waka Flocka Flame’s “Grove St. Party” put him on the map. He garnered co-signs from John Summit, Dom Dolla, Everything Always, Marshmello, Mau P, and more as the track exploded worldwide. After amassing millions of streams views and earning acclaim from the likes of EDM.com, he attracted Major Recordings/Warner Records to his corner.
Kendall Street Company is proud to release radio and television’s pop-country number-one hit of the summer, “Some Kind of Party (In Here).” Inspired by artists like Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, the band explores their love for country music with their next two singles. A full album is expected in the fall. This song is about enjoying life’s simple pleasures like cold beer, pickup trucks, disc golf, and fishing.
Here’s what guitarist Ben Laderberg has to say: “It’s quite obvious we love Phish, The Grateful Dead, The Beatles. But what the general public doesn’t know is that we also have a healthy respect for the schmaltzy theater production of the modern pop-country greats. So as we were listening to the radio in Charleston, South Carolina, we thought, ‘They’re only playing three chords, it’s catchy, and a lot of people love it… so why can’t we dip our toes in this massive enterprise?’ On stage these country-pop artists are basically cosplaying and having fun with their gaudy outfits and silly lyrics about beer and pickup trucks. How different is that from the jam-band world that has nurtured us for the past ten years? Instead of tie-dye, Birkenstocks, and incense, it is cowboy hats, blue jeans, and bolo ties. Fans, regardless of genre, want to get in the zone and escape from their daily routines for the night. We hope our fans who are into all of our songs about ephemeral love, sea creatures, foodstuffs, Daddios, and outer space can see this pop-country phase as part of our general philosophy of exploration and play rather than a total departure from who we are.
“As for the specific origins of the chorus, I was installing a bidet at my neighbor’s house when their five-year-old walked in and exclaimed, ‘Wow, it’s some kind of party in here!’ It quickly entered my scatterbrained notes app to be scavenged for another day. Fast-forward to St. Augustine, Florida, last year for a show at JJ Grey’s Blackwater Sol Revue. The band had some off time at the beach and brought a mini Yamaha guitar to work on the tune. It basically started as a list of country tropes, and the full story developed into what it is now.”
Kendall Street Company has also released the official music video for their latest single, “Some Kind of Party (In Here),” and, true to the name, it’s a wild ride.
To capture the energy of the song, the band threw an actual party — and invited fans to be part of the experience. Tickets were sold through the band’s website for a secret-location show, with one key instruction: come dressed in cowboy attire. What followed was an unforgettable night of music, dancing, hot dogs, and beer-fueled fun, all captured through the lens of Richmond videographer Aspen DeRosa.
Fans who showed up were treated to two high-octane sets from Kendall Street Company, cartwheel competitions, Miley Cyrus-style lip-syncing, and an all-around good time that perfectly mirrors the upbeat, infectious vibe of the new single.
“It felt like everyone in that room knew they were part of something special,” said the band. “We wanted to throw a party — and film it — and it turned into one of the most fun nights we’ve ever had.”
