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Lori Rayne Breaks Country Rules With Gritty New EP ‘I Don’t Drink’

Eric Alper
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Lori Rayne Breaks Country Rules With Gritty New EP ‘I Don’t Drink’

Alternative country artist Lori Rayne releases her new EP ‘I Don’t Drink’, now available across digital platforms. The project captures Rayne in sharp focus, blending Southern storytelling with heavier guitars and an alternative-country edge. Unfiltered and self-assured, the EP reflects an artist fully comfortable carving her own path. It lands as a confident, energized release that makes its point without compromise.

“I Don’t Drink is the most honest reflection of who I am as an artist,” Rayne says. “It holds all the styles and influences that shape my sound and personality.” The title track flips expectations of a typical night out, celebrating connection, movement, and release without alcohol at the center. Driven by thick guitars and a jamming country groove, the song plays like a line-dance-ready anthem built for packed floors and loud speakers. The response to the track has been immediate and enthusiastic, with its bold spirit and lived-in confidence standing out.

Across the EP, Rayne balances edge with range. “The One That Ran Away” leans into heartbreak and unresolved emotion, while “To Be Country” offers a grounded nod to her roots. “Where Do We Go” pushes further into rock-tinged territory, letting the guitars lead. A stripped-down cover of “Jolene,” originally made famous by Dolly Parton, closes the EP on a strikingly personal note, spotlighting Rayne’s voice and perspective with nothing in the way.

SiriusXM Names Its Future Five Artists Set To Shape The Sound Of 2026: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro, and Wind Walkers

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM Names Its Future Five Artists Set To Shape The Sound Of 2026: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro, and Wind Walkers

SiriusXM today unveiled its Future Five for 2026, a curated list of five artists that were first championed by the platform and are predicted to break through and dominate this year.

As chosen by SiriusXM’s music programming team, the Future Five picks highlight five rising artists across all genres, including Hip Hop, Dance, Pop, Rock, and Country, that are believed to be some of the most up-and-coming voices that SiriusXM has been first to support. The 2026 Future Five include: Carter Faith, Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro and Wind Walkers. 

SiriusXM continues to use human insight and curation to further promote artist development and music discovery, with the programming team curating a list that reflects today’s most promising artists. Over the years, Future Five picks have been on point, proving the impact and success of SiriusXM’s human curation. Past Future Five selections include: Carly Pearce, Coco Jones, Doja Cat, Dominic Fike, Don Toliver, Gabby Barrett, Lil Uzi Vert, Leon Thomas,  Lola Young, Megan Moroney, Roddy Ricch, and more.

“SiriusXM’s Future Five is all about shining a spotlight on the artists we believe are ready to break through in a big way,” said Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Music Programming at SiriusXM and Pandora. “Our programming team lives at the forefront of music discovery, and these five artists capture exactly where each of their genres is headed next.”

The 2026 Future Five:

Carter Faith 

Since debuting on SiriusXM’s The Highway in 2022 as an unsigned artist, the channel has led the way in introducing the singer-songwriter to listeners across North America, putting the spotlight on her songs “Wild” and “Betty.” Support for Faith’s music continued on the channel into 2026 with her songs featured on its new music showcase, On The Horizon. To date, driven by SiriusXM’s support, “Betty,” has reached nearly 1 million on-demand streams per week and over the last 12 weeks, she’s accumulated 2 million on-demand streams. After signing with MCA and Universal Music Publishing Group, Faith began recording her long-awaited debut album Cherry Valley and will be featured in an upcoming Netflix film. 

Ian Asher

Fueled by SiriusXM’s support across BPM and Diplo’s Revolution channels, Ian Asher has rapidly risen in the dance music scene with his signature blend of house beats, catchy vocals, and global influences. Following his breakout success with the remix of Jain’s “Makeba,” Ian teamed up with Oliver Heldens on the hit “Mas Que Nada,” and Brazilian sensation Giulia Be on his latest track, “Let’s Go (Magalenha),” further solidifying his presence in the global dance music scene. Asher’s remix of Phantogram’s “Black Out Days” landed on BPM’s Top 52 of 2025 Countdown and the channel’s support continues in 2026 with BPM being one of the first to commit support to his new track, “Constellations.” With performances at iconic festivals and clubs like EDC Mexico, MDLBEAST, Exit Festival, Ushuaïa Ibiza, and Lollapalooza as well as a Las Vegas residency with Wynn Nightlife under his belt, Ian Asher is cementing his place as one of dance music’s most exciting new talents. 

Sienna Spiro

Since debuting in May 2024, Sienna has made an extraordinary impact in the music scene with her effortlessly soulful tone, cinematic storytelling, and subtly modern yet timeless sound. SiriusXM Hits 1 was an early supporter of Sienna with airplay beginning back in May 2025 with her first release, “Dream Police,” and has continued throughout the year. Her current hit “Die on This Hill” is featured on the channels HITBOUND with Mikey Piff and Sienna was named a Hits 1 To Watch.

Monaleo

Monaleo has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most compelling new voices and is making waves across SiriusXM’s Hip Hop channels. Her breakout hit “Beating Down Yo Block,” was recently featured on SoundCloud Radio’s Lookout show on Hip Hop Nation and SoundCloud Radio and Monaleo ranked #3 on Pandora’s Trendsetter list in January 2026. A commanding presence on stage, Monaleo joined Don Toliver, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Molly Santana on a sold-out arena tour, sharing her electrifying artistry with thousands of fans and further solidifying her place in the cultural conversation. 

Wind Walkers

After spending a decade making a name for themselves in the alternative metalcore genre, Wind Walkers refuse to limit their profound artistry. They have been making a big impact on SiriusXM’s Octane with three tracks from their EP, “The End Aesthetic,” “Eating My Heart Out,” and “Silk & Static,” added into heavy rotation, being named an Octane Accelerator and the EP ranked #8 on SiriusXM Octane’s Big Uns Countdown. Wind Walkers have expanded beyond their initial heavy metal sound, now defining themselves as one of the scene’s most prominent rising stars with their metalcore, post-hardcore and pop-fused sound.

Men At Work Revive “Who Can It Be Now?” On Jimmy Kimmel Live

Eric Alper
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Men At Work Revive “Who Can It Be Now?” On Jimmy Kimmel Live

Men At Work delivered a sharp and instantly recognizable performance of “Who Can It Be Now?” during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, bringing their signature mix of tension, humor, and new wave cool to late-night television.

“Hadestown” Welcomes New Broadway Principals For Spring Run At Walter Kerr Theatre

Eric Alper
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“Hadestown” Welcomes New Broadway Principals For Spring Run At Walter Kerr Theatre

Broadway’s “Hadestown” will introduce a new group of principal cast members beginning March 3 at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The incoming lineup features Tony and Grammy Award winner J. Harrison Ghee as Hermes, Joshua Colley as Orpheus, and Jordan Tyson stepping into the role of Eurydice. Gary Dourdan and Gaby Moreno will both make their Broadway debuts as Hades and Persephone, respectively, marking a fresh chapter for the long-running production.

The new principals will succeed the current leading cast, who are scheduled to give their final performances on March 1. The outgoing company includes Morgan Dudley, Kurt Elling, Allison Russell, Paulo Szot, and Jack Wolfe, all of whom have helped shape the show’s most recent Broadway chapter. The transition reflects the musical’s ongoing ability to evolve while maintaining its emotional and musical core.

Now in its seventh year on Broadway, “Hadestown” remains one of the most celebrated musicals of the past decade. With a book and score by Anaïs Mitchell and direction by Rachel Chavkin, the production reimagines the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone through a folk and jazz-inflected lens. The show continues to resonate worldwide, with productions spanning the West End, international stages, and a record-setting North American tour.

Global Online Event Ticketing Market Marches Toward USD 99.31 Billion By 2032

Eric Alper
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Global Online Event Ticketing Market Marches Toward USD 99.31 Billion By 2032

The global Online Event Ticketing Market continues its steady expansion, with revenue projected to reach USD 99.31 billion by 2032, according to a new report from Verified Market Research. Valued at USD 56.7 billion in 2024, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8 percent from 2026 to 2032, driven by rising smartphone penetration, improved internet access, and a broad shift toward digital-first ticket purchasing across live entertainment, sports, and hybrid events.

Digitalization remains the market’s strongest catalyst. Event organizers increasingly rely on cloud-based ticketing platforms to automate sales, manage audiences, and access real-time analytics. Mobile ticketing and cashless payments continue to reshape consumer behavior, offering convenience, faster entry, and reduced friction at high-volume events. The resurgence of concerts, sports tournaments, festivals, and hybrid conferences has further accelerated demand for scalable online ticketing solutions capable of serving global audiences.

Despite momentum, the market faces persistent challenges. Data security concerns, ticket fraud, and high platform service fees remain key restraints, particularly for enterprise clients and mid-sized organizers. North America currently leads the market thanks to mature digital infrastructure and strong event demand, while Asia-Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing region. Major industry players include Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC, Eventbrite, StubHub, TickPick, Fandango, Atom Tickets LLC, Movietickets, Cinemark Holdings Inc, and Big Cinemas, all competing through technology investment, fraud prevention, and mobile-first innovation.

Reggae Land Unveils Generation-Defining Lineup For Biggest UK Festival Weekend Yet

Eric Alper
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Reggae Land Unveils Generation-Defining Lineup For Biggest UK Festival Weekend Yet

Reggae Land has revealed their full line-up for its sixth and biggest edition to date when it returns to Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026. With more than 120 artists due to perform across seven stages, the announcement proves that this will be the celebrated festival’s most ambitious year yet, with one of the biggest ever reggae and dancehall festival line-ups ever assembled anywhere in the world. 

Since moving to Milton Keynes’ National Bowl, Reggae Land has transformed the iconic venue into a Caribbean cultural hub that carefully combines world-class performances with Caribbean food villages, rum bars, flea markets, museum spaces and immersive decor. In 2026, the festival expands further with the addition of two new stages, even higher levels of production and sound and up to 100,000 attendees across the weekend. All this and more makes Reggae Land a truly authentic and tastefully curated showcase of Caribbean music, food and art in many different forms. 

Across the much anticipated August weekend, Reggae Land will once again celebrate a full spectrum from roots and reggae royalty to dancehall, dub, jungle and carnival energy, all while bringing together legendary names, global stars, emerging artists and scene-defining selectors.

Saturday’s Main Stage is led by the return of two reggae and dancehall legends, bringing their exclusive world debut of landmark supergroup The King & The Royals, which unites the king of dancehall himself, Beenie Man, alongside reggae royalty, Morgan Heritage, both returning to Reggae Land having performed separately in 2023 and 2025 respectively. The King & The Royals serve up a historic, unifying live experience that brings together their two Grammy-winning legacies for one powerful, deeply authentic celebration, with spiritual uplift and lyrical mastery at its core. Dancehall fire and reggae soul will collide and feature many of their global hits, timeless classics and an emotional, high-energy vibe designed for all ages and all generations. They will be joined by debut performances from Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy and Jah9, as well as Konshens and Kranium, who both make their debut Reggae Land appearances. 

On Sunday, the Main Stage welcomes one of the most sought after dancehall artists on the planet, making his long awaited Reggae Land debut, the one and only Vybz Kartel. He is one of dancehall’s most influential and prolific artists and has long redefined the genre with his razor sharp lyricism, endless creativity and unmatched cultural impact. He’s a global hit machine with standouts including ‘Summertime,’ ‘Wine to the Top’ and “Party With Me” plus a catalogue that spans street anthems, club classics and melodic crossovers. On stage, Kartel brings intensity, presence and unifying singalongs charged with attitude and an unmistakable sound that has shaped modern dancehall.

Alongside him is another debut Reggae Land performance from the incredible Grammy nominated Shenseea, as well as the return of one of Jamaica’s most commercially successful exports, Shaggy, making his first appearance since headlining the very first Reggae Land back in 2022. Super Cat, Inner Circle and Mo’Kalamity & The Wizards make up the rest of Sunday’s mainstage line-up, who all continue the festival’s tradition of showcasing iconic voices alongside contemporary global stars. 

The One Love Stage continues to honour roots, culture and conscious sounds. Saturday’s lineup includes Richie Spice, Ken Boothe, Jesse Royal, Samory I, League of Rebelz and Ras Kwame, while Sunday sees performances from Sanchez, Mr Vegas, Alborosie, Third World and Hollie Cook.

New for 2026, the Dancehall Stage delivers high-energy performances and sound system culture across both days. Saturday features T.O.K, Charly Black, Stylo G, The Heatwave presents Hot Wuk and sets from Seani B, Kash & Pharaoh G, DJ Larni and DJ Dennyhus & Prime. Sunday brings Cham, Serani, Ding Dong, David Rodigan, Becca D, Shayna Marie, DJ Nate and DJ Davda.

The Carnival Stage brings crossover energy and bass-driven sounds. Saturday includes General Levy, the Jungle Cakes takeover featuring Ed Solo, Deekline, Benny Page, Navigator and Killa P, Eva Lazarus, Robbo Ranx, Prince Fatty & Horseman, Jamie Rodigan and Sugarkane. Sunday hosts Congo Natty, Fabio & Grooverider & MC GQ, Top Cat (Live), Ragga Twins Crew, Shabba presents Janelle Wynter, Serocee & Friends, Ras Kwame’s Reggae Recipe and Kaya Fyah.

The Dub Stage returns with heavyweight sound system culture across both days, including Mad Professor, Little Lion Sound, Reggae Roast, Scientist, Mungos Hi Fi  & Charlie P, Aba Shanti I, YNG CPTN Sound, Sisters in Dub, Saxon Sound, Side by Side Soundsystem, King Tubby’s Soundsystem and more.

Rompa’s Reggae Shack returns with Ayito, Clapper Priest, Chez, Boxer Banton, Daddy Nature, DJ Ardi, DJ Dansey, Uncle Dugs, Lionpulse and more across the weekend, while the newly introduced Bob’s Bar Stage provides a dedicated space for roots reggae, dub and lovers rock. Across the weekend, artists include Earl Gateshead, Don Letts, Iration Steppas, Channel One, Dub Pistols Sound System, Rhoda Dakar,  Greensleeves Hi Fi, Josh Skints, Mark Ryder, Gully B and Queen Bee. 

Nowhere in the country, or arguably anywhere in Europe, serves up such a rich, tasteful blend of Caribbean music and culture than Reggae Land, so make sure you’re part of this year’s biggest ever celebration. Tickets go on sale Friday 30th January at 9AM from £74.50 + booking fee. Sign up via www.reggaeland.co.uk. 

CBMA Brings Toronto’s Black Music Legacy To Life This Black History Month

Eric Alper
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CBMA Brings Toronto’s Black Music Legacy To Life This Black History Month

The Canada Black Music Archives hosts its annual Black History Month Showcase on Thursday, February 5, 2026, celebrating Black music, culture, and community in Toronto. Taking place at the City of Toronto Archives, the free event brings together artists, historians, and audiences for an evening rooted in legacy and living creativity. Support comes from TD Bank Group through TD Ready Commitment and the Government of Canada via the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The day begins with a special afternoon presentation featuring musician and chef Roger Mooking in conversation with CBMA co-founder Phil Vassell. The discussion centers on creativity, heritage, and the role of Black artists in shaping Canadian culture. The exchange highlights lived experience and cultural memory, grounding the celebration in reflection as well as recognition.

The evening showcase delivers a powerful lineup of Black Canadian talent. Performances include Jully Black, Liberty Silver, Tanika Charles, Divine Brown, and Dru of In Essence, with DJ Carl Allen on the decks. Hosted by Mel Boogie, the night brings soul, R&B, and shared history into one room. The program stands as a joyful and resonant celebration of Black excellence in Canadian music.

Date: Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Time:  5 PM – 10 PM Location: City of Toronto Archives: 255 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2V3

Admission: FREE! Reserve your tickets here.

Zac Brown Band Takes ‘Love & Fear’ On The Road With Massive U.S. Tour

Eric Alper
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Zac Brown Band Takes ‘Love & Fear’ On The Road With Massive U.S. Tour

Zac Brown Band announces the Love & Fear US tour presented by Margaritaville at Sea, launching a 27-date run that stretches from July through November 2026. The tour follows the band’s landmark engagement at Sphere Las Vegas and the release of their eighth studio album, ‘Love & Fear’. Stops include iconic venues such as Fenway Park in Boston, Forest Hills Stadium in New York, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, bringing the band’s expansive live show to major markets nationwide.

The Love & Fear era reflects a bold creative chapter for the band, blending their roots-driven foundation with immersive storytelling and large-scale production. That vision took shape at Sphere, where the album’s themes of gratitude, resilience, and connection anchored a career-spanning performance. The upcoming tour builds directly from that momentum, pairing beloved songs with newer material in a set that highlights the band’s range, chemistry, and genre-crossing musicianship. The response to the album and recent shows has been resoundingly enthusiastic, reinforcing the band’s enduring connection with their audience.

“I can’t wait to get this back on the road after an epic experience at Sphere,” says Zac Brown. “Every night we play is a chance to turn it up, mix things around, and share an unforgettable night with our incredible fans.” He adds, “The Love & Fear tour is all about big energy, our new album, entertaining covers, the hits you know and love, a few unexpected curveballs, and a whole lot of fun.” Support on select dates includes Grace Potter, Brothers Osborne, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Fitz and the Tantrums.

Zac Brown Band Love & Fear Tour Dates:
July 17 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
July 18 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Arena
July 31 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena
Aug 2 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
Aug 13 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Aug 14 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
Aug 15 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug 27 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Aug 28 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Aug 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann
Sept 10 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
Sept 11 – St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center
Sept 17 – Charleston, SC @ Credit One Stadium
Sept 18 – Tampa, FL @ Benchmark International Arena
Sept 19 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Oct 8 – Knoxville, TN @ Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Oct 9 – Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Oct 10 – Greensboro, NC @ First Horizon Coliseum
Oct 19 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Oct 20 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Oct 23 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
Oct 24 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Nov 5 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
Nov 6 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Nov 19 – Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
Nov 20 – Des Moines, IA @ Casey’s Center
Nov 21 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena

Jessie Ware Opens A New Era With Sweeping Single “I Could Get Used To This”

Eric Alper
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Jessie Ware Opens A New Era With Sweeping Single “I Could Get Used To This”

Jessie Ware returns with “I Could Get Used To This,” a bold new single that opens the door to her next creative chapter. Out now via Interscope Records, the track arrives as a confident opening statement, pairing emotional release with classic pop grandeur. Built on cascading strings and a sense of theatrical lift, the song places Ware’s voice squarely at the center, poised, powerful, and completely assured. The record radiates confidence and joy, landing as an immediate and exhilarating listen.

Speaking about the track, Ware calls it “an invitation into the world of this album.” She adds, “I wanted to set the scene of the world that I’m trying to paint in the album; romance, real love, performance, celebration and pleasure (always!) in a garden full of gods and goddesses.” Written with Miranda Cooper, Sophia Brenan, and Jon Shave, the song also marks a personal milestone. “First key change I’ve ever done,” Ware notes, calling it an exciting starting point for what’s to come.

Released alongside the single is a video directed by Fa & Fon, drawing inspiration from the goddess Juno and the language of theatrical performance. The visual world leans into ceremony, glamour, and feminine power, reinforcing the song’s sense of scale and confidence. “I Could Get Used To This” introduces an era shaped by pleasure, clarity, and freedom, presenting Jessie Ware at her most radiant and fully realized.

The Paper Kites Return With Warmth And Wonder On New Album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’

Eric Alper
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0
The Paper Kites Return With Warmth And Wonder On New Album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’

The Paper Kites release their seventh studio album, ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’, available now via Nettwerk. The album captures a moment of reconnection for the band, shaped by time spent writing together at their longtime rehearsal farm in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley. “This record feels like a band remembering what made them fall in love with playing music in the first place,” says lead vocalist Sam Bentley. “Five friends, five musicians, rediscovering what made them want to do this together.”

That shared space left a clear imprint on the songs. “A lot of these songs were written out at the farm we rehearse at, which has become a place of great direction and growth for us over the years,” Bentley explains. “As such, the record has taken on much of the character of that place, and you’ll see it reflected in the colours and visuals surrounding the album.” The result is an intimate and emotionally clear collection that feels grounded, cohesive, and deeply human.

Recent singles “Change Of The Wind,” “Shake Off The Rain,” “Every Town,” and “When The Lavender Blooms” each arrived with videos filmed at the farm, spotlighting individual band members and reinforcing the album’s personal tone. The response has been strongly enthusiastic, with critics praising the band’s restraint, warmth, and honesty. The album resonates as a quietly powerful listen that rewards stillness and attention.

The release also includes a new video for the previously unreleased track “Morning Gum.” Reflecting on the process, Bentley adds, “We had a beautiful time making this album. There’s a lot of the five of us in this record. We hope you enjoy.” The statement feels fitting for an album built on connection, patience, and the enduring bond between collaborators.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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