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Seth MacFarlane Releases “Give Me The Simple Life” From Upcoming Album ‘Lush Life’

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5x GRAMMY-nominated vocalist and Academy Award-nominated writer, actor, director, and producer, Seth MacFarlane returns with a new song, “Give Me The Simple Life,” off his upcoming studio album Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements, out June 6th via Verve Records / Republic Records.

“Give Me The Simple Life” features an original arrangement by Nelson Riddle with music by Rube Bloom and lyrics by Harry Ruby. The song follows MacFarlane’s previous track, “Lush Life,” released last month to critical praise from the likes of Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, NME, and more.

Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements is a one-of-a-kind album that includes twelve never-before-heard arrangements originally created for Frank Sinatra by his legendary collaborators Riddle, Billy May, and Don Costa. Written for some of Sinatra’s most classic and celebrated albums, these historic arrangements remained in the private collection of the Sinatra family, unheard – until now. All together, the twelve tracks on Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements are much more than a tribute to Frank Sinatra – they are a time capsule of rich musical history, opened for the first time, of undiscovered American treasures, in which MacFarlane’s warm, expressive vocals breathe new life into these carefully preserved arrangements.

In collaboration with the Sinatra family and estate, MacFarlane acquired the entire Sinatra music archive in 2018, and has brought these twelve remarkable arrangements to life with a 70-piece orchestra, featuring world-renowned musicians from Los Angeles and London, conducted by acclaimed British conductor John Wilson, and produced by MacFarlane’s longtime musical collaborator Joel McNeely. Every song on the album was recorded as a live performance with this ensemble at George Lucas’ famed Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California.

Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements is MacFarlane’s ninth studio album. His critically acclaimed albums In Full Swing [2018], No One Ever Tells You [2016], and Music Is Better Than Words [2012] all received GRAMMY Award nominations for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”. Throughout his illustrious career across music, television, film, and comedy, MacFarlane is recognized for his passion and dedication to preserving orchestral music in modern entertainment and bringing classic sounds to modern audiences.

In July, MacFarlane and his orchestra will unveil some never-before-heard arrangements from Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements for an unforgettable weekend at Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Thursday, July 3rd, Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th on sale now. Next year, he’ll also bring the album to the stage with a live performance at Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall on February 17th, 2026, on sale now.

LUSH LIFE: THE LOST SINATRA ARRANGEMENTS TRACKLIST:
“Give Me The Simple Life”
“I Never Felt This Way Before”
“Lush Life”
“Flying Down to Rio”
“How Did She Look?”
“Who’s In Your Arms Tonight?”
“A Wonderful Day Like Today”
“When Joanna Loved Me”
“Arrivederci, Roma”
“Hurry Home”
“Ain’tcha Ever Comin’ Back”
“Shadows”

Jin Releases Second Solo Album ‘Echo’ Featuring “Don’t Say You Love Me”

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Jin of 21st century pop icons BTS unveiled his highly-anticipated second solo album Echo. With the intention of reconnecting with his fans through music, Jin makes a swift return with the new release, arriving just six months after his solo debut album Happy.

Echo explores the myriad moments of life, each resonating in its own unique form of an ‘echo.’ The album presents Jin’s perspective on universal experiences, capturing everyday emotions with warmth and wit. From exploring themes such as the dynamics of ‘you and me’ and ‘us,’ along with love, friendship, and the crossroads one encounters in everyday life, Jin paints a broad spectrum of universal experiences through his music.

The album features a total of seven tracks-main track “Don’t Say You Love Me,” “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser (feat. YENA),” “Rope It,” “With the Clouds”, “Background,” and “To Me, Today.” Jin participated in penning the majority of the tracklist, including “Nothing Without Your Love,” “Loser (feat. YENA),” “Rope It,” and “With the Clouds.”

Echo is built on the band sound that Jin has personally loved for a long time. The album features a vibrant mix of genres such as high-spirit pop-punk, upbeat country rock, orchestral Brit rock, lyrical Japanese rock, simple yet high-energy alternative rock, and heartfelt ballad pop-all grounded in band instrumentation. By blending these diverse sounds, Jin creates a cohesive sonic identity shaped by his affinity for band music and his evolving artistry. Jin’s lyrical contribution and a genre close to his heart combine to make an album that feels more authentic than ever.

“Don’t Say You Love Me,” the main track of Echo, is a pop track that carries authentic feelings and life’s moments that deeply resonate with listeners. It depicts the complex emotions of a falling relationship, as two lovers find themselves unable to let go, caught in the irony of holding on because of love itself. With its intricate lyrics and easy-listening sound, the track showcases an evolution of Jin’s emotional delivery.

The music video for “Don’t Say You Love Me” is presented in a dramatized format. Jin and acclaimed South Korean actress Shin Se-kyung appear in the video, with their acting performances intensifying the emotional immersion of the song. The video portrays a couple, once passionately in love, meeting after their breakup. The narrative, revisiting the emotional scars and complexities between them, leaves a lasting impression, while the nuanced performances of the two actors capture the poignant sentiment of the track. Filmed in Singapore, the video portrays the stunning local scenery and visually evocative cinematography, offering a serene depiction of the sorrow that accompanies the end of a relationship.

Echo is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide. Following his album release, Jin will be appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for his TV premiere performance of “Don’t Say You Love Me.” In June, the multifaceted global superstar is set to keep the momentum going with the launch of his first-ever solo tour #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

The Who Announce Star-Studded Guest Lineup For ‘The Song Is Over’ Farewell Tour

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Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Who have confirmed a powerful lineup of special guests set to join them on their final North American run, The Song Is Over Tour. Artists including Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, Billy Idol, Booker T. Jones, Candlebox, Feist, Joe Bonamassa, The Joe Perry Project (Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Buck Johnson, Chris Robinson, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz), Tom Cochrane, and ZZ Ward will appear across various stops on the historic farewell tour.

Additionally, The Who has added a second night in Chicago, IL—Tuesday, September 9 at United Center—due to incredible fan demand. Joe Bonamassa will support both Chicago dates.

The Song Is Over marks a bittersweet goodbye for one of rock’s most enduring and influential acts, celebrating nearly six decades of groundbreaking music. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend announced the tour during a live press conference (see HERE) from London’s Iconic Images gallery, where they also unveiled a rare piece of memorabilia: the American football helmet from their 1974 album Odds & Sods, from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the newly added Chicago show will be available starting with a Citi presale and through the Who Fan Club (details below) beginning on Tuesday, May 20. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, May 23 at 10:00 AM local time at thewho.com/tour/. All other shows are on sale now at thewho.com/tour/.

Citi is the official card of The Who – The Song Is Over – North American Farewell Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Tuesday, May 13 at 10:00 AM local time until Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 PM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com.

Join the Whooligan Fan Club exclusively HERE at to receive early ticket access, exclusive Whooligan merchandise, and a copy of the previously unreleased album, Live At The Oval 1971, one of The Who’s most legendary shows, which has been newly mixed and mastered from the original tapes.

The tour will also offer a variety of VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to pre-show soundcheck, invitation to the pre-show VIP Lounge, a limited edition autographed tour poster & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

THE WHO
THE SONG IS OVER
2025 NORTH AMERICA TOUR

Sat Aug 16 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena =
Tue Aug 19 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center =
Thu Aug 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center ^
Sat Aug 23 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall +
Tue Aug 26 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park ~
Thu Aug 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater $
Sat Aug 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden $
Tue Sep 02 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage >
Thu Sep 04 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage >
Sun Sep 07 – Chicago, IL – United Center <
Tue 09 – Chicago, IL – United Center < — NEW SHOW
Wed Sep 17 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl ~
Fri Sep 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Sun Sep 21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre #
Tue Sep 23 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena #
Thu Sep 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena #
Sun Sep 28 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena !

=with Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters
^with ZZ Ward
+with Booker T. Jones
~with The Joe Perry Project
$with Feist
>with Tom Cochrane
<with Joe Bonamassa
#with Candlebox
!with Billy Idol

Grace Potter Releases “Oasis” From T Bone Burnett–Produced Album ‘Medicine’

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Today, Grammy-nominated musician Grace Potter released “Oasis,” the third single from her highly anticipated album Medicine, produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett and due out May 30th via Hollywood Records. A shimmering slow-burn that finds Potter’s vocals floating above a moody, cinematic backdrop, “Oasis” showcases the raw elegance and soulful magnetism at the heart of Medicine. You can listen to the never-before-heard version of “Oasis” on SpotifyApple Music, and Amazon.

“I wrote Oasis with the brilliant Mark Batson, so while people might recognize the song from the eponymous album, the approach I took on it with T Bone is about as far afield as a song arrangement could ever be,” shares Potter. “I love both versions because the song is just so moody and flexible. This is definitely one of my favorite reimaginings on the album.”

In 2008, Potter went into the studio with T Bone Burnett and cut an album unlike any other in her wildly expansive body of work. Made with a wrecking crew of musical luminaries, the Burnett-produced LP captured Potter at a moment of profound metamorphosis, then wound up shelved. She has now joined forces with Hollywood Records to unearth those recordings from deep in the vaults and release Medicine: a powerhouse album that’s equal parts archival gem and thrilling new addition to her extraordinary catalog.

Arriving on the heels of her fifth solo album Mother Road—a 2023 LP that marked her most fiercely visionary work to date—Medicine came to life soon after the release of This Is Somewhere, the 2007 sophomore effort from her former band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. After stumbling upon a video of Potter delivering an a cappella rendition of the title track from the band’s 2005 debut Nothing but the Water, Burnett didn’t hesitate when approached about working with Potter. Fresh off his widely celebrated turn as producer on Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand, Burnett approached the project with a definitive plan for what would become Medicine.

Recorded at The Village Studios, Medicine strays far from the high-spirited roots-rock of Potter’s earliest work, bringing a shadowy intensity to her soul-baring songs of lust and longing and self-salvation. To carve out the sonic landscape envisioned for the album, Burnett enlisted his longtime collaborators Jim Keltner, bassist Dennis Crouch, guitarist Marc Ribot, and keyboardist Keefus Ciancia.

Over the course of its 12 songs, Medicine achieves a hypnotic power thanks to the charmed interplay between Potter’s shapeshifting voice and the sonic exploration of her collaborators. The tracklisting’s myriad high points include the title track, which has since become a staple in Potter’s notoriously transcendent live show, “If I Was from Paris,” the first song ever written on her iconic Gibson Flying V, as well as the original, never-before-heard versions of “Make You Cry,” “Losing You,” “To Shore,” and “Before the Sky Falls.”

Earlier this month, Potter “wowed” (People Magazine) the crowd with a capella rendition of the National Anthem at the 151st Kentucky Derby at the iconic Churchill Downs. This summer, Potter is set to join Chris Stapleton for select dates this summer, including two nights at Madison Square Garden. For the complete itinerary and full ticketing information visit https://www.gracepotter.com.

Medicine Track List: 
Before The Sky Falls*
Losing You*
That Phone
Money
Colors
Low Road
Medicine
Make You Cry*
Oasis
Paris (Ooh La La)
To Shore*
Goodbye Kiss
(*previously unreleased)

GRACE POTTER 2025 TOUR DATES

July 19, 2025 – Artpark – Lewiston, NY

July 23, 2025 – UBS Arena – Belmont Park, NY *Supporting Chris Stapleton

July 25, 2025 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY *Supporting Chris Stapleton

July 26, 2025 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY *Supporting Chris Stapleton

September 28, 2025 – Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Franklin, TN

Better Together Returns With Two Nights of Desert Beats and Community Vibes

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Presented by Relentless Beats, Better Together returns November 22 & 23, 2025 as an immersive, open-air celebration of electronic music and community spirit. Following its 2024 debut—which showcased icons such as Carl Cox, Disclosure, Fisher, Tiësto, Black Coffee and Kaytranada—Better Together rises anew in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, transforming the storied Steele Indian School Park into a two-night sonic oasis beneath desert skies.

Nestled amid acres of shaded lawns and framed by the Valley’s skyline, Steele Indian School Park delivers a lush festival setting just steps from light rail and major ride-share corridors. In leaving behind traditional “festival fields,” Better Together ensures fans can focus on what matters most: reuniting with fellow music lovers and discovering genre-bending performances across house, techno, bass and beyond.

Fans eager to guarantee their place can sign up now for the Early Access Presale, which opens Thursday, May 22 at 10 a.m. PT. All two-day ticket tiers—General Admission and VIP—will then become available Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m. MST, with pricing starting at $139 (plus fees). Presale registrants enjoy first access to limited table-service packages and VIP upgrades. Visit www.relentlessbeats.com for full ticket details and presale registration.

In keeping with Relentless Beats’ ethos of “music as action,” a portion of all proceeds will benefit local nonprofits, including a Thanksgiving food drive supporting Valley families in need. The festival’s Community Impact Initiative will spotlight a curated art showcase by Phoenix-based creators, underscoring Better Together’s commitment to the vibrant cultural fabric of its host city.

Lineup announcements, stage maps and artist activations will be revealed in the coming weeks—so stay tuned at www.WeGoBetterTogether.com.

Little Steven’s Underground Garage Presents Garage Rock Powerhouse Night At Bowery Electric

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Little Steven’s Underground Garage is cranking up the volume this summer with a killer lineup of garage rock greatness, hitting Bowery Electric on June 12. Get ready for an unforgettable night featuring Steve Conte, Joy Buzzer, The Jellybricks and The Midnight Callers—four dynamic acts keeping the spirit of real rock ‘n’ roll alive and loud.

ARTIST LINEUP:

Steve Conte
Known for his work with the New York Dolls and Michael Monroe, Steve Conte brings his signature swagger, soul, and fierce rock ‘n’ roll energy to the stage with his latest solo project. His new album, The Concrete Jangle, (Wicked Cool Records) is a collaboration with XTC’s Andy Partridge, blending Conte’s raw edge with Partridge’s unique musical vision. A mainstay on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Conte’s live shows are consistently electrifying—intense, unforgettable, and full of heart.

Joy Buzzer
Born from the heart of NYC’s rock scene, Joy Buzzer delivers hook-packed power pop with sharp songwriting and infectious energy. Featuring members of The Lord Calverts and The Doppel Gang, their 2024 debut album Pleased to Meet You (Wicked Cool Records) channels the spirit of Fountains of Wayne, XTC, and Badfinger. With tight harmonies, witty lyrics, and a sound that’s both classic and fresh, they’re quickly becoming a new favorite on Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

The Jellybricks
Hailing from Pennsylvania, The Jellybricks deliver smart, hook-laden rock with a timeless power pop punch. Their latest album, Dreaming in Stereo, (Wicked Cool Records) highlights the band’s knack for harmony-rich melodies and sharp, melodic songwriting. A favorite on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, The Jellybricks continue to turn heads with their energetic live shows and classic-meets-modern sound.

The Midnight Callers
Combining their love for massive guitar rigs, lush harmonies, infectious hooks, and Bonham-style beats, NYC’s Midnight Callers are here to keep heads banging and feet moving all night. This vibrant four-piece blends their passion for vintage rock with a fresh twist, delivering a sound that captures the essence of rock ‘n’ roll’s golden era while adding their own unique flair.

WHAT: Little Steven’s Underground Garage Presents: Steve Conte, Joy Buzzer, The Jellybricks, The Midnight Callers
WHEN: Wednesday, June 12, 2025 @ 6PM EST
WHERE: Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery, New York, NY
TICKETS: Available now at boweryelectric.com

What do Little Richard, The White Stripes, Darlene Love, The Beatles, and The Ramones have in common? Little Steven’s Underground Garage! Maximum Rock and Soul!

In April of 2002 Stevie Van Zandt launched Little Steven’s Underground Garage, his internationally syndicated terrestrial Rock and Soul radio show. Each week Little Steven takes audiences on a two hour trip through all 60 years of Rock and Roll, and it’s roots. Not only does The Underground Garage play the coolest Rock records ever made, but it has helped introduce over 1000 new bands throughout the history of the show including The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Hives, Arcade Fire, Gaslight Anthem, The Black Keys, Rival Sons, and more to an international audience. Over 40% of the format is dedicated to new music and emerging artists.

The show also features pop culture history, Steven’s anecdotes, fun facts, and occasional interviews. It is broadcast on over 80 stations in 200 plus markets, including internationally in Canada, UK, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Peru, and Australia, as well as worldwide on the American Forces Network and Voice of America.

Over 1000 consecutive weekly episodes have aired and have included such special guests as Jack Black, Brian Wilson, Ray Davies, Peter Wolf, Iggy Pop, Ringo Starr, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen, and has been endorsed by legends like David Bowie, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett, Robert Plant, James Hetfield, Debbie Harry and many, many others.

The success of the radio show has allowed Little Steven’s Underground Garage to expand beyond the world of radio into television, live events, albums, satellite radio, and more.

Thee Sacred Souls Announce New Single “We Don’t Have To Be Alone” And Major Arena Tour With Kali Uchis

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Thee Sacred Souls share their new single “We Don’t Have To Be Alone” today. Their first new music release of 2025, the single arrives with the news that this breakout San Diego group will join the Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour of arenas this August and September, including performances at Madison Square Garden in New York, The Kia Forum in Los Angeles and more. Fresh off their Coachella debut, Thee Sacred Souls will also perform at key festivals this summer including Newport Jazz, Boston Calling Music Festival, Roskilde and more. See below for the full itinerary and ticket information, and at: https://www.theesacredsouls.com/tour-dates

“We Don’t Have To Be Alone” was recorded during the sessions for the band’s sophomore album, Got A Story To Tell, released last October on Daptone Records.

It’s been a tremendous 12 months for Thee Sacred Souls. The band’s accolades continue to build and include a performance on the outdoor stage at Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a COLORS session, a co-sign from Beyonce in her GQ cover story (other fans include SZA, Kylie Jenner, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats, Leon Bridges and more), profiles in the LA Times and Esquire, nearly 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, sold-out concerts at the Brooklyn Paramount, two nights at Roundhouse in London, three nights at the Wiltern in Los Angeles last December and more. Other highlights since they released their debut album in 2022 include NPR’s Tiny Desk, CBS Saturday, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and other key festival appearances including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.

Got A Story To Tell, the band’s latest album, was written by Thee Sacred Souls’ founding members Alejandro Garcia, Salvador Samano, and Josh Lane, and released in October 2024. It features 12 original songs that further cement the band’s status as masters of modern soul and was recorded at Penrose Recorders in Riverside, CA, with producer Gabriel Roth at the helm. The band found inspiration in Brazilian legend Arthur Verocai, the Delfonics, Jamaican rocksteady and Motown siren Mary Wells. Got A Story To Tell singles include “Waiting on the Right Time” and “Lucid Girl.” The anticipated follow-up to their self-titled 2022 breakout, Got A Story To Tell is a reflection of the band’s journey—marked by relentless touring, newfound fame, and the trials that come with rapid success.

TOUR DATES

May 23 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Music Festival

May 24 – Jersey City, NJ – White Eagle Hall

May 25 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion

May 28 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits

May 30 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

May 31 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

Jun 1 – Lexington, KY – Railbird Music Festival

Jun 3 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore

Jun 5 – Saint Paul, MN – Palace Theatre

Jun 6 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater

Jun 7 – Bloomington, IN – Granfalloon

Jun 15 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*

Jun 17 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center

Jun 19 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Jun 28 – Hartford, CT – The Capitol Groove

Jul 3 – Roskilde, DK – Roskilde Festival

Jul 4 – Werchter, BE – Rock Werchter

Jul 5 – East Sussex, UK – Love Supreme Festival

Jul 7 – Vienne, FR – Jazz a Vienne, Théâtre Antique

Jul 10 – Marseille, FR – Festival Jazz des 5 Continents, Théâtre Silvain

Jul 11 – Perugia, IT – Umbria Jazz

Jul 13 – Rotterdam, NL – North Sea Jazz Festival

Jul 18 – London, UK – Alexandra Palace Park^

Jul 19 – Pori, Finland – Pori Jazz

Aug 1 – Newport, RI – Newport Jazz Festival

Aug 2 – Portland, ME – Back Cove Music & Arts Festival

Aug 14 – Portland, OR – Moda Center #

Aug 15 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena #

Aug 17 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center #

Aug 18 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center #

Aug 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum #

Aug 23 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena #

Aug 24 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena #

Aug 27 – Phoenix, AZ – PHX Arena #

Aug 28 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center #

Aug 30 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center #

Aug 31 – Austin, TX – Moody Center #

Sep 2 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center #

Sep 4 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center #

Sep 5 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center #

Sep 7 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena #

Sep 8 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center #

Sep 11 – New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden #

Sep 14 – Boston, MA – TD Garden #

Sep 16 – Laval, QC – Place Bell #

Sep 17 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena #

Sep 19 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena #

Sep 20 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center #

Sep 23 – Chicago, IL – United Center #

Sep 25 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena #

Sept 27 – Las Vegas, NV – Paradice

*with Trevor Hall and Fruit Bats

^with Leon Bridges

# Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour – Ticket pre-sales begin Weds May 14, general on-sale Fri May 16 10AM local time

MonoNeon Drops Funk-Driven Album ‘You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude’ And Announces Summer Tour Dates

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Today, the bass virtuoso and funk originalist – MonoNeon – has released his new studio album  You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude. The album is another example of this prolific prodigy’s ever-evolving sound and features more experimental elements of R&B and funk. To mark the occasion of the release, a music video for the single “Beyoncé” is also out.

Prior to the albums full release, MonoNeon gave fans a preview with the pre-release singles “Beyoncé,” “Bad Attitude” and a stand alone track titled “God Reason” that had him teaming up with comedian Katt Williams, the legendary George Clinton and the GRAMMY winning producer, songwriter and rapper James Fauntleroy (Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, SZA) – Watch the animated visualizer directed and created by Cody A. Banks.

The new album was recorded between his hometown of Memphis and the legendary Floki Studios in Iceland and will be his first release via the studio’s label imprint and distributed by Color Red. You Had Your Chance enriches a dizzying MonoNeon catalog that includes nearly 20 distinct solo releases, collaborations with Mac Miller, Ne-Yo, Sudan Archives and Georgia Anne Muldrow and crucial contributions to Nas’ King Disease, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2020. He’s also released his own signature five-string bass through Fender and Whammy pedal through DigTech – a testament to both his virtuosity and the respect afforded to him by studio pros and amateurs alike.

MonoNeon is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. He is known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar and being one of the last people to work with Prince. MonoNeon is a Grammy Award-winning artist, for his participation on the 2020 Nas album King’s Disease. On November 1, 2022, Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Signature.

Known for his otherworldly live show, MonoNeon has played Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and more. Kicking off this summer, MonoNeon will play a string of North American, Australian and Asian tour dates. He’ll begin the I Want Snacks & Gifts Tour  with a stop in his hometown of Memphis, TN, followed by a few dates in the South before heading abroad for multiple stops in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. He’ll wrap the June tour in California with a final show at the Echoplex in Los Angeles on June 28th and support Primus on tour in July through the beginning of August. Full tour dates below.

Tour Dates:

May 03 – Riverbeat – Memphis, TN

May 11 – Buffalo Bayou Park – Houston, TX

May 13 – Red Bluff Music, Arts, & Food Fest – Montgomery, AL

Jun. 09 – The Tuning Fork – Auckland, New Zealand

Jun. 10 – San Fran – Wellington, New Zealand

Jun. 12 – The Princess Theatre – Brisbane, Australia

Jun. 13 – Vivid Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Jun. 14 – The Croxton Bandroom – Melbourne, Australia

Jun. 18 – Blue Note Place – Ebisu, Japan

Jun. 19 – Blue Note Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan

Jun. 20 – Blue Note Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan

Jun. 21 – Blue Note Hawaii – Honolulu, HI

Jun. 24 – Yoshi’s Oakland – Oakland, CA

Jun. 25 – Yoshi’s Oakland – Oakland, CA

Jun. 26 – Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA

Jul. 22 – Hartford Healthcare Amp – Bridgeport, CT *

Jul. 23 – Red Hat Amp – Raleigh, NC *

Jul. 25 – Chastain – Atlanta, GA *

Jul. 26 – Live Oak Bank Pavilion – Wilmington, NC *

Jul. 28 – Saenger Theater – New Orleans, LA *

Jul. 29 – Municipal Auditorium – Shreveport, LA *

Jul. 30 – The Factory – Dallas, TX *

Aug. 1 – Arizona Financial Theatre – Phoenix, AZ *

Aug. 2 – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre – San Diego, CA *

*support for Primus

Why It’s So Hard To Keep A Drummer In A Band

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Drummers are the heartbeats of bands. They’re the engine that keeps the whole thing moving. And yet, time and time again, we hear the same story—another drummer gone. Whether you’re looking at The Beatles before Ringo, The Smashing Pumpkins or the Foo Fighters and now The Who’s ever-revolving rhythm section, or Spinal Tap’s infamous drummer saga, there’s something about the position that seems cursed.

The Beat Takes a Toll

Drumming is no joke. It’s physically exhausting, sweat-drenched, and loud. Night after night, drummers take the brunt of the energy it takes to power a live performance. Add to that the hours of load-in and tear-down, and you’ve got a musician who’s working overtime just to keep the beat. After a while, the toll on the body starts to outweigh the thrill of the gig.

Stuck in the Shadows

While the guitarist shreds a solo and the singer pours their heart out at center stage, the drummer is usually tucked in the back, quite literally in the shadows. They’re often left out of interviews, excluded from songwriting credits, and rarely get a say in the creative direction. It’s not hard to see why some start to wonder if they’re just hired hands behind the kit.

Life on the Road Ain’t Easy

Touring can look glamorous from the outside, but for many drummers, it’s a relentless cycle of driving, hauling, waiting, playing, and repeating. The physical demands of touring combine with the emotional drain of being far from home. That’s why drummers often bow out first—they’re the ones with the least glory and the heaviest lifting.

Creative Differences Can Get Loud

Drummers often face friction when the rest of the band wants a different sound, feel, or tempo. Even minor disagreements can spiral into major arguments. And because drummers are frequently seen as the “easiest to replace,” they’re the first to be shown the door when band dynamics get tense. Sometimes they walk out on their own before that can even happen.

Drum Machines Don’t Talk Back

With the rise of studio software and digital loops, some bands opt to use programmed beats instead of a human drummer. It’s more precise. It’s less expensive. It doesn’t argue about tempo. But it also removes the soul of live performance. For bands chasing perfection, drummers can find themselves sidelined by technology that can’t sweat, but also can’t swing.

In the End, the Drummer Might Just Explode

Whether it’s the mythical curse of Spinal Tap or the real-life drama of bands like Fleetwood Mac, the drummer’s seat has seen more turnover than a late-night diner. To keep a great drummer, you’ve got to treat them like the lifeblood of your sound. Because once they’re gone, you’ll feel it in every missed beat.

Keeping a drummer is a balancing act of respect, patience, and mutual vision. The great ones—Charlie Watts, Max Weinberg, Sheila E.—stick around because the band sees them as more than just a beat. They’re part of the soul. And when that connection clicks, it’s magic. But when it doesn’t, well, there’s always another drummer waiting in the wings.

Joanne Shaw Taylor Announces Fall U.S. Tour Following ‘Black & Gold’ Album Release

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British blues-rock star Joanne Shaw Taylor has announced a brand-new run of U.S. tour dates for Fall 2025, to follow the release of her upcoming album Black & Gold, out June 6th via Journeyman Records. Black & Gold is available for pre-order.  The new dates begin October 17th in Bonita Springs, FL and continue through November, bringing Joanne’s dynamic live show to cities across the East Coast and concluding in Wichita, KS.

Tickets went on sale to the general public TODAY at 10 am local time. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit joanneshawtaylor.com/tour.

The announcement comes on the heels of Joanne’s latest single “Summer Love,” a breezy, handclap-laced standout that captures the feel-good spirit of fleeting romance. “I specifically had it in my mind that I wanted to write a summer pop single for this album,” Joanne shares. “It’s just something I’ve always loved—driving around Michigan, now Tennessee in summer and having that one song you love to hear on the radio that years later triggers happy memories. I hope this could be that song for someone out there.”

“Summer Love” is the latest in a string of releases teasing Joanne’s forthcoming album Black & Gold, following the emotionally raw “Look What I’ve Become,” the high-octane “Hell Of A Good Time,” and the introspective “Grayer Shade of Blue” and “I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down.” Each single showcases a different facet of Joanne’s evolving sound, bridging raw blues-rock roots with vibrant pop edges and cinematic textures.

Produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Journey, Aerosmith), Black & Gold marks Joanne’s most expansive work to date—featuring original songs alongside a shimmering cover of Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and the stirring ballad “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?” The album reflects her continued evolution as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist.

Joanne recently wrapped a successful U.S. Spring Tour and is now preparing for a packed summer of headline shows and festival appearances across North America and Europe, including sets at Pori Jazz Festival, Festival Des Guitares du Monde, Blues From The Top, and more. Known for her fiery musicianship and commanding stage presence, Joanne continues to captivate live audiences with a mix of fan favorites and new material from Black & Gold.

2025 Summer Tour Dates & Festivals
May 30 – Quebec, CA – Festival Des Guitares du Monde
June 13 – Henderson, KY – WC Handy Festival
June 28 – Winter Park, CO – Blues From The Top
July 12 – Salamanca, Spain – Festival Blues Béjar
July 17 – Pori, FI – Pori Jazz Festival
July 18 – Kent, UK – Maid Of Stone Festival
August 5 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse (rescheduled)
August 6 – Riverhead, NY – The Suffolk
August 8 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall
August 9 – Holyoke, MA – De La Luz Soundstage
August 10 – North Truro, MA – Payomet Performing Arts Center
August 12 – Arden, DE – Arden Concert Gild
August 14 – Newton, NJ – The Newton Theatre
August 15 – Bethlehem, PA – Summer Series Festival
August 16 – Norwich, NY – Chenango Blues Festival

2025 Fall U.S. Tour
October 17 – Bonita Springs, FL – Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center
October 18 – Clearwater, FL – Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
October 21 – Asheville, NC – Diana Wortham Theatre
October 22 – Raleigh, NC – Fletcher Opera Theater
October 24 – Wilmington, NC – Kenan Auditorium
October 25 – Savannah, GA – District Live
October 27 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
October 28 – Hopewell, VA – The Beacon Theatre
October 31 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate
November 1 – Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts
November 4 – Cleveland, OH – TempleLive @ Cleveland Masonic
November 7 – West Bend, WI – The Bend Theater
November 8 – Viroqua, WI – Historic Temple Theatre
November 9 – Minneapolis, MN – The Parkway Theater
November 11 – Madison, WI – Atwood Music Hall
November 13 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
November 14 – St. Louis – Delmar Hall
November 16 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion

Black & Gold by Joanne Shaw Taylor
1. Hold Of My Heart
2. All The Things I Said
3. Black & Gold
4. Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?
5. I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down
6. Summer Love
7. Grayer Shade Of Blue
8. Hell Of A Good Time
9. Look What I’ve Become
10. What Are You Gonna Do Now?