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Recoechi Unleashes Chicago Soul and Lyrical Fire on Debut Album ‘FLAVAZ’ Out Now

Eric Alper
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Recoechi Unleashes Chicago Soul and Lyrical Fire on Debut Album ‘FLAVAZ’ Out Now

Chicago’s rap scene gets a powerful new voice with FLAVAZ, the debut album from Recoechi, out now via Closed Sessions. The project lands as a full-bodied expression of the city’s sound — soulful, sharp, and rooted in storytelling — blending hip-hop’s grit with the introspection and warmth that define Chicago’s creative DNA.

Leading into the release, Recoechi dropped “Da Godly,” a final single that shows the full range of his artistry. The track features celestial backing vocals from Denzel Lavel and a smooth, reworked hook by JazStarr, paying homage to Erykah Badu’s “Other Side of the Game.” With production from Renzell and Hudah of Hypnotic Brass, “Da Godly” carries a spiritual energy, balancing raw lyricism with lush instrumentation.

FLAVAZ cements Recoechi’s arrival as a distinctive storyteller, delivering a sonic map of his world through deeply personal reflections and vivid character-driven narratives. The album pulls from a dream team of Chicago producers including Renzell (Chance the Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, Mick Jenkins, Vic Mensa, Saba, Noname, theMIND, Femdot) and C-Sick, offering an immersive, hometown-rooted experience that feels both classic and new.

Throughout the album, Recoechi explores ambition, struggle, and triumph with lyrical precision, backed by features from some of Chicago’s finest, including JazStarr, femdot., Tree, and Mother Nature. FLAVAZ stands as a powerful introduction to an artist already carving his place among the city’s best.

Track Listing (FLAVAZ):

  1. FLAVAZ
  2. DA GODLY ft. JazStarr, Denzel Lavell
  3. CONCENTRATION USA ft. MOYANA
  4. AMERICAN PIE ft. Vai Shakoor, Tree
  5. PIE ft. MOYANA
  6. GOLDEN ft. JazStarr
  7. GIANT LEAPS ft. femdot.
  8. INTERRUPTION
  9. N*A MOMENTS**
  10. MICROPHONE DRIP ft. Mother Nature
  11. CAKE INTERLUDE ft. Tree
  12. CAKE
  13. TO BE LOVED ft. Galaxy Francis
  14. FEEL SOME TYPE OF WAY
  15. HEAR WITHCO EYES ft. MOYANA
  16. STARVING ARTIST

Zach John King and Bayker Blankenship Toast Small-Town Nights With “Life Behind Bars” Out Now

Eric Alper
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Zach John King and Bayker Blankenship Toast Small-Town Nights With “Life Behind Bars” Out Now

Country risers Zach John King and Bayker Blankenship have teamed up for “Life Behind Bars,” a song that captures the late-night spirit of small-town friendship. Written by King, Jordan Reynolds, and Heath Warren, the track delivers an uplifting twist on the familiar phrase — celebrating the bonds formed long after last call.

“My mind went straight to my hometown,” King shares. “There was a spot called Wings and Things, and after every home football game, everyone would meet up there – just a bunch of us circled up in the parking lot, hanging out, telling stories, making memories. I remember exactly what that parking lot looked like and the kind of people who showed up. That’s what this song is about. Small-town life after the lights go out and the bar closes down.”

When King realized the song was meant to be a duet, he immediately called on friend and fellow country artist Bayker Blankenship. The two met earlier this year while performing at C2C Festival in Europe, forming a fast bond during their time on the road. “I met Bayker Blankenship earlier this year while we were both playing the C2C Festival in Europe,” King says. “We hit it off immediately and basically toured Europe together for two weeks. Bayker was the first person I thought of for ‘Life Behind Bars.’ His voice is unreal, and the song suits him so well.”

Blankenship recalls feeling an instant connection to the track. “When Zach approached me about this song, I was immediately drawn in,” he says. “It felt like being back with my closest friends after being away for too long. Meeting Zach over in Germany during the C2C tour was instant camaraderie. We got into the studio and really brought it to life.”

The duo also released a one-take music video for “Life Behind Bars,” filmed in the heart of a rowdy parking lot hangout with friends gathered around. The video captures the same warmth and energy that defines the song — the kind of community that lingers long after the last beer is poured and the lights go out.

X Ambassadors Reignite Their Breakout Hit With “Renegades (Rerecorded)” Ahead of ‘VHS(X)’ Anniversary Release

Eric Alper
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X Ambassadors Reignite Their Breakout Hit With “Renegades (Rerecorded)” Ahead of ‘VHS(X)’ Anniversary Release

Alt-rock group X Ambassadors mark a major milestone with the release of VHS(X), out now, featuring the new version of their breakout hit “Renegades (Rerecorded).” The project revisits their 2015 debut album VHS with renewed creativity and a clear sense of identity.

“Renegades” became a rallying song for those who live boldly and independently. Now, “Renegades (Rerecorded)” captures the same energy with a deeper sense of gratitude and reflection. The updated version highlights how far the band has come while keeping the original spirit intact.

Frontman Sam Nelson Harris says, “I didn’t think much of this song at first, I’ll be honest. After I sent it off to Alex the day I wrote it, I didn’t think about it at all. But over the years as I’ve witnessed how much it’s meant to so many people, and the doors it opened for me and the band, it’s grown on me. It’s come to represent something scrappy and authentic about who I am and who we are as a band. Unconventional, in a world of our own, and uniquely us.”

VHS(X) offers a thoughtful reflection on the band’s evolution and creative resilience. It celebrates where X Ambassadors began and the enduring message of their music: to stay true, take risks, and keep moving forward.

Bridges Ablaze Ignite a New Era With Heavier Sound on Upcoming Single “Break” Featuring Josh Calhoun

Eric Alper
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Bridges Ablaze Ignite a New Era With Heavier Sound on Upcoming Single “Break” Featuring Josh Calhoun

Austin’s rising rock duo Bridges Ablaze are entering a bold new phase with their upcoming single “Break,” out now on all streaming platforms. Featuring vocalist Josh Calhoun from metalcore band Whether, I, the track marks a powerful shift in tone for the Texas outfit, signaling the start of a heavier, more atmospheric chapter in their sound.

“Break” captures the raw, internal pain of heartbreak from a deeply personal angle. “With a heavier chapter of Bridges Ablaze, ‘Break’ showcases a direction change,” the band shares. “It’s a modern ballad about the breaking of a relationship, showcasing the feelings from the inside of the situation. The song communicates the experience of pain, despair, and being broken by the situation, and shines a window into the protagonist’s heart.”

The release follows the success of their recent single and video “Frozen,” which has propelled Bridges Ablaze past 3 million streams across Apple Music and Spotify and 3 million views on YouTube. Building on that momentum, the duo plans to release a full EP exploring this new sonic territory — a sound they describe as floating somewhere between “gaze” and “thall,” where heaviness and atmosphere meet.

Formed in 2019 after a chance encounter at a Guitar Center in Austin, Bridges Ablaze was born from the creative connection between Brien Allen and Ruben Zamora. Allen, a self-taught guitarist pursuing Petroleum Sciences at the University of Texas, and Zamora, a former military hopeful from El Paso turned musician, found instant chemistry that set their musical path ablaze. Their synergy and drive have since made them one of Austin’s most promising acts, even earning recognition from the Austin American-Statesman on its “25 Austinites Leading the Pack in 2025” list.

Produced by Robby Joyner of Fire From The Gods, “Break” serves as both a creative evolution and emotional statement for Bridges Ablaze. With its fusion of cinematic heaviness and heartfelt lyricism, it’s a signal flare for what’s to come — a redefinition of what modern rock can sound like when passion meets precision.

PartyNextDoor Takes Fans on a Virtual Flight From Toronto to Miami in Fortnite Music Experience

Eric Alper
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PartyNextDoor Takes Fans on a Virtual Flight From Toronto to Miami in Fortnite Music Experience

PartyNextDoor is blurring the line between concert and adventure. The R&B singer, songwriter, and producer invites fans into his world with an all-new immersive Fortnite music experience launching tomorrow at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. Developed in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Immersive Music Studios, and OVO Sound, this virtual jet-setting journey takes players from the CN Tower in Toronto to the beaches of Miami for a one-of-a-kind performance and afterparty.

Inside the Fortnite experience, players will board a private jet alongside PartyNextDoor’s larger-than-life avatar, traveling through his creative universe while completing interactive quests, scavenger hunts, parkour levels, and mini-games. The event culminates in a visually striking live show at a digital recreation of David Grutman’s legendary LIV at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where PND performs cinematic versions of fan favorites like “Break from Toronto,” “M a k e I t T o T h e M o r n i n g,” and “Somebody Loves Me.”

“When the opportunity to create our own world came up, it was a natural fit,” PartyNextDoor says. “I’ve been a fan of Fortnite for years, and this was a chance to bring my music and vision directly into that universe.”

The launch follows a massive year for PartyNextDoor, who continues to dominate charts and streaming platforms. His latest album P4 has surpassed one billion streams, driven by standout singles “No Chill” and “Make It to the Morning.” Meanwhile, his recent collaborative project with Drake, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, topped both the Billboard 200 and Apple Music charts across all genres.

A pioneering artist and the first signee to Drake’s OVO Sound, PartyNextDoor’s songwriting credits include megahits like Rihanna’s “Work” and DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts.” Now, he’s expanding his creative reach once again — this time, into the metaverse.

Fans can play the PartyNextDoor Fortnite Experience starting tomorrow, exclusively within Fortnite’s custom island mode, and catch “Break from Toronto” as a new Jam Track available in the Fortnite Shop.

Little Big Bring Chaos to North America With ‘The Original Skibidi Tour’ and Wild New Single “COCO COPTER”

Eric Alper
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Little Big Bring Chaos to North America With ‘The Original Skibidi Tour’ and Wild New Single “COCO COPTER”

Punk-pop-rave provocateurs Little Big are gearing up to unleash absolute madness across North America with their 17-date The Original Skibidi Tour. The run kicks off October 22 in New York City and wraps November 14 in San Diego, marking the group’s biggest U.S. and Canadian trek to date. Tickets are on sale now.

The LA-based collective, originally from Saint Petersburg, are fresh off the release of their latest chaotic anthem “COCO COPTER,” a delirious burst of absurdist energy that only Little Big could deliver. The new single comes with a hilariously unhinged music video that perfectly captures their anarchic, genre-defying spirit.

Frontman Ilya Prusikin calls it one of their wildest creations yet. “Little Big – The Original Kings of Italian Brainrot are back with their latest wild creation! If you thought Bombardino Crocodilo was over the top, and Ballerina Cappuccina felt too tame for your hardcore disco cravings, buckle up. Coco Copter spins through chaos, dodges Skibidi Toilet, and drops bangers like it’s second nature. It’s loud. It’s absurd. And yeah… It’s definitely going to get stuck in your head for way too long. You’ve been warned.”

Known for blending biting satire, club beats, and pure insanity, Little Big have carved out a global cult following with their viral hits, theatrical visuals, and unapologetically weird brand of pop art. The Original Skibidi Tour promises to bring their spectacle to life with high-octane performances, dazzling visuals, and plenty of dancefloor chaos.

Tour Dates – The Original Skibidi Tour:
10.22 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
10.23 – Boston, MA @ Citizens House of Blues
10.24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
10.25 – Washington, DC @ The Howard Theatre
10.27 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
10.28 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL
10.30 – Detroit, MI @ The Majestic
10.31 – Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theatre
11.1 – Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
11.4 – Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall
11.5 – Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre
11.7 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
11.8 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
11.9 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
11.12 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
11.13 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether
11.14 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park

Psychonaut Reach New Emotional Heights With “Stargazer” From Upcoming Album ‘World Maker’

Eric Alper
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Psychonaut Reach New Emotional Heights With “Stargazer” From Upcoming Album ‘World Maker’

Belgian psychedelic post-metal visionaries Psychonaut return with “Stargazer,” a breathtaking new single and video from their forthcoming album World Maker, out now via Pelagic Records. The track is a sweeping fusion of power and vulnerability, balancing delicate melody with crushing intensity as the band explores themes of fatherhood, grief, and transcendence.

Named after frontman Stefan De Graef’s son — born in the rare and poetic “stargazer” position — “Stargazer” marks a deeply personal turning point for Psychonaut. The trio, known for their towering riffs, intricate rhythms, and spiritual lyricism, channel that trademark energy inward this time, crafting a sound that feels both intimate and cosmic.

Propelled by hypnotic momentum, the song drifts between shimmering, folk-tinged guitars and seismic breakdowns that crash like tidal waves. Beneath the heaviness lies reflection — an inquiry into existence itself and the fragile beauty of creation. With “Stargazer,” Psychonaut prove that even within the heaviest moments, there’s room for light, wonder, and renewal.

As the second single from World Maker, the track offers a glimpse into a record shaped by life’s most profound dualities — new beginnings and devastating loss, chaos and calm, searching and surrender.

Track Listing (World Maker):

  1. World Maker
  2. Endless Currents
  3. You Are The Sky
  4. Everything Else Is Just The Weather
  5. And You Came With Searing Light
  6. Origins
  7. All In Time
  8. Stargazer
  9. All Was Quiet
  10. Endless Erosion

Luke Combs Saddles Up With NASCAR Legends in New Single and Video “Back in the Saddle”

Eric Alper
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Luke Combs Saddles Up With NASCAR Legends in New Single and Video “Back in the Saddle”

Luke Combs is officially “Back in the Saddle.” The multi-platinum country powerhouse has released his brand-new single and music video, out now via Columbia Nashville. Directed by Tyler Adams, the high-octane clip stars NASCAR icons Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Petty — a full-circle moment for Combs, whose lifelong love of racing makes this release one of his most personal yet.

“So much work goes into making these songs, so much time we spend making them, from the studio writing them to the videos,” Combs shares. “I got to make the video with Dale Jr. and Richard Petty, which is a total dream come true. My grandpa would be rolling over in his grave in a good way if he knew that I got to hang out with Richard Petty and Dale Jr.”

Written by Combs alongside Dan Isbell and Jonathan Singleton, and produced by Combs, Singleton, and Chip Matthews, “Back in the Saddle” blends Combs’ signature storytelling with a fiery, road-tested groove that mirrors the spirit of the racetrack. It’s both a celebration of hard work and a reminder of where grit and passion can take you.

The single arrives during another landmark year for Combs, who is headlining an extensive festival run that cements his global reach. Following historic sets at Bonnaroo and New Orleans JazzFest, Combs is slated to headline Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits — making him the first country artist to ever top the bills at both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.

A Grand Ole Opry member and winner of 11 CMA, 4 ACM, and 6 Billboard Music Awards, Combs recently became the second most RIAA-certified country artist of all time with 155.5 million certified units. He also made history as the first country artist with four Diamond singles and two songs surpassing one billion Spotify streams. His latest album Fathers & Sons continues to earn acclaim for its emotional depth, with NPR calling it proof that “he’s going beyond the country realm” and The Wall Street Journal hailing its “unexpected warmth and vulnerability.”

Combs’ unstoppable momentum has only grown through major collaborations with Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Bellion, and an unforgettable Grammy duet with Tracy Chapman. His heart remains firmly tied to his roots, as shown by his recent “Concert for Carolina” alongside Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor — a benefit that raised over $24.5 million for Hurricane Helene relief.

“Back in the Saddle” is more than a song — it’s a victory lap for an artist at the top of his game, still hungry, still grounded, and still leading the charge for country music around the world.

Surf-Rock Revivalists The Modbeats Hit the Gas With New Single “Frankie” Ahead of Debut Album

Eric Alper
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Surf-Rock Revivalists The Modbeats Hit the Gas With New Single “Frankie” Ahead of Debut Album

The Modbeats are keeping rock ’n’ roll wild and alive with their new single “Frankie,” out now on all major streaming platforms. The fast-driving, sun-soaked anthem fuses retro surf rock, garage grit, and classic pop nostalgia into a cinematic escape from city life — a celebration of freedom, youth, and the open road.

The track arrives as the final release ahead of their debut LP, due September 5 via Mayleen Records. Written during the tail end of the pandemic, “Frankie” channels the hunger for joy and connection that comes after isolation. “We suspect that those who reside on the coasts will dig the vibe verbatim — hopping in the convertible with your best friends, getting the hell out of the city, and heading to the shore blasting rock ’n’ roll en route to one hell of a party,” the band shares. “Perhaps at said party you meet someone who will change your life? Perhaps you don’t. It doesn’t matter… You take your chances. You plead your case.”

Recorded in Asbury Park, NJ, “Frankie” was written and composed by frontman Philip Dunn, who brought his Fender Stratocaster to the forefront of the mix. The result: a Chuck Berry-meets-Eddie Van Halen-meets-Beach Boys guitar solo that captures the song’s infectious energy. “It’s a fun song,” Dunn says. “A summer song for blasting in the car, hopefully en route to a party with some rockabilly music!”

Lyrically, “Frankie” feels straight out of a drive-in movie: “There’s a rockabilly party on a Saturday night / Driving up from Philly beneath the pale moonlight / ’57 Chevy rolling on to the shore / Nights like this are getting rare anymore.” By the time the Jim Morrison-inspired declaration hits — “We’re gonna have our kicks before the whole sh*thouse goes up in flames” — the spirit of rebellion is undeniable.

The Modbeats — Philip Dunn (vocals, guitar), Scott Matison (bass), Fizz (drums), and Joe Mandia (guitar) — have been shaking up the modern rock landscape since forming in 2023. Their explosive live energy and fearless blend of surf, rockabilly, and jangle-pop have earned them praise from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Rock at Night, Grimy Goods, and Powerpopaholic, as well as a spot on WXPN’s Power Pop Extravaganza and Music Connection’s Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands of 2024.

“Frankie” isn’t just a single — it’s a reminder that rock music still belongs behind the wheel, windows down, engine roaring, and heart wide open.

Helloween Launch Into the Cosmos With Epic New Single “Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” and 40th Anniversary Tour

Eric Alper
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0
Helloween Launch Into the Cosmos With Epic New Single “Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” and 40th Anniversary Tour

Metal fans, fasten your seatbelts — Helloween are blasting off again. The legendary German power-metal icons have unleashed their cosmic new single “Universe (Gravity For Hearts),” out now, following the adrenaline rush of their lead single “This Is Tokyo.” Written by guitarist Sascha Gerstner, the track takes listeners on an eight-and-a-half-minute voyage through galaxies of sound and emotion, proving that even after four decades, Helloween are still reaching for new frontiers.

“Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” opens with shimmering guitar textures and Michael Kiske’s soaring vocals before launching into a storm of riffs, basslines, and double-kick drumming that define Helloween’s unmistakable sound. The result is a massive, cinematic track that captures both the vastness of space and the intimate gravity of human emotion. “Everything in the universe is connected, and what looks like infinite stars could in reality be moments, hearts, and choices,” explains Gerstner.

This isn’t just another single — it’s a declaration of creative vitality. With relentless drumming, intergalactic guitar work, and an explosive solo section, “Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” joins the ranks of Helloween’s epic classics like “Halloween,” “Keeper Of The Seven Keys,” and “Skyfall.” It’s an invitation to dream, to explore, and to remember that no horizon is ever too far away.

The track is part of the band’s upcoming album Giants & Monsters, produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward. Recorded with meticulous detail — including drummer Dani Löble using three different drum kits to capture the perfect sound for each song — and mixed at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, the album showcases Helloween’s unmatched precision and passion for sonic adventure.

Fans can also celebrate with the band in person as Helloween mark their 40th anniversary with a massive world tour. The European leg kicks off in mid-October, with several dates already sold out and new shows added in Madrid and Bochum. Expect an ultimate setlist spanning their entire career — a live journey through four decades of metal mastery that shows why Helloween continue to rule the genre they helped shape.

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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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