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The Miraculous Love Kids Join Brian Wilson & Roger Daltrey for Powerful “Love & Mercy” Rendition Amid Ongoing Fight for Safety and Resettlement

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The Miraculous Love Kids — a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that served as Afghanistan’s only school of music for war-torn, poverty-stricken girls and young women until August 15, 2021 — have joined together with Brian Wilson and Roger Daltrey for an updated rendition of “Love & Mercy.” Written by Wilson for his 1988 solo album, a previous version of “Love & Mercy” served as the first song and video released by The Miraculous Kids in 2018.

“This is quite a feat for girls from such harrowing beginnings — war, poverty, discrimination, and threat of childhood marriage,” MLKs founder and director Lanny Cordola says. “‘Love & Mercy’ is one of Brian’s most poignant musical statements about the human condition. The melding of Brian, Roger, and the girls is a sound divine. An honor of the highest magnitude and a dream come true for the girls and I. These are world-class musicians with world-class souls.”

“You don’t have to thank me for doing this. I’m really passionate about how you are being treated. You are the future of your country. Please make it better. You really can. And music will play a big part in that…you’ll see,” Daltrey says.

The pair recorded the song in Los Angeles, London, and Islamabad with Cordola and Sarmad Ghafoor producing. The video was filmed on location throughout Pakistan by Sham Kazmi.

Over the last year, some members of The Miraculous Love Kids and their families have been able to resettle to parts of the United States. Four remaining girls and their families were scheduled to fly out of Pakistan on February 5th, but that came to an abrupt end when President Donald Trump signed an executive order to suspend the resettlement program in the U.S. The girls and their families, who have been learning how to assimilate and become self-sufficient, are devastated.

If they are denied the chance to resettle to the United States or another Western country, the Pakistani government will deport them back to Afghanistan, where music-making females are subject to persecution, imprisonment, and even punishment by death.

Earlier this year, The Miraculous Love Kids collaborated with Sia for a reimagining of the singer’s 2016 hit single, “Unstoppable.” The video behind the song featuring The Miraculous Love Kids recently surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube.

For The Miraculous Love Kids, the arrival of the Taliban in Kabul on August 15, 2021, changed everything. The guitar lessons, the recordings, the videos, and the hope for a better life — all gone in a flash.

Their instruments destroyed, their dreams shattered, these post-9/11 children had never experienced the harsh rule of the Taliban in their lifetime. It was a disruption like no other. The fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban continues to resonate and claim new victims. At the end of 2022, the group banned women from working in local and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). No one can say how much worse the oppression against women and girls in the country will get, but it doesn’t look good.

Lanny managed to catch the last commercial flight out of Kabul not knowing what was in store as he had already booked the fare to Pakistan to renew his visa before the Taliban moved in. He immediately went right to work, relentlessly chasing every possibility he could to get his students and their families out of Afghanistan.

“They’re my girls,” he told one reporter. “I’ve been like a father to them. I don’t want to be safe right now. I want to get them out of that place.”

Additional artists The Miraculous Love Kids have collaborated with include Sammy Hagar, Tom Morello, Blake Shelton, Joe Walsh, Jeff Tweedy, Nancy Sinatra, and others.

Sydney Sprague Unleashes Frenetic New Single “As Scared As Can Be”

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Sydney Sprague has just released her new single and music video, “As Scared As Can Be”—a frantic, cathartic anthem that dives headfirst into the emotional wreckage of unrequited love. In her own words, “As Scared As Can Be’ is the most unhinged song I have ever written. It is a manic, headbangable doom spiral about unrequited feelings, paranoia, and the humiliation of being desperate for attention from someone who clearly doesn’t want you back…”

Raw, painfully relatable, and irresistibly catchy, the track captures the exact moment where vulnerability collides with self-destruction—and somehow makes it sound like a banger.

“As Scared As Can Be” follows the equally chaotic “Fair Field” released in March. The song and music video perfectly captures the disorienting experience of a bad trip in a hotel room while on tour—an unfiltered reflection of anxiety and the unpredictable nature of life on the road.

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona – a city known for its triple-digit temperatures and the kind of existential dread that can only come from living in a giant oven – Sydney moves through life with guitar in one hand and an anxiety disorder in the other.

Her debut album, maybe i will see you at the end of the world, released in 2020, earned glowing reviews from publications like NPR, Refinery29, Guitar World, and other outlets that sound very impressive when listed all together like this. Critics praised her for her honesty, wit, and ability to evade an impending mental breakdown by instead writing a really good song. Sydney has had a busy five years since then, writing and releasing her second album somebody in hell loves you in between a relentless touring schedule – supporting bands like Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, The Front Bottoms, Oso Oso, Spanish Love Songs, and Michigander.

With songs that pair unforgettable melodies and sick guitar riffs over the general feeling that you left the stove on, Sydney has been quietly building a discography that speaks directly to the overthinking masses.

Nonpoint Announces ‘Painful Statements’ Tour Part 2 Celebrating 20 Years of ‘To The Pain’ and 25 Years of ‘Statement’

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Following the explosive success of the first leg of the “Painful Statements Tour”, rock powerhouse NONPOINT is back with the “Painful Statements Tour Part 2” — a continued celebration of the 20th anniversary of “To The Pain” and the 25th anniversary of “Statement”, two of the most defining albums in the band’s career.

Unlike any tour they’ve done before, Nonpoint is performing every song from both albums, either in full or woven into epic, hard-hitting medleys that have quickly become a fan favorite. During the first run of the tour, crowds were electric, with longtime fans and newcomers alike praising the setlist as one of the most exciting and nostalgic Nonpoint experiences to date.

“We wanted to give our fans everything-so we found a way to bring every song to the stage, whether it’s played in full or seamlessly mixed into our medleys,” says vocalist Elias Soriano. “The response during Part 1 blew us away, and we’re just getting started.”

Joining Nonpoint on Part 2 of the tour are special guests Upon A Burning Body and Autumn Kings, ensuring every night is packed with energy, emotion, and the kind of live performance that made these records iconic. The band Heartsick will join the tour for the last four shows.

The band will also be making waves across Europe and the UK this fall with a special tour alongside Lacuna Coil, aptly named The Sleepless Empire Tour.

Additionally, the band will be playing an exclusive pre-party show at Welcome to Rockville on Wednesday May 14th, before heading to various festivals, including Louder Than Life on Friday, September 19th and Aftershock on Saturday, October 4th.

For those seeking a truly unforgettable experience, Nonpoint is offering an ultra-exclusive “Perfect 10 Experience” VIP package, with only 10 VIP spots available per show! Fans who secure this rare opportunity will gain access to premium perks and unique experiences. Tickets and VIP packages will be available at www.nonpoint.com

Nonpoint has been captivating audiences with its energetic sound and passionate performances for over two decades. Formed in 1997, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what modern rock can be, combining heavy metal, nu-metal, and hard rock into a unique and powerful musical force. Over the course of its 27-year career, Nonpoint has released several critically acclaimed albums and garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the industry.

Throughout its career, Nonpoint has been celebrated for their signature sound and powerful lyrics, which often tackle social and political issues. Their hard-hitting sound and emotional live performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase, as well as recognition from the music industry. Nonpoint has received multiple award nominations and has been praised by publications such as Rolling Stone, Revolver and Alternative Press.

Painful Statements Tour Part 2 Dates:
8/8 – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC
8/9 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
8/10 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theater
8/12 – Hampton Beach, NH – Wally’s
8/13 – Syracuse, NY – The Song & Dance
8/15 – Baltimore, MD – Reacher
8/16 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
8/17 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell)
8/19 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
8/20 – Little Rock, AR – Rev Room
8/22 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
8/23 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes Event Center
8/24 – Dallas, TX – Trees
8/26 – Tulsa, OK – Vanguard
8/27 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck
8/29 – Sauget, IL – Pops
8/30 – Hobart, IN – Hobart Art Theatre

How Online Casinos Are Gaining Traction in LATAM

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By Mitch Rice

iGaming is thriving in LATAM. Not in all of the countries but those who legalized the different forms of gambling benefit from tax revenue and growing tourism. But this didn’t happen overnight, changes took place over the past decade when Internet access expanded across both urban and rural areas. Mobile Internet is driving this change along with affordable smartphones bringing millions of new users into the digital economy.

In Latin America, the average mobile connection speed was 4.9 Mbps in 2017 and reached 18 Mbps by 2022. The Internet penetration rate is steadily increasing resulting in a regional average Internet penetration rate of 74.63%. This increased connectivity has created a perfect entry point for online casinos to start operating in the region.

Why LATAM is The Next Big Location for iGaming

Culturally, gambling is nothing new in LATAM. From national lotteries to horse racing and sports betting, people across the region are very into games of chance. Online casinos are simply taking it to the next level allowing people to play casino games from on their Android and iOS devices. MercadoPago and Pix simplify deposits and withdrawals making it super convenient for a wide range of mobile users.

A large portion of the LATAM population is under 35. This age group is making the most money and is highly active online meaning that using apps and making digital payments is something that they usually do throughout the day. The only thing casino operators need to rich them is to find the right marketing channel.

Legalization and Licensing Landscape

Legalization process is a big pain for the iGaming industry. Most LATAM countries either banned gambling or put it into an uncertain position due to outdated laws or sociocultural aspects. And when there are no licensed operators doing business in the country that can be properly regulated and taxed, it’s almost certain that there will be a ton of black market gambling and offshore casinos penetrating the market. This is exactly what is happening in Peru and Venezuela who have either slow-moving policies or outdated laws that haven’t caught up with digital trends.

Another big problem is that local governments are forced to spend millions of dollars to fight illegal gambling and still fail because of many reasons starting from poor funding and ending with the rise of offshore casino sites that are hard to ban due to the use of VPNs and almost impossible to control. With that being said, there’s a strange situation when gambling is restricted but anyone who wants to gamble will find a way to gamble in a matter of minutes. As a result, this evolves into a bigger problem when young adults and even underaged teens get uncontrolled access to iGaming websites.

Marketing Strategies

Marketing, marketing , marketing… It’s a cornerstone for any successful business for decades if not centuries. Same principle works for the iGaming industry. Brands like 777bet are leaning heavily into influencer marketing and paid search in their digital campaigns to grow their audiences. Other brands show their ads on YouTube and try to work with Twitch streamers that focus on gambling or PC gaming. 

Taking into account the growing price and complications that accompany marketing campaigns in the LATAM region, working with streamers can be a breath of fresh air for iGaming operators willing to maximize their ROI and LTV. Brands now invest heavily into country-specific marketing campaigns in order to better resonate with local audiences. What works for Venezuela will not be as successful for Brazil and vice versa. That’s why brands like ADJogosRS and B1 BETdevelop their inner marketing teams to better penetrate the Brazilian market and neighbouring countries.

Affiliate marketing is a huge marketing channel in terms of bringing a steady flow of first depositors to a casino website. Just like in any other country, in LATAM they see the growing share of affiliate marketing while traditional ads are not that effective anymore. The key benefit for casinos here is that affiliates generally work on a revenue share model which means the casino has to pay only when it makes profit. No profit means no affiliate payouts. This is dramatically different from running campaigns using Google Ads or Facebook ads, when you have to pay for clicks and then calculate your ROI.

What’s Next for LATAM iGaming

There is no single landscape for the Gambling industry in the LATAM region as each country handles gambling differently. Responsible gambling measures are still developing in many countries, sparking concerns about addiction and underage access. Looking ahead, the future of online casinos in LATAM will likely involve a mix of regulations and restrictions. As more countries start making money from legalized gambling, they may see more well-working regulatory frameworks like the one in Colombia.

For countries with underdeveloped banking systems, cryptocurrency may play a larger role in enabling access for the unbanked share of the population. The more people know about stablecoins and Bitcoin, the more players casinos can potentially reach. They can be sure that the industry will face deeper integrations between LATAM platforms and global casino brands as the region becomes more lucrative especially for big and legit casino brands who want to enter the market via straightforward legalization procedure.

They already see a bunch of new players entering Brazilian markets after their government started issuing specialized licenses. Barão Games and Crianças Inteligentes are now fully compliant with the local laws and work with players from all over Brazil. This creates a positive case and encourages many international brands to start investing in Brazil, create new jobs and bring more tax money to the budget. If that’s not a positive scenario that should be scaled in surrounding countries, then what is?

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

New Book Tearing Down The Orange Curtain Chronicles Orange County Punk’s Rise, Out May 20 With Star-Studded Tour

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Tearing Down The Orange Curtain: How Punk Rock Brought Orange County to the World from journalists Nate Jackson and Daniel Kohn is out May 20, 2025 via Da Capo. The 400-page book explores the trajectory of punk and ska from their humble beginnings to their peak popularity years, where their cultural impact could be felt in music around the world.

Jackson and Kohn interviewed many of the movement’s most influential players and will be heading out on the road for a book tour in conjunction with release. The tour will include Q&As with the artists featured in the book including a May 28th stop at Los Angeles’ Grammy Museum for an event with No Doubt’s Adrian Young, The Vandals’ Joe Escalante, legendary manager Jim Guerinot, and moderator Kat Corbett. See all upcoming events below and look for more this summer, including stops at Warped Tour and more.

BOOK EVENTS:
5/20 Fullerton, CA – Fullerton Museum Center
w/Noodles of the Offspring, Georgette Collard and Jim Washburn

5/21 Long Beach, CA – Fingerprints Records
w/Jim Ruland

5/25 Las Vegas, NV – Punk Rock Museum
w/Jonny 2 Bags (Social Distortion, Cadillac Tramps)

5/28 Los Angeles, CA – Grammy Museum
w/Adrian Young (No Doubt), Joe Escalante (The Vandals), Jim Guerinot (former manager of Social Distortion, No Doubt, the Offspring, Gwen Stefani, more) and moderator Kat Corbett

5/30 Reno, NV – Shea’s Tavern
w/Bud Gaugh of Sublime

When it comes to punk communities across the world, the Orange County punk scene stands out as an undeniable trendsetter that helped define the sound and style of the rapidly evolving genre. From hard luck storytellers Social Distortion and multi-platinum sellers like The Offspring to cult heroes like The Adolescents and T.S.O.L., there’s so much insight to gain from the story of this widely-popular-though-often-misunderstood music scene.

TEARING DOWN THE ORANGE CURTAIN delves deep into the personal and professional lives of bands like Social Distortion, The Adolescents, The Offspring, and their ska counterparts No Doubt, Sublime, Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris, and more, and gives readers a deeper look into the very human stories of these musicians, many of whom struggled with acceptance, addiction, and brutal teenage years in suburbia.

Through many exclusive and first-hand interviews with the principal personalities, TEARING DOWN THE ORANGE CURTAIN brings the 20-year period of OC punk and third-wave of ska (1978-2000) to life, focusing specifically on the historical and musical roots of this creative explosion. Thought-provoking, meticulously researched, and refreshingly candid, this book presents a compelling narrative of how a suburban wasteland turned into a hub for rock-n roll culture, just over 30 miles away from the bright lights of L.A.

 

The Doors Celebrate 60th Anniversary With New Book Night Divides The Day, Out Now in Bookstores

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Genesis Publications is thrilled to announce that Night Divides The Day: The Doors Anthology, which was previously announced as a limited-edition release for February 2025 is now also released as a hardback bookstore edition in all good bookstores today May 13th, 2025 and priced at $75 USD / £60 GBP. Fans can order the book now at NightDividesTheDay.com.

Created in celebration of the band’s 60th anniversary this year, Night Divides The Day is the definitive chronicle of The Doors, offering an intimate and richly illustrated exploration of the band’s legendary journey. Featuring interviews with Robby Krieger and John Densmore and meticulously sourced archival text from Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, this 50,000-word manuscript comes to life with a treasure trove of rare, unpublished photographs, exclusive memorabilia and intricate recording and production notes-all drawn from The Doors’ personal archives and private collections.

In this deeply intimate narrative, the band members recount their evolution from their early days playing local clubs on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to the iconic, and sometimes infamous, moments which defined their career. From the electrifying release of anthems like ‘Light My Fire,’ ‘The End’ and ‘Riders on the Storm,’ to the notorious Dinner Key Auditorium performance in Miami, the book captures the essence of their meteoric rise and the cultural impact they left in their wake.

Featuring new and insightful contributions from a diverse array of artists, including Van Morrison, Nile Rodgers, Slash, Nancy Sinatra and more, the book is anchored by a foreword from Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and an afterword by maestro Gustavo Dudamel. These unique voices offer fresh perspectives on The Doors’ influence and legacy.

Granted unprecedented access to the band’s archives, Night Divides The Day is a visual and narrative feast. The book showcases a stunning collection of historical artifacts-childhood photographs, handwritten song lyrics, poster art, movie stills and previously unseen album cover outtakes. Images of the band in the recording studio, along with work from celebrated photographers and trusted insiders, transport readers behind the scenes and on the road with The Doors. In addition, rare and invaluable items from the band’s history, including vintage instruments and recording equipment, are specially photographed to enrich this kaleidoscopic portrait of one of rock music’s most legendary bands.

Night Divides The Day is also available as a limited-edition version shipping now. The run of only 2,000 numbered boxed sets, all signed by John Densmore and Robby Krieger, each include the 344-page signed book, a 7″ vinyl record with rare demos of “Hello, I Love You” and “Moonlight Drive,” and assorted historical memorabilia.

Night Divides The Day is the ultimate account of The Doors, capturing their incredible story and enduring legacy in a way that has never been seen before.

Throughout 2025, fans of The Doors will also be treated to a series of compelling physical releases and celebratory moments commemorating the band’s milestone 60th anniversary. Stay tuned in the coming months for more exciting anniversary news from The Doors.

Murder By Death Share New Single “Lose You” Ahead of Final Album ‘Egg & Dart’ and Massive Farewell Tour

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Murder By Death are proud to present “Lose You,” the second single from the Friday, June 13 release of Egg & Dart, the celebrated indie-rock band’s 10th and final album. A song that describes a personal loss beyond one’s own control, “Lose You” is lifted from an album composed of goodbye songs that is, arguably, the band’s most sad and beautiful to date.

Presenting generous moments of triumph, desolation, horror and joy, all while exploring the challenges of letting go and moving onto the next phase, Egg & Dart is a reference to an architectural motif popular since Greek and Roman times, often used in columns and still seen today in furniture, trim and molding. The title represents the duality of life (the egg) and death (the arrow). Once you know about it, you see it everywhere. And it seems fitting for an album of songs about turning the page.

Special edition Egg & Dart vinyl, merchandise, live recordings, bonus tracks, test pressings, boxed set bundles and much more can be found via Murder By Death’s online store.

Murder By Death also recently announced its farewell tour that will span June through November across the U.S. and parts of Canada and the UK. The extensive run will honor a rewarding career spent on the road with support from Laura Jane Grace, William Elliott Whitmore, AJJ, Shawn James, BJ Barham and J Roddy Walston in select markets.

“The album is basically an elegy,” frontman Adam Turla says of Murder By Death’s forthcoming, and final, album, Egg & Dart. “The songs are about goodbyes and the different ways we think about that concept.” And while Turla has often spun yarn about fictional sinners and tragic tales in the band’s albums, the themes of Egg & Dart hit a bit closer to home than usual. “It’s certainly our most personal collection of songs. It’s probably our saddest and most beautiful album, but it also has moments of real triumph and joy in the darkness.”

Themes of loss and endings run throughout Egg & Dart, which was recorded in early 2025 by producer Kevin Ratterman. The phrases “goodbye,” “farewell,” and “so long” appear across several tracks. “Lose You” describes a personal loss beyond one’s own control. “It’s about the people in your life that you are very worried about and that you’re not sure if they’re going to make it. It’s about that feeling of anxiety around not having control,” Turla says. On “Letter to the Editor,” he reflects on the idea of letting go of the anger that builds when a trust has been broken. In this case, it’s a break-up song with a newspaper. And on “Sorry,” Turla sings, “It has come our time to part, for I can only give you half my heart / To carry on would be unkind / I love you, I’m sorry, and goodbye.”

Murder by Death has accomplished more than they’d ever dreamed since forming in Bloomington, Indiana, in 2000, when Turla and cellist Sarah Balliet started the project with fellow college dorm-mates under the name Little Joe Gould. They traveled the world several times over, released ten studio albums, built an intensely dedicated following, shared stages with artists from a wide array of genres, brought live music to the famed Stanley Hotel where they established an annual residency, and became accidental Kickstarter pioneers. They’ve undergone one name change, a few member departures, and have navigated a music scene that has drastically transitioned in the two decades of their tenure. But most importantly, they’ve earned it all themselves. In an industry where the words “indie” and “DIY” have been reduced to meaningless buzzwords, the band has always remained true to their roots and run an incredibly hands-on operation built on transparency and loyalty.

Chalk it up to their misleadingly macabre name or their amorphous style of rock that rides along the outskirts of several disparate genres without firmly settling into any of them, but Murder by Death has never fit neatly into any music industry boxes. A radio hit has never flooded them with commercial success, nor have they gotten much love from major music press outlets, who have historically either misunderstood the band or ignored them all together. They’ve avoided trends and dodged fads at every opportunity. But despite years of going against the grain, they’ve managed to find their people. Murder by Death may have avoided aligning with any scene, but they instead built their own community entirely.

And while the band may be shutting down the machine that has powered their operation for so many years, they will not be leaving that community for good. Although Murder by Death won’t be touring, they’re still planning to continue their beloved annual cave shows at the Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, as a yearly opportunity to stay in touch with an audience that has been so supportive. But as far as more new music from Murder by Death goes, the path is less certain. “We have toured relentlessly for 25 years and it’s just time to end that chapter,” Turla says. “I don’t know what the future is for us after this, but we knew that we wanted to make this one last album together and just put everything we had into it.”

Murder By Death will be making the following appearances on its farewell tour in 2025. Dates below.

Jun-07 – Bloomington, IN – Granfalloon Festival
Jun-19 – Newport, KY – Southgate House * (SOLD OUT)
Jun-20 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall *
Jun-21 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall *
Jun-22 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD *
Jun-23 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater *
Jun-25 – Norwalk CT – District Music Hall *
Jun-26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre *
Jun-27 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club * (SOLD OUT)
Jun-28 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw *
Jun-29 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes *
Jul-01 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-02 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-04 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns ! (SOLD OUT)
Jul-05 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-09 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power *
Jul-10 – Baltimore, MD – Union Craft Brewing * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-11 – Washington, DC – Black Cat * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-12 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer *
Jul-13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-15 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Pyramid Scheme * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-16 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall *
Jul-17 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-18 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee *
Jul-19 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
Jul-20 – Maquoketa, IA – Codfish Hollow Barnstormers * (SOLD OUT)
Jul-26 – Louisville, KY – The Big Stomp (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Aug-21 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre * (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Aug-22 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre * (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Aug-23 – Fr. Collins, CO – Tour de Fat (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Sep-21 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Sep-27 – London, UK – Islington Hall
Oct-15 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall ^ (SOLD OUT)
Oct-16 – Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall ^
Oct-17 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre ! (SOLD OUT)
Oct-18 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up !
Oct-19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Depot !
Oct-20 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall !
Oct-22 – Bellingham, WA – Mount Baker Theatre ! (NEW SHOW ADDED)
Oct-23 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile $
Oct-24 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile ! (SOLD OUT)
Oct-25 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall !
Oct-26 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall $
Oct-28 – Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre !
Oct-29 – Los Angeles, CA – Belasco Theatre !
Oct-30 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up !
Oct-31 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s !
Nov-01 – Phoenix, AZ – Van Buren !
Nov-02 – Santa Fe, NM – Tumbleroot !
Nov-05 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater !
Nov-06 – Austin, TX – Mohawk !
Nov-07 – Austin, TX – Mohawk !
Nov-08 – Houston, TX – Heights Theater !
Nov-10 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
Nov-11 – Orlando, FL – The Social #
Nov-13 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
Nov-14 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle# (SOLD OUT)
Nov-15 – Louisville, KY – Old Forester’s Paristown Hall #%
* w/ Laura Jane Grace
^ w/ William Elliott Whitmore
! w/ AJJ
$ w/ Shawn James
# w/ BJ Barham
% w/ J Roddy Walston

Taco Bell Launches Feed The Beat Record Club With Vinyl From Anxious, Magdalena Bay, and Frankie and the Witch Fingers

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Following the announcement of the Feed The Beat Class of 2025Taco Bell is kicking off the all-new Feed The Beat Record Club. This initiative launches as a Tuesday Drop in the Taco Bell app, and 300 Taco Bell Rewards members will have the opportunity to claim a Record Club box. Each box includes a vinyl record from one of three Feed The Beat artists, a Feed The Beat vinyl slipmat, a unique insert with artist information, and Feed The Beat stickers. The drop will be first come, first served on Tuesday, May 20th at 2 pm PST.

Featured Feed The Beat artists for this inaugural Record Club drop include the new albums from Anxious and Magdalena Bay, along with the yet-to-be-released album from Frankie and the Witch Fingers.

Connecticut quintet Anxious released their sophomore album, Bambi, in February of this year. The album is one of remarkable growth, depth, ambition, and energy. It takes all the unsolvable and unavoidable problems of exiting adolescence and makes them resonate in urgent and authentic new ways. Bambi has deep roots in the storied lineage of Northeast tri-state hardcore and emo, but it also fully embraces the widescreen alternative rock songwriting at which Anxious have previously only hinted. It’s a statement of purpose, the kind of album that comes from a band reconciling where they’ve been with where they want to go. Bambi is the sound of Anxious putting everything on the line–and coming out on the other side better than ever.

Los Angeles quintet Frankie and the Witch Fingers will release their latest album, Trash Classic, on June 6th. The album marks a feral mutation for the band, a record that snarls with proto-punk venom, angular melodies, and electronic textures that cough and sputter like dying neon lights under a poisoned sky.

Trash Classic pushes the Witch Fingers’ sound to a razor’s edge. Wiry and twitching, it bends into synth-punk and fractured new wave, with fragments of industrial grime caked under its nails. Guitars detonate and slice like cinder blocks through glass, while gnashing basslines slither through the sludge, alive and seething. Buzzy synths take the forefront, driving relentless rhythms that crack and pop, drenched in a chemically saturated sheen – part bug-eyed speed-freak pogo, part dance-floor delirium. The vocals cut through like static-laced transmissions – balancing both smirk and sneer – layering playful unease over themes of escapism, decay, and overindulgence. The result is a raw, twisted monument to rot and excess – toxic glamour and nihilistic salvation.

Somewhere in the ethernet of our collective social cosmos soup floats the magical, masterful pop music of Magdalena Bay, the duo from Los Angeles composed of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin. The duo released their sophomore studio album, Imaginal Disk, late last summer, once again garnering wide acclaim. Mica and Matthew may claim California as its terra firma, its true home is in the clouds, from where the two emit and output the unique yet familiar frequencies of synthesized nostalgia, kitschy catchiness, and bombastically warped neo-hooks for which the group has become celebrated. Transmitting in both the audio and video realms, Magdalena Bay is an entity adroitly suited for these times, caught in a haze of the known and felt while pushing sonic landscapes woven with the now into the next.

Since 2006, Taco Bell and its Feed The Beat program have helped support more than 2,000 artists/bands. Along the way, we have helped fans discover new bands and bands discover new fans. Feed The Beat support starts in the form of feeding touring musicians with 500 dollars in Taco Bell gift cards – no strings attached.

The brand’s passion for supporting artists and artist discovery does not stop with free food. The Feed The Beat program also boosts exposure for various artists by giving them a stage at events around the world, featuring their music in television commercials, and providing amplification through Taco Bell’s social presence.

Yelawolf and J. Michael Phillips Drop Gritty New Single “I Swear” Ahead of Collaborative Album ‘Whiskey & Roses’

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International hip-hop superstar and multi-platinum recording artist Yelawolf and rising urban country artist J. Michael Phillips have released their new single “I Swear.” The new track, produced by Taysty, is the first in a series of music from the two, who will release a full collaborative album, Whiskey & Roses, on July 11th via Yelawolf’s independent record label, Slumerican. “I Swear” is a soulful tale of fighting against a lifestyle of overindulgence and other’s expectations.

“When I wrote ‘I Swear,’ I was thinking about how there are two types of people in this world: those who stand for something and those who fall for anything,” shares Phillips. “I’d rather die as a soldier than live as a coward and that’s the true meaning behind this record, ‘I Swear.'”

“My brother, J. Michael Phillips, came in with a hook and I was really inspired by it,” adds Yelawolf. “I felt like he reached a point in his vocal performance that I haven’t heard before, and I was just really inspired to push it forward. I actually stepped into a vocal space I haven’t been before. So, we’re reaching new territories here.”

“Oh yeah, I felt like I channeled some type of Johnny Cash on this one!” laughs Phillips.

Yelawolf and J. Michael Phillips are currently on the road together on Yelawolf’s headlining 45 Tour, where they will be performing “I Swear” live. The 40+ date outing, which kicked off in April and has sold out nightly, continues tonight (May 9th) in Reno and will make stops in Tempe, Anaheim, Cleveland, New Haven, Albany, Cincinnati, Louisville, Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Sturgis, among many other cities, before wrapping in Sioux Falls on August 10th.

Larry Fleet Expands ‘Hard Work & Holy Water’ Tour With 25 New U.S. Dates, Plus Europe and U.K. Shows

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Country hitmaker Larry Fleet is expanding his headlining Hard Work & Holy Water Tour through the fall of 2025, adding 25 new U.S. dates to an already revealed international run.

Announced today (5/13), the self-proclaimed rollin’, ramblin’ and gamblin’ man will ramble his way across the pond and far beyond. The follow up to a summer of sold-out shows, Fleet will head to Glasgow, Scotland, for an August 20 headline show, before continuing on through the U.K., Belgium and the Netherlands.

He’ll then return stateside for a September 11 show in Shipshewana, Indiana, which kicks off an extensive trek from Georgia to California, and all points between.

Along with a Fleet’s headline set which highlights his powerhouse vocal and soulful mix of classic country and Southern rock, the tour will also give fans a double dose of the hit maker. Serving as his own opening act for the majority of the run, Fleet will deliver a rare acoustic performance to start the show, before returning for his acclaimed full-band set. Meanwhile, The Kruse Brothers will open select West Coast shows, with the tour wrapping December 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Presale tickets will be available for purchase by Fleet’s fan club members starting tomorrow (5/14), with venue presales beginning Thursday (5/15) and the public sale of any remaining tickets launching Friday (5/16).

The news follows Fleet’s recent release of “A Lotta Women,” which is dedicated to his wife and tributes the unique relationship challenges facing all touring artists. Likewise, the tour’s namesake “Hard Work & Holy Water” reflects Fleet’s background in pouring concrete by day, and playing in local bars by night, encapsulating the work ethic that’s helped the troubadour transition into the independent artist he is today.

See Larry Fleet Live:
Aug. 20, 2025 || Glasgow, UK || SWG3
Aug. 22, 2025 || Camden, UK || Electric Ballroom
Aug. 23, 2025 || Bottesford, UK || The Long Road Festival
Aug. 26, 2025 || Belfast, UK || Limelight 1
Aug. 28, 2025 || Dublin, Ire. || The Academy, Middle Abbey Street
Aug. 30, 2025 || Den Haag, Netherlands || Once In A Blue Moon Festival
Sept. 11, 2025 || Shipshewana, IN, USA || Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Sept. 12, 2025 || Des Moines, IA, USA || Val Air Ballroom
Sept. 13, 2025 || Burnsville, MN, USA || Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Area
Sept. 25, 2025 || Bloomington, IL, USA || The Castle Theatre
Sept. 26, 2025 || Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA || Crystal Grand Music Theatre
Sept. 27, 2025 || Louisville, KY, USA || Fourth Street Live!
Oct. 2, 2025 || High Point, NC, USA || Cohab Space
Oct. 3, 2025 || Gainesville, GA, USA || Boot Barn Hall – Gainesville
Oct. 4, 2025 || Douglas, GA, USA || Martin Centre
Oct. 5, 2025 || Winnsboro, SC, USA || Field & Stream Music Fest
Oct. 16, 2025 || Saginaw, MI, USA || Red Room at DOW Event Center
Oct. 17, 2025 || Cleveland, OH, USA || House of Blues
Oct. 18, 2025 || Buffalo, NY, USA || Town Ballroom
Oct. 23, 2025 || Cedar Park, TX, USA || The Haute Spot
Oct. 24, 2025 || Houston, TX, USA || House of Blues
Oct. 25, 2025 || San Antonio, TX, USA || Stable Hall
Nov. 6, 2025 || Sioux City, IA, USA || Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City – Anthem
Nov. 7, 2025 || Sioux Falls, SD, USA || The District
Nov. 8, 2025 || Hays, KS, USA || Fox Theatre
Dec. 4, 2025 || Phoenix, AZ, USA || The Van Buren*
Dec. 5, 2025 || San Diego, CA, USA || House of Blues San Diego*
Dec. 6, 2025 || Sacramento, CA, USA || Ace of Spades*
Dec. 10, 2025 || Anaheim, CA, USA || House of Blue*
Dec. 11, 2025 || Bakersfield, CA, USA || The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater*
Dec. 12, 2025 || Las Vegas, NV, USA || Golden Nugget
*with special guests The Kruse Brothers