Page 7 – That Eric Alper

D3lta Delivers Gut-Punch Alt-Rock Single “Kids” Meditating On The Digital Age

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

D3lta Delivers Gut-Punch Alt-Rock Single “Kids” Meditating On The Digital Age

Anglo-Greek rock-pop artist D3lta has returned with the gut-punch single “Kids,” a striking meditation on desensitization in the overwhelming digital age. The song unpacks the profound weight of growing up in a world where endless tragedy scrolls past like static, offering a stark counterpoint to the glossy optimism that is constantly being sold. D3lta states that the refrain, “The kids will be alright,” arrives not as reassurance, but as “a chilling mantra of denial, the lie we tell ourselves while the world burns,” emphasizing the heavy realization that children growing up in places of conflict like Gaza have no fault in these circumstances.

Musically, “Kids” channels the artistic reinvention of David Bowie and the social introspection of contemporary artists like Sam Fender and Declan McKenna, pairing D3lta’s lyrical honesty with driving alt-rock energy. The track plays like a modern elegy for connection, projecting a necessary pulse of fragility and frustration in a world numbed by constant noise. With the help of acclaimed collaborators Jim Abbiss, who has worked with Arctic Monkeys and Adele, and Max Wolfgang, known for his work with Laufey and BLACKPINK, D3lta has sharply honed his anthemic edge. Having already expanded his live presence through tours with JC Stewart across Europe and opening slots for Scouting for Girls, D3lta cements himself as one of alt-rock’s most compelling new voices, unafraid to hold up a powerful mirror to a world that has forgotten how to look.

Laura Cox Unleashes Gripping New Music Video For Emotional Rock Anthem “The Broken”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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Laura Cox Unleashes Gripping New Music Video For Emotional Rock Anthem “The Broken”

French modern rock artist Laura Cox has unveiled the gripping new music video for “The Broken,” a standout track from her current album ‘Trouble Coming’. The song is a high-energy blend of pop-rock intensity and emotional depth, and its new visual interpretation elevates the powerful message even further. What starts quietly in the video soon erupts into a full emotional outburst, showing Laura tearing the room apart in a raw release that mirrors the song’s central themes: addiction, mental pressure, and the fragile line between suppressing emotions and finally letting them break through. As the track unfolds, the music powerfully cuts through the apathy surrounding her, with crashing bottles and shattering glass illustrating that everyone in the room stands on the edge of breaking their own patterns. With this video, Cox, who has successfully transitioned from viral YouTube guitarist to international festival headliner, proves once again why she is one of Europe’s most exciting modern rock voices, blending undeniable hooks, intensity, and fierce authenticity into a story that hits hard.

MerleFest Unveils Full Lineup For 2026 Conclave Joining Alison Krauss And OCMS

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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MerleFest Unveils Full Lineup For 2026 Conclave Joining Alison Krauss And OCMS

MerleFest has released the full, spectacular lineup for its 2026 roots conclave, joining previously announced headliners like Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Blackberry Smoke for the event running April 23-26. A massive highlight will be Old Crow Medicine Show, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their quintessential album ‘Big Iron World’ by performing that album and its predecessor ‘O.C.M.S.’ in full on the legendary Watson Stage. Furthermore, Old Crow Medicine Show will act as ring leaders for the must-see Saturday night Late Night Jam, an event that is deeply intertwined with MerleFest’s history since Doc Watson found the band busking in downtown Boone in 2000. In addition to the headliners, the festival welcomes a huge roster of talent including Molly Tuttle, Railroad Earth, The Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, The Jerry Douglas Band, Jake Shimabukuro, Jim Lauderdale, and the Kruger Brothers, among many others.

The festival, founded in memory of North Carolina music legend Doc Watson’s late son Eddy Merle Watson, is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, having expanded from classic country, bluegrass, folk, and gospel to include Americana and classic rock. MerleFest 2026 will feature appearances by Maggie Rose, The Steep Canyon Rangers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Dom Flemons & The Traveling Wildfires, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, and The Waybacks. As MerleFest Artist Relations Manager Lindsay Craven pointed out, Ketch Secor and the Old Crow Medicine Show boys never fail to put on a rowdy, foot-stomping show, and they will bring that collaborative jam spirit to the exciting event with the help of talented guests like Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke.

The enormous lineup also includes Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band, The Castellows, Sister Sadie, Lamont Landers, Hogslop String Band, Blue Highway, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Liam St. John, Melissa Carper, Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, Broken Compass Bluegrass, Corey Harris, and dozens more stellar musicians. MerleFest, presented by Window World, is the primary fundraiser for the Wilkes Community College Foundation, providing crucial funding for scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs on campus. Tickets for the general admission passes, reserved seating, camping, and the Late Night Jam are available now.

Headliners and Key Performances

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Old Crow Medicine Show (Performing ‘Big Iron World’ and ‘O.C.M.S.’ in full)
Charles Wesley Godwin
Blackberry Smoke
Molly Tuttle
Railroad Earth
The Infamous Stringdusters
Joy Oladokun
Sam Bush
The Jerry Douglas Band
The Steep Canyon Rangers
Peter Rowan & The Walls of Time Band
Jake Shimabukuro
Jim Lauderdale
Kruger Brothers

David Byrne Expands Massive 2026 World Tour With Newly Added Dates

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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David Byrne Expands Massive 2026 World Tour With Newly Added Dates

David Byrne has expanded his already massive 2026 world tour, adding numerous North American and European dates ahead of major festival appearances like Coachella and Mad Cool Festival. The newly announced slots include exciting theater and amphitheater shows during the spring US run, featuring newly added stops at the Santa Barbara Bowl in California and Frost Amphitheater in Stanford. Following a European leg that begins in Berlin in February, Byrne announced a second leg kicking off in Prague in June, confirming more festival plays and concerts before wrapping up at the Latitude Festival in the United Kingdom in July.

Australia & New Zealand tour dates

1/14 – Spark Arena – Auckland, NZ
1/17 – Brisbane Entertainment Center – Brisbane, AUS
1/21 – ICC Sydney Theatre – Sydney, AUS
1/22 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl – Melbourne, AUS
1/24 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena – Adelaide, AUS
1/27 – RAC Arena – Perth, AUS

David Byrne North American tour dates

3/26 – Big Ears Festival – Knoxville, TN
3/27 – Big Ears Festival – Knoxville, TN
4/04 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC
4/05 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC
4/07 – Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR
4/08 – Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR
4/11 – Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival – Indio, CA
4/14 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA *
4/16 – Frost Amphitheater – Stanford, CA *
4/18 – Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival – Indio, CA
4/20 – The Colosseum Theater at Ceasars Palace – Las Vegas, NV *
4/21 – Arizona Financial Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
4/24 – Smart Financial Centre – Houston, TX
4/28 – Stifel Theatre – St. Louis, MO
4/29 – Stifel Theatre – St. Louis, MO
5/01 – Murat Theatre – Indianapolis, IN
5/02 – Murat Theatre – Indianapolis, IN
5/03 – Miller High Life Theatre – Milwaukee, WI
5/05 – Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO
5/07 – Playhouse Square, KeyBank State Theatre – Cleveland, OH
5/09 – Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, TN
5/12 – Durham Performing Arts Center – Durham, NC
5/13 – The Dome – Virginia Beach, VA
5/15 – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater – Bridgeport, CT
5/16 – Hippodrome Theatre – Baltimore, MD *
5/17 – Hippodrome Theatre – Baltimore, MD *

Europe & United Kingdom tour dates

2/12 – Tempodrom – Berlin, Germany
2/15 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands
2/16 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands
2/18 – Forest National – Brussels, Belgium
2/21 – Teatro degli Arcimboldi – Milan, Italy
2/22 – Teatro delgi Arcimboldi – Milan, Italy
2/24 – Jahrhunderthalle – Frankfurt, Germany
2/26 – Rockhal Maini Hall – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
2/27 – The Hall – Zurich, Switzerland
3/02 – Utilita Arena – Cardiff, UK
3/03 – Eventim Apollo – London, UK
3/04 – Eventim Apollo – London, UK
3/06 – SEC Armadillo – Glasgow, UK
3/07 – SEC Armadillo – Glasgow, UK
3/09 – O2 Apollo – Manchester, UK
3/10 – O2 Apollo – Manchester, UK
3/11 – O2 Apollo – Manchester, UK
3/13 – 3Arena – Dublin, Ireland
3/15 – Eventim Apollo – London, UK
3/16 – Eventim Apollo – London, UK
3/18 – La Seine Musicale – Paris, France
3/19 – La Siene Musicale – Paris, France
6/12 – Piknik i Parken – Oslo, Norway *
6/17 – O2 Universum – Prague, Czech Republic *
6/18 – Budapest Arena – Budapest, Hungary *
6/21 – Release Athens x SNF Nests – Athens, Greece
6/23 – Fiera del Levante – Bari, Italy *
6/25 – Lucca Summer Festival – Lucca, Italy *
6/28 – Arena Pula – Pula, Croatia *
7/01 – Open’er Festival – Gdynia, Poland
7/03 – Roskilde Festival – Roskilde, Denmark
7/04 – Down The Rabbit Hole – Beuningen, Holland
7/10 – Cruïla Festival – Barcelona, Spain
7/11 – Mad Cool Festival – Madrid, Spain
7/14 – Ageas Cooljazz Festival – Cascais, Portugal
7/24 – Latitude Festival – Suffolk, UK

On Sale Information Tickets for the newly announced dates go on sale December 12.

Sooshi Mango Announces ‘The Home Made World Tour’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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Sooshi Mango Announces ‘The Home Made World Tour’

Australian comedic trio, Sooshi Mango, announced their 2026 ‘The Home Made World Tour.’ Between May and June 2026, they will embark on an international tour across North America and Europe, bringing their iconic characters, sketches, musical moments, and family-centered humor to international stages. This global expansion marks a major milestone in their journey – further transforming a local comedy trio into an international touring act.

The tour kicks off on Thursday, April 23 at The Paramount in Huntington, NY making stops across North America in Chicago, Vancouver, New York and more before wrapping up in Paris, FR at Alhambra on Wednesday, June 17.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with artist presale beginning Tuesday, December 9 at 10am local. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, December 12 at 10am local on LiveNation.com

THE HOME MADE WORLD TOUR 2026 DATES:

Thu Apr 23 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount

Fri Apr 24 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts

Sun Apr 26 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Shubert Theatre

Fri May 01 – Philadelphia, PA – Live! Event Center

Sat May 02 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

Thu May 07 – Chicago, IL – Athenaeum Center

Fri May 08 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre Southam Hall

Tue May 12 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre

Fri May 15 – New York, NY – The Town Hall

Sat May 16 – Toronto, ON – Meridian Hall

Sun May 17 – Montreal, QC – Olympia de Montréal

Wed May 20 – Berlin, Germany – Urania Humboldtsaal

Sat May 23 – London, England – Shepherds Bush Empire

Sun May 24 – Munich, Germany – Alte Kongresshalle

Tue May 26 – Cologne, Germany – Tanzbrunnen

Wed May 27 – Milan, Italy – Auditorium di Milano

Fri May 29 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja

Tue Jun 02 – Limassol, Cyprus – Monte Caputo

Thu Jun 04 – Athens, Greece – Universe

Sat Jun 06 – Skopje, Macedonia – SRC Kale

Mon Jun 08 – Madrid, Spain – San Pol

Tue Jun 09 – Barcelona, Spain – Teatre Borràs

Fri Jun 12 – Manchester, England – Apollo

Sat Jun 13 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Usher Hall

Sun Jun 14 – Dublin, Ireland – Vicar

Mon Jun 15 – London, England – Eventim Apollo

Wed Jun 17 – Paris, France – Alhambra

Fri Jun 19 – Sofia, Bulgaria – Vidas Art Center

Avenged Sevenfold And Good Charlotte Announce 2026 North American Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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Avenged Sevenfold And Good Charlotte Announce 2026 North American Tour

Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte will join together next summer for a North American Tour, marking a rare moment that unites two massively influential bands with deep roots and friendship spanning decades. While both acts have helped define their respective corners of rock music, this upcoming run celebrates the shared history, mutual respect, and musical connection that has woven the two together since their earliest days.

Promoted by Live Nation, the 16-city tour kicks off July 25 in Ridgedale, MO, with additional stops in Shakopee, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Toronto, Montreal, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, and more before wrapping August 27 at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ.

For Avenged Sevenfold, this run follows the release of their new song, “Magic”, streaming everywhere as of December 6, 2025. A7X debuted the song in the recent season of Call of Duty BO7 last week, and released the track fully independently, continuing the ambition of the band’s current work. Listen to the new song, watch the 360 VR music video, and enjoy the lyric video with handwritten lyrics from M. Shadows HERE. The band once again partnered with the incredible world renowned fine artist Wes Lang for the single artwork. “Magic” is the first new release since the critically acclaimed 2023 album, Life Is But A Dream…—a boundary-pushing project that further cemented the band’s reputation for reinvention, ambition, and incredible live performances. Known for their visionary integration of technology, fan-forward ticketing models, and large-scale creative production, the band continues to evolve how they engage fans both on and off the stage.

Multi-platinum rock superstars Good Charlotte made a triumphant return in August with the release of Motel Du Cap, their first new album in seven years. Met with widespread acclaim, Rolling Stone marveled at “the unrelenting energy” of the record, while PAPER raved, “Good Charlotte has established that they’re here to stay as one of the most influential career acts of the 21st century.” The band brought songs from the album to life with a full slate of national television performances on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Good Morning America. Next year’s much anticipated trek marks the band’s first North American tour since 2018.

TICKETS: Priority tickets will be available first for A7X’s Deathbats Club as well as A7X and GC’s Early Access Ticketpass holders with their request window opening Monday, December 8 at 7AM PT / 10AM ET at https://a7xgc.request.ticketmaster.com/ for US shows and https://cada7xgc.request.ticketmaster.ca for Canadian shows. The reservation window will close Tuesday, December 9 at 7PM PT / 10PM ET and requests will be processed and confirmed Wednesday, December 10.

TicketPass is a reward claimed on both band’s new verification-based rewards system, created by Avenged Sevenfold & Bitflips. Deathbat Rewards and Good Charlotte Rewards is a free loyalty program for fans to sign up to by using either an email address or a digital wallet. Rewards members earn points by streaming music, buying merchandise, and attending shows in order to claim various perks once they achieve levels throughout the season.

During the Presale window, fans will use their Dapp wallet (MetaMask, Coinbase, Etc.) or email account to authenticate their access and then submit their request for tickets. After the request period closes, they will receive a confirmation from Ticketmaster if tickets matching their preferences have been secured. This process will give exclusive access to token-holding fans. By using this platform, the band is protecting proven fans from bots, scalpers, and early dynamic pricing. For more information on the Token-Gated Sales platform see HERE.

Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, December 12 at 10AM local time on LiveNation.com.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD VIP PACKAGES:Avenged Sevenfold will offer two VIP experiences: a behind-the-scenes backstage tour that gives fans an inside look at the production of the show guided by a member of the crew, and an early-entry merchandise package featuring an exclusive collectible item and other venue perks.

GOOD CHARLOTTE VIP PACKAGES: Special VIP packages will also be available for superfans who are looking to get as close to the action as possible. Exclusive benefits include early entry to the floor for prime views of the show, a VIP-only Good Charlotte merchandise item, a VIP laminate featuring special Motel du Cap artwork created by Benji Madden, and other onsite benefits. Plus, VIPs will be able to vote to choose where to donate a portion of the VIP sales proceeds. For more info on VIP, fans can visit wearesuper.co/goodcharlotte.

TOUR DATES:

Sat Jul 25 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena

Mon Jul 27 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater

Thu Jul 30 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Sat Aug 01 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

Tue Aug 04 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Thu Aug 06 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre

Sat Aug 08 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

Mon Aug 10 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

Wed Aug 12 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

Fri Aug 14 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Sun Aug 16 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Tue Aug 18 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Fri Aug 21 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

Sun Aug 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Tue Aug 25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Thu Aug 27 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

Tara and Hunter Fieri Join Ownership Group of Brooklyn Pickleball Team

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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Tara and Hunter Fieri Join Ownership Group of Brooklyn Pickleball Team

Major League Pickleball’s (MLP presented by DoorDash) Brooklyn Pickleball Team (BKPT) has sold a minority stake to entrepreneurs and media personalities Tara and Hunter Fieri, adding the newly-married couple to the team’s current existing ownership group, which is led by Al Tylis and Sam Porter and includes celebrities/athletes Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Rip Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Odell Beckham Jr., Cliff Avril, and Mesut Ozil.

Hunter Fieri is an entrepreneur, TV personality, and dynamic event host, known for bringing energy to Food & Wine festivals, Super Bowl activations, and lifestyle events like Stagecoach. Tara Fieri is a former NCAA champion softball player turned entrepreneur, athlete, and content creator, blending sports, media, and pickleball through global brand collaborations. Together, they co-create unique cooking and pickleball pop-ups that combine food, storytelling, and sport, a reflection of their shared passions.

“We’re thrilled to officially join Major League Pickleball as the new owners of the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. Pickleball has been such a meaningful part of our lives on and off the court, and owning a team in the heart of Brooklyn is a dream come true. Together, we’re committed to growing the sport, creating a culture that blends community, competition, and fun, and bringing the energy of Brooklyn to pickleball fans everywhere,” said Tara and Hunter Fieri.

BKPT made their MLP debut in 2023 as the D.C. Pickleball Team and were Premier Level champions of the MLP Dallas event that November. The franchise changed brand identities before the start of the 2025 season, finished the regular season in 4th place of the 16-team Premier Level, and advanced to Round 2 of the 2025 MLP Playoffs.

The league generated a host of record-breaking metrics during the 2025 season, highlighted by sponsor revenue more than doubling 2024’s total, 94% growth in ticket revenue, a 52% bump in total attendance, linear TV hours more than doubling via national broadcaster and local partnerships, and over 400% gains in social media impressions.

MLP also set new all-time league highs for multiple team valuations in 2025, including the LA Mad Drops ($13 million – majority stake sale record) and Palm Beach Royals ($16 million – expansion franchise record).

NMIXX Announces 11-City Global Tour Following Chart-Topping Album Success

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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NMIXX Announces 11-City Global Tour Following Chart-Topping Album Success

Rising K-POP girl group NMIXX announced their first official global tour, NMIXX 1ST WORLD TOUR <EPISODE 1: ZERO FRONTIER>. Presented by JYP Entertainment and promoted by Live Nation, the 11-city trek launches Tuesday, March 17 in Madrid, Spain at Palacio Vistalegre, with stops in Amsterdam, Paris, London, Toronto, Brooklyn, Oakland, and more before wrapping Thursday, April 9 in Los Angeles, CA at YouTube Theater.

The 1ST WORLD TOUR <EPISODE 1: ZERO FRONTIER> tour supports NMIXX’s first full-length album, Blue Valentine, released on October 13, 2025. The project features the title track “Blue Valentine”, alongside songs like “SPINNIN′ ON IT” and two reinterpreted versions of their debut single “O.O”.

One week after the album’s release, the title track “Blue Valentine” hit No. 1 on the Melon Top 100 chart, a major domestic chart, and maintained the top spot across the platform’s HOT 100, daily, weekly charts. The track also reached the top of the monthly chart in November 2025. Globally, “Blue Valentine” has debuted No. 78 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 43 on the Global 200 Excl. US chart. The album’s track ‘SPINNIN’ ON IT’ also charted on NME’s ‘The 50 Best Songs of 2025’ in the U.K.

Following an acclaimed album launch and chart-topping success, NMIXX recently sold out their debut concerts at Incheon Inspire Arena in South Korea on November 29 and 30, setting the stage for their upcoming global tour.

TICKETS: Tickets for the Europe and UK dates go on sale Friday, December 12 at 10 AM local time. North America dates will be available the same day at 3 PM local time at LiveNation.com.

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

NMIXX 1ST WORLD TOUR <EPISODE 1: ZERO FRONTIER> TOUR DATES:

Tue Mar 17 — Madrid, ES — Palacio Vistalegre

Fri Mar 20 — Amsterdam, NL — AFAS Live

Sun Mar 22 — Paris, FR — Salle Pleyel

Tue Mar 24 — Frankfurt, DE — myticket Jahrhunderthalle

Thu Mar 26 — London, UK — Eventim Apollo

Sun Mar 29 — Toronto, ON — Great Canadian Toronto

Tue Mar 31 — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Paramount

Thu Apr 2 — National Harbor, MD — The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Sat Apr 4 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Tue Apr 7 — Oakland, CA — Paramount Theatre

Thu Apr 9 — Los Angeles, CA — YouTube Theater

‘Known and Unknown’: Ezra Ben-Shalom’s Sonic Meditation on Ancestry, Grief, and Transformation

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

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‘Known and Unknown’: Ezra Ben-Shalom’s Sonic Meditation on Ancestry, Grief, and Transformation

Ezra Ben-Shalom’s Known and Unknown has emerged as a profound candidate for year-end “Best Of” lists, offering a courageous musical response to a world in conflict. A bold avant-folk record drenched in Jewish tradition, the album is ripe for this specific moment in a world longing to feel connected. Ben-Shalom, whose name translates to “helper son of peace,” views this music as an act of engaging with the oral tradition of his ancestors to address universal questions of suffering and transcendence.

While this is Ben-Shalom’s first solo album, he is a veteran of the Canadian music landscape with a rewarding career as a songwriter and producer. He is a Western Canadian Music Award winner and a JUNO Award nominee who has released seven albums with various ensembles and performed on stages across North America. His collaborative history includes co-writing and co-producing with Bif Naked and playing banjo with Tegan and Sara. Now based in Kelowna, BC, Ben-Shalom channels this extensive experience into Known and Unknown, which stands as the most deeply conjured work of his career to date.

The album’s centerpiece, “Lover in a Tower,” serves as a powerful bridge between Western collective trauma and the specific pain currently felt by Jewish artists. Ben-Shalom originally wrote the first draft of the song on September 11, 2001, at the age of 19. However, it was not until the events of October 7, 2023, that the “old tune came back to him,” allowing him to finally complete a song about serving a vision one cannot fully see.

“In Kabbalistic thought, there is a difference between wisdom, understanding, and knowledge,” Ben-Shalom explains regarding the song’s 22-year gestation. “Wisdom is bestowed on you. It’s a flash of light… Understanding is exploring that insight and developing it. And then knowledge is how it changes you once you integrate it on a deep level… The main difference is that now I’m ready to sing it”.

Musically, Known and Unknown bridges the gap between traditional folk and experimental soundscapes. The album was co-produced by Chris Carlson, best known as the bass player for Tegan & Sara and Kinnie Starr. Carlson played multiple instruments and helped capture the “raw states” of the songs, while the more experimental tracks emerged from studio improvisation. Ben-Shalom is currently preparing a new single, “Encompassing Place,” slated for early 2026.

Andrew Irving Releases New Single “If I’m Not Alright” to Support Mental Health Awareness

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 8, 2025

0

Andrew Irving Releases New Single “If I’m Not Alright” to Support Mental Health Awareness

Burlington, ON singer/songwriter Andrew Irving announces the release of his new single “If I’m Not Alright”. Produced by Carl Jennings, this track serves as an introspective and emotionally raw exploration of internal dialogue during a personal mental health struggle. The song speaks to the heart of these topics and addresses a sensitive issue that Irving believes requires open conversation to remove the stigma surrounding it.

The single originated during a late night on the road where Irving found himself alone in a hotel room riddled with anxiety and loneliness. He wrestled with the concept of what that means for people struggling with their mental health and opened his journal to pen the words “if I’m not alright, is that okay?”. Irving grabbed a guitar and sang the melody without censoring his words or thoughts.

This release represents the most personal piece of work Irving has composed to date. It functions as an anthem for those dealing with mental issues and aims to normalize the feelings many people deal with on a daily basis. The lyrics reflect this vulnerability with lines including “So take me out of this place / ‘Cause I’m drowning” and “From the outside / No one sees the pain”.

Longtime collaborator Mike McCormick provides melodic lead guitar parts that enhance the singer-songwriter stylings of the track. McCormick brings over 25 years of experience and a high level of energy to the performance. Drummer Dave Ellsworth contributes precision and a dynamic feel to the rhythm section. Ellsworth recently reunited with the band for live performances following reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation for a spinal injury.

The lineup features new bassist Nick Lawrence who joined Irving as a full-time band member in May 2025. Lawrence brings experience from the Halifax music scene and roots in R&B and Soul to the group. This collective share a history of performing on stages with acts including The Watchmen, Our Lady Peace, and I Mother Earth.

Andrew Irving and his bandmates will perform shows across Ontario through the fall and winter of 2025/2026 to support the release. These performances focus on supporting mental health initiatives and promoting normalizing conversations surrounding mental health issues. Irving is a prolific performer who captures the hearts of crowds across Europe, the USA, and Canada.