Tennessee singer-songwriter Beth Snapp has released her latest single, “I Thought of You,” a heartfelt track that trades her signature “Popalachian” fusion for a stripped-back, traditional bluegrass sound. Inspired by a reflective drive along Southwest Virginia’s historic Crooked Road, the self-produced song captures the quiet intimacy of missing a loved one amidst the backdrop of rolling mountains and small-town views. To achieve the track’s authentic picking and warm harmonies, Snapp collaborated with Shawn Lane, Tim Stafford, and Wayne Taylor of the Grammy-nominated powerhouse Blue Highway. This release follows Snapp’s recent success as a co-writer on Blue Highway’s #1 hit “Is Now the Time,” further solidifying her deep-rooted connection to the bluegrass community while showcasing her versatility as an artist who can pivot from jazz-tinged pop to soulful, mountain-inspired storytelling.
Gregg McKella Releases Debut Solo Album ‘Songs From The Underground’
Brighton-based singer-songwriter Gregg McKella has released his debut solo album, ‘Songs from the Underground’, a 17-track collection originally written during his years busking across London in the 1990s. Recorded and produced by Martin Litmus, the album features a unique blend of folk-driven rhythms and psychedelic blues that McKella has dubbed “space-folk.” The project, released on December 5, 2025, features a rich instrumental palette including glissando guitar, mellotron, and clarinet, with guest contributions from Nick Pynn, Jeanette Murphy, and Paradise 9 bandmate Tyrone Thomas. Completion of the record took on a newfound urgency following McKella’s 2022 diagnosis and successful recovery from prostate cancer; he now utilizes his live performances to advocate for early detection, urging men over 40 to request a PSA blood test. The album captures the “light and shade” of city life, serving as both a musical retrospective and a vital personal milestone for the multi-instrumentalist.
Blacklite District Enters Mature New Era With Noir-Inspired Single “Paper Towels”
Blacklite District, the prolific project led by Kyle Pfeiffer, has released its most introspective single to date, “Paper Towels.” Accompanied by a noir-inspired music video directed by Travis Boles, the track signals a significant artistic evolution for Pfeiffer, trading high-energy fusion for a more mature, atmospheric sound. The song draws deeply from Pfeiffer’s personal journey through adversity, utilizing raw lyricism and cinematic production to anchor a new chapter of authenticity following his landmark partnership with Duetti. Reflecting its high-concept visual storytelling, the music video has already been named an official selection of the Miami Beach Film Festival and is currently entered in several other national festivals. This release follows the continued success of Pfeiffer’s long-standing collaboration with Minecraft creator Rainimator, whose latest saga episode for “Fine Right Here” premiered in November 2025 to massive fanfare. With over 1 billion global streams, Pfeiffer is using “Paper Towels” as the cornerstone for a forthcoming album in 2026 that promises to explore more reflective, story-driven themes shaped by his recent life experiences.
LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Cruise Returns In 2026 With Massive Ship Upgrade And Jamaica Debut
Following three consecutive sold-out years, Rock The Bells has announced the return of its premier hip-hop vacation, ‘Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience’, sailing November 1–6, 2026. This edition marks a massive evolution for the franchise, moving to the state-of-the-art Norwegian Joy, a vessel twice the size of previous ships, and extending the voyage with an additional day at sea. For the first time, the five-day journey will sail from Miami to Montego Bay, Jamaica, where guests can immerse themselves in local island culture and beach vibes. The 2026 lineup features a heavyweight roster of legends including T.I., Public Enemy, E-40, Warren G, and Too $hort, alongside elite turntablists like DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Spinderella. Beyond the music, the “family reunion” atmosphere is heightened by a comedy slate featuring Bill Bellamy and Kym Whitley, hosted by icons Roxanne Shanté and Torae.
The move to Norwegian Joy introduces a new level of luxury to the hip-hop community, featuring modernized staterooms, an outdoor go-kart track, a cutting-edge thermal spa, and over twenty diverse dining and bar options. Founder LL Cool J emphasizes that the cruise “hits different” because of the intimate connection between artists and fans, offering once-in-a-lifetime interactions throughout the ship’s world-class amenities. In addition to the entertainment, the 2026 cruise is committed to social impact; a portion of every booking will automatically support relief efforts in Jamaica via Jamaica’s Promise, aiding recovery from the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Presales for this immersive cultural pilgrimage are currently underway, with the general public on-sale beginning Thursday, December 11th, at 2 pm ET via the official Rock The Bells Cruise website.
Randy Travis Extends Highly Emotional ‘More Life Tour’ Into Spring 2026
Country music legend Randy Travis has announced a massive spring 2026 extension of his ‘More Life Tour’ following a record-breaking 2025 run that saw him perform for over 60,000 fans. The tour features Travis’s original touring band alongside special guest vocalist James Dupré, who delivers pitch-perfect renditions of iconic chart-toppers like “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “On the Other Hand,” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” While Travis does not sing due to the effects of his 2013 stroke, he remains a central presence on stage throughout the evening, appearing alongside his wife, Mary, to interact with the audience and celebrate the timeless catalog that defined the neo-traditional country movement. This upcoming leg kicks off on March 12 in Muskegon, Michigan, and includes stops at historic venues such as the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix and the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, providing fans a unique opportunity to honor one of the most resilient and influential figures in music history.
Randy Travis 2026 More Life Tour Dates:
Mar 12 – Muskegon, MI @ Frauenthal Center
Mar 13 – Lafayette, IN @ Long Center for the Performing Arts
Mar 14 – Marietta, OH @ The Tower Event Center
Mar 19 – Poplar Bluff, MO @ Rodgers Theatre
Mar 20 – Tuscaloosa, AL @ Bama Theatre
Mar 21 – Prestonsburg, KY @ Mountain Arts Center
Mar 26 – Monroe, LA @ Jack Howard Theatre
Mar 27 – Baton Rouge, LA @ River Center Theatre
Mar 28 – Texarkana, TX @ Perot Theatre
Apr 10 – Louisville, KY @ The Brown Theatre
Apr 11 – Anderson, IN @ Paramount Theatre
Apr 12 – St. Louis, MO @ Touhill PAC
Apr 17 – Mobile, AL @ Saenger Theatre Mobile
Apr 18 – Lake Charles, LA @ Rosa Hart Theatre
Apr 19 – Georgetown, TX @ Two Step Inn
Apr 20 – Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
Apr 22 – Phoenix, AZ @ Orpheum Theatre
Apr 23 – Escondido, CA @ Center for the Arts Escondido
Apr 24 – Beverly Hill, CA @ Saban Theatre
May 22 – Fayetteville, GA @ Trilith Live
May 23 – Spartanburg, SC @ Memorial Auditorium
Ellie Walker Releases Introspective New EP ‘Balance’
Cambridgeshire-based indie-folk artist Ellie Walker has released her highly anticipated EP ‘Balance’, a four-track collection that serves as her most personal and stylistically confident work to date. Following her acclaimed 2023 debut ‘Sink or Swim’, Walker spent 2025 releasing a series of singles that culminate in this project, which beautifully blends the warmth of acoustic arrangements with the playfulness of chamber-pop. Recorded at The Sick Room in Norfolk with producer Owen Turner, the EP navigates themes of family life, mental health, and forgiveness, featuring the jaunty, recorder-led title track alongside the hauntingly introspective “The Old Oak.” Drawing inspiration from Carole King and Joni Mitchell, as well as literary figures like Emma Morley from ‘One Day’, Walker’s music continues to earn widespread support from BBC Introducing and Radio X for its emotional vulnerability and “unfiltered” production. To celebrate the release, Walker and her band—Michael Chalmers, Max Wherlock, Mark Boxall, and Carly Cole—performed a special EP launch show at The Plough in Shepreth on December 12th.
Depeche Mode Releases ‘DEPECHE MODE: M’ Film and ‘Mexico City’ Live Album
Depeche Mode has officially released the physical and digital editions of their landmark cinematic project ‘DEPECHE MODE: M’ alongside the accompanying live album ‘MEMENTO MORI: MEXICO CITY’. Directed by award-winning Mexican filmmaker Fernando Frías, the documentary explores the profound intersection of the band’s music with Mexican culture’s relationship to mortality, captured during their record-breaking three-night residency at Mexico City’s Foro Sol Stadium. The physical bundles, available in CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray formats via Columbia Records, feature the ‘M’ feature film on Disc 1 and a dedicated full-length concert movie on Disc 2. This release follows a successful limited theatrical and IMAX run earlier this autumn, documenting a tour that reached over 3 million fans worldwide and solidified the band’s status as a peerless force in the global music landscape.
The comprehensive live album, ‘MEMENTO MORI: MEXICO CITY’, is now available in standalone 4LP vinyl, 2CD, cassette, and digital formats, featuring over two hours of live music from the 2023 tour. Significantly, all formats include four previously unreleased tracks from the ‘Memento Mori’ studio sessions: “Survive,” “Life 2.0,” “Give Yourself To Me,” and the goth-pop standout “In The End.” The latter has already garnered critical acclaim for its atmospheric synth layers and poignant themes of impermanence. For fans looking to stream the experience, both the documentary and the concert film will be available for digital rental and download starting December 17th, with the project slated to make its subscription streaming debut on Netflix in January 2026.
Depeche Mode’s Memento Mori World Tour was heralded as a “stunning celebration of life,” and these new releases provide the definitive document of that journey. By weaving together high-definition concert footage, archival materials, and cultural interstitials, Fernando Frías has created more than just a tour film; he has crafted a spiritual exploration of the band’s enduring legacy. As a celebratory bonus for the launch, a new live video for “Precious” recorded at Foro Sol is now streaming on the band’s official channels. Whether through the expansive 4LP vinyl set or the intimate cinematic documentary, this collection offers a deep dive into the “sacred meeting point” where the music of Depeche Mode and the traditions of Mexico become one.
MEMENTO MORI: MEXICO CITY Tracklist (Physical & Digital)
- Intro
- My Cosmos Is Mine
- Wagging Tongue
- Walking In My Shoes
- It’s No Good
- Sister Of Night
- In Your Room
- Everything Counts
- Precious
- Speak To Me
- Home
- Soul With Me
- Ghosts Again
- I Feel You
- A Pain That I’m Used To
- World In My Eyes
- Wrong
- Stripped
- John the Revelator
- Enjoy The Silence
- Waiting for the Night
- Just Can’t Get Enough
- Never Let Me Down Again
- Personal Jesus
- Survive (Memento Mori Session)
- Life 2.0 (Memento Mori Session)
- Give Yourself To Me (Memento Mori Session)
- In The End (Memento Mori Session)
Theory of a Deadman Celebrates 20 Years of ‘Gasoline’ with Expanded Anniversary Edition
Theory of a Deadman has officially entered a new decade of rock dominance with the release of ‘Gasoline (20th Anniversary Edition)’, available now via Roadrunner and 604 Records. Originally released in 2005, ‘Gasoline’ served as the band’s international breakout, propelled by the massive success of the heartbreaking anthem “Santa Monica”—a track famously inspired by the lyric, “She fills my bed with gasoline.” This new digital reissue honors the album’s legacy by including a wealth of previously unreleased material, featuring raw demos and intimate live acoustic versions of their biggest hits. To coincide with the launch, the band has also released remastered 4K versions of the iconic music videos for “Santa Monica” and “No Surprise,” giving fans a high-definition look back at the era that solidified the North Delta, Canada, natives as global rock mainstays.
Since the record’s initial debut, the quartet has amassed over four billion streams and a string of multi-platinum hits, but the 20th-anniversary collection offers a rare glimpse into their formative creative process. The 23-track expanded edition includes stripped-back takes recorded during their rise to fame, as well as demos for tracks like “Fake” and “Better Off” that have remained in the vault for two decades. The release marks the beginning of a busy 2026 for the band; following a year of heavy touring, frontman Tyler Connolly recently collaborated with Finnish rockers The Rasmus on a new version of “Creatures of Chaos,” and the band is set to return to the stage this summer for major events like the Rockin’ The Island festival. As they celebrate twenty years of ‘Gasoline’, Theory of a Deadman continues to build on a career that has already seen two Top 10 Billboard debuts and nearly a billion views on YouTube.
Award-Winning Visual Odyssey ‘Waits/Corbijn’ Returns To Print
Originally released in 2013, the critically acclaimed ‘Waits/Corbijn ’77–’11’ has returned to print in a stunning new edition, released on December 9, 2025. This visual odyssey chronicles the 35-year creative partnership between legendary musician Tom Waits and world-renowned Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn. Structured chronologically, the book features over 200 pages of Corbijn’s stark, evocative portraits that capture Waits’ evolution from a young beat-poet in 1977 to the multifaceted troubadour and raconteur of the 21st century. The collaboration is framed by introductions from filmmaker Jim Jarmusch and “Dean of American Rock Critics” Robert Christgau, with Jarmusch famously describing the pairing of the two artists as “an axis of evil geniuses.”
Beyond Corbijn’s iconic photography, the 272-page volume includes a unique 50-page section titled ‘Curiosities’, which marks the first published collection of Tom Waits’ own photography, poems, stories, and visual collages. This section provides fans with a rare, intimate look into Waits’ personal artistic intelligence, showcasing everything from extreme close-ups of the mundane to typed musings and salvaged artifacts. Housed in a collectible slipcase and featuring 226 color and duotone plates, this re-issue from Prestel Publishing distills decades of mutual inspiration into a single, definitive work. It remains an essential artifact for photography enthusiasts and die-hard fans seeking to understand the “liberating legal drug” of one of rock’s most fruitful artistic friendships.
Legendary Musician and Executive Derek Shulman Releases Memoir ‘Giant Steps’
Derek Shulman, the polymath who conquered both the avant-garde stage and the corporate boardroom, has released his highly anticipated memoir ‘Giant Steps: My Improbable Journey From Stage Lights to Executive Heights’. Published on December 12, 2025, via Jawbone Press, the book features a foreword by legendary producer Tony Visconti and chronicles Shulman’s Zelig-like trajectory through 60 years of music history. From his early pop stardom with Simon Dupree & The Big Sound to fronting the progressive-rock pioneers Gentle Giant, Shulman provides an insider’s look at the creative risks that defined a generation. The memoir takes a fascinating turn in the 1980s as Shulman transitions to the “dark side” of the industry, becoming the visionary executive at Polygram, Atco, and Roadrunner Records who discovered and signed global juggernauts like Bon Jovi, Dream Theater, Pantera, and Slipknot.
The narrative also highlights the surprising endurance of Shulman’s musical legacy, particularly how Gentle Giant’s complex arrangements became a cornerstone for hip-hop production. The book details the band’s influence on icons like Questlove and their status as one of the most sampled rock acts in history by luminaries such as J. Dilla, De La Soul, and Travis Scott. Written alongside veteran journalist Jon Wiederhorn, ‘Giant Steps’ offers a rare, clean-living perspective on an industry often defined by excess, making it a definitive account of the evolution of popular music. Whether exploring the “Night Songs” of the 80s rock boom or the intricate time signatures of the 70s prog scene, Shulman’s story is an essential read for anyone curious about the intersection of artistry and the business of music.