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Wave Of The Flood Marks Midpoint Of Year-Long Singles Project With “I Could Die”

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Rising contemporary folk artist Wave Of The Flood reaches the halfway point of her ambitious year-long release campaign with new single “I Could Die.” The track is the sixth in a run of twelve monthly singles, a project designed to celebrate the legacy of the 45rpm single while marking a personal milestone year. Each release stands alone, placing storytelling and immediacy at the center of the project.

The creative force behind Wave Of The Flood, singer-songwriter Lindsay Strachan, launched the series earlier this year to reconnect with the freedom of releasing individual songs. “Releasing a single each month has meant I can be playful with the different topics in my songs without worrying about an overarching album theme,” Strachan says. “My November single is really different from my last, and I’m excited to see the momentum building behind these releases.”

“I Could Die” explores formative relationships and the fragile spaces between hurt, accountability, and repair. “The song reflects on what happens in the space between the sharp awareness of the hurt we inflict on those we love the most and the deep yearning to make things right,” Strachan explains. While emotionally direct, the song is framed with care and intention, offering reflection rather than resolution.

Produced by Kris Drever of Lau, who also contributes guitar, the track features John McDonald on double bass and Dylan Cairns on fiddle. Recorded by Garry Boyle at The Slate Room Studio, “I Could Die” balances warmth and restraint, pairing intimate performances with a clear, uncluttered production.

McFLY Headline Forest Live 2026 With Trio Of Major Forest Shows

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Forest Live, Forestry England’s long-running summer concert series presented with Cuffe & Taylor, has announced McFLY as headliners for its 2026 edition. The power-pop mainstays will return to the forest stages this June with performances at Cannock Chase, Delamere Forest, and High Lodge, Thetford. Support across the dates comes from Twin Atlantic and rising pop trio Remember Monday.

Fresh from their massive 2025 UK arena run, including the 35-date Busted vs McFLY tour, the band bring a live set that reflects their full career arc while spotlighting material from their most recent album ‘Power to Play’. Following a standout Forest Live appearance at Westonbirt Arboretum last summer, Tom Fletcher, Harry Judd, Danny Jones, and Dougie Poynter return to the woodland stages for three large-scale outdoor shows.

More than two decades on from their breakout with “Five Colours In Her Hair,” McFLY remain one of the UK’s most successful pop-rock acts. With seven UK number-one singles including “All About You” and “Star Girl,” seven Top 10 albums, over 10 million sales, multiple Platinum awards, and a BRIT Award for Best British Pop, the band’s catalogue continues to resonate across generations. Their Forest Live appearances place that legacy into one of the UK’s most distinctive live music settings.

Forest Live celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, bringing world-class artists to Forestry England sites while supporting conservation and woodland care across the country. Over the past 25 years, more than two million people have attended Forest Live concerts, with proceeds helping fund tree planting and forest maintenance nationwide. McFLY join an already expansive 2026 lineup that includes Billy Ocean & Marti Pellow, Rick Astley, Garbage & Skunk Anansie, Deacon Blue & Lightning Seeds, Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, The Kooks, and UB40 ft Ali Campbell.

McFLY – Forest Live 2026 Dates:
June 17 – Thetford Forest, High Lodge
June 21 – Delamere Forest
June 28 – Cannock Chase

Esprit D’Air Enter A New Era With Fourth Album ‘Aeons’

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Award-winning alternative metal band Esprit D’Air have released their fourth studio album ‘Aeons’, out now. Entirely written and self-produced by the band, the record features recent singles “Chronos” and “Silver Leaf,” both of which were voted Best New Metal Track of the Week by Metal Hammer readers. The album follows ‘Constellations’, ‘Oceans’, and ‘Seasons’, continuing a run of releases that have placed Esprit D’Air firmly in the Official Charts.

“Aeons is about time — how it can trap us, test us, and push us to the edge,” says bandleader Kai. Written against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the album explores cycles of struggle, resilience, and renewal. Across its tracks, themes of conflict and despair sit alongside determination and forward motion, shaping a record rooted in reflection without losing momentum.

Esprit D’Air features Kai alongside Vincent Velazco, Takeshi, and Yusuke. Following a European tour spanning ten countries, the band are supporting ‘Aeons’ with a grassroots UK and Ireland tour, opting for smaller venues to present the new material up close. Unlike previous albums that featured guest collaborators, ‘Aeons’ marks a fully independent chapter, written, produced, and realized entirely by the band.

Arrows Of Athena Channel Distance And Devotion On New Single “Abandoned Love”

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Boston-based cinematic electronic rock duo Arrows of Athena return with their new single “Abandoned Love,” out now via their own Belhaven Records. Written and recorded during sessions at Monza Studio, the track centers on emotional closeness maintained across physical distance, inspired by vocalist and lyricist Jac-Lyn Gibson reflecting on her marriage while working apart from her husband. The song captures that sense of presence felt even when someone is far away.

“Abandoned Love” is a high-intensity blend of electronic alt-rock, driven by pulsing synths, heavy guitars, and a glossy, kinetic core. The song marks the duo’s first release since their 2024 debut album ‘The Ghost Archives’ and continues the collaboration between Gibson and multi-instrumentalist and producer Scott Lerner. “The concept of our busy lives and coming home to one another at the end of the day just spilled out of me,” Gibson shares. “I think it’s a great testament to how love, although sometimes abandoned, can conquer all.”

Serving as a thematic and sonic bridge, “Abandoned Love” also acts as the first glimpse of Arrows of Athena’s forthcoming sophomore album ‘Daydreaming’, due in early 2026. The track builds on the foundation set by debut single “Reckless Heart,” expanding the project’s palette of ’90s-inspired electronic rock, dance beats, and melodic urgency. “It felt like a great follow up musically,” Gibson explains, describing the song as a continuation of a story centered on commitment, change, and connection.

Arrows of Athena emerged during the pandemic after Gibson and Lerner, longtime collaborators dating back to their time in Boston rock band Pure Fiction, reconnected creatively. Since then, the duo have carved out a distinctive sound that balances pop hooks, abrasive textures, and introspective lyricism. With ‘Daydreaming’ in progress and the possibility of live performances on the horizon, “Abandoned Love” marks a clear step forward into the next phase of the project.

Other Brother Darryl Revisit A Defining Song With ‘(Re)Watch The Trees’

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Boston alt-country and Americana collective Other Brother Darryl have released ‘(Re)Watch The Trees’, a new suite revisiting one of the most defining songs from their acclaimed debut album ‘Roll Shine Roll’. Out now, the release expands on the original single “Watch The Trees” with two additional versions and a new live video, offering a deeper look at a song that has come to represent the band’s identity. The project arrives following a strong year that includes two 2025 Boston Music Awards nominations.

‘(Re)Watch The Trees’ includes three components: “Watch The Trees – Live Acoustic From Q Division,” recorded and filmed at the renowned Cambridge studio; an accompanying performance video; and “Watch The Trees – Demo Version,” which captures the song in its earliest form. “‘Watch The Trees’ has become a story of the before and after,” says guitarist and vocalist Nate Leavitt. “Now it’s become the song that most people identify us with.” Co-writer Dan Nicklin adds that the song’s strength lies in its specificity without explanation, allowing listeners to bring their own meaning to it.

The live version was produced by the band alongside Terrence Reeves, recorded and mixed at Q Division, and filmed with the full eight-piece lineup intact. The demo version, recorded at Nicklin’s Henley Row Studios, reveals how fully formed the song was from its earliest writing session. Both versions underscore the emotional weight the song carries, particularly through the continued presence of late bandmate Dave Mirabella, whose contributions remain central to the group’s spirit and sound.

Released earlier this year, ‘Roll Shine Roll’ marked a creative milestone for Other Brother Darryl, delivering singles including “Drive,” “Until I Do,” and “Gypsy Girl,” and crystallizing a harmony-rich Americana sound shaped by long friendships and shared history. With ‘(Re)Watch The Trees’, the band pause to reflect before moving forward, offering a focused, intimate look at a song that continues to grow alongside them as they begin work on their next chapter.

Paul Stone & The Basement Collective Rekindle Analogue Warmth On “Embers”

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Yorkshire-based Paul Stone & The Basement Collective return this autumn with their new single “Embers,” a modern analogue jazz recording centered on connection, presence, and shared human experience. Led by vocalist, songwriter, and producer Paul Stone, the track was recorded live in the band’s self-built basement studio, anchored by a vintage Neve console and the natural interplay of musicians performing together in one room.

“Embers” leans into warmth and restraint, allowing performance and feel to guide the arrangement. The recording approach reflects the group’s commitment to authenticity, capturing subtle dynamics and chemistry rather than relying on studio polish. The track has already received support from Robbie Vincent on Jazz FM’s Music Garden, where it was highlighted for its soulful production and underlying message.

2025 has marked a significant return for Stone following time away from the spotlight to focus on family. Since then, the project has earned airplay from Jazz FM, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Leeds, CBC Canada, Radio 2 Hong Kong, and KCSM in the US, alongside organic editorial support on Spotify’s UK Jazz playlist. With further original releases planned and festival appearances on the horizon in 2026, Paul Stone & The Basement Collective continue shaping a distinct voice within the UK jazz landscape through analogue craft and considered songwriting.

PROJECTOR Capture Raw Analogue Power With “Hope Springs Eternal” Tilehouse Session

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Brighton trio PROJECTOR have unveiled a Tilehouse Session live video for their latest single “Hope Springs Eternal,” out now via digital platforms. The performance was recorded entirely live to analogue tape at Tilehouse Studios, captured by engineer Luke Oldfield on a 16-track Studer A800 machine, preserving the immediacy and weight of the band’s sound.

“I’ve been a fan of the studio and Luke’s work since I first heard The Wytches, so it was a real treat to record at Tilehouse,” says bassist and vocalist Lucy Sheehan. Mixed digitally by Luie Stylianou, with video filmed and edited by Ryan Crossland and Francesca Rossi, the session highlights the band playing fully live, surrounded by vintage gear and natural light in a secluded countryside setting.

A distortion-heavy grunge track that surges toward a melodic close, “Hope Springs Eternal” is taken from PROJECTOR’s second album ‘Contempt’, out now via Alcopop! Records. The record was produced by Ben Hampson and mastered by Katie Tavini, following the band’s 2024 debut ‘NOW WHEN WE TALK IT’S VIOLENCE’. The Tilehouse Session captures the raw physicality of the new material while reinforcing PROJECTOR’s momentum following recent tours and upcoming EU dates.

Mt. Joy Announce 2026 North American Return With ‘Hope We Have Fun’ Tour

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Following the breakout success of their 2025 album ‘Hope We Have Fun’, Philadelphia-based band Mt. Joy have announced a new North American tour for 2026. The announcement follows a landmark run that saw the band sell nearly 200,000 tickets across the US, including sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, TD Garden, and multiple hometown nights at The Mann Center in Philadelphia, alongside a headlining appearance at Newport Folk Festival.

‘Hope We Have Fun’ marked a major creative and commercial moment for the band, debuting in the Top 10 on Spotify’s US Album Chart and placing multiple tracks in AAA radio’s Top 10. Highlights include “Highway Queen” featuring Maren Morris and “She Wants to Go Dancing,” reinforcing Mt. Joy’s blend of emotional storytelling and large-scale live energy. The 2026 tour kicks off this spring following the band’s first Australia and New Zealand run, with additional dates to be announced.

The newly revealed spring leg, titled “Hope We Have Fun Tour: Part II,” focuses on cities not included in the 2025 run and introduces several new venues, including the band’s first appearance at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and a stop at Dallas’ newly opened Longhorn Backyard Amphitheater. As with previous tours, Mt. Joy continue their charitable commitment, donating $1 from every ticket sold to charity. “Music gives us a platform, but the real work is what we can do with it,” shares frontman Matt Quinn.

Mt. Joy 2026 Hope We Have Fun Tour: Part II Dates:
Apr 9 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Hollywood
Apr 11 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Apr 14 – Birmingham, AL @ Coca-Cola Amp
Apr 16 – Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Apr 17 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
Apr 18 – Atlanta, GA @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
Apr 21 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
Apr 23 – New Orleans, LA @ Champions Square
Apr 24 – Dallas, TX @ Longhorn Backyard Amphitheater
Apr 25 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
June 6–7 – Railbird Music Festival – Lexington, KY

Lee Brice Brings ‘The Sunriser’ Tour Back To Canada In 2026

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Platinum-selling country artist Lee Brice has announced Canadian dates for his 2026 Sunriser Tour, bringing his live show back across the country next spring. Known for his direct songwriting and conversational stage presence, Brice blends chart-topping hits with personal storytelling that connects deeply with audiences. Joining him on the tour are platinum-selling Canadian artist Brett Kissel and rising singer-songwriter Grace Tyler.

“Man, Canada, y’all have been ridin’ shotgun with me since back before I even had a hit,” Brice shares. “That fire you lit in my soul has only burned brighter over the years.” His recent run of releases includes the reflective single “Cry,” followed by “Said No Country Boy Ever,” featuring Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann, Dallas Davidson, and Rob Hatch as The Traler Park, celebrating everyday country traditions and shared roots.

The Sunriser Tour follows a period of renewed creative output for Brice, with more new music on the way. The 2026 Canadian run brings his latest material to the stage alongside fan favorites, continuing a long-standing connection with audiences across the country.

Lee Brice 2026 Sunriser Tour Dates:
Apr 10 – Abbotsford, BC @ Abbotsford Centre
Apr 11 – Kelowna, BC @ Prospera Place
Apr 13 – Grande Prairie, AB @ Bonnetts Energy Centre
Apr 14 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
Apr 16 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Centre
Apr 17 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Centre
Apr 18 – Medicine Hat, AB @ Co-Op Place
Apr 24 – Oshawa, ON @ Tribute Communities Centre
Apr 25 – Kitchener, ON @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium

Itzy Charge Forward With New Mini Album ‘Tunnel Vision’

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K-pop superstars Itzy return with their highly anticipated new mini album ‘Tunnel Vision’, released via JYP Entertainment, Imperial, and Republic Records. Featuring six new tracks, the release frames a sensory-driven journey centered on renewal and intensity, pushing past calm introspection in favor of bold movement and emotional release. The project marks a clear step into broader sonic territory for the group.

Led by a hip-hop-focused title track, ‘Tunnel Vision’ arrives alongside a visually striking music video that highlights the group’s precision choreography and high-impact performance style. Sonically, the mini album moves from the industrial edge of “Focus” through hyper-pop cuts like “Nocturne” and “8-Bit Heart,” the UK Garage–inspired “Flicker,” and the electronic pulse of “DYT,” which explores embracing love without hesitation. The record stands as the group’s most stylistically varied release to date.

‘Tunnel Vision’ follows recent mini albums ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ and ‘Gold’, the latter reuniting all five members and featuring tracks including “Imaginary Friend” and “Vay” with Changbin of Stray Kids. The group has also announced their 3rd World Tour, launching in Seoul with three nights at Jamsil Indoor Stadium on February 13, 14, and 15, continuing the global momentum built during their Born to Be tour across 28 countries.