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5 Surprising Facts About Peter Gabriel’s ‘So’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Peter Gabriel’s ‘So’

You know So — you’ve heard “Sledgehammer,” you’ve wept to “Don’t Give Up,” and maybe you’ve even danced your heart out to “Big Time.” But beneath the surface of Peter Gabriel’s smash-hit 1986 album are layers of stories, quirks, and studio experiments that make the record even more fascinating. Here are 5 lesser-known facts about the album that turned the former Genesis frontman into a global pop icon:

1. “Sledgehammer” Almost Didn’t Make the Album
Believe it or not, Sledgehammer, the track that rocketed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned the most decorated MTV music video of all time, was a last-minute addition. The band was literally packing up their gear when Gabriel asked them to hang back and jam through one more idea. What they captured was a soul-infused, horn-blasted funk monster that sounded nothing like anything Gabriel had done before. It was inspired by Otis Redding and built in a single explosive session — and we’re all better for it.

2. He Nailed the Studio Door Shut
Gabriel was notorious for procrastinating when it came to lyrics — so much so that producer Daniel Lanois once nailed the door to the studio shut to force him to finish writing. It wasn’t the only time Lanois resorted to unorthodox motivation methods. On another occasion, he destroyed Gabriel’s telephone in the woods to eliminate distractions. The result? An album filled with lyrical beauty, poetic political commentary, and some of Gabriel’s most personal writing.

3. “In Your Eyes” Was Supposed to Be the Final Track… But the Vinyl Said No
“In Your Eyes,” Gabriel’s soaring love song that famously soundtracked Say Anything, was originally intended to close So. But its deep bassline proved problematic for vinyl pressings — tracks at the end of a side needed to avoid too much low-end to prevent skipping. So, it got bumped earlier in the tracklist for the LP. When CDs took over, Gabriel finally got his wish, restoring “In Your Eyes” to its rightful place as the album’s emotional finale.

4. The Secret Ingredient in “Don’t Give Up” Was a Baby Diaper
To achieve the soft, muted tone in “Don’t Give Up,” bassist Tony Levin did something unexpected: he stuffed a baby nappy behind his bass strings. He had brought them along for his two-month-old daughter, but they ended up shaping the sonic texture of one of Gabriel’s most heartfelt tracks. The rest of the song was just as intimate: inspired by Depression-era photography and sung as a duet with Kate Bush, it almost featured Dolly Parton — who declined the offer.

5. The Album Was Almost Called Good
Peter Gabriel’s So is the title that stuck — a minimalist, almost accidental name that defied industry expectations. But before it was So, it was briefly going to be titled Good. Gabriel has always hated naming albums, preferring his work to speak through the artwork or the music itself. The “anti-title” So became an iconic part of his branding, with cover art by Peter Saville that was designed to break from his past and present him as “grown-up,” approachable, and yes, ready for the pop charts.

Peter Gabriel’s So is more than just a chart-topping, genre-defying album — it’s a masterclass in creative tension, spontaneous genius, and joyful experimentation. And somehow, even after all this time, it still sounds as fresh as when it was first released.

5 Surprising Facts About Neil Young’s ‘Rust Never Sleeps’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Neil Young’s ‘Rust Never Sleeps’

There are albums… and then there are lightning bolts captured on vinyl. Rust Never Sleeps, Neil Young’s tenth studio album and third with Crazy Horse, is more than a landmark of rock music—it’s a jolt to the soul, a full-blown artistic exorcism. But even if you’ve worn out the grooves of “Hey Hey, My My” and lost yourself in “Powderfinger,” there’s still more to uncover. Here are 5 facts about Rust Never Sleeps that even the biggest Young fans may not know.

1. “Thrasher” Was Written in the Front Seat of a Car in New Mexico
While filming Human Highway with Dennis Hopper, Young left Taos with a Native American friend named Carpio. As they drove through the desert, the majestic New Mexico landscape unfolded before them. Inspired by eagles, canyons, and the road ahead, Young wrote “Thrasher” in a single stream-of-consciousness moment in the front seat. It was a farewell to Crosby, Stills & Nash—and a lyrical embrace of artistic freedom on his own terms.

2. “Powderfinger” Took Eight Years to Write and Was Almost a Skynyrd Song
Young started writing “Powderfinger” in 1967 and didn’t finish until 1975. He later gave the song to Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd, intending for them to record it. Tragically, the band’s plane crash in 1977 meant that never happened. The song—an explosive meditation on youth, violence, and fate—finally appeared on Rust Never Sleeps and became a cornerstone of Young’s electric mythos.

3. The Title Came From a Rust-Proofing Slogan and a Punk Collaboration
“Rust never sleeps” wasn’t just poetic—it was practical. Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh remembered the slogan from an ad for Rust-Oleum during their 1978 collaboration with Young. The phrase found its way into the lyrics of “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” and became the album’s central metaphor: either evolve creatively, or let time corrode your relevance.

4. Young Wanted Crazy Horse to Play Like Devo
The raw energy of the album’s electric side? It’s no accident. After recording with Devo for Human Highway, Young asked Crazy Horse to match their intensity in the studio. That influence turned “Sedan Delivery” into a snarling, punk-inspired rocket and redefined Young’s sonic edge for the post-punk era. In fact, much of the material predated the Sex Pistols—Young was already ahead of the curve.

5. “My My, Hey Hey” Changed Rock History—And Nearly Broke Young’s Heart
The lyric “It’s better to burn out than to fade away” became immortal. But its legacy was double-edged. When Kurt Cobain quoted it in his 1994 suicide note, Young was devastated, later dedicating Sleeps with Angels to the fallen Nirvana frontman. Despite the grief, Young continued to perform the song, understanding its power and pain as part of rock’s eternal push-and-pull with mortality.

Neil Young laid down a challenge to himself and to every artist that came after: stay vital, stay hungry, and never let the rust settle in. Rust Never Sleeps was a battle cry. And decades later, we’re still listening.

Above & Beyond Announce ‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ Tour With Dazzling New Stage Show

Eric Alper
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Above & Beyond Announce ‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ Tour With Dazzling New Stage Show

GRAMMY-nominated electronic trio Above & Beyond return to North America this summer for a 13-date amphitheater tour in support of their forthcoming studio album, ‘Bigger Than All Of Us.’

Presented by Live Nation and spanning three months, the tour marks the group’s first full album tour in North America since 2018’s ‘Common Ground.’ It kicks off on August 15 in Vancouver and concludes on October 4 at the iconic Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. Other stops include major cities such as New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, and Atlanta, among others.

‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ explores the theme of reconnection—a message that will come to life on this tour, both musically and visually, through a bold new stage concept. Debuted to tens of thousands of fans across two weekends at Coachella, the brand-new stage production elevates the band’s live show experience like never before (watch: Above & Beyond live from Coachella 2025.

This striking production features a ‘spaceship’-inspired DJ booth, designed to immerse the audience in a fluid, circular environment. Born from a vision by the band and further developed by longtime collaborators Dylan Byrne and Neil Marsh, the concept aims to break away from the rigidity of traditional stage design. A dynamic LED ring interacts with the screen behind it, creating a sense of movement, warmth, and connection that mirrors the organic, nature-inspired qualities of Above & Beyond’s music.

“Our music has always been about togetherness, connection, and the shared emotional experience,” the band says. “This tour—and this stage—is a celebration of that feeling, brought to life in a new way.”

The pre-sale opens on Wednesday, April 30, at 10 am local time, with the general sale beginning on Friday, May 2, at 10 am local time. Fans can sign up now for early access HERE. VIP packages will also be available; more information will be shared soon.

Above & Beyond has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes to support organizations working to protect the environment, end the loneliness epidemic, and provide access to mental health care.

‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ is available for pre-order on vinyl and CD, as well as on limited-edition colored vinyl and picture disc through the Anjuna Music Store. Pre-order the vinyl, CD, and limited merch bundles HERE.

New music from the album is already rolling out. The single “Quicksand (Don’t Go)” with Zoë Johnston is now available on Anjunabeats, with the follow-up track “Carry Me Home” with Zoë Johnston arriving this Friday, April 25.

‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ is released July 18 on Anjunabeats

‘BIGGER THAN ALL OF US’ NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
Aug 15 –  Deer Lake Park – Vancouver, BC
Aug 16 – Cascades Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA
Aug 22 – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island – Chicago, IL
Aug 29 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON
Sept 5 – Forest Hills Stadium – New York, NY
Sept 6 – Leader Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA
Sept 12 – Orlando Amphitheater – Orlando, FL
Sept 13 – Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA
Sept 19 – Germania Insurance Amphitheater – Austin, TX
Sept 20 – Dos Equis Pavillion – Dallas, TX
Sept 27 – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre – Denver, CO
Oct 2 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA
Oct 4 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA

SOCAN Celebrates 100 Years With Industry Achievement Honour at Departure Fest

Eric Alper
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SOCAN Celebrates 100 Years With Industry Achievement Honour at Departure Fest

SOCAN proudly received the Departure Honour for Industry Achievement at this year’s Departure Fest, a recognition that comes as the organization celebrates an historic milestone – 100 years of championing Canadian songwriters, composers, and music publishers.

As a member-owned and proudly Canadian organization, SOCAN is thrilled to mark its centennial with a special video that amplifies the voices, pride and stories of Canada’s music creators. Produced in collaboration with Door Knocker Media, the video debuted at the Departure Honours event on May 7, 2025 and features renowned SOCAN members sharing their musical journeys, the influence of Canada on their artistry, and the power of community in shaping their careers.

“For a century, SOCAN has been proud to stand as a cornerstone for Canada’s music industry, empowering songwriters, composers and music publishers, and nurturing the rich diversity of voices that define our country,” said Jennifer Brown, CEO of SOCAN. “Receiving the Industry Achievement Award is a tribute to our members’ extraordinary talent, resilience, and global impact as we collectively look ahead to the future of music creation in Canada.”

The video, available on SOCAN’s YouTube and social media channels is a testament to the creativity and sense of community that make Canada’s music industry truly extraordinary and captures the pride and passion that drive SOCAN members to make music.

“We are lucky to be in a country that appreciates and fosters art and supports an arts community,” says Ed Robertson, songwriter and SOCAN member. “The support we received from SOCAN early on – it’s the difference between making it and not making it in Canada.”

Follow along on SOCAN social media where they spotlight memorable moments every Wednesday, honouring SOCAN history alongside the remarkable achievements of SOCAN members over the past 100 years.

This is only the beginning as SOCAN furthers its mission to advocate for music creators and foster the next generation of Canadian talent.

For 100 years, SOCAN has been Canada’s largest member-owned music rights organization, resolutely upholding the fundamental truth that music has value. SOCAN collects license fees for the public performance and reproduction of music, matches them to rights holders, and distributes them as royalties to music creators and publishers in Canada and around the world. With a century of expertise and innovation, SOCAN continues to advocate fair compensation for the work of its nearly 200,000 songwriter, composer, and music publisher members. Learn more at socan.com.

 

SiriusXM to Air 2025 PGA Championship Coverage Live from Quail Hollow Club

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM to Air 2025 PGA Championship Coverage Live from Quail Hollow Club

SiriusXM announced today its coverage of the 2025 PGA Championship, taking place Thursday, May 15th through Sunday, May 18th at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC.

Live Championship play-by-play, which SiriusXM will co-produce with Westwood One, will air starting at 2 pm ET all four days of competition. Veteran broadcaster Taylor Zarzour will be the lead play-by-play voice, alongside three-time PGA Tour winner Johnson Wagner, PGA as the lead analyst. Emilia Doran, Brian Katrek and Bill Rosinski will be the on-course reporters, following key playing groups during the Championship.

Additionally, SiriusXM will provide live look-ins during its programming in the morning and early afternoon each day to give listeners live coverage and updates on featured groups playing earlier in the day. Katrek, George Savaricas, former Tour pro Brendon de Jonge and Tom Werme will provide commentary for the morning and early afternoon coverage. Throughout each day, Alyssa Lang and Jason Sobel will report from the practice area and conduct pre- and post-round interviews with players in the field.

Immediately following each round, listeners will hear a two-hour wrap-up of the day’s play, hosted by Gary Williams.

PGA Championship programming is available to SiriusXM subscribers in their cars (channel 92) and on the SiriusXM app: https://sxm.app.link/PGATourRadioonSXM

In addition to the live tournament broadcasts, throughout PGA Championship Week SiriusXM will offer live original talk programming each day – starting at 7 am ET on the weekdays and 9 am ET on Saturday and Sunday. Listeners can tune in to get all the latest news from Quail Hollow and insight and analysis from current and former players and golf insiders.

Highlights from this programming will include exclusive SiriusXM shows hosted by some of the game’s great players:

  • “The Lucas Glover Show,” hosted by Lucas Glover, who will be in the field for the Championship, airs Tuesday at 8 am ET.
  • “The Rocco Hour,” hosted by 2016 Senior PGA Champion Rocco Mediate, PGA airs Monday and Tuesday at 7 pm ET).

On Saturday and Sunday, David Marr III will host “PGA of America Radio” live from 9-10 am ET. On the show, Marr will interview some of the PGA of America Golf Professionals who earned a spot in this year’s PGA Championship field.

Throughout the year, SiriusXM’s weekday golf programming lineup features live shows starting at 7 am ET that offer news, analysis, expert instruction and more.  For more go to SiriusXM.com/golfonsxm.

Dean DeLeo and Pete Shoulder Announce New Album One More Satellite Out July 18

Eric Alper
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Dean DeLeo and Pete Shoulder Announce New Album One More Satellite Out July 18

Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots and Trip The Witch, along with vocalist Pete Shoulder, will release their latest collaboration, One More Satellite July 18, 2025 via Symphonic. Pre-order album HERE.

One More Satellite presents a diverse collection of songs. “I was simply sitting on some songs I wanted to record,” says DeLeo. “What started out as an instrumental album, quickly changed soon after Pete and I chatted. He was going to sing on a song or two, then wound up singing on eight of the ten on the record.”

The collaboration with UK-based vocalist and lyricist Pete Shoulder and DeLeo went quite well and voila, through a transatlantic workflow…One More Satellite was born. “I was excited to hear the new music Dean wanted to collaborate on,” says Shoulder. “We’ve worked together in the past and it’s always been an absolute pleasure making music with him. The stuff he comes up with is so interesting, with so many beautiful, unexpected, twists and turns. It’s very inspiring to write to and pushes me into realms that I would never usually think of exploring. I’m very proud of the album we’ve made.”

DeLeo’s son Rocco drums on “Drowning Out The Sun,” “Willow Mae” and “Spit It Out.” Stone Temple Pilots drummer Eric Kretz plays on “Serenade” and Brian Tichy drums the rest. Daughter June DeLeo lends a lovely “aaah”…vocal on “Your Call,” and long-time collaborator, Ryan Williams co-produced and mixed the album.

One More Satellite will be available digitally and on CD and vinyl. More merch items including posters and t-shirts can be found HERE.

One More Satellite track listing:

  1. Paper Over The Cracks
  2. Vultures
  3. Long Way Down
  4. Drowning Out The Sun
  5. Serenade
  6. Can Of Worms
  7. Willow Mae
  8. Spit It Out
  9. Pull Back The Veiil
  10. Your Call

 

Agatha Christie’s Endless Night Is Coming To Britbox And The BBC

Eric Alper
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Agatha Christie’s Endless Night Is Coming To Britbox And The BBC

Just when you thought you’d heard every Agatha Christie story worth telling, Endless Night sneaks in with a curse, a house in the countryside, and a chilling reminder that love and obsession often share a bed. The BBC and BritBox have officially announced a brand-new three-part series based on Christie’s 1967 late-career masterpiece, and if that wasn’t enough, Sarah Phelps is back to do what she does best—unleashing Christie’s darker, sharper, bloodier edges.

For fans of British mystery, this is great news. For fans of Christie, it’s basically Christmas. Phelps, who previously adapted And Then There Were None, The Witness For The Prosecution, The ABC Murders, and more for the BBC, returns to adapt Endless Night, a ghost story, a love story, and a psychological thriller all wrapped into one. It’s being produced by Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited, in co-commission with BritBox International.

Set in 1967, the story follows Michael Rogers, a working-class dreamer who stumbles into the glamorous world of a mysterious designer and becomes obsessed with a luxurious home in the countryside. That home, of course, comes with a legend—and a curse. After marrying the sweet and wealthy Ellie and moving in, the couple begins to wonder if the dark forces lurking in the walls are more than just old stories. As shadows lengthen, so do suspicions. Is it supernatural? Or is something—or someone—playing a much more sinister game?

“It’s a chilling story of love, sex, deceit and death,” says Phelps, “of how far we’ll go to get our heart’s desire and what we’ll do when night falls and the wolves start circling.” So yes, this isn’t your grandmother’s Christie… unless, of course, your grandmother was Dame Agatha herself.

And for Christie’s great-grandson James Prichard, the project is deeply personal. “Endless Night is one of my great grandmother’s best stories,” he said. “It is also one of my father’s personal favourites. It’s an extraordinary feat of writing.” Phelps, he adds, is the perfect writer to bring it back to life.

The series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada, where audiences have proven their love for Christie again and again. With Towards Zero clocking over six million viewers in the UK and topping BritBox’s charts in the U.S., expectations for Endless Night are, well, sky-high—and fittingly eerie.

Casting has yet to be announced, and filming begins later this year, but the creative team is already stacked. Executive producers include James Prichard (Agatha Christie Limited), Damien Timmer and Rebecca Durbin (Mammoth Screen), Danielle Scott-Haughton (BBC), and Robert Schildhouse (BritBox). Translation: this one’s in very good hands.

With Christie still topping the charts as the best-selling novelist of all time, and Phelps continuing to reimagine her work for a new generation, Endless Night is primed to become your next favorite binge. Just don’t be surprised if you start double-checking your locks—or your heart.

Endless Night will stream on BBC iPlayer and BritBox in 2025. And if you’re not already re-reading the book with the lights on… you will be.

Linkin Park Receives SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award Ahead of ‘From Zero (Deluxe Edition)’

Eric Alper
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SoundExchange announced today that Linkin Park has been honored with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award. The honor recognizes the innovative rock band as one of the most streamed creators in the organization’s 20-plus year history of administering digital performance royalties.

Linkin Park consists of vocalist Mike Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Phoenix, and DJ Joe Hahn, alongside new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong (of critically acclaimed band Dead Sara) and drummer Colin Brittain (songwriter/producer for G Flip, Illenium, One OK Rock). In 2024, the band returned to the top of the charts with their album From Zero, their first new release in seven years. The critically acclaimed album features #1 single “The Emptiness Machine” and propelled the band to be the only rock band in 2024 to exceed 2 billion streams. Linkin Park is currently on tour in support of the album, with dates planned throughout North America, Europe, and South America. From Zero (Deluxe Edition) will be released on May 16.

“It would be hard to consider rock music in the context of SoundExchange’s history without including Linkin Park,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “They’re a monster group that has had tremendous impact on popular music, blending hard rock and hip-hop, scoring lasting hits, and soundtracking the lives of millions of fans the world over. We are proud to present Linkin Park with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.”

“We sincerely appreciate and celebrate everything that SoundExchange does for us and all recording artists. It is a true honor to be recognized as one of the most streamed artists of the last two decades,” said Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda. “The recognition is even more important to us now as our next chapter unfolds, honoring the past, present, and future of everything that is Linkin Park.”

Linkin Park emerged as an innovative musical force and are one of the best-selling artists of the last 20 years. Their RIAA Diamond-certified full-length debut, Hybrid Theory, stands out as the “best selling debut of the 21st century,” while landmark sophomore album Meteora bowed at #1 on The Billboard Top 200 before going 8X-Platinum in the U.S. The band’s worldwide sales across the entire catalog eclipses 100 million, and among numerous accolades and honors, they have garnered two GRAMMY Awards, five American Music Awards, four MTV VMA Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards, and three World Music Awards. Selling out stadiums worldwide, they’ve headlined the largest festivals globally and remain the first and only Western rock band to play a five-stadium tour in China. 2017’s One More Light marked their fifth #1 debut on The Billboard 200. In 2020, the band celebrated their groundbreaking debut album, Hybrid Theory, by releasing a comprehensive 20th anniversary edition super deluxe box set which features their RIAA Diamond-certified single “In The End.” In 2023, the band released Meteora 20th Anniversary Edition, which topped the charts and featured the newly uncovered song “Lost.” The emotionally charged single was originally recorded during sessions for their second studio album Meteora (2003), and soon after its 2023 release, “Lost” hit #1 at both Alternative and Rock radio. 2024 marked the release of their first greatest hits package Papercuts, featuring vault track “Friendly Fire” that similarly topped both the Alternative and Rock charts. In September, the band made a triumphant return to the top of the charts with “The Emptiness Machine,” which exploded as the #1 rock song in the country and the biggest rock song of 2024. It made a rapid climb to #1 on both the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart and Alternative Airplay Chart. In total, the band have scored a staggering 13 #1 entries on the latter chart (the second-most in history) with three in the last 18 months. Linkin Park released their eighth studio album From Zero on November 15 on Warner Records, once again topping charts around the world and eclipsing a billion streams. The band have always prioritized charity and goodwill in an effort to make the world a better place, helping to raise millions over the years for victims of natural disasters. Today, Linkin Park imprint on music and culture continues to expand and magnify.

SoundExchange is the premier music tech organization on a mission to power the future of music. It was independently formed in 2003 to build a fairer, simpler, and more efficient music industry through technology, data, and advocacy. The only organization designated by the U.S. government to administer the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of 700,000 music creators and growing. Through proprietary music tech solutions that turn data into accurate revenue, SoundExchange has paid more than $12 billion in distributions to date.

Tayler Holder Joins Post Malone’s Travelin’ Tailgate Ahead of New Single “This Ain’t You Leaving”

Eric Alper
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Tayler Holder Joins Post Malone’s Travelin’ Tailgate Ahead of New Single “This Ain’t You Leaving”

Tayler Holder is hitting the road with Post Malone’s Travelin’ Tailgate-a free, high-energy, game-day-inspired parking lot party held ahead of select stadium shows on Post’s North American tour, which features Jelly Roll and Sierra Ferrell. Tayler will perform at six of the ten stops, starting Friday, May 9 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with additional appearances in Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami. Fans can expect live music, exclusive merch, photo ops, carnival games, and even tattoos from Posty’s personal artists.

Holder enthuses, “Growing up in the DFW area and seeing Post make it out and become so successful really motivated me to work harder. It’s a real full-circle moment being on this tour and an added bonus that one of my biggest music career champions, Jelly Roll, is on this run as well. It’s gonna be one the people won’t forget.”

Holder’s buzz is hitting a fever pitch-and with his upcoming performances on Post Malone’s Travelin’ Tailgate, it’s only intensifying ahead of his highly anticipated new single, “This Ain’t You Leaving” out May 30th. With over 1,000 pre-saves, 12,000 shares, and a staggering 8 million views across socials, the new track caps off a banner year for Holder, who recently joined Chase Matthew as a special guest on the UK leg of his 2025 European Tour. Coming off his 18-city “Hits the Roof!” tour-part of Tin Roof’s “Nashville Hits the Roof” series-Holder packed out venues in cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, and Louisville, performing through sub-freezing temperatures. His bond with fans remains front and center: after seeing a TikTok of a girl singing his music, he partnered with Gibson to surprise her with a guitar and brought her on stage in St. Louis to duet his hit, “Sittin’ On Empty.”

One of country music’s fastest-rising stars, Holder has built an impressive fanbase and earned major accolades, including Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year (2023) from Up N Country. As the most-followed country artist on TikTok, he has seamlessly transitioned from influencer to recording artist. With over 500K monthly listeners on Spotify, Holder has racked up millions of streams on hits like “Dyin’ Flame” (9M+ streams), “Nothin’ But Neon” (5.8M streams), “Someone You Knew” (3.5M streams), and his heartfelt duet “Climb My Way to Heaven” with Cory Asbury (1.6M streams), solidifying his place in the country music scene.

Hailing from Alvarado, TX, a small town near Dallas, Holder’s flair for entertainment was evident from a young age. By three, he was racing motocross, a passion he still enjoys as a hobby. After completing high school via homeschooling, Holder moved to California to follow his dreams of being an entertainer and started to create content for Instagram and Musical.ly, quickly growing his popularity on the platforms with his viral lip sync videos and daily lifestyle content.

After joining TikTok, Tayler quickly grew to millions of followers on the platform, continuing to create viral content. With over 30 million followers across social media, Holder has seamlessly transitioned from influencer to a prominent voice in country music, captivating fans with his talent and authenticity. “I am very thankful that I have been welcomed by the Nashville Community and industry alike. I am humbled every day for the continued support, and I want to keep on bringing the best I have for the people that have championed me.”

Tayler Holder is immersed in songwriting and A&R sessions, honing his craft while hitting stages across the U.S. and U.K.-most recently as a featured performer on Post Malone’s Travelin’ Tailgate tour. As he gears up to release his highly anticipated new single, “This Ain’t You Leaving,” he’s poised to share his next chapter with fans and further cement his rising status in the country music scene.

Thompson Square Return With New Single “You Were There” Ahead of CMA Fest and ‘Root’s Tour’

Eric Alper
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0
Thompson Square Return With New Single “You Were There” Ahead of CMA Fest and ‘Root’s Tour’

Award-winning country music duo Thompson Square returns with their new single, “You Were There,” releasing Friday, May 16, 2025 on T2 Records via Symphonic. Keifer Thompson delivers the powerful lead before wife Shawna joins him to reveal their unmistakable harmonies. The lyrics of this beautiful song, written by Josh Osborne, JT Harding and Ryan Tyndell, reveal to the listener that when it comes to real love the details don’t matter. It’s not about the memories, it’s about who you make them with.

“‘You Were There’ was a must-record for us,” said Shawna. “From the first listen, it drew us both in and we knew it had to be a single. It’s the same feeling we had when we recorded ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’ and ‘If I Didn’t Have You.’ For the first 10 listens of the demo, I cried. And when music moves you that way you need to pay attention.”

“We have recently reclaimed our independence as artists, and it is so refreshing to be able to get back to doing what we do best,” added Keifer. “We want to make music that means something to us not just based on what’s ‘in’ at the time. I believe music is more important than that. An artist should be true to who they are, always. We believe that ‘You Were There’ represents the best of Thompson Square and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

Thompson Square will be touring the country on their “Root’s Tour” beginning May 1 in Washington, DC and are scheduled to perform at CMA Fest in Nashville on Sunday, June 6, 2025 at the Chevy Vibes Stage at 1pm. Shawna will be performing a solo concert highlighting music from her critically-acclaimed Lean On Neon album at East Side Bowl in Nashville on June 10.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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