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LEGO + Lilo & Stitch = ‘Ohana-Fueled Fun Just in Time for the Movie!

Eric Alper
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LEGO + Lilo & Stitch = ‘Ohana-Fueled Fun Just in Time for the Movie!

Today’s the day Stitch fans and brickheads unite—because LEGO and Disney just dropped the ultimate build-it-yourself vacation. Ahead of the May 23, 2025 theatrical release of the highly anticipated live-action Lilo & Stitch, LEGO has released a trio of enchanting new sets that bring your favourite blue alien, his human best friend, and their Hawaiian escapades right to your living room floor.

Why wait for the movie when you can build your own island adventure today? Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or introducing your kids to the magic for the first time, these new sets are a perfect mix of play, display, and full-on nostalgia. They’re available now at LEGO.ca/Disney, in LEGO stores, and at select retailers across Canada.

First up, say aloha to the LEGO Stitch set (SKU 43249). With 730 pieces and priced at $84.99 CAD, it lets you build a posable figure of Stitch—complete with movable ears, a rotating head, and even his iconic Hawaiian shirt. It includes accessories like a flower and an ice cream cone, and with support from the LEGO Builder app, you’ll have help every step of the way. Whether you’re nine or ninety-nine, this set is a must-have for any fan of the little blue troublemaker.

Next, the LEGO Lilo and Stitch Beach House (SKU 43268) is a two-level tropical paradise. At $139.99 CAD and boasting 834 pieces, this set is packed with play potential: six rooms, a rooftop observatory, surfboards, a record player, a mini guitar, and even a brick-built spaceship. The set features minifigures of Lilo, Stitch, Nani, David, and Mr. Bubbles—ready for any kind of island chaos or calm.

 

For collectors or anyone with limited shelf space, the LEGO BrickHeadz Stitch (SKU 40674) delivers maximum cuteness in a compact package. At just over 3 inches tall and 152 pieces, this $12.99 CAD figure is a fun, stylized version of Stitch in five shades of blue and comes with its own baseplate for display.

These sets don’t just let you build scenes from a beloved story—they invite you to live them. It’s storytelling in 3D, with bricks and imagination replacing screens and remotes. They’re perfect for playdates, rainy afternoons, or quiet bonding moments between generations of fans who all fell in love with the message of ‘ohana.

And let’s be real—parents who grew up watching the original Lilo & Stitch might just “accidentally” buy a set for themselves. No judgment. That’s the power of LEGO and Disney together: they connect the dots between generations through play, creativity, and a little blue alien who just wants a family.

So as we count down the days until the new film hits theatres, you don’t need to wait to be part of the action. These sets are your ticket to island life, alien mischief, and unforgettable memories. Ready to build your way to paradise?

Full details and ordering info at LEGO.ca/Disney

j-hope Brings His Global Tour Finale to Cinemas with HOPE ON THE STAGE Live from Osaka

Eric Alper
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j-hope Brings His Global Tour Finale to Cinemas with HOPE ON THE STAGE Live from Osaka

Tickets are on sale now for j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING at  j-hopeliveviewing.com.

Following its February kickoff in Seoul and spanning across North America and Asia, j-hope’s first solo world tour -‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’- captivated audiences in 15 regions with 31 concerts. Now, the grand finale of the blockbuster tour will be broadcast live from Osaka Japan’s Kyocera Dome to cinemas worldwide on May 31 as j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING.

This live cinema broadcast provides a rare chance for audiences to witness j-hope’s inspiring artistry on the big screen. Witness the powerful moment of j-hope as he shares his hopes, wishes, and dreams with audiences. This highly anticipated cinema event offers a unique opportunity to experience the electrifying energy of his performances, featuring iconic title tracks from his solo albums – including “MORE,” “Arson,” and “NEURON (with Gaeko, yoonmirae)” – alongside recent releases first unveiled on this tour, such as “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” and “MONA LISA.”

j-hope (Jeong, Hoseok) is a South Korean rapper, dancer, songwriter, music producer and member of 21st century pop icons, BTS. Known as the ‘lead dancer’ of the group, j-hope boasts his performance skills that are nearly perfect. His originality in music as an artist also comes from the fact that he learned music through dance. j-hope has been participating in making music such as “Intro : Boy Meets Evil” and “MAMA” in WINGS, and his solo works.  j-hope’s first mixtape Hope World (March 2018) expressed his honest emotions and personal narratives, suggesting his vision as an artist. Globally-famed “Chicken Noodle Soup (feat. Becky G)” released in 2019 showcased his own musical personality with exhilarating energy and performance. j-hope also validated his capability as a creative director by leading all aspects—from music to concept and visual elements—of his solo album, Jack In The Box (July 2022), which addresses his passion and agony he goes through as an artist. In 2022, j-hope made history as the first South Korean act to headline a main stage at Lollapalooza. j-hope released a special album HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1 alongside docuseries ‘HOPE ON THE STREET’ in March 2024. In March 2025, j-hope released a series of solo singles “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” and “MONA LISA,” further cementing his global presence. In April 2025, j-hope headlined BMO Stadium in Los Angeles as part of his first solo world tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE,’ becoming the first South Korean male artist ever to headline a stadium concert in North America.

Create AI Videos from Photos – Free on Vidwud

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

There has never been a greater need for captivating images in the content-driven world of today. While photos still hold power, videos have become the gold standard for grabbing attention online. But what if you could effortlessly turn your static photos into professional-grade videos—without editing skills, expensive software, or even spending a dime? That’s exactly what you can do with Vidwud, the ultimate image to video AI free tool available at vidwud.com.

What Is Vidwud?

Vidwud is an AI-powered video creation platform that lets users convert images into animated videos within minutes. Whether you’re a digital marketer, small business owner, social media enthusiast, or someone who wants to document memories in a more dynamic format, Vidwud simplifies video creation through automation and smart design.

Best of all, it offers a completely free plan that provides impressive functionality without compromising quality.

Why AI-Powered Video Creation Matters

Creating compelling videos from scratch often requires time, technical knowledge, and expensive software. Vidwud removes all those barriers using artificial intelligence. With just a few clicks, it transforms a series of static images into engaging videos complete with animations, transitions, music, and text.

Here’s why AI-based video creation is a game-changer:

  • Speed: Generate a high-quality video in minutes, not hours.
  • Simplicity: No need for editing experience—just upload and go.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Completely free to use with no watermarks on the basic plan.
  • Scalability: Create multiple videos quickly for campaigns, social media, or business presentations.

Key Features of Vidwud

Vidwud offers a range of features designed to make video creation easy and enjoyable:

1. Smart Image Animation

Vidwud uses AI to animate still photos by adding smooth transitions, camera movements (like zoom and pan), and fade effects to make your video feel alive.

2. Music and Sound Integration

Choose from a library of royalty-free background tracks or upload your own. The AI syncs the visuals with the audio for a seamless experience.

3. Text Overlays and Captions

Add titles, quotes, or calls-to-action to guide your audience through the video. Perfect for branding or storytelling.

4. Prebuilt Video Templates

Select from various templates tailored to different purposes—marketing, portfolios, event recaps, product promotions, and more.

5. Instant Download and Sharing

Once your video is generated, download it in HD quality or share directly to your favorite social platforms.

How to Use Vidwud – Step-by-Step

Creating a video with Vidwud is straightforward. Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit www.vidwud.com

Go to the official website and sign up for a free account.

Step 2: Upload Your Photos

Choose the images you want to include in the video. Multiple files can be uploaded simultaneously.

Step 3: Select a Template

Pick a video style that matches your theme or objective—whether it’s romantic, professional, bold, or minimalist.

Step 4: Customize

Add background music, insert text, and choose transition effects. You don’t have to do much—the AI makes most of the decisions based on your inputs.

Step 5: Generate and Download

Click on “Create Video” and let Vidwud do the rest. In a few moments, your animated video will be ready for download or sharing.

Who Can Benefit from Vidwud?

Vidwud’s image to video AI free platform is versatile and suitable for a wide range of users:

  • Content Creators: Quickly generate engaging videos for YouTube, Instagram Reels, or TikTok.
  • Marketers: Create product highlights, promotional videos, and ad content in minutes.
  • Small Business Owners: Make brand introductions or customer testimonials with minimal effort.
  • Educators: Design informative visuals from classroom materials or lesson slides.
  • Event Planners: Compile photo highlights from weddings, birthdays, or conferences into elegant videos.

Real-World Applications

Here are a few creative ways people are using Vidwud:

  • Photo Slideshows with Flair: For birthdays, weddings, and graduations.
  • E-Commerce Product Showcases: Turn product images into scroll-stopping video ads.
  • Testimonial Videos: Use customer photos and reviews to create trust-building content.
  • Portfolio Showreels: Artists and designers can animate their work into a shareable format.
  • Social Campaigns: Convert photo-based campaigns into more engaging videos for better reach.

SEO and Digital Marketing Edge

From a digital marketing standpoint, video content is critical. Search engines prioritize websites with video, and social platforms give video posts greater reach and visibility. By leveraging Vidwud’s image to video AI free features, you can produce more content faster—without the budget or staff of a production team.

Additionally, videos help reduce bounce rates, improve user engagement, and drive more conversions. Embedding a short product or explainer video on your landing page can significantly enhance its performance.

Why Choose www.vidwud.com?

While there are many video creation tools out there, few offer the combination of power, simplicity, and affordability that Vidwud does. Here’s what sets www.vidwud.com apart:

  • 100% Free Plan Available
    You can create and download high-quality videos without hidden costs.
  • No Software Installation Needed
    It’s web-based, meaning you can use it anywhere, anytime.
  • AI-Powered Convenience
    Let intelligent automation do the hard work while you focus on your message.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Even beginners can navigate and create videos easily.

Final Thoughts

In the age of visual storytelling, having the ability to turn images into high-quality videos is a major advantage. With Vidwud’s free AI-powered video creator, you no longer need to rely on complicated tools or professional editors to make beautiful content. Whether for business, education, or personal projects, Vidwud empowers anyone to create stunning videos in minutes.

Visit www.vidwud.com today and see how easy and powerful video creation can be. Try it once, and you’ll wonder how you ever did content without it.

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

20 of the Best First Solo Albums: When Breaking Free Made Music History

Eric Alper
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20 of the Best First Solo Albums: When Breaking Free Made Music History

Sometimes the only way forward is on your own. These 20 artists left the bands that made them famous—and in many cases, proved they were just getting started.

1. George Harrison – All Things Must Pass (1970)
Tired of being limited to two songs per Beatles album, George burst out of the gate with a triple LP masterpiece. It had jams, it had soul, it had “My Sweet Lord.” This wasn’t just a debut—it was a liberation.

2. Peter Gabriel – Peter Gabriel (1977)
Leaving Genesis meant ditching masks and prog excess. Gabriel’s first solo album felt raw, theatrical, and completely his own. “Solsbury Hill” said it best—it was a breakup song with a band.

3. Phil Collins – Face Value (1981)
Written in the shadow of his crumbling marriage, Face Value mixed heartbreak, pop, and a drum machine that would define the decade. “In the Air Tonight” made sure you’d never forget it—or that drum fill.

4. Dio – Holy Diver (1983)
Ronnie James Dio had already fronted Rainbow and Sabbath. Now it was his turn. Holy Diver brought fantasy, fury, and the metal anthem of a lifetime. The horns went up—and stayed up.

5. Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Ozz (1980)
Kicked out of Black Sabbath and written off as a burnout, Ozzy came back swinging. With Randy Rhoads on guitar, he unleashed “Crazy Train” and proved he was far from finished. A solo debut that roared louder than anyone expected.

6. Sting – The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985)
Sting didn’t just step away from The Police—he dove headfirst into jazz. With Branford Marsalis in the band and “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” on the charts, he never looked back. It was cool, complex, and a smash.

7. Paul Simon – Paul Simon (1972)
After the split with Garfunkel, Simon doubled down on groove, rhythm, and world music. “Me and Julio” and “Mother and Child Reunion” made sure his new sound was unforgettable. This was where his solo journey really began.

8. Janis Joplin – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (1969)
Janis ditched Big Brother and went full soul singer. With horns, grit, and powerhouse vocals, she showed another side of herself. It wasn’t Cheap Thrills—it was something deeper.

9. Keith Richards – Talk Is Cheap (1988)
With the Stones in limbo and Jagger chasing pop, Keith called in some friends and made the kind of raw, bluesy rock record that fans had been craving for years. “Take It So Hard” sounded like the Stones… but hungrier.

10. David Lee Roth – Eat ‘Em and Smile (1986)
Leaving Van Halen was a gamble. But Roth came out swinging with a guitar god (Steve Vai), a killer band, and full theatrical flair. It was outrageous. It was fun. It was very, very Diamond Dave.

11. Roger Waters – The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking (1984)
Pink Floyd had become his personal playground, but Waters officially stepped out with a concept album that felt like a solo sequel to The Wall. It was heady, dense, and deeply personal.

12. Beyoncé – Dangerously in Love (2003)
Beyoncé was already a superstar with Destiny’s Child. But Dangerously in Love announced her as a solo icon. “Crazy in Love” became a pop landmark—and so did she. Independent woman? Try the woman.

13. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
One album. Infinite impact. Lauryn Hill fused soul, hip-hop, and gospel into a genre-defining masterpiece. It won five Grammys and never needed a follow-up to prove its genius.

14. Mick Jagger – She’s the Boss (1985)
Jagger’s first solo outing wasn’t a Stones clone—it was glossy, funky, and aimed squarely at the ‘80s charts. “Just Another Night” turned heads, but the tension with Keith made bigger headlines. A bold step that shook the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band.

15. Gwen Stefani – Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004)
Fresh out of No Doubt, Gwen dove into electro-pop, fashion, and full-on Harajuku style. “Hollaback Girl” became the first digital song to sell a million copies. B-A-N-A-N-A-S, indeed.

16. Steven Tyler – We’re All Somebody from Somewhere (2016)
Yes, it came decades after Aerosmith’s heyday—but Steven Tyler’s country-tinged solo debut was a heartfelt curveball. With pedal steel, twang, and that unmistakable voice, he dove into Nashville. It was less “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” more outlaw storyteller.

17.Annie Lennox – Diva (1992)
Fresh off her Eurythmics success, Annie Lennox stepped into a world of elegance, art, and emotional range. Diva gave us “Why,” “Walking on Broken Glass,” and a masterclass in reinvention. It was theatrical, soulful—and utterly commanding.

18. Eric Clapton – Eric Clapton (1970)
After Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominos, Clapton’s solo debut felt refreshingly laid-back. With Delaney & Bonnie’s band behind him, he blended blues, rock, and gospel with ease. “Let It Rain” still feels like a summer drive with the windows down.

19. Robbie Robertson – Robbie Robertson (1987)
After years in The Band, Robertson returned with a solo debut steeped in Americana, cinematic sounds, and collaborations with U2 and Peter Gabriel. It wasn’t The Band—but it was a powerful next chapter.

20. Björk – Debut (1993)
She’d fronted The Sugarcubes, but Debut was the moment Björk became Björk. Mixing electronic, jazz, and house with her one-of-a-kind voice, she carved out a totally new lane. The avant-pop revolution had officially begun.

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

 

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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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