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Why Aga Bakeware Is a Game-Changer for Home Bakers

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Home baking has undergone a major revival in recent years. From sourdough starters to show-stopping Victoria sponges more people than ever are turning their kitchens into mini bakeries. But as any experienced baker will tell you success doesn’t rely solely on a good recipe — the tools you use matter just as much. That’s where Aga Bakeware comes into its own.

Whether you’re baking for the first time or you’re a seasoned home baker choosing the right bakeware can transform your results. In this article we explore why Aga Bakeware is fast becoming a must-have in British kitchens — and how it can help you bake with confidence and consistency.

What Makes Aga Bakeware Unique

Not all bakeware is created equal. The hallmark of Aga Bakeware is its superior quality and craftsmanship designed specifically to complement the heat-retention properties of an Aga oven. But even if you don’t own an Aga this bakeware still delivers fantastic results in any conventional oven.

At the heart of Aga’s bakeware range is its cast aluminium construction. This material is known for its excellent heat conductivity which ensures even baking from edge to centre. Unlike cheaper alternatives you won’t have to worry about burnt edges and undercooked middles — a common frustration among home bakers.

In addition most pieces come with a high-performance non-stick coating making them incredibly easy to clean and perfect for delicate bakes. Whether you’re making traybakes muffins or artisan bread Aga’s non-stick Aga cookware helps you release bakes with ease and without damage.

The Benefits of Using Aga Bakeware at Home

1. Exceptional Heat Distribution

Thanks to the cast aluminium bakeware material Aga tins and trays warm up quickly and retain heat evenly. This leads to more consistent baking results — from gooey brownies to crusty bread.

2. Easy to Handle and Clean

With ergonomic handles and slick non-stick coatings Aga baking trays are user-friendly and hassle-free to maintain. Just a quick rinse and they’re ready to use again.

3. Built for Durability

Durable bakeware for Aga ovens is designed to last. Unlike flimsy supermarket tins that warp or rust over time Aga’s range is robust and made to stand the test of time.

4. Oven-Safe and Versatile

Every piece in the range is oven-safe bakeware and often suitable for use in grills and freezers too — perfect for bakers who like flexibility in their tools.

Aga Bakeware vs. Regular Bakeware: What’s the Difference?

Feature Regular Bakeware Aga Bakeware
Material Steel or tinplate Cast aluminium
Heat Retention Often uneven Superior and even
Non-Stick Coating May wear off quickly Long-lasting high-grade coating
Durability Can warp or rust Built to last years
Design for Aga Cookers Not suitable Specifically designed for Agas

It’s clear: premium kitchen bakeware like Aga’s makes a real difference when it comes to quality longevity and performance.

Must-Have Aga Baking Tools for Every Home Baker

Ready to level up your baking game? Here are some essential professional baking tools from Aga that deserve a place in your kitchen:

  • Aga Muffin Tin – Perfect for cupcakes muffins and Yorkshire puddings.
  • Aga Roasting Tin – A multitasker for everything from Sunday roasts to deep lasagnes.
  • Aga Baking Sheet – Ideal for cookies shortbread and flatbreads.
  • Aga Loaf Tin – Whether it’s banana bread or a crusty white loaf this tin delivers.
  • Aga Pizza Tray – Evenly crisp crusts every time.

All of these are part of Aga’s thoughtful collection of heat-retaining baking tins made for both traditional and modern ovens.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Aga Bakeware

Even the best bakeware needs a little care to maintain its brilliance. Here are some top tips:

  • Preheat your trays: Especially when using Aga cookers placing food on hot trays helps achieve crispier results.
  • Avoid metal utensils: Use silicone or wooden tools to preserve the non-stick Aga cookware.
  • Hand wash when possible: Even though many items are dishwasher-safe handwashing extends life.
  • Store carefully: Nest your tins with parchment paper in between to prevent scratches.

Following these simple steps will help you keep your Aga pieces in top shape for years.

Real Results: What Home Bakers Are Saying

Many home bakers say they notice an immediate improvement in their bakes after switching to Aga Bakeware. Here are some common praises:

“My sponge cakes finally rise evenly and come out golden every time.”

“I’ve thrown away my old bakeware — nothing comes close to Aga’s muffin tins.”

“Roasts and bakes not only look better but taste better too. Totally worth the investment.”

Whether you’re baking biscuits or hosting a family dinner Aga’s best bakeware for home bakers gives you the edge.

Where to Buy Aga Bakeware – Discover the Collection

Looking to upgrade your baking setup? Discover a full range of Aga Bakeware at Rural Ranges. Their curated collection includes everything from baking trays and roasting tins to pizza pans and muffin trays — all crafted to the highest standards. Whether you’re buying for yourself or gifting a fellow baker their premium kitchen bakeware selection has something for everyone.

Conclusion:

In a world where baking has become more than just a hobby having the right equipment truly makes a difference. Aga Bakeware stands out for its durability thoughtful design and ability to produce exceptional results — time after time.

Whether you own an AGA range cooker or a standard oven investing in high-quality bakeware is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s not just about what you bake — it’s how you bake it. And with Aga Bakeware every bake is a masterpiece waiting to happen.

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

Eric Fillion’s ‘Soundtrack to the Revolution’ Explores Free Jazz And Leftist Nationalism In Quebec

Eric Alper
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Eric Fillion’s ‘Soundtrack to the Revolution’ Explores Free Jazz And Leftist Nationalism In Quebec

“I am a revolutionary first, a musician second. Instead of a machine gun, I have a trumpet,” explained Yves Charbonneau, co-founder of the Montreal-based group Jazz Libre, in May of 1969.

Upbeat excitement resonated throughout Montreal and across the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec in the wake of the Quiet Revolution and in the immediate aftermath of Expo 67, the highlight of Canada’s Centennial celebrations. Yet at the time, the city was also a hub of discordant politics, many of which were about the promises of various types of leftism and their intersection with nationalism. Cultural workers—individuals, groups, and their networks—participated actively in these debates, prompting new forms of communication, participation, and organization to catalyze all kinds of evocative solidarities.

In telling the story of Jazz Libre, Soundtrack to the Revolution reveals the meaningful role that the art of spontaneity played in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. It traces the path taken by Jazz Libre—a collective of improvisers who embraced free jazz to help legitimize the efforts of the Quebec left to situate its nationalist aspirations within global anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist movements. Their many initiatives (concert forums aimed at students and workers, a self-governing arts summer camp in Val-David, north of Montreal, a socialist commune in the Eastern Townships as well as an experimental cultural centre in Old Montreal) were all oriented toward the convergence of protest movements shaking Quebec. Jazz Libre’s fate was, as a result, irreversibly tied to the leftist independence movement—a hodgepodge of groups in search of possible futures during these pivotal decades.

Eric Fillion is director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation and assistant professor at the School of Languages and Literatures at the University of Guelph. He is the author of Distant Stage: Quebec, Brazil, and the Making of Canada’s Cultural Diplomacy. With Sean Mills and Désirée Rochat, he co-edited Statesman of the Piano: Jazz, Race, and History in the Life of Lou Hooper. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.

David Homel is the author of nine novels and a memoir, as well as a series of books for younger readers co-written with Marie-Louise Gay. A prize- winning writer and translator, he has worked in documentary film, print and radio journalism. He lives in Montreal.

Elizabeth J. Rosenthal Announces ‘The Master of Drums: Gene Krupa and the Music He Gave the World’ Biography

Eric Alper
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Elizabeth J. Rosenthal Announces ‘The Master of Drums: Gene Krupa and the Music He Gave the World’ Biography

The first definitive biography of Gene Krupa, the most famous drummer on the planet, whose feverish rhythms defined the Swing Era, changed jazz music forever, spurred rock and roll, and influenced generations.

From the early 1930s onward, Gene Krupa was a drum-centric rarity in the jazz world. Never before had a drummer been in the forefront as a solo artist. His galvanizing, unrestrained passion for percussion demanded it. Rocking the rafters, Gene thrilled audiences in ballrooms, nightclubs, and movies. He always knew he would. It was in his blood.

Seemingly born jazz-drum crazy in 1909 to a Polish-immigrant working-class family in South Chicago, Gene was a professional by the age of thirteen and soon made his first recordings. By the early 1930s, he was New York City’s most in-demand drummer, and starting in 1934, he joined brilliant clarinetist Benny Goodman’s band, helped inaugurate the Swing Era, and played the first-ever swing concert at Carnegie Hall, which made history. So did Gene, whose celebrity spread with every ride cymbal beat and bass drum bomb drop. He formed his own band, hired such dazzlingly outsized personalities as singer Anita O’Day, and unconditionally shattered racial boundaries by sharing the spotlight with the blistering African-American trumpeter Roy Eldridge. But after a skyrocketing ride to the top, Gene experienced a roller-coaster ride of good and bad luck, emotional highs, and devastating depths.

In The Master of Drums, biographer Elizabeth J. Rosenthal crafts a celebratory, honest, and exhaustively researched portrait of a twentieth-century music legend whose acolytes would include such rock-era artists as Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, John Bonham, and Apollo 440. When he died, Gene Krupa may have left behind a world of grieving friends, colleagues, fans, students, and progeny, but as The Master of Drums proves, his dynamic musical and cultural influences live on.

flipturn Expand ‘Burnout Days’ Tour With New North American And European Dates

Eric Alper
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flipturn Expand ‘Burnout Days’ Tour With New North American And European Dates

flipturn will continue to bring their “shimmery and catchy” (NPR Music) new album Burnout Days (out now via Dualtone Records) across North America this summer, with a slate of new tour dates just-announced through August. Stops include their first Burnout Days shows in Atlanta, Portland, Cleveland, Sacramento, Tuscon, Madison and more, along with main stage festival appearances at Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza and Outside Lands. Fall dates will include their biggest European shows ever, after selling out an entire tour of the continent in 2024.

The five piece indie-rock powerhouse is a “bona fide road trip band,” as The Washington Post declared before they played their largest headline show to-date (5,000 fans) at The Anthem in D.C earlier this month. Shortly after, flipturn wrapped the first leg of their Burnout Days tour – a two month run which saw them increase their venue sizes seven-fold or more in many cities across the United States (since touring their 2022 debut album Shadowglow). While in New York, the band sat down with ABC News Live’s Linsey Davis to reflect on their journey from playing garages to headline tours, before performing to a completely sold-out NYC crowd at Terminal 5. In January, flipturn made their national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live, performing “Rodeo Clown” from Burnout Days (their first Top 15 hit on the AAA radio charts), to kick off what has become an undeniable breakout year.

Born from years on the road together, Burnout Days finds flipturn arriving with more grit, craft and vulnerability than ever before. The collection is “the culmination of a decade” (SPIN) and has been praised for its “rays of optimism” (SPIN), “irresistible hooks” (Consequence), “atmospheric, introspective sound” (Under The Radar), “colorful, dynamic, shape-shifting indie-pop” (Relix), “infectious energy” (Luna Collective) and more. Originally formed in Fernandina Beach, FL, the members of flipturn are: Dillon Basse (lead vocals, guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass, backing vocals), Mitch Fountain (synth, guitar), and Devon VonBalson (drums).

Burnout Days Tracklist: 
1. Juno
2. Rodeo Clown
3. Inner Wave
4. Sunlight
5. Moon Rocks
6. Right?
7. Window
8. Swim Between Trees
9. Tides
10. Reason to Pretend
11. If It Is

flipturn Tour Dates:
April 27 – High Water Festival – North Charleston, SC
May 2 – Lovin Life Music Festival – Charlotte, NC
June 13 – Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival – Manchester, TN
July 17 – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
July 18 – Asheville Yards – Asheville, NC
July 19 – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater – Wilmington, NC
July 22 – The NorVa – Norfolk, VA
July 24 – State Theatre – Portland, ME
July 25 – Stone Pony Summer Stage – Asbury Park, NJ
July 26 – Newport Folk Festival – Newport, RI
July 29 – Tree House Summer Stage – Deerfield, MA
July 30 – The Agora – Cleveland, OH
July 31 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
August 1 – Lollapalooza – Chicago, IL
August 4 – The Admiral – Omaha, NE
August 6 – The Wilma – Missoula, MT
August 7 – Treefort Music Hall – Boise, ID
August 9 – Outside Lands Music Festival – San Francisco, CA< August 11 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC August 14 - Channel 24 - Sacramento, CA August 15 - Fremont Theater - San Luis Obispo, CA August 16 - Fox Theater Pomona - Pomona, CA August 17 - Rialto Theatre - Tuscon, AZ August 19 - Cain's Ballroom - Tulsa, OK August 20 - JJ's Live - Fayetteville, AR August 22 - Iroquois Amphitheater - Louisville, KY August 23 - The Sylvee - Madison, WI August 24 - Rose Park - Columbia, MO November 3 - Gretchen - Berlin, Germany November 4 - LUXOR - Cologne, Germany November 5 - La Maroquinerie - Paris, France November 7 - Manchester Academy 2 (Manchester Academy) - Manchester, UK November 10 - The Belfast Empire Music Hall - Belfast, UK November 11 - Button Factory - Dublin, Ireland November 13 - The Fleece - Bristol, England November 14 - O2 Forum Kentish Town - London, England

10 Songs That Name-Drop Other Bands and Artists

Eric Alper
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10 Songs That Name-Drop Other Bands and Artists

There’s something special about a musician giving a shout-out to their heroes — or even their rivals — right in the middle of a song. It’s like a wink to the audience that says, “Hey, we’re fans too.” From heartfelt nods to playful jabs, here are 10 songs that dropped a name (or two) and made music history just a little more fun.

1. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd famously calls out Neil Young by name, responding to his songs “Southern Man” and “Alabama.” Despite the lyrical jab, there was no bad blood — Neil Young even said he loved “Sweet Home Alabama.”

2. “Going to California” – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin pays tribute to Joni Mitchell with a subtle nod, singing about a woman “with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.” Robert Plant was a big fan of Mitchell’s music and her free-spirited vibe.

3. “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” – Neil Young
Neil Young name-drops Johnny Rotten, capturing the rise of punk rock at the end of the 1970s. It was a stark reminder that the times — and the sound of rebellion — were changing fast.

4. “Roll Over Beethoven” – Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry made it clear he was bringing a new sound to town, telling Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to “dig” rock and roll. It’s one of the earliest and boldest declarations that a musical revolution had arrived.

5. “Sir Duke” – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s joyful tribute to Duke Ellington also tips his hat to Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. It’s pure love for the legends who paved the way for his own brilliance.

6. “All the Young Dudes” – Mott the Hoople
Written by David Bowie, this glam rock anthem mentions the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, placing the band right in the heart of the rock and roll legacy. Bowie knew how to write a song that made you feel part of something bigger.

7. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – Billy Joel
Billy Joel didn’t just name-drop — he gave listeners an entire history lesson, rattling off figures like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. It’s the ultimate sing-along for trivia buffs everywhere.

8. “Nightshift” – Commodores
A soulful, emotional tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, sung after both legends passed away. “Nightshift” is proof that sometimes, name-dropping can come straight from the heart..

9. “Moves Like Jagger” – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
Mick Jagger got a funky tribute in this pop hit, where Adam Levine boasts about his “moves like Jagger.” When you want to brag about swagger, there’s no better name to drop.

5 Surprising Facts About Radiohead’s ‘The Bends’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Radiohead’s ‘The Bends’

When Radiohead dropped The Bends on March 13, 1995, everything changed. They left the shadow of “Creep” behind, stretched their creative muscles, and created one of the defining alt-rock albums of the ’90s. Radiohead were here to stay, and they weren’t about to be boxed in. Let’s dive into five lesser-known facts that make The Bends a landmark worth celebrating.

1. The Bends Was Born in a Barn (Literally)

Before heading into fancy London studios, Radiohead spent weeks rehearsing in an old barn on a fruit farm in Oxfordshire. They needed to fall in love with the songs again after endless touring for Pablo Honey. The rustic surroundings helped strip things back to basics, setting the raw emotional tone that defines The Bends. Sometimes, it turns out, you need mud on your boots to make magic.

2. “Fake Plastic Trees” Made Thom Yorke Cry In The Studio

“Fake Plastic Trees” nearly broke the band — early versions were grand and bombastic, sounding closer to Guns N’ Roses than Radiohead. Then one night, after seeing Jeff Buckley live, Thom Yorke found the heart of the song. Inspired, he recorded three stripped-down acoustic takes — and burst into tears after the final one. The rest of the band built their parts carefully around that raw moment, creating one of the most heartbreaking alt-rock ballads ever made.

3. “Planet Telex” Was Recorded in a Drunken Blur

“Planet Telex,” the opener that feels like it floats in from another galaxy, was recorded after the band returned from a night out drinking. Thom Yorke sang the vocals slumped in a corner, drunk, while the band built a trippy wall of sound around him. The song was written, recorded, and basically finished in a single evening — because sometimes brilliance doesn’t wait for a hangover.

4. The Bends Was Almost Too Ambitious for Its Own Good

Midway through recording, pressure from EMI and internal band stress made things messy. Radiohead were trying so hard to craft perfect singles that it nearly broke them apart. By the time they paused for an international tour, tensions boiled over in Mexico in one epic, tearful band fight. But that release turned out to be cathartic — they came back stronger and finished the album with a renewed sense of purpose.

5. The Album Cover Was a Happy Accident

The unforgettable, ghostly face on the cover of The Bends? It’s not a statue or a model — it’s a CPR training dummy. Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood stumbled across it while filming random footage for the artwork. They found something haunting in the mannequin’s expression, and by snapping a photo off a TV screen, they turned it into one of the most iconic alt-rock album covers of all time.

The Bends was more than just Radiohead’s second album — it was their rebirth. It bridged the gap between Pablo Honey and the even greater risks they’d take on OK Computer and beyond. It’s a record where guitars roar, hearts break, and the groundwork for a new era of alternative rock is laid brick by brick. 30 years later, it still sounds like the future knocking on the door.

5 Surprising Facts About The Byrds’ ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The Byrds’ ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’

When The Byrds released Sweetheart of the Rodeo in 1968, they changed their sound and helped invent an entirely new genre. It was a full-on crossroads where rock met country in a way few had dared to try. With the addition of Gram Parsons, a healthy dose of Nashville soul, and a rebellious spirit that stunned even country’s biggest traditionalists, Sweetheart stands today as a cornerstone of alt-country and Americana music. Let’s dive into 5 little-known facts that make this album a landmark worth celebrating.

1. It Was Supposed to Be a Double Album About All American Music

Roger McGuinn originally dreamed of Sweetheart of the Rodeo being a sweeping, double-album journey through American music history, from Appalachian folk to jazz to R&B to futuristic synth experiments. Enter Gram Parsons, who passionately pulled the band straight into country territory. Parsons had his sights set on nothing less than creating “Cosmic American Music,” and he made sure country became the sound of the project — shelving McGuinn’s original plans for good.

2. Gram Parsons Wasn’t Even Supposed To Sing On Most Of It

Despite Gram Parsons’ major influence on the album’s direction, legal issues with his former label meant Roger McGuinn re-recorded several of Parsons’ lead vocals himself. McGuinn said it was about contracts, but even the most casual Byrds fan knows: part of it was about keeping Parsons from stealing the show. You can still faintly hear Parsons’ ghostly vocals underneath the re-recorded tracks, a reminder of just how much of Sweetheart was truly his spirit.

3. They Were Booed Off The Grand Ole Opry Stage

When The Byrds showed up to perform at Nashville’s sacred Grand Ole Opry, they were greeted by heckling, booing, and shouts of “tweet, tweet!” from a deeply suspicious crowd. Despite cutting their hair and trying to look the part, country fans saw them as long-haired hippies intruding on sacred ground. Gram Parsons made it even worse — going off-script and performing “Hickory Wind” instead of the approved setlist. Nashville wasn’t ready for Sweetheart, but decades later, country rock sure was.

4. “Hickory Wind” Was Written On A Train Ride

One of the album’s most iconic tracks, “Hickory Wind,” was written by Gram Parsons and Bob Buchanan while riding a train from Florida to Los Angeles. That lonely, longing feeling you hear? It’s authentic. Parsons crafted a love letter to a childhood innocence lost along the way, fueled by the rhythmic clatter of the tracks and his own complicated family story. No wonder it became Parsons’ defining song — and the emotional heart of Sweetheart of the Rodeo.

5. They Almost Called It Gram Parsons and The Byrds

At one point, Gram Parsons pushed for the album to be credited as Gram Parsons and The Byrds. That didn’t sit well with Roger McGuinn or Chris Hillman. Parsons was still technically the “new guy” — and not even under official contract with Columbia Records. While that request was shot down fast, there’s no denying that Sweetheart became as much Parsons’ album as it was The Byrds’. His influence would echo through everything from The Eagles to Uncle Tupelo to Wilco.

The Byrds were chasing a sound they barely understood yet instinctively believed in. And thanks to their leap of faith (and a little chaos along the way), they created a record that opened the floodgates for country rock, alt-country, and Americana as we know it today. Every twang, every fiddle run, every lonesome harmony we hear now can be traced back to these songs. Sweetheart, indeed.

Spotify Expands AI Playlist Feature To 40+ New Markets For Premium Users

Eric Alper
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Spotify Expands AI Playlist Feature To 40+ New Markets For Premium Users

Playlists have always been at the heart of the Spotify experience. Since AI Playlist in beta launched last year, Premium users have used it to create millions of playlists, with the goal of finding music that fits any mood or moment.

Now they’re bringing this feature in English to Premium users in more than 40 new markets, including countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, helping even more users effortlessly turn their most creative ideas into playlists.

Playlists on Spotify are great sources for discovery, fostering deeper relationships between artists and fans. AI Playlist does just that by bringing users another way to express themselves through the music they love. Just start with a simple idea like “high-energy electropop that takes me to another world” or “workout music to make my ex jealous.”

Here’s how it works: 

  • Go to Your Library and tap the “+” button at the top-right corner, then select “AI Playlist.” Or, head to the Search tab on Spotify and search “AI Playlist.”
  • Then, select one of the suggested ideas or simply type your own.
  • Spotify will suggest songs for a personalized playlist made just for you based on the tracks, artists, genres, and more we think you’ll like. Have notes? It’s easy to revise and refine—just ask for what you want, like “more upbeat” or “happier songs.”
    • Pro tip: The most successful playlists are generated through “genre,” “mood,” or “artist” requests. But animals, activities, movie characters, colors, and even emojis are all fair game too.
  • To get started, we suggest trying out:
    • “Afrobeat tracks to heat up the dance floor”
    • “Trending K-Pop hits I need to know”
    • “2000s reggaeton for soaking up the sun”
    • “Songs to hype me up for the football match”
    • “Upbeat Latin songs from my top genre”
    • With AI Playlists in beta, they’re still actively learning and iterating with each exchange. They will continue to refine AI Playlist to best serve their listeners and bring the feature to even more users.

Olive Klug Releases Sophomore Album ‘Lost Dog’ And Embarks On North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Olive Klug Releases Sophomore Album ‘Lost Dog’ And Embarks On North American Tour

Though it’s been a relatively short time since the van-dwelling Olive Klug (they/them) has fully pursued the life of a touring musician, their DIY career has resulted in huge followings with over 20 million Spotify streams, nearly 200,000 TikTok followers, and 100,000+ Instagram followers. Self-described as “someone who floats on the breeze, letting the wind take me wherever I’m meant to be,” Klug’s sophomore album and label debut Lost Dog finds them contemplating this propensity for adventure no matter which avenue of love and loss it leads down.

Gentle at the start, album opener “Taking Punches From the Breeze” gets its title from Klug’s self-described nature of “letting the wind take them wherever they’re meant to be.” As more instrumentation fills in alongside fingerpicked guitar and Klug’s soft croon, a shuffling drum beat arrives under lyrical imagery of life’s new direction and the ups and downs of being beholden to the breeze.

Deemed by Klug as “the happiest song you’ll ever hear about unrequited love,” “What to Make of Me” is a “zydeco-inspired romp” so full of life and self-assuredness that there’s hardly room to dwell on anything remotely devastating. Pure unshakeable confidence clocking in at just under three minutes, this tune is much like the short-term romance that inspired it with the added benefit of being able to listen on repeat.

“No one is their best self in the first few weeks following a big breakup,” explains Klug. “And the song ‘Cold War’ demonstrates how this manifests in our modern world.” Poignant and precise, the stark recording of guitar, bass, haunting strings and vocals accentuate a very twenty-something realization on ended relationships and the proclivity to stalk the internet thereafter:

“The cold war has begun
Of who can prove that they’re having the most fun,
Through tiny screens and Spotify streams
Trying to prove to the other that we won”

“The song shows us parts of ourselves we might not always be proud of,” says Klug. “But can undeniably relate to.”

A “take on Paul Simon’s wordy magical chaos,” “Train of Thought” is an experimentation into the world of abstract metaphors compared to Klug’s usual literal storytelling style. On the surface the fun and frolic of wordplay and rhythm are countered by the personal meaning to Klug, and letting the listener in to what it’s like to be neurodivergent and how they have “recently embraced the internal chaos instead of trying so hard to control and repress it.” Additionally, lines like “and they try to button up my suit and tie in an attempt to hold me back but I’m this strange old conductor wearing pearls and a backwards baseball cap” highlight how their “nontraditional gender presentation is intrinsically linked to this neurodivergence and desire to resist societal pressures.”

The “fast-paced folk punk anthem” “Opposite Action” creatively puts Klug’s “under-utilized psychology B.A” to use – taking a therapeutic concept for a song name and putting its practice of encouraging “patients to do the opposite of what their emotions are telling them to do” in the chorus. Frustrated after applying these methods and not attaining immediate results during a depressive episode in the summer of 2023, Klug’s stream of consciousness style verses offer emotional release and the recognition that getting older and more responsible can feel like an inner-battle when the old patterns want to “give into the worst of me sometimes.”

Slowing down the tempo, “Lost Dog” is a melancholic examination of lifestyle choices. “It’s about watching your peers settle down into serious relationships and buy houses and wonder if you made the right decision to choose freedom and independence,” says Klug. “It’s about learning that the other side of the freedom/independence coin is often instability and loneliness.” Klug carefully acknowledges that their career can be captivating to many as “a wanderer’s lifestyle,”but others’ admiration can quickly turn to contempt as they age – a feeling expressed through the track’s titular metaphor in the chorus.

Revisiting the same break up depicted in “Cold War,” the minimalist ballad of “One Dimension” harnesses the healing power of hindsight. “With more time to process,” explains Klug. “It’s much easier to come to terms with the nuance in a relationship and recognize that the anger and vengeance that first arise after a breakup are often a coping skill for processing the real sadness and loss of cutting ties with someone you were once vulnerable enough to share your life with.”

Already serving as a special moment in Klug’s live set, Lost Dog ends with the enchanting and existential “Fleeting.” Reflecting on the complexities of connection, this swaying track is enhanced by crowd participation on the lullaby-like chorus “it’s fleeting, I’m better when I’m leaving” – a sung mantra between artist and audience of appreciating the present when departure is imminent.

Olive Klug refuses to be put in a box. Working out who you are in front of an ever-growing audience is no small task, but one that the Portland-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter is up for and thriving.

Olive graduated with a liberal arts degree shortly before the 2020 pandemic derailed their plans of pursuing a career in social work. Though they’d recorded and self-released the 2019 EP “Fire Alarm” from a childhood friend’s bedroom, up until early 2021, Olive categorized their music as either a hobby or a pipe dream, depending on who was asking. However, after being laid off from a teaching job in late 2020, Olive started working as a barista and decided to commit all of their extra energy to an ever-growing community of fans online.

Combining their knack for storytelling with a lilting soprano voice, Klug offers observations with an unflinching honesty. 2025 finds Olive in Nashville, attempting to stabilize after a 3-year whirlwind of viral niche internet-fame, non stop touring, and music industry naïveté. Olive’s social work background grounds them in community, a word they keep coming back to when ego proves unfulfilling. Olive is excited to solidify themselves as a fixture of the greater folk community and return to what inspires them the most about music; the catharsis and social change that is possible when people come together and share themselves through song.

Lost Dog tracklisting:
1. Taking Punches From The Breeze
2. What To Make Of Me
3. Cold War
4. Train of Thought
5. Opposite Action
6. Lost Dog
7. One Dimension
8. Fleeting

Olive Klug on Tour:
FRI 25 APR – Buffalo, NY @ The 9th Ward at Babeville
SAT 26 APR – Toronto, ON, Canada @ The Drake Underground
MON 28 APR – Washington, DC @ The Atlantis
WED 30 APR – Millvale, PA @ The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls
THU 01 MAY – Philadelphia, PA @ The Lounge at World Cafe Live
FRI 02 MAY – Cambridge, MA @ Club Passim
SAT 03 MAY – Providence, RI @ AS220
SUN 04 MAY – Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right
WED 07 MAY – Portsmouth, NH @ 3S Artspace
FRI 09 MAY – Portland, ME @ One Longfellow Square
SAT 10 MAY – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
THU 19 JUN – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival
SAT 21 JUN – Greenfield, MA @ Green River Festival
SAT 5- SUN 6 JUL – Orillia, ON, Canada @ Mariposa Folk Festival
THU 24 – SUN 27 JUL – Calgary, AB, Canada @ Calgary Folk Music Festival
FRI 1 – SUN 3 AUG – Happy Valley, OR @ Pickathon
TUE 5 AUG – Bend, OR @ Volcanic Theatre Pub
WED 6 AUG – Eugene, OR @ Tsunami Books
THU 7 AUG – Olympia, WA @ Olympia Lamplighters
FRI 8 AUG – Carnation, WA @ Miller’s
SAT 9 AUG – Bellingham, WA @ New Prospect Theatre
TUE 12 AUG – Spokane, WA @ The Chameleon
THU 14 AUG – Polebridge, MT @ Home Ranch Bottoms
FRI 15 AUG – Missoula, MT @ The Show Room at the Zacc
SAT 16 AUG – Bozeman, MT @ Live from the Divide
SAT 23 AUG – Walla Walla, WA @ Billsville West

Wednesday 13 Unleashes New Single “No Apologies” Featuring Taime Downe Ahead Of ‘Mid Death Crisis’ Album

Eric Alper
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Wednesday 13 Unleashes New Single “No Apologies” Featuring Taime Downe Ahead Of ‘Mid Death Crisis’ Album

Slaying audiences across North America on his “There’s No Such Thing As Monsters” tour celebrating 20 years of Transylvania 90210, Wednesday 13 has just unleashed the biggest surprise in his bag of tricks – brand-new single “No Apologies” featuring Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe! The track appears on the band’s upcoming full-length album, Mid Death Crisis, out this Friday, April 25 via Napalm Records.

“No Apologies” wastes no time ripping into a heavy rock rager, laced with fiery guitar leads and even more searing lyrics. The fast-romping anthem is an unapologetic exorcism of toxic demons and even more toxic people, and arrives alongside a new music video, also featuring Taime Downe.

WEDNESDAY 13 comments about “No Apologies”: “This is the most rock n’ roll song I’ve written in years. I wanted to go back to my roots, and my roots are 80s glam. The name at the top of that list was Faster Pussycat, so it made total sense to have Taime Downe guest on this track. Having one of my rock n’ roll idols alongside me in the studio was an honor. We whipped up a nasty little middle finger salute to ourselves on this one, and the result is ‘No Apologies’.”

After returning in 2022 with his widely-acclaimed full-length album Horrifier (#8 US Top New Artist Albums), as well as several major tours supporting his solo work and celebrated Murderdolls reunion shows, the Duke of Spook is back with Mid Death Crisis! WEDNESDAY 13 dubs the album as a fun, campy, “leave-your-brain-at-the-door” rager and a true return to his hard-rocking roots! Produced by guitarist Alex Kane (Life, Sex & Death, Enuff Z’Nuff, Antiproduct) and mixed by Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Prong, DevilDriver) the album oozes infectious 80s sleaze metal energy.

Eerie introductory track “There’s No Such Thing As Monsters” vibrates with electricity before industrial-tinged “Decease and Desist” kicks in full blast. WEDNESDAY 13’s trademark crooning wastes no time entering the fold as he careens through the high-octane horror anthem. First single “When the Devil Commands” instantly proves itself as a stunner with an unforgettable hook, charging arena rock-laden drum production and chugging guitars, before tracks like “Rotting Away” and “Blood Storm” ensnare with metallic goth-punk energy that will have crowds moving wall to wall. Featuring Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe on guest vocals, standout heavy rocker “No Apologies” is a fast-romping exorcism of toxic demons, while the triumphant mini-murder ballad “Decapitation” riles up listeners with a catchy lead riff before making a hard left into a theatrical bridge straight out of a sinister 60s sock hop! Ragers like “In Misery”, “Xanaxtasy” and “Sick and Violent” explore various genres of metal, injecting the album with elements of gripping heaviness for any listener, while downtempo stunners “I Hurt You” and “My Funeral” approach a more pensive territory.

Although its title, Mid Death Crisis, may suggest otherwise, WEDNESDAY 13 shows zero signs of stopping on this refreshingly powerful and multi-faceted entry into the band’s hall of horrific history!

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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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