Mashup master Bill McClintock has delivered the ultimate holiday curveball: a seamless stitch of Ozzy Osbourne’s power ballad “Mama I’m Coming Home” with the smooth festive tones of Hall and Oates singing the classic “Jingle Bell Rock.” This creation, unlike McClintock’s previous complex mashups, uses only these two songs, resulting in an experience that is both chaotic and perfectly harmonious. The video editor created this tribute hoping the late, great Ozzy would have had a good laugh at the bizarre blend. It’s a truly unique, genre-bending holiday gem that demands a listen.
Hunter Hayes Announces New Album ‘Evergreen’ and Spring 2026 Headlining Tour
Five-time GRAMMY nominated, PLATINUM-selling multi-instrumentalist Hunter Hayes has announced his new album, ‘Evergreen’, set for release on March 6, 2026. This highly anticipated project features pop, country, R&B, and indie rock-infused elements, all while exploring uplifting themes of growth, connection, and joy. Recorded with Alex Flagstad, ‘Evergreen’ captures the full scope of Hayes’ creativity with songs that are as emotionally rich as they are musically daring. Previous singles like the buoyant “Around the Sun,” the vulnerable “Every Piece,” and the infectious “Wait” reveal Hayes as a songwriter in constant evolution, whose heart-forward storytelling continues to resonate across generations.
Hayes shared that the record started as a series of letters from his future self, acting as both a prayer and a manifestation. He explained: “Evergreen started as a series of letters from my future self. In some ways a prayer, and in some ways manifestation. I wanted to make a project from the future. It’s full of hope, optimism, light and love. It’s an escape from reality as well as a new way to appreciate the good things in our everyday life, and how every experience shapes us to better and brighter versions of ourselves as we create a better version of our future.” The album is a warm, cinematic statement on growth, renewal, and self-discovery, blending hope and emotional clarity into a deeply personal yet universally resonant collection, guided by his motto, “Be good to yourself and the world around you.”
To support the release, Hayes also revealed details for The Evergreen Tour, his 2026 headlining run that kicks off on March 25 in Hopewell, VA. Fans can expect to hear new music, old favorites, and surprises along the way, with stops including New York, Portland, Chicago, Atlanta, and Nashville, among many others across the U.S. Hunter Hayes has brought on BLÜ EYES and Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines as special guests for the tour, with BLÜ EYES supporting the first half and Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines supporting the second half. The general on-sale for tickets launches Friday, December 12 at 10:00AM local time.
‘Evergreen’ Tracklist
- “Evergreen”
- “Until She Comes Along”
- “Wait”
- “Dream About”
- “Fragile”
- “Every Piece”
- “Too Late”
- “The Ones You Love”
- “Human Again”
- “Around The Sun”
The Evergreen Tour Dates
- March 25th, 2026 – Hopewell, VA – Beacon Theatre*
- March 27th, 2026 – Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre*
- March 28th, 2026 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall*
- March 29th, 2026 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre*
- March 31st, 2026 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair*
- April 2nd, 2026 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre*
- April 3rd, 2026 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony*
- April 4th, 2026 – Portland, ME – Aura*
- April 7th, 2026 – Cleveland, OH – HOB*
- April 9th, 2026 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrews Hall*
- April 10th, 2026 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation*
- April 11th, 2026 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues+
- April 12th, 2026 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line+
- April 14th, 2026 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue+
- April 16th, 2026 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre+
- April 17th, 2026 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom+
- April 18th, 2026 – Huntingdon, TN – The Dixie Carter PAC+
- April 19th, 2026 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre+
- April 22nd, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage Theater+
- April 23rd, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl+
- April 24th, 2026 – Cornelius, NC – Cain Center for the Arts+
- April 26th, 2026 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall+
*with support from BLÜ EYES +with support from Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines
Vanessa Carlton Unveils New Single “Animal” Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Veils’
Vanessa Carlton is embracing a new era in her storied career, thrilling fans by unveiling the music video for her new single “Animal.” The track is an early look at her upcoming album, ‘Veils’, scheduled for a spring 2026 release and produced by the acclaimed Dave Fridmann. The video itself was filmed and edited by Interiorstate, providing a compelling visual counterpart to the song’s intense introspection. Carlton is not slowing down, having recently scored her first film, Wish You Were Here, with husband John McCauley of Deer Tick, directed by Julia Stiles.
The new single delves into profound themes of acceptance and internal conflict. Vanessa Carlton explains: “Animal” is about stoicism. The idea of knowing we cannot control external forces; she is being hunted and she accepts the reality of what is happening. The acceptance allows her to truly see the animal. Does she even identify with this creature? Every human has an animal within them. Are you hunting? Are you being hunted? Who is the animal?” She continues to challenge expectations, having made her Broadway debut as Carole King and constantly evolving her artistic identity since her massive hit “A Thousand Miles.” Carlton will support the new music with a 2026 U.S. Tour, with tickets on sale now, and one dollar from each ticket sold will go to the Save The Music Foundation.
Track Listing
- “Animal” (Previously Released Track)
- “A Thousand Miles” (Mentioned)
‘Veils’ 2026 Tour Dates
- April 24 Pittsburgh, PA @ City Winery
- April 25 Pittsburgh, PA @ City Winery
- April 26 Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage
- April 28 Chicago, IL @ City Winery
- April 29 Chicago, IL @ City Winery
- May 1 St Louis, MO @ City Winery
- May 2 St Louis, MO @ City Winery
- May 3 Nashville, TN @ City Winery
- May 5 Atlanta @ City Winery
- May 6 Atlanta @ City Winery
- May 8 Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere
- May 9 Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery
- May 10 Philadelphia, PA @ City Winery
- May 12 Boston, MA @ City Winery
- May 13 Boston, MA @ City Winery
- May 15 New York, NY @ City Winery
- May 16 New York, NY @ City Winery
2026 U.K. Festival Dates
- July 23-26 Southwold, United Kingdom @ Latitude Festival
- July 23-26 Sheffield, United Kingdom @ Tramlines
- July 23-26 Hill Farm Oxfordshire, England @ Truck Festival
- July 31-Aug 2 Derby, United Kingdom @ Y NOT Festival 2026
Hardcore Legends Converge Share Intense New Single “Love Is Not Enough”
Post-hardcore legends Converge, comprised of vocalist Jacob Bannon, guitarist/producer Kurt Ballou, bassist/vocalist Nate Newton, and drummer Ben Koller, have released their intense title track and music video, “Love Is Not Enough.” This new single is the first look at their upcoming eleventh album, ‘Love Is Not Enough’. For more than three decades, the band has delivered musical and emotional catharsis, creating some of the most compelling music and art of the 21st century, and putting purpose before perception. “Love Is Not Enough” lyrically explores “what it means to remain empathetic and compassionate in the modern world,” comments Bannon, adding that it’s “A reckoning with who we are today and hope to be in the future.”
The album, which was recorded and mixed by Kurt Ballou at God City in Salem, Massachusetts, hones the band’s collective strengths to a razor’s edge. Bannon notes that the record features “no special guests, no studio trickery,” explaining, “realism is missing from a lot of modern music of any genre… Sometimes the perfect take is the one that has some wildness to it.” Unlike albums that adhere to a standard sequencing format, ‘Love Is Not Enough’ is all about momentum. Bannon says, “It does a thing that no other Converge record does – it keeps ramping up,” calling that “definitely by design.”
Converge continues their reputation as an essential underground force and they are bringing their legendary live show to the masses. They will perform at Saddest Day fest on December 13 in Boston with Touché Amoré, Coalesce, The Hope Conspiracy, and more. Following that, they are scheduled to appear at UK and EU festivals, including Jera on Air on June 25, 2026, and Outbreak Festival on June 27, 2026.
Country Powerhouse Jacquie Roar Drops Fiery Holiday Breakup Anthem “Christmas Miss Me”
Country powerhouse Jacquie Roar is kicking off the season with a sparkle, a strut, and a whole lot of self-respect with the release of her brand-new holiday single, “Christmas Miss Me.” Co-written with hitmaker Steve Fee (Max McNown, “A Lot More Free”), the track is a festive, feel-good breakup anthem designed to empower anyone spending the holidays healing, celebrating, and moving on.
Equal parts sass and seasonal cheer, “Christmas Miss Me” blends classic Christmas charm with bold, modern confidence, reminding listeners that sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is closure. With cheeky lyrics such as, “I returned those gifts I got for you and bought a dress, no it won’t be a silent night ’cause baby I confess, I’ll be rocking around the Xmas tree but it ain’t gonna be with you,” the song captures Jacquie’s signature fire while delivering a message of hope: heartbreak doesn’t stand a chance when you remember who you are.
“The holidays have a way of cranking your emotions up to a hundred,” Jacquie shares. “I wrote ‘Christmas Miss Me’ to say: go ahead, cry for a minute…but then fix your hair, put on that dress, and remember you’re the gift. The season can still be merry, and so can you.”
With “Christmas Miss Me,” Jacquie Roar reminds us that even the chill of winter can’t dim the glow of a woman who knows her worth.
Jacquie Roar is a powerhouse in country music, known for her dynamic vocals and electrifying stage presence. She has shared the stage with icons like Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Kelsea Ballerini, Gary Allan, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Jackson Dean, and even hip-hop legend Nelly, proving herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Her journey to national fame began on The Voice Season 24, where she wowed audiences with her rendition of “Here for the Party” by Gretchen Wilson, earning a coveted Four-Chair Turn. Fighting her way through the competition, she secured a spot in the finale and finished in the top four.
In 2024, Jacquie made her highly anticipated Music City debut, performing at CMA Fest, the Grand Ole Opry Plaza, and Nashville’s legendary Whiskey Jam, delivering a standout performance alongside Jamie O’Neal.
Most recently, Jacquie made history performing alongside Jelly Roll at the Oregon State Penitentiary—the first live music event on the prison yard in over two decades. Whether performing in a stadium or an intimate setting, Jacquie’s ability to connect with audiences defines her as a captivating and fearless performer.
Flamenco Legends Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo Launch New Album ‘Historia’ And Tour
Flamenco legends Gipsy Kings Featuring Tonino Baliardo have released their new album, ‘Historia’, which features their signature sound blending flamenco with Latin influences and touches of pop, reggae, and jazz. The founding leader, Tonino Baliardo, along with his sons Cosso and Mikeal, continue the Gipsy Kings story, almost forty years since their breakthrough. The album, which is available now, is launched alongside the single “Señorita.” Tonino Baliardo says the song was written “with a strong rhythm and joyful chorus to capture those early wonderful memories of my youth.”
The album showcases the band’s trademark eclecticism, moving from the “boisterous exuberance” of tracks like “Señorita” and “Big Bang” to the grandeur of the title track. It also features a beautiful ballad, “La Guerre,” which advocates for peace. The instrumental “Cielo” was written in memory of Tonino’s recently passed brother Paco, keeping the rich, passionate traditions of Catalan gipsy culture alive. The band has announced a U.S. Spring Tour starting in March in California, with tickets going on sale Friday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The U.S. Spring Tour Dates are:
- Mar 14 – El Cajon, CA – Sycuan Casino Resort
- Mar 15 – Oxnard, CA – Oxnard Performing Arts Center
- Mar 18 – Grass Valley, CA – The Center of the Performing Arts
- Mar 19 – Oakland, CA – Henry J. Kaiser Center For The Arts
- Mar 20 – Newport Beach, CA – The Lido Theatre
- Mar 21 – Newport Beach, CA – The Lido Theatre
- Mar 22 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre – Tucson
- Mar 25 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
- Mar 26 – Groton, MA – Groton Hill Music Center
- Mar 27 – Waterville, ME – Waterville Opera House
- Mar 28 – Concord, NH – The Chubb Theatre
- Mar 29 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center For The Arts
Industrial Metal Project ALFONSO CONSPIRACY Unleashes Debut Album ‘The Explicit//The Exploited’
Fiery new industrial metal project ALFONSO CONSPIRACY, fronted by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Max James, has released his towering debut album, ‘The Explicit//The Exploited’. Max James forged the project in seclusion amid the industrial grit of Northern England, teaching himself every instrument and mastering every element of the sound. The result is a visceral, genre-bending experience that fuses the aggressive energy of ‘90s industrial metal, the crushing weight of modern metal riffs, and the immersive darkness of gothic and horror culture.
The ten-track record dives headfirst into suffering, identity, and inner conflict, with Max James explaining, “It’s an album of two halves—literally. I address trauma, play devil’s advocate, and tell my story all in one.” In the lead-up to the album, ALFONSO CONSPIRACY dropped a video for the single, “Transmit,” which is built on pounding percussion and jagged electronics, capturing the album’s central themes of disconnection and defiance. This uncompromising debut stands as a bold statement from an artist ready to carve his place in the Brit metal scene.
HBO Music Documentary Explores Counting Crows’ Rise And Adam Duritz’s Creative Defiance
The HBO Original documentary MUSIC BOX: COUNTING CROWS: HAVE YOU SEEN ME LATELY? is an intimate portrait chronicling the rise of the band Counting Crows and the unrelenting pressure that followed their massive success. Directed by Amy Scott, the film focuses on frontman Adam Duritz and explores the emotional aftermath of the band’s landmark debut album, ‘August and Everything After’. Catapulted into fame by the massive hit “Mr. Jones,” Duritz found himself caught between a loss of anonymity and a deepening desire to create something personal and true while navigating mental health challenges.
The documentary captures the making of their pivotal follow-up album, ‘Recovering the Satellites’, which became a raw, urgent, and unapologetically honest record where Duritz channeled his inner conflict. The film features candid interviews with current and former bandmembers, including David Bryson, Charlie Gillingham, and Matt Malley, along with friends and peers like Chris Martin, Cyndi Lauper, and Mary-Louise Parker. This portrait of creative defiance debuts on Thursday, December 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.
BBC Acquires Series Recounting The Beatles’ Hamburg Days
The BBC has acquired the forthcoming drama series Hamburg Days, a six-part series set to recount The Beatles’ early days as a band for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The series is based on the autobiography of Klaus Voormann, who is also serving as a consultant on the project. Hamburg Days is set in the early 1960s, specifically in the smoke-filled clubs of Hamburg’s St. Pauli’s red-light district. The story will track how an inexperienced rock ‘n’ roll band from Liverpool collided with two young artists, Klaus Voormann and Astrid Kirchherr, sparking the transformation that turned the scrappy teenagers into The Beatles.
The creative team boasts impressive talent: renowned German director Christian Schwochow is the showrunner, and Mat Whitecross, known for his acclaimed collaborations with Coldplay and Oasis, will direct. Jamie Carragher serves as head writer for the series, which was developed by Benjamin Benedict. BAFTA-winner David Holmes will curate the music in the series. Sue Deeks, Head of Scripted Pre-buy Acquisitions at the BBC, called the series “the fascinating story of how, in the space of two short years, a raw young band from Liverpool honed their music skills in Hamburg, before returning home to become an overnight worldwide success.”
Hamburg Days will be a W&B Television and Turbine Studios production for ZDF, the BBC and AGC Television.
Rock Musical Mega-Hit ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ Returns To Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
The mega-hit musical ‘Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical’ is celebrating its return to Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre next spring. The production, which features the timeless music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, will play three performances only. The spectacular show boasts an epic world-class cast of singers, dancers, and actors, accompanied by a dynamic eight-piece rock band. The musical has previously wowed critics and audiences alike during limited seasons in London, Toronto, and New York City.
For the stage musical, the legendary Jim Steinman incorporated iconic songs from the ‘Bat Out of Hell’ albums, including “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth,” “I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” and the previously unreleased song “What Part of My Body Hurts the Most”. The musical won the UK’s Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards and garnered five-star reviews from major UK outlets. The New York Times raved that ‘Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical’ is “extravagant, absurd, compulsively hummable”.
‘Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical’ Performances – Tickets available here.
- April 3 2026: 7:30 PM
- April 4 2026: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM