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Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts Announce Debut Album ‘Talkin To The Trees’ and 2025 World Tour

Eric Alper
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Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts Announce Debut Album ‘Talkin To The Trees’ and 2025 World Tour

Neil Young, along with his new band, The Chrome Hearts announce their debut full-length album Talkin To The Trees, to be released on June 13, via Reprise Records.

Talkin To The Trees feels like a full-on fresh-blooded leap forward as Young steps into his sixth decade in his creative odyssey filled with fearless twists and turns. The Chrome Hearts feature Spooner Oldham (Organ); Micah Nelson (Guitar and Vocal); Corey McCormick (Bass and Vocal); Anthony LoGerfo (Drums); with Neil Young (Guitar, Harp, Piano, Vibes). All songs are written by Neil Young, co-produced by Lou Adler and Young, and recorded at Shangri La Studios in Malibu. Click HERE to pre-order/pre-save Talkin To The Trees.

When “big change” the first song from the album Talkin To The Trees was released just in front of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, it was a not-so-subtle announcement that Young was ready to step into the future. Not only America but the world. There could be no doubt where Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts stand in these challenging times.

These ten musical statements by Young, take their rightful place among an ongoing creative tapestry.

Talkin To The Trees will be available on black vinyl, limited edition clear vinyl, CD and Digital via the Greedy Hand Store at NYA and indie retail stores. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives and all DSPs. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with a free hi-res digital audio download from the NYA Download Store.

Tracklisting:

  1. Family Life
  2. Dark Mirage
  3. First Fire Of Winter
  4. Silver Eagle
  5. Lets Roll Again
  6. Big Change
  7. Talkin To The Trees
  8. Movin Ahead
  9. Bottle Of Love
  10. Thankful

Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts LOVE EARTH World Tour 2025:
Europe
Jun 18  Rättvik, Sweden  Dalhalla
Jun 20  Bergen, Norway  Bergenhus Fortress
Jun 22  Copenhagen, Denmark  Tiøren
Jun 26  Dublin, Ireland  Malahide Castle
Jun 28 Glastonbury, UK Glastonbury Festival
Jun 30  Brussels, Belgium  Brussels Palace Open Air, Palace Square
Jul 01  Groningen, Netherlands Drafbaan Stadspark
Jul 03  Berlin, Germany  Waldbühne
Jul 04  Mönchengladbach Germany  Sparkassenpark
Jul 06 Montreux, CH Montreux Jazz Festival
Jul 08  Stuttgart, Germany  Cannstatter Wasen
Jul 11 London, UK BST Festival
Jul 13 Paris, FR Adidas Arena

USA / Canada
Aug 8  Charlotte, NC  PNC Music Pavilion
Aug 10  Richmond, VA  Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Aug 13  Detroit, MI  Pine Knob Music Theatre
Aug 15  Cleveland, OH  Blossom Music Center
Aug 17  Toronto, ON  Budweiser Stage
Aug 19  Toronto, ON  Budweiser Stage
Aug 21  Gilford, NH  BankNH Pavilion
Aug 23  New York, NY  Jones Beach
Aug 24  Bethel, NY  Bethel Woods
Aug 27  Chicago, IL  Northerly Island
Aug 29 Milwaukee, WI  BMO Pavilion
Sep 01  Denver, CO  Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Sep 05  George, WA  The Gorge
Sep 06  Vancouver, BC  Deer Lake Park
Sep 08  Vancouver, BC  Deer Lake Park
Sep 10  Bend, OR  Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Sep 12  Mountain View, CA  Shoreline Amphitheater
Sep 15  Los Angeles, CA  Hollywood Bowl

Nickelback Playing a Patriotic U.S. Tour? It’s Not That Deep — And Totally Fine

Eric Alper
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Nickelback Playing a Patriotic U.S. Tour? It’s Not That Deep — And Totally Fine

Canadian rock juggernaut Nickelback is hitting the road this summer as part of the Rock the Country tour, a small-town U.S. festival co-headlined by Kid Rock. Billed as a celebration of “hardworking, God-fearing patriots,” the event includes rotating acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr., and Lee Greenwood—and, perhaps unexpectedly, Alberta’s own Chad Kroeger and crew. The inclusion has raised some eyebrows, especially among Canadian fans who associate Nickelback more with radio hits than red-state rallies.

But before you grab your pitchfork—or your Maple Leaf flag—let’s talk about why Nickelback showing up on this tour isn’t the betrayal some are making it out to be. In fact, it’s perfectly fine. Here’s why:

It’s a Gig, Not a Political Statement

Bands take shows for all kinds of reasons—exposure, pay, access to new audiences—not to endorse everything happening around them. Nickelback’s participation doesn’t mean they’re suddenly aligned with any political figure or message. It means they were booked, they said yes, and they’re going to play their songs. That’s showbiz.

They’re Musicians, Not Policymakers

Nickelback has never claimed to be a political band. They’re not out here giving stump speeches or tweeting about election cycles. They write songs, not policies. Expecting them to serve as political symbols misunderstands what musicians are actually hired to do on a festival stage.

They’re Reaching New Audiences

Rock the Country stops in towns that don’t often host big rock shows. For Nickelback, this is a chance to connect with fans who’ve only ever seen them on YouTube or heard them on FM radio. That’s not political—that’s just smart touring. And in today’s live music economy, you take those chances when you can.

Music Crosses Borders

Sure, they’re Canadian. But last time we checked, the border didn’t block guitar riffs and singalongs. Music has always been about connection—regardless of passport. Nickelback playing an American patriotic tour doesn’t erase their Canadianness. It just proves that good music doesn’t need a visa.

They Didn’t Organize the Tour

Nickelback didn’t write the press release, create the marketing, or book the other artists. They were invited. Treating them like co-architects of the event is a reach. Sometimes a band joins a tour because it’s the right time, the right stage, and the right crowd to rock.

Their Fan Base Is Broad

From pickup trucks to downtown clubs, Nickelback has always drawn from a wide swath of fans. That includes the kind of everyday folks Rock the Country targets. This isn’t them selling out—it’s them showing up for fans who’ve been singing along since Silver Side Up.

They’ve Played All Kinds of Festivals

Over the years, Nickelback has hit Canadian festivals, global stages, and everything in between. Sharing a lineup with Kid Rock in Alabama doesn’t define them any more than sharing one with The Glorious Sons in British Columbia. It’s one show. Part of a tour. One moment in a long career.

They’re Not Headlining a Political Rally

Yes, Kid Rock is openly political. But Nickelback hasn’t said a word about the political backdrop. They’re not playing under a campaign banner or streaming Trump videos before their set. They’re doing what they always do—playing their music for whoever shows up.

No One Owns Patriotism

The tour is branded with Americana and traditional values, but loving your country—any country—doesn’t require you to sign on to a specific ideology. Nickelback playing for American patriots doesn’t make them traitors to Canada. It just makes them musicians who are working.

It’s Part of Their Job

Touring isn’t optional for bands anymore—it’s essential. Festivals like this one pay the bills, support the crew, and keep the momentum going. Turning down gigs based on someone else’s politics would be a fast track to irrelevance. And Nickelback didn’t become one of Canada’s biggest musical exports by turning down the work.

Double Standards Don’t Help Anyone

When Bruce Springsteen headlines a pro-union rally or plays during a Democratic campaign, he’s celebrated as an artist with a voice—someone whose music transcends entertainment. But when a band like Nickelback plays a tour that leans the other way politically, suddenly it’s “just stick to music.” If we truly believe artists are allowed to stand for something—or nothing—we can’t selectively apply that based on whether we agree with the crowd.

So, is it surprising to see Nickelback on this lineup? Maybe. Is it scandalous? Not even close. They’re not waving flags—they’re playing chords. Let them rock.

California Bluegrass Association Unveils Stage Lineup for 50th Father’s Day Festival

Eric Alper
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California Bluegrass Association Unveils Stage Lineup for 50th Father’s Day Festival

The California Bluegrass Association is pleased to announce the list of artists selected to appear on the esteemed Vern’s Stage at its 50th annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival, taking place June 12-15 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, Calif. Named after Vern Williams, who helped introduce bluegrass music to the West Coast, the stage is dedicated to presenting hardworking performers who play bluegrass and old-time music night after night in tiny bars, out-of-the-way venues and anywhere else they can find audiences — and make new fans.

Representing the spectrum of traditional and old-time bluegrass and newgrass styles, they’ll join festival headliners the Del McCoury Band, the Gibson Brothers, AJ Lee & Blue Summit and over a dozen other performers gathered to celebrate the festival’s 50-year history of presenting top national, regional and local artists. The family-friendly festival has attracted several generations of fans, who return year after year to its site in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills to enjoy camping, jamming, square-dancing, free workshops and other activities — and of course, incredible performances. Passes are on sale now at fathersdayfestival.com.

Chosen by video auditions, the artists slated to fill Thursday-through-Saturday afternoon Vern’s Stage slots are: Bay Area Special, Blue Birds on a Wire, Charlie Torch, The Corn Likkers, Critical Grass, Dadweed, Deep Thicket Dwellers, Flatpick Hotel, Hey Lonesome!, Jesse Appelman’s West Coast Stringband Project, the Jimmy Touzel Bluegrass Explosion, Marin County Breakdown, Matt & George and their Pleasant Valley Boys, Muddy Mountain West, and Skillet Licorice.

This year’s gathering also features singing, songwriting and fiddling legend Laurie Lewis — who will perform with her band, the Right Hands, and in a special “50 years of Togetherness” celebration with fellow Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Kathy Kallick, Lewis’ longtime collaborator.

Also performing are Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Junior Sisk Band, the Canote Brothers, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, the Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee, Clinton Davis Stringband and California showcase bands Bearcat Stringband, Matt Michienzie Band, Mission Blue, the Town Howlers and Windy Hill.

Special events will include Friday and Saturday evening square dances in the Whitney Pavilion, fireside-chat interviews and performances by artists who were part of the festival’s early years, and Sunday morning’s gospel jam and service, followed by the popular Father’s Day Brunch, along with workshops, the pre-festival music camp and other attractions.

Billed as “the best jamming west of the Rockies,” the festival is renowned as a place where lifelong friendships, musical partnerships and alliances of all kinds are forged through participants’ shared love of bluegrass jamming. That love is fostered early on through the festival’s kids’ programming, including an instructional Youth Academy; the KidFest children’s recreational area; and Kids on Bluegrass, an audition-based training program culminating in a mainstage performance.

Advance tickets prices range from $34 to $94 for single-day passes; full four-day festival passes are currently $79 for teens 13 to 17, $264 for adults up to age 65 and $254 for ages 65 and up. Children 12 and under attend free; CBA members receive ticket discounts. For tickets, go to fathersdayfestival.com.

Founded in 1976, the family-friendly Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival has become a beloved annual celebration of roots music. Bluegrass fans converge to frolic amid the majestic pines on this nearly 90-acre spot in the Sierra Nevada foothills, swinging their partners during square-dancing sessions, learning from masters during workshops, joining in on or listening to impromptu jam sessions, enjoying food, beverage and craft offerings, and camping under the stars (lodging is also available in Grass Valley and Nevada City). Kidfest, a major component of the event, offers crafts, games and music for younger attendees. The Kids on Bluegrass program gives musically skilled players up to age 18 an opportunity to perform on the festival mainstage. The CBA Youth Academy, for 8- to 16-year-olds, is a music camp for beginner and intermediate students.

Tent, camper-van and tent-trailer camping (without hookups) and parking for one car are included with full festival passes. RV hookups are available on a limited basis; for more information and fees, check the website.

The nonprofit California Bluegrass Association, founded in 1975, encourages, fosters and cultivates the preservation, appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, support and performance of bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and traditional instrumental and vocal music of the United States. The organization and festival are operated by volunteers dedicated to presenting premier acoustic music in a community-based, family-friendly setting. For more information, visit californiabluegrass.org.

For festival details or to purchase tickets, visit fathersdayfestival.com. Nevada City Fairgrounds are located at 11228 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley, Calif. 95949.

Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival Schedule:
Main Stage Performers
Thursday, June 12
10 a.m. – Mission Blue
11:05 a.m. – Matt Michienzie Band
12:15 p.m. – Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
2:20 p.m. – Clinton Davis Stringband
3:30 p.m. – Junior Sisk Band
4:40 p.m. – Music Camp All-Stars
6:50 p.m. – Clinton Davis Stringband
8:20 p.m. – Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
9:50 p.m. – Junior Sisk Band

Friday, June 13
10 a.m. – Windy Hill
11:05 a.m. – Bearcat Stringband
12:25 p.m. – Junior Sisk Band
2:20 p.m. – Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
3:30 p.m. – AJ Lee & Blue Summit
4:40 p.m. – Kids on Bluegrass
6:50 p.m. – Good ‘Ol Persons
8:20 p.m. – Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands
9:50 p.m. – AJ Lee & Blue Summit

Saturday, June 14
10 a.m. – The Town Howlers
11:05 a.m. – The Canote Brothers
12:15 p.m. – The Gibson Brothers
2:20 p.m. – The Travelin’ McCourys
3:30 p.m. – Laurie Lewis & Kathy Kallick
4:25 p.m. – Lifetime Membership Awards
4:40 p.m. – Kids on Bluegrass
6:50 p.m. – AJ Lee & Blue Summit
8:20 p.m. – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
9:50 p.m. – The Travelin’ McCourys

Sunday, June 15
10 a.m. – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
11:05 a.m. – The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee
12:15 p.m. – The Gibson Brothers
2:20 p.m. – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
3:25 p.m. – The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee
4:40 p.m. – The Gibson Brothers
Pioneer Stage Performers

Thursday, June 12
1:30 p.m. – Windy Hill
2:35 p.m. – Bearcat Stringband
3:40 p.m. – Sidesaddle & Co.
4:55 p.m. – Arkansas Sheiks
6:10 p.m. – High Country

Friday, June 13
1:30 p.m. – Mission Blue
2:35 p.m. – Matt Michienzie Band
3:40 p.m. – California Bluegrass Pioneers
4:55 p.m. – Blue & Lonesome
6:10 p.m. – Youth Open Mic
7:25 p.m. – The Canote Brothers

Saturday, June 14
Noon – Black Banjo Reclamation Project showcase
1:30 p.m. – The Town Howlers
2:35 p.m. – Youth Academy Show
3:40 p.m. – California Bluegrass Pioneers
4:55 p.m. – The Canote Brothers
6:10 p.m. – Good ‘Ol Persons

Sunday, June 15
9 a.m. – Bluegrass Gospel Jam and Service
Vern’s Stage Performers

Thursday, June 12
Noon – Marin County Breakdown
12:45 p.m. – Muddy Mountain West
1:30 p.m. – Matt and George and Their Pleasant Valley Boys
5:15 p.m. – Hey Lonesome!
6:10 p.m. – Deep Thicket Dwellers

Friday, June 13
Noon – Flatpick Hotel
12:45 p.m. – The Jimmy Touzel Bluegrass Explosion
1:20 p.m. – Bill & Faye Downs Awards
1:30 p.m. – The Corn Likkers
5:15 p.m. – Dadweed
6:10 p.m. – Charlie Torch

Saturday, June 14
Noon – Bay Area Special
12:45 p.m. – Blue Birds on a Wire
1:20 p.m. – Volunteer of the Year Award
1:30 p.m. – Critical Grass
5:15 p.m. – Skillet Licorice
6:10 p.m. – Jesse Appelman’s West Coast Stringband Project

Ethan Daniel Davidson Shares New Single “Your Old Key” from Upcoming Album ‘Cordelia’

Eric Alper
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Today, acclaimed Detroit singer-songwriter Ethan Daniel Davidson released “Your Old Key,” the latest single to be shared from his forthcoming album Cordelia, which will be released on May 30. Glide Magazine featured the track saying it’s “an easygoing work of pedal steel-laden folk-rock that showcases Davidson’s penchant for writing thoughtful songs in a literary vein… it serves as a reminder that Davidson continues to be a talented and perhaps underrated songwriter.”

“She was particularly talented in terms of home improvement,” states Davidson. “Probably the best carpenter I’ve ever met––was able to make doors out of a single piece of wood without warping. She was so good that she built a whole new house for herself while I was out getting the paper. I have the key, but it doesn’t work for the door anymore. I’m not even sure where the house is, actually. I made this song up on the spot as we recorded it a dozen years ago for the Silvertooth album. Sometimes these things just kind of come out of you.”

Cordelia finds the veteran singer-songwriter exploring new creative territory while continuing down the beguiling and wondrous road that his discography has charted thus far, which over the years has been praised by NPR Music, All Music, American Songwriter, Magnet Magazine and many more. It’s as lush and deeply felt as Davidson’s music has ever been, with countrified balladry and unvarnished blues accompanying this journeyman’s philosophical explorations and ruminations on his past, present, and future.

Cordelia follows 2022’s gorgeous Stranger, which marked both a conclusion and a new beginning after a decade-plus of fruitful creative collaboration with Warren Defever of experimental rock legends His Name Is Alive (who Davidson is continuing to collaborate with on future projects as well). “I was overdue to start all over again with a bunch of new people,” Davidson explains. But sometimes a change of scenery is needed for a spell, and so as Davidson was armed with an array of songs he had in his arsenal largely from a COVID-era songwriting span, he reached out to producer David Katznelson for some ideas on who to work with, who in turn recommended North Mississippi Allstars frontman Luther Dickinson as the perfect co-producer alongside Katznelson.

Joining Davidson and Dickinson on Cordelia: bassist and Emmylou Harris collaborator Byron House, drummer Marco Giovino (Robert Plant, John Cale), and multi-instrumentalist Rayfield “Ray Ray” Holloman, who contributed pedal steel and piano across the record.

Cordelia was sonically inspired by Davidson’s love for the raw blues records that storied label Fat Possum were releasing in the 1990s. “I’ve always been a fan of that hill-country punk blues,” he explained. “That’s not the kind of music I do, but it always had a big impact on me, and I knew Luther would be a good guy to translate these songs and put a real good band together.”

The album’s namesake is inspired by the titular daughter featured in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy King Lear, who Davidson finds a sense of personal kinship with.

“My adopted father was a great guy, but by the end of his life, he had a lot of sycophants gathered around him when he was in declining health,” he recalls. “I came to feel like Cordelia, because I wasn’t around him for his money—it was because I was this kid that he took in and took care of, and I loved him for it.”

A unique perspective, for certain—and reflective of not only Cordelia but Davidson’s career as a whole thus far, which has found him on an eternal search for self as well as for the communal aspect of others. ”I write these songs because I’m trying to meet people and have real relationships,” he explains. “I want to find people with whom I share a common language. That’s what I’m interested in doing, and if music is a vehicle for that, then that’s why I continue to do it.”

Cordelia Tracklist:
1. I Know My Rider Knows My Name
2. Heart First Into Heartache
3. Gasoline
4. Leaving Soon
5. Your Old Key
6. Along In The Wind And The Rain
7. Someone’s Asking For You

The Coronas Announce 2025 North American Tour Behind New Album ‘Thoughts & Observations’

Eric Alper
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The Coronas Announce 2025 North American Tour Behind New Album ‘Thoughts & Observations’

Ireland’s popular indie band The Coronas are set for their 2025 North American tour in support of their 8th studio album, THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS, beginning on July 11. THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS, released last fall, became the band’s fourth consecutive album to capture the #1 slot on the Irish charts its first week of release. The tour, which includes two major dates in Canada and finishes off at the annual Irish Fair of Minnesota where they will headline the inaugural Ceol by the River Event on August 7, will follow the band’s debut at the iconic Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England on June 28.

As its provocative title suggests, THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS addresses relationships at their various stages and the resilience it takes to shoulder life’s ups and downs. Fueled by heavy doses of both candor and emotion, the 12 original songs written by the three band members–lead vocalist/guitarist Danny O’Reilly, bass guitarist Graham Knox and drummer Conor Egan—along with a host of songwriting collaborators, are at times anthemic, at times delicate, at times cynical, but always authentic. The core band members also embraced the talents of their touring supergroup on this album with Lar Kaye (All Tvvins) on guitar, Cian MacSweeney (True Tides) on saxophone and Roisin O on backing vocals for the recording and as well as the forthcoming tour.

Available via the band’s SoFarSoGood imprint, distributed by Blix Street Records, the album has been lauded as the band’s most dynamic, yet introspective, music to date.

Playing Glastonbury has been a long-time dream for the Dublin-based band. That appearance is positioned in between high profile Irish summer festival dates, among them King John’s Castle in Limerick, The Haven in Waterford, Kaleidoscope Festival in Wicklow, The Farmers Bash in Belfast and Wexford’s Spiegeltent.

“If You’re Going,” track #2 on the new album, was serviced to radio in the U.S. This the John Broe-directed video for “If You’re Going” that continues the cut-and-paste aesthetic of the album’s artwork:

The Coronas have previously released seven studio albums: HEROES OR GHOSTS (2007), TONY WAS AN EX-CON (2009), CLOSER TO YOU (2011) THE LONG WAY (2014), TRUST THE WIRE (2017), TRUE LOVE WAITS (2020) and TIME STOPPED (2022). Their first three albums were released via the independent Irish label 3ú Records and the fourth one on Island Records, while the fifth marked their return to the independent route with the launch of their SoFarSoGood imprint.

“The longer we do this the prouder we are of our longevity,” says O’Reilly, “and we still feel like we’ve got something to say.” THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS is available at retail and digital outlets where music is sold.

2025 U.S dates are as follows:
Friday, July 11—Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tuesday, July 15—Cornerstone, Berkeley, CA
Wednesday, July 16—Casbah, San Diego, CA
Sunday, July 20—Opera House, Toronto, ON, Canada
Tuesday, July 22—Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
Wednesday, July 23—World Café Live Philadelphia, PA
Thursday, July 24—The Sinclair, Boston, MA
Wednesday, August 6—Beat Kitchen, Chicago, IL
Thursday, August 7— Ceol by the River, Harriet Island, St. Paul, MN

55 Songs With Real Calendar Dates in the Lyrics

Eric Alper
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55 Songs With Real Calendar Dates in the Lyrics

In music, time is everything. And we don’t just mean tempo. We’re talking actual calendar dates — the kind stamped in memory, circled in diaries, and etched into liner notes. These 60 songs don’t just mention months or moods — they name the day, the month, sometimes even the hour. Whether it’s heartbreak on May 5th or revolution on April 4th, these artists knew the date — and made sure you remembered it too.

So here it is: the definitive calendar of music history, one track at a time.

January

1. “New Year’s Day” – U2 (Jan. 1)
Bono’s icy anthem started as a love song, but transformed into a tribute to the Polish Solidarity movement. It was U2’s first international hit — and probably the most emotionally heavy Jan. 1 in rock history.

2. “January 28th” – J. Cole (Jan. 28)
A tribute to his own birthday and a flex on legacy over chart position. “If I die today, my legacy is straight.” No wonder Jan. 28th is sacred in Cole World.

3. “Clothes Line Saga” – Bob Dylan & The Band (Jan. 30)
“It was January the 30th, and everybody was feelin’ fine.” A neighbor says the vice president’s gone mad, but Dylan’s still just watching the laundry dry.

February

4. “Cosmic Charlie” – Grateful Dead (Feb. 1)
“Kite on ice since the first of February.” That’s about as concrete as the Dead ever got. Psychedelic poetry disguised as a date.

5. “February Stars” – Foo Fighters (Feb. unspecified)
A slow build of emotion that blooms like winter into spring. Grohl doesn’t need the exact day — the chill of February is all over this ballad.

March

6. “Town With No Cheer” – Tom Waits (March 21)
March 21st, and the only bar in town is closed. Tom Waits turns an Australian newspaper clipping into a harmonium dirge of thirst and doom.

7. “Ballad of Mott the Hoople” – Mott the Hoople (March 26)
They nearly broke up on March 25. By March 26, that disillusionment became a glam-rock farewell… until Bowie showed up and saved them.

8. “Nothing Happened Today” – The Boomtown Rats (March 28)
“Today was Tuesday, and this is the date — March 28th.” Nothing happened… except this slice of deadpan genius from Bob Geldof.

April

9. “Pride (In the Name of Love)” – U2 (April 4)
“Early morning, April 4” marks the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Bono later corrected the lyric in live shows — but the sentiment still shakes.

10. “April 5th” – Talk Talk (April 5 – title only)
It’s not in the lyrics, but the song bleeds spring: acoustic textures, seasonal change, and a sense that April 5th is bigger than it looks on paper.

11. “4/20/02” – Pearl Jam (April 20)
A hidden, gut-wrenching tribute to Layne Staley. Vedder recorded it in grief, then buried it on a bonus disc. To find it is to feel it.

12. “April 29, 1992 (Miami)” – Sublime (April 29 — and mistakenly April 26)
Bradley Nowell got the date wrong, but the riot was real. “April 29” became an anthem of rage, smoke, and police scanners.

May

13. “May 1, 1990” – Adrian Belew (May 1)
The night he met his future wife after a David Bowie show. Love, synths, and stars aligning — it’s all there in this soft-spoken gem.

14. “First of May” – Bee Gees (May 1)
Named after Barry Gibb’s dog’s birthday. “Sad to say, Barnaby’s gone, but the song lives on.” Pet loss never sounded so majestic.

15. “Night of the 4th of May” – Al Stewart (May 4)
Restless love and growing distance set to a soft melody. May 4 was just a party — but it changed everything.

16. “Student Demonstration Time” – The Beach Boys (May 4)
Kent State, 1970. Protesters died. Mike Love gave it a blues-rock pulse. A rare political detour from California’s sunniest band.

17. “Isis” – Bob Dylan (May 5)
He married her on May 5, then hit the road. Egyptian mythology, heartbreak, and rolling thunder. Classic Dylan.

18. “You Don’t Even Know Me” – Al Stewart (May 7)
He took her to see Hendrix “on the seventh day of May.” Another date, another failed love story in Stewart’s diary.

19. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” – The Band (May 10)
“By May the 10th, Richmond had fell.” A Civil War epic, written with heartbreak and history — even if the dates blur a little.

20. “I’ve Known No War” – The Who (May 19)
Townshend was born just after WWII. He missed the war but caught the Cold War — and turned it into a slow-burning anthem.

June

21. “The Loner” – Ian Hunter (June 3)
Born on the third of June with a Gemini moon. The ultimate rock’n’roll loner intro.

22. “Desiree” – Neil Diamond (June 3 & 4)
He became a man on June 3. On June 4, he couldn’t sleep. Desiree did what only great muses do: left him wrecked and inspired.

23. “The Last Day of June 1934” – Al Stewart (June 30)
A song about the Night of the Long Knives. Hitler, Rohm, and history wrapped in a chilling narrative.

July

24. “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” – Bruce Springsteen (July 4)
Boardwalk dreams and summer love. The night that launched the Boss’s storytelling universe.

25. “Saturday in the Park” – Chicago (July 4)
Is it the Fourth of July? Yes. No. Every day feels like it. That’s the point.

26. “Born on the Bayou” – CCR (July 4)
Fogerty mythologized a bayou life he never lived — “on the Fourth of July” with a hoodoo twist.

27. “Yankee Rose” – David Lee Roth (July 4)
Statue of Liberty as a fox. Fireworks. Patriotism in spandex. Only Diamond Dave.

28. “Jack Straw” – Grateful Dead (July 4)
Two outlaws, one dusty trail, and the day they left Texas — the Fourth of July.

29. “4th of July” – X (July 4)
Written before he joined the band, Dave Alvin’s heartbreaker turns the fireworks inward.

30. “4th of July” – Soundgarden (July 4)
A bad trip on Independence Day. Cornell thought it was the end. The song makes you feel like it was.

31. “Medley: Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly” – Elton John (July 13)
“I wish it wasn’t the 13th of July.” Unclear why, but if Elton’s worried, we’re worried too.

August

32. “The First Day of August” – Carole King (Aug. 1)
She just wants to wake up with you on August 1. The most delicate way to mark a calendar.

33. “Rainmaker” – Harry Nilsson (Aug. 1)
It’s been dry since May. On August 1, the Rainmaker comes to town. Folk-psychedelia at its best.

34. “Who Killed Marilyn?” – Misfits (Aug. 5)
“5:25, August 5th, 1962.” The exact time Marilyn Monroe’s body was found. Danzig turns it into punk noir.

35. “August 7, 4:15” – Jon Bon Jovi (Aug. 7)
A tribute to a murdered child. Heartbreaking, raw, and still unsolved. One of Bon Jovi’s most vulnerable moments.

36. “Friday Night, August 14th” – Funkadelic (Aug. 14)
Income tax came in. The trip kicked in. Acid-fueled funk history, stamped with a real date.

37. “Someday (August 29, 1968)” – Chicago (Aug. 29)
The Democratic Convention. Tear gas. Riot police. Chicago wrote it into brass-and-rage perfection.

September

38. “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” – The Temptations (Sept. 3)
“The third of September, that day I’ll always remember…” Even if Dennis Edwards’ dad actually died in October.

39. “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire (Sept. 21)
There’s no reason for the 21st — it just sang better. And now it lives rent-free in your brain forever.

October

40. “Snookeroo” – Ringo Starr (Oct. 30)
“I was born on the eve of Halloween.” Not quite — Ringo was born in July — but let’s not ruin the vibe.

41. “October 33” – Black Pumas (Imaginary Oct. 33)
A date that doesn’t exist, but a heartbreak that absolutely does. Soulful, surreal, and timeless.

November

42. “Remember” – John Lennon (Nov. 5)
“Remember, remember the fifth of November…” Then the piano explodes. Literally.

43. “Hijack” – Jefferson Starship (Nov. 23)
Hijacking a spaceship to start a new world. Of course it happens on November 23. Sci-fi rock at its peak.

44. “November 18th” – Drake (Nov. 18)
A Houston homage and a slow jam confession. November 18th became a holiday for the H-Town faithful.

December

45. “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (Dec. 1963)
A nostalgic rush about the night everything changed — and probably a first time for someone.

46. “Christmas in Hollis” – Run-D.M.C. (Dec. 24)
“December 24th on Hollis Ave in the dark.” Santa, soul food, and Queens swagger. Instant holiday classic.

Undated but Date-Themed Bonus Tracks

47. “Calendar Girl” – Neil Sedaka (All months)
Every month gets its moment — and a new reason to fall in love.

48. “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” – Simon & Garfunkel (Wednesday)
A quiet crime and a quiet goodbye. A weekday never felt so final.

49. “January Friend” – Goo Goo Dolls (Implied January)
The one who only shows up once a year — in a flannel, with a mixtape.

50. “January Hymn” – The Decemberists (Implied January)
A snowy love song that aches like bare hands and lost mittens.

51. “August” – Taylor Swift (Implied August)
A phantom fling remembered in golden light. August slipped away into a song.

52. “July” – Noah Cyrus (Implied July)
“Pushed me away and I gave in.” A breakup delivered with July humidity.

53. “4th of July” – Shooter Jennings (July 4 – again!)
Fireworks, heartbreak, and honky-tonk melodies. Nothing’s simple on America’s birthday.

54. “June 27th Freestyle” – DJ Screw (June 27)
Houston’s unofficial national anthem. Eight rappers, one screwed-up masterpiece.

55. “Friday the 13th” – Gorillaz ft. Octavian (Friday the 13th)
Paranoia, post-apocalyptic funk, and Friday the 13th energy in every synth.

HUGEL, David Guetta, Kehlani, and Daecolm Drop Summer Anthem ‘Think Of Me’

Eric Alper
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HUGEL, David Guetta, Kehlani, and Daecolm Drop Summer Anthem ‘Think Of Me’

Today, international house music sensation and multi-platinum selling DJ and producer, HUGEL, joins forces for the first time with Grammy Award-winning artist David Guetta, multi-platinum songstress Kehlani, and vocalist Daecolm to unveil what will undoubtedly be the song of the summer, “Think Of Me”.

Captivating from the onset, “Think Of Me” immediately transports listeners into a dreamy, groove-filled realm that captures the essence of sun-soaked days that blur into endless nights. HUGEL’s signature Latin and Afro-infused beats carry Kehlani and Daecolm’s lush vocals, as Guetta’s euphoric drops and bright synths fuel the track with unexpected bursts of energy. Embodying the soul of the season, the track brings summer to life with an invigorating beat and feel-good ambiance.

The powerhouse collaboration arrives as an effortless follow-up to HUGEL’s 2024 global hit, “I Adore You,” and a testament to the innovator’s sonic genius and collaborative spirit. A convergence of today’s most influential tastemakers in music, “Think Of Me” offers an infectious, anthemic track as nostalgic as it is fresh, guaranteed to set dancefloors ablaze around the globe.

With more than 1 Bil. cumulative streams, multiple Gold & Platinum awards, the recently earned title of 5th most played DJ in the world and an impossibly suave sense of style, HUGEL is not only music’s undeniable maverick of the moment, but one of THE most in-demand names in today’s scene. Revered as the instigator of the Latin House movement with his hit “Morenita”, HUGEL has earned global recognition for his category-blurring, sultry compositions that command movement. Since bursting onto the scene in 2015, the serial chart-topper has amassed an international following for his widely adored releases ranging from “Marianela (Que Pasa)” to his viral hit in collaboration with Topic and Arash – “I ADORE YOU” (feat. DAECOLM) – which currently boasts over 220 Million streams. The Latin House producer has also landed collaborations with music heavyweights such as Diplo, Ellie Goulding and J.Balvin, further solidifying his position as a major player in the industry at large.

Dylan Gossett Announces Debut Album ‘Westward’ Out July 18

Eric Alper
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Dylan Gossett Announces Debut Album ‘Westward’ Out July 18

Platinum-Certified and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Dylan Gossett reveals his long awaited debut album, Westward, will be arriving on July 18th via Big Loud Texas. Gossett announced Westward’s release with an official album trailer, sharing “This album is a collection of stories that I wrote during the craziest two years of my life. I hope everyone can find something for themselves in it.”

In celebration of the announcement, Gossett drops his newest single “American Trail” todayand watch an acoustic live performance of the song recorded at Austin’s Orb Studios. He debuted “American Trail” live for the very first time this past weekend during his Stagecoach Festival debut, where he drew a packed crowd at his Palomino Stage evening set.

Written over the span of the past two years while touring the globe, the 17-track album was entirely self-produced by Gossett, who also wrote the majority of songs by himself. Westward features Gossett’s signature heart-on-his-sleeve storytelling and explores themes of love, family, faith, and chasing one’s dreams.

On the touring front, Gossett sold over 72,000 global tickets in 2024 alone. Currently on the second leg of his headline “The Back 40 Tour” across the U.S. and Canada, he recently announced he’ll hit the road once again this July on “The American Trail Tour,” which will make stops across the midwest and west. His festival run will also continue, with performances at Lonestar Smokeout Festival, Carolina Country Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Windy City Smokeout, and Under The Big Sky. In addition, today Gossett announced his debut at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry on June 4th as part of their “Opry 100 Celebrates CMA Fest” event—more information and tickets are available HERE.

Dylan Gossett has emerged as one of the biggest and brightest new stars in country music. In less than two years, he has notched over 800 million total streams. His breakout single “Coal” picked up a Platinum Certification in the United States, in addition to going Silver in the U.K., Platinum in Australia, 2x-Platinum in Canada, and 2x-Platinum in Ireland. The song marked his first entry on the Spotify U.S. Top 200 Chart, Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and U.K. Official Singles Chart Top 100. Not to mention, it broke into the Top 25 of the Billboard Country Digital Songs Chart and Top 5 of the Spotify Viral 50 U.S. and Global Charts. It’s no wonder major players such as Spotify and Amazon pegged him as an “Artist To Watch” in 2024, while Music Row named him among its “Next Big Thing Class of 2025 Artists.”

Capping off a monumental 2024, Gossett released his fan favorite single “Tree Birds” last fall. Amazon Music also tapped Dylan to contribute “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Amazon Music Original);” plus, he was featured on the GRAMMY-nominated Twisters: The Album Soundtrack with his original song “Stronger Than A Storm.” Not to mention, he delivered a showstopping rendition of “Coal” during ESPN’s College GameDay at his alma mater Texas A&M—watch a clip of his performance HERE.

Dylan Gossett is a 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. Gossett began writing and recording music during his early teen years using Garage Band on his mother’s computer. Throughout high school, college at Texas A&M, and a job at Formula 1 Racing, music remained Gossett’s true passion. Inspired to finally release music by a new generation of singer-songwriters he saw emerging online, Dylan began posting videos of his songs in April 2023 — immediately, his music struck a chord with a global audience.

Gossett released his first single “To Be Free” (entirely self-written, recorded, produced, and mixed in his bedroom) in June 2023. Shortly thereafter, he teased a snippet of what would become his next song and breakout viral hit “Coal.” The video instantly took off, gaining over one million views within the first week. He quickly got back into his bedroom and created the song from scratch before releasing it in July 2023. Since its release, “Coal” has garnered over 428 million global streams, received Platinum Certifications in the U.S., Australia, Canada (2x) and Ireland (2x), debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and the Official Singles Chart Top 100 in the U.K., reached the Top Five on the Country Radio Chart in Australia, and climbed the Spotify U.S. Top 200. The New York Times called “Coal” “one of the year’s best country songs,” and Billboard declared, “‘Coal’ and ‘To Be Free’ position Gossett as a formidable, heart-on-his-sleeve singer-songwriter with immense potential.”

In October 2023, Gossett released his highly anticipated debut EP No Better Time (also self-written, recorded, produced, and mixed in his bedroom) via Big Loud Texas / Mercury Records. The EP received a slew of critical acclaim from The New York Times, Billboard, Grammy.com, Atwood Magazine, MusicRow, Holler, Country Central, and more. He then followed it up with his widely praised 2024 EP, Songs In The Gravel, which he wrote and self-produced, while also teaming up with notable producers Eddie Spear and Ian Fitchuk on a few tracks. On the touring front, his first-ever headline (and international) tour in spring 2024, dubbed the “No Better Time Tour,” sold-out immediately upon on-sale. He returned to the road last fall with his critically acclaimed “The Back 40 Tour.” Gossett also supported Noah Kahan in arenas across Australia and Morgan Wallen at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Not to mention, he made his festival debuts at Stagecoach Festival, SXSW, CMA Fest, Country 2 Country, Hangout Music Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, Two Step Inn Festival, and more. Now, Gossett kicks off what promises to be a massive year with the announcement of his highly anticipated debut album, Westward, out July 18th.

Stay tuned for Westward out July 18th and more exciting announcements to come from Dylan Gossett soon.

 

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

“The Back 40 Tour”
May 3 – Arlington, TX – Lonestar Smokeout Festival
May 13 – London, ON – London Music Hall
May 14 – Kitchener, ON – Elements
May 16 – Bala, ON – The KEE To Bala
May 20 – Quebec City, QC – Théâtre Capitole
May 21 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Center Southam Hall
May 23 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS
May 29 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
May 30 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
May 31 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live
June 6 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Festival

“The American Trail Tour”
July 9 – Wichita, KS – Wave Outdoors
July 11 – Chicago, IL – Windy City Smokeout
July 12 – Clear Lake, IA – Surf Ballroom
July 15 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
July 17 – Casper, WY – The Gaslight Social
July 18 – Emigrant, MT – The Old Saloon
July 19 – Whitefish, MT – Under The Big Sky
September 13 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond

Quavo Reunites With Takeoff on Posthumous Single “Dope Boy Phone”

Eric Alper
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Quavo Reunites With Takeoff on Posthumous Single “Dope Boy Phone”

Grammy-nominated recording artist Quavo has officially released his latest single, “Dope Boy Phone” featuring Takeoff, via Quality Control Music/Motown Records. The track marks Quavo’s third release of the year, following “Trappa Rappa” and “Legends” with fellow QC megastar Lil Baby. Featuring a posthumous verse from his late nephew Takeoff, “Dope Boy Phone” revives the unmistakable Unc & Phew connection. Quavo’s iconic ad-libs punctuate the track, while Takeoff’s verse highlights the vivid storytelling that helped shape Migos’ legacy. Trading sharp lines over a booming bass, bouncy percussion, and catchy melody, the duo’s timeless synergy proves their music still stands the test of time.

Selena Gomez and benny blanco Drop Deluxe Album ‘I Said I Love You First…And You Said It Back’

Eric Alper
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0
Selena Gomez and benny blanco Drop Deluxe Album ‘I Said I Love You First…And You Said It Back’

“I Said I Love You First…And You Said It Back,” the deluxe version of Selena Gomez and benny blanco’s first collaborative album “I Said I Love You First” is out now via SMG Music/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records – listen HERE. Upon its original release, the album was instantly met with praise and garnered the highest first week sales for both the GRAMMY-nominated, multi-Platinum recording artist Selena Gomez and GRAMMY nominated, multi-Platinum artist, record producer and songwriter benny blanco.

Additionally, the video for new the song “Talk,” directed by Tony Yacenda, made its global broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop and across MTV’s global network of channels, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards. 

The deluxe version features four new original songs including the long-awaited release of the fan favorite “Stained,” a new remix of “Bluest Flame,” “Cowboy” with GloRilla and “Guess You Can Say I’m In Love” with vocals and production from Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex. An acoustic version of “Call Me When You Break Up” with GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams and a live version of “How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten” round out the tracklist, in full below.

“I Said I Love You First…And You Said It Back” celebrates the pair’s love story, giving fans a unique window into their relationship. The album came together organically as a direct result of the comfort that they both felt when working together creatively, allowing them to produce art that authentically reflects their experiences. It chronicles their entire story—before they met, falling in love and looking to what the future holds.

Gomez is one of the most globally and culturally celebrated artists, actors, producers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists of her generation. As a recording artist she has sold more than 197 million singles and has garnered over 34 billion streams worldwide. Gomez has released three critically lauded solo studio albums, all of which debuted at number one on Billboard’s 200 album chart. Her most recent massive hit, “Calm Down,” with singer Rema became the most successful Afrobeat song of all time and the longest running song ever on Billboard’s U.S. Pop Airplay Chart. As an actor and producer, Gomez has been recognized for her work with multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG nominations, including receiving her first win with her fellow cast for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. In addition, she recently received her first BAFTA nomination for her role in the audacious, Jacques Audiard film Emilia Perez.

benny blanco is a record producer, songwriter, artist, actor, record executive and New York Times bestselling author. benny has contributed to the sale of hundreds of millions of albums worldwide through his work with artists including Ed Sheeran, SZA, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Juice WRLD, Sia, and many more. As a solo artist, benny has released Platinum albums—FRIENDS KEEP SECRETS and FRIENDS KEEP SECRETS 2—that have been streamed more than 11 billion times to date and have featured multiple multi-Platinum hits.

I SAID I LOVE YOU FIRST…AND YOU SAID IT BACK Tracklisting
1. I Said I Love You First
2. Younger and Hotter Than Me – Main Version
3. Call Me When You Break Up (with Gracie Abrams)
4. Ojos Tristes (with The Marias)
5. Don’t Wanna Cry
6. Sunset Blvd
7. Cowboy
8. Bluest Flame
9. How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten
10. Do You Wanna Be Perfect
11. You Said You Were Sorry
12. I Can’t Get Enough (benny blanco, Selena Gomez, J Balvin, Tainy)
13. Don’t Take It Personally
14. Scared of Loving You
15. That’s When I’ll Care
16. Talk
17. Stained
18. Bluest Flame – DJ Sliink Remix
19. How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten – Live From Vevo
20. Call Me When You Break Up (With Gracie Abrams) – Acoustic Version
21. Cowboy (with GloRilla) – GloRilla Remix
22. Guess You Could Say I’m In Love

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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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