Puddle of Mudd is ready to shake up the music world with their latest album, Kiss The Machine. The album will be released on May 2, 2025, via Pavement Entertainment.
To give fans a taste of what’s to come, the album’s lead single, “Beautimous,” is available now.
Kiss The Machine showcases the band’s fearless approach to music and their commitment to innovation. “There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in this record,” says Scantlin. “We wanted to mix and match different styles together, have fun, and just create something fresh. It’s all about pushing boundaries and breaking out of the same old vibe.”
Kiss The Machine reflects the raw energy and personal journey of Scantlin, who was fully immersed in every aspect of its creation. “This album was a moment of clarity – me looking in the mirror. I was there night after night in the studio, learning, recording, pushing myself, and making sure every part of it felt authentic. I’m super proud of how it all came together,” says Scantlin.
Kiss The Machine is a testament to resilience and creative freedom. “I just want people to feel something – to smile, and have some hope in their hearts,” Scantlin shares. “Music has the power to heal, and if these songs help someone through a tough time, that means everything to me. That’s what this album is all about.”
KISS THE MACHINE Track Listing:
1. Beautimous
2. Free
3. In Love with a Dancer
4. Back Against the Wall
5. Firefly
6. Maniac
7. Baby You Da Best
8. Everything
9. Win Win Win
Veil Of The Serpent has unveiled their latest release, a thunderous and emotionally charged cover of Iced Earth’s classic track, “Last December”. Known for their dark, haunting sound and gripping storytelling, Veil Of The Serpent delivers a fresh yet faithful rendition of the 1995 Burnt Offerings masterpiece. Retaining the original song’s raw intensity and melancholic atmosphere, the band injects their signature heavy, immersive sound, making this version a standout tribute to the legendary power metal pioneers.
The release of this cover also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Iced Earth’s Burnt Offerings, an album that left an indelible mark on the metal scene. Veil Of The Serpent pays homage to this milestone by bringing new life to one of its most memorable tracks, bridging the past and present of heavy metal.
This release follows Veil Of The Serpent’s recent success with their concept album Gallery Of Sin, which received critical acclaim for its cinematic storytelling. Their momentum continues with “Last December”, showcasing their ability to reimagine classic metal anthems while staying rooted in their own artistic identity.
Fans can stream “Last December” on all major digital platforms, with an accompanying lyric video available on the band’s official YouTube channel.
RIAA 2X Platinum-certified singer/songwriter Sam Barber shares his new song, “Man of the Year” – a soul-baring reflection on life’s endless uncertainty and struggle. His first new music since his acclaimed debut album Restless Mind, “Man of the Year” adds a stunning new intensity to his sparse yet powerful sound.
Written entirely by Barber, “Man of the Year” opens as the 21-year-old artist takes stock of the despair all around him and within his own heart (“Is it in my mind, or are we all just sinking?/ Still fueled by the pain that never left me last season”). As the moody but cathartic track reaches its chorus, Barber shares his personal philosophy and finds his own version of solace: “You gotta take it as it goes ’cause it doesn’t get easier, dear/It’s all an empty hole, and f*** it if I ain’t the man of the year….No matter what you know, there’s no making sense of why we’re here.” Threaded with plenty of hard truths (“I’m trying, but money ain’t enough to make me feel like a rich man”), “Man of the Year” ultimately delivers an unforgettable anthem for surviving a potentially soul-crushing world.
Produced by Ryan Hewitt (Noah Kahan, Cody Jinks) and Joe Becker, “Man of the Year” brings Barber’s existential musings to a brooding collision of Country and Folk-Rock. With its potent rhythms and urgent acoustic guitar work, the track intensifies its melancholy mood with a cascade of shadowy textures and darkly hypnotic guitar tones. Emblazoned with a flurry of banjo riffs at the bridge, the result is an exquisite setting for Barber’s captivating voice and its gritty expression of weary determination.
It’s not every day that you hear a Foreigner soft rock hit transformed into a dark and moody soul heartbreaker. But it’s not every day, either, that you hear a talent so vast as Bette Smith, so if you really don’t know what love is… you’re about to find out.
Heralded by Mojo magazine as “the next big-voiced soul sensation out of Brooklyn,” Smith is indeed blessed with a voice that has been described as everything form “raspy” and “raunchy” to “sassy” and – as you’ll hear here – “sweet ‘n soulful.”
Effortlessly fusing the soul, rock & roll, funk, blues, and gospel music she heard in her youth into something exclusively her own, she is, says GRAMMY Award-winning producer Jimmy Hogarth (Amy Winehouse, James Blunt, James Bay, Sia, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tina Turner) “The real deal. Her delivery is the truth and comes straight from the heart. She is able to communicate with ease with her wonderful gift of a voice.”
Releasing her first album, From The Well Of My Inner Child, in 2006 (under the name Bette Stuy, a tribute to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in which she was raised), Bette was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame just six years later, a cast-iron indication of how profound her early impact was.
Since that time, she has released three much-acclaimed albums as Bette Smith, alongside the clutch of well-received singles that introduced her to the Cleopatra records family – among them “Dance Monkey” and the Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar” with guitarist Kirk Fletcher, Ben E King’s “Stand By Me,” and “Sign Your Name” with veteran soulman Arthur Adams.
In addition, she has toured with the likes of Kenny Wayne Shepherd and the Drive-By Truckers , while Bette’s summer ’25 touring plans include concerts and festivals in France, Italy and Spain.
Wearing jewelry brings more than functionality since it functions as an avenue for personal self-expression to the world. The way we combine our necklaces with rings while coordinating our bracelets informs others about both our personal style and our personality traits. The clover bracelet appeals to fans seeking meaningful yet fashionable accessories which have become their constant choice. Modern investors need guidelines on how to combine the clover bracelet with additional jewelry items to create balanced fashion statements. The key factor for successful layered jewelry emerges from combining complementary pieces into a single stylish arrangement.
People should learn about the special characteristics of clover bracelets before moving onto pairing techniques. The traditional four-leaf clover design represents both good fortune and major romantic feelings as well as romance and strong religious sentiments. The clover bracelet brings more than fashion value since it represents deep sentiment to its wearer. These bracelets in their three different metal styles, along with mother-of-pearl decorations, embody a classic beauty suitable for official occasions and casual settings alike.
When choosing a clover bracelet, you should select its metal tone before adding it to your jewelry ensemble. When you have yellow gold clovers, they should be matched with small bangles or a simple chain bracelet in comparable colors. When your clover bracelet uses white gold or silver as its metal design, you should choose other matching silver or white gold accessories to preserve an elegant and deliberate appearance. Mixed metals function well as an aesthetic combination but need careful, smart management. You need to have at least one item that mixes both tones so all accessories can connect and blend harmoniously.
Style harmony should be your primary method when designing outfits that include clover bracelets. Dainty-style clover bracelets match well with thin-ring accessories and longer, fine-layered necklaces. Clover jewelry pieces with decorative metalwork and gemstones need to be balanced through the usage of strong statement jewelry items like earrings or chunky chain bracelets. Select your jewelry based on fashion choices, which include bohemian, elegant, contemporary, or eclectic styles.
People commonly underestimate the strength of bracelets to match their wristwatches as a significant fashion method. When paired with a traditional timepiece, the clover bracelet produces a complementary appearance, especially when the watch matches its material type or features shared colors. The symbolism of clovers creates a perfect combination between structured watch designs and feminine features.
You should not overlook women’s bracelets when examining the market. Your clover piece does not need to be solitary because numerous cloth choices extend from leather cuffs to gemstone bangles and beaded stretch bracelets. Use variety to your advantage. A clover bracelet made from rose gold looks superb next to several strands of thin beaded bands that use neutral tones, which add visual interest to the ensemble. Different spacings in conjunction with modified stack levels help produce engaging visual effects.
Both proportion and style play equal roles in the jewelry combination process. Small-sized clover bracelets should be dressed down with other bracelets that do not exceed their dimensions. The ideal choice is to use smaller cuff or band accessories that create balanced arrangements. A significant or attention-grabbing clover bracelet demands that you minimize the other wrist accessories to let it shine.
Ultimately, the best combinations are the ones that feel authentic to you. Whether you’re dressing for brunch with friends, a day at the office, or a special evening out, your jewelry should tell your story. Clover bracelets bring not only beauty but a touch of luck and intention to every outfit. When styled thoughtfully with your other favorite pieces, they elevate your entire look with ease.
So the next time you reach for your jewelry box, experiment a little. Mix metals, layer styles, and trust your instincts. With the right touches, your womens bracelets collection—anchored by a meaningful clover bracelet—can reflect a look that’s as unique and stylish as you are.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Twenty-five years ago, the late musical mastermind Elliott Smith released Figure 8, his immaculate, ornate, Technicolor second album for DreamWorks Records. In honor of the album’s 25th anniversary, its enduring appeal and continued influence, Interscope/UMe will release Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition), the previously digital-only edition that expands the classic album with all the B-sides, solo acoustic and alternate version tracks that were released on the various singles, promos, and international editions of the beloved 2000 record, on vinyl for the first time. The Deluxe Edition was released as a digital exclusive in 2019 to commemorate what would have been Smith’s 50th birthday.
The first-ever vinyl pressing of Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition) features the album presented on 45 rpm tri-color opaque white, black and red “Figure 8 Mural Vinyl” as a nod to the famous Los Angeles mural that a black and white Smith stands in front of on the iconic album cover. The original 16 tracks are spread across two LPs while a third LP boasts seven bonus tracks, six of which have never been on vinyl. The audio has been mastered for vinyl by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering with lacquers cut by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound. This special 25th anniversary Deluxe Edition will be housed in a tri-fold sleeve and this exclusive vinyl colorway is limited to 3,000 globally. Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition) is available to purchase exclusively here. The record will ship on or around June 6.
The bonus tracks of Figure 8 include the titular, faithful cover of the “School House Rock” classic, written by Bob Dorough, that gave the album its name but was only released as a B-side on the UK “Son Of Sam” single along with the rollicking gem “A Living Will.” Three songs from the rare French promo 3 Titres Inedits are included: the Beatlesy “I Can’t Answer You Anymore,” “Pretty Mary K (Alternate Version)” and “Happiness (Acoustic).” An acoustic version of “Son Of Sam” is also featured along with Smith’s gorgeous cover of The Beatles’ “Because,” which was featured in the film “American Beauty” and on its soundtrack, and included on the Japanese edition of Figure 8. That track, along with “Son Of Sam (Acoustic),” are the only ones that were previously available digitally.
Following the breakout success of his major label debut, XO, Smith again teamed up with producers Rob Schnapf and Tom Rothrock for his kaleidoscopic follow up, Figure 8, released April 18, 2000, on DreamWorks. The album was recorded throughout 1998-2000 at several studios, including Sunset Sound and Capitol Studios in Los Angeles and Smith’s musical temple, Abbey Road Studios in London, where he used the piano that The Beatles used to record “Fool On The Hill.” Unlike XO’s major shift from the albums that came before it, Figure 8 continued Smith’s penchant for ambitious arrangements but took them into even bigger, bolder and sometimes weirder territory.
Rolling Stone praised the album, saying, “Like its predecessor, Figure 8 is full of modern chamber pop, mixing in keyboards, strings and studio flourishes on melodically simple, yet structurally complex songs. ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ and ‘I Better Be Quiet Now’ hearken back to the bare acoustic setting of Smith’s first solo albums, while jangly opener ‘Son of Sam’ and the rainy-day rocker ‘Junk Bond Trader’ sound like long-lost radio singles.” The AV Club enthused, “Figure 8 is even better, a strong collection of lush, densely arranged power-pop (‘Son Of Sam,’ ‘Junk Bond Trader’) and inimitably intimate ballads (‘Somebody That I Used To Know,’ ‘Easy Way Out’),” adding the album “never breaks from delivering Smith’s songs with ornate elegance and a sublime mastery of pop hooks.” Rolling Stone placed Figure 8 on their list of the 100 greatest albums of the decade and it was included in the book “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.”
Revisiting one of Elliott Smith’s most accomplished albums, Figure 8’s (Deluxe Edition) allows for a deeper dive into his creative process with the addition of seven rare tracks, serving as a reminder of Smith’s remarkable talent and the incredible body of work he created in a life that was cut far too short at the age of 34 in 2003.
FIGURE 8 (DELUXE EDITION) TRACKLISTING:
LP1
Side A
1. Son of Sam
2. Somebody That I Used to Know
3. Junk Bond Trader
4. Everything Reminds Me of Her
Side B
1. Everything Means Nothing to Me
2. L.A.
3. In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach/The Roost)
4. Stupidity Tries
LP2
Side C
1. Easy Way Out
2. Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud
3. Color Bars
4. Happiness
Side D
1. The Gondola Man
2. Pretty Mary K
3. Better Be Quiet Now
4. Can’t Make a Sound
5. Bye
LP3
Side E
1. Figure 8 *
2. A Living Will
3. Son of Sam (Acoustic Version) *
4. I Can’t Answer You Anymore *
Side F
1. Pretty Mary K (Alternate Version) *
2. Happiness (Acoustic Version) *
3. Because *
A wedding band serves both as jewelry as well as a consistent source of love and dedication reminder. Most men keep their wedding rings on permanently since these accessories endure high-intensity exercise, together with normal dishwashing duties and other everyday situations. Over time, dirt combined with grime can reduce the wedding band’s shiny appearance. The proper care requires little maintenance, which allows your ring to retain its wedding day appearance. The following guide demonstrates straightforward methods to maintain and clean men’s wedding bands, along with practical tips to bring out their shine.
Before cleaning your ring, you need to determine what material it is made of. Men can choose from numerous materials, including gold, platinum, titanium, tungsten, and interesting alternatives such as ceramic and wood. All these materials require individual treatment to maintain their optimal condition. Platinum and gold bands show scratches easily but titanium and tungsten materials remain durable, although they lose their bright appearance if neglected. Contact your jeweler to determine your ring’s material since the information might not be clear. Most mens wedding bands can be cleaned at home successfully with the materials you already have available.
A small bowl combined with warm water alongside a couple of drops of soft dish soap without intense strength is suitable for cleaning men’s wedding bands. Put the ring in the soaking liquid for ten minutes to help the stains soften. Use a toothbrush that you do not use anymore to gently scrub the surface while paying special attention to engraved areas that accumulate dirt. Dip your ring in warm water, allowing time for soaking, then dry it with a soft lint-free clean cloth. A microfiber cloth will give your ring that additional sparkle after cleaning with gentle buffing. Apply this cleaning routine once or twice a month as it efficiently maintains the condition of your band.
If your ring’s got stubborn stains or tarnish, you might need to step it up. Gold bands can handle a dip in a jewelry cleaner made for precious metals, but don’t try that with titanium or tungsten—it’s too harsh. Got gemstones like diamonds? Be careful—strong chemicals can mess with the settings. When things get tricky, take your ring to a jeweler for a professional cleaning once or twice a year. They’ve got fancy tools like ultrasonic cleaners to make it look brand-new.
Daily habits matter just as much as cleaning. If you’re rocking mens bracelets alongside your ring, try not to let them bang together too much—scratches happen fast. Take your ring off for stuff like lifting weights, digging in the yard, or handling chemicals. Even lotion or sunscreen can leave a film, so consider slipping it off before slathering on. At home, keep a safe spot for your ring, like a little dish or holder, so it doesn’t get lost or banged up. It’s a small habit that saves big headaches.
For the long haul, get your ring checked by a jeweler now and then. They can spot things like loose stones or deep scratches before they become problems. If you’ve got a white gold band, it might need replating every so often to keep its shine. And don’t skip insuring your ring—because accidents happen, and you don’t want to stress about replacing something so meaningful. With these easy steps, your wedding band will stay as strong and shiny as your love. A little effort keeps it looking great for years.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Skyrocketing towards superstardom in 2025, acclaimed rapper TaTa of Platinum-certified hip-hop collective 41 links up with buzzing New York producer 24MMY on a hypnotic new single entitled “No Love” out now via Rite Or Wrong KVH Entertainment/Republic Records. Once again, the duo tap into the creative chemistry they previously harnessed on fan favorite collaborations, including “Green Haired Girl” and “Maintenance Man.”
“No Love” revolves around a thumping bassline, warbly vocal transmissions, woozy synths, and a head-nodding beat. TaTa cruises over the production with slick, smooth, and simmering bars. In the middle of a sneaky tryst, he gets braggadocios on bars such as, “Money long, it’s like everything free,” going on to wonder, “Why she want me be her boyfriend?”
The last time we heard from TaTa was on “Time Out” earlier this year. At the top of the year, 41-TaTa, Jenn Carter, and Kyle Richh-served up “Presidential.” Fans immediately embraced the track, leading to over 6.6 million Spotify streams and counting. Complex christened them “reliable hitmakers,” proceeding to proclaim, “The success of these songs highlights the chemistry among the trio.” HotNewHipHop marveled, “The meteoric rise of 41 has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
In other big news, 41 will headline the main stage of Hot 97’s Summer Jam on June 20 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. They share the powerhouse bill with some of the brightest stars in the culture, including A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Gunna, GloRilla, and more.
Right now, the trio are hard at work on their mega-anticipated full-length debut album-coming soon.
Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill are thrilled to announce the release of their debut album, Long After The Fire, produced and engineered by Paul Allen. The album comprises songs written by John’s late brothers, Barry and Bill Cowsill. It’s a love letter of sorts and a beautiful one at that.
About the new single “Fool is the Last One to Know,” John Cowsill effuses, “I love how the track swings. It kicks ass. I get to pretend I’m Elvis or Dwight Yoakam on this one. It has the type of twang and is a hoot to play live. While recording, I remember trying to practice a double shuffle on drums in the studio on this one, but I couldn’t get it down, so what you hear is the single shuffle. My brother Bill would’ve wanted the single shuffle the listener hears on the recording. He would not want what Bill would call a ‘Hollywood Shuffle,’ where the drummer swings the shuffle beats on the snare drums instead of just playing the backbeats on the 2 and the 4.
He continues, “Bill’s idea of ‘fun’ was so serious that you didn’t know that you weren’t having fun, and if you had too much fun, he’d lean over with his hand holding a guitar pick and slap you with it! Bill could command a room as soon as he stood on the stage. He’d grab you right away, and you would pay attention. He was Elvis.”
Vicki adds “I love how John sounds on ‘Fool Is The Last One To Know.’ It’s a fun song to play and sing live because I feel like I’m at the Grand Ole Opry. This song showcases Bill Cowsill and Jeffrey Hatcher’s love for country swing of the 1950s. It’s a true duet honoring some of the classic country duos, like Tammy and George.”
GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter/producer Jon Bellion has announced his highly-anticipated upcoming album Father Figure, arriving on June 6. The album, which is Jon’s first solo album in seven years, was originally announced via an email blast shared to his fans via The Beautiful Mind Club Forum on Monday, April 14 and received over 12,330 presaves. In addition to the album announcement, Jon has also shared a sample of the new music with “Horoscope” featuring legendary artist/producer Pharrell Williams.
Father Figure peels back the layers into modern-day fatherhood, as Jon shares his most vulnerable music to date. From the over pouring of love, pride, and care to the challenges, questions, and mistakes, the project showcases the many facets of what it means to be a loving father and supportive partner.
“Horoscope,” recorded between Miami and Paris, highlights Bellion’s dynamic songwriting and production style in collaboration with 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams. The track begins as a tender piano ballad before transforming into a swirling blend of synths and saxophones. A heartfelt tribute to Bellion’s wife, “Horoscope” serves as a thank you for her unwavering support as he pursues his dreams. The song is a promise that no matter how far he goes, he’ll read her like a horoscope and come running if she ever needs him.
Jon on collaborating with Pharrell: “Pharrell is one of the greatest musical inspirations in my life. He’s the reason I got into music. We had long, deep conversations about him being a father and what being a father means in his world, and how to balance it, and what it means for your children, for the life that you choose to live, as far as being a successful musical creative. He’s one of my favorite people in the world.”
Pharrell on collaborating with Jon: “Jon is a prolific spirit and is a skeleton key to any composition he applies himself to.”
Jon on “Horoscope”: “‘Horoscope’ is my thank you to my wife. I’m saying, hey, if you need me now, I will come back for you. Thank you for letting me do this. You’re the reason I’ve even made it this far. If you need anything, you don’t even need to say anything, I’ll read you like a horoscope. I’ll come right back home and set flame to all of it. You mean everything to me, but thank you for letting me chase my dream and get my dreams out, and thank you for holding it down for me. It’s me saying goodbye to my wife at four in the morning: ‘I’m gonna go out into the world, and if you need anything, you come first over everything.'”
Continuing to interact with his fan-focused website and forum of over 110k members, Jon shared an exclusive photo teasing the collaboration with Pharrell on April 15 – 72-hours in advance of the official “Horoscope” release. This move is just one of multiple “fan-first” drops that reinforce his deep appreciation for the community that has supported him over time, highlighting his ongoing efforts to foster a direct relationship with his audience – from exclusive content drops that have amassed over 28k downloads so far to interactive fan experiences.
Jon Bellion on his fans: “I really want to serve those who have been there with me and those who are already there. I walked away from everything at the peak of my career. We had an actual fan base that came out to shows, and now I feel a personalness to them. I want to give back to them. If new people come to the table, that’s great, the music is incredible. But I think it’s more about servicing the people who are ready to support because that’s what this is all about.”
“Horoscope” follows last month’s release of Bellion’s highly-anticipated single “Wash”, which marked his triumphant return to solo music after six years out of the spotlight and has already amassed over 4.1 million streams. The track arrived with a visually stunning music video, shot across Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, which premiered exclusively to his fan club 48 hours before its official release. Dropped alongside “Wash” was “Kid Again”, a nostalgic reflection on the carefree innocence of youth, which has garnered over 9.1 million streams.
Following the release of 2018’s Glory Sound Prep, Bellion made headlines not only for his artistry but also for his decision to step away from solo music. Frustrated by inequitable recording and performance contracts and eager to focus on building a family, the Long Island native shifted his creative energy behind the scenes. In that time, he crafted chart-topping hits for Burna Boy, Rihanna, Anuel AA, Justin Bieber, Tainy, Khalid, Lil Wayne, Camila Cabello, Jon Batiste, Eminem, Fireboy DML, Skrillex, Dua Lipa, Jung Kook, Miley Cyrus, Quincy Jones, Pharrell, Timbaland, The Kid Laroi, Selena Gomez, Roc Marciano, Halsey, Ayra Starr, and Jimin.
In 2019, he founded Beautiful Mind Records, signing powerhouse artists like Tori Kelly and the soul-pop duo Lawrence. His undeniable success eventually led his label to renegotiate his contract, setting the stage for the return to his solo career.
As he steps into this new chapter of life and creativity, one thing is certain: Jon Bellion’s journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
FATHER FIGURE TRACKLISTING:
Horoscope (feat. Pharrell Williams)
Father Figure
Oblivious
Why (feat. Luke Combs)
Wash
Vinny’s Artichokes
Italia Breeze
Get It Right
Kid Again
Modern Times (feat. Jon Batiste)
Wash2
Rich and Broke
Don’t Shoot
My Boy
