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Martin Guitar Unveils Five New Models Blending Craft, Innovation, and Sustainability

Eric Alper
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Martin Guitar Unveils Five New Models Blending Craft, Innovation, and Sustainability

C.F. Martin & Co. is proud to announce the release of five exciting new models that blend tradition with innovation and meet the needs of today’s diverse players. The launch includes a refreshed GPCE Inception Maple with a bold new gloss finish, the all-new non-cutaway GPE Inception Maple, two special X Series additions, and the SC-10E Spruce—a fresh take on Martin’s revolutionary SC design now joining the Road Series.

GPCE Inception Maple

Martin Guitar Inception
Martin Guitar Inception

Martin’s game-changing Inception Series gets a visual and tonal upgrade with the refreshed GPCE Inception Maple. Now featuring a full-body gloss amber fade sunburst finish, this model blends cutting-edge acoustic design with FSC-certified tonewoods. A European spruce top delivers bold projection and quick response, while flamed maple back and sides provide clarity and brightness, all balanced by a black walnut wedge. Skeletonized bracing and sonic channeling—purpose-built for this tonewood pairing—enhance both sustain and amplitude. With premium appointments like a satin black walnut neck, FSC-certified ebony fingerboard and bridge, and LR Baggs Anthem electronics, the GPCE Inception Maple proves that sustainability, innovation, and striking aesthetics can coexist in perfect harmony.

GPE Inception Maple

Also debuting is the GPE Inception Maple, which brings a non-cutaway Grand Performance shape to the Inception Series for the first time. Players will enjoy the same striking tonewood pairing, premium appointments, and Martin’s innovative bracing as the GPCE model—but with a full-body design for those who prefer a more traditional silhouette. It offers a crisp, balanced tone that’s effortlessly expressive, with the added visual punch and presence of its new gloss finish. Paired with LR Baggs Anthem electronics, this model delivers a truly dynamic and versatile acoustic-electric experience.

GP-X2E Ziricote Special

Expanding the X Series lineup is the GP-X2E Ziricote Special, a limited-time Grand Performance model that blends bold tone with player-focused features. With a solid sapele top and ziricote-patterned high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, this guitar is durable, stylish, and responsive. The Performing Artist neck profile and high-performance taper ensure smooth playability, while Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner give you full control on stage or at home. It’s an affordable, road-ready companion for players of all levels.

OMC-X2E Ziricote Special

Also new to the X Series is the OMC-X2E Ziricote Special, offering the comfort of a 000 body with a 25.4″ scale length for greater projection and sustain. Its cutaway design allows easy upper fret access, and like its Grand Performance sibling, it features a solid sapele top, ziricote-patterned HPL back and sides, and Martin E1 electronics with onboard tuning. This versatile model is ideal for fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and anyone looking for rich tone in a sleek, stage-ready package.

SC-10E Spruce

Rounding out this launch is the SC-10E Spruce, a new addition to Martin’s Road Series that brings the revolutionary SC body shape to even more players. With its patented Sure Align neck system and Low Profile Velocity neck, it offers unmatched comfort and unrestricted access to every fret. The solid spruce top paired with solid sapele back and sides creates a balanced, dynamic voice that excels in any genre. Finished with Martin E1 electronics and a built-in tuner, this is a modern acoustic-electric built for the stage, studio, or wherever the music takes you.

For more information on these and other models from Martin, visit martinguitar.com.

Alesso and SACHA Unite for Euphoric New Dance Anthem ‘Destiny’

Eric Alper
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Alesso and SACHA Unite for Euphoric New Dance Anthem ‘Destiny’

Today, global electronic music icon Alesso joins forces with London-based singer – songwriter, SACHA, to release their captivating new collaborative single, “Destiny,” out now on Capitol Records. The track represents the convergence of Alesso’s masterful production, marking another elite addition to his catalog of era-defining dance anthems. With SACHA’s emotive vocals soaring over Alesso’s signature progressive house production, “Destiny” builds from an intimate verse into a breathtaking, festival-ready chorus.

“SACHA’s voice has an undeniable soul and texture that grabs you instantly. The journey began the moment I heard her demo and I knew right then I wanted to be part of it. Working together and blending our sounds has been nothing short of inspiring.” – Alesso

“Collaborating with Alesso has been an incredible experience. I have long admired his work, and his early songs were often a source of inspiration when defining my own sound. When I wrote ‘Destiny,’ I envisioned a production that balanced nostalgia with a modern edge, and Alesso was the ideal partner to realize that vision. His production not only exceeded expectations but perfectly captured the timeless energy I was aiming for, while elevating it with a fresh twist that is next level.” – SACHA

This new anthem follows a series of standout releases from Alesso this year, including his collaboration “Surrender” with Becky Hill and “Inside Our Hearts” with Martin Garrix. He also made history as  the first international recording artist in Billboard Dance Radio chart history to achieve two #1 hits with two different songs in consecutive weeks. His chart-topping singles include “I Like It” with country star Nate Smith and “Never Going Home Tonight” with David Guetta.

Now, with “Destiny,” Alesso continues to shape what mainstage electronic music sounds like in this era while highlighting SACHA as the powerhouse vocalist she is. Together, they deliver a defining moment and continue to reinforce why this sound remains a gold standard. As festival season concludes, Alesso caps off a major run of performances from this year. He headlined Ultra Music Festival in March, and performed a 3-hour back to back set with Gorgon City at Coachella Music Festival on the Quasar stage under the theme of his Body Hi concept. He also headlined Insomniac’s EDC Las Vegas and continued his residency with TAO Hospitality Group in Las Vegas. With Halloween on the horizon, listeners can plan to catch Alesso at Insomniac’s Escape Halloween festival.  More information can be found HERE.

Alesso continues to cement his status as not only a leader in dance music, but also a household name in the global scene — the past few years have seen him make history as the first international recording artist in Billboard Dance Radio chart history to achieve two #1 hits with two different songs in consecutive weeks, launch his own label, BodyHi, and gain unprecedented critical acclaim, most recently appearing on the cover of PAPER Magazine. The sensation kicked off 2025 with his chart-topping collaboration with Becky Hill, “Surrender”, followed by his smash-hit with Martin Garrix, “Inside Our Hearts”, and most recently, his hit with Sentinel and Sick Individuals, “Upside Down.” This year, Alesso has also made appearances on some of the world’s most sought after festival stages, including Ultra Music Festival, where he brought out Nadia Ali for her first live performance in over a decade, as well as Coachella, where he played an unforgettable back-to-back special set with Gorgon City at the Quasar stage during weekend 2, and a highly anticipated set at EDC Las Vegas on the Kinetic Field mainstage. 2025 has also seen Alesso take the stage alongside GRAMMY-nominated cellist, Tina Gou to perform their euphoric remix of ‘Ascension’ at the Esports World Cup Opening Ceremony, headlined by 9x diamond-certified artist Post Malone. Alesso continually pushes the boundaries with his ever-evolving sound, proving that his impact will remain as timeless as his music for generations to come.

SACHA is a Scottish-born artist and songwriter based in London, quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in global dance music. Known for her vibrant hooks and instantly recognizable vocal tone, she’s helping shape the sound of modern electronic dance music – earning over 100 million streams worldwide in the process. Following her latest features with Armin Van Buuren, Casso & Sigma, SACHA continues to build an impressive catalog of collaborations with Joel Corry & Nathan Dawe, Gryffin,

Toby Romeo, Keanu Silva,and OwnBoss. As a sought-after songwriter, she has also penned standout cuts for Anyma, Kaskade, and Steve Aoki, with even more major releases on the horizon. Fall 2025 will see her featured on more high-profile collaborations and live performances –further cementing her status as a driving force in the global dance scene.

Muni Long Returns With Dreamy New Single ‘Delulu’ and a Sound All Her Own

Eric Alper
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Muni Long Returns With Dreamy New Single ‘Delulu’ and a Sound All Her Own

R&B’s freshly-coronated diva makes her return now…

Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning R&B superstar, songwriter, and creative visionary Muni Long turns the page on her next chapter today with the release of new single “Delulu” out now via Def Jam Recordings. Listen HERE.

The song itself marks a sonic evolution. Eighties-style keys accent the soulful drip of a throwback beat. Finger-snaps hold the tempo in place, but Muni doesn’t rush to keep up. Instead, she delivers the verses with confidence and clarity, leaning into the production and absorbing its energy. Throughout “Delulu,” she wrestles with relationship expectations. Succumbing under the weight of her emotions, she confesses on the chorus, “I’m delusional thinking I could have it all,” going on to add, “I’m delulu, delulu over you.”

Within the last two years, she took home a 2023 GRAMMY Award in the category of “Best R&B Performance” for “Hrs & Hrs” and another “Best R&B Performance” GRAMMY Award in 2025 for “Made for Me (Live on BET).” During the most recent ceremony, she stood out as the “most-nominated artist in the R&B genre” with a total of four nods in key categories. Back in April, she transformed the desert into her very own world with an unforgettable Coachella debut summed up succinctly by ELLE who raved, “Long’s performance and wardrobe were divine.” 2025 also saw her drop “Slow Grind,” which garnered millions of stream and praise from critics alike.

Of course, her epic 2024 album, Revenge, kickstarted this entire season, tallying nearly a billion streams, housing the multiplatinum “Made for Me,” and earning unanimous acclaim. Associated Press noted, “As R&B has experienced a mainstream resurgence, Long is recognized as one of the genre’s flagbearers fueling its comeback.” Billboard raved, “From start to finish, Revenge brims with frank, raw emotion and relatable scenarios.”

It’s just the beginning though. Get ready for more from Muni Long!

Eric Church Brings His Arena Tour to IMAX With ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive’

Eric Alper
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Eric Church Brings His Arena Tour to IMAX With ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive’

With just over half of Eric Church’s 2025 Free The Machine arena tour underway, and Green Bay Press Gazette hailing him as “one of music’s more electrifying live acts,” the 10x GRAMMY nominee – who recently announced he’s bringing his live show to life with an IMAX exclusive theatrical release of Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive on February 13, 2026 – will simultaneously release a 19-track live album to compliment the premiere. Pre-save Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) via MCA HERE.

To preview the album, “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)” is available now. Listen HERE.

“This live album is special.” says Church. “It has been a while since the band and I had played a large club like the Pinnacle. Those two nights were electric. And listening back, the magic of those nights has definitely been captured. “

The IMAX premiere and coinciding live album include Eric Church’s celebrated Evangeline vs. The Machine 2025 album – alongside hits including “Desperate Man,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Mistress Named Music” and “Springsteen.” Reimagined with a 6-piece band, 4-piece horns, 4-piece strings, 8-piece choir and vocalist Joanna Cotten all backing, the show comes to life with IMAX’s groundbreaking 12-channel sound and unparalleled image quality and scale. Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive debuts exclusively in IMAX theatres across the U.S. and Canada beginning Friday, February 13, 2026.

In a first-ever partnership among IMAX, MCA, Mercury Studios and Q Prime South, the limited theatrical release sees Church perform his eighth studio album front-to-back before transitioning into his catalog hits with this expanded musical collaboration, filmed across two nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tenn. 

IMAX press release HERE.

Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive Track List:
1. Hands Of Time (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
2. Bleed On Paper (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
3. Johnny (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
4. Storm In Their Blood (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
5. Darkest Hour (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
6. Evangeline (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
7. Rocket’s White Lincoln (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
8. Clap Hands (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
9. Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
10. Give Me Back My Hometown (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
11. Homeboy (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
12. Sinners Like Me (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
13. Creepin’ (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
14. Knives Of New Orleans (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
15. Smoke A Little Smoke (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
16. The Outsiders (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
17. Hell Of A View (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
18. Mistress Named Music (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)
19. Springsteen (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)

Remaining 2025 Free the Machine Tour Markets, Venues and Special Guests:
Oct. 23 || Salt Lake City, Utah || Delta Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Oct. 24 || Boise, Idaho || ExtraMile Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Oct. 25 || Spokane, Wash. || Spokane Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 6 || Vancouver, B.C. || Rogers Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 7 || Portland, Ore. || Moda Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 8 || Seattle, Wash. || Climate Pledge Arena || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 13 || Sacramento, Calif. || Golden 1 Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 14 || Fresno, Calif. || SaveMart Center || Charles Wesley Godwin
Nov. 15 || Inglewood, Calif. || Intuit Dome || Charles Wesley Godwin

2026 Free the Machine Tour Markets, Venues and Special Guests:
Jan. 22 || Washington, D.C. || The Anthem || Caylee Hammack
Jan. 23 || Washington, D.C. || The Anthem || Caylee Hammack
Feb. 5 || Omaha, Neb. || CHI Health Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 6 || Sioux Falls, S.D. || Denny Sanford PREMIER Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 7 || St. Paul, Minn. || Grand Casino Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 12 || Toronto, ON || Scotiabank Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 13 || Buffalo, N.Y. || KeyBank Center || Ella Langley
Feb. 14 || Albany, N.Y. || MVP Arena || Ella Langley
Feb. 19 || North Little Rock, Ark. || Simmons Bank Arena || 49 Winchester
Feb. 20 || Kansas City, Mo. || T-Mobile Center || 49 Winchester
Feb. 21 || St. Louis, Mo. || Enterprise Center || 49 Winchester
Feb. 26 || Tulsa, Okla. || BOK Center || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 27 || Fort Worth, Texas || Dickies Arena || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Feb. 28 || Austin, Texas || Moody Center || Stephen Wilson Jr.
Mar. 5 || Knoxville, Tenn. || Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center || 49 Winchester
Mar. 6 || Greensboro, N.C. || First Horizon Coliseum || 49 Winchester
Mar. 7 || North Charleston, S.C. || North Charleston Coliseum || 49 Winchester
Mar. 19 || Birmingham, Ala. || Legacy Arena at the BJCC || 49 Winchester
Mar. 20 || Atlanta, Ga. || State Farm Arena || 49 Winchester
Mar. 27 || Hollywood, Fla. || Hard Rock Live || Kashus Culpepper
Apr. 3 || Greenville, S.C. || Bon Secours Wellness Arena || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 4 || Charlotte, N.C. || Spectrum Center || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 10 || Jacksonville, Fla. || VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena || Ashley McBryde
Apr. 11 || Tampa, Fla. || Benchmark International Arena || Ashley McBryde

Usher Joins Ralph Lauren as the New Face of ‘Ralph’s Club New York’ Eau de Parfum

Eric Alper
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Usher Joins Ralph Lauren as the New Face of ‘Ralph’s Club New York’ Eau de Parfum

Ralph Lauren Fragrances announces global music icon and award-winning artist USHER as the face of the new Ralph’s Club New York Eau de Parfum. This groundbreaking partnership marks USHER’s first fragrance campaign and Ralph Lauren Fragrances’ first partnership with a major award-winning music star, celebrating New York City, where icons of style and culture meet. Crafted for the true maverick of style, the spirit of Ralph’s Club New York captures the timeless glamour of Manhattan’s golden age; celebrating the city’s modern energy, authenticity and enduring excellence.

An eight-time Grammy Award winner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, USHER has been globally revered as one of the greatest singers, dancers, and composers for more than three decades. With iconic hits like “Yeah!“, “U Got It Bad,” “My Boo,” and “Confessions,” USHER stands as one of our era’s most unstoppable forces. His electrifying talent and transcendent stage presence continues to break boundaries — from his record-setting Las Vegas residency to his unforgettable 2024 Super Bowl halftime performance, and a career that has sold more than 80 million records.

Three decades into his multifaceted, culture-shifting career of commanding audiences, no other entertainment pioneer exemplifies enduring sophistication, electric aura, and sensual magnetism as powerfully as USHER — the confident new face of Ralph’s Club New York. 

USHER’s relentless pursuit of creative excellence makes him the ultimate embodiment of success and a Ralph Lauren gentleman. He has leveraged his power and platform to nurture emerging talent and create positive change through his New Look Foundation, which has empowered more than 60,000 teens over the past 25 years.

Trulli Audio Redefines Bass With Revolutionary Wireless, Battery-Powered Subwoofer

Eric Alper
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Trulli Audio Redefines Bass With Revolutionary Wireless, Battery-Powered Subwoofer

 Today, Trulli Audio announced its revolutionary wireless, battery-powered subwoofer portfolio is shipping beginning on July 26. The Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer delivers high-output bass in a plug-and-play audio solution. It’s a premium upgrade for nearly any audio system—from vehicles to open-air environments—and can even meet the demands of professional DJs.

“Since establishing our company in 2016, we’ve been on a mission to ensure that no matter where you are listening to music, you’re able to hear what the artist intended you to hear,” said Len Foxman, Trulli Audio Founder and CEO. “We built our Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer to provide that pro-level quality in a system anyone can use and appreciate.”

A True “First” – Battery-Powered, Premium Sound
The Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer’s 10-inch driver delivers accurate bass that allows listeners to hear notes typically lost with portable speakers. Its TD10S Driver features Trulli’s patented, award-winning ThinDriver™ Technology, which helps the speaker deliver more power at a fraction of the size compared to conventional speakers. The TD10S Driver can handle 600 Watts of continuous power, peaking at just over 1,000W and deliver up to 122 dB. Coupled with a frequency range from 20Hz to 225Hz, which is powered by a rechargeable lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, the Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer represents a new level of quality for a portable system.

Bass For Any User or Occasion
The Trulli Bass50 Subwoofers provide consumers with real, full-impact bass without wall power, cords, or installation. Like other portable speakers, the Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer uses Bluetooth technology so users can easily connect and play music from source devices like phones or laptops. Unlike other subwoofers, the Trulli Bass50 contains an amp, DSP, battery, wireless receiver, and interface – all in one system. It is engineered to enhance audio systems – at home, in the studio, in the car, or on stage – but without complex and expensive equipment setups. It is available in two finishes – carpeted and rugged.

In Vehicle, No Installation
The Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer easily integrates into existing vehicle audio systems through a wireless receiver that connects directly to the vehicle’s 3.5mm AUX for sound and USB ports for power (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto versions will be available by the end of the year). The built-in DSP and the Trulli App’s proprietary algorithm synchronize the Trulli Bass50 with the vehicle’s speakers for cohesive playback and premium sound quality. The Trulli App also offers preset and manual controls, so users can tailor sound based on vehicle type and speaker placement.

The subwoofer’s no-installation setup is simple – it only takes 10 minutes and does not require altering the vehicle’s interior. The speaker’s lightweight and slim profile allow it to fit into cars more easily than conventional subwoofers and can easily be removed for use anywhere, anytime.

Live Events
With their powerful output and modular design, the Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer can be configured for live events and deliver deep bass people can feel. It’s equipped with wired and wireless connectivity options – including 3.5mm AUX and USB-C input/outputs and SKAA Pro technology – so users can build systems tailored to the environment. Additional features and accessories for open-air use include:

  • Rugged Exterior – The Trulli Bass50 Rugged Subwoofer’s tough exterior protects against the elements.
  • Trulli Universal Ports –Detachable enclosures that amplify sound by up to 10 additional dB (sold separately).
  • Bass50 Pole Plate – M20 threaded pole mount for secure speaker placement during outdoor setups (sold separately).

Price and Availability
The Trulli Bass50 Subwoofer will be available through Trulli’s website and through select dealers (including car dealers) across the United States. The Trulli Bass50 Carpeted Subwoofer and Trulli Bass50 Rugged Subwoofer are available at a starting MSRP of $3,899 and $4,099, respectively. Financing options are available.

Hearing is Believing
Trulli Audio is hosting a full-day music experience to demonstrate the flexibility, convenience, and quality Trulli Bass50 Subwoofers offer. The event – Trulli Music Festival – is taking place July 26 in partnership with LCJC 2025 Jeep Invasion, outside of Chicago at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, IL. The festival will feature performances from more than 30 Chicagoland DJs, with sets powered by Trulli products, additional product demonstrations, interactive Jeep exhibits, overlanding displays, food, and family-friendly activities. It is open to the public; tickets are available online and at the gate.

For more information about Trulli Audio’s speakers and accessories, please visit trulliaudio.com. To become an authorized dealer, please visit here.

Ayra Starr and Rema Turn Up the Heat With Explosive New Single ‘Who’s Dat Girl’

Eric Alper
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Ayra Starr and Rema Turn Up the Heat With Explosive New Single ‘Who’s Dat Girl’

GRAMMY-nominated, double MOBO Award-winning global Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr has teamed up with Rema to deliver one of this year’s hottest Afro-dance records: ‘Who’s Dat Girl’.

Produced by Ragee with additional production by The Elements, ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ fuses Ayra Starr’s undeniable ‘It girl’ energy with an arresting blend of dancehall, R&B and Middle Eastern influences. The chemistry between Ayra Starr and Rema grows more intoxicating as the pair go back and forth on the track, trading fiery verses after another, showing exactly why they are this generation’s biggest Afrobeats stars. The collaboration arrives hot on the heels of their surprise joint performance at Global Citizen Festival last month in New York City, which became one of the most buzzed about moments of the night.

‘Who’s Dat Girl’ builds on Ayra Starr’s indomitable run of summer hits with ‘Gimme Dat’ featuring Wizkid and ‘Hot Body’, which helped cement her position as Spotify’s Top Female Afrobeats Artist of 2025. ‘Hot Body’ amassed over 35 million global streams and soundtracked close to a million videos across socials – including ones posted by Cardi B and Kim Kardashian. The single hit No.2 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart and became Ayra Starr’s sixth solo Top 5 hit on the chart.

Now with over 3 BILLION global streams, 1 BILLION YouTube views and a string of instantly-recognisable collaborations across different genres; it is clear Ayra Starr brings her culture with her wherever she goes – breaking barriers and creating ‘firsts’ for African artists.

2025, thus far, has seen Ayra Starr hit many new milestones. With her hit single ‘Rush’ recently clocking up over 500 million Spotify plays, she became the first African female artist to have two songs achieve this feat on the streaming platform. Earlier this year, she scooped two MOBO Awards and became the first female artist in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, she also picked up her first BET Award for Best International Act. Ayra Starr made her Met Gala debut in May with Ozwald Boateng and was recently featured in The Business of Fashion’s BoF 500 list of influential people shaping the global fashion industry.

The powerhouse singer-songwriter returned to perform at Global Citizen Festival last month, bringing her world-renowned stage presence to the purposeful event. Every inch the commanding voice of African Gen Z, Ayra Starr delivered an electrifying set with wall-to-wall empowering anthems while passionately highlighting the urgent need to generate power for over 1 million African children in her speech. The acclaimed musician is set to make her Hollywood debut in the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, starring alongside Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo and Lashana Lynch.

Thelma & James Light Up the Holidays With a Soulful Take on ‘White Christmas’

Eric Alper
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Thelma & James Light Up the Holidays With a Soulful Take on ‘White Christmas’

Undeniable duo Thelma & James, comprised of married singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, today release their rendition of “White Christmas” ahead of the holidays. The song follows news of their joining Luke Combs for his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour hitting stadiums across North America this spring and the recent release of their debut EP Starting Over.

“Over Christmas last year we were at my family’s place in South Carolina and Mack and I were just messing with ‘White Christmas’ on the guitar for fun,” Etheridge shares. We ended up working up a version that felt very us and stripped back. We posted it online and people seemed to dig it and that’s when the idea of cutting a real version of the song first formed. We both love Christmas time. There is something beautiful but also sad about this time of year and this version feels like both of those things.”

The “harmonizing songbirds” (MusicRow) breathe new life into the beloved song penned by Irving Berlin, made famous by Bing Crosby. A tune most know, Thelma & James offer an achingly melodic version reflecting their artistry. A testament to their unforgettable dynamic as a pair, GRAMMY.com notes Thelma & James have “a creative chemistry so potent you can almost see sparks” and “are a much-needed new duo in country music.” 

Not realizing the best writing partner was right under their noses the whole time, their first co-write in over a decade produced viral track “Happy Ever After You” that Billboard notes as a “pared-back ballad of a love undimmed by the time and miles between.” The impromptu song made waves online with support from Kendall Jenner, John Mayer, Luke Combs and more. From there the duo began forging a musical path that led Atwood Magazine to detail them as having “heartbreak in their harmonies and fire in their veins.”

Porter and Etheridge co-wrote every song on the new EP Starting Over alongside trusted collaborators including esteemed songwriters GRAMMY® Award-winners Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Josh Osborne and more. Emblematic of their impactful songwriting, Starting Over features songs like “Parking Lot Prayers,” “Nostalgic for Nothing,” “Canaries in a Coal Mine,” “Chainsmokin Memories” that Atwood Magazine defines as “swampy Americana and bluegrass” and the “aching ballad” (Holler) “First Love.”

For more information, visit thelmaandjames.com. 

Tour Dates on Luke Combs’ My Kinda Saturday Night Tour
March 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium
April 4 – Charlottesville, VA – Scott Stadium
April 11 – Ames, IA – Jack Trice Stadium
April 18 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame Stadium
April 25 – Columbus, OH – Ohio Stadium
May 2 – Knoxville, TN – Neyland Stadium
May 9 – Norman, OK – Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
May 16 – Green Bay, WI – Lambeau Field
May 30 – Montreal, Quebec – Parc Jean-Drapeau
June 6 – Toronto, Ontario – Rogers Stadium

An undeniable force, married Nashville-based singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge form the musical partnership Thelma & James. Not realizing the best writing partner was right under their noses the whole time, their first co-write in over a decade produced “Happy Ever After You,” which just earned Gold certification in Canada. Evolving organically from an impromptu video that earned praise from fellow artists like John Mayer, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile and more, the song has since garnered over 20 million streams since its release. The pair signed to Big Loud Records in 2025 are doubling down on their fortuitous new musical chapter with the release of debut EP Starting Over, available now. 

Keith Urban Ends His Tour, Drops a Deluxe Album, and Hits TV Screens With ‘The Road’

Eric Alper
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Keith Urban Ends His Tour, Drops a Deluxe Album, and Hits TV Screens With ‘The Road’

There’s a lot happening this weekend for four-time GRAMMY Award winner Keith Urban; tonight’s finale of his “HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR” (at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville), today’s release of the HIGH deluxe edition and Sunday’s premiere of the new CBS Original THE ROAD in which Urban stars. 

Urban marks the finale of his “HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR” with a deluxe edition of HIGH. Along with the studio recordings from HIGH, the deluxe edition features six live versions of songs originally recorded for HIGH, including “Straight Line,” “Go Home W U,” originally recorded with Lainey Wilson, and “HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR” standouts “Heart Like A Hometown” and “Messed Up As Me.”  Two additional songs, performed on select nights, “Laughin’ All The Way To The Drank” and “Chuck Taylors,” also appear on the deluxe set.  

Sunday sees the CBS Television Network premiere of THE ROAD (9:00 PM – 10:30 PM, ET/PT), executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, Blake Shelton, David Glasser, Lee Metzger and Urban, who also serves as the series’ headlining superstar.  THE ROAD follows 12 musicians performing at concert venues across the country as Urban’s opening act, competing for a grand prize that includes a performance slot at a record deal, $250,000 and a performance slot at the Stagecoach Music Festival.  Gretchen Wilson acts as the series “tour manager,” and Urban is joined throughout the season by executive producer Blake Shelton and country music stars Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Dustin Lynch and Brothers Osborne, who guide these seasoned musicians, and along with a live venue audience, determine who advances to the next city.

The Last Dinner Party Rise From The Flames With Their Fiery Second Album ‘From The Pyre’

Eric Alper
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The Last Dinner Party Rise From The Flames With Their Fiery Second Album ‘From The Pyre’

The Last Dinner Party are excited to share their second album, “From The Pyre”. The album is out today via Island Records. 

The London five-piece headed into the studio early 2025 with Grammy Award winning producer Markus Dravs (Wolf Alice, Florence & The Machine, Bjork) to start work on the follow-up to their number 1 debut album, 2023’s Prelude to Ecstasy. From The Pyre is the sound of a band having a lot of fun rather than feeling any innate pressure to follow-up on what was an explosively successful debut record. It’s also the sound of a young band developing and maturing their songwriting together, as tight a unit as the endless months out on the road pay testament to.    

The Last Dinner Party on From The Pyre:  

“This record is a collection of stories, and the concept of album-as-mythos binds them. ‘The Pyre’ itself is an allegorical place in which these tales originate, a place of violence and destruction but also regeneration, passion and light.   

“The songs are character driven but still deeply personal, a commonplace life event pushed to pathological extreme. Being ghosted becomes a Western dance with a killer, and heartbreak laughs into the face of the apocalypse. Lyrics invoke rifles, scythes, sailors, saints, cowboys, floods, Mother Earth, Joan of Arc, and blazing infernos. We found this kind of evocative imagery to be the most honest and truthful way to discuss the way our experiences felt, giving each the emotional weight it deserves.”   

“This record feels a little darker, more raw and more earthy; it takes place looking out at a sublime landscape rather than seated an opulent table. It also feels metatextual and cheeky in places, like a knowing look reflected back at ourselves.”   

With two BRIT Awards to their name (including Breakthrough Artist earlier this year), and having sold out virtually every show they played right across the globe (including three sold-out hometown shows at London’s Eventim Apollo), The Last Dinner Party’s arrival and subsequent worldwide success was one of the most thrilling introductions to a new British band in decades, and From The Pyre’s opening introduction suggests that unparalleled success story shows no signs of relenting.      

Remaining tickets for The Last Dinner Party’s tour are available here.

Outstore Live Dates:
17th October – The Level, Nottingham (w/ Rough Trade) *Matinee* – SOLD OUT
17th October – The Level, Nottingham (w/ Rough Trade) *Evening* – SOLD OUT
19th October – 1865, Southampton (w/ Vinilo Records) – SOLD OUT
20th October – HMV Empire, Coventry (w/ HMV) – SOLD OUT
22nd October – Live House, Dundee (w/ Assai) – SOLD OUT
23rd October – The Dome, Liverpool (w/ Rough Trade) *Matinee* – NEW DATE
23rd October – The Dome, Liverpool (w/ Rough Trade) *Evening* – SOLD OUT

UK Headline Tour:
14th November – 3Arena, Dublin
17th November – Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
18th November – Barrowland, Glasgow
20th November – O2 City Hall, Newcastle
21st November – Octagon, Sheffield
23rd November – Bridlington Spa, Bridlington
25th November – UEA, Norwich
26th November – Aviva Studios, Manchester
29th November – The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
30th November – The Prospect Building, Bristol
2nd December – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
4th December – Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth
5th December – Brighton Centre, Brighton
7th December – O2 Academy Brixton, London
8th December – O2 Academy Brixton, London

Live 2026
10th January – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
13th January – AEC Theatre, Adelaide
15th January – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
17th January – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney
19th January – Riverstage, Brisbane
22nd January – Spark Arena, Auckland
8th February – Colisieu dos Recreios, Lisbon
10th February – Sala La Riviera, Madrid
11th February – Razzmatazz, Barcelona
13th February – Fabrique, Milan
14th February – The Hall, Zurich
16th February – Zenith, Munich
17th February – Forum Karlín, Prague
19th February – Gasometer, Vienna
20th February – COS Torwar, Warsaw
22nd February – UFO im Velodrom, Berlin
23rd February – Palladium, Cologne
25th February – Le Zénith, Paris
27th February – Forest National, Brussels
1st March – AFAS Live, Amsterdam
3rd March – Vega, Copenhagen
4th March – Fållan, Stockholm
6th March – Sentrum Scene, Oslo

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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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