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Wet Leg Announce New Album ‘moisturizer’ And Release Lead Single “catch these fists”

Eric Alper
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Wet Leg Announce New Album ‘moisturizer’ And Release Lead Single “catch these fists”

Wet Leg – the Isle of Wight five-piece founded by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers – have announced their eagerly anticipated second album moisturizer will be released on July 11th.

Joined by Ellis Durand (bass), Henry Holmes (drums), and Joshua Mobaraki (guitar, synth), moisturizer is fun and freaky and fabulous, an unbridled display of the live muscle Wet Leg have built up over a few years of non-stop touring. Punchier, prettier and more perverted where it counts, moisturizer is an album of manic love songs and well-timed kiss-offs, delivered by a clan of the UK’s most beloved oddballs.

Touring all over the world, Wet Leg developed into a taut, caustic live operation that made good on their debut album’s success: #1 chart placements at home and abroad, three Grammys, two Brits and over half a billion streams. If success presents a fork in the road for any new band – to “go pop” or keep following your muse – Wet Leg emphatically chose the latter path – including working with Dan Carey again as their producer. In March 2024, the band decamped to Southwold to write; living together, working all day, watching horror movies all night, they soon locked into a new sense of symbiosis. Subsequently, all five members of Wet Leg have writing credits on moisturizer – “We were just kind of having fun and exploring,” says Chambers. “We focussed on: Is this going to be fun to play live? It was very natural that we would write the second record together” adds Teasdale.

Alongside the album announcement, the band also share the first taste of moisturizer with its frenetic, alluringly combative lead single “catch these fists.” Kicking things off with an untameable, electrified groove from its opening seconds, “catch these fists” is dance-punk par excellence – bass notes ricocheting off a wall of howling synth, thunderous beats catching strays from Teasdale’s cruel deadpan.

Watch the video for “catch these fists”.

The video, directed by the band and shot on the island, nods to Ti West, Cameron Crowe and their own “Wet Dream” video and is a suitably off-kilter introduction to moisturizer valley.

As happens a couple of times on moisturizer, the major animus behind “catch these fists” was an interaction with a belligerent man, as chronicled in the song’s final verse. This is not to say sh*tc*nt men are the sole focus of moisturizer — no matter how much album track “mangetout”, with its withering chorus of “get lost forever” may feel like the Nicole Kidman divorce photo in song form. On the contrary, this largely is an album about being, as the band exclaim on “pond song”, so “DEEP! IN! LOVE!!!!” moisturizer contains love songs of every stripe: stressed-out, gooey-eyed, gratuitously horny, blissed out, obsessive and mysterious.

Although Teasdale previously felt allergic to writing love songs, moisturizer is defined by its sheer exuberance and Teasdale ended up finding the process empowering. That new sense of ownership extends to moisturizer’s album art, an instant-classic freak-fest in which Chambers and Teasdale bare long, ghoulish claws; Teasdale, sporting long, kitschy socks and sans eyebrows, grins fiendishly into the camera. It reflects the album, moisturizer is the band turning the dial up and delivering a record that is unapologetically bolder, stronger and raunchier.

Tracklisting:
1. CPR
2. liquidize
3. catch these fists
4. davina mccall
5. jennifer’s body
6. mangetout
7. pond song
8. pokemon
9. pillow talk
10. don’t speak
11. 11:21
12. u and me at home

Upcoming live dates:
Tue 8th April – The River, Los Angeles
Wed 21st May – O2 Academy, Birmingham
Fri 23rd May – O2 Academy Brixton, London
Tue 27th May – Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Wed 28th May – O2 Academy, Leeds
Thu 29th May – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Fri 6th June – Primavera Sound, Barcelona
Sat 14th June – NOS Primavera Sound, Porto
Sat 21st June – Hurricane Festival, Scheessel
Sun 22nd June – Southside Festival, Neuhausen ob Eck
Fri 27th June – Glastonbury Festival, Shepton Mallet
Wed 2nd July – Roskilde Festival, Roskilde
Fri 4th July – Rock Werchter, Werchter
Sat 5th July – Down the Rabbit Hole Festival, Beuningen
Sun 6th July – Festival Beauregard, Herouville Saint-Clair
Fri 11th July – TRNSMT, Glasgow
Tue 15th July – I-Days Milan, Milan w/ Olivia Rodrigo
Wed 16th July – Acieloaperto Festival, Cesena
Fri 1st Aug – All Together Now, Waterford
Sun 3rd Aug – Wilderness Festival, Oxfordshire
Thu 7th Aug – Oya Festival, Oslo
Fri 8th Aug – Way Out West, Gothenburg
Sun 10th Aug – Boardmasters Festival, Newquay
Fri 15th Aug – Green Man Festival, Crickhowell
Sun 17th Aug – Cabaret Vert Festival, Charleville-Mézières

Clean Bandit Release New Single “Tell Me Where U Go” With Tiësto and Leony

Eric Alper
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Clean Bandit Release New Single “Tell Me Where U Go” With Tiësto and Leony

Grammy-winning trio Clean Bandit have shared their highly anticipated trance-inspired new track “Tell Me Where U Go” with award winning DJ Tiesto and German singer songwriter Leony (via B1/Ministry of Sound) .

The high energy club banger was premiered during Tiesto’s set at Ultra Music Festival in Miami in March, receiving an incredible reception from the crowd. “Tell Me Where U Go” was written after a therapy session the band’s Jack had inspired the title.

Jack says, “My therapist said I dissociate sometimes. She said to me, “tell me where you go.” After the session I went to the studio, and we made this song. I wrote it with my new best friend Jason Gill and lyrical geniuses Cleo Tighe and Jake Torrey.”

Cellist Grace Chatto adds, “Tell Me Where U Go” is our new genre. It’s called Classical Djembe Trance. We recorded our dear friend Leony in Berlin and finally collaborated with our guy Tiesto.”

The London trio returned to releasing music in September 2024, marking a new era, with the release of the sweet single “Cry Baby” with Anne-Marie and David Guetta. The track sat stoically in the UK singles charts for over 10 weeks and garnered over 100 million streams, with Clean Bandit’s self-directed and produced music video showcasing their signature visual and musical prowess once again.

Since they broke through in 2013, Clean Bandit have given us a succession of era-defining anthems. From “Rather Be” and “Real Love” with Jess Glynne, “Symphony” with Zara Larsson, “Rockabye” with Sean Paul & Anne-Marie, “I Miss You” with Julia Michaels, “Solo” with Demi Lovato, to “Tick Tock” with Mabel and 24kGoldn, and many more; Clean Bandit have achieved four no. 1 hits and ten top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart. Their incredible talent stretches further than their musical abilities. Known for directing, editing, and producing their own music videos, on YouTube “Symphony,” “Rockabye” and “Solo” have each surpassed 1 billion views, with “Rockabye” at over 3 billion views. In 2023, the trio received a rare BRIT Billion Award in recognition of one billion UK streams and in 2024 they joined an exclusive club of UK bands – made up of only Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, One Direction, and Queen – after garnering over a billion Spotify streams on four songs (“Solo,” “Rather Be,” “Rockabye,” and “Symphony”). They have had 8 Brit nominations as well as 2 top tens in America. Jack, the band’s key songwriter, has won two Ivor Novello Awards for his work, having also penned hits for other artists such as Camila Cabello & Shawn Mendes, MARINA, Becky Hill, Jess Glynne and Ellie Goulding.

bodie Releases High-Energy New Single “Say So” And Launches New Era

Eric Alper
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bodie Releases High-Energy New Single “Say So” And Launches New Era

Rising alt-pop singer/songwriter bodie, known for his genre-blurring sound and breakthrough run on The Voice Season 22, releases his brand-new single, “Say So” – an uplifting anthem that marks the official launch of a new chapter in his music. The accompanying music video, inspired by MTV’s legendary Jackass-era antics, is packed with high-energy moments and unexpected pranks that showcase bodie’s playful spirit and vibrant personality.

“Say So” marks the beginning of a new era for bodie, who has spent the past year releasing deeply personal music and touring alongside Gio on the co-headline “Happy To Be Here With Nobody Else” tour. With more music slated for release throughout 2025, “Say So” sets the stage for what’s to come – more emotion, more raw energy, and even deeper connections.

Meanwhile, bodie’s fan-favorite track “whisper and the wind”-from his Sony/Provident debut EP HAPPY TO BE HERE-continues to soar. The single has amassed over 15 million global streams to date, streaming nearly 1 million times weekly and continues climbing the Top 10 across both the Billboard Airplay and Mediabase Audience charts.

bodie will also hit the road on his headline tour, Murder My Ego Tour, kicking off May 3 in Fort Worth, TX and wrapping May 21 in Atlanta, GA. The 14-date run features Gracie Binion as support and promises a mix of fan favorites and unreleased tracks from bodie’s ever-evolving sound.

Growing up in Los Angeles surrounded by talented parents and artistic influences who instilled a love for art at a young age, bodie is no stranger to the stage. He captivated the attention of millions with his soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence on “The Voice,” sharing his musical influences from rock to hip-hop to create a fresh new sound that is as unique and inviting as he is. His music reflects his experiences, capturing the emotions of love, loss, and the human condition with raw honesty and authenticity, along with his openness about his love for Jesus and his pride in being a family man.

Johnny Stachela Releases “Pills & Liquor” Ahead Of Forthcoming EP ‘The Stroll’

Eric Alper
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Johnny Stachela Releases “Pills & Liquor” Ahead Of Forthcoming EP ‘The Stroll’

Today, Johnny Stachela, guitarist and singer-songwriter best known as a charter member of The Allman Betts Band, and Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, releases “Pills & Liquor,” the second single from the musician’s forthcoming four-song EP, The Stroll. The track, now available on all streaming platforms, is the next in a series of cuts recorded in collaboration with JD Simo, at Simo’s Nashville-based House of Grease studio, and follows the earlier issued “All Because of You.” Backed by a trio of sizzling, studio vets, Stachela and his guitar flow smooth and easy through a shuffle that borrows, in kind, from either side of the riverbank- Duane Allman’s delta blues, and the desolate Texas flats of ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons.

Says Stachela, “It’s a song about how the party’s over, and it’s time to go home. For the lead character, it’s confessional, about knowing when to put down the drugs and booze, and the discipline of keeping a promise. I think making a change and sticking to it is a universal challenge for us all. Ultimately, that deeper realization turns out to be a lot more fun.”

​​In 2018, Johnny Stachela and Duane Betts partnered with the Devon Allman Project as guests, supporting and sitting in on a nine-month Allman/Betts World Tour, with stops at such iconic venues as NYC’s Beacon Theater and Colorado’s Red Rocks amphitheater. The European leg took Stachela to Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, UK and Germany.  Additionally, he performed on the second single, “Downtown Runaround,” and subsequent video from Betts’ debut EP, Sketches of American Music.

Stachela joined The Allman Betts Band as a charter member- recording at the famed Muscle Shoals Sound studio- for their 2019 debut LP, Down to the River, and their 2020 follow-up, Bless Your Heart, touring internationally with the group, including dates in Europe and multiple summer festival stops. Subsequent tours with the ABB and the Allman Betts Family Revival have included appearances at New Orleans’ famed Jazz Festival, as well as overseas dates in Australia and Japan- at Byron Bay and Fuji Rock, respectively.

Among the myriad guest spots Stachela has made include jams with Little Feat, Gov’t Mule, and North Mississippi Allstars. With Betts, he’s also welcomed Derek Trucks and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty) for notable onstage collaborations. As a solo artist, Stachela joined the legendary Wet Willie on the band’s 2020 Rock Legends cruise. As well, in the spring of 2023, Stachela released the single, “County Farm Blues”, a cover of the 1930s Son House folk blues, across all digital platforms. He is slated to record further solo material, estimated for release in 2025.

Additionally, Stachela contributed writing, performing, and production work for Betts’ second solo project. Recording sessions for the new effort commenced in Spring 2022 at Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi’s Swamp Raga Studio in Jacksonville, Florida. The resulting album, “Wild & Precious Life,” issued by Royal Potato Family Records, arrived in the summer of 2023 to much critical acclaim, making several year-end “Best of” lists.

Stachela joined Betts as a founding member of his new band, Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, embarking on an extensive U.S. tour including festival dates and headlining appearances, and a noteworthy night at the Grand Ole Opry. Touring in support of the LP continued throughout 2024. A follow-up LP produced by Dave Cobb is slated for 2025.

With his well-crafted style of bottleneck slide evoking favorable comparisons to his heroes, influenced and inspired, never imitating, Johnny Stachela has become one of the more highly respected guitarists in modern blues and rock.

Everything you need to know about disposable vapes

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Disposable vapes have become one of the most popular ways for people to enjoy vaping without the hassle of refilling or recharging a device. If you’re new to vaping or just curious about how disposable vapes work, this article will explain everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll understand what they are, how they work, what to look for when buying one, and any risks or benefits you should know.

A disposable vape is a small, ready-to-use device that comes pre-filled with e-liquid and a pre-charged battery. Unlike traditional vaping devices, you don’t need to fill them with vape juice or charge them when the battery runs low. You throw the whole device away once the e-liquid runs out or the battery dies. They are designed for convenience, especially for people who don’t want to deal with any setup or maintenance. Most disposable vapes are draw-activated, which means you only need to inhale on the mouthpiece to produce vapor—there are no buttons or settings to adjust.

These devices are often slim and lightweight, which makes them easy to carry in a pocket or purse. They come in various flavors such as fruit, candy, menthol, and even tobacco. Some brands offer more exotic or dessert-like flavors like mango ice, blue raspberry, or strawberry milkshake. Many users enjoy disposable vapes because of the wide variety of flavors, which can make vaping more enjoyable or help them move away from the taste of traditional cigarettes.

Disposable vapes come in different nicotine strengths. Some contain high levels of nicotine, which can deliver a strong throat hit similar to a cigarette. Others offer lower or even nicotine-free options for people who want to reduce their nicotine intake. The most common form of nicotine in disposable vapes is nicotine salt, which provides a smoother experience and allows the body to absorb nicotine faster. This can satisfy cravings more quickly, making it a popular option for people trying to quit smoking.

The lifespan of a disposable vape depends on the brand, size, and how often you use it. Some disposable vapes are designed to last only a few hundred puffs, while others can last for over 2000 puffs. This makes them suitable for short-term or casual use, and many people buy them for travel or as a backup to a rechargeable device. Since they’re meant to be used and thrown away, you won’t need to worry about changing coils or cleaning any parts.

One of the biggest reasons people use disposable vapes is the convenience. No charging, refilling, or assembly is required. You can open the package and start vaping right away. For beginners, this makes it much easier to try vaping without needing to learn how to use a complicated device. They are also more affordable upfront compared to reusable vape kits, though they can be more expensive over time if you use them regularly.

However, disposable vapes also come with some downsides. Since they are designed to be discarded after use, they create more electronic waste. Most of them contain lithium-ion batteries, which should not be tossed in the trash but often are. This raises environmental concerns, especially as more people use these products. Some companies are exploring recycling programs, but options are still limited.

There are also health concerns to consider. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, it is not entirely safe. Disposable vapes still contain nicotine, which is addictive. They also contain chemicals that, when heated, can produce harmful substances. Long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, so it’s essential to be aware that using disposable vapes is not risk-free, especially for young people or non-smokers.

The use of disposable vapes has grown especially fast among teenagers and young adults. Their small size, sweet flavors, and ease of use make them appealing. This has raised alarms in schools and health organizations, leading to regulations in many places. Some countries and states have placed limits on the sale of flavored vapes or increased the legal age to purchase them. If you’re considering using disposable vapes, it’s important to follow local laws and regulations.

When buying a disposable vape, it’s essential to make sure you’re purchasing from a trusted brand or store. There are many fake or low-quality disposable vapes on the market, and some may not be safe to use. Look for packaging that includes lab information, clear labeling, and safety warnings. Buying from gas stations or unknown websites increases the risk of getting a counterfeit product.

Storing disposable vapes properly can also make a difference. Keep them away from heat or direct sunlight, as high temperatures can damage the battery or cause it to overheat. If a vape starts to leak, taste burnt, or stop working correctly, it’s best to stop using it. Never try to open or recharge a disposable vape, as this can be dangerous and is not what the device is designed for.

For people trying to quit smoking, disposable vapes can be a helpful tool. Many former smokers say that vaping helped them reduce their cravings and slowly quit cigarettes. The familiar hand-to-mouth motion and ability to control nicotine levels make it a practical alternative. However, experts still recommend using proven methods such as nicotine patches, gum, or professional counseling alongside or instead of vaping.

There is also growing concern over marketing tactics used by vape companies. Some advertisements and packaging are designed to look fun or colorful, which can attract younger audiences. Public health organizations continue to push for more explicit rules on how vaping products are marketed to reduce the risk of underage use. It’s a reminder that while disposable vapes may seem harmless, they still need to be treated with caution and respect.

In summary, disposable vapes offer a simple and easy way to vape without dealing with any complex equipment. They are widely available, come in many flavors, and are ready to use immediately. For beginners and casual users, they can be a convenient choice. However, like any product that contains nicotine and chemicals, they should be used responsibly. If you’re thinking about using disposable vapes, take the time to understand how they work, what’s in them, and how to choose a safe and reliable option. By being informed, you can make a better decision for your health and lifestyle.

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

The Dead Daisies Release “Boom Boom” Ahead Of Upcoming Blues Album ‘Lookin’ For Trouble’

Eric Alper
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The Dead Daisies Release “Boom Boom” Ahead Of Upcoming Blues Album ‘Lookin’ For Trouble’

The Dead Daisies are turning up the heat with the release of their latest single, “Boom Boom”—a gritty, hard-hitting take on the John Lee Hooker classic. Out today via Fame / Malaco Records, the track is the latest single off the band’s upcoming blues album Lookin’ For Trouble, arriving May 30th. Steeped in the raw energy and rebellious spirit that shaped rock ‘n’ roll, the album finds the band reimagining blues standards with the same firepower that has fueled their decade-long run.

“Boom Boom” channels the swagger and soul of Hooker’s original, inspired by his time at Detroit’s Apex Bar, where the bartender Willa would famously scold him, “Boom boom, you late again!” The phrase sparked one of his biggest crossover hits, and now The Dead Daisies bring that same playful edge and infectious rhythm to their high-octane version. “He thought it was a great title and wrote the song,” says frontman John Corabi. “He recorded it with the legendary Motown session band The Funk Brothers, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put our spin on it!!!” The result is a riff-heavy, blues-drenched anthem that pays tribute while making it unmistakably their own.

From the moment they stepped into FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the band—John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, The Scream), David Lowy (Red Phoenix, Mink), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio), Michael Devin (Whitesnake, Lynch Mob), and Sarah Tomek (Steven Tyler Band, Samantha Fish)—felt the weight of history around them. The iconic space, where legends like Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Etta James once recorded, inspired a late-night jam session that quickly became something much bigger. Producer Marti Frederiksen pressed record, and what started as impromptu fun turned into a full-fledged album—one that captures the blues in its purest, most electrifying form.

Across ten powerhouse tracks, Lookin’ For Trouble breathes new life into legendary songs, with The Dead Daisies putting their own stamp on each one. The band’s high-voltage take on Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads”—the song that gave rise to blues mythology—kicked off the album rollout with a scorching tribute to the Delta blues legend.

“‘Crossroads’ by Delta bluesman Robert Johnson has created a myth so large that it’s been etched into the very foundation of rock ‘n’ roll lore,” says bassist Michael Devin. “Many bands have covered ‘Crossroads’ over the years, now we’ve covered it in our own way.”

The band’s rendition has already been met with praise, with Raised by Cassettes calling it “a high-energy, soul-drenched performance that bridges past and present.”

Elsewhere on the album, the band tears through classics like “Going Down” (Freddie King) and “Black Betty” (Lead Belly), putting their own hard-hitting spin on these blues staples. The setlist also includes smoldering renditions of “Born Under A Bad Sign” (Albert King), “Sweet Home Chicago” (Robert Johnson), and “The Thrill Is Gone” (B.B. King), each one injected with The Dead Daisies’ signature grit and intensity.

At its core, Lookin’ For Trouble is a testament to the enduring power of the blues. The band approached the album with a deep respect for the genre’s origins, recording the songs live to capture the spontaneity and emotion that make blues so timeless.

“This album is our love letter to the blues,” says John Corabi. “When I first heard blues, it was through bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. The deeper I researched my heroes, the deeper I got into the history of this music. The blues is the soul of rock ‘n’ roll—it’s in everything we do.”

Guitarist Doug Aldrich adds, “We cut these songs live, in the same room where so many legends recorded. It was all about feel—capturing the rawness and authenticity that makes blues so powerful.”

For over a decade, The Dead Daisies have built a reputation for their no-holds-barred approach to rock, sharing stages with KISS, Guns N’ Roses, Scorpions, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, ZZ Top, Foreigner, Judas Priest, and the Hollywood Vampires. Their catalog includes 10 albums, proving that true rock ‘n’ roll never fades.

With Lookin’ For Trouble on the horizon, The Dead Daisies are hitting the road to bring their blues-infused rock anthems to audiences worldwide. Their Light ‘Em Up Tour, electrified fans across the U.S., UK, and Europe in 2024 and they continue to tour in 2025, featuring both their rock hits and their blues-driven sound. UK and European tour dates are locked for this year, with more announcements coming soon. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit thedeaddaisies.com.

Lookin’ For Trouble by The Dead Daisies:
1. I’m Ready (Muddy Waters)
2. Going Down (Freddie King)
3. Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker)
4. Black Betty (Lead Belly)
5. The Thrill Is Gone (B.B. King)
6. Born Under A Bad Sign (Albert King)
7. Crossroads (Robert Johnson)
8. Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson)
9. Walking the Dog (Rufus Thomas)
10. Little Red Rooster (Howlin’ Wolf)

Leslie Jordan Releases ‘The Agonist,’ A Musical Tribute To Her Grandfather’s Lost Writings

Eric Alper
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Leslie Jordan Releases ‘The Agonist,’ A Musical Tribute To Her Grandfather’s Lost Writings

Nearly a decade ago, when sent photocopies of her late, wayfaring grandfather’s poetry and short stories, singer-songwriter Leslie Jordan knew that the treasure trove would eventually make its way into her musical story. He wrote short stanzas of evocative poetry, short stories of provocative men and women, and long journal entries about his love affair with alcohol and his brother’s wife, Sylvia. With pages of typewritten entries, Jordan pieced together the story and set it to song with her beautifully melancholy Americana and roots sensibilities. Today, she released the stunning collection, dubbed The Agonist.

For the former member of Grammy-Nominated duo All Sons & Daughters, using the long-lost collection of his work as inspiration for songwriting was not only a way to connect the thread of their familial creativity but also to complete the journey of her lost and lonely grandfather. Jordan found a universal truth in the process. “All lives deserve redemption, even the messiest,” she says. “This is my attempt to create light from dark.” Produced by Kenneth Pattengale (The Milk Carton Kids, Joy Williams, Willie Watson) at Far Cry Studios in Los Angeles, The Agonist features guest appearances from The Milk Carton Kids, Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek, Watkins Family Hour), and Brittney Spencer as well as a host of the loosely-gathered Americana genre’s finest musicians.

Fans can stream or purchase The Agonist today at this link. If you’re in Nashville, don’t miss Jordan’s album release show on April 30th at Analog at Hutton Hotel. Purchase tickets here.

Meredith Moon Releases New Single “Sapphire Blue” Ahead Of Upcoming Album

Eric Alper
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Meredith Moon Releases New Single “Sapphire Blue” Ahead Of Upcoming Album

Canadian songwriter and instrumentalist Meredith Moon announces the release of her single “Sapphire Blue.” The track, produced by Colin Linden (Lucinda Williams, The Band, Bob Dylan) is a preview of her new album to be announced soon.

Out today on all digital services via Compass Records, “Sapphire Blue” is an acoustic-based, mid tempo groover that evokes a feeling of mystery in the search for an escape from a ‘dark force’ of sorts, and tells a story of driving across the continent looking for the light with which to lift it, with Moon’s plaintive vocals answered by Linden’s vibey electric guitar.

Meredith Moon started writing songs at the age of eight, and growing up immersed in folk music including the music of her father Gordon Lightfoot, became a self-taught guitar player at the age of fourteen. A few years later she found her sound as a busker on sidewalks from Halifax to Vancouver. She spent years traveling across Canada, and the world, by means of road and rail, finding inspiration for her unique style of songs which are crafted in a true storyteller’s fashion.

Meredith has been described as a ‘gem’ in both the old-time and contemporary folk music scenes for her unusual expression of the genres, combining influences of folk-punk with a traditional Appalachian sounds. Besides playing traditional tunes often ‘non-traditionally,’ Meredith presents a powerful voice and highly contemporary clawhammer banjo style which has earned her acclaim in the international roots music community. She is a multi-instrumentalist, incorporating finger-style/travis picking guitar, piano and lap dulcimer, among other instruments, into her performances.

“Sapphire Blue” is available on all digital platforms today via Compass Records.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

Apr 25 Austin, TX – Radio Coffee and Beer Tickets
Apr 26 – Fredericksburg, TX – Pecan Groove Store Tickets
Apr 27 – Terlingua, TX – The Boathouse Tickets
Jun 6 – Toronto, Canada – Hugh’s Room Tickets

Rising Appalachia Celebrate ‘Wider Circles’ 10th Anniversary With Remastered Re-Release

Eric Alper
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Rising Appalachia Celebrate ‘Wider Circles’ 10th Anniversary With Remastered Re-Release

In celebration of Earth Day, internationally revered folk-soul ensemble Rising Appalachia commemorates the tenth anniversary of their landmark album Wider Circles with a poignant and timely digitally remastered re-release, debuting an unreleased track “All Fence and No Doors,” new artwork ties into the full-circle aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and a bundle of local Appalachian-influenced merchandise available on April 25, 2025.

Originally released in 2015, Wider Circles marked a major artistic and geographical expansion for the band. “It was the beginning of what we now call the Slow Music Movement,” reflects vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and co-founder Leah Song. “We toured the album by train and sailboat, carried these songs into prisons, across borders, and into the heart of communities grappling with ecological and cultural resilience.”

Wider Circles has songs tied into the group’s travels across Italy and through Ireland down into Latin America into the BriBri tribes of Costa Rica, and deep roots to their home in the American South between Appalachia, Atlanta, and New Orleans. It features love letters to North Carolina, a tribute to Ralph Stanley, spoken word by Theresa Davis, traditional Appalachian songs like “Bright Morning Stars,” and some of our originals that have become the most beloved of our entire collection cherished by the band and fans alike such as “Medicine,” “Wider Circles,” “Invitation”, and “Novels of Acquaintance.”

Reflecting on the band’s journey and their trajectory since the album’s inception, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and co-founder Chloe Smith reflects, “Time is a slippery beautiful thing you can never quite get a hold of by the tail. Ten years ago we made the album Wider Circles, and as we work on writing our new album, this anniversary feels like something to share and celebrate with our fans. Looking back, we were neck deep in touring and finding our way in the wilds of taking a crack at music for a living as young women—equal parts student, activist, folk singer. This particular body of work felt like a large culmination of the many influences we picked up along our route.  Wider Circles was a moment in our artistic path that was deeply inspired by the timeless work of Joanna Macy and her translation of Rilkes poem “Widening Circles.’ The song and the album’s theme is meant to address the necessity of open dialogues and perspectives in times of severance and severity.”

Now, in the wake of Hurricane Helene that devastated parts of their Southern Appalachian community in September 2024, Wider Circles resonates louder than ever with the proverbial circles widening to the destruction and silver linings that occur through  natural disasters.

Central to the re-release is “All Fence and No Doors,” an unreleased studio track written years prior during the band’s time in New Orleans that was facing their own hardships after Hurricane Katrina. “The lyrics have always echoed our concern for environmental justice,” says Leah. “But after the storm, the meaning changed. Lines like ‘all this water coming after me’ and ‘I don’t have enough water to drink’ became chillingly literal. This song felt like the right sound to add to this body of work, and almost feels timeless. Recorded at Echo Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina many years back, this new version feels as if it was always a part of this album.”

The track was mixed by longtime engineer Julian Dreyer whose own studio was impacted by the flooding, and features the newest full time band member Duncan Wickel on cello alongside David Brown on guitar, and Biko Casini on percussion.

The re-release also features hauntingly stunning artwork by Asheville-based woodblock printmaker Ashley McGrath, whose studio was destroyed in the floods. Leah discovered one of Ashley’s prints washed up in the River Arts District during a community cleanup. “The print was covered in mud, but something about it struck me. We tracked down the artist and I knew I wanted to work with her,” Leah recounts. “It felt like serendipity—art and nature, destruction and renewal, all in one.”

In honor of Earth Day and the re-release of Wider Circles, Rising Appalachia is releasing a limited edition collection of merch that includes the album on vinyl, a hand-screened poster, tote bag and bandana featuring McGrath’s new artwork her and the band designed exclusively for the re-release, and Southern Appalachian wildflower seed packets curated by Sow True Seed in Asheville, NC. Vinyl & merch can be purchased HERE.

“It feels like this album, which helped define our voice as a band, has come full circle. What started as a celebration of roots, movement, and resilience is now a reflection of how those values sustain us through crisis,” adds Chloe.

To purchase the Wider Circles 10th anniversary merch bundle and learn more about Rising Appalachia, please visit: risingappalachia.com.

Simple Minds Release ‘Live In The City Of Diamonds’ Ahead Of Major North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Simple Minds Release ‘Live In The City Of Diamonds’ Ahead Of Major North American Tour

Today, BMG releases Simple Minds’ new live album, Live in The City of Diamonds, ahead of the band’s biggest North American tour in four decades. The album is available now in a variety of formats, including a 2 x CD Media Book featuring 24 tracks and a 24-page book including exclusive photos and tour notes written by Jim Kerr, Double Black Vinyl with 18 tracks, housed in a gatefold sleeve with a hi hi-spec finish, and Specialist Retail Exclusive Vinyl that is Double clear/glitter vinyl housed in gatefold sleeve with hi-spec finish.

One of the greatest live bands of their generation, from their roots as a nascent post-punk art rock band, through their arena and stadium straddling days in the 1980s and ‘90s, and up to the present day, Simple Minds have always prided themselves on their live reputation, having last year played to approximately one million people around the globe.

Live in The City of Diamonds completes the triptych of the Live in The City series, dating back to 1987, and captures the visceral excitement of a Simple Minds concert. Recorded at a sold-out Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome on April 6, 2024, to an audience of 17,000 people, the band play a perfect mixture of songs from throughout their dynamic career.

The album features early pioneering tracks such as “Love Song,” “Sons and Fascination” and “Sweat in Bullet,” songs from their era-defining album New Gold Dream, including their first Top 20 UK single “Promised You a Miracle,” the tribute to their hometown of Glasgow and live set opener, “Waterfront,” 1985’s international hit “Don’t You Forget About Me” and songs from the multi-platinum album Once Upon A Time (both celebrating their 40th anniversaries this year), 1989’s number one single “Belfast Child,” and “See The Lights,” a fan favorite from 1991’s Real Life.

Live in The City of Diamonds is the perfect summation of Simple Minds’ current live prowess and the ever-evolving sound of a remarkable band, which features the extraordinary talents of lifelong members and friends Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (lead guitars), with Gordy Goudie (rhythm guitar), Ged Grimes (bass), Cherisse Osei (drums), Erik Ljungggren (keyboards) and Sarah Brown (vocals).

LIVE IN THE CITY OF DIAMONDS OUT TODAYLIVE IN THE CITY OF DIAMONDS OUT TODAY

Tracklists:

CD Media book:

CD1

1. Waterfront

2. Love Song

3. Sons And Fascination

4. Sweat In Bullet

5. This Fear Of Gods

6. Let There Be Love

7. She’s A River

8. Once Upon A Time

9. Glittering Prize

10. New Gold Dream

11. Promised You A Miracle

12. Belfast Child

CD2

1. Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)

2. See The Lights

3. Book Of Brilliant Things

4. Don’t You (Forget About Me)

5. Alive And Kicking

6. Sanctify Yourself

7. Vision Thing

8. The American

9. Solstice Kiss

10. Premonition

11. Hunter And The Hunted

12. Colours Fly And Catherine Wheel

Vinyl:

Side A:

1. Waterfront

2. Love Song

3. Sons And Fascination

4. Sweat In Bullet

5. This Fear Of Gods

Side B:

1. Let There Be Love

2. She’s A River

3. Once Upon A Time

4. Glittering Prize

5. New Gold Dream

Side C:

1. Promised You A Miracle

2. Belfast Child

3. Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)

4. See The Lights

Side D:

1. Book Of Brilliant Things

2. Don’t You (Forget About Me)

3. Alive And Kicking

4. Sanctify Yourself

SIMPLE MINDS – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025

MAY

16 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater

17 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

20 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord

22 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

23 – Greater Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena

24 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

25 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

27 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

30 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

31 – Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

JUNE

1 – Irving, TX – The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory

4 – Rogers, AR – The Walmart AMP

5 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

7 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park

10 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

11 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

13 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Mann Center

15 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

17 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell

18 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

20 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

21 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

22 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

For complete details and ticket availability, please visit www.simpleminds.com/tour. The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, behind-the-scenes tour, group photo in front of the stage, exclusive VIP merch item & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Inimitable musical pioneers for nearly half a century, Simple Minds are among the most successful UK bands of all time, having achieved more than 1B global streams on Spotify alone (with over 8.3M monthly listeners on Spotify alone) and total worldwide sales in excess of 60M, including six #1 albums in the UK and chart-topping releases in countless other territories including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.

Coalescing around childhood friends Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, Simple Minds emerged in 1978 with an immediately distinctive sound simultaneously rooted in punk, art-rock, and the electronic avant-garde. Over the next four decades, the band has pushed their open-armed approach to fashion a broad array of stylistic varieties – spanning pop, funk, gospel, soul, dance music, and more – into their own world-straddling brand of stadium-sized rock. Their continually evolving body of work is highlighted by such landmark LPs as 1982’s New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84), 1984’s Sparkle In The Rain, 1985’s Once Upon A Time, and 1989’s Street Fighting Years, along with a stunning canon of iconic global hit singles spanning “Love Song,” “Someone Somewhere (In Summertime),” “Glittering Prize,” “Promised You A Miracle,” “Up On The Catwalk,” “Speed Your Love To Me,” “Waterfront,” “Belfast Child,” and of course the timeless teen anthem, 1985’s US #1 classic, “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” the latter of course famously featured in the classic John Hughes film, The Breakfast Club.

Named as the world’s “Best Live Band” by Q Magazine in 1991, Simple Minds have long commanded the stages of sold-out arenas and stadiums around the planet. Their world-class credentials have been burnished in recent years by an array of equally remarkable accomplishments – from acclaimed new albums (including 2018’s Walk Between Worlds and 2022’s Direction of the Heart, both of which had top 5 chart debuts in the UK), best-selling live albums, career retrospectives, and epic world tours to accolades and honors like a 2014 Q Inspiration Award (presented by avowed fan Manic Street Preachers’ James Dean Bradfield) to a prestigious Ivor Novello Award for “Outstanding Song Collection” – all of which serve as timely reminders to a new generation of Simple Minds’ ongoing appeal as well a springboard for their next burst of creativity. Now as ever, Simple Minds remain a band touched by powerful magic, continually willing to experiment while remaining true to their original instincts.

“The truth is we never fully wound down,’ says Charlie Burchill. “There have been lots of different incarnations of Simple Minds, but we’ve always kept our identity. A legacy can be a burden if you allow it to be. For us, it’s been empowering.”

“We’ve been on one hell of a journey,” says Kerr. “I’m grateful for the career we’ve had, but I’m mad enough to think we can still hit new levels. This is what we do – write, record and play live. One of the things I’m most proud of is that people say to me, what Simple Minds are you talking about? The avant-garde, the art-rock, the pop, the ambient, the instrumental group, the political, the folk, the stadium band? To play all those different styles but at the same time be quintessentially Simple Minds is an amazing thing.”

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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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