Juliana Madrid and Ella Jane have joined forces for the haunting new single “Sky King” as part of the recently released ‘All Things Go: 10 Years’ charity compilation. The track pays a tender and graceful tribute to Richard “Beebo” Russell and his widely known 2018 flight over the Seattle skyline. Madrid felt moved to write the piece after discovering his story online and finding a deep sense of empathy for the hidden struggles within ordinary lives. This indie-pop collaboration captures a beautiful tragedy while encouraging listeners to lead with kindness and love toward one another. All proceeds from the project benefit The Ally Coalition to support LGBTQ+ youth and local community empowerment.
Lauren Watkins Teams With John Morgan For “Slippery Slope” Single
Lauren Watkins is embracing the complicated nature of partnership with her latest single “Slippery Slope” featuring a soulful collaboration with John Morgan. This smoky country duet serves as the final preview of her recent full-length studio album ‘In A Perfect World’ which arrived this past autumn. Co-written with Will Bundy, Mark Trussell, and Lydia Vaughan, the track captures the irresistible pull of a past flame within a rich barroom setting. The vocal chemistry between Watkins and Morgan heightens the emotional stakes as they navigate the relatable cycle of an on-again, off-again relationship. Produced by her husband Will Bundy and Joey Moi, the song expertly balances an old-school nostalgic feel with a fresh and modern production style.
The ten-song collection marks a significant evolution for Watkins as she finds a beautiful balance between life on the road and her quiet farmhouse roots. This new chapter follows her successful 2024 debut and features standout tracks like the pulse-racing “Lose My Cool” and the gritty anthem “I’ll Get Through It.” Throughout the recent release cycle, she has maintained a heavy presence on the road with major tours alongside Zach Top and Riley Green. She even celebrated her album launch day with a massive performance at Madison Square Garden while opening for Lainey Wilson. Her natural storytelling and lyrical truth continue to establish her as a prominent maverick within the mainstream country landscape.
Long Term Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
By Mitch Rice
Long term planning often sounds like something only large companies with boardrooms and forecasts do. In reality, small business owners may need it even more. When resources are limited and decisions carry more weight, thinking ahead becomes a form of protection. Long term planning is not about predicting the future perfectly. It is about preparing the business to handle change without losing stability.
Many owners approach planning only when growth forces their hand. Hiring suddenly feels urgent. Equipment needs upgrading. Space becomes tight. The businesses that handle these moments best usually thought about them years earlier. They made gradual decisions that aligned with where they wanted to go, not just where they were.
Funding often enters these conversations early. For long range needs, some owners explore structured options like a term loan as part of a broader plan rather than a quick fix. When financing is aligned with long term goals, it supports stability instead of creating pressure.
Define Success Before You Chase It
Long term planning starts with clarity about what success actually means. Growth looks different for every business. For some, it means opening multiple locations. For others, it means staying small but highly profitable. Without a clear definition, planning becomes reactive.
Owners who plan well ask themselves where they want the business to be in five or ten years. They consider revenue, workload, team size, and personal balance. These answers shape every major decision that follows.
This clarity also helps avoid growth for growth’s sake. Not every opportunity deserves a yes, and long-term planning makes it easier to recognize which ones align with the bigger picture.
Build With Stability in Mind
Stability is often overlooked in favor of expansion, but it is the foundation that makes expansion possible. Long term planners focus on strengthening systems before stretching them. This includes consistent cash flow, reliable suppliers, and dependable processes. It also means understanding fixed costs and keeping them manageable. A stable base allows the business to absorb shocks without derailing plans.
The U.S. Small Business Administration emphasizes the importance of financial management and planning as a core part of business sustainability, especially for smaller companies navigating growth.
Hire for the Future, Not Just the Present
Hiring decisions have long lasting impact. Owners who think long term hire with future needs in mind, not just immediate gaps. They consider how roles might evolve and what skills will be valuable as the business grows.
This approach may mean hiring fewer people initially but investing more in training and development. It may also mean defining roles clearly, so responsibilities do not blur as the team expands. Strong teams reduce the owner’s workload over time and create continuity. That continuity is essential for long term success.
Plan Investments in Phases
Large investments can strain a business if they are not planned carefully. Long term planners break investments into phases. Instead of doing everything at once, they prioritize what delivers the most value first.
This might mean upgrading critical equipment before expanding space or investing in technology before adding staff. Phased planning spreads cost over time and allows adjustments based on results. It also reduces regret. If conditions change, the business is not locked into a single expensive decision.
Keep Financial Records Growth Ready
Clean financial records are not just for compliance. They are essential for long term planning. Owners who maintain accurate and current financial statements can make better decisions and move faster when opportunities arise.
This includes understanding margins, tracking trends, and reviewing financials regularly. When numbers are familiar, planning feels less abstract and more actionable. Financial readiness also builds credibility with partners and advisors. It signals that the business is serious about its future.
Balance Long Term Vision with Short Term Reality
One challenge of long-term planning is staying flexible. Markets shift. Customer needs evolve. Plans must adapt without losing direction. Successful owners revisit their plans regularly. They treat them as living documents rather than fixed commitments. This balance allows the business to respond to change while staying anchored to core goals.
Harvard Business Review has noted that adaptive planning is often what separates resilient businesses from those that struggle when conditions change:
Think About Risk Before It Arrives
Long term planning includes thinking about what could go wrong. This does not mean expecting failure. It means preparing for disruption. Owners consider scenarios like revenue dips, supplier issues, or leadership changes. They build reserves, diversify revenue streams, and document processes so the business can continue even during uncertainty. Risk planning turns surprises into manageable events rather than crises.
Align Funding with Long Term Needs
When funding is part of the plan, alignment matters. Short term funding tools may solve immediate problems but create long term strain. Long term needs benefit from structured approaches that match repayment with expected returns. Owners who plan ahead evaluate funding options in context. They consider how repayments fit into future cash flow and how funding supports growth rather than distorts it. This alignment reduces stress and preserves flexibility over time.
Make Time for Strategic Thinking
One of the hardest parts of long-term planning is finding time for it. Daily operations demand attention, and planning can feel optional. Owners who succeed treat planning as part of the job, not an extra task. They schedule time to think, review, and adjust. Even small, regular planning sessions create momentum. This habit prevents the business from drifting and keeps decisions intentional.
Long Term Planning Is a Mindset
Long term planning is not about having all the answers. It is about asking the right questions early and often. It is a mindset that values preparation over reaction and sustainability over speed. For small business owners, this mindset creates confidence. Decisions feel grounded. Growth feels earned. Stability feels possible. When planning looks beyond the next quarter and toward the next chapter, the business becomes something that can last, adapt, and thrive over time.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
U2 Accepts 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize At Cain’s Ballroom
U2 recently celebrated a historic milestone as the recipients of the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize during a powerful ceremony at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. Bono and The Edge returned to the legendary venue for the first time since their 1981 tour to accept the honor on behalf of the entire band. This prestigious award recognizes artists who carry forward the legacy of social consciousness and activism that defined the life of Woody Guthrie. During the evening, the duo participated in an intimate conversation with T Bone Burnett to discuss their long-standing commitment to using music as a force for global change.
The special fundraising event featured a surprise six-song acoustic set that highlighted the deep connection between the band’s catalog and Guthrie’s folk roots. Fans were treated to moving renditions of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “One” along with a cover of the Woody Guthrie classic “Jesus Christ.” Anna Canoni shared her family’s appreciation for how the Dublin rockers have spent decades confronting injustice through their art and humanitarian efforts. This induction places the group alongside previous honorees like Bruce Springsteen and Mavis Staples in a lineage of standard bearers for justice.
Parker McCollum Announces 2026 Tour Dates
Country superstar Parker McCollum is officially kicking off the new year with the announcement of his first 2026 tour dates across North America. This upcoming run follows the massive success of his self-titled album ‘Parker McCollum’ and features a reimagined setlist including the hit single “What Kinda Man” alongside fan favorites like “Killin’ Me” and “Big Sky.” Known for his high-energy performances and deep connection with his audience, the multi-platinum artist continues to build on the momentum of his career by bringing his chart-topping hits to major arenas. Fans can look forward to catching him at a special New Year’s Eve performance at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth before the official tour begins in January.
The 2026 trek features an impressive lineup of rising talent including Max McNown, Jake Worthington, and Laci Kaye Booth to open the shows. This fourteen-date run will visit iconic rooms like Rupp Arena in Lexington and the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio as McCollum brings his signature Texas country sound to the masses. The tour schedule also includes a highly anticipated two-night stand at the St. Augustine Amphitheater to wrap up the spring leg in late March.
Parker McCollum 2026 Tour Dates:
Jan 23 – El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center
Jan 24 – Glendale, AZ @ Desert Diamond Arena
Jan 29 – Edinburg, TX @ Bert Ogden Arena
Jan 30 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Hillard Center Arena
Jan 31 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center
Feb 5 – Oxford, MS @ SJB Pavilion at Ole Miss
Feb 6 – Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
Feb 7 – Salem, VA @ Salem Civic Center
Feb 12 – Winston-Salem, NC @ Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Feb 13 – Auburn, AL @ Neville Arena
Feb 14 – Savannah, GA @ Enmarket Arena
Mar 26 – Estero, FL @ Hertz Arena
Mar 27 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheater
Mar 28 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheater
Hallie Marie Explores Spiritual Awakening In New “Blue In Her Head” Single
Singer-songwriter Hallie Marie has recently released her sweeping new single “Blue In Her Head” which serves as a cinematic journey through isolation and healing. Recorded in collaboration with Andreas Landeck at The Keep Recording, the track evolves from a quiet, contemplative opening into a dynamic multi-phase rock arrangement featuring duelling guitar solos and swelling strings. Hallie draws on Buddhist themes like hungry ghosts to personify the world as an elusive stranger while her lyrics trace a spiritual path toward reclaiming hope and presence. Sonically evoking the expansive psychedelia of Pink Floyd, the song utilizes layered vocals and instrumental builds to mirror the movement from emotional detachment to a passionate recognition of life’s innate beauty. This latest offering follows her previous work on “3:59” and reinforces her reputation as an intellectually curious artist capable of balancing deep melancholy with a profound sense of light.
Kate Wyatt Trio Moves Like Starlings On New ‘Murmurations’ Album
Montréal jazz pianist Kate Wyatt recently unveiled her sophomore studio album ‘Murmurations’ to widespread acclaim for its telepathic group interplay. Joined by bassist Adrian Vedady and drummer Louis-Vincent Hamel, the trio explores the natural phenomenon of birds moving in unison through eleven intricate original compositions. This release follows her award-winning debut ‘Artifact’ and showcases a deep musical dialogue built on years of trust and collective spontaneity. Listeners are already embracing the record for its sensitivity and the unique way it breathes as a single, responsive organism. One standout highlight includes a creatively reimagined version of the Kurt Weill standard “Mack the Knife” which displays the inventive spirit of the ensemble.
Portishead’s Geoff Barrow And Jason Williamson Debut New “GAME” Feature Film
Invada Films recently launched its first cinematic venture with the thriller ‘GAME’ which arrived in cinemas across the UK and Ireland this past November. Co-founded by Portishead legend and film composer Geoff Barrow, the production house brings a gritty 1993 British rave scene backdrop to life on the big screen. The project stars Sleaford Mods frontman Jason Williamson alongside Marc Bessant in their first leading roles as they navigate a high-stakes survival story. Directed by John Minton in his feature debut, the film was shot entirely in and around the Bristol area to maintain a sense of authentic local atmosphere.
The premiere took place at the opening night of the Mayhem Film Festival in Nottingham with the core creative team in attendance for special Q&A screenings. This project marks a significant career shift for Barrow who co-wrote and produced the film alongside a close-knit group of longtime collaborators. Early festival previews highlighted the gripping performances and the unique tension of the screenplay written by Rob Williams. With ‘GAME’ now in wide release, the Bristol-based team is already looking ahead to future developments in their growing film catalog. Fans of the Invada Records aesthetic will find plenty to love in this cinematic expansion of their creative universe.
Malvika Fuses Mridangam And Trap On New “Spiraling” Single
Malvika delivers a late-night rush of pop and R&B with her recent single “Spiraling” which showcases her unique ability to blend traditional Indian mridangam with modern trap pulses. Produced by Abhishek Singh under his Lionoath moniker, the track features airy harmonies and floating synths that glide effortlessly over warm analog chords and heavy 808 percussion. This cinematic record was co-written with Julia Ross and Ash Minor to capture the breathless chaos of ambition and self-reinvention through a futuristic yet organic lens. Known to millions as a prominent fashion voice and trained Bharata Natyam dancer, she continues to bridge the gap between her cross-cultural aesthetic and contemporary soundscapes. The song serves as a sleek highlight in her creative universe and reflects the deep influence of her late grandmother’s artistic legacy.
Labrinth Previews New Era With “Pull Me In” From ‘Prelude’ EP
Visionary artist and producer Labrinth recently marked his return to the spotlight with the arrival of ‘Prelude’ through Columbia Records. This eight-track collection serves as a powerful introduction to a massive new sonic universe that he is currently preparing to unveil. The project features the standout focus track “Pull Me In” which anchors the emotional experience with raw, gospel-tinged vocals and hypnotic production. Every song on this EP showcases his unique gift for bridging immersive sound design with deeply personal storytelling to create a universally resonant sound.
The momentum continues to build as he prepares for a highly anticipated return to the stage at Coachella 2026. Performing at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, he will bring the high-octane energy of this new era to one of the biggest festivals in the world. This upcoming live chapter follows a prolific career of chart-topping hits and creative direction. His ability to remain unapologetically unguarded ensures that his latest work feels both inquisitive and celebratory for a global audience of dedicated listeners.