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Mumford & Sons Announce Sixth Studio Album ‘Prizefighter’ With Chris Stapleton, Hozier, Gracie Abrams Collaborations

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Mumford & Sons announce their sixth studio album ‘Prizefighter’, arriving February 13 as the follow-up to the band’s 2025 album ‘Rushmere’. The new record features collaborations with Chris Stapleton, Hozier, Gracie Abrams, and Gigi Perez, co-produced and co-written by Aaron Dessner of The National. Pre-release singles include “The Banjo Song,” co-written by the band, Dessner, and John Bellion, along with “Rubber Band Man,” the collaboration with Hozier, and the title track “Prizefighter.” Marcus Mumford describes the band’s current mindset: “We feel like we’re hitting our prime as a creative force. We’re putting everything we have into this now, and we’re using everything about our experience so far to embrace exactly who we are. We’re comfortable in our skins these days. And Prizefighter is us going for it, serious and playful, sometimes bruised and always hopeful. We’re nowhere near done yet. I hope and believe we’re in the beginning of something we don’t want to let up on. I’m more excited to be in this band than I’ve ever been.”

‘Prizefighter’ Tracklist:

  1. “Here” (with Chris Stapleton)
  2. “Rubber Band Man” (with Hozier)
  3. “The Banjo Song”
  4. “Run Together”
  5. “Conversation With My Son”
  6. “Alleycat”
  7. “Prizefighter”
  8. “Begin Again”
  9. “Icarus” (with Gigi Perez)
  10. “Stay”
  11. “Badlands” (with Gracie Abrams)
  12. “Shadow Of A Man”
  13. “I’ll Tell You Everything”
  14. “Clover”

Mumford & Sons Tour Dates:

December 27—San Diego, CA—Wild Horses Festival

January 8-11—Cancun, Mexico—Out of the Blue Festival

February 20-22—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival

July 1—Groningen, Netherlands—Stadspark

July 2—Werchter, Belgium—Rock Werchter Festival

July 4—London, U.K.—BST Hyde Park (with special guest The War on Drugs)

July 7—Rome, Italy—Rock in Roma

July 9—Berlin, Germany—Waldbuhne

August 1—St. Charles, Iowa—Hinterland Music Festival

ASP Drop Sixth Major Single “Pipe Dream” As Final Year Before WACK Reset Begins

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Following the seismic announcement that 2026 will mark the final year for ASP, with all WACK-affiliated groups set to conclude activities as the agency undergoes a full-scale reset, the Japanese alternative idol group begins the countdown with their sixth major single “Pipe Dream,” dropping January 14. The three-track single sees ASP continuing to blur the lines between idol, rock, and underground culture. Title track “Pipe Dream” and accompanying song “JUSHO” are produced, sound-designed, and composed by Yohji Igarashi, a DJ and producer whose résumé spans work with ATARASHII GAKKO!, kZm, and HIYADAM, and who also operates as one half of Ski Yu & Yohji Igarashi alongside King Gnu drummer Ski Yu. Lyrics for both tracks are written by Pecori, MC of Japanese hip hop group ODD Foot Works and the creative force behind Number_i’s viral hits “INZM” and “GOAT,” which have amassed over 200 million YouTube plays. The Igarashi and Pecori partnership previously powered ASP’s single “BA-BY,” and their return brings a familiar intensity to this pivotal moment.

“Pipe Dream” pairs finely detailed guitar work with lyrics that capture emotional instability without ever losing resolve, an introspective yet forceful track that hits with direct emotional weight. “JUSHO” offers a bittersweet composition with layered lyrics reflecting ASP’s current state with striking clarity, while closing track “Warp!!” follows the trajectory set by the upbeat single “Get New MIRAI.” Produced once again by Japanese rock band Age Factory, “Warp!!” fuses high-speed momentum with a lingering sense of melancholy, its explosive energy and forward-thrusting hooks creating the sensation of being warped onward. The single’s vivid, surreal cover artwork is directed by JACKSON kaki, who also crafted the striking visuals for “BA-BY,” built in 3DCG with distorted expressions and uncanny atmosphere that mirror the tension, urgency, and controlled chaos defining ASP at this pivotal moment. With the end now in sight, “Pipe Dream” carries the weight of a group wrestling with uncertainty while standing their ground, not a farewell yet but something that acknowledges everything coming.

Beyond The Black Release Sixth Studio Album ‘Break The Silence’ With Ethno-Infused Melodic Metal

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Symphonic metal sensation Beyond The Black release their sixth studio album ‘Break The Silence’, a concept record rooted in melodic metal with ethno influences that explores themes of communication, inner strength, resilience and the urgent need to reconnect in a divided world. Tracks like “Let There Be Rain,” “(La Vie Est Un) Cinéma,” “Ravens” and “The Flood” examine how words and their absence shape our reality, creating an emotional, multi-layered experience that mirrors today’s complex world. Coinciding with the album release, Beyond The Black premiere a music video for “Let There Be Rain,” which features Gergana Dimitrova, a soloist of the Grammy award-winning ensemble The Mystery Of The Bulgarian Voices, on guest vocals. Singer Jennifer Haben explains: “‘Let There Be Rain’ is about embracing the storm instead of fighting it, because sometimes the rain is what we need to let go, find clarity and move forward. With this song, our chapter is complete and we’re excited that the full story is now yours to experience.” The combination of Haben’s commanding vocals with Dimitrova’s distinctive Bulgarian folk texture creates something that transcends typical symphonic metal boundaries.

The 10-track album features collaborations with Lord Of The Lost on “The Art Of Being Alone” and Asami from Lovebites on “Can You Hear Me,” expanding the sonic palette beyond traditional genre limitations. Beyond The Black launch their Rising High headline tour 2026 with guests Setyoursails and Seraina Telli, bringing ‘Break The Silence’ to stages across Europe and the UK.

‘Break The Silence’ Tracklist:

  1. Rising High
  2. Break The Silence
  3. The Art Of Being Alone (feat. Lord Of The Lost)
  4. Let There Be Rain (feat. The Mystery Of The Bulgarian Voices)
  5. Ravens
  6. The Flood
  7. Can You Hear Me (feat. Asami from Lovebites)
  8. (La vie est un) Cinéma
  9. Hologram
  10. Weltschmerz

Beyond The Black Rising High Headline Tour 2026:

15.01.26 UK-Manchester, O2 Ritz

16.01.26 UK-London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

17.01.26 FR-Paris, Bataclan

19.01.26 CH-Zurich, X-tra

20.01.26 DE-Munich, Tonhalle

22.01.26 HU-Budapest, Barba Negra

23.01.26 AT-Vienna, Arena

24.01.26 DE-Geiselwind, MusicHall

26.01.26 DE-Stuttgart, Wagenhallen

27.01.26 DE-Wiesbaden, Schlachthof

28.01.26 DE-Hanover, Capitol

30.01.26 PL-Warsaw, Proxima

31.01.26 DE-Leipzig, Haus Auenseee

01.02.26 DE-Berlin, Huxleys

03.02.26 DE-Hamburg, Insel Park Arena

04.02.26 BE-Antwerp, Trix

05.02.26 DE-Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle

06.02.26 NL-Nijmegen, Doornroosje

08.02.26 DK-Copenhagen, Pumpehuset

09.02.26 SE-Gothenburg, Pustervik

11.02.26 NO-Oslo, Vulkan

12.02.26 SE-Stockholm, Kollektivet Livet

14.02.26 FI-Helsinki, Aäniwalli

Jack Savoretti Announces Ninth Studio Album ‘We Will Always Be The Way We Were’ Arriving April 10

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Jack Savoretti announces his ninth studio album ‘We Will Always Be The Way We Were’, a bold return to his musical roots recorded at Eastcote Studios in West London and arriving April 10. Marking 20 years since his debut ‘Between the Minds’, the new record finds Savoretti reconnecting with the raw storytelling and cinematic soul that defined his earliest work. Written and recorded with his long-time touring band, the album celebrates the craft, camaraderie and creative freedom that have carried him through two decades at the forefront of British songwriting. The album’s title track drops today, a song with a pounding beat and a feel-good clarion cry of encouragement. Jack describes the track as “a celebration of that full circle feeling when nostalgia becomes timeless,” adding “I don’t think we ever really change. We grow, and we evolve.” The single captures something rare: the ability to look back without getting stuck there, turning memory into momentum rather than melancholy.

‘We Will Always Be The Way We Were’ follows 2024’s ‘Miss Italia’, Savoretti’s acclaimed Italian-language album, and features recent singles “Do It For Love” co-written with Miles Kane and “Only Gonna Cry For You” featuring Steph Fraser. Across its 12 tracks, the record moves between smoky, late-night balladry, widescreen pop optimism on “I Hear You Calling,” a duet with KT Tunstall on “Tempting Fate,” and the shimmering Italo-disco pulse of its title track. Jack explains the concept: “This is a full-circle album. It’s going back to my roots, to the neighbourhood where I first started making music with the same friends and musicians I met around Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. It’s the album I always wanted to make when I was starting out, but didn’t yet have the courage or experience to make. Now I do.” Produced by Tommaso Colliva, known for his work with Muse and Damon Albarn, the record was captured live over eight days at Eastcote Studios with Savoretti’s long-time band featuring Jesper Lind on drums, Sam Davies on bass, Sam Lewis on guitar, Nikolai Torp on keys and organ, and Shannon Harris on piano and Wurlitzer. The spontaneity and chemistry of the sessions translate into an album that carries the weight of two decades without losing any of its forward motion.

Joe Bonamassa Unveils Final Five Songs From ‘B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100’ Ahead Of February Release

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Joe Bonamassa shares Vol. V of ‘B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100,’ unveiling the final five songs ahead of the full album’s arrival on February 6 via KTBA Records. This latest installment completes the monthly rollout of the landmark centennial tribute, featuring “Three O’Clock Blues” with Marc Broussard and Josh Smith, “How Blue Can You Get” with Warren Haynes, “Ghetto Woman” with Ivan Neville, “Never Make A Move Too Soon” with Dion, and “When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer” with Dannielle De Andrea. The release follows national attention including a CBS Mornings feature exploring Bonamassa’s personal history with King alongside the making of Blues Summit 100, while Esquire featured the album in its list of the Most Anticipated Albums of 2026 alongside The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Mumford & Sons, Lana Del Rey, and Madonna. Producer Josh Smith describes Marc Broussard as “one of those dudes that can sing the phone book,” noting that B.B. King’s first ever single “Three O’Clock Blues” required a world class singer to pull off. Warren Haynes steps into “How Blue Can You Get,” famously captured on ‘Live at the Regal,’ with Smith calling it “a pillar of B.B.’s catalog” that needed someone serious to deliver. Ivan Neville brings emotional weight to “Ghetto Woman,” a song whose subject matter remains as resonant today as when King first recorded it, while Dion requested “Never Make A Move Too Soon” as his all-time favorite B.B. King song.


B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 – Full Tracklist

Disc 1:
1. Paying The Cost To Be The Boss feat. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
2. Don’t Answer The Door feat. Marcus King
3. To Know You Is To Love You feat. Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks
4. Let The Good Times Roll feat. Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Noah Hunt
5. Sweet Little Angel feat. Buddy Guy
6. When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around) feat. Larry McCray
7. When Love Comes To Town feat. Slash, Shemekia Copeland & Myles Kennedy
8. The Thrill Is Gone feat. Chaka Khan & Eric Clapton
9. Watch Yourself feat. Jimmie Vaughan
10. Why I Sing The Blues feat. Bobby Rush
11. Sweet Sixteen feat. Jimmy Hall & Larry Carlton
12. Don’t You Want A Man Like Me feat. Larkin Poe
13. I’ll Survive feat. Keb’ Mo’
14. Heartbreaker feat. Trombone Shorty & Eric Gales
15. There Must Be A Better World Somewhere feat. George Benson
16. Chains And Things feat. Gary Clark Jr.
 
Disc 2:
1. How Blue Can You Get feat. Warren Haynes
2. You Upset Me Baby feat. Chris Cain
3. Ghetto Woman feat. Ivan Neville
4. Night Life feat. Paul Rodgers
5. Ain’t Nobody Home feat. Jade MacRae & Robben Ford
6. Bad Case Of Love feat. Joanne Shaw Taylor
7. Never Make A Move Too Soon feat. Dion
8. Three O’Clock Blues feat. Marc Broussard
9. Think It Over feat. Train & Chris Buck
10. It’s My Own Fault feat. Kim Wilson
11. Every Day I Have The Blues feat. D.K. Harrell
12. Please Accept My Love feat. John Nemeth
13. So Excited feat. Aloe Blacc
14. When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer feat. Dannielle De Andrea
15. Playin’ With My Friends
16. Better Not Look Down feat. Kirk Fletcher
 
U.S. SPRING TOUR 2026
February 21 – South Bend, IN – The Morris Performing Arts Center
February 23 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre
February 25 – Madison, WI – Overture Center for the Arts
February 27 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
February 28 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
March 2 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
March 4 – Springfield, MA – Springfield Symphony Hall
March 6 – Westbury, NY – Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
March 7 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center
March 8 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts
March 10 – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center
March 11 – Virginia Beach, VA – Sandler Center
March 13 – Durham, NC – DPAC
March 14 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
March 17 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
March 19 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
March 20 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater w/ special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
March 21 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound  w/ special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
March 25-29, 2026 – Miami, FL – Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea XI
April 10-12, 2026 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sound Wave Beach Weekend
 
U.S. SUMMER TOUR 2026
June 26 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts w/ special guest JJ Grey & Mofro & D.K. Harrell
June 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ocean Casino Resort
June 28 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center
July 29 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap w/ Gov’t Mule
July 31 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater w/ Gov’t Mule
August 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule
August 3 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 5 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater w/ special guest JJ Grey & Mofro
August 7 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
August 8 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion w/ Gov’t Mule
August 9 – Youngstown, OH – The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre w/ Gov’t Mule
August 12 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL
August 14 – Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium w/Gov’t Mule
August 15 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino w/ Gov’t Mule
August 16 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater w/ Gov’t Mule
August 19 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center
August 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater
August 23 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Plastic Injection Molding Solutions for High-Performance Manufacturing

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By Mitch Rice

Plastic injection molding has been playing an indispensable role in the manufacturing industry, allowing companies to produce high-quality components with intricate designs and at low costs in large quantities. Precision-engineered plastic parts are highly demanded in various industries, and material selection along with process know-how is vital for the success of the product in the long run. The use of advanced materials like eva resin is becoming more common to provide flexibility, resistance to impact and better performance in specific applications. Plastic Molded Concepts is a prominent partner for high-capability injection molding, providing horizontal and vertical plastic injection molding solutions that meet the highest quality, performance, and compliance standards.

Understanding Plastic Injection Molding Solutions

Plastic injection molding is a procedure that involves the injection of molten thermoplastic material into a specially created mold, the cooling of the material, and the removal of the finished part. This method is able to handle high-volume productions with very little variation, which is why it is the preferred choice for factories that require very precise and uniform products as well as great amounts of output that can be scaled up or down.

Modern injection molding solutions, however, have moved beyond the mere basic function of producing the part and normally include:

  • Materials engineering and resin selecting
  • Mold designing, tooling, and optimizing
  • Automated production workflows

Post-production services like assembling, finishing, and quality checking.

Thanks to the combination of all these capabilities, manufacturers can not only reduce production risk but also lead times, and cost efficiency—without losing quality.

Horizontal and Vertical Injection Molding Capabilities

A defining factor of advanced injection molding providers is their ability to offer both horizontal and vertical molding services. Each configuration supports different production requirements and part designs.

Horizontal injection molding is the most commonly used configuration and is ideal for:

  • High-volume production programs
  • Multi-cavity and family molds
  • Large or geometrically complex components

This approach is widely used in automotive, medical, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing where efficiency, automation, and throughput are critical.

Vertical injection molding is particularly effective for insert molding and overmolding applications. Its advantages include:

  • Efficient integration of metal or threaded inserts
  • Improved part alignment and consistency
  • Reduced labor and material handling

Vertical molding is frequently applied in electrical components, connectors, medical devices, and parts requiring multi-material construction.

Plastic Molded Concepts offers both horizontal and vertical injection molding solutions, allowing manufacturers to select the optimal process based on part complexity, material behavior, and production volume.

Engineered Materials and Resin Expertise

The success of injection molding is heavily influenced by the performance of the material used, which is the main reason for the selection of engineered resins based on their mechanical strength, thermal resistance, flexibility, chemical stability, and regulatory considerations. EVA-based materials are the most preferred ones in the industry due to their elasticity, shock absorption and durability that are particularly required in flexible and long-lasting resilient applications. 

Skilled molding partners analyze resin flow properties, cooling characteristics, and shrink rates to guarantee dimensional accuracy and surface quality. The right choice of material reduces the number of defects, prolongs product life cycles, and enhances the performance of the parts in tough environments overall.

Applications Across Multiple Industries

Plastic injection molding solutions support a broad range of industries, including:

  • Medical and healthcare: Precision housings, disposable components, and device parts manufactured under strict quality controls
  • Automotive and transportation: Lightweight, high-strength components that withstand vibration, heat, and mechanical stress
  • Electrical and electronics: Insert-molded connectors, insulation components, and protective enclosures
  • Industrial and commercial products: Custom-engineered parts optimized for durability and cost efficiency

By leveraging flexible molding technologies and advanced materials, manufacturers can adapt quickly to changing market and regulatory demands.

Quality Control and Manufacturing Precision

Injection molding processes require consistency and precision as a matter of course. Major suppliers apply strict quality control practices that involve:

  • Monitoring, Validation, and Verification conditions during production
  • Measurements and checks, and authentication of materials

Regulatory documentation, product tracking, and quality assurance controls

Thus, every single molded part is guaranteed to fulfill both design requirements and industry standards. Design-for-manufacturability (DFM) support additionally improves results by pinpointing possible problems prior to the start of the production process.

Selecting the Right Injection Molding Partner

The process of selecting an appropriate injection molding collaborator directly influences the quality of the product, its scalability, and the overall cost of ownership. The main aspects that should be taken into account are:

  • Proven expertise in both horizontal and vertical injection molding
  • Deep knowledge of engineered resins and material behavior
  • Advanced tooling, automation, and production capabilities
  • Strong quality systems and regulatory compliance

Plastic Molded Concepts proves these attributes by offering comprehensive plastic injection molding solutions, from material selection and tooling to large-scale production.

Conclusion

Even today, plastic injection molding solutions are still the backbone of modern manufacturing. They provide precision, efficiency, and large volumes of production at lower costs in all sectors of industry. When coupled with high-quality materials, advanced molding configurations, and strict quality control, injection molding becomes a powerful tool in the hands of a manufacturer. Choosing to work with an experienced vendor that has both horizontal and vertical injection molding will guarantee steady performance, minimal risk, and a manufacturing operation that lasts for decades.

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

Julian Lage Shares New Single “Night Shade” From Forthcoming Blue Note Album ‘Scenes From Above’

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Seven-time GRAMMY Award-nominated guitar virtuoso Julian Lage shares “Night Shade,” the epic seven-minute centerpiece from his forthcoming Blue Note release ‘Scenes From Above,’ arriving January 23. The track arrives with an official live performance video showcasing Lage’s striking new quartet featuring keyboardist John Medeski, bassist Jorge Roeder, and drummer Kenny Wollesen. “Night Shade” carries a Medeski organ run that channels gospel gold while Lage delivers a series of solos that suggest brilliantly gestural blues. Throughout the exhilarating journey, the music continually crests like a wave about to crack open into chaos, but the band holds steady both to be heard and to hear others. Four dazzling instrumentalists occupy the same room, talking to one another but never over one another, creating a conversation that rewards close attention.

‘Scenes From Above’ marks Lage’s second album with three-time GRAMMY Award-winning producer Joe Henry and follows 2024’s GRAMMY Award-nominated ‘Speak To Me’. The album was introduced in November with “Opal” and followed in December by “Talking Drum,” which sees the quartet sizzling as Medeski stabs his organ between the beat until he lifts up to ride alongside Lage. Lage describes the project as an egalitarian experience rather than a leader-driven statement, music connected to growth and development within relationships where nobody expects anything predetermined. The nine tracks frame a brilliantly open experience with four astounding players giving and taking space in equal measure.

JULIAN LAGE – 2026 TOUR DATES
Jan. 31 – Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts – Brookfield, WI
Mar. 13-15 – GroundUP Music Festival – Miami Beach, FL
Mar. 29 – Big Ears Festival – Knoxville, TN
Mar. 31 – Keswick Theatre – Glenside, PA
Apr. 1 – Savannah Music Festival – Savannah, GA
Apr. 2 – SOPAC South – Orange, NJ
May 7 – Huxley’s Neue Welt – Berlin, DE
May 9 – Tivoli Vrendenburg Grote Zaal – Utrecht, NL
May 10 – Jazz à Liège – Liège, BE
May 11 – Die Kantine – Cologne, DE
May 13 – Muziekgebouw Eindhoven – Eindhoven, NL
May 15 – Royal Festival Hall – London, UK

Dave Drops Official Video For “Raindance” Featuring Tems From Chart-Topping Album ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’

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British rap artist Dave shares the official music video for “Raindance” featuring Tems, the hit single from his record-breaking third album ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’. Filmed in Lagos, Nigeria, the video unites two of the world’s biggest artists and follows Dave’s surprise appearance in Tems’ video for “Mine”. The single has spent 10 consecutive weeks in the Top 30 and reached a new peak of number 3 on the UK Official Charts, while making significant global impact at number 24 on the Spotify Global Chart and landing in the Top 20 across 11 countries, including number 1 in Greece, number 4 in Switzerland, number 7 in Ireland, and number 8 in Germany.

‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ landed straight at number 1 on the Official Albums chart, making Dave the first British rap act to debut three albums at number 1 on the UK Chart following 2019’s ‘PSYCHODRAMA’ and 2021’s ‘We’re All Alone In This Together’. The album amassed 74,000 UK chart sales in its first seven days, cementing it as the second biggest opening week for a British album in 2025 and the biggest selling rap album in a week on vinyl with 15,561 sales since OCC records began. The album has already been certified Gold in the UK, surpassing 100,000 sales and over 200 million streams across all platforms in less than six weeks post-release.

The global success of ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ extends beyond the UK, landing in the Top 10 across 11 countries including Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland, while reaching number 19 in Canada and number 22 in Germany with no music ahead of release. The 10-track album features collaborations with James Blake, Jim Legxacy, Kano, and Tems, with “Raindance” serving as the second visual following the cinematic video for “Chapter 16” featuring Kano. The combination of introspective storytelling and global chart dominance proves Dave continues to operate at the peak of his craft.

Dave kicks off his highly anticipated The Boy Who Played the Harp headline world tour next month, having already sold over 215,000 tickets including four sold-out shows at the iconic O2 Arena in London. The 2026 world tour launches with limited tickets still available, positioning Dave for another massive year of live performances following the unprecedented success of his third studio album. This release cycle demonstrates what happens when artistic vision meets undeniable commercial appeal, and the “Raindance” video only amplifies that momentum.

Is the Free Boiler Scheme Better Than Electric Heating?

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By Mitch Rice

Electric heating means the use of electricity rather than gas or oil. Storage heaters and panel heaters are the most common types. Some households even have electric heaters. Unlike fuel burning, electric heating just uses electrical elements to produce heat. 

It is easier to install electric systems. They are perfect for flats and small homes. Many homes without access to gas pipes also use electric heating.

What Is the Free Boiler Scheme?

The free boiler scheme is a government-backed support programme which mainly works under the ECO4 scheme. The scheme helps low-income households replace old boilers. The boiler upgrade can be fully funded. 

Homeowners and private tenants may qualify. The property must meet efficiency rules. The new boiler is usually gas or oil-based. The aim is lower bills and better heating.

Who Can Get a Free Boiler?

Not everyone gets a free boiler. One must be income and benefits eligible to get one. Even some people receiving certain benefits may be able to get one. Benefits like Pension Credit and Universal Credit can help one get a free boiler. 

The home should have an inefficient boiler. The boiler must be very old or broken. The property should have low energy efficiency. If an energy assessment is approved, then that is the last step in the process.

What Is Electric Heating?

Electric heating means the use of electricity rather than gas or oil. Storage heaters and panel heaters are the most common types. Some households even have electric heaters. 

Unlike fuel burning, electric heating just uses electrical elements to produce heat. It is easier to install electric systems. They are perfect for flats and small homes. Many homes without access to gas pipes also use electric heating.

Installation Cost Comparison

Free boilers cost nothing for eligible households. The scheme covers boiler and installation costs. Electric heating systems usually cost less upfront. 

However, installation costs still apply. Wiring upgrades may increase costs. Electric boilers can be expensive to fit. Free boiler schemes remove financial stress. This makes them attractive for low-income households.

Running Cost Comparison

Installation costs are not as important as running costs. Gas boilers are generally less expensive to operate. The price of gas is lower than that of electricity. So, electric heating is more expensive per unit. 

Electric heaters consume a large amount of energy. This leads to a swift increase in the monthly bill. It is the free boilers that, in the long run, provide better savings. This is particularly important for low-income households on a fixed income.

Heating Performance and Comfort

Boilers provide steady whole-home heating. Radiators warm rooms evenly. Hot water is at all times accessible. Electric heaters are heating the rooms one by one. 

Unevenness can be felt in heating. Some of the rooms might remain unheated. Storage heaters are tied to off-peak tariffs. In general, boilers provide a better level of comfort.

Reliability in Cold Weather

The winters in the UK can be very cold. The heating system that works reliably is the only one that can be called for. Gas-fired boilers can easily operate in cold climates. They are fast in heating the residences. 

Electric heaters are the ones that might fail during extremely low temperatures. The electrical power interruptions may stop heating by electricity. However, sometimes, boilers still provide heating during outages. This is the added benefit of peace of mind.

Environmental Impact Comparison

Electric heating can be cleaner. This depends on electricity sources. Renewable electricity reduces emissions. Gas boilers still use fossil fuels. 

However, modern boilers are very efficient. They produce fewer emissions than older models. ECO4 focuses on efficiency improvements. Both options can reduce carbon footprints.

Maintenance and Repairs

Boilers need regular servicing. Annual checks are recommended. Servicing keeps boilers safe and efficient. Electric heating needs less maintenance. 

Fewer moving parts reduce faults. However, electric repairs can be costly. Free boiler schemes often include warranties. This reduces future repair worries.

Suitability for UK Homes

Most UK homes already have gas connections. Boilers fit existing systems easily. Electric heating suits small or modern flats. Older homes lose heat faster. Electric heating may become expensive there. 

Boilers handle larger spaces better. Free boiler schemes suit traditional UK housing. This makes them more practical.

Impact on Property Value

Energy efficiency affects property value. Modern boilers improve EPC ratings. Higher ratings attract buyers and tenants. Electric heating may lower EPC scores. 

This depends on insulation quality. Free boiler upgrades add long-term value. They improve comfort and efficiency. This benefits homeowners.

Free Boiler Scheme Versus Electric Heating

Free boilers imply a lower running cost. They are the source of a heat that is always available. They can be recommended for most houses in the UK. Electric heating is less laborious to install, but it is more expensive in the long run. 

Free boiler initiatives eliminate the requirement for upfront capital. They also work toward eliminating fuel poverty. For many, the choice still leans towards boilers.

When Electric Heating May Be Better

Electric heating is an open option for properties that are off the grid. The houses with no gas may have to rely on electric systems. A well-insulated flat might be able to afford the power bills. Renewable electricity can make the bills shrink. 

Solar panels plus the electric heating are a perfect match. Some landlords prefer electric systems because of the gas safety checks that they don’t have to bear. The context is always important.

Final Verdict

Most of the time, free boiler schemes offer significant advantages over electric heating. They provide greater savings for most households, improve comfort levels, and deliver more reliable warmth.

Running costs stay lower compared to electric alternatives, which are only suitable in certain situations. ECO4 free boilers specifically help vulnerable groups, making modern heating accessible to those who need it most. 

When choosing a system, it’s also important to know which boiler brands to avoid to ensure efficiency and long-term reliability. For most UK homes, a well-chosen boiler remains the smartest heating option.

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

Cheyenne Delivers Flirty Pop Single “Anticipating You” Before New Era Begins

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Cheyenne drops “Anticipating You,” a flirty pop track built for late-night drives and open windows. The single carries modern production that sits comfortably in the pop and indie-pop lane, with glossy synths and warm guitar tones supporting a confident vocal performance that stays locked in from start to finish. Lyrics like “Lying wide awake, while you saturate every part of my brain” capture restless desire and the space between wanting and having. Cheyenne leans into vulnerability and pleasure without apology, creating intimacy that pulls you into a world where nothing else matters. The track arrives as her fifth and final single before a new era begins in 2026, following her Pirate Studios showcase and four previous releases. With an East Coast tour approaching, “Anticipating You” announces Cheyenne as an artist ready to claim her moment. This one lands with the kind of polish and self-assurance that makes repeat plays inevitable.