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J Balvin Teams Up with SOUR PATCH KIDS for Sour Eggs Sweepstakes and Back to the Rayo Tour

Eric Alper
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J Balvin Teams Up with SOUR PATCH KIDS for Sour Eggs Sweepstakes and Back to the Rayo Tour

SOUR PATCH KIDS is partnering with Global Superstar J Balvin to launch the SOUR PATCH KIDS® Sour Eggs x J Balvin Back to the Rayo Tour Sweepstakes. Starting today, fans can enter to win one of twenty-five prize eggs that include a signed Rayo album CD, Back to the Rayo tour merch and SOUR PATCH KIDS Sour Eggs Soft & Chewy Easter Candy. The sweepstakes will run from April 3rd to April 20th, 2025, and a link to enter can be found here. Winners will be notified on April 21st.

This collaboration brings J Balvin’s playful and inspired music to the delectable world of SOUR PATCH KIDS candies, creating an experiential partnership with multiple points of engagement. “Everyone knows I am still a kid at heart and that I love to snack. Sour Patch Kids represents those two things together. I can’t wait to have my fans be a part of the tour through the brand,” said J Balvin.

In addition to the national sweepstakes, SOUR PATCH KIDS will have a presence at the Back to the Rayo Tour performance in Houston ahead of Easter on April 17th, 2025. SOUR PATCH KIDS will be onsite with the mascot in the Toyota Center to offer attendees the chance to try SOUR PATCH KIDS Sour Eggs.

“At SOUR PATCH KIDS, we’re always looking for inventive ways to spark mischief among our fans,” said John Vasington, Brand Manager, Mondelēz International. “We jumped at the opportunity to create a sour egg experience with the iconic and always energetic J Balvin. The Back to the Rayo Tour offers a unique way to delight fans with tickets to one of J Balvin’s unforgettable performances.”

The SOUR PATCH KIDS Sour Eggs are a tasty way to add a little mischief to your early spring and Easter celebrations. Each treat-sized Easter candy pack features Easter-themed graphics and contains chewy candy eggs with mouth-puckering black raspberry flavor for a sour-then-sweet treat. Whether you’re filling eggs for Easter egg hunts, handing out party favors, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these sour candies are sure to be a hit!

Vir Das Announces ‘The Outsider, a Memoir for Misfits’ via HarperCollins India

Eric Alper
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Vir Das Announces ‘The Outsider, a Memoir for Misfits’ via HarperCollins India

HarperCollins India announces the publication of The Outsider, A Memoir for Misfits, by Vir Das. Beloved comedian Vir Das shares his journey as a perpetual outsider, using humour to navigate heartbreak, failure and the quest for belonging.

When comedian and actor Vir Das found himself stranded on a pier in Cozumel, Mexico, watching his cruise ship sail away without him due to visa issues, it became a metaphor for his life: he’s always been, and will always be, an outsider. Standing on that beach, he took in the absurdity of it all—broke, hungover, dumped, jobless, trousers full of sand. He knew the best way to deal with the situation wasn’t to retreat. It was to laugh.

Vir’s story is one of cultural dissonance and identity exploration. As a child, he bounced from India to Lagos, Nigeria, and back again. He navigated life between worlds, never quite fitting in.

You’ve heard stories of kids who despise boarding school, but have you ever heard the story of a kid who despised it so much he faked appendicitis and went through with the surgery to get out? That’s Vir. In Africa, he was the kid from India, and back in India, he was the kid from Africa. As the only Indian kid co-starring in War and Peace on stage at Knox College in Illinois, his outsider status was undeniable. Whether he’s washing dishes at a Grand Lux Café in Chicago, navigating Bollywood, getting cancelled by an entire country and then embraced by that country all over again, or performing on stages from New York to Mumbai to Stavanger, Norway, Vir has learned to lean way into his place as an outsider, and to find humour and meaning on the fringes.

The Outsider is more than just a memoir about Vir’s rise to comedic fame; it’s a powerful reflection on how being a misfit can shape one’s identity into something truly unique. Vir’s story speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place, serving as a testament to the resilience and humour that can arise when you resist the urge to fit in, and stay true to who you are.

Vir Das, author, says, “I’ve had a strange life that took me across the world more than anyone I know. I don’t know how one ends up being the Indian kid in Nigeria, the African kid in boarding school, the boarding school kid in Delhi Public School, the Delhi kid in Galesburg, Illinois, the Chicago guy in Alabama, the America-return in Mumbai, the Bollywood guy in comedy, the stand- up comedy guy in Bollywood, the Bollywood guy in Indie Music and the Indian in American comedy. All I know is, when you are blessed enough to step into all those worlds, you write a book about it. I hope to take you across the world through the eyes of a fortunate fool.”

Poulomi Chatterjee, Executive Publisher – HarperCollins India, says, “Vir has been a force to reckon with in the Indian entertainment industry, a pioneer, an entertainer par excellence, a truth-teller in the way of the best of humourists. The Outsider is a brilliant read, Vir’s story told straight from his heart – it’s candid, hugely relatable, often heartbreaking and, of course, very frequently funny. Living, loving and working with passion and on your own terms, like Vir does, takes a whole lot of courage – in the end that is the inspiration one walks away with from his story. I had a marvellous time reading and working on it and I’m delighted to be publishing it. For his legions of fans, here and across the world, and anyone who has that strange, out-of-place feeling about their lives and wants to have fun negotiating it, this is the perfect read.”

Emmy-winning comedian and actor Vir Das has emerged as one of the most beloved voices in comedy worldwide. The New York Times says, ‘No artist embodies the globalization of stand-up like Vir Das.’ His fourth and most recent Netflix comedy special Landing premiered to universal praise from fans and critics alike earning Vir a 2023 International Emmy Award win for Best Comedy, his first win and second nomination. His previous Netflix special Vir Das: For India was nominated for a 2021 International Emmy Award for Best Comedy as well. Vir has performed over hundred comedy shows in all major cities across India. In addition to his success on the standup comedy stage, Vir has created, produced, and starred in multiple series, including ABC’s Whiskey Cavalier, Netflix’s Hasmokh, and Amazon’s Jestination Unknown. He has also played major roles in Hindi films such as Delhi

Belly, Go Goa Gone, and Badmaash Company. He starred in Judd Apatow’s Netflix feature The Bubble, and he is currently developing various feature and television projects.

Mentos Brings Back Iconic ’90s Jingle with Help from Adam Waheed, That’s a Bad Idea And Aubrey Gavello

Eric Alper
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Mentos Brings Back Iconic ’90s Jingle with Help from Adam Waheed, That’s a Bad Idea And Aubrey Gavello

oo doo doo doo, doo-doo, doo-waah! Mentos is bringing back its beloved 90s jingle, a tune that defined a generation, was the ultimate earworm, and claimed to help fix everyday problems, even if it was a little cheesy. Decades after it was first introduced, the fan-favorite is officially back, fueled by nostalgia and blending its original magic with a fresh update for a whole new generation.

“The power of nostalgia is undeniable,” said Jen Redmond, Gum and Mints Category Director at Perfetti Van Melle. “We know the iconic jingle can’t fix everyday problems, but we hope a sweet taste of the past, and a roll of Mentos, will help make them a little better.”

Mentos relaunched the jingle on April 1 across social, digital and audio streaming platforms iHeart Radio and YT Music. While it stays true to the original melody which debuted almost 35 years ago, the 2025 version taps into social media influencers Adam Waheed, That’s a Bad Idea and Aubrey Gavello to bring a fresh perspective while keeping the classic charm intact.

Mentos is a beloved brand in more than 160 countries around the world which has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new flavors, variations, and packaging over the years.

Whether you grew up singing along or are hearing it for the first time, the return of Mentos’ iconic jingle is a moment to celebrate. Keep your ears out as new versions of the song are released throughout the summer, including custom lyrics by comedic musicians Carter Vail and Kyle Gordon.

Dove and Chika Launch ‘Hot Seats’ Concert Campaign Featuring Charli xcx, SOFI TUKKER, Olivia Rodrigo And More

Eric Alper
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Dove and Chika Launch ‘Hot Seats’ Concert Campaign Featuring Charli xcx, SOFI TUKKER, Olivia Rodrigo And More

Earlier this year, Dove introduced Let Your Body Body, its Whole Body Deo campaign featuring a custom track by artist, actress, and producer Chika – a fresh take on Khia’s 2002 anthem, My Neck, My Back, and reimagined to inspire body confidence and self-love through movement and dance. Now, Dove is taking it beyond the screen and putting music fans in the center of the action with the launch of Dove Hot Seats.

Live music brings the heat – but that doesn’t mean you have to smell like it. With over 56 million TikTok views of people begging concertgoers to wear deodorant, it’s clear that B.O. is killing the vibe. That’s where the new Dove Whole Body Deo Cooling Spray comes in. With 72-hour odor control, this all-over solution lets fans dance like nobody’s smelling.

As fans show up for the artists they love, Dove is showing up for them. Hot Seats aims to give music lovers access to this year’s biggest concerts – and equips them with Dove Whole Body Deo so they can dance with total confidence.

To kick things off, Dove hosted an exclusive pop-up concert with iconic genre-defying duo SOFI TUKKER at SILO in Brooklyn on April 1. Fans showed up to claim ‘Hot Seats’ for themselves and a friend—scoring access to an intimate, high-energy set.

Next up for Hot Seats? Charli xcx’s sold-out U.S. Brat Tour. From there, Dove is turning up the heat with exclusive ‘Hot Seats’ at Lollapalooza in Chicago (July 31 – August 3), letting fans sweat confidently while vibing to artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii and more.

Dove Hot Seats x Charli xcx BRAT 2025 – ARENA TOUR: How It Works 
Dove is taking it IRL with a Hot Seats scavenger hunt in BRAT 2025 – ARENA TOUR cities Austin, Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York City. Winners will score two tickets to Charli xcx’s BRAT 2025 – ARENA TOUR in their city. Here’s how to participate:

  • Follow the Clues – Starting April 5, 2025, head to reddit.com/r/DoveHotSeats to find location clues that lead to a chance to win hidden Hot Seats locations in your city.
  • Find the Digital Billboard Truck – Solve the clue and track down a Hot Seats digital billboard truck as it moves through each city.
  • Scan & Win – Be one of the first to scan the truck’s QR code, and you’ll snag a pair of tickets to one of the year’s hottest shows.

BRAT 2025 – ARENA TOUR Scavenger Hunt Schedule:

  • Austin, TX – Saturday April 5 → Win tickets for Tuesday April 22 or Wednesday April 23 (Moody Center ATX)
  • Minneapolis, MN – Saturday April 5 → Win tickets for Saturday April 26 (Target Center)
  • Chicago, IL – Sunday April 6 → Win tickets for Monday April 28 (Allstate Arena)
  • New York, NY – Saturday April 5 & Sunday April 6 → Win tickets for Wednesday April 30, Thursday May 1, Saturday May 3, or Sunday May 4 (Barclays Center)

“Music has always been a space for confidence and self-expression, which makes it a perfect fit for Dove,” said Kevin Tolson, Head of Dove & SheaMoisture Deodorants at Unilever. “Hot Seats is not only about providing fans access to their favorite artists, but also a fresh, all-over solution so fans can enjoy every moment and let their body ‘body’ without the fear of odor.”

Throughout the year, Dove will announce more Hot Seats ticket drops on reddit.com/r/DoveHotSeats, giving fans even more chances to win tickets to see their favorite artists at shows and music festivals. Stay tuned for more information on how to win tickets to Lollapalooza and other events in 2025.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Teams with Hard Rock International as Brand Ambassador

Eric Alper
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Hard Rock International is proud to welcome NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a brand ambassador to its roster of legendary athlete partners. This exciting partnership will bring exclusive collaborations and limited-time offers to NASCAR fans while they watch and revel in the 2025 season.

“Hard Rock is such a historic and iconic brand,” said Earnhardt Jr. “I have always been a huge fan of music, so the vibes and attention to detail that Hard Rock puts into its locations is incredible to me. They have something for everyone – music, food, drinks, casino games and sports betting. I’m excited to partner with them and the opportunities we have to do some really fun things together.”

“As a leader consistently delivering entertaining experiences across live music, gaming and sports to guests, Hard Rock is honored to have Dale Earnhardt Jr. as part of our team,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment and Brand at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. “Together we will celebrate the spirit of car racing at our properties across the globe through exciting new menu items, apparel and more.”

Cafe Menus
NASCAR fans dining at Hard Rock Cafes can now enjoy Earnhardt’s favorite dishes exclusively on race days. The menu features Star Dust Wings—seasoned with Love All Spice Blend and served with celery, ranch and blue cheese crumbles—and The Ol’ 8—a vodka & Campari cocktail with cherry bitters, sweetened with brown sugar simple syrup, served with a cherry and orange peel garnish.

Rock Shop NASCAR Fan Apparel
Two apparel collections will be available to Earnhardt’s fans and Hard Rock collectors, with the first dropping this month with a stylish t-shirt, hat and zip-up sweatshirt. The second collection will drop in June with a t-shirt, hat and hoodie featuring a new design. Find them at Hard Rock Cafes in Atlanta, Hollywood, FL, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Philadelphia, San Francisco and San Antonio or shop.hardrock.com.

Online Gaming
Through the partnership, NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to engage with Earnhardt via Hard Rock Bet, which has already hosted a sweepstakes at Daytona International Speedway and will offer additional ‘money can’t buy’ experiences for its players to meet the Hall of Fame driver. Fans can also follow along with Earnhardt’s sports betting picks on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet app and view exclusive video content on Hard Rock Bet channels.

Additionally, later this spring, Hard Rock Games will debut the free-to-play Full Throttle with Dale Earnhardt Jr. slot game on the Hard Rock Neverland Casino and Jackpot Planet apps. This high-octane game will put players in the driver’s seat, with their race car gaining speed with each win, delivering an adrenaline-fueled slot experience like no other.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is an American professional stock car racing driver, champion team owner, businessman, NASCAR analyst, and 2022 inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He won a record 15 straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards from 2003 to 2017, consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championships in 1998 and 1999 and the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014.

Earnhardt joins Hard Rock’s fellow athlete ambassadors including soccer star Lionel Messi, whose burger, chicken sandwich, kids meals and Captain Messi superhero toy are fan-favorites on the Hard Rock menu. Hard Rock is also a proud founding sponsor of Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Miami and recently expanded its global alliance with Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

5 Surprising Facts About Metallica’s Black Album

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Metallica’s Black Album

Before it became the monster that sold over 30 million copies and redefined what heavy metal could sound like, Metallica’s Black Album was a battleground—between band and producer, complexity and simplicity, the underground and the mainstream. Released on August 12, 1991, this self-titled record was an entire genre bending at the knee. And while the hits are legendary, here are five lesser-known truths behind the album that changed metal forever.

1. It Took 50 Drum Takes to Lock in the “Sandman” Groove
Lars Ulrich didn’t bang out “Enter Sandman” in one sweaty take—far from it. Producer Bob Rock demanded the kind of studio perfection that nearly drove the band off the rails. According to engineer Randy Staub, the drum parts were often recorded section by section, with upwards of 50 takes blended together just to get the groove exactly right. Want to feel the pressure? Try nailing a ride cymbal hit in front of Metallica and Bob Rock—on your 47th attempt.

2. “Sad But True” Was Only Heavy After a Key Drop
Originally written in standard tuning, “Sad But True” didn’t hit like a tank until Bob Rock suggested tuning down to D, a trick he’d used with Mötley Crüe. Once the band made the switch, the riff turned from a solid stomp into an unstoppable force. That one change not only saved the song—it cracked the code for the rest of the album’s heaviness and inspired future metal bands to explore the deeper end of their tunings.

3. Kirk Hammett’s “Unforgiven” Solo Was Last-Minute Emotion
Kirk Hammett didn’t script the solo to “The Unforgiven.” After multiple failed attempts, he delivered the final version in a raw, emotional burst—on instinct. He described it as a “last-minute improvisation,” and that unfiltered passion is exactly why it’s one of his most loved solos. It marked a turning point where Kirk began embracing more expressive, less technical solos in Metallica’s music.

4. Jason Newsted Finally Got to Be Heard
After getting buried in the mix on …And Justice for All, Jason Newsted’s bass finally rumbled with real presence on the Black Album. Under Bob Rock’s guidance, Newsted found a tone that didn’t fight with the kick drum or guitar low-end. It was the first time Metallica sounded like a four-person machine—where every member could be heard, felt, and feared. Jason earned his place in the sonic lineup, and the low end has never been the same.

5. “Nothing Else Matters” Almost Didn’t Happen
James Hetfield wrote “Nothing Else Matters” for himself. It was a personal song, penned while missing his girlfriend on tour, and he never intended it for the band. When Lars Ulrich heard the demo, he insisted it be included. Hetfield was reluctant—it wasn’t “Metallica enough.” But once the orchestral arrangements by Michael Kamen were layered in, it transformed into a timeless anthem that would close out stadium shows and tear down emotional walls for years to come.

The Black Album was Metallica at their most dangerous. It dared to be simpler, slower, louder, and more vulnerable. It dared to drop the speed but raise the stakes. It broke the genre open for generations, and decades later, after 3 billion streams online, it’s still a masterclass in sonic precision, tension, and release.

5 Surprising Facts About Black Sabbath’s ‘Master of Reality’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Black Sabbath’s ‘Master of Reality’

Before doom had a name, before stoner rock lit up the underground, and before sludge ever dripped from a speaker cone—there was Master of Reality. Released on August 6, 1971, this third studio album by Black Sabbath wasn’t just a record. It was a seismic event. Downtuned, doomy, and devastatingly heavy, it became the blueprint for entire genres to come. Critics didn’t get it—but decades later, bands from Nirvana to Sleep built cathedrals from its riffs. Here are 5 things even your Sabbath-obsessed friend might not know:

1. The Cough That Launched a Thousand Bongs
That wheezing cough at the start of “Sweet Leaf”? 100% real. Tony Iommi was mid-joint, handed to him by Ozzy, when the tape started rolling. Producer Rodger Bain, hearing magic in the moment, looped the cough into the track’s intro. It wasn’t just a candid moment—it was the stoner national anthem clearing its throat. The result? A song that sounds like a love letter to marijuana—and maybe it was.

2. Doom Metal Was Born From a Workplace Accident
Tony Iommi’s signature downtuned guitar tone—the sonic bedrock of doom metal—was a direct result of a tragic factory mishap. After losing the tips of two fingers in an industrial accident, Iommi down-tuned to ease the tension on his strings…and accidentally created one of the heaviest sounds in history. Geezer Butler followed suit on bass. Pain gave birth to thunder, and metal was never the same.

3. Ozzy’s Vocals on “Into the Void” Almost Didn’t Happen
“Rocket engines burning fuel so fast” might roll off the tongue now, but back then? It nearly derailed the album. Ozzy struggled with the fast, tongue-twisting phrasing of “Into the Void,” to the point where the band debated abandoning the track altogether. The final vocal take required multiple studios and total commitment. The irony? Today, it’s hailed as one of their most iconic songs.

4. “Solitude” Features Tony Iommi on Flute and Piano
Yes, the master of metal riffs played…flute? On “Solitude,” Iommi traded distortion for delicacy, laying down not only clean guitar lines but also flute and piano parts. It was a moment of introspection on an otherwise heavy record, showing Sabbath could groove in grayscale as well as black. The delay on Ozzy’s vocals added a ghostly presence—eerie, mournful, and beautiful.

5. The Album Cover and Title Were a Beautiful Disaster
The original UK pressing had embossed black-on-black lettering and came in an envelope-style sleeve with a band poster—pure proto-metal mystique. But early North American pressings got it hilariously wrong: they listed the album as Masters of Reality and added subtitles like “Deathmask” and “Step Up” to various song segments. It was part misprint, part myth-building, and very Sabbath.

Master of Reality was a manifesto written in smoke, distortion, and pure unfiltered power. It shaped generations of metalheads, punks, and cosmic wanderers. The riffs were heavier, the lyrics darker, and the vibes thicker than ever. Over 50 years later, the album still growls from the turntable like it was recorded yesterday…and it still sounds like the future.

Because when Sabbath said they wanted to be heavy—they meant it.

‘Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell’ is the Forgotten Star Wars Adventure Told on Vinyl

Eric Alper
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‘Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell’ is the Forgotten Star Wars Adventure Told on Vinyl

In 1983, Star Wars fans got something wild—a 30-minute audio drama on vinyl. Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell let you hear Han, Luke, Leia, and Chewie blast their way through a mission packed with treachery, decoys, and droids. Written by Brian Daley, the same guy behind the Star Wars radio plays, this was the prequel-before-the-prequel to The Empire Strikes Back. A galaxy far, far away… spun at 33 RPM.

The Flower Kings Release New Single “Burning Both Edges” Ahead of 17th Studio Album ‘LOVE’ Out May 2

Eric Alper
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The Flower Kings Release New Single “Burning Both Edges” Ahead of 17th Studio Album ‘LOVE’ Out May 2

The Flower Kings will be releasing their 17th studio album LOVE on May 2nd, 2025. With 17 studio albums, countless live recordings, and performances at festivals and tours worldwide, over a 30-year career, their influence on progressive rock is undeniable and only continues to grow.

Now, the band is pleased to share the single “Burning Both Edges”, the second track taken from the album LOVE. Roine Stolt describes the new track: “‘Burning Both Edges’ is another song from our album LOVE; We live in troubled times where stupidity and fear always seem to push us to yet another conflict, another war.

“LOVE could change everything, but we chose to burn the house down time after time. The world is indeed burning in so many ways – east, west, high, low and yet we choose to follow leaders that are not fit to lead. This song is a piece in the puzzle, meant to be heard in a sequence and context that is our new album song-cycle LOVE.”

The album features the three original members—Roine Stolt, Hasse Fröberg, and Michael Stolt—alongside relative newcomers Mirko DeMaio and Lalle Larsson. Together, they have crafted an album that embodies the essence of progressive rock from the late sixties and early seventies. This era was marked by a departure from the norm of seeking hit singles, embracing creativity with bell-bottoms, Mellotrons, Moogs, phasing, flanging, and epic compositions. The Flower Kings have always had a knack for writing songs that blend pop sensibilities with experimental and jam band influences.

Pre-order LOVE now at: https://theflowerkings.lnk.to/LOVE

LOVE Tracklist:

1.We Claim The Moon
2.The Elder
3.How Can You Leave Us Now!?
4.World Spinning
5.Burning Both Edges
6.The Rubble
7.Kaiser Razor
8.The Phoenix
9.The Promise
10.Love Is
11.Walls Of Shame
12.Considerations

The Flower Kings will bring their new album LOVE to the live stages in Europe during May/June. The tour is accompanied by Neal Morse & Resonance.

Tour Dates:

May 29 – STOCKHOLM SWE – Södra Teatern
May 30 – GÖTEBORG SWE – Musikens Hus
June 4 – LONDON UK – Islington Assembly Hall
Jun 5 – MANCHESTER UK – Academy 2
Jun 6 – TILBURG NL – 013
Jun 7 – PARIS FR – Le Trianon
Jun 8 – GRONINGEN NL – Oosterpoort
Jun 10 – ASCHAFFENBURG DE – Colos-Saal
Jun 11 – COPENHAGEN DK – Viften
Jun 12 – WROCLAW PL – Radio Wroclaw Concert Hall
Jun 13 – PRAGUE CZ – Palac Akropolis
Jun 14 – PRATTELN SW – Z7
Jun 15 – FONTANETO D’AGOGNA IT – Phenomenon

VOLUME Announce 2025 U.S. Tour in Support of Joy of ‘Navigation (A Trip Through the Eternal Unknown)’

Eric Alper
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VOLUME Announce 2025 U.S. Tour in Support of Joy of ‘Navigation (A Trip Through the Eternal Unknown)’

Twentynine Palms, CA band Volume announce full US tour dates today supporting their new album Joy of Navigation (A Trip Through the Eternal Unknown).

The band is VOLUME and it deals primarily in density: Thick and weighty as the abundant sand surrounding their Twentynine Palms, CA hometown, but also comprised of a mass of fine grit that can sear the skin with a gust of wind, and quickly dissipate into the ether.

Yes, that is to say, VOLUME are purveyors of Heavy Acid Rock. Doomy psychedelia, but with more raw 70s punk brash than masquerading metal. VOLUME draw musical influences from bands such as The Stooges, MC5 and Black Flag to name a few, while also crafting their own distinctive heavy psychedelic identity. And, with Joy of Navigation, the band ventures into heavier, more psychedelic tones, while also keeping powerful hooks as the focus.

Originally formed in 1993 by ex-Fu Manchu singer Patrick Brink, the band has featured a revolving set of collaborators, with ex-Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell playing leads on the forthcoming Joy of Navigation mini-album. David Catching (QOTSA, Arctic Monkeys, Iggy Pop) co-produced the tracks with Brink, as well as playing synth on the recording. Mike Amster (Nebula, Mondo Generator, Spoon Benders) plays drums on the mini-album. The current live lineup includes Mingus on drums, bassist Jason Hernandez and lead guitarist Derek Christensen.

Brink founded the band in order to take the lead and steer the musical reins down psychedelic rocking routes. Having performed with a number of acts including the aforementioned vocals for Fu Manchu in their early days, VOLUME offered Patrick a new creative outlet. Over their career the band has shared stages with Queens of the Stone Age, Mastodon and Goatsnake, and performed at festivals including Emissions of the Monolith and Stoner Hands of Doom (SHoD).

Brink’s upbringing in the secluded desert town east of Joshua Tree and 60 miles north of Palm Springs had a huge impact on his songwriting. It is a place of beauty and harsh realities, and those contrasts are present throughout Patrick’s lyrics and songs. After getting into punk rock by accident in high school Patrick started his first band a couple of years later with the only other punks in town. This early love of punk rock inadvertently led him to the heavier bands on SST Records such as Wurm, SWA, DC3 and St. Vitus.

Heavy As F*ck (1996) and Love Is A Mountain And Heavy As F*ck (1998) were the band’s first recordings. In the Fall of 1998, the seven inch Check This Planet I’m Gone… was released on Superkool Records. Requesting Permission To Land (High Beam Records) was recorded with the help of Mike McHugh (Train, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion). Each song was recorded in one or two takes to retain the original heart and soul of the piece.

“It’s rock and roll. Not brain surgery,” says Patrick of the recording process. The end result is a potent blend of thirty-plus minutes of Psychedelic fuzzfest freakout and perhaps some of the rawest riffs you’re likely to hear.

VOLUME draw inspiration from a time when music was truly experimental and free. They see themselves as rock’n’roll torch bearers whose duty it is to bring the flame, intact, into the future. They invite you to join in that endeavor, for the “Joy of Navigation.”

“Joy of Navigation (A Trip Through the Eternal Unknown)” is available for download/streaming, released on November 1st, 2024 via Golden Robot Recordings, and on LP via Kozmik Artifactz. Order HERE.

VOLUME LIVE 2025:
05/16 Las Vegas, NV – Dive Bar
05/17 Salt Lake City, UT – DLC
05/18 Denver, CO – The Crypt
05/19 Kansas City, KS – Mini Bar
05/20 Des Moines, IA – Lefty’s
05/21 Chicago, IL – Reggies
05/22 Detroit, MI – the Sanctuary
05/23 Lakewood, OH – 5 O’Clock Lo unge
05/24 New York, NY – Lucky 13
05/25 Boston, MA – Mid East Upstairs
05/26 Philadelphia, PA – Animated Brewing
05/27 Baltimore, MD – the Metro
05/28 Louisville, KY – Mag Bar
05/29 St Louis, MO – Red Flag
05/30 Tulsa, OK – Whittier Bar
05/31 Albuquerque, NM – Echoes
06/01 Phoenix, AZ – Yucca Tap Room

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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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