Home Blog Page 751

Jon Batiste to Receive Inaugural Ray Charles “Architect of Sound” Award at 2025 GRAMMY Hall of Fame Gala

Eric Alper
-
0
Jon Batiste to Receive Inaugural Ray Charles “Architect of Sound” Award at 2025 GRAMMY Hall of Fame Gala

Building on its long-standing relationship with the Ray Charles Foundation, the GRAMMY Museum announces the creation of the Ray Charles “Architect of Sound” Award, an annual honor presented at the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum’s GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala. The inaugural recipient, multi-GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jon Batiste, will receive the award at the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala on May 16, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

Inspired by the boundless genius of Charles—whose legacy as a performer, pianist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur forever transformed the musical landscape—the “Architect of Sound” Award recognizes an artist whose influence echoes across generations. This award celebrates those who, like Charles, transcend genre, redefine creativity, and leave an indelible mark on music and culture. Whether through innovation in sound, groundbreaking artistry, or an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the recipient embodies the pioneering spirit of one of music’s greatest architects. A 17-time GRAMMY winner with 10 recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Ray Charles was one of the most influential artists of all time.

Batiste, a visionary artist, composer, and cultural force, will be the first recipient of this prestigious honor, which celebrates an artist whose impact on music echoes the pioneering spirit of Charles. As a genre-defying pianist, singer-songwriter, and bandleader, Batiste’s contributions to music and culture have been both innovative and timeless, making him the perfect artist to receive this inaugural award.

Jon Batiste said, “Ray Charles is a beacon for me, a blueprint. He is a singular example of musical genius, artistic freedom and craft of the highest level that will continue to inspire humanity for generations and stand the test of time. I am honored to receive this award. It is vitally important to me to carry on our cultural legacy of true artistic greatness and lead the way for generations to come.”

Michael Sticka, GRAMMY Museum President/CEO, said, “Ray Charles was a trailblazing artist whose influence knows no bounds, and Jon Batiste is a true reflection of that legacy. Beyond his immense talent, Jon has been a dedicated partner in advancing the GRAMMY Museum’s mission to make music education more accessible. Honoring him with the inaugural Ray Charles ‘Architect of Sound’ Award is not just fitting—it’s a celebration of two artists who have shaped the sound of generations.”

Valerie Ervin, President of The Ray Charles Foundation, said, “Ray Charles was always pushing music forward—blending genres, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations. He would be deeply honored to have his name attached to an award that celebrates artists who share his fearless creativity and dedication to their craft. Jon Batiste embodies that spirit, and The Ray Charles Foundation is proud to join the GRAMMY Museum in recognizing his extraordinary contributions to music.”

Batiste will take the stage for two special performances during the evening, which will also feature one-of-a-kind musical moments from a lineup of artists to be announced soon. The event will additionally honor this year’s label honoree, Republic Records.

Returning as host is esteemed CBS News journalist Anthony Mason. The show will be produced by former GRAMMY Awards® Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich, alongside Ron Basile, Lindsay Saunders Carl and Lynne Sheridan, with musical direction by GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning composer, producer, and conductor Cheche Alara.

The Gala will celebrate the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings, which include iconic recordings such as JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Cat Stevens’ Tea For The Tillerman, Santana’s Supernatural, and classics from Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Linda Martell, and Luther Vandross.

The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame was established by the Recording Academy’s National Trustees in 1973. The inducted recordings are selected annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts with final ratification by the Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees. With 13 new titles, the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame currently totals 1,165 inducted recordings. Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy. For a full list of 2025 recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, see below or visit here.

Tickets for the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala are on sale now. For more information, visit: https://grammymuseum.org/programs/hof-gala/.

The Devil Wears Nada Announce Debut Album ‘Postalgia,’ Share New Single “Late Night Talking”

Eric Alper
-
0
The Devil Wears Nada Announce Debut Album ‘Postalgia,’ Share New Single “Late Night Talking”

Swedish melodic rock band The Devil Wears Nada proudly announce the release of their new single and lyric video, “Late Night Talking,” as well as their highly anticipated debut album, Postalgia, due out via renowned U.S. hard rock label Eonian Records with presales opening Friday, April 18th.

Fusing 80s melodic rock nostalgia with eerie theatrical flair, Postalgia is a dynamic debut that channels the golden age of AOR with a bold, modern twist. Bursting with high-octane anthems, haunting melodies, and storytelling drenched in theatrical drama, the album draws clear influence from icons such as Alice Cooper, Ghost, and Lordi – while carving a distinct sound of its own.

“Postalgia began as my escape during the pandemic-an outlet when the world felt upside down,” shares drummer and founding member Ludvig Alfvén. “It took two years, 23 demos, and a whole lot of trial and error before we landed on the final version. This record is the heartbeat of who we are.”

Gibson and Serj Tankian Unveil Limited “Foundations” Les Paul Modern Guitar and VIP Experience Package

Eric Alper
-
0
Gibson and Serj Tankian Unveil Limited “Foundations” Les Paul Modern Guitar and VIP Experience Package

Gibson is proud to partner with Serj Tankian, the lead singer and songwriter for the GRAMMY Award-winning hard rock band System Of A Down, to release the Serj Tankian “Foundations” Les Paul Modern, a unique guitar and tour experience package inspired by Tankian’s release last fall of his new Foundations EP on Gibson Records and part of Gibson Custom collaborations with legendary Gibson artists.

“I’m honored to working with the Gibson family on a number of projects all under the headline of ‘Foundations’,” says SERJ TANKIAN. “Foundations means where you come from and the roots that you’ve established, it means how deeply you are embedded within your own society, arc and your own world. When we decided to put out the EP FOUNDATIONS on Gibson Records, that’s one to the things I wanted to impart, that the songs go back many years as original demos that were later finished, so we released that record and now we are unveiling the companion signature guitar. The ‘Foundations’ guitar is ingrained with a piece of my artwork titled ‘Sunburst’, it’s a beautiful guitar and the collection includes the guitar, a signed vinyl of the FOUNDATIONS EP, a print of the ‘Sunburst’ artwork, my memoir ‘Down with the System’, and a pair of VIP tickets to any of our 2025 System Of A Down, North American stadium shows.”

Only 25 guitars and music experience packages are available, exclusively launching worldwide today via Gibson.com and at the Gibson Garage flagship store in Nashville. To learn more, call the Gibson Garage Nashville at (615) 933-6000 or click here.

The SERJ TANKIAN “Foundations” Les Paul Modern guitar and music experience package includes:

1. A signed “Foundations” Gibson Les Paul Modern guitar
(autographed on headstock).

2. A signed vinyl copy of Serj Tankian’s FOUNDATIONS EP of new music.

3. A signed copy of Serj Tankian’s memoir “Down With The System.”

4. A signed 18 x 24″ museum-quality print of Serj’s artwork “Sunburst,” which is featured on the guitar and the EP cover.

5. A pair of VIP tickets to an upcoming System Of A Down concert this fall of the purchaser’s choice on one of six North American dates in the following cities: two in New York City, two in Chicago, and two in Toronto.

Tony Holiday Drops New Album ‘Keep Your Head Up,’ Blending Memphis Soul and Blues Tradition With Modern Fire

Eric Alper
-
0
Tony Holiday Drops New Album ‘Keep Your Head Up,’ Blending Memphis Soul and Blues Tradition With Modern Fire

Tony Holiday is proud to announce the release of his new album, Keep Your Head Up, produced by Eric Corne. The new record is out today via Forty Below Records.

Tony Holiday has been at the center of a Memphis soul-blues revival anchored by a contingent of young, savvy, well-schooled musicians with a “family-like” attitude and a strong belief in one another. Over the past few years, He’s been touring hard, taking spells in between to write and record with Producer Eric Corne in Memphis and Los Angeles. The result is this new album, Keep Your Head Up.

The album demonstrates an impressive command of styles, as Holiday leads his band fluidly through Texas, Chicago, and hill country blues with plenty of Memphis soul and even a touch of Afrobeat.

Over the past couple of years, Holiday has been touring hard, taking spells in between to write and record with Producer Eric Corne in Memphis and Los Angeles. And all that hard work has come to fruition, Keep Your Head Up, is an album that covers a tremendous amount of territory over eight pithy tracks.

The album opens with the Freddie King classic “She’s A Burglar,” a gripping Texas Blues featuring good pal Eddie 9V on lead guitar and sharing vocal duties. Next is the intense Chicago blues flavored “Twist My Fate,” written by Corne, featuring Holiday’s stellar harmonica work and shared vocal duties from the incomparable Kevin Burt.

Holiday and Corne turn “A Woman Named Trouble” on its head with a fascinating Afrobeat flavor, including a riveting trumpet solo by occasional E Streeter Mark Pender before locking into some greasy Memphis soul compliments of regular collaborator AJ Fullerton on “Good Times.”

Laura Chavez, last year’s Blues Music Award winner for ‘Guitarist of the Year’ turns in a fabulous performance on the soulful, horn-laden “Shoulda Known Better” before the album shifts to a modern take on hill country blues with “Walk On The Water,” written by Corne who also sings a bluegrass style harmony throughout, adding a unique flavor to the track.

Fan favorite Albert Castiglia joins Holiday with some spirited guitar and vocals on the playful Snooks Eaglin classic “Drive It Home,” and Holiday shows why he’s one of the finest harmonica players on the scene today, despite electing not to play the instrument on over half the songs on the album.

The record closes with a brilliant surprise, a bittersweet country soul Americana song called “I Can Not Feel The Rain,” written by Holiday with help from Corne and Jad Tariq, who plays the role of Steve Cropper throughout this record.

Tony is currently receiving airplay on Sirius XM Bluesville, and there’s been no shortage of praise; Blues Blast declared, “Mixing Memphis soul with Texas blues, Chicago blues, a dash of blues-rock, and a hint of hill country blues, ” Holiday has crafted a modern sound yet rooted firmly in the 1960s. It is a glorious mash-up of genres that remains true soul-blues”, Blues Rock Review opined that it is “A solid, engaging record that reinforces Holiday’s promising status in today’s blues scene.” and Blues Matters put it succinctly “Keep Your Head Up is an album of eight pieces of musical gold.”

Dom Dolla and Kid Cudi Team Up for Euphoric New Single “Forever,” Debuted Live at Madison Square Garden

Eric Alper
-
0
Dom Dolla and Kid Cudi Team Up for Euphoric New Single “Forever,” Debuted Live at Madison Square Garden

GRAMMY Award-nominated artist, producer, and DJ Dom Dolla teams up with genre-defying GRAMMY Award-winning Kid Cudi officially release their highly anticipated new single, “Forever” (via Three Six Zero / Columbia)

The collaboration arrives on the heels of Dom Dolla’s sold-out doubleheader at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where he debuted the track live to 30,000 fans. In a surprise moment, Kid Cudi took the stage alongside Dom to perform the newly finished “Forever” and nostalgic hits “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Day ‘N’ Nite”, marking Cudi’s first live appearance since Coachella 2024.

While announcing “Forever,” Dom and Kid Cudi shared a behind the scenes video on social media from inside EastWest Studios (Los Angeles), reflecting on how the record came together and the wave of nostalgia it stirred in them both.

Cudi says: “This resurrects all those cherished memories that kids had back when they were younger… it feels like 2010 again”

On the track, Dom says: “Like many people, I grew up a massive fan of Kid Cudi. In many ways, his music was the soundtrack to my youth. When we met for the first time earlier this year, he said to me, ‘Dom… I don’t want to write sad music anymore.’ Given his lyrical history and how far he’s come as an artist, I was excited to get into the studio and see what we could create. We set ourselves the challenge of writing the happiest song we could. Everyone knows the world is going through a pretty wild time at the moment, so we wanted to transport listeners to another time and place.I really hope you all enjoy Forever as much as we do”

To commemorate the release, Dom dropped an exclusive “Live @ Madison Square Garden” version of “Forever,”

Maren Morris Drops Playful New Single “bed no breakfast” Ahead of D R E A M S I C L E Album Release

Eric Alper
-
0
Maren Morris Drops Playful New Single “bed no breakfast” Ahead of D R E A M S I C L E Album Release

Maren Morris has released her new track “bed no breakfast” today. The track is the second single from her upcoming fourth album D R E A M S I C L E, which is set for release on May 9, and arrives with a new visualizer.

Playful, empowered, and unapologetically honest, “bed no breakfast” captures a moment of post-romantic realness with Maren’s signature lyrical wit. Describing the song, Maren shares: “bed no breakfast” is my cheeky little song about wanting personal space after… personal closeness. It’s about a right to your own comforts on your own terms even while having some good-natured fun with somebody. Drunk girls don’t cry… they kick you out.”

The track showcases a lighter, tongue-in-cheek side of D R E A M S I C L E, a record that weaves together themes of self-reclamation, gratitude, loss, and growth. With “bed no breakfast,” Maren continues carving out a lane uniquely her own-one where confidence, humor, and emotional depth all seamlessly coexist.

This new release follows Maren’s 3 buzzed-about Coachella 2025 performances, where she debuted new material and reminded festivalgoers of her incredible live presence. Her dreamy desert weekend – which included a set at White Claw Sessions and surprise guest moments with Gustavo Dudamel & LA Philharmonic as well as Zedd – punctuates what has already been a monumental return for Maren, as she reintroduces herself with fearless energy and full honesty.

Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of “We Belong Together” With ‘Emancipation of Mimi’ Anniversary Releases

Eric Alper
-
0
Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of “We Belong Together” With ‘Emancipation of Mimi’ Anniversary Releases

Mariah Carey and Vevo debuted a new episode of Footnotes, taking viewers behind-the-scenes of “We Belong Together,” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the record-breaking hit that became one of the most successful songs of her career.

In the episode, Mariah reflects on the creation and storytelling behind the iconic song and its place within The Emancipation of Mimi. She shares how the track was one of the last written for the album, created during a collaborative session with Jermaine Dupri that also produced “It’s Like That” and “Shake It Off.” Mariah discusses her intention to make the album feel current while staying true to her signature style, trying to create songs that would become modern classics.

The video for “We Belong Together” continues the narrative that began with “It’s Like That,” forming a dramatic love triangle storyline starring Wentworth Miller and Eric Roberts. Mariah shares her excitement about telling a story across two music videos and expresses appreciation for her label’s support and the creative freedom she was given. She also reveals behind-the-scenes details and fashion choices, like wearing the dress from her first wedding, which helped save on the video’s budget and filming additional scenes during a promo tour in London. The result is a cinematic and emotional piece that has resonated with fans for nearly two decades.

Mariah will release a suite of special 20th anniversary edition releases of The Emancipation of Mimi on May 30 via Def Jam Records/UMe. The marquee release is a gorgeous, limited edition 5LP vinyl box set, personally compiled by Mariah to bring together the musical world she created, and continues to create, around this masterwork. As elaborate as it is all-encompassing, this ultimate fan-must have combines the original album and beloved tracks from the Ultra Platinum Edition, such as the hit single “Don’t Forget About Us,” “Makin’ It Last All Night (What It Do),” “Secret Love,” and “Sprung,” with dozens of bonus tracks, spanning from Emancipation era dance remixes, artist collabs, instrumentals, acapellas, and edits, culled from various CD singles and maxi singles, to brand new remixes by the likes of KAYTRANADA and Esentrik. Housed in a beautiful slipcase, the expansive 5LP vinyl collection features exclusive packaging with a 28-page booklet with stunning photos of Mariah as well as a personal letter from the legendary singer to her fans about the significance of this unprecedented album in her extraordinary career. A deluxe 2LP vinyl set as well as a digital deluxe edition with selected handpicked tracks from the box set will also be available.

Sleep Habits Announces ‘Mourning Doves’ EP, Shares Reflective New Single “Antique Mall”

Eric Alper
-
0
Sleep Habits Announces ‘Mourning Doves’ EP, Shares Reflective New Single “Antique Mall”

New Orleans musician Sleep Habits, the moniker of Alan Howard, is excited to announce his new EP, Mourning Doves, available May 10, 2025 via NOLA’s DIY scenemaker Kiln Recordings. Out now is lead single, “Antique Mall,” which reflects on the tendency to treasure and archive memories, clinging to conceptions of the past even as life continues to shift.

Today’s release aims to make sense of that burden through a combination of hazy, mellow acoustics and focused synths, merging feelings of old and new to reach a point of understanding. The impending EP was heavily influenced by Killers and Stars by Patterson Hood, featuring live recordings and sparse reflections on the past.

“At the time I wrote this song, I was coming to terms with the fact that you can’t carry everything with you throughout your life,” Howard reflects on “Antique Mall.” “The physical space of the antique mall symbolizes that feeling. With that symbol as its base, the song explores allowing yourself to hold onto the reverence of memory and acknowledge how it has shaped you, while letting go of the idealistic sense of the ‘good ol’ days’.”

Also out now is the music video for “Antique Mall,” which features a collection of warm, vintage visuals that reflect the liminal space people often traverse when reflecting back on memories and their sense of identity. Howard encourages viewers to sift through the curious objects featured throughout the track using an “I Spy” list, creating the opportunity to viewers to engage or simply take in shots of the ephemeral mall landscape.

Puddle of Mudd Announce New Album ‘Kiss The Machine’ And Releases Lead Single “Beautimous”

Eric Alper
-
0
Puddle of Mudd Announce New Album ‘Kiss The Machine’ And Releases Lead Single “Beautimous”

Puddle of Mudd is ready to shake up the music world with their latest album, Kiss The Machine. The album will be released on May 2, 2025, via Pavement Entertainment.

To give fans a taste of what’s to come, the album’s lead single, “Beautimous,” is available now.

Kiss The Machine showcases the band’s fearless approach to music and their commitment to innovation. “There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in this record,” says Scantlin. “We wanted to mix and match different styles together, have fun, and just create something fresh. It’s all about pushing boundaries and breaking out of the same old vibe.”

Kiss The Machine reflects the raw energy and personal journey of Scantlin, who was fully immersed in every aspect of its creation. “This album was a moment of clarity – me looking in the mirror. I was there night after night in the studio, learning, recording, pushing myself, and making sure every part of it felt authentic. I’m super proud of how it all came together,” says Scantlin.

Kiss The Machine is a testament to resilience and creative freedom. “I just want people to feel something – to smile, and have some hope in their hearts,” Scantlin shares. “Music has the power to heal, and if these songs help someone through a tough time, that means everything to me. That’s what this album is all about.”

KISS THE MACHINE Track Listing:
1. Beautimous
2. Free
3. In Love with a Dancer
4. Back Against the Wall
5. Firefly
6. Maniac
7. Baby You Da Best
8. Everything
9. Win Win Win

Veil Of The Serpent Honors Iced Earth with Thunderous Cover of “Last December” for ‘Burnt Offerings’ 30th Anniversary

Eric Alper
-
0
Veil Of The Serpent Honors Iced Earth with Thunderous Cover of “Last December” for ‘Burnt Offerings’ 30th Anniversary

Veil Of The Serpent has unveiled their latest release, a thunderous and emotionally charged cover of Iced Earth’s classic track, “Last December”. Known for their dark, haunting sound and gripping storytelling, Veil Of The Serpent delivers a fresh yet faithful rendition of the 1995 Burnt Offerings masterpiece. Retaining the original song’s raw intensity and melancholic atmosphere, the band injects their signature heavy, immersive sound, making this version a standout tribute to the legendary power metal pioneers.

The release of this cover also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Iced Earth’s Burnt Offerings, an album that left an indelible mark on the metal scene. Veil Of The Serpent pays homage to this milestone by bringing new life to one of its most memorable tracks, bridging the past and present of heavy metal.

This release follows Veil Of The Serpent’s recent success with their concept album Gallery Of Sin, which received critical acclaim for its cinematic storytelling. Their momentum continues with “Last December”, showcasing their ability to reimagine classic metal anthems while staying rooted in their own artistic identity.

Fans can stream “Last December” on all major digital platforms, with an accompanying lyric video available on the band’s official YouTube channel.

1...750751752...3,032Page 751 of 3,032

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

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

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper