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XPoNential Music Festival 2025 Brings Courtney Barnett, War, Sharon Van Etten & More to the Camden Waterfront

Eric Alper
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XPoNential Music Festival 2025 Brings Courtney Barnett, War, Sharon Van Etten & More to the Camden Waterfront

WXPN announces the lineup for the 32nd annual XPoNential Music Festival Presented By Subaru taking place at Wiggins Park on the Camden, NJ Waterfront September 19th, 20th and 21st 2025. Celebrated for their signature blend of roots, blues, indie rockers, and singer-songwriters, this year’s WXPN thoughtfully selected bill includes indie rockers Courtney Barnett and Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory and the eclectic, genre blending War as headliners.  Joining them at Wiggins Park is Greensky Bluegrass, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Molly Tuttle, Soccer Mommy, Spin Doctors, Richard Thompson, Tune-Yards and more.

The outdoor XPoNential Music Festival features WXPN’s “impeccably curated” mix of established, emerging and local artists, as cited by Philadelphia magazine in naming it Best Music Festival in its 2023 “Best of Philly” awards.

Produced in partnership with the Camden County Board of Commissioners, the XPoNential Music Festival attracts audiences from Greater Philadelphia, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeastern US to Wiggins Park, which offers convenient access via public transportation, two waterfront stages in natural amphitheaters that produce great sound, lawn seating, and riverfront promenades that offer spectacular views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline. In addition to its variety of artists, amenities that include free non-alcoholic beverages and an artist meet-and-greet area for WXPN members, a children’s activities area, and extensive food, beverage, and other vendor selections make the festival an enjoyable experience for music lovers of all ages.

“The XPoNential Music Festival has served as a staple event on the Camden Waterfront since 2005,” Commissioner Jeffrey Nash said. “As always, the festival has a wonderful lineup of diverse musical performances so there is truly something that everyone will enjoy. We cannot wait for this year’s event and encourage everyone to join us on the Waterfront.”

XPoNential Music Festival 2025 Lineup includes:

Friday, September 19, 2025
War
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Snacktime
Southern Avenue
Black Buttafly
Fawziyya Heart

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Molly Tuttle
Soccer Mommy
Richard Thompson
Kathleen Edwards
Tune-Yards
Owen Stewart
Maxwell Stern & The Good Light Band

Sunday, September 21, 2025
Courtney Barnett
Greensky Bluegrass
Spin Doctors
Craig Finn
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Zinadelphia
Michigander
Emily Drinker

*Stage schedule and set times to be announced.

Tickets and all information about the XPoNential Music Festival can be found at the festival website xpnfest.org. As a benefit of their membership, WXPN members receive up to 50% discount on festival passes.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Returns with The Teskey Brothers, Lukas Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, The Band Perry and Nearly 100 Acts

Eric Alper
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Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Returns with The Teskey Brothers, Lukas Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, The Band Perry and Nearly 100 Acts

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, presented by Ballad Health and produced by the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music, returns to State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tenn.-Va. Sept. 19-21, 2025 for its 24th annual event, boasting a colossal, genre-bending lineup that includes the soul-drenched blues-rock of Aussie exports The Teskey Brothers, the anthemic harmonies of Shane Smith & The Saints, and next-gen outlaw Lukas Nelson. 14-time GRAMMY winner Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder are also on the roster with platinum-selling chart-toppers The Band Perry, who hail from neighboring Greeneville, Tenn. Breakthrough singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun, known for her collaborations with Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Maren Morris, makes her debut in Bristol alongside festival veterans Steep Canyon Rangers, psychedelic jam band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and buzzworthy, Birmingham, Ala. bluegrass ensemble Mountain Grass Unit, plus many, many more. The three-day celebration is an immersive tribute to the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings and the far-reaching influence of that pivotal moment in American music history.

Kaitlin Butts, Ashley Monroe, Fruition, Sister Sadie, Michael Cleveland, The Wilder Blue, Nolan Taylor, Shadowgrass, Ken Pomeroy, Theo Lawrence, The Wildmans, Jarekus Singleton, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land, Denitia, Chicken Wire Empire also join the lineup of nearly 100 acts slated to appear on a dozen stages in the twin cities designated the “birthplace of country music” by the U.S. Congress.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion amplifies the charm of its vibrant downtown location, steeped in the region’s authentic music, culture, and community. As Saving Country Music puts it, “Instead of traipsing back and forth through an open field like many festivals make you endure, you feel like you’re entering a musical village, and one that you never want to leave.”

New for 2025, Bristol Rhythm will add late night sets at Machiavelli’s outdoor tent, “barn” dances at the Country Music Mural Stage, and the festival’s first Artist in Residence, Dave Eggar. The dynamic cellist, pianist, and composer, who has worked with a host of artists including The Who, Coldplay, Tony Bennett, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, and many, many more, will take his talents from stage to stage, collaborating with a number of festival artists throughout the weekend. Tennessee Songwriters Week Bristol qualifying round winners Austin Barrett, Camden Benoit, Claire Childress, and Erin Dalton will also perform in the round with Sarrenna, hosted by Adam Bolt.

WBCM Radio Bristol, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will bring its popular Farm and Fun Time variety show back to the Paramount Bristol stage during the festival this year, with special guests to be announced. Hoot and Holler, Roanoke’s storytelling collective, will also return to delight audiences with more stories – “out loud!”

Weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are on sale now, with upgraded packages available. Visit BristolRhythm.com for tickets and information.

The 10 Greatest Songs About Radio

Eric Alper
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The 10 Greatest Songs About Radio

For many of us, the radio served as more than a background soundtrack. It filled bedrooms and basements, car rides and quiet nights, with voices and music that felt like lifelines. It introduced new artists, new ideas, and emotions we hadn’t named yet. Long before playlists were curated by algorithms, DJs with personality and passion shaped our taste and our sense of belonging. And in a perfect loop of homage, musicians began writing songs about the very medium that helped carry their voices into the world.

“Radio, Radio” – Elvis Costello
A punk-fueled protest against corporate censorship disguised as a catchy anthem, this is the song Costello wasn’t supposed to play on SNL—so naturally, he did. It’s a biting takedown of broadcast conformity with just the right amount of sneer and jangle. Few songs capture the rebellious spirit of radio quite like this one.

“This Is Radio Clash” – The Clash
If the apocalypse had a house band, it’d be The Clash. This experimental track blasted out warnings over a dystopian soundscape, turning the radio into a pirate ship broadcasting from the edge of chaos. It’s weird, it’s wild, it’s everything the FM dial once promised.

“Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio?” – Ramones
It’s a rallying cry and a eulogy all in one. With Phil Spector at the controls and nostalgia in full force, the Ramones remember a time when the radio mattered. A punk band longing for the golden age of DJs and discotheques—how beautifully ironic.

“On the Radio” – Donna Summer
Only Donna Summer could make heartbreak sound like a disco dream. This shimmering track is about hearing your love life broadcast over the airwaves and somehow dancing through the pain. It’s melodrama, mirrorballs, and the magic of nighttime radio all rolled into one.

“I Can’t Live Without My Radio” – LL Cool J
Before Bluetooth speakers and streaming, there was the boombox, and LL Cool J made it an icon. This track wasn’t just about loving music—it was about identity, defiance, and walking down the street with your soundtrack blasting for the whole block to hear.

“Turn Up the Radio” – Autograph
Hair metal’s contribution to the radio canon is loud, proud, and unrepentantly fun. Autograph didn’t want a deep conversation—they just wanted more volume. For every kid who felt alive rolling down the highway with the speakers maxed out, this was your anthem.

“Mexican Radio” – Wall of Voodoo
A deliciously strange, new wave fever dream, “Mexican Radio” captured the surrealism of late-night broadcasts bleeding over the border. With its spaghetti-western synths and bizarre lyrics, it’s a love song to static-filled frequencies and cross-cultural airwaves.

“You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” – Joni Mitchell
Joni’s sly wink to the music biz turned into one of her most charming tracks. Written at the label’s request for a hit single, she instead delivered a metaphorical seduction wrapped in folk-pop genius. Leave it to Joni to make being a radio into a romance.

“Spirit of Radio” – Rush
Only Rush could pack philosophy, power chords, reggae breakdowns, and a tribute to Toronto’s own CFNY into one song. A celebration of the unpredictability and purity of real radio before it gave way to commercial sludge—“Spirit of Radio” is prog-rock perfection.

“Radio Free Europe” – R.E.M.
Mumbling its way into music history, this jangly debut track was a cryptic call to arms. While the lyrics might be elusive, the energy is unmistakable—a sonic transmission from a band who knew the power of underground airwaves and college radio stations.

The best songs about radio tap into something timeless—the joy of discovery, the ache of connection, and the power of hearing the right song at exactly the right moment. These tracks speak to how radio built culture, sparked revolutions, and made people feel seen, even in solitude. Whether blasted through a boombox or whispered through late-night static, the radio left its mark. These songs remember.

Gigi Perez Announces Debut Album ‘At The Beach, In Every Life’ Out April 25, Shares Track Teaser and Global Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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Gigi Perez Announces Debut Album ‘At The Beach, In Every Life’ Out April 25, Shares Track Teaser and Global Tour Dates

Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and producer Gigi Perez proudly announces her self-produced full-length debut LP, At The Beach, In Every Life, out April 25, 2025, via Island Records. Alongside the announcement, Gigi unveils a striking album trailer that artfully sets the stage for what’s to come.

The passionate, poetic, and powerful body of work centers around themes of grief, love, faith, and religion. Notabl,y the album processes the aftermath of losing her beloved sister Celene whose voice memos weave throughout the LP, the motif that glues her debut together. Recorded and Executive Produced by Perez, and with the help of her dear friends and collaborators, Noah Weinman and Aidan Hobbs, the album captures a clear representation of Gigi’s life over the past five years which saw her signing her first major label deal during the pandemic, getting dropped, returning home to her native South Florida to start over again, and how swimming through grief and romance challenge those things. On her third independent release, Perez released “Sailor Song” before signing to Island Records in the fall of 2024.

On the album, Gigi stated, “This is the album I needed to listen to when I was twenty years old following the passing of my older sister, Celene. It’s taken years to process, and seeing how it’s colored everything in my life, it feels like a flag down in the sand at a checkpoint rather than a destination. And there was water everywhere for miles, and a girl met me there every time. I have been loved through my grief.” 

Rolling Stone recently touted Gigi among “2025 Pop Acts to Watch,” asserting, “Gigi Perez is on track to become a household name this year.” Billboard chronicled her rise, placing her among its “Artists to Watch in 2025,” while BBC claims “it won’t be long before Gigi sees her name tattooed on many more arms.”

Perez made her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Sailor Song” in August 2024, where the single has continued to climb for 33 weeks and has generated nearly 1 billion streams. The song has also reached Top 5 on Spotify’s US charts, Top 10 on Spotify’s Global chart.

In February, Gigi made her debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC with a stunning rendition of “Sailor Song.” HOLLER. professed, “Gigi Perez’s captivating performance consolidates her position as one of the most exciting new voices in the folk-pop genre, with the sense of anticipation continuing to sky-rocket...”

Next up, Gigi will embark on a sold-out global headline tour, performing in Germany, The UK, France, The Netherlands, and Switzerland.  She returns to North America in April for a headline run including shows at Irving Plaza in New York, NY on April 23 and the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on May 7.

Gigi Perez invites everyone behind the curtain. When you peel back the layers of her songs, her questions of faith, memories of loved ones gone-way-too-soon, visions of ecstasy, and premonitions of romance bubble up to the surface. All of these emotions feel familiar because they’re delivered without filter in poetically blunt lyrics stitched into the fabric of her soft production and naked acoustic guitar. However, she doesn’t tell anybody what to think or how to feel; she simply holds up a mirror. Her story has twisted and turned with the unpredictability of your favorite novel. After leaving Berklee College of Music mid-pandemic, the platinum-certified Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and producer built an audience and parlayed the excitement for her original material into a major label deal. 2021’s “Sometimes (Backwood)” exploded to the tune of over 153 million Spotify streams, paving the way for shows alongside everyone from Coldplay to Noah Cyrus and setting the stage for her fan-favorite How to Catch a Falling Knife EP [2023]. Leaving her label and expectations in the rearview, she took control of her destiny in 2024. Grabbing the reins tighter than ever, she taught herself how to record and produce on her own and made the most of her newfound freedom by issuing “Please Be Rude” independently. Gigi only further engaged listeners with “Normalcy” before taking flight with the breakout “Sailor Song.” 

TOUR DATES
4/7 ​Cologne, Germany ​ Buergerhaus Stollwerck
4/8 ​Amsterdam, Netherlands​ Paradiso
4/10 ​Paris, France ​ Trabendo
4/12​ Zermatt, Switzerland ​ Zermatt Unplugged
4/15​ Dublin, Ireland ​ Academy Green Room
4/17 ​London, UK ​ Koko
4/18 ​Glasgow, Scotland ​ SWG3 Studio Warehouse
4/23​ New York, NY ​ Irving Plaza
4/26​ Atlanta, GA ​ Terminal West
4/27 ​Charleston, SC ​ High Water Festival
4/29​ Washington, D.C. ​ The Atlantis
5/1 ​Philadelphia, PA The Foundry
5/3 Charlotte, NC Lovin Life Music Fest in
5/5 ​San Francisco, CA ​ The Independent
5/7 ​Los Angeles, CA ​ Fonda Theatre
6/10 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion*
6/12 Ridgedale, MO Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena*
6/14 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo
6/18 Columbus, OH Historic Crew Stadium*
6/20 Milwaukee, WI American Family Insurance Amphitheater*
6/21 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC+
6/23 Boston, MA Fenway Park*
6/24 Boston, MA Fenway Park*
7/18 St Paul, MN Minnesota Yacht Club
7/20 Commerce City, CO Dick’s Sporting Goods Park*
7/24 Tinley Park, IL​​ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre*
7/25 Tinley Park, IL​​ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre*
8/1 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
8/2 St Charles, IA Hinterland Music
8/7 South Lake Tahoe, NV​ Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys*
8/8 South Lake Tahoe, NV​ Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys*
8/12 Portland, OR​​ Moda Center*
8/14 Seattle, WA T-Mobile Park*
9/10 Toronto, ON Rogers Stadium*
9/13 Asbury Park, NJ See.Hear.Now
9/16 Bristow, VA​​​ Jiffy Lube Live*
9/17 Bristow, VA​​​ Jiffy Lube Live*
9/19 Hershey, PA​​​ Hersheypark Stadium*
9/28 Bridgeport, CT Sundside Music
*Supporting Hozier
+ Supporting Mumford & Sons

Tucker Wetmore Reveals Songs From Debut Album ‘What Not To’

Eric Alper
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Tucker Wetmore Reveals Songs From Debut Album ‘What Not To’

As anticipation reaches fever pitch, country’s newest powerhouse Tucker Wetmore has officially unveiled the full tracklist for his debut album What Not To, arriving Friday, April 25. Produced by Chris LaCorte, the 19-song collection captures the highs, lows and lessons learned in Wetmore’s 25 years – offering a full-length introduction to one of country music’s most exciting voices.

Touted as “just a heartbeat away from a household hit” (Country Central), Wetmore co-wrote 11 of the album’s tracks, including the long-requested fan-favorite “Drinkin’ Boots” and the current viral sensation “Brunette.” The record weaves together interconnected themes, “like red yarn connecting a bunch of pins on a wall,” as Wetmore describes it. At its core is the title track, “What Not To,” a song about struggle, compassion and salvation. “Momma said you don’t pray no more/breaks my heart, so I do it for you,” Wetmore sings.

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE WHAT NOT TO

 Wetmore kicked off release month with high-profile national appearances on CBS Mornings Plus and ABC News Live to give an exclusive first look at the album. He also hit a career milestone with his first-ever major country award show nomination for ACM New Male Artist of the Year.

Adding fuel to the fire, Wetmore released a final preview of What Not To with the sleek, neon-lit track “Casino.” Holler praised the release, adding “Wetmore knows the formula for a crowd-pleasing earworm and ‘Casino’ is no different.” The buzz comes on the heels of his first No.1 at Country radio with “Wind Up Missin’ You” earlier this year and follow-up single “3,2,1” currently climbing the charts.

Recently named an artist to watch from Spotify, VEVO, Billboard, MusicRow and Grand Ole Opry, Wetmore has spent the spring captivating international audiences across Europe at Country 2 Country (C2C), including a sold-out headlining stop at London’s Electric Ballroom. He continues that momentum with the extended WAVES ON A SUNSET TOUR 2025, running through May, before hitting the road as direct support for Thomas Rhett’s BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025, playing 33 markets this summer.

In just one year, Wetmore has skyrocketed from a newcomer to a chart-topping sensation, fueled by his back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 hits “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” a debut EP and over 855M total global streams. He also earned an iHeartRadio Music Awards nomination for Best New Country Artist and made his national television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends (WATCH).

Having notched back-to-back spots on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with his RIAA PLATINUM-certified debut singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” and surpassing over 855 million streams in a year, Washington-born singer-songwriter Tucker Wetmore is well on the way to becoming a certified breakout country star. Wetmore signed a major-label record deal last summer with UMG Nashville in partnership with Back Blocks Music, had two songs featured on the star-studded Twisters soundtrack (“Already Had It” and “Steal My Thunder” (with Conner Smith)), made his Grand Ole Opry debut and delivered his first EP, Waves on a Sunset. He brought his music directly to fans on tour with Kameron Marlowe and Luke Bryan before selling out his first-ever headlining tour WAVES ON A SUNSET TOUR 2024. Now, in 2025, the skyrocketing talent will extend his headlining efforts with dates in the UK, US and Europe before joining Thomas Rhett’s BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025 as direct support. Wetmore will continue releasing new music, with songs that reflect his cross-genre musical upbringing, embracing all manners of country, reggae, rock and hip-hop, albeit anchored by classic country storytelling. He enters 2025 as one of the most buzzed-about new acts, recognized as a One to Watch by Billboard, MusicRow, VEVO, Spotify, the Grand Ole Opry and more. His breakout hit “Wind Up Missin’ You” recently earned him his first No. 1 on the Mediabase Country chart, while his current single “3,2,1” continues its steady climb at country radio. Wetmore’s highly anticipated debut album What Not To arrives April 25.

What Not To tracklist:
1. “Whatcha Think Is Gonna Happen?” (Matt Jenkins, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler)
2. “3,2,1” (Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet, Jordan Reynolds)
3. “Bad Luck Looks Good On Me” (Tucker Wetmore, Julian Bunetta, Jackson Foote, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones)
4. “Casino” (Josh Jenkins, Alex Palmer, John Pierce and Michael Tyler)
5. “Takes One To Break One” (Matt Jenkins, Josh Miller, Ben Stennis)
6. “Brunette” (Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass)
7. “Wind Up Missin’ You” (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Chris LaCorte)
8. “Give Her The World” (Tucker Wetmore, Madison Kozak, Chase McDaniel)
9. “Goodbye Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Ross Copperman, Jacob Hackworth)
10. “When I Ain’t Lookin’” (Austin Goodloe, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler, Tucker Beathard)
11. “Drink Alone” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rogers)
12. “Bad Habit” (Tucker Wetmore, Corey Crowder, Chris LaCorte, Jameson Rogers)
13. “What Not To” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rogers)
14. “Break First” (Michael Tyler, Matt Roy, Lauren Hungate, Matt Dragstrem)
15. “Drinkin’ Boots (Demo)” (Tucker Wetmore, Jared Keim, Michael Lotten)
16. “Drunk On Her” (Jaxson Free, Gabe Foust, Jacob Hackworth, Chris Tompkins)
17. “Silverado Blue” (Tucker Wetmore, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)
18. “Wine Into Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Justin Ebach)
19. “Whiskey Again” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rogers)


Why Digital Security Matters More Than Ever in the Age of Endless Entertainment

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

These days, we’re streaming, scrolling, gaming, and sharing around the clock. Entertainment is everywhere—and so is our personal data. For businesses in this always-on world, protecting that data has become more important than ever. Digital security isn’t just a tech concern anymore—it’s central to how we build trust, keep things running, and stay ahead.

Data and Entertainment Go Hand in Hand

Every time we binge a series, sign up for a new platform, or join a gaming server, we leave behind a digital trail. Watch history, payment info, login details—it’s all there. And with so much data in play, cybercriminals are watching closely.

Whether you’re running a streaming service or an entertainment app, chances are you’re handling a goldmine of user information. If that data gets into the wrong hands, the fallout can be serious. That’s why things like encryption, secure logins, and strong privacy settings are a must—not just for safety, but for peace of mind.

A Breach Can Cost More Than Money

In today’s attention economy, users can bounce to a competitor in seconds. One security slip-up, and you’re not just looking at a fine—you’re facing:

  • Canceled subscriptions
  • Lost ad revenue
  • Headlines you don’t want
  • A hit to your brand’s reputation

Small businesses are especially at risk, and many don’t bounce back after a major cyberattack. Staying secure isn’t just about avoiding damage—it’s about staying in the game.

When You’re Always On, You’re Always a Target

Live events, real-time streams, multiplayer games—they don’t stop. Neither do hackers. A DDoS attack or ransomware strike can knock your service offline fast, and that kind of downtime comes at a high cost.

To stay live, you’ve got to think ahead:

  • Use backup systems
  • Keep an eye on your network
  • Have a solid recovery plan in place

When your security is tight, your users stay happy—and your business keeps moving.

Privacy Laws Are Here to Stay (and Growing)

If you collect data, you’ve got rules to follow. From GDPR to CCPA, different regions have their own regulations—and the list keeps growing. Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It shows users that you take their privacy seriously.

Smart steps include:

  • Keeping your privacy policies up to date
  • Getting clear user consent
  • Running regular audits

It’s all about transparency and respect.

People Make Mistakes—Security Can Help

Even with the best tech, it only takes one wrong click to open the door to trouble. Think of things like:

  • Weak passwords
  • Accidental file sharing
  • Falling for phishing emails

That’s why regular training matters. When your team knows what to watch for, they become your first line of defense.

Watch the Inside, Too

Sometimes, the risk comes from within. A former team member with leftover access or someone accidentally mismanaging files can cause real issues.

Make sure you:

  • Limit access to what people actually need
  • Track activity on key systems
  • Update permissions when roles change

It’s all part of building a tighter, smarter security culture.

The Hidden Risks of Plug-ins and Platform Sprawl

Modern entertainment platforms rely on dozens of third-party tools—analytics dashboards, ad servers, recommendation engines, content management systems, and more. While these integrations power amazing features, they also create weak points in your security chain. If even one external system isn’t properly secured, it can become a gateway for attackers. That’s why it’s important to audit your stack regularly, disable unused connections, and make sure any vendors you work with meet your security standards. In the rush to innovate, don’t let convenience outrun caution—every new plug-in should be treated as a potential risk that needs to be managed smartly.

Investing in the Right Security Tools

Basic firewalls and antivirus software aren’t enough anymore. Today’s digital threats call for more advanced, integrated solutions. If you’re managing sensitive entertainment or subscriber data, it’s worth considering options like the Meraki MX67C Advanced Security License. Tools like this offer layered protection, including intrusion prevention, content filtering, and secure VPN access—all in one easy-to-manage platform. It’s a smart step for businesses looking to scale securely without sacrificing speed or user experience.

Security Builds Trust—And That Builds Growth

Here’s the upside: strong digital security doesn’t just keep bad stuff out. It actually helps your business grow.

A secure platform can:

  • Attract new users
  • Keep existing customers loyal
  • Win better deals with advertisers
  • Earn trust from partners

When people know their data is safe with you, they stick around—and they bring others with them.

Looking Ahead

Entertainment is evolving fast. We’re delivering smarter content, better experiences, and more ways to connect. But all that progress depends on trust—and that trust depends on security.

The companies that lead tomorrow will be the ones who take digital security seriously today. Let’s make sure we’re not just entertaining people, but protecting them, too.

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

From Elvis to “Tic-Tac-Dough” – 5 Musical Moments That Prove Wink Martindale Was More Than a Game Show Host

Eric Alper
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From Elvis to “Tic-Tac-Dough” – 5 Musical Moments That Prove Wink Martindale Was More Than a Game Show Host

Wink Martindale, who passed away today at age 91, may be best known for game shows like Tic-Tac-Dough and Gambit, but his life in music was nothing short of remarkable. Before he became a television icon, Martindale was making waves on the radio, cutting hit records, and shaping pop culture in ways few remember today. Here are five musical facts you (probably) didn’t know about the man behind that unmistakable voice and winning smile.

1. He Was in the Studio the Night Elvis Presley Changed Everything
On July 10, 1954, Wink Martindale was in the WHBQ studio in Memphis when DJ Dewey Phillips dropped the needle on a brand new song called “That’s All Right.” It was Elvis Presley’s debut recording, and the switchboards lit up. Martindale helped track Elvis down at a movie theater, convincing his parents to bring him to the station. The resulting interview—Elvis’ first—went down in history. Martindale didn’t just witness rock and roll’s birth; he helped deliver it.

2. He Had a Top 10 Hit with a Spoken-Word Classic
Before William Shatner or Baz Luhrmann ever tried their hand at spoken-word pop, Wink Martindale took a surprising path up the charts in 1959 with “Deck of Cards,” a solemn tale of a soldier using playing cards as a makeshift Bible. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies, proving that sincerity—and a little theatricality—could still go platinum. In the U.K., it returned to the charts four years later and became a beloved novelty staple.

3. He Was a Major Figure in the Early Los Angeles Radio Scene
Martindale moved west and became one of L.A.’s most trusted voices. Starting at KHJ and later moving to KRLA and KFWB, he played the hits and interviewed the stars during the golden age of Top 40 radio. He wasn’t just spinning records—he was helping shape the tastes of a generation. When he later returned to radio formats like Music of Your Life and The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, it was a full-circle moment for a guy who never stopped loving the sound of a great song.

4. He Worked with Game Show Legends and Music Icons Alike
Sure, he hosted some of the most beloved game shows of all time, but Martindale also rubbed shoulders with everyone from Sam Phillips to Merv Griffin. He co-produced music-themed game shows like What’s This Song? and developed TV specials that brought music into American homes in a big way. His crossover from disc jockey to TV personality was seamless—and he often used his platform to spotlight artists and songs he believed in.

5. He Never Let the Music Stop
Even in his later years, Martindale kept the music playing. In 2021, he launched a new version of The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a syndicated radio show that blended interviews, trivia, and classic hits. He filled it with fun facts, deep cuts, and that signature Wink charm, proving that at 87 years old, his love of music—and his desire to share it—was still going strong.

Wink Martindale wasn’t just a game show host—he was a music man through and through. He spun records before Elvis was king, topped charts with a song about prayer and poker, and dedicated his golden years to keeping the spirit of rock and roll alive. Somewhere out there, a neon jukebox just played “Deck of Cards,” and you know Wink is smiling.

Strategies for Clearing Bonus Wagering Requirements

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Clearing wagering requirements determines whether a bonus becomes real cash or vanishes in an expired wallet. Players start by comparing rollover ratios, bonus size, and the availability of casino bonus codes in top online casinos that unlock the best casino bonuses UK. Understanding how these factors interact is the foundation of any effective strategy.

Transparency from the operator is equally important for planning. Product Owner – Tony Sloterman notes that bonuses only add value when their hidden costs are fully disclosed, a view shared by seasoned reviewers. Reading the terms before depositing prevents late‑stage disappointments.

The Real Wagering Cost

Every wagering requirement consists of three variables: multiplier, eligible games, and time limit. Multiply these variables incorrectly and the bankroll collapses long before the wagering meter hits 100 percent.

Savvy players calculate the real money needed by dividing the play‑through figure by the expected return of their chosen games. For instance, a €100 bonus with a 30× requirement demands €3 000 in bets, yet a 97 percent RTP slot effectively prices the task at €90 in theoretical losses.

Switching to a 99 percent RTP blackjack variant cuts that theoretical cost to €30, highlighting how game choice outweighs bonus size. Time pressure dictates whether such cost savings are actually reachable within the validity window.

CasinoBonusesFinder experts recommend mapping wagering progress alongside daily play limits to prevent bankroll bleed during volatile streaks. They suggest breaking the total wagering target into equal sessions that match the game’s standard deviation. This division keeps risk predictable and encourages disciplined stops.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Before making the first spin or deal, identify the usual roadblocks that turn an achievable rollover into a lost cause:

  • Confusing contribution percentages
  • Restricted betting patterns
  • Bonus stacking prohibitions
  • Payment method exclusions
  • Cash‑out caps

Match Games to Requirements

The figures in the table below can show you why a balanced mix of low‑volatility slots and high‑RTP table games often clears requirements faster than sticking to one category.

Game Type Contribution Average RTP Volatility
Low‑volatility video slots 100 % 96 % Low
High‑volatility slots 100 % 95 % High
Blackjack (single‑deck) 10 % 99 % Low
European roulette 20 % 97.3 % Medium

Stake Sizing and Session Limits

Another dimension often ignored is effective stake sizing relative to the maximum‑bet clause. Betting too high breaches the rules and voids the bonus, yet betting too low inflates session length beyond the expiry date.

An optimal stake is roughly one‑hundredth of the remaining wagering burden, giving you a cushion against variance while keeping progress visible. Start every session with a predefined stop‑loss equal to half the bonus value, adjusting downward as the play‑through shrinks.

Don’t Stack or Overcomplicate

Do not stack multiple bonuses unless each operates in isolated wallets; overlapping requirements create conflicting contribution rules that slow clearance. Many casinos allow fresh deposits without activating a bonus, so alternate between raw‑balance play and promotional play to rest bankroll volatility.

Some e-wallets do not trigger eligibility, meaning you could unknowingly play through requirements that will never count. Use the same payment channel that the terms specify for both deposit and withdrawal to avoid retroactive voiding.

Adjust Strategy by Time Left

Estimating variance with a free online calculator clarifies whether your chosen RTP and stake plan align with the deadline. Games with identical contribution rates but different hit frequencies can create misleading early progress, so sample at least 100 spins before drawing conclusions.

Use autoplay settings that respect local responsible‑gaming limits to sustain pace without accidental over‑betting.

Time left dictates risk strategy: early sessions favour high‑contribution, mid‑volatility slots, while final hours call for near‑even‑money table games to polish off the last rollover. Setting phone alarms at 25 percent, 50 percent, and 75 percent of the validity window prompts you to review pace and pivot games if needed.

Clearing requirements loses purpose if it disrupts healthy play habits, so schedule breaks every hour to recalibrate tilt and refocus on the maths. Record bankroll status before and after breaks to create a factual ledger that overrides gut feelings of being up or down.

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

Dierks Bentley Gathers ‘Broken Branches,’ Old Friends, and New Voices for His Most Honest Album Yet

Eric Alper
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Dierks Bentley Gathers ‘Broken Branches,’ Old Friends, and New Voices for His Most Honest Album Yet

After more than 20 years on country music’s family tree, Dierks Bentley’s own branch has grown strong and solid, and with his upcoming 11th studio album BROKEN BRANCHES out June 13 (Capitol Records Nashville), he comes to appreciate the knots and gnarl more than ever. Whittling down his essential sound to its rooted and most resolute, it finds a proud broken branch celebrating the outliers of country life – and of country music. The eleven songs embrace unruly characters wherever they’re found, ultimately adding beauty to the whole, and is available now for pre-order HERE.

“The country music community has a lot of broken branches in it. That’s why we’re all here,” Bentley explains. “We want to do something a little bit different, and I think everyone sees themselves like that – certainly in country. This is the people’s music and it represents that spirit of individuality so well – it’s just about doing it our own way.”

Bentley spent months listening to songs, often driving around the backroads of his Tennessee home, spinning raw demos with no names attached to the songs. Then he chose a mix of tracks with deep meanings and distinctive quirks, centered on the imperfect perfections of community spirit. Executive Produced by Mary Hilliard Harrington, each song grew from acoustic-guitar foundation in whatever direction felt right, and Bentley calls that a testament to producers Jon Randall and Ross Copperman, plus musicians like Charlie Worsham, Jedd Hughes, Rob McNelley and Bryan Sutton.  Co-writing just four tracks himself and securing seven from outside writers (many for the first time), Bentley dug deeper than ever before into Nashville’s thriving songwriting community.

“I think that’s what’s special about country – we’re still making music in the studio with our buddies,” Bentley says. “We’re still getting together and talking about the songs and letting the musicians have a big say. It’s a good team – maybe a little messed up – but that’s the whole idea behind broken branches, so it just works.”

“Broken Branches” became the anchor track as a grounded (but good-timing) anthem with a mood-boosting jukebox stomp in honor of nature’s black sheep, featuring multiple generations, the living legend John Anderson and rising hit maker Riley Green. Others like “Cold Beer Can” shows a different way of looking at a frosty 12-oz. and the heartwarming banjo-led “Never You (feat. Miranda Lambert)” tribute the essential companion in each life. Bentley returns to his bluegrass beginnings with the feverish “Well, Well Whiskey,” tracks like the propulsive acoustic jam “Something Worth Fixing” celebrate life as a work in progress, the grungy alt-country of “Jesus Loves Me” explores a heartbroken “gospel truth” and “Off the Map” looks to quietly escape a relentless reality – whether on the beach, or a barstool. Meanwhile, the blazing heart of “Standing in the Sun” burns with the simple, life-giving power of true romance, while “For as Long as I Can Remember” tributes the Sequoia-like shelter a father provides and “Don’t Cry for Me” brings the project full-circle.

The multi-Platinum superstar recently released the biggest debuting song of his career with BROKEN BRANCHES’ debut single “She Hates Me,” which features his “trademark humor” (Billboard) while blending elements of Whitley and Weezer, adding a playful edge to Bentley’s signature country sound. He counts eight Number One albums, 22 Number One songs, and over nine billion global streams to his credit – plus 15 Grammy nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. A global headliner and against-the-grain torch bearer for country’s organic roots, Bentley will launch his 30-city BROKEN BRANCHES TOUR on May 29 with Zach Top and The Band Loula. Continuing the path built from the ground up, as an entrepreneur, he has opened four locations of the gastropub and live music venue “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row,” has a Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection “Desert Son” and recently released ROW 94 – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with only “three ingredients and the truth” at Kentucky’s Green River Distilling Co.

BROKEN BRANCHES Track List:
1. Cold Beer Can
Written by Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Dierks Bentley

2. Jesus Loves Me
Written by Adam James, Ben Stennis and Allison Veltz Cruz

3. She Hates Me
Written by Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Allen, Wesley Scantlin and Dierks Bentley

4. Something Worth Fixing
Written by Stephen Wilson Jr., Luke Dick and Dierks Bentley

5. Standing In The Sun
Written by Kyle Sturrock

6. Well Well Whiskey
Written by Seth Ennis, Devin Dawson and Jordan Reynolds

7. Broken Branches
Written by Zach Abend, Beau Bailey and Graham Barham

8. Off The Map
Written by Jeremy Bussey, Lauren McLamb and Adam Wood

9. Near You (ft. Miranda Lambert)
Written by Scooter Carusoe, Ross Copperman and Ben Williams

10. For As Long As I Can Remember
Written by Devin Dawson, Connie Harrington

11. Don’t Cry For Me
Written by Jim Beavers and Dierks Bentley

 

Benson Boone and Brian May Unite at Coachella 2025 for a “Bohemian Rhapsody” That Made Time Stand Still

Eric Alper
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Benson Boone and Brian May Unite at Coachella 2025 for a “Bohemian Rhapsody” That Made Time Stand Still

What happens when a rising pop powerhouse meets rock royalty on one of the biggest stages in the world? A moment that feels like it was written in the stars.

At Coachella 2025, Benson Boone delivered a stunning, pitch-perfect performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” — only to be joined halfway through by none other than Sir Brian May himself. As May’s legendary guitar solo rang out under the desert sky, generations of fans came together to remember Freddie Mercury and the timeless magic of Queen.

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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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