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International Songwriters Day Song Contest Returns With “Inspiration” Theme

Eric Alper
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International Songwriters Day Song Contest Returns With “Inspiration” Theme

The International Songwriters Day Song Contest is back for its seventh year, inviting songwriters around the world to celebrate the craft of songwriting ahead of International Songwriters Day.

This year’s theme, “Inspiration,” encourages submissions that explore hope, redemption, new beginnings and second chances. Songwriters of all experience levels are welcome to enter original songs, indie music videos and lyrics or poems that capture the spirit of the theme.

Judging places a strong emphasis on originality, melody and lyrics rather than production or performance, highlighting the power of songwriting at its core. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of respected industry professionals with decades of experience and a shared appreciation for great songs.

Categories include Song, Indie Music Video for artists not signed to a major label and Lyric or Poem.

Previously recognized as a Top 10 contest by Music Connection, the competition continues to spotlight exceptional songwriting talent from around the globe.

Deadline: April 2, 2026. Winners will be announced on International Songwriters Day April 9, 2026.

Enter now: https://filmfreeway.com/InternationalSongwritersDaySongContest

Chris Young Brings “Famous Friends” Bar Concept To Life In Nashvill

Eric Alper
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Chris Young Brings “Famous Friends” Bar Concept To Life In Nashvill

Country hitmaker Chris Young is expanding his footprint with a new venture rooted in personal history. The multi-platinum singer is preparing to open “Famous Friends,” a Nashville bar inspired by his No. 1 hit with Kane Brown. Located on Demonbreun Street, the venue places Young right back in a neighborhood that helped shape his early career.

The concept is direct and intentional. “Famous Friends” is designed as a shotgun-style sports bar, long and narrow, built for atmosphere and connection. Young describes it as a laid-back space where music and sports meet, with room for everything from game nights to industry celebrations. The idea has been years in the making, now taking shape as a passion project with real meaning behind it.

Demonbreun Street carries deep memories for Young, from songwriting sessions to late nights with fellow musicians like Shay Mooney. That history runs through the foundation of the bar, shaping a space meant to feel familiar and welcoming. The goal is simple, a place where people can show up, enjoy the moment and stay awhile. As the venue nears completion, Young continues to build momentum on the charts with “Till The Last One Dies” climbing into the Top 20.

Country Storyteller Stephen Wilson Jr Unveils “Gary” Video Starring Screen Icon Gary Sinise

Eric Alper
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Country Storyteller Stephen Wilson Jr Unveils “Gary” Video Starring Screen Icon Gary Sinise

Country storyteller Stephen Wilson Jr continues his rise with the release of the “Gary” video, a deeply personal visual anchored by a powerful performance from Gary Sinise. Directed by Tim Cofield, the video brings emotional weight to a song inspired by a real-life roadside memorial that left a lasting impression on Wilson Jr.

“Gary” stands as one of Wilson Jr’s most affecting songs to date. Built around themes of loss, memory and quiet resilience, the track carries a grounded, narrative-driven approach that cuts through with authenticity. The video mirrors that tone, blending performance with symbolic storytelling that keeps the focus on the song’s emotional core.

Sinise brings a steady presence to the screen, adding depth to a story rooted in real experience. “I heard Stephen’s song and loved it,” he said. “He’s got a great team, a great song and it was a blast to work with them.” The release follows Wilson Jr’s acclaimed debut ‘Søn of Dad’ and arrives as his sold-out “Gary The Torch Tour” continues, with more dates on the way.

NEEDTOBREATHE Announce “The Long Surrender Tour” Across North America

Eric Alper
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NEEDTOBREATHE Announce “The Long Surrender Tour” Across North America

Alt rock favorites NEEDTOBREATHE are taking their next chapter to the stage. The group has announced “The Long Surrender Tour,” a 25-date run launching August 12 in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The tour arrives alongside their upcoming album ‘The Long Surrender’, out March 27, continuing a career that has consistently translated studio work into powerful live performances.

The amphitheater run stretches across North America with stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin and a return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Drew and Ellie Holcomb join the tour, bringing their indie-folk dynamic to a lineup built on longtime creative connection. The new material carries a broader sonic palette, shaped by producer David Cobb and rooted in the band’s evolving songwriting approach. The songs land with energy and depth, built for the stage.

Tickets go on sale March 20, following a series of presales beginning March 16. More dates will be announced in the coming months as the tour expands.

The Long Surrender Tour Dates:
8/12: Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
8/14: Dillon, CO – Lake Dillon Amphitheatre
8/15: Sandy, UT – Sandy City Amphitheater
8/16: Sandy, UT – Sandy City Amphphitheater
8/18: Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
8/20: Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
8/21: Seattle, WA – Marymoor Amphitheater
8/22: Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino – BECU Live
8/23: Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater
8/25: Moorhead, MN – Bluestem Amphitheater
8/27: Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed – The Shed
8/28: Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
8/29: Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater
8/30: Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
9/05: Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/06: Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
9/09: Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
9/10: Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
9/11: Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
9/12: Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
9/14: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/17: Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
9/18: Birmingham, AL – Coca Cola Amphitheater
9/19: Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
9/20: Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Jay Luke Confronts The Past On Cinematic “Malice In Wonderland” Video

Eric Alper
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Jay Luke Confronts The Past On Cinematic “Malice In Wonderland” Video

Jay Luke returns with purpose on “Malice In Wonderland,” unveiling a cinematic new video that carries real emotional weight. The single arrives as a defining moment in his catalog, pairing raw performance with a deeper narrative about self-reflection and change.

The track digs into personal reckoning. “Malice In Wonderland” centers on confronting who you were and deciding what comes next. Luke’s vocal delivery pushes that tension forward, backed by a gritty rock foundation that gives the song its edge. The video, created with Camp Rattler, mirrors that message through symbolic visuals that amplify the song’s core idea.

The road to completion was anything but smooth. Production halted after a serious family emergency, followed by multiple setbacks including a fire that destroyed Camp Rattler’s headquarters. The team regrouped and finished the project across multiple locations, including Chestnut Street Tavern. Luke’s niece Dahlia appears in the video and contributes a spoken-word moment that adds another layer of intensity. The final result stands as a testament to persistence, with the release turning real adversity into something powerful.

Country Hitmakers Carly Pearce And Riley Green Ignite Tension On “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay”

Eric Alper
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Country Hitmakers Carly Pearce And Riley Green Ignite Tension On “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay”

Country hitmakers Carly Pearce and Riley Green join forces on “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,” a slow-burning duet that leans into tension, chemistry and hard decisions. The track is out now alongside its official video, marking another strong entry in Pearce’s current run of new music.

The song locks into a late-night mood. Two voices circle each other, caught between walking away and giving in one more time. Pearce and Green deliver lived-in performances that carry weight without overplaying the moment. The restrained production, co-produced by Pearce and Ben West, keeps the focus on the pull between them. The track lands with emotional intensity and undeniable vocal chemistry.

Directed by Wes Edwards, the video brings that push and pull to life on screen. It follows the pair through a night filled with unresolved choices, leaving the ending open. “Collaborating with artists I’m a fan of is one of my favorite things to do,” Pearce said. Green added that the harmonies felt unique from the start. The release continues Pearce’s current stretch of new material as she builds toward her next album.

Indie Emo Favorites Time Spent Driving Revive “Leaving” Ahead Of ‘Just Enough Bright’ Reissue

Eric Alper
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Indie Emo Favorites Time Spent Driving Revive “Leaving” Ahead Of ‘Just Enough Bright’ Reissue

Indie emo veterans Time Spent Driving return to a pivotal release with renewed focus. The group has shared “Leaving (Remixed/Remastered),” a reworked version of a key track from their 2002 album ‘Just Enough Bright’. The updated edition arrives ahead of the album’s vinyl reissue, landing April 10 via Thirty Something Records.

“Leaving” captures the band’s signature balance of restraint and release. A steady bass line anchors shimmering guitars before the track builds into a cathartic closing passage. With original producer J. Robbins revisiting the mix and Dan Coutant handling the remaster, the song now carries sharper definition and a stronger sense of space. The emotional weight remains intact while the details come into clearer focus.

The reissue also adds a long-lost piece of the band’s history. “What It Should Be Like,” written during the original sessions, has now been completed and recorded with producer Olav Tabatabai. More than two decades on, ‘Just Enough Bright’ continues to hold its place, and this expanded edition reinforces its legacy with care and precision.

Country Hitmaker Jo Dee Messina Returns With ‘Bridges’ And New Single “Some Bridges”

Eric Alper
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0
Country Hitmaker Jo Dee Messina Returns With ‘Bridges’ And New Single “Some Bridges”

Country hitmaker Jo Dee Messina is back with new music and a major milestone. The chart-topping singer has announced ‘Bridges’, her first studio album in more than a decade, arriving this summer. The first single, “Some Bridges,” is out now and introduces the emotional foundation of the upcoming release.

Written with Kat Higgins and James T. Slater, “Some Bridges” delivers a reflective country sound built around Messina’s unmistakable voice. The track was mixed by five-time Grammy-winning producer and engineer Chris Lord-Alge, who previously worked on several of Messina’s biggest songs including the 1996 classic “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” The song carries a strong melodic pull while exploring the complicated choices that shape a life.

Messina describes ‘Bridges’ as a collection shaped by years of experience and perspective. “We are often told not to burn bridges, and it’s good advice,” she said. “I’ve lived long enough to know that’s true. But there are also exceptions, and sometimes it’s OK to let that baby burn. In life, sometimes we just need to look forward and keep going.”

Country hitmaker Jo Dee Messina is back with new music and a major milestone. The chart-topping singer has announced ‘Bridges’, her first studio album in more than a decade, arriving this summer. The first single, “Some Bridges,” is out now and introduces the emotional foundation of the upcoming release.

Written with Kat Higgins and James T. Slater, “Some Bridges” delivers a reflective country sound built around Messina’s unmistakable voice. The track was mixed by five-time Grammy-winning producer and engineer Chris Lord-Alge, who previously worked on several of Messina’s biggest songs including the 1996 classic “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” The song carries a strong melodic pull while exploring the complicated choices that shape a life.

Messina describes ‘Bridges’ as a collection shaped by years of experience and perspective. “We are often told not to burn bridges, and it’s good advice,” she said. “I’ve lived long enough to know that’s true. But there are also exceptions, and sometimes it’s OK to let that baby burn. In life, sometimes we just need to look forward and keep going.”

Country Hitmaker Chris Janson Teams With Nashville Favorite David Lee Murphy For “Fun”

Eric Alper
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0
Country Hitmaker Chris Janson Teams With Nashville Favorite David Lee Murphy For “Fun”

Country crowd-pleaser Chris Janson has released his new single “Fun,” teaming up with Nashville favorite David Lee Murphy for a collaboration built on friendship and easygoing chemistry. Written by Janson, Murphy, Jesse Murphy, Michael Wayne Wilkes and Mitchell Oglesby, the track is out now alongside its official music video.

The song began with two longtime friends simply picking up guitars and playing together. That relaxed energy drives the track forward with bright country hooks and a feel-good groove built for live stages. “This song really is FUN,” Janson said. “Thankful and thrilled to have my friend David Lee Murphy join me on it. He’s an all-time favorite of mine.”

Pop Revivalists The Lemon Twigs Announce ‘Look For Your Mind!’ With “I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You”

Eric Alper
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0
Pop Revivalists The Lemon Twigs Announce ‘Look For Your Mind!’ With “I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You”

The Lemon Twigs have unveiled the next chapter of their ever-evolving catalog. The indie pop revivalists announced their sixth studio album ‘Look For Your Mind!’, arriving May 8 via Captured Tracks. The news lands alongside the lead single and video “I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You,” a melodic introduction to the album’s ambitious new direction. Listen here.

The track delivers the shimmering guitars and tight harmonies that have become a Lemon Twigs signature, but the structure keeps listeners on their toes. The chorus shifts unexpectedly, the bridge lands early, and Brian D’Addario’s vocal blends with Eva Chambers for a soaring finish. The song moves with bright pop energy while twisting familiar conventions into something fresh.

‘Look For Your Mind!’ carries an undercurrent of unease beneath its melodic surface. “I do think that now is a time of insanity,” Brian D’Addario said. “You really have to hold onto your own mind if you don’t wanna lose it.” That idea runs through the record’s themes while the group continues refining its meticulous songwriting craft.

The album also marks a shift in the studio dynamic. Longtime touring players Reza Matin and Danny Ayala join the sessions alongside Chambers, expanding the band’s creative circle beyond the core partnership of brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario. The result is a record that feels wider and more collaborative while staying rooted in the group’s classic pop instincts.

To celebrate the release, The Lemon Twigs will head out on a spring tour across the UK and Ireland. The run brings the new material to stages just weeks after the album’s arrival.

2026 Tour Dates:
18/05 – Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms
19/05 – Norwich, UK @ The Waterfront
20/05 – London, UK @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
22/05 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
23/05 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
24/05 – Newcastle, UK @ Boiler Shop
26/05 – Dublin, IE @ Vicar Street
27/05 – Belfast, UK @ Belfast Empire Music Hall
29/05 – Glasgow, UK @ Queen Margaret Union
30/05 – Manchester, UK @ Academy 2

Tracklisting:
Look For Your Mind!
2 or 3
Nothin’ But You
Gather Round
I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You
Fire and Gold
Mean to Me
Bring You Down
Yeah I Do
I Hurt You
You’re Still My Girl
Joy
My Heart Is In Your Hands Tonight
Your True Enemy

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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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