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BIG SPECIAL Unveils Softer Side With New Single “DRAGGED UP A HILL” And Massive Tour

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BIG SPECIAL stands as a powerful testament to resilience and long standing partnership in the progressive punk metal scene. The Birmingham duo continues building momentum today by releasing their latest single, “DRAGGED UP A HILL (and thrown down the other side),” via SO Recordings. This new track spotlights Joe Hickin’s emotionally charged vocals, revealing a softer side from the duo’s signature sound. Hicklin describes the track as “a song written a while ago that we picked back out of our dusty drawer, about the old labouring days and the feeling of getting nowhere in love and work, despite all the graft.” The duo recently wrapped a massive European tour and collaborated with Sleaford Mods on the single “The Good Life,” appearing alongside actress Gwendoline Christie in a captivating video.

Built on a lifelong friendship, BIG SPECIAL grounds their music in honesty, dark humor, and a clear sense of purpose. Their sound reflects the balance of ambition and emotional truth that defines their work. Their rise has been fast, moving from selling out Camden’s Dublin Castle with just one single to filling London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town less than two years later on the strength of their debut album ‘POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES’.

Tour Dates:
12/01 – Seattle, WA @ The Neptune Theatre ^
12/03 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore ^
12/04 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent ^
12/07 – Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge
12/08 – Boston, MA @ The Rockwell
12/09 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza ^
12/11 – Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall ^
02/13 – Norwich, UK @ Waterfront
02/14 – Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms
02/15 – Newcastle, UK @ Digital
02/18 – Leeds, UK @ University Stylus
02/19 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3 Warehouse
02/20 – Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall
02/21 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute
02/24 – Bristol, UK @ Electric Bristol
02/25 – Southampton, UK @ The 1865
02/27 – London, UK @ Roundhouse
03/06 – Dublin, UK @ The Workman’s Club
03/07 – Belfast, UK @ Ulster Sports Club
^ supporting Public Service Broadcasting

Durell Anthony Delivers A Masterclass In Modern Soul With His New Album ‘Lovenotes’

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Durell Anthony affirms his place as one of today’s most sincere and essential voices in modern pop soul music. The GRAMMY nominated artist returns this fall with ‘Lovenotes’, a deeply personal and universally resonant ten track album exploring love in its many forms. This project showcases Anthony’s exceptionally smooth vocals, timeless melodies, and emotional storytelling, creating a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. Anchored by the 2024 San Diego Music Award nominated single “One More Night,” ‘Lovenotes’ successfully blends the warmth of classic R&B with contemporary pop polish, reminiscent of John Legend and Leon Bridges. Produced by longtime collaborators Jordan Childs and Keegan Ferrell, the album is rich with expressive piano and layered harmonies.

This project speaks directly to the beauty and intentionality of commitment and lasting love in today’s culture, weaving through themes like devotion on “Satisfied” and vulnerability on “Labyrinth.” Anthony first gained national recognition on Season 20 of NBC’s The Voice, joining John Legend’s team after a powerful rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” and he has since built a reputation as a soulful and grounded storyteller. The message throughout ‘Lovenotes’ is clear: it is both a personal love letter and a universal reminder to cherish those closest to us. Anthony shares, “My hope for Lovenotes is that it reminds people that real love is possible – the kind you grow with, laugh with, cry with, and hold on to.”

Rayon Unleash Whacked Out Single “Shopping” With A New Lease On Life

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No wave angular post punk outfit Rayon is back with a beautiful and unconventional new single! The track “Shopping” is a tongue in cheek ode to consumerism and travel, born from near burnout and a revival road trip that reignited the band’s creative fire. The video for “Shopping” was filmed with nostalgic Super 8 video, and the band hilariously admitted to getting kicked out of three stores while touring south of the border making the clip. This single is the first in an exciting new series of similar records in the works for Rayon.

The band, which is the brainchild of North Portland resident Eric Sabatino, involves members of Sun Atoms and Yuvees, including Riley McLaughlin and Eric Rubalcava. Breaking tradition for this release, Sabatino teamed up with famed recording engineer Larry Crane at Jackpot Recording and Timothy Stollenwerk at Stereophonic Mastering. Sabatino explained the process, saying: “Doing everything on film and tape is a bit of a safety check valve, to make sure we make everything like humans with no autotune, copy/paste or AI. I’m becoming an imperfectionist.” The band noted that the addition of new members and a trip to Mexico brought a new energy, leading them back to the garage studio to record these songs on old reel to reel tape machines. The single is available on 7” vinyl and as a two track digital release via Little Cloud Records, alongside the anxious B side “Running.”

Japanese Rockers WENDY Unleash Fan Favorite “Rock My Heart” And A Deluxe Album

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Japanese rock band WENDY has officially released their brand new single “Rock my heart” following their first performances in the UK, which took place in Birmingham and London. The track, a consistent fan favorite in their live repertoire, was written by frontman Skye at the age of sixteen but received its official release today. The single was recorded during WENDY’s studio sessions with two time Grammy Award winning producer Marc Whitmore, who joined the project after receiving the band’s early demoes.

WENDY announced the digital release of the Deluxe Edition of their debut album, ‘Don’t waste my YOUTH’, which became available on November 26th. Skye noted the significance of the release, stating: “All the songs were written and recorded during the making of the album, with some newly recorded and others kept exactly as they were three years ago when we recorded the album. We never expected these early tracks to see the light of day, so we’re thrilled to finally share the music from the very beginning of our journey.”

“Rock my heart” has been added to multiple Spotify editorial playlists, including New Music Wednesday and Rock Strike Japan, confirming the band’s growing international presence.

City And Colour Drops The Dreamy New Lullaby Album ‘Sometimes Lullaby’ For Black Friday

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City and Colour, the acclaimed project of singer and songwriter Dallas Green, is releasing the gorgeous new album ‘Sometimes Lullaby’ via Dine Alone Records this Friday, November 28th. This full album collection features dreamy, whimsical lullaby renditions of songs from Green’s beloved debut ‘Sometimes’, arranged and recorded with longtime friend Erik Hughes of Moneen. Initially recorded several years ago, the project found its moment in celebration of the debut album’s 20th anniversary, offering a perfect way to honor its legacy as the audience has grown up with it. The album is available digitally and on limited edition vinyl as part of Record Store Day Black Friday, including a limited Red Bone Swirl pressing. Both vinyl variants go live on November 28th at 10 am EST via the City and Colour webstore and in person at the Dine Alone Store, 864 Eastern Ave., Toronto. A special merch capsule featuring children’s clothing, a knit blanket, and a music box is also launching, connecting a new generation to these classic songs.

Lisa SQ Captures Chaos And Catharsis On Her Kaleidoscopic Debut Album ‘Reel Me In’

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Montreal born, Hamilton based multidisciplinary artist Lisa SQ unveils her spectacular debut full length album, ‘Reel Me In’, a kaleidoscopic reflection on introspection, growth, and pure sonic experimentation. This record is truly a sonic photo album, capturing her penchant for turning life’s sticky moments into artful, indie pop catharsis, with a playful spirit fueling the whole collection. The album’s creation embraces spontaneity and collaboration, being half recorded overseas in a converted stone abbey on the Isle of Wight and half captured during impromptu Toronto sessions with Tyler Kyte, Ian Docherty, and David Granshaw. The lead single “Teeth” is a hypnotic swirl of dream pop textures and lyrical bite that builds toward an explosive finale, complete with a spontaneous French verse. Lisa SQ explains that “‘Teeth’ is young love and falling hard. It’s lapping up the poison of pop culture romance – the glamourized torment of Ross and Rachel. Bonnie and Clyde, doomed from the start.” This emotionally resonant sound balances nostalgic warmth, drawing from influences like Billie Holiday and David Bowie, with avant garde experimentation that will instantly pull you in.

Tate McRae Drops Massive Deluxe Album ‘SO CLOSE TO WHAT’

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GRAMMY nominated pop sensation Tate McRae just released ‘SO CLOSE TO WHAT??? (deluxe)’, the expanded edition of her number one critically acclaimed album ‘So Close To What’ via RCA Records. This new edition is absolutely packed, featuring five brand new tracks for fans to dive into. Her latest song, “TIT FOR TAT,” debuted high at number three on Billboard’s Hot 100, marking her third top 10 hit on the chart. Other exciting additions include the upbeat and sonically lush “NOBODY’S GIRL,” the fan favorite “ANYTHING BUT LOVE,” the emotive “TRYING ON SHOES,” and “HORSESHOE.” Along with the release, Tate also shared the ethereal music video for “NOBODY’S GIRL,” which was directed by Thibaut Grevet and features choreography by the talented French dance collective, (LA)HORDE.

Tate McRae is a certified triple threat who has garnered over 20.8 billion overall streams, multiple number one hits, and a number one album on the Billboard 200 chart. The star recently wrapped up her sold out global Miss Possessive Arena Tour, selling over a million tickets. Rolling Stone called the show “a manic pop glitz spectacle” while The New York Times praised the way that dance is thrillingly showcased. The Calgary native’s success includes multiple JUNO Awards, MTV VMAs, and she was recently featured on TIME100’s Next issue. Her earlier work includes the 5x Platinum single “you broke me first” and her certified Platinum sophomore album ‘THINK LATER’, which featured the 4x Platinum global number one single “greedy.”

SO CLOSE TO WHAT??? (deluxe) Tracklist: 

01 TRYING ON SHOES

02 ANYTHING BUT LOVE 

03 NOBODY’S GIRL 

04 HORSESHOE 

05 TIT FOR TAT

06 Miss possessive

07 Revolving door

08 bloodonmyhands (feat. Flo Milli)

09 Dear god

10 Purple lace bra

11 Sports car

12 Signs

13 I know love (feat. The Kid LAROI)

14 Like I do

15 It’s ok I’m ok

16 No I’m not in love

17 Means I care

18 Greenlight

19 2 hands

20 Siren sounds (bonus)

21 Nostalgia

Garth Brooks Adds Zac Brown Band And Ashley McBryde To His Big London Return

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Garth Brooks is making his spectacular return to London in 2026, and he is bringing some serious star power with him. The Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde are the first supporting acts announced for the massive show on Saturday June 27th at the Great Oak Stage at American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. This standing room only concert marks Brooks’ first performance in the city in 28 years, following his three headlined concerts in Belfast, Northern Ireland, back in November 1998 during his second world tour. Brooks is the first headliner for the annual concert series, and tickets are available now. This London date is a significant one for his supporting acts; it is the only show on the calendar for Zac Brown Band after they headline a series of shows at the Las Vegas Sphere through mid January, and it adds to McBryde’s busy schedule which includes a return to her Redemption Bar at Chief’s on Broadway. The London concert is the third announced for Brooks in 2026, following two kick off performances for Milwaukee’s Summerfest in June.

Keith D Robinson Finds True Love Is Digital In The Visual For “Foolish Luv”

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Keith D. Robinson returns to the screen with the release of the highly entertaining visual for his latest single “FOOLISH LUV.” This mid tempo obsession explores how technology and artificial intelligence are creeping into modern romance, inspired by the chaotic cat and mouse chase between Dr. Ted Richardson and Leslie Thomas from the soap “Beyond the Gates.” Directed by Robinson and Julius “Bigfellow” Twum, the short form visual co stars actress Trisha Mann Grant, who portrays Leslie Thomas on the hit CBS series. The story opens at The Man Store, a fictional state of the art department store specializing in customized robotic men, where millions of excited women are devastated because the in demand Keith D. Robinson 2.0 models are sold out! Store manager Trisha Mann Grant then unveils the new and improved robotic sensation the “Teddy Boo 3T,” choosing one lucky woman, Candice Marie Singleton, to take the model home. Robinson shares the genius behind the idea: “The irony of making this visual was the out of the box approach we took that seems to be less and less out of the box as the days go by as we go spiraling towards technology invading every space of humanity.”

HAWXX Returns With A Powerhouse New Single “Resistance Is Justified”

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London based progressive punk metallers HAWXX never hide in the shadows, and they certainly are not resting on their laurels with the launch of their brand new single, “Resistance Is Justified.” This politically charged track is the first blast off their anticipated second album, set for release in Spring 2026. In a world where artists are increasingly finding their platforms and livelihoods under threat, HAWXX fearlessly steps up to give a voice to the voiceless in the face of adversity. This band channels their mission through music that hits hard and sends an unmistakable message of protest and strength.

Vocalist Anna shared the incredibly personal story behind the music, commenting: “‘Resistance is Justified’ is a song about my good friend Jordan, who has been in prison for one year without trial. He and 23 others, known as the Filton 24, have been imprisoned for allegedly destroying weapons in the Elbit Factory that were due to be sent to Israel. Since then, the UK Government has called them a terrorist organization, and anyone seen to be publicly supporting them has been arrested. This song condemns this decision of the UK government and condemns the silencing of our human right to protest injustice. I have played Jordan the song over the phone while he is in his cell.” The track features a powerful tapestry of collaborations, bringing together talented music teacher Ahmed Muin Abu Amsha from Gaza, members of the Greek Flotilla mission, Millie Manders, Petrol Girls, and many others, including a moving speech sample from Jordan’s sister, Brogan. This is metal music as a crucial act of solidarity and pure volume.