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WAR Celebrates 50 Years of Why Can’t We Be Friends? With Deluxe Anniversary Edition Featuring Rare Tracks And Remixes

Eric Alper
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WAR Celebrates 50 Years of Why Can’t We Be Friends? With Deluxe Anniversary Edition Featuring Rare Tracks And Remixes

This June, WAR will release Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition), celebrating the multi-million-selling, blockbuster album that topped charts and left an indelible mark on music history. This deluxe 3CD and digital set commemorates 50 years of some of the band’s most iconic songs, including its timeless title track, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” the perennially cool “Low Rider,” “So” and more. First released in 1975, Why Can’t We Be Friends? remains a groundbreaking record—defined by unforgettable melodies, a powerful message of unity, and an enduring influence that continues to shape music, film, and social movements today. On June 6th via Avenue/Rhino, the arrival of this special edition will not only honor the album’s milestone anniversary, but celebrate WAR’s 55-year legacy as cultural trailblazers whose impact still resonates across generations today. They are “one of the most seminal bands in music” (Billboard), and “when it comes to low rider Cali-cool multiculturalism, WAR wrote the biggest, loudest book” (Variety).

Pre-Order Why Can’t We Be Friends? 50th Anniversary (Collector’s Edition), and listen to the previously unheard “Low Rider (Original Unedited Mix),” available today: HERE

Newly remastered by Bernie Grundman, Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) presents the original album alongside two additional discs. Featuring seven unearthed bonus tracks, rare jam sessions and unedited mixes, as well as a revelatory recording about the making of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” the collection offers a deeper look into the record than ever before. The 3CD and Digital editions follow the stunning Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) 3LP set that just debuted as a 2025 Record Store Day Vinyl Exclusive. WAR’s previous box set, honoring 50 years of The World Is a Ghetto, was named Best New Reissue by Pitchfork, and hailed as one of the best of the year by The New York Times, Variety and more. Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) continues that streak.

WAR’s signature fusion of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, rock and street music is what first propelled them to prominence 55 years ago, but it was their ability to craft songs of social consciousness that further cemented their place in the modern American songbook. The immediate global impact of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” was so profound that NASA transmitted the title track into space during the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. Since then, WAR have continued to sing out against racism, hunger, crime and conflict, while their music has been sampled by Janet Jackson, Tupac, Beastie Boys, Method Man, Sublime, Redman, Cypress Hill, Shaggy, A$AP Mob, Scarface, The Geto Boys, De La Soul, Flo Rida, Liam Payne, Thomas Rhett and more, and covered by everyone from Willie Nelson to The Muppets, George Clinton, Phish, ZZ Top and The Isley Brothers.

With more than 50 million albums sold, 20 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records, three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame noms, a GRAMMY Hall of Fame entry, four #1 LPs, nine Top 10s and twenty Top 40 songs, WAR didn’t just define the sound of the 1970s—they became a lasting voice for creative collaboration and social change, with a mission of love and harmony that resonates now more than ever. From the prophetic message of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” to the timeless groove of “Low Rider,” this collection captures WAR at their most innovative and socially impactful. More than just a musical milestone, Why Can’t We Be Friends? (50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) reaffirms the album’s relevance—both as a reflection of the polarizing era that inspired it, and as a beacon of hope for our present and future.

As WAR enters its sixth decde, their influence remains undeniable. Recent honors—including their debut in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—further cement WAR’s status as musical and cultual giants. Meanwhile, WAR will hit the road for dozens of tour dates across the US and abroad, including a hometown, headline performance at the LA County Fair, and many more you canfind at https://war.com/tour. 

TRACK LIST  
CD 1: Why Can’t We Be Friends? 
1. Don’t Let No One Get You Down
2. Lotus Blossom
3. Heartbeat
4. Leroy’s Latin Lament (Medley)
a. Lonnie Dreams
b. The Way We Feel
c. La Fiesta
d. Lament
5. Smile Happy
6. So
7. Low Rider
8. In Mazatlan
9. Why Can’t We Be Friends?
CD 2 & 3: Making of Why Can’t We Be Friend 
Disc 1
1. Zorro (Bonus Track)
2. Don’t Let No One Get You Down (Original Unedited Mix)
3. Roam & Ramble (Bonus Track)
4. Low Rider (Original Unedited Mix)
5. So (Unedited Remix)
Disc 2
1. Oatmeal Box (Bonus Track)
2. Heartbeat (Original Jam)
3. The Making of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”

Anberlin Adds Second Leg To “Never Take Friendship Personal” 20th Anniversary Tour With The Almost And Watashi Wa

Eric Alper
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Anberlin Adds Second Leg To “Never Take Friendship Personal” 20th Anniversary Tour With The Almost And Watashi Wa

As Anberlin continues their twenty year celebration of Never Take Friendship Personal, the alternative outfit has announced the second leg of their nearly sold-out tour, with support from The Almost and Watashi Wa, kicking in Jacksonville, FL on July 31, hitting fifteen cities before wrapping things up mid-August in Indianapolis.

Anberlin recently surprised fans with the release of Nevertake, a reimagined version of the quintessential album celebrating its twenty year anniversary, now featuring Matty Mullins on vocals.

Vocalist Matty Mullins previously shared “‘Never Take Friendship Personal’ was the soundtrack to my life when I was 17. It shaped the most crucial years of my early music career. To now have the opportunity to step into the role of vocalist for the band that inspired me is beyond surreal. Re-recording this album with my own voice has been a full-circle moment and an absolute dream come true. We’ve poured our hearts into honoring the original while giving it new life, and I can’t wait for both longtime fans and new listeners to experience it in this way.”

NEVER TAKE FRIENDSHIP PERSONAL UPCOMING TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY TOUR DATES:
07/31 – Jacksonville, FL – Decca Live
08/01 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
08/02 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
08/03 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
08/05 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
08/06 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
08/07 – Philadelphia, PA – Theater of The Living Arts
08/08 – Brooklyn, NY – The Brooklyn Monarch
08/10 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
08/12 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
08/13 – Scranton, PA – The Ritz Theater
08/14 – New Kensington, PA – Preserving
08/15 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
08/16 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
08/17 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi Annex

The Darkness Bring ‘Dreams On Toast’ To North America With 2025 Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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The Darkness Bring ‘Dreams On Toast’ To North America With 2025 Tour Dates

The Darkness announced North American tour dates in support of their new album Dreams On Toast released on March 28th via Cooking Vinyl.

The band will ignite stages across North America on their two-part Dreams On Toast Tour kicking off on August 29th in Pryor, Oklahoma through September 21st that resumes on November 7th in Houston, Texas and wraps on November 22nd. Tour Pre-sale starts Wednesday, April 16th at 10am local time and General on-sale commences Friday, April 18th at 10am local time.

Highly praised by critics and fans, Dreams On Toast flawlessly captures The Darkness at their peak, celebrating their influences and strengthening their sound, while also embarking on avenues never before heard from the band. It’s an indisputably grand display from the inspired and passionate quartet.

With a back catalogue overflowing with sonic masterpieces and a live reputation that most bands can only dream of, The Darkness have established themselves as one of the most exciting live bands. More than 20 years after The Darkness burst on the scene with their debut confection of rock brilliance, Permission To Land, the band’s cheeky, spandex-clad anthems continue to dazzle and amaze. With Dreams On Toast, The Darkness produced another triumphant collection of solid gold rock bangers and are set to deliver heart exploding concerts that promise to be glorious spectacles of foot-stomping, guitar-wailing, high-octane joy.

Rolling Stone UK gushes that The Darkness have “Incredible live presence,” Music Connection raves, “There really is nothing like a Darkness show, the band is great, the songs are great, and they leave the fans wanting more,” while Live Music News and Review enthuses, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that The Darkness are guaranteed to melt your face during one of their live performances.” Music Existence proclaims, “This band is in a class of their own and shouldn’t be missed if you’re able to see them live,” Music City Magazine shares, “They are truthfully one of the best live acts out there,” Top Shelf Music Magazine lauds, “In terms of pure high-energy rock and roll, nobody has ever rocked harder than The Darkness” and My Global Mind declares, “Their show is EXACTLY what a rock and roll show should be!”

DREAMS ON TOAST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
8/29 Pryor, OK Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds
8/30 Saint Louis, MO The Pageant
8/31 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl
9/2 Atlanta, GA Masquerade – Heaven Stage
9/3 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center – Mars Music Hall
9/5 Norfolk, VA The NorVa
9/6 Richmond, VA The National
9/7 Washington, DC Lincoln Theatre
9/9 Allentown, PA Archer Music Hall
9/10 New York, NY Irving Plaza
9/12 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
9/13 Kitchener, ON Elements
9/14 Montréal, QC Club Soda
9/16 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
9/17 Detroit, MI Saint Andrew’s Hall
9/19 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater
9/20 Milwaukee, WI The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave Hall
9/21 Cleveland, OH Agora Theatre and Ballroom
11/7 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Midtown
11/8 Austin, TX Emo’s
11/9 Dallas, TX The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
11/12 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
11/13 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
11/15 Boise, ID Knitting Factory Concert House
11/17 Portland, OR Revolution Hall
11/18 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
11/19 Seattle, WA The Showbox
11/21 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
11/22 Denver, CO Summit Music Hall

Bailey James Channels Heartache and Horsepower in New Single “I Hate Chevrolets”

Eric Alper
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Bailey James Channels Heartache and Horsepower in New Single “I Hate Chevrolets”

Nashville country-soul powerhouse Bailey James has never held back when it comes to emotion, and her latest single, a return to her alternative-country roots, “I Hate Chevrolets,” proves it once again. This blues-soaked country ballad is soaked in heartache, turning the image of a classic American truck into the symbol of a love that always leaves. Co-written with Mark Irwin (Lainey Wilson, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Jimmy Buffett), the single is a fantastic addition to James’ discography and some of her finest lyricism yet.

With a voice full of ache and conviction, James delivers lines like “If I keep saying that it’s just a car maybe / I can save a little piece of my heart” – but the truth cuts deeper: it’s not about the truck, it’s the man who keeps driving away. The chorus hits with raw, memorable honesty: “I hate Chevrolets / Hate the way they sound / Driving down the road to the other side of town.”

Her vocal performance is where the heartbreak truly lives – confident and crushed all at once – while the production blends throwback country with a sultry modern edge.

Shelby Means Rounds Up Bluegrass All-Stars for Debut Solo Album and Playful New Single “Farm Girl”

Eric Alper
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Shelby Means Rounds Up Bluegrass All-Stars for Debut Solo Album and Playful New Single “Farm Girl”

If you think you recognize Shelby Means, that’s because you almost definitely do. The bassist, vocalist and songwriter has been everywhere. Crossed the deserts bare, breathed the mountain air and all that; of travel she’s certainly had her share. Most notably in recent years, she’s been playing bass with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, touring the world and winning a GRAMMY with them for their 2023 album, City of Gold, and before that she played with the bluegrass band Della Mae, with whom she visited nearly 30 countries.

Born in the bluegrass state of Kentucky and raised on Wyoming’s high plains, she was bit by the bluegrass bug early and grew up playing with her family, moving to Nashville after college, where she began to make a name for herself playing the upright bass. Now based in Charleston, SC, Means is also one half of roots duo Sally & George with her husband and collaborator, Sol Driven Train’s Joel Timmons, and she co-founded another group, Lover’s Leap, with Timmons, Mary Lucey, and Billy Cardine.

Perhaps the only thing she hasn’t done as a bassist, band member, artist and side musician after all these years, is release a solo record. Until now that is. On 30th May, Shelby Means will put out her debut, self-titled LP. This time her famous friends are backing her up as she steps into the spotlight. Produced by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Maya De Vitry, the album also features star turns from Billy Strings, Kyle and Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Bryan Sutton, Billy Contreras, Sam Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Tim O’Brien, Michael Cleveland and Means’ brother, Jacob.

“I always knew I wanted my first solo album to be bluegrass,” says songwriter, singer, and prolific bassist Shelby Means, who’s spent the majority of her career careening down highways on tour with world-class string bands like Della Mae and the Grammy-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. “I never left bluegrass,” she continues. “I certainly have explored other styles, but I kept dreaming of my time in Nashville and how I love to host jam sessions and invite my friends and neighbors.” With her upcoming self-titled solo debut, Means hosts a friends and neighbors jam session for the ages.

With Della Mae, Golden Highway, Sally & George, and her countless other projects and gigs, Means has ended up meeting-and establishing connections and relationships with-just about everyone in bluegrass music; and they’re all invited to her soiree. Bryan Sutton (who plays guitar on Shelby Means) produced an album for Della Mae; producer Maya de Vitry happened to produce Means’ husband Joel Timmons’ album (he’s also in de Vitry’s band); Jerry Douglas produced for Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on both Crooked Tree and City of Gold; Means’ brother, Jacob, plays mandolin on a couple selections; Golden Highway’s Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Kyle Tuttle, and Molly Tuttle herself each make appearances; there’s also Sam Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Billy Strings, Michael Cleveland, Tim O’Brien, and more. Plus, stalwart friends from her Nashville years-folks like Rachel Baiman, Kelsey Waldon, and Billy Contreras-are all over the self-titled debut.

Of course, all of the camaraderie is made possible by Means’s dynamic material-bluegrass bangers, heartful lyrics, and hilarious romps-and her bright, confident, and decidedly country voice, but there’s also a particular set of skills and fluences at play in gathering such a crowd; a striking professionalism developed over the course of her accomplished career. “Shelby holds sway over whatever band she’s in. When she has an idea, I listen,” says Jerry Douglas. “She knows what she wants, and she’s good at explaining it, so we can do a lot more playing than talking.”

Out today, Holler. shared an early look at the latest single from Shelby Means, the lilting, cheeky “Farm Girl” writing, “…the playfully subversive front porch sing-along feels like a breath of fresh bluegrass air blowing in.” Originally written by Means’ husband, Joel Timmons, and Mack Leaphart, “Farm Girl” got a plot twist for this release. “When I was looking for songs to put on my record, I decided to sing lead and make it a farm girl fantasy,” says Means, whose side of the story comes from growing up in Wyoming, working on a ranch, driving a tractor, and branding cattle. Tapping some of her oldest gal pals in Nashville, Means turned the chorus into a call and response with old friends Kelsey Waldon and Rachel Baiman. Bryan Sutton (guitar), Ron Block (banjo), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Sam Bush (mandolin), and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (fiddle) round out the band for this knee-slapping, toe-tapping romp through the pasture.

Charlie Wilson Announces “Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout” Tour With Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, And El DeBarge

Eric Alper
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Charlie Wilson Announces “Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout” Tour With Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, And El DeBarge

R&B icon Charlie Wilson is bringing the ultimate soul-infused celebration to fans this summer with his Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour, produced by Live Nation Urban and P Music Group featuring an all-star lineup of legendary acts including Babyface, K-Ci Hailey and El DeBarge. The nationwide tour kicks off on August 27th at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and will travel across major cities, delivering an unforgettable night of timeless hits, powerhouse vocals, and feel-good vibes.

With decades of chart-topping success between them, Wilson, Babyface, Hailey and DeBarge will take fans on a journey through some of R&B’s most cherished classics. Charlie Wilson’s catalog includes anthems from his time as the co-founder and lead singer of The Gap Band, such as Outstanding, Yearning for Your Love, and Burn Rubber, along with solo hits like There Goes My Baby, I’m Blessed, and Charlie, Last Name Wilson. Together, this lineup promises a night filled with timeless music.

Babyface’s expansive catalog of love songs, including Whip Appeal and Every Time I Close My Eyes, is matched only by the chart-topping hits he’s written and produced for other artists-among them Whitney Houston’s Exhale (Shoop Shoop), Boyz II Men’s End of the Road and I’ll Make Love to You, Tevin Campbell’s Can We Talk, and Bobby Brown’s Don’t Be Cruel and Roni.

K-Ci’s signature voice and timeless discography will help set the tone for an unforgettable night. From Jodeci classics like Come and Talk to Me and Forever My Lady to K-Ci & JoJo’s chart-topping ballads All My Life and Crazy, along with his soulful take on Bobby Womack’s If You Think You’re Lonely Now, his set promises both nostalgia and raw emotion.

Rounding out the cookout line up is the incomparable El DeBarge, whose silky falsetto defined an era and helped shape the sound of modern R&B. As the lead vocalist of DeBarge, he delivered timeless hits like Rhythm of the Night and I Like It, songs that blended soul, pop, and funk in a way that resonated across generations.

Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour promises to deliver a must-see cultural experience that celebrates legacy, love, and the timeless spirit of Black music. More than just a concert, this tour brings the feeling of a family reunion to the stage, where generations come together, classics get a second wind, and soul meets celebration. With a lineup of legendary voices and chart-topping anthems, the tour is set to be a vibrant reminder of the power R&B holds in shaping culture, healing hearts, and bringing people together. From the cookout vibes to the sing-along moments, every stop on this tour is designed to feel like home.

“This tour is unlike anything I’ve done before. As someone who truly loves R&B, getting to share the stage with my friends Babyface, K-Ci, and El is something I’m really looking forward to,” says Charlie Wilson. “I’ve been performing for so long that my audience isn’t just made up of fans, it really has become a family. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize so many faces, and we’ve grown together through the music. The R&B cookout is gonna be one big family reunion for us and our fans.”

Michael Paran, CEO of P Music Group, shares, “The idea for Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour came naturally because of the bond Charlie has built with his fans and the relationships I’ve developed with Babyface, K-Ci, and El. I’ve seen firsthand how their music brings people together like family, laughing, dancing, and reminiscing on early memories. This tour is about more than just great performances. It’s about capturing that feeling-the joy, the energy, and the nostalgia you feel when you’re surrounded by genuine love. Instead of building the perfect cookout playlist, I wanted to bring it to life with some of the greatest songs we’ve shared memories to and grown up on.”

Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour isn’t just a concert, it’s a family reunion set to the soundtrack of R&B’s most timeless hits. Charlie Wilson, Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, and El DeBarge will bring the heart and soul of a classic cookout to every city, creating an atmosphere where fans are more than just an audience, they’re family. With electrifying performances, nostalgic anthems, and feel-good vibes, this tour is a celebration of community, connection, and the music that has defined generations. Get ready to sing, dance, and reminisce, because at this cookout, everyone is invited.

Produced by Live Nation Urban and P Music Group, Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour will visit 20+ cities, including stops in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Houston. Fans can expect a high-energy, soul-stirring experience that brings the heart of R&B to life on stage.

In select cities, fans can elevate their night with an exclusive all-you-can-eat VIP cookout experience. This one-of-a-kind pre-show event brings the backyard to the venue with a curated menu of classic cookout favorites, specialty cocktails, and laid-back vibes inspired by the culture that raised us. From the food to the music to the fellowship, it’s the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable evening of R&B legends. Availability is limited and only offered in select markets.

Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting today at 12 PM local time through Thursday, April 17 at 10 PM local time with code: cookout. The public on sale will begin Friday, April 18 at 10 AM local time.

UNCLE CHARLIE’S R&B COOKOUT TOUR – 2025 DATES:
Wed 8/27 – Hollywood, CA – Hollywood Bowl*
Fri 8/29 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion*
Fri 9/5 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sat 9/6 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Sun 9/7 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Thu 9/11 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Fri 9/12 – New York, NY – Jones Beach Amphitheater
Sat 9/13 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
Sun 9/14 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann
Fri 9/19 – Raleigh, NC – Coast Union Music Park
Sat 9/20 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Arena
Sun 9/21 – Virginia Beach, VA – United Home Amphitheater
Fri 9/26 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sat 9/27 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheater
Sun 9/28 – Dallas, TX – Toyota Music Pavilion
Fri 10/3 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Arena**
Sat 10/4 – Atlanta, GA – Chastain Park*
Sun 10/5 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Fri 10/10 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Sat 10/11 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater*
Sun 10/12 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
(*No El DeBarge)| (**No Babyface)

All Things Go Festival 2025 Expands To Three Days With Noah Kahan, Doechii, Clairo, Kesha, Lucy Dacus & More

Eric Alper
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All Things Go Festival 2025 Expands To Three Days With Noah Kahan, Doechii, Clairo, Kesha, Lucy Dacus & More

All Things Go Festival 2025 reveals the lineup of the 11th DC-area edition, with headliners including Noah Kahan, Doechii (performing her first-ever festival headline show), Lucy Dacus, a returning ATG alum, Clairo, Kesha, and The Marías. The exciting expanded three-day event features artists such as MARINA, DJO, Julien Baker & Torres, Lola Young, and many more playing across 2 stages.

Set for Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28, the festival returns to its iconic venue Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD.  The fan presale is set for Thursday, April 17 @ 10am, and the public on sale is Friday, April 18. Tickets will be available at https://allthingsgofestival.com

The lineup announcement for ATG Festival 2025 in New York at Forest Hills Stadium is right around the corner. All Things Go always strives to deliver a unique, diverse lineup while elevating underrepresented voices. This year’s All Things Go Festival lineup promises another year of incredible performances from established and emerging artists across a myriad of genres, with the majority of artists identifying as women or non-binary. The festival has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2014, more than doubling in size year-over-year since 2018 to accommodate more artists, more fans, and more music.

In 2023, the festival expanded to two days for the first time, with Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers, boygenius, Carly Rae Jepsen, and more. It sold out immediately, with fans from more than half the states in the U.S. and multiple countries attending, highlighting the festival’s growing international appeal and reputation. Last year’s headlining artists – Janelle Monáe, Hozier, Laufey, Reneé Rapp, MUNA, Ethel Cain, and Julien Baker – were joined by a slew of heavy-hitters and emerging talent, presenting the biggest ATG lineup to date at Merriweather Post Pavilion, with 36 artists across two days and multiple stages.

Newcomers, especially, always get a warm welcome from the avid, curious, and dedicated ATG audience. All Things Go fosters a strong sense of community among attendees, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for music lovers to come together and celebrate their shared passion. Some artists and fans have given ATG loving and cheeky nicknames, including “Gay-chella”, “All Things Gay” and “Lesbopalooza.” The upcoming year’s festival is set to be its biggest yet.

ALL THINGS GO 2025 @ MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Noah Kahan
The Marías
The Last Dinner Party
The Beaches
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Lucius
Caroline Kingsbury
Joy Oladokun
Sunday (1994)
Gates open at 3PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Lucy Dacus
Clairo
Wallows
Faye Webster
Backseat Lovers
Julien Baker & Torres
Orion Sun
Hippo Campus
Gigi Perez
G Flip
Hazlett
Zinadelphia
Paris Paloma
Bartees Strange
Hey, Nothing
Carol Ades
Gates open at 11AM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Doechii
Kesha
DJO
Lola Young
Role Model
MARINA
Ashe
Rachel Chinouriri
Griff
Aces
Alemeda
Molly Grace
Maude Latour
Michelle
Peach PRC
Jasmine.4.t
Gates open at 11AM

BTS’s Jin Announces Second Solo Album ‘Echo’ Out May 16

Eric Alper
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BTS’s Jin Announces Second Solo Album ‘Echo’ Out May 16

in of 21st century pop icons BTS has announced his second solo album Echo, arriving on May 16. The release comes six months after Jin’s solo debut Happy and signals a meaningful return to fans as he continues his artistic journey into 2025.

Aiming to connect on a deeper level with fans through music, Echo offers Jin’s perspective on universal life experiences, capturing everyday emotions with warmth and sincerity. Built on dynamic band sounds, the album showcases his versatile vocals across a spectrum of moods and styles. It reflects a deeper layer of vocal maturity and personal storytelling that underscores Jin’s evolving artistry.

In parallel with his music, the multifaceted global superstar continues to demonstrate his versatility as an entertainer. He recently appeared in Netflix’s Korean variety series Kian’s Bizarre B&B, where he co-runs a quirky bed-and-breakfast on South Korea’s scenic island of Ulleungdo, alongside beloved Korean webtoon artist Kian84 and SNL Korea’s Ji Ye-eun. The show highlights Jin’s comedic charm and warmth, adding another dimension to his wide-ranging appeal.

Jin is poised to open an exciting new musical chapter with Echo, deepening his connection with fans, while reaffirming his place as a multi-dimensional artist capable of both resonance and reinvention.

Echo will be available on all streaming platforms worldwide on May 16 at 1PM KST. Additional details of the album will be announced closer to the release.

Stevie Nicks Adds 2025 Tour Dates with Stops in Boston, Toronto, Las Vegas and More

Eric Alper
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Stevie Nicks Adds 2025 Tour Dates with Stops in Boston, Toronto, Las Vegas and More

Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks has announced a new leg of tour dates for summer and fall 2025. Produced by Live Nation, the nine newly added shows will bring the iconic artist to cities across North America, including Boston, Toronto, Tampa, Las Vegas, and more.

Nicks will continue to enchant audiences with her unmistakable voice, poetic lyrics, and transcendent live performances. TICKETS: General on sale begins Friday, April 18 at 10 AM local.

Legendary singer, songwriter, and storyteller Stevie Nicks is one of rock and roll’s most successful, inimitable, and groundbreaking artists. As a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning solo artist and member of Fleetwood Mac, she is the first woman to have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice and has collectively sold more than 220 million albums. Having captivated audiences for decades with her iconic live performances, distinctive songwriting, and constant cultural influence, Nicks continues to be an inspiration and mentor to younger performers.

A member of Fleetwood Mac since 1974, the band’s enduring spirit stands for an incredible body of music – including Rumours, one of the best-selling albums of all time – that has connected with generations of people all over the world for more than 50 years. In October 2020, Stevie Nicks 24 Karat Gold The Concert was released at select cinemas, drive-ins and exhibition spaces around the world for two nights only. The sold-out film offered audiences a virtual front-row seat to the magic Nicks brought on her sold-out 24 Karat Gold Tour.

STEVIE NICKS 2025 TOUR DATES:
^Tickets on Sale Friday, April 18
Tue Aug 12 – Boston, MA – TD Garden^
Fri Aug 15 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena^
Tue Aug 19 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center^
Sat Aug 23 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center^
Wed Aug 27 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena^
Sat Aug 30 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena^
Tue Oct 07 – Phoenix, AZ – PHX Arena^
Sat Oct 11 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena^
Wed Oct 15 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center^
* With Billy Joel, On Sale Now
Fri Aug 8 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium*
Sat Oct 04 – Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium*
Sat Oct 18 – New Orleans, LA – Caesars Superdome*
Sat Nov 15 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field*

Corporate Video Production vs. Commercial Production in the USA: Know the Differences

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Not all videos are created for the same purpose. 

Corporate video builds trust from the inside out. Commercial videos grab attention and sell big. Knowing the difference between these two can save you time, money, and a whole lot of guesswork.

Corporate Video Production vs. Commercial Video Production: At a Glance

Feature Corporate Video Commercial Video
Audience Employees, clients, stakeholders General public, potential customers
Purpose Inform, train, engage Promote, advertise, sell
Style & Tone Professional, clear, factual Creative, catchy, persuasive
Budget Lower to mid-range Mid to high-range
Distribution Internal channels Public platforms

 

Let’s solve your dilemma about choosing between commercial and corporate content. 

What is Corporate Video Production?

Corporate video production is more for business people. It includes employees. The purpose of the ideo content is for businesses to use internally. They do target external communication, but not for advertising to the general public.

Key Features:

  • Focused on informing, training, or engaging employees, stakeholders, or clients
  • Usually not promotional or salesy in tone
  • Helps build a stronger internal company culture or brand identity

Common Types of Corporate Videos:

Training videos
  • For onboarding new employees, explaining procedures, or upskilling teams
Internal communication videos
  • Like messages from leadership, policy updates, or internal announcements
Company culture videos
  • Showcase your workplace environment, values, and employee experiences
Client or employee testimonials
  • Real people sharing real experiences. Great for building trust
Event or conference recaps
  • Document and share the highlights with teams or clients

What is Commercial Video Production?

Commercial video production is salesy videos. Basically, it will promote products, services, or brands. These videos target only mass audiences. The goal here is to drive sales or brand awareness.

Brand Commercial: Aceso

Key Features:

  • Sales-driven and persuasive in tone
  • Usually high-energy and short-form
  • Distributed across multiple platforms
  • Shows on TV, YouTube, social media, etc.

Common Formats of Commercial Videos:

TV commercials
  • Traditional but still powerful, especially for a broad reach
YouTube ads
  • Skippable or non-skippable ads. Ideal for digital-first campaigns
Social media ads
  • Quick, catchy, and often tailored to the platform (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
Product demos or explainer ads
  • Showcase how a product works and why it matters.

Key Differences Between Corporate and Commercial Video Production

The main difference between corporate and commercial video production is all about what they’re really for. They target different audiences, have different goals, and their purposes are not the same.

To understand it all, here are the key differences between Corporate and Commercial Video Production. 

  • Audience and Purpose

Corporate Video

  • Audience: Internal teams, stakeholders, existing clients, job seekers
  • Purpose: Educate, inform, train, or build internal culture
  • Example: A CEO’s message to employees, an onboarding video, or an HR policy update

Commercial Video

  • Audience: General public, potential customers, target market
  • Purpose: Promote a product or service, build brand awareness, and drive sales
  • Example: A catchy YouTube ad for a new app or a TV spot for a shampoo brand

  • Production Style and Tone

Corporate Video

  • Style: Professional, informative, sometimes documentary-style
  • Tone: Calm, transparent, trustworthy, and often more formal
  • Often features employees, office settings, and real scenarios

Commercial Video

  • Style: High-energy, creative, visually engaging
  • Tone: Persuasive, emotional, or entertaining, depending on the brand voice
  • Often includes actors, scripted scenes, and visual effects

  • Budget and Distribution Channels

Corporate Video

  • Budget: Usually lower to mid-range (depends on scale and complexity)
  • Distribution: Internal platforms (intranet, emails), websites, training portals, or presentations

Commercial Video

  • Budget: Can be high, especially for TV and digital campaigns
  • Distribution: Public platforms like TV, YouTube, social media, or OTT apps

Corporate Video Production vs. Commercial Production: Which One Do You Need?

Still confused? Here are the things that will help you to decide. 

When to Choose Corporate Video Production

Go for this when your goal is to communicate within your organization or with existing clients. Not for sale to the public.

Use it if you want to:

  • Train or onboard new employees
  • Explain complex company policies or workflows
  • Share company updates from leadership
  • Build internal brand culture
  • Document an internal event or achievement

Industry-Specific Examples:

  • Tech: Create a product training video for internal developers or IT teams
  • Healthcare: Film a safety protocol training video for hospital staff
  • Real Estate: Produce an internal sales strategy presentation or team motivational video.

When Commercial Video Production is Ideal

Choose this when you’re looking to promote a product, service, or your brand to the public. It’s about visibility, appeal, and conversion.

Use it if you want to:

  • Launch a new product or service
  • Run an ad campaign on TV or social media
  • Reach new customers and expand market presence
  • Drive traffic to your website or physical store

Industry-Specific Examples:

  • Tech: Promote a new mobile app through a YouTube ad campaign
  • Healthcare: Advertise a new wellness program or telehealth service on local TV
  • Real Estate: Run a Facebook ad showcasing a luxury apartment launch.

Top 5 Video Production Companies in the USA

  • LocalEyes

[Source: LocalEyes Video Production]

Headquarters in the USA: Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon, Georgia.

Notable Clients: GUCCI, Coca-Cola, SurveyMonkey, Microsoft

Project Handled: 3900+

Best For: Overall, for every kind of video

  • Sandwich

[Source: Sandwich] 

Headquarters in the USA: California

Notable Clients: Shopify, Slack, TikTok

Project Handled: 700+

Best For: Use bright colors and creative images.

  • Lemonlight

[Source: Lemonlight] 

Headquarters in the USA: California

Notable Clients: Rolex, Dyson, Amazon

Project Handled: 25,000+

Best For: Creative storytelling and new ideas.

  • Superside

[Source: Superside] 

Headquarters in the USA: Colorado, New York, Wisconsin

Notable Clients: Google, Meta, Reddit

Project Handled: 97,154+

Best For: Motion graphics and technology

  • Wyzowl

[Source: Wyzowl] 

Headquarters in the USA: New York

Notable Clients: Kodak, Deloitte, LG.

Project Handled: 4000+

Best For: Animated explainer video

Additionally: SEO Benefits of Each Type of Video Production

Here is how both types support your SEO strategy:

SEO Benefit Corporate Videos Commercial Videos
User Engagement Higher on-site time, lower bounce Higher CTR on ads & landing pages
Brand Trust Builds internal/external credibility Builds public trust and brand recall
Search Visibility Boosts site structure & usability Improves rankings via YouTube & snippets
Backlinks & Shares Limited unless public-facing High potential with shareable ad content
Conversion Support Employee recruitment, stakeholder trust Product sales, lead generation

Frequently Asked Questions: Corporate Video Production vs. Commercial Production

What is the difference between corporate and commercial video?

Corporate videos are for internal communication or business relationships. On the other hand, commercial videos are promotional to sell products or services. 

What type of video is an example of a corporate video?

An employee onboarding or training video is a classic example of corporate video. 

How do you make a good corporate video?

Focus on clarity, purpose, and promotional tone. Use a clean script, a real employee testimonial to build trust.

What makes a good commercial video?

A good commercial video is one that has a compelling story, showcases product values, and ends with a strong call to action, all in an engaging style. 

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

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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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