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Goose Drops Soulful New Single “Your Direction” Ahead of ‘Evertything Must Go’ Album

Eric Alper
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Goose Drops Soulful New Single “Your Direction” Ahead of ‘Evertything Must Go’ Album

Goose has released “Your Direction,” the new single from their forthcoming album, Everything Must Go, set for release on April 25 via No Coincidence Records.

The band’s third song from Everything Must Go begins with a coy statement of intent: “I was thinking ‘bout moving in your direction.” Like its opening line, the track is in no rush. A patient southern California groove builds, layering lush percussion over a propulsive acoustic melody. Across Everything Must Go, Goose builds little worlds to get lost in and the atmosphere of “Your Direction” is breezy, accented by the slinking textural notes of occasional, soulful organ hits, but there’s something deeper; “Your Direction” is a crossroads — a moment of indecision, a moment of truth.

“There’s a fundamental tension in there,” says Rick Mitarotonda of the song. “Between taking risks and going for something, and all the voices and forces that hold you back from doing it.”

Everything Must Go is Goose’s fourth studio album and is a collection of songs that have been written throughout the band’s decade-long career. “Your Direction” has been incubating for years, before finally coming to life during the Everything Must Go sessions. It showcases a signature of the band’s songwriting style, deftly layering bright melodies and evocative lyrics with a deeper, universal message.

“Like so many tracks on the album, it marks an arrival of sorts,” Mitarotonda said. “Something that was on a shelf for some time before finding its moment.

“Ultimately, it’s fun,” he continues. “But I love when you can operate in multiple registers. Take something light and fun and have a bit of life and weight that gets layered in, too.”

Goose’s first new studio LP in nearly three years following 2022’s critically acclaimed Dripfield, Everything Must Go marks both a statement of intent for Goose as well as an arrival of sorts — a journey for fans and newcomers alike through the group’s past, present, and infinite future. Drawing from the feel of its live performances, the album features a carnivalesque cast of characters — primarily songs written throughout the band’s recent years of growth, including re-imagined live staples and songs that capture the band’s evolving, dynamic sound. Produced once again by D. James Goodwin, Everything Must Go includes such extraordinary new tracks as the searching “Lead Up” and euphoric first single, “Give It Time,” the latter accompanied by an official music video featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes explosive live performance footage that perfectly matches the song’s message of strength derived from new beginnings.

Goose will celebrate Everything Must Go with perhaps the most momentous live run of the hard-working band’s career thus far, highlighted by their first-ever headline show at New York City’s world-famous Madison Square Garden (June 28). The “Everything Must Go Summer Tour” begins May 27-28 with a two-night stand at San Francisco, CA’s The Masonic. Other highlights include two-night stands at Chesterfield, MO’s The Factory (June 10-11) and Cleveland, OH’s Jacobs Pavilion (June 24-25), as well as a very special homecoming return to New Haven, CT’s Westville Music Bowl (June 29). For complete information, please visit www.goosetheband.com/tour.

The “Everything Must Go Summer Tour” represents some of the biggest headline shows in the band’s 10-year history as well as the latest additions to their constantly evolving live schedule for the coming year. In addition, Goose will host Viva El Gonzo, a three-day destination festival presented by 100x Hospitality and set for May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The upcoming event will feature three consecutive nights of performances by Goose, along with sets from The War on Drugs, Tycho, Dawes, LP GIOBBI, LA LOM, and more. Limited tickets, TED VIP, and travel packages are available now. For complete information, please see www.vivaelgonzo.com.

Upcoming months will also see Goose making an array of top-billed festival appearances, including New Orleans, LA’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 24), Napa, CA’s BottleRock Napa Valley (Sunday, May 25), Manchester, TN’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (Friday, June 13), Columbia, MD’s All Good Now (June 14-15), and Highmount, NY’s Mountain Jam (June 22).

In addition, Goose recently took their growing passion for experiential music events to unprecedented heights with “Goose at Luna Luna: The Everything Must Go Experience,” an exclusive one-night celebration of Everything Must Go held earlier this month at the visionary Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy exhibit at The Shed in New York City. Fans were transported into an otherworldly carnival of imagination, marking the lead-up to Everything Must Go with an evening that defied convention and left attendees in awe. Guests explored interactive soundscapes, a vinyl listening lounge, and a one-of-a-kind merch corner featuring event merchandise alongside thrifted and upcycled items hand-selected by the band. The evening was highlighted by a fully improvisational 75-minute set that was both daring and breathtaking. Brought vividly to life by their partnership with experiential creative Justin Bolognino and his company META, with “Goose at Luna Luna: The Everything Must Go Experience,” Goose affirmed their ability to push boundaries, creating a fully immersive art-inspired spectacle that has set a new standard for album release events.

GOOSE – TOUR 2025
APRIL
24 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival *
MAY
8-10 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Viva El Gonzo
25 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley *
27 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
28 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
30 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
31 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Pavilion
JUNE
1 – Boise, ID – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden
3 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn, Bowl
4 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
6 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
7 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
10 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
11 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
12 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
13 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival *
14-15 – Columbia, MD – All Good Now *
17 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion
19 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion
20 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion
21 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
22 – Highmount, NY – Mountain Jam *
27 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
29 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl
SEPTEMBER
12 – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Music Festival *
17 – Madison, WI – Kohl Center †
* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE
† W/ MT. JOY

20 of the Best Debut Singles of All Time

Eric Alper
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20 of the Best Debut Singles of All Time

You only get one shot at a first impression. Some artists kick the doors down, rewrite the rules, and never look back. From jukebox classics to TikTok chart-toppers, here are 20 of the most unforgettable debut singles ever, across genres and generations.

“I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles (1963)
They weren’t the first boy band, but they became the blueprint. This jangly pop masterpiece made America swoon and lit the fuse for the British Invasion. Even Bob Dylan was like, “These guys might be onto something.”

“…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears (1998)
A schoolgirl outfit, a Max Martin beat, and a chorus that embedded itself in the global consciousness. Britney didn’t just drop a debut — she launched a pop culture tidal wave.

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” – Prince (1979)
Before the Purple Rain, there was this. A falsetto-fueled funk jam that introduced the world to a genre-defying genius. Prince produced, wrote, and played nearly everything — because of course he did.

“Ocean Eyes” – Billie Eilish (2015)
Uploaded to SoundCloud, it was meant for her dance teacher. Instead, it became the haunting, whisper-pop ballad that started a new era of Gen Z stardom. Vulnerability never sounded so cool.

“Walk This Way” – Run-D.M.C. with Aerosmith (1986)
Sure, Aerosmith had the original, but Run-D.M.C. made it a revolution. A Black hip-hop trio kicking down MTV’s segregated walls, inviting rock in for a remix, and showing what crossover really means.

“Pon de Replay” – Rihanna (2005)
Before the fashion empire, the Super Bowl stage, and the memes, there was this island club banger. Seventeen-year-old Rihanna told the DJ to turn it up — and the world obeyed.

“Royals” – Lorde (2013)
Deadpan delivery. Minimalist production. A takedown of pop excess from a 16-year-old poet in New Zealand. With “Royals,” Lorde showed that you could whisper your way to No. 1.

“Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X (2019)
He bought a $30 beat online. He made a TikTok meme. He broke every record Billboard had. Lil Nas X didn’t just debut — he detonated the boundary between country and hip-hop, all while coming out as gay at the height of its success.

“Rebel Girl” – Bikini Kill (1993)
Feminist punk lit a fire with this riot grrrl rallying cry. Kathleen Hanna wasn’t asking for space — she was taking it. It’s a debut that still makes you want to paint your bedroom walls and start a zine.

“Tennessee” – Arrested Development (1992)
In an era of gangsta rap dominance, Arrested Development debuted with a spiritual, Southern-tinged track that asked big questions and sounded like a front porch prayer.

“Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman (1988)
No fireworks, just a guitar, a voice, and a story. Tracy Chapman’s debut was quiet, powerful, and impossible to ignore — a Black queer woman cutting through the noise with aching clarity.

“If I Had a Hammer” – Odetta (1956)
Folk wouldn’t be folk without her. With just her voice and a guitar, Odetta’s early singles channeled the civil rights movement into every note — and inspired Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and the decades to come.

“Drivers License” – Olivia Rodrigo (2021)
Teen heartbreak never sounded so cinematic. Olivia drove onto the scene with one of the most streamed debuts of all time, armed with Taylor Swift-level emotion and Gen Z storytelling precision.

“More Than a Feeling” – Boston (1976)
It starts with a gentle acoustic lick and explodes into arena-rock perfection. Boston arrived with soaring harmonies, guitar wizardry, and one of the most enduring rock anthems of all time. Pure FM radio gold.

“You Really Got Me” – The Kinks (1964)
One distorted power chord changed everything. The Kinks didn’t just debut — they invented the crunch that inspired punk, metal, and garage rock for decades. A debut that sounds like it’s still mid-riot.

“Creep” – Radiohead (1992)
Before OK Computer and global icon status, there was this brutally honest outsider anthem. Radiohead came out sad, loud, and self-loathing — and gave Gen X their most beloved nihilist singalong.

“Roxanne” – The Police (1978)
Who else could make a song about a man falling for a sex worker sound this catchy? The Police introduced themselves with reggae-tinged rock, Sting’s high notes, and enough storytelling swagger to fill a novel.

“Just What I Needed” – The Cars (1978)
Synths, sarcasm, and hooks for days. The Cars showed up sounding like the future, balancing new wave cool with rock attitude. It’s impossible to imagine the ‘80s without this starting point.

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Cyndi’s cover of Robert Hazard’s song became the feminist pop-rock anthem of the decade. With her technicolor style and vocal range from sugar to shriek, she turned fun into a revolution.

“Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
If debut singles had warning labels, this would need several. Axl’s scream, Slash’s riff, and the feral energy of LA’s darkest corners turned this into one of the most dangerous intros in rock history.

Exploring Kratom Canada: Benefits, Dosage, And Regulations

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Mitragyna speciosa, or to most people, kratom, is a coffee-family tree native to Southeast Asia regions of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Due to its alleged benefits, Kratom use has increased in Canada in the past few years.

Kratom has been used in these native regions for more than 150 years, mainly for pain relief, energy boosts, and alcohol and opioid withdrawal. Today, kratom has shot into the limelight as more people seek natural treatment alternatives for opioid disorders, mental illnesses, and pain.

Research on kratom’s effects is inconclusive; however, pre-clinical studies suggest that kratom can be beneficial, especially for managing chronic pain. While kratom is yet to be endorsed by food and drug agencies in Canada, is it legal to use it? And what are the effects of kratom? Read on to learn more about kratom in Canada.

What is Kratom

Kratom is an evergreen plant predominantly grown in Southeast Asia due to its perfect tropical climate. Once matured, its leaves are harvested, chewed, or dried and crushed into powder to be infused in drinks and food for stimulating, energy-boosting, and sedation effects. Additionally, kratom is known to relieve depression, ease anxiety and heal muscle spasms.

Due to its potential benefits and relaxed regulations, kratom is now more accessible, unlike a few years ago. High-quality kratom canada is available mainly in a powder that can be added to tea or other drinks. While the effects are unique to each user, they are largely determined by the potency and amount consumed.

That’s why users must use kratom responsibly to reduce the adverse side effects of overdose.

Kratom Benefits

Kratom is at the center of discussion due to its potential therapeutic properties. Despite the need for extensive research, various studies and anecdotal evidence seem to agree with its potential benefits.

Here are some of the benefits of using kratom:

1. Mental Clarity and Mood Elevation

If you’re struggling with focus due to mood issues, kratom might offer a solution. Research on kratom’s mood-enhancing and antidepressant effects is promising. A study using animal models shows how kratom lowers cortisol levels which is crucial in easing depression.

2. Energy and Alertness

One of the well-known benefits of kratom is its caffeine-like stimulating effects for energy boost. A cup of tea mixed with the Maeng Da Kratom strain will help enhance your energy and focus.

3. Pain Relief

Kratom has been used to treat pain by the natives for hundreds of years. For patients battling chronic pain, kratom might be a lifesaver. Kratom, through 7-hydroxy mitragynine, a compound 13x more potent than morphine, attaches to opioid receptors to relieve pain. According to a study, participants administered kratom displayed a statistically significant improvement in pain tolerance.

4. Opioid Withdrawal

Kratom is believed to help in mitigating the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms. It achieves this by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain. Mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, the active compounds in kratom, can mimic the opioids to activate the opioid receptors without subjecting users to the intense effects of opioids.

This makes fighting opioid addiction manageable.

5. Sedation

At high doses, kratom offers sedative effects inducing calm and relaxation in the user. This is contrary to the energizing of kratom at low doses. Apart from the dosage, the kratom strain also plays a role. Some strains like Red Borneo, Red Bali, Red Indo, Red Maeng Da, and Green Malay are known for their relaxation effects.

Kratom Dosage in Canada

One of the challenges that new kratom users have to face is establishing the right dosage. With no clear guidelines and lots of conflicting information online, anyone can get confused. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand kratom dosage for the best outcome.

When it comes to kratom usage, no two users experience the same effects. Apart from the dosage, the effects could vary from one user to another due to the type of strain consumed, method of administration, age, weight, and individual body tolerance.

Preliminary research shows that kratom is associated with stimulant effects at low doses, between 1 and 5 grams, while at higher doses, between 5 and 15 grams, it is likely to have sedative effects. However, there is a need for further research to establish the effects of various doses.

However, there are no standard guidelines on the right amount of kratom for a particular purpose. As such, it’s important to approach kratom with caution. Always read the product label to understand the recommended amounts to consume.

Kratom can be consumed either in raw form by chewing the leaves, as crushed powder, extracts, or capsules. Depending on the method of consumption, the effects could kick in as few as 10 minutes or take up to 30 minutes. Once the effects kick in, they could last up to hours. So, it’s important to give it time before taking an additional test.

The best approach with kratom is to start with a small dose and increase it gradually as you monitor the effects. Too much kratom could lead to unwanted side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, hallucination, and sweating.

Kratom Regulations in Canada

In Canada, kratom’s legality is limited to personal use and possession. Canadian federal law prohibits the sale or distribution of kratom due to its current status as an “unauthorized health product” by Health Canada.

Since kratom is not prohibited in Canada, you can buy it online from reputable vendors. Just be sure to buy the right strain, read the product label to check ingredients, and confirm that its third-party lab tested for purity.

Conclusion

While kratom has been used for many years by natives, various perspectives exist among politicians, researchers, and medical professionals on the legality of kratom. Looking into the future, kratom’s legality for various purposes could change. Therefore, it’s advisable to research local laws and regulations when traveling with kratom in Canada.

Besides taking your time to research and understand your products, consult a doctor or kratom expert before using them. Additionally, go slow on kratom as you get started to minimize the adverse side effects of high doses. If you notice any adverse reaction, talk to a medical professional.

How Cloud-Based Services Enhance Online Assignment Assistance?

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Due to rapid evolution in technology, the education system is also affected, where students are facing multiple complexities in learning and completing their tasks. There are many services available that support in completing their academic tasks by meeting deadlines. Most of the transformative tools for cloud computing usually work by redefining the assistance services that should be delivered to them. Generally, these types of cloud-based services work as enabling scalable and collaborative solutions that works as empowering educators and students. This assistance with these services is helpful for scholars from remote learning to resource management. These services are considered the best in enhancing the overall learning experience by abolishing the required physical infrastructure related to the IT systems. Still get confused, then try to seek assistance from writing assignment services where experts will deliver high-quality results within the mentioned time.

Benefits of Cloud-Based Services in Assignment Assistance

 1. 24/7 Accessibility and Availability

By following the proper cloud infrastructure, receive complete access to learning resources like assignments, where professional writers are available 24/7. Those writers have years of experience in assisting scholars with their concerns. Their high-quality assistance plays a supportive role in getting connected with peers or subject experts, whether it’s during the day or night. This high-quality guidance from professionals allows one to easily eliminate the geographic and time-zone barriers. Not only this, experts also ensure meeting the satisfaction level with their guidance. Our team of experts can assist from any location in the world with any small concerns belonging to multiple academic levels.

2. Real-Time Collaboration

Getting assistance from cloud-based services allows for receiving assistance in terms of getting real-time document editing, live chat, screen sharing and also collaborative whiteboards. The availability of the experts allows them to get in touch with professionals, making tutoring and assignment help more interactive and effective in their academics by solving any queries within a short time. Therefore, multiple platforms are available where our reliable online assignment helpers is available to tackle the complexities of the subject. Those platforms usually contain Google Docs, which delivers the ability of real-time editing and commenting. Next is Zoom + Google Jamboard, where professionals perform interactive sessions or Microsoft Teams, communicate with experts through document collaboration with chat and video.

3. Scalability and Resource Efficiency

These cloud services usually have scalability according to the demand of the reliable students. During the exam sessions and also the urgency of meeting the deadlines, the process of writing the assignments with guidance from a reliable platform allows for easy handling the spikes in terms of user traffic without losing performance. Those professional writers also ensure the originality and quality of the work by fulfilling the requirements. Multiple benefits will be received from experts, is cost effectiveness, efficiency in loading the balance and seamless handling the file storage or submissions in academic work by meeting deadlines. This assistance allows startups and educational institutions to provide consistent support without investing in heavy infrastructure.

4. Centralized Storage and File Management

This was another benefit that students will receive by seeking assistance from the cloud-based services in completing assignments. Here, professional london assignment help allows to gain the ability to store the in-depth volume of data in a centralised location. Their guidance is usually supportive in simplifying the complexities of academics. Those who face problems in academics will get help with document submission, tracking the assignment versions and also maintaining academic integrity. Track the process of writing the assignment, where experts will deliver a shared folder by using the best version history. This accessibility allows one to check any plagiarism-related errors and request that they make improvements.

5. Data Security and Backup

Data is the thing that everyone wants to be secure while sharing with any service provider. It’s also considered a significant concern while working on assignments and dissertations. Seeking access from these cloud-based platforms allows to receive robust data protection, encryption, and automatic backups. When talking about the key features of these services, they will provide end-to-end encryption, role-based access control and automatic version history and recovery. Assistance from experts ensures that sensitive academic information remains secure while being readily accessible. That’s why individuals should feel safe while taking assistance from cloud-based services especially for their sensitive data that is kept secure with assigned writers.

6. Integration with AI and Machine Learning

Besides all the benefits received from the cloud-based services, getting access through the integration of the work with AI and machine learning is also helpful. Meanwhile, these platforms allow for getting fully customised work according to personal or academic expectations. Professional writers in these services usually work by following multiple grammar checker tools like Grammarly and proofreading aid for removing any errors related to spelling, phrases and grammar. In terms of checking the originality of the work, they take written work through plagiarism detection tools like Copyleaks and more to remove any copied content and ensure 100% originality in assignments. Integration of these advanced tools allows them to improve their writing with concerns about how to write an assignment by avoiding plagiarism and ensuring that they receive instant feedback by creating smarter work for academics.

Conclusion

Cloud-based services are the best option to receive high-quality assistance from professionals in their subject field. There are multiple sources available to get help with writing assignments, but choosing a reliable one still plays an important role. Multiple benefits are available that are received by getting help with cloud-based services. Benefits may include accessibility of experts for 24/7, real-time collaboration, resources and scalability efficiency, file management and storage of the work, security of the entire shared data with professionals, with integration of work through AI or machine learning techniques to make work more professional, among others. All these benefits are supportive in achieving their desired goals and ensure that seeking assistance from cloud-based services is worthwhile for them in academics.

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

Hail The Sun Announces 2025 Tour Dates with Ice Nine Kills and Headline Shows Across the US and UK

Eric Alper
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Hail The Sun Announces 2025 Tour Dates with Ice Nine Kills and Headline Shows Across the US and UK

Hail The Sun are excited to announce its upcoming spring and summer amphitheater tour supporting Ice Nine Kills in select U.S. markets. Currently touring with The Amity Affliction, Many Eyes and Unwell through March 26, the Ice Nine Kills run will kick off on April 29 at The National in Richmond, VA and feature support and headlining appearances through June 12.

Helmed by notable producer Kris Crummett, Divine Inner Tension, Hail The Sun’s acclaimed latest album, finds the veteran rock band questioning everything about what it means to be here and to be alive, on both a micro level – where the importance of our existence is profound and paramount – and on a macro one – where our time on this planet is nothing but irrelevant and insignificant.

Across its 12 stirring and intense songs, the album, which was praised by the likes of Guitar World, Alternative Press, Brooklyn Vegan, The Alternative and many more, embarks on a journey that takes the listener back and forth between those two extremes as it tries to reconcile that paradox of living intentionally but relinquishing control by taking your hands off the wheel and letting the universe guide you. Stream Divine Inner Tension in full on all platforms HERE.

Hail The Sun will be making the following appearances in 2025. Dates below with more to be announced soon.

MARCH
21 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory #
22 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory #
23 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom #
25 – Reno, NV – Virginia St. Brewhouse #
26 – Chico, CA – Senator Theatre #

APRIL
29 – Richmond, VA – The National *

MAY
01 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz *
07 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater *
09 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue ^
10 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave * (SOLD OUT)
11 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood ^
13 – Fargo, ND – The Aquarium ^
14 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore *
19 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre *
20 – Lansing, MI – Grewal Hall ^
21 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe *
23 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power ^
24 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall ^
25 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater *
27 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant *
30 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre *
31 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock ^

JUNE
01 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live ^
02 – Houston, TX – House of Blues Houston *
05 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle *
06 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East ^
07 – Memphis, TN – Growlers ^
09 – New Orleans, LA – Fillmore New Orleans *
11 – Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly ^
12 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Myrtle Beach *

JULY
08 – Manchester, UK – Rebellion ^
09 – London, UK – Oslo Hackney ^
11 – Cheltenham, UK – 2000trees Festival
13 – Glasgow, UK – The Garage ^

# – w/ The Amity Affliction, Many Eyes, Unwell
* – supporting Ice Nine Kills
^ – headline show

NXNE Announces First Wave of Artists and Billboard Live Stage for 30th Anniversary Celebration

Eric Alper
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NXNE Announces First Wave of Artists and Billboard Live Stage for 30th Anniversary Celebration

Canada’s iconic music discovery festival, North by Northeast (NXNE), in collaboration with Billboard Canada’s parent company ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG), is proud to reveal the first wave of emerging Canadian and international artists performing at the 30th annual event, taking over Toronto’s premiere live music venues from June 11th – 15th. See below for the full list of confirmed artists for the 2025 season.

In addition to unveiling the first selection of performing acts, NXNE is thrilled to announce its return to Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) for what promises to be an unforgettable 30th Birthday Party musical celebration on The Billboard Live Stage.

Scheduled for Thursday, June 12th from 4-9 pm ET, this exciting event will showcase an array of chart-topping talent, culminating in a highly anticipated headline performance by a global music icon.

“We were honoured to present the first ever concert in the Square when Gord Downie played NXNE in 2003 and we had the biggest crowd ever for Iggy and the Stooges in 2010. With Flaming Lips, St. Vincent, Raekwon and so many great shows, we have a great history at Yonge and Dundas, and we are thrilled to return on our 30th anniversary to the freshly named Sankofa Square to again bring incredible, free live music to the city and the world,” says NXNE president and CEO Michael Hollett.

Adds Amanda Dorenberg, CEO of ArtsHouse Media Group and Billboard Canada; “For 30 years, NXNE has been a defining force in Canada’s music landscape, championing talent and shaping the future of live performance. As Billboard Canada and ArtsHouse Media Group continue to support music’s evolution, we’re proud to celebrate NXNE’s 30th anniversary with the Billboard Live Stage at Sankofa Square, further extending its legacy by giving artists a platform to reach new audiences and make a global impact.”

Stay tuned, as more details about this extraordinary stage and celebration will be revealed in the months ahead.

Known for being integral in identifying new talent and opening doors for artists on the brink of their big break, NXNE is where rising stars shine in intimate venues before taking their place on the world stage just like festival alumni’s Feist, Lizzo, and The Lumineers. For three decades, the dedicated NXNE team has curated a dynamic and diverse lineup of the most promising musical talent from Canada and around the world, driven by a commitment to provide an immersive, boundary-pushing, exceptional music experience.

The first wave of confirmed showcasing acts for the 2025 festival features talent from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, Aruba, and Ireland. Notable highlights include Vancouver-based comedian and trained opera singer Toddy, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Avery Jane, Welland, Ontario rock’n’roller Andy Colonico, Newfoundland experimental hardcore band The Order of the Precious Blood, and award-winning producer and soul-hop artist B1GJuice.

This year, the festival is expanding its footprint in the city by adding nine new participating venues to its roster for a total of 23, including NXNE’s official headquarters for 2025, The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen St. W.). Lee’s Dance Cave, Lee’s Palace, Death & Taxes, Duffy’s Tavern, Infinity Room, Rivoli, The Pilot and the Redwood Theatre will also be joining the 14 established locations from previous years. This growth broadens the festival’s reach, offering attendees diverse spaces to discover new music and turning the event into a true citywide celebration.

For the 2025 festival season, NXNE offers three ticket options to make great music accessible and inclusive. Priced the same as the festival’s debut in 1995, the NXNE Festival Pass ($29) grants access to all Clubland shows and Artist Development Day panels. The NXNE VIP Pass ($149) includes additional events like VIP access to the 30th birthday party, exclusive networking opportunities, swag bags, and front-of-the-line access to Clubland shows. For the ultimate experience, the NXNE Executive Pass ($499) offers everything in the VIP pass, plus access to the VIP Lounge, exclusive receptions and dinners, and more, along with front-of-the-line access to Clubland shows.

Die Spitz Sign to Third Man Records and Announce 2025 World Tour

Eric Alper
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0
Die Spitz Sign to Third Man Records and Announce 2025 World Tour

Third Man Records is proud to announce mayhem-inciting Austin, TX-based rock quartet Die Spitz as the latest signings to its legendary roster. The announcement follows the band’s riotous headline performance earlier this month at Third Man Records & CREEM’s blowout “Two-Day Rock ‘N’ Roll Party” unofficial SXSW showcase at Austin’s 13th Floor.

“We are so grateful to Third Man for this opportunity. We’re having a grand ole time recording and can’t wait for yall to hear!” say Die Spitz.

Hailed for their frenzied and electrifying live shows, Die Spitz will celebrate with a wide-ranging world tour that includes headline dates and festival appearances across North America, the UK, and Europe. Dates begin May 28 at George’s Music in Fayetteville, AR and then continue into the summer.

Highlights include eagerly awaited performances at Detroit, MI’s Third Man Records Cass Corridor (June 1), Toronto, ON’s The Garrison (June 3), New York City’s The Governors Ball (June 7), Manchester, TN’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (June 12), Wichita, KS’s Somewhere Fest & Conference (June 14), Belfort, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France’s Les Eurockéennes (July 4), Cheltenham, UK’s 2000trees (July 11), Atlanta, GA’s Shaky Knees Music Festival (September 20), and more.

Founded in 2022, Die Spitz – Ava Schrobilgen, Chloe De St. Aubin, Ellie Livingston, and Kate Halter – has become known for their unruly stage presence, bombarding their crowds with a wall of sound which led Austin Monthly to rave, “Youthful moxie has never sounded so good.” Having quickly become a staple of the Austin music scene, the childhood friends-turned-musicians have extended their reach beyond the state of Texas supporting national tours for such like-minded artists as Amyl and the Sniffers, Sleater-Kinney, and OFF!. After self-releasing several singles (including 2024’s “i hate when GIRLS die,” “My Hot Piss,” and “Little Flame”) and 2023’s Teeth EP, Die Spitz is currently hard at work recording their hugely anticipated Third Man Records debut LP, due later this year.

DIE SPITZ – TOUR 2025
MAY
28 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Music
29 – Kansas City, MO – MiniBar
30 – St. Louis, MO – The Sinkhole
31 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
JUNE
1 – Detroit, MI – Third Man Records Cass Corridor
3 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison
5 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
7 – New York, NY – The Governors Ball *
8 – Philadelphia. PA – PhilaMOCA
9 – Washington, DC – DC9
10 – Durham, NC – Pinhook
12 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival *
14 – Wichita, KS – Somewhere Fest & Conference *
JULY
4 – Belfort, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, FR – Les Eurockéennes *
6 – Hünxe, DE – Ruhrpott Rodeo Festival *
8 – Paris, FR – Supersonic
10 – London, UK – The Shackwell Arms
11 – Cheltenham, UK – 2000trees *
12 – Milton Keynes, UK – The Craufurd Arms
13 – Sjock, BE – Sjock Festival *
15 – Berlin, DE – Cassiopeia
16 – Hamburg, DE – Molotow Music Club
17 – Cologne, DE – Blue Shell
18 – Amsterdam, NL – TBA
19 – Cuxhaven, DE – Deichbrand Festival *
SEPTEMBER
20 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Music Festival *
OCTOBER
24 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s
* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE

Kate Mossman Explores Her Fascination with Ageing Rock Stars in “Men of a Certain Age” Book

Eric Alper
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Kate Mossman Explores Her Fascination with Ageing Rock Stars in “Men of a Certain Age” Book

From Jeff Beck to Ray Davies, Jon Bon Jovi to Kevin Ayers, Kate Mossman has long fostered an interest in male musicians of a certain age.

Why is it that when I meet them, I feel something ignite inside me? What is this strange connection – to feel so excited, yet so at ease? And how is it that in the presence of a wrinkly rock star twice my age, I sometimes feel like I’m meeting . . . me?

Featuring nineteen long-form profiles lovingly constructed for The Word magazine and the New Statesman, Men of a Certain Age chronicles the lives of some of the biggest rock stars of our time, including Brian May, Gene Simmons, Terence Trent D’Arby, Johnny Rotten and Nick Cave.

The book is a meditation on the powerful archetype of the ageing rock star, but it is also a personal story – of music and obsession, and of the deep unconscious projections at play in our relationships with the famous people who most capture our hearts. As Kate travels 5,000 miles to try and find Glen Campbell, and to the depths of the Cornish countryside for a rendezvous with Roger Taylor, will she finally unravel the roots of her obsession with the elder statesmen of rock?

Gary Holt Tells His Wild Story In “A Fabulous Disaster: From the Garage to Madison Square Garden, the Hard Way”

Eric Alper
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Gary Holt Tells His Wild Story In “A Fabulous Disaster: From the Garage to Madison Square Garden, the Hard Way”

From prolific metal guitarist and songwriter for Exodus (and formerly Slayer) Gary Holt comes a deeply personal memoir of his “destruction-laden” life, along with a firsthand account of the genesis of the Thrash Metal scene, from its origins in the Bay Area to its world domination.

As the guitarist and primary songwriter of Exodus and one of the originators of heavy metal, Gary Holt watched as his peers—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax—soared to superstardom. As his fellow artists amassed millions of fans and record sales, Exodus’ albums received critical recognition and inspired generations of listeners—but struggled to reach the same heights of success, as the band was plagued by years of bad management, bad luck, and bad decisions.

 A Fabulous Disaster follows our narrator through the highest of highs and lowest of lows as he and his bandmates juggle major label contracts, MTV-sponsored tours and festivals, growing addictions to alcohol and meth, and the loss of key founding members. Ultimately, after the tragic death of one of his closest friends and former bandmates—Holt decides to save himself. Newly sober and determined to resurrect his career, he commits himself to Exodus, pushing the band to new heights.

An “unadulterated odyssey through decades of insanity,” punctuated by Holt’s unique insight and knack for storytelling, A Fabulous Disaster is a thrill ride from start to finish. His story proves that redemption—even from the pits of rock ‘n’ roll excess—is always possible.

Take Me Out to the Playlist: 10 Great Songs About Baseball

Eric Alper
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Take Me Out to the Playlist: 10 Great Songs About Baseball

Baseball and music go together like peanuts and Cracker Jack. Whether it’s a tribute to a legendary player or a metaphor for life’s curveballs, these songs hit home for fans of the game and lovers of great storytelling. Here are ten standout tracks that bring the spirit of baseball to life through song.

“Centerfield” – John Fogerty
The ultimate anthem for eager players waiting for their moment to shine. Fogerty’s handclaps, guitar riffs, and “Put me in, Coach!” line are iconic. It’s the musical equivalent of spring training optimism.

“Glory Days” – Bruce Springsteen
The Boss reminisces about a high school baseball star whose best moments are behind him. It’s nostalgic, bittersweet, and catchy as hell—just like a long summer evening at the ballpark.

“A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request” – Steve Goodman
This humorous, heartfelt tune captures the agony and devotion of a lifelong Chicago Cubs supporter. Goodman’s wit and warmth make it a cult classic for any baseball romantic.

“Joe DiMaggio Done It Again” – Billy Bragg and Wilco
Originally penned by Woody Guthrie, this tune gets a fresh Americana twist. It’s a simple, joyous celebration of DiMaggio’s magic on the field, with Bragg and Wilco’s charm sealing the deal.

“Talkin’ Baseball (Willie, Mickey, and The Duke)” – Terry Cashman
This soft, singalong tribute to the golden era of baseball name-drops legends like it’s second nature. It’s part history lesson, part lullaby, and entirely lovable.

“Night Game” – Paul Simon
One of Simon’s more haunting tracks, this ballad tells the eerie tale of a pitcher who dies mid-game. Quiet and poetic, it’s a curveball compared to the usual rah-rah sports songs.

“The Greatest” – Kenny Rogers
A kid swings and misses three times—then declares himself the best pitcher in the world. It’s a heartwarming twist that reminds us baseball is as much about attitude as ability.

“Catfish” – Bob Dylan
Dylan’s tribute to pitcher Catfish Hunter is slinky, bluesy, and full of reverence. You don’t need to know stats to feel the admiration in every line.

“Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song)” – The Treniers
This 1950s bop, featuring Mays himself, is a joyful celebration of one of the greatest to ever play the game. With its big band swagger, it’s impossible not to smile.

“Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” – Count Basie
A swinging salute to Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing talent. This jazz tune celebrates the crack of the bat and the breaking of barriers in true Basie style.

Baseball has inspired generations of artists to swing for the fences with their songwriting. Whether you’re in the bleachers, behind home plate, or just driving with the windows down, these tracks are a grand slam for your playlist.

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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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