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20 Musicians Who Stood Beside Martin Luther King Jr.

Eric Alper
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20 Musicians Who Stood Beside Martin Luther King Jr.

When the fight for civil rights needed more than speeches—when it needed harmony, soul, and the thunder of a drum—music answered the call. These 20 musicians brought their voices, instruments, and hearts to the front lines alongside Martin Luther King Jr., turning every note into a message, every song into a stand. History marched to their music.

  • Harry Belafonte
    A confidante and close friend of Dr. King, Belafonte was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, not just lending his voice but raising critical funds. He bailed King out of the Birmingham Jail and helped support the King family.

  • Mahalia Jackson
    The Queen of Gospel was one of King’s greatest inspirations. She sang before many of his speeches—including the March on Washington—and famously urged him to “tell them about the dream” during his “I Have a Dream” speech.

  • Nina Simone
    After King’s assassination, Simone performed “Why? (The King of Love is Dead)” just days later. Though she was more radical in tone, she deeply respected King’s work and called him “one of the last great men.”

  • Aretha Franklin
    The Queen of Soul often performed at civil rights events and rallies organized by King. She sang at a number of memorials and tributes after his death and was one of the era’s most powerful musical voices for justice.

  • Joan Baez
    Baez marched alongside King in Selma and Montgomery and sang “We Shall Overcome” at many rallies. Her haunting voice and pacifist principles made her a vital figure in the nonviolent resistance movement.

  • Sammy Davis Jr.
    Davis was an early supporter of civil rights, using his fame to draw attention to injustice. He appeared at fundraisers and was among the Hollywood elite who publicly stood behind King.

  • Odetta
    Dubbed “The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement,” Odetta performed spirituals and protest songs that inspired King and his followers. King once called her music “the soundtrack of the movement.”

  • Bob Dylan
    Dylan sang “Only a Pawn in Their Game” at the March on Washington and was introduced by King at that very rally. His early work became anthems for those pushing for civil rights reform.

  • Curtis Mayfield
    Though not directly a public figure alongside King, Mayfield’s band, The Impressions, recorded “People Get Ready,” which King used during marches. The song became a de facto civil rights anthem.

  • Marian Anderson
    A pioneering Black contralto, Anderson was admired by King and performed at key events throughout the 1960s. Her dignified performances at Lincoln Memorial and civil rights benefits symbolized strength and grace.

  • Ray Charles
    Charles supported the movement both vocally and financially, once refusing to perform in segregated Georgia venues. He participated in several benefits for King and civil rights causes.

  • Pete Seeger
    A staunch ally, Seeger marched with King in Alabama and performed songs like “We Shall Overcome.” His folk roots and progressive politics made him a key musical ally of the movement.

  • James Brown
    While more known for calming tensions after King’s assassination, Brown also had contact with King and supported his call for economic justice. His hit “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” came out months after King’s death.

  • Lena Horne
    Horne sang at rallies and civil rights concerts, standing with King both publicly and financially. Her presence in both entertainment and activism made her a crucial cultural bridge.

  • Marvin Gaye
    While Gaye was younger and rose to prominence after King’s death, he was profoundly inspired by him. His later work, especially What’s Going On, reflected King’s message of love, justice, and peace.

  • The Staple Singers
    Led by Roebuck “Pops” Staples, the family group was deeply connected to King. Pops considered King a personal friend, and the group performed at numerous rallies and marches.

  • Tony Bennett
    The crooner joined King on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, risking his safety to stand for civil rights. Bennett said the experience changed his life forever.

  • Lou Rawls
    Rawls performed at fundraisers and supported King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). His gospel background aligned him spiritually with the movement.

  • Dizzy Gillespie
    The jazz icon was a vocal supporter of King and often played benefit concerts for civil rights. He saw his music as a tool of liberation and protest.

  • Gospel singer Clara Ward
    Ward performed at King’s rallies and services, bringing spiritual sustenance through song. Her rendition of “How I Got Over” stirred hope in countless freedom fighters.

They sang for justice, marched for peace, and stood shoulder to shoulder with a dreamer who changed the world. From gospel to soul to folk, their music was more than entertainment—it was fuel for a movement. And today, those songs still echo with hope, power, and unity.

5 Surprising Facts About Tori Amos’ ‘Little Earthquakes’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Tori Amos’ ‘Little Earthquakes’

Tori Amos broke down a wall with Little Earthquakes. Her 1992 solo masterpiece introduced a voice that was unapologetically feminine, fiercely emotional, and artistically revolutionary. But behind the piano ballads and whispered vulnerability are layers of defiance, myth-breaking, and artistic rebellion that make this one of the most powerful albums ever made. Here are 5 things you may not know about Little Earthquakes—each one a testament to why this record still shakes the ground today.

1. Little Earthquakes Was Rejected—So Tori Made a New One on Her Own Terms
Atlantic Records initially turned down the first version of Little Earthquakes, leading Amos to completely rework it—not in a high-end studio, but in her then-boyfriend Eric Rosse’s home setup. With only a Yamaha CP-80 piano and a 24-track tape machine, she re-recorded many of the final tracks in a DIY spirit that echoes early punk or riot grrrl ethos. It was feminism in action: a woman reclaiming her voice, production, and story on her own terms—no approval required.

2. “Me and a Gun” Was Written in a Post-Traumatic Fog—Then Performed With No Accompaniment
The devastating “Me and a Gun,” based on Amos’s real-life experience of rape, is performed entirely a cappella. She sings it with no musical shelter, no adornment, and no compromise. It’s not just brave—it’s confrontational, and necessary. In a music industry that rarely allows women to tell their stories unfiltered, Tori’s voice became a weapon and a healing tool all at once. It’s the definition of feminist resistance through art.

3. She Gave Her Song to Al Stewart—Then Took It Back Because It Was Her Life
“Silent All These Years,” perhaps the most iconic song from the album, was originally written with another artist in mind. Amos considered giving it to folk-pop legend Al Stewart. But producer Eric Rosse stopped her. “That’s your life story,” he told her. And it was. The song, full of introspection and internalized silencing, became a feminist anthem. It’s a reminder: women’s stories are often offered up to others—until they reclaim them.

4. Atlantic Thought She’d Only Succeed in the UK Because of Her “Eccentricity”
Before breaking through in the U.S., Amos was encouraged to move to London because her label believed British audiences were more open to “eccentric” female performers. Read between the lines: women who didn’t fit the pop mold were pushed overseas. But Tori turned this exile into triumph. She built a following by playing in small clubs and even her own apartment—dismantling the very gatekeeping that tried to contain her.

5. Little Earthquakes Listeners Were Less Likely to Believe Rape Myths—And That’s No Coincidence
In a major study, listeners of Amos’s music—including “Me and a Gun”—were far less likely to believe in harmful rape myths than the general population. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a shift in culture. Through unflinching storytelling, Amos reshaped how people understand trauma, victimhood, and consent. The song became the seed of RAINN, and its legacy lives in both activism and awareness.

Little Earthquakes didn’t ask for permission—it demanded to be heard. And it still is, by every woman who’s ever been silenced, every survivor who’s found strength in truth, and every listener who knows that vulnerability is a form of power.

5 Surprising Facts About John Coltrane’s ‘Giant Steps’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About John Coltrane’s ‘Giant Steps’

We all know John Coltrane’s Giant Steps as the jazz milestone that turned every music school practice room into a proving ground. But behind the legend are lesser-known details that make the album even more extraordinary. From abandoned sessions to explosive breakthroughs, here are 5 facts about Giant Steps that will make you hear it with new ears.

1. The Original Version of Giant Steps Wasn’t the First Attempt—It Was the Second Draft
John Coltrane wasn’t satisfied with the initial Giant Steps sessions recorded in March 1959. He had pianist Cedar Walton and drummer Lex Humphries in the studio—but the magic just didn’t land. Coltrane shelved the takes, and those early versions didn’t see the light of day until much later on archival releases. What we now consider one of the most definitive statements in modern jazz only happened after Coltrane regrouped with a different band and a clearer vision two months later.

2. Pianist Tommy Flanagan Struggled—Live—With the Now-Famous Changes
The “Coltrane changes” that define Giant Steps are so harmonically challenging that even an experienced pianist like Tommy Flanagan appeared to falter during the first take. He hadn’t seen the music before the session and took a start-stop solo that felt cautious and unsure. Flanagan later re-recorded the song on his own terms for a tribute album—proof that even jazz giants sometimes need a second shot to conquer a monster.

3. The Album’s Title Track Was Named After Its Bass Line, Not Its Harmonies
Although “Giant Steps” is synonymous with its infamous chord progression, Coltrane actually named it after the motion of the bass line. “It goes from minor thirds to fourths,” he said—creating what he called a “lop-sided pattern.” That quirky, bouncing bass motion was the foundation of the tune’s name and rhythm, emphasizing that groove came first—even in a song known for melting musicians’ brains.

4. Coltrane Rehearsed the Tunes with Cedar Walton at His Apartment
Before recording the final version of Giant Steps, Coltrane gave pianist Cedar Walton early access to the music. They even rehearsed together at Coltrane’s own apartment. But when it came time to record the master take, Walton was absent. Whether it was due to scheduling or Coltrane’s evolving lineup choices is unclear, but the result was Flanagan in the hot seat with no prep time—adding a very human element to an otherwise cosmic session.

5. “Mr. P.C.” Might Have Been Inspired by a Gospel Tune Called “Shadrack”
“Mr. P.C.” is often celebrated as a gritty tribute to bassist Paul Chambers, but Coltrane biographer Lewis Porter found a fascinating melodic connection: it echoes the 1931 gospel hit “Shadrack” by Robert MacGimsey. That tune was recorded by Sonny Rollins and sung by Louis Armstrong in a 1951 film. Whether conscious or subconscious, Coltrane’s nod to gospel traditions links his music to the deep roots of African American spiritual expression—making Giant Steps not just modern, but timeless.

So the next time you listen to Giant Steps, don’t just marvel at the tempo or the technical brilliance. Listen for the rough drafts, the quiet struggles, the gospel roots, and the unshakable feeling of a musician determined to break every boundary—one step at a time.

Tha Alkaholiks Are “At It Again” With New Single and Long-Awaited Album ‘Daaam!’

Eric Alper
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Tha Alkaholiks Are “At It Again” With New Single and Long-Awaited Album ‘Daaam!’

Tha Alkaholiks have released a bunch of singles from their forthcoming new album Daaam! – new versions of old favorites “The Next Level,” “Make Room,” “Only When I’m Drunk” and more.

Now brace yourself for “At It Again,” a brand new composition and performance that totally sums up the new album. For the notoriously spirited, hard partyin’ West Coast rappers really are “at it again” – back together in the studio for the first time in 10 years, and “at it again” as they revisit their back catalog alongside the new material.

With appearances from special guests Planet Asia and spookybands, Daaam! is both an intoxicating dose of 90s rap nostalgia, and an astonishing step into the future – and sometimes both, simultaneously.

Check out the new versions of Likwidation favorite “Hip Hop Drunkies,” or 21 & Over’s “Only When I’m Drunk,” and the years will just crumble away. But then spin “Hands 2 The Ceiling” or “MJ pt 2,” as well as “At It Again,” of course, and it’s the hiatus that never happened.

A lot of people have hung on for a very long time for a new album from Tha Alkaholiks, but Daaam! was worth the wait. “At It Again” proves they’re at it again, and they’re as too hot to handle (to quote “Hip Hop Drunkies”) as they ever were.

Djo Releases New Single “Potion” Ahead of Album ‘The Crux’ And Launches World Tour

Eric Alper
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Djo Releases New Single “Potion” Ahead of Album ‘The Crux’ And Launches World Tour

Djo – the musical project of actor / producer / songwriter Joe Keery known for his work in blockbuster projects as Stranger Things and Fargo – will release his highly anticipated new album The Crux this Friday, April 4th.

Before the album drops, he shares one final preview of the record with ‘Potion.’ Showcasing a different side of the record to the BBC Radio 1 playlisted single ‘Basic Being Basic’, and its Hottest Record In The World follow-up ‘Delete Ya,’ ‘Potion’ finds Djo in Laurel Canyon. “‘Potion’ is like your favorite pair of blue jeans,” says Keery. “I’d been working on Travis picking when I wrote this song, so it’s kind of like if Harry Nilsson and Lindsey Buckingham had a baby.”

Keery performed the majority of the songs on the entire record himself, but on this acoustic and falsetto-led track he is particularly front and centre, tackling vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, percussion and Mellotron.

Djo had a massive 2024 with the viral hit ‘End of Beginning,’ Spotify’s #6 most streamed song of the entire year, and 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger. He recently performed ‘Basic Being Basic’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he was also the couch guest, and will perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on April 14th. His massive world tour kicks off this Thursday with a fully sold-out North American run, and includes his festival debuts at both Coachella and Glastonbury, as well as a return to Chicago for Lollapalooza, and more. He will also play a few shows in EU/UK alongside Noah Kahan.

Djo – Back On You world tour 2025
*All North American, UK and EU tour dates w/ Post Animal
April 03 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall **SOLD OUT
April 04 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall **SOLD OUT
April 05 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall **SOLD OUT
April 07 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum *LOW TICKET WARNING
April 08 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre **SOLD OUT
April 10 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater **SOLD OUT
April 11 – Indio, CA – Coachella
April 15 – Pomona, CA – Fox Theater Pomona **SOLD OUT
April 16 – Del Mar, CA – The Sound at Del Mar **SOLD OUT
April 18 – Indio, CA – Coachella
April 19 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren **SOLD OUT
April 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at the Complex **SOLD OUT
April 23 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom **SOLD OUT
April 25 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee **SOLD OUT
April 26 – Saint Paul, MN – Palace Theatre **SOLD OUT
April 28 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre **SOLD OUT
April 29 – Toronto, ON – History **SOLD OUT
May 01 – Washington, DC – The Anthem **SOLD OUT
May 02 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner **SOLD OUT
May 03 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall **SOLD OUT
May 05 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel **SOLD OUT
May 06 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel **SOLD OUT
May 07 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel **SOLD OUT
June 01 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia **SOLD OUT
June 02 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy **SOLD OUT
June 03 – Manchester, UK – O2 Victoria Warehouse **SOLD OUT
June 05 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town **SOLD OUT
June 06 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town **SOLD OUT
June 07 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town **SOLD OUT
June 10 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Poolen **LOW TICKET WARNING
June 11 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene **LOW TICKET WARNING
June 13 – Stockholm, Sweden – Annexet **LOW TICKET WARNING
June 15 – Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands – Best Kept Secret Festival
June 16 – Cologne, Germany – E-Werk ***SOLD OUT
June 17 – Berlin, Germany – Huxleys **SOLD OUT
June 18 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja **LOW TICKET WARNING
June 20 – Scheebel, Germany – Hurricane Festival
June 21 – Tuttlingen, Germany – Southside Festival
June 23 – Paris, France – Elysee Montmartre **SOLD OUT
June 24 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso **SOLD OUT
June 25 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso **SOLD OUT
June 27 – Cardiff, Wales – Blackweir Fields (w/ Noah Kahan)
June 29 – Pilton, UK – Glastonbury Festival
July 01 – Dublin, IE – Marlay Park (w/ Noah Kahan)
August 01 – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza Festival
September 29 – Bridgeport, CT – Soundside Music Festival

The Beaches Announce New Album ‘No Hard Feelings’ Out August 29, and Drop Lead Single “Last Girls at the Party”

Eric Alper
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The Beaches Announce New Album ‘No Hard Feelings’ Out August 29, and Drop Lead Single “Last Girls at the Party”

The Beaches announce their third studio album, No Hard Feelings, out everywhere August 29th via AWAL. Furthermore, they treat fans to an early taste of what they can expect from the record with the single “Last Girls at the Party.”

“While you’re sleeping, we’re not leaving,” taunts the infectious chorus of “Last Girls at the Party,” lead single off the Beaches’ latest, No Hard Feelings. Frontperson and bassist Jordan Miller explains it’s a true nod to the band’s late nights: “We’re four crazy girls who like to have fun together, and are literally always the last to leave,” she laughs. But the sunny anthem also mirrors their careers in music: they’re outlasters, forever pushing toward adventure, riding the ebbs and flows of rock band life like certified rippers. What’s the hurry to head home before sunrise when the party’s this good?

Spanning 11 tracks, No Hard Feelings sees The Beaches at their most fine-tuned and brightest. From the bold and bright anthemic riffs of “Touch Myself” to the indie melancholy of “Lesbian of the Year,” the album is set to solidify the group as one of the driving forces of alt-rock today. Exploring the highs of nights out and lows of losing someone you love, No Hard Feelings is rife with the band’s signature witty lyricism, grungey tones, and unapologetic boldness.

“Last Girls at the Party” is a true party anthem, perfect for the warmer weather. Lead by a bright guitar hook and steady drums, singer Jordan Miller’s powerful vocals layered with her bandmates create the perfect soundtrack for a girls night out. The true standout of the track is the bridge, while Miller laments, “I don’t want to go home,” while the hook builds back into the catchy chorus, making it another stellar hit from the group. The Beaches will be hosting a series of DJ sets in celebration of new music, these private events are invite-only to those who pre-save the record.

Last Girls at the Party DJ Set Dates:
April 16 – Los Angeles
May 17 – London, UK
May 20 – Amsterdam
May 21 – Brussels
May 23 – Berlin
June 7 – NYC
August 2 – Montréal

THE BEACHES LIVE DATES
April 13 – Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, CA
April 20 – Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, CA
May 10 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music – Irving, TX
June 6 – The Governer’s Ball Festival – New York, NY
July 20 – Minnesota Yacht Club – Saint Paul, MN
July 29 – Churchill Park Music Festival – St. John’s, NL
July 31 – Kee to Bala – Muskoka, ON
August 3 – Osheaga Festival, Montreal, QC
August 7 – Sziget Festival – Budapest, Hungary
August 9 – Schanze Open Air – Hamburg, Germany
August 17 – Pukkelpop Festival – Hasselt, Belgium
September 20 – Shaky Knees Festival – Atlanta, GA

Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry Reimagine Broadway Classics on New Album ‘Off Broadway’ Out May 2

Eric Alper
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Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry Reimagine Broadway Classics on New Album ‘Off Broadway’ Out May 2

Multi Grammy-nominated vocal powerhouse Ryan Shaw and acclaimed pianist/composer/arranger Ray Angry (The Roots) have teamed up for OFF BROADWAY, a new studio album featuring R&B, soul, as well as jazz, rock, reggae, house and classical-inspired takes on classic Broadway hits.

With material spanning over 70 years, OFF BROADWAY is due out on May 2nd from Eusonia Records/FORM Records/Mister Goldfinger Music Group/Center Stage Records and is produced by Grammy Award-winner Scott Jacoby (John Legend, Coldplay, Aloe Blacc) along with Shaw and Angry. Angry and Shaw arranged the music, and Jacoby recorded and mixed the album.

Of OFF BROADWAY, Ryan Shaw comments, “OFF BROADWAY was the record I always wanted to make but didn’t know I wanted to make it. The whole process was a whirlwind of inspiration and incredible musicianship. I haven’t been this excited about music in a long time. Thank you, Scott, for seeing what was right in front of me.” Ray Angry adds, “OFF BROADWAY was an unforgettable recording experience. Everyone brought their ‘A game.’ What an honor to have the opportunity to work with such brilliant and kind human beings.”

Scott Jacoby avows, “This album is an explosion of two prodigious talents. Ryan and Ray are unparallelled in their virtuosity and unlimited in their ability. The project started as a “what if…,” inspired by witnessing Ray and Ryan perform together, and ended with something which no one could have predicted: a deep and adventurous album of Broadway gems, reimagined in a cornucopia of musical styles. OFF BROADWAY emerged from the energy that connects us all to music. I’m proud to have played a role in this innovative album.”

Center Stage Records President Van Dean states, “We are so pleased to partner with Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry on this bold reimagining of Broadway classics. What Ryan and Ray have created is so central to the mission of Center Stage Records, and we can’t wait to share OFF BROADWAY with the world.”

Ray Angry adds, “OFF BROADWAY was an unforgettable recording experience. Everyone brought their ‘A game.’ What an honor to have the opportunity to work with such brilliant and kind human beings.”

Center Stage Records President Van Dean states,“We are so pleased to partner with Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry on this bold reimagining of Broadway classics. What Ryan and Ray have created is so central to the mission of Center Stage Records, and we can’t wait to share OFF BROADWAY with the world.”

Shaw and Angry will again join forces for a very special New York City album release live performance event at 54 Below on Tuesday, May 6th.

Ryan Shaw/Ray Angry OFF BROADWAY track listing:

1. My Way – from Sinatra: The Musical
2. On Broadway – used in Smokey Joe’s Café
3. Surprise – from A Chorus Line
4. Gethsemane – from Jesus Christ Superstar
5. She Used To Be Mine – from Waitress
6. On The Street Where You Live – from My Fair Lady
7. Without You – from Rent
8. Waving Through A Window – from Dear Evan Hansen
9. Send In The Clowns – from A Little Night Music

Susanna Hoffs Reimagines “Eternal Flame” With Emotional New Recording Ahead of Upcoming Album

Eric Alper
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Susanna Hoffs Reimagines “Eternal Flame” With Emotional New Recording Ahead of Upcoming Album

Susanna Hoffs has released a new recording of “Eternal Flame,” the hit song she co-wrote in 1988 with Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. It was first released on the Bangles third album, Everything.

“I was inspired to sing it again!” says Hoffs. “As I stood before the microphone, I fought back tears of gratitude-for the opportunity to sing a song I have loved and cherished my entire adult life. We’ve grown up together!”

“I’ve been touched time and again by stories from friends and strangers alike who’ve expressed how much “Eternal Flame” has meant to them, whether the song played as they walked down the aisle at their wedding, or brought consolation. I still wake up each morning, motivated to sing, to write, to make art, and to find ways to connect. I’m still that same girl with that same emotion-older, and hopefully wiser.”

On April 9, Susanna will release a version of “Eternal Flame” with the chamber ensemble, yMusic. Her new solo album will be out this fall.

Pat Boone, 90, Lands First Top 30 Hit in Decades With “One – Voices for Tanzania”

Eric Alper
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Pat Boone, 90, Lands First Top 30 Hit in Decades With “One – Voices for Tanzania”

In an extraordinary resurgence, 90-year-old entertainment icon and philanthropist Pat Boone has returned to the music charts. The most recent in an ongoing release of singles and albums, “One – Voices For Tanzania,” debuts at No. 28 on the A/C Adult Contemporary chart, marking his first Top 30 hit in decades.

Boone’s last major chart success was in 1997 with In A Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, which landed at No. 125 on the Billboard 200. The song is also receiving airplay on country radio, further broadening its reach and impact.

This accomplishment highlights not only Boone’s lasting influence in the music industry but also his unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts. “One – Voices For Tanzania” is more than a song-it’s a call to action supporting essential water projects in Tanzania, transforming Boone’s musical triumph into a dynamic force for global change.

The proceeds from the song aid in funding clean water initiatives and providing essential services such as food, health care, and education for the Tanzanian people. Thanks to a generous WorldServe donor, all contributions will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of each donation. Donations can be made at One for Tanzania.

Arkells Frontman Max Kerman Announces “Try Hard” Book Out April 22

Eric Alper
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Arkells Frontman Max Kerman Announces “Try Hard” Book Out April 22

If there’s one thing we know about Max Kerman—frontman of Arkells, champion of community spirit, and eternal optimist—it’s that he tries. Like, really tries. And he succeeds. And starting April 22, 2025, he’s inviting the rest of us to do the same with his debut book, TRY HARD, published by Penguin Random House Canada.

Funny, candid, and packed with lessons for anyone who’s ever wanted to start—a song, a side hustle, a new chapter—TRY HARD isn’t a rockstar memoir. It’s a creative guide from the guy who’s turned effort into an art form.

“I’m going to try stuff. So please come try stuff with me,” Max says of his release week events—and he means it. From a high school auditorium in Toronto to a neighbourhood bar in Hamilton, Max is turning traditional book launches into full-on communal experiments in curiosity and creativity. Each stop is a little different, but one thing’s certain: this isn’t your average Q&A. It’s a celebration of effort, energy, and the beauty of showing up.

TRY HARD Release Week Appearances

  • April 22 – Toronto, ON – Max’s High School Auditorium

  • April 24 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Word Fest, Central Library

  • April 25 – Winnipeg, MB – McNally Robinson Booksellers

  • April 27 – Hamilton, ON – ODDS Bar – Book Club Sessions

 

Max is giving us a look behind the curtain, and he’s pulling up a chair and saying, “Ask me anything.” From songwriting to show-prepping to building a band that lasts, TRY HARD is a conversation with your most enthusiastic friend. The one who reminds you it’s OK not to have all the answers, as long as you care enough to ask the questions.

The best part? None of it’s about talent. It’s about effort. Effort that builds careers, songs, relationships, and communities.

So if you’ve ever stared at a blank page, a guitar string, or a new idea and thought, “Can I really do this?”—Max Kerman has an answer for you: try hard.

Pre-order TRY HARD now at penguinrandomhouse.ca, and check out maxkerman.com for event tickets and info.

Because trying hard? That might just be the coolest thing you can do.

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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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