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Kermit the Frog to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address

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The University of Maryland announced Wednesday that Kermit the Frog will deliver the university’s 2025 commencement address on May 21. The beloved Muppet will address Summer 2024, Winter 2024 and Spring 2025 graduates, family and friends during the ceremony at SECU Stadium.

After a sold-out visit to campus in Fall 2024 as part of the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Lecture Series, Kermit will return to the university from the Muppets Studio, part of the Magic of Disney, to share an inspiring message with this year’s graduates.

Kermit the Frog’s appearance honors the long history between UMD and Muppets creator Jim Henson, who graduated from UMD in 1960. Henson, a home economics major, invented Kermit by building the original frog puppet out of one of his mother’s coats and a ping-pong ball cut in half.

“I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “Our pride in Jim Henson knows no bounds, and it is an honor to welcome Kermit the Frog to our campus, 65 years after Mr. Henson graduated from the University of Maryland. I sincerely thank the Muppets Studio, Disney and their creative teams for making this possible.”

“Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland. I just know the class of 2025 is going to leap into the world and make it a better place, so if a few encouraging words from a frog can help, then I’ll be there!” said Kermit The Frog.

Johnny Mathis Bids Farewell to the Stage After a Record-Breaking Career

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After more than six decades of serenading the world with his smooth, unmistakable voice, Johnny Mathis has announced his retirement from live performance. At 89, the legendary singer is stepping back due to age and memory issues, closing the curtain on one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in music history. But for fans around the world, Johnny’s voice — and his legacy — will echo forever.

From his breakout moment in 1956 to becoming one of the best-selling artists of the 20th century, Mathis did it all. With 73 albums landing on the Billboard charts, dozens of gold and platinum records, and a catalog that spans romantic pop, jazz, Latin, soul, show tunes, disco, blues and country, Johnny Mathis wasn’t just a crooner — he was the soundtrack to generations of love stories. His 1958 compilation Johnny’s Greatest Hits made history by spending a jaw-dropping 490 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, a record only later broken by The Dark Side of the Moon.

From performing at the Academy Awards to gracing The Ed Sullivan Show and being nominated for multiple Oscars, Johnny Mathis built a legacy of elegance, grace, and excellence. He has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for three recordings and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Still, Mathis never lost his humility — a trait that made him not just beloved, but adored. His voice was velvet, but his story was pure gold.

As he takes his final bow from the stage, we celebrate a man who turned heartbreak into harmony, and love into lyric. Thank you, Johnny Mathis, for the music, the memories, and the magic. Your songs may be timeless, but your presence in our lives has been unforgettable.

5 Fun and Foolproof Ways To Keep Fans Engaged Between Releases and Tours (Without Dropping a Surprise Album… Yet)

We get it—you just wrapped a tour, or dropped a single that’s still spinning in fans’ heads. But now what? While the world waits (impatiently) for your next big move, here are five creative, low-pressure, high-reward ways to keep your fanbase buzzing without burning yourself out. Because between press cycles and studio sessions, staying connected doesn’t mean staying exhausted.

1. Give ‘Em the Behind-the-Scenes Magic
Fans love the how. The how you write. The how you record. The how you rehearse. Share snippets of demo versions, studio setups, voice memos, or that cursed 45 seconds where your cat walked across your MIDI controller. Pull back the curtain and they’ll feel like insiders in your creative process (because they are).

2. Host Mini Digital Moments
You don’t need a full-blown livestream concert to make an impact. Try a Q&A on Instagram, a song breakdown on TikTok, or a low-key listening party for your past EP on Discord. Micro-moments build macro-connection—and you don’t even have to put pants on.

3. Let Fans Drive the Content
Run a fan art contest. Ask your audience to vote on old unreleased merch designs. Get them to name your loop pedal. Let them remix your lyrics into memes. Not only does this keep your feed fresh, it shows fans they’re part of the story—not just watching from the sidelines.

4. Celebrate the Milestones
One million streams? New playlist add? Anniversary of your first ever gig? Share it. Mark it. Make it feel like a community victory. You’re not just promoting yourself—you’re letting fans celebrate with you. They’ll remember how you made them feel a part of something.

5. Tease Without Torture
You don’t need to drop a single to keep fans curious. A blurred-out tracklist. A 3-second teaser of a new riff. A photo from the mixing desk with zero context. Create breadcrumbs they can follow, speculate about, and share. The hype builds itself (and so does your algorithm reach).

In Conclusion…
Whether you’re an indie darling or a stadium slayer, staying connected between releases is all about honest, creative presence. Your fans followed you for the music, but they stay for you. Keep the channel open. Keep it weird. Keep it you.

And when you’re ready to drop the next big thing? They’ll already be listening.

If you’re still looking for help, or have any questions, or looking for more information, email me, I’ll be happy to chat – Eric@ThatEricAlper.com and talk soon!

 

Apple Unleashes Lossless Audio and Ultra-Low Latency for AirPods Max: A Game-Changer for Music Creators and Audiophiles

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Next month, a new software update will bring lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to AirPods Max, delivering the ultimate listening experience and even greater performance for music production. With the included USB-C cable, users can enjoy the highest-quality audio across music, movies, and games, while music creators can experience significant enhancements to songwriting, beat making, production, and mixing.

Highest-Quality Audio

With this update, AirPods Max will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the integrity of original recordings and allowing listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio. Apple Music subscribers can enjoy more than 100 million songs in lossless audio.

Elevated Music Production

Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio enable music creators to fully utilize AirPods Max throughout their entire professional workflow on Logic Pro and other music creation apps. Using the USB-C cable, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.1 By delivering lossless, high-resolution digital audio with low latency, artists can seamlessly record and mix with AirPods Max without compromising fidelity.

Immersive Gameplay and Livestreaming

Gamers and livestreamers can also benefit from ultra-low latency audio, which significantly lowers lag time, and is on par with the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. With no response delay, gameplay and livestreaming become reliably smooth and even more immersive for users.
Pricing and Availability
  • Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio will be available in April as a free firmware update with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for AirPods Max with USB-C.
  • AirPods Max are currently available for $549 (U.S.) in five colors — midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange — from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and through Apple Authorized Resellers.
  • USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable will be available today for $39 (U.S.) from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and through Apple Authorized Resellers. It can be used to connect AirPods Max to 3.5 mm audio sources, like the audio-out port on an airplane. Users can also connect their iOS or iPadOS device to 3.5 mm audio ports, like audio-in ports on car stereos or other speakers.

Vaping Trends Among Musicians: Fashion, Lifestyle, or Tool for Relaxation?

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By Mitch Rice

Vaping has become more than just a trend; it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s firmly planted itself in various aspects of life—including the music scene. From major music festivals to intimate recording studios, the presence of vape devices is undeniable. Among musicians, vaping has evolved into a statement, a lifestyle choice, and even a tool for managing stress. But what’s driving this growing association between music and vaping? Is it about making a fashion statement, aligning with a particular lifestyle, or finding creative relaxation?

Dive into this multifaceted trend as we explore the role vaping plays among musicians, using keywords like Hayati Flavours and r and m liquid as focal points in this discussion.

Vaping as a Fashion Statement

Walk into a music festival or a backstage event, and you’ll spot musicians and artists proudly showcasing their vape devices. Why? Because vaping has become a fashion accessory that complements their style. Sleek, ergonomic designs, vibrant colors, and custom skins make modern vape devices as visually appealing as they are functional.

Popular brands and flavors, such as Hayati Flavours, add a splash of individuality to the act of vaping. Musicians often highlight their favorite vapes on social media or in interviews, turning them into iconic parts of their stage and casual personas.

Just like a pair of sunglasses or a leather jacket, a vape device can help articulate an artist’s unique image. Whether it’s a minimalistic silver pen or a bold, colorful setup featuring r and m liquid, these devices are making waves not just for what they do—but for how they look.

Vaping as a Lifestyle Choice

The life of a musician is hectic. Rough schedules, high-pressure performances, and long hours away from home take a toll on mental and physical well-being. Many artists turn to vaping as part of their lifestyle to cope with these challenges.

For those who picked up smoking in the past, vaping offers a less harmful alternative. E-liquids like Hayati Flavours and diverse options from brands like r&m vape add an enjoyable element to the experience, turning what once was a harmful habit into a tailored form of pleasure.

Beyond breaking smoking habits, vaping has come to symbolize being part of a modern, tech-savvy, and progressive culture. As musicians constantly redefine themselves, adopting vaping fits naturally into their dynamic and on-the-edge personas, resonating with fans who associate them with forward-thinking choices.

Vaping as a Tool for Relaxation

It’s no secret that nicotine has calming effects on the brain. For musicians, who often ride the waves of creative highs and performance anxiety, vaping can be an effective aid for relaxation. Nicotine-infused e-liquids, when used responsibly, provide a quick and controlled way to unwind between gigs or during late-night recording sessions.

Some musicians even claim that vaping helps spark their creativity. The act of taking a break with a minty or fruity vape, such as popular Hayati Flavours, offers a sensory reset that can help clear their mind and refocus their energy. Similarly, using r and m liquid gives them a customizable experience, with varying nicotine levels and an array of flavors to suit their mood.

For many artists, the ritual of vaping becomes intertwined with their creative process—a moment to gather thoughts, exhale stress, and channel inspiration.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Despite its popularity, vaping still faces concerns and misconceptions. Critics often emphasize the potential health effects or worry about its appeal to younger audiences. While these issues shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s important to separate fact from fiction:

  • Vaping Is Not as Harmful as Smoking: Compared to traditional cigarettes, vaping eliminates combustion, drastically reducing the intake of harmful substances like tar.
  • Flavors Like Hayati Are Tailored for Adults: The wide variety of flavor profiles, from bold and spicy to subtle and sweet, caters to adult preferences, not just ‘kid-friendly’ tastes.
  • It’s About Moderation: For musicians and others in creative professions, vaping is a tool, not a crutch. Most vape responsibly, integrating it into their routine without over-reliance.

The key here is informed usage. Musicians who vape understand the importance of balance, ensuring it enhances their lifestyles without compromising their health.

Taking Center Stage in the Music Scene

The relationship between vaping and music continues to grow. On one hand, the customizable appeal of e-liquids like Hayati Flavours and devices compatible with r and m liquid cater to musicians’ need for personal expression and creativity. On the other, vaping provides a modern, often healthier, way to relax and de-stress—two essential factors in their demanding lives.

Whether you view it as a fashion statement, a lifestyle choice, or a tool for relaxation, one thing is certain: vaping among musicians is here to stay. Its role goes beyond mere utility, earning a place in the complex, colorful tapestry of modern music culture.

For Those Interested in Trying Hayati Flavours or R and M Liquid

If you’re exploring the vaping world, consider trusted options like Hayati Flavours for their rich profiles or r and m liquid for versatility. For musicians, enthusiasts, and anyone who values creativity and individuality, vaping isn’t just a habit—it’s part of the performance.

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

Spotify Expands Partner Program to Nine More Countries, Supercharging Video Podcast Monetization

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Since announcing the Spotify Partner Program last fall, they’ve heard from creators who are optimistic about the flexibility, control, and opportunity that our new monetization program provides. And following the successful January launch in the US, U.K., Canada and Australia, they’re expanding the Spotify Partner Program to nine new markets.

Starting April 29, eligible creators in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are able to enroll.

The Spotify Partner Program offers audience-driven payouts to creators from Spotify Premium video engagement and the ability to monetize via ads in Spotify Free and on all other podcast listening platforms. This can help creators navigate seasonality shifts and shifts in brand/advertiser interest and give them a more consistent, reliable way to earn.

As a brand-new revenue stream for enrolled shows, Spotify Partner Program delivered impressive results immediately. Since its initial launch, Spotify Partner Program grew payouts to creators by more than 300% this January compared to January 2024. Hundreds of podcast creators surpassed $10,000 in monthly revenue, with the top earners crossing well into six figures in the first month alone.

Additionally, Spotify Partner Program creators in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia will have more opportunities to earn Premium video revenue for listeners in new markets starting on April 29.

Video podcasts are on the rise, and the number of creators actively publishing videos monthly on Spotify has grown by more than 50% year over year. Listeners are responding in kind, with over 250 million users having watched a podcast on Spotify, and nearly two-thirds of podcast listeners saying they prefer podcasts with video.

With more creators able to enroll in Spotify Partner Program, listeners will have access to a bigger and better catalog of video podcasts, as well as seamless background and foreground toggling. Premium users will also have the ability to watch videos with fewer ads. While a creator’s baked-in sponsorships will remain in the episode, traditional dynamic ads will not interrupt the video for Premium users, creating a seamless experience on any device.

“Spotify is committed to providing creators with more options to grow their audience and engage with fans on the format that best suits their style and show—either audio, video or both,” said Roman Wasenmüller, Head of Podcast Business at Spotify. “As we continue to evolve and expand the Spotify Partner Program, we are focusing on increased revenue and consumption for creators.”

Spotify has led audio streaming worldwide for nearly two decades. As video accelerates, they’re investing to make Spotify the video and audio destination for creators and listeners. With the Spotify Partner Program, they’re helping creators build and retain loyal audiences by delivering the best possible version of their content.

Find out more about the Spotify Partner Program by visiting the Spotify for Creators website.

Spotify RADAR Spain Celebrates 5 Years of Breaking Artists and Reveals Its Class of 2025

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Spotify’s RADAR program spotlights rising talent from around the world, and in Spain, it’s been making waves since 2020. Five years in, RADAR Spain has supported more than 40 up-and-coming artists, including breakout stars like QuevedoSAIKOMarta Santos, and Judeline.

The results speak for themselves: One year after joining, RADAR Spain artists see their songs’ average global streams grow by nearly 70%, while their average listeners increase by more than 90%. In total, RADAR Spain artists have been added to playlists on Spotify more than 10,700 times, and nearly 300,000 listeners have discovered them for the first time through our RADAR Spain playlist.

Now, as they celebrate this milestone, they’re thrilled to introduce the next generation of artists poised to redefine Spain’s music scene: JulietaBarry BVera GRVcéro, and LUSILLON. These five emerging talents were unveiled at a special event at Madrid’s Teatro Eslava, complete with live performances that marked RADAR Spain’s first-ever local concert.

As part of the program, all will receive on- and off-platform support, including special editorial placement, exclusive content opportunities, and personalized marketing plans, to help them connect with new fans.

“We’re proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of RADAR Spain and its impact on local talent and the next generation of young artists,” said Melanie Parejo, Head of Music for Southern and Eastern Europe at Spotify. “Since launch, we’ve supported emerging talent and helped grow their careers—but our commitment extends far beyond the program. We continue to support them throughout their journeys, strengthening their connection with fans and new audiences. Seeing early RADAR Spain artists now topping the charts is the best proof of success. This initiative also benefits listeners by bringing them closer to artists who may become their future favorites.”

Ready to meet this year’s lineup? Here’s the scoop on the RADAR Spain class of 2025.

Julieta

Hailing from Catalonia, Julieta has earned the nickname “the Catalan dream” for her blend of electronic, pop, and urban sounds. Her lyrics are resonating with a new generation of listeners, making her one of the most promising voices in Spanish pop.

Barry B

From Aranda de Duero, Barry B blends modern sounds with traditional influences. With more than a decade of experience—including performing in local bands, writing for artists like Amaia, and collaborating with acts like Carolina Durante—this is a seasoned artist ready to break through.

Vera GRV

Almería’s Vera GRV is making a name for herself with her distinctive style and lyrical finesse. Keep an ear out for her unique sound, which is making waves in the Spanish urban music scene.

céro

Seville’s céro embodies the eclectic tastes of Gen Z, seamlessly blending acoustic pop, reggaeton, and bachata into a sound that’s all his own.

LUSILLON

Madrid-based LUSILLON stands out with her soft rhythms, catchy choruses, and emotionally charged lyrics. A winner of the Mad Cool Talent contest in 2023, LUSILLON is poised for a major breakthrough.

Hit play on our RADAR Spain playlist to discover more emerging Spanish artists.

40 Fingers Reimagine Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” With Four Acoustic Guitars

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Kurt Cobain once made distortion poetic. Now, 40 Fingers make it acoustic magic. The virtuoso Italian guitar quartet transforms Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” into a beautifully layered instrumental experience—equal parts haunting and hopeful. Arranged by Emanuele Grafitti, this cover proves once again that raw emotion doesn’t need an amp—just four guitars and a whole lot of talent.

Toto’s “Hold the Line” Gets a High-Voltage Makeover by Tesla Coil Quartet

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You’ve never heard “Hold the Line” like this. Engineer and sonic wizard Fabricio H. Franzoli has programmed four musical Tesla Coils—yes, actual arcs of electricity—to perform the classic Toto anthem. Each coil handles a part: bass, guitar, keyboards, and even vocals. It’s a crackling, sparking, totally electrifying take on a rock staple. Franzoli’s new setup is finally complete—and it shreds.

Steve Coogan Channels Four Characters in Film Adaptation of Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove

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One comedian. Four roles. Infinite chaos. Steve Coogan goes full nuclear in the stage-to-screen version of Dr. Strangelove, delivering a satirical masterclass worthy of the Kubrick name. Directed by Sean Foley, produced by Patrick Myles and David Luff, and co-adapted by none other than Armando Iannucci, it’s a wildly funny descent into geopolitical madness—and it’s now playing in theatres and online.