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Crystal Waters Honored With Female Icon Award And Voice Of House Awards at Miami Music Week 2025

Eric Alper
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Crystal Waters Honored With Female Icon Award And Voice Of House Awards at Miami Music Week 2025

Multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and dance music legend Crystal Waters is stepping into the spotlight at Miami Music Week 2025, receiving top honors and lending her voice to pivotal industry discussions. From being awarded the Voice of House Award at the inaugural FEMMY Awards to receiving the Female Icon Award at the Electronic Dance Music Awards, Waters will be celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to dance music. Beyond the accolades, she will play a key role in two high-impact panels-the Winter Music Conference’s “Diversifying the Dancefloor: Advancing Equity and Access Through Meaningful Change” and FEMME HOUSE x W HOTELS’ “Impact, Longevity, and Equity in Dance Music”-where she will join leading artists and executives to address systemic challenges and champion inclusivity. Adding to the excitement, she just released “You & Me,” a powerhouse collaboration with Stockholm and London-based duo ManyFew-a radiant, instant-classic house anthem.

On Thursday, March 27, FEMME HOUSE proudly launches the FEMMY Awards, a groundbreaking celebration of excellence in dance music and allyship. Hosted at Palm Tree Club, the event will honor Crystal Waters with the Voice of House Award, recognizing her enduring impact on the genre. Joining her is fellow house legend Barbara Tucker, alongside DJ Minx and DJ Lady D, who will receive Pioneer Awards for Lifetime Achievement, and Sara Landry, recognized as Producer of the Year. The FEMMY Awards spotlight both pioneers and rising stars, celebrating those shaping the future of dance music.

Later that day, Waters will join the Winter Music Conference panel, “Diversifying the Dancefloor: Advancing Equity and Access Through Meaningful Change,” at Eden Roc Miami Beach (Mona Lisa Room). This critical discussion brings together industry leaders to explore strategies for fostering a more inclusive and equitable dance music scene. Panelists include Aluna (Artist/Activist), Joanne Hill (Sydney Blu) (Artist & Founder, Change The Beat), Tadia Taylor (Founder, W.O.Q.E.), and Ollie Zhang (Head of Artist Development, 88rising). Moderated by Elaine Huang (Founder, Neon Owl), the conversation will focus on amplifying underrepresented voices, championing inclusivity, and creating sustainable opportunities for marginalized artists. From the stage to behind the scenes, this discussion will emphasize actionable steps to reshape the industry.

On Friday, March 28, Waters continues her advocacy for industry-wide equity at Miami Music Week with the panel “FEMME HOUSE x W HOTELS Present: Impact, Longevity, and Equity in Dance Music” at W South Beach (The Lawn). Hosted by Hermixalot and LP Giobbi (FEMME HOUSE Co-Founders), the discussion will feature Barbara Tucker, DJ Lady D, and Kaleena Zanders, all of whom have made significant contributions to the genre. Together, they will explore critical issues such as closing the pay gap, reclaiming space for the genre’s originators and amplifying historically silenced voices. As FEMME HOUSE marks its third year at Miami Music Week, the discussion will focus on real solutions to systemic barriers, ensuring that artists like Waters-and the next generation-continue to thrive in an industry that values their contributions.

Capping off a monumental Miami Music Week, Waters will receive the Female Icon Award at the Electronic Dance Music Awards 2025 at Eden Roc Hotel, honoring her legendary contributions to electronic dance music and her lasting impact on the industry.

Crystal Waters holds an iconic place in music history, best known for timeless anthems like “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” and “100% Pure Love”, as well as her European chart-topper “Destination Calabria” with Alex Gaudino. With six ASCAP Songwriter Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and three American Music Award nominations, her influence continues to shape dance music. Recognized by Mixmag as “one of the most influential women in dance music” and by Billboard for her 12 #1 Billboard Dance Chart hits, Waters remains a dominant force, boasting over 100M Spotify streams and 3.8M monthly listeners.

Beyond her own music, Waters curates and hosts I AM HOUSE Radio, featuring cutting-edge house tracks and reaching 9.6 million monthly listeners across 65 stations in 30 countries. In November, the show expanded to SiriusXM Utopia, airing Saturdays at 7 PM ET, with replays on Sundays and Thursdays. A sought-after performer, she has graced global stages, New York & London Fashion Weeks, and Art Basel, while her songs have been sampled by T.I., Alicia Keys, and Pitbull. In 2024, she was honored at the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the Howard University Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement Award. Constantly evolving, her latest hit “Party People” (with DJ Spen and remixed by Michael Gray) has gained support from BBC Radio One, Pete Tong, and Carl Cox, reaffirming her lasting impact on the genre.

From timeless classics to prestigious awards and influential panels, Crystal Waters stands at the forefront, solidifying her legacy as a dance music icon and inspiring generations of artists. As a trailblazer in electronic music, her impact continues to shape the industry, paving the way for future talent to flourish in a more inclusive and equitable space.

SICKY Unleashes Imaginary Superhero in New Single “Billy Cousins” From Album Troubled Delight

Eric Alper
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SICKY Unleashes Imaginary Superhero in New Single “Billy Cousins” From Album Troubled Delight

British indie alt-pop artist SICKY presents ‘Billy Cousins’, the first track on track on his third album ‘Troubled Delight’. Written about a fictional character, Cousins is an imaginary superhero you can pretend to be when you find yourself doubting everything.

SICKY is the solo project of Mick Butler, whose brand of Britpop-infused indie rock borrows flickering elements from Beck, Supergrass and Blur. Originally from England’s Black Country, he now lives in Shropshire. Formerly with several bands, ranging from the brass-soaked pop of Papa Mantra to the dirty stomp of SUMO, Butler now derives pleasure from banging out new SICKY material.

Empowering, fun and fearless, every track on ‘Troubled Delight’ is under three minutes. Three songs feature Jen Bone (Project Blues Band) on double bass, adding a bounce and flow to proceedings. Rebecca Butler sings on ‘Mankind’ and Lily and Scarlet Butler contribute backing vocals on the lead track ‘I’m Happy If You’re Happy’.

Just recently, SICKY also shared the single ‘Slide’, capturing the gritty reality of a relapse into harmful behaviour and the painful aftermath, reflecting a deeply personal and relatable struggle.

“‘Billy Cousins’ is a song about an imaginary character you can pretend to be when you find yourself doubting everything. The production is probably inspired by the Prince era, which left its mark on me. I’m talking about the Get Off/Sexy MF/Batman era. Big beats, outrageous grooves and killer hooklines. The little purple one blew me away with this stuff,” says SICKY.

“The video features a scene from the wonderfully nuts 1963 film ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’, which had just about every famous face from the time in it. A film that was shown regularly on TV, I can still hear my mom howling with laughter at the over-the-top characters – laughing so hard she’d have to leave the room. The Dick Shawn (real name!) character Sylvester in the video has something of Billy Cousins about him… Not a stoned care in the world, so the song’s a bit of fun in these trying times. If you want to step out and breathe for two minutes and fifty-five seconds, ‘Billy Cousins’ could be the perfect escape from the madness of reality.”

Other songs on this album are about real life happenings. Happy moments, fallings out, false promises and even a sense of fun even in the darker moments, showing that you don’t have to make depressing music to talk about hard life realities. ‘Ten Minutes’ features Bridgnorth’s St. Leonard’s church bell. ‘Money For The News’ has sliding doors at a Stourbridge shopping centre. ‘My Girl’s Gone’ has a snippet from the film ‘Quatermass and the Pit’ with kind permission from Hammer Films in London. ‘The Hill’ recounts the pain of a 22-mile charity walk (never again!), kind of a metaphor for life.

SICKY first appeared on the scene (in this incarnation) during the lockdowns of 2021, releasing his debut album ‘Bowling Balls’, which was partially inspired by Prince, Bowie and Ray Bradbury’s book ‘The Martian Chronicles’. In 2023, SICKY released his sophomore album ‘Garbage Town’ to wide acclaim.

SICKY ‘Troubled Delight’ Track List:
01. Billy Cousins
02. I’m Happy If You’re Happy
03. Ten Minutes
04. My Girl’s Gone
05. Slide
06. Money For The News
07. Win
08. Life In A Jar
09. Songbird
10. The Hill
11. Mankind
12. Just Me

NoVanGogh Releases Joyous New Single “As Long as You’re Here” With Uplifting New Video

Eric Alper
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NoVanGogh Releases Joyous New Single “As Long as You’re Here” With Uplifting New Video

The Los Angeles-based indie pop outfit NoVanGogh presents their new single ‘As Long as You’re Here’ with new video, following their heartfelt and hopeful pop anthem ‘You’re Right There’, along with their Van Gogh-inspired video. Capturing the overwhelming joy of a profound connection with another person, this song pulses with an irresistible energy, its vibrant energy creating a palpable charge.

NoVanGogh was conceived by songwriter-producers Douglas Sparks and Christopher Hastings as a way to release pop-infused music that straddles diverse styles of music, utilizing the finest musical talent that LA has to offer. Creators of sublime pop, NoVanGogh’s sound is highlighted by a continuous morphing of styles and genres producing sounds worthy of your attention. Their artistry shines through in a tapestry of genres, making for a listening experience that rewards your attention.

“Our latest single ‘As Long as You’re Here’ is about finding a connection with someone that is so exciting and fulfilling that you can’t possibly contain yourself. When we produced the track, we went for a Motown inspired sound with a bit of Gospel thrown in for good measure. The violins were recording live the studio. And the parts played by the violins were mostly improvised,” says Douglas Sparks.

Produced, recorded and mixed in L.A. by Douglas Sparks and Christopher Hastings, this single involves Ginny Luke (vocals), Mike Arrom (keyboard), Eliza James (violin), Abby Shelton (violin), Leland Skylar (bass) and Christopher Hastings (guitar, drums).

NoVanGogh’s previous single ‘You’re Right There’ captures the essence of a relationship built on steadfast support, trust and comfort, its lyrics a testament to the transformative power of genuine connection. Exploring the feeling of finding solace and strength in another person, and the relief that comes with knowing you’re never truly alone, here NoVanGogh celebrates the freedom and joy found in a love that liberates, ultimately conveying a powerful message of hope and emotional security.

Tash Sultana Announces ‘Return to the Roots’ EP Featuring City and Colour And Announces 2025 U.S. Tour

Eric Alper
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Tash Sultana Announces ‘Return to the Roots’ EP Featuring City and Colour And Announces 2025 U.S. Tour

A decade into their evolution, multi-instrumentalist, engineer, producer, and entrepreneur Tash Sultana weaves nostalgia with newfound wisdom, as they reveal their forthcoming EP RETURN TO THE ROOTS out Friday, May 30.

Now Tash unveils the full tracklist for the EP, featuring a powerful collaboration with City and Colour. This standout track brings together two masterful storytellers, blending their distinct styles with deep mutual respect.

The original version of this song is one of the oldest Tash has written and inspired by artists like Jeff Buckley, Bon Iver, and City and Colour. It was only fitting that when reworking the track, City and Colour became part of the journey. When City and Colour announced an Australian tour, Tash reached out, the teams connected, and the song naturally fell into place.

“The song was meant for us,” Tash says. “We instantly understood each other and it was a completely natural fit.”

The EP also features the fan-favourite “Kiss The Sky,” a track that first set the internet buzzing when TASH teased it in 2023 via Instagram. Resurfacing on TikTok this year, the teaser videos have received over 3.5 million views, instantly cementing its status as a must-hear anthem.

First taste of the EP and opening track “Milk & Honey” marked a bold return to their roots as a looper, while the most recent release “Hold On” reaches deep emotional depths, dedicated to their wife after being diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year.

“My partner went through hell because of medical malpractice,” Tash explains. “A tumor left undetected. Surgery on the wrong thing. A second operation. Twice the recovery time. And we still don’t have answers. If you’ve ever been failed by the system-misdiagnosed, ignored, or left without answers-this song is for you.”

The brand-new EP is a raw, unfiltered dive back into the heart of their artistry. Stripping away the pressure of commercial success, this six-track collection rekindles the spirit of spontaneous creation-the very essence that first ignited their career.

Building on the success of the first single, “Milk & Honey”-which earned rotation on triple j, topped the AMRAP Metro Charts, received praise from Rolling Stone (Australia), and landed on key DSP playlists like Spotify’s The Local List and Apple’s Heaps Indie-latest release “Hold On” continues that momentum with support from triple j, DSP playlisting across Spotify’s Pop’N’Fresh and Apple’s New in Indie, and online love from The Music, Rolling Stone and AU Review.

Fresh from selling out Red Rocks in minutes. Tash Sultana has recently announced a massive 2025 U.S. tour. Bringing their signature electrifying energy and genre-blurring sound to fans nationwide, this tour is set to be nothing short of unforgettable.

Return To The Roots EP Tracklisting:
Milk & Honey
Kiss The Sky
Hazard To Myself
Hold On
Unleash The Rage
Ain’t It Kinda Funny Ft. City And Colour

Tour Dates
Tueday June 10 | The Randy Shell At Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA
Wednesday June 11 | Hard Rock Live – Sacramento, Wheatland, CA
Friday June 13 | The Masonic, San Francisco, CA
Saturday June 14 | Shrine Expo Hall, Los Angeles, CA
Sunday June 15 | The Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ
Tuesday June 17 | The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Wednesday June 18 | Bayou Music Centre, Houston, TX
Friday June 20 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
Saturday June 21 | Dillon Amphitheatre, Dillon, CO
Sunday June 22 | Tba, Salt Lake City, UT
Tuesday June 24 | Knitting Factory Concert House, Boise, ID
Wednesday June 25 | Knitting Factory Concert House, Spokane, WA
Friday June 27 | Edgefield Concerts On The Lawn, Troutdale, OR
Saturday June 28 | Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
Sunday June 29 | Britt Music & Arts Festival – Britt Pavilion, Jacksonville, OR

Guster’s On The Ocean Returns to Portland, ME August 8–10 With Hanson, The Mountain Goats, Karina Rykman and More

Eric Alper
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Guster’s On The Ocean Returns to Portland, ME August 8–10 With Hanson, The Mountain Goats, Karina Rykman and More

Thousands of Guster fans will gather in Portland, Maine from August 8-10 for On The Ocean for three days of music, fun and unforgettable experiences. The 7th annual On The Ocean weekend will include performances by The Mountain Goats, Hanson, Fruitbats, Karina Rykman and more at Thompson’s Point.  From bike adventures, activities on the water and boat cruises to a video arcade takeover and a podcast taping, this year’s On The Ocean weekend will offer Guster fans more ways to experience Portland.  Single day and weekend passes are on sale now at ontheoceanfest.com

“It’s been a blast every year to gather together with all of our Guster fans and their families for a weekend in Maine during its summertime glory. This year, we are bringing the festival back to its roots and providing more fan experiences in Portland itself—I love this city that I’m proud to call home,” said Guster’s Adam Gardner.

Guster’s On The Ocean will begin Friday, August 8th with Hits & Bits: An Evening of Music & Comedy at the State Theatre. This special kickoff show will feature Guster alongside live comedy and storytelling, setting the tone for the weekend.

The music moves to Thompson’s Point on Saturday with performances on two stages by The Mountain Goats, Fruit Bats, Maggie Rose, Joe & Marc Pisapia, and Sam Champion.  Sunday’s lineup includes Hanson, Joy Oladokun, Karina Rykman, and  Bailen. And of course, Guster closes out both nights.

The weekend will once again feature curated activities and experiences throughout Portland including a special taping with Ryan Miller of Craig Finn’s (The Hold Steady) podcast That’s How I Remember It  at One Longfellow Square.

Fans can expect a number of opportunities to experience Portland with each other. Arcadia, the downtown retro arcade, will be rechristened Dave & Guster’s and become an official meetup spot and place for games and competitions. More active minded fans can take a guided bike tour of Portland’s scenic paths and lighthouses, or choose a kayak or paddle boarding excursion on Casco Bay. And throwing back to the first year of On The Ocean Weekend, there will be a daytime harbor cruise.

At Thompson’s Point, there will be free entry at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine for ticket holders and pre and post-show meetups at Bissell Brothers Brewery.

More details including registration information and hours of the On The Ocean weekend activities will be announced soon.

Individual day passes are on sale starting today, along with weekend passes at ontheoceanfest.com. Specially priced kids tickets are available. (Single day $20 / 2-Day $30 / 3-Day $50)

MonoNeon Announces New Album ‘You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude’ and 2025 World Tour

Eric Alper
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MonoNeon Announces New Album ‘You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude’ and 2025 World Tour

Today, MonoNeon – the bass virtuoso and funk originalist has announced a new studio album titled You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude. The album was recorded between his hometown of Memphis and the legendary Floki Studios in Iceland and will be his first release via the studio’s label imprint and distributed by Color Red. To mark the occasion he’s released the first single, “Bad Attitude” out today. As the last bassist to play regularly with Prince, you can hear the luminary’s influence on MonoNeon’s writing in this track.

You Had Your Chance enriches a dizzying MonoNeon catalog that includes nearly 20 distinct solo releases, collaborations with Mac Miller, Ne-Yo, Sudan Archives and Georgia Anne Muldrow and crucial contributions to Nas’ King Disease, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2020. He’s also released his own signature five-string bass through Fender and Whammy pedal through DigTech – a testament to both his virtuosity and the respect afforded to him by studio pros and amateurs alike.

Last month, MonoNeon teamed up with comedian Katt Williams, the legendary George Clinton and the GRAMMY winning producer, songwriter and rapper James Fauntleroy (Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, SZA) to release “God Reason” – an interstellar journey that was also released via Floki Studios (Color Red). Watch the animated visualizer directed and created by Cody A. Banks.

MonoNeon is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. He is known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar and being one of the last people to work with Prince. MonoNeon is a Grammy Award-winning artist, for his participation on the 2020 Nas album King’s Disease. On November 1, 2022, Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Signature.

Known for his otherworldly live show, MonoNeon has played Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and more. Today, MonoNeon has also announced a string of North American, Australian and Asian tour dates. He’ll begin the I Want Snacks & Gifts Tour  with a stop in his hometown of Memphis, TN, followed by a few dates in the South before heading abroad for multiple stops in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. He’ll wrap the June tour in California with a final show at the Echoplex in Los Angeles on June 28th. Full tour dates below.

Tour Dates:

May 03 – Riverbeat – Memphis, TN

May 11 – Buffalo Bayou Park – Houston, TX

May 13 – Red Bluff Music, Arts, & Food Fest – Montgomery, AL

Jun. 09 – The Tuning Fork – Auckland, New Zealand

Jun. 10 – San Fran – Wellington, New Zealand

Jun. 12 – The Princess Theatre – Brisbane, Australia

Jun. 13 – Vivid Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Jun. 14 – The Croxton Bandroom – Melbourne, Australia

Jun. 18 – Blue Note Place – Ebisu, Japan

Jun. 19 – Blue Note Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan

Jun. 20 – Blue Note Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan

Jun. 21 – Blue Note Hawaii – Honolulu, HI

Jun. 24 – Yoshi’s Oakland – Oakland, CA

Jun. 25 – Yoshi’s Oakland – Oakland, CA

Jun. 26 – Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA

Vera Farmiga’s The Yagas and Gogol Bordello Release Live “Chervona Ruta” Video to Support Ukraine

Eric Alper
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Vera Farmiga’s The Yagas and Gogol Bordello Release Live “Chervona Ruta” Video to Support Ukraine

Alt rock band The Yagas, fronted by Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Vera Farmiga, and international punk band Gogol Bordello, led by Eugene Hütz, have released a live video for the popular Ukrainian love song “Chervona Ruta” from their performance earlier this month at Assembly in Kingston, NY.

With Vera and Eugene both of Ukrainian heritage, this special video release is their way of shedding light on Ukrainian culture and language while also helping those in need by raising money for Support Action Ukraine, an organization launched at the start of the war to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian population. In addition to donating directly via the live video link, The Yagas and Gogol Bordello have created a limited-edition t-shirt for “Chervona Ruta” with all proceeds going to Support Action Ukraine. PRESS HERE to purchase.

The Yagas, who made their live debut at the Kingston show, and Eugene will next perform “Chervona Ruta” together at Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Saturday, April 5th at the Casa Gogol Records Presents: NEW NEW YORK event. PRESS HERE for tickets.

“I’m a first generation American. I was raised in the Ukrainian diaspora of New Jersey, instilled with an immense pride of my family’s heritage and culture. Ukrainian music and dance were a vital source of strength, identity, celebration and connection to Ukraine,” shares Farmiga. “Music has galvanized Ukrainian morale since the Russian invasion began. I thought, what a great way to uplift our loved ones in Ukraine than to perform a bangin’ cover of the quintessential Ukrainian song ‘Chervona Ruta.’ I love this particular song, that my Baba Nadia taught me. I grew up singing it at Ukrainian Plast and Syzokryli summer camps, deep in the woods and wildflower fields of Novyi Sokil, Soyuzivka, and Verhovyna, in New York’s Catskill Mountains. I associate this song with summer romance and lifelong friendships I developed, immersed in Ukrainian scouting and dance culture.”

“‘Chervona Ruta’ is steeped in complex emotions of romance, resilience, pride, passion and national identity,” Farmiga adds. “It’s not just a love song about a girl finding a red flower that brings luck in love. It’s a love song to Ukraine itself, evoking patriotic feeling. I wanted to sing it as a duet with Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello. Eugene himself is like a badass blooming mythological flower. He is magic on two feet. He explodes with ferocious love and joy of creativity, his energy pure and infectious. The song has been covered time and time again; we wanted to put our unique bluster and spin on it. Enjoy!”

“This is a particularly meaningful song for me to collaborate on with Vera and The Yagas, given that we are both of Ukrainian descent, even though we were born on different sides of the Atlantic Ocean,” says Hütz. “We both know it from childhood and with all respect to the original version, we thought of a distinctly tougher spin on it, just like the times we live in. What a natural way to connect and let that song do some inspirational as well as tangible fundraising work to support a trusted charity organization, Support Action Ukraine.”

Formed in 2023, The Yagas – Farmiga (vocals), Renn Hawkey of Deadsy (keys), Jason Bowman (drums), Mark Visconti (guitar) and Mike Davis (bass) – introduced their elaborate sonic world last fall with their powerful debut single “The Crying Room” paired with a darkly enchanting video co-starring Hütz (PRESS HERE to watch). The New York-based independent quintet recently followed that up with “She’s Walking Down,” an exhilarating tale of violence and vengeance with a hauntingly beautiful music video directed by Farmiga (PRESS HERE to watch). An audacious band with otherworldly origins, The Yagas borrowed their name from the mystical Slavic folklore figure Baba Yaga, believed to devour the souls of the newly deceased to safeguard the fountains of life. The Yagas wholly share their namesake’s storied penchant for shapeshifting, morphing from metal to industrial to wildly extravagant alt-rock as their songs journey into the strangest depths of the human psyche. The Yagas have received early comparisons to A Perfect Circle, The Cure, and Type O Negative with praise and support from Revolver Magazine, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock Magazine, The Noise/Ones To Watch, Stereogum, Bloody Disgusting, Rock Cellar Magazine, and more. As shown on “The Crying Room” and “She’s Walking Down,” both featured tracks off the band’s debut full-length album out this spring, The Yagas embody a potent duality of shadow and light, ferocity and tenderness. Creating a truly singular aural experience, their music is endlessly unpredictable but infinitely propelled by the spellbinding force of Farmiga’s vocal work.

Since 1999, international punk band Gogol Bordello, led by Ukrainian frontman Eugene Hütz, has been filling up rooms with an energy that could run a whole city. Their latest album Solidaritine is no exception, going back to their hardcore roots. The band has lit up stages around the world alongside System of a Down, Primus, Rancid, Dropkick Murphys; dueted with Regina Spektor; appeared in films like Liev Schreiber’s Everything Is Illuminated with Elijah Wood and Filth and Wisdom helmed by Madonna; and cut albums with legends Rick Rubin and Steve Albini. Russia’s war in Ukraine is personal for Eugene & the band, who have been tirelessly advocating for Ukrainian solidarity, partnering with Nova Ukraifffffffe, ArtDopomoga and beyond.

BALTHVS Announces Major North American Tour, Shares New Single “Year of the Snake”

Eric Alper
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BALTHVS Announces Major North American Tour, Shares New Single “Year of the Snake”

BALTHVS returns with their latest single, “Year of the Snake.” Driven by deep bass grooves, swirling synths and an entrancing pulse. “Year of the Snake” is out now, available everywhere you stream music and to pre-save, click here.

To celebrate the release, BALTHVS is proud to announce their landmark tour set to bring their signature psychedelic grooves to North America. The highlights include joining My Morning Jacket for October dates during their highly anticipated tour. Plus BALTHVS will be performing at the ionic festival Lollapalooza Festival in Argentina on March 22nd.

After a brief reprieve from the South American dates, they continue to North America with highlights including performing at the brand new Garcia’s in Chicago (5/16 & 5/17), along with an epic festival run at Bottlerock in Napa (5/23), and Lightning In A Bottle (5/25). Adding to their summer festival circuit, the band will be performing at Electric Forest (6/19), Nelsonville Festival (6/20), Green River Festival (6/22), and Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (6/26).

BALTHVS continues on to join My Morning Jacket in the Fall, opening at major venues such as The Anthem in Washington, D.C. (10/8), The Met in Philadelphia (10/10-11), MGM at Fenway in Boston (10/13), and The Paramount in New York (10/16-18). Additional stops include Ohio (Mega Corp, 10/20), Wisconsin (The Sylvee, 10/22), Chicago (The Salt Shed, 10/24-26), Tennessee (The Pinnacle, 10/29) and Georgia (Fox Theatre, 10/31).

In just five years, BALTHVS has become one of indie music’s most dynamic and genre-defying acts, blending psychedelic rhythms with groove-infused energy. With over 45 million streams, 10,000 vinyl records sold, and performances in 56 cities across 19 countries, their global reach continues to expand. The trio has graced premier festival stages including Austin City Limits, Outside Lands, Electric Forest, and SXSW Sydney, while securing features on KEXP, Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Café, and the BBC.

Tickets for all tour dates are available now at www.balthvs.com. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots early, as shows are expected to sell out!

Summer & Fall Tour Dates:

5/16 &17 @ Garcia’s – Chicago, IL
5/21 @ The Guild Theatre – Menlo Park, CA
5/23 @ Bottlerock Festival – Napa, CA
5/25 @ Lightning In A Bottle – Bakersfield, CA
6/19 @ Electric Forest – Rothbury, MI
6/20 @ Nelsonville Festival – Nelsonville, OH
6/22 @ Green River Festival – Greenfield, MA
6/26 @ Festival International de Jazz de Montreal – Montreal, QC
10/8 @ The Anthem – Washington, DC *
10/10 @ The Met – Philadelphia, PA *
10/11 @ The Met – Philadelphia, PA *
10/13 @ MGM at Fenway – Boston, MA *
10/14 @ State Theatre – Portland, ME *
10/16-18 @ The Paramount – Huntington, NY *
10/20 @ MegaCorp Pavillion – Newport, KY *
10/22 @ The Sylvee – Madison, WI *
10/24-26 @ The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL *
10/29 @ The Pinnacle – Nashville, TN *
10/31 @ Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA *

*With My Morning Jacket

Mumford & Sons Launch Exclusive Channel on SiriusXM

Eric Alper
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Mumford & Sons Launch Exclusive Channel on SiriusXM

SiriusXM and GRAMMY award-winning British folk rock band Mumford & Sons today announced the launch of an exclusive pop-up channel, Mumford & Sons Radio, ahead of the long-awaited release of the band’s fifth studio album RUSHMERE.

Ahead of RUSHMERE’s release on Friday, March 28, fans across North America will have the chance to call in, ask questions and talk to the band live on Thursday, March 27 at 11:00 am ET. Following the fan Q&A session, the band will perform live from the SiriusXM studios.

The channel is available to subscribers in their cars on channel 79 through April 8 and on the SiriusXM app through April 24.

Mumford & Sons Radio, curated and presented by Mumford & Sons, will guide listeners through the band’s extensive discography including songs from their new album as well as music from artists that influence and inspire them. The channel will also feature behind-the-scenes insight into the making of Mumford & Sons’ upcoming fifth studio album RUSHMERE, the band’s first album since 2018.

Additionally, Mumford & Sons Radio will spotlight exclusive moments from over 15 years of SiriusXM’s support of the band including replays of their 2015 performance at New York City’s McKittrick Hotel, their 2019 performance from the legendary Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons and multiple in-studio performances.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

 

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LEGO Unveils First-Ever The Shire Set Inspired by The Lord of the Rings Launches April 5

Eric Alper
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LEGO Unveils First-Ever The Shire Set Inspired by The Lord of the Rings Launches April 5

For the first time ever, LEGO is heading to the rolling hills and round doors of Middle-earth. Launching April 5, LEGO Icons The Lord of the Rings: The Shire is a 2,017-piece love letter to Hobbiton™—complete with Bilbo Baggins’ cozy hobbit-hole, the legendary Party Tree, and a colorful cast of minifigure characters that fans of Tolkien’s world know and adore. The set is available exclusively at LEGO.ca/TheShire and LEGO Stores, offering a hands-on journey through one of fantasy’s most iconic locales.

To celebrate the launch, LEGO teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to produce a special mini-film starring Sean Astin, who returns to his role as Samwise Gamgee. This cinematic short brings the set to life, recreating unforgettable moments from The Lord of the Rings™ trilogy—all in glorious brick form. From Bilbo’s vanishing act to Gandalf’s fireworks show, it’s a delightful nod to longtime fans and a perfect way to experience the magic before building it yourself.

The set isn’t just a static diorama—it’s filled with interactive elements. Builders can transform a letter to reveal The One Ring, trigger Bilbo’s disappearing trick, or swap minifigure heads to recreate the famous dragon firework scene with Merry and Pippin. It also includes nine beloved characters, from Frodo and Gandalf to Rosie Cotton and Farmer Proudfoot, plus iconic accessories like Bilbo’s book and Gandalf’s horse and cart.

Whether you’re a LEGO collector, Tolkien enthusiast, or just a fan of Second Breakfast, The Shire set is a meticulously detailed slice of fantasy nostalgia. It’s the ultimate tribute to peace, pie, and pipe-weed—and the perfect excuse to say, “I’m going on an adventure!” without ever leaving the living room.

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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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