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HemlockHotel Revives ‘America,” A Folk Rock Anthem That Speaks to Right Now

Eric Alper
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HemlockHotel Revives ‘America,” A Folk Rock Anthem That Speaks to Right Now

With the heart of classic Americana and the soul of a protest song, “America”, the latest single from Ottawa-based HemlockHotel following “Running Out Of Road,” is an unflinching look at history, inheritance, and the longing for something better. Originally released during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, “America” has only grown more relevant in today’s turbulent times. Re-released in 2025, this evocative track is both a lament and a rallying cry—a song for those who refuse to let hope slip through their fingers.

Inspired by the storytelling traditions of Bruce Springsteen, The Band, and Steve Earle, “America” blends roots-rock grit with folk’s lyrical depth. Led by singer-songwriter Rod Leggett, HemlockHotel crafts a sound that feels both timeless and urgent, carried by the talents of Danny Lee Duke (drums), Mark Strachan (guitar), Gary Archambault (bass), and TJ Jones.

The song’s lyrics reflect on power, corruption, and the cycles that shape generations:

There was his father, drinking again
Waltzing to a tune, an ancient hymn
In the blink of an eye, he saw his future
What can be done, of fathers and sons?

“Some critics wondered why a Canadian band wrote a song about the U.S.,” says Leggett. “The truth is, American politics shape so much of the world, and as neighbors, we feel the ripple effects. The song isn’t just about one country—it’s about waking up to the world’s power plays and deciding whether to accept them or push back.”
Produced by HemlockHotel and David Fournier, “America” captures the tension between frustration and hope, between past and future. It’s a song about coming of age, reckoning with the ideals we’re handed, and daring to demand something better. The accompanying music video, filmed in a historic family barn, adds a visual layer to this generational conversation, featuring scenes of resilience, reflection, and the search for meaning.

HemlockHotel has become known for blending storytelling and social commentary with a sound that nods to the folk-rock greats while forging their own path. The band is currently working on their third studio album with Juno-winning producer Steve Foley, continuing their evolution as one of Canada’s most compelling Americana acts.

JukeBox County Unveils New Folk Single ‘Can You See It?’ – A Journey of Hope and Transformation

Eric Alper
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JukeBox County Unveils New Folk Single ‘Can You See It?’ – A Journey of Hope and Transformation

What if a song could slip through time, bridging past and present, reality and imagination? With their latest single, “Can You See It?,” JukeBox County—the brainchild of musician and mental health advocate Rich Tyo—invites listeners on a mesmerizing sonic journey where mystery, healing, and the unknown collide.

Rooted in folk storytelling but stretching into the surreal, “Can You See It?” Is the first chapter in an unfolding immersive narrative. Inspired by a man who attempted to use JukeBox County’s previous track Wormhole as a guide to slip through time, this new single attempts to bring him back, weaving a tale of connection, resilience, and hope.

The song’s ethereal lyrics capture the tension between the seen and the unseen, the tangible and the mysterious:

Can you see it?
Can you touch it?
Can you tell me
What’s around the bend
And how much did we spend?

Sonically, “Can You See It?” draws comparisons to artists like Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, and The Barr Brothers—melding intricate acoustic instrumentation with atmospheric production. The track was brought to life with the help of a stellar lineup of musicians, including Hugh Christopher Brown (keys), Sarah McDermott (backing vocals), Pete Bowers (drums), Winston Vinh (bass), Kevin Bowers (lead guitar), Rocky Roberts (lap steel), and Jason Mercer (12-string acoustic).

“This song was a wake-up call,” says Tyo. “It was inspired by the deep healing and transformation I’ve seen in people navigating psychedelic experiences. I’ve witnessed the loss of hope, and I wanted to create something that could play a small role in rekindling that spark.”

Beyond its hypnotic melodies, “Can You See It?” serves as the opening scene in a larger mythos. As the story unfolds, JukeBox County’s music will chart the journey of a man trapped in a wormhole, his consciousness slipping into the 1890s as a notorious outlaw, Old Slick Sam, crosses into our present world. Through song and community, Tyo hopes to rally listeners to help bridge time, bring lost souls home, and offer a path to redemption.

Set against a backdrop of folk, psychedelia, and cosmic storytelling, “Can You See It?” is both an invitation and an experience—a musical odyssey that beckons listeners to step beyond the veil and into a universe where time, space, and human connection intertwine.

Don McLean Revives Classic Albums with CD & Vinyl Reissues

Eric Alper
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Don McLean Revives Classic Albums with CD & Vinyl Reissues

Legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean continues his legacy with the re-release of three remarkable albums, now available on CD and vinyl. These collections showcase McLean’s distinctive storytelling and musical artistry, reaffirming his status as one of America’s most treasured artists.

McLean’s classic records, Don McLean Sings Marty Robbins (2001), Greatest Hits Live! At The Dominion Theatre (1982), and The Western Album (2003) have been remastered and returned to physical formats on vinyl and CD via BFD/Audium Nashville.

“It’s incredible to see these albums getting new life,” McLean shared. “The songs on these records hold deep meaning for me, and I’m grateful to BFD for helping make them available to longtime fans and a whole new generation of music lovers.”

McLean’s classic titles Believers, Chain Lightning, and Prime Time were re-released on February 7th. “Don McLean’s catalog is so rich and diverse, and we’re happy to continue the series of Don’s reissues with these three unique albums — and still more to come later this year,” shares Jason Burger, Director, Label Management & Operations for Bob Frank Entertainment.

All reissued albums are available now at fanlink.tv/DonMcLeanReissues.

Don McLean is a GRAMMY Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a Top 5 Song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). A New York native, Don McLean is one of American history’s most revered and respected songwriters. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late 1960s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, McLean’s handwritten manuscript of “American Pie” lyrics was auctioned by Christie’s, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars, and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Don landed a new recording contract with Time Life in 2020, with whom he released a catalog of recordings and a new album ‘Still Playin’ Favorites.’ In 2021, Don’s “American Pie” was featured in the Avengers’ Black Widow and the Tom Hanks movie Finch. McLean received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated the 50th anniversary of “American Pie,” and recorded a version of the song with a cappella group Home Free. In 2022, McLean received six Telly Awards for his collaboration with international heavyweight Tyson Fury, released American Pie: A Fable children’s book, and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. In 2023, the Telly award-winning documentary The Day The Music Died was released on DVD and Blu-Ray. In 2024, President Yoon of South Korea sang “American Pie” for a delighted audience of White House guests in Washington, D.C. McLean was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame during a public ceremony along with Darius Rucker, Joe Galante, and Duane Eddy in Nashville, Tennessee. His latest album, ‘American Boys,’ was also released in 2024.

DON McLEAN’S REMASTERED & REISSUED ALBUMS TRACKLIST:

​Believers (1981)
Track List:
Castles in the Air
Isn’t It Strange
Left for Dead on the Road of Love
Believers
Sea Man
I Tune the World Out
Love Hurts
Jerusalem
Love Letters
Crazy Eyes

Chain Lightning (1978)
Track List:
Words and Music
Crying
It’s Just the Sun
Lotta Lovin’
Chain Lightning
Your Cheatin’ Heart
Wonderful Night
(Send Me The) Pillow That You Dream On
Sooner or Later
It’s a Beautiful Life

Prime Time (1977)
Track List:
Prime Time
The Statue
Jump
Red Wing
The Wrong Thing to Do
The Pattern Is Broken
When Love Begins to Fade
Color TV Blues
Building My Body
Down the Road / Sally Ann

Sam Griffin Brings ‘Severance’ Theme to Life with Haunting Classical Guitar Performance

Eric Alper
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Sam Griffin Brings ‘Severance’ Theme to Life with Haunting Classical Guitar Performance

Musician Sam Griffin took the eerie brilliance of Severance to the next level, performing its haunting theme on classical guitar—while switching between his ‘innie’ (blue suit) and ‘outie’ (red pajamas) personas. Mark S. would be proud.

*Vevo Footnotes Celebrates 25 Years of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” with Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Iconic Moments

Eric Alper
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*Vevo Footnotes Celebrates 25 Years of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” with Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Iconic Moments

*NSYNC and Vevo premiere a new episode of Footnotes, giving viewers an inside look at “Bye Bye Bye,” the chart-topping hit from their record-breaking album No Strings Attached. The song remains a cultural staple and now marks its 25th anniversary with Vevo Footnotes.

The episode explains how the video was inspired by the album’s cover art, featuring the band as puppets suspended by bungie cords on stage. It also covers how the video’s popularity helped propel the album to debut #1 on the Billboard 200, selling a record-breaking 2.4 million copies in its first week-a milestone that stood until Adele’s 25 in 2015. Additionally, it reveals that Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone perform their own stunts during the train scene. It also touches on Justin Timberlake’s “easy” role in the video, the director’s inspiration from 1951’s ‘Royal Wedding’ with Fred Astaire and how JC Chasez’s love of Robert De Niro’s chase scene in Ronin inspired the car chase.

It also discusses famed choreographer Darrin Henson, known for his work with Britney Spears and The Spice Girls, who created the video’s now-iconic dance routine. Henson, who was considering stepping away from music video choreography, was convinced by *NSYNC’s manager to take on the project, and later that year won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography. Finally, the episode reveals the resurgence of the song with Deadpool & Wolverine with Henson telling Forbes, “I’m happy to see that people are still tapped in, turned on, and tuned in to the ‘Bye Bye Bye’ dance. It’s historical and legendary. I’m grateful to be witnessing it all.”

j-hope Unveils New Solo Single “MONA LISA,” Paying Tribute to Unique Beauty with a Smooth Hip-Hop/R&B Groove

Eric Alper
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j-hope Unveils New Solo Single “MONA LISA,” Paying Tribute to Unique Beauty with a Smooth Hip-Hop/R&B Groove

j-hope of 21st century pop icons BTS unveiled a new solo digital single “MONA LISA,” along with an accompanying music video today. Arriving just two weeks after the release of digital single “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” on March 7, this new track continues to amplify the undeniable, wide-reaching appeal of its predecessor.

A hip-hop/R&B track, “MONA LISA” pays tribute to celebrating one’s unique beauty. With its title inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece ‘Mona Lisa,’ the track likens the praise for the alluring person to the timeless masterpiece. It conveys that what truly moves someone is not external beauty, but rather the distinctive characteristics that make each person special.

In the track, j-hope seamlessly fuses hip-hop and R&B with a catchy, danceable groove and smooth, easy-listening melodies, creating a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. As the song builds, the chorus toward the end invites an infectious sing-along, amplifying the uplifting, feel-good atmosphere. With its smooth melodies and evocative lyrics, j-hope commands the track, exuding a sophisticated bravado with a sensual edge. j-hope participated in the production of the track, showcasing his continuously evolving artistry and musical prowess. Additionally, Blake Slatkin, known for collaborations with Charlie Puth, Sam Smith, Lizzo, and more, is credited on the track.

j-hope premiered “MONA LISA” with a first-ever live performance during the sold-out Brooklyn stop of his first solo world tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE in North America’ at Barclays Center on March 13 & 14. Since its premiere, fan-captured footage of the performance has been going viral across social media, highlighting his smooth, effortlessly cool delivery that perfectly blends a laid-back attitude with a distinct hip vibe.

The music video was also unveiled to much anticipation alongside the track. It artistically brings the track to life with a performance-driven approach, showcasing hip-hop in a sleek, sophisticated flair along with a striking modern aesthetic. In the video, j-hope moves through a set, reminiscent of a contemporary art museum, embodying himself as a living work of art as he delivers his performance. The camera, following his dazzling movements in a fluid motion, makes the performance even more fascinating to watch. Meanwhile, the dynamic lighting effects accentuates his silhouettes, making the video a mesmerizing work of art that immerses viewers in its visual allure. j-hope’s styling, adorned with glittery accents, radiates a luxurious and free-spirited vibe, elevating the overall aesthetic of the music video.

Following the easy-listening, dreamy sound of “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel),” j-hope unveils yet another facet of his unique artistry with “MONA LISA,” a track that exudes his smooth, laid-back charm. With this, j-hope expands his musical spectrum, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic and sought-after global artists.

George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions Now Available on Vinyl – A Treasure Trove of Classic Hits and Rare Gems

Eric Alper
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With excitement peaking, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions is now available on vinyl today, offering fans a different format for this long-awaited treasure trove of music from the legendary George Jones.

The record features fourteen tracks, blending beloved classics with rare gems from Jones’ extensive catalog. Fans will recognize favorites like “The Race Is On,” “The Grand Tour,” “White Lightnin’,” and “Tender Years.” The collection also highlights lesser-known recordings of songs such as “She’s Mine,” “Four-O-Thirty-Three,” and more, providing a fresh glimpse into Jones’ iconic career.

Music truly is the gift that keeps on giving,” says Nancy Jones. “This album is proof of that. Even after all these years, we’re still able to bring new George Jones music to his fans and this time it’s on vinyl! This collection features fourteen tracks, including fan favorites in fresh, previously unheard versions. These suckers are selling like wildfire at Walmart!”

Originally recorded by Jones in the 1970s for radio, these tracks have been carefully restored to twenty-first-century quality, preserving Jones’ signature sound with subtle enhancements in instrumentation and background vocals.

These recordings were initially made exclusively for artist promotion, often completed in just one or two takes with an announcer’s voice between songs. Once aired, the tapes were often discarded or destroyed by the stations. Country Rewind Records President and Executive Producer Thomas Gramuglia discovered the original boxed master tapes and recognized that true fans would appreciate hearing these timeless recordings despite their poor condition after years of neglect. With the help of co-executive producer Rex Allen Jr. and producer Paul Martin, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions provides a unique collection of George Jones’ music that showcases his emotional depth and lasting influence on country music.

Physical copies are available on CD at Walmart, on CD and Vinyl at Amazon (ad), and everywhere music is streamed! ”

‘George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions’ track listing:
01. Window Up Above – Forbes
02. I’ll Share My World With You
03. The Race is On – The Music Universe
04. The Grand Tour – Whiskey Riff
05. Once You’ve Had The Best
06. Love Bug
07. She Thinks I Still Care
08. Four-O-Thirty-Three
09. The Honky Tonk Downstairs
10. A Picture Of Me Without You
11. Walk Through This World With Me
12. Tender Years – Cowboys & Indians
13. She’s Mine
14. White Lightnin’

Melanie Martinez Celebrates PORTALS 2-Year Anniversary with Deluxe Vinyl Box Set and Exclusive Board Game

Eric Alper
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Melanie Martinez Celebrates PORTALS 2-Year Anniversary with Deluxe Vinyl Box Set and Exclusive Board Game

Multiplatinum alternative-pop phenom Melanie Martinez celebrates the 2-year anniversary of her third studio album PORTALS with a limited edition deluxe vinyl box set and board game, shipping now via her official webstore and next week in limited quantities via walmart.com.

This release marks the first time the PORTALS deluxe album has been made available on vinyl and it offers tons of brand new, never before seen artwork. The vinyl is a milky-clear double LP featuring a gatefold with alternate album artwork and printed inner sleeves. Housed in the box is a 20 page lyric booklet with brand new artwork complementing the printed lyrics for the full deluxe album. The interior gatefold image opens up to reveal the game board for the first ever release of Portals the Game, which was created by Melanie herself. Orders placed via the Melanie Martinez official webstore also include a 12×12 Portals art card as well as extra original game scoring sheets (redemption codes will be sent upon release).

Hailed by Rolling Stone as an “effortlessly inventive, mature record” from “an artist unafraid to start from scratch and tackle complex, difficult ideas,” PORTALS proved Melanie’s highest charting debut on the Billboard 200 upon its March 2023 release, arriving at #2 with 142,000 equivalent album units earned in its first week – Martinez’s third consecutive Billboard 200 Top 10 album debut. PORTALS further debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Current Alternative Albums, Current Pop Albums, Top Album Sales, Current Album Sales, Internet Albums, Digital Albums, and Top Alternative/Rock Albums charts, along with a #2 debut on the Top Vinyl Albums chart. An instant global sensation, the album proved Martinez’s first #1 album debut in Australia, also landing at #1 in New Zealand, #2 in the UK, #3 in Canada and Ireland, and top 10 chart placements in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.

PORTALS includes the hit singles, “VOID” and “DEATH,” both of which made history as Martinez’s first original songs to debut on the Billboard Hot 100. “DEATH” is joined by a cinematic companion video – directed, conceived, and costume designed by Martinez herself – which trended #1 on YouTube’s Trending “Top Music Videos” chart and now boasts over 45 million official views. The track and its compelling companion visual earned praise from the likes of Billboard, which raved, “The avant-garde pop auteur creates bold, expansive worlds with each project…While the dramatic five-minute track can be connected to her artistic reawakening, the kinetic drums and electronic elements will also make listeners feel reborn, too.”

The album saw Martinez embark on her widely sold-out PORTALS Tour, quickly followed by her first ever global arena tour, The Trilogy Tour, which included multiple sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The latter outing saw the evolution of Martinez’s alter ego “Cry Baby” performed live, featuring hits from all three of her groundbreaking Top 10 albums, Cry Baby, K-12, and PORTALS, which have together earned over 17 billion worldwide streams to date.

Akon Drops New Single “Never Really Mattered” Ahead of Highly Anticipated Album ‘Not Guilty’

Eric Alper
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Akon Drops New Single “Never Really Mattered” Ahead of Highly Anticipated Album ‘Not Guilty’

Akon is back with his heartfelt new single, “Never Really Mattered,” dropping March 21st via Konvict Kulture. The track follows the viral success of “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” which amassed over 3.9 million TikTok creations and 2.8 billion views. A captivating blend of nostalgia and Akon’s smooth vocals, “Never Really Mattered” samples Ready For The World’s 80’s classic “Love You Down,” creating a soulful anthem about longing and deep emotional connection. Adding to the excitement, the accompanying video is set to premiere next week on MTV Live, MTVU, YO! MTV, BET Jams & BET Soul, and on the Paramount Times Square billboards, bringing Akon’s signature sound and visuals to an even bigger stage.

This single and forthcoming video gives fans a second taste of Akon’s highly anticipated album Not Guilty, set to release in June. As the second single from the upcoming album, “Never Really Mattered” builds on the momentum of Akon’s recent release, Akon’s Beautiful Day (The Remixes) EP, which featured high-energy collaborations with industry giants like David Guetta and Hypaton, alongside remixes from Marc Baigent, Tiedye, Nektunez, and NASTYNAS.

Akon continues to break records, further solidifying his place in music history. His viral hit “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” co-produced with Jkash, JR Rotem, and Phillip Phever, reimagines a moment from 10-year-old Jamaican student Rushawn Ewears, blending powerful vocals with a children’s choir. The track made history as the only independent release to debut as the #1 most-added song at U.S. rhythmic radio in 2024. It surged to #8 on Mediabase’s Rhythmic Airplay and earned major chart placements, including Top 20 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay, with a 244% streaming increase driven by top stations like KISS 108 Boston and SiriusXM Hits1. The official music video has surpassed 21 million views and earned prominent placements on OOH billboards and MTV LIVE.

Akon’s influence extends far beyond his own hits-he played a key role in the rise of stars like Lady Gaga and T-Pain. Recently, Akon shared the stage with Burna Boy in Los Angeles and is set to perform with T-Pain at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater before kicking off his Akon Super Fan Tour across Asia. Additionally, Akon is co-producing the documentary Headliners Only with Kevin Hart and Hartbeat, expanding his global reach.

With the release of “Never Really Mattered,” Akon sets the stage for the next phase of his extraordinary career. Building on the success of “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” this new single fuels growing anticipation for Not Guilty. As Akon continues to innovate and break boundaries, “Never Really Mattered” offers a compelling preview of the electrifying music ahead.

Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival Returns to the Ozarks for Five Unforgettable Nights

Eric Alper
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Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival Returns to the Ozarks for Five Unforgettable Nights

The beloved Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival is back, bringing five nights of incredible music, camaraderie, and celebration to the breathtaking Ozark Mountains from October 8-12, 2025. Set against the scenic backdrop of The Farm Campground & Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with top-tier live performances, engaging activities, and a welcoming community spirit.

Hillberry Festival 2025 boasts a powerhouse lineup featuring Railroad Earth (two nights), Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Del McCoury Band, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Kitchen Dwellers, Dirtwire, Arkansauce, Mountain Grass Unit, Steve Poltz, and many more. Curated by Railroad Earth and Deadhead Productions, the festival is a must-attend event for fans of bluegrass, Americana, folk, and jam music. The lineup seamlessly blends iconic headliners with emerging talent, creating a rich and dynamic musical experience that celebrates the heart of the genre.

Hillberry Festival is more than a concert—it’s a true festival experience. In addition to world-class performances, attendees can enjoy workshops led by skilled artists and musicians, artisanal craft vendors showcasing unique handmade goods, delicious local cuisine to satisfy every craving, and family-friendly activities for festival-goers of all ages.

Nestled in the serene landscape of Eureka Springs, Hillberry offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature, connect with like-minded music lovers, and take part in a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Tickets and more information are available now at www.hillberryfestival.com. Secure your spot early and get ready to experience the magic of Hillberry Festival 2025, where music, memories, and the beauty of the Ozarks come together beneath the Harvest Moon.

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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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