The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left an overwhelming impact on communities, families, and businesses. At Martin Guitar, they are heartbroken by the devastation and suffering caused by these fires. Their connection to the L.A. music community runs deep—they have countless friends, family members, partners, artists, and customers in the area who have been affected.
In moments like these, they believe in coming together to provide meaningful support. That’s why Martin Guitar and the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation are donating to several key organizations that are making a difference on the ground, ensuring those in need receive immediate aid and long-term assistance.
Established to assist those in the music industry impacted by the wildfires, the L.A. Wildfires Relief Fund provides needs-based assistance to NAMM members, music programs, and professionals affected by the disaster. The NAMM Foundation is currently assessing needs and will distribute funds to help sustain the music community during this difficult time. Visit nammfoundation.org to learn more.
To help musicians recover, Martin Guitar has donated 50 instruments and 500 sets of strings to the Guitar Center Foundation, which is replacing instruments and gear lost in the fires. Through grants to schools and music education programs, the foundation is ensuring that musicians and students can continue to create and express themselves despite this tragedy. Visit guitarcenterfoundation.org to learn more.
A vital support system for music professionals, MusiCares has launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to provide emergency aid, financial support, and essential services to those in the music industry affected by the fires. Visit musicares.org to learn more.
Perfect Snacks, creator of the Original Refrigerated Protein Bar™, has teamed up with GRAMMY Award-winning musician and philanthropist Jason Mraz to debut Perfect Bar’s latest limited-edition flavor: Chocolate Mrazberry.
What’s a Mrazberry, you ask? A delicious new fruit, serenaded by the dulcet sound of Jason’s voice. It’s part raspberry, part strawberry, part blueberry, and a whole lot of musical magic. Chocolate Mrazberry combines the unicorn of the fruit world with a delicious base of freshly-ground peanut butter, cashew butter and cocoa for a crispy cookie dough texture. With 8 grams of whole food protein and 20+ superfoods, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition.
“We’re so proud to partner with Jason Mraz and his Foundation to introduce this whimsically delicious new flavor, Chocolate Mrazberry,” said Leigh Keith, Co-Founder and Chief of Brand at Perfect Snacks. “I’ll never forget when we first discovered Jason was a fan of our product, he would order our bars while on tour to be shipped all over the world back when we were still making them with rolling pins! In addition to being long-time fans of his music, we’ve followed his Foundation over the years and have been so inspired by the incredible work they do to lift up and give back to our communities through music and the arts. So, creating this magical flavor to support this great cause was a full circle moment for me – this collaboration goes beyond taste, it’s about making a difference.”
Every bite of the Chocolate Mrazberry Perfect Bar supports the Jason Mraz Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s been driving positive change since 2011 with their commitment to inclusive arts education, equality, and food security.
“Perfect Bar has been my go-to snack for years, whether I’m at home or on tour, so creating Chocolate Mrazberry together felt like a natural fit,” said Jason Mraz. “And it’s incredibly rewarding to know this collaboration also supports causes that are close to my heart.”
To celebrate the launch, Jason Mraz and Perfect Bar have rolled out a unique campaign that reveals how Mrazberries come to life, featuring an acoustic reimagining of his iconic hit ‘I’m Yours’ paired with a brand-new music video.
Fans can snag an 8-pack of the new Chocolate Mrazberry Perfect Bar flavor for $29 for a limited time at ChocolateMrazberry.com, as well as some specially designed merchandize, available while supplies lasts.
To learn more about Perfect Bar and the exciting, new Chocolate Mrazberry, visit perfectsnacks.com.
The music streaming market and it is set to grow by USD 53.49 billion from 2025 to 2029. However, the growth momentum will progressing at a CAGR of over 19% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The music streaming market is fragmented, and the vendors are seeking strong partnerships with automotive, industrial, and commercial companies to compete in the market. Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Bharti Airtel Ltd., Curb Records Inc., Deezer SA, Gamma Gaana Ltd., Google LLC, iHeartMedia Inc., JioSaavn, KKBOX, Meredith Corp., Mixcloud Ltd., RealNetworks Inc., Sirius XM Holdings Inc., SoundCloud Global Ltd. And Co. KG, SOUNDMACHINE, Soundtrack Your Brand Sweden AB, Spotify Technology SA, Tencent Holdings Ltd., and TuneIn Inc. are some of the major market participants.
The music streaming market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate. The increasing preference for music streaming services will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the Lack of ownership in music streaming will hamper the market growth
The Music Streaming Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by various factors. Consumers in restaurants, cafeterias, salons, and gyms increasingly prefer application- or web-based platforms for accessing audio and video content on-demand. Cloud-based infrastructure enables live streaming, rewind, fastforward, and pause features. Revenue channels include non-subscription and subscription models for individual and commercial use. Interactive features, social sharing, and collaborative playlists enhance user experience. Global expansion, localization, and social media integration are key trends. High-fidelity and lossless streaming, AI-driven personalization, live audio, and virtual concerts are differentiators. Smart devices, smart speakers, alarms, voice command, and virtual assistant integration are shaping the future of music streaming. Network connection, data transfer rates, and latency are critical factors influencing user satisfaction.
The music industry has seen significant shifts with the rise of digital platforms and smart devices. Music streaming services, websites, and apps have become the go-to destination for consumers to access music, music videos, podcasts, and audio files. With the advent of 5G connectivity, high-quality music streams and live videos are now possible, providing a superior user experience. Advancements in technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) offer personalized recommendations and prime membership benefits. However, challenges persist, including unauthorized music streaming, piracy, and competition from OTT platforms and social media websites like YouTube Live and Facebook Periscope. Revenue channels include subscription models, ads, and partnerships with businesses like restaurants, cafeterias, salons, gyms, and cloud-based infrastructure for live streaming. Consumers can now rewind, fastforward, pause, and access audio and video content on application-based platforms or web-based platforms, making music more accessible than ever before.
The free music streaming segment is expected to experience moderate growth in the music streaming market during the forecast period. Free music streaming is an advertising-supported service where vendors generate revenue by displaying ads during music play or when users make in-spot purchases. Leading global providers like Spotify and Alphabet offer free streaming services with limited music access and intermittent ads. For instance, Spotify’s free users can access 750 songs, while Alphabet provides up to 50,000 songs with some ads. The free segment’s growth is attributed to its widespread popularity and accessibility, making it a significant driver for the global music streaming market’s expansion.
Today, Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is thrilled to unveil its best lineup yet, as the highly anticipated fourth edition returns to the breathtaking San Diego waterfront from May 16-18, 2025. Featuring top-tier headliners and the best emerging talent, along with a diverse array of world-class performances across seven stages, Wonderfront 2025 promises to be an unforgettable weekend for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and culture curators alike.
Set against the serene backdrop of iconic venues like Embarcadero Marina Park North, Seaport Village, and Ruocco Park, Wonderfront will offer breathtaking views of the harbor and skyline. Whether you’re soaking in the sun, dancing to your favorite artists, jumping on one of the festival’s yacht parties, or exploring interactive art installations, the festival promises a blissful start to your summer escape.
“Wonderfront is a celebration of music, community, and the vibrant spirit of San Diego, and we’re proud to support in elevating the festival experience this year, making it more seamless and engaging than ever,” said Stephen Partridge, President and Co-Founder of Events.com. “With such a fantastic lineup and enhanced features, we’re excited to deliver an unforgettable weekend that brings people together along the stunning waterfront backdrop. We’re thrilled to be part of Wonderfront’s growth and look forward to making 2025 its best year yet.”
Presale tickets will be available starting Wednesday, February 12th at 10 AM PST, with general public on sales beginning Friday, February 14th at 10 AM PST. Join the Wonderlist to receive your presale promo code.
Paul Thornton, Wonderfront’s Founder and Executive Producer added; “The festival is a beautiful reflection of the city’s spirit, offering a serene atmosphere where attendees can immerse themselves in both world-class music, art and activations. We pride ourselves on being a tastemaker in the festival space, continually pushing the boundaries of what an event can be, and creating a space where everyone can come together and share in the magic of this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Following its first sell-out in 2024, Wonderfront 2025 is poised to exceed all expectations, with a stunning fusion of music, local food, and the natural beauty of the waterfront. This year’s lineup promises an unforgettable mix of global sounds and eclectic genres. From high-energy dance beats to soulful grooves, Wonderfront’s diverse performances span a wide range of musical styles, offering something for every taste. Here’s a preview of what to expect, day by day:
Friday: Global Dancefloor Energy & Eclectic Hip-Hop Grooves The weekend kicks off with an electrifying blend of global dance sounds and bold hip-hop performances. Peggy Gou’s genre-defying beats will light up the night, along with Duke Dumont’s house anthems, Overmono’s trance breakbeat, and Drama’s sultry electronic vibes. Hip-hop and R&B fans can look forward to Daniel Caesar, Isaiah Rashad, Freddie Gibbs, Jordan Ward, and Erick the Architect, each bringing their unique flavor to the stage with powerful performances and dynamic storytelling.
Saturday: Rock, Funk, Soul, Indie & Alt-Pop Sensations Saturday brings a blissful mix of funk, soul, and indie-pop that will captivate all who attend. Headliners Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals and Foster the People will bring their genre-defying energy to the crowd, while Portugal. The Man and STRFKR deliver their signature psychedelic indie rock. For fans of innovative electronic-pop, Magdalena Bay and Peter Cat Recording Co. will push musical boundaries, and SiR, Baby Rose, Orion Sun, PawPaw Rod, Janelle Monae, and Neon Trees will offer soulful, emotive performances that resonate deeply.
Sunday: Soulful Sounds, Iconic Rock, & Chill Vibes The final day of Wonderfront is all about soulful reflection and chill vibes. Khruangbin (2025 Grammy nominee for best new artist) and Jason Mraz bring global grooves and acoustic warmth, while Latin flair continues with La Lom and Paco Versailles. Rock legends Gary Clark Jr. and The Fray will electrify the stage, and for those seeking emotional depth, Julien Baker, Torres, and Allen Stone will offer cathartic performances. Emerging acts like Jalen Ngonda, Vacations, and Leon Thomas will add their own fresh neo-soul and indie-rock perspectives to close out the weekend in blissful style, while 4 Non Blondes makes their highly anticipated return with their first official show in 30 years, bringing nostalgia and excitement to the stage.
New for 2025: Exclusive Ticket Options & Features
Wonderfront is introducing several exciting upgrades to enhance your festival experience:
GA PLUS: New for 2025! Enjoy expedited entry, luxury lounges, and private bars and restrooms.
VIP-Only Experiences: VIP ticket holders get exclusive access to limo boat rides, VIP lounges, fast-track after-party entry, and more.
Expanded Electric Lounge & Immersive Activations: New interactive art installations and activations offer fans a deeper connection to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Seamless Access: New entrances and will-call lines streamline your festival experience.
Ticket Type
Price (Fees Included)
3-Day GA
$375
3-Day GA PLUS
$599
3-Day VIP
$899
1-Day GA
$165
1-Day GA PLUS
$275
1-Day VIP
$399
A Sneak Peek at What’s to Come
The 2025 lineup is just the beginning! Stay tuned for the highly anticipated Electric Lounge Lineup drop in February, featuring even more culture curators and exciting performances to be revealed soon.
Playing For Change, a Certified B Corp (Social Purpose Corporation) global multimedia company dedicated to unifying the world through the power of music, is set to premiere a momentous rendition of “Fly Like an Eagle,” a timeless anthem of empowerment and unity, on February 20, 2025, World Day of Social Justice, on Rolling Stone and Playing For Change’s YouTube channel and website. Featuring the iconic Steve Miller, this Song Around The World embodies the harmony and collective spirit at the heart of Playing For Change’s mission.
“So much is at stake for humanity in today’s world, it is difficult to create a message that is positive and inspirational. To help unify the world through the power of music is my greatest dream. Thanks to Ivan Neville, Franklin Vanderbilt, Quiana Lynell, and all these accomplished artists from five different countries who joined the entire team of Playing For Change to do just that,” said Steve Miller. “Performing a new version of “Fly Like an Eagle,” with such talented people from around the world is a humbling experience. I wish you all peace, love and happiness every day and especially on February 20, 2025, World Day of Social Justice.”
“Fly Like an Eagle’s” inspirational message reflects the belief in the ability of individuals to rise above adversity and come together to inspire hope and solidarity. This global collaboration releasing on the World Day of Social Justice serves as a heartfelt reminder of the strength and potential within communities to soar to greater heights and stand up for justice and equality.
“Fly Like an Eagle” Song Around The World will be available on all major streaming platforms, inviting audiences from every corner of the globe to join in this uplifting and transformative musical journey.
Playing For Change (PFC) was created to unify the world through the power of music. The primary focus of PFC is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos called Songs Around The World. To date, PFC has produced over 400 videos, recorded over 1,400 musicians in 65 countries and touched the hearts of over 3 billion viewers through music videos, performances and school programs.
Through 20 years of spreading peace through music, Playing For Change has been honored to partner with the United Nations, The White House and the Winter Olympics, collaborated with legendary musicians such as, Ringo Starr, Bono, John Paul Jones, Slash, Keith Richards, Susan Tedeschi and more, and appeared on CNN, The Tonight Show and Rolling Stone. Playing For Change is also the proud 2019 recipient of the prestigious Polar Music Prize.
Steve Miller has been an enlivening presence on the American music scene for more than half a century. Miller crafted a brand of music that was smart, polished, exciting, irresistible and that dominated radio in a way that few artists have ever managed. Hit followed hit in what seemed like an endless flow: “The Joker,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Rock’n Me,” “Living in the USA,” “Abracadabra,” and of course “Fly Like an Eagle,” among some of his standout hits. Running through Miller’s distinctive catalog is a combination of virtuosity and song craft and with each listen the beauty and immediacy of his work, whether at its most playful or most serious, is palpable.
Mason Ramsey announces his new headlining tour Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Mason Ramsey. Continuously “stepping into his own-an artist shaped by experience, maturity, and a voice that echoes classic country with a modern twist” (Los Angeles Daily News), Ramsey is set to kick off the Spring run in Mount Vernon, KY on April 6 with special guest Halle Kearns and Harper Grace on select dates. Tickets for Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Mason Ramseywill go on sale to the public Friday, February 14th at 10am local time following the Artist Presale on February 12. For tickets and more information, including VIP packages visit masonramsey.com/tour.
Monster Energy Outbreak Presents: Mason RamseyTour Dates: * Harper Grace Support April 6 – Mount Vernon, KY April 8 – Des Moines, IA April 10 – Iowa City, IA April 11 – Rosemont, IL* April 12 – Grand Rapids, MI April 14 – Cleveland, OH April 15 – Buffalo, NY April 16 – Boston, MA* April 19 – New York, NY* April 22 – New Haven, CT April 23 – Ardmore, PA April 25 – Asbury Park, NJ* April 26 – Vienna, VA April 27 – Baltimore, MD April 29 – Memphis, TN April 30 – Kansas City, MO* May 2 – Denver, CO* May 3 – Colorado Springs, CO May 7 – Jackson, MS
Last week, Ramsey released his new duet “Live Lonely” with Curb Records artist Harper Grace following the premiere with US Weekly. Penned by Ramsey and Harper Grace with Michael De Lorenzis and Michael Paynter, the latest release marks the first from Ramsey of the new year and further “shows that he’s a true star in the making and a force to be reckoned with for years to come” (Grammy.com). “The still-viral sensation” (People), had a whirlwind 2024 which wrapped up with the release of his debut full-length album I’ll See You In My Dreams, via Atlantic Records, to an outpouring of critical acclaim. American Songwriterpredicted his “talent and perspective have staying power,” while Paste Magazinecalled him an “unmistakable talent” who is “going to be a big, big deal one day.” Ramsey has amassed a notable 500+ million global streams and garnered over 360+ million video views to date.
Mason Ramsey continues his fast-track to stardom as he has already delivered three acclaimed EPs, earned an RIAA Gold-certified single, recently wrapped his Fall headlining tour, and has amassed over 500 million global streams to-date. Signed to Atlantic Records, Ramsey is heading into 2025 hot on the heels of the release of his full-length, coming-of-age debut album, I’ll See You in My Dreams – which released with an onslaught of critical acclaim. The collection of 14 songs – including drifting lovesick ballad “Come Pick Me Up at The End of The Night,” further instills Ramsey’s growth and maturity (in both life and song) while giving listeners a true understanding of who he is as an artist. The standout single from the project, “Blue Over You,” garnered over 30 million streams and pays tribute to his love of classic country inspired by Elvis, Hank Williams, Jim Croce, Roy Orbison. Having co-written every tune, Ramsey intimately portrays the feelings he’s experienced from his upbringing on, inviting fans to understand him on a deeper level. Ramsey’s new music illustrates how far he’s come after being discovered singing in an aisle at his local Walmart – the differences prove instantly apparent as his voice boasts the kind of confidence only gained through experience and his songwriting brims with unfiltered truth buoyed by intimate creativity.
Praised by The New York Times as delivering “stylistically diverse country and roots music,” for his debut EP, Famous which spawned a hit single of the same name and scored a #4 spot on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs Chart. In addition to making his debut at the famed Grand Ole Opry, the Golconda, IL-bred phenom has also performed at several high-profile festivals including CMA Fest, Coachella, iHeartCountry Festival, and Stagecoach. Most recently, he was pulled on stage by 11x GRAMMY Award nominee Lana Del Rey (a self-proclaimed Mason Ramsey fan), where he performed “Blue Over You” with the songstress to a sold-out crowd at her Fenway Park show. He has made high-profile TV performances on Ellen, Good Morning America, and TODAY; as well as esteemed award show appearances on the CCMA Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Music Awards, and GRAMMY Awards. His high-energy run “Shake, Shake (All Night Long)” was recently featured on the Grammy nominated Twisters soundtrack.
As New Orleanians reminisce about the surprising, historic snowfall that blanketed parts of Louisiana and The Gulf Coast with almost a foot of snow three weeks ago, and hosting NFL Super Bowl LIX a few days ago, things have returned to normal and Mardi Gras season is in full swing. The smell of fresh king cake and the first crawfish boils of the season waft through the air, and the usual sights and din of everyday life are punctuated by the sounds of brass bands and the rhythm line of high school marching bands practicing before they take to the streets in the many Mardi Gras parades of the season. Mardi Gras marks the beginning of the spring festival season and that means that in just a little over 100 days, Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Festival will return to New Jersey, May 30 – June 1, 2025, to showcase the best food and music that Louisiana and New Orleans have to offer.
Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Festival welcomes Grammy Award winning and nominated musicians and more to two stages this year including: GALACTIC featuring Jelly Joseph, Grammy winner George Porter Jr and Runnin’ Pardners, Grammy winner Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, two-time Grammy winner Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Grammy winner Stanton Moore, five-time Grammy nominee Marcia Ball, Grammy nominee Southern Avenue, Bonerama, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Corey Harris, Carolyn Wonderland, Maggie Koerner, Eddie 9V, Amis Du Teche, Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes, United By Music USA, Ocean Avenue Stompers, Cold Hill, and Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy. The full stage schedule can be found on the Crawfish Fest website.
In addition to top notch Louisiana musical talent, the festival showcases authentic Louisiana cuisine that is difficult to find anywhere in the Northeast. Featured items include Michael’s Jambalaya made with Savoie’s smoked pork sausage/chicken, cooked in five 45-gallon cast iron pots, Crawfish Etouffee made with Louisiana Crawfish tail meat and other Louisiana regional dishes.
Saturday or Sunday day tickets, Saturday/Sunday Combo Tickets, 3-day camping/admission tickets and Glamping Tents (which include admission) that will provide campers with a large tent, bed, linens, outdoor chairs, and more are now available on Eventbrite
Campers are treated to Camper Only sets on Friday and Saturday Evening with free jambalaya on Friday for dinner. The 2025 CFF includes a limited number of “Glamping” tickets. Our new Interactive Hotel Map will make it simpler to find local lodging and shuttle services. Free Parking, Kids under 14 free with parents. Service animals only.
While you wait for Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest to return to New Jersey with the fantastic music and food of Louisiana, you can enjoy a bit of Mardi Gras at home with king cake from Haydel’s Bakery, Gambino’s Bakery or Caluda’s, and Jambalaya using some of Michael’s own Jambalaya Mix available online. Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream is also available from their online store.
Michael is also taking bookings for his 2025 Jambalaya Tour, where he will stop and cook in his 45 gallon cast iron pots at your corporate picnic, private party, wedding or festival using his 5 #60 custom cast iron pots where he can cook for up to 2,000 people without turning over his pots. Finally, don’t forget about your discount for the Big Easy Cruise through Crawfish Fest which includes an exclusive CFF event on-board and sets sail January 18-2026, from Ft. Lauderdale, FL., with stops in New Orleans, LA., and Cozumel, Mexico. Cabins are selling quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on this amazing cruise featuring New Orleans musicians.
The Snow League, the first professional winter sports league exclusively dedicated to snowboarding and skiing launched by legendary athlete Shaun White, has announced Marriott International’s global travel platform Marriott Bonvoy is the league’s official hotel and loyalty partner for its inaugural season.
The new league, launched by White, will kick off in Aspen Snowmass March 7-8, 2025, featuring elite athletes, state-of-the-art venues, and a competition format designed to captivate audiences both in person and globally.
“We are excited to partner with Marriott Bonvoy as a founding sponsor of our new league,” said Omer Atesmen, CEO of The Snow League. “Marriott Bonvoy’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences worldwide aligns perfectly with our vision for this league, and we look forward to working together to inspire fans and athletes around the world.”
With a legacy of delivering exceptional guest experiences, Marriott Bonvoy is poised to elevate The Snow League’s debut season through premium hospitality offerings, enhanced fan experiences, and initiatives that celebrate the vibrant culture of snowboarding and freeskiing. Marriott Bonvoy recently launched four Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences for the Aspen Snowmass competition that members can redeem with points earned from travel and everyday activities. Each package includes a private mountain experience with White, VIP access to the Marriott Bonvoy suite to watch the inaugural Snow League competition, a three-night stay at W Aspen, and more. Learn more at moments.marriottbonvoy.com.
“The Snow League is set to be the next global sports phenomenon and Marriott Bonvoy members will have unparalleled access to its debut season,” said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International. “Travel brings fans closer to the action, whether that is music, culinary, adventure, or sports. Marriott Bonvoy’s mission is to provide our members with access unlike any other and we know this partnership with Shaun and The Snow League will be unforgettable.”
In addition to exclusive access to Snow League events, Marriott Bonvoy will be offering league athletes opportunities to experience Marriott Bonvoy’s incredible collection of hotel brands and experiences during Season One competitions and co-hosting Championship parties and other activations throughout the season.
Snow sports enthusiasts looking to stay close to the action all winter long can explore Marriott Bonvoy’s incredible portfolio of ski resorts around the world found here.
Launched in June 2024, The Snow League is the first professional winter sports league entirely dedicated to snowboarding and freeskiing. Founded by three-time Olympic gold medal winning snowboarder and entrepreneur Shaun White, the league’s first season will feature a four-event global competition format, with the inaugural competition kicking off at Aspen Snowmass’ Buttermilk Mountain in March 2025, and continuing at top winter resorts worldwide. The first season will feature men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe competitions at all four events. Freeskiing will be introduced during the league’s second event in late 2025, and will be included in all future events. Athletes will compete to accumulate points based on their results from each event to be tallied together at the end of the season to crown The Snow League World Champion. The Snow League is represented by Range Sports to advise on its media rights and commercial partnerships strategy and execution
NBC Sports and Peacock will present The Snow League’s inaugural event from Aspen Snowmass. NBC Sports will present the four events of the league’s first season live on Peacock, with encore presentations on the NBC broadcast network. Broadcast times and location will be announced closer to the start of the competition.
Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the ultimate destination for Hollywood memorabilia auctions, announced today, “HARRY BELAFONTE: A MAN OF ACTION,“ their exclusive auction event celebrating the legacy and impact of the Hollywood legend and cultural figure who channeled his groundbreaking career and super stardom to be a force for change. A historic archive of nearly 400 artifacts representing Harry Belafonte’s peerless career spanning seven decades as one of the 20th and 21st century’s most celebrated entertainers and lifelong activist in major civil rights movements from the 1950s through the 21st century, including the American Civil Rights movement, anti-Vietnam War, anti-apartheid, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change will be presented for the first time to the public Thursday, March 6, 2025in Los Angeles and online at juliensauctions.com
Highlights include (with estimates):
“We Are the World” Items: Lead sheet signed by Harry Belafonte, Bruce Springsteen, Lindsey Buckingham, Kenny Loggins, Lionel Richie, Huey Lewis, Kim Carnes, Cyndi Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, and Paul Simon ($30,000 – $50,000) and 1986 American Music Award ($2,000 – $3,000).
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Relics: Leather couch used by the civil rights leader at Harry Belafonte’s New York apartment ($3,000–$5,000) and signed 1964 Southern Christian Leadership Conference letter ($5,000–$7,000).
Musical Instruments & Objects: “An Evening with Harry Belafonte & Friends” PBS Special West African drum ($300–$500) and “Global Carnival” whistle ($200–$300).
Plus, “Belafonte at Carnegie Hall” 1960 Gold Record award ($800–$1,200), Kennedy Center Honor Award ($500–$700), President John F. Kennedy signed letter ($3,000–$5,000), “Trayvon” hooded sweatshirt ($300–$500), artwork, books from friends and fellow activists and more.
Julien’s and TCM, in partnership with Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), will also host a special screening of the acclaimed documentary Following Harry on Wednesday, February 19th with a panel featuring the documentary’s director Susanne Rostock, President & CEO of BMAC (Black Music Action Coalition) Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, GRAMMY®nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winning rap icon Chuck D of Public Enemy.
You’ve got the song. You’ve got the cover art. You’ve got the momentum. But have you got the right release day? Choosing the best day to drop new music isn’t just about excitement—it’s about strategy. Streaming platforms, music press, and even listener habits all influence how far your song will go. Whether you’re an indie artist, a label-backed act, or just trying to make waves on Spotify and Apple Music, knowing which day to release can make a massive difference.
Let’s break it down, day by day.
Monday – A Quiet Start
The slowest day for new releases, as most industry focus is on charting weekend numbers
Less competition, but also lower engagement as people start their workweek
Streaming platforms are still digesting Friday’s releases, making it hard to get playlisted
Radio programmers tend to finalize their weekly adds, meaning new tracks could get ignored
Rarely used for big drops unless it’s a surprise release or an exclusive
Best for soft launches, teasers, or building buzz ahead of a bigger drop
Tuesday – The Old Industry Standard
Once the go-to day for album releases before the global shift to Friday
Still relevant for physical albums and vinyl releases since some indie stores restock midweek
Less cluttered than Friday, but doesn’t carry the same energy for digital streaming
Great for press-heavy releases, as media outlets are looking for midweek stories
Can work well for catalog reissues, deluxe editions, or soundtrack releases
Artists dropping on Tuesdays can grab attention without fighting major label Friday releases
Wednesday – The Hidden Gem
Overlooked by many artists, making it a low-competition day
Streaming algorithms start adjusting midweek, meaning a strong push could land on editorial playlists
Industry focus is split between reflecting on early-week trends and preparing for Friday drops
Best for singles that need steady momentum rather than a huge launch day
Works well for experimental music, niche genres, or artists with dedicated fanbases
A solid choice for regional releases or international artists wanting to stand out
Thursday – The Sneaky Playlist Hack
A smart pick for getting ahead of the Friday rush while still landing on New Music Friday playlists
Influencers, bloggers, and journalists are prepping their Friday coverage—meaning you can catch them early
If your song performs well, it has a full weekend to gain traction
Beneficial for artists who want to capitalize on pre-weekend buzz without getting lost in Friday drops
Radio stations may consider adding strong Thursday releases to their weekend rotation
Works best for big social media pushes and last-minute PR hype
Friday – The Industry Standard
The global music release day since 2015, maximizing chart tracking and streaming impact
Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists update, giving a chance for massive exposure
The day most major labels drop new music, meaning heavy competition
Listeners are actively searching for new music for weekend playlists
Ideal for big releases, radio-ready singles, and high-profile collaborations
Best for mainstream artists, major indie acts, and anyone chasing playlist placements
Saturday – The Viral Wild Card
Few official releases, meaning a clear lane for viral potential
Social media engagement peaks, making it great for TikTok-heavy or meme-driven songs
Not ideal for traditional playlisting or chart tracking, but perfect for fan-driven discoveries
DJs and nightlife-focused artists can capitalize on weekend party playlists
Best for remixes, dance tracks, and surprise drops from artists with a strong online following
If you’re aiming for a club anthem or festival hit, this could be your secret weapon
Sunday – The Emotional Drop
Another low-competition day, but streaming numbers are typically lower
Listeners gravitate toward chill, introspective, or acoustic music as they wind down for the week
Gospel, folk, and singer-songwriter genres perform well on Sundays
Great for personal releases, charity singles, or music with a deep emotional connection
Not the best for mainstream playlisting, but works for building a grassroots audience
Ideal for artists who want to create a moment rather than chase big numbers
So, Which Day Is Best?
If you’re a major label artist, Friday is the obvious choice. If you’re indie and want to stand out, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday could work in your favor. Want to go viral? Try Saturday. Looking for a personal, heartfelt release? Sunday might be your sweet spot.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your strategy should align with your genre, audience, and promotional plan. No matter when you release, the key is to be consistent, engage your fans, and make the most of every opportunity.
For all your publicity needs, feel free to email Eric@ThatEricAlper.com or call me at 647-971-3742. With 25+ years of experience and a deep passion for connecting artists to audiences, I’m here to help you make an impact.
