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How Football Influenced Video Games: From FIFA to eFootball

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Football (or soccer, if you’re across the pond) isn’t just a sport – it’s a full-blown global obsession. It’s on our screens, in our stadiums, and, most importantly, in our games. The moment pixels could vaguely resemble a football, gaming set out to capture the magic of the sport. From the legendary FIFA days to the rise of eFootball, football has shaped gaming just as much as gaming has shaped football. And let’s be real – eFootball is proof that a tactical game inspired by a real sport can become its own esports powerhouse.

Early Football Games: When Pixels Met the Pitch

The first football video games were, let’s be honest, pretty bad. If you’ve ever played Pele’s Soccer (1980) on the Atari, you’ll know what I mean. It had stick figures, a ball that barely moved like a real football, and gameplay that made actual football fans cry. But hey, it was a start.

Then came Sensible Soccer in the early ‘90s, which introduced a top-down view and actual gameplay depth. Games started looking like football and, more importantly, feeling like football. The ball moved more naturally, passing started to matter, and skill became a thing.

The real game-changer, though? FIFA International Soccer (1993). This was the first major step toward realistic football gaming. The isometric view, licensing, and more fluid animations meant that for the first time, gamers felt like they were controlling real teams. It was the kind of innovation that set the stage for competitive gaming as a whole – whether you were scoring goals in FIFA or checking out upcoming Dota 2 matches, the thrill of high-stakes virtual competition was here to stay. It’s about related emotions and experiences.

A great example of football’s influence on gaming is how FIFA’s yearly releases mirrored the evolution of real-life football tactics. When tiki-taka ruled the world in the late 2000s, FIFA adjusted, making possession-based play more viable. When counter-attacking football gained prominence, the game mechanics followed. Football wasn’t just inspiring video games; video games were reflecting football’s tactical trends.

The Rise of FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES)

By the late ‘90s and early 2000s, two giants emerged – FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES). FIFA had the flashy licenses, real player names, and official stadiums. PES? It had gameplay. The eternal debate was born: realism vs. fun, simulation vs. arcade.

During the PS2 era, PES was king. It nailed fluid passing, realistic movement, and mechanics that made every match feel like a chess game. FIFA, meanwhile, was struggling with clunky gameplay but still had the power of official branding.

Then, FIFA struck back. By the late 2000s, FIFA reinvented itself with better mechanics, Ultimate Team, and online play. PES, despite its cult following, started falling behind.

One of the biggest influences real football had on gaming was the rise of player-driven teams. The introduction of Ultimate Team in FIFA 09 changed gaming forever. Gamers now had to build teams, manage chemistry, and collect players, just like real-life football managers. The addictive loop of packs, squad-building, and competition made FIFA not just a football game but a football business simulator.

Football’s Influence on Esports and Online Play

Football is built on competition, and video games followed suit. Early FIFA and PES games were mostly couch multiplayer experiences. But as online gaming exploded, so did competitive football gaming.

FIFA’s esports scene grew massively with the FIFA eWorld Cup, featuring players who trained just as intensely as professional footballers. The skills needed – reaction time, strategy, mental resilience – mirrored those of real players.

Meanwhile, the rise of Football Manager took things in a different direction. Instead of controlling players, you became the mastermind behind a club. Many real-life managers admitted to using Football Manager for scouting (yes, this is real). The game became so detailed that some clubs started hiring data analysts who were previously just FM players.

A standout example of football influencing gaming mechanics was the introduction of tactical tweaks based on real-life football philosophies. When managers like Guardiola or Klopp revolutionized tactics, Football Manager adapted, allowing players to implement pressing styles, positional play, or park-the-bus strategies. Football wasn’t just inspiring gaming—it was integrated into gaming.

The eFootball Era and the Future of Football Games

PES rebranded itself as eFootball in an attempt to shake up the football gaming world. The idea? Free-to-play, live-service updates, and a new focus on realism. The execution? Well… let’s just say the launch was rough.

But the shift to a constantly evolving football game makes sense. Real football changes every season, so why shouldn’t video games do the same? Instead of releasing a new game every year, developers are now looking at long-term updates – mirroring how real teams evolve.

Another major shift? Virtual Reality and AI-driven football games. With VR improving, we might see full immersion where you are the player, making decisions on the pitch in real-time. AI is also getting better at mimicking player behavior, meaning future games might be less about button-pressing and more about tactical decision-making.

And let’s not forget about blockchain and NFTs creeping into the football gaming world (for better or worse). Games like Sorare mix fantasy football with cryptocurrency, creating a new way to interact with football beyond traditional gameplay.

Conclusion

Football has influenced video games in ways we couldn’t have imagined decades ago. From pixelated blobs kicking a square ball to fully motion-captured, AI-driven simulations, gaming has evolved alongside the beautiful game.

But perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: football and video games aren’t separate worlds anymore. They’re interconnected. Players train with FIFA’s skill games. Coaches use Football Manager for scouting. Fans experience football culture through gaming. And as technology keeps advancing, one thing is clear – football’s influence on gaming isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

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

5 Surprising Facts About Ray Charles’ ‘Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Ray Charles’ ‘Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music’

Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music shattered racial and genre barriers, became a landmark for artistic freedom, and remains one of the most important albums of all time. Here are five fascinating, little-known facts about this masterpiece.

1. The Album Was a Gamble No One Believed In

Ray Charles wanted to record an album of country songs—but in 1962, that was considered career suicide. The music industry was deeply segregated, and executives at ABC-Paramount were skeptical that an R&B icon could successfully reinterpret “white” country music. Even fellow musicians doubted him. But Charles had complete creative control over his recordings—one of the first Black artists ever to achieve that—and he pushed forward, proving everyone wrong. The album was a massive success, topping charts and making country music accessible to an entirely new audience.

2. It Was One of the Most Sampled and Influential Albums in History

Before the days of hip-hop crate digging, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music became a secret weapon for artists across genres. I Can’t Stop Loving You was covered by hundreds of artists, while Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, and even Elvis Presley credited the album as an influence. Ray’s soulful delivery changed the way people approached country music, inspiring future crossover stars like Glen Campbell, Charlie Pride, and even contemporary artists like Chris Stapleton.

3. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” Was Almost Left Off the Album

ABC-Paramount producer Sid Feller didn’t believe in “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” He placed it as the 11th track, assuming it would be the weakest on the album. Instead, the song became Ray’s biggest hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and becoming one of the most beloved ballads of all time. Charles was furious that Feller had buried it in the tracklist—but history proved who was right.

4. The Album Changed the Civil Rights Movement in Music

At the height of segregation, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music was more than just a genre-bending experiment—it was a political statement. By blending country and soul, Charles was proving that music transcended race. The album broke down racial barriers on radio, with country and R&B stations both giving it heavy airplay. It’s often credited as one of the cultural touchpoints that helped soften racial divisions in American music.

5. The Orchestra Thought It Would Be a Disaster

Ray Charles didn’t just sing country songs—he completely reimagined them. He combined his big band with lush string arrangements, arranged by jazz legend Marty Paich. The classical musicians in the studio were skeptical, believing the fusion wouldn’t work. But Charles had an ear for blending styles, and he personally dictated parts to the musicians, ensuring that each song carried both the swing of R&B and the heartache of country. The result? One of the most emotionally powerful albums ever recorded.

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music redefined country music, shattered racial and genre barriers, and cemented Ray Charles’ place as one of the greatest musicians in history. It proved that great music has no boundaries, and that sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most enduring rewards.

Would this album be possible today, in an era where music is more divided than ever? Maybe not. But one thing’s for sure—Ray Charles’ vision still echoes through every artist who dares to push past labels and simply make great music.

5 Surprising Facts About Beastie Boys’ ‘Paul’s Boutique’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Beastie Boys’ ‘Paul’s Boutique’

Some albums change music. Paul’s Boutique rewrote the rulebook. Released on July 25, 1989, the Beastie Boys’ sophomore album was dismissed at first, only to be hailed as a hip-hop masterpiece in the decades that followed. The album, produced by the Dust Brothers, is a sample-driven odyssey, pulling from rock, funk, jazz, soul, and everything in between. Despite its initial commercial struggle, it has since been described as hip-hop’s Sgt. Pepper—a record so dense, experimental, and sonically rich that new layers emerge with every listen.

Here are five little-known facts about Paul’s Boutique that prove why this album is a landmark in music history.

1. It Was One of the Last Sample-Heavy Albums Before the Industry Cracked Down

Hip-hop’s golden age of sampling was in full swing in the late ‘80s, but everything changed after 1991. Why? A lawsuit against Biz Markie (for unauthorized sampling of Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally)”) set a legal precedent, making sampling far more expensive and legally complex.

But in 1989, the Beastie Boys and the Dust Brothers had a free-for-all, stacking an unbelievable 105 different samples across the album. Tracks like “Shake Your Rump” and “B-Boy Bouillabaisse” are a collage of pop culture, from Curtis Mayfield to Pink Floyd. Today, clearing that many samples would be nearly impossible—making Paul’s Boutique a product of its time that could never be duplicated.

2. The Album Was Originally Supposed to Be an Instrumental Release

The Dust Brothers, known for their innovative production, originally envisioned the album as a pure instrumental project. Their beats were a seamless, layered tapestry of funk basslines, old-school drum breaks, and psychedelic guitar licks.

When the Beastie Boys heard the beats, they insisted on rapping over them. The producers were skeptical, worried the vocals would overcrowd the already-dense music. But the collision of styles resulted in a groundbreaking hip-hop album that mixed the duo’s original vision with the Beastie Boys’ chaotic and witty lyricism.

Without the Beasties’ decision to jump in, Paul’s Boutique could have been one of hip-hop’s greatest instrumental albums instead of one of its greatest full-length masterpieces.

3. It Was Recorded in an Apartment, Not a Traditional Studio

While some tracks were mixed at Record Plant Studios, most of Paul’s Boutique was recorded in Matt Dike’s apartment in Los Angeles. The cramped, low-budget setting added to the album’s raw, DIY aesthetic.

The Beastie Boys turned the apartment into a makeshift studio, writing lyrics in a haze of creativity, parties, and a whole lot of inspiration. The track “A Year and a Day” was even recorded in Adam Yauch’s own Koreatown apartment, humorously credited in the album liner notes as “The Opium Den.”

This unconventional approach gave Paul’s Boutique an authentic, lo-fi energy that studio perfection could never have replicated.

4. The Album Cover Features a Fake Storefront That Fans Thought Was Real

The iconic album cover is a panoramic photo of Ludlow Street, credited to Nathanial Hörnblowér but actually taken by Jeremy Shatan, the Beastie Boys’ original bassist.

The storefront featured in the image was not a real shop—the group simply hung a sign reading “Paul’s Boutique” over an existing clothing store called Lee’s Sportswear in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The gritty urban landscape perfectly matched the album’s underground, rebellious spirit.

For years, fans searched for “Paul’s Boutique” in New York, believing it was an actual record store. Instead, it was an early example of the Beastie Boys’ humor and artistic vision at work.

5. “What Comes Around” May Contain a Hidden Beatles Sample

The track “What Comes Around” has long been rumored to contain a secret sample of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”—though it has never been officially confirmed.

The theory stems from a quick burst of sound buried deep in the mix, resembling the signature horns from the 1967 classic. Given that the Beatles are notoriously strict about sample clearance, the idea that Paul’s Boutique might have snuck one in unnoticed makes it even more legendary.

Whether intentional or not, the possibility only adds to the album’s mystique, proving once again that Paul’s Boutique remains one of the most intricately crafted hip-hop records of all time.

When Paul’s Boutique dropped in 1989, critics and fans were confused. The Beastie Boys had gone from frat-boy rappers on Licensed to Ill to experimental hip-hop pioneers, and the shift was jarring.

But time has proven that this album was ahead of its time. It redefined hip-hop, changed the way we think about sampling, and showcased the Beastie Boys at their creative peak.

Thirty-five years later, Paul’s Boutique still sounds like the future of music—which is exactly what makes it so legendary.

INXS Announces ‘Listen Like Thieves’ 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Eric Alper
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INXS Announces ‘Listen Like Thieves’ 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Listen Like Thieves was a hugely significant and pivotal album for INXS. Having already built a reputation for their unique sound, incredible live shows (built out from an unmatched global touring schedule) alongside growing but maybe pocketed success (in the grand scheme of things) with their previous four albums – INXS (1980), Underneath the Colours (1981), Shabooh Shoobah (1982) and The Swing (1984) – it was the release of Listen Like Thieves in 1985 that saw them become one of the biggest and captivating bands of a generation.

Paul Sexton – “This lavish remounting of Listen Like Thieves is a testament to a band whose resolute focus on achieving international renown was rewarded that year with serious sales, a heavyweight hit single and their consecration as flagbearers of the MTV generation. Forty years on, this staging post album – their first in a fruitful relationship with hallowed producer Chris Thomas – is there to be savored by original fans and new admirers alike.”

Listen Like Thieves (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) is a deep dive celebration into the album. Releasing on May 9, it is available as a Deluxe Edition 3CD/LP set containing a brand new 2025 remix by Giles Martin and Paul Hicks on CD and vinyl, extensive previously unreleased outtakes and demos, a rare BBC Recording, Live From The Royal Albert Hall, London, 1986 and a brand new interview with the band by acclaimed writer Paul Sexton. The Extended Edition 2CD contains the new mix, whilst the CD-2 has a selection of B-sides, remixes and live recordings; the 1LP 40th Anniversary Edition vinyl contains the new 2025 mix. Pre-order HERE.

Giles Martin (INXS’s executive music producer) and Paul Hicks’ brand-new stereo mix was done in partnership with the band. Built from the ground up using the original masters, they have been able to find new layers of sonic depth and a fresh dimension, giving fans a new listening experience with the record.

Giles Martin – “It’s been such an honor to work on this pivotal album from INXS’s career. It’s a collection of recordings masterly produced by Chris Thomas, which helped the band define their own style and reach a massive global audience. It’s an iconic rock album of its age.”

Andrew Farriss – “Chris Thomas was one of the most talented and exciting producers we ever had the privilege to work with. From the moment we met, there was no doubt he would bring a new dynamic to our music, his drive and determination helped Michael and I deliver a smash hit in ‘What You Need’. 40 years on, Giles and Paul captured the original raw energy we felt when we first recorded the album and created a sonic depth to give the record an entirely new dimension that we couldn’t be prouder of.”

Martin has also curated the trove of session tracks, outtakes and demos that give a compelling chronicle of the music in development. Live At The Royal Albert Hall, London, 1986 is a gem the BBC forgot they had. Recorded in June 1986, this BBC radio broadcast recording originally aired later that year and was the first time the band played at this iconic venue. It was an incredibly special evening for the band and the crowd; amongst them, rock alumni Mick Jagger, The Cult, Psychedelic Furs and more, were buzzing with anticipation, demanding a double encore, and the band were more than happy to oblige. It was a poignant night for INXS, who, in hindsight, were just getting started on their path of global dominance – five years later, they headlined Wembley Stadium – and knowing what we know now, this was the show that started the UK’s INXS love affair.

Kirk Pengilly’s diary entry dated June 24, 1986, “Royal Albert Hall – Sold Out! Fantastic gig, 2 genuine encores and all concerned, happy! Mick Jagger came with Matt Voss……. his favourite song was ‘Biting Bullets.’”

Initially released in October 1985, Listen Like Thieves garnered four singles, including the album’s opening track “What You Need,” “an irresistible amalgam of the rock and funk instincts that made INXS unique,” as Paul Sexton so succinctly put it, catapulted the band to global fame, breaking into the top five and surpassing the chart success of their previous three releases. The album peaked at No. 1 in Australia and No. 11 on the United States Billboard 200, spending over a year on the chart. By 1988, the album had achieved Platinum status, and as a measure of its enduring appeal, it was Double Platinum by 1997.

Listen Like Thieves (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) Tracklist

3CD/1LP

LP + CD1: Listen Like Thieves (2025 Mix by Giles Martin and Paul Hicks)

  1. What You Need
  2. Listen Like Thieves
  3. Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain)
  4. Shine Like It Does
  5. Good + Bad Times
  6. Biting Bullets
  7. This Time
  8. Three Sisters
  9. Same Direction
  10. One x One
  11. Red Red Sun

CD2: Demos & Outtakes

  1. “We’re rolling, it’s 1985” – Studio Chat
  2. Funk Song #11 – Take 2 (Working Title of What You Need)
  3. “Press the blue and red button” – Studio Chat
  4. Kiss The Dirt – Demo
  5. Listen Like Thieves Track Commentary
  6. Listen Like Thieves – Demo
  7. Listen Like Thieves Radio Intro
  8. One X One – Demo
  9. This Time – Demo
  10. Shine Like It Does – Demo
  11. Good and Bad Times – Alternate Take
  12. Red Red Sun – Rehearsal Fragment
  13. Red Red Sun – Alternate Outtake
  14. Same Direction Track Commentary
  15. Funk Song #9 (Working Title of Same Direction) – Studio Demo
  16. What You Need – ‘Calvin Bell’ Home Demo
  17. Shine Like It Does – Home Demo
  18. Listen Like Thieves – Home Demo
  19. Kiss the Dirt – ‘Calvin Bell’ Home Demo

CD3: Live From Royal Albert Hall

Live in London, UK – June 24, 1986

  1. Intro
  2. Same Direction
  3. Soul Mistake
  4. Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain)
  5. Biting Bullets
  6. Burn For You
  7. Do Wot You Do
  8. Original Sin
  9. Different World
  10. Shine Like It Does
  11. Listen Like Thieves
  12. One x One
  13. What You Need
  14. Red Red Sun

The Lumineers Announce North American Leg of ‘Automatic’ 2025 World Tour

Eric Alper
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The Lumineers Announce North American Leg of ‘Automatic’ 2025 World Tour

The Lumineers have announced the eagerly awaited North American leg of their epic Automatic 2025 world tour. Headline dates begin July 3 and include stadiums, arenas, and amphitheaters across the US and Canada through mid-October.

Highlights include shows at such vaunted venues as New York City’s Citi Field (July 11), Boston, MA’s Fenway Park (July 18), Denver, CO’s Mile High Stadium (August 2), Los Angeles, CA’s Kia Forum (August 9), Seattle, WA’s T-Mobile Park (August 16), Chicago, IL’s Soldier Field (August 30), Washington, DC’s Nationals Park (September 6), Detroit, MI’s Comerica Park (September 13), Philadelphia, PA’s Citizens Bank Park (September 19).

Special guests for the tour will be Young The Giant, St. Vincent, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lake Street Dive, Vance Joy, The Backseat Lovers, Dr. Dog, Hippo Campus, Tom Odell, and Chance Pe-a.

The upcoming tour celebrates the arrival of The Lumineers’ hugely anticipated new album, Automatic, available via Dualtone worldwide on Friday, February 14. Pre-orders are available now. “Same Old Song,” the first single from the album, is proving to be the fastest-rising single of the band’s career. It’s currently #4 at AAA and #6 at Alternative radio in the States, while achieving #4 at Alternative and #14 at Active Rock in Canada, cementing The Lumineers’ continued impact on the modern music landscape.

On top of their own shows, The Lumineers will headline upcoming festivals including Tempe, AZ’s Extra Innings Festival (February 28), Louisville, KY’s Bourbon & Beyond (September 11-14), and Richmond, VA’s Iron Blossom Music Festival (September 20-21).

Additionally, The Lumineers will celebrate the Valentine’s Day release of Automatic with a special late-night TV performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, airing tomorrow, February 13, on NBC (check local listings).

The Lumineers On Tour
February
*28 – Tempe, AZ – Extra Innings Festival

July
3 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
*5 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Summerfest
8 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
9 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
11 – Flushing, NY – Citi Field
13 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
15 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
18 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
22 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
23 – Maryland Heights, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
25 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
26 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
29 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena
30 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

August
2 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
5- San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
6 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
9 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
13 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
14 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
16 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park
30 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field

September
3 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
6 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park
8 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
9 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
*11 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond Festival
13 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park
16 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
17 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
19 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park
*21 – Richmond, VA – Iron Blossom Festival
23 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
26 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
27 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
30 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

October
1 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
3 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
4 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
7 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
8 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
10 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
11 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
14 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE

Peter Murphy Releases New Single “Swoon” Featuring Trent Reznor, Announces Silver Shade

Eric Alper
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Peter Murphy Releases New Single “Swoon” Featuring Trent Reznor, Announces Silver Shade

Following his triumphant return to the spotlight with last winter’s duet with Boy George “Let The Flowers Grow,” PETER MURPHY continues with his new single “Swoon” which is released today, February 14, 2025 via Metropolis Records.

Peter states, “I am both in the state of swoon as are my audience when witnessing my live performance. Trent Reznor cordially accepted my invitation to appear on the song, adding a welcome vibe on the second verse, as well as throughout the entire song in the form of backing vocalizing.”

Percussive and expansive, “Swoon” captures both vocalists in their glory, perfectly complementing each other’s bass-heavy tones. Produced by YOUTH (Pink Floyd, Killing Joke, The Orb, Paul McCartney “The Firemen,” Faith No More, Alien Sex Fiend, Siouxsie and the Banshees), the song is the first track to be released from Peter’s new album Silver Shade to be released on May 9, 2025. Recorded at Youth’s studio in Spain, it’s the second album that the pair have worked on together since 2014’s Lion. A symbiotic relationship born of artistic collaboration, Silver Shade is, as he recently attested, “as powerful as any of my work to date.”

Peter Murphy’s solo career began in 1986 with the release of Should The World Fail To Fall Apart and continues to this day. His nine previous albums have spawned such decisive singles as “All Night Long,” “Indigo Eyes,” “Cuts You Up,” “Strange Kind of Love,” “The Scarlet Thing In You,” “Seesaw Sway,” and “I Am My Own Name.”

First emerging from the British punk and rock underground in the late ‘70s, Murphy (along with bandmates Daniel Ash, David J and Kevin Haskins) fronted the groundbreaking iconic rock band Bauhaus which spawned four iconoclastic and ultra-seminal albums as well as keystone singles “She’s In Parties,” “Silent Hedges,” and, of course, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” before disbanding in 1983 with a handful of reunions since then.

“Swoon” is released today, February 14, 2025 via Metropolis Records. Silver Shade was produced by Youth and will be released May 9, 2025.

Watch the Trailer for Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert, a Global Cinema Event from March 19

Eric Alper
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Watch the Trailer for Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert, a Global Cinema Event from March 19

The official trailer for the unforgettable cinematic experience, Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert, was unveiled today. Additionally, tickets are on sale now at hanszimmerfilm.com
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The magic and storytelling power of Hans Zimmer’s music is set to entrance audiences worldwide with Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert. This special global event captures an extraordinary live performance of some of Zimmer’s most revered compositions, including music from Dune, Gladiator, Interstellar, The Lion King, and much more. Decades of cinematic masterpieces are brought to life by his band and a world-class orchestra at Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena, the star-studded Al Wasl Plaza dome at Expo City Dubai and beyond. From the dunes of the Arabian Desert to the heights of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, these performances deliver an intimate and unique experience of Zimmer’s most beloved and renowned movie soundtracks. As well as being Zimmer’s first concert special from his world tour, Hans Zimmer Live, the production of the feature in Dubai marked the first time the composer has officially collaborated with a destination. Inspired by his time spent exploring it, Zimmer also created a musical composition ‘Diamond in the Desert’ for the city of Dubai, another unprecedented moment in his award-winning career.

Starring Hans Zimmer alongside his 18-piece band, including Musical Director Nick Glennie-Smith (keyboard/piano/accordion), Lebo Morake (vocalist – THE LION KING), Judith Sephuma (vocalist), Pedro Eustache (woodwinds), Lisa Gerrard (vocalist – GLADIATOR), Loire Cotler (vocalist – DUNE), Juan Garcia-Herreros (electric bass), Guthrie Govan (guitar), Aleksandra Suklar (percussion), Holly Madge Jaspal (drums), Aicha Djidjelli (drums), Steven Doar (keyboards/percussion), Tina Guo (cello), Andy Pask (bass/electric bass), Rusanda Panfili (violin), Leah Zeger (violin/vocalist), Molly Rogers Goldbaum (violin/vocalist) and Nile Marr (guitar).

The film also features conversations with Billie Eilish, Sir Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Finneas, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Marr, Pharrell Williams, Tanya Lapointe, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya, and directed by Emmy-winning and multi-Grammy nominated Paul Dugdale, with Jerry Bruckheimer serving as Executive Producer.

Limited screenings begin Wednesday, March 19 in select global cinemas across the Americas, Europe, Asia and United Arab Emirates, with cinemas in more countries to be announced.

Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert will be released in select cinemas across the world. For full details of participating local cinemas, ticket booking links, and more, visit hanszimmerfilm.com.

Hans Zimmer has scored more than 500 projects across all mediums, which combined, have grossed more than 28 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. Zimmer has been honored with two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes®, four Grammys, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. His work highlights include Dune: Part One, Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Gladiator, The Thin Red Line, As Good as It Gets, Rain Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Thelma and Louise, The Last Samurai, 12 Years A Slave, Blade Runner 2049 (co-scored with Benjamin Wallfisch) and Dunkirk, as well as David Attenborough’s Prehistoric Planet, and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, the follow-up to his Academy Award®-winning score for Dune: Part One. Zimmer most recently created the score for Steve McQueen’s Blitz, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival. Starring Saoirse Ronan and Harris Dickinson, the film released in theaters on November 1, 2024. Upcoming, he scored Joseph Kosinski’s F1, which is set to premiere on June 27 from Warner Bros. Beyond his award-winning compositions, Zimmer is a remarkably successful touring artist, having recently concluded his first North American “Hans Zimmer Live” tour, after the tour’s second round in Europe. He has also performed in the Middle East at Dubai’s renowned Coca-Cola Arena for two consecutive nights as well as Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix.

3 x Grammy nominated and recent 2 x Emmy, BAFTA, and DGA Award winning Paul Dugdale is one of the world’s leading pop culture directors, responsible for creating critically acclaimed, pioneering concert films, music documentaries and global live events. He studied at Central Saint Martins School of Art in London. His passion for music and film has led him to write, direct, and be creative lead on documentaries and concert movies for some of the world’s biggest artists including; Adele, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran, The Prodigy, RAYE, Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, Paul McCartney, and many others.

Dugdale’s most recent work for Coldplay holds the record for the largest live to air cinema broadcast of all time. He has had 14 theatrically released music films to date.
Projects for Adele alone have received well in excess of 2 Billion views on YouTube.

Spotify Studios LA Offers Support to Creators and Music Industry Professionals Impacted by the Wildfires

Eric Alper
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Spotify Studios LA Offers Support to Creators and Music Industry Professionals Impacted by the Wildfires

Spotify is committed to supporting the creative community, particularly during difficult times. In response to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Spotify Studios LA is offering recording space and resources to podcast creators and music industry professionals who have lost access to their own studios or equipment.

Natural disasters can disrupt creative workflows, and Spotify aims to help affected creators and artists continue their work. For a limited time, and subject to availability, Spotify’s LA Mateo campus will provide access to recording studios, along with technical support and guidance from Spotify’s team.

“At Spotify, creativity is at the heart of everything we do,” said Jordan Newman, Senior Director, Content Partnerships at Spotify. “We understand how challenging this time has been for many impacted creators and artists, which is why we’re extending our Los Angeles studio spaces to ensure that every voice in our community remains amplified.”

This initiative is primarily for existing Spotify creator partners and artists in Los Angeles who have been affected by the wildfires. Due to high demand and limited availability, not all requests may be fulfilled, and session slots may be restricted.

  • Podcast creators who have lost access to their recording space or equipment can complete this survey.
  • Music industry professionals impacted by the fires can complete this survey.

Spotify is actively assessing needs based on survey responses and will provide updates accordingly. The goal is to offer affected creators and artists up to three recording sessions each.

Spotify encourages impacted individuals to reach out to discuss their specific circumstances. The company remains committed to investing in the creative community and providing meaningful resources to help podcasters and artists thrive.

Spotify’s Partner Program Helps Creators Increase Revenue and Consumption of Video Podcasts

Eric Alper
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Spotify’s Partner Program Helps Creators Increase Revenue and Consumption of Video Podcasts

Last month, Spotify officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new monetization system for creators in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Just one month into the program, significant positive impacts on consumption and revenue growth for enrolled creators are already evident.

First announced at their Now Playing event, the Spotify Partner Program offers creators multiple revenue streams, including audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement (in select markets), as well as ad monetization on Spotify Free and other podcast platforms. The flexibility gives creators greater control over their businesses, helping them adapt to shifts in the growing podcast audience while driving incremental revenue.

The early results highlight the program’s success: Spotify’s video podcast consumption has increased by more than 20% since the program’s launch, while payouts to creators in January grew 300% year-over-year. Additionally, hundreds of creators surpassed $10,000 in monthly revenue, with the top earners reaching six figures within the program’s first month.

Video podcasts that have experienced success through the Spotify Partner Program include Modern Wisdom, hosted by Chris Williamson, which increased consumption on Spotify by 36%; We’re All Insane, the mental health podcast hosted by Devorah Roloff, which earned more than $17,000; and Kinda Funny Gamecast, a video game podcast that’s earned $10,000.

As video consumption continues to rise on Spotify, the platform remains committed to providing creators with more opportunities to generate revenue while offering users a seamless and engaging viewing experience.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your content? Get started now with the Spotify Partner Program.

Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day Playlist Covers With Spotify’s New Sticker Collection

Eric Alper
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Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day Playlist Covers With Spotify’s New Sticker Collection

With more than 1.6 million Valentine’s Day playlists created globally on Spotify, we know music fans feel the love this time of year. Now, you can make those playlists even more special with the new collection of love-themed stickers we added to our “Create Cover Art” feature.

Available in 65 markets around the world, this feature lets you design and customize your own playlist covers with unique images, colors, text effects, and graphic elements. The 12 new stickers include adorable icons like a flaming heart, a love snail, and more, so you can make your Valentine’s Day playlists look as good as they sound.

Make your love-themed playlists pop

  • Whether you’re on iOS or Android, head to the Spotify mobile app (make sure it’s up-to-date) and select a playlist that you personally created (or create a new one) to get started. Then tap the three-dot menu and choose “Create cover art.”
  • From there, you can access our exclusive Valentine’s Day stickers, along with other creative elements like backgrounds and text.
  • Once complete, save and share your playlist with someone special.

And while you’re busy curating the perfect Valentine’s Day soundtrack, check out some of the top tracks and most-streamed love songs on Spotify*:

Top 5 tracks added to Valentine’s Day playlists

  1. “Just the Way You Are” – Bruno Mars
  2. “All of Me” – John Legend
  3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
  4. “My Girl” – The Temptations
  5. “Lover” – Taylor Swift

Top 5 most-streamed love songs

  1. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
  2. “Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur
  3. “I Wanna Be Yours” – Arctic Monkeys
  4. “Yellow” – Coldplay 
  5. “Photograph” – Ed Sheeran

Need more music inspiration for the heart-shaped holiday? Head to Spotify’s Valentine’s Day hub to discover playlists for every mood.

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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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