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Sam Fender Named Record Store Day UK 2025 Ambassador, Announces Exclusive ‘Me and the Dog’ Vinyl Release

Eric Alper
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Sam Fender Named Record Store Day UK 2025 Ambassador, Announces Exclusive ‘Me and the Dog’ Vinyl Release

Record Store Day has always been a celebration of music’s physical presence—the joy of flipping through stacks, the thrill of discovering a hidden gem, and the tangible connection between artist and listener. This year, none other than Sam Fender steps up as the official ambassador for Record Store Day 2025, bringing his signature anthemic songwriting and deep-rooted love for independent record shops to the forefront.

For Fender, who cut his teeth in the music scene of Newcastle before skyrocketing to global fame, vinyl holds a special kind of magic. His upcoming third studio album, People Watching, is set to drop on February 21, but he’s got another treat lined up for fans and collectors alike: a special six-track EP titled Me and the Dog, available exclusively at independent record stores on Record Store Day, April 12.

This isn’t just any release—it’s a 12” vinyl that blends the new with the rare, giving fans a mix of fresh material and long-lost favorites that have never seen a proper vinyl pressing. With both A and B sides stacked with Fender’s signature brand of emotional, guitar-driven storytelling, Me and the Dog is bound to be one of this year’s most sought-after exclusives.

Me and the Dog showcases Fender’s ability to craft both expansive stadium-ready anthems and introspective, deeply personal songwriting. The tracklist includes:

Side A:

  • People Watching – A taste of his new era, leading the charge from his upcoming album.
  • Tyrants – A track that was previously only available on a limited, sold-out People Watching 7” vinyl, now resurrected for collectors.
  • Empty Spaces – A completely unreleased song, giving fans an unheard glimpse into Fender’s creative process.

Side B:

  • I’m Always On Stage – Another previously unreleased track, offering a deeper cut into Fender’s songwriting archives.
  • Me and the Dog – A fan favorite that was only available on the People Watching CD single, finally making its way onto vinyl.
  • People Watching – Live at The O2 Arena, London – A live version that captures the raw energy of Fender’s performances, immortalized in wax for the first time.

Fender’s appointment as Record Store Day ambassador is a recognition of his deep connection to the culture of independent record stores and the role they’ve played in shaping his music. In an era of streaming, where accessibility often trumps physicality, vinyl remains an art form, a deliberate act of listening.

By choosing Me and the Dog as his RSD exclusive, Fender is giving fans a tangible piece of his evolving artistry—something they can hold, spin, and cherish. It’s an artifact of music history, a nod to the power of independent shops, and a love letter to the very places where many artists (including Fender himself) first discovered their passion.

Come April 12, expect long lines, buzzing excitement, and a mad dash to get hands on this exclusive release. After all, Record Store Day is about more than just the music—it’s about community, discovery, and the artists who remind us why vinyl will always have a place in our hearts.

Multifaceted Harpist Ashley Jackson Announces Label Debut Album ‘Take Me to the Water’ Set for Release on March 21

Eric Alper
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Multifaceted Harpist Ashley Jackson Announces Label Debut Album ‘Take Me to the Water’ Set for Release on March 21

Decca Records, US is honored to announce the signing of award-winning harpist, Ashley Jackson, whose evocative artistry fuses traditional classical music with the rich heritage of Black spirituality.  Ashley’s label debut album, Take Me To The Water, will launch globally on March 21, with the first two tracks, “Deep River Pt. 1” and “Deep River Pt. 2” available now across all digital service providers. Pre-order the album and listen to the tracks here.

Take Me to the Water is a masterful exploration of the transformative and spiritual power of water, featuring Jackson’s unique interpretations of iconic works by Margaret Bonds, Alice Coltrane, Claude Debussy, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Through this deeply personal and creative project, Jackson takes listeners on a musical journey that connects cultural heritage, spiritual reflection, and universal themes of renewal and freedom.

“Water is celebrated in lots of different cultures, but, despite that, you find recurring themes in those celebrations,” Jackson shares. “So I wanted to hone in on those ideas—ideals—such as love and rebirth and hope.”

In “Deep River,” originally adapted by composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor in 1905 – through her harp’s fluid, celestial tones, Jackson breathes new life into this iconic spiritual. “In playing ‘Deep River,’ I’m transported to a place where I can access that kind of cultural memory,” Jackson explains. “Just imagining my ancestors singing that, and what the words would have meant.  So as to tell their oppressors that they’re singing about one thing, but really, they’re communicating something else. Tapping into that ingenuity is so humbling.”

Take Me to the Water not only celebrates music’s ability to connect cultures and histories but also raises awareness of global water inequities, with 2.2 billion people still lacking access to safe water today. This dual focus amplifies Jackson’s belief in music’s power to inspire and heal.

With Take Me to the Water, Ashley Jackson establishes herself as a bold and visionary voice in and beyond classical music, elevating the harp as an instrument of deep emotional resonance and limitless possibilities. The album promises to be a replenishing and immersive experience, creating a sonic experience that is both grounded in history and forward-looking.

Photo Credit: Julia Comita

Take Me To The Water Tracklist:
1. A. Coltrane: Radhye-Shyam
2. A. Jackson: River Jordan
3. Coleridge-Taylor: Deep River I
4. Coleridge-Taylor: Deep River II
5. Younger: Unrest
6. Debussy: Danse sacrée et danse profane, L. 103
7. Rezende: Yemaya I
8. Thomas: Yemaya II
9. Bonds: Troubled Water
10. Amen
11. Take Me To The Water I
12. Take Me To The Water II

Gabríel Ólafs Announces New Album ‘Polar’ and Narrated Companion Album ‘Polar: Traveler’s Log’ Releasing on February 28

Eric Alper
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Gabríel Ólafs Announces New Album ‘Polar’ and Narrated Companion Album ‘Polar: Traveler’s Log’ Releasing on February 28

Today, accomplished Icelandic composer, Gabríel Ólafs, announces his sixth studio album, Polar, and the album’s narrated story-telling companion, Polar: Traveler’s Log. Both albums will be released on February 28 via Decca Records US. The unforgettable world of Polar is an imaginary place Gabríel Ólafs has been dreaming about for years and was finally able to bring to life through his music.

Listen to the 2-track single, “Whale Overture” here, watch the accompanying music video here, and the official “Polar: Building A World” EPK here.

Imagine a planet covered in ice, snow, and tundra, its mountains so vast they are visible from space. Then imagine traveling alone around its incredible landscape. You hear the haunting song of whales but find no human life. Apart from that are the traces of a mysterious lost civilization, which has left behind only frozen monolithic pyramids. This is the world of Polar.

Discovering the right palette of sounds to evoke Polar’s icy world was key. Ólafs knew the Reykjavík  Orkestra, which he co-founded several years ago, and conductor Viktor Orri Árnason were the right musicians for the job.

“They are able to capture a very cold but still emotional, iconic Icelandic string sound, which I wanted,” says Ólafs. “No one does it better than them.” To this, he’s added the king of instruments: the organ. “It very much captures this futuristic but also very ancient sound, which I think is very Polar.”

Ólafs uses the distinctive element of Whalesong throughout the album, in part because of his childhood fascination with the water-loving mammal often seen on the frozen Icelandic shores. The young composer, however, did not want to sample actual whale calls, and instead used the sounds of various instruments, including the cello, lap steel, and pedal steel guitars.

For this record, Ólafs wanted to think beyond the music to create a unique multimedia experience. Polar was shaped by his love and respect for “beautiful, complex” video monoliths – the mysterious pyramids left by a lost civilization – that Ólafs had imagined.

“I wanted to make a classical piece from that, and I melded it with my interest in video games as an art form. These days video games have beautiful artwork and complex stories. Music is created for a specific zone within a game. It creates the mood and you’re encapsulated by a sound world.”

By exploring what would happen if that principle was applied to classical music, Ólafs discovered a sound that touched on the meditation, beauty, and sadness of life and death.

To further help create that unique experience he was looking for, Ôlafs brought on Rebecca Roanhorse, the New York Times-bestselling speculative fiction author, to write the original story Polar: Traveler’s Log. The “Traveler’s Log” version of the album features a bespoke story, narrated by leading Icelandic actor Hera Hilmar, interwoven with Ólafs’ music.

Gabríel Ólafs ear for melodic musical storytelling and holistic creative vision set him apart as a true visionary of postmodern classical music. Polar is one of Ólafs most ambitious projects to date, creating a fantastical world where the sky’s the limit and new horizons are sure to be found.

Polar Tracklist:

1. ENTRANCE
2. WHALE OVERTURE
2. THE WAVES
4. TÚNDRA
5. THE WINDS
6. THE MONOLITH
7. WHALE VARIATION
8. VORTEX
9. OCEAN SONATA FOR HARP
10. ELEGY
11. THE TRUE MEANING OF FOREVER
12. CODA

Howard Shore Unveils The Noble Wood (I Roderyn) Ahead of ‘The Hobbit’ And Paris Concerts

Eric Alper
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Howard Shore Unveils The Noble Wood (I Roderyn) Ahead of ‘The Hobbit’ And Paris Concerts

Deutsche Grammophon is delighted to announce the release of Howard Shore’s “The Noble Wood (I Roderyn)”. The world premiere recording is taken from the European premiere of this atmospheric piece arranged by the composer from themes written to represent the Woodland Elves in The Desolation of Smaug (the second instalment in The Hobbit trilogy). The track features on the forthcoming album Howard Shore: Anthology – The Paris Concerts, curated by the multi-award-winning Canadian composer himself. It will be available to stream/download from 7 February 2025 and will be followed by “The Fly Main Title” on 28 February.

“I related to Tolkien’s work and his love of nature, which I also share,” says Howard Shore about the new track. “I wrote the music from my heart. ‘The Noble Wood (I Roderyn)’ from The Hobbit is for solo oboe and orchestra. Olivier Doise gives a stunning performance of the oboe solo with the outstanding Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, conducted with such grace by Ludwig Wicki. Their interpretation was beautifully captured in this recording from Radio France and Deutsche Grammophon.”

Howard Shore: Anthology – The Paris Concerts will be released on 21 March 2025 – digitally, as a 2-CD set and on vinyl. Recorded during Radio France’s 2023 “Week-End Howard Shore”, it reflects the rich variety of the composer’s output, presenting highlights from such diverse scores as The Fly, Naked Lunch, Ed Wood, Crash, Esther Kahn and Eastern Promises, as well as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, together with his concert piece for solo piano: Catania. The Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France is conducted by Ludwig Wicki and Bastien Stil, while Mike Schäperclaus conducts Le Balcon in the chamber works.

A 2‑LP set comprises Catania and the pieces from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Esther Kahn and Eastern Promises. A deluxe vinyl version includes the complete album repertoire on 3 picture discs whose images reflect the films. The LPs are packaged in a special gatefold sleeve which features lyrics in Tolkien’s Sindarin language as well as English.

Howard Shore’s music has graced over a hundred films and won him a string of awards, including 3 Oscars, 3 Golden Globes and 4 Grammys. He has also written for opera, ballet and the concert hall. His long and hugely successful career will be celebrated at the brand-new London Soundtrack Festival (19-26 March 2025). At the LSF gala concert on Saturday 22 March the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, under the baton of Ben Palmer, will perform a selection of works by Shore, who will also be presented with the inaugural London Soundtrack Festival Inspiration Award.

Upcoming Howard Shore Live to projection concerts:

27, 28 February, 1 & 2  March 2025 – Radio City Music Hall, New York (The Return of the King) 

28 February & 1 March 2025 – Fibes, Seville (The Fellowship of the Ring)

15 & 16 March 2025 – Volkswagen Arena, Istanbul (The Two Towers)

4 April 2025 – Olympiahalle, Munich (The Two Towers) 

13 April 2025 – Movistar Arena, Santiago (The Two Towers)

8, 9 & 10 May 2025 – Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco (The Two Towers) 

London Soundtrack Festival

22 March 2025 – BFI IMAX – Screenings & Intros with David Cronenberg & Howard Shore: Crash · Dead Ringers

– Royal Festival Hall – David Cronenberg & Howard Shore in conversation · LSF Gala Concert

23 March 2025 – BFI IMAX, Screening & Intro with Howard Shore: The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Inhaler Unleashes ‘Open Wide’ and Kicks Off Sold-Out Tour Across UK And Ireland

Eric Alper
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Inhaler Unleashes ‘Open Wide’ and Kicks Off Sold-Out Tour Across UK And Ireland

INHALER release their eagerly awaited new album Open Wide via Polydor Records. Recorded at RAK Studios in London and produced by Grammy and Brit Award-winning Kid Harpoon, the Dublin quartet’s third album reinforces their status as the ultimate modern guitar band, a group for whom jubilant pop melodies, intricate grooves and rock’n’roll dynamism are kindred spirits rather than strangers. It arrives as bandmates Eli Hewson, Robert Keating, Ryan McMahon and Josh Jenkinson ready themselves for the first night of the UK leg of their Open Wide World Tour tonight in Leeds. The 11-date UK & Ireland tour includes two sold-out shows at London’s iconic Brixton Academy on 13th and 14th February. The band return to play their biggest ever headline show to date to a 20,000-capacity crowd at St Anne’s Park in Dublin on May 30th.

Featuring 13 songs, including previously unveiled cuts ‘Your House’, ‘Open Wide’, ‘A Question Of You’ and ‘Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)’, Open Wide showcases INHALER – who formed as childhood friends – thrillingly coming into their own and taking their sound in audacious new directions.

It hones the sweeping, euphoric singalongs of their first two albums It Won’t Always Be Like This and Cuts & Bruises into something more fully formed, a record you can lose yourself in and one where every track feels like it could be a big single. Sonically, it’s an album where the band’s love of T.Rex, early MGMT, Prince, Depeche Mode and more nestles alongside the indie and garage-rock influences of their teens, and is a majestic celebration of who Inhaler are and everything they’ve done to get to this point.

Working with Brit and Grammy-winning producer Kid Harpoon, the band learned to fully trust their own artistic vision. It’s a record that feels confident and sure of itself, one that never feels like it’s trying to be bombastic for the sake of it. Instead, there’s a restraint here, like in the way yearning opener Eddie In The Darkness begins like you’ve walked in on the band playing in a room already instead of hitting you over the head from the off, or the way the propulsive 80s pop grooves of Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah) constantly feels tightly-wound and loose at the same time, as if its gently gliding by. It’s the sound of a band in full control. There’s playful glam-pop (Your House), stomping indie epics (A Question Of You), wiry, post-punk-influenced contemplatives (Even Though), adventurous art-rock (X-Ray), swaying ballads (Again, Still Young) and rattling, melodic garage-y missives (Little Things), all revolving around the immense, panoramic rock of the title track (Open Wide), planted right in the middle of the album.

“The reason why we called the album Open Wide is because we’re looking for a new perspective on our music,” states Hewson. “With this album, we’re closer to what we’ve always envisioned,” he adds. “It feels like we’ve always been trying to make this record.”

Since their career launched in 2018, INHALER have been among the biggest new names in guitar music, achieving commercial success with roaring chart positions. To date, they’ve sold over a quarter of a million records globally and garnered 500 million streams. Their debut album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, hit #1 in the UK and Ireland, while their 2023 follow-up, Cuts & Bruises, topped the Irish charts and reached #2 in the UK. To maintain this momentum, have spent the past few whirlwind years on a relentless world tour, supporting acts like Arctic Monkeys, Pearl Jam, Harry Styles, and Kings of Leon, as well as headlining their own shows, including a sold out 13,000-capacity homecoming show at the Dublin 3Arena last year.

The full tracklisting is:

1. Eddie In The Darkness
2. Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)
3. Your House
4. A Question of You
5. Even Though
6. Again
7. Open Wide
8. All I Got Is You
9. Still Young
10. The Charms
11. X-Ray
12. Concrete
13. Little Things

Open Wide World Tour – UK & Ireland dates

February 2025

Fri 07 Leeds O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Sat 08 Manchester O2 Apollo (SOLD OUT)
Mon 10 Birmingham O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Tue 11 Nottingham Rock City (SOLD OUT)
Thu 13 London O2 Academy Brixton (SOLD OUT)
Fri 14 London O2 Academy Brixton (SOLD OUT)
Sat 15 Brighton Centre
Mon 17 Glasgow O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Tue 18 Glasgow O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Wed 19 Newcastle O2 City Hall (SOLD OUT)
Fri 21 Manchester O2 Apollo (SOLD OUT)

d4vd Announces Debut Album WITHERED With New Single and Hometown Headline Show

Eric Alper
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d4vd Announces Debut Album WITHERED With New Single and Hometown Headline Show

Today, 19-year-old global artist d4vd – one of the most exciting artists to watch of the last two years – announces his long-awaited debut album WITHERED set for release on April 25 via Darkroom/Interscope. In advance of the project he also shares the incredible new single “One More Dance,” out now. In celebration of the album’s release, d4vd will perform a hometown headline show on April 27 at White Oak Music Hall (Outdoor Lawn) in Houston. Tickets are available for purchase HERE.

A continuation of his lauded and beloved first two EPs that introduced him to the world – Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals – d4vd’s WITHERED is a brilliant amalgamation of disparate influences shaped into one visceral whole.  The record takes the listener through the natural evolution and lifespan of the rose, an omnipresent visual in d4vd’s creative output thus far, and is intended to be listened to sequentially like chapters in a book as the demise of a relationship unfolds. It is an album crackling with love found, love lost, love created, and love destroyed through every chorus and every melodic line.

Since he emerged in public consciousness only a couple years ago, d4vd has rapidly transformed from a home-recording artist to an international sensation, racking up over 100 million streams per month. His breakthrough came with 2022’s viral tracks “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” both amassing over a billion streams to date, making him one of the first artists to have two songs in the Billions Club without ever having released a full album.

Photo Credit: Max Durante

A native of Houston, d4vd found his musical calling through creating his own soundtracks to Fortnite montages, recording his first single at 17, and quickly being signed by Interscope’s acclaimed Darkroom label. He has since collaborated with The Kid Laroi, Laufey, opened for the likes of SZA, headlined his own tours around the world, and contributed to projects like Arcane and Invincible.  Through the process, d4vd’s sound evolved to a deeply emotional, DIY approach that defines him today, exploring the highs and lows of relationships with raw intimacy and directness.

For his debut album, d4vd regrounded himself, interspersing time creating on BandLab in his sister’s closet in Houston – where he first began making music – with London sessions alongside Jack Hallenbeck, Scott James, and ​silent$ky, and Los Angeles collaborations with super-songwriter Ryan Tedder and Tyler Spry. d4vd’s creative process spans beyond music, drawing inspiration from anime and cultivating a unique visual universe with recurring themes and characters. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and unconventional approach, d4vd continues to captivate audiences, with plans for an electrifying Coachella debut and more to come.

d4vd tour dates:
April 11 – Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, CA
April 18 – Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, CA
April 27 – White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX

Corook Unleashes THEY! Ahead of Debut Album ‘Committed to a Bit’ and North American Tour

Eric Alper
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Corook Unleashes THEY! Ahead of Debut Album ‘Committed to a Bit’ and North American Tour

Trailblazing musician and viral sensation corook is back and unapologetically themselves with the release of their defiant queer anthem, “THEY!,” available now via Atlantic Records HERE, alongside an official lyric video now streaming HERE. Already a fan favorite with the viral TikTok teaser now boasting more than 1.5M views and over 6M views across posts, “THEY!” is the last song to be released ahead of the pop artist’s debut album, committed to a bit, arriving on Friday, February 28. Album pre-saves are available now HERE.

After sharing a snippet of “THEY!” in response to the Trump administration’s harmful policies and agenda towards the LGBTQ+ community, the song quickly resonated with viewers for its message of acceptance and inclusivity, garnering the attention of the Human Rights Campaign and celebrities including Jonathan Van Ness, Meaghan Trainor and Justin Bieber. A video of corook chanting “THEY/THEM ENERGY!” along with the audience has added to the virality with various TikToks of the same video amassing over 20M combined views and 4M likes, (see HERE) including a post from Troye Sivan.

“‘THEY!’ is my favorite track from the ‘committed to a bit’ album,” says corook. “I wrote it to capture the mix of nerves and joy that comes with sharing your new pronouns with the world. In a time when our identities are under constant attack, especially with figures like Trump attempting to legislate us out of existence, this song feels more vital than ever.”

committed to a bit will also include singles, “crumbs,” “ballerina“ and “blankets,” all available now alongside corook’s committed to a bit video series, streaming now at YouTube. The deeply personal series officially kicked off last summer with the premiere of committed to a bit (episode 1), directed by frequent visual collaborator Luke Harvey (Mason Ramsey, Jukebox the Ghost) and streaming now HERE.

Currently boasting a combined social following of more than 1.5M, over 24M video views, and worldwide streams in excess of 116M, corook will celebrate committed to a bit with their biggest North American headline run thus far. The committed to a bit tour begins March 3 at Philadelphia, PA’s The Foundry at The Fillmore and then travels into early April. Highlights include stops at Brooklyn, NY’s Music Hall of Williamsburg (March 5), Nashville, TN’s The Basement East (March 16), and West Hollywood, CA’s The Roxy Theatre (March 22), as well as a festival performance at Boise, ID’s Treefort Music Fest (March 29). For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.corook.com/tour.

“blankets” marked corook’s first new release since last year’s two-part serious person project, highlighted by the viral smash, “if i were a fish (ft. olivia barton).” Co-written with their partner and fellow musician Olivia Barton as a spontaneous response to internet hate, the track came together in ten minutes before it was posted to TikTok where it instantly received an outpouring of love and support, earning 19.5M views, 2.9M likes and 388K shares and counting. corook and Olivia quickly recorded a full version of “if I were a fish,” which proved their biggest streaming debut to date with over 28M global audio streams and counting. The track – which was celebrated with high-profile media coverage spanning NPR, Rolling Stone, New York Times, Boston Globe, and more – was joined by an official music video, now boasting over 2.5M views HERE. corook and Barton also wrote a delightful picture book adaptation of If I Were A Fish, which was brightly and beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Mike Curato.

serious person (part 1) and serious person (part 2) went on to garner critical acclaim from Billboard, Alternative Press, UPROXX and more. corook celebrated with a full US and UK headline run including sold-out shows at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, L.A.’s The Roxy, and London’s XOYO, along with special performances at Austin, TX’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend, and Seattle, WA’s Capitol Hill Block Party.

It’s time we explore the parts that make up the whole of Corinne Savage. Particularly, the parts that have been exploited and commercialized in their life. Not just since they have become “corook,” but since they were a kid. Think of it almost as an origin story – exploring gender identity, family tension, and queer love wrapped in a new elevated pop sound. The songs keep their heart wrenching storytelling and catchy melodies accompanied by a vocal delivery reminiscent of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.

So will Corinne break out of family patterns and the desire to please everyone but themself? Will corook conquer all and headline Coachella? FIND OUT NEXT WEEK ON “COROOK”!!!!!

corook committed to a bit tour 2025

MARCH
3 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry at The Fillmore
5 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
6 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
7 Buffalo, NY – Asbury Hall at Babeville
8 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
10 – Toronto, ON – The Axis Club
11 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café and Music Hall
13 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
14 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
15 – Atlanta, GA Terminal West
16 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East
18 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada
19 – Austin, TX – Antone’s
21 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
22 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre
23 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
25 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
27 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
28 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
29 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest *
30 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell
APRIL
1 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
3 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill Duck Room
4 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
5 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar
All Dates w/ Special Guest Kel Cripe except *
* Festival Performance

Blue Rodeo’s 40th Anniversary Marked With New Album and Documentary

Eric Alper
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Blue Rodeo’s 40th Anniversary Marked With New Album and Documentary

Canadian music icons Blue Rodeo are celebrating 40 years together with the release of Greatest Hits: Vol. 2 and the award-winning documentary Blue Rodeo: Lost Together. The announcement of the Greatest Hits album aligns with the anniversary of Blue Rodeo’s first show at Toronto’s Rivoli on February 8, 1985. The album will be released March 21 – click here to preorder now. Watch the documentary free starting February 19 on CBC Gem.

Greatest Hits: Vol. 2 draws from the band’s extensive catalogue to bring a comprehensive overview of the band’s prolific output. Celebrate 40 years of Blue Rodeo with this latest collection of Blue Rodeo’s best loved songs featuring fan-favourites from their debut album, Outskirts, to their most recent release, Many a Mile.

The documentary Blue Rodeo: Lost Together, directed by Dale Heslip, delves into the band’s history, exploring their creative process, personal challenges, and enduring friendships. Featuring interviews with band members past and present along with industry insiders, the film provides an intimate portrait of Blue Rodeo’s journey, highlighting their impact on the Canadian music landscape. It’s the ultimate tribute to Blue Rodeo’s legacy, and a story that will resonate with everyone who believes in the power of music to transform lives.

Blue Rodeo: Lost Together won the 2024 Audience Award for a feature-length film at the Whistler Film Festival, and was the #1 Canadian film in Canada this week. The feature-length documentary premieres February 19 on the free CBC Gem streaming platform and the CBC Docs YouTube channel, followed by a national broadcast on CBC TV on March 23. In addition to its CBC release, the film is in the midst of a 26 market theatrical run at select Cineplex Odeon theatres. See below for a full list of remaining dates.

Formed in 1984 by high school friends Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, Blue Rodeo emerged as a countrified rock band in an era dominated by hair metal and glossy pop. Their journey began after spending three years in New York, where the pair struggled to attract label interest. Returning to Toronto, Jim and Greg were inspired by the changed and vibrant city and the wealth of talent and musical styles in venues all over town. The pair quickly made the decision to ignore trends and set out to create something true to themselves, in fact, to create a “psychedelic country band”, and Blue Rodeo was born.

Joined by bandmates Bazil Donovan, Cleave Anderson, and Bobby Wiseman, Blue Rodeo quickly gained momentum, filling venues and ascending to the top of the charts. Their commitment to authenticity and distinctive sound became the cornerstone of Blue Rodeo’s enduring success in the Canadian music scene.

The magic of Blue Rodeo’s sound comes from the distinct yet complementary songwriting styles of its lead singers, paired with the exceptional musicianship of its members. This songwriting partnership has been a driving force behind the band’s success, producing a catalogue of songs that have resonated deeply with Canadians for decades. Their songs often tell stories that are rooted in Canadian experiences and landscapes, capturing the essence of the country’s cultural identity. Through their songwriting and musicianship, Blue Rodeo has created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians.

Today, the band has expanded to include original member Bazil Donovan, whose bass lines provide a rock-solid foundation, with drummer Glenn Milchem’s dynamic playing driving every song forward. Keyboardist Michael Boguski adds rich textures, Colin Cripps deepens the sound with his masterful guitar work and harmonies, and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Bowskill brings versatility with guitar, mandolin, pedal steel, and fiddle, rounding out the band’s signature blend of country, rock, and roots.

Blue Rodeo will continue to celebrate their 40th anniversary with a number of exciting upcoming events throughout the year. Stay tuned to their channels for all the exciting details.

Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Tracklisting:
Head Over Heels
What Am I Doing Here
How Long
Hasn’t Hit Me Yet
I Can’t Hide This Anymore
Cynthia
Bulletproof
Dust to Gold
Rain Down on Me
When You Were Wild
Somebody Waits
English Bay
Til I Am Myself Again
Disappear
Better off as We Are
Lost Together
Blue Rodeo: Lost Together

Theatrical Showings:
Date Theatre/City Province
2/7 Playhouse Hamilton ON
2/8 Invermere Film Festival BC
2/9 Victoria Film Festival BC
2/25 Cinecenta Victoria BC
3/2 Kingston Canadian Film Festival ON

The Isley Brothers Set to Perform at the 26th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration

Eric Alper
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The Isley Brothers Set to Perform at the 26th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration

he 26th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, the only NFL-sanctioned multicultural and inspirational event of Super Bowl weekend, is set to captivate audiences with a special performance by the legendary Isley Brothers. The celebration will premiere in primetime on FOX on Saturday, February 8, at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT.

As part of this extraordinary night of music, faith, and football, the Isley Brothers will take the stage alongside an incredible lineup of artists, including Yolanda Adams, Master P, Lucky Daye, Big Freedia, Muni Long, Trombone Shorty, Jonathan McReynolds, Tori Kelly, and the NFL Players Choir.

The impact of the Isley Brothers’ music extends far beyond their own iconic career, reaching even today’s biggest stars. Super Bowl Halftime headliner Kendrick Lamar has shared that listening to The Isley Brothers is part of his personal ritual to calm his excitement before stepping onto the world’s biggest stage. Their timeless sound continues to inspire and set the tone for historic performances, proving their influence transcends generations.

Hosted by Bill Bellamy and Rocsi Diaz, this year’s Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will also honor NFL legends and leaders, including Michael Strahan (Lifetime of Inspiration Award), Cameron Jordan (Community Award), and Jared Verse (Rising Star Award).

Tune in to FOX on Saturday, February 8, at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT, with additional airings on FS1, FOX Sports VOD, FOX Soul, and Tubi.

5 Surprising Facts About Hole’s “Live Through This”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Hole’s “Live Through This”

There are albums that define a decade, and then there are albums that shake the ground beneath it. Live Through This is both. Released on April 12, 1994, just days after Kurt Cobain’s death, Hole’s sophomore album remains one of the most visceral, raw, and fearless records of the ‘90s. Courtney Love and company took the unfiltered rage of Pretty on the Inside and injected it with haunting melodies and razor-sharp songwriting. It’s beautiful, it’s brutal, and it’s still one of the most talked-about albums of its time.

But even after all these years, there are still some things about Live Through This that might surprise you. Let’s dive into five facts that even the biggest Hole fans might not know.

1. Kurt Cobain’s Involvement: More Than Just Rumors

The persistent myth that Kurt Cobain secretly wrote Live Through This has been debunked countless times, but his influence on the record was undeniable. Cobain sang uncredited backing vocals on two tracks—“Asking for It” and “Softer, Softest”—and according to producer Sean Slade, may have provided harmonies on additional songs. However, the band, producers, and music biographers have all refuted the ghostwriting claim. What’s more interesting? Courtney Love was actually competing with Cobain, pushing herself to write sharper, more melodic songs in response to Nevermind. She wanted Live Through This to be more than just a follow-up to Pretty on the Inside—she wanted it to be bigger than anything Nirvana had done.

2. Kristen Pfaff’s Basslines Were Done in a Single Take

Kristen Pfaff, Hole’s then-new bassist, brought a level of musicianship that elevated the band’s sound. Producer Sean Slade later revealed that every single one of Pfaff’s bass tracks on Live Through This came from the original basic recordings—no overdubs, no fixes. That’s almost unheard of in studio recordings. Pfaff, a classically trained musician, locked in with drummer Patty Schemel, creating a tight, thunderous rhythm section that added depth and polish to the album’s feral energy. Tragically, Live Through This would be the only Hole album Pfaff would play on—she died of a heroin overdose just two months after its release.

3. The Hidden Riot Grrrl Diss Track

The last track on Live Through This is labeled as “Rock Star,” but it’s actually a song called “Olympia.” Due to a last-minute switch, the intended song “Rock Star” was replaced with “Olympia,” yet the album artwork had already been printed with the wrong title. Why does that matter? Because “Olympia” is a not-so-subtle jab at the riot grrrl scene and Evergreen State College’s punk elitism. Love, once an ally of the movement, had grown disillusioned with what she saw as its exclusivity and self-righteousness. The song sarcastically mocks the scene’s “nonconformist” conformity, with lyrics like “We took punk rock, and we got a grade.” That’s right—before Twitter feuds, punk bands were already throwing shade in the liner notes.

4. The Cover Model Didn’t Know She Was on the Album

The striking album cover, featuring a sobbing beauty queen with mascara-streaked tears, has become one of the most iconic images of the ‘90s. The woman on the cover? Model Leilani Bishop. But here’s the kicker—she didn’t even know her photo was going to be used for Live Through This. The image was shot by renowned photographer Ellen von Unwerth, and Bishop had no clue it would become one of the defining visuals of alternative rock. Courtney Love later explained that she wanted to capture the desperate, chaotic euphoria of winning—because sometimes, victory comes at a cost.

5. There’s a Lot of Anne Sexton in This Album

Courtney Love’s lyrics are often autobiographical, but Live Through This is also steeped in literary influences—especially the poetry of Anne Sexton. Love has cited Sexton as a major inspiration, and direct references to her work appear throughout the album. The phrase “kill-me pills” in “Miss World” is lifted from Sexton’s writing about barbiturates, while the refrain in “Plump” echoes the poet’s themes of self-destruction and overconsumption. Love’s ability to blend raw emotion with highbrow literary references gave Live Through This a depth that set it apart from its grunge-era counterparts.

Live Through This is a battle cry, the sound of survival, of reinvention, of a woman refusing to be ignored. Almost three decades later, its power hasn’t faded. Every scream, every whispered lyric, every jagged guitar riff still cuts through like it did in 1994.

The album remains a milestone in alternative rock, proving that beauty and brutality can coexist in the same breath. And while the headlines around it may have been filled with tragedy and controversy, Live Through This endures not because of the chaos surrounding it, but because it’s a damn near perfect album.

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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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