DelFest, the roots music and family festival founded by bluegrass and Americana icon Del McCoury, is thrilled to announce the next round of artists for the 2025 installation of the festival.
Included are the additions of the Wood Brothers, Leftover Salmon, the SteelDrivers, Gaelic Storm, Tophouse, Tim O’Brien Band, Sister Sadie, the Larry Keel Experience, Blue Highway, Matteo Mancuso, Wyatt Ellis, Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass, the Price Sisters, Megan Jean’s Secret Family, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Joe Craven Presents: Garcia-Grisman and Sweet Sally to its already packed 2025 lineup, rounding out the 2025 edition of the festival, scheduled for May 22-25. DelFest will once again return to the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland.
“With these incredible artists joining us, we’re adding to what makes DelFest so special—the music and the sense of community that comes with it,” said Ronnie McCoury. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Cumberland this Memorial Day Weekend,” added Del. “We can’t wait for you to share this experience with us!”
The newly announced artists join an already impressive lineup that features hosts Del McCoury Band & The Travelin’ McCourys, along with Sierra Ferrell, Larkin Poe, The California Honeydrops, Railroad Earth, Asleep at the Wheel, Dan Tyminski Band, Kitchen Dwellers, Darrell Scott String Band, Larry Sparks, The Steel Wheels, Mountain Grass Unit, Clay Street Unit, The Last Revel, Steve Poltz, JigJam and The Wilson Springs Hotel.
Fans have the full DelFest experience to enjoy, including live performances, late-night jams, intimate artist workshops, family-friendly activities and much more to be announced in the coming months.
While Cumberland, Maryland serves as the home of DelFest—it’s a hidden gem that embodies the heart of Appalachia. With its breathtaking mountain views, historic charm and a community that welcomes you like family, it’s the perfect setting for celebrating music and togetherness. There’s something magical about this place that continues attracting DelFest fans, many of whom come back year after year. It’s not just a destination, it’s an experience that resonates long after the last note is played.
All current ticket offerings, including multi-day passes and VIP packages, are available now. Select onsite camping options also remain available, including a guaranteed primitive camping spot, allowing fans to truly maximize their on-site DelFest experience.
Founded by bluegrass legend Del McCoury and his family in 2008, DelFest is a celebration of bluegrass, Americana and roots music that has become a must-attend event for fans and musicians alike. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains, the festival offers a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere where music and community come together
Larkin Poe – the GRAMMY Award-winning duo of Georgia-bred, Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell – are kicking off the new year with their latest single, “Easy Love Pt. 1,” available now via their own Tricki-Woo Records. An official music video premieres today on YouTube. The track heralds Larkin Poe’s upcoming new album, Bloom, arriving Friday, January 24.
“‘Easy Love Pt. 1’ is, hands down, the truest and most detailed love song I’ve ever written,” says Rebecca Lovell. “As referenced in the lyrics: there is in fact an Eiffel Tower recreation in Paris, TX. And yes, it does have a little cowboy hat on top. We can’t wait to perform this song live, the instrumental interlude creates a trippy little 70’s rock ’n’ roll moment that we can’t wait to jam out.”
Having just appeared with Ringo Starr at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, Larkin Poe will mark this week’s arrival of Bloom with an eagerly awaited late-night TV performance of “Easy Love Pt. 1” on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, set for tonight, January 22 (check local listings).
Bloom – which follows 2023’s GRAMMY Award-winning Blood Harmony – was first unveiled this fall following Larkin Poe’s “Duo/Group of the Year” triumph at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards. The album includes such recently released singles as the passionately mindful “Little Bit,” the contemplative opening track, “Mockingbird,” the lush, blues-soaked “If God Is A Woman,” and the genre-bending “Bluephoria,” all accompanied by official music videos streaming now at YouTube.
Presented by the Americana Music Association, Larkin Poe’s prestigious “Duo/Group of the Year” victory marked the latest achievement in what is proving a landmark 2024 for the dynamic sister duo, beginning earlier this year with their first career GRAMMY® Award, winning “Best Contemporary Blues Album” for 2023’s critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Blood Harmony. Bloom now sees Larkin Poe venturing further along on their evolving musical journey with a collection of songs that resonate with introspection, authenticity, and a profound connection to their roots in American music. Produced and largely co-written by Megan, Rebecca, and Tyler Bryant, the album marks a significant evolution for Larkin Poe, reflecting a synergy that extends beyond mere musical partnership. Already hailed for the sincerity of their songcraft, the Lovell sisters now place an even greater spotlight on their gift for storytelling, delving deep into personal narratives with universal themes of self-acceptance and individuality against a backdrop of contemporary blues and rock influences. With their distinctive blend of poetic lyricism, masterful instrumentation, and soulful harmonies, songs like “Little Bit” and the gritty punk-energized anthem “Pearls” affirm their willingness to confront current realities while staying true to their musical heritage. A triumphant celebration of the authentic self, Bloom fully cements Larkin Poe’s status as modern torchbearers of American roots music, inviting their ever-growing fan following to flourish and thrive alongside them.
“Bloom” is about finding oneself amidst the noise of the world,” says Rebecca, “about wholeheartedly embracing the flaws and idiosyncrasies that make us real. In one way or another, pretty much all of the songs on this album are about finding yourself, knowing yourself, and separating the truth of who you are from societal expectations.”
In addition, Larkin Poe have united with a pair of indisputable British rock legends for a series of remarkable collaborations. First, the duo are featured on Elvis Costello’s recently released King Of America & Other Realms box set, performing a new version of his “That’s Not The Part Of Him You’re Leaving.” Costello – along with T-Bone Burnett in their guise as The Coward Brothers – also invited Larkin Poe to join them for exclusive live performances on both CBS’s Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS Saturday Morning. What’s more, Larkin Poe have teamed with the one and only Ringo Starr on his just-released new album, Look Up, joining Billy Strings for a featured appearance on the new T-Bone Burnett-composition, “Rosetta.”
Long praised as one of hardest touring acts on the road today, Larkin Poe will celebrate Bloom with a very special appearance at Nashville, TN’s historic Grand Ole Opry commemorating “Opry 100” on Friday, January 24, alongside performances from The Oak Ridge Boys, and more. Saturday, January 25 will then see the duo hitting Nashville’s Grimey’s New & Preloved Music for an intimate in-store performance, album signing and “block party” featuring flash tattoos, Bloom lattes, an embroidery station, and more. From there, Larkin Poe will cross the Atlantic for a visit to London’s Rough Trade East that includes an in-store performance and album signing session as well as an additional matinee live performance, both set for Tuesday, January 28.
The epic Bloom Tour officially gets underway April 8 at St. Louis, MO’s The Hawthorn and then travels North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom through November. Highlights include headline dates at such vaunted venues as Denver, CO’s Ogden Theatre (April 11), Vancouver, BC’s Commodore Ballroom (April 19), Los Angeles, CA’s The Fonda Theatre (April 23), San Francisco, CA’s The Fillmore (April 25), Washington, DC’s 9:30 Club (May 9), New York, NY’s Irving Plaza (May 10), Minneapolis, MN’s First Avenue (May 16), and Nashville, TN’s Ryman Auditorium (May 29). Special guests for North America include Parker Milsap (April 8-27) and Amythyst Kiah (May 8-17). In addition, top-billed festival performances in 2025 include Del McCoury’s DelFest in Cumberland, MD (May 22-26), Floyd, VA’s FloydFest (July 23-27) and Las Vegas, NV’s Big Blues Bender (September 4-7). For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.larkinpoe.com/tour.
LARKIN POE – THE BLOOM TOUR 2025
JANUARY
24 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry
25 – Nashville, TN – Grimey’s New & Preloved Music (In-Store Performance,
Album Signing, “Block Party”)
28 – London, UK – Rough Trade East (Matinee – In-Store Performance Only)
28 – London, UK – Rough Trade East (Evening – In-Store Performance & Album Signing)
FEBRUARY
16 – Morgantown, VA – Mountain Stage
MARCH
21 – 26 – Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Cruise
APRIL
8 – St. Louis, MO – The Hawthorn *
10 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman *
11 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre *
2 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot *
15 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall *
17 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox *
18 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom *
19 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom *
22 – Grass Valley, CA – The Center for the Arts *
23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre *
25 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore *
26 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues *
27 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theatre *
MAY
8 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer ^
9 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club ^
10 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza ^
12 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur ^
14 – Toronto, ONT – The Concert Hall ^
16 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue ^
17 – Chicago, IL – The Vic Theatre ^
22-26 – Cumberland, MD – DelFest †
29 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
30 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
JUNE
1 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
JULY
23-27 – Floyd, VA – FloydFest †
SEPTEMBER
4-7 – Las Vegas, NV – Big Blues Bender †
OCTOBER
17 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
18 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy
19 – Bristol, UK – Bristol Beacon
21 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
22 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
24 – Paris, France – Salle Pleyel
25 – Tilburg, Netherlands – 013 Poppodium
26 – Cologne, Germany – E-Werk
28 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
29 – Stockholm, Sweden – Circus
30 – Frederiksberg, Denmark – Falkoner Center
NOVEMBER
1 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom
2 – Warsaw, Poland – Klub Stodola
4 – Vienna, Austria – Gasometer
5 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle
8 – Geneva, Switzerland – Salle De L’Alhambra
9 – Nimes, France – La Paloma
12 – Lisbon, Portugal – Coliseu Dos Recreios
14 – Madrid, Spain – Sala Riviera
15 – Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz 1
16 – Bordeaux, France – Le Rocher de Palmer
18 – Clermont-Ferrand, France – Le Cooperative de Mai
19 – La Rochelle, France – La Sirene
21 – Antwerp, Belgium – De Roma
* w/ Special Guest Parker Millsap
^ w/ Special Guest Amythyst Kiah
† Festival Appearance
Burl and Packard of Burl’s Art have crafted something extraordinary—electric guitars faced with translucent stone. With their glowing appearance, these instruments are a true blend of art and innovation.
Who needs guitars and drums when pots, pans, and squeaky toys can create magic? Les Fo’Plafonds prove that music is everywhere with their unforgettable cover of Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.”
Parlophone Records is thrilled to announce a 40th Anniversary Edition of GRAMMY Award-winning artist Tina Turner’s iconic breakthrough album, Private Dancer. Set to release on March 21, 2025, this special anniversary edition offers a stunning array of previously unreleased tracks, live performances, and footage, honoring the legacy of an artist whose music transformed the world. Private Dancer (40th Anniversary Edition) will be available as a 5CD/Blu-ray, 2CD, a 1LP Pearl vinyl, and a 1LP picture disc. Pre-order HERE.
The centerpiece of this release is the 5CD/Blu-ray set, which includes the newly upgraded 55-minute Private Dancer Tour show filmed at the NEC in Birmingham between two historic nights, March 23 and 24, 1985. Directed by David Mallet and featuring unforgettable performances with David Bowie and Bryan Adams, this landmark concert has been meticulously restored by Mallet, offering a front-row experience of Turner at her electrifying best. Alongside the live performance, the set includes five upgraded music videos, with the “Private Dancer” fully restored to HD from its original 35mm film.
Today unveils a surprise treasure from Turner’s vaults: the previously unheard track “Hot For You Baby.” Written by Australian musicians George Young and Harry Vanda and produced by John Carter, the track was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood and was originally intended to be an album track. It was thought to be lost to time, but this thrilling discovery introduces a fresh chapter in the Private Dancer story.
Additional formats include a 2CDedition, a striking 1LPpicture disc featuring the official UK/EU cover on one side and the US cover on the other, and a limited-edition 1LP pearl vinyl with a 12×12 art card of the US album artwork. Jason Draper has written the liner notes for the 5CD/BR set with insights from Paul Cox, Holly Knight, Arlene Phillips and Martyn Ware.
Released in May 1984, Private Dancer marked Turner’s triumphant comeback, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Dubbed by American Songwriter as “one of the most charismatic comebacks of modern rock” and AllMusic as “without question,… Turner’s finest hour as a solo artist.” The 5x platinum record peaked at [#2 on the UK Albums Chart] #3 and #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Turner would later bring home four GRAMMY Award wins for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for “Better Be Good To Me” and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for the top Billboard Hot 100 track, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”
Tina Turner – Private Dancer (40th Anniversary Edition) 5CD+Blu-ray tracklisting
CD1 – Private Dancer (2015 Remaster)
1. I Might Have Been Queen
2. What’s Love Got To Do With It
3. Show Some Respect
4. I Can’t Stand The Rain
5. Private Dancer
6. Let’s Stay Together
7. Better Be Good To Me
8. Steel Claw
9. Help
10. 1984
CD2 – B-Sides, Single Edits And Extended Versions
B-sides:
1. I Wrote A Letter
2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Widow
3. Don’t Rush the Good Things
4. When I Was Young
5. Keep Your Hands Off My Baby Single edits:
6. Let’s Stay Together
7. Help
8. Better Be Good To Me
9. Private Dancer Extended versions:
10. What’s Love Got to Do With It
11. Better Be Good To Me
12. I Can’t Stand the Rain
13. Show Some Respect
CD3 – Previously Unreleased & Rare Tracks Plus Other Singles
Previously unreleased & Rare Tracks:
1. Hot For You Baby*
2. Let’s Stay Together (Alternative Radio Mix, 1983)
3. Let’s Stay Together (TV Instrumental)*
4. What’s Love Got to Do With It (Dub Mix)*
5. Private Dancer (Sterling Version)
6. Total Control Non-Album singles:
7. Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today) (with B.E.F.) – Remix
8. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)
9. One of the Living (Single Remix)
10. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Extended Mix)
11. One of the Living (Special Club Mix)
12. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Instrumental Version)
13. One of the Living (Dub version)
CD4 – World Tour ’84 – Live At Park West, Chicago – August 2nd 1984*
1. Let’s Pretend We’re Married
2. Show Some Respect
3. I Might Have Been Queen
4. River Deep, Mountain High
5. Nutbush City Limits
6. What’s Love Got to Do With It
7. I Can’t Stand the Rain
8. Better Be Good to Me
9. Private Dancer
10. Let’s Stay Together
11. Help
12. Proud Mary
13. Legs
CD5 – Private Dancer Tour – Live From Nec, Birmingham 1984
1. Show Some Respect
2. I Might Have Been Queen
3. What’s Love Got To Do With It
4. I Can’t Stand The Rain
5. Better Be Good To Me
6. Private Dancer
7. Let’s Stay Together
8. Help
9. It’s Only Love (Feat. Bryan Adams)
10. Tonight (Feat. David Bowie)
11. Let’s Dance – Version I (Feat. David Bowie)
12. Let’s Dance – Version II (Feat. David Bowie)
Blu-ray – Promo videos
1. Let’s Stay Together
2. What’s Love Got to Do With It (Colour version)
3. What’s Love Got to Do With It (B/W version)
4. Better Be Good to Me
5. Private Dancer (Full-length version) (Restored from original 35mm film)
6. Private Dancer (Restored from original 35mm film)
7. Show Some Respect
alk Talk’s Very Best Of is to be reissued as a newly re-ordered and now career-spanning compilation. Changes to the original 1997 release puts Talk Talk’s greatest hits in chronological order and with a new inclusion from the band’s final album, Laughing Stock. The reissue will be available on black gatefold 2LP and CD on 14th March.
Talk Talk formed in 1981 by Mark Hollis, Lee Harris and Paul Webb. Starting as a synth-pop group, their first two albums The Party’s Over and It’s My Life reached the top 40 in the UK charts and produced global hits Talk Talk, Today, It’s My Life and Such a Shame. In 1986, they released The Colour of Spring which was followed by Spirit of Eden, the album that shifted their sound towards experimental post-rock. In 1991, Talk Talk released their last album Laughing Stock.
The band’s long-lasting legacy has manifested in many ways. Credited with inventing post-rock, cited as influences to an array of artists such as Kate Bush, Tears for Fears and Radiohead with others covering a host of Talk Talk repertoire, namely No Doubt’s hit cover of It’s My Life.
Tracklisting:
LP1
Side A:
1) Talk Talk
2) Today (Single Version)
3) Have You Heard The News?
4) It’s My Life
5) Such A Shame (Original Version)
Side B:
1) Dum Dum Girl
2) Life’s What You Make It
3) Living In Another World
4) Give It Up
LP2
Side A:
1) April 5th
2) Time It’s Time
3) I Believe In You (Single Version)
Side B:
1) Eden (Edit)
2) Wealth
3) New Grass
CD
Talk Talk
Today (Single Version)
Have You Heard The News?
It’s My Life
Such A Shame (Original Version)
Dum Dum Girl
Life’s What You Make It
Living In Another World
Give It Up
April 5th
Time It’s Time
I Believe In You (Single Version)
Eden (Edit)
Wealth
New Grass
Spotify’s EQUAL Canada brand was created to amplify fearless, captivating, and driven female musicians who are reshaping the music landscape—and few embody that mission better than Saya Gray. As the January ambassador for Spotify’s EQUAL Canada playlist, Saya Gray represents a new era of artistry. Her sound defies genre, her lyrics hit with emotional resonance, and her presence as a Japanese-Scottish artist raised in Toronto brings a unique cultural perspective to her music.
With tracks like “SHELL (OF A MAN)” and “AA BOUQUET FOR YOUR 180 FACE,” Saya has established herself as an artist to watch. Her upcoming debut solo album SAYA, set to release next month, promises to catapult her even further into global recognition. The Spotify EQUAL playlist celebrates groundbreaking artists like Saya, and it’s the perfect stage to showcase her intimate and vibrant soundscapes.
Saya Gray’s music feels like it belongs everywhere at once. It’s a stunning fusion of folk, rock, pop, and influences you can’t quite place—intentionally so. From her arresting debut single, “SHALLOW (PPL SWIM IN SHALLOW WATER),” to her poetic track “IF THERE’S NO SEAT IN THE SKY (WILL YOU FORGIVE ME???)”, her work resonates with raw emotion and creative depth. This is the kind of artist who doesn’t just push boundaries; she turns them into entirely new landscapes.
Spotify’s EQUAL Canada playlist is live now, featuring Saya Gray and other incredible female voices making waves in the industry. Whether you’re looking to dive into Saya’s soul-stirring catalog or discover your next favorite artist, this is a celebration of talent you don’t want to miss. Saya Gray is proof that bold, authentic self-expression is the future of music—and we’re all just here to listen.
“I’m a very lucky man to be alive,” says THE ALARM’s lead singer Mike Peters, reflecting on his past 30 years living with cancer. Never one to let mortality stare him down, the resilient fighter is not only currently in the fight of his life (his leukemia had transformed into a deadly and extremely rare combination of leukemia and lymphoma known as “Richter’s Syndrome”), but he also wrote and recorded a new album TRANSFORMATION (Summer 2025 via Twenty First Century Recordings / Virgin Music Group), an extraordinary record made under extraordinary circumstances.
First single “Chimera” (pronounced kahy-meer-uh) is released today, January 23, 2025 as a symbolic rebirth for Mike as it is also the exact day that he receives a revolutionary new and hopefully lifesaving transplant known as CAR-T Therapy. Symbolically embracing the Greek mythos of a chimera that embodies multiple creatures’ characteristics, the CAR-T process involves harvesting and re-engineering his own harvested blood lymphocytes and re-introducing them into his system with hopes that it will destroy the Richter’s syndrome cancer cells.
“When I have CAR-T therapy I will literally become chimeric,” states Mike. “There will be two types of blood flowing inside of me. Two individual types of DNA in fact, and I’ve not been able to stop thinking about this ever since the process was explained to me by the doctors. The idea of an alter ego named CAR-T kept entering my thoughts while I was writing lyrics and singing on the microphone, and eventually this new persona forced its way onto the record.”
“The accompanying video for “Chimera” visually represents this duality with the doubling images of Mike. “I worked on the film concept with my cameraman Andy Labrow and also Alex Colettti of MTV Unplugged fame,” he explains about the startling imagery. “I wanted it to reflect the duality of the situation I find myself plunged into. There are two of me existing side by side, externally albeit with separate DNA markers. I really don’t know which side of me will come out on top post transplant but I do somehow hope to get to a new life because of it. Two DNA and Car-T gives me a fighting chance.”
“It’s amazing what a costume change can do to bring out your real personality,” he laughs. “Hopefully people will be able to see more of the real Mike Peters when they get to experience Transformation in full.”
In between chemotherapy sessions for this latest fight during the eight-month period of ‘extreme living’, Mike Peters wrote and recorded the 15 brand new Alarm songs that became the catalyst for Transformation, capturing the emotional and mental challenges of trying to stay alive as a human being, a father and a husband whilst being plunged into the abyss of uncertainty and having to prepare to face new life therapy or certain death.” Anthemic with soaring choruses and melodies that carry his trademarked message of love, hope and strength while facing adversity, it’s his resiliency that shines through.
“I’m glad I have been gifted enough life to finish the new record,” he says. “Nothing was planned up front and It’s all been touch and go not knowing how far I could take things in between all the chemo sessions.”
Produced by longtime Alarm collaborator George Williams, Transformation began as a simple musical exchange between father and son, with Mike’s youngest – Evan ap Michael (aged 17), backing him on drums while some of the initial song ideas took place at Rock Hard Studios in Blackpool, UK. At first only intended to lay down a future marker for post-transplant recording, Mike’s extreme living mindset soon gave way to further music creations that demanded recording and capturing while emotions were running high.
Described by Bono of U2 as “the second greatest rock and roll band in the world,” Mike Peters has been the driving force behind The Alarm for over forty creative years of new music making and dedication to presenting the band’s classic songs in ways both imaginative and inventive.
“Chimera” is released today, January 23, 2025. It is taken from the album Transformation (Twenty First Century Recordings/Virgin Music Group) which features a core of fifteen brand new Mike Peters compositions spread across all the media formats including Vinyl, CD, Digital and Dolby Atmos and will be released officially in the summer of 2025.
In between chemotherapy sessions for this latest fight during the eight-month period of ‘extreme living’, Mike Peters wrote and recorded the 15 brand new Alarm songs that became the catalyst for Transformation, capturing the emotional and mental challenges of trying to stay alive as a human being, a father and a husband whilst being plunged into the abyss of uncertainty and having to prepare to face new life therapy or certain death.” Anthemic with soaring choruses and melodies that carry his trademarked message of love, hope and strength while facing adversity, it’s his resiliency that shines through.
“I’m glad I have been gifted enough life to finish the new record,” he says. “Nothing was planned up front and It’s all been touch and go not knowing how far I could take things in between all the chemo sessions.”
Produced by longtime Alarm collaborator George Williams, Transformation began as a simple musical exchange between father and son, with Mike’s youngest – Evan ap Michael (aged 17), backing him on drums while some of the initial song ideas took place at Rock Hard Studios in Blackpool, UK. At first only intended to lay down a future marker for post-transplant recording, Mike’s extreme living mindset soon gave way to further music creations that demanded recording and capturing while emotions were running high.
Described by Bono of U2 as “the second greatest rock and roll band in the world,” Mike Peters has been the driving force behind The Alarm for over forty creative years of new music making and dedication to presenting the band’s classic songs in ways both imaginative and inventive.
“Chimera” is released today, January 23, 2025. It is taken from the album Transformation (Twenty First Century Recordings/Virgin Music Group) which features a core of fifteen brand new Mike Peters compositions spread across all the media formats including Vinyl, CD, Digital and Dolby Atmos and will be released officially in the summer of 2025.
Today, SiriusXM announced the launch of The 615 Studio Sessions, a new series airing on SiriusXM’s The Highway that features live performances and Q&As from today’s trending country artists, beginning with an exclusive interview with global superstar Kane Brown.
SiriusXM and Pandora’s The 615 Studio Sessions Presented By Wayfair will give fans and SiriusXM subscribers a true VIP experience, including the chance to attend live intimate performances and interviews from country music’s breakout stars at SiriusXM’s Nashville Skyline Studio, the company’s new state-of-the-art broadcast center and performance space. Wayfair will elevate the fan experience by outfitting the studio with the latest furniture trends and creating memorable moments, including artist meet-and-greets, exclusive giveaways, photo opportunities, and more.
To kick off the first event in the series, Kane Brown sat down with The Highway host Cody Alan for an exclusive Q&A, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process and the inspiration for his new album. SiriusXM subscribers who attended the event were able to get a sneak peek and first listen to Kane Brown’s upcoming album The High Road which is scheduled to be released on January 24.
The 615 Studio Session with Kane Brown will air on SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56) on Friday, January 24 at 8:00 pm ET and will be available on-demand in the SiriusXM app. That day, Pandora will also run a Kane Brown Takeover on The 615 and Today’s Country.
SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners should be on the lookout for exclusive invites and opportunities to attend The 615 Studio Sessions throughout 2025.
Hot Docs proudly announces the recipients of its latest funding initiative: seven Canadian music documentary projects will receive a total of CAD 170,000 from the esteemed Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund. Launched in May 2020 as Canada’s first dedicated music documentary fund, this initiative supports filmmakers dedicated to crafting compelling, high-quality narratives that celebrate music in all its forms. The Fund highlights the transformative power of Canadian music on the global stage while also embracing international stories told through the unique perspective of Canadian filmmakers. To date, the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund has supported 19 projects with a combined investment of CAD 510,000.
“We are thrilled to support this incredible group of filmmakers who bring bold, imaginative storytelling to the world of music documentaries,” said María José Arauz, Hot Docs’ Industry Programs Manager. “These projects illuminate the transformative power of music to inspire, connect and challenge us while showcasing the unique voices and perspectives of Canadian creators on both local and global stages.”
“Once again, the quality of the submissions to the Slaight Fund this year were staggeringly good, making the selection process a real challenge. It’s incredible to see so many talented filmmakers working on projects that fit our mandate—reviewing these applications with the rest of the committee was an absolute pleasure, and I can’t wait to see the completed films on screen,” shared Barnaby Marshall of The Slaight Family Foundation.
Eligible projects were considered by the selection committee, which included Barnaby Marshall (Slaight Music), Christina Piovesan (Producer, First Generation Media), Elizabeth Radshaw and María José Arauz (Hot Docs).
Development Funds
SALOME BEY: FIRST LADY OF THE BLUES
D: Simone Maurice
P: Simone Maurice
Production company: Enomistar Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario
Discover the extraordinary life of Salome Bey, from her musical roots in New Jersey to a transformative legacy within Canada’s cultural landscape. This charismatic icon’s artistry illuminates the screen, revealing the inspiring cultural gems of a soon-to-be lost generation.
LEE AARON: TEST YOUR METAL
D: Scott Dobson
P: Charlotte Engel, Scott Dobson
Production company: Rock Yenta Productions
Province: British Columbia
Lee Aaron, a small-town girl with a big voice, became Canada’s pre-eminent and loudest female rocker while battling the sexism and misogyny of the music video age. So she pushed back hard and found her own way to rock.
SOME PEOPLE OUT THERE STILL LIKE ME: BERNIE FINKELSTEIN AND THE TRUE NORTH STORY
D: Joel Goldberg, Liam Romalis, Jason Charters
P: Joel Goldberg, Liam Romalis, Jason Charters
Production company: Riddle Films
Province: Ontario
From 1960s Yorkville to more than 600 albums and a thriving Canadian music scene, Some People Out There Still Like Me recounts the history of True North, one of Canada’s most iconic record labels, and its larger-than-life founder, Bernie Finkelstein.
Production Funds
humanNATURE
D: Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier
P: Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, Tyler Levine
Production company: Human-Nature Productions Inc.
Province: Ontario humanNATURE is a feature documentary that follows virtuoso guitarist and composer Donna Grantis as she makes a genrebusting album of songs in collaboration with nature, environmental thought leaders and other celebrated musicians
LAUDA, I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK
D: Lian Morrison, Wanda Nolan
P: Annette Clarke
Production company: Ruby Line Productions Inc.
Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
Inside a church basement in one of the oldest working-class neighbourhoods in downtown St. John’s, a neurodivergent-led ensemble makes beautiful music. Lauda, I like the way you think invites us inside this Shallaway Youth Choir’s creative process.
THE BLIND COUPLE FROM MALI
D: Ryan Marley
P: Katie Lafferty
Production company: Makers
Province: Ontario The Blind Couple from Mali is a feature documentary that captures the extraordinary journey of blind African duo Amadou & Mariam as they record a new studio album, reconnecting with their roots and redefining their legendary sound.
LHASA
D: Sophie Leblond
P: Audrey-Ann Dupuis-Pierre
Production company: Metafilms inc.
Province: Quebec
A feature documentary on the work, life, and artistic vision of Lhasa de Sela, the internationally celebrated singer-songwriter who died too young at the age of 37 and left behind three remarkable albums.
