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Rising Duo MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge (Thelma & James) Can’t Be “Happy Ever After You”

Eric Alper
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Rising Duo MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge (Thelma & James) Can’t Be “Happy Ever After You”

A result of the first co-write in over a decade between Nashville-based singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, the married duo release their viral duet “Happy Ever After You” today.

Affectionately dubbing their musical partnership Thelma & James, Porter and Etheridge shared an impromptu video that garnered over five million views nearly overnight while praise rolled in from fans and fellow artists like John Mayer, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile, Natasha Bedingfield, ERNEST, Ella Langley, and more, leading to the song’s official release. Showcasing the pair’s chemistry, the resonating chorus stings:

I got a hole in my heart damn near the size of Texas and I think you left it
I got a picture of you and me circa 2019
Don’t know why I kept it
I got a story I tell myself until my face is in the blue
But I got no happy ever after you

“We met songwriting, fell in love and chose to keep our careers separate as we have pretty different tastes in music,” share Porter and Etheridge. “Usually in the morning before we both leave for our separate writes we jokingly ask, ‘got any good hooks I can steal?’ and ‘happy ever after you’ was one thrown out some months back.

Luckily, we ended up just writing it together. It’s amazing what this little moment has turned into already. Sometimes it’s just right under your nose (or bed) the whole time,” concludes the pair.

The release follows a year of global success for Porter including the release of her 19-song debut album Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, co-hosting the CCMA Awards with Thomas Rhett where she was crowned Female Artist of the Year, as well as touring alongside Keith Urban and Parker McCollum.

Rising to international acclaim with a distinct country-pop shimmer, Canada-born, Nashville-based rising star MacKenzie Porter’s sound knows no borders. Making a statement with her 19-track Big Loud Records debut, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, Porter shines across the project EUPHORIA. Magazine praises as having “a song on it for everyone.” The 2022 MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year has earned global buzz for her “clear sound that instantly cuts deep” (CMT), earning nominations at the American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, CMT Awards, JUNO Awards, and has earned a whopping 28 CCMA Awards nominations, including a nod for Entertainer of the Year. Last fall, she co-hosted the CCMAs in Edmonton, Alberta, alongside Thomas Rhett.

The sparkling talent has made high-profile global appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBC q, The Morning Show, and many more. Porter broke out in 2022 with chart-dominating, six-week U.S. No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You” with duet partner Dustin Lynch, building on international success as the first female this century to have six No. 1 songs at Canadian country radio and adding to over 920 million global on-demand streams. The quadruple threat (singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist / actor) stars across both stage and screen, part of the cast of Netflix’s cult-followed sci-fi television series Travelers and a series regular in AMC’s Hell On Wheels, acting when she’s not impressing with her “mesmerizing vocals and hook-driven songs” (Billboard). Porter has toured the globe opening for Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Walker Hayes, Jordan Davis, Brad Paisley, Dallas Smith, Rascal Flatts, and recently wrapped her own Canadian headline tour.

How a Young Ridley Scott Helped Convince Tea-Loving Brits to Drink Coffee

Eric Alper
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How a Young Ridley Scott Helped Convince Tea-Loving Brits to Drink Coffee

In 1970, a BBC mini-documentary captured how the Coffee Promotion Council enlisted ad agency BBDO and a young Ridley Scott to convince tea-loving Brits to embrace coffee. Aimed at the youth, the campaign sought to change habits with bold advertising. The result was a fascinating look at how creativity can shape culture, led by one of cinema’s future visionaries.

Danny Elfman Shares How a Bad Review from Matt Groening Led to ‘The Simpsons’ Theme

Eric Alper
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Danny Elfman Shares How a Bad Review from Matt Groening Led to ‘The Simpsons’ Theme

Legendary composer Danny Elfman reveals how a scathing review from a young Matt Groening didn’t stop him from crafting the iconic theme for The Simpsons years later. Grudges? Not in Springfield.

Here’s the full interview with Danny:

9th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala to Become Telethon to Help Victims of Los Angeles Wildfires

Eric Alper
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9th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala to Become Telethon to Help Victims of Los Angeles Wildfires

The 9th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala will now transform to a 2025 fundraising telethon to help raise money for displaced families of the recent Los Angeles County wildfires.

The Gala will be held January 22, 2025, at the Grand Theater, Anaheim, CA.  A Celebrity Red Carpet will take place 7:00PM, and the Telethon’s Induction Ceremony, Live Performances, and All -Star Jams will commence 8:00PM.

Rockstars, celebrities, music executives, supercross motorcycle racing stars, and surprise guests will join forces at the Gala to help this great cause. Radio/Television Legend Eddie Trunk and entertainment personality Cathy Rankin will Host the event. Poison’s Rikki Rockett, Kill Devil Hill, former Megadeth members Chris Poland and Jeff Young, Southern California’s Alibis, and Rochester New York band Wicked will perform, along with All-Star Jams and surprise performances.

A direct live stream link to a disaster relief fund will be provided the day of the Gala, at www.facebook.com/officialmetalhalloffame. 100% of all funds raised from the livestream link will be donated to the Los Angeles County wildfire victims, to help them re-establish their lives once again. 

“The 9th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Charity Gala means more than ever, as we turn it into a fundraising/livestream event to help the victims of the of Los Angeles County wildfires,” says Pat Gesualdo, President/ CEO of the Metal Hall of Fame.

2025 METAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
DARRELL DIMEBAG ABBOTT (20th year memoriam, with surprise guests)
RIKKI ROCKETT (Poison, Inducted by SiriusXM/Hair Nation’s Tommy London)
TONY MACALPINE
DANGEROUS TOYS
LIFE OF AGONY
KNAC RADIO
ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ (Arch Enemy)
DOYLE WOLFGANG VON FRANKENSTEIN (Misfits)
CANNIBAL CORPSE
BURTON C. BELL (Fear Factory)
JEFF YOUNG (Megadeth/ Kings of Thrash)
ALL STAR JAM / SURPRISE PERFORMANCES!!

GET TICKETS HERE TO ATTEND IN PERSON:
https://bit.ly/2025AnnualMetalHallofFame

8 Things Every Artist Or Band Needs To Start Working With A Publicist

Eric Alper
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8 Things Every Artist Or Band Needs To Start Working With A Publicist

Artists, take note! Whether you’re jamming in your garage or hitting the stage, starting your PR journey is like tuning your guitar—it’s gotta be just right to make some serious noise. Want to go from playing to your cat to trending on socials? Here are the 8 backstage passes your band needs to rock the PR world.

  1. Active Social Media Presence
    Engage fans and share updates on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Keep your branding consistent across channels.
  2. Professional Website
    Serve as a central hub with a bio, music, tour dates, contact information, press materials, and links to social media and streaming platforms.
  3. Compelling Band Bio
    Write an engaging bio that tells your story, highlights achievements, and communicates what makes your band unique.
  4. High-Quality Photos
    Have a variety of professional images, including individual portraits, group shots, live performance pictures, and promotional images.
  5. Press Kit or EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
    Compile a digital folder with your bio, photos, music links, videos, press clippings, social media links, and contact information.
  6. Recent Music Releases
    Share your latest singles, EPs, or albums on streaming platforms with high-quality production. Provide downloadable links for press use.
  7. Performance Footage or Music Videos
    Include videos showcasing your live performances, official music videos, or behind-the-scenes content to capture your energy and style.
  8. Contact Information
    Make sure your email and phone number for press inquiries, booking, and collaborations are easily accessible.

There you have it! With these 8 PR essentials, you’re ready to hit the big time. Think of this as your ultimate setlist for success—because the spotlight isn’t just for stars, it’s for those who are prepared. So grab your gear, get your groove on, and let the world hear your story. If you’re still looking for help, or have any questions, or looking for more information, email me, I’ll be happy to chat – Eric@ThatEricAlper.com and talk soon!

Protected: Unforgettable Music Moments of 2024: The Year That Redefined Pop Culture

Eric Alper
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Kerry King Releases New Music Video ‘Where I Reign’ & Kicks Off the New Year With North American Headline Tour 2025

Eric Alper
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Kerry King Releases New Music Video ‘Where I Reign’ & Kicks Off the New Year With North American Headline Tour 2025

Following his recent tour with Lamb Of God and Mastodon and his first European headline tour earlier this year, Kerry King and his new band – drummer Paul Bostaph (Slayer), bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH), guitarist Phil Demmel (Machine Head), and vocalist Mark Osegueda (Death Angel) – will hit the road for the twenty-eight date “North American Headline Tour 2025.” The tour is in support of King’s debut solo album, From Hell I Rise (RPM), which, according to the UK’s Kerrang!, ”The phrase ‘metal as f*ck’ may never be better applied.”  With Municipal Waste as Special Guest and Alien Weaponry supporting, the tour is set to launch in San Francisco on January 15, 2025, and wrap at House of Blues in Las Vegas on February 22. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 4 at 10AM local time and can be purchased HERE.  The complete itinerary is below.

Also announced today is the release of King’s brand new music video for the album track, “Where I Reign.” Shot in black and white, the “Where I Reign” video was directed by Jim Louvau who also directed King’s videos for the album cuts “Residue” and “Toxic.” Said Louvau, “I wanted to capture the fury and the energy of the band in a live setting,” said Louvau, “an intensity that is matched from a visual standpoint that matches the intensity of the song and the energy that the band brings each and every night on tour, and I think we were able to do that. There are some still photos in the video that also show motion and energy, and I was really just trying to bring that energy to life in a live setting that is different from the other two videos that were done in the studio and were a little more in a controlled environment. So this video was definitely the guys’ being themselves and just showcasing what the band provides in a live setting.” Check out the “Where I Reign” music video HERE.

“Getting back on the road for the first time in five years wasn’t exactly like riding a bike, that’s for sure,” King aknowledged.  “I’ve never had that much time off, but the first tours with my new band – in the UK and Europe, and then in America with Lamb of God and Mastodon – were all total blasts. We’ll be headlining on this next tour, so we’re playing a longer set than we did with Lamb of God and Mastodon. We’ve got a little bit of a learning curve, so will start rehearsing the first week of November. And we might put an extra Slayer song into the set and learn a cover song or two.”

The complete itinerary for Kerry King’s “North American Headline Tour 2025″ itinerary is as follows:

JANUARY
15th The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, CA
17th Spokane Live Casino, Spokane, WA
18th Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
19th Roseland Theater, Portland, OR
20th Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC CANADA
22nd The Palace Theatre, Calgary, AB CANADA
23rd Midway Music Hall, Edmonton, AB CANADA
25th Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB CANADA
26th The Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN
28th The Rave, Milwaukee, WI
30th The Majestic Theater, Detroit, MI
31st House of Blues, Cleveland, OH

FEBRUARY
1st Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON CANADA
2nd L’Olympia, Montreal, QC CANADA
4th Royale, Boston, MA
5th Theatre of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA
7th Irving Plaza, New York, NY
8th Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore, MD
10th Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta, GA
11th Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
13th House of Blues, Houston, TX
14th Emo’s, Austin, TX
15th The Studio at the Factory, Dallas, TX
17th Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
18th Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque, NM
19th The Nile Theater, Phoenix, AZ
21st House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
22nd The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCartney’s Isolated Vocals For Wings’ “Junior’s Farm”

Eric Alper
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Paul McCartney’s Isolated Vocals For Wings’ “Junior’s Farm”

“Junior’s Farm” by Paul McCartney and Wings is a lively rock track released as a non-album single in 1974, reaching No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 16 in the UK. Written during a relaxed stay at a Tennessee farm, the song captures McCartney’s yearning for a simpler, carefree lifestyle after the turbulence of the Beatles’ breakup. Inspired by Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm,” McCartney described it as a playful escape anthem with whimsical lyrics and no deep meanings—just a fun, fantasy-filled getaway tune.

5 Surprising Facts About Pink Floyd’s “The Last Cut”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Pink Floyd’s “The Last Cut”

The Final Cut is the sound of Pink Floyd at a crossroads. Released in 1983, it marked the end of an era as the last band album featuring Roger Waters, who left the group two years later. It’s also the only album without founding keyboardist Richard Wright. From its anti-war concept to the tensions that nearly tore the band apart, The Final Cut is as fascinating as it is polarizing. Here are five facts you probably didn’t know about this complex masterpiece.

1. It Was Almost a Soundtrack for The Wall

The Final Cut started as a companion album to Pink Floyd’s 1982 film The Wall. Originally titled Spare Bricks, it was meant to include new recordings and unused tracks from the band’s 1979 album The Wall. However, the Falklands War inspired Roger Waters to transform it into a full-fledged anti-war concept album, reshaping its narrative and message entirely.

2. Roger Waters Took Over—Completely

Unlike previous Pink Floyd albums, Roger Waters had near-total creative control on The Final Cut. He wrote all the songs and sang lead vocals on every track except one. His dominance was so pronounced that guitarist David Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason were relegated to supporting roles, with Mason’s contributions largely limited to sound effects.

3. A Nod to Shakespeare

The album’s title, The Final Cut, isn’t just a clever reference to editing—it’s a direct nod to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The phrase “the most unkindest cut of all” perfectly encapsulates the album’s themes of betrayal, loss, and disillusionment, particularly Waters’ feelings about the Falklands War and its aftermath.

4. The Album Features Groundbreaking 3D Sound

The Final Cut was one of the first albums to use Holophonics, an advanced audio technique that creates a three-dimensional sound experience. This technology is most noticeable in tracks like “Get Your Filthy Hands Off My Desert,” where a rocket flies by and explodes, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action—especially with headphones on.

5. A Poppy-Filled Tribute

The album’s artwork, designed by Waters himself, is rich with symbolism. The cover features WWII medal ribbons and a poppy—a recurring motif that honors fallen soldiers, including Waters’ father, who died in World War II. Inside, the imagery of poppies and war-torn landscapes reinforces the album’s themes of sacrifice and loss.

Pink Floyd’s The Final Cut is a raw, emotional journey through Roger Waters’ psyche and a bold critique of war and political betrayal. From its Shakespearean references to its groundbreaking sound design, this record is a treasure trove of hidden details and untold stories. Whether you love it or find it divisive, one thing is certain: The Final Cut captures a pivotal moment in Pink Floyd’s history—and in rock music itself.

5 Surprising Facts About John Mellencamp’s “Uh-Huh”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About John Mellencamp’s “Uh-Huh”

John Mellencamp’s Uh-Huh, released in 1983, marked his transition from “John Cougar” to using his real last name, embracing his true identity in music and in life. This seventh studio album wasn’t just a chart-topper, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200; it also solidified Mellencamp’s place as a rock icon with hits like “Crumblin’ Down,” “Pink Houses,” and “Authority Song.” But behind the familiar riffs and lyrics lie some incredible stories that even die-hard fans might not know. Here are five facts about Uh-Huh that reveal just how special this album really is, for you and me.

1. A Collaborative Surprise with John Prine

Mellencamp almost always writes his own songs, but Uh-Huh featured a rare collaboration with songwriting legend John Prine on the track “Jackie O.” In a 2004 interview, Mellencamp admitted that most of the song came from Prine, giving the folk icon credit for its creation. This one-time team-up is a treasure for fans of both artists.

2. Borrowed Inspiration for “Lovin’ Mother Fo Ya”

While Mellencamp performed “Lovin’ Mother Fo Ya” live during his American Fool tour in 1982, the song’s recorded version includes a unique twist. Inspired by “Cruisin’ in the Park,” a track by Will Cary and his band, Mellencamp incorporated a verse from Cary’s song. This led to a writing-credit deal and Cary earning 15% royalties on the track.

3. A Hairdresser’s Musical Touch

Mellencamp found inspiration for “Play Guitar” from an unlikely source: his hairdresser, Dan Ross. Ross, also a singer in a local Indiana band, started the song, and Mellencamp’s guitarist Larry Crane added to its musical development. The song’s riff even carries a hint of Van Morrison’s “Gloria,” blending rock history with small-town creativity.

4. A Political Edge in “Crumblin’ Down”

“Crumblin’ Down,” the album’s lead single, wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was a direct commentary on the political climate of the Reagan era. Co-written with longtime collaborator George Green, the song tackled deregulation and its impact on the working class. Mellencamp once said he felt like he was “pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes” by packaging such a heavy message in a rock hit.

5. A Song Inspired by a Wave

The genesis of “Pink Houses” came from a simple yet profound moment. Mellencamp was driving home to Bloomington, Indiana, when he spotted an older Black man sitting outside a small pink house, holding a cat and waving at passing cars. That fleeting interaction became the seed for one of his most iconic songs, capturing the essence of the American experience.

John Mellencamp’s Uh-Huh is a reflection of an artist coming into his own, mixing personal stories, political messages, and unexpected collaborations. From the small-town inspiration behind “Pink Houses” to the political punch of “Crumblin’ Down,” these stories add even more depth to a record that’s already stood the test of time.

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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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