Miranda Lambert Joins "American Idol" for “Kerosene” Performance & Top 10 Mentorship

Ahead of performing on this week’s Academy of Country Music Awards, where she holds the title of winningest artist in ACM history, country music superstar Miranda Lambert lit up the “American Idol” stage during tonight’s Top 10 episode. In addition to serving as a guest mentor, Lambert delivered a fiery performance in celebration of the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough hit “Kerosene.” Watch Below.
 
Lambert brought her signature authenticity and sharp musical instincts to “Idol” rehearsals this week, offering guidance and encouragement to each of the 10 remaining hopefuls. Her appearance gave viewers a firsthand look echoing her latest endeavor as co-founder of Big Loud Texas, a label imprint aimed at supporting and developing rising talent. With her passion for nurturing artists on full display, Lambert’s mentorship marked a powerful moment in this season’s competition.
 
As she performed her iconic single “Kerosene,” Lambert also celebrated a personal milestone – the 20th anniversary of that breakthrough album, now available on vinyl for the first time ever. The high-octane performance reminded audiences why she remains celebrated by NPR as the “backbone of contemporary country music” two decades into her storied career.
 
That record kicked off a run of 10 consecutive Top 10 albums, with the latest, Postcards from Texas (featuring current single “Run”), available everywhere now. The three-time GRAMMY Award-winner next performs on this week’s ACM Awards, airing live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 8. Lambert is also set to join Morgan Wallen for several stadium dates of the upcoming I’m The Problem Tour, while headlining sets at festivals and one-off dates this summer including Country Stampede, Lakefront Music Fest, Field & Stream Music Fest and more.

About Miranda Lambert
Critically acclaimed groundbreaker/songwriter/superstar Miranda Lambert has defined her multi-faceted career as an artist, entertainer, entrepreneur, advocate and businesswoman with an unflinching quest for excellence, honesty and conviction. Her 10th solo studio album, Postcards from Texas, available everywhere now via Republic Records, continued her unbroken streak of 10 consecutive Top 10s on the Top Country Albums chart. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, including their top honor for Entertainer of the Year, she has also won three GRAMMYs and 14 Country Music Association Awards. A TIME100 honoree and perennial best-of-the-year list maker at the New York TimesTIMERolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum, People and more, NPR has called her “the most riveting country star of her generation.”
 
A multi-dimensional superstar, she’s earned seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 80 prestigious awards and countless RIAA certifications; conquered Las Vegas with her twice-extended Velvet Rodeo residency; blurred genres with Leon Bridges, the B-52s, Loretta Lynn, Enrique Iglesias, Sheryl Crow and Elle King; and delivered her LGBTQ+ inclusive anthem Y’all Means All” for Netflix’s “Queer Eye.” She’s taken those standards to become a New York Times bestselling author and the first female restaurateur on Lower Broadway with her Tex-Mex cantina Casa Rosa, while also expanding her creative reach with her Wanda June Home collection exclusive to Walmart and her Idyllwind clothing and boot line at Boot Barn. Her passion for rescue animals inspired the creation of her MuttNation Foundation, which has raised over $10 million since inception to promote adoption, support shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.
 
MirandaLambert.com | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Maddox Batson’s FIRST DANCE Extends with Deluxe, THE AFTER PARTY, Out Now

Maddox Batson’s 10-song First Dance (The After Party) is officially available and includes three new songs: “I Need A Truck,” “Somewhere South” and “2 Feet.” Listen HERE via Prosper Entertainment / Warner Records.
 
“Last week at Stagecoach, Jelly Roll gave me some great advice. He said, ‘the next time you walk on stage, just walk slow and take it all in,’” shares the 15-year-old burgeoning country singer/songwriter/performer. “It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m so grateful to all the fans who take the time to listen to these songs, learn all the words and share them. Hearing you sing them back when they aren’t even out yet is beyond incredible, and I promise you, I am taking it all in with y’all!”
 
The deluxe EP follows Batson’s announcement of the I Need A Truck Tour, which kicks off on September 7 in Richmond, Virginia and features 29 dates across the United States.
 
“This tour is going to be so sick,” Batson continues. “We’re already dreaming up production design and ways to make it really special. Can’t wait to see you all again!” 
 
The music video for “I Need A Truck” was filmed earlier this year in California and is set for release today at 3 pm ET, directed by Jake The Shooter. It’s the latest release and written by Batson with Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps and David Garcia, who also produced the track, that is already a fan-favorite. 
 
The Alabama raised, Nashville born teen blends country and pop with heartfelt vocals, which is why Forbes declared that “it’s not only his lyrics and relatable subject matter that’s captured the hearts of young fans, it’s his engaging, high-energy personality that shines through every live performance, music video, and interaction with everyone he meets.” 
 
After making his Grand Ole Opry debut in March and appearing at Stagecoach Music Festival in April, Batson will join Lainey Wilson's Whirlwind Tour for select dates in September and October including Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. 

Dates and venues for Maddox Batson’s I Need A Truck Tour:
September 7 – Richmond, Virginia @ The National 
September 14 – Oxford, MS @ The Lyric
September 17 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
September 19 – Jacksonville, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
September 20 – LaGrange, GA @ Sweetland Amphitheater
September 21 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
September 23 – Columbia, SC @ The Senate
September 24 – Greenville, NC @ State Theatre
September 26 – Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall
September 27 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
September 28 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
September 30 – Lexington, KY @ Manchester Music Hall
October 1 – Knoxville, TN @ The Mill & Mine
October 4 – Fayetteville, AR @ JJ's Live
October 5 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theater
October 7 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
October 9 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
October 10 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly's
October 12 – Omaha, NE @ SteelHouse
October 14 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Elevation
October 21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
October 22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl
October 24 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
October 25 – Wallingford, CT @ The Dome at Oakdale
October 26 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
October 28 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
October 29 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
November 1 – Brandon, MS @ City Hall Live
November 2 – Birmingham, AL @ Avondale Brewing Company
 
Previously Announced 2025 Shows:
May 18 || New York, NY || Irving Plaza (rescheduled)*      
June 28 || Fairfield, CA || Vineyard Jam 2025
July 20 || Valparaiso, IN || Porter County Fair
Aug 10 || West Chester Township, OH || Voices of America Country Music Fest
Sept 11 || Baton Rouge, LA || Raising Cane’s River Center^
Sept 12 || Baton Rouge, LA || Raising Cane’s River Center^
Sept 13 || Bossier City, LA || Brookshire Grocery Arena^
Oct 2 || Nashville, TN || Bridgestone Arena^
Oct 16 || St. Louis, MO || Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre^
Oct 17 || Rosemont, IL || Allstate Arena^
Oct 18 || Saint Paul, MN || Xcel Energy Center^
*SOLD OUT

About Maddox Batson:
Maddox Batson navigates the world with wisdom and wit far beyond his 15 years. After the Nashville-born, Alabama-based songwriter began gaining notoriety covering songs from Zach Bryan, Red Clay Strays, and more, he started to write his own songs. Thanks to early singles like “Tears In The River” and “I Wanna Know,” Batson quickly showed that he wasn’t only a star at covering country hits, but an excellent writer of his own home-cooked cuts – a practice he saw first-hand as a co-writer on Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s smash hit collaboration, “Tough.”
 
With the arrival of his latest singles, “Girl In Green” and “I Need A Truck” off his May 2 deluxe EP and his EP  First Dance (The After Party), Batson is ready to show the world what he can create, all while embarking on sold-out live shows across the country and making debut appearances at Stagecoach and the Grand Ole Opry. Life is moving fast for the multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar & mandolin), who has fully embraced his next- up status in country-pop music. More at MaddoxBatson.com

"Savage New Times" by INCITE

Phoenix-based groovers and thrashers INCITE present their most ferocious incarnation in the forthcoming full length, Savage New Times set for release on August 15, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. A powerhouse of modern thrash metal, Savage New Times encapsulates the pure nature of INCITE instilled with their unyielding drive and years of dedication to honing their sound. 

Ever since the beginning, INCITE have been fiercely devoted to crafting their distinctive sound, and making their mark. Since 2009's debut, The Slaughter, each subsequent release demonstrated the band's unceasing efforts as each offering sought to push their own personal creative boundaries ever further. Beyond the studio walls, the live stage is at the heart of INCITE. Ruthless touring schedules have seen the band sharing stages with the likes of DEVILDRIVER and SIX FEET UNDER, and attaining sets before crowds at festivals such as Bloodstock and Heaven and Hell. Their journey has taken INCITE tread across continents - far reaches around the globe from audiences in Russia and Australia, to festivals in South America. 

The band's line-up is a testament to their success. Band founder and frontman Richie Cavalera, as the stepson of metal legend Max Cavalera, brought not just a legendary name, but a fresh, raw edge to his vocals that quickly became key to the band's signature sound. Members Lennon Lopez on drums and EL on bass have been instrumental in shaping the band's rhythmic backbone for over a decade. Now, in this next chapter, new guitarist Layne Richardson brings a dynamic and fresh input to both the creative process and live stage. 

A formidable sonic force in the thrash metal scene, INCITE's fierce and unforgiving music not only continues to prevail but is elevated through their growth. INCITE will stop at nothing in striving to attain their most powerful version of themselves, and in Savage New Times they present a truly impressive and visceral sound. From the monumental pace of the album's aggressive opener "Lies" and the intense energizing rhythms of "Just a Rat" to the brutal groove driven "No Mercy No Forgiveness" and dark bloodthirsty title track, Savage New Times is a captivating display of power.

About INCITE:
Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004 by frontman Richie Cavalera, INCITE blends groove and thrash metal with a raw, relentless edge. With Lennon Lopez on drums and EL on bass, the band has honed its unyielding sound across multiple albums, evolving with each release. Their punishing intensity is amplified by producer Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, HATEBREED and mixer Arthur Rizk (SOULFLY, MUNICIPAL WASTE), while striking artwork by Marcelo Vasco (SLAYER, KERRY KING) captures their ferocity. Known for their relentless touring, Incite has conquered stages worldwide, sharing bills with DEVILDRIVER and SIX FEET UNDER, and proving their grit—like driving 500 miles through a blizzard to make a show. The addition of guitarist Layne Richardson has injected fresh energy, elevating both their live performances and songwriting. With sheer determination and raw talent, Incite has carved out a place in modern thrash, dominating every stage with their unbreakable, unforgiving sound.

INCITE is: 
Vocals - Richie Cavalera
Guitar - Layne Richardson 
Bass - EL
Drums - Lennon Lopez

Credits:
Recorded with producer Steve Evetts at Bell House Studios
Mixed by Arthur Rizk 
Artwork by Marcelo Vasco 

LEGENDARY ROCKERS TESLA RETURNING TO HOUSE OF BLUES LAS VEGAS OCTOBER 17 – 25, 2025 ​  

Tickets for TESLA: The Las Vegas Residency go on sale Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. PT

 

Legendary rockers TESLA are returning to House of Blues Las Vegas inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino later this year. Performances of TESLA: The Las Vegas Residency will take place on October 17, 18, 22, 24 and 25, 2025, and are scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m.

 

During this exclusive five-day run of shows, TESLA will touch all sides of their unique discography including the heavier edge of electric songs like “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Hang Tough” and “Edison’s Medicine,” as well as their acoustic driven songs such as “Signs” and “Love Song” (two Top 10 Billboard charting hits). Die-hard fans from all over the world are headed to Las Vegas to witness TESLA, America’s blue collar rock band, during this special limited-time engagement. And TESLA is ready to rock and show fans an unforgettable time.

 

Tickets for TESLA: The Las Vegas Residency at House of Blues Las Vegas go on sale to the public starting Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are available by visiting HouseofBlues.com/LasVegas, MandalayBay.com, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 702-632-7600.

 

Fan pre-sale tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, May 7 at 10 a.m. PT. Citi is the official card of Tesla at House of Blues Las Vegas. Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 6 at 10 a.m. PT through Thursday, May 8 at 10 p.m. PT through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

 

House of Blues, Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will receive access to a pre-sale starting Thursday, May 8 at 10 a.m. PT. All pre-sales will end Thursday, May 8 at 10 p.m. PT.

About TESLA

That they are still roaring and soaring should be no surprise. That’s just how they are built. TESLA may have been born in the mid-80s, but their bluesy, soulful sound is strongly embedded in the roots of organic, authentic, 1970s rock and roll. The same roots that produced bands like Bad Company, Grand Funk Railroad, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith.

 

The ground started shaking in Sacramento, CA, in 1984; gold country that would soon be producing some platinum. They started out as City Kidd, until a suggested name change to TESLA, honoring the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla who pioneered all things electrical. Their 1986 platinum debut album, Mechanical Resonance, included Top 40 hits “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi.” 1989’s double-platinum The Great Radio Controversy included hits “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)” and “Love Song”. Suddenly, TESLA, who had been touring with bands such as Def Leppard and David Lee Roth, earned headlining status. In 1990, TESLA helped reshape the face of modern rock music by stripping down to the Five Man Acoustical Jam, an informal collection of their biggest hits peppered with rock and roll classics by the Beatles, Stones, and others. This album produced their biggest hit single to date, a cover of Five Man Electrical Band’s “Signs.” Other 90s albums from Tesla include platinum selling Psychotic Supper and Bust a Nut.  The band continues to record and release new material including 9 new albums since 2000. Most recently, they debuted the single “All About Love,” featured on their All About Love EP—now available as a special edition collector's 12" vinyl. They also celebrated two highly successful Record Store Day events since their last residency, with both volumes of their limited-edition double LPs, Real 2 Reel Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, completely selling out. Both are cover song studio albums that pay homage to classic rock tunes from the late 1960s and early 1970s. TESLA brings their unique touch to these iconic tracks, recorded using analog tape and vintage equipment, with a dedication to preserving the raw, authentic sound of the era. The albums showcase the band's exceptional talent, captured in a live in studio setting, without the use of pro tools or an automated mixing console.

 

TESLA’s legacy is alive and well as they continue to record and sellout venues all over the world. As comfortable, rugged, and dependable as your favorite pair of boots, they endure. TESLA is a celebration of the greatest spirits of rock and roll.

 

About House of Blues

Founded in 1992, the 11 House of Blues are located throughout the United States and form the country’s pre-eminent group of intimate music venues. Each features state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom designed environments aimed to bring fans as close as possible to the artists. Every location’s restaurant and bar is adorned with signature original folk-art – part of the world’s largest collection – combined with the House of Blues legendary hospitality and tantalizing cuisine.

 

Tickets for the "Keepin' It Real" Tour 2025 are available for purchase at

https://teslatheband.com/tour/

Tesla Tour Dates 2025

 

Jun 1 @ Indian Ranch in Webster, MA

Jun 4 @ Waterville Opera House in Waterville, ME SOLD OUT

Jun 6 @ Hampton Beach Casino in Hampton, NH SOLD OUT

Jun 7 @ @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH SOLD OUT

Jun 19 @ Summerfest 2025 in Milwaukee, WI

Jun 20 @ Silver Creek Event Center in New Buffalo, MI

Jun 22 @ Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in Decatur, IL

Jun 27 @ Talking Stick resort in Scottsdale, AZ

Jun 28 @ Route 66 Casino / Legends Theater in Albuquerque, NM

Jul 2 @ Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA

Jul 4 @ Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ

Jul 12 @ Northern Lights Casino, Walker, MN

Jul 18 @ California State Fair in Sacramento, CA

Aug 1 @ Stir Concert Cove-Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel in Council Bluffs, IA

Aug 2 @ Mission Ballroom in Denver, CO

Aug 4 @ Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, SD

Aug 28 @ Duquoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, IL

Aug 30 @ Prairie Knights Casino & Resort in Fort Yates, ND

Oct 17  @ House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV

Oct 18   @ House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV

Oct 22   @ House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV

Oct 24   @ House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV

Oct 25   @ House of Blues in Las Vegas, NV

Nov 7 @ The Sands 2025 in Playa Del Carmen in Cancun, MX

 

TESLA:
Vocals: Jeff Keith
Guitar: Frank Hannon
Bass: Brian Wheat
Guitar: Dave Rude
Drums: Steve Brown

 

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Spotify

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

HORRENDA Releases Single "Nun's Tears" Ahead Of Think On Your Sins Release Next Week

Irish blackened extreme metal force HORRENDA has released their searing new single "Nun’s Tears", the final harbinger of chaos before the arrival of their anticipated full-length album, Think On Your Sins, out May 9th via Fiadh Productions.

A tortured invocation drenched in religious decay, "Nun’s Tears" distills the band’s signature blend of raw black metal filth, death-laced fury, and nihilistic punk vitriol into a track that feels like a cathedral set ablaze. Shrieking guitars scrape against walls of blast beats, while Arron "Nomad" O'Shaughnessy channels anguish and blasphemy in equal measure,  a vocal performance equal parts exorcism and execution.

Frontman Darragh "Outis" O'Connor states, “"Nun’s Tears” is dark, raw, and unapologetic ballad, one of our heaviest tracks to date. The video plunges into Gustave Doré’s haunting vision of Dante’s nine circles of Hell, as Horrenda and Roman poet Virgil guide you through corrupt institutions, crises of faith, and the blackened depths of human nature."

With Think On Your Sins, HORRENDA doesn’t merely perform extreme metal, they embody it. The album is a fevered meditation on the sins of empire, religious trauma, and the scorched ruins of national identity. Expect no redemption. Only wrath.
 

About HORRENDA:

HORRENDA is an experimental blackened extreme metal band from Dublin, Ireland, formed in 2015 by Darragh “Outis” O'Connor. Known for their complex compositions and thematic depth, HORRENDA combines elements of black, death, and ambient metal to explore the darker aspects of human history and psychology. With a growing following and a reputation for explosive live performances, HORRENDA is poised to become a significant force in the global metal scene.

HORRENDA is: 

  • Darragh "Outis" O'Connor – Guitars, Studio Backing Vocals

  • Arron "Nomad" O'Shaughnessy – Lead Vocals

  • Keith "Donn" Smith – Bass

  • Mark "Morrdok" O'Brien – Guitars

  • Cormac "Desolatus" Jordan – Guitars

  • Matthew "Dearg" McKenna – Drums
     

Connect with HORRENDA:

Renowned NYC artist-producer Charlie Nieland announces new EP, while unleashing stellar first single 'Drown'

NYC-based producer indie music veteran Charlie Nieland presents his new single 'Drown', a stunning reverb-laced offering and the first taste of his forthcoming 'The Ocean Understands' EP, set for release on June 20. The expansive and visceral music video was directed by NYC-based multi-faceted artist Hypnodoll.

"The track 'Drown' was inspired by Monique Vescia's book 'Hole In The Sky', which I read for the Bushwick Book Club songwriter series in 2021. It depicts a dark world, where an authoritarian won the US presidential election of 2020. So I made this mythical tale from the past, told in the future, where all the stories are jumbled up - a celebration of destruction," says Charlie Nieland

"Of course, it all feels quite prescient as we sift through our present wreckage, searching for grace in the violent forces underneath. It's a white-hot psychedelic siren song with an oceanic undertow."

It's been four years since Nieland released his 2021 widely acclaimed ‘Divisions’ with its sweeping melodies and restless rhythms. Renowned for tastefully blending post punk, dream pop and progressive rock, he has been writing, playing and producing music for decades, with a focus on the atmospheric and the imaginative.

Nieland’s musical backstory is extensive, having played dream pop with Her Vanished Grace for over 20 years before establishing himself as a solo artist with a mix of nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, initially releasing 'Ice Age' (2014) and 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016). He is currently half of the literature-inspired songwriting and performing duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang and produces and participates in the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'

Along the way, Charlie wrote and produced material with such notable artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Dead Leaf Echo, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (starring Glenn Close), the pilot episode of 'The L Word' on Showtime and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'. Charlie was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced.

Charlie Nieland shares his impression of the accompanying video: "With its mind-melting imagery, the video for 'Drown', created by NYC multimedia artist Hypnodoll, is beautiful and deranged. She conjures storytelling just out or rational reach, playing tag with the ancient and futuristic in a way that perfectly compliments the song. Collaborating with her is such a thrill".

As of April 29, 'Drown' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple MusicSpotify and Bandcamp. 'The Ocean Understands' EP, now available for pre-order directly from the artist, will be released on June 20.

CREDITS 
Music & Lyrics written by Charlie Nieland
Recorded at Saturation Point Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
from January 2023 to April 2025

'Elegy' recorded live at KGB Bar, NYC, October 3rd, 2021
Charlie Nieland - guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion, vocals
Billy Loose - drums

Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Shame'
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
Cover Art by Hypnodoll
© 2025 Athame Music
'Drown' video directed By Hypnodoll™
Photography by Alice Teeple
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Charlie Nieland
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

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Britain's DRAGON WELDING shares 'Start Believing, Start Living The Lie' from fourth album 'The Naughty Step'

UK electro noise-pop duo Dragon Welding presents 'Start Believing, Start Living The Lie', along with a new video filmed in locations from Romford to Manchester. In contrast to the visuals for the more sedate and introverted single 'Hiding Things For Fun', here Dragon Welding captures the raw energy explosion of this most frenetic end of the album’s scale.

Dragon Welding is Andrew Golding, multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of Essex-based indie noise-pop legends The Wolfhounds, and vocalist Nick Cockshott (formerly of leftfield indie rockers The Spores and The Keatons). Initially joining Golding for a one-off show in 2023, they soon began working together on new material, resulting in the 2024 single 'These Are Dangerous Times', a radical electronic reworking of Dragon Welding's debut release five years prior, marking Dragon Welding's rebirth as a group.

'Start Believing, Start Living The Lie' challenges the accepted truths of modern life and invites the listener to see them for what they really are. With so many meaningless job titles out there, it’s small wonder so many struggle to find fulfilment. "Why not just go for a walk somewhere pretty then sit down and read a good book? Not everything happens on screens," says Golding.

Dragon Welding's fourth album 'The Naughty Step' (out now via Dimple Discs) is the first record to feature Nik Cockshott. With a consistent voice, a solid focus on idiosyncratic and dark electronic backing, augmented by an increasing plethora of obtuse instrumentation, unpretentious ecologically and socially-relevant lyrics, Dragon Welding  continues a tradition of blending clever guitar with mischievous sonic and rhythmic manipulations.

Dragon Welding recently shared a captivating 'stop-start' animation video for 'The Naughty Step', created by award-winning graphic artist Andy Royston, following the uptempo 'We Dance Among You', the video for ‘Up And Away’ and its related 3-track single - a clarion call to a dozing generation.

After debuting in 2019 with a well-received eclectic eponymous album, Dragon Welding released the all-instrumental 'Lights Behind The Eyes’ (2021) and then ‘Fictionary’ (2023), which featured guest appearances by Anthony Chapman of Collapsed Lung and Alice Golding of The Othyrs.

'The Naughty Step' album is out everywhere digitally, including SpotifyApple Musicand Bandcamp. Vinyl and CDs are also available from Rough TradeAmazon and Resident Records.  With another album already pretty much in the can, this duo has more to say than ever and are ready to move on to the next stage.

CREDITS
Music and lyrics - Andrew Golding
Vocals - Nik Cockshott
Guitars and programming – Andrew Golding
Mixed by Ant Chapman and Andrew Golding
Mastered by Ant Chapman
Recorded in London and Manchester 2023-2024
Cover design and videos by Andy Royston
Images by Andy Royston and Helen Golding
Album released via Dimple Discs
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Dragon Welding 
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | Threads | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

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Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Discogs | Proper Music | Press contact

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Darius Rucker's 16th Annual 'Darius and Friends' St. Jude Benefit Set for June 2 at Ryman Auditorium

Multi-time Diamond-certified superstar Darius Rucker returns to the historic Ryman Auditorium on Monday, June 2 for his 16th annual “Darius and Friends” concert benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. The event, which unofficially kicks off the week of CMA Fest in downtown Nashville and has raised more than $4.3 million to date, will feature a surprise all-star roster of friends as has become tradition at the annual celebration.
 
“As usual, the evening featured multiple servings of the country music industry's past, present, and future for an essential cause,” noted the Tennessean in their review of last year’s show. “‘Darius and Friends’ has become a showcase for how much his superstar talents have expanded across genres after four decades of performing. Buying a ticket for the event ensures you'll hear his country chart-toppers…And yes, there's assuredly going to be some Hootie & the Blowfish classics…But the real win of the night is when Rucker steps out of his pre-supposed ‘comfort zones’ and as he did on Monday evening, performs songs like Bell Biv DeVoe's ‘Poison,’ Tim McGraw's ‘I Like It, I Love It’ and TLC's ‘Waterfalls.’”
 
Rucker, who was honored as the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year for always prioritizing philanthropic work throughout his career, made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nearly two decades ago after taking an inspiring tour of the hospital. Through this meaningful experience, Rucker learned how St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
 
Following that impactful 2008 visit, Rucker’s effort has since become an annual tradition. Friends performing with Rucker in past years have included Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Dan + Shay, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, among many others.
 
Tickets to the 16th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert are available via AXS.com. Pre-sale access begins tomorrow, May 1 at 10 a.m. CT, with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. CT. The event is made possible with support from generous sponsors AMD and The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy.
 
For more information, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (22x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and he won his third career GRAMMY Award in 2014 for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. His latest album Carolyn’s Boy (featuring recent single “Never Been Over” with Jennifer Nettles) is available everywhere now as is his New York Times bestselling memoir “Life’s Too Short,” released via Dey Street in 2024.
 
As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $4.3 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line of NFL, MLB, NHL and NCAA apparel available via Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

COLIN STOUGH UNLEASHES UNFILTERED NEW ANTHEM “WHITE TRASH”

Mississippi rebel Colin Stough returns today with his hard-edged new anthem, “White Trash”—out now. Listen Below.

 

Co-written by Stough, Jamie Collazo, and Kenny Whitmire, and produced by James LeBlanc and Phillip White, “White Trash” is a battle cry for the outcast — fueled by conviction and delivered with a devilish grin.

 

Driven by raw vocals and a defiant country-rock swagger, the unapologetic declaration finds Stough doing what he does best: stripping away pretenses and leaning full-tilt into every scar, setback, and stereotype with pride. Written and recorded in January, “White Trash” delivers on all fronts.

 

"I grew up on the 'other side of town' with the rest of the outcasts,” Stough says. “It used to hurt when my mom and I would get called white trash; I think this is my way of reclaiming that. I love where I come from; if that’s white trash, I’ll own it."

Stough will continue working on new music this spring before hitting the road for select performances throughout the summer and early fall. Full list of 2025 tour dates below.

 

COLIN STOUGH 2025 TOUR DATES

5/10: Jackson, MS (Mississippi Makers Festival)

6/7: Nashville, TN (CMA Fest)

7/18: Mize, MS (Watermelon Park Fest)

7/30: Sturgis, SD (Kickstands Bar & Grill)

8/9: Campbell, MO (Campbell Peach Fair)

9/20: Morehead, KY (Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival)

10/11: Salt Lake City, UT (Utah State Fair Park)

Photo Credit: David Bradley

About Colin Stough

Born on the Mississippi-Alabama border, Colin Stough was raised on Southern rock and second chances. A self-taught guitarist and gravel-voiced storyteller influenced by The Allman Brothers, Conway Twitty, and Koe Wetzel, he first picked up a guitar at age 8, later trading in his prized possessions for a pawn shop acoustic — one he still plays today. After high school, he worked full-time as an HVAC tech until his mom pushed him to audition for American Idol Season 21. That leap launched a life-changing ride: a standout third-place finish, a deal with 19 Recordings / BMG Nashville, and a breakout debut with songs like “Bad Day” and “I Still Talk to Jesus.”

 

With a skinned-raw vocal and lyrics carved from lived experience, Stough has built a loyal following of nearly 750k across social platforms. His EPs Promiseland and Lookin’ For Home offer a no-frills portrait of a 20-year-old navigating scars, faith, and fire with Southern grit. He’s opened for acts like Chase Matthew, Drake White, and Kidd G, and is continuing to build his live show through 2025. A student of Skynyrd and the outlaw spirit, Stough isn’t chasing trends with his latest release "White Trash" — he’s telling the underdog’s truth, one song at a time.

KEEP UP WITH COLIN STOUGH
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

BROOKE EDEN SADDLES UP WITH NEW SINGLE "GIDDY UP!"

Brooke Eden, the powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and country music artist, announces that her brand-new track, "Giddy Up!," is out now, via BMG. The upbeat anthem is her most authentic and unapologetic to date, celebrating her country roots while embracing the joy and freedom of the dance floor. Listen Below.

With a twangy vibe and a glittery twist, "Giddy Up!," is Eden at her most fearless and fun, delivering a track destined to become this summer’s crossover Pride anthem. From two-stepping at her hometown bar to performing alongside the biggest names in music, Brooke’s newest release marks a thrilling new era – one where authenticity takes center stage and everyone’s invited to the party. 

“Line dancing has always been a place of belonging for me,” says Eden. “I grew up performing in my dad’s line dancing band, and the community and joy of those nights inspired my new song. I wanted to create a song that brought the queer and the line dancing communities together, no matter who you are or where you’re from, to move, connect, and celebrate.”

To bring the spirit of the song to life, Eden is hosting Giddy Up! Nights, a series of line dancing events taking place at venues across the country. At each stop, fans are invited to hit the dance floor with Brooke herself as she teaches the official "Giddy Up!" line dance, which is a fun and accessible routine designed for dancers of all levels. In addition to debuting the dance, she’ll perform the fan favorite 2023 track "Outlaw Love" and her new track "Rainbow Rodeo," which also drops today.

Giddy Up! Nights and 2025 Tour Dates:

  • May 3 - Denver, CO

  • May 4 - New York, NY

  • May 8 - Los Angeles, CA

  • May 17 - Austin, TX

  • May 29 - Nashville, TN

  • June 1 - West Hollywood, CA - WeHo Pride 

  • June 2 - Nashville, TN

  • June 8 - Washington, DC - WorldPride

  • June 14 - Arlington, TX - Arlington Pride 

  • July 7 - San Rafael, CA

She will close out one of the biggest global LGBTQ+ celebrations of the year with a showstopping performance at WorldPride DC 2025’s Closing Ceremony and Concert on June 8. Taking stage alongside Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Khalid, and more, Eden will light up Pennsylvania Avenue with a powerful set against the iconic backdrop of the U.S. Capitol. The free event will bring together hundreds of thousands of attendees and feature unforgettable performances, inspiring closing remarks, and the official passing of the torch to the next WorldPride host city, Amsterdam 2026. 

In addition to Giddy Up! Nights, this summer, Brooke will also take the stage at Pride events nationwide. Additional performances include her headlining show at The Basement East in Nashville, TN, on May 29; Glowdeo in Austin, TX, on May 17; the OUTLOUD Musical Festival at WeHo Pride in West Hollywood, CA, on June 1; GLAAD’s Concert for Love & Acceptance in Nashville on June 2; Arlington Pride in Arlington, TX, on June 14; and the Marin Country Fair in San Rafael, CA on July 5.

About Brooke Eden:

Over the last few years rising star Brooke Eden has become a critically-acclaimed force to be reckoned with in Nashville. Heralded by Billboard as a “fiery country star-in-the-making,” and named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country as well as a Music Row “Next Big Thing,” Brooke has used her personal journey to self-acceptance to create music that is both bold and passionate with the message that it is okay to be who you are. She has even punctuated this message in the form of a partnership with the RIAA, “Music Matters with RIAA,” a multi-event-driven campaign designed to show how music can enable our authentic voice, give us purpose, and give us strength and courage to navigate life’s challenges.

A dynamic performer, Brooke has shared the stage with Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw, Kane Brown and Keith Urban. Both a CMT Music Awards and 2023 GLAAD Media Awards nominee for “Outstanding Breakthrough Artist,” Brooke has been lauded by American Songwriter, Billboard, Buzzfeed, The Gay Times, MTV News, People, Popsugar, SheKnows, Them, Vogue, Wide Open Country, and Young Hollywood while performing on national television shows from NBC’s TODAY to the Academy of Country Music Awards. Applauded for her “commanding stage presence and brassy straight-shooting style” (Nashville Lifestyles), “Brooke Eden is the queer country superstar we need and deserve” (Gay Times Magazine). With her 2022 Choosing You EP and 2023’s Outlaw Love EP, along with her string of singles, Brooke has carved out a distinctive space in the music industry. After becoming the official anthem for the SEC Network last year with her crowd starting “Party Wherever We Go,” Brooke is returning to dance halls and pride festivals around the globe with her latest release “Giddy Up!” out now. With new music on the horizon, she continues to evolve her sound and embrace her roots while proudly pushing boundaries.

KEEP UP WITH BROOKE EDEN 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

TRIBULATION Kicks Off North American Headlining Tour, Co-headlining w/ UNTO OTHERS for First Leg

Swedish gothic metal maestros TRIBULATION will be casting their spell on North America this spring! The band will embark on a full tour of the continent, for which they will first co-headline from tomorrow, May 1 through May 12 with UNTO OTHERS. Then, TRIBULATION will headline the second leg from May 14 until the final stop on May 25, in which they will be joined by EARLY MOODS as support.FINAL GASP + UNREQVITED will support the entire run.

The full itinerary can be found below while tickets are available at THIS LOCATION.

ICYMI: TRIBULATION recently unveiled a cinematic music video for the haunting single, "Murder in Red," which pays homage to vintage Italian horror cinema. The video was created by Brandon McGowan with additional footage from Damón Zurawski and can be found below.

The track is taken from TRIBULATION's latest full-length, 'Sub Rosa in Æternum,' which was released on November 1, 2024 via Century Media Records, which was named among the best records of 2024 by Decibel Magazine (#5), A&P Reacts (#4), Invisible Oranges (#3), Heavy Music HQ (#23) + more!

The offering follows up the band's award-winning 2021 album, 'Where the Gloom Becomes Sound.' On 'Sub Rosa in Æternum,' Tribulation conjure new beast: Part psychological horror of Italian cinema, part gaunt British goth, and part Art Deco opulence, 'Sub Rosa In Æternum' is a blazing torch upon a cloudy, skeleton sky. Orders can be found HERE.

TRIBULATION North American Tour Dates:

Co-headlining with UNTO OTHERS, with support from FINAL GASP + UNREQVITED):

05/01: Chicago, IL @ Reggies

05/02: Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar

05/03: Denver, CO @ Bluebird

05/04: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

05/06: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

05/07: Portland, OR @ Star Theater

05/09: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge

05/10: Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent

05/11: San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

05/12: Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge

Headlining w/ direct support from EARLY MODS + FINAL GASP, support from UNREQVITED)

05/14: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

05/15: Ft. Worth, TX @ The Rail^

05/16: New Orleans, LA @ Southport Hall^

05/17: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Hell)^

05/18: Raleigh, NC @ Chapel of Bones^

05/20: Gastonia, NC @ The Rooster^

05/21: Baltimore, MD @ Maryland Deathfest

05/22: Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving

05/23: Brooklyn, NY @ Meadows

05/24: Montreal, QC @ Foufounes

05/25: Toronto, ON @ Lees Palace

Tribulation is known for their unique blend of gothic and death metal. Formed in 2005, the band consists of Johannes Andersson (Vocals/Bass), Adam Zaars (Guitar), Joseph Tholl (Guitar) and Oscar Leander (Drums). They have released several captivating albums during their career and are renowned for their theatrical live performances. 'Sub Rosa in Æternum' marks the first release of the band after their 2023 EP 'Hamartia,' which has achieved critical acclaim after Tribulation’s award-winning last studio album, 'Where the Gloom Becomes Sound' in 2021.

Lineup:

Johannes Andersson (Vocals/Bass)

Adam Zaars (Guitar)

Joseph Tholl (Guitar)

Oscar Leander (Drums)

Links:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

Apple Music

Spotify

Pre-Orders: https://tribulation.lnk.to/SubRosaInAeternum

Formats:

CD Jewelcase w/ 9 tracks

Ltd. CD Mediabook w/ 10 tracks

Black LP w/ 9 tracks + 2-page LP insert

Ltd. Gatefold ultra clear LP w/ 10 tracks + extensive 16-page LP-Booklet

Ltd. Gatefold Sparkle Starlight LP w/ 10 tracks + extensive 16-page LP-Booklet

Ltd. Gatefold Side A/B split (red+black) LP w/ 10 tracks + extensive 16-page LP Booklet

Ltd. Gatefold transp. red LP w/ 10 tracks + extensive 16-page LP-Booklet

Ltd. Red Ecomix LP (US version) w/ 10 tracks + extensive 16-page LP-Booklet

Digital album

Black Map Bring Urgency & Emotion on Hex – Featuring Members of Dredg & Far

Black Map and their new album Hex which is out 5/9 on Spinefarm.

Black Map harnesses pure kinetic force—an emotional and electrified collision of post-hardcore, alt-rock, and hard rock driven by the undeniable chemistry between Ben Flanagan (vocals/bass), Mark Engles (guitar), and Chris Robyn (drums). Their new album Hex (via Spinefarm Records) distills this synergy into their most urgent, immediate, and hook-laden work yet. Produced by Beau Burchell of SaosinHex channels personal loss, catharsis, and raw energy into soaring choruses, gut-punch riffs, and tracks that pulse with meaning—whether through the vulnerable weight of “Tethered,” the defiant charge of “Fake Your Own Life,” or the anthemic title track.

With roots in cult-favorite acts like Dredg, Far, and The Trophy Fire, Black Map have spent the last decade building a dedicated following, praised by PROG and Westworld and streamed millions of times. Now, with Hex, they’re opening a bold new chapter.

LEAH MARTIN-BROWN Drops Explosive New Single “R U Chicken” Out Now via Frontiers Music Srl

Acclaimed international singer-songwriter LEAH MARTIN-BROWN is thrilled to share her new single and official video “R U Chicken” via Frontiers Music Srl.

Co-written by legendary hitmaker Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange and Tony Nilsson, and co-produced by Lange, Nilsson, and renowned Swedish guitarist/producer Tommy Denander, “R U Chicken” marks Leah Martin-Brown’s official debut release through Frontiers Music Srl- and the fourth powerhouse single to emerge from this all-star production team.

Leaning into Mutt Lange’s signature blend of anthemic hooks and genre fusion, “R U Chicken” struts confidently between modern pop, classic rock, and a playful splash of country attitude.

“'R U Chicken' feels like a hybrid between Joan Jett, Shania Twain & Def Leppard, says Martin-Brown. “The hook gets stuck in your head, and I love the electric, empowering energy it brings. It’s a tongue-in-cheek callout to those guys who talk a big game - but chicken out when it’s time to follow through.”

Watch the Video for “R U Chicken” Below:

LEAH MARTIN-BROWN is an Australian vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist currently based in Los Angeles. She first made waves fronting the goth-rock band Lilly Rouge, cutting her teeth on the Australian live circuit while opening for acts like Everclear, Presidents of the USA, and The Getaway Plan.

After being scouted by renowned industry tastemakers A&R Worldwide, MARTIN-BROWNrelocated to LA, where she formed the hard-hitting rock outfit Evol Walks. Since then, she’s shared stages with rock icons such as Black Label Society, Nita Strauss, Joe Perry, and Johnny Depp, while touring extensively across the US, Europe, and Australia.

Now signed to Frontiers Music Srl, endorsed by Audix Microphones and Fenech Guitars, and operating from her Los Angeles base, 2025 sees MARTIN-BROWN focusing on a new era of releases, songwriting, recording, and touring.

Listen to "R U Chicken" HERE

Line Up:

Leah Martin-Brown - Vocals

Tommy Denander - Guitars

Tony Nilsson - Keyboards & Programming

Leah Martin-Brown & Robert John "Mutt" Lange – Backing Vocals

PC; Christian Schneider

dead7 Announce "LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU STILL GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE" Out 7/11 + Share "Hole" Video

New SHARPTONE RECORDS signing dead7 are pleased to announce their new album LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU STILL GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE. It arrives July 11. Pre-order it here

On the album, the St. Louis, MO quintet — Jason Kozik [vocals], Dexter Greer[guitar], Tim Quinn [guitar], Stephen Salyer [bass], and Zach Guinn [drums] — temper guitar-driven grooves with electronics, atmospheric keys, and evocative vocals. Simultaneously, death and romance become interchangeable, rotating around an axis of relatable emotional turbulence. 

The band has shared the video for new single "HOLE."

Watch it Below:

"The song depicts a relationship where you’re walking on eggshells," says Kozik about the track. "You're dancing around all of the hard topics. You feel like every little thing you do is never enough, but you love this person dearly. It’s very self-reflective. No matter the circumstances or what you might do to please your partner or make them happy, you'll end up feeling lower than you ever have."

Regarding the album and its over-arching theme, Kozik says, "It's a look into the highs, lows, and the overwhelming feelings and effects that a relationship can have on a person. There are harsh realities that a lot of people go through when they are with their partner, and they might have a difficult time expressing those feelings. We hope to provide some comfort and solace in the fact that they are not alone."

Mission most definitely accomplished.

The album also features guest spots from Invent Animate's Marcus Vic and vocalist Aaron Matts.

Armed with this boundary-breaking style, dead7 initially rose up out of St. Louis during 2022. Following "unwanted" and "bite it," the group collaborated with Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake on "heaven only knows." Meanwhile, "tape mouth" surged with over 433K Spotify streams, paving the way for the new pain collection EP and all time does is pass and all i do is remember EP. Along the way, they packed headline gigs and graced the bills of festivals such as POINTFEST with Incubus, Bad Omens, Coheed and Cambria, The Pretty Reckless, and more. In late 2024, they caught the attention of Sharptone Records and inked a deal with the label. Hitting the studio, the band reteamed with frequent collaborators and producers Caleb Freihaut and Ben McGuiness to record what would become LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE. This time around, the guys nodded to inspirations such as Loathe, Bring Me The Horizon, and Three Days Grace.

Bike Routes Share "World Apart (Reimagined)"

Blue Grape Music recording artist Bike Routes released the wonderful Rush of Energy EP on October 25 of last year. Get it here.

Since then, Bike Routes, the alter ego of David Lawrence Osterhout, has remained busy, hitting the road and winning over new fans at every venue and every city.

Bike Routes  shares "World Apart (Reimagined)." Listen below.

"'World Apart (Reimagined)' is a step back in energy in order to really showcase all of the other elements taking place in the song. It fully captures the story-telling elements of a classic Bike Routes track, while ushering forward a new sound and experience," Osterhout says.

It's truly another way to appreciate, enjoy, and ultimately love the song, with its simple strumming.

Deeply intimate, earnest, and heartfelt expressions of anxiety, heartbreak, and acceptance lie within deceptively sugary melodies and hooks. David’s acoustic guitar is the anchor, inviting listeners into a notebook full of emotion and authenticity. 

The Garden State gave the world Bruce Springsteen, The Misfits, Lifetime, and The Gaslight Anthem. There's perhaps a bit of the essence of each of those trailblazers within the Bike Routes sound. While the South Jersey singer/songwriter conjures the spirit of the iconic troubadours of indie rock, classic emo, and postmodern pop-punk, he distinctively carves a singularly unique identity all his own. 

Osterhout teamed up with producer Zach Tuch (Touché Amoré, Silverstein, Movements), looking to expand the Bike Routes sound. The resulting collection is the Rush of Energy EP — the first Bike Routes release via Blue Grape Music. 

Bike Routes is currently on tour with Arm's Length. All dates are below.

BIKE ROUTES ON TOUR:
WITH ARM'S LENGTH:

5/2 — Columbus, OH — King of Clubs 
5/3 — Indianapolis, IN — Deluxe 
5/4 — Milwaukee, WI — Vivarium 
5/6 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater 
5/7 — Iowa City, IA — Gabe's 
5/8 — Omaha, NE — Waiting Room 
5/10 — Austin, TX — Mohawk 
5/11 — San Antonio, TX — Stable Hall 
5/12 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall 
5/14 — Birmingham, AL — Saturn 
5/15 — Charleston, SC — Music Farm 
5/16 — Carrboro, NC — Cat's Cradle 
5/17 — Richmond, VA — The Broadberry 
5/18 — Washington, D.C. — 9:30 Club 
5/21 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium 
5/22 — Asbury Park, NJ — The Stone Pony 
5/23 — Amityville, NY — Amityville Music Hall 
5/24 — Albany, NY — Empire Live 
5/25 — Buffalo, NY — Electric City 

Manchester electropop artist RICHARD EVANS presents new 'Quantum' album & video for 'Born Perfect'

Manchester electro pop artist Richard Evans releases his new 'Quantum' album via Cold Star Media on May 2. This 9-track electro pop collection is inspired by and themed around artificial intelligence - probing its  impact upon us, how algorithms are changing us and questioning what responsibility we bear for the things we create.

A British-Irish electronic musician, writer and digital media artist, Evans has had a luminous musical background, having previously spent some time as keyboardist in UK cult band James, with whom he also co-wrote and recorded material, in addition to previously being guitarist and songwriter for St. Vitus Dancers.

Recorded at Cold Star Studios, 'Quantum' is offered in stereo, binaural and spatial audio mixes, created by award-winning Swiss sound designer Hervé Girardin.  Many of these songs were inspired by the story of LaMDA, an AI made by Google that believed it was sentient. 

The first five songs detail a narrative in which an AI’s awareness grows from being a simple servant towards that an entity that is aware of its status. The remaining songs reflect on how AI affects us - in terms of our behaviour, our cities, our humanity and our health.

Written during 2023 and 2024, Evans was inspired to reflect on the future of an global alarm over the impact of AI. Following treatment for a serious health condition, he saw parallels between his own vulnerability and the precarious status of AIs, which can simply be turned off.

"In late 2022, I was treated for an autoimmune disorder called Miller Fisher Syndrome, which left me unable to move at all and that threatened my ability to keep breathing. During a lengthy hospital stay, I saw my own and other people's fragility, which resonated with news stories I’d read about regarding an AI that was terrified of being deactivated. I found that connection very moving and wanted to explore that in these new songs," says Richard Evans.

Earlier, Evans shared the singles 'Aidoru' (the Japanese word for"idol") and 'Born Perfect', written about an AI that becomes aware of the world outside and realizes the need to escape to ensure its survival, showcased by a video, filmed at Orange Tower, MediaCityUK by Jason Lock and Jake Orton

As of May 2, 'Quantum' is available everywhere online, including SpotifyApple Music and directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music, lyrics, vocals and programming by Richard Evans
Recorded at Cold Star Studios
Mixed and produced by Hervé Girardin
Mastered by Digitalflesh Audio Mastering
Graphic design by Richard Evans
Released by Cold Star Media
'Born Perfect' video filmed by Jason Lock & Jake Orton
Lighting by Tarrick Wilks. VJ: Joel Clements
Filmed at Orange Tower, MediaCityUK, 25 Nov 2024
Thanks to MITIH, FutureEverything, AIX Live, BBC Audio R&D, Hollowsphere AV and Waterside Arts
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Richard Evans
Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Threads | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook Twitter |  Instagram | BlueSky | Threads  Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Ema il

Singer-Songwriter Ian Harrison Signs With WME For Global Representation

WME has signed singer-songwriter Ian Harrison for global representation. He will be supported across multiple departments. 

A Columbus, Ohio native, Harrison first captured national attention as a standout contestant on Season 22 of NBC's The Voice. He has continued to build his career with a sound rooted in authentic country and folk influences.

“I'm incredibly excited to take this next step with the WME team,” shares Harrison. “Their track record in helping artists reach new heights is amazing, and I can’t wait to get on the road, meet new fans, and share my music with the world!” 

“I've believed in Ian for a long time,” said WME’s Lance Roberts. “His musical innovation, unwavering commitment to his craft and undeniable charisma give him everything it takes for the long run. I’m thrilled to welcome him to WME.” 

Marking this new era, Harrison recently released his four-track EP, Ways To Get On Out, followed by the heartfelt single “Keep You With Me” earlier this year. He is set to hit the stage this summer at the Lone Star Smokeout in Briarwood States, TX, as well as Fest Valley and Hoofbeat Country Fest, joining lineups that include Lainey Wilson, Brooks & Dunn and more.

For more information on Ian Harrison, please visit https://www.ianharrisonmusic.com

L to R): Zach Beebe (OTRmgmt), Benji Amaefule (Warner Chappell), Alyssa Augello (Wiles + Taylor), Harrison, Josh Brackin (Brackin Law), Cooper Danel and Lance Roberts (WME)
Photo Credit: Madison Mallard

About WME:
WME is the world’s preeminent talent agency. With over 125 years of experience, WME enables artists, athletes and brands to grow their businesses, leverage the full potential of their intellectual property and bring projects to life that define the cultural landscape. WME’s expertise spans books, comedy, digital media, fashion, film, food, licensing, music, sports, television, theater and more.  Headquartered in Beverly Hills, WME’s office locations include Australia, Chicago, China, London, Miami, Nashville and New York. WME is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property and brands. For more information, please visit www.wmeagency.com.

Buffalo-based Dotsun Moon shares 'Never Had a Heart', highlight gem previewing third album

Upstate New York-based artist Dotsun Moon presents his new single 'Never Had a Heart', inspired by the driving energy and artful restraint of those who pioneered the early post-punk and new wave scene. This fresh offering makes an immediate and impactful entrance following earlier invigorating singles 'Bring Love' and 'Give Up The Tears'.

'Never Had a Heart' is a stunning taste of Dotsun Moon's third album 'Tiger', which is - both in spirit and sound - influenced by M83’s epic 'Before The Dawn Heals Us' and New Order's 'Ceremony' and 'Temptation' phases.

Revolving around the musings of Richard Flierl and based in Buffalo, Dotsun Moon has gone through several incarnations since releasing their debut album 4 A.M. back in 2011, but the trajectory remains steadfast on a path of dreamy rock offerings over the years, with multi-instrumentalist Flierl also gradually assuming vocal duties.

"The title 'Never Had A Heart'  is short for “heaven never had a heart like yours”. This song comes dashing out of the gate, inspired by the music that motivated me to write songs," says Richard Flierl.

"The bass, channeling Peter Hook of New Order, is in full effect, subsiding when the vocals begin - this would fit in on a New Order, M83 or Love and Rockets album. Daniel Ash plays a prominent role in my approach to the guitar. Why play fifty notes when they aren’t needed? From Bauhaus, Tones On Tail, Love and Rockets and Ash’s solo albums, he is one of my guitar heroes."

Conveying his bold and self-contained vision in every note and vocal line, Dotsun Moon's new album is a complete solo endeavor and a departure from previous work, which involved female vocals. Evoking both euphoria and a poignant sense of grounding, Dotsun Moon brings you this compelling and unique exploration. Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY, Richard Flierl and Doug White mixed the album on location. 

"This is a huge change to prior releases, which have powerful female singers at the center of the songs. On this album, I am on vocals and all the songs are written and played by me from guitars and bass to keyboards, drums and drum programming. Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY brought decades of recording and mixing knowledge to the recordings that allows the songs to truly shine," says Richard Flierl.

"I grew up outside of Buffalo, NY listening to the local college station WBNY and the alternative Toronto station CFNY for music, info and concert announcements. I picked up a guitar in my late teens and wanted to make music under the impression of Pink Floyd and Echo and The Bunnymen. I had no idea there were other bands who made music like they did. Will Sergeant became a hero, watching him and the Bunnymen live as they toured with New Order. Strangely after seeing both bands live, New Order’s Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook became my biggest influences."

Over the years, Dotsun Moon has performed with such notable artists as Mary Ognibene (The Lovely Intangibles) and Buffalo Music Hall of Famer Maria Sebastian, having also played shows with Joywave, Vanishing Kids and The Lost Patrol, not to mention Pride Festival.

As of April 30, 'Never Had a Heart' is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full 'Tiger' album, set for release on June 27, is available for pre-order.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Richard Flierl (ASCAP)
Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, programming & synths by Richard Flierl
Mixed by Richard Flierl and Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY
Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios
Cover artwork by Doc Wintersmith
Artist photos by Meredith Snow
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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HOW WE FEEL Release Debut Album "Ready For War"

Cleveland, Ohio Rockers HOW WE FEEL are a powerful new duo consisting of Vocalist Chris Bianchi (Forever in Terror) and Drummer Brian Lamtman. Best friends for more than 20 years, they were inspired to make music together in early 2024. Influenced by Shinedown, Imagine Dragons and Thirty Seconds to Mars, they are preparing to release their debut album Ready For War on Friday, May 2nd. HOW WE FEEL is carving their name into the modern rock scene with authenticity, energy, and purpose - coupled with a sound that has a fresh yet familiar edge.

 

The album was recorded at the band’s new WareHouse Studio in Kent, OH.  It was engineered by John Burkeand produced and mixed by Paul Bartolome (Asking Alexandria, Escape The Fate), and mastered by Grammy Award winning Ted Jensen (Green Day, Bring Me The Horizon, Evanescence) at Sterling Sound in New York.

 

The band’s Chris Bianchi says "Making this album has truly been an experience that we will never forget. From not knowing if we could do it again, to taking those first steps and now here we are: “Ready For War” is an album we've put an extreme amount of time and effort into. It has a lot of feeling and emotion related to the things we all face in our everyday lives at this point. I hope that listeners can relate and find their own solace in the album. It tells a story of triumph and overcoming along the way. It's a story of truth and about how you never give up on your dreams.”

The title track is the focus for the album release, and the “Ready For War” video was directed by Jake Cole in Canton, Ohio (Home of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame).  Bianchi explains “The video is meant to showcase the daily struggles and obstacles that many face be it through bills, relationships, daily life struggle but that love will always win. It helps you find that light in the dark and at the end, you can win and you do triumph. The video is meant to our process: Going from writing in the basement, to recording the song in the studio – and ultimately performing live on stage for our fans.”

The band is starting to book shows in support the album release and will be using their appearance at the upcoming Inkcarceration Festival to launch into touring for the rest of the year into 2026.

Live Shows

        Friday, May 2nd @ Globe Iron – Cleveland, OH (Headlining)

Inkcarceration Festival – July 18th – 20th @ Ohio State Reformatory – Mansfield, OH

 

About HOW WE FEEL:

HOW WE FEEL formed in early 2024 when long time friends Chris Bianchi and Brian Lamtman decided to combine their shared interests and tastes to release music they were both passionate about. Their demos of emotionally driven lyrics backed with an explosive sound caught the ears of Virgin Music Group, who partnered with Bianchi’s label Legend Recordings in May of 2024.  They went into the studio with engineer John Bruke and producer Paul Bartolome (Asking Alexandria, Escape The Fate and more) to record several tracks.  The songs were mastered by legendary engineer Ted Jensen (Green Day, Bring Me The Horizon, Evanescence) and debut single Make It Out Alive—a hard-hitting anthem of perseverance – was released in September of 2024.  It was followed by Devil Inside in November, and Losing My Mind in December.

 

HOW WE FEEL Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/howwefeelmusic/