Singer/Songwriter Adam Mac Unveils "Southern Spectacle" — A Bold Country Anthem For Pride Month

Rising queer country artist Adam Mac released his highly anticipated new song “Southern Spectacle” , Friday, June 27. The fiery new track arrives due to popular demand after a wave of momentum during Pride Month when Mac shared a clip of the song across his socials. Unafraid to sparkle in the spotlight — or speak his truth, Mac continues to capture hearts with his unapologetic Southern flair, raw truth and glitter-soaked twang. Listen to “Southern Spectacle” Below. 

“This song is about embracing the parts of yourself you may have felt you needed to hide,” says Mac. “It’s my love letter to the kid growing up in small-town Kentucky who never saw himself reflected in country music. It’s about owning who you are — spectacle and all — in a world that sometimes tries to dim your rhinestones shine. Working on this new music, I’ve never felt more aligned with my voice, my roots and my purpose. I hope it encourages everyone to celebrate their own spectacle.”

Written by Mac with HALLIE, Gigi Rich and Sonia Leigh, the track is a celebration of self-expression in the face of Southern tradition. “Southern Spectacle” blends Mac’s soulful country roots with a fearless, genre-blurring sound that signals a new era for the artist hailed by People as “Country music’s very own Elton John” for his genre-bending style and dazzling live performances.” 

Hailing from Russellville, KY, Mac has been pushing the boundaries of country music from the beginning. Rooted in the gospel and '90s country sounds of his youth, he has carved a space all his own with a fresh fusion of southern soul, disco flair, and fearless storytelling. “Southern Spectacle” builds on that sound — a high-octane declaration of authenticity that celebrates queer joy and personal freedom in the face of tradition.

The anthem follows the success of Mac’s previous release “Dust Off Your Boots,” which sparked a nationwide line dancing trend and held the No. 1 spot on CMT’s 12 Pack Countdown for six consecutive weeks. Before that, his breakout anthem “Disco Cowboy” reigned at No. 1 for four weeks and premiered exclusively on CMT.

As a visible queer voice in country music today, Mac’s journey has not been without challenges. When he was scheduled to headline the Logan County Tobacco and Heritage Festival in his conservative hometown, backlash from local pastors sparked national headlines. His strength in the face of hate drew support from fans, hometown friends and celebrities alike — including Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini and Brandy Clark — and led to a guest appearance on Morris’ Lunatics Tour in Chicago.

With his magnetic presence and rich storytelling, Mac continues to carve out space for queer voices in the country format showing that there’s room for every kind of story. “Southern Spectacle” is the first taste of new music with a new album planned for this year. Mac will give Music City fans a taste of tracks from the forthcoming LP with a show at The Eighth Room on July 11 at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 and available now at adammacmusic.com. For the latest news and updates follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @adammacmusic and online at adammacmusic.com.

About Adam Mac:
Adam Mac is bringing a new voice to country music—one that’s bold, inclusive, and impossible to ignore. Blending country roots with disco and funk, Mac has drawn comparisons to Elton John and earned viral success with songs like “Disco Cowboy” and “Dust Off Your Boots”—the latter featured in Fortnite and fueled by a TikTok dance trend. Backed by press from Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, GLAAD, and more, plus stages like CMA Fest and the ACM “Country For Y’all” showcase, Adam’s star is on the rise—and his next album promises to raise the bar even higher.

BLAKE SHELTON PREMIERES “STAY COUNTRY OR DIE TRYIN’” MUSIC VIDEO VIA CMT AND TIMES SQUARE BILLBOARD

Country superstar Blake Shelton premieres the music video for his new single, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” via CMT. The video debuted with a special airing on the Times Square Paramount Billboard in New York City.  Watch the new video Below.

Directed by Shelton’s longtime collaborators Adam Rothlein and Jennifer Ansell of Tiny Terror Productions, the cinematic video uses cutting-edge AI effects to portray the birth, life, and death of a family home across seven generations, offering a moving tribute to legacy, land, and country life. The featured home isn’t just a place—it’s a legacy built from values that don’t fade. As each generation takes over, they carry on the promise of living simply and holding fast to what really matters - a powerful reminder that staying country isn’t just about where you live, but how you live. 

The single, released on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Wheelhouse Records, follows Shelton’s 30th career No. 1 hit, “Texas,” and is already climbing the charts. Written by Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, and Beau Bailey, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” is a gritty, high-octane anthem celebrating rural resilience and small-town pride.

“When I heard ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin’,’ it took me back to the first time I heard ‘Ol’ Red’ or ‘God’s Country,’” says Shelton. “It’s full of energy and packed with those sayings and moments that feel like home to me. I love singing this one live—it’s a blast.”

The song appears on Shelton’s new album, For Recreational Use Only, and was recently performed during his headlining set at Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest 2025. That performance aired during “CMA Fest presented by SoFi,” a three-hour primetime special hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, on Thursday, June 26 and is streaming today on Hulu. Available everywhere now, listen to the new album HERE.

KEEP UP WITH BLAKE SHELTON

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | X | FACEBOOK

Photo Credit: Robby Klein

Third Man Books is proud to announce the publication of Jack White Collected Lyrics and Selected Writing Volume 1

Third Man Books is proud to announce the publication of Jack White Collected Lyrics and Selected Writing Volume 1 by Jack White and edited by Ben Blackwell. The upcoming collection compiles lyrics from White’s solo recordings thus far, alongside his acclaimed work with The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, and other collaborations.  

PRE-ORDER

Buffalo-based DOTSUN MOON releases 'Tiger' album, a collection of reverb & light

Upstate New York-based artist Dotsun Moon presents his third album 'Tiger', which is both spiritually and sonically influenced by M83 and New Order. Dashing out of the gate, this music is inspired by the music that motivated this artist to write music in the first place. The album also subtly weaves in the atmospheric influences of Harold Budd, John Foxx, and Robin Guthrie.

Based in Buffalo, Dotsun Moon is the creative wellspring from which Richard Flierl's musical visions flow, transforming his artistic inspirations into tangible form. Seeing several incarnations since releasing their debut album 4 A.M. in 2011, the trajectory remains steadfast on a path of dreamy rock offerings over the years, with multi-instrumentalist Flierl also gradually assuming vocal duties.

This album arrives on the trail of his lush and gazey singles 'Save Us' and 'Never Had a Heart', inspired by the driving energy and artful restraint of those who pioneered the early post-punk and new wave scene, and the invigorating singles 'Bring Love' and 'Give Up The Tears'. 

"You’d be forgiven if M83 comes to mind. The inspiration stops at the power of the intro and allows me to launch into the bass and guitar influences that are pronounced throughout this album. The song is a fun yet urgent call to someone important to let me in and find the good around us," says Richard Flierl.

"This is a huge change to prior releases, which have powerful female singers at the center. 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 programming. Doug White at Watchmen Studios brought decades of recording and mixing knowledge to the recordings that allows the songs to truly shine."

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. 

'Never Had A Heart' kicks off the album with a propulsive, Hook-esque bassline and Daniel Ash-inspired guitar, leading into vocals that evoke New Order or Love and Rockets. 'Bring Love' follows as an upbeat, John Hughes-esque anthem of hopeful reconciliation, featuring angelic synths and a yearning guitar riff. 'Save Us' delivers an urgent plea, blending an M83-like power intro with the album's core bass and guitar influences. 'Piano Trailer Melody 4' is a reverent homage to Harold Budd, showcasing rich chords influenced by his collaborations with Guthrie and Foxx.

'Army of Me' navigates overcoming adversity, starting with a piano riff hinting at Erik Satie before bursting into David Gilmour/Will Sergeant-esque guitar bends. 'Give Up The Tears' offers anthemic hope, a perfect summer driving song propelled by synths and Will Sergeant-influenced guitar. 'Moments In The Sun' provides melancholic hope, with intertwining synth and guitar recalling The Clean/The Chills. Finally, 'Winter Streets' captures the spirit of a harsh Buffalo winter, evolving from quiet sounds to a burst of energy that embodies resilience against "cabin fever."

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.

The 'Tiger' album is out now, available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

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

Keep up with Dotsun Moon
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify| Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Daryl Hall, Dave Stewart Collaborate on Latest Live from Daryl’s House

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall will be joined by fellow inductee Dave Stewart on the latest episode of the award-winning web series, Live from Daryl’s House, available starting today on YouTube. The pair will perform songs from Hall’s sixth solo album, D, which came out on Virgin Records in June, 2024, his first solo effort in 13 years, with Stewart serving as co-producer and co-writer of seven of the nine original songs. Hall and Stewart will be joined by Australia singer/songwriter Vanessa Amorosi, who has recorded with Dave at Bay Street Records studios in the Bahamas. 

“Great to be playing the D songs live with Dave on Live from Daryl’s House,” said Daryl. “I’ve been waiting for this.”

The collaboration with Stewart marked a return for the duo after Dave produced Hall’s second solo album, Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine, released in 1986. D spawned a pair of Top 20 hits on the AC charts in “The Whole World’s Better” and “Can’t Say No to You.”

“Dave has been my shadow partner since 1984,” said Daryl. “We know each other so well. This was a real duo album, two people coming together, understanding one another and writing songs, most of them on the spot. It’s a real 50-50 project. Dave and I have a real partnership and have had for a long time.”

“Daryl and I go way back,” said Eurythmics co-founder Stewart about the performance, filmed at Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY. “Since we first worked together, our friendship has lasted 40 years and writing songs together comes very naturally. Playing our new songs Live from Daryl’s House was great fun, as it always has been.”

The groundbreaking Live from Daryl’s House bowed in November 2007 on the web and returned after a five-year absence in October 2023 with episodes featuring Robert Fripp, Andy Grammer, Lisa Loeb and Howard Jones – a fellow Wolfson Entertainment client.

Meanwhile, Daryl Hall continues to tour with yet another LFDH alum in Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze, which concluded its UK leg in May, and will launch its U.S. portion July 11 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. Further dates are listed below. Get your tickets HERE!

July 11 – Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT

July 13 – The Pavilion at Point of the Bluff Vineyard – Hammondsport, NY

July 15 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Lowell, MA

July 17 – Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY

July 19 – Wind Creek Event Center – Bethlehem, PA

July 21 – The Wellmont Theatre – Montclair, NJ

July 23 – The Paramount – Huntington, NY

July 25 – Ovation Hall – Atlantic City, NJ

October 19 – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino – Reno, NV

October 22 – Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA

October 24 – Blue Note Summer Sessions – Napa, CA

October 26 – The Venetian – Las Vegas, NV

October 28 – YouTube Theater – Inglewood, CA

October 30 – Pechanga Resort Casino – Temecula, CA

November 1 – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – Indio, CA

November 4 – Paramount Theatre – Denver, CO

K.K. DOWNING PAYS TRIBUTE TO ROCKA ROLLA 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW COVER OF “NEVER SATISFIED”

K.K. Downing, a founding member of Judas Priest and leader of KK’s Priest, has released an updated version of “Never Satisfied” as a tribute to the recent 50th Anniversary of Judas Priest’s debut album, Rocka Rolla. 

Originally appearing on the 1974 album Rocka Rolla, and as the B-side single to its title track, “Never Satisfied” was co-written by Downing and Al Atkins—the band’s original lead singer prior to Rob Halford.  

Reflecting on the updated version, K.K. shared:

“It’s a real treat and great fun to revisit and record this version of ‘Never Satisfied,’ a song I co-wrote over 50 years ago! I really didn’t overthink it—I just plugged in my guitar drifting back to a time when Metal was an embryo of an idea. I knew the song already sounded great with Rob Halford, but I was especially keen on hearing the mighty Ripper Owens on the vocals.” 

K.K. added, “The response to the 50th anniversary of Rocka Rolla has been so well received, I wanted to do a little something to add to the celebration — and I can see “Never Satisfied” becoming a fan favorite at a future KK’s Priest show!”

The new version of “Never Satisfied” is now available for streaming and downloading via Exciter Records, in partnership with K.K.’s label Hellfire Thunderbolt Records. 

Apple: https://tinyurl.com/vnczxffa
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ykpwmufp

Exciter Records, owned by publisher Reach Music, recently acquired the masters and publishing rights to both Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings of Destiny by Judas Priest. A 50th anniversary release of Sad Wings of Destiny in 2026 is currently in production.

Hot Milk Album "Corporation P.O.P" Out Now + Fall Tour Dates Announced—

HOT MILK's sophomore album Corporation P.O.P. is out today, with new single "Sympathy Symphony."

"Collective pain, personal fear and it's place in modernity is everything that is encapsulated in Corporation P.O.P. The payment of pain we all must make in the world we currently live," says Han Mee. "This album is essentially everything we see and are afraid of, from a macro sphere looking out to our twisted nervous system that takes the burden. An album that was captured fully Analogue to feel as raw and visceral as the subject matter at hand."

Watch the "Sympathy Symphony" video below:

The record is an extravagant, uncompromising assessment of the perilous world around us, examined through a sharp British lens that is both witty and universal. Kerrang! said, "Creative British acts embracing serious topics in a blaze of different sounds are to be cherished. Right now Hot Milk are coming to the boil."

Having studied a politics degree, Han Mee has used that with Corporation P.O.P. — where Hot Milk unleash the pent-up anger experienced en masse around the globe. "I've always felt like a bit of a white knight — it's my duty to save the world somehow," says Han. "I feel very, very impacted by the world's issues, consistently. I wanted to be an MEP [Member of European Parliament], that was my dream."

Despite its global outlook, Corporation P.O.P. is an album that takes root in Manchester and Salford, exemplified by the band's decision to shoot all of their videos in their hometown. "Newt Gingrich, who was a U.S. politician, once said 'All politics is local,'" says Han. "I'm trying to look local and be involved locally so I can affect my world. This is how I survive, because the world can feel overwhelming."

"Manchester is the best f'in city in the world," she continues, getting somewhat emotional, having recently u-turned from a permanent move to L.A. when Manchester came calling back to her. "We started this band in Manchester, it's intrinsic to me and who I am. It has to bleed into the art we create, because it helped me create it."

Produced by the band's own Jim Shaw, with Zach Jones and KJ Strock, you can sense Hot Milk's killer instinct throughout the record, a result of the intensive writing process and recorded as live album, it offers the band at their heaviest with their raw, unapologetic lyrics which brim with unfiltered emotion.  

Snapshotting the gloom of the present and unloading very real fears for the future, the sentiment behind Corporation P.O.P. might feel locked inside a time capsule. But fast forward two decades, and time will surely prove why this record carries the hallmarks of something timeless.

FALL U.S. TOUR DATES AND FESTIVALS:
9/19 — Lousiville, KY — Louder Than Life Festival
9/21 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
9/23 — Cleveland, OH — Grog Shop
9/24 — Columbus, OH — A&R Music Bar
9/26 — Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom
9/27 — Buffalo, NY — Rec Room
9/28 — Arden, DE — Arden Gild Hall
9/30 — Jersey City, NJ — White Eagle Hall 
10/2 — Sacramento, CA — Aftershock Festival 

Ray Hawthorne Announces New Album & Lets Loose On "And the Horse You Rode in On"!

Pop punk disruptor, Ray Hawthorne, has officially returned today with his latest single, "And the Horse You Rode in On", a revenge-fueled anthem that delivers grit, wit, and absolutely no closure. Blending heartbreak, sarcasm, and just the right amount of emotional stability, the new track marks the beginning of a new chapter as Ray Hawthorne also announces his sophomore record, "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real", out on August 14th. Fans can pre-save the upcoming album HERE and pre-order the vinyl HERE.

Coming off his debut album "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" and a string of singles that blurred the lines between self-deprecation and self-destruction, "And the Horse You Rode in On" sets the tone for yet another brash, bold, and unfiltered era. Wrestling with identity, burned bridges, late night regrets, and the very real possibility that Ray Hawthorne is just a guy screaming into the void (and somehow making it sound catchy), "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" finds Hawthorne loud, petty and deeply cathartic.

With his heart on his sleeve as he nears the release of his sophomore record, Ray Hawthorne cuts through the noise:

"Have you ever been so pissed off that you wrote a whole series of songs and then deleted most of them because they included too much personal information about the person you were pissed off at but then one of them was actually pretty fun so you released it? No? Just me? Cool. Well. That’s my story. Listen to it if you want a first hand perspective on feeling like you’re getting back at someone but in all actuality you’re just pretending you’re both still cool with each other for some reason. Or just like… turn your brain off and have fun because I say the F word a lot in the chorus.”

Renowned for his work in North Kingsley, the acclaimed project alongside Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, Hawthorne initially captured hearts as the Heartbreak Hero with his inaugural solo release "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This". Building on his solo work, his debut record "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" further cemented his status as a bold new voice in pop punk, quickly amassing a devoted following and over 15 million streams across all streaming platforms for his magnetic charm and razor-sharp wit.

Picking up where his debut record, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", left off, the upcoming sophomore record captures the raw energy of late-night confessionals and the polished punch of modern pop punk. "Ray Hawthorne Isn't Real" is an invitation to embrace the chaos, laugh at the pain, and maybe, just maybe, find a little redemption along the way.

Be sure to stay tuned for more Ray Hawthorne news coming very soon.

Fans can pre-save the upcoming album HERE and pre-order the vinyl HERE.

Forbidden Drop "Divided By Zero" Video — WATCH // Touring This Summer

Bay Area thrash legends FORBIDDEN return with the video for their first new song in over 15 years with "Divided By Zero."

Watch it below. 

And then watch it again, because it was well worth the wait.

"The opening riff for 'Divided By Zero' was the first thing Craig [Locicero] brought to the table as a new Forbidden song," the band states. The lyrics address the erosion of civility and society through divisive control of institutions, cultures, religion, and government. Without picking sides, 'Divided By Zero' points to anyone and everyone that partakes in this mass manipulation, willingly or unwittingly."

"The video for 'Divided By Zero' is the stuff of dystopian nightmares, depicting how influential words and propaganda of the few have power to sway the many," the band states. 'Robots and monsters — how most of us unwittingly end up being one or the other through the multiple institutions' relentless brainwashing and beating us down. All of the disturbing imagery, created by Ethan Renoe at Crumb Hill, visually captures the story perfectly, haunting, powerful, and poignant."

"'Divided By Zero" represents the bridge between classic and modern Forbidden. Recorded similarly to Forbidden Evil in approach: No samples, triggers, and no over-editing. Just a singer, two guitars, bass, and drums. A band. Raw with hair left on it! It represents Forbidden with new blood and fire. Norman Skinner is the only one who could take over Russ Anderson's dynamic vocal torch. Dan Mongrain and Chris Kontos level up energy and execution alongside original members Craig Locicero and Matt Camacho. This is Forbidden — reborn.

The band's forthcoming US and European summer tour dates are below.

FORBIDDEN LIVE:
7/25 — Teragram Ballroom — Los Angeles, CA (w/ Nasty Savage)
8/1 — Wacken Open Air — DE
8/2 — Kulturwerk — Herfor, DE
8/3 — Dynamo — Eindhoven, NL (w/ Warbringer)
8/4 — Luxor — Köln, DE
8/5 — Colos-Saal — Aschaffenburg, DE
8/6 — Free & Easy Festival, Backstage Halle — München, DE (w/ Nailbomb)
8/8 — Hellsinki Metal Festival —Helsinki, FI
8/10 — Alcatraz Metal Festival — Kortrijk, BE
8/12 — The Dome  London, UK
8/13 — The Bread Shed — Manchester, UK
8/15 — Motocultor Festival — Carhaix, FR
10/3 — Aftershock Festival — Sacramento, CA

FORBIDDEN ARE:
Norman Skinner — Vocals
Craig Locicero — Guitar
Dan Mongrain — Guitar
Matt Camacho — Bass
Chris Kontos — Drums

Danish Musical Virtuoso NICKLAS SONNE Releases New Album ‘Electric Dreams’ — Out Now via Frontiers Music Srl

Today, Danish musical virtuoso NICKLAS SONNE is excited to announce the release of his new studio album 'Electric Dreams,' out now via Frontiers Music Srl. In addition, SONNEhas also released the focus track, "Baron Of Mischief," alongside a visualizer available below.

Talking about the focus track, NICKLAS SONNE commented:

“The track captures the torment of a mind unravelling - a relentless inner struggle where fear takes form and refuses to let go.”

Describing the album, SONNE added:

“This record is a deeply personal journey back to where it all began for me - to the raw energy and spirit of my earliest musical inspirations. It blends the soul of old school hard rock with the punch and clarity of a modern production, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and new."

Watch the Visualizer for “Baron Of Mischief"

NICKLAS SONNE is a Danish musician, vocalist, guitarist, and producer known for his powerful presence in progressive and heavy metal. He began his musical journey as a drummer before moving on to guitar and ultimately becoming a singer-songwriter in a variety of metal and hard rock projects—starting with Defecto, one of Denmark’s leading metal bands, formed in 2010.

In addition to Defecto, NICKLAS is part of Aries Descendant alongside Jonah Weingarten(Pyramaze, Catalyst Crime). The dynamic duo released their debut album via Frontiers Music Srl on October 18th, 2024. It’s a groundbreaking project that seamlessly fuses the evocative allure of film music with the raw power of heavy metal, creating an auditory experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.

A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, NICKLAS honed his skills by playing along to Metallica and Dream Theater, later diving into songwriting and production. His talent quickly gained industry attention, leading to collaborations with renowned producers Jan Langhoff(Aqua) and Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica). This pivotal period helped shape his signature sound—progressive metal infused with orchestral and choral elements.

Other bands SONNE has been involved with include Evil Masquerade, Theory, Hank Shermann, One Machine, Waving Memories, Section A, Metallica Jam, Wasted, and Omvendt Korstog. His long career has included international tours in countries such as Japan and support slots for metal heavyweights like Metallica and Rammstein.

With a relentless work ethic and a passion for musical innovation, NICKLAS SONNE continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, cementing his reputation as one of the most dynamic artists in the genre today. His solo album is a collection of songs that showcases the immense talent of this artist—who also handled production duties himself.

Order 'Electric Dreams' HERE

Rising Hard Rock Stars S8NT ELEKTRIC Unveil Revised Version of Single "TAR" (Feat. Eric Steckel)

Rising L.A. hard rockers S8NT ELEKTRIC have just released a revised version of their latest single "TAR" — now featuring American blues rock guitarist and singer Eric Steckel. 

Steckel brings his acclaimed talent to the high energy track, which boasts a powerful message about overcoming anxiety.

With a touring history alongside legends like Steve Vai, Gregg Allman, and Ray Charles, and recognized as one of "The 100 Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time" by Total Guitar magazine, Steckel's contribution elevates "TAR" to new heights. The song's breakdown remains a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, consistently igniting moshing and wild energy at every S8NT ELEKTRIC show.

The band, a staple on the European summer festival circuit, has opened for Wolfmother, Mammoth WVH, and Dirty Honey, and graced stages at major festivals including Bottlerock, Rockville, and Prague Rocks. 

S8NT ELEKTRIC's debut album Off The Edge will be released in late 2025 via Long Branch Records.

Stream the single here.

"'TAR' is about struggling with anxiety and ultimately overcoming it," the band says. "Our hope is that it helps others as much as it helped us. Mental health can be a difficult thing to talk about since social media has conditioned us to think we have to have perfect lives or there's something wrong with us. In reality, we are all dealing with something or another. 'TAR' is a very personal song for us and a song that is SO fun to play. The breakdown at the end has never failed to get people moshing and going wild in the pit. It always ends up being a highlight moment of every show."

S8NT ELEKTRIC ARE:
Bri Carbajal — Vocals
Niko Tsangaris — Guitar
Trey Baker — Drums
Sinner — Guitar
Harrison Forsythe — Bass

Plush Releases New Single “Why” with David Draiman of Disturbed

Rock band PLUSH drops their latest single “Why,” a track that was co-written and

co-produced by Moriah Formica, David Draiman of Disturbed, along with Johnny K. Following the release of PLUSH'S live album, “Why” lets the band explore sonically while still paying homage to their signature hard rock sound that fans know and love.

Listen to “Why” on your favorite streaming platform here: https://orcd.co/plushwhy

Vocalist and guitarist Moriah Formica says, “We live in challenging times. That reality has often left me feeling deeply empty and hopeless. ‘Why’ is a song that conveys that sentiment.”

On collaborating with Draiman and Johnny K, Formica notes, “Writing this with David Draimanwas an amazing experience. It was also special to be able to co-produce with Johnny K, who was instrumental in helping to launch Disturbed and Plush, so there was a familiar energy throughout the process.”

To commemorate the single, PLUSH has new merchandise for “Why,” which is currently available for pre-order on their website.

There are two bundle options are as follows:

Catch PLUSH on the Edge of Destruction tour this summer. The band will be touring the US, starting on July 18 in New Bedford, MA, at The Vault. The Edge of Destruction tour goes through September and ends in Hampton, NH, on September 25 at Wally’s. Plush has meet & greets available for the tour. 

For full dates, tickets, and more information on meet & greets, visit:

https://plushrocks.net/tour-dates/

Plush is a rock band with a mission to bring rock back to the forefront of the music industry. The band is composed of talented young women, ranging from 20-23, whose accomplishments and talent eclipse their age.

Plush is fronted by singer, songwriter and guitarist Moriah Formica, bassist Ashley Suppa, and drummer Faith Powell.

For more on Plush, visit: https://plushrocks.net/

American rockers Robin Ross & The TW Howlers channel good vibes on 'Back To The Forest' EP

Pennsylvania artists Robin Ross & The TW Howlers has released their debut EP 'Back To The Forest', a tale of two rockers walking with nature and truth, living life to the fullest. This collaboration between singer-songwriters Robin Ross and TW Howell offer five original compositions, co-authored and recorded over several months in early 2025. With a stealthy mix of classic and Americana-hued and folky blues-rock, they have also created videos for 'Walk With Me' and 'Back To The Forest'.

With a musical foundation that started in New Jersey and New York in 1988, Robin Ross has since established himself in the bustling artistic community of Milford, Pennsylvania, A musician, songwriter, and producer known for diverse musical endeavors spanning over three decades, he has released five albums, holds an audio engineering degree and has played a pivotal role in the creation of several recording studios, including Triple R Studios and Sound Complex near New York City.

With a storied history of performing all over the United States, TW Howell is a folk-blues musician, whose style of music seamlessly blends these genres together with hints of rock. Writing and performing music his whole life, TW's music career launched in Florida on a trajectory that has zig-zagged  throughout the country. He too considers the Lake Champlain area and the Poconos as his home base.  

Recorded at Baa Baa Leaf Music Studios in Milford, this album was produced and engineered by Robin Ross with Jonathan Duckett (Phillip Glass, Kenny G, David Sanborn) serving as supervising engineer. Ross and Howell are joined on this album by their extended musical family of Wharton Tiers on drums and back vocalists Joellen (JoJo) Gaetani, Nancy Isola and Kristin Grazevich.

"This is an album of Baa Baa Leaf conceptually-inspired cosmic tunes, sonically chaneling our inner soul rock and roll. This was, metaphorically, like heading into the forest, unafraid to come out with new music," says Robin Ross.

"We are like brother travellers, reuniting to co-create and sharing a creative flow on a pass through the Baa Baa Leaf studio vibes and countryside! For us, it was an unexpected musical adventure that we just had to pursue."

Back To The Forest is more than an album; it's a sonic bath, a meticulously crafted immersion where the exhilarating pulse of good-vibed rock and roll converges with the serene power of pure forest energy. Each track is designed to envelop you, gently yet powerfully elevating your personal vibration and tuning you into a deeper sense of well-being. The lyrics say it all, "Walk With Me and see what we can find.  Looking for something, listening for something, walk with me!"  

In the early 1990s, Robin co-founded the band Laughing Jack, later rebranded as Jack’s Maze, which gained acclaim for a progressive rock sound reminiscent of such iconic bands as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. But, as occurs for many artists, life and business took him in a different direction.

In 2021, with rekindled passion, Robin embarked on new projects, including Robin Ross & The Melodynes, a collaboration with Wharton Tiers, Joe Torres and Joellen (JoJo) Gaetani that infuses the retro vibe of classic rock with modern sensibilities and more contemporary influences. Robin also regrouped with Jack's Maze members Frank Cinquegrana, Scott Cowan, and Joe Torres to create new progressive rock albums.

Dedicated to the art of music production and performance, Robin finds joy in the creative process and the connections it fosters with fellow musicians and audiences alike. With an eclectic musical style that transcends genres, Robin Ross continues to captivate listeners through soulful storytelling and infectious melodies, embodying the timeless spirit of rock and roll.

The 'Back to The Forest' EP is out now on CD, available via Robin Ross' website and digitally from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music written by Robin Ross & TW (Tim) Howell
Robin Ross - lead guitar, keys, bass, back vocals
TW Howell - vocals, acoustic guitar
Wharton Tiers - drums
JoEllen Gaetani - back vocals on 'Back To The Forest' & 'Walk With Me'
Kristin Grazevich - back vocals on 'Back To The Forest'
Nancy Isola - back vocals on 'Whiskey And Ice'
Recorded at Baa Baa Leaf Music Studios (Milford, PA)
Music Producer & Sound Engineer: Robin Ross
Supervising Engineer: Jonathan Duckett
Photography & videos by Tina Ross
Album design by Tina Ross
Publishing & booking: RPM Entertainment Enterprises, LLC
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with Robin Ross // Robin Ross & The TW Howlers
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MÈLANCOLIA - SHARE NEW SINGLE "SPIT!" OFF NEW ALBUM 'RANDOM.ACCESS.MISERY' FEAT. CHRISTOPHER MACKERTICH OF DREGG

Melbourne blackened nu-metal outfit MÉLANCOLIA share new single 'SPIT!' featuring Christopher Mackertich of DREGG, off their sophomore album 'random.access.misery' out Friday August 29 via Greyscale Records and Nuclear Blast. The band join THY ART IS MURDER on a regional tour of Australia starting this week.

'SPIT!' is a shift in MÉLANCOLIA's established sound, expanding on the nu-metal-influenced direction the upcoming album promises. It's the first track in their catalogue to feature clean singing and the first to include a guest feature. The new single adds another layer to the dark atmosphere they’re becoming known for and was written to be played live—specifically to cater for sing alongs, mosh pits and stage dives.

Leading single 'ALL_IS_RUST' came before 'SPIT!' and released as both a declaration of evolution and a warning: MÉLANCOLIA are not here to follow trends—they’re here to dismantle them. MÉLANCOLIA’s forthcoming album random.access.misery melds metalcore, deathcore, industrial noise, blast beats and DJ scratching and blends into a hellish sonic cocktail. 'ALL_IS_RUST' and 'SPIT!' welcomes listeners to the band's new sound and a genre the band have coined as “Blackened Nu Metal”.

'SPIT!' is streaming everywhere now. random.access.misery will be out everywhere via Greyscale Records and Nuclear Blast on Friday August 29. 

Stream 'SPIT!' 
https://melancolia.bfan.link/spit

Pre-order/pre-save 'random.access.misery':
https://geni.us/random-access-misery

Watch the video for ''SPIT!' Below:

After establishing themselves in 2022 with their debut single 'Horror_Ethereal', the band announced the following February their signing to both Greyscale Recordsfor Australia/New Zealand and Nuclear Blast for the rest of the world. They released their debut album HissThroughRottenTeeth in April 2023, crafting a unique sound that has already catapulted them to new heights. Their very first show was in 2023 supporting THY ART IS MURDER on their Decade Of Hate Australian Tour alongside STARVE and JUSTICE FOR THE DAMNED. Since this they’ve toured with TO THE GRAVE, FALLUJAH (US),CATTLE DECAPITATION (US), Ingested (UK), VULVODYNIA (SA), SUFFOCATION (US) and many more.

MÉLANCOLIA is
Alex Hill | Vocals
Joshua Taafe | Guitars
Billy Morris | Guitars
Mason Page | Drums
 Toby Thomas | Bass

Follow MÉLANCOLIA:
 Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Youtube

LORNA SHORE Releases New Single & Video For “Unbreakable,” From Upcoming Album “I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me” Out Sept 12 Via Century Media Records

After the rousing reaction to “Oblivion” in recent weeks, Lorna Shore are offering another taste of their upcoming album I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me with second single, “Unbreakable” released today alongside a new music video, directed by Eric Richter. See it Below. The launch is also accompanied by a brand-new merch collection, available HERE.

 

Says vocalist Will Ramos of the anthemic track, “’Unbreakable’ is a very triumphant, all-inclusive song written to bring people together for a beautiful moment where they can realize that no matter what this world throws at us, it will never break us down. We and our bonds are unbreakable.”

 

I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me is the band’s fifth album and the first in three years since 2022’s explosive Pain Remains. It’s set for release on September 12 via Century Media Records and will continue Lorna Shore’s reputation as one of the most impressive extreme metal acts to emerge in recent memory.

 

The quintet, also including lead guitarist Adam De Micco, drummer Austin Archey, rhythm guitarist Andrew O'Connor and bassist Michael Yager, have hit the viral Spotify charts, racked up hundreds of millions of streams, embarked on highly successful tours and in the process, galvanized a significant fanbase that hangs onto the band’s quest for stylistic inversion. But by virtue of physical onslaught and wanting to divine truth from their music, Lorna Shore have kept themselves fired up by torching the metal rulebook at every turn, practically demanding that other genres step up their game.

 

I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me will be available in multiple formats including digital, CD and limited-edition vinyl variants. Fans can pre-save the album HERE and find their preferred physical and digital retailer HERE.

Lorna Shore will bring tracks from I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me and other hits on the road beginning in September, joined by The Black Dahlia Murder, Shadow Of Intent and PeelingFlesh in a tour produced by Live Nation. Tickets are on sale now.

 

LORNA SHORE FALL 2025 TOUR
With The Black Dahlia Murder, Shadow Of Intent and PeelingFlesh

 

September 17 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

September 18 Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival*

September 20 Worcester, MA @ New England Metal & Hardcore Festival*

September 21 National Harbor, MD @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor

September 23 Greensboro, NC @ Special Events Center

September 24 Nashville, TN @ The Pinnacle

September 26 Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion

September 27 Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Theatre

September 28 Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory

September 30 Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy

October 1 Tampa, FL @ Yuengling Center

October 3 Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall

October 4 Irving, TX @ Toyota Music Factory

October 5 Cedar Park, TX @ H-E-B Center Cedar Park

October 6 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion

October 9 Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

October 10 Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater

October 12 Riverside, CA @ Riverside Municipal Auditorium

October 13 San Diego, CA @ SOMA

October 14 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

October 15 San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic

October 17 Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre

October 18 Vancouver, BC @ Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

October 20 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center

October 21 Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

October 23 Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed

October 24 Maplewood, MN @ Myth Live

October 25 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom

October 27 Toronto, ON @ Great Canadian Casino Resort

October 28 Laval, QC @ Place Bell

October 30 New York, NY @ The Theater at Madison Square Garden

*Festival dates

 

Find more info and tickets at www.lornashoreband.com

LEAH MARTIN-BROWN Unveils New Single "Levitate" + Music Video

Today, acclaimed international singer-songwriter LEAH MARTIN-BROWN is pleased to unveil her latest single “Levitate,” out now via Frontiers Music Srl. The new track comes alongside a music video, available below.

Fresh off the punchy release of country rock banger “R U Chicken,” MARTIN-BROWNreturns with a haunting, atmospheric ballad co-written by legendary producer Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange and hitmaker Tony Nilsson. Produced by Lange, Nilsson, and Tommy Denander, the track marks a bold evolution in her sound.

LEAH MARTIN-BROWN comments on the single:

“’Levitate’ is about that feeling you get in the early stages of love - when being around someone makes everything feel a little lighter. This is a song that celebrates and explores that deep, safe 'you feel like home' love.”

Watch the Music Video for "Levitate"

LEAH MARTIN-BROWN is an Australian vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist known for fusing raw rock grit with cinematic emotion.

Although now based in Los Angeles, she first broke into the Australian industry with her goth-rock project Lilly Rouge, earning support slots with acts like Everclear, The Presidents of the USA, and The Getaway Plan before heading to the U.S. to level up her sound and vision.

 

In LA, she founded Evol Walks - a no-holds-barred hard rock band that had LEAH sharing the stage with the likes of Black Label Society, Within Temptation, Nita Strauss, and Johnny Depp.

 

Her commanding stage presence, powerful vocals and raw, unapologetic songwriting caught the attention of Frontiers Music Srl, where she now steps into her own as a solo artist.

 

With more genre-blurring releases on the way and international touring in her sights, MARTIN-BROWN continues to push boundaries - and she’s just getting started.

Stream / Listen to "Levitate" HERE

Line Up:

Leah Martin-Brown - Vocals

Tommy Denander - Guitars

Tony Nilsson - Keyboards & Programming

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

DAVID REECE Reveals the Album Cover & Title of the New BANGALORE CHOIR Album on BraveWords Records

DAVID REECE has revealed the title and album cover for the new BANGALORE CHOIR album to be released on BraveWords Records in late 2025. The new album is titled RAPID FIRE SUCCESSION: On Target Part II. The first single and video are expected to be released in the next month.

Giles Lavery produced the new album, along with DAVID REECE. Giles said this about the new material, "I think this is THE career album for David and Bangalore Choir... probably my favourite thing he has ever done, which is already a high bar, I am very happy! It's a "BIG" record, full of amazing songs, this is David's "Bat Out Of Hell II" or "The River", we went for the full melodic-rock 1989-1991 era soundscape with this one, with world class players and co-writers"

 

David Reece: Vocals

Diego Pires: Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Eric Juris: Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Andy Backing Vocals

Mario Backing Vocals

Riccardo Demarosi: Bass and Backing Vocals

Nello Savinelli: Drums

 

Guest appearances:

Jimmy Waldo: Keyboards

Ferdy Doernberg: Keyboards

 

Engineered by Riccardo Demorossi

Mixed and Mastered by Thomas Mergler @Tom's Soundranch

 

Fans can join the BANGALORE CHOIR email list where they will be kept informed about the new album. Join: https://m.bnds.us/hGGRHB

 

David Reece will be hitting the road later this year supporting Girlschool and his BraveWords Records label mates Alcatrazz. David Reece's Bangalore Choir will deliver a blistering set of hits from both Accept and Bangalore Choir, showcasing one of the most distinctive voices in heavy metal.

This tour is also the debut of his relaunched version of Bangalore Choir

 

Tickets: https://bit.ly/4j42NUm

GIANT STEPS MY IMPROBABLE JOURNEY FROM STAGE LIGHTS TO EXECUTIVE HEIGHTS DEREK SHULMAN WITH JON WIEDERHORN

New from Jawbone: an eye-opening memoir from Derek Shulman that traces his extraordinary journey through music, from 1960s pop fame with Simon Dupree & The Big Sound to cult status as frontman of progressive rock pioneers Gentle Giant, and later as a record executive who signed and developed global acts like Bon Jovi, Dream Theater, and Slipknot. He also played a key role in revitalizing the careers of legends such as AC/DC and Bad Company. On sale October 7, 2025.

 

Watch the video trailer below:

Pre-order (North America): https://tr.ee/GiantSteps

Pre-order (UK/EU): https://tr.ee/GiantSteps-UK-EU

In Giant Steps, Derek Shulman chronicles a remarkable life and career surrounded by music and creativity in many forms. It begins with a young Derek confidently telling his schoolteacher he would grow up to become a star, and unfolds into a fast-paced and eye-opening journey through decades of pop culture, creative risk-taking, and personal reinvention.

 

Shulman first found fame as a teenager in the 1960s pop and r&b group Simon Dupree & The Big Sound, then pushed rock music to the outer edges in the 1970s as frontman of progressive rock pioneers Gentle Giant.

 

In the 1980s, he made a bold pivot into the record business, taking on senior roles at labels like Polygram, ATCO, and Roadrunner Records. There, he signed and developed artists including Bon Jovi, Dream Theater, Slipknot, Pantera, and Men Without Hats, while also helping to revitalize the careers of AC/DC, Bad Company, and others.

 

Along the way Gentle Giant would become a defining influence on hip-hop, sampled by many of the genre’s leading lights including J. Dilla, De La Soul, Run The Jewels, Travis Scott and dozens more. The band was later championed by Questlove, drummer of The Roots and acclaimed filmmaker, who named them one of his favorite rock acts of all time.

 

Clean-living and focused in an industry often defined by chaos and excess, Shulman offers a rare perspective on the evolution of music and culture from the 1960s to today. Giant Steps is essential reading for fans of prog, rock, hip-hop, and anyone curious about the inner workings of the music industry.

About the authors

Derek Shulman is a celebrated musician and music executive best known as lead vocalist and founding member of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant. Born in 1947 in Glasgow, Scotland, he grew up in a musical family, which greatly influenced his artistic journey. After achieving success and acclaim with Gentle Giant in the 1970s, Derek transitioned into the music industry as an executive, playing a pivotal role in signing major acts including Bon Jovi, Pantera, and Dream Theater. With a career spanning over five decades, Shulman remains an iconic figure in the music world, well known and widely respected for his creativity and dedication. 

Jon Wiederhorn is a veteran author and music journalist. He is the co-author of Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History Of Metal, Dreaming Japanese (with Marty Friedman), I’m The Man: The Story Of That Guy From Anthrax (with Scott Ian), Ministry: The Lost Gospels According To Al Jourgensen, and My Riot: Agnostic Front, Grit, Guts & Glory (with Roger Miret), and is the author of Raising Hell: Backstage Tales From The Lives Of Metal Legends. He also has worked on staff at Rolling Stone, MTV, and Guitar Magazine, spearheaded the 12-episode exclusive iHeart Radio podcast Backstaged: The Devil In Metal, and written for LA Times, Classic Rock, Guitar World, TV Guide, SPIN, The Village Voice, and Melody Maker.