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Unlock Your Music’s Potential: Eric Alper PR Revolutionizes Spotify Promotion For Sustainable Growth

Eric Alper PR is excited to offer Spotify promotion and playlisting approach that keeps long-term streaming growth and algorithmic cohesion as its primary focus. This means that he only uses real human manual pitching to worldwide playlisters curated by people who want to hear your genre of music, and to playlisters that would be programming your song in lists with similar independent artists and marketing those lists to audiences who would be looking for music like it.

He works to use the digital streaming service algorithms to help put your music in spaces where listeners would expect to hear it, resulting in a lower skip rate, using his almost-decade experience third party playlists as a way to teach discovery algorithms that your song should be suggested to more listeners who like similar artists, and a longer period of growth on your track and a higher chance of it reaching people who will become real fans.

It is his mission to make the data that independent artists have access to on their streaming platforms as usable as possible, reflecting real growth from reaching actual people as opposed to inflated fake numbers. While the digital marketing landscape is constantly shifting and changing, he is adapting to chase the same goal of bringing your music to the people who will love it.

Ready to take your music to new heights? Email me Eric@ThatEricAlper.com today for personalized details on how we can elevate your Spotify presence and connect you with your audience authentically.

Kula Shaker Release “Charge of The Light Brigade” And Announce Reunion Tour

KULA SHAKER’s irrepressible return continues apace as the original line-up announce the release of a brand new single “Charge of The Light Brigade” on Strangefolk Records.

Packed with allusions to spiritual vampires and the fairy cavalcade of Celtic folklore, this three-minute musical trip is the first of a number of new tracks the band have recorded for their upcoming eighth studio album (title to be announced) and heralds their March/April shows in the U.K., where they will be riding out with Ocean Colour Scene as very special guests on their 2025 tour.

The tour, with extra dates added due to huge demand, kicked off on March 27th in Leeds, UK and runs until May 4th in Newcastle, will see the bands playing 24 dates across the country including two dates at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on April 4th and May 1st and two dates in Glasgow on the 15th and 16th of April. U.S. dates to be announced shortly!

With their seventh and latest album Natural Magick (2024) released across the world and topping the Independent Album Charts in the UK (“The best album of their career” – Shindig!), and having completed successful tours of North America, Asia, the UK and Europe last year, Kula Shaker are well and truly back in the saddle, galloping at speed, in a startling return to form.

The band’s sound feels more amplified than ever with the return of Hammond organ wizard Jay Darlington after a decade with Oasis and various Gallaghers, reuniting all four members of the band’s classic line-up (Crispian Mills: guitar/vocals; Jay Darlington: Hammond organ; Alonza Bevan: bass; Paul Winter-Hart: drums) for the first time since 1999’s Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts.

Delivering that renewed wild energy we know and love, Natural Magick proved to be a mesmeric 13-track incantation incorporating blazing psychedelic sermons, raga rave-ups, stardust-coated pop pearls and mood-enhancing mantras. A technicolor sonic pathway towards a more enlightened state of mind, this was Kula Shaker casting their most powerful spell yet.

Named after a ninth-century mystic, Kula Shaker first carried their freak flag of spiritual sonics to the top during the heady days of Britpop, first with their debut hit “Grateful When You’re Dead” / “Jerry Was There,” followed by top five songs like “Hush” and “Tattva” (a pop song written in Sanskrit) before releasing the legendary “Govinda.” The band became UK album chart-toppers with 1996’s imperious multi-platinum selling debut album K and the follow-up Peasants Pigs & Astronauts saw them push the creative envelope further, prior to their premature dissolution.

Having formed their own label Strangefolk in 2007, Kula Shaker have slowly but surely returned to their sonic summit, with a prolific surge of writing, which began in 2023 with 1st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love And Free Hugs, followed by their acclaimed Natural Magick in 2024.

Sounding the charge for 2025, this new song continues the ever-evolving Kula Shaker legend, which has both entertained and inspired listeners for decades, and 2025, and sees the band advance once again as “Charge of The Light Brigade” trailers the release of a new studio album.

25 years on from the debut album K, Kula Shaker have proved they are still one of the most exciting and ecstatic bands around, an unstoppable tour de force, with kinetic energy cursing through every second of their “electric” live shows.

The band will be releasing new music and embarking on international tours, headlining venues and festivals throughout 2025.

For U.K. dates with Ocean Colour Scene, please go to https://tix.to/OCS25

XPoNential Music Festival 2025 Brings Courtney Barnett, War, Sharon Van Etten & More to the Camden Waterfront

WXPN announces the lineup for the 32nd annual XPoNential Music Festival Presented By Subaru taking place at Wiggins Park on the Camden, NJ Waterfront September 19th, 20th and 21st 2025. Celebrated for their signature blend of roots, blues, indie rockers, and singer-songwriters, this year’s WXPN thoughtfully selected bill includes indie rockers Courtney Barnett and Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory and the eclectic, genre blending War as headliners.  Joining them at Wiggins Park is Greensky Bluegrass, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Molly Tuttle, Soccer Mommy, Spin Doctors, Richard Thompson, Tune-Yards and more.

The outdoor XPoNential Music Festival features WXPN’s “impeccably curated” mix of established, emerging and local artists, as cited by Philadelphia magazine in naming it Best Music Festival in its 2023 “Best of Philly” awards.

Produced in partnership with the Camden County Board of Commissioners, the XPoNential Music Festival attracts audiences from Greater Philadelphia, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeastern US to Wiggins Park, which offers convenient access via public transportation, two waterfront stages in natural amphitheaters that produce great sound, lawn seating, and riverfront promenades that offer spectacular views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline. In addition to its variety of artists, amenities that include free non-alcoholic beverages and an artist meet-and-greet area for WXPN members, a children’s activities area, and extensive food, beverage, and other vendor selections make the festival an enjoyable experience for music lovers of all ages.

“The XPoNential Music Festival has served as a staple event on the Camden Waterfront since 2005,” Commissioner Jeffrey Nash said. “As always, the festival has a wonderful lineup of diverse musical performances so there is truly something that everyone will enjoy. We cannot wait for this year’s event and encourage everyone to join us on the Waterfront.”

XPoNential Music Festival 2025 Lineup includes:

Friday, September 19, 2025
War
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Snacktime
Southern Avenue
Black Buttafly
Fawziyya Heart

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Molly Tuttle
Soccer Mommy
Richard Thompson
Kathleen Edwards
Tune-Yards
Owen Stewart
Maxwell Stern & The Good Light Band

Sunday, September 21, 2025
Courtney Barnett
Greensky Bluegrass
Spin Doctors
Craig Finn
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Zinadelphia
Michigander
Emily Drinker

*Stage schedule and set times to be announced.

Tickets and all information about the XPoNential Music Festival can be found at the festival website xpnfest.org. As a benefit of their membership, WXPN members receive up to 50% discount on festival passes.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Returns with The Teskey Brothers, Lukas Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, The Band Perry and Nearly 100 Acts

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, presented by Ballad Health and produced by the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music, returns to State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tenn.-Va. Sept. 19-21, 2025 for its 24th annual event, boasting a colossal, genre-bending lineup that includes the soul-drenched blues-rock of Aussie exports The Teskey Brothers, the anthemic harmonies of Shane Smith & The Saints, and next-gen outlaw Lukas Nelson. 14-time GRAMMY winner Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder are also on the roster with platinum-selling chart-toppers The Band Perry, who hail from neighboring Greeneville, Tenn. Breakthrough singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun, known for her collaborations with Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Maren Morris, makes her debut in Bristol alongside festival veterans Steep Canyon Rangers, psychedelic jam band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and buzzworthy, Birmingham, Ala. bluegrass ensemble Mountain Grass Unit, plus many, many more. The three-day celebration is an immersive tribute to the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings and the far-reaching influence of that pivotal moment in American music history.

Kaitlin Butts, Ashley Monroe, Fruition, Sister Sadie, Michael Cleveland, The Wilder Blue, Nolan Taylor, Shadowgrass, Ken Pomeroy, Theo Lawrence, The Wildmans, Jarekus Singleton, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land, Denitia, Chicken Wire Empire also join the lineup of nearly 100 acts slated to appear on a dozen stages in the twin cities designated the “birthplace of country music” by the U.S. Congress.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion amplifies the charm of its vibrant downtown location, steeped in the region’s authentic music, culture, and community. As Saving Country Music puts it, “Instead of traipsing back and forth through an open field like many festivals make you endure, you feel like you’re entering a musical village, and one that you never want to leave.”

New for 2025, Bristol Rhythm will add late night sets at Machiavelli’s outdoor tent, “barn” dances at the Country Music Mural Stage, and the festival’s first Artist in Residence, Dave Eggar. The dynamic cellist, pianist, and composer, who has worked with a host of artists including The Who, Coldplay, Tony Bennett, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, and many, many more, will take his talents from stage to stage, collaborating with a number of festival artists throughout the weekend. Tennessee Songwriters Week Bristol qualifying round winners Austin Barrett, Camden Benoit, Claire Childress, and Erin Dalton will also perform in the round with Sarrenna, hosted by Adam Bolt.

WBCM Radio Bristol, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will bring its popular Farm and Fun Time variety show back to the Paramount Bristol stage during the festival this year, with special guests to be announced. Hoot and Holler, Roanoke’s storytelling collective, will also return to delight audiences with more stories – “out loud!”

Weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are on sale now, with upgraded packages available. Visit BristolRhythm.com for tickets and information.

The 10 Greatest Songs About Radio

For many of us, the radio served as more than a background soundtrack. It filled bedrooms and basements, car rides and quiet nights, with voices and music that felt like lifelines. It introduced new artists, new ideas, and emotions we hadn’t named yet. Long before playlists were curated by algorithms, DJs with personality and passion shaped our taste and our sense of belonging. And in a perfect loop of homage, musicians began writing songs about the very medium that helped carry their voices into the world.

“Radio, Radio” – Elvis Costello
A punk-fueled protest against corporate censorship disguised as a catchy anthem, this is the song Costello wasn’t supposed to play on SNL—so naturally, he did. It’s a biting takedown of broadcast conformity with just the right amount of sneer and jangle. Few songs capture the rebellious spirit of radio quite like this one.

“This Is Radio Clash” – The Clash
If the apocalypse had a house band, it’d be The Clash. This experimental track blasted out warnings over a dystopian soundscape, turning the radio into a pirate ship broadcasting from the edge of chaos. It’s weird, it’s wild, it’s everything the FM dial once promised.

“Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio?” – Ramones
It’s a rallying cry and a eulogy all in one. With Phil Spector at the controls and nostalgia in full force, the Ramones remember a time when the radio mattered. A punk band longing for the golden age of DJs and discotheques—how beautifully ironic.

“On the Radio” – Donna Summer
Only Donna Summer could make heartbreak sound like a disco dream. This shimmering track is about hearing your love life broadcast over the airwaves and somehow dancing through the pain. It’s melodrama, mirrorballs, and the magic of nighttime radio all rolled into one.

“I Can’t Live Without My Radio” – LL Cool J
Before Bluetooth speakers and streaming, there was the boombox, and LL Cool J made it an icon. This track wasn’t just about loving music—it was about identity, defiance, and walking down the street with your soundtrack blasting for the whole block to hear.

“Turn Up the Radio” – Autograph
Hair metal’s contribution to the radio canon is loud, proud, and unrepentantly fun. Autograph didn’t want a deep conversation—they just wanted more volume. For every kid who felt alive rolling down the highway with the speakers maxed out, this was your anthem.

“Mexican Radio” – Wall of Voodoo
A deliciously strange, new wave fever dream, “Mexican Radio” captured the surrealism of late-night broadcasts bleeding over the border. With its spaghetti-western synths and bizarre lyrics, it’s a love song to static-filled frequencies and cross-cultural airwaves.

“You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” – Joni Mitchell
Joni’s sly wink to the music biz turned into one of her most charming tracks. Written at the label’s request for a hit single, she instead delivered a metaphorical seduction wrapped in folk-pop genius. Leave it to Joni to make being a radio into a romance.

“Spirit of Radio” – Rush
Only Rush could pack philosophy, power chords, reggae breakdowns, and a tribute to Toronto’s own CFNY into one song. A celebration of the unpredictability and purity of real radio before it gave way to commercial sludge—“Spirit of Radio” is prog-rock perfection.

“Radio Free Europe” – R.E.M.
Mumbling its way into music history, this jangly debut track was a cryptic call to arms. While the lyrics might be elusive, the energy is unmistakable—a sonic transmission from a band who knew the power of underground airwaves and college radio stations.

The best songs about radio tap into something timeless—the joy of discovery, the ache of connection, and the power of hearing the right song at exactly the right moment. These tracks speak to how radio built culture, sparked revolutions, and made people feel seen, even in solitude. Whether blasted through a boombox or whispered through late-night static, the radio left its mark. These songs remember.

Gigi Perez Announces Debut Album ‘At The Beach, In Every Life’ Out April 25, Shares Track Teaser and Global Tour Dates

Photo Credit: Caity Krone

Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and producer Gigi Perez proudly announces her self-produced full-length debut LP, At The Beach, In Every Life, out April 25, 2025, via Island Records. Alongside the announcement, Gigi unveils a striking album trailer that artfully sets the stage for what’s to come.

The passionate, poetic, and powerful body of work centers around themes of grief, love, faith, and religion. Notabl,y the album processes the aftermath of losing her beloved sister Celene whose voice memos weave throughout the LP, the motif that glues her debut together. Recorded and Executive Produced by Perez, and with the help of her dear friends and collaborators, Noah Weinman and Aidan Hobbs, the album captures a clear representation of Gigi’s life over the past five years which saw her signing her first major label deal during the pandemic, getting dropped, returning home to her native South Florida to start over again, and how swimming through grief and romance challenge those things. On her third independent release, Perez released “Sailor Song” before signing to Island Records in the fall of 2024.

On the album, Gigi stated, “This is the album I needed to listen to when I was twenty years old following the passing of my older sister, Celene. It’s taken years to process, and seeing how it’s colored everything in my life, it feels like a flag down in the sand at a checkpoint rather than a destination. And there was water everywhere for miles, and a girl met me there every time. I have been loved through my grief.” 

Rolling Stone recently touted Gigi among “2025 Pop Acts to Watch,” asserting, “Gigi Perez is on track to become a household name this year.” Billboard chronicled her rise, placing her among its “Artists to Watch in 2025,” while BBC claims “it won’t be long before Gigi sees her name tattooed on many more arms.”

Perez made her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Sailor Song” in August 2024, where the single has continued to climb for 33 weeks and has generated nearly 1 billion streams. The song has also reached Top 5 on Spotify’s US charts, Top 10 on Spotify’s Global chart.

In February, Gigi made her debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC with a stunning rendition of “Sailor Song.” HOLLER. professed, “Gigi Perez’s captivating performance consolidates her position as one of the most exciting new voices in the folk-pop genre, with the sense of anticipation continuing to sky-rocket...”

Next up, Gigi will embark on a sold-out global headline tour, performing in Germany, The UK, France, The Netherlands, and Switzerland.  She returns to North America in April for a headline run including shows at Irving Plaza in New York, NY on April 23 and the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on May 7.

Gigi Perez invites everyone behind the curtain. When you peel back the layers of her songs, her questions of faith, memories of loved ones gone-way-too-soon, visions of ecstasy, and premonitions of romance bubble up to the surface. All of these emotions feel familiar because they’re delivered without filter in poetically blunt lyrics stitched into the fabric of her soft production and naked acoustic guitar. However, she doesn’t tell anybody what to think or how to feel; she simply holds up a mirror. Her story has twisted and turned with the unpredictability of your favorite novel. After leaving Berklee College of Music mid-pandemic, the platinum-certified Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and producer built an audience and parlayed the excitement for her original material into a major label deal. 2021’s “Sometimes (Backwood)” exploded to the tune of over 153 million Spotify streams, paving the way for shows alongside everyone from Coldplay to Noah Cyrus and setting the stage for her fan-favorite How to Catch a Falling Knife EP [2023]. Leaving her label and expectations in the rearview, she took control of her destiny in 2024. Grabbing the reins tighter than ever, she taught herself how to record and produce on her own and made the most of her newfound freedom by issuing “Please Be Rude” independently. Gigi only further engaged listeners with “Normalcy” before taking flight with the breakout “Sailor Song.” 

TOUR DATES
4/7 ​Cologne, Germany ​ Buergerhaus Stollwerck
4/8 ​Amsterdam, Netherlands​ Paradiso
4/10 ​Paris, France ​ Trabendo
4/12​ Zermatt, Switzerland ​ Zermatt Unplugged
4/15​ Dublin, Ireland ​ Academy Green Room
4/17 ​London, UK ​ Koko
4/18 ​Glasgow, Scotland ​ SWG3 Studio Warehouse
4/23​ New York, NY ​ Irving Plaza
4/26​ Atlanta, GA ​ Terminal West
4/27 ​Charleston, SC ​ High Water Festival
4/29​ Washington, D.C. ​ The Atlantis
5/1 ​Philadelphia, PA The Foundry
5/3 Charlotte, NC Lovin Life Music Fest in
5/5 ​San Francisco, CA ​ The Independent
5/7 ​Los Angeles, CA ​ Fonda Theatre
6/10 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion*
6/12 Ridgedale, MO Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena*
6/14 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo
6/18 Columbus, OH Historic Crew Stadium*
6/20 Milwaukee, WI American Family Insurance Amphitheater*
6/21 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC+
6/23 Boston, MA Fenway Park*
6/24 Boston, MA Fenway Park*
7/18 St Paul, MN Minnesota Yacht Club
7/20 Commerce City, CO Dick’s Sporting Goods Park*
7/24 Tinley Park, IL​​ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre*
7/25 Tinley Park, IL​​ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre*
8/1 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
8/2 St Charles, IA Hinterland Music
8/7 South Lake Tahoe, NV​ Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys*
8/8 South Lake Tahoe, NV​ Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys*
8/12 Portland, OR​​ Moda Center*
8/14 Seattle, WA T-Mobile Park*
9/10 Toronto, ON Rogers Stadium*
9/13 Asbury Park, NJ See.Hear.Now
9/16 Bristow, VA​​​ Jiffy Lube Live*
9/17 Bristow, VA​​​ Jiffy Lube Live*
9/19 Hershey, PA​​​ Hersheypark Stadium*
9/28 Bridgeport, CT Sundside Music
*Supporting Hozier
+ Supporting Mumford & Sons

Tucker Wetmore Reveals Songs From Debut Album ‘What Not To’

As anticipation reaches fever pitch, country’s newest powerhouse Tucker Wetmore has officially unveiled the full tracklist for his debut album What Not To, arriving Friday, April 25. Produced by Chris LaCorte, the 19-song collection captures the highs, lows and lessons learned in Wetmore’s 25 years – offering a full-length introduction to one of country music’s most exciting voices.

Touted as “just a heartbeat away from a household hit” (Country Central), Wetmore co-wrote 11 of the album’s tracks, including the long-requested fan-favorite “Drinkin’ Boots” and the current viral sensation “Brunette.” The record weaves together interconnected themes, “like red yarn connecting a bunch of pins on a wall,” as Wetmore describes it. At its core is the title track, “What Not To,” a song about struggle, compassion and salvation. “Momma said you don’t pray no more/breaks my heart, so I do it for you,” Wetmore sings.

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE WHAT NOT TO

 Wetmore kicked off release month with high-profile national appearances on CBS Mornings Plus and ABC News Live to give an exclusive first look at the album. He also hit a career milestone with his first-ever major country award show nomination for ACM New Male Artist of the Year.

Adding fuel to the fire, Wetmore released a final preview of What Not To with the sleek, neon-lit track “Casino.” Holler praised the release, adding “Wetmore knows the formula for a crowd-pleasing earworm and ‘Casino’ is no different.” The buzz comes on the heels of his first No.1 at Country radio with “Wind Up Missin’ You” earlier this year and follow-up single “3,2,1” currently climbing the charts.

Recently named an artist to watch from Spotify, VEVO, Billboard, MusicRow and Grand Ole Opry, Wetmore has spent the spring captivating international audiences across Europe at Country 2 Country (C2C), including a sold-out headlining stop at London’s Electric Ballroom. He continues that momentum with the extended WAVES ON A SUNSET TOUR 2025, running through May, before hitting the road as direct support for Thomas Rhett’s BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025, playing 33 markets this summer.

In just one year, Wetmore has skyrocketed from a newcomer to a chart-topping sensation, fueled by his back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 hits “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” a debut EP and over 855M total global streams. He also earned an iHeartRadio Music Awards nomination for Best New Country Artist and made his national television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends (WATCH).

Having notched back-to-back spots on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with his RIAA PLATINUM-certified debut singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” and surpassing over 855 million streams in a year, Washington-born singer-songwriter Tucker Wetmore is well on the way to becoming a certified breakout country star. Wetmore signed a major-label record deal last summer with UMG Nashville in partnership with Back Blocks Music, had two songs featured on the star-studded Twisters soundtrack (“Already Had It” and “Steal My Thunder” (with Conner Smith)), made his Grand Ole Opry debut and delivered his first EP, Waves on a Sunset. He brought his music directly to fans on tour with Kameron Marlowe and Luke Bryan before selling out his first-ever headlining tour WAVES ON A SUNSET TOUR 2024. Now, in 2025, the skyrocketing talent will extend his headlining efforts with dates in the UK, US and Europe before joining Thomas Rhett’s BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025 as direct support. Wetmore will continue releasing new music, with songs that reflect his cross-genre musical upbringing, embracing all manners of country, reggae, rock and hip-hop, albeit anchored by classic country storytelling. He enters 2025 as one of the most buzzed-about new acts, recognized as a One to Watch by Billboard, MusicRow, VEVO, Spotify, the Grand Ole Opry and more. His breakout hit “Wind Up Missin’ You” recently earned him his first No. 1 on the Mediabase Country chart, while his current single “3,2,1” continues its steady climb at country radio. Wetmore’s highly anticipated debut album What Not To arrives April 25.

What Not To tracklist:
1. “Whatcha Think Is Gonna Happen?” (Matt Jenkins, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler)
2. “3,2,1” (Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet, Jordan Reynolds)
3. “Bad Luck Looks Good On Me” (Tucker Wetmore, Julian Bunetta, Jackson Foote, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones)
4. “Casino” (Josh Jenkins, Alex Palmer, John Pierce and Michael Tyler)
5. “Takes One To Break One” (Matt Jenkins, Josh Miller, Ben Stennis)
6. “Brunette” (Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass)
7. “Wind Up Missin’ You” (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Chris LaCorte)
8. “Give Her The World” (Tucker Wetmore, Madison Kozak, Chase McDaniel)
9. “Goodbye Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Ross Copperman, Jacob Hackworth)
10. “When I Ain’t Lookin’” (Austin Goodloe, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler, Tucker Beathard)
11. “Drink Alone” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rogers)
12. “Bad Habit” (Tucker Wetmore, Corey Crowder, Chris LaCorte, Jameson Rogers)
13. “What Not To” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rogers)
14. “Break First” (Michael Tyler, Matt Roy, Lauren Hungate, Matt Dragstrem)
15. “Drinkin’ Boots (Demo)” (Tucker Wetmore, Jared Keim, Michael Lotten)
16. “Drunk On Her” (Jaxson Free, Gabe Foust, Jacob Hackworth, Chris Tompkins)
17. “Silverado Blue” (Tucker Wetmore, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)
18. “Wine Into Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Justin Ebach)
19. “Whiskey Again” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rogers)


From Elvis to “Tic-Tac-Dough” – 5 Musical Moments That Prove Wink Martindale Was More Than a Game Show Host

Wink Martindale, who passed away today at age 91, may be best known for game shows like Tic-Tac-Dough and Gambit, but his life in music was nothing short of remarkable. Before he became a television icon, Martindale was making waves on the radio, cutting hit records, and shaping pop culture in ways few remember today. Here are five musical facts you (probably) didn’t know about the man behind that unmistakable voice and winning smile.

1. He Was in the Studio the Night Elvis Presley Changed Everything
On July 10, 1954, Wink Martindale was in the WHBQ studio in Memphis when DJ Dewey Phillips dropped the needle on a brand new song called “That’s All Right.” It was Elvis Presley’s debut recording, and the switchboards lit up. Martindale helped track Elvis down at a movie theater, convincing his parents to bring him to the station. The resulting interview—Elvis’ first—went down in history. Martindale didn’t just witness rock and roll’s birth; he helped deliver it.

2. He Had a Top 10 Hit with a Spoken-Word Classic
Before William Shatner or Baz Luhrmann ever tried their hand at spoken-word pop, Wink Martindale took a surprising path up the charts in 1959 with “Deck of Cards,” a solemn tale of a soldier using playing cards as a makeshift Bible. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies, proving that sincerity—and a little theatricality—could still go platinum. In the U.K., it returned to the charts four years later and became a beloved novelty staple.

3. He Was a Major Figure in the Early Los Angeles Radio Scene
Martindale moved west and became one of L.A.’s most trusted voices. Starting at KHJ and later moving to KRLA and KFWB, he played the hits and interviewed the stars during the golden age of Top 40 radio. He wasn’t just spinning records—he was helping shape the tastes of a generation. When he later returned to radio formats like Music of Your Life and The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, it was a full-circle moment for a guy who never stopped loving the sound of a great song.

4. He Worked with Game Show Legends and Music Icons Alike
Sure, he hosted some of the most beloved game shows of all time, but Martindale also rubbed shoulders with everyone from Sam Phillips to Merv Griffin. He co-produced music-themed game shows like What’s This Song? and developed TV specials that brought music into American homes in a big way. His crossover from disc jockey to TV personality was seamless—and he often used his platform to spotlight artists and songs he believed in.

5. He Never Let the Music Stop
Even in his later years, Martindale kept the music playing. In 2021, he launched a new version of The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a syndicated radio show that blended interviews, trivia, and classic hits. He filled it with fun facts, deep cuts, and that signature Wink charm, proving that at 87 years old, his love of music—and his desire to share it—was still going strong.

Wink Martindale wasn’t just a game show host—he was a music man through and through. He spun records before Elvis was king, topped charts with a song about prayer and poker, and dedicated his golden years to keeping the spirit of rock and roll alive. Somewhere out there, a neon jukebox just played “Deck of Cards,” and you know Wink is smiling.

Dierks Bentley Gathers ‘Broken Branches,’ Old Friends, and New Voices for His Most Honest Album Yet

After more than 20 years on country music’s family tree, Dierks Bentley’s own branch has grown strong and solid, and with his upcoming 11th studio album BROKEN BRANCHES out June 13 (Capitol Records Nashville), he comes to appreciate the knots and gnarl more than ever. Whittling down his essential sound to its rooted and most resolute, it finds a proud broken branch celebrating the outliers of country life – and of country music. The eleven songs embrace unruly characters wherever they’re found, ultimately adding beauty to the whole, and is available now for pre-order HERE.

“The country music community has a lot of broken branches in it. That’s why we’re all here,” Bentley explains. “We want to do something a little bit different, and I think everyone sees themselves like that – certainly in country. This is the people’s music and it represents that spirit of individuality so well – it’s just about doing it our own way.”

Bentley spent months listening to songs, often driving around the backroads of his Tennessee home, spinning raw demos with no names attached to the songs. Then he chose a mix of tracks with deep meanings and distinctive quirks, centered on the imperfect perfections of community spirit. Executive Produced by Mary Hilliard Harrington, each song grew from acoustic-guitar foundation in whatever direction felt right, and Bentley calls that a testament to producers Jon Randall and Ross Copperman, plus musicians like Charlie Worsham, Jedd Hughes, Rob McNelley and Bryan Sutton.  Co-writing just four tracks himself and securing seven from outside writers (many for the first time), Bentley dug deeper than ever before into Nashville’s thriving songwriting community.

“I think that’s what’s special about country – we’re still making music in the studio with our buddies,” Bentley says. “We’re still getting together and talking about the songs and letting the musicians have a big say. It’s a good team – maybe a little messed up – but that’s the whole idea behind broken branches, so it just works.”

“Broken Branches” became the anchor track as a grounded (but good-timing) anthem with a mood-boosting jukebox stomp in honor of nature’s black sheep, featuring multiple generations, the living legend John Anderson and rising hit maker Riley Green. Others like “Cold Beer Can” shows a different way of looking at a frosty 12-oz. and the heartwarming banjo-led “Never You (feat. Miranda Lambert)” tribute the essential companion in each life. Bentley returns to his bluegrass beginnings with the feverish “Well, Well Whiskey,” tracks like the propulsive acoustic jam “Something Worth Fixing” celebrate life as a work in progress, the grungy alt-country of “Jesus Loves Me” explores a heartbroken “gospel truth” and “Off the Map” looks to quietly escape a relentless reality – whether on the beach, or a barstool. Meanwhile, the blazing heart of “Standing in the Sun” burns with the simple, life-giving power of true romance, while “For as Long as I Can Remember” tributes the Sequoia-like shelter a father provides and “Don’t Cry for Me” brings the project full-circle.

The multi-Platinum superstar recently released the biggest debuting song of his career with BROKEN BRANCHES’ debut single “She Hates Me,” which features his “trademark humor” (Billboard) while blending elements of Whitley and Weezer, adding a playful edge to Bentley’s signature country sound. He counts eight Number One albums, 22 Number One songs, and over nine billion global streams to his credit – plus 15 Grammy nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. A global headliner and against-the-grain torch bearer for country’s organic roots, Bentley will launch his 30-city BROKEN BRANCHES TOUR on May 29 with Zach Top and The Band Loula. Continuing the path built from the ground up, as an entrepreneur, he has opened four locations of the gastropub and live music venue “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row,” has a Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection “Desert Son” and recently released ROW 94 – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with only “three ingredients and the truth” at Kentucky’s Green River Distilling Co.

BROKEN BRANCHES Track List:
1. Cold Beer Can
Written by Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Dierks Bentley

2. Jesus Loves Me
Written by Adam James, Ben Stennis and Allison Veltz Cruz

3. She Hates Me
Written by Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Allen, Wesley Scantlin and Dierks Bentley

4. Something Worth Fixing
Written by Stephen Wilson Jr., Luke Dick and Dierks Bentley

5. Standing In The Sun
Written by Kyle Sturrock

6. Well Well Whiskey
Written by Seth Ennis, Devin Dawson and Jordan Reynolds

7. Broken Branches
Written by Zach Abend, Beau Bailey and Graham Barham

8. Off The Map
Written by Jeremy Bussey, Lauren McLamb and Adam Wood

9. Near You (ft. Miranda Lambert)
Written by Scooter Carusoe, Ross Copperman and Ben Williams

10. For As Long As I Can Remember
Written by Devin Dawson, Connie Harrington

11. Don’t Cry For Me
Written by Jim Beavers and Dierks Bentley

 

Benson Boone and Brian May Unite at Coachella 2025 for a “Bohemian Rhapsody” That Made Time Stand Still

What happens when a rising pop powerhouse meets rock royalty on one of the biggest stages in the world? A moment that feels like it was written in the stars.

At Coachella 2025, Benson Boone delivered a stunning, pitch-perfect performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” — only to be joined halfway through by none other than Sir Brian May himself. As May’s legendary guitar solo rang out under the desert sky, generations of fans came together to remember Freddie Mercury and the timeless magic of Queen.

ZZ Top Adds New Dates To The ‘Elevation’ Tour

ZZ Top, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” has announced additional U.S. dates continuing their Elevation Tour across the continent and the globe. The Texas trio will be visiting Australia and New Zealand this summer before returning to North America for even more performances this fall. They will be joined along the way by various support acts including Night Ranger, Payton Smith and Black Stone Cherry.
ZZ Top has been at it for well over a half century delivering rock, blues and boogie on stage and in studio to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ Top is globally recognized with their beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language.

As a touring outfit, they’ve been without peer over the past five decades, having performed before millions of fans over four continents and have been the subject of their own Grammy-nominated documentary titled That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. The band’s Billy F Gibbons commented, “We love getting out there and turning it up so we’re excited about these new dates because this tour’s been a great ride so far and we don’t want it to end anytime soon.”

They have sold millions of records over the course of their career, have been officially designated as Heroes of The State of Texas, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Keith Richards, no less) and have been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms. They are true rock icons and, against all odds, they’re really just doing what they’ve always done. ZZ Top abides!

The latest dates for The Elevation Tour are listed below:
26-Apr North Bendigo, AU Bendingo Jockey Club
27-Apr Mornington, AU Morington Racecourse
29-Apr Adelaide, AU AEC Arena
1-May Perth, AU Langley Park
3-May Hunter Valley, AU Roche Estate
4-May Wollongong, AU Stuart Park Wollongong
7-May Melbourne, AU Margaret Court Arena
10-May Brisbane, AU Sandstone Point Hotel
11-May Brisbane, AU Sandstone Point Hotel
13-May Sydney, AU ICC Sydney Theatre
17-May Auckland, NZ Spark Arena
18-May Wellington, NZ TSB Bank Arena
1-Jun Victoria, BC Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
3-Jun Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
4-Jun Tsuut’ina, AB Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
6-Jun Enoch, AB River Cree Resort & Casino
7-Jun Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre
8-Jun Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre
10-Jun Moorhead, MN Bluestone Amphitheater
12-Jun Waite Park, MN The Ledge – Waite Park Amphitheater
13-Jun Carlton, MN Black Bear Casino Resort
14-Jun Davenport, IA Rhythm City Casino
18-Jun Windsor, ON Caesars Windsor – The Colosseum
20-Jun Pickering, ON Pickering Casino Resort
21-Jun Toronto, ON Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
22-Jun Hamilton, ON FirstOntario Centre
25-Jun Laval, QC Place Bell
26-Jun Québec, QC Agora Du Port De Québec
27-Jun Moncton, NB Casino New Brunswick – The Centre
1-Aug Sturgis, SD Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (Venue: Buffalo Chip Campground)
2-Aug Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
4-Aug Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6-Aug Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
7-Aug Washington, MO Washington Town & Country Fair
8-Aug Arcadia, WI Ashley For The Arts
10-Aug Lincoln, NE Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater
13-Aug Salt Lake City, UT Red Butte Garden
14-Aug Pocatello, ID Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
17-Aug Eugene, OR Cuthbert Amphitheatre
22-Aug Coquitlam, BC Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
23-Aug Richmond, BC River Rock Casino Resort
24-Aug Auburn, WA Muckleshoot Casino Resort
26-Aug Troutdale, OR Edgefield Amphitheater
28-Aug Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
29-Aug Murphys, CA Ironstone Amphitheater
30-Aug Costa Mesa, CA OC Fair & Event Center
3-Sep Midland, TX Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
7-Sep Tuscaloosa, AL Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
11-Sep Selbyville, DE Freeman Arts Pavilion
13-Sep Asbury Park, NJ Sea.Hear.Now Festival
17-Sep New York, NY Beacon Theatre
19-Sep Danville, VA Caesars Virginia
21-Sep Bethlehem, PA Wind Creek Bethlehem
23-Sep Binghamton, NY Visions Memorial Arena
24-Sep Albany, NY Palace Theatre – Albany
26-Sep Providence, RI Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium
27-Sep Hampton, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
28-Sep West Springfield, MA The Big E Arena
2-Oct Barco, NC Morris Farm
3-Oct Winsboro, SC Field & Stream Music Fest
5-Oct Athens GA The Classic Center
7-Oct Knoxville, TN The Tennessee Theatre
9-Oct Northfield, OH MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage
10-Oct Terre Haute, IN The Mill

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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