Tony Holiday Drops New Album ‘Keep Your Head Up,’ Blending Memphis Soul and Blues Tradition With Modern Fire
Tony Holiday is proud to announce the release of his new album, Keep Your Head Up, produced by Eric Corne. The new record is out today via Forty Below Records.
Tony Holiday has been at the center of a Memphis soul-blues revival anchored by a contingent of young, savvy, well-schooled musicians with a “family-like” attitude and a strong belief in one another. Over the past few years, He’s been touring hard, taking spells in between to write and record with Producer Eric Corne in Memphis and Los Angeles. The result is this new album, Keep Your Head Up.
The album demonstrates an impressive command of styles, as Holiday leads his band fluidly through Texas, Chicago, and hill country blues with plenty of Memphis soul and even a touch of Afrobeat.
Over the past couple of years, Holiday has been touring hard, taking spells in between to write and record with Producer Eric Corne in Memphis and Los Angeles. And all that hard work has come to fruition, Keep Your Head Up, is an album that covers a tremendous amount of territory over eight pithy tracks.
The album opens with the Freddie King classic “She’s A Burglar,” a gripping Texas Blues featuring good pal Eddie 9V on lead guitar and sharing vocal duties. Next is the intense Chicago blues flavored “Twist My Fate,” written by Corne, featuring Holiday’s stellar harmonica work and shared vocal duties from the incomparable Kevin Burt.
Holiday and Corne turn “A Woman Named Trouble” on its head with a fascinating Afrobeat flavor, including a riveting trumpet solo by occasional E Streeter Mark Pender before locking into some greasy Memphis soul compliments of regular collaborator AJ Fullerton on “Good Times.”
Laura Chavez, last year’s Blues Music Award winner for ‘Guitarist of the Year’ turns in a fabulous performance on the soulful, horn-laden “Shoulda Known Better” before the album shifts to a modern take on hill country blues with “Walk On The Water,” written by Corne who also sings a bluegrass style harmony throughout, adding a unique flavor to the track.
Fan favorite Albert Castiglia joins Holiday with some spirited guitar and vocals on the playful Snooks Eaglin classic “Drive It Home,” and Holiday shows why he’s one of the finest harmonica players on the scene today, despite electing not to play the instrument on over half the songs on the album.
The record closes with a brilliant surprise, a bittersweet country soul Americana song called “I Can Not Feel The Rain,” written by Holiday with help from Corne and Jad Tariq, who plays the role of Steve Cropper throughout this record.
Tony is currently receiving airplay on Sirius XM Bluesville, and there’s been no shortage of praise; Blues Blast declared, “Mixing Memphis soul with Texas blues, Chicago blues, a dash of blues-rock, and a hint of hill country blues, ” Holiday has crafted a modern sound yet rooted firmly in the 1960s. It is a glorious mash-up of genres that remains true soul-blues”, Blues Rock Review opined that it is “A solid, engaging record that reinforces Holiday’s promising status in today’s blues scene.” and Blues Matters put it succinctly “Keep Your Head Up is an album of eight pieces of musical gold.”
Dom Dolla and Kid Cudi Team Up for Euphoric New Single “Forever,” Debuted Live at Madison Square Garden
GRAMMY Award-nominated artist, producer, and DJ Dom Dolla teams up with genre-defying GRAMMY Award-winning Kid Cudi officially release their highly anticipated new single, “Forever” (via Three Six Zero / Columbia)
The collaboration arrives on the heels of Dom Dolla’s sold-out doubleheader at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where he debuted the track live to 30,000 fans. In a surprise moment, Kid Cudi took the stage alongside Dom to perform the newly finished “Forever” and nostalgic hits “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Day ‘N’ Nite”, marking Cudi’s first live appearance since Coachella 2024.
While announcing “Forever,” Dom and Kid Cudi shared a behind the scenes video on social media from inside EastWest Studios (Los Angeles), reflecting on how the record came together and the wave of nostalgia it stirred in them both.
Cudi says: “This resurrects all those cherished memories that kids had back when they were younger… it feels like 2010 again”
On the track, Dom says: “Like many people, I grew up a massive fan of Kid Cudi. In many ways, his music was the soundtrack to my youth. When we met for the first time earlier this year, he said to me, ‘Dom… I don’t want to write sad music anymore.’ Given his lyrical history and how far he’s come as an artist, I was excited to get into the studio and see what we could create. We set ourselves the challenge of writing the happiest song we could. Everyone knows the world is going through a pretty wild time at the moment, so we wanted to transport listeners to another time and place.I really hope you all enjoy Forever as much as we do”
To commemorate the release, Dom dropped an exclusive “Live @ Madison Square Garden” version of “Forever,”
Maren Morris Drops Playful New Single “bed no breakfast” Ahead of D R E A M S I C L E Album Release
Maren Morris has released her new track “bed no breakfast” today. The track is the second single from her upcoming fourth album D R E A M S I C L E, which is set for release on May 9, and arrives with a new visualizer.
Playful, empowered, and unapologetically honest, “bed no breakfast” captures a moment of post-romantic realness with Maren’s signature lyrical wit. Describing the song, Maren shares: “bed no breakfast” is my cheeky little song about wanting personal space after… personal closeness. It’s about a right to your own comforts on your own terms even while having some good-natured fun with somebody. Drunk girls don’t cry… they kick you out.”
The track showcases a lighter, tongue-in-cheek side of D R E A M S I C L E, a record that weaves together themes of self-reclamation, gratitude, loss, and growth. With “bed no breakfast,” Maren continues carving out a lane uniquely her own-one where confidence, humor, and emotional depth all seamlessly coexist.
This new release follows Maren’s 3 buzzed-about Coachella 2025 performances, where she debuted new material and reminded festivalgoers of her incredible live presence. Her dreamy desert weekend – which included a set at White Claw Sessions and surprise guest moments with Gustavo Dudamel & LA Philharmonic as well as Zedd – punctuates what has already been a monumental return for Maren, as she reintroduces herself with fearless energy and full honesty.
Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of “We Belong Together” With ‘Emancipation of Mimi’ Anniversary Releases
Mariah Carey and Vevo debuted a new episode of Footnotes, taking viewers behind-the-scenes of “We Belong Together,” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the record-breaking hit that became one of the most successful songs of her career.
In the episode, Mariah reflects on the creation and storytelling behind the iconic song and its place within The Emancipation of Mimi. She shares how the track was one of the last written for the album, created during a collaborative session with Jermaine Dupri that also produced “It’s Like That” and “Shake It Off.” Mariah discusses her intention to make the album feel current while staying true to her signature style, trying to create songs that would become modern classics.
The video for “We Belong Together” continues the narrative that began with “It’s Like That,” forming a dramatic love triangle storyline starring Wentworth Miller and Eric Roberts. Mariah shares her excitement about telling a story across two music videos and expresses appreciation for her label’s support and the creative freedom she was given. She also reveals behind-the-scenes details and fashion choices, like wearing the dress from her first wedding, which helped save on the video’s budget and filming additional scenes during a promo tour in London. The result is a cinematic and emotional piece that has resonated with fans for nearly two decades.
Mariah will release a suite of special 20th anniversary edition releases of The Emancipation of Mimi on May 30 via Def Jam Records/UMe. The marquee release is a gorgeous, limited edition 5LP vinyl box set, personally compiled by Mariah to bring together the musical world she created, and continues to create, around this masterwork. As elaborate as it is all-encompassing, this ultimate fan-must have combines the original album and beloved tracks from the Ultra Platinum Edition, such as the hit single “Don’t Forget About Us,” “Makin’ It Last All Night (What It Do),” “Secret Love,” and “Sprung,” with dozens of bonus tracks, spanning from Emancipation era dance remixes, artist collabs, instrumentals, acapellas, and edits, culled from various CD singles and maxi singles, to brand new remixes by the likes of KAYTRANADA and Esentrik. Housed in a beautiful slipcase, the expansive 5LP vinyl collection features exclusive packaging with a 28-page booklet with stunning photos of Mariah as well as a personal letter from the legendary singer to her fans about the significance of this unprecedented album in her extraordinary career. A deluxe 2LP vinyl set as well as a digital deluxe edition with selected handpicked tracks from the box set will also be available.
Sleep Habits Announces ‘Mourning Doves’ EP, Shares Reflective New Single “Antique Mall”
New Orleans musician Sleep Habits, the moniker of Alan Howard, is excited to announce his new EP, Mourning Doves, available May 10, 2025 via NOLA’s DIY scenemaker Kiln Recordings. Out now is lead single, “Antique Mall,” which reflects on the tendency to treasure and archive memories, clinging to conceptions of the past even as life continues to shift.
Today’s release aims to make sense of that burden through a combination of hazy, mellow acoustics and focused synths, merging feelings of old and new to reach a point of understanding. The impending EP was heavily influenced by Killers and Stars by Patterson Hood, featuring live recordings and sparse reflections on the past.
“At the time I wrote this song, I was coming to terms with the fact that you can’t carry everything with you throughout your life,” Howard reflects on “Antique Mall.” “The physical space of the antique mall symbolizes that feeling. With that symbol as its base, the song explores allowing yourself to hold onto the reverence of memory and acknowledge how it has shaped you, while letting go of the idealistic sense of the ‘good ol’ days’.”
Also out now is the music video for “Antique Mall,” which features a collection of warm, vintage visuals that reflect the liminal space people often traverse when reflecting back on memories and their sense of identity. Howard encourages viewers to sift through the curious objects featured throughout the track using an “I Spy” list, creating the opportunity to viewers to engage or simply take in shots of the ephemeral mall landscape.
Puddle of Mudd Announce New Album ‘Kiss The Machine’ And Releases Lead Single “Beautimous”
Puddle of Mudd is ready to shake up the music world with their latest album, Kiss The Machine. The album will be released on May 2, 2025, via Pavement Entertainment.
To give fans a taste of what’s to come, the album’s lead single, “Beautimous,” is available now.
Kiss The Machine showcases the band’s fearless approach to music and their commitment to innovation. “There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in this record,” says Scantlin. “We wanted to mix and match different styles together, have fun, and just create something fresh. It’s all about pushing boundaries and breaking out of the same old vibe.”
Kiss The Machine reflects the raw energy and personal journey of Scantlin, who was fully immersed in every aspect of its creation. “This album was a moment of clarity – me looking in the mirror. I was there night after night in the studio, learning, recording, pushing myself, and making sure every part of it felt authentic. I’m super proud of how it all came together,” says Scantlin.
Kiss The Machine is a testament to resilience and creative freedom. “I just want people to feel something – to smile, and have some hope in their hearts,” Scantlin shares. “Music has the power to heal, and if these songs help someone through a tough time, that means everything to me. That’s what this album is all about.”
KISS THE MACHINE Track Listing:
1. Beautimous
2. Free
3. In Love with a Dancer
4. Back Against the Wall
5. Firefly
6. Maniac
7. Baby You Da Best
8. Everything
9. Win Win Win
Veil Of The Serpent Honors Iced Earth with Thunderous Cover of “Last December” for ‘Burnt Offerings’ 30th Anniversary
Veil Of The Serpent has unveiled their latest release, a thunderous and emotionally charged cover of Iced Earth’s classic track, “Last December”. Known for their dark, haunting sound and gripping storytelling, Veil Of The Serpent delivers a fresh yet faithful rendition of the 1995 Burnt Offerings masterpiece. Retaining the original song’s raw intensity and melancholic atmosphere, the band injects their signature heavy, immersive sound, making this version a standout tribute to the legendary power metal pioneers.
The release of this cover also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Iced Earth’s Burnt Offerings, an album that left an indelible mark on the metal scene. Veil Of The Serpent pays homage to this milestone by bringing new life to one of its most memorable tracks, bridging the past and present of heavy metal.
This release follows Veil Of The Serpent’s recent success with their concept album Gallery Of Sin, which received critical acclaim for its cinematic storytelling. Their momentum continues with “Last December”, showcasing their ability to reimagine classic metal anthems while staying rooted in their own artistic identity.
Fans can stream “Last December” on all major digital platforms, with an accompanying lyric video available on the band’s official YouTube channel.
Sam Barber Shares Brooding New Single “Man of the Year,” His First Release Since ‘Restless Mind’
RIAA 2X Platinum-certified singer/songwriter Sam Barber shares his new song, “Man of the Year” – a soul-baring reflection on life’s endless uncertainty and struggle. His first new music since his acclaimed debut album Restless Mind, “Man of the Year” adds a stunning new intensity to his sparse yet powerful sound.
Written entirely by Barber, “Man of the Year” opens as the 21-year-old artist takes stock of the despair all around him and within his own heart (“Is it in my mind, or are we all just sinking?/ Still fueled by the pain that never left me last season”). As the moody but cathartic track reaches its chorus, Barber shares his personal philosophy and finds his own version of solace: “You gotta take it as it goes ’cause it doesn’t get easier, dear/It’s all an empty hole, and f*** it if I ain’t the man of the year….No matter what you know, there’s no making sense of why we’re here.” Threaded with plenty of hard truths (“I’m trying, but money ain’t enough to make me feel like a rich man”), “Man of the Year” ultimately delivers an unforgettable anthem for surviving a potentially soul-crushing world.
Produced by Ryan Hewitt (Noah Kahan, Cody Jinks) and Joe Becker, “Man of the Year” brings Barber’s existential musings to a brooding collision of Country and Folk-Rock. With its potent rhythms and urgent acoustic guitar work, the track intensifies its melancholy mood with a cascade of shadowy textures and darkly hypnotic guitar tones. Emblazoned with a flurry of banjo riffs at the bridge, the result is an exquisite setting for Barber’s captivating voice and its gritty expression of weary determination.
Bette Smith Reimagines Foreigner’s Classic with Soulful Spin on “I Want to Know What Love Is”
It’s not every day that you hear a Foreigner soft rock hit transformed into a dark and moody soul heartbreaker. But it’s not every day, either, that you hear a talent so vast as Bette Smith, so if you really don’t know what love is… you’re about to find out.
Heralded by Mojo magazine as “the next big-voiced soul sensation out of Brooklyn,” Smith is indeed blessed with a voice that has been described as everything form “raspy” and “raunchy” to “sassy” and – as you’ll hear here – “sweet ‘n soulful.”
Effortlessly fusing the soul, rock & roll, funk, blues, and gospel music she heard in her youth into something exclusively her own, she is, says GRAMMY Award-winning producer Jimmy Hogarth (Amy Winehouse, James Blunt, James Bay, Sia, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tina Turner) “The real deal. Her delivery is the truth and comes straight from the heart. She is able to communicate with ease with her wonderful gift of a voice.”
Releasing her first album, From The Well Of My Inner Child, in 2006 (under the name Bette Stuy, a tribute to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in which she was raised), Bette was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame just six years later, a cast-iron indication of how profound her early impact was.
Since that time, she has released three much-acclaimed albums as Bette Smith, alongside the clutch of well-received singles that introduced her to the Cleopatra records family – among them “Dance Monkey” and the Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar” with guitarist Kirk Fletcher, Ben E King’s “Stand By Me,” and “Sign Your Name” with veteran soulman Arthur Adams.
In addition, she has toured with the likes of Kenny Wayne Shepherd and the Drive-By Truckers , while Bette’s summer ’25 touring plans include concerts and festivals in France, Italy and Spain.
Elliott Smith’s ‘Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition)’ Set for First-Ever Vinyl Release in Celebration of 25th Anniversary
Twenty-five years ago, the late musical mastermind Elliott Smith released Figure 8, his immaculate, ornate, Technicolor second album for DreamWorks Records. In honor of the album’s 25th anniversary, its enduring appeal and continued influence, Interscope/UMe will release Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition), the previously digital-only edition that expands the classic album with all the B-sides, solo acoustic and alternate version tracks that were released on the various singles, promos, and international editions of the beloved 2000 record, on vinyl for the first time. The Deluxe Edition was released as a digital exclusive in 2019 to commemorate what would have been Smith’s 50th birthday.
The first-ever vinyl pressing of Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition) features the album presented on 45 rpm tri-color opaque white, black and red “Figure 8 Mural Vinyl” as a nod to the famous Los Angeles mural that a black and white Smith stands in front of on the iconic album cover. The original 16 tracks are spread across two LPs while a third LP boasts seven bonus tracks, six of which have never been on vinyl. The audio has been mastered for vinyl by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering with lacquers cut by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound. This special 25th anniversary Deluxe Edition will be housed in a tri-fold sleeve and this exclusive vinyl colorway is limited to 3,000 globally. Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition) is available to purchase exclusively here. The record will ship on or around June 6.
The bonus tracks of Figure 8 include the titular, faithful cover of the “School House Rock” classic, written by Bob Dorough, that gave the album its name but was only released as a B-side on the UK “Son Of Sam” single along with the rollicking gem “A Living Will.” Three songs from the rare French promo 3 Titres Inedits are included: the Beatlesy “I Can’t Answer You Anymore,” “Pretty Mary K (Alternate Version)” and “Happiness (Acoustic).” An acoustic version of “Son Of Sam” is also featured along with Smith’s gorgeous cover of The Beatles’ “Because,” which was featured in the film “American Beauty” and on its soundtrack, and included on the Japanese edition of Figure 8. That track, along with “Son Of Sam (Acoustic),” are the only ones that were previously available digitally.
Following the breakout success of his major label debut, XO, Smith again teamed up with producers Rob Schnapf and Tom Rothrock for his kaleidoscopic follow up, Figure 8, released April 18, 2000, on DreamWorks. The album was recorded throughout 1998-2000 at several studios, including Sunset Sound and Capitol Studios in Los Angeles and Smith’s musical temple, Abbey Road Studios in London, where he used the piano that The Beatles used to record “Fool On The Hill.” Unlike XO’s major shift from the albums that came before it, Figure 8 continued Smith’s penchant for ambitious arrangements but took them into even bigger, bolder and sometimes weirder territory.
Rolling Stone praised the album, saying, “Like its predecessor, Figure 8 is full of modern chamber pop, mixing in keyboards, strings and studio flourishes on melodically simple, yet structurally complex songs. ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ and ‘I Better Be Quiet Now’ hearken back to the bare acoustic setting of Smith’s first solo albums, while jangly opener ‘Son of Sam’ and the rainy-day rocker ‘Junk Bond Trader’ sound like long-lost radio singles.” The AV Club enthused, “Figure 8 is even better, a strong collection of lush, densely arranged power-pop (‘Son Of Sam,’ ‘Junk Bond Trader’) and inimitably intimate ballads (‘Somebody That I Used To Know,’ ‘Easy Way Out’),” adding the album “never breaks from delivering Smith’s songs with ornate elegance and a sublime mastery of pop hooks.” Rolling Stone placed Figure 8 on their list of the 100 greatest albums of the decade and it was included in the book “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.”
Revisiting one of Elliott Smith’s most accomplished albums, Figure 8’s (Deluxe Edition) allows for a deeper dive into his creative process with the addition of seven rare tracks, serving as a reminder of Smith’s remarkable talent and the incredible body of work he created in a life that was cut far too short at the age of 34 in 2003.
FIGURE 8 (DELUXE EDITION) TRACKLISTING:
LP1
Side A
1. Son of Sam
2. Somebody That I Used to Know
3. Junk Bond Trader
4. Everything Reminds Me of Her
Side B
1. Everything Means Nothing to Me
2. L.A.
3. In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach/The Roost)
4. Stupidity Tries
LP2
Side C
1. Easy Way Out
2. Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud
3. Color Bars
4. Happiness
Side D
1. The Gondola Man
2. Pretty Mary K
3. Better Be Quiet Now
4. Can’t Make a Sound
5. Bye
LP3
Side E
1. Figure 8 *
2. A Living Will
3. Son of Sam (Acoustic Version) *
4. I Can’t Answer You Anymore *
Side F
1. Pretty Mary K (Alternate Version) *
2. Happiness (Acoustic Version) *
3. Because *
TaTa Drops Hypnotic New Single “No Love” with Producer 24MMY Ahead of 41’s Summer Jam Headline Set
Skyrocketing towards superstardom in 2025, acclaimed rapper TaTa of Platinum-certified hip-hop collective 41 links up with buzzing New York producer 24MMY on a hypnotic new single entitled “No Love” out now via Rite Or Wrong KVH Entertainment/Republic Records. Once again, the duo tap into the creative chemistry they previously harnessed on fan favorite collaborations, including “Green Haired Girl” and “Maintenance Man.”
“No Love” revolves around a thumping bassline, warbly vocal transmissions, woozy synths, and a head-nodding beat. TaTa cruises over the production with slick, smooth, and simmering bars. In the middle of a sneaky tryst, he gets braggadocios on bars such as, “Money long, it’s like everything free,” going on to wonder, “Why she want me be her boyfriend?”
The last time we heard from TaTa was on “Time Out” earlier this year. At the top of the year, 41-TaTa, Jenn Carter, and Kyle Richh-served up “Presidential.” Fans immediately embraced the track, leading to over 6.6 million Spotify streams and counting. Complex christened them “reliable hitmakers,” proceeding to proclaim, “The success of these songs highlights the chemistry among the trio.” HotNewHipHop marveled, “The meteoric rise of 41 has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
In other big news, 41 will headline the main stage of Hot 97’s Summer Jam on June 20 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. They share the powerhouse bill with some of the brightest stars in the culture, including A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Gunna, GloRilla, and more.
Right now, the trio are hard at work on their mega-anticipated full-length debut album-coming soon.
Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill Release Debut Album ‘Long After The Fire’ Featuring Cowsill Brothers’ Songs
Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill are thrilled to announce the release of their debut album, Long After The Fire, produced and engineered by Paul Allen. The album comprises songs written by John’s late brothers, Barry and Bill Cowsill. It’s a love letter of sorts and a beautiful one at that.
About the new single “Fool is the Last One to Know,” John Cowsill effuses, “I love how the track swings. It kicks ass. I get to pretend I’m Elvis or Dwight Yoakam on this one. It has the type of twang and is a hoot to play live. While recording, I remember trying to practice a double shuffle on drums in the studio on this one, but I couldn’t get it down, so what you hear is the single shuffle. My brother Bill would’ve wanted the single shuffle the listener hears on the recording. He would not want what Bill would call a ‘Hollywood Shuffle,’ where the drummer swings the shuffle beats on the snare drums instead of just playing the backbeats on the 2 and the 4.
He continues, “Bill’s idea of ‘fun’ was so serious that you didn’t know that you weren’t having fun, and if you had too much fun, he’d lean over with his hand holding a guitar pick and slap you with it! Bill could command a room as soon as he stood on the stage. He’d grab you right away, and you would pay attention. He was Elvis.”
Vicki adds “I love how John sounds on ‘Fool Is The Last One To Know.’ It’s a fun song to play and sing live because I feel like I’m at the Grand Ole Opry. This song showcases Bill Cowsill and Jeffrey Hatcher’s love for country swing of the 1950s. It’s a true duet honoring some of the classic country duos, like Tammy and George.”
Jon Bellion Announces First Album in 7 Years, ‘Father Figure,’ Featuring Pharrell, Luke Combs & Jon Batiste
GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter/producer Jon Bellion has announced his highly-anticipated upcoming album Father Figure, arriving on June 6. The album, which is Jon’s first solo album in seven years, was originally announced via an email blast shared to his fans via The Beautiful Mind Club Forum on Monday, April 14 and received over 12,330 presaves. In addition to the album announcement, Jon has also shared a sample of the new music with “Horoscope” featuring legendary artist/producer Pharrell Williams.
Father Figure peels back the layers into modern-day fatherhood, as Jon shares his most vulnerable music to date. From the over pouring of love, pride, and care to the challenges, questions, and mistakes, the project showcases the many facets of what it means to be a loving father and supportive partner.
“Horoscope,” recorded between Miami and Paris, highlights Bellion’s dynamic songwriting and production style in collaboration with 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams. The track begins as a tender piano ballad before transforming into a swirling blend of synths and saxophones. A heartfelt tribute to Bellion’s wife, “Horoscope” serves as a thank you for her unwavering support as he pursues his dreams. The song is a promise that no matter how far he goes, he’ll read her like a horoscope and come running if she ever needs him.
Jon on collaborating with Pharrell: “Pharrell is one of the greatest musical inspirations in my life. He’s the reason I got into music. We had long, deep conversations about him being a father and what being a father means in his world, and how to balance it, and what it means for your children, for the life that you choose to live, as far as being a successful musical creative. He’s one of my favorite people in the world.”
Pharrell on collaborating with Jon: “Jon is a prolific spirit and is a skeleton key to any composition he applies himself to.”
Jon on “Horoscope”: “‘Horoscope’ is my thank you to my wife. I’m saying, hey, if you need me now, I will come back for you. Thank you for letting me do this. You’re the reason I’ve even made it this far. If you need anything, you don’t even need to say anything, I’ll read you like a horoscope. I’ll come right back home and set flame to all of it. You mean everything to me, but thank you for letting me chase my dream and get my dreams out, and thank you for holding it down for me. It’s me saying goodbye to my wife at four in the morning: ‘I’m gonna go out into the world, and if you need anything, you come first over everything.'”
Continuing to interact with his fan-focused website and forum of over 110k members, Jon shared an exclusive photo teasing the collaboration with Pharrell on April 15 – 72-hours in advance of the official “Horoscope” release. This move is just one of multiple “fan-first” drops that reinforce his deep appreciation for the community that has supported him over time, highlighting his ongoing efforts to foster a direct relationship with his audience – from exclusive content drops that have amassed over 28k downloads so far to interactive fan experiences.
Jon Bellion on his fans: “I really want to serve those who have been there with me and those who are already there. I walked away from everything at the peak of my career. We had an actual fan base that came out to shows, and now I feel a personalness to them. I want to give back to them. If new people come to the table, that’s great, the music is incredible. But I think it’s more about servicing the people who are ready to support because that’s what this is all about.”
“Horoscope” follows last month’s release of Bellion’s highly-anticipated single “Wash”, which marked his triumphant return to solo music after six years out of the spotlight and has already amassed over 4.1 million streams. The track arrived with a visually stunning music video, shot across Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, which premiered exclusively to his fan club 48 hours before its official release. Dropped alongside “Wash” was “Kid Again”, a nostalgic reflection on the carefree innocence of youth, which has garnered over 9.1 million streams.
Following the release of 2018’s Glory Sound Prep, Bellion made headlines not only for his artistry but also for his decision to step away from solo music. Frustrated by inequitable recording and performance contracts and eager to focus on building a family, the Long Island native shifted his creative energy behind the scenes. In that time, he crafted chart-topping hits for Burna Boy, Rihanna, Anuel AA, Justin Bieber, Tainy, Khalid, Lil Wayne, Camila Cabello, Jon Batiste, Eminem, Fireboy DML, Skrillex, Dua Lipa, Jung Kook, Miley Cyrus, Quincy Jones, Pharrell, Timbaland, The Kid Laroi, Selena Gomez, Roc Marciano, Halsey, Ayra Starr, and Jimin.
In 2019, he founded Beautiful Mind Records, signing powerhouse artists like Tori Kelly and the soul-pop duo Lawrence. His undeniable success eventually led his label to renegotiate his contract, setting the stage for the return to his solo career.
As he steps into this new chapter of life and creativity, one thing is certain: Jon Bellion’s journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
FATHER FIGURE TRACKLISTING:
Horoscope (feat. Pharrell Williams)
Father Figure
Oblivious
Why (feat. Luke Combs)
Wash
Vinny’s Artichokes
Italia Breeze
Get It Right
Kid Again
Modern Times (feat. Jon Batiste)
Wash2
Rich and Broke
Don’t Shoot
My Boy
Bebe Stockwell Releases “Driving Backwards” ft. Chance Emerson, Announces Debut EP Out May 9
Singer, songwriter and performer Bebe Stockwell releases brand-new track “Driving Backwards” featuring Chance Emerson. “Driving Backwards” is the titular track from Bebe’s forthcoming EP of the same name releasing May 9 via Columbia Records. “Driving Backwards” follows Bebe’s first handful of releases on Columbia Records with December’s “Minor Inconveniences” reaching #12 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart.
Says Bebe of “Driving Backwards” and her forthcoming EP in an Instagram post, “I am extremely excited to announce that my first EP, “Driving Backwards,” will be released on May 9th! Honestly I never imagined that I would have so many people eager to hear the music that I wrote and it’s such an amazing experience. I can’t thank each of you enough for being here with me. These songs are all about reflection and acknowledging how far you’ve come in life. Each of us has our own personal journey, and it’s incredible how we can hold and cherish these memories as human beings. I hope the music resonates with you as deeply as it does with me.”
Bebe is gearing up to hit the road this May with prominent slots at hallmark festivals as well as select headline dates. Between sets at Boston Calling and Bonnaroo, Bebe has headline shows at Los Angeles’ Moroccan Lounge and two shows at New York City’s Mercury Lounge with the first show already being sold out.
Born in Boston, Bebe Stockwell crafts folk anthems inspired by everyday moments that blend gentle melodies with acoustic guitar and organic percussion, offering a unique Gen-Z perspective rooted in timeless craft. While attending NYU she caught the attention of GRAMMY-winning producer M-Phazes, leading to the release of her breakout single “Love Me Back,” which garnered over 7 million streams. Along the way, she’s collaborated with artists like Noah Kahan, Sam McPherson, and Charlie Burg, while sharing stages with Claire Rosinkranz, Stephen Sanchez, and more.
SmithField Honors Country Legends with Emotional New Single “Heaven Has A Grand Ole Opry”
Continuing a time-honored tradition in Country music of male/female duet partners, Trey Smith and Jenn Fielder of SmithField released their brand new single “Heaven Has A Grand Ole Opry”. The heartfelt track pays tribute to the legends of country music and imagines a heavenly stage where the greats of the genre still perform, making it a powerful nod to the genre’s rich legacy.
The song blends traditional country themes with SmithField’s modern sensibility-creating a track that’s both nostalgic and fresh. From lyrics that evoke vivid images of June Carter Cash smiling at Johnny, to the unmistakable sound of Bill Monroe’s mandolin and the memory of Merle Haggard, Minnie Pearl, and Loretta Lynn-the song delivers a flood of emotion for any listener with a love and respect for the classics.
“The Grand Ole Opry is the most special stage we have ever played, and we’ve been lucky enough to play it over 40 times,” said SmithField, adding, “It gave us our start in Music City, and magical things have happened ever since we first graced that stage. We wanted to honor the past greats that stepped into the circle before us during their 100th Anniversary celebration. The Opry is the beating heart of country music.”
Tayla Lynn Honors Grandmother Loretta Lynn with New Single “Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed” from Upcoming Tribute Album
Heart of Texas Records, in collaboration with StarVista Music, is proud to announce the release of “Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed,” the latest single from Tayla Lynn’s upcoming album, Singin’ Loretta – a heartfelt tribute to her iconic grandmother, Loretta Lynn. Premiered by Country Evolution, the track captures the timeless storytelling and emotional depth that defined Loretta’s legendary career. With her signature blend of passion and authenticity, Tayla brings new life to the classic hit, delivering a soulful performance that honors her grandmother’s legacy while adding her own personal touch.
Singin’ Loretta marks Tayla’s second full-length solo album and features a collection of beloved songs that celebrate the spirit and strength of Loretta Lynn’s music. Alongside “Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed,” the album includes favorites like “Rated ‘X’,” “Blue Kentucky Girl,” “One’s On the Way,” “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (with Lovin’ On Your Mind),” and “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” as well as lesser-known treasures like “There He Goes” and “The Titanic.” Singin’ Loretta will be available on May 30th.
“I remember watching an interview once when Memaw was asked ‘how many of those songs are about your husband, Doolittle?'” She said “All of ’em”, to which the interviewer asked if Papaw ever got mad. She said ‘Oh no honey, he just laughed all the way to the bank.”