My Next Read: “Euphoric Recall: A Half Century as a Music Fan, Producer, DJ, Record Executive, and Tastemaker” by Peter Jesperson

Oct 22, 2024

Record executive, producer, band manager, club DJ, booking advisor, record store manager—few people had as deep an impact on the Twin Cities alternative and indie rock scene as Peter Jesperson.

A passionate music fan since his early childhood, Jesperson found his way into Minneapolis’s burgeoning music world of the 1970s and followed a path that put him at the center of the scene as it grew and blossomed. Beginning with his time working at the legendary Oar Folkjokeopus record store, Jesperson helped shape the tastes of local music fans and foster the Twin Cities as a destination for touring acts from around the globe. His tastemaker role continued while he worked as a DJ and booking assistant at Jay’s Longhorn bar, the landmark venue that elevated the Twin Cities’ reputation as a mecca for left-of-center artists. In 1977, Jesperson, along with two partners, founded Twin/Tone Records, which over the next 20 years released more than 300 records, including by such groundbreaking artists as the Replacements, the Suburbs, Soul Asylum, Babes in Toyland, the Jayhawks, and many more. With Twin/Tone, Jesperson further solidified Minnesota’s place on the map as a hotbed of musical creativity and a leader in the indie music world. Just three years after starting Twin/Tone, Jesperson made the discovery that changed his life, and the Minneapolis music world, forever: the Replacements. As A&R man and then full manager, he guided the development of this talented and out-of-control foursome, while taking a break to road-manage an upcoming sensation out of Athens, Georgia: R.E.M. But as his career was on the rise in the wild ’80s, Jesperson began his own descent into substance abuse, until he overcame his demons and launched a second act in the industry.

In Euphoric Recall, Jesperson speaks frankly about his struggle with drugs and alcohol, and how it nearly derailed his career and his life. Motivated by his love of music, Jesperson rallied to pick up where he left off with Twin/Tone and the Replacements before heading west to begin the next phase of his career in Los Angeles. While working alongside such noteworthy artists as Dwight Yoakam, Kris Kristofferson, Vic Chesnutt, and Steve Earle, Jesperson experienced firsthand the dramatic changes in the music industry of the 1990s. Through it all, he has retained his passion for the industry and the art, and now, after a half-century in the music business, Jesperson shares his insights, anecdotes, and lessons from his unique vantage point.

Take Your Spotify Playlists to the Next Level With Custom Cover Art

Oct 22, 2024

Spotify understands that users love to express their creativity. This is evident in the more than 8 billion playlists listeners have curated to match their musical moods, milestones, and every moment in between. Now, Spotify is empowering music fans with the ability to design and customize their own playlist cover art, ensuring their playlists look just as good as they sound.

Launching in beta today on the Spotify mobile app, this new feature is available to both Free and Premium users. It allows them to create unique cover art using custom images, colors, text effects, graphic elements, and more, making their playlists more personalized than ever before.

How to create cover art on Spotify:

To use this feature, all that’s needed is a mobile device. Whether on iOS or Android, users can access the Spotify mobile app (ensuring it’s updated), and select a playlist they’ve personally created or start a new one.

Tap the three-dot menu on the playlist page, then select “Create cover art.”
From there, users can upload an original photo and enhance it with various elements, including:
- Text styles, colors, and effects featuring our custom typeface, Spotify Mix.
- Background colors and gradients.
- Image masking and visual effects.
- - Exclusive stickers from artists like Jun Ioneda, Sam Lyon, James Marshall, and Shivani Parasnis.

Once completed, the playlist will be updated with the newly designed cover art, which can be shared directly with friends or across social media platforms.

Pro tip: Only one custom cover art can be saved per playlist at a time, and each new cover will override the previous one for that specific playlist. To create multiple covers for a playlist, simply make a copy of it first by opening the desired playlist, tapping the three-dot menu, selecting “Add to other playlist,” and then tapping “New playlist” to create a duplicate.

Currently available in beta to English-speaking users in 65 markets, Spotify is excited to see how fans personalize their playlists. The tool will continue to evolve and expand, so stay tuned for more innovations.

As part of the launch, they’ve partnered with music artists, visual creators, and artists behind some of the world’s most iconic album art to empower listeners to unlock a new level of creativity and individuality. Each used the new feature to create unique cover art for one of their playlists on Spotify.

Music artists include Clairo, Jamie xx, and Arlo Parks. On the visual creator front, we’ve tapped Pablo Rochat, Jesse Nyberg, Vita Kari, and Elliot Ulm. Finally, our album artwork experts include creative director Imogene Strauss; Adrian Hernandez, the creator of Ugly Primo and designer of Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny; and Cey Adams, who has designed albums and logos for The Notorious B.I.G., Beastie Boys, and JAY-Z.

Hear from the artists and stream their playlists below.

Clairo

“Here are some songs that I listen to when we are transitioning into fall. They remind me of making fires, going for drives, and big wool sweaters. I used the new artwork tool on Spotify to make the playlist cover. It reminds me a lot of scrapbooking: labeling different eras of my life with different pictures, shapes, and colors.”

Stream Clairo’s playlist.

Jamie xx

“I wanted to bring more of the feeling of The Floor to Spotify, so I used the new cover art feature to put together some of my favourite images from the club night in New York City, Los Angeles, and London for the Played by Jamie xx playlist. I’ve also updated the playlist with a few tracks I’ve been playing at recent shows and festivals.”

Stream Jamie xx’s playlist.

Imogene Strauss

“Spotify giving fans the ability to make their own playlist cover art is super exciting. It takes me back to learning to draw on the computer as a little kid, customizing my blog in middle school. I take a ton of pride in getting my playlists just right, putting a custom cover on them makes it that much more special. Everyone will have a ton of fun with this.”

Stream Imogene’s playlist.

Adrian Hernandez (aka Ugly Primo)

“Spotify’s new playlist cover feature is letting us flex our creativity in a new way. I turned my ‘Limpiando la Casa’ playlist into straight-up visual mayhem—you’d think I was getting ready for a house party, but nah, I’m just cleaning my house. Cover art is a trailer for what’s inside and I’m digging the ability to showcase what the audience is about to experience with this new feature.”

Stream Ugly Primo’s playlist.

Cey Adams

“As an artist from New York City, I see creating custom playlist cover art as a powerful tool for our creative journey—embracing every outlet to express ourselves. This Spotify feature empowers listeners to transform their playlists with the artists and songs that hold meaning for them, allowing them to build their identities through music and design. It’s exciting to see a feature that encourages everyone to tell their stories creatively, connecting us all through the universal language of art and sound.”

Stream Cey’s playlist.

5 Surprising Facts About The Clash’s ‘London Calling’

Oct 21, 2024

The Clash’s London Calling is often hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, blending punk rock with a wide variety of musical genres. However, even the most dedicated fans might not know some of the fascinating details behind the creation and legacy of this iconic double album. Here are five little-known facts about London Calling:

1. The Title Track Was Inspired by a Nuclear Incident
While the song “London Calling” is known for addressing social unrest, unemployment, and racial conflict in the UK, it was partially influenced by a specific event: the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania in March 1979. This incident raised fears of a nuclear disaster, which seeped into the album’s apocalyptic tone, with the title track reflecting those anxieties.

2. The Album Was Almost Released With a Free Single
The Clash initially wanted to include a free 12-inch single with London Calling because their label, CBS Records, was hesitant to approve the album’s release as a double LP due to its high production costs. In a compromise, CBS allowed the band to sell the album at the price of a single LP, which ultimately nixed the idea of the free single. Instead, the songs intended for the single became part of the second LP.

3. Paul Simonon’s Iconic Bass Smash Was About the Crowd, Not the Guitar
The album’s cover features bassist Paul Simonon smashing his Fender Precision Bass during a performance in New York. Contrary to popular belief, Simonon’s frustration wasn’t directed at the guitar itself but at the Palladium’s security for not letting the crowd get out of their seats. Feeling the show lacked energy, Simonon took his anger out on his bass, which would later become a symbol of rock and rebellion. In 2002, Smith’s photograph was named the best rock and roll photograph of all time by Q magazine.

4. The Cover Art Was a Tribute to Elvis Presley
The pink and green text on London Calling’s album cover was a deliberate homage to the design of Elvis Presley’s debut album. Designer Ray Lowry reimagined the classic Presley cover for The Clash, blending punk rebellion with rock & roll tradition. Despite photographer Pennie Smith originally believing her shot of Simonon was too blurry to use, it became one of the most iconic images in rock history.

5. “Train in Vain” Was a Late Addition
The song “Train in Vain” wasn’t originally listed on the album’s cover. It was added to London Calling at the last minute after a deal with NME to give the song away as a promotional single fell through. As a result, the track wasn’t listed on the original vinyl pressing’s back cover, making it a hidden gem for fans at the time.

These lesser-known facts about London Calling reveal even more about the album’s revolutionary spirit, creative process, and lasting legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to The Clash, this album remains a cornerstone in rock history.

Media and Entertainment (M&E) Storage Market to Grow by USD 18.96 Billion

Oct 21, 2024

The Global Media and Entertainment (M & E) storage market size is estimated to grow by USD 18.96 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 15.2% during the forecast period. growing shift from traditional to digital advertising channels is driving market growth, with a trend towards high broadcasting cost. However, threat to data security poses a challenge – Key market players include Adobe Inc., Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., CK Birla Group, D Link Corp., Dell Technologies Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Hitachi Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., Microsoft Corp., NetApp Inc., NVIDIA Corp., Oracle Corp., Pure Storage Inc., Seagate Technology Holdings Plc, Toshiba Corp., Wasabi Holding Co. Inc., and Western Digital Corp..

The introduction of 4K2K TVs with superior picture clarity and resolution has brought significant change to the Media and Entertainment (M and E) Storage Market. Broadcasters face substantial investments to produce 4K UHD channels, with costs ranging from USD9 million to USD16 million – nearly five times the cost of HD channels. Upgrading infrastructure also requires high capital expenditure. Limited broadcasters, like Netflix and Amazon, offer 4K content streaming due to these expenses. However, alliances between broadcasters and consumer electronics companies promote 4K content, increasing 4K2K TV penetration. The growth in 4K UHD content and supporting displays necessitates higher storage capacity, driving market expansion during the forecast period.

The Media and Entertainment (M and E) storage market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for high-quality digital content in various formats like video, audio, and multimedia files. Trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) are driving the need for advanced storage solutions that can handle high definition, 8K media, and real-time streaming. Content production technologies require scalable storage solutions for remote collaboration and cloud retrieval. Data integrity and protection mechanisms are crucial for backup, archiving, and disaster recovery. High-capacity storage, advanced data analytics, and automation are essential for production workflows. Machine learning algorithms, metadata tagging, and content classification help in efficient content management. Cloud-based storage, on-premises servers, and a tiered storage approach are popular storage technologies for M and E industries. Archival regulations and on-demand content require data management solutions. Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer faster access to content creation and video editing.

Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution!

The media and entertainment (M and E) storage market is driven by significant demand from broadcasters, who are major end-users and significant revenue contributors. In contrast, the music streaming industry, which relies on digital networks and the Internet, faces challenges related to data security and licensing issues. Streaming service providers must address concerns over digital rights misuse, as vulnerabilities such as human errors or data breaches can result in confidential information disclosure. The streaming platform’s multi-hosting nature increases security risks, as data leakage and misuse are potential threats while transitioning between platforms. Adherence to complex licensing procedures and strict guidelines is essential for vendors to efficiently monitor data security and protect sensitive user and publisher information. Failure to do so may result in reputational damage and loss of consumer confidence, ultimately impacting revenue growth for both streaming services and storage solution providers.

The Media and Entertainment (M and E) storage market faces several challenges in managing and storing digital content. Content creation requires high-quality, scalable storage solutions for digital content in various formats, including high resolution and high definition. Storage technologies like cloud-based, object, direct attached, network attached, and hybrid solutions are used to meet these needs. Archival regulations and data management are crucial for long-term storage of content. On-demand content and real-time streaming require high-performance storage and efficient workflows. Data security is essential for protecting valuable intellectual property. High data transfer rates and large storage capacity are necessary for handling large files and workflows in video editing, post-production, and broadcast. Smart devices and broadband internet enable digital content consumption on various platforms. Emerging technologies like virtual reality gaming, 4K UHD content, and versatile video coding require solid-state storage and archiving solutions. Media agencies, advertising, and various industries rely on M and E storage for content distribution and creation. Data security, high performance, and real-time video are essential for meeting the demands of the digital age.

The global media and entertainment (M and E) storage market in the broadcast sector is projected to expand significantly during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing number of broadcasters worldwide. Media storage solutions enable broadcasters to offer media streaming services to a large audience. Streaming media devices allow users to access online content on TVs, with many viewers using them multiple times a week. Service providers analyze user viewing habits to offer personalized content, enhancing consumer engagement. Streaming models, such as subscription or pay-per-view, provide uninterrupted access to movies and TV series. User-friendly interfaces and simplified video on demand (VOD) options are essential for service providers to compete effectively. The increasing Internet penetration, particularly in emerging markets like India and China, is fueling the growth of the VOD market. Hotstar, a VOD platform in India, experienced significant growth in 2022. The high-speed Internet enables seamless video streaming, driving market growth in the forecast period. Streaming media devices are popular as they offer a superior viewing experience, allowing users to watch movies, sports, and TV series on their TV sets.

The Media and Entertainment (M and E) storage market is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry that caters to the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content. With the content creation across various genres, from high definition videos to virtual reality gaming, the need for and scalable storage solutions has become paramount. Storage technologies have evolved significantly, with cloud-based options becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Data management is a critical aspect of M and E storage, with archival regulations and data protection mechanisms ensuring data integrity and availability. High resolution formats, such as 4K UHD content and 8K media, require high-performance storage solutions to ensure seamless playback and editing. Content production technologies, including digital video recorders and versatile video coding, enable the creation and distribution of multimedia files in real time. Scalability and remote collaboration are essential features of modern M and E storage systems, allowing for efficient post-production and editing processes. Backup and disaster recovery solutions ensure data protection and business continuity, making them an essential component of the M and E storage landscape.

The Media and Entertainment (M and E) storage market is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry that caters to the demands of content creation, distribution, and consumption. With the digital content production, high-quality on-demand streaming, and real-time video delivery, the need for scalable storage solutions has become crucial. M and E storage technologies include various options such as cloud-based storage, object storage, direct attached storage, network attached storage, and storage area networks. Content creation involves high-resolution formats, including 4K UHD and 8K media, which require high-performance storage solutions. Digital content, including video, audio, and multimedia files, necessitates efficient workflow collaboration and digital preservation. Data management is a critical aspect of M and E storage, with archival regulations, data security, and data integrity being essential considerations. Advanced data analytics, automation, and machine learning algorithms are also increasingly being adopted to optimize production workflows and enhance content classification. The M and E storage market is influenced by various factors, including content distribution, video editing, real-time streaming, and broadcast. The advent of smart devices, broadband internet, and high data transfer rates have led to an increase in digital content consumption. Emerging technologies such as virtual reality gaming, online gaming, and Versatile Video Coding (VVC) are also driving the demand for advanced storage solutions. The market is witnessing a shift towards hybrid storage solutions, including solid-state drives, hard disk drives, digital tape, and cloud storage solutions. These solutions offer a tiered storage approach, disaster recovery, and backup capabilities, ensuring data protection and business continuity. In summary, the M and E storage market is a complex and diverse landscape that requires innovative and flexible storage solutions to cater to the evolving needs of content creation, distribution, and consumption. The market is influenced by various factors, including technology trends, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences.

Tencent Music Entertainment Group Inks Strategic Partnership with Galaxy Corporation

Oct 21, 2024

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) today announced a strategic partnership with Galaxy Corporation, the agency representing the influential global musician G-Dragon, for his upcoming regional tour. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in TME’s ambitions to expand its global presence and further solidify its position in the international music scene.

As part of this agreement, TME will act as the proprietary tour partner for G-Dragon’s concerts across various markets, including most of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. TC Pan, Group Vice President of Tencent Music Entertainment, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Collaborating with a renowned global musician like G-Dragon aligns perfectly with TME’s vision of connecting international audiences with exceptional music experiences. This partnership not only strengthens our presence in the global market, but also underscores our commitment to empowering music partners and artists to reach their full potential on the world stage.”

Yongho Choi, CEO of Galaxy Corporation, also shared his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to partner with Tencent Music Entertainment, a global entertainment-tech company listed on NYSE and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Building on this strategic partnership, we plan to integrate AI, AR, mixed reality, and robotics into entertainment to create a new kind of concert experience for global audiences.”

TME has been making efforts to broaden its international footprint through a range of initiatives like its Global Music Outreach program, which seeks to showcase Chinese music artists on international platforms and facilitate cross-border collaborations. It also operates the JOOX streaming service in Southeast Asia.

With this strategic partnership, TME aims to elevate G-Dragon’s overseas tour experience by expanding its reach and providing fans with new opportunities to connect with his music and brand, while reinforcing TME’s growing influence in the global music industry.

Revolve Announces Renowned K-Pop Artist Jeon Somi as Global Brand Ambassador

Oct 21, 2024

REVOLVE, the next-generation fashion retailer for Millennial and Generation Z consumers, announces JEON SOMI, the multifaceted South Korean-Canadian K-Pop artist, as the brand’s first-ever global brand ambassador. Known for her vibrant, playful style and cool girl energy, JEON SOMI effortlessly embodies the spirit of REVOLVE, where fashion meets individuality.

JEON SOMI’s approach to style and her unique blend of boldness and sophistication resonate with the REVOLVE aesthetic. Through this collaboration, she will merge music and fashion – bringing her energy to the REVOLVE audience while expanding the brand’s presence globally and to an ever-growing Gen Z fanbase.

To kick off this exciting partnership, REVOLVE will launch an exclusive, 90s-chromatic-inspired campaign starring JEON SOMI. The campaign will be accompanied by a curated edit on REVOLVE that showcases JEON SOMI’s iconic style. The edit will include handpicked items that reflect her fashion sense, along with a custom look created for the JEON SOMI x REVOLVE campaign.

“REVOLVE has always been my go-to destination for fashion that compliments my style on and off the stage. I am honored to be their first global brand ambassador and officially introduce REVOLVE to the K-Pop community. Through this partnership, I want to convey my personality through fashion and empower my community to express their individuality. It’s important to me that this collaboration resonates with my fans, creating something they will truly enjoy and connect with. I am always pushing the boundaries of how to engage with my fans, and REVOLVE is the perfect way to do that,” says Jeon Somi.

As part of her role, JEON SOMI will also collaborate with REVOLVE on infusing her music into creative marketing campaigns, social content, and special appearances, offering fans a closer look at her style and her favorite REVOLVE pieces.

The campaign and curated edit will debut online exclusively at REVOLVE.COM on October 17, 2024 with retail prices ranging from $125–$1,790.

Selena Gomez Announces Billy Crudup, Karol G and Teddy Swims as Entertainment for the Second Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit

Oct 21, 2024

Today, Selena Gomez announced that her second annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit, taking place on October 24 at Nya Studios West in Los Angeles, will be emceed by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Billy Crudup and feature special performances by Grammy Award winner KAROL G and multi-platinum recording artist Teddy Swims.

The second annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit: A Night of Radiance & Reflection will raise funds in support of youth mental health. This non-traditional, cocktail style fundraiser welcomes a global community of mental health partners and guests, ranging from entertainment and business executives to celebrity friends and philanthropists, for an inspiring night supporting the Rare Impact Fund’s mission to mobilize $100 million for organizations increasing access to youth mental health services and education globally.

Last year’s inaugural event saw Emmy-winning actor Martin Short host with performances from five-time Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award-winning musician H.E.R. and Grammy-nominated music producer Marshmello. Support from over 20 sponsors and one-of-a-kind auction items from Taylor Swift, Airbnb, SoFi Stadium, and others raised more than $2 million.

“I am so excited to build upon the success of last year’s inaugural event,” shared Selena Gomez, Founder and Creator of Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund. “A huge thanks to Billy Crudup, KAROL G and Teddy Swims for generously supporting the Rare Impact Fund with their time and talents.”

Since its founding in 2020, the Rare Impact Fund has provided financial support to nonprofit organizations and strategic initiatives delivering mental health services and education to young people globally. The Rare Impact Fund supports 26 mental health organizations across five continents, which includes organizations located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, broader Europe, India, Brazil, and Australia.

“I am delighted to host Selena’s second annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit!” said Billy Crudup. “I have been impressed with the work she is doing to address the mental health needs of young people everywhere and it’s my honor to be involved.”

KAROL G shared, “I am truly honored to join Selena for this special night. She’s not only a friend, but someone who has built an incredible platform with a greater purpose to support young people with their mental health. I believe deeply in the work she’s doing through the Rare Impact Fund, and being here to support her means a lot to me.”

“I have found so much healing in being open about my feelings,” shared Teddy Swims. “Music has been a powerful tool for me, and I hope to use my platform to continue conversations around mental health and inspire others to find power in their vulnerability. That’s why supporting Selena and her work through the Rare Impact Fund is so important to me. I know the work they are doing is moving the conversation forward and helping young people all over the world.”

Thank you to the top-tier sponsors who are supporting this year’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit, including Rare Beauty, SEPHORA, Pinterest, Abercrombie & Fitch, BetterHelp, Pacsun, Wondermind, and UCLA Health. For a full list of event sponsors who are helping make the evening possible, please visit the event site here.

For more information on how to support the Rare Impact Fund, visit rareimpactfund.org.

Southwest Airlines Celebrates 100th Concert in the Sky With Live at 35 Program Featuring Songwriter Liz Rose

Oct 21, 2024

Southwests-Live-At-35-with-Liz-Rose — Liz Rose performs on a Southwest Airlines flight from Nashville to Miami for the 100th Live at 35 performance on October 17, 2024. Credit: Brianna Juda, Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Co. hosted a surprise concert on Flight #1989 from Nashville to Miami with GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter Liz Rose, who was traveling to watch the songs she wrote with Taylor Swift take the stage at the global superstar’s Miami show. This Southwest flight took place on Oct. 17 and celebrates the 100th concert of the airline’s signature Live at 35program that started in 2011, which brings live music performances onboard at 35,000 feet.

“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 100 performances in the sky and our Live at 35 program than with a plane full of music lovers singing along to the hit songs Liz helped write,” said Sarah Falvey, Vice President of Communications and Brand Reputation at Southwest Airlines. “We recently added service across the network to support big events and loved surprising Flight #1989 with a performance by this incredible songwriter who played a role in inspiring the big event.”

“As a songwriter, I love engaging with people through words and music, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to sing along with Flight #1989 at 35,000 feet on my way to Miami,” said songwriter, Liz Rose. “Southwest’s Live at 35 program is a creative way to give musicians a lift while surprising Customers in the sky.”

Customers sang along and held up heart hands as Rose performed “All Too Well” and “You Belong with Me.” Following the performance, Customers received commemorative inflight concert cards and custom friendship bracelets made by Southwest Employees that said “Flight 1989” and “Spread LUV.”

Past Live at 35 performers include artists of all levels, including those from Southwest’s On The Rise program. Through On The Rise, the airline supports those in creative spaces as they reach new heights in their careers and achieve their goals.

Rose was accompanied by hit songwriter Phil Barton on the guitar for this Live at 35 performance as a collaboration between one of country music’s most historic and iconic music venues in Nashville, The Bluebird Cafe, and Southwest Airlines. The Bluebird and Southwest have been official partners since 2015. The Bluebird Cafe is a venue where up-and-coming songwriters and artists, including Liz Rose, rise to fame and build their careers.

Visit Southwest.fm to learn more about music at Southwest and to watch past Live at 35 performances.

PlayStation Announces The Concert World Tour 2025-2026

Oct 21, 2024

Sony Interactive Entertainment, RoadCo Entertainment, and GEA Live are excited to unveil PlayStation: The Concert, a groundbreaking live music event that brings the most iconic gaming soundtracks to life. With a state-of-the-art production, this show merges thrilling music, cutting-edge visuals, and legendary video game titles into an unforgettable experience. The global tour launches with a world premiere on April 19th, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, before heading to over 200 cities across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond – tickets are now on-sale here.

PlayStation: The Concert transports fans into the epic worlds of God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon, games that have not only captivated players but are celebrated for their breathtaking and immersive soundtracks. With innovative technology and world-class production, fans will experience a stunning fusion of multi-layered visuals, immersive surround sound, and an all-star ensemble blending classical and modern instruments. The legendary scores from composers like Gustavo Santaolalla (The Last of Us), Joris De Man (Horizon), Ilan Eshkeri (Ghost of Tsushima), and Bear McCreary (God of War) will reach new heights, offering fans a unique, deeply immersive live concert experience.

For more than three decades, PlayStation has been at the cutting edge of gaming, setting new standards for innovation and delivering unforgettable experiences to millions around the world. The games featured in this tour—God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and the Horizon series—aren’t just titles; they’re cultural touchstones that have reshaped the entertainment landscape. Now, with video game music stepping into the global spotlight, PlayStation: The Concert is poised to redefine what a music experience can be. This is more than just a show; it’s the ultimate video game concert experience, embodying PlayStation’s innovative spirit and pushing the limits of what’s possible.

The UK and European tour dates have been officially announced. Please see below for details, with additional cities to be confirmed soon.

19 April 2025   Dublin, Ireland
21 April 2025   Birmingham, UK
22 April 2025   Manchester, UK
23 April 2025   Leeds, UK
24 April 2025   Newcastle, UK
25 April 2025   Glasgow, Scotland
27 April 2025   London, UK
29 April 2025   Amsterdam, Netherlands
30 April 2025   Paris, France
1 May 2025     Frankfurt, Germany
2 May 2025     Amnéville, France
3 May 2025     Brussels, Belgium
4 May 2025     Stuttgart, Germany
6 May 2025     Berlin, Germany
7 May 2025     Hamburg, Germany
8 May 2025     Düsseldorf, Germany
9 May 2025     Zurich, Switzerland
11 May 2025   Bologna, Italy
13 May 2025   Budapest, Hungary
15 May 2025   Sofia, Bulgaria
17 May 2025   Vienna, Austria
18 May 2025   Munich, Germany
20 May 2025   Prague, Czech Republic
21 May 2025   Lodz, Poland
23 May 2025   Copenhagen, Denmark
24 May 2025   Gothenburg, Sweden
25 May 2025   Oslo, Norway

For tickets, tour dates, and more information, visit www.playstation.com/theconcert and follow @PlayStation on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Join the conversation with #PlayStationTheConcert.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Tickets are expected to go fast, so stay tuned for more details on how to secure your spot at this landmark experience.

Ricky Gervais Announces New “MORTALITY” World Tour Filmed For Netflix

Oct 21, 2024

Today, award-winning comedian, actor, writer and director Ricky Gervais announces his new world tour, RICKY GERVAIS : MORTALITY, stopping in New Yok, Los Angeles, Montreal, and Toronto.

RICKY GERVAIS : MORTALITY launches this month is set to launch later this year and runs until the end of 2025. The live show special will also be filmed for release on Netflix. His most recent special for Netflix, “Armageddon,” won a Golden Globe, spent time at No. 1 on Netflix’s most-watched list, and holds the world record for the highest-grossing comedy special of all time. Other Gervais-Netflix collaborations include three seasons of his series “After Life,” as well as specials “Humanity” and “SuperNature.”

Tickets will be available with presales starting Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. ET ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. ET at LiveNation.com, with a portion of the profits being donated to charity, as Gervais has done with his previous tours.

Due to its adult nature, the show is ages 16+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Considered one of the most influential British comedians since Charlie Chaplin, (he received the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy 2016 BAFTA/LA) Ricky Gervais is the creator and star of The Office, Extras, Derek, and the critically acclaimed Netflix hit After Life. Following the global success of his two previous Netflix stand-up specials ‘Humanity’ and ‘Supernature’, 2023 saw Gervais release a third special and his biggest to date, ‘Armageddon’. It won a Golden Globe, was the global number 1 most-watched show on Netflix, and followed a record-breaking international tour, selling out 85 arena dates across the world. Gervais’s show at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-grossing comedy gig ever. Gervais has won countless awards across his career, and enjoyed huge critical success for the outstanding three series of After Life. His hit series The Office is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries, with 13 remakes. Ricky has hosted the Golden Globes awards five times, in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2020.

Ricky Gervais 2025 North American Tour Dates:
04/25 – New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
05/31 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
08/14 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
08/16 – Montreal, QC @ Place Bell