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98 Degrees Announce Fall 2024 Tour and New Album ‘Full Circle’

98 Degrees is back with new music, a Fall Tour, and a new record label partnership with XOXO Entertainment. The iconic boy band, consisting of Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre, will open their Fall Tour on October 16th in Midland, Texas, at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. Their new single, the soulful ballad “Got U,” will be available everywhere on November 15th. The group has re-recorded a selection of their classic hits, along with new music, for “Full Circle,” which will be released in January 2025 and is available for presale at https://talkshop.live/channels/98degrees.

The group, managed by the legendary Johnny Wright of Wright Entertainment Group and represented by Seth Shomes and Jordan Dempsey of Day After Day Productions for live engagements, has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and achieved four Top 5 Billboard radio singles. Their hits include “The Hardest Thing,” “I Do, Cherish You,” “Because of You,” and the number one hit single featuring Mariah Carey, “Thank God I Found You.”

98 Degrees stated, “We are thrilled and excited to be finally releasing a new album for the first time in a long time. We hope our fans will enjoy the new songs as much as we did recording them. As always, we’re thankful to our fans and for them providing us the opportunity to live our dream!”

Adam H. Hurstfield, CEO of XOXO Entertainment and Multi-Platinum Producer, shared, ”We are beyond excited to welcome 98 Degrees to the XOXO Entertainment family. Their legacy as one of the most iconic boybands in history, combined with their timeless sound and undeniable impact on pop music, makes this partnership a perfect fit. We can’t wait to bring fans a new era of music and unforgettable experiences with this legendary group.”

98 Degrees is a Grammy-nominated vocal group composed of brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre. They have sold over 15 million albums worldwide and achieved gold or platinum status in over 60 countries. Their first Christmas album, “98 Degrees This Christmas,” has sold over two million copies and is widely recognized as one of the most successful holiday albums ever. The group has collaborated with musical icons, including Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, and Usher.

For ticket information, please visit www.98degr ees.com.

Americana Artist KC Armstrong Declares “I Don’t Care” in Brassy, Piano-Tinged Single from ‘Finally Crafted’ Album

Brantford, Ontario-based artist KC Armstrong has had a long, illustrious career thanks to fine songwriting and fun, infectious arrangements that pack a wallop. And although the title might lead you to think otherwise, “I Don’t Care” is a great, Americana-laced barroom keeper off his Finally Crafted effort that proves Armstrong cares about offering finely-crafted nuggets that hit you in all the right places.

“I Don’t Care” is a beer-raising, brassy, and bouncy slice of Americana from its saxophone courtesy of Sean O’Connor and the ivory ticklings of keyboardist Steve O’Connor. From there, KC Armstrong’s vocals are accompanied by backing vocalist MaryEllen Allen, giving “I Don’t Care” a gritty but groovy vibe from start to finish. Guitarists Scott Utting and Barry Haggarty adds some great work throughout, while Armstrong and Jake Adams round out the rhythm section, playing bass and drums, respectively.

It’s a song you could see a craftsman like Randy Newman, Nick Lowe or the late Ronnie Hawkins performing, someone near and dear to Armstrong as his band subbed as the Hawks for the legendary barroom artist back in 2003. Armstrong’s then band Cadillac Ranch were slated to back Hawkins at the legendary SARS-Stock concert at Toronto’s Downsview Park featuring the Rolling Stones and AC/DC. Sadly, Hawkins’ health resulted in the appearance never being realized.

Armstrong, originally from Lakefield, Ontario, sings of being done wrong by his partner and simply not being too worried about it by the end of the evening. In fact, he knows that two can play this cheating game, so what goes around might just come around to his partner, ending up on the losing side when it’s all said and done.

Congratulations you’re the talk of the town
Conversations ’bout you running ’round
My old friends trying not to stare
But if you done me wrong — I don’t care

“I Don’t Care” is from Armstrong’s 2024 effort Finally Crafted, a record which took over two decades to complete as Armstrong worked slowly but steadily towards honing his production skills and talents so what he heard the songs to be in his head would end up being what came out during the recording and production processes. And while building the songs, he also ended up building something else. “Another reason for the long delay in completing the album was that I also had to learn how to construct my actual recording studio myself,” he says. “I had to learn to frame, insulate, and drywall properly (and to code).”

The musician, who also shared the stage with the late great guitar icon Jeff Healey, wrote nine songs for Finally Crafted, including “I Don’t Care.” In terms of his songwriting, Armstrong’s works often begin as poems, which results in “more interesting melodies” and with few “restrictions of having to fit the lyrics to the melody.”

A video for “I Don’t Care” was also created and Armstrong also launched short music tutorials on TikTok he calls The DIY Musician which he reveals some tricks of the trade he’s learned through trial and error while in the recording studio. And with “I Don’t Care” being such a strong single epitomizing great Americana barroom brilliance, you would be a fool not to care about this tantalizing track.

Space-Faring Hollowsage & the Three Mile Islanders Goes “Supernova” on New Single

When a song begins with the line “There has been a rip in the fabric/ Of the spacetime continuum,” you know the artist has a little something weightier on their mind than wanting to dance with somebody who loves them. But neither is “Supernova Spacetime Continuum,” the new single from Sault Ste. Marie-born, Uxbridge-based psychedelic folk-rockers Hollowsage & the Three Mile Islanders, a metaphorically apocalyptic rumination on life, death and the nature of eternity—with a scope that reaches all the way across the universe and back.

Declaring his own inability to protect humanity from “a black hole engulfing the sun,” Hollowsage—a.k.a. Sault Ste. Marie-born, Uxbridge-based singer/songwriter Sagen Pearse—comes to terms with the looming End of Everything by musing that imminent heat death may always have been the personal destiny of every one of us. If we’re lucky, that is:

And this life is just a blink of an eye
A dream before we die
A walk through a turnstile
Leading through to the unforeseen circumstance of infinity
And I hope this is not a dress rehearsal for a second scene
An encore to everything I don’t want to do again

Pretty sobering stuff, but those are the kind of thoughts that tend to go through a guy’s head when his day job is as a funeral director. (True story.) Yet Pearse doesn’t see the sentiment as excessively morbid, saying his aim was rather to explore “the mysteries of existence and the comfort in embracing uncertainty.

“I wrote this song during a period of reflection,” he explains, “where thoughts of this life, the next, and the peace found in the unknown swirled in my mind like stars in a distant galaxy. It’s probably the fastest I’ve ever written a song—everything just flowed naturally, like a story waiting to be told.”

The process, Pearse says, was “a journey that [was] deeply personal and cosmic all at once.” Which doesn’t mean he didn’t have great company when it came to time to get the sounds he had heard in his head recorded. He credits the haunting beauty of “Supernova Spacetime Continuum” in part to the guest vocals and piano of Mark Berube and Kristina Koropecki, two artists who first crossed his radar back when he was still living in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. Their crucial contributions, he says, “added a dimension to the song that I couldn’t have achieved alone.”

Even more dimensions are explored in the accompanying music video, a kind of rural take on 2001: A Space Odyssey that shows three men of various ages (or is it the same person at three different ages?) going in and out of a red door that’s set up in the middle of nowhere. The climactic shot captures a knowing wink from Sandford actor Ken Welsh, a friend of Pearse and his wife who died in 2022, after filming had wrapped. The completed clip is dedicated to Welsh, in tribute to the enthusiasm and devotion he showed in advancing the project’s theme of “the timelessness of human connection and the vastness of the universe we all share.”

We get to share it multiple times on Hollowsage’s sophomore album, Aftermath, an 11-song odyssey that represents a bold new chapter in the thought-provoking, emotionally charged oeuvre of Pearse and his Three Mile Islanders (Geoff Holt, Justin Dillon, Matt Gunn and Joshua Veens). Tracks like “Mortar and Stone” and “Smoke” further the outfit’s reputation for beautiful melodies and immense crescendos, all of it in service to evocative lyrics that offer a unique perspective on life, love and dying that resonates on a deeply personal level. Kevin Ker, who engineered, produced, mixed, and contributed synth and electric guitar on the album – along with backup vocals – brings his signature touch once again, having also produced the band’s acclaimed debut record.

Those qualities were already in full bloom on the group’s debut album, 2020’s Nuclear Home, which won Album of the Year and got Hollowsage named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Oshawa Music Awards. Since then, the accolades have just kept on coming. This past summer, their song “I Am the River” hit #1 on the Hunters Bay Radio Top 20 Countdown, above such esteemed names as Pearl Jam, The Tragically Hip and Coldplay. That was on the heels of the band’s appearance at the Springtide Music Festival, which took over numerous venues in downtown Uxbridge for performances by a multitude of acts.

With the new album finding its way onto playlists both personal and corporate, expect Hollowsage’s booking calendar of festivals, club shows and house parties to start filling up anew. To Pearse and his crew, it’s all part of their ongoing quest to document “the cosmic dance that is life itself.” But honestly, the galactic infinite never had a beat this good.

3-Time JUNO Award Nominees and Billboard Chart-Toppers SULTANS OF STRING Announce Ontario Tour

3x JUNO Award nominees and Billboard chart-toppers Sultans of String are touring Ontario this Fall and Winter, showcasing global roots music and high-energy performances. Stops include Toronto, St. Catharines, Aurora, Burlington, Ottawa, and more. Audiences can experience their Cannes-winning Refuge, Indigenous collaboration Walking Through The Fire, and holiday show Christmas Caravan.

Tour Dates:
• Oct 17 – Burlington – Walking Through The Fire
• Dec 10 – St. Catharines – Celebrate! Holidays
• Dec 12 – Ottawa – Christmas Caravan
• Dec 19 – Cobourg – Christmas Caravan
• Dec 20 – Stouffville – Christmas Caravan
• Dec 21 – Toronto – Christmas Caravan
• Feb 8, 2025 – Mississauga – Refuge Premiere
• Feb 25, 2025 – Kitchener – Walking Through The Fire
• Mar 21, 2025 – Brantford – Refuge
Full Calendar: www.sultansofstring.com/calendar

ABOUT THE SHOWS

Walking Through The Fire

Award-winning First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists performing with 3x JUNO Award nominees Sultans of String, WALKING THROUGH THE FIRE is a musical multimedia event unlike any other! From Métis fiddling to an East Coast Kitchen Party, Rumba to Rock, to the drumming of the Pacific Northwest, experience the beauty and diversity of music from Turtle Island/Canada with Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk of the Métis Fiddler Quartet, Ojibwe/Finnish Singer-Songwriter Marc Meriläinen (Nadjiwan), and Coast Tsm’syen Elder and Singer-Songwriter Shannon Thunderbird performing on stage, as well as virtual guests on the big screen, including Dr. Duke Redbird, the Northern Cree Pow Wow group, and more!

Refuge

Based on the album and film that won Best Music Film at the Cannes World Film Festival last year, Sultans of String bring their unique brand of musical synergy and collaboration like never before with their most ambitious, diverse, and passionately inclusive concert. REFUGE puts the Toronto-based Sultans face-to-face with a VIP roster of artists from around the globe, who have fled the peril and persecution of their homelands for the safer shores of North America.

Christmas Caravan

Celebrate the season with an adventurous musical trip around the world! 3x JUNO Award nominees Sultans of String deliver an exuberant performance featuring originals, world-music inspired classics, and seasonal favourites to warm your heart on a cold winter’s night – from fiery fiddle tunes to a Caribbean sleigh ride!

Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village – Young Audience

“Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village” gives young audiences an exhilarating glimpse into the multicultural mosaic of Holiday customs, celebrations and festivities enjoyed in Canada – Indigenous traditions, Ramadan, Bodhi Day (Buddhist), Carnival (Quebec), Chanukah, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali, Kwanzaa (Pan-African), and Winter Solstice. Joining bandleader Chris McKhool (and Sultans of String mates Kevin Laliberte, Drew Birston) are special guests Shannon Thunderbird (Indigenous Elder) & Sandy Horn (from the Spoons), Aviva Chernick (Jaffa Road), Juan Carlos Medrano, Anwar Khurshid, Maryem and Ernie Tollar.

The Legendary Downchild Blues Band Announces Farewell Tour

After 19 albums, countless awards and 55 years of spreading the blues around the world on tour, the time has come for THE LEGENDARY DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND to say farewell to the road and their beloved fans, with their FAREWELL TOUR.

Tickets for all shows are ON SALE NOW here.

It’s hard to believe THE LEGENDARY DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND are celebrating their 55th Anniversary this year. As they say, time flies when you’re having fun!

Downchild came to international prominence as the inspiration for Hollywood stars Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi’s hit film, The Blues Brothers. In fact, two Downchild songs, “Shotgun Blues” and “I Got Everything I Need (Almost)” were even covered on The Blues Brothers’ 1978 multi-platinum album Briefcase Full of Blues.

Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh has seen it all throughout his fifty-five years as leader and co-founder of the band (with his since-passed brother, Richard “Hock” Walsh). From the early days of recording their debut album Bootleg in the parking garage at Rochdale College in Toronto, to sharing the stage with American blues legends, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton and many more in some of the finest venues around the world. In 2019, Donnie was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside some of the greatest songwriters of our time, including Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.

Downchild continues to be led by Donnie Walsh on guitar and harmonica, singer Chuck Jackson, who also plays harmonica, tenor sax man Pat Carey, Gary Kendall on bass, drummer Jim Casson and Tyler Yarema on keyboards.

With their infectious signature jump-blues style sound, Juno Award winners Downchild deliver a live performance that is second to none. This is your Last Chance To Dance, so come on down, have some fun and celebrate one of the greatest blues bands of our time!

Ottawa Soul/Blues singer/songwriter, Jeff Rogers will be supporting most of the dates on the FAREWELL TOUR, showcasing songs from his acclaimed new album Dream Job, that was nominated for Soul/Blues Album of The Year at the Blues Blast Magazine Awards in the U.S. in 2024.

Jeff Rogers’ unmistakably soulful voice often evokes weighty comparisons to the past – whether that’s Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles or even Otis Redding…. yet, his tone, range, phrasing, and sincerity, all make him unmistakably contemporary – and totally original.

Jeff’s highly anticipated new solo album Dream Job was recorded in the revered music mecca of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where many of the greats including, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Etta James, Paul Simon, Otis Redding and The Black Keys have recorded.

For this album, Jeff is accompanied by some of the legendary musicians, including Kelvin Holly (Little Richard, Bobby Bland etc.), Clayton Ivey (The Staple Sisters, Thelma Houston), Justin Holder (Keb Mo’, Delbert McClinton) and Shonna Tucker (Booker T. Jones, Drive-By-Truckers). Dream Job is co-produced by Dick Cooper of The Cooper Brothers and features special guest appearances by Grammy Award winner, Colin Linden, and Juno Award winning singer, Kellylee Evans.

DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND FAREWELL TOUR 2024

03/10/24 – Arden Theatre* – St. Albert, AB
04/10/24 – Arts Commons Engineered Air Theatre* – Calgary, AB
05/10/24 – Bow Theatre – Bow Island, AB
17/10/24 – Meaford Hall** – Meaford, ON
18/10/24 – Village Playhouse** – Bancroft, ON
22/10/24 – River Run Centre** – Guelph, ON
25/10/24 – Gravenhurst Opera House** – Gravenhurst, ON
26/10/24 – Midland Cultural Centre** – Midland, ON
02/11/24 – Imperial Theatre*** – Sarnia, ON
13/11/24 – Hugh’s Room Live** – Toronto, ON
20/11/24 – NAC – Babs Asper Theatre** – Ottawa, ON
21/11/24 – The Port Theatre** – Cornwall, ON
22/11/24 – The Regent Theatre** – Picton, ON
28/11/24 – The Studio** – Hamilton, ON
29/11/24 – Aeolian Hall** – London, ON

*With Special Guest Tony D
** With Special Guest Jeff Rogers
***With Special Guest Suzie Vinnick

5 Fun Facts About Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ Album

Prince’s Purple Rain is one of the most celebrated albums in music history. Released on June 25, 1984, it served as both the soundtrack to the film of the same name and as Prince’s sixth studio album. But beyond its chart-topping singles and astonishing performances, there are surprising details behind the creation of Purple Rain. Here are five lesser-known facts about this groundbreaking album:

1. “Purple Rain” Was Originally Meant to Be a Country Song

Believe it or not, the iconic title track “Purple Rain” began as a country song. Prince initially envisioned it as a collaboration with Stevie Nicks. When Nicks received the 10-minute instrumental version, she felt overwhelmed and declined the offer, stating, “I can’t do it. It’s too much for me.” Prince reworked the track with his band, The Revolution, giving it the grandiose and emotional rock-ballad feel we know today.

2. “When Doves Cry” Has No Bass Line

Prince’s innovative production on “When Doves Cry” shocked many listeners and musicians alike, as it features no bass line—a rarity for a hit song in the 1980s and it’s still incredibly funky. Read that again. No bass line. The story goes that Prince initially recorded the track with a bass line, but after a conversation with singer Jill Jones, he decided to remove it. The result was a more haunting, unconventional sound that helped the song stand out and become his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single.

3. The Song “Darling Nikki” Led to Parental Advisory Stickers

The risqué lyrics of “Darling Nikki” sparked outrage among certain audiences, most notably Tipper Gore, who co-founded the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC). The controversy surrounding this track was a driving force behind the creation of the Parental Advisory stickers that are now commonly seen on albums with explicit content.

4. Parts of Purple Rain Were Recorded Live

While much of the album was recorded in the studio, the final three songs—“I Would Die 4 U,” “Baby I’m a Star,” and “Purple Rain”—were actually recorded live during a benefit concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis on August 3, 1983. Overdubs and edits were added later, but the live energy is palpable in these tracks, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the performances.

5. The Full Version of “Computer Blue” Was Cut for a Single

The original version of “Computer Blue” was over 12 minutes long and included an extended suite-like arrangement. To make room for “Take Me with U” on the album, the track was edited down to just over four minutes. Fans finally got to hear the longer version when it was released on Purple Rain Deluxe in 2017.

Prince’s Purple Rain remains one of the most influential albums of all time, but it’s these behind-the-scenes stories that reveal the creative genius and audacity that made the album a timeless masterpiece. \

How Can Art History Graduates Succeed in the Job Market?

By Mitch Rice

Completing art history courses provides a foundation in understanding art’s cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. However, succeeding in the job market requires more than academic knowledge. Today’s competitive job landscape means art history graduates must develop practical skills, build connections, and explore varied career paths that align with their education. Here, you’ll explore the key strategies and career options that can help art history graduates thrive professionally.

1. Develop Transferable Skills

Art history courses offer more than just studying art. Graduates gain skills that go beyond analysing paintings. Through coursework and independent study, they develop critical thinking and research skills. They also sharpen their analytical abilities. Evaluating art from different periods teaches attention to detail and builds the skill to interpret complex information. Written assignments and presentations improve communication skills, too.

These skills apply across various fields. Jobs in marketing, education, and public relations value such abilities. Fields like research also benefit from employees with critical thinking skills. Art history graduates should highlight these abilities on their CVs. Mentioning them in interviews can help them stand out.

2. Explore Career Paths Beyond Traditional Roles

The idea that art history grads only work in museums is outdated. While museums and galleries are popular choices, there are many other options. Graduates can work in cultural institutions, archives, or heritage conservation. Here, they help to preserve and promote cultural heritage. Skills from art history also apply well in journalism. Critical thinking and visual literacy are useful for arts reporting.

Graduates may also explore roles in public relations. Visual understanding and communication skills support branding efforts. Other options include auction houses, art advisory, or even art investment. These roles use expertise to appraise and assess valuable pieces.

3. Gain Practical Experience with Internships

Internships offer hands-on experience for art history graduates. They’re especially valuable for those aiming for museum work, curation, or arts administration careers. Internships are available in museums, galleries, auction houses, and cultural organisations. They allow graduates to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and build skills specific to the industry, like collection management and exhibit curation.

Internships open doors to valuable connections in the art world, which often lead to job opportunities after graduation. Art history graduates should pursue internships aligned with their career goals. Such experiences strengthen professional portfolios and improve CVs.

4. Consider Advanced Studies or Certification Programs

A postgraduate degree helps in some art history roles, especially in academia. Further studies can increase expertise in specific art movements or techniques, making graduates qualified for specialised positions. Besides a master’s or PhD, certification courses are useful, too. They offer conservation techniques, art appraisal, and cultural heritage management skills.

Additional courses in related fields, like museum studies, can also help. Such programs add advanced skills and industry knowledge, making graduates more competitive in the job market and preparing them better for leadership roles.

5. Network with Industry Professionals

Networking is key to finding job opportunities and staying updated on industry trends. Art history graduates should attend events like exhibitions, art fairs, and conferences. These are places to connect with professionals and gain career insights. Many organisations also hold workshops and talks. These provide networking opportunities to expand one’s contacts.

Graduates can also join professional organisations. They connect with peers and access resources, job boards, and events here. Building relationships in the industry is very useful. Referrals and recommendations can play a big role in landing jobs.

6. Build a Portfolio and Showcase Work Online

A portfolio is essential for graduates pursuing curation, writing, or arts administration. It should include writing samples, research projects, and related work. Those interested in curatorial roles can add mock exhibition plans. Documenting past projects also shows skills to employers.

An online portfolio allows graduates to reach a wider audience. Blogging about art, reviewing exhibitions, or sharing artwork analyses can draw interest. Social media platforms, especially visual ones, also help. They’re effective tools for building a professional image in the art world.

7. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

The art industry is always changing. Trends in technology, conservation, and audience engagement shift constantly. Staying informed on these trends gives art history graduates an edge. Following industry news and subscribing to relevant journals helps them keep up. Participating in discussions keeps them aware of new ideas.

Courses, webinars, and workshops are also helpful. Topics like digital curation, virtual exhibitions, or new conservation techniques can be useful. Graduates who show adaptability and eagerness to learn stand out. Employers look for engaged and forward-thinking professionals.

Success in the job market for art history graduates takes more than academic knowledge. It also requires practical skills and proactive strategies. Art history courses give a solid base in analytical thinking, cultural awareness, and visual literacy. However, real-world experience and networking are crucial, too.

Graduates can find their place by exploring different career paths and gaining hands-on experience. Staying updated on trends can turn their passion for art into a rewarding career. With the right approach, they can thrive in a competitive job market and impact the art world.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

1986 Anti-Smoking PSA Featuring the Cast of ‘Cats’

The 1980s gave us plenty of memorable moments, but few are as delightfully odd and endearing as the anti-smoking public service announcement featuring the cast of Cats, the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. This vintage PSA, which aired in 1986, was aimed at spreading awareness about the dangers of smoking, using an unconventional but attention-grabbing approach—actors dressed as cats from the iconic show.

5 Fun Facts About Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours You Probably Didn’t Know

Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours is undeniably one of the greatest albums of all time, but beyond the classic hits and the well-documented drama surrounding its creation, there are some lesser-known details that might surprise even die-hard fans. Here are five fun facts about the making of Rumours that add even more depth to its legendary status:

  1. The Working Title Was Almost Completely Different Before the band settled on Rumours as the album’s title, it was originally going to be called Yesterday’s Gone. This title came from the chorus of “Don’t Stop,” Christine McVie’s optimistic anthem about moving forward. However, John McVie suggested Rumours because the songs felt like the band members were telling tales about each other through their music, a fitting title given the personal turmoil that inspired many of the tracks.
  2. “The Chain” Was Born Out of Several Songs “The Chain,” the only song credited to all five members of Fleetwood Mac, wasn’t written in one cohesive sitting. It was pieced together from different song fragments. Christine McVie’s “Keep Me There” and Stevie Nicks’ demos were edited and combined, creating the haunting final track. The signature bass line, played by John McVie, wasn’t added until the final stages of production, giving the song its famous build-up.
  3. A Chair Was Used for Percussion While experimenting with different sounds for “Second Hand News,” Lindsey Buckingham used an unusual instrument—his chair. He would smack the seat in time with the beat, adding a subtle but distinctive percussive element to the track. This DIY approach to instrumentation helped give the song its lively, folksy energy.
  4. The Secret Behind the Songbird Session Christine McVie’s beautiful ballad “Songbird” was recorded in an unusual setting. Producer Ken Caillat felt the track needed a large, open space to capture its delicate acoustics. The band moved from their recording studio to the Zellerbach Auditorium in Berkeley, where McVie played the song late at night on a nine-foot Steinway piano, filling the hall with its raw emotion.
  5. Cocaine and Heartbreak Fueled the Album’s Production It’s no secret that Rumours was recorded amid intense personal strife. What’s lesser known is the extent to which drugs and emotional pain shaped the process. Cocaine use was rampant during the sessions, and the band members were often recording while processing their breakups with each other. Stevie Nicks famously said that the best music they ever made was when they were at their worst, and Rumours stands as a testament to that idea—great art born from chaos.

With Rumours, Fleetwood Mac captured lightning in a bottle, and these behind-the-scenes facts only add to the mystique of an album that has resonated across generations. From the creative recording techniques to the emotional and physical tolls, the making of Rumours is just as legendary as the music itself.

aespa Expands Second World Tour ‘2024–25 aespa Live Tour – Synk: Parallel Line –’ to North America

SM Entertainment’s girl group aespa is expanding the scale of their second world tour, driven by their remarkable global popularity.

At midnight today (27th), aespa unveiled the poster for their ‘2024 – 25 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK: PARALLEL LINE –’ on their official fan club community and social media platforms, generating excitement with a preview of their expanded tour.

Following an extraordinary launch in Seoul, where they achieved sold-out shows in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, and Macau—prompting additional performances due to overwhelming demand—aespa is ready to broaden their tour. The upcoming tour will feature a total of 41 performances across 29 locations, extending to North America, including the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, as well as Europe, with stops in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. Full routing and ticketing information is available below.

Drawing inspiration from a multi-dimensional parallel universe concept, aespa’s second world tour is set to deliver enhanced performances and breathtaking productions that have received widespread acclaim. Following their successful shows in Asia, anticipation is building for their upcoming events in North America, and Europe.

Meanwhile, aespa will conclude their Asia tour with two shows on the 28th and 29th at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

U.S. AND CANADA TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with the WeVerse presale. General onsale begins Friday, October 4 at 3 PM local time at LiveNation.com.

MEXICO CITY TICKETS: General onsale begins Wednesday, October 9 at 10 AM local time. For complete ticketing info visit Ticketmaster.com.mx.

EUROPEAN TICKETS: See ticketing timing per market below.

  • UK: Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, October 1st at 3PM local time with the WeVerse pre-sale. General onsale begins Friday, October 4 at 3 PM local time. For complete ticketing info visit LiveNation.co.uk.
  • France: Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, October 1st at 3PM local time with the WeVerse pre-sale. Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale and tickets in Netherlands & France starting on Wednesday, October 2nd at 3PM local time. Preferred ticket access is available to Mastercard cardholders in the UK starting on Friday, October 4th at 3PM local time. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more. For complete ticketing info visit LiveNation.fr.
  • Netherlands: Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, October 1st at 3PM local time with the WeVerse pre-sale.  Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale and tickets in Netherlands & France starting on Wednesday, October 2nd at 3PM local time. Preferred ticket access is available to Mastercard cardholders in the UK starting on Friday, October 4th at 3PM local time. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more. For complete ticketing info visit LiveNation.nl.
  • Germany: Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, October 1st at 3PM local time with the WeVerse pre-sale. General onsale begins  Friday, October 4 at 3 PM local time. For complete ticketing info visit LiveNation.de.
  • Spain: Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, October 1st at 3PM local time with the WeVerse pre-sale. General onsale begins Friday, October 4 at 3 PM local time. For complete ticketing info visit LiveNation.es.

VIP:  The tour will also offer variety of different VIP packages and experiences in North America for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to thepre-show soundcheck, exclusive VIP gift item, early entry and more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com

2024-25 aespa – LIVE TOUR – SYNK : PARALLEL LINE – TOUR DATES: 
Tue Jan 28 – Seattle, WA – ShoWare Center
Thu Jan 30 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Sat Feb 01 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum
Tue Feb 04 – Mexico City, MX – Sports Palace
Thu Feb 06 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Sat Feb 08 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Tue Feb 11 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Thu Feb 13 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sat Feb 15 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sun Mar 02 – London, UK – OVO Arena, Wembley
Tue Mar 04 – Paris, FR – Zenith
Thu Mar 06 – Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Live
Sun Mar 09 – Frankfurt, DE – myticket Jahrhunderthalle
Wed Mar 12 – Madrid, ES – WiZink Center

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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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