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Ayra Starr Reunites With WizKid On New Single “Gimme Dat”

Maintaining incredible momentum this year, GRAMMY-nominated global Afrobeats popstar Ayra Starr serves up a slick and sexy new single entitled “Gimme Dat” featuring WizKid out now. Marking a creative reunion, the boundary-breaking songstress previously joined forces with the Nigerian megastar when she featured on his fan favorite international anthem “2 Sugar” back in 2022.

Drawing inspiration from Mary J. Blige and Wyclef Jean’s 2000 global hit “911”, the VybeO and Mikabeatz co-produced anthem is set to put you on a nostalgic path that leads you back to the new wave of modern pop and Afrobeats.

Once again, they harness the same sizzling chemistry on “Gimme Dat.” The track’s thick bassline locks down a head-nodding tempo accented by tropical drums. Bringing island flavor to Afrobeats, Ayra Starr and WizKid engage in a vibrant call-and-response, culminating on a chantable chorus. From the simmering dancefloor-ready verses to the scorching stadium-size hook, it has all the ingredients of a worldwide banger.

Earlier this month, she unveiled the music video for “All The Love.” Right out of the gate, it eclipsed over a million views in less than a week.

With an action-packed year ahead, for her acting debut, she was recently unveiled as one of the cast of the highly anticipated film Children of Blood and Bone, a book adaptation by Tomi Adeyemi. Additionally, taking the stage, Ayra Starr is scheduled to take over Summer Jam 2025 as a headliner on June 20th at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. She will share the stage with the biggest names in hip-hop including A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Gunna, GloRilla, Muni Long, Asake, and many more.

In other big news, Ayra Starr made history as “the first Nigerian female artist to receive a RIAA Latin Diamond certification” in recognition of her 2024 smash “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro.

Her impact only continues to magnify. Last year, she supported Coldplay on the “Music of the Spheres” World Tour. Plus, she joined forces with Coldplay and The Weirdos for an unforgettable performance of “GOOD FEELiNGS” on TODAY. Ayra Starr has now amassed over 3 billion global streams. Following her sold-out first world tour last year, she made her Glastonbury Festival debut on the Pyramid Stage, building on the incredible momentum around the album release.

In 2024, Ayra Starr released her critically-lauded sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 via Mavin Records / Republic Records. Listen HERE. The album earned the top 5 biggest opening day streams for a Nigerian album and biggest opening day for a Nigerian female on Spotify.

The singer bagged three BET Award nominations for Best New Artist, Best International Act and BET Her for “Commas.” It capped off a breakout year, which saw Ayra Starr earn her first GRAMMY nomination for Best African Music Performance for “Rush” as well as making BBC’s Sound of 2024 listand being nominated for MOBO Awards’ Best African Music Act for the second time. Her defining debut album 19 & Dangerous, now sits at a staggering 500 million streams.

Ayra Starr’s position as one of Africa’s hottest stars has seen her collaborate with some of music’s biggest names including Wizkid, Stormzy, David Guetta, Kelly Rowland, Tiwa Savage, Aya Nakamura and Leigh-Anne. She also marked her first Latin music crossover hit “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro as well as collaborated with India’s most prominent and influential Punjabi singer, rapper and producer AP Dhillon on “Bora Bora.”

PC: Mikey Oshai

Since debuting in 2021, Ayra Starr has quickly become one of this generation’s most undeniable new voices in music. Renowned for her anthemic Afrobeats tracks and unapologetic style; the Beninese-Nigerian artist has amassed critical acclaim from tastemaker press, a huge international following and over 3 billion global streams. Following the release of her defining debut album 19 & Dangerous; her position as Africa’s hottest rising star has seen Ayra Starr tapped for collaborations with some of music’s biggest names including Wizkid, Stormzy, Tiwa Savage and Leigh-Anne, to name just a few. Ayra Starr has gained major traction over the last few years, but vaulted to the forefront of Afrobeats with 2022’s “Rush,” which garnered over 800 million global streams and attracted R&B icon Kelly Rowland on a high-powered remix. Recognized as a phenomenon in 2023, she notably garnered a nomination for “Best International Act” at the BET Awards as well as two MTV VMA nominations in the category of “Best Afrobeats Song” for both “Rush” and WizKid’s “2 Sugar” [feat. Ayra Starr]. Additionally, she received a GRAMMY nomination for Best African Music Performance for “Rush,” which marked her as the first and youngest Nigerian female artist to be nominated in that category. She also garnered a Soul Train Award nomination in the Best New Artist category and a Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song. In 2024, Ayra Starr was nominated for three BET Awards including Best New Artist, Best International Act and BET Her for “Commas.” She also starred in her Dare to Dream Amazon documentary, and became the first Afrobeats artist to be named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist. Beyond praise from UPROXX, Variety, Conde Nast Traveler and more, she has also graced the covers of Teen Vogue and FAULT Magazine. Stay tuned for more from Ayra Starr who will continue to bring Afrobeats to the forefront here in the U.S. and around the world.

Sammy Virji Releases New Single “Nostalgia” Featuring Issey Cross

Sammy Virji, named a “global garage phenomenon” by DJ Mag and, by Boiler Room, “one of the hottest names in dance music all over the f**king world,”, is back in full force with his new single, ‘Nostalgia’.

‘Nostalgia’ out on 25th April, shortly after Sammy is due to tear Coachella apart with not one but three appearances –  blends skippy NUKG drums with violin strings and a deep, growling bassline. Known for her work with Wilkinson, Moby, and Tïesto, Issey Cross delivers a vocal performance that drives the track with a euphoric punch. A genre-blurring force between alt-pop and dance, her presence adds both heart and high energy to the mix.

Among others from Sammy’s unreleased arsenal, ‘Nostalgia’ has been hot on the lips of ravers all over the globe ever since it was teased in his 2023 DJ Mag HQ set, which now has 2.1M views. The excitement has been at a fever pitch ever since, with clips being shared across TikTok, YouTube, and SoundCloud, driven by UGC hype and promo from the ‘Spammy Virji’ and ‘Virjiontour’ TikTok fan accounts.

With this release firmly on the horizon, Sammy’s 2025 is jam-packed. On 3rd May, he’s set to play Movement Festival on 25th May and two shows at the  Brooklyn Mirage on 14th June. In July and August, he’ll play at Bonobo Brighton as well as a major festival run with appearances at Outside Lands, Lowlands, APE, and Pukkelpop.

Sammy Virji is driving the evolution of UKG, as the genre takes the world by storm. The London producer/DJ, nominated for Best Producer at DJ Mag’s Best Of British Awards in 2023, is an in-demand dance music maker, whether that’s for his brighter garage cuts like ‘Find My Way Home’ (31M streams), screw-face belters like ‘Shella Verse’ featuring Grammy-nominated Flowdan (18M streams), or synth-heavy bass house singles like ‘Summertime Blues’ with Chris Lake and Nathan Nicholson, now sitting at a whopping 28M streams. His catchy 2023 single ‘If U Need It’ was arguably his biggest hit yet, now cruising towards 70M streams, having reached #85 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2025, continued his string of accolades, leaping into the new year with his smash ‘I Guess We’re Not The Same’.

Joe Jonas Shares New Single “Heart By Heart,” Announces Album ‘Music For People Who Believe In Love’ Out May 23

Gearing up for a bold creative era, GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and global superstar Joe Jonas unveils his new single “Heart By Heart” out today. “Heart By Heart” paves the way for his forthcoming solo album Music For People Who Believe In Love on May 23rd via Republic Records. Pre-order / pre-save HERE.

Co-written with Lewis Capaldi, Savan [The Weeknd, Ariana Grande], Oscar Holter [DNCE, The Weeknd], and Max Gsus [Kim Petras, Tove Lo], “Heart By Heart” layers acoustic guitar and glistening keys over a bouncy beat. Against this sonic backdrop, Joe’s expansive range immediately captivates as he taps into raw emotion and delivers the song’s nostalgic lyrics with a palpable sense of longing. As the refrain takes hold, he sings, “Well if he don’t ever light your spark, remember I know your heart by heart…Just remember I will always remember.”

Yesterday, Joe and Heineken announced a new collaboration with an exclusive event in New York City, where Joe debuted his new single “Heart By Heart” for the very first time in front of the offline crowd, instead of using digital channels. The performance was part of Heineken’s new #SocialOffSocials campaign, which aims to demonstrate that the best way to disconnect from the sometimes-overwhelming world of social media is to connect in real life. Joe also filmed part of his forthcoming music video at the event—stay tuned for its official premiere.

Joe initially kicked off his solo chapter with his singles “Work It Out” and “What This Could Be.” The latter was co-written by Joe alongside GRAMMY Award-winning hitmaker Dan Nigro [Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan] and GRAMMY Award-nominated singer-songwriter Feist. The tracks received critical praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, UPROXX, Grammy.com, and more, with Billboard proclaiming, “Jonas lands on a shimmery pop sound that synthesizes a wide array of influences, from garage-rock to alt-pop to ’90s country, while singing about navigating life’s uncertainties and finding gratitude amid loss.” Joe also worked alongside an exciting list of collaborators on the project, including Alexander 23, MUNA’s Josette Maskin, Feist, Dan Nigro, Justin Tranter, Jason Evigan, Tommy English, and Joel Little, with more collaborators and features to be revealed soon.

At the same time, Joe’s voice has continued to resound across culture. He notably joined forces with Latin GRAMMYAward-winning phenomenon Ela Taubert on “¿Cómo Pasó? Con Joe Jonas,” which exploded with over 31 million Spotify streams and 18 million YouTube views. They also delivered a seismic performance of the track at the 2024 Latin GRAMMY Awards. Plus, he teamed up with rising superstar Alex Warren on a duet version of his breakthrough smash “Burning Down” as well as appeared on buzzing country phenomenon Ashley Cooke’s “All I Forgot.”

Joe Jonas is an international pop icon, songwriter and actor. Joe is the frontman of the multi-platinum group DNCE with Jack Lawless on drums and JinJoo on guitar. DNCE initially shook-up popular music and culture with the release of their RIAA quintuple-platinum certified single “Cake By The Ocean” back in 2016. The song permeated pop culture at large, becoming an unstoppable hit, crashing the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, and emerging as “one of the most-played songs of the year at Top 40 radio.” They also won “Best New Artist” at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. To date, the band has tallied 5 billion global streams and 3.5 million global album equivalents. 2022 marked their momentous return as they teamed up with Kygo for the unshakable and undeniable anthem “Dancing Feet.” With an inimitable and intoxicating hybrid of rock, pop, dance, and funk like no other, DNCE will make you move more than ever now. He is perhaps best known for the global pop-rock band the Jonas Brothers with his brothers Kevin and Nick Jonas. The Grammy-nominated band made an explosive return in 2019 with the surprise release of their critically acclaimed and widely successful single “Sucker” following a six-year hiatus and have garnered a bevy of awards and accolades. In 2023, Jonas Brothers once again proved they are a constant force, embarking on a new era with the release of The Album, via Republic Records. The Album was produced by Jon Bellion and features hit singles “Waffle House” and “Wings.” In support of the new album and this new era for Jonas Brothers, they kicked off “The Tour” with two sold-out shows at New York’s iconic Yankee Stadium. “The Tour” included stadium and arena dates around the globe through 2024, resulting in the band’s biggest and most extensive tour to date. During late 2024, he collaborated with singer-songwriter Alex Warren on a new rendition of his single “Burning Down,” as well as with Latin Grammy Award winner Ela Taubert for their joint single “¿Cómo Pasó? Con Joe Jonas.” Additionally, Joe released his solo music in 2024 with singles including “Work It Out” and “What This Could Be.” 2025 will mark a special year for Joe and the Jonas Brothers, as Joe gears up to release his solo album Music For People Who Believe In Love on May 23, as well as celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band. To kick off the year, Jonas Brothers recently released new singles “Slow Motion” with producer Marshmello and “Love Me To Heaven.”

Stay tuned for Music For People Who Believe In Love, out May 23rd.

 

Lauren Spencer Smith Shares New Song “IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL)” from Upcoming Album ‘THE ART OF BEING A MESS’

Breakout vocalist and songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith shares new song, “IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL)”

The track is from her forthcoming sophomore album, THE ART OF BEING A MESS, set for release June 27 on Island Records/Republic Records. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.

In support of new music, Spencer Smith will headline Calgary Stampede on July 3 at the Coca-Cola Stage. More information HERE. Additional dates to be announced soon.

“‘IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL)’ taps into a sound that’s edgier, darker, and more honest than anything I’ve released before,” Spencer Smith explains, “It’s a reflection of the anger, power, and fire I’ve felt—and a sign of how much I’ve grown, both personally and musically. This song is just the beginning of exploring deeper, more unapologetically angry emotions and being honest about the sides of ourselves we don’t always show.”

True to its name, THE ART OF BEING A MESS captures the emotional rollercoaster Spencer Smith experienced while writing her second album. Each song taps into a feeling—anger, devastation, love, peace, confusion and everything in between, sometimes all at once. Reflecting on the chaos of being human, each song finds Spencer Smith revisiting real stories and experiences in her life. With this album, she reminds listeners to embrace and feel comfortable in their emotions, that not everything is black-and-white.

“THE ART OF BEING A MESS is about embracing the highs and lows, the chaos and the beauty in feeling everything, no matter what the emotion is,” Spencer Smith explains, “Life gets messy, and it’s okay to be angry, sad, confused—or even unsure of what you’re feeling at all. I want this album to feel like a guidebook, helping you understand your own emotions and feeling okay to embrace the journey they take you on.”

THE ART OF BEING A MESS follows her debut album, Mirror (2023), which features the RIAA Certified Platinum singles “Flowers” and “Fingers Crossed”—the latter of which peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has reached over 875 million global streams.

From a small town on Vancouver Island, Spencer Smith began her musical journey in 2019, gaining a sizeable audience online. Through her music, she explored breakups, complex feelings about school, family and friends. Spencer Smith has performed at the MTV Video Music Awards, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the People’s Choice Awards—where she was also a Best New Artist nominee.

15 Reasons Why John Bonham Remains One of the Greatest Drummers of All Time

When it comes to drummers who changed the course of rock music forever, John Bonham’s name stands tall — and louder than most. As the rhythmic powerhouse behind Led Zeppelin, Bonham combined raw power, intricate technique, and unstoppable feel like no one else before or since. His influence stretches across genres and generations, touching metal, punk, prog, and beyond. Here’s a celebration of 15 reasons why Bonham’s legacy still thunders through every drum kit today.

1. His Power Was Unmatched, But Always Musical
Bonham hit hard — so hard that microphones would sometimes break under the force — but he wasn’t just about brute strength. Every beat served the song. His drumming felt massive, but never sloppy, balancing raw impact with musicality. His sense of dynamics within even the loudest moments is something drummers still try to emulate today.

2. His Groove Could Swing Like No One Else’s
Despite his reputation for heavy rock drumming, Bonham’s playing was rooted deeply in swing and shuffle grooves. Listen to “Good Times Bad Times” or “Black Dog” — every fill and backbeat dances just enough. He made Led Zeppelin swing, which added an irresistible feel that made the heavy parts even heavier.

3. His Bass Drum Footwork Was Revolutionary
Before double kick pedals became common, Bonham was doing it all with one foot. Songs like “Good Times Bad Times” feature rapid bass drum patterns that sound like two feet at work. It was almost superhuman — a technique so powerful and precise that it made even seasoned drummers shake their heads in disbelief.

4. His Fills Were Instantly Iconic
Bonham didn’t just throw in fills to show off; each one told a story. Whether it was the massive triplet rolls in “Dazed and Confused” or the off-kilter bursts in “Kashmir,” his fills were creative, musical extensions of the songs themselves. They were as memorable as the riffs they accompanied.

5. He Was a Master of Dynamics
Part of what made Bonham’s drumming so electrifying was his incredible control over dynamics. He knew when to explode and when to pull back, often within the same song. Listen to “When the Levee Breaks” — he could make a simple beat feel like the world was ending, just by how he varied the attack and texture.

6. He Was a Natural Innovator
Bonham wasn’t copying anyone; he was forging a new way to think about drumming. His use of recording techniques (like playing in stairwells for massive reverb) and his unconventional kit setups showed a creative mind always looking for something bigger and better. He was a pioneer without even trying to be one.

7. His Sound Was Instantly Recognizable
You could hear two seconds of Bonham and know it was him. Whether it was the thunderous snare crack or the deep, resonant kick, his sound was unique. A lot of it came from his feel and tuning choices — fat, open drums, minimal muffling — but most of it came simply from the way he hit.

8. He Played for the Song, Not for Himself
Bonham had the chops to solo endlessly, but he rarely did unless the song called for it. His focus was always on enhancing the music rather than showcasing himself. That’s why Led Zeppelin’s catalog never sounds dated — because the drumming never overshadows the emotion or the song’s message.

9. He Could Play Any Style Effortlessly
Whether it was the hard blues of “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” the funk leanings of “Trampled Under Foot,” or the folk delicacy of “Going to California,” Bonham adapted. He was as comfortable playing heavy rock as he was laying down jazzy grooves or light percussive textures, a true musical chameleon.

10. His Solos Were Actual Performances
“Bonzo’s Montreux” and live versions of “Moby Dick” weren’t just displays of skill — they were entire journeys. He treated solos as songs within songs, building drama, tension, and release. His ability to keep audiences enthralled for ten minutes with just a drum kit was a rare gift.

11. His Influence Crossed Every Genre
Bonham’s reach isn’t just limited to rock. Metal drummers, hip-hop producers (listen to how many times “When the Levee Breaks” has been sampled), and even jazz players have cited him as a major influence. His sense of time, groove, and innovation planted seeds across the entire musical landscape.

12. He Was All About Feel Over Flash
Even though Bonham could outplay almost anyone technically, he cared more about feel than speed. It’s why his beats still sound natural and human — they breathe. He wasn’t out to impress anyone. He was there to make the music feel undeniable, and that’s why it still moves people decades later.

13. He Had Incredible Chemistry with His Bandmates
Bonham wasn’t just a great drummer; he was a perfect fit for Led Zeppelin. His intuitive interplay with John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant created something bigger than the sum of its parts. Their locked-in energy was almost telepathic — and Bonham’s deep-pocketed playing anchored it all.

14. He Never Let the Fame Change His Playing
Even as Led Zeppelin became the biggest band in the world, Bonham’s drumming stayed grounded. He didn’t chase trends, didn’t overcomplicate things to impress critics, and never tried to be anything but himself. His authenticity is part of what makes him feel timeless — a reminder that heart matters most.

15. He Made Drumming Cool
Before Bonham, drummers were often just “the guys in the back.” After Bonham, drummers were gods. He made it not just okay but essential to be obsessed with the drums. He inspired countless kids to pick up sticks and bash along to Zeppelin records, dreaming of hitting even half as hard — and meaning it half as much.

Stereophonics Release New Album ‘Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait’ and Share Lead Single “Make It On Your Own”

Photo Credit: James D Kelly

Today, the legendary Stereophonics release their highly anticipated thirteenth studio album ‘Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait. The release comes alongside a brand new single, ‘Make It On Your Own’.

The leading track on the album, ‘Make It On Your Own’ soars with a sense of optimism, triumphantly gripping with a rich piano hook that glides against the orchestral hums of strings; setting the tone for what promises to be one of the band’s most captivating releases.

Kelly Jones comments on the song: “It’s anthemic, it’s hopeful, it’s classic Stereophonics in 2025.”

With three decades of groundbreaking achievements under their belts, and a legacy of 8 number 1 albums, Stereophonics have earned their status and respect amongst their fans, peers and artists from across the musical generations, ranging from Bob Dylan to David Bowie to Dua Lipa. In 2025, the band mark their anticipated return with ‘Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait’, a tight and heavy-hitting eight track record. Written and recorded in London, the album is lean, direct, and free from filler. It is at once clean and precise. Hopeful and joyous. It perfectly embodies the emotions captured in its title. You laugh. You cry. You wait.

As with many of his previous projects, Kelly has often gravitated towards different mediums of artwork, whether that be paintings, books or films and tied the specific album artwork to that specific thing. For “Make ‘Em Laugh, Make ‘Em Cry, Make ‘Em Wait”, it was a similar process, with Kelly plucking influence from a Louise Bourgeois postcard he saw in New York’s Modern Art Museum gift shop, “[It was] on a pink background that said ‘Art Is The Guarantee Of Sanity’”. Scribbling the words of the album title onto his own pink background, here now lies ‘the pink album’.

The band have just finished the US leg of their extensive world tour that will see them play to over 500,000 people across the summer, including headline shows and festival appearances and ticking off some of their biggest shows around the world to date, with the tour continuing in Europe next week.

Stereophonics continue to solidify their place as one of the most enduring and beloved bands in rock. Their ability to seamlessly blend rock sensibilities with soaring melodies keeps their sound fresh and relevant, while Kelly Jones’ ever-introspective lyrics continue to resonate with each passing year.  Stereophonics have never been content to rest on their laurels, and this year’s performances promise to be some of their most dynamic yet.

‘Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait’ Tracklist:

1. Make It On Your Own
2. There’s Always Gonna Be Something
3. Seems Like You Don’t Know Me
4. Colours Of October
5. Eyes Too Big For My Belly
6. Mary Is A Singer
7. Backroom Boys
8. Feeling Of Falling We Crave

Stereophonics Live Dates:
Apr 28, 2025 Cirque Royal, Brussels, Belgium
Apr 29, 2025 Zenith La Villette, Paris, France
Apr 30, 2025 AFAS Live, Amsterdam, Netherlands
May 2, 2025 Sporthalle, Hamburg, Germany
May 3, 2025 Uber Eats Music Hall, Berlin, Germany
May 5, 2025 TonHalle München, Munich, Germany
May 6, 2025 E-werk, Cologne, Germany
May 8, 2025 X-TRA, Zürich, Switzerland
May 9, 2025 Transbordeur, Lyon, France
May 11, 2025 Sala La Riviera, Madrid, Spain
May 12, 2025 Razzmatazz, Barcelona, Spain
May 14, 2025 Alcatraz, Milan, Italy
May 25, 2025 Neighbourhood Weekender, Warrington, England
May 30, 2025 Vestrock Festival, Hulst, Netherlands
May 31, 2025 Dauwpop Festival, Hellendoorn, Netherlands
Jun 5, 2025 Belsonic, Belfast, UK
Jun 6, 2025 St. Anne’s Park, Dublin, Ireland
Jun 7, 2025 Virgin Media Park, Cork, Ireland
Jun 14, 2025 The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield, UK
Jun 21, 2025 Isle of Wight Festival, Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
Jun 28, 2025 Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, UK
Jul 4, 2025 Finsbury Park, London, UK
Jul 11, 2025 Principality Stadium, Cardiff, UK
Jul 12, 2025 Principality Stadium, Cardiff, UK
Jul 17 2025 – Festival Guitare en Scene, France
July 19, 2025 – Festival des Vieilles Charrues Festival, France
Aug 16, 2025, Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, UK
Aug 24, 2025 – Rock en Seine, France
Aug 28, 2025 – AMA Music Festival Romano D’Ezzelino, Vicenza, Italy
Aug 29, 2025 – Parco Della Musica Ennio Morricone, Rome, Italy
Sept 27, 2025 – Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, San Diego, USA

Coco Jones Releases Debut Album ‘Why Not More?’ And Announces Global Tour

Today, GRAMMY-Award Winning powerhouse singer/songwriter and actress Coco Jones released her highly anticipated debut album Why Not More? via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings – listen here. The 14-track album features a star-studded list of collaborators including YG Marley, Future, London on da Track and more. Why Not More? is a bold, redefining project that showcases Coco’s vulnerability & confidence. Previously released singles from the album include the 2x GRAMMY-nominated, RIAA Certified Gold track “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” “Most Beautiful Design,” “Taste,” and “You.”

On the release of the album, Coco shares “Why Not More? is the question I’ve been asking myself in hopes of understanding me and growing in confidence. This album is about leaning into whoever you are right now without worrying about who you’ve been or who you want to be in the future. Authenticity will never lead you to the wrong place, so why not lean in?”

Leading up to the release of her debut album, Coco has amassed a whopping seven GRAMMY nominations and continues to cement herself as a prominent woman in R&B and beyond. She earned 5 GRAMMY nominations last year alone, including Best New Artist and took home her first win for her Billboard Hot 100 single “ICU” for R&B Performance of the Year. Coco was also nominated for her first ever MTV VMA Award for MTV Push Performance of the Year for the track. Most recently she added two more GRAMMY Award nominations at this year’s awards for R&B Performance of the Year and Best R&B Song for “Here We Go (Uh Oh).”

Next month, Coco will embark on her headlining Why Not More? Tour hitting major cities across the world including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London and more, with support from Lady London and TA Thomas on select dates. Tickets are available at https://www.therealcocojones.com/tour/ and full routing details are below. Coco will also be offering a limited number of signed vinyl and signed CDs exclusively on her official website therealcocojones.com.

Coco Jones has captivated the world with her timeless artistry, sensual voice and emotive songs to become R&B’s breakout artist. She signed with High Standardz/Def Jam in 2022 and released the EP What I Didn’t Tell You with the lead single “ICU,” which has been certified platinum. In 2024, she was nominated for an impressive five Grammy Awards—including the coveted Best New Artist accolade— and won for Best R&B Performance “ICU.” The song was lauded by fans and critics alike and peaked at #1 on the Billboard R&B Airplay chart, leading to Best New Artist wins at the BET Awards, The Soul Train Awards and NAACP Image Awards. With the release of new songs “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” “Sweep It Up,” and “Most Beautiful Design” Ft. London On Da Track and Future, this next chapter finds the multihyphenate singer/songwriter and actress embarking on her debut album and stepping into an era of empowerment and connection. Coco Jones returned to the Grammys this year for nominations for Best R&B Performance & Best R&B Song. Coco Jones was raised in Nashville, TN by a mother who was also a singer, and a father who played in the NFL. Early on, she learned the importance of following her dreams. She began recording at the age of 9 and was called to acting—first as a recurring guest on Disney’s musical sketch comedy, So Random!, and in 2012, as the golden-voiced love interest in the network’s TV movie, Let It Shine. Since then, she’s showcased her formidable acting skills playing Hilary Banks in Peacock’s Fresh Prince reboot, Bel-Air, which has recently been renewed for a fourth season and Netflix’s Vampires vs. the Bronx. Coco Jones recently wrapped production on an upcoming romantic comedy, That’s Her, in which she is starring and executive producing.

Why Not More? Tracklist:

Keep It Quiet
Taste
On Sight
AEOMG
Thang 4 U
Here We Go (Uh Oh)
Other Side Of Love
Why Not More? Ft. YG Marley
Hit You Where It Hurts
Most Beautiful Design Ft. Future and London On Da Track
You
Nobody Exists
By Myself
Forever Don’t Hit Like Before

Why Not More? Tour Routing:

SHOW DATECITY, STVENUE
5/6Philadelphia, PAThe Fillmore Philadelphia
5/7Washington, DCEchostage
5/9Norfolk, VAThe NorVa
5/10Baltimore, MDBaltimore Soundstage
5/12New Haven, CTToad’s Place
5/13Boston, MARoadrunner
5/14Brooklyn, NYBrooklyn Paramount
5/16Toronto, ONHISTORY
5/18Royal Oak, MIRoyal Oak Music Theatre
5/19Columbus, OHNewport Music Hall
5/21Chicago, ILThe Riviera Theatre
5/22Milwaukee, WIThe Rave
5/23Minneapolis, MNThe Fillmore Minneapolis
5/25Denver, COCervantes’ Masterpiece 
5/28Seattle, WAThe Showbox
5/30Vancouver, BCVogue Theatre
5/31Portland, ORRoseland Theater
6/2Sacramento, CAAce of Spades
6/4San Francisco, CAThe Regency Ballroom
6/6Los Angeles, CAThe Novo
6/7Las Vegas, NVHouse of Blues
6/10San Diego, CAHouse of Blues
6/11Phoenix, AZThe Van Buren
6/13Dallas, TXHouse of Blues
6/14Austin, TXEmo’s
6/15San Antonio, TXAztec Theatre
6/17Houston, TXHouse of Blues
6/18New Orleans, LACivic Theatre
6/20Birmingham, AL Iron City
6/21Atlanta, GATabernacle
6/24Richmond, VAThe National
6/25Charlotte, NCThe Fillmore
6/26Nashville, TNRyman Auditorium
9/10Cologne, DELive Music Hall 
9/11Berlin, DEHuxley’s Neue Welt
9/12Brussels, BEAncienne Belgique
9/14Amsterdam, NLMelkweg
9/17Paris, FRÉlysée Montmartre
9/19London, UKRoundhouse

 

 

d4vd Releases Cinematic Debut Album WITHERED, Announces Global Tour

Genre-defying breakout artist d4vd has released his debut album — WITHERED — a fifteen track opus that spotlights the songwriter, artist and performer at his best. The record takes the listener through the natural evolution and lifespan of the rose, an omnipresent visual in d4vd’s creative output thus far, and is intended to be listened to sequentially like chapters in a book as the demise of a relationship unfolds. It is an album crackling with love found, love lost, love created, and love destroyed through every chorus and every melodic line.

Also out today is album focus track “Is This Really Love?” and accompanying video –Directed by Tommy Kilroy,  d4vd weaves his signature visual language—bloody shirts, shadow-drenched settings, and haunting red strings—into a cinematic world that blurs the line between heartbreak and hallucination.

A continuation of his lauded and beloved first two EPs that introduced him to the world – Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals – d4vd’s new album is a brilliant amalgamation of disparate influences shaped into one visceral whole. It features his latest single “What Are You Waiting For,” a high-energy, anthemic and relatable pop declaration brimming with urgency and emotional intensity. As well as the downtempo and luxuriant track “Crashing,” featuring alt-pop maven Kali Uchis). Also, “Feel It,” d4vd’s hit single that was part of Season 2 of Amazon Prime Video’s smash animation series, Invincible, is an album highlight while it continues to rake in over 2M streams daily across platforms.

ALBUM TRACKLIST:
1 Atomic Land
2 Sky
3 You Left Me First
4 Say It Back
5 Friend Again
6 Somewhere In The Middle
7 Crashing ft. Kali Uchis
8 Invisible String Theory (Interlude)
9 Is This Really Love?
10 Where’d It Go Wrong?
11 Feel It
12 What Are You Waiting For
13 One More Dance (single 2)
14 Ghost
15 Afterlife

Preceding the album release is news of d4vd’s exciting announcement of a global tour that will see the twenty-year old artist visit cities in the U.S., Canada, Europe and U.K. The announcement came following his electrifying Coachella performance that took place earlier this month marking his debut appearance at the famed music festival.

d4vd, born David Burke, emerged as a visionary artist only one year after he began writing and recording heart-piercing tracks alone in his sister’s closet in Houston, Texas. He developed his eclectic taste in rap and indie music from internet wormholes and fan-made Fortnite videos on YouTube, which he also started creating as a homeschooled teenager. An avid player, he noticed that the songs in his game montages were getting copyright strikes and his mother suggested that he write original music as a solution. Armed with the user-friendly music-making app BandLab, d4vd transformed quickly from a novice into a confident singer and songwriter. He’s released numerous successful singles, touching everything from indie-alternative to pop to R&B, and scored a breakout hit in the summer of 2022 with the now RIAA Multi-Platinum certified “Romantic Homicide.” Recorded entirely on an iPhone, the track reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and led to d4vd signing to Darkroom/Interscope before graduating high school. His beachy, slow-building ballad “Here With Me” followed, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2023—it’s  now RIAA Platinum Certified. d4vd’s debut EP Petals To Thorns established him as a genre-defying newcomer, earning him coveted  Billboard 21 Under 21 and Variety Young Hollywood honors. He followed up that project with The Lost Petals EP, a collection of songs that fit into the world of Petals To Thorns and served as a continuation before moving into his next phase. Following on the heels of his debut headline tour and a run of sold-out European tour dates, d4vd put on a show-stopping performance at the Valentino Men’s SS24 Fashion Week show in Milan. Since then, d4vd joined R&B powerhouse SZA on her North American S.O.S tour, sold-out his ‘My House Is Not A Home’ 2024 Tour in its entirety before its kickoff, and graced the festival stages of Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and others. d4vd has also collaborated with The Kid Laroi, Laufey, 21 Savage, and contributed to projects including Netflix’s Arcane, Amazon Prime Video’s Invincible, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. His intuitive command of lyricism stems from years spent scribbling raps and poems in his journal, and his lyrics are informed by his varied interests, including manga and anime. His third Hot 100 entry “Feel It” was originally recorded for the soundtrack for Invincible, but has taken on a life of its own and is his latest zeitgeist-shaping achievement. For his upcoming debut album WITHERED, d4vd returned to his roots, creating again on BandLab in his sister’s closet in Houston, amidst sessions in London and Los Angeles with super-songwriter Ryan Tedder and Tyler Spry. At just 20 years old, d4vd is a voice for his generation, continuing to reach new artistic heights while staying true to his day-one practices.

Fans can expect a deeply immersive live experience with d4vd’s hands-on involvement shaping every creative element — from set design to visuals and the emotional arc of each night. This marks a new era for the artist, one that reflects his evolution not only as a performer but as a visionary. See below for tour routing:

 

 

Tucker Wetmore Shares 19-Track Debut Album What Not To, Featuring Viral Hits and Emotional Standouts

With today’s release of his highly-anticipated debut album What Not To, country’s hottest rising star Tucker Wetmore steps into the spotlight with a 19-track collection that’s already earning praise from fans and critics alike. Produced by Chris LaCorte and featuring 11 tracks co-written by Wetmore, the album showcases his dynamic range and cements his arrival as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices.

“This album holds the lessons I have learned, am still learning, and knowing me… a few I’ll need to re-learn along the way,” admits Wetmore. “I’ve spent my life learning what not to do, and – thanks to you – I’ve had the opportunity to turn some of those experiences into songs. Thanks for getting on this wild ride with me. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. I love you all.”

Outfitted with everything from radio-ready anthems to moments of real depth and vulnerability, What Not To captures the highs, lows and hard-earned lessons in Wetmore’s 25 years. Standouts include the viral sensation “Brunette,” a clever, fast-faced breakup track layered with introspection, fan-favorite “Drinkin’ Boots” and the emotional centerpiece and album’s namesake, “What Not To.” The title track threads themes of struggle, growth and redemption as it finds Wetmore not claiming to have the blueprint for being a better man but knowing what he doesn’t want to carry forward. The record spans from late-night ready swagger (“Bad Luck Looks Good On Me”) to reflective slow burns (“Goodbye Whiskey”), showing Wetmore’s expansive range as both a performer and storyteller.

The album has already earned widespread critical acclaim, with Billboard declaring it is “poised to be a star-maker” for the “hit-making machine.” The Tennessean adds that “he’s built differently,” noting the emergence of what could become “an early career hallmark as a to-the-point storyteller.” Holler backs the claim of Wetmore’s writing potential: “with this kind of promise, there is no telling where a storyteller of this caliber will go next,” while American Songwriter hails the album “will surely make a statement. A statement articulating who he is as an artist and person, and a statement articulating that he is here to stay.”

To mark the milestone, Wetmore will make his late night television debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, April 29. He’ll perform his high-energy new track “Bad Luck Looks Good On Me” just days after his album’s release. Catch the performance on ABC at 11:35 p.m. ET, 10:35 p.m. CT and 11:35 p.m. PT or stream on Hulu the next day.

The album release caps off a banner month for Wetmore, who recently earned an ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year and will take to the Stagecoach Mane Stage today for his debut performance at the coveted festival. He’s also launched the U.S. leg of the WAVES ON A SUNSET TOUR 2025, which has already set new records for Wetmore’s headlining shows before he joins Thomas Rhett’s BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025 this summer as direct support across 33 dates.

Following his Billboard Hot 100 hits and RIAA PLATINUM-certified tracks “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” (his first Mediabase Country Airplay No.1), Wetmore’s latest single “3,2,1” continues its climb at Country radio. The artist to watch from Spotify, VEVO, Billboard, MusicRow and the Grand Ole Opry nears one billion total global career streams, earned an iHeartRadio Music Awards nomination for Best New Country Artist and made his national television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends (WATCH).

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

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

 

Grateful Dead Announce ‘Gratest Hits’ and 60-CD (!!!) Box Set

While the Grateful Dead recently broke the record for the most Top 40 albums on the Billboard 200, the band will release for the first time an official greatest hits compilation. Out June 13th, Gratest Hits arrives in celebration of the band’s 60th anniversary, and brings together some of the many songs that continue to unite generations – from “Truckin'” to “Touch of Grey,” “Friend of the Devil” and more. Available via Rhino on 1CD, 1LP Dead.net Exclusive Blue Smoke Vinyl, Digital, as well as multiple retail exclusive colored vinyl variants, Gratest Hits features studio recordings that span the best of such beloved and enduring albums as Workingman’s Dead, American Beauty, From The Mars Hotel, Shakedown Street, Terrapin Station and In The Dark. Pre-Order Gratest Hits Here.

Additionally, in honor of the band’s diamond 60th Anniversary, the Grateful Dead will be releasing a sweeping 60-CD collection called Enjoying The Ride on May 30th. Exclusive to Dead.net, and limited to 6,000 individually numbered copies, the boxed set maps an epic cross-country road trip along the “Heady Highway,” with stops at storied venues where the music, the moment and the magic of the Grateful Dead reliably converged. Traversing 25 years of legendary live performances, the expansive compendium spotlights defining shows from 1969 to 1994, at 20 venues that consistently inspired the band to new heights—Winterland, Frost Amphitheatre, Madison Square Garden and Hampton Coliseum, among them. Across 450+ tracks, 60+ hours of music and 20+ shows, virtually all of the music is previously unreleased, as Enjoying The Ride journeys through eras of constant evolution, and serves as a thrilling testament to that endlessly adventurous spirit.

Watch the new UNBOXING VIDEO to preview Enjoying The Ride in all of its glory, and listen to the previously unheard “Althea (Live at Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT, 3/14/1981),” available today

“From the Grateful Dead’s third performance at the Hartford Civic Center (on the heels of their 1977 and 1980 shows), this ‘Althea’ is widely considered one of the greatest versions of the song the Dead ever played,” says Grateful Dead archivist and legacy manager David Lemieux. “Joining the repertoire in August 1979, and recorded in the studio for 1980’s Go To Heaven album, ‘Althea’ started hitting instrumental peaks that you’ll hear in this version. Coupled with Jerry’s emotional, powerful vocal delivery, this is an ‘Althea’ against which all other ‘Altheas’ can be measured.”

With a record-setting tally of 2,318 total concerts, the Grateful Dead never played the same set twice, and the shows on Enjoying The Ride include contributions from Jerry Garcia, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Keith Godchaux, Donna Jean Godchaux, Brent Mydland, Tom Constanten and Vince Welnick, along with Bruce Hornsby for the Shoreline ’91 show. Originally recorded by Owsley “Bear” Stanley, Betty Cantor-Jackson, Kidd Candelario, Dan Healy and John Cutler, David Glasser and Jeffrey Norman restored and mastered the performances, with the analog ones using Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction for optimal sound quality.

Enjoying The Ride is housed in a custom keepsake box inspired by the experience of traveling from city to city to see the Dead at legendary venues across America. Inside, a beautifully detailed tour guide features liner notes by Jesse Jarnow (author and co-host of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast), a producer’s note from David Lemieux, and other exclusive memorabilia, richly illustrated with photos, including many taken at the shows featured in the collection.

For those seeking a concise itinerary, The Music Never Stopped distills Enjoying The Ride into a shorter route through the band’s 60th Anniversary celebration. Featuring at least one song from every venue in the deluxe set, it offers a briefer—but no less illuminating—trip through the music that shaped the Grateful Dead’s live legacy.

​​The Music Never Stopped is available on May 30 from Rhino.com on 3CDs, 6LPs, and digitally. Pre-order HERE

In tandem with the 60th Anniversary, the 11th season of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast has opened with a two-part heartfelt tribute to Phil Lesh, who passed away last October, featuring archival interviews with Lesh, Phish’s Mike Gordon, Dead & Co.’s Oteil Burbridge and other collaborators. Now, the season will continue celebrating the milestone and exploring the music featured in Enjoying The Ride. With more than five million downloads and counting, the official Grateful Dead podcast uses immersive storytelling to bring the band’s legacy to life through rare archival audio, fresh interviews and deep dives into its history. Listen and subscribe to the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast’s Season 11 here: https://www.dead.net/deadcast

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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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