Category: news

He was convicted of defrauding his followers out of $158 million. Continue reading…

Awning hail from Auckland, New Zealand, where they’ve developed a compelling spin on emotionally charged, guitar-powered indie rock. Among those compelled are the team at Winspear. The consistently excellent LA-based independent label just made Awning their second international signing after Melbourne’s Swapmeet, who earned Band To Watch status around here not long ago.

The post Awning – “Little Green Book” appeared first on Stereogum.

Staind has booked a second leg for its sold-out Break The Cycle 25th anniversary tour, and Seether, Hoobastank and Hinder are coming along.

The 27-city run, produced by Live Nation, opens March 4 at SNHU Arena in Manchester, N.H., and closes April 16 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. Seether and Hoobastank play every show, while Hinder sits out Cleveland. Stops along the way include Pittsburgh, Dallas and Seattle.

Break The Cycle arrived in 2001 through Flip Records. It sold more than seven million copies in the U.S., earned seven-times platinum status and held the No. 1 spot on the American albums chart for three weeks. This year has been the band’s biggest yet. The live reissue Break The Cycle 25th Anniversary Live and the tour have helped push Staind to one billion streams annually.

Frontman Aaron Lewis said, “It was 1993 when I met Mike [Mushok, Staind guitarist] at a Christmas party. If you told me we would be doing this in 2026, I’d have laughed at you.

“This has truly been the most amazing ride we could have ever possible been on, and its been the most amazing experience that you could have ever provided us.”

Ticket sales start Wednesday, Oct. 7, with a Spotify Reserved presale at 11 a.m. ET. An artist presale and a Citi presale follow at 1 p.m. ET. Citi cardmembers can buy through the Citi Entertainment program until 10 p.m. local time Thursday, Oct. 8. More presales run through the week, and the general onsale begins Friday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. local time here. Full Citi presale details can be found here.

Reserved is a new Spotify Premium perk that gives top fans first shot at tickets to their favorite artist’s show. Eligible U.S. Premium subscribers will be notified by email and in the app and can buy up to two tickets through Ticketmaster during the presale. More information here.

Staind formed in Springfield, Mass., in 1995. The original lineup is Aaron Lewis on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Mike Mushok on lead guitar, Johnny April on bass and backing vocals, and Jon Wysocki on drums. The band blends the heft of groove metal, the melodic grit of grunge and the confessional style of singer-songwriters. It has sold more than 15 million records worldwide, led by the double-platinum Dysfunction (1999), Break The Cycle, and the platinum 14 Shades Of Grey (2003) and Chapter V (2005). Staind landed five straight Top 5 debuts on the Billboard 200, three of them at No. 1. “It’s Been A While” spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on radio, making it one of the most-played tracks in modern rock history. In 2023, Confessions Of The Fallen topped the Billboard Top Active Rock Albums chart, and “Lowest In Me” and “Here And Now” both hit No. 1 at Active Rock radio. This year, the Break The Cycle deep cut “Warm Safe Place” took off on TikTok, setting up the anniversary live album from Alchemy Recordings/BMG and the tour.

The post STAIND Is Taking “Break The Cycle” Back On The Road For 27 More Shows With SEETHER, HOOBASTANK & HINDER appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Jeff Cannata, best known for his acclaimed work under the Arc Angel banner, returns with a brand-new chapter in his musical journey. Reintroducing the project as Arc Angel Cannata, he will release the highly anticipated new album ‘A Kaleidoscope of Madness‘ through Deko Entertainment on October 16th, 2026. A multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Cannata […]

The post Jeff Cannata Returns As Arc Angel Cannata With The Brand-New Album appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM.

Imagine the curse of being known as a nice-guy rapper. It must be so hard! At least on some level, rap is inherently an egocentric art form. To be convincing, you have to know that you’re a motherfucking star, that nobody can tell you shit. You have to convey that to the rest of the world and maybe also to yourself. If you take steps to be more human and approachable, that might give people the impression that you’re not the character that you portray, and then you have to deal with that while still attempting to be nice. It must be so awkward. It definitely was so awkward for Logic at a recent hometown show.

The post Logic Calls Out G-Eazy Fan For Booing Him At Hometown Show appeared first on Stereogum.

Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and the Fender Custom Shop (FCS) announce three new signature Telecasters celebrating the genre-defying artistry of John 5: the Fender John 5 Phantom Telecaster, Fender John 5 Ghost Telecaster, and Fender Custom Shop John 5 “Phantom” Telecaster. Each of these Telecasters captures a different facet of his technical prowess, unmistakable style and musical versatility, bringing his signature sound and design to more players across a range of price points.

“I don’t know if the Telecaster picked me or I picked it. I was so drawn to that shape,” said John 5. “Ever since I was little, Fender was always just the pinnacle, the greatest, and I just wanted nothing more to have the best guitar for me and have the people enjoy it as well.”

John 5’s approach to the Telecaster showcases the instrument’s boundless versatility, pushing its iconic design into bold new territory. Equally at home with distortion-drenched shredding and country chicken-picking, John 5 has spent his career proving there’s no genre, style or vibe off limits. A lifelong Telecaster devotee, his technically demanding, theatrical playing has made him one of rock’s most distinctive guitarists.

“John 5 is one of the most distinctive players in modern guitar, pushing the Telecaster across genres and beyond convention, and these three instruments reflect that versatility,” said Justin Norvell, Fender Chief Product Officer, Guitars. “Bringing the Ghost back into the Fender lineup puts his signature design within reach of more players. Together, this collection gives fans at every level a way to plug into his sound.”

The three signature models translate John 5’s sound and visual style into distinct instruments, from the Fender lineup to the Fender Custom Shop:

• John 5 Phantom Telecaster. John 5’s hard-rock take on the classic Telecaster. Finished in commanding black with a matching headstock, the Phantom pairs DiMarzio D Activator humbuckers with a Floyd Rose® FRTS2000 Special Series tremolo for high-output tones and extreme pitch-bending capabilities. Its stripped-down control layout, featuring a single volume knob and killswitch, keeps the focus on playing, while the streamlined design pushes the Telecaster into bold new territory.
• John 5 Ghost Telecaster. A stripped-back, high-output Telecaster built for John 5’s signature sound. The Ghost continues the Fender line in an eye-catching Arctic White finish with matching headstock, chrome hardware and red accents. A nyatoh body gives this model a distinct feel, while DiMarzio D Activator humbuckers deliver the high-output, high-gain tones John 5 is known for. Streamlined controls, including a single volume knob and killswitch, keep the design focused and performance-ready.
• Fender Custom Shop John 5 “Phantom” Telecaster. Crafted by the Fender Custom Shop, this modernized Telecaster pairs a gloss black two-piece select alder body with Ultra Contours and a maple neck featuring a Modern “C” profile, 10″–14″ compound-radius flat-laminated ebony fingerboard and 22 medium jumbo frets. A pair of DiMarzio D Activator humbuckers delivers tight, high-output tones, while a Floyd Rose® Original double-locking tremolo enables extreme pitch manipulation with tuning stability. Additional premium appointments include Luminlay® side dots, black hardware, locking tuners and a satin urethane neck finish.

Watch The Fender Custom Shop explore the John 5 “Phantom” Telecaster and an in conversation video with John 5 as he walks through it.

In celebration of the new guitar models, John 5 also releases a brand-new song and video for “Phantom” today. Filmed by Mike Savage and featuring drummer Joey Aguirre. The song was mixed by Barry Pointer.

“Phantom” follows the release of John 5’s latest album Ghost, which offered anchor tracks including “Hollywood Story” (about the first time John 5 picked up a guitar and the path that led him to the incredible career he has today) as well as “Fiend,” “Deviant,” “Moon Glow” and “You Me and the Devil Make Three.”

Fans can stream Ghost here and order limited-edition vinyl variants of the album, including exclusive bundles with Ghost T-shirts here. Vinyl variants include green splatter, red fire splatter, and opaque red options.

This fall, John 5 will head out on tour with solo dates planned in the UK, Mexico, South America and Thailand. Find the full itinerary below and more information here.

The post FENDER & JOHN 5 Announce 3 New Signature Telecasters Celebrating The Artistry Of The Acclaimed Guitarist appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

Elvis Costello appeared on several episodes of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show over the years, including the series finale this past May. He could have been on a lot more of them.

The post Elvis Costello Reveals He Was Almost Stephen Colbert’s <em>Late Show</em> Bandleader appeared first on Stereogum.

Dakota Cohen turned two chairs while auditioning with a rasp-filled cover of Black Sabbath's 'Changes.' Continue reading…

The Flower Kings return with the new album, HOPE, due out on the 23rd October, 2026 on InsideOutMusic. The follow-up to 2025’s LOVE, stands as both a celebration of their legacy and a bold artistic statement. The album also finds the band returning to the side-long epic, with tracks clocking in at 18 and 28 minutes.

In this new podcast, Singer Hasse Fröberg & Bassist Michael Stolt check in about the new Flower Kings album ‘Hope’, songwriting, being a band for over 30 years, and more.

Check out the podcast on these services:
Apple • Spotify • Amazon • PodBean • YouTube

Rather than chasing trends or revisiting past glories, the band has crafted a work that comfortably exists between refined musicianship and fearless ambition.

Founding member Roine Stolt explains, “At a certain point in life – you arrive at a place where outside opinions matter less – and the process gravitates towards making an album that YOU yourself would LOVE but would perhaps normally not be viewed as a commercial attempt at all. We, the band – trust YOU, the audience – to be curious and to trust us that we want to bring you a grand glowing adventure.”

Pre-order & stream the single here: https://theflowerkings.lnk.to/HOPE-Album

HOPE serves as a timely meditation on a turbulent time in the modern world. Without venturing into overt political commentary, its songs reflect on an era often marked by division and diminishing empathy while ultimately offering a message rooted in hope, acting as a roadmap, how to get there and re-ignite love in our hearts and our society.

The album’s compositions come from Stolt and keyboardist Lalle Larsson, with its centerpiece being the nearly 30-minute epic “The Gods of Rome.” Originally conceived from orchestral ideas developed more than a decade ago, the piece took an unexpected creative journey, at one point nearly becoming the musical foundation for another Anderson & Stolt project before ultimately finding its true home with The Flower Kings. Reimagined for the full band, it has evolved into a powerful reflection on contemporary life, using the imagery of ancient Rome to explore enduring themes of power, conflict, and the human cost of ambition.

Joining Stolt and Larsson once again are Hans Fröberg on vocals, Michael Stolt on bass, and Mirko DeMaio on drums. Supported by heartfelt performances from every member of the band, along with a number of special guests, the resulting album unfolds as a rewarding listening experience that reveals new details with each return. Stolt explains, “Like I said 37 years ago – ‘This is the band I will be in for the rest of my days’ – but I wouldn’t dream of us making one of our finest albums ever in 2026!”

Tracklisting:
1.World Spinning – The Final Curtain (18:45)
2.In a World of Fools (5:35)
3.Mars & Minerva (4:40)
4.The Gods Of Rome (28:15)

The post The Flower Kings Interview – Hope appeared first on The Prog Report.

– October 6th, 2026 –

EU/UK Tour Underway + US Tour With Corrosion Of Conformity And The Sword Announced

Heavy rock power trio and recent Blacklight Media/Metal Blade Records signees, HIPPIE DEATH CULT,are pleased to present their new stand-alone single, “Blood, Grit & Bone.” The song marks their first new studio output in three years.

Photo by Eddy Vazquez

The band comments, “‘Blood, Grit & Bone’ is a powerful, unapologetic statement of resilience-a fierce anthem of self-acceptance that celebrates the strength found in aging, the beauty of hard-earned scars, and defiant confidence in the face of societal judgment. Musically, the track traces the evolution of heavy music, building a bridge from ’70s-infused, foundational grit to the high-velocity, percussive intensity of the thrash metal movement.”

Watch HIPPIE DEATH CULT‘s video for “Blood, Grit & Bone” HERE

HIPPIE DEATH CULT recently kicked off their tour through Europe and the United Kingdom. The journey commenced on September 30th and will run through October 30th. From there, the band will head back to the US to join the Corrosion Of Conformity and The Sword co-headlining tour. The two-week trek begins on November 2nd in Buffalo, New York and closes on November 19th in Pensacola, Florida. HIPPIE DEATH CULT will make their way back home with seven more headlining dates from November 21st in Houston, Texas through November 29th in Oakland, California.

See all confirmed dates below.

HIPPIE DEATH CULT Live:
EU/UK Tour Dates [remaining dates]:
10/06/2026 Le Molotov – Marseille, FR
10/07/2026 Trinità Live Club – Genova, IT
10/08/2026 Hostaria – Castel D’Ario, IT
10/09/2026 Berchtesgaden – Kuckucksnest, DE
10/10/2026 Kulturfabrik – Kufstein, AT
10/11/2026 Camäleon – Vaduz, LI
10/13/2026 Conne Island – Leipzig, DE
10/14/2026 Sunny Red – Munich, DE
10/16/2026 Heavy Psych Sounds Fest – Berlin, DE
10/17/2026 Heavy Psych Sounds Fest – Dresden, DE
10/18/2026 Desertfest – Liege, BE
10/19/2026 1001 Bières – Reims, FR
10/21/2026 Lygtens Kro – Copenhagen, DK
10/22/2026 Geronimo’s – Stockholm, SE
10/23/2026 Høstsabbat Fest – Oslo, NO
10/24/2026 Kulturscenen – Esbjerg, DK
10/26/2026 Saturnalia Records – Faversham, UK
10/27/2026 Ye Olde Salutation Inn- Nottingham, UK
10/28/2026 Parish – Huddersfield, UK
10/29/2026 Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom – Norwich, UK
10/30/2026 Blondies – London, UK

w/ Corrosion Of Conformity, The Sword:
11/02/2026 Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
11/03/2026 Asbury Lanes – Asbury Park, NJ
11/04/2026 Hampton Beach Casino – Hampton Beach, NH
11/06/2026 Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA
11/07/2026 The National -Richmond, VA * HIPPIE DEATH CULT + The Sword only
11/08/2026 Capitol City Music Hall – Harrisburg, PA
11/10/2026 The Sovereign – St. Louis, MO
11/11/2026 Granada – Lawrence, KS
11/13/2026 The Apollo Theatre – Belvidere, IL
11/14/2026 The Vogue – Indianapolis, IN
11/15/2026 Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
11/16/2026 The Basement – Nashville, TN * HIPPIE DEATH CULT only
11/17/2026 The Senate – Columbia, SC
11/18/2026 Workplay – Birmingham, AL
11/19/2026 Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL

HIPPIE DEATH CULT Headlining Dates:
11/21/2026 Continental Club – Houston, TX
11/22/2026 AM/FM – Dallas, TX
11/23/2026 Radio/East – Austin, TX
11/25/2026 Rosetta Room – Phoenix, AZ
11/27/2026 Soda Bar – San Diego, CA
11/28/2026 Permanent Records – Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2026 Thee Stork Club – Oakland, CA

HIPPIE DEATH CULT has steadily become one of the most exciting bands in the modern heavy music scene, pairing massive riffs, deep grooves, psychedelic textures, thoughtful lyricism, and hypnotizing melodies into a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. Formed in Portland, Oregon, the trio – guitarist Eddie Brnabic, vocalist/bassist Laura Phillips, and drummer Harry Silvers – has earned a reputation for delivering dynamic, emotionally charged songs and electrifying live performances that showcase their distinctive sound, transcending traditional genres and captivating fans worldwide.

Since their early releases with Cursed Tongue Records and Heavy Psych Sounds Records, the band has built significant momentum. Their 2019 debut album, 111, and its 2021 follow-up, Circle Of Days, received strong praise from critics and listeners alike, with both records topping the Doom Charts and numerous “Best Of” lists, solidifying HIPPIE DEATH CULT as a standout name in the underground scene.

Following these releases, the band’s evolution into a power trio marked a turning point, with Laura Phillips stepping into lead vocal duties and infusing even more identity and force into the group’s sound and chemistry. This progression came fully into focus on Helichrysum, the band’s first full-length studio album featuring Phillips on lead vocals. Released in 2023, the album was widely praised for its stronger songwriting, greater dynamic range, and the chemistry of the new lineup, becoming their most successful release to date in terms of streams and sales.

The band supported Helichrysum with over 250 shows across North America and Europe, including performances on major festival stages and headlining spots, further showcasing the raw power and intensity that have made their live shows a must-see.

Now signed to Blacklight Media and Metal Blade Records, HIPPIE DEATH CULT is entering a new phase with the most reach and momentum of their career. With a growing international fanbase, an increasingly refined sound, and a new release on the horizon, the band is poised to take the next leap forward. Stay tuned for more new music and more in 2027.

https://www.blacklightmediarecords.com/hippiedeathcult
https://www.hippiedeathcultband.com
https://www.instagram.com/hippiedeathcultband
https://www.facebook.com/hippiedeathcultband
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcDKgW8llmhDuD3MaEHs1Q