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The King of Ameripolitan is alive and well.The term legend is an overused description, but in Dale Watson’s case, it’s a perfect fit. Originally cutting his teeth on Houston’s honky tonk circuit and releasing his debut album Cheatin’ Heart Attack in 1995, he’s become an icon of outlaw country music and one of its hardest-working stars. 300 shows a year are not uncommon, along with an average of an album every 12 months. At age 63, Unwanted is his latest release and long-time fans will not be disappointed.Things kick off with the rollicking Willie Waylon and Whiskey a tribute to…
Joanna Chattman photographerChris Smither is one of the most consistent artists working in americana, having started playing music professionally in 1966 after he saw some pivotal artists playing live and feeling energised to do the same thing. These included Mississippi John Hurt.He released his first album in 1970 I’m A Stranger Too! and this started a magnificent career and to date he has recorded nineteen albums. In 1972 he met and instantly gelled with another new musician Bonnie Raitt after she covered Love Me Like A Man on her second album Give It Up. Maria Muldaur also guested on Smither’s…
Belle & SebastianAlbert Hall, Manchester11th and 12th April 2026The indie icons celebrate the thirtieth anniversaries of Tigermilk and If You’re Feeling Sinister with two shows in ManchesterJust before Belle & Sebastian take the stage in Manchester for the first of two nights at the Albert Hall, there’s a visit from a ghost of the band’s past. Stuart David, founder and former bassist, narrates a short film on the making of their debut album, Tigermilk, and delivers a verdict on the early recording sessions far more damning than you might expect from somebody so softly spoken; hey were, he says, “genuinely…
Seven years since they last played there, Wacken Open Air have announced Sabaton as the closing headliners for this year’s 35th anniversary edition. The war-mad Swedish metallers join an already stacked bill alongside Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Emperor, Deafheaven, Employed To Serve and many, many more. “It’s with massive excitement and deep respect that we’re returning to the hallowed grounds of Wacken Open Air in Germany, where we last unleashed our legendary two-stage show in 2019 – an absolutely crazy night!” say the band. “Seven years later, we are back and we can’t wait to…
Today Lisbon trioMAQUINA.announce details of their forthcoming new album‘BODY TRANSMISSION’, set for release onJuly 10th via Fuzz Club. Along with the news they sharetwo singlesand the first batch of extensive touring plans for this year, includingUK dates next month. MAQUINA.embody all the sweaty togetherness and euphoria a collective music experience has to offer. The buzzy Lisbon trio have been getting punks to dance and club kids to pogo –“making the bubbles connect a little bit”– with such fervour they routinely pack out venues and inspire multiple waves of crowdsurfing at any given live show, with over 250 gigs and numerous…
“Does humour belong in music?” a TV reporter once asked Frank Zappa. The musician was sufficiently bemused to use the apocryphal question for an album title. Chances are Stephen Bruner would also answer in the affirmative even if Apostrophe wasn’t one of his favourite records. Bruner’s fifth album released under the name of Thundercat, Distracted is chockablock with deft one-liners, surreal non-sequiturs, wry observations and goofball pop-culture references. In musical terms, he takes just as much delight in stylistic shifts, with Bruner and his trusty bass affably slip-sliding between genres however he sees fit. All the ideas and quips can…
Kiss founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have begun talking up the forthcoming Kiss avatar show, which is set to launch in Las Vegas in 2028.The production, co-created by KISS and Pophouse Entertainment, the Swedish music investment firm co-founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, was teased at Kiss’ final show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, and will be hosted in a bespoke theatre in ‘Sin City’, with avatars created by the George Lucas-founded visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic.Simmons, Stanely and long-time Kiss manager Doc McGhee discuss the as-yet-untitled show In a cover story for the May 2026 issue…
Pope Leo XIV responded forcefully to criticism from Donald Trump on Monday, saying he has “no fear” of the administration and will continue speaking out on global conflicts based on his religious mission. Speaking to reporters while traveling to Algeria as part of a multi-country African visit, the Chicago-born pontiff emphasized that his role is not political but rooted in faith. “I have no fear of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel,” he said, adding that his duty is to promote peace and reconciliation. He stressed that his comments are not personal attacks,…
Tigers of Tin Pan’s “Doris” is a bold, cinematic art rock statement from Dublin, Ireland. It opens with haunting horns and the repeated chanting of the protagonist’s name, “Doris”. As the track develops, a sludgy guitar tone emerges, weaving through the percussion with an almost unsettling edge at times….haunting, cinematic art-rock cut that lingers like a cult favourite in the making.This is undoubtedly a dark rock track, layered with gloomy textures and an eerie atmosphere throughout. The release also marks their first of the year, following 2025’s single “Under The Moonlight”. It has the feel of a cult favourite from…
“My Love” A Story That Never Broke.Some stories don’t end when people go their separate ways. Sometimes, they evolve.Speaking on the record, Manny say’s “My Love” is one of the most personal records I’ve written. It’s inspired by my parents, who’ve lived in different countries for over 15 years, yet somehow never let distance redefine what they mean to each other. My dad still calls my mum every morning, no matter what. That quiet consistency stuck with me.This track sits as the third chapter in my Journey project, following on from “Holding On.” Where that song explored separation, “My Love”…
King Yanz Levels Up with Smooth New Single ‘Dangerous’.Finnish-Congolese rapper King Yanz is back, and this time he is turning the heat up. Following the momentum of his previous release No Favours, his latest single Dangerous leans into a warmer, more melodic R&B sound while still holding onto the edge of his hip hop roots.Built on crisp percussion, a grooving bassline, and flashes of raw electric guitar, Dangerous feels both polished and instinctive. Yanz experiments more boldly with melody here, layering harmonies over his signature rap delivery to create something that is equal parts smooth and striking.Lyrically, the track plays…
Ed Accura Returns with ‘1 LIFE’: A Soundtrack for Accountability and Change.Ed Accura is back with a powerful new release, ‘1 LIFE’, a collaborative, genre blending single that merges hip hop grit with smooth R&B textures. More than just a track, it’s a statement piece set to feature in his upcoming documentary, ‘No Lifeguard’.Built on cinematic production and layered with melodic depth, ‘1 LIFE’ brings together a collective of rising voices, MAXOO, GOLDEY ONE4, SAMSON ALEXANDER, BOY SAYSO, and EMARVELLOUS, each adding their own flavour to a track rooted in urgency and reflection. At its core, the single explores a…