Friday Nights Come Alive: St. Paul Square Launches Weekly Community Series

Buttercup at Sunset Music Festival. Photo: Isaiah Alonzo, used with permission.

Friday Night Live Launches at St. Paul Square This Fall

San Antonio, TX — St. Paul Square, San Antonio’s historic downtown district that’s fast becoming a world-class entertainment and cultural arts destination, is proud to announce Friday Night Live, a brand-new weekly series of community events produced in collaboration with The Espee. (Painting Pictures, 2025)

Running September through the holiday season, Friday Night Live brings together a highly curated mix of free and ticketed programming designed to light up the district every Friday night. From live music and markets to Spurs watch parties and film nights, the series is set to create memorable experiences for both locals and visitors.


What to Expect

🎶 Outdoor Concerts at The Espee’s Plaza Stage
Free live music from San Antonio favorites like Daisy Killers (Sept. 26) and Buttercup (Oct. 17), with more acts to come.

🛍️ Markets & Makers
Rotating editions of the Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market, including a special Holiday Market and Santa at the Square celebration.

📺 Community Watch Parties & Film Nights

  • Spurs Watch Parties (Oct. 10) on a massive outdoor LED screen
  • A spooky-season pop-up screening of Hocus Pocus 2 (Oct. 24)

“Friday Night Live is about creating momentum for downtown every week and showing how dynamic St. Paul Square can be when the community gathers here,” said Tatanka Guerrero, Director of Curation and Development at St. Paul Square.

“We want people to know that no matter the Friday, there’s always a reason to come down to the Square – whether you’re discovering a new band, shopping the market, cheering on the Spurs, or just grabbing a bite.”


Building on Momentum

Friday Night Live follows a wave of exciting changes at St. Paul Square. With the openings of El Tigre Coffee, Atlee’s Rally, and Neko Pilates earlier this year—plus the successful launch of the Sundays at The Square event series—the district is transforming into one of San Antonio’s most vibrant destinations for food, drink, music, and culture.

By adding Friday Night Live to the lineup, St. Paul Square is keeping energy flowing into the district, boosting foot traffic, and strengthening its role as a hub for community connection.


Friday Night Live: Fall 2025 Schedule

📅 Friday, September 26
Daisy Killers at The Espee’s Plaza Stage
Free outdoor concert with San Antonio indie-punk favorites.
⏰ 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 3
First Fridays: DJ Sets at St. Paul Square Courtyard
Local DJs soundtrack the city’s favorite art night.
⏰ 9:00 p.m. – Late | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 10
Spurs Watch Party at St. Paul Square Courtyard
Game on the big screen + food & drink specials.
⏰ Game tipoff | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 17
Beauty + Zen Haus Night Market + Buttercup at The Espee
Shop the market and enjoy live music from San Antonio legends Buttercup.
⏰ Market: 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Concert: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | 🎟 Free Admission

📅 Friday, October 24
Spooky Season Movie Pop-Up: Hocus Pocus 2
A Halloween-themed outdoor movie night under the stars.
⏰ 7:00 p.m. Screening | 🎟 Free Admission


✨ Friday Night Live at St. Paul Square is your new weekly reason to head downtown. Whether you’re catching a concert, cheering for the Spurs, or enjoying a seasonal market, every Friday brings something fresh to San Antonio’s historic heart.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Canadian Death Metal Newcomers Dying Remains Drops Debut Album

Merciless Suffering is the new album by Canadian band Dying Remains. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Maggot Stomp Announces Debut Album from Dying Remains: Merciless Suffering

Maggot Stomp is proud to unveil the debut full-length album from Canadian death metal upstarts Dying Remains. Titled Merciless Suffering, the record cements the band as a skull-cracking force blending unrelenting brutality with infectious riffs and grooves. Fans of Obituary, Frozen Soul, Tribal Gaze, and Jungle Rot will feel right at home. (Haulix, 2025)


New Video: Hung and Drawn

Alongside the album announcement, Dying Remains has unleashed a chilling new music video for the track “Hung and Drawn” — a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The video isn’t just a performance clip; it’s a short horror film. Drawing heavy inspiration from ‘70s and ‘80s B-grade gore flicks, the visual depicts one gruesome chapter in the album’s overarching narrative of a sprawling torture chamber. Directed by Aron Diaz, the film perfectly complements the band’s dark lyrical themes, bringing their macabre vision vividly (and violently) to life.


About the Album: Merciless Suffering

Merciless Suffering is a towering slab of modern death metal rooted in the genre’s classic traditions. The record delivers:

  • Crushing brutality paired with catchy, well-crafted grooves
  • A sound that echoes the seminal work of Morta Skuld, Jungle Rot, and Obituary
  • A fresh, uncompromising edge designed for today’s generation of death metal fans

This is death metal at its most relentless and primal — a monolithic force that honors the past while pushing the genre forward.


On Tour Now

Dying Remains are currently tearing across the U.S. on their first-ever tour, bringing the ferocity of Merciless Suffering to the stage night after night.


🔥 Whether you’re a fan of old-school brutality or hungry for the next wave of death metal devastation, Dying Remains’ Merciless Suffering is an album that demands to be heard.


Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Fresh Bite: Magik Theatre’s Playful Spin on Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood at the Magik Theatre. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre’s Fresh Take on Red Riding Hood Opens September 27

Once upon a time, there was a little girl and a big, bad wolf. But make the girl a feisty delivery driver, give the wolf an ego bigger than his howl, and you’ve got Magik Theatre’s howlingly hilarious, deliciously fresh Red Riding Hood, opening Saturday, September 27, 2025. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

A Story with a Twist

Wolfgang, the self-proclaimed “greatest actor in the world,” sets out to perform his one-man version of Red Riding Hood. But his plans are interrupted by a girl with a mysterious package—and plenty of opinions about how the story should go.

Together, they leap into playwright Allison Gregory’s clever retelling, playing every role and uncovering surprises along the way. Perfect for ages 5 and up, this production celebrates courage, teamwork, and the joy of storytelling.

Not Your Typical Big Bad Wolf

This isn’t the scary, Grandma-eating wolf you know. Wolfgang just wants to deliver a great performance—but his unexpected co-star has some notes. With her perspective, Wolfgang discovers new ways to bring the fairy tale to life, transforming everyday objects into imaginative props and costumes right before the audience’s eyes.

Behind the Scenes

This production also marks Devon Moreno’s directorial debut with Magik Theatre. A longtime Magik actor and production manager, Moreno’s knack for prop wrangling and lightning-fast costume changes is sure to shine as Wolfgang and the girl transform into each character onstage.

Catch Red Riding Hood on the Main Stage through October 12, 2025 at Beethoven Hall. After that, Wolfgang and friends will only appear in Magik on the Road performances during the fall and spring touring seasons.

Special Events & Add-On Experiences

🎉 Opening Night Party in the Park

Saturday, September 27 – 4:30 p.m. (Show at 6 p.m.)
Celebrate opening night with a free pre-show party at Hemisfair Park. Enjoy treats and a fun “fill the basket” craft. The party is open to the public, but the performance requires a ticket.

🎭 Backstage Experience Add-On

Available after every performance (excluding opening night & special events).
For just $20 per person, enjoy an exclusive onstage meet and greet with the cast, a 15-minute guided tour of the set and props, and mini cupcakes from Bird Bakery.

Note: Not wheelchair accessible. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Special Performances

  • Sensory Friendly Performance – Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.
    A relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience for audience members with sensory sensitivities.
  • Pay What You Wish Performance – Saturday, October 4, 2 p.m.
    Sponsored by H-E-B, tickets are available at the door on the day of the performance.
  • ASL Interpreted Performance – Sunday, October 5, 3 p.m.
    Featuring interpreter Robert Cardoza, serving the San Antonio theatre community.
  • Educator Appreciation Day – Sunday, September 28, 3 p.m.
    Educators receive one free ticket with ID. Additional tickets are $25.
  • Military & First Responders Appreciation Day – Saturday, October 11, 2 p.m.
    Service members with valid ID can purchase $25 discounted tickets.

Ticket Options

Magik Theatre has been bringing professional, accessible, literature-based theatre to San Antonio families since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out—catch the show, explore Yanaguana Garden, enjoy nearby restaurants, and make Magikal memories.

🎟️ Tickets and subscriptions are on sale now! Choose from:

  • Two-show subscriptions
  • Single ticket sales

✨ For family fun this fall, Magik Theatre’s Red Riding Hood is the perfect pick. Don’t miss your chance to see this whimsical, laugh-filled retelling before it takes its final bow on October 12!

World Premiere Spotlight: Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge at Fantastic Fest 2025

Rui Pedro Silva in Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge. Photo: MoreThan Films, used with permission.

Fantastic Fest 2025: The Tree of Knowledge World Premiere

Fantastic Fest, held annually in Austin and known as the largest genre film festival in the U.S., is back at the Alamo Drafthouse from September 18–25, 2025. Celebrated for spotlighting fantasy, horror, science fiction, action, and cult films, this year’s lineup promises a hauntingly excellent collection of premieres.

One of the most anticipated titles is Eugène Green’s The Tree of Knowledge, having its World Premiere at this year’s festival. (Emma Griffiths PR, 2025)


Film Details

The Tree of Knowledge (A árvore do Conhecimento)
Feature Film (Portugal/France)

  • World Premiere – 2025
  • Runtime: 100 mins
  • Language: Portuguese (with English subtitles)
  • Genre: Dark Comedy / Fantasy

Directed by: Eugène Green
Producers: Luís Urbano, Sandro Aguilar, Julien Naveau
Starring: Rui Pedro Silva, Ana Moreira, Diogo Dória, João Arrais


Fantastic Fest Screening

📍 Location: Alamo Drafthouse Lamar
1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

🎬 Next Screening:
Tuesday, Sept 23rd – 6:00 PM @ Theater 8


Synopsis

In biblical terms, the “Tree of Knowledge” symbolizes free will and the ability to discern right from wrong. For filmmaker Eugène Green, it becomes a metaphor for spiritual awakening and renewal, set against the backdrop of Europe’s booming mass tourism.

The story follows Gaspard (Rui Pedro Silva), a Lisbon teenager who falls into the hands of the Ogre, a man who has struck a pact with the Devil. The Ogre uses Gaspard to lure tourists, transforming them into animals before killing them. Gaspard escapes with a donkey and a dog he has grown attached to, and in an enchanted manor, encounters the spirit of Queen D. Maria I of Portugal. Enraged, the Ogre sets off in pursuit—leading to a fantastical and allegorical journey of survival.


About the Director: Eugène Green

Born in New York City on June 28, 1947, Eugène Green is a French filmmaker, writer, theater director, and actor.

  • Studied literature and art history in Paris
  • Founded Le Théâtre de la Sapience in 1977, staging both contemporary poetic and baroque theater
  • Directed his first feature, Toutes les Nuits (1999, released 2001), winner of the Louis Delluc Prize for First Film
  • Has since directed 10+ feature films and 6 mini-films
  • His works have screened at Cannes, Locarno, Berlin, and other international festivals
  • In 2019, the Fundação Serralves in Porto hosted the first major exhibition dedicated to his cinema

✨ With The Tree of Knowledge, Green brings his signature poetic and philosophical style to Fantastic Fest, offering audiences a surreal and allegorical tale that blends dark comedy, folklore, and fantasy.


Finnr’s Cane Explores Nature and Spirit in Their Fourth Album

Finnr’s Cane unveils self-titled debut with Nordvis Produktion. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Finnr’s Cane Returns with Their Self-Titled Fourth Album

The mystic Canadians Finnr’s Cane return with their self-titled fourth album — a haunting and introspective journey through the frozen landscapes of the mind. Marking their debut with renowned Swedish label Nordvis Produktion, this release continues the band’s unique blend of atmospheric black metal, doom, and ambient soundscapes. (Nordvis Produktion, 2025)


A Band Forged in the North

Formed in 2008, Finnr’s Cane consists of The Peasant and The Bard—pseudonyms chosen to maintain anonymity. Hailing from the icy expanse of Sudbury, Ontario, the band has always thrived on the fringes, letting the music speak for itself.

One of their most distinctive traits is the absence of a traditional bass guitar, replaced instead with the deep, melancholic resonance of a cello. Paired with an improvisational songwriting style, this approach gives their music an organic, almost ritualistic quality.


The New Album

Arriving as summer fades into autumn, the self-titled album delves deep into themes of nature, introspection, and spiritual connection to the land. Listeners are guided through passages that shift from somber acoustic meditations to powerful, distorted crescendos, with the cello remaining a central pillar throughout.

For fans of Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Fen, this record offers a compelling exploration of liminal spaces and the sacred elements of the wilderness.

Since their 2010 debut Wanderlust and subsequent critically acclaimed releases on Prophecy Productions and Frostscald Records, Finnr’s Cane have carved out a singular voice. This latest work— their first collaboration with Nordvis—feels like a natural continuation of their vision.


From the Band

“The final form of this album emerged slowly and instinctively, informed by our experiences and emotions over a long period of time. We carefully distilled it into what we’re certain is our absolute best work to date.”
— The Bard


Album Details

  • Artwork: Mark Seydewitz
  • Layout: Thomas Väänänen
  • Format: CD / LP / Digital

Singles Release Timeline

  • June 20, 2025 — Twilight Glow
  • July 25, 2025 — Awaken the Sleeping Forest

Availability

  • Worldwide: Streaming on all major platforms + Bandcamp
  • Europe: Available now via Silent Future Distribution
  • Rest of the World: Physical release begins September 19, 2025 with the launch of Nordvis’ new U.S.-based store

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Allure of Cozy Mysteries: Spotlight on ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman is now a Netflix movie. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Charm of Cozy Mysteries

Cozy mystery books offer readers a delightful escape into charming worlds filled with intrigue but softened by warmth and comfort. Unlike darker crime novels, cozies balance suspense with lighthearted settings—small towns, bookshops, bakeries, or quaint villages—where everyday life continues even amid mystery.

Their appeal lies in clever puzzles, quirky characters, and the absence of graphic violence, allowing readers to enjoy the thrill of solving a crime without the heaviness. Often featuring amateur sleuths, cozy mysteries invite readers to feel part of the investigation. They’re the perfect blend of relaxation and mental challenge, making them irresistible comfort reads.


Spotlight: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

One of the most popular cozy mysteries in recent years is The Thursday Murder Club, the first installment in Richard Osman’s bestselling series.

Here’s the setup:

  • Four septuagenarians with a few tricks up their sleeves
  • A female cop tackling her first big case
  • A brutal murder
  • And a retirement village with secrets to spare

In a peaceful retirement community, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes. Together, they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club.

When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph beside the body, the group suddenly finds themselves facing their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, the unorthodox but brilliant gang must race to catch the killer—before it’s too late.


From Page to Screen

The Thursday Murder Club is now a Netflix film, directed by Chris Columbus with a screenplay by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote. The star-studded cast includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie.

The story follows four irrepressible retirees who spend their days solving cold cases for fun, only to stumble into a real whodunit. With its blend of humor, heart, and suspense, the adaptation brings the cozy mystery spirit to life on screen.


About the Author

Richard Osman is an author, producer, and television presenter. The Thursday Murder Club was his debut novel, and it quickly became a New York Times bestseller.

Beyond writing, Osman is well known for his work on TV shows including Pointless and Richard Osman’s House of Games. As creative director of Endemol UK, he has worked on popular programs such as Deal or No Deal and 8 Out of 10 Cats. He is also a regular face on panel shows like Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You, and Taskmaster.


✨ Cozy mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club prove that crime-solving can be clever, funny, and comforting all at once. If you’re looking for a mystery that keeps you guessing while wrapping you in charm, this series is the perfect place to start.


Infinity Dream Announces New Album Silver Lining, Out This October

Infinity Dream’s Silver Lining promises dark atmosphere and soaring vocals. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Infinity Dream Signs with Nameless Grave Records for New Album Silver Lining

The underground metal scene is about to get a powerful new chapter. Rising melodic heavy metal band Infinity Dream is set to return this fall with their most ambitious release yet. Blending dark atmosphere, soaring vocals, and timeless heavy riffs, their upcoming album promises to captivate both long-time metal fans and newcomers alike. (Nameless Grave Records, 2025)


Nameless Grave Records is proud to announce the signing of melodic heavy metal visionaries Infinity Dream for the release of their highly anticipated second full-length album, Silver Lining.

Arriving October 17, 2025, the record expands upon the band’s acclaimed 2022 debut, Memories, with greater atmosphere, soaring harmonies, and the seamless interplay of male and female vocals. Pre-orders for Silver Lining are now available.


A Band Forged in Darkness and Melody

Formed in 2019, Infinity Dream draws influence from the dark grandeur of Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath, the drama of Dio, and the mysticism of Warlord and Rainbow—while forging a sound that is uniquely their own.

Their music blends doom’s heaviness with the melodic spirit of classic rock, making Silver Lining a compelling listen for both underground devotees and the new wave of fans drawn to bands like Ghost and Witchcraft.


Behind the Album

  • Recorded at Wootensound Studios
  • Drums tracked at Sonark Studios
  • Produced by John Wooten III & Chris Bennett
  • Mixed by Steven Raets (Sonark Media)
  • Artwork & design by Chris Harris

Band Lineup

  • Chris Bennett – guitars, vocals
  • Dina Altum – keys, vocals
  • John Wooten III – bass
  • Anthony Bowden – drums

🎶 For fans of Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath, Witchcraft, Ghost, Dio, Savatage, and Ozzy.


Silver Lining tracklist:

1. Blood Moon

2. Silver Lining

3. Lost Embrace

4. The Ones That Remain

5. Freeze

6. Rewinding Time

7. Sins of the Past

8. The Will to Survive



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Beneath Us All: A Folkloric Twist on Classic Horror

Harley Wallen’s Beneath Us All. Photo: IMDb

Beneath Us All (Movie Review)

Director: Harley Wallen
Cast: Sean Whalen, Angelina Danielle Cama, Maria Olsen
Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Mystery


A Haunting Premise

The film opens in Scandinavia in 912 AD, where a man named Frey murders a young girl. The villagers capture him and bury him alive. Centuries later, we’re introduced to Julie (Angelina Danielle Cama), a foster child nearing her 18th birthday. Julie lives under the watch of foster parents Todd (Sean Whalen), a struggling gambler, and Janelle (Maria Olsen), whose kind facade quickly cracks.

When Julie discovers a mysterious Yggdrasil pendant in the woods, she unknowingly unleashes Frey—an ancient evil disguised as a wounded man. Out of compassion, she shelters him in a barn, only to realize his sinister nature as his power grows.


Mythology Meets Horror

Beneath Us All delivers a haunting twist on Norse mythology. The pendant and Frey’s dark origins add a folkloric depth that elevates the familiar “evil in the woods” setup. The film avoids cheap jump scares, instead relying on slow-building dread and an atmosphere of unease.

The cinematography captures the forest as a living threat—dark, still, and heavy with shadows. Every frame lingers with tension, making the setting a character in its own right.


Performances and Themes

Angelina Danielle Cama delivers a standout performance, balancing fear, compassion, and determination. Her protective nature toward the younger children raises the stakes, grounding the supernatural threat in raw human emotion.

Some dialogue feels clunky, and the middle act struggles with pacing, but the emotional weight of the final confrontation makes up for it. Themes of survival, found family, and temptation intertwine with the mythological horror, keeping the story compelling.


Final Thoughts

Beneath Us All is a chilling, myth-driven thriller that blends folklore with classic horror suspense. While some familiar tropes creep in, its Norse twist and atmospheric tension make it worth watching. It’s available for streaming on Tubi.

🎥 Recommended for fans of atmospheric horror and creature features.

“Look, Julie. I know you, okay? You’re a good person. No, they stomped it out of me a long time ago.”


From Haunted Houses to Last Rites: The Legacy of The Conjuring Universe

The latest installment of The Conjuring movies is now in theaters. Photo: The Conjuring Movie

The Conjuring Movies: Why Fans Keep Coming Back for More

Few horror franchises have left as big a mark on modern cinema as The Conjuring series. Blending supernatural chills with the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, these films go beyond simple jump scares. One big difference is the human element, the Warrens’ deep bond as a couple. Their love, faith, and unshakable resilience ground the terrifying stories, making audiences feel invested not only in the hauntings, but also in the people fighting against them.

The gothic atmosphere, expertly timed scares, and “based on true events” tag keep moviegoers coming back for more, proving that fear feels a little more real when it’s rooted in history.


The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) – A Spine-Chilling Farewell

Released this week, The Conjuring: Last Rites closes out the first phase of The Conjuring Universe with an emotional and terrifying send-off. As the sequel to The Devil Made Me Do It, it doesn’t just aim for scares, it aims for closure.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, reminding us why they’ve become horror icons. Their chemistry elevates every scene, balancing tenderness with the heavy burden of confronting evil. This time, we also see the Warrens’ daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and her boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy) step into the story, which adds fresh family stakes.

At 2 hours and 15 minutes, the movie packs in plenty of eerie set pieces, bone-chilling encounters, and a sense of finality that longtime fans will appreciate. It’s less about reinvention and more about honoring the legacy of what came before, a fitting, if bittersweet, conclusion.

Genre: Horror
Rating: R
Runtime: 2 hr 15 min


A Look Back at The Conjuring Universe

Over the past decade, the franchise has delivered both hits and spin-offs, expanding into one of the most successful horror universes of all time:

  • The Conjuring
  • Annabelle
  • The Conjuring 2
  • Annabelle: Creation
  • The Nun
  • Annabelle Comes Home
  • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
  • The Nun II
  • The Conjuring: Last Rites

With Last Rites, the Warrens’ chapter may be closing, but the fear they’ve stirred on screen will linger for years. Are you a fan of these movies? Which one is your favorite?


Ty Herndon & Ashley McBryde Breathe New Life into A Man Holdin’ On

The country music icons teamed up for a powerful take of the 1998 classic. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

✨ Country music fans are in for a treat — Ty Herndon has teamed up with Ashley McBryde to reimagine one of his most beloved hits, “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go).” The powerful duet bridges past and present, honoring Herndon’s legacy while showcasing McBryde’s fearless edge.

Ty Herndon and Ashley McBryde Reimagine Classic Hit “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go)”

NASHVILLE, TN — GRAMMY®-nominated country music icon Ty Herndon has joined forces with Ashley McBryde, Grand Ole Opry member and GRAMMY® Award-winning powerhouse, to reimagine his 1998 hit “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go).” (Aristo PR, 2025)

The haunting ballad of love, loss, and heartbreak is the second single from Herndon’s upcoming double album, THIRTY—a landmark project celebrating his three decades in country music. The album will be released in two volumes, with Volume One arriving this fall and featuring reimagined versions of Herndon’s greatest hits, each performed as collaborations with some of the genre’s most dynamic voices.

A Classic Reborn

Originally penned by Gene Dobbins, John Ramey, and Bobby Taylor, “A Man Holdin’ On” became one of Herndon’s signature songs in the late ’90s. With McBryde’s raw vocal edge paired with Herndon’s heartfelt delivery, the new rendition digs even deeper into the song’s emotional core—capturing the pain, poetry, and power of letting go.

“This song has always been one of the most emotional songs in my catalog,” said Herndon. “To revisit it with someone as fearless and gifted as Ashley was both humbling and electric. We didn’t just sing the song — we lived it.”

A New Chapter with Club44 Records

Released through Club44 Records, the track also marks Herndon’s next step in an exciting partnership with the Nashville-based label, known for championing bold vocalists and genre-defying artistry. The release is part of a newly announced three-album deal.

More than just an anniversary record, THIRTY is a declaration of endurance, artistry, and authenticity from one of country music’s most enduring voices.


About Ty Herndon

In 2025, Herndon will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his breakout single “What Mattered Most.” Between 1995 and 2002, he charted 17 singles, including three No. 1 hits, with fan favorites such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” and “A Man Holdin’ On.”

Herndon has also broken barriers in country music. In 2015, he made history as the first major male country artist to publicly come out as gay. His artistry continued to evolve with albums like Journey On and Right About Now. His 2022 album JACOB produced the No. 1 independent country hit “Dents on a Chevy” with Terri Clark, which spent seven weeks at the top of the charts.


About Ashley McBryde

Ashley McBryde is a GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM award-winning artist celebrated for her unapologetic, raw country sound. Her 2018 debut album Girl Going Nowhere earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album, while her collaboration with Carly Pearce on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” won a GRAMMY and CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year.

Currently, McBryde is on tour supporting her latest album The Devil I Know, with sold-out shows across the UK and North America.