Category: Entertainment News

Seth James Releases ‘Motormouth’: A New Era of Texas Soul and Blues

Seth James announces new album ‘Motormouth.’ Photo: Erin Valkner, used with permission.

Texas Soul Meets Nashville Groove: Seth James Drops New Album ‘Motormouth’

NASHVILLE, TN — The wait is over for fans of authentic, soul-infused roots music. Texas-bred guitarist and singer-songwriter Seth James has officially released his latest album Motormouth via Qualified Records. (Aristo PR, 2026)

Produced by multi-Grammy winner Kevin McKendree, the project features groove-driven songwriting, further solidifying James as a premier voice in the modern blues and roots circuit.

A Legacy of Lone Star Excellence

A veteran of the Texas music scene, James didn’t take shortcuts to success. He built his reputation through years of sweat and strings in roadhouses, blues clubs, and major festival stages. While his sound pays homage to legends like Delbert McClinton, James’ disciplined songwriting and distinct voice have earned him a devoted following through previous acclaimed albums like Different Hat and Good Life.

The Making of ‘Motormouth’

The album was recorded at the legendary Rock House studio in Franklin, Tennessee. To bring these songs to life, James assembled an elite “all-star” roster of session heavyweights:

  • Kevin McKendree: Piano and Organ
  • Rob McNelley: Guitar
  • Steve Mackey: Bass
  • Lynn Williams: Drums
  • The Time Jumpers: Featured members

“Kevin speaks a musical language that’s rare these days,” James says of the collaboration. “He truly understands where I come from musically… It’s akin to making music with family.”

McKendree was equally inspired by the sessions, noting that James possesses a “rare mix of raw emotion and pure soul.”

Building on Chart-Topping Momentum

Motormouth arrives as the highly anticipated follow-up to Lessons, James’ debut with Qualified Records. That project didn’t just resonate with fans, it dominated the industry, hitting No. 1 on the Blues charts and breaking into the Top 25 on the Americana charts.

With this new release, James leans harder into his signature blend of:

  • Deep Texas Blues
  • Stax-inspired Soul
  • Gritty Roots Rock

Catch Seth James Live

To celebrate the launch, Seth James will be hitting the road for a series of high-profile appearances. Mark your calendars for the official release event and upcoming tour dates:

DateLocation / EventVenue
May 8Franklin, TNMockingbird Theater (Release Event)
TBATexas TourVarious Locations
TBASandy Beaches CruiseAt Sea
SeptNashville, TNAmericana Music Festival

‘Motormouth’ is available now on all major streaming platforms and via Qualified Records.

Motormouth Track Listing:

  1. “Why Should I Suffer”
  2. “Motormouth”
  3. “I’m In Trouble”
  4. “It’s Later Than You Think”
  5. “I’ll Be Gone”
  6. “High Horse”
  7. “I Can’t Find Your Mind”
  8. “Just A Thought”
  9. “I Can’t Wait”
  10. “I Got To Know”
  11. “Lonely Avenue”
  12. “I Feel The Burden”
  13. “Start A Brand New Day”

Celebrate 40 Years of Flavor: A Taste of New Orleans Returns to San Antonio

The San Antonio Zulu Association to Host Fiesta Favorite at Sunken Garden Theater, April 17–19. Photo: Sun Outdoors

A Taste of New Orleans Hits its 40th Year

San Antonio is getting a heavy dose of the Big Easy! The Brackenridge Park Conservancy, in partnership with the San Antonio Zulu Association, is thrilled to welcome back one of Fiesta’s most iconic traditions: A Taste of New Orleans. (Brackenridge Park Conservancy, 2026)

This year isn’t just any party, it’s the 40th Anniversary milestone. For four decades, this event has been the go-to spot for food, family, and that unmistakable NOLA spirit. For event details, tickets, and performance schedule, visit A Taste of New Orleans online.

📅 Event Details at a Glance

  • When: Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19, 2026
  • Where: The Historic Sunken Garden Theater (Brackenridge Park)
  • Vibe: Authentic Creole & Cajun flavors, live jazz and brass, and family-friendly fun.

What’s New for the 40th Anniversary?

To celebrate four decades of community service and cultural celebration, the San Antonio Zulu Association is introducing a brand-new tradition: The San Antonio ZULU Association King. Beyond the new royalty, festivalgoers can expect the “crown jewels” of the event:

  • Authentic Eats: Mouthwatering Creole and Cajun cuisine that rivals the French Quarter.
  • Live Music: A three-day lineup of performances to keep you dancing.
  • Historic Setting: Held in the Sunken Garden Theater, a 1930s-era venue built into a former rock quarry, providing a stunning natural backdrop for the festivities.

The partnership between the Brackenridge Park Conservancy and the San Antonio Zulu Association highlights a shared commitment to celebrating cultural heritage while activating one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.

Photo: The San Antonio Zulu Association

Meet the Organizers

Brackenridge Park Conservancy

A nonprofit dedicated to preserving the heart of San Antonio. The Conservancy raises funds to enhance the park’s natural, historic, and recreational resources, ensuring Brackenridge remains a treasure for future generations.

The San Antonio Zulu Association

The force behind the flavor! This nonprofit is committed to education and cultural awareness. Through events like A Taste of New Orleans, they provide scholarships and community engagement opportunities across the city.

Ready to celebrate? Grab the kids, round up the family, and head down to Brackenridge Park this April to experience the best of New Orleans right here in San Antonio.

“As a New Orleans native, I’ve always felt a deep connection between New Orleans and San Antonio, two cities rooted in rich history, incredible food, soulful music, and vibrant cultural diversity. Hosting The Zulu’s A Taste of New Orleans at Sunken Garden Theater is especially meaningful.” – Chris Maitre, CEO of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy

Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss Star in Imperfect Women

Imperfect Women the series is streaming on Apple TV. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book to Screen: Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall

The transition from page to screen can be complicated, but when the source material is as haunting as Araminta Hall’s Imperfect Women, the results are bound to be electric. Now adapted into an eight-episode limited series on Apple TV+, this psychological thriller is a must-watch for fans of complex female leads and dark, domestic secrets.

Book Overview

When Nancy Hennessy is murdered, she leaves behind a shattered life and a trail of questions. From the outside, Nancy had it all: she was gorgeous, wealthy, and cherished by her husband and daughter. But she also took the identity of a secret lover to her grave.

As the investigation into her death flounders, her two best friends, Eleanor and Mary, find themselves drowning in grief and the realization that they might not have known Nancy, or each other, at all.

  • The Hook: A gripping exploration of impossible expectations and the lethal nature of long-held secrets.
  • The Structure: The story unfolds through the perspectives of three fascinating women, forcing the reader to untangle their complex friendship to answer the ultimate question: Who killed Nancy?
  • The Vibe: Wickedly sharp and suspenseful, drawing comparisons to the likes of Patricia Highsmith and Paula Hawkins.

Imperfect Women explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that alter our lives irrevocably. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

From Page to Screen: The Series

The Apple TV+ adaptation brings the “wickedly sharp” insights of the novel to life in a high-stakes limited series. The show dives deep into the decades-long friendship at the heart of the crime, peeling back the layers of a murder investigation that exposes the dark underbelly of a “perfect” life.

The Star-Studded Cast

The series boasts an incredible lineup of heavy hitters:

ActorCharacter
Kerry WashingtonEleanor
Elisabeth MossMary
Kate MaraNancy
Joel KinnamanRobert
Corey StollHoward (Mary’s husband)
Photo: IMDb

About the Author

Araminta Hall is no stranger to the dark side of fiction. She holds an MA in creative writing and authorship from the University of Sussex and currently teaches creative writing at New Writing South in Brighton.

Hall is also the acclaimed author of Our Kind of Cruelty, which was named a best book of 2018 by CrimeReads and Real Simple. She lives in Brighton with her husband and three children.

Are you planning to read the book first, or will you be diving straight into the Apple TV+ series?

Newport’s Own Asher Brinson Drops Debut Bluegrass Album ‘Midnight Hurricane’

Asher Brinson. Photo: Sarah K. Photography, used with permission.

Coastal Rhythms & Bluegrass Roots: Asher Brinson Debuts ‘Midnight Hurricane’

Newport, North Carolina, has a new voice in bluegrass, and he’s playing it left-handed. Asher Brinson, the young picker and songwriter who has been turning heads from MerleFest to the IBMA, has officially released his debut album, Midnight Hurricane. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Blending refreshingly honest storytelling with the salt-air influence of the Carolina coast, Brinson’s debut is a standout in modern bluegrass collaboration.

A Self-Taught Journey to the Main Stage

Asher has been around music his entire life in family jams and the legendary circles of the Galax Fiddlers Convention. His talent caught the eye of the late, legendary luthier Wayne Henderson, who became a mentor and friend, even building Asher a rare, custom left-handed guitar.

Since then, Asher’s trajectory has been exceptional:

  • Mentorship: Studied under Christopher Henry (Noya Mountain Music Studio), who produced the new record.
  • The Stage: Shared spotlights at the Wayne C. Henderson Festival and recently joined The Travelin’ McCourys Young Guns Tour.
  • What’s Next: Catch him live at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville (4/9), Ocrafolk Festival (6/5-7), and the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival (10/15-17).

Inside the Tracks: Midnight Hurricane

The album features eight original songs, two traditional instrumentals, and a gritty Billy Strings cover. To bring these stories to life, Asher assembled an “all-star” studio band:

  • Asher Brinson: Lead Vocals & Guitar
  • Cory Walker: Banjo
  • Jason Carter: Fiddle
  • Christopher Henry: Bass & Mandolin

Album Highlights

“This song naturally evolved from living on the North Carolina coast, experiencing the late-night intensity of hurricanes—where you hear everything but see nothing.” — Asher Brinson on the title track.

SongFeaturingInspiration
“Midnight Hurricane”Sierra Hull & Lindsay LouThe sensory overload of coastal storms.
“Lonesome Hobo Song”Sam BushClassic tales of train hopping.
“And Why Is That”Smith Curry (Pedal Steel)A tribute to a family friend who lived on a sailboat.
“Queen Anne’s Waltz”Bronwyn Keith-HynesLocal maritime history and the swaying of a boat.
“Low Hanging Fruit”Sam BushThe very first song Asher ever wrote.

The record rounds out with the driving “I’m Going Back to Galax,” a nod to his competitive roots, and a high-energy cover of Billy Strings’ “Seven Weeks in County.”

Where to Hear Him

Asher Brinson is currently on the road, bringing his energy to stages across the Southeast. Whether it’s the underground depths of The Caverns or the salty breeze of the Outer Banks, Asher’s honest sound is one you don’t want to miss.

Stream Midnight Hurricane now and follow Asher’s journey as he carves out a new legacy in North Carolina music.

Album Cover. Photo: Sarah K. Photography

From Page to Screen: Colleen Hoover’s ‘Reminders of Him’

Reminders of Him movie poster
The movie adaptation of ‘Reminders of Him’ is now in theaters. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book to Movie Spotlight: Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover has solidified her status as a titan of contemporary fiction. Driven by massive sales, #BookTok buzz, and a string of successful film adaptations, Hoover’s appeal lies in her emotionally intense storytelling. She blends romance with heavy themes like trauma and complex relationships, using an accessible writing style that creates a deep emotional bond with her audience.

Now Playing: The highly anticipated movie adaptation of Reminders of Him is currently in theaters everywhere.

The Book: A Journey of Redemption

A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption.

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong. Her goal is simple but daunting: reunite with her four-year-old daughter. However, the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut her out, regardless of how hard she works to prove she has changed.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. As a connection forms between them, the stakes grow higher. If their relationship is discovered, both risk losing the trust of the people they love most. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past to build a future defined by hope and healing.

The Movie: At a Glance

After prison, a woman attempts to reconnect with her young daughter but faces resistance from everyone except a bar owner with ties to her child. As they grow closer, she must confront her past mistakes to build a hopeful future.

Production Credits & Details

CategoryDetails
DirectorVanessa Caswill
WritersColleen Hoover, Lauren Levine
StarsMaika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Zoe Kosovic
GenreRomance / Drama
Run Time1h 55m
RatingPG-13

Why We’re Watching

Whether you are a longtime member of the “CoHo” fandom or a newcomer to her stories, Reminders of Him promises to be a tear-jerker. Seeing Kenna’s journey from isolation to hope on the big screen adds a new layer of depth to an already powerful story.

Have you read the book yet, or are you heading straight to the theater?

Photo: Universal Pictures

Belles’ Journey to the Release of ‘Son of Jolene’

Belles and Dolly Parton unite on ‘Song of Jolene,’ bridging generations of country music. Photo: ashtronot, used with permission.

The Legacy Continues: Belles Teams Up with Dolly Parton for “Son of Jolene”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Emerging country artist Belles is set to make waves with a historic new collaboration. On April 17, she will release “Son of Jolene,” a special track featuring the legendary Dolly Parton. (Aristo PR, 2026)

This release serves as a massive milestone for Belles, leading up to her highly anticipated debut full-length album slated for 2026. Fans can expect the track to hit country radio airwaves on May 11.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale

Inspired by the narrative that has captivated country fans for decades, Belles penned “Son of Jolene” as a character-driven sequel to Parton’s 1973 hit. The song imagines a chance encounter years later with the son of the infamous Jolene, blending vivid storytelling with a sharp, modern country edge.

The Parton Connection

The collaboration was born from a creative spark and mutual respect. Upon hearing the track, Dolly Parton immediately connected with the concept, seeing it as a natural evolution of the story she started over 50 years ago. Her iconic vocals on the track bridge the gap between country music’s golden era and its bright future.

“I grew up so inspired by Dolly and the worlds she created through her songs. Having her lend her voice to this record is beyond anything I could have imagined. It feels like a full-circle moment and a true honor.” — Belles

High Praise from PEOPLE

The industry is already buzzing about the release. PEOPLE recently debuted an exclusive feature on the song, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at its inspiration. They described the collaboration as:

“…the equivalent of a musical and generational bridge being built between the two artists.”

Belles by the Numbers

Following the success of her self-titled EP and the viral breakout of “Crazy As Me,” Belles has cemented her status as a powerhouse in the digital age of country music.

MetricAchievement
Social Media Followers1.5 Million+
TikTok Followers450,000+
Total Views & Streams100 Million+
iTunes Country ChartPeaked at No. 3
Stream Growth400% Increase post-viral success

What’s Next for Belles?

Since moving to Nashville in 2018, Belles has shared the stage with superstars like Miranda Lambert and Old Dominion. Currently signed with East Music Row Records and managed by Red Light Management, her momentum is undeniable.

With “Son of Jolene” serving as the centerpiece of her current rise, all eyes are on her upcoming 2026 debut album. Keep an eye on this rising star—she isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

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Xie Miao and Joe Taslim Team Up for the Year’s Most Anticipated Action Film

The Furious will be released in theaters in May. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Why We Can’t Get Enough of the Rush: The Magic of Action Cinema

There’s a reason audiences flock to the theater for a high-octane thriller. Between the adrenaline, the clear stakes, and the visceral storytelling, action movies offer a perfect escape. We love watching high-risk worlds where courage and determination are tested in the most explosive ways possible.

The Hong Kong Influence

When it comes to elevating the genre, Hong Kong action movies are in a league of their own. They bring a signature blend of:

  • Stylized Choreography: Fight scenes that feel like a fluid, precise dance.
  • Intense Physicality: Sequences often performed by the actors themselves.
  • Emotional Depth: Themes of honor, loyalty, and sacrifice that make every punch and kick feel meaningful.

This fusion of artistry and intensity creates a cinematic experience that is as memorable as it is thrilling.

🎬 New Movie Spotlight: The Furious

If you’re looking for that perfect blend of artistry and intensity, mark your calendars. Directed by the legendary Kenji Tanigaki, The Furious is an English-language Hong Kong action powerhouse that recently took the Toronto International Film Festival by storm. (Cinematic Red PR, 2026)

The Plot

After the daughter of Wang Wei (Xie Miao) is kidnapped by a criminal network, he finds himself trapped in a web of corruption. With the police refusing to help, Wei goes on a solo rampage to get her back.

He finds an unlikely ally in Navin (Joe Taslim), a relentless journalist searching for his own missing wife. Together, the duo takes on a ruthless criminal underworld in an explosive martial arts showdown fueled by pure vengeance.

Essential Details

CategoryInformation
Release DateMay 29, 2026
GenreAction
RatingR (Strong bloody violence and language)
Runtime113 Minutes
DirectorKenji Tanigaki
StarringXie Miao, Joe Taslim, Yang Enyou, Brian Le, Joey Iwanaga

Producers: Bill Kong, Shan Tam, Frank Hui

Writers: Mak Tin Shu, Lei Zhilong, Shum Kwan Sin, Frank Hui

American Sharks Returns: New Single ‘Not Dead Yet’ and 2026 Album Release Date

Austin’s American Sharks. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

American Sharks Are Back: New Single and Album “Not Dead Yet” Announced

The wait is finally over. After a six-year hiatus, Austin’s favorite punk-metal hybrid, American Sharks, has officially returned. The trio dropped their brand-new single this month, the title track from their upcoming album, Not Dead Yet. (Us/Them Group, 2026)

Listen to “Not Dead Yet.”

The new track is a blistering reminder of why this band was missed.

The Sound: “Weezer Goes Stoner Rock”

Hailing from Austin, TX, American Sharks have perfected a high-energy sound that blends infectious pop hooks with “blasting-yer-face” riffs. Imagine the melodic sensibility of Weezer mashed into a heavy Stoner Rock aesthetic, and you’re halfway there.

Centering around founders Roky Moon (vocalist/bassist) and Nick Cornetti (drummer), the new album features nine fast-paced, pummeling tracks that prove the band is far from finished.

A Heavyweight Guest List

The band isn’t coming back alone. Not Dead Yet features an impressive roster of special guest guitar soloists from across the rock and metal world:

  • Mike Derks (GWAR)
  • Zach Blair (Rise Against)
  • Kyle Shutt (The Sword)
  • David Sullivan (Red Fang)
  • Leo Lydon (Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol)

Catch Them On Tour

American Sharks will be hitting the road this spring as the main support for Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol. The full U.S. tour kicks off in April.

Tickets for all shows are available online.

Album Release Details

Mark your calendars! The full-length album arrives just as the tour gets into gear.

  • Release Date: April 17th, 2026
  • Label: Permanent Teeth
  • Formats: LP, CD, and Digital Download

Since their 2013 debut and their self-produced follow-up 11:11, American Sharks have shared stages with legends like Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity. This 2026 return marks a “breathtaking” new chapter for the band.

Pre-orders are available HERE.

  1. Not Dead Yet
  2. Flowers for The Dead
  3. Going Insane
  4. Fuzz War
  5. Give Me Blood
  6. Bang Yer Head
  7. The Machine
  8. Sunny Sunday
  9. They Want Peace
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Now Streaming: Emotional Drama ‘Depth of Field’ Arrives on UK Digital Platforms

‘Depth of Field,’ a tender story of grief and hope, is now out in the UK. Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.

New Release: “Depth of Field” Arrives in the UK

Following its successful release across the US and Canada, the moving drama Depth of Field is now officially available on major digital platforms in the UK. (One Tree Entertainment, 2026)

Focus On What Matters

Depth of Field is a tender exploration of grief and the resilient power of hope. The story follows a grieving widower struggling to navigate life after the tragic loss of his wife and son.

His path to healing takes an unexpected turn when he forms a bond with the troubled foster child living next door. Through the lens of a camera, he teaches her the art of photography, and in the process, they both begin to rediscover the beauty hidden in everyday life.

“A story of chosen family and the realization that, even in our darkest moments, connection can bring things back into focus.”

Cast & Crew

  • Director: John F. Uranday
  • Writer: Bobby Cloud
  • Starring: Rafael Petardi, George Stroumboulopoulos, Jay Acavone

Film Details

  • Genre: Drama, Family
  • Themes: Healing, Mentorship, Redemption

Where to Watch

Whether you’re in London or Los Angeles, you can now experience this heartfelt journey:

Photo: One Tree Entertainment

Ivonne Galaz Releases Powerful Official Music Video for ‘Nadie Sabe’

Singer-songwriter Ivonne Galaz. Photo: Vesper Public Relations, used with permission.

Ivonne Galaz Redefines the Corrido: The Visual Journey of “Nadie Sabe”

Los Angeles, CA — Singer-songwriter Ivonne Galaz, the first woman to break into the corridos tumbados movement, has unveiled the official music video for her most emotional and socially charged single to date: “Nadie Sabe.” (Vesper Public Relations, 2026)

The visual transforms the song, an anthem for those silenced or rejected for living their truth, into a cinematic narrative of resilience, loneliness, and rebirth.

What are Corridos Tumbados?

For those new to the genre, corridos tumbados (or “trap corridos”) are a modern subgenre of Mexican music. They blend traditional acoustic storytelling with:

  • Hip-hop and Trap elements
  • Urbano-influenced lyrics
  • Themes of street life, romance, and luxury

While the genre has been popularized by artists like Natanael Cano and Peso Pluma, Galaz is reclaiming the medium to highlight deep-seated social issues.

A Desert of Isolation and Rebirth

Filmed in the sweeping desert of Phoenix, Arizona, the video uses stark, open terrain as a metaphor for the emotional reconstruction many LGBTQ+ youth face after abandonment.

  • The Journey: Galaz walks alone with her guitar, symbolizing the internal search for identity and safety.
  • The Symbolism: Solitary doors scattered across the sand close one by one, representing the “no” and the exclusion experienced by marginalized youth.
  • The Message: As one door closes, another opens, signaling a path toward freedom and self-discovery.
  • The Skyline: In the distance, the Phoenix skyline represents a society that watches from afar, often failing to support those who dare to be themselves.

“The corrido has always told the stories of the people. Now it’s time to tell ours — the stories of those who only want to live and love freely.” — Ivonne Galaz

Music as a Mission: “Corridos Rescue Corridos”

“Nadie Sabe” is more than just a song; it is a pillar of Corridos Rescue Corridos, a cultural movement reclaiming the genre as a tool for empathy and social transformation.

In partnership with The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) and The OC LGBTQ+ Center, this initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ and 2TGI youth in vulnerable situations. Through this project, Galaz connects the traditional purpose of the corrido, telling the stories of the people, to the lived realities of those who have been displaced or erased.

About Ivonne Galaz

Ivonne Galaz is a trailblazing artist reshaping regional Mexican music. As the first woman to perform corridos tumbados, she has become a cultural force known for her authenticity and raw lyricism. With “Nadie Sabe,” she transforms her art into a mission, using music as a tool for visibility and change.

Photo: Vesper Public Relations, used with permission.