Teatro Audaz’ Season 10 Announcement Celebration will take place this Saturday. Photo: Teatro Audaz
Noche Audaz: A Season 10 Fiesta You Don’t Want to Miss 🎉
Teatro Audaz San Antonio is turning 10 years bold, and they’re celebrating the best way they know how, with familia, cultura, and a full-on fiesta. (Teatro Audaz, 2026)
Noche Audaz marks the official kickoff of their 10th Anniversary Season, Audaz X: A Decade of Familia. It’s part party, part season reveal, and part fundraiser, all coming together for one unforgettable night honoring the past ten years and looking ahead to what’s next.
📅 When & Where
Saturday, January 10 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Teatro Audaz 1310 S. Brazos St. San Antonio, TX 78207
(Yes—free parking!)
🎟 Let’s Talk Tickets
Tickets are available online, and every purchase supports Teatro Audaz and its artists.
💎 Diamante Sponsor Ticket — $50
This option is perfect if you want to go all in:
Admission to the event
Delicious food
Two free drinks
A Season 10 Vecinos sponsorship, which includes a free ticket to an upcoming show
🥈 Silver Fiesta Ticket — $25
A great way to join the celebration:
Admission to the event
Delicious food
One free drink
🎶 What’s in Store?
Expect a lively, high-energy night filled with:
Amazing food and festive drinks
Folklórico dancers from The Academy of Mexican Folk Dance
Live music and special performances
An exclusive reveal of Teatro Audaz’s Season 10 lineup
Plenty of opportunities to support meaningful, community-centered art
❤️ Why Your Support Matters
Every dollar raised goes directly toward Teatro Audaz San Antonio’s productions, educational programs, and community initiatives, helping amplify underrepresented voices on and off the stage.
This night is about more than celebrating, it’s about sustaining a theatre company that tells stories that matter.
Come celebrate. Come support. Come shine with Audaz.
About Teatro Audaz
Teatro Audaz San Antonio is dedicated to creating space for Latinx stories and voices to thrive on stage. Through bold, innovative storytelling, they work to break barriers in theatre, empower artists, and build deeper connections within the community.
At its heart, Teatro Audaz believes theatre can inspire change, spark conversation, and strengthen cultural pride, here in San Antonio and beyond.
Bad Brains 1981 backstage at CBGB New York City. Photo: Glen E. Friedman, used with permission.
Bad Brains Partners With Trust Records to Preserve Punk Legacy
NEW YORK, NY — The iconic and highly influential punk rock band Bad Brains announced last month that they have partnered with Trust Records, the company formed to ensure that classic punk and hardcore music continues to endure. (another side, 2025)
A New Chapter With Trust Records
Under the new deal, Trust Records will ensure that Bad Brains’ music remains available for generations to come. In addition, Trust Records has established an Artist Advisory Board, on which Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer will serve. The board will help guide the future creative vision of Trust Records.
The partnership will govern and administer the entirety of Bad Brains’ owned and controlled intellectual property, including:
Music publishing
Recorded music
Name and likeness
Trademarks
Visual intellectual property
This includes the band’s self-titled debut album as well as seminal releases Rock for Light, I Against I, and Quickness.
Darryl Jenifer on the Partnership
“After 40 plus years of forging the spirit PMA through our brand of progressive punk rock aka Hardcore, I’m happy that Bad Brains will be sharing the wheel with TRUST in our ongoing quest to keep Bad Brains alive in the hearts and minds of our supporters as we step into the future. TRUST’s love and knowledge of Bad Brains and the PMA ethos makes them a perfect match to partner with as we keep Bad Brains ‘Sailin’ On’. Stay tuned for what’s next to come. One love and a hefty dose of PMA.” — Darryl Jenifer, Bad Brains bassist
The Legacy of Bad Brains
Formed in 1978 in Washington, DC, Bad Brains is one of the most influential American recording artists to emerge from the punk and hardcore scene. The band’s pioneering artistry, strong ethics, and virtuosic musicianship have had a profound effect on global culture.
Bad Brains are cited as an influence by countless artists, including Rage Against the Machine, Beastie Boys, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, Sublime, Green Day, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Deftones.
The original lineup consisted of H.R. (vocals), Dr. Know (guitar), Darryl Jenifer (bass), and Earl Hudson (drums).
Trust Records on the Partnership
“We started Trust Records to promote, preserve, and protect punk and hardcore music and the culture that surrounds it. Bad Brains is the absolute top of the mountain in punk and hardcore. They taught the rest of us how to do it. It is the highest honor to partner with Darryl and Bad Brains in the stewardship of their iconic work.” — Matt Pincus, Founder, Trust Records
“Bad Brains are an iconic and legendary band whose impact on global culture cannot be overstated. We are thrilled that they’ve chosen Trust Records as their home and we look forward to working with them to continue to build their fan base around the world.” — Joe Nelson, Co-founder, Trust Records
About Trust Records
Founded in 2020, Trust Records was created to give classic punk and hardcore records the home they deserve. Born from DIY roots, the genre’s most influential releases shaped generations of disaffected youth around the world. As the industry moves further into the streaming age, preserving both the spirit and legacy of this music is more important than ever.
Trust Records focuses on ensuring this music remains accessible to future generations while maintaining historical accuracy and high-quality releases.
Their catalog includes 40th Anniversary Deluxe editions of Circle Jerks’ Group Sex and Wild in the Streets, 7Seconds’ landmark 1984 album The Crew, and reissues of Youth Brigade’s Sound and Fury, DFL’s My Crazy Life, SSD’s The Kids Will Have Their Say, Ink & Dagger’s The Complete Works, and more.
Worm announces new album Necropalace. Photo: Andreas Marschall, used with permission.
Worm Walks Backwards Into the Future with Necropalace
Worm has incessantly built upon their sonic palette of “Necromantic Black Doom” with roots in nearly every worthy corner of extreme metal’s history, from the grandiose heights of ’90s symphonic black metal to the emotional technicality of ’80s shred metal. (another side, 2025)
Four years after their acclaimed full-length Foreverglade, Worm emerges with their next studio album and first release with Century Media Records, Necropalace. The Floridian band has only grown more powerful, showcasing a level of grandiose songcraft that is beyond modern compare. On Necropalace, Worm has managed to do what many others in this day and age can only attempt: they walk backwards into the future.
A World Untouched by Time
Necropalace lives in a world of its own.
A world of lush velvet and ostentatious gold, covered in the dust of time. A world where shadows seem to move in your peripheral vision, yet the loneliness never ceases. A world where wounds of the flesh may heal, but those of the heart never do.
The Gates Open: “Necropalace”
The nightmarish omnipotence of album opener and title track “Necropalace” ushers the listener into a journey through obsessive bloodlust. Spellbinding, powerful vocals from Phantom Slaughter guide the descent, while guitarist Wroth Septentrion flaunts his stunningly masterful songwriting throughout.
“Necropalace” feels like an endless maze of subterranean, candle-lit corridors, each riff constantly shifting and evolving. With multiple listens, however, one discovers that the maze contains many paths that ultimately converge into one another.
Into the Crypt: “Blackheart”
Worm’s latest single, “Blackheart,” is a descent into the nether vaults of the Necropalace. As you make your way through the crypts and catacombs beneath the castle, you find Nightfang’s resting place. Beside his black coffin sits the Blackheart, encased in ice and glowing blood red.
This occult artifact pumps life into the ancient palace walls and keeps the vampire lord immortal.
“Blackheart” serves as part two of Worm’s official Necropalace short-film series, heavily inspired by their obsession with horror from the ’80s and ’90s. Director Norman Cabrera, Producer Maya Kay, and Colorist Alex Nicolaou, under the direction of Ted Nicolaou, continue to bring Worm’s dark fantasy into reality following “Necropalace,” now deepening the vision with “Blackheart.”
The Infernal Masquerade
Enter if you dare, but know the consequences of your choice.
Through the opulent finality of album closer “Witchmoon: The Infernal Masquerade,” featuring guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman, Necropalace reveals itself as the true sonic representation of unbridled, night-bound maleficence.
The album manifests as the soundscape to a star-laden winter sky reflecting off the Everglades’ darkest slough, where death meets the deathless. This is a vociferous call to action for anyone who still possesses ancient vampiric blood in their veins.
Prepare yourself for a full-force attack of zealous guitar agility and heretic spellcraft.
The gates are now open.
Release Information
Necropalace will be released February 13, 2026 via Century Media Records. Pre-order/Pre-Save here.
Necropalace tracklist: 1 – Gates to the Shadowzone (Intro) 2 – Necropalace 3 – Halls of Weeping 4 – The Night Has Fangs 5 – Dragon Dreams 6 – Blackheart 7 – Witchmoon – The Infernal Masquerade (Feat. Marty Friedman)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in San Antonio. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.
Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day in San Antonio
Whether you’re looking for rooftop fireworks, elegant prix-fixe dinners, or a cozy New Year’s Day recovery brunch, San Antonio offers plenty of memorable ways to ring in 2026. Here’s your guide to the city’s standout New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations.
🎆 Events at Pearl
New Year’s Eve at Pearl – Stable Hall
December 31 | 8 PM Ring in the new year with The Texases, a lively country cover band performing the final show of 2025, and the first of 2026, at the iconic Stable Hall. Tickets available here. (Pearl, 2025)
Cellar Select New Year’s Eve Dinner Featuring Eagle Rare 25
December 31 | 7 PM Hotel Emma celebrates its 10th anniversary with an exclusive NYE dining experience featuring Eagle Rare 25. Guests also receive wristbands for entry to the annual Sternewirth NYE Party. Tickets available here.
🌃 Rooftop & Skyline Celebrations
Light Up the Night: Rosario’s Rooftop New Year’s Eve Countdown
December 31 | 8:30 PM – 1:30 AM Celebrate 2026 with sweeping skyline views from Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar’s rooftop in Southtown. Enjoy live beats by DJ Kenzo, craft cocktails, curated bites, and front-row views of the city’s New Year’s fireworks. (Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar, 2025)
December 31 | 5 PM – 9 PM Chefs John and Elise Russ host a four-course prix-fixe dinner to close out 2025. Each guest receives a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the new year. (Clementine, 2025) Reservations recommended via OpenTable.
Jots at The Gunter Hotel: NYE Chef’s Signature Dinner
December 31 | 5 PM – 10 PM $80++ per person Includes a three-course chef-curated dinner and a glass of Duc de Chagny at Jots. (Gunter Hotel, 2025) 📍 311 N St. Mary’s St.
VIP Tables: $250 (up to 4 guests) or $500 (up to 10 guests)
Toast & Stay NYE Experience
Stay overnight and welcome 2026 in style with this special NYE hotel package.
NYE Fireworks via Private Balcony
Celebrate the new year with a direct view of the Tower of the Americas fireworks from a private balcony, perfect for out-of-town guests. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2025)
Kimpton Santo: The NYE Skyline Stay
Celebrate, stay, and recover. This NYE hotel package includes overnight accommodations and easy access to Tenfold’s rooftop celebration—plus a relaxed New Year’s Day experience.
Step into old-world glamour with a Gold, Glitz & Glamour–themed celebration featuring DJs, roaming performers, chef-crafted bites, and a midnight countdown. Tickets here. (St. Anthony Hotel, 2025)
January 1 | 7 AM – 11 AM | $21 A comfort-forward breakfast featuring braised short ribs, pork belly, Yukon potatoes, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, and a sunny-side-up egg. 📍 The Gunter Hotel
✨ From rooftop revelry to refined dinners and restorative breakfasts, San Antonio offers something for every kind of New Year’s celebration. Cheers to 2026!
SNFU reissues pivotal punk LP ‘…And No One Else Wanted to Play.’ Photo: Doug Humiski, used with permission.
SNFU’s …And No One Else Wanted to Play Turns 40
Trust Records Announces Deluxe Anniversary Reissue
In 1985, underground rock was staunchly divided. At the heart of it was the crossover movement, the confounding middle ground between the longhairs and their arch enemies, the punks and hardcore kids. While each style had its own version of the punk-meets-thrash approach (itself a confrontation of scene norms), hardcore punk found its true disruptor in SNFU.(another side, 2025)
By bucking all the rules and writing their own, SNFU created a singular document that proved frenetic hardcore pacing and genuine catchiness were not mutually exclusive.
Trust Records is proud to announce the reissue of the bona fide classic, SNFU’s debut full-length …And No One Else Wanted to Play.
A 40th Anniversary Release
This reissue marks the 40th anniversary of the pivotal album and is available now in stores and across digital retailers.
The physical release includes two versions:
Standard Edition: A repress of the original LP
Limited Deluxe Edition:
Housed in a box set
Includes a bonus rarities LP featuring all-new artwork incorporating elements from the original seminal release
Accompanied by a 104-page book documenting the band from 1981–1985
Inside the Deluxe Book
The 104-page book is a treasure trove for fans and historians alike, featuring:
Unseen early photographs
Original fanzine interviews
Flyers, letters, and assorted ephemera
Ty Stranglehold’s oral history of SNFU (1981–1985)
Vocalist Chi Pig’s original yearbook photo
Both editions are available in several color variants.
A Cornerstone of Skate Punk
…And No One Else Wanted to Play stands as a cornerstone of skate punk and a monument to punk rock writ large, helping usher in the burgeoning genre of melodic hardcore.
With the sung vocals of Mr. Chi Pig, the dueling guitars of the Belke brothers, and a pummeling rhythm section capable of blinding velocity and sudden turns, the album achieves the rare feat of doing it all, anchored by a deep-rooted sense of melody and an ear for well-honed songwriting.
Across fourteen classic tracks, SNFU proves they can stand comfortably alongside genre-defining acts like Bad Religion, 7 Seconds, and the Descendents, influencing countless artists and sparking a shift still felt across modern music today.
The Origins of SNFU
SNFU formed in 1981 in Edmonton, Alberta, with core members:
Mr. Chi Pig (Ken Chinn) – vocals
Marc “Muc” Belke – guitar
Brent “Bunt” Belke – guitar
Bonding over skateboarding and punk, the band originally went by Society’s NFU (short for No F*cking Use).
The debut LP was recorded across two hectic days at Track Record Studios in Hollywood, CA, in December 1984, with BYO Records founders Mark and Shawn Stern producing. Jimmy Schmitz (bass) and Evan C. “Tadpole” Jones (drums) rounded out the lineup, departing shortly after the sessions.
Hitting the Road and Making History
Following the album’s release, SNFU embarked on a 48-date North American tour, spreading these then-new classics live and earning cult success from coast to coast.
With the release of …And No One Else Wanted to Play, and the shows that followed, those cities, and the world of punk, would never be the same. And now, after decades out of print, neither will your turntable.
New Music Video: “Cannibal Café”
SNFU is also pleased to share their new official music video for album centerpiece “Cannibal Café.” Compiled by Nathan Drillot, the video features unseen live footage and a special appearance by Mike Belke.
…And No One Else Wanted to Play – Standard LP tracklist:
Side One 1. Broken Toy 2. She’s Not on the Menu 3. Money Matters 4. I’m Real Scared 5. Joyride 6. Seein’ Life Through the Bottom of a Bottle
Side Two 7. Cannibal Café 8. Misfortune 9. Plastic Surgery Kept Her Beautiful 10. The Gravedigger 11. Bodies in the Wall 12. Get Off Your Ass 13. Loser at Life / Loser at Death 14. This Is the End
Jason Derulo’s new holiday song “Miracle” blends pop-R&B warmth, gratitude, and seasonal magic. Photo: Miller PR, used with permission.
Jason Derulo Releases New Holiday Song “Miracle”: A Feel-Good Christmas Anthem
Los Angeles, CA — Multi-Platinum global superstar Jason Derulo has surprised fans with a festive new release just in time for the holidays. His new Christmas single, “Miracle,” released via Create Music Group, is now available on all major streaming platforms. (Miller PR, 2025)
The holiday track blends classic Christmas warmth with Derulo’s signature pop-R&B sound, delivering an uplifting anthem that celebrates gratitude, love, and togetherness.
Jason Derulo’s “Miracle” Captures the Meaning of Christmas
“Miracle” is a feel-good Christmas song that highlights Jason Derulo’s unmistakable vocals while embracing the emotional heart of the holiday season. Through its reflective lyrics, the song explores how life’s simplest moments, family connections, unexpected kindness, and everyday love, are often the real miracles.
Rather than focusing on grand gestures, Derulo reminds listeners that the true magic of Christmas lives in quiet, ordinary joys that bring people together.
Photo: Miller PR
A Successful Year for Jason Derulo
The release of “Miracle” follows a standout year for the global hitmaker. Earlier this year, Jason Derulo released the pop anthem “Who Hurt You,” which quickly gained viral momentum, reaching 316 million streams in just eight weeks.
His previous single, “Snake,” featuring Nora Fatehi, has also made a major impact, accumulating over 124 million views online and reinforcing Derulo’s ability to create globally resonant hits.
Jason Derulo’s Social Media Influence
Jason Derulo remains one of the most influential musicians in the digital space. With nearly 250 million followers across social media platforms, including over 66 million followers on TikTok, he is currently the fourth most-followed male artist on TikTok.
His massive online presence continues to amplify his reach, making him one of the most visible and influential pop artists in today’s music landscape.
“The Last Dance World Tour” Kicks Off in 2026
On January 30, Jason Derulo will launch “The Last Dance World Tour,” featuring 25+ arena dates across the UK and Europe scheduled for early 2026. Additional tour dates are expected to be announced. Fans can view the complete tour schedule on his official website.
About Jason Derulo
With nearly 250 million followers worldwide, Jason Derulo is a true multi-platform powerhouse and one of the most successful pop and urban artists of his generation.
Originally known as the “kid from a Haitian family in Miami,” Derulo’s rise to global stardom has been built on consistency and creative evolution. He has sold over 250 million singles and generated tens of billions of streams, with a catalog that includes chart-topping hits like “Talk Dirty” (feat. 2 Chainz), “Wiggle,” “Swalla,” and “Savage Love.” “Savage Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in 16 countries.
Known for genre-blending collaborations with artists such as BTS, Nicki Minaj, Luke Bryan, and Michael Bublé, Jason Derulo continues to shape global pop culture through both music and social media.
The Vega Vault Project and Sacred Bones to reissue Alan Vega’s first two trailblazing solo albums. Photo: Peter Noble/Redferns
Alan Vega’s Legacy Continues: Sacred Bones Announces Remastered Reissues and Deluxe Editions
The Vega Vault Project and Sacred Bones Records are once again unearthing the extensive body of work left behind by Alan Vega, visionary visual artist, musician, and poet. Their latest announcement brings exciting news: the reissue of Vega’s landmark 1980 self-titled debut, along with its follow-up, Collision Drive. (another side, 2025)
Remastered From Original Tapes & Streaming for the First Time
Both albums have been newly remastered from the original tapes and are available on streaming platforms for the first time ever. Sacred Bones Records will re-release the albums with a commitment to preserving the raw intensity of Vega’s original recordings while making them newly accessible to listeners worldwide.
These carefully curated reissues will be accompanied by Alan Vega Deluxe Edition, a limited deluxe double LP packed with unheard demos, unseen photos, new artwork, and Vega’s original track sheets from his 1978 Suicide / The Clash tour notebook.
Release Date and Availability
Alan Vega, Collision Drive, and the Alan Vega Deluxe Edition all arrive on January 23, 2026. The deluxe edition, available as a limited double LP, is positioned as the definitive version of Vega’s solo debut. Pre-order/Pre-save here:Alan Vega, Alan Vega Deluxe Edition, Collision Drive.
A Look Back at Vega’s Solo Breakthrough
Released in 1980, Alan Vega arrived at the same time Suicide released their second album, Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev. Eager to explore his personal sonic identity, Vega drew inspiration from rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll, and his lifelong admiration for Elvis Presley. Filling the spaces between Suicide sessions, he began writing and performing his own material, developing a sound that pushed even further into the edges of experimentation.
The Grit and Fire of Collision Drive
Recorded in the same year and the same New York studio as his debut, 1981’s Collision Drive expanded Vega’s artistic reach. The album delivered a harder, grittier, and more layered energy. Vega’s lyrics tapped into universal themes inspired by street culture, science fiction, politics, comics, love, and cosmic mystery. The result: a record bursting with rebellion, feeling, and the evolving spark of Vega’s creative vision.
Unearthed Demos and New Visuals
The new reissues pair the remastered original albums with early, previously unheard demos discovered in the Vega Vault by Liz Lamere and Jared Artaud. The tapes were transferred by engineer Ted Young and mastered by Josh Bonati, offering rare insights into the making of Vega’s cult classics.
All three albums include newly designed artwork by Artaud and Michael Handis, making each release a collector’s piece and an essential addition for longtime fans.
More About Alan Vega and the Vega Vault Project
Born in Brooklyn in 1938, Alan Vega co-founded the groundbreaking avant-garde band Suicide with Martin Rev in 1970. Their influence has echoed across genres for decades. Vega’s solo career took off with the hit “Jukebox Babe,” leading to a contract with Elektra Records and the release of two albums, including the cult favorite Saturn Strip, produced by Ric Ocasek.
Rejecting commercial constraints, Vega returned to his experimental roots, generating a steady stream of solo releases over the following decades, from Deuce Avenue to Dujang Prang (released on Henry Rollins’ 2.13.61 imprint), culminating in his late-career masterpiece, It. Vega viewed these albums as sonic counterparts to his visual art, capturing both the world around him and timeless, universal themes. His work remains just as relevant today.
During this prolific era, Vega began collaborating with Liz Lamere, his wife and most significant creative partner. In 2019, Lamere and Jared Artaud unearthed the lost Vega album Mutator, released in 2021, followed by Insurrection in 2024. They co-produced and mixed both records and now lead the Vega Vault Project, dedicated to bringing rare and unreleased Vega material to the public.
A third full-length collection of previously unheard recordings, Ascension Dive, is currently in development.
Begging Dog shares new single Common Place from forthcoming album. Photo: Photo By Kat Nijmeddin, used with permission.
Begging Dog: Jeff Kleinman’s Raw, Everyday Poetry Finds Its Voice
Begging Dog is the indie-punk project of Los Angeles–based artist and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Kleinman. Known for his work with Choir Boy, Kleinman created Begging Dog as an outlet for songs that embrace the mundane with a raw, homespun sound. The project leans into garage-punk grit and plain-language lyricism, capturing the poetry of everyday life. (another side, 2025)
A Demo That Sparked a Buzz
Kleinman’s debut, DEMO 1, spread quickly through underground circles. Word reached Dais Records, who soon signed Kleinman and announced a wider vinyl release of the original album.
Clocking in at just 26 minutes, DEMO 1 is packed with rolling bass and synth lines, charismatic riffs, and motorik drum beats. Sonically lean but emotionally weighty, the project showcases Kleinman’s distinctive storytelling and ear for melody.
Characters, Scenes, and Lived-In Observations
Lyrically, DEMO 1 drifts through a series of lived-in characters and scenes:
a pushy union rep
a mailman with a steady federal job
a compulsive gambler
a beloved neighborhood homeless man
Ex-lovers flicker in and out of several tracks, collaged into sharp, witty free verse. Kleinman cites Bruce Springsteen as an influence, not in genre, but in philosophy. He writes in “plain ink,” opting for direct simplicity over flowery prose.
Loneliness in Plain Sight
Much of DEMO 1 taps into a shared loneliness, universal and uniquely tied to life in Los Angeles. The title track anchors that feeling as Kleinman sings, “no one loves a begging dog.” Borrowed from a friend, the line encapsulates the project’s core: the world can make you feel like a begging dog searching for affection and security, yet there’s beauty in solitude, routine, and the quiet hum of everyday life.
From Solo Recordings to a Seven-Piece Band
Kleinman recorded DEMO 1 almost entirely on his own. But live, Begging Dog expands into a dynamic seven-piece band, giving the songs a new sense of scale and energy.
“No matter how good or not good you have it, you’re kind of like looking for something more,” Kleinman says. He stops short of assigning grand meaning to the work, maintaining a sense of humility that permeates the project. DEMO 1 thrives on this balance of candor, grit, and hook-driven songwriting.
Release Details
DEMO 1 was mixed and mastered by Matt Whitehurst. It’s currently streaming on all major platforms and will be released on vinyl via Dais Records on December 12. It is available for pre-order.
Kleinman’s latest single, “Common Place,” reflects on his five years living in Salt Lake City, another snapshot of everyday life reframed through Begging Dog’s honest, unvarnished lens.
DEMO 1 Tracklist: 01 – Begging Dog 02 – Cave In On Me 03 – Money Tree 04 – The Eel 05 – Laughing Boy 06 – Clamshell Tune 07 – Continuing Education 08 – Tell Me That You Love Me 09 – Common Place 10 – Here For A Good Time
Pacific Music Group aims to discover and develop top Pan-Asian talent for the global stage and serve as a gateway for international artists entering Asia. Photo: Pacific Music Group, used with permission.
Pacific Music Group Launches in Hong Kong, Uniting Global Icons to Shape the Future of Asian Music
Hong Kong — Three-time Grammy Award–winning superstar NE-YO, Indian music legendSonu Nigam, and pioneering Chinese American rapper MC Jin have joined forces with veteran music executive Jonathan Serbinto launch Pacific Music Group, a visionary entertainment company headquartered in Hong Kong and positioned to transform the global music landscape. (Miller PR, 2025)
A New Force in Global Music
Pacific Music Group sets out with a bold mission: to build world-class music careers from the heart of Asia. The company will focus on discovering, mentoring, developing, and promoting the region’s next wave of influential artists, while also offering international talent a strategic gateway into Asia’s rapidly expanding music ecosystem.
Launching with a diverse slate of genre-spanning imprints, including pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, electronic, and regional Asian styles, Pacific Music Group aims to cultivate a dynamic roster of artists who transcend borders. The company’s reach spans the entire continent, from Japan to India and from China and Korea to Southeast Asia. Their commitment: deliver impactful releases, culturally resonant collaborations, and original music that speaks to global audiences.
Artist-Driven Leadership
“Launching Pacific Music Group isn’t just a business move, it’s a personal mission,” NE-YO shared. “As an individual of Chinese descent, I’m proud to use my resources to help discover and elevate the next generation of talented Pan-Asian superstars. I’ve toured across Asia several times and witnessed the evolution of the music scene, so I’m really excited to make history and bring the region’s rich culture to the forefront of the global stage.”
NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, and MC Jin will each contribute their extensive expertise in A&R, drawing on decades of experience as globally recognized performers and hitmakers. Jonathan Serbin, known for driving Warner Music’s expansion throughout Asia and launching its first dedicated K-Pop label, brings deep regional knowledge and a proven track record in artist development, strategic investment, and market growth.
Pacific Music Group’s debut artist lineup will be revealed in the coming months, with the first releases expected in Fall 2025. The company plans to maintain offices and talent hubs across Asia, creating a vibrant, cross-cultural ecosystem that supports creativity, collaboration, and long-term artist growth.
Redefining the Global Music Axis
The launch of Pacific Music Group reflects a significant shift within the global music industry. Eighty years ago, Atlantic Records symbolized a U.S.–U.K. music axis that defined the era. Today, that axis has shifted dramatically eastward. Asia is now home to three of the world’s largest music markets, Japan, China, and Korea, and several of the fastest-growing, including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Pacific Music Group’s name signals this new reality. Asia has become the epicenter of musical innovation, creativity, and fan engagement. Just as Atlantic Records captured the cultural momentum of its time, Pacific Music Group aims to define a future where influence, artistry, and opportunity flow across the Pacific Ocean, from Pan-Asia to the world.
Leadership Profiles
Jonathan Serbin — Co-Founder, Executive Leadership
Jonathan Serbin brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the music and media industries across Asia and the U.S. He previously served as Co-President of Warner Music Asia, overseeing 11 markets and spearheading the company’s regional growth, including the launch of Warner’s first K-Pop imprint. Serbin also led Billboard’s expansion into China and Southeast Asia and has been instrumental in major strategic investments throughout the region. A former music attorney and media investment banker, he brings a rare combination of business acumen, artistic insight, and international partnership experience.
NE-YO — Global Superstar, Mentor & A&R Visionary
A three-time GRAMMY® Award–winning hitmaker, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur, NE-YO has shaped global music culture for nearly two decades. His debut single “So Sick” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned quadruple-platinum certification. Renowned for his songwriting as much as his performance, NE-YO continues to influence music across genres and generations.
MC Jin — Cultural Pioneer & Cross-Cultural Ambassador
MC Jin is a groundbreaking Chinese American rapper, actor, and cultural icon known for expanding Asian representation in global Hip-Hop and entertainment. Rising to fame as a champion on BET’s 106 & Park Freestyle Fridays, he became the first Asian American solo Hip-Hop artist to sign with a major U.S. label. Jin has released music in both English and Chinese, toured internationally, and appeared in numerous film and television projects across the U.S. and Asia.
Sonu Nigam — Iconic Voice of India
Sonu Nigam stands as one of India’s most celebrated and influential vocalists. For nearly two decades, he has written and performed hundreds of songs for many of India’s most beloved films. As a live performer, he has entranced audiences in more than 50 countries with his powerful voice, versatility, and magnetic stage presence. With millions of global streams, he remains one of India’s most enduring and beloved artists.
Gran Moreno is Ricardo (guitarist and vocals) and Christian (drums). Photo: Tico Mendoza, used with permission.
Gran Moreno Unleashes New Single “Temple of Fire” Ahead of Debut Album El Sol
This week, Austin duo Gran Moreno released their newest single, “Temple of Fire,” now available on all major streaming platforms. The track originally premiered via The Obelisk, offering an early glimpse into the band’s evolving sonic universe. (US/THEM Group, 2025)
A New Force in Psychedelic Rock
Gran Moreno is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling voices in the new wave of psychedelic rock. Their sound, rooted in analog warmth, expansive textures, and hypnotic grooves, creates an immersive experience that blurs the line between distortion and introspection. With heavy rhythms, emotionally charged melodies, and atmospheric layers, their music feels like a sonic mirage: shifting, evocative, and deeply felt.
A Conceptual Debut: El Sol and La Luna
At the heart of Gran Moreno’s artistry is a dedication to storytelling through sound. Their upcoming debut album is a conceptual, two-part experience:
Side A: El Sol — urgency, energy, and clarity
Side B: La Luna — shadow, mystery, and reflection
The first release, El Sol, captures the band at full intensity, offering a vivid and unfiltered introduction to their creative identity.
A Live Experience That Transcends the Stage
Gran Moreno’s live performances elevate their music into a full-body encounter. Blending sonic power with rich visual elements, their shows draw audiences into a shared trance, one that feels both deeply personal and profoundly communal. Their fierce independence and bold creativity continue to shape a musical world entirely their own.
Release Info
El Sol will be available on LP and digital download on January 17, 2026. Pre-orders are available HERE.
SA Examiner 