Tag: music

Your Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day in San Antonio

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)

Tenfold Rooftop at Kimpton Santo: The Skyline Soirée

Wednesday, December 31 | 8 PM – 12 AM
Black & White Attire | 21+

  • $180+ per person
  • $1,800+ VIP sections
    📍 431 S Alamo St.

Toast to the new year at Tenfold’s chic rooftop party overlooking downtown San Antonio. Tickets here. (Kimpton Santo, 2025)

🍽️ Elevated Dining Experiences

The Clementine Countdown Dinner

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.

The Keystone Club: NYE $5 Bubbles

December 31 | 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Celebrate casually with $5 bubbles offered throughout the hotel outlets.
📍 311 N St. Mary’s St.

🥂 Hotel Parties & Packages

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa – Anaqua Garden Bar: A New Leaf NYE

December 31 | Doors at 4 PM | DJ 8 PM – 1 AM

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.

The St. Anthony Hotel: NYE Celebration & VIP Rooftop Party

December 31 | Doors at 9:30 PM | 21+

  • $225++ General Admission
  • $300++ VIP Admission
    📍 300 E Travis St.

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)

🥞 New Year’s Day Brunch & Recovery

Dean’s Steak & Seafood: The 2026 New Year’s Revival

January 1 | 6:30 AM – 10 AM
Start the year strong with an indulgent New Year’s Day breakfast at Kimpton Santo.

Jots: New Year’s Day Hangover Hash

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!

The Enduring Legacy of SNFU’s …And No One Else Wanted to Play

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 Brings Holiday Magic With New Christmas Single ‘Miracle’

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.

Sacred Bones Unveils Remastered Alan Vega Classics and Rare Archival Gems

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.

Alan Vega Tracklist:

01 – Jukebox Babe
02 – Kung Foo Cowboy
03 – Fireball
04 – Love Cry
05 – Speedway
06 – Ice Drummer
07 – Bye Bye Bayou
08 – Lonely

Alan Vega Deluxe Edition Tracklist:
 
01 – Jukebox Babe
02 – Kung Foo Cowboy
03 – Fireball
04 – Love Cry
05 – Speedway
06 – Ice Drummer
07 – Bye Bye Bayou
08 – Lonely
09 – Ice Drummer (Demo)
10 – Fireball (Demo)
11 – Speedway (Demo)
12 – Love Cry (Demo)
13 – Kung Foo Cowboy (Demo)
14 – Lonely (Demo)
15 – Bye Bye Bayou (Demo)

Collision Drive Tracklist: 

01 – Magdalena 82
02 – Be Bop A Lula
03 – Outlaw
04 – Raver
05 – Ghost Rider
06 – I Believe
07 – Magdalena 83
08 – Rebel
09 – Viet Vet

Begging Dog: Jeff Kleinman’s Gritty Tribute to Everyday Life

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

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NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, and MC Jin Unite to Launch a Game-Changing Asian Music Label

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 legend Sonu Nigam, and pioneering Chinese American rapper MC Jin have joined forces with veteran music executive Jonathan Serbin to 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 Ignites with New Single ‘Temple of Fire’ Ahead of Debut Album El Sol

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.

El Sol tracklist:

  1. Las Montañas
  2. Aztlan
  3. Huracan
  4. Temple of Fire
  5. La Mentira
  6. Oaxaca – Please Don’t Cry
  7. Hikuri
  8. California Blues
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Between The Waves is Home Front’s Anthem for Resilience and Renewal

L-R Clint Frazier, Graeme MacKinnon. Photo By Lyle Bell, used with permission.

Home Front Shares Final Single “Between The Waves” Ahead of Watch It Die Release

This week, Home Front shared their final single, “Between The Waves,” from their upcoming album Watch It Die, out this Friday November 14 via La Vida Es Un Mus. Pre-Order/Pre-Save. (another side, 2025)

A Lifetime of DIY Spirit

For decades, Graeme MacKinnon and Clint Frazier have been deeply embedded in grassroots music-making, community building, and the unpredictable ebbs and flows of DIY punk.

Formed in 2020, Home Front channels their lifetime of experience into a project that feels nostalgic and forward-looking; a sound that moves between the textured sounds of Tangerine Dream and the pounding urgency of an anthem for survival.

Music That Grows Through Change

Home Front’s music holds onto a rare kind of passion, the kind that guides you, like a climbing vine wrapping around both triumphs and losses. Their lyrics and influences are specific yet universal, personal yet accessible.

The new record’s production, guided by a close-knit team of longtime collaborators, reflects their DIY ethos. Recorded in home studios in their hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Watch It Die is a testament to making something powerful out of humble circumstances.

Honest, Danceable, and Deeply Human

Watch It Die is built simply: 12 songs of danceable, hummable, and rousing honesty. The emotion of this LP solidifies these musical notions into meaningful art.

“For us, ultimately, this is music that comes out of loss and heartbreak and failure,” says the band. “You can get rowdy, you can get emotional, you can do whatever you want—but maybe, with all of that freedom, we take a second to reflect on all our fallen brothers and sisters and friends who may have slipped away.”

Finding Light in the Bleak

Rather than asking why or how we got here, Watch It Die offers a step forward, a dose of optimism and self-ownership in dark times. It reminds us that solitude doesn’t have to equal despair, and that wisdom can replace nostalgia as a form of grace.

This album doesn’t shy away from the world’s ills, it owns them, transforming pain into purpose.

Tour Dates

Home Front kick off their West Coast tour next week, including stops in:

  • San Francisco
  • Sacramento
  • Los Angeles’ Palladium (supporting Cock Sparrer on November 22 & 23)
  • Plus a release show just announced at Knuckleheads on November 22.

Home Front Live Dates:

Nov 20: Sacramento, CA – The Starlet Room
Nov 21: San Francisco, CA – Thee Parkside
Nov 22: Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium # (SOLD OUT)
Nov 22: Los Angeles, CA – Knucklehead (Release Show)
Nov 23: Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium !
Dec 13: Winnipeg, MB – The Handsome Daughter + (SOLD OUT)
Dec 19: Calgary, AB – Palomino * 
Dec 20: Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room ^
Feb 6-8: Hague, NL – Grauzone
# w/ Cock Sparrer, Dillinger Four, Castillo
! w/ Cock Sparrer, Dillinger Four, Generacion Suicida
+ Record Release Show w/ Imploders, Pure Impact
* Record Release Show w/ CloseTalkers, Puppet Wipes, Poltergeist
^ Record Release Show w/ Languid, Real Sickies

Watch It Die tracklist:
01 – Watch It Die
02 – New Madness
03 – Light Sleeper
04 – Between The Waves
05 – Eulogy
06 – The Vanishing
07 – For The Children (F*ck All)
08 – Kiss The Sky
09 – Always This Way
10 – Dancing With Anxiety
11 – Young Offender
12 – Empire

Jordin Sparks Joins Toby Gad on New Holiday Album Piano Diaries – Christmas

Toby Gad ushers in the season with his first holiday album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎹 Toby Gad Unveils Piano Diaries – Christmas: A New Chapter in Holiday Music

GRAMMY®-winning songwriter Toby Gad releases Piano Diaries – Christmas on November 7, a deeply personal, all-original holiday album featuring Jordin Sparks, Victoria Justice, Loren Allred, and more.

Los Angeles, CA — After decades shaping some of pop music’s most defining hits, GRAMMY®-winning and Diamond-certified songwriter Toby Gad turns inward this season with the release of his first all-original holiday album, Piano Diaries – Christmas, available on all digital platforms November 7. Pre-save here. (Miller PR, 2025)

Known for writing emotional powerhouses like John Legend’s “All Of Me,” Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy,” and Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” Gad now turns his songwriting lens toward the most nostalgic and heartfelt season of the year.

✨ A Modern Holiday Songbook

Each song on Piano Diaries – Christmas was born from authentic, intimate collaboration. Gad invited twelve world-class vocalists to sit at the piano and transform their most personal holiday memories into original songs. The result is a modern seasonal songbook that blends intimacy and sophistication through piano, orchestral, and vocal performances.

The twelve-track collection features performances by:

  • Jordin Sparks (American Idol)
  • Victoria Justice (TV star and pop singer)
  • Loren Allred (The Greatest Showman)
  • Megan McKenna (Celeb-X winner)
  • Michael Huntley (The Voice Season 24 winner)
  • Louisa Johnson (X-Factor winner)
  • Anthony Gargiula (TikTok sensation)
  • Sam Ryder (Eurovision star)
    …and more.

🎶 Stories Told in Song

A deeply personal project, Piano Diaries – Christmas radiates warmth and reflection. Each track unfolds like an entry in Gad’s musical journal: intimate, cinematic, and timeless.

“With Piano Diaries – Christmas, I wanted to create a timeless soundtrack that feels like a letter to the season itself. Every song carries a personal story of the artist singing it, and each performance reflects a sentimental truth about their own experience of the holidays.” – Toby Gad

The album strikes a rare balance between reverence and reinvention:

  • Jordin Sparks’ “Christmas Takes Me Back Home” and Michael Huntley’s “Mama Made Christmas” channel nostalgia and family tradition.
  • Megan McKenna’s “Feels Like Hallelujah” and Anthony Gargiula’s “Fall in Love with Christmas” radiate pure joy.
  • Victoria Justice’s “Blessed” and Dionne Bromfield’s “Christmas For One” bring emotional depth and quiet introspection.

Together, they capture the many shades of the holiday season.

🎄 Release Details

Piano Diaries – Christmas will be available November 7 on all streaming platforms via Kite Records. A limited-edition vinyl will also be sold at The London Shard, accompanied by two exclusive Christmas Live performances on December 15 and 16.

🎵 About Toby Gad

Toby Gad is a GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles, celebrated for crafting timeless pop anthems across genres from pop and R&B to rock. His catalog of hits spans decades and includes collaborations with some of the biggest artists in the world.

Beyond his chart-topping success, Gad has expanded into filmmaking, directing and producing documentaries centered on environmental causes close to his heart.

With Piano Diaries – Christmas, Gad steps into the spotlight under his own name, creating an original and heartfelt collection that feels destined to join the canon of modern holiday classics.

Piano Diaries – Christmas Tracklist:

  1. Joelle James – “Kiss Me for Christmas”
  2. Loren Allred – “What a Wonderful Night”
  3. Huntley – “Mama Made Christmas”
  4. Sam Ryder – “Holy Night”
  5. Megan McKenna – “Feels Like Hallelujah”
  6. Gavin James – “We’ve Really Loved Someone”
  7. Louisa Johnson – “Follow the Stars”
  8. Victoria Justice – “Blessed”
  9. Jordin Sparks – “Christmas Takes Me Back Home”
  10. Dionne Bromfield – “Christmas For One”
  11. Anthony Gargiula – “Fall in Love with Christmas”
    Bonus Track:
  12. Marisha Wallace – “Little House in the Snow”
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PechaKucha San Antonio Returns to the Tobin Center

The final PechaKucha of 2025 will take place this Thursday November 6. Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2025 with Volume 47 at the Tobin Center

SAN ANTONIO, TX — PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its fast-paced storytelling format, is excited to announce Volume 47 — the final event in its 2025 series. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)

📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
🕕 Schedule:

  • 6:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
  • 7:30 p.m. — Presentations Begin

A Night of Creativity at the Tobin Center

Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Tobin Center is a downtown landmark that blends its original facade with a state-of-the-art performance space. This beautifully restored venue has become a beacon of creativity, fine art, and urban revitalization and it’s the perfect setting for PechaKucha’s final 2025 event.

Meet the Volume 47 Presenters

This edition of PechaKucha San Antonio will spotlight seven inspiring local voices, each sharing their passions through the signature 20×20 format — 20 images, 20 seconds each.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

  • Debby Andersen – Healer
  • Agosto Cuellar – Fashion Designer / Fashion Activist
  • Attie Jonker – Master Craftsman
  • Juliette Montoya – Salon Owner & Operator
  • Oscar Perez – Chief Everything Officer
  • Ed Saavedra – Visual Artist
  • Tori Santos – Community Choreographer

✨ The evening’s emcee will be Naomi Shihab Nye, San Antonio–based poet, educator, editor, and former Poet Laureate.

Music, Food, and Community

The welcome reception will feature live music by Kitten Mitten, a band of animal-loving friends turning their pets’ antics into anthems, blending heart and humor to amplify both furry and human voices that too often go unheard.

Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from local favorites including:
🍽 Liberty Bar • Tio Pelon’s Salsita • Cheesy Jane’s • Bakery Lorraine • Tobin Catering

The Tobin Center will also offer drinks and cocktails for purchase throughout the night.

Tickets

🎟 Tickets: $10 per person
🔗 Purchase here: Tobin Center

About PechaKucha

PechaKucha (pronounced PEH-chuh KOO-chuh) is a global arts and culture event where presenters share their passions through 20 images x 20 seconds — a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per talk.

The format was created by Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo in 2003 to encourage creative professionals to share ideas in a concise and engaging way. Since then, PechaKucha has grown to over 1,200 cities worldwide.

San Antonio hosted its first PechaKucha Night in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees each quarter, featuring architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders, and more.

Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.