newmusicweekly

[newmusicweekly]

Industrial electronic artist Staytus is back with her darkest and most powerful track yet, “68 Kill,” an eerie anthem about reclaiming power and conquering trauma. The new single is now available on all streaming platforms and is the first song released in Twisted Frames, a series of singles inspired by Matthew Gray Gubler’s iconic, cult-followed horror films. “68 Kill” reflects a woman who has faced dark moments and is now fighting back. Staytus sings about how she is no longer a victim and is taking back her power. Working alongside renowned producer Matt McJunkins of A Perfect Circle at Secret Hand Studios in Los Angeles, Staytus created an intense sound that matches her lyrics. “Working with Matt was an incredible experience,” says Staytus. “Matt brought so much depth to the production with his bass and synth work, creating a sonic landscape that perfectly matched the intensity of the song. His talent and energy really pushed me to elevate my own creativity and singing.” Staytus vulnerably shares her experiences with abuse using her bone-chilling lyrics, singing, “Bloody nose, black eye, you make me wanna die. Your manipulation was a form of masturbation. Call me spineless, call me useless, it doesn’t change the fact you do this.” The upcoming music video and cover art for Staytus’s “68 Kill” is shot by distinguished photographer and There Is No Us frontman Jim Louvau. Read the full article

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In a sweeping move, iHeartMedia has initiated a major wave of layoffs, marking its most substantial staff reduction since January, 2020. The company is adopting a new operational framework aimed at centralizing many of its day-to-day activities to a national programming team, impacting various local and regional positions across the U.S. The layoffs have affected well-known industry figures and air talent in multiple cities. In Boston, after less than six months, The Rich Shertenlieb Show has been terminated at Classic Rock WZLX-FM. Boston Region President Alan Chartrand, with a radio career starting in 1984, is also among the significant exits. In Chicago, morning host Angi Taylor was let go from WCHI-FM (Rock 95.5), a position she took over after the station's format flip in September, 2020. Similarly, in Cleveland, Bill Squire and Mary Santora from the "Alan Cox Show" on Hot Talk/Rock 100.7 WMMS have been dismissed. This restructuring extends to market management levels affecting various departments, including promotions and sales teams. Notably, Patrick Davis in Dallas, with 20 years under his belt, departs from his role as Senior VP/Programming and PD at CHR KHKS-FM (106.1 Kiss FM). Denver saw the departure of Alfred 'Big Al' Williams from the afternoon slot at News/Talk KOA, alongside Michael Coover and Brandon Krisztal, further indicating the depth of the cuts. Read the full article

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Pop singer-songwriter Ashley Elle beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of holding on to someone who no longer serves you in her new single, “One More Night.” Weaving together heart-wrenching lyrics and ethereal melodies, Ashley Elle brings solace to anyone caught in the cycle of romantic entanglements. “One More Night” is available now on all streaming platforms. A rising voice in the indie-pop music scene, Ashley Elle continues to showcase her versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending the genuine storytelling of folk with the rich, sonic soundscapes of dream pop. “One More Night” is no exception for Ashley Elle, taking listeners on a journey through the subtle longing of a love frozen in time. Featuring warm acoustic melodies, echoing vocals, and intoxicating atmospheric layers, she captivates listeners, offering a space to explore deep emotion and self-reflection. The song explores the internal battle between the heart and mind, capturing the powerful tension of staying connected to someone, even when they’re not right for you. “‘One More Night’ is a song for those who feel trapped within the push and pull of a toxic relationship,” she shares. “It’s the realization that just because you may love somebody deeply, doesn’t mean that person is good for you. Read the full article

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Sons of Levin has released “On The Line,” the first single off their upcoming EP. This honest track plunges into the tried-and-true sounds of blues rock with electrifying guitar riffs, unstoppable beats, and contagious vocals. The song is about the renewal of one’s mind and spirit. “On The Line” is available now to stream and download on all major platforms. “On The Line” highlights the band’s trademark sound while marking their return to their jam band roots. "We recorded this song with the intention of capturing a live performance,” the band explains. This blues-rock anthem hones in on the idea that you create your own destiny and are responsible for your own actions. “‘On The Line’ speaks to the natural need to look at oneself honestly and to understand one’s shortcomings. Then, we are faced with the decision to change, or not,” explains lead singer, Dylan Levison. “The chorus phrase, ‘And in time, you’ll find, your foot’s been on the line’ can mean many things, but it’s important to realize that self-improvement is a process, and is never finished completely.” With every note drowned in aspects of a live jam session, Dylan Levinson brings the heat with his infectious vocals. Right from the start, “On The Line” kicks off with funky grooves driven by Connor Levinson on guitar, Connor Frawley on bass, and Ben Kersh on drums. The band locked in for a track that set the stage for high energy and rhythmic vibes. Read the full article

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Stone Senate is igniting the European music scene once again, bringing their explosive blend of Southern soul and rock ‘n’ roll back across the pond. Fresh from a high-energy performance at Nashville’s iconic 3rd and Lindsley, where they opened for Brother Cane’s 30th anniversary celebration of their 1993 self-titled debut album, Stone Senate is ready to unleash their dynamic sound on 28 stages across 6 countries this fall.  Their Lucky Buzz European Tour kicks off this week, accompanied by their release of their spirited new single, “Lucky Buzz,” available on Thursday, October, 30. “Lucky Buzz” is a lively, upbeat song that explores themes of luck, friendship, and seizing the moment amidst uncertainty. With lyrics that convey lightheartedness and resilience, the song offers an anthem for those facing life’s challenges head-on. STREAM HERE Stone Senate and Brother Cane Set 3rd and Lindsley Ablaze Ahead of Their “Lucky Buzz” Release and European Tour Kickoff “Stone Senate is one of today’s most adventurous and prolific rock bands. Their music soars to life with the guitar work unmatched in today’s rock arena, the brothers hold down the rhythm, and Clint has an amazing presence as his voice tells you their story.” — Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Toby Wright “Lucky Buzz” written by James Edwards of Stone Senate comes as the first single since their last album released Between the Dark and the Light. Read the full article

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Main Street Media has agreed to acquire WPBX-FM, WOWF-FM, WAEW-AM, WCSV-AM, W242DH and W249DA in Crossville, TN, from PEG Broadcasting. PEG Broadcasting is a Tennessee-based company headed by Dawn and Reed Shaw. Main Street Media is a Tennessee-based company headed by Chad Graves and Scot MacDonald. Main Street Media was formed earlier this year by Graves and MacDonald to acquire the other markets from PEG. The partners each own additional businesses with MacDonald running McMinnville Moving & Storage, while the Atlanta-based Graves is a Partner in Bennett Thrasher's Technology Services accounting practice. Main Street also owns radio stations in McMinnville, Morrison, Sparta and Spencer, all in Tennessee. Kalil & Co. served as the broker for this transaction. Read the full article

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Entertainer Tori Martin rings in the holiday season today with the release of a jazzy new single/video, “Warm For December,” for LuckySky Music. With her signature sultry vocal and a positive lover-to-lover message, this song is a celebration of emotion. Word play matches musical trills as a weeping steel guitar and evokes the comforts of a familiar touch backed by a slow-burning fire. In the video, a bare recording studio with a multitude of string lights allows the camera to focus solely on Martin, dressed in her 1940s cabaret singer-inspired best. “Overall, we wanted this to be low key with a throwback feel,” Tori recalls. “That inspired the video’s retro element as well. We wanted to create a smoky, late night jazz club vibe and I think we succeeded.”   Tori co-wrote the song with hitmakers Bill DiLuigi and Kirsti Manna. The track was produced by LuckySky Music's Bill Warner and recorded at WarnerWorks Studio, and features top-notch Nashville talent, including Russ Pahl (steel guitar), Dane Bryant (bass, keys), Bill Warner (guitars), and Brian Czach on drums. Directed by Skyler Wilson, the video, a Retro Current Marketing production, was filmed in Ft. Worth, Texas in early October. Read the full article

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Steve Hegwood's Core Communicators has introduced a new player in the New Orleans radio scene with the launch of Hip Hop "Streetz 100.3" on KLRZ (100.3) in New Orleans. Previously operating as Coastal Broadcasting of Larose's Sports "ESPN New Orleans," the station began its new format with 5,000 songs back-to-back, commercial free. The station's operations are managed under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA), which includes an option to purchase. The transition marks Hegwood's return to New Orleans, nearly two decades after his previous outlet Hip Hop KNOU (Hot 104.5) was decimated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This disaster led his On Top Communications to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the following year. Further setbacks occurred when temporary facilities were destroyed by Hurricane Gustav in 2008, and after multiple ownership changes, the station rebranded and resumed operations as 1980s Hits "Z104.5" KWMZ-FM in 2013. Read the full article

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The annals of music are rich with stories of those who say they were saved by a song. Maybe it gave them a more fruitful way of looking at life, or a feeling of belonging or perhaps just a laugh when they needed one desperately. Different keys open different doors. No one knows this better or has made wiser use of it than singer/songwriter Eileen Carey. Her fans routinely praise her for sometimes “knowing” them better than they know themselves. Well, here she comes again with the spirit driven “On the Rise.” an assertive declaration that looks self-doubt in the eye and demands that it blink first: “This time I’m gonna take a chance/Don’t need no place to hide/I”m gonna tale it to the top/and see the world with open eyes.” Written jointly by Carey and Lily Wilson and produced by Nashville’s Travis Allen, “On the Rise” is released to radio and streaming service Spotify now. As with such earlier hit singles as “Let It Go,” “Bring on the Big,” “Bottle Your Crazy Up,” “Sweet Love” and “Land With You.” “On the Rise” taps into emotions almost everyone feels but which they can’t quite isolate and put a name to. Not so with Carey. Read the full article

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Independent Artist Christian Music Associationwinning singer, rapper, songwriter Ashante P.T. Stokes aka PTtheGospelSpitter started as a backing vocalist in R&B and Hip Hop and has gone on to become a rising gospel artist. Who Is PTtheGospelSpitter? Early releases like “Understanding God” and “God is Love” established his appeal to R&B and Gospel fans. His most recent radio single, “Kingdom” is PT’s first MediaBase Top 40 charting single. The pop charting also contributed to PT’s first CCM charting Top 20 with both Christian Voice Magazine and Cashbox. “Kingdom” peaked at #11 in USA Christian/Gospel iTunes sales over a 5 week chart run. His visual music praise/worship version of “Kingdom” won Best Music and Sound at the Experimental, Dance and Music Film Festival. His “Kingdom (Dance Therapy)” version debuted as #40 all genres, iTunes Top 100 and as of this writing has been top of the Christian and Gospel chart in several countries, most notably Turkey (14 weeks and counting on the chart) where it has peaked at #3 on Apple Music. It also charted on Spotify’s Local Pulse charts for NYC and Houston. South to the North PT is from Atlanta, Georgia where he was raised as a youth chanter at Wheat Street Baptist Church and playing hand bells at Hillside Presbyterian Church. His mother sang in the Gospel choir which traveled in the US and abroad often with PT in tow. Read the full article

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iHeartMedia New Orleans flips Rock WFFX-FM to the new VooDoo 103-7, effective October 17. VooDoo 103-7 will feature New Orleans 90's to now, including songs from artists like P!nk, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Nickelback and Matchbox 20. The station's weekday lineup will also feature the Louisiana-based syndicated "Murphy Sam & Jodi" in mornings, New Orleans rock host Kat in PM drive and longtime personalities Jennie James in midday and Michelle Fay at night. Area President Tori Kahl unveiled the new Voo Doo 103-7 in true New Orleans style to a captive audience of clients - with a catered 'Format Launch Party' before its debut at 5pm. Bob Murphy, Senior VP of Programming of Louisiana/Arkansas markets said, "It's exciting to launch a fresh station concept with a beloved New Orleans radio brand name from the 2010s and air talent who call South Louisiana home." Executive VP of Programming Angela Watson-Charles added, "VooDoo is what the energy of New Orleans is all about-fun and full of culture. We're super excited to reintroduce this station and to connect with our listeners." Read the full article

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Alpha Media EVP of Content Phil Becker recently welcomed Bootleg Kev, host of the Premiere Networks-syndicated Hip-Hop program "The Bootleg Kev Show," to his "Phil-Osophy with Phil Becker" podcast for a conversation about the rise of Country music. The opinionated duo attempted to answer the question: "Is Country music the new Hip-Hop?" Becker and Bootleg Kev discussed collaborations like Morgan Wallen with Lil Durk, and how Country artists are ditching traditional aesthetics for something that resonates with today's audience. They also explore what's diluting Hip-Hop's appeal and why the genre might be losing some of its edge; how TikTok and streaming have blurred genre lines; and the similar raw and rebellious nature of Country and Hip-Hop. Bootleg Kev also shares personal stories from his work with artists who are redefining what music can be, like the genre-bending Jelly Roll, who credits Kev with his move to Country music. Below is a highlight from the conversation, which can be heard here. Becker: "Is it (Country) in fact becoming the new Hip-Hop, or do you think this is just a 6-12 month run?" Bootleg Kev: "I think that Country and Hip Hop have always had interesting parallels. If you listen to Waylon Jennings - he's got a song called 'Outlaws.' That's really some gangster rap from the 70s. A lot of the subject content of Country music is very kind of Hip-Hop in spirit. ... I don't think it's gonna be a six to 12-month thing. Read the full article

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In a display of community spirit and generosity, KRBE-FM in Houston successfully orchestrated the 2nd Annual Turkey Tour with hosts Kevin & Audrey, garnering a substantial donation of 873 Hunger Bags totaling 3,000 pounds of food for the Houston Food Bank. The event, held from November 1-5, was part of a broader effort to combat food insecurity in the Houston area, where 1 in 8 residents faces food shortages daily. Broadcast live from various Kroger locations across Houston, Katy, League City, New Caney and Cypress, TX, the Turkey Tour engaged listeners with music, giveaways and a call to action to support their fellow Houstonians. The tour featured appearances by KRBE personalities, handing out Turkey Tour t-shirts, Kroger shopping cards and other prizes, culminating in one lucky listener winning a year's supply of groceries valued at $5,000. KRBE Content Director Leslie Whittle expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. "Our listeners and partners have shown immense generosity. It's heartwarming to see our community come together to provide for those in need during the holidays," Whittle stated. On-air host Kevin Quinn reflected on the impact of the tour, noting, "Being out in the community, interacting with our listeners, and making a direct impact on hunger locally is incredibly rewarding. Read the full article

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XEPRS-AM (1090) in San Diego makes a significant format shift, now dedicating its airwaves to Oldies. What sets this format apart is its revival of broadcasts by the iconic Wolfman Jack, known for his presence on 1090 XERB during the 1960s. This initiative marks the first station in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas to blend Oldies with shows featuring radio legends, including digitally remastered episodes of Wolfman Jack's original programs. The change aligns with the station's celebration of its 85th anniversary, tracing its origins back to November 6, 1939. XEPRS boasts a daytime signal strength of 77,000 watts, allowing it to reach a broad audience across Southern California. Marc Paskin, the station's manager and the brain behind the nostalgic format, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "1090 AM XEPRS is a true blast from the past," Paskin said. "We're thrilled to bring back the voices and music that defined an era, and no one embodies that better than Wolfman Jack." The station's new lineup includes a roster of radio legends such as Charlie Tuna, MG Kelly, El Chingon and The Real Don Steele, complementing the classic hits played on air. Wolfman Jack's shows will feature weekdays from 5-7pm, promising to rekindle the magic of his heyday with the same zest and charisma that captivated listeners decades ago. Read the full article

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KICKNUT, a trio of seasoned yet anonymous musicians, erupts onto the scene with their latest single, "PS Middle Finger," now available on all major streaming platforms. Blending the wild, boundary-pushing energy of the Beastie Boys with the searing, unapologetic attitude of Rage Against the Machine, "PS Middle Finger" is a Molotov cocktail of 90s rebellion turned all the way up. Relentless and unfiltered, this new release serves as a fiery anthem of defiance, delivered with the raw power of roaring guitars, intense rhythms, and biting lyrics. With every beat, KICKNUT demands the track be blasted at full volume, making it a call to arms for those who dare to resist, rebel, and rise above. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of musical heavyweights, including the Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine, and Tenacious D, KICKNUT brings a fresh yet familiar swagger to their sound. Despite their impressive pedigrees and musical backgrounds, the members of KICKNUT have chosen to keep their identities hidden, letting their music speak for itself. "PS Middle Finger" is available now, streaming across all platforms, ready to fuel the revolution of unapologetic self-expression and attitude. Stay tuned for more from KICKNUT as they continue to push boundaries and challenge the norm.   Read the full article

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WLEV-FM in Allentown, known as the Lehigh Valley's Christmas Station, has announced a holiday event featuring actor Daniel Roebuck, who will help usher in the station's seasonal transition to all Christmas music. The event is scheduled for Friday, November 15 at 8am at the WLEV Studios. Roebuck, acclaimed for his roles in "The Fugitive" and "Final Destination," is joining WLEV's morning hosts, Selena & Crockett, for the festive switch. This special occasion coincides with the release of Roebuck's new film "Saint Nick of Bethlehem," a holiday film shot entirely in the Lehigh Valley. The morning show duo, Selena & Crockett, also have cameo roles in the movie. 100.7 LEV Program Director Jerry Padden expressed his enthusiasm about Roebuck's participation. "We're incredibly excited to have Daniel Roebuck join us for this special occasion," said Padden. "It's a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and celebrate the magic of Christmas music." "Saint Nick of Bethlehem" is set to premiere on November 17 and will be featured in several theaters across the Lehigh Valley, running until Christmas. Read the full article

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Cumulus Media appoints Leslie Whittle as Regional Content Director for CHR WWWQ-FM (Q99.7) in Atlanta and CHR KRBE in Houston, a newly created position. Concurrently, Whittle's programming purview is expanded to include oversight of the company's CHR stations as VP of CHR/Hot AC Formats. Whittle has served as VP of Hot AC Formats since 2019. Whittle's radio career started at KHFI-FM in Austin where she ultimately became Program Director for the CHR outlet. She joined 104.1 KRBE in Houston in 2000 as Assistant Program Director, and in 2006 was named KRBE's Program Director. Under her programming leadership, KRBE won a Marconi Award for CHR Station of the Year in 2017 and again in 2019. Cumulus Media Chief Content Officer Brian Philips said, "Leslie Whittle has masterfully programmed 104.1 KRBE for almost two decades, and has led as VP of Hot AC Formats for six years. Everyone acknowledges that this natural expansion of her role will serve Houston and Atlanta well; two monster CHRs with dominant morning shows. Leslie's warm and unaffected management style commands the respect of her Cumulus peers and the entire industry." Whittle commented, "The Q997 team is incredibly talented, and the Q997 brand iconic. I'm honored to be part of building its future along with being very thankful for the support of the KRBE crew in Houston. This truly is the best of both worlds. Many thanks to Brian Philips, Melissa Forrest and Alex Cadelago for their faith in me." Read the full article