newmusicweekly

[newmusicweekly]

In late 2019, singer-songwriter Alexander Cardinale and his wife Daphna welcomed their second daughter into the world. At exactly that time, his single “Simple Things” featuring Christina Perri started charting at radio, Cardinale’s family was hit with an unimaginable revelation: A few months after their new baby girl’s birth, the family discovered a life-altering IVF mix-up: the baby wasn’t biologically either of theirs. Their embryo had been accidentally switched, and another had been transferred into Daphna. This meant their birth daughter belonged genetically to another family, and as fate had it, the Cardinale’s biological daughter had been born to their birth daughter’s genetic parents. Faced with the impossible, both families naturally found themselves blending together, ensuring the two babies would stay in everyone’s lives and could grow up together as sisters. The experience shifted Cardinale’s entire focus. He stepped away from his rising music career, redirecting all his energy into his family and their healing journey. Now, years later and in a period of reflection, Cardinale returns to music with renewed purpose. His latest release, a modernized cover of Cat Stevens’ timeless anthem “Peace Train,” is a heartfelt expression of his truth. The single channels his hopes for unity, healing, and resilience—not only for his family but for listeners everywhere. “I reflect on what got me through the darkest period of my life: choosing love,” Cardinale shares. Read the full article

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In a strong bipartisan move, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have reintroduced the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" aimed at ensuring AM radio remains a standard feature in all new vehicles without additional cost to consumers. This legislation mandates that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforce the inclusion of AM broadcast radios in new cars, emphasizing the crucial role AM radio plays during emergencies. The act, which saw a previous introduction in May 2023, passed through the Senate Commerce Committee in July of the same year and the House Energy and Commerce Committee in September 2024 but failed to reach a floor vote. The current session shows promise with over 40 senators, including Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), rallying as co-sponsors. The reintroduction comes in response to the increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters, such as the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, where AM radio proved vital in broadcasting emergency information. "Tens of millions of listeners have voiced the necessity of AM radio in their vehicles. It's an indispensable tool for emergency communication across the nation," stated Senator Markey. Senator Cruz echoed this sentiment, highlighting AM radio's reliability during crises like weather disasters and power outages. Read the full article

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Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 announces the release of its official mobile app. Available now for download on both iPhone and Android devices, the CRS 2025 app is accessible through mobile app stores by searching "CRS 2025." This app is designed to enhance attendee experience, featuring an expanded agenda, detailed session descriptions, bios of speakers and a list of artists set to perform. The app integrates several useful tools, including calendar upgrades that allow users to tailor their schedules and directly post updates and reviews to their social media profiles, ensuring a seamless and interactive experience throughout the event. Attendees will benefit from comprehensive access to informative panels, research presentations, and intimate performances by some of today's leading country stars and upcoming artists. This year's seminar covers a wide array of pertinent topics such as social media strategies, brand building, leadership development, and the latest consumer research insights, aiming to bolster understanding and cooperation between radio and record industries. The schedule is filled with educational panels, extensive networking opportunities, and practical workshops designed to provide immediate, actionable insights. Although advance registration has closed, prospective participants can still register on-site starting Wednesday, February 19. For more details, visit CountryRadioSeminar.com. Read the full article

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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr today announced a series of appointments to key acting leadership positions within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including the designation of an Acting General Counsel and Managing Director. These changes come as part of a broader initiative to ensure the FCC continues its mission effectively. Joel Taubenblatt has been named Acting Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. With a deep background in various leadership roles within the Bureau, Taubenblatt's expertise spans from economic to broadband policies. He holds law and economics degrees from Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania respectively. Trent Harkrader will serve as the Acting Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau. Harkrader has played a crucial role in the implementation of significant broadband policy initiatives and universal service reforms. His experience includes a focus on broadband adoption and telehealth under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Harkrader received his legal education at Southern Methodist University. Erin Boone takes over as Acting Chief of the Media Bureau. Boone, who has previously advised on wireless and enforcement issues and worked in both the private and public sectors, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She earned her law degree from the Catholic University of America. Debra Jordan has been appointed Acting Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Read the full article

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20-year veteran broadcaster Eric Martin Koppelman is transforming the radio landscape with his platforms 495.fm and IradioUSA. Koppelman, a figure with deep roots in broadcasting and advertising, is leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower broadcasters and businesses, establishing new paradigms for the industry. 495.fm, based in Long Island, features a distinctive Lost Classic Hits format, showcasing hits from the '60s to the '90s. The station, which is licensed to broadcast globally, focuses on maintaining a local appeal, thus attracting both Long Island residents and international listeners. Koppelman emphasizes the legitimacy of his operations, stating, "We make sure everything we do is 100% legit," highlighting his commitment to legal and ethical standards. In a novel approach to advertising, 495.fm treats advertisers as partners, fostering a collaborative environment that eschews high-pressure sales tactics. Instead, the station focuses on creating custom, engaging ads that resonate with listeners. "It's about repetition and consistency," Koppelman remarks, addressing the needs of small business owners looking for effective advertising solutions in a landscape where social media often falls short. Additionally, 495.fm offers a local search feature on its website, connecting listeners directly with advertisers in their area, thereby enhancing community engagement and support for local businesses. Read the full article

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Native Texan, Chris Chitsey, is the only country music artist alive today that has charted #1 singles in 4 different decades. Chitsey made a name for himself on the competitive, Texas honky-tonk circuit, before graduating to success on a national level in the late 1990’s. His smooth evocative voice and energetic stage presence quickly established Chris as one of the latest Texas exports to achieve national acclaim. Rooted in the smooth Texas country style, Chris began his music career, as a high schooler, on the stage of his family’s Bar-B-Q restaurant and entertainment venue in the heart of Austin, TX. Raised on a steady diet of George Strait, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, Charlie Pride & Mel Tillis, Chitsey’s future had taken shape. After becoming one of the main attractions in Central Texas throughout his college years, Chris inked his first record deal two years into his college career at Southwest Texas State University. His self-titled debut album had three songs hit the top spot, including “At A Time Like This”, “John Wayne Rides Again” and “With A Body Like That”, which held 18 weeks on the CMT and GAC Top 10 Countdown Shows. Chris completed his undergraduate degree and went on to earn a master’s degree, all while maintaining focus on his music career. Chris’ journey in the country music business has been a true testament to his talent, persistence and dedication he brings to the table. Read the full article

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Tubi, the ad-supported streaming service from Fox Corporation, has announced today a new partnership with iHeartMedia to bring the radio show and podcast "The Breakfast Club" to its platform. This marks the first time the morning show will be available both on-demand and through a dedicated free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel set to launch in February. "The Breakfast Club," hosted by DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God and Jess Hilarious, is known for its mix of entertainment, music and candid discussions with high-profile guests. The show reaches six million listeners monthly and has a strong presence on social media, influencing discussions in modern culture, particularly in contemporary Hip-Hop and R&B. Starting Thursday, Tubi viewers can access "best of" moments from the show on-demand. The upcoming FAST Channel will feature a daily selection of the show's most memorable episodes and segments, alongside curated clips and highlights-all available for free. The partnership extends "The Breakfast Club's" reach beyond its traditional radio audience and into a new digital realm, leveraging Tubi's platform to tap into a broader fan base. The show is syndicated by Premiere Networks on over 100 stations nationwide, from WWPR (Power 105.1) in New York to markets such as Houston, Atlanta and Miami. It is also available as a podcast on iHeartRadio. Read the full article

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New Music Weekly magazine has announced the nominations for the 2025 New Music Awards. Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone & Luke Combs are among the top major label nominees while artists DPB, John Jurney, Eileen Carey & Bill Abernathy are among the many independent artists nominated.  Radio stations, programmers and industry professionals were also graced with New Music Awards nods. Subscribers and music fans had a hand in the nomination process via their votes online and can now have input on the final outcome. The leading radio industry publication has now opened its voting ballot that allows you and music fans to participate in the voting process.   New Music Weekly is in pre-production for its 2025 NMA Nominees special edition. Record labels, Management, PR and Artists are encouraged to participate and many will be sharing their good fortune in this particular issue. Contact New Music Weekly for the NMA Nominations special advertising rates and cast your ballot now.  And the nominees for the 2025 New Music Awards are . . . Read the full article

[newmusicweekly]

Emerging model and artist Jadelyn has released her latest track “Runaway,” an enchanting pop anthem about imagining a whirlwind romance. The single captures the magic of losing yourself in a fantasy, blending themes of love and adventure with a lighthearted, ethereal vibe. “Runaway” is now available to stream and download on all major platforms worldwide. Jadelyn describes the track as “a carefree love story based on a daydream I once had laying on the sand in Malibu,” reflecting her playful sense of escapism. As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she channels the universal yearning for connection and spontaneity, painting a vivid picture of meeting a stranger, leaving the chaos of the city behind, and embarking on an impulsive journey to explore the exhilaration of an unexpected connection. “The thrill of the unknown in a spontaneous relationship really ignites something in me,” Jadelyn shares, embodying the excitement and wistfulness woven into the song. Written by Jadelyn alongside JP Clark (Bryce Vine, MOD SUN, blink 182), Bryan Jarett, and Rob Nagelhout, “Runaway” is a mix of yearning and longing, brought to life through Jarett and Nagelhout’s atmospheric production. The track’s pop soundscape perfectly complements its themes, resonating with listeners and inviting them into its carefree, adventurous world. Jadelyn is a model and rising singer-songwriter, amassing over 7 million Spotify streams and earning a top 200 placement on the dance charts. Read the full article

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CJ Jackson is appointed as Program Director and afternoon host at Urban WEAS-FM (E93) in Savannah, GA. He'll also handle nights at Urban AC WTYB-FM (Magic 103.9). The appointment marks Jackson's return to Cumulus Savannah, where he previously aired in nights from 2012 to 2015. Most recently, he served as Music Director at Cumulus in Charleston, SC, since August. Before his stint in Charleston, Jackson was PD for iHeartMedia in Savannah, overseeing WLVH-FM and WQBT-FM from 2016 through 2024. Cumulus Savannah Vice President and Market Manager Eric Mastel expressed enthusiasm about Jackson's return, citing his "deep community and client relationships and great passion for this market" as key factors that will "elevate our brands." Jackson added, "It feels good to come back to the two stations that gave me my start," he said. "I look forward to helping usher in this new era of radio with my Cumulus family." Read the full article

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The Veer Union have launched into 2025 with the release of the their new album, “Welcome To Dystopia”.  The 8 song, apocalyptic themed album by the Vancouver BC, Canada based group includes previously released hit singles “Empirical”; “Is This How It Ends”, and the title track, which included a guest appearance by rising rockers Silent Theory. The focus track for the LP is “No Excuse” which excoriates leaders around the world for leaving the poor, middle class and working class behind in an evolving world – in order to help the wealthy grow their net worth to obscene levels.  An ominous spoken word intro explodes into driving guitars, buoyed by a hypnotic piano and synth melody line that are propelled forward by thunderous drums with a chugging, relentless rhythm. The Veer Union says “No Excuse’ is a powerful rallying cry that exposes the deep-rooted betrayal of the working class by those in power. For decades, our leaders have decimated the middle class by outsourcing our manufacturing base, leaving communities to struggle while the wealthy elite thrive. At the same time, governments have colluded with big tech to suppress dissent, using cancel culture and censorship as tools to control the narrative. They continue “Endless wars have claimed countless innocent lives, torn nations apart, and yet, the only ones to benefit are those at the top. We’ve endured lockdowns, had our freedoms stripped away, and watched our futures grow uncertain. Read the full article

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Mammal Talk returns with their latest single, “Ether,” a reflective track that explores themes of sadness and hope while maintaining the band’s quintessential blend of funky R&B and live instrumentation. The song offers a deeply empathetic take on the complexities of modern life, inviting listeners to embrace vulnerability as a path to empowerment. “Ether” is now available to stream and download on all major platforms. “Ether” brings Mammal Talk’s signature sound through an introspective space. With hauntingly beautiful vocals and immersive instrumentation, the track captures feelings of hopelessness and frustration that resonate universally. The inspiration for the song lies in “a place for anger and frustration towards the establishment, the oligarchs, the bad faith actors in our political class,” explained by the band and M. Legere, who worked together to write the lyrics for the single. “Songs like these aren’t written to bring us down or to make us sad,” they explain. “They give us a chance to look inward.” “Ether” acknowledges the weight of the outside world while reminding listeners that hope and resilience remain within reach. The first step is acknowledging the problem, as it allows us to use our collective strength to challenge the powerful people who are so careless with our shared human experience. “Ether” is a sad song, but there is still hope in it. The hope lies in the solidarity of knowing that you aren’t experiencing these feelings and emotions alone. Read the full article

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John Preston is a Marine Corps combat veteran, firefighter, and recording artist whose life is a testament to resilience, service, and creativity. A member of the Palo Alto Fire Department, Preston balances his heroic work on the front lines with a thriving music career that uses storytelling to inspire veterans, first responders, and everyday heroes. Preston’s music, including his powerful new video Rise, reflects his deeply personal journey spanning 20 years in military service, firefighting, and family life. Signed with Lobel Music Group, Preston channels his experiences into songs that resonate with audiences seeking hope and perseverance. His 704-mile hike in 2023 and previous physical feats have been pivotal in raising awareness for mental health issues, particularly those affecting veterans and first responders. Adding to his impact, Preston is a family man, incorporating his children into projects like Rise, which features Hollywood-style storytelling alongside archival footage of his extraordinary life. The video was directed by filmmaker Paul Sadowski, with wardrobe support from MUNICIPAL, a brand owned by Mark Wahlberg. Beyond music, Preston’s heroism extends to his work as a firefighter. In January 2025, he postponed release events for Rise to join the fight against the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles. Read the full article

[newmusicweekly]

The Veer Union have launched into 2025 with the release of the their album, “Welcome To Dystopia”.  The 8 song, apocalyptic themed album by the Vancouver BC, Canada based group includes previously released hit singles “Empirical”; “Is This How It Ends”, and the title track, which included a guest appearance by rising rockers Silent Theory. The new focus track for the LP is “No Excuse” which excoriates leaders around the world for leaving the poor, middle class and working class behind in an evolving world – in order to help the wealthy grow their net worth to obscene levels.  An ominous spoken word intro explodes into driving guitars, buoyed by a hypnotic piano and synth melody line that are propelled forward by thunderous drums with a chugging, relentless rhythm. The Veer Union says “No Excuse’ is a powerful rallying cry that exposes the deep-rooted betrayal of the working class by those in power. For decades, our leaders have decimated the middle class by outsourcing our manufacturing base, leaving communities to struggle while the wealthy elite thrive. At the same time, governments have colluded with big tech to suppress dissent, using cancel culture and censorship as tools to control the narrative. They continue “Endless wars have claimed countless innocent lives, torn nations apart, and yet, the only ones to benefit are those at the top. We’ve endured lockdowns, had our freedoms stripped away, and watched our futures grow uncertain. Read the full article

[newmusicweekly]

Clay and Kelsy have released their latest single, “Mirror,” a poignant track about vulnerability and the journey toward living truthfully. Available now on all major streaming platforms, “Mirror” is the first offering from their forthcoming EP, Somebody (Act II)—the second chapter in a trilogy of deeply intimate and evocative stories. Penned by Clay as a meditation on her experience coming out as transgender, “Mirror” invites listeners on a profound exploration of self-discovery. “The song is meant to spark the conversation you have with your reflection—searching for the courage to make it real,” Clay explains. The track captures the delicate balance between guarding truths and finding the bravery to share them with the world. “For us, ‘Mirror’ is incredibly personal, but it’s also universal,” the duo shares. “Whether it’s coming out, navigating identity, or facing your fears, the heart of this song is about embracing your truest self—even when it feels terrifying.” Both “Mirror” and Somebody (Act II) explore themes of honesty, purgatory, and embracing the unknown. “Many of these songs were written as we wrestled with questions of identity, sexuality, and how to exist fully in the world,” they reveal. Through their rich storytelling and raw emotional resonance, Clay and Kelsy offer listeners a safe space to reflect, grow, and take pride in their individuality. Read the full article

[newmusicweekly]

The FCC, under the leadership of Chairman Brendan Carr, has launched an investigation into whether National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) have breached federal laws by airing what could be classified as commercial advertisements under the guise of underwriting spots. The inquiry raises concerns over the networks' compliance with longstanding regulations designed to keep public broadcasts non-commercial. Chairman Carr expressed apprehensions in a recent communication to the chief executives of both NPR and PBS, suggesting that their broadcasts might include underwriting announcements that push the boundaries into prohibited advertising territories. This investigation aligns with broader discussions on Capitol Hill regarding the continuation of federal funding for public broadcasting, amidst debates over the necessity and appropriateness of taxpayer support in the evolving media landscape. NPR and PBS, however, maintain their innocence, stating their practices comply fully with FCC regulations. NPR's President Katherine Maher and PBS's CEO Paula A. Kerger have both defended the integrity of their programming, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the non-commercial standards that have characterized public broadcasting for decades. This investigation comes at a time when public broadcasting's financial strategies have become more reliant on underwriting due to reduced federal and state funding. Read the full article