Both Jackson and the Struts frontman Luke Spiller have opened up about the inspiration behind “Low Key In Love” and how they eventually came together to record the groovy duet.

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For “Low Key In Love,” the Struts and Jackson teamed up with producer Tommy English (PVRIS, Against The Current, One OK Rock) who helped bring the passionate rock duet to life. The Struts guitarist Adam Slack and bassist Jed Elliot incorporate signature electric guitars that are reminiscent of rock bands from decades ago. Meanwhile, drummer Gethin Davies’ laid-back percussion and tambourine gives “Low Key In Love” a nostalgic funk-inspired vibe.

As for Spiller and Jackson, the groovy sound of the duet allows their signature vocals to really shine through. Spiller’s distinct gritty voice offers the perfect contrast to Jackson’s airy yet powerful singing. Together, their unique styles and ever-present emotions within the song balance one another out, creating a harmonious and dreamy duet about modern-day love. 

“Low Key In Love” is available to stream below.

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Spiller went on to write “Low Key In Love” after a memorable date in California. He wanted to create a song that conveys the emotions people feel when they walk into a new environment.

“‘Low Key In Love’ was written after a date in Los Angeles at ’70s retro bar Good Times at Davey Wayne’s,” Spiller says in a press release. “I walked into the studio explaining that we needed the song to have the essence you feel when entering the bar and absorb the vibe.”

When it was time to record the track, Jackson immediately came to mind. Spiller had previously caught one of her performances on the fateful night that inspired “Low Key In Love.” As a result, the Struts eventually reached out to her about turning the song into a duet.

Read more: 10 guitarists who brought punk rock firmly into the 2000s

“When we decided to explore the idea of a duet, I thought back to that night and remembered that Paris played a brilliant acoustic set,” Spiller says in a press release. “Something inside was telling me that everything happened for a reason, so I decided to message her. I’m convinced some things are just written in the stars. Bringing in Paris just gave the song a whole new dimension and really brings the story to life. She is beautiful and brilliant. A star.”

As it turns out, Jackson was a fan of the Struts long before they approached her about the duet. After catching their set with Mötley Crüe back in 2015, Jackson was quickly intrigued by their stage presence and music.

“I first heard of The Struts when I went to go see Mötley Crüe play their final set on New Year’s Eve night at Staples Center a few years ago,” Jackson says in a press release. “The boys opened up for them and I had no idea it was going to be as incredible as it was. I just remember turning to my friend and saying, ‘Who the fuck ARE these guys?’ I was so blown away by their talent, their stage presence and their energy. It felt like I had time traveled and got to experience what rock and roll was at its prime, like with the Rolling Stones and Queen.”

Read more: These 10 British guitar-rock bands will make your playlists louder

Soon after the show, Jackson began listening to the Struts more and eventually forged friendships with them. For her, collaborating with the band on “Low Key In Love” was an incredibly special experience.

“I started listening to their music and would see them at events here and there, and we’ve always been pretty friendly online,” she says in a press release. “When Luke asked to work with me, it was an immediate yes.  It’s been a privilege and an honor to sing on a song that I know means so much to Luke. I’m grateful for the friendship that has sprung from such a lovely project. It’s unlike anything I have ever done or thought to do before, and I’m here for it.”

On April 16, Jackson shared a behind-the-scenes video of her recording the duet with the Struts in the studio.

 

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“Low Key In Love” marks the latest collaboration to come from the Struts this past year. Back in October 2020, the band released their latest studio album Strange Days which includes an array of talented musicians.

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For the powerhouse song “Wild Child,” the Struts teamed up with Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello who infused his signature electric guitar riffs into the track. Meanwhile, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott and guitarist Phil Collen join the band on the guitar-heavy track “I Hate How Much I Want You.” As well, Strange Days features collaborations with Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes) on “Another Hit Of Showmanship” and Robbie Williams on the album’s title track.

Strange Days is available to stream below.

What are your reactions to Paris Jackson and the Struts’ new duet “Low Key In Love”? Let us know in the comments below.

The passionate visual isn’t the only exciting thing Evanescence are sharing this week. The band also announced that on May 13, they will be hosting another special livestream concert where they will perform several songs from The Bitter Truth live for the first time.

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The “Better Without You” visual explodes with emotions as Evanescence face the threats grabbing hold of them. In particular, vocalist Amy Lee can be seen wandering through a dimly lit labyrinth while powerfully singing the song’s compelling lyrics. 

Eventually, she lets go of her pent-up feelings and literally breaks down the walls around her with a microphone stand, emerging victorious from the threats surrounding her. However, a shocking twist at the end of the video seemingly reveals that Lee knew what was keeping her captive all along.

Following the release of “Better Without You” back in March, Lee offered some insight into the meaning behind the track. For her, the metal-inspired single focuses on growing up and realizing life isn’t a fairytale after all.

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“As the lyrics had started to form, and just my feeling in this moment in general, there’s a big theme of disillusionment for me,” Lee says in a press release. “Just growing up and seeing that fairy tales aren’t really real. And it’s hard to be a grownup, it really is. Because somebody else isn’t in charge, we really have to be able to make our own decisions, find out our own information [and] protect ourselves.”

Ultimately, “Better Without You” tackles the choices we make each day and how they impact us in the long run.

“People die, we’re all going to,” Lee says in a press release. “There’s no magic castle. So that sounds like a lot of doom and gloom when I say it, but there’s a choice to accept that truth and live in it and embrace it, choose to live, choose to live in a moment and the choice to just give up. And there’s a struggle there, but my choice is most definitely to take that pill.”

The “Better Without You” video was directed by Eric D. Howell, who also directed their “Use My Voice” video, and is available to watch below.

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The Bitter Truth, which was released on March 26, marks Evanescence’s first full-length album of original music since their 2011 self-titled LP. Along with “Better Without You,” the new record features the singles “Wasted On You,” “The Game Is Over” and “Yeah Right.” As well, Evanescence teamed up with Lzzy Hale, the Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen, Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel and more for the powerful single “Use My Voice.”

In an exclusive interview with Alternative Press, Lee opened up about why the band decided to release The Bitter Truth incrementally throughout the past year.

“The Bitter Truth is so different in its formation,” she tells Alternative Press. “We’re just beyond all the rules now. All the freedom that all those experiences I just talked about afforded us the confidence of feeling like we can reinvent our process if we want to. For me, just being open-minded to even the way that we release our music. And being brave enough to start releasing music when we haven’t finished the album.

It’s been such a crazy year, such a hard year for everybody in different levels and in different ways. But this music is saving my life. It has been the thing that I can own, the one thing that I can come out here and do and make something beautiful. It’s a deeper understanding of my place [and] my belief of my place in the world and in our music and why I do what I do. It comes from these hard moments.”

Lee’s interview with Alternative Press and The Bitter Truth are available to stream below.

Read more: 20 women vocalists in metal who are a driving force for the genre

On May 13, Evanescence are treating fans to their special Driven To Perform Livestream Concert event. During the virtual show, the band will perform songs from throughout their discography. As well, their set will also include several tracks from The Bitter Truth that have never been played live before. The free event, which is being hosted by Alice Cooper, kicks off at 8 p.m. CT via DrivenToPerformConcert.com and Evanescence’s Facebook page.

What are your reactions to Evanescence’s “Better Without You” video? Let us know in the comments below.

Moratorium, which arrives exactly one year after the release of their last full-length, is a compilation of numerous home studio sessions, acoustic renditions and various performances Enter Shikari recorded over the past year.

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Enter Shikari released Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year. As a result, they were unable to hit the road and perform the new songs for fans. Back in May, frontman Rou Reynolds opened up exclusively to Alternative Press about how not being able to tour has impacted him.

“It’s just been so surreal,” Reynolds tells Alternative Press. “I haven’t gone this amount of time without seeing the rest of the band members since, like, 2005. It’s just really odd. Not being able to celebrate the album release with them was frustrating. I think our management, our whole team… it’s been a real cocktail of emotions. Because obviously, I’m excited that finally the music is being released into the world because it’s something that we put our heart into for the whole of 2019. More time and effort went into making this album than any of the others. So I’m super excited to bring it out and get people’s reactions and let it out into the world.”

Eventually, Enter Shikari found themselves turning toward other creative avenues to stay busy and keep listeners engaged. The band soon kicked off their Live At Home series where they performed songs off of their 2020 album such as “The Great Unknown” and “Rat Race.”

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“With no live shows and no real contact with the rest of the band, it was nice to at least be able to do some remote sessions together,” Reynolds says in a press release. “It was also interesting to develop acoustic and alternative versions of some of the new tracks. These performances went some way to filling the gaping hole in our lives.”

Now, Enter Shikari have combined some of their recent recordings and performances to create their new album Moratorium (Broadcasts From The Interruption). The LP features their Live At Home performances as well as a few other special tracks.

Back in July, Reynolds gave two solo electric performances of “Live Outside” and “the pressure’s on.” for 2000trees’ virtual festival 2000screens. For Moratorium, Reynolds remixed and mastered the performances and incorporated them into the album’s final tracklisting. Additionally, Reynolds also teamed up with the Sofia Session Orchestra for two captivating acoustic renditions of “{The Dreamer’s Hotel}” and “Heroes.” 

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“After creating an acoustic version of ‘{The Dreamer’s Hotel}’ to play during lockdown livestreams, I began to think that this rather dulcet adaption could benefit from some orchestral parts,” Reynolds says in a press release. “I love composing and it was a joy to work with the Sofia Session Orchestra, who, as you’ll hear, nailed it.”

Moratorium (Broadcasts From The Interruption) is available to stream below and on digital streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music here.

Additionally, on July 16, Enter Shikari are releasing a limited edition physical version of the album. As well, a deluxe 2-disc edition of Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible featuring both LPs will also be released. Pre-orders for the physical albums are available here.

More on Enter Shikari

After numerous tour delays amid the global pandemic, Enter Shikari are set to hit the road in Eastern Europe, Russia and the U.K. later this year followed by another European run in 2022.  Although tour support for the European and Russian legs have not been announced yet, Nova Twins and Dinosaur Pile-Up are touring with Enter Shikari in the U.K. All previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.

You can see Enter Shikari’s full list of tour dates below and more information can be found here.

Enter Shikari tour dates

09/02 – Lviv, UA @ Fest Republic
09/03 – Kyiv, UA @ Bingo Club
09/05 – Minsk, BY @ Prime Hall
09/06 – Riga, LV @ Melna Piektdiena
09/07 – Tallinn, EE @ Helitehas
09/09 – Moscow, RU @ Adrenaline Stadium
09/11 – St. Petersburg, RU @ A2
09/13 – Helsinki, FL @ Tavastia
09/14 – Tampere, FL @ Klubi
09/16 – Stockholm, SE @ Fryhuset
09/17 – Gothenburg, SE @ Pustervik
09/19 – Oslo, NO @ John Dee
09/20 – Copenhagen, DK @ Pumpehuset
09/22 – Warsaw, PL @ Stodola
09/23 – Krakow, PL @ Kwadrat
09/24 – Vienna, AT @ Simm City
09/26 – Lyon, FR @ CCO
09/27 – Toulouse FR @ Connexion Live
09/28 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz 2
09/30 – Madrid, ES @ La Riviera

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10/01 – Lisbon, PT @ LAV
10/04 – Perigueux, FR @ Sans Reserve
10/05 – Nantes, FR @ Warehouse
10/07 – Caen, FR @ Big Band Cafe
10/08 – Paris, FR @ La Cigale
10/09 – Tourcoing, FR @ Le Grand Mix
10/10 – Beauvais, FR @ L’ouvre Boite

12/04 – London, UK @ Alexandra Palace
12/05 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Victoria Warehouse *SOLD OUT*
12/07 – Lincoln, UK @ The Engine Shed
12/08 – Hull, UK @ University Union Asylum
12/09 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy
12/11 – Liverpool, UK @ Mountford Hall
12/12 – Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy
12/13 – Edinburgh, UK @ Usher Hall

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12/15 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy
12/16 – Cardiff, UK @ Great Hall *SOLD OUT*
12/17 – Southampton, UK @ O2 Guildhall
12/19 – Middlesbrough, UK @ Town Hall
12/20 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City *SOLD OUT*
12/21 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City *SOLD OUT*

01/31/22 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
02/01/22 – Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit 36
02/03/22 – Berlin, DE @ Columbia Halle
02/04/22 – Cologne, DE @ Palladium
02/05/22 – Antwerp, BE @ Trix
02/07/22 – Zurich, CH @ Extra
02/08/22 – Stuttgart, DE @ LKA Longhorn
02/09/22 – Munich, DE @ Tonhalle
02/10/22 – Offenbach, DE @ Stadthalle

06/25/22 – Munster, DE @ Vainstream Rockfest

What are your reactions to Enter Shikari’s new album Moratorium (Broadcasts From The Interruption? Let us know in the comments below.

For the video, Morissette is raising for Backline Care, a nonprofit organization that offers free mental health and wellness resources to music industry professionals and their families. All donations to the organization can be made on the video’s YouTube page.

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When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, the tour industry was completely flipped upside down. As tours and festivals were postponed and canceled, live music industry personnel soon found themselves out of work while ticket holders were left without any shows to attend. 

Now, Morissette is looking back on her days on the road in the “I Miss The Band” video. The sentimental visual offers numerous snapshots of her touring with her band around the world. As well, various footage also features Morissette’s dedicated fanbase who have shown up to her shows with posters, personalized shirts and, above all, love for her music.

The “I Miss The Band” lyrics depict personal moments she has experienced while on the tour. From getting off a plane in Japan to arriving at baggage claim not knowing what city she is in, the narrative behind the song offers an intimate look at what life on the road is like for her.

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In the YouTube video’s caption, Morissette briefly opens up about her optimism that she will be reunited with her band and fans on tour again soon.

“Deeply yearning to play live music again,” she writes on YouTube. “The sweat, the rapture, the movement, the love. I miss seeing your faces and being with my bandmates. Soon we’ll be back together.”

With the video, Morissette is helping raise money for Backline Care which offers various resources for any individual working within the live music industry.

“Life in this industry can be incredibly isolating and difficult,” Morissette writes on her YouTube page. “Backline provides a safe, private and immediate place to go for help. Available for free to artists, managers, agents, crew, producers, labels and their families, Backline programs offer case management, support groups and wellness programs to meet the needs of this unique community.”

The “I Miss The Band” visual was directed by Victor Indrizzo who has worked with Morissette as a drummer. In recent years, he provided percussion and drums for her 2012 album Havoc And Bright Lights and 2020’s Such Pretty Forks In The Road.

More information on Backline Care can be found here, and the “I Miss The Band” video is available to watch below.

More on Alanis Morissette

“I Miss The Band” marks the second song Morissette has released this year. Back in March, she unveiled a demo of “Predator,” one of the songs from Jagged Little Pill: The Musical. The Broadway production is inspired by Morissette’s 1995 album of the same name. Earlier this year, the songs from Jagged Little Pill: The Musical led to the production winning Best Musical Theater Album at the Grammy Awards. 

Back in 2020, Morissette celebrated the 25th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill with a staggering 29-track reissue of the album. Along with the original tracks, Morissette re-released 16 live tracks that were recorded during her concert at the historic O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London last year. Back in November 2020, Morissette first released these live recordings as a special double LP Record Store Day offering.

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For the Jagged Little Pill 25th anniversary, Morissette was set to hit the road with Liz Phair, Julia Stone and Garbage last year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was postponed to this year.

As it stands, the North American tour is set to kick off July 10 in Toronto at the Budweiser Stage. Both Phair and Garbage are supporting the North American tour while Phair will be playing with Morissette for the U.K. and European shows. Meanwhile, Stone is supporting the New Zealand, Australia and Philippines tour later this fall.

The full list of dates is available below and more information can be found here. 

Tour dates

07/10 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
07/11 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest
07/31 – Portland, OR @ Sunlight Supply Amphitheater

08/01 – Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
08/03 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion
08/05 – Phoenix, AZ @ Ak-Chin Pavilion
08/08 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Usana Amphitheatre
08/12 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater
08/13 – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion
08/14 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart Amp
08/17 – Tampa, FL @ Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
08/18 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Credit Union Amphitheatre
08/20 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

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08/21 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
08/22 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park At Walnut Creek
08/25 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
08/26 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion
08/28 – Hartford, CT @ Xfinity Theatre
08/29 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health At Jones Beach Theater
08/31 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

09/01 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
09/03 – Gilford, NH @ Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion
09/04 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
09/05 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
09/08 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
09/10 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
09/11 – Tinley Park, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
09/12 – Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
09/15 – Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
09/17 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
09/18 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
10/05 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

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10/18 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena
10/20 – London, UK @ The O2 Arena
10/22 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Arena
10/25 – Dublin, IE @ 3Arena
10/28 – Hamburg, DE @ Barclaycard Arena
10/29 – Copenhagen, DK @ Royal Arena
10/31 – Amsterdam, NL @ Ziggo Dome
11/03 – Budapest, HU @ László Papp Budapest Sports Arena
11/06 – Warsaw, PL @ Expo XXI
11/08 – Milan, IT @ Mediolanum Form
11/10 – Madrid, ES @ Wizink Center
11/13 – Paris, FR @ Accor Arena

11/25 – Auckland, NZ @ Spark Arena
11/27 – Melbourne, AUS @ Rod Laver Arena
11/28 – Melbourne, AUS @ Rod Laver Arena
11/30 – Sydney, AUS @ Qudos Bank Arena
12/04 – Perth, AUS @ Rac Arena
12/07 – Manila, PHL @ Mall Of Asia Arena
12/08 – Manila, PHL @ Mall Of Asia Arena

What are your reactions to Alanis Morissette’s “I Miss The Band” video? Let us know in the comments below.

In addition to starring in I Slept With Joey Ramone, Davidson is also teaming back up with director Jason Orley to write the biopic’s treatment. The film is based on the Mickey Leigh memoir of the same name. 

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is being made in cooperation with the Estate of Joey Ramone. The movie will depict the musician’s life and career as the lead vocalist of the Ramones. At this time, no specific plot details regarding the Netflix biopic have been released. However, the memoir’s synopsis does offer some insight into what viewers may see in the upcoming film.

“When the Ramones recorded their debut album in 1976, it heralded the true birth of punk rock,” the synopsis says via Barnes And Noble. “Joey Ramone gave voice to the disaffected youth of the seventies and eighties [and] the band influenced the counterculture for decades to come. Joey’s brother, Mickey Leigh, shares a fascinating, intimate look at the turbulent life of one of America’s greatest—and unlikeliest—music icons. While the music lives on for new generations to discover, I Slept with Joey Ramone is the enduring portrait of a man who struggled to find his voice. And of the brother who loved him.”

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So far, Davidson is the only actor publicly attached to I Slept With Joey Ramone. For the project, he’s reuniting with Orley who directed both Big Time Adolescence and Pete Davidson: Alive From New York. Alongside Davidson, Rory Rosegarten (Everybody Loves Raymond), Leigh and David Spiegelman are the film’s executive producers. Orley is also directing I Slept With Joey Ramone which is being made in partnership with both Netflix and STXfilms.

STXfilms Chairman Adam Fogelson discussed why the company decided to team up with Netflix to tell Ramone’s story on screen.

“When you share a bed with someone,” Fogelson says in a press release. “And not just a bed, but a childhood, a family, and a lifetime–you know that person better than anybody else. Mickey Leigh not only collaborated with his big brother’s band, he has irreplaceable memories of and insights into Joey Ramone. [He] supported him when no one else would and witnessed him overcome adversity in the most dramatic way.

“I Slept with Joey Ramone is a great rock anthem that will make an equally great rock biopic, set apart by a universal story of family. Pete is perfect for this role. We’re excited he and Jason will be bringing this icon of rock to life. [We are] thrilled to be collaborating once again with our friends at Netflix.”

More on Pete Davidson

Over the past few years, Davidson has made his transition from a TV comedian to a silver screen actor. Back in 2019, he starred as Zeke in Big Time Adolescence alongside his real-life BFF Machine Gun Kelly. In the film, he’s a college dropout whose best friend is a high school student (Griffin Gluck) transitioning into adulthood.

Davidson also teamed up with Machine Gun Kelly for Netflix’s The Dirt which depicts Mötley Crüe’s tumultuous rise to fame. In the music-heavy film, Davidson plays the band’s former A&R executive Tom Zutaut. Meanwhile, MGK portrays drummer Tommy Lee while Douglas Booth plays Nikki Sixx, Iwan Rheon portrays Mick Mars and Daniel Webber stars as Vince Neil.

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Then, in 2020, Davidson worked with director Judd Apatow on his semi-autobiographical film The King Of Staten Island. In the movie, Davidson plays Scott Carlin, a young New Yorker dealing with the death of his firefighter father. 

Later this year, Davidson is starring as Blackguard in The Suicide Squad. He joins a star-studded cast in the James Gunn-directed film including Margot Robbie who is reprising her role as Harley Quinn. As well, DC fans will see Idris Elba as Bloodsport, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller and John Cena as Peacemaker among others. The film officially arrives August 6 and will be simultaneously released in theaters and on HBO Max. 

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https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1377712257157636096

Along with his film career, Davidson is still a frequent face on Saturday Night Live. Lately, Davidson has become the NBC show’s go-to guy for Eminem parodies, SoundCloud rappers and Machine Gun Kelly impersonations.

The comedian even pleased The Nightmare Before Christmas fans when he channeled Jack Skellington for a recent sketch. Between his growing movie career and SNL residency, Davidson continues to produce plenty of content over the past few years.

What are your reactions to Pete Davidson playing Joey Ramone in the new Netflix biopic? Let us know in the comments below.

On the heels of her big wins at the 2021 Grammys, Apple has released her own take on Van Etten’s emotional acoustic track. Along with Apple, the reissue also features reworkings from IDLES, Courtney Barnett, Shamir and Big Red Machine among others.

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This rendition of “Love More” showcases some of Van Etten and Apple’s greatest artistic strengths. While keeping the original harmonies intact, Apple infuses her own alternative rock style and powerfully distinct vocals in the new cover. As well, the recording features rhythmic bongo drums that complement the soft strumming of acoustic guitars and haunting piano notes. 

Meanwhile, Van Etten’s soft voice is weaved throughout the track, which further highlights the vulnerable narrative that originally inspired “Love More.” Ultimately, Van Etten and Apple manage to blend together their unique styles without overpowering one another, creating a melodic rendition that offers a fresh take on the 2010 track.

Fiona Apple’s cover of “Love More” is available to stream below.

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On Thursday, Van Etten took to Instagram to explain why she asked Apple to take part in epic Ten. As it turns out, she’s been inspired by Apple and her music since her teenage days. Through Apple’s music, Van Etten found the inspiration and drive to become a better musician and writer.

“The emotional rawness and visceral angst and honesty of Fiona Apple’s music was first met by my teenage years,” Van Etten says on Instagram. “Sharing a bedroom with my little sister–who so patiently studied for school–as I tried to write, sing, and play guitar in a way I wasn’t ready for yet. Fiona made me want to be a better player. She made me want to have something to say. Although music has always been an important outlet for me, I knew I hadn’t lived like she had. Having no concept of age, I heard her voice as experienced and wise and someone that I wanted to be or to know. I carried her with me.⁣⁣”

For Van Etten, “Love More” is one of her most vulnerable songs that was inspired by a difficult time in her life. Now that Apple’s version of the track exists, Van Etten feels completely different about it. In fact, the cover sheds further light on the sheer admiration Van Etten has had for Apple after all of these years. 

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“‘Love More’ is the most revealing song about one of the hardest times in my life, and the mark of change,” she says on Instagram. “When I admitted I needed help. When I leaned on others and acknowledged my weaknesses, when I was accepted at my lowest of lows, with support, and was able to move on. I was in a dark place when I wrote this song [and] I was in a safer space when I was able to record it. Now that Fiona’s version will exist in this universe, it helps me feel even farther away from the darkness I had to experience in order to write this song. She brings it life and light. She has given me her hand after all these years… and it is with pure joy to finally share this song in a brand new light by someone I always wished I could be.”

 

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Apple’s cover of “Love More” marks the final track to be released off of epic Ten. Since announcing the anniversary reissue last month, Van Etten premiered one new track every Thursday leading up to the LP’s release April 16. She kicked things off with Big Red Machine’s, a project started by the National’s Aaron Dessner and Bon Iver, cover of “A Crime.” Soon after, IDLES’ rock-heavy take on “Peace Signs” made its debut.

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Then, in mid-March, Van Etten released a performance video of Lucinda Williams’ cover of “Save Yourself” which was then followed up by Shamir’s take on “DsharpG.” For epic Ten, Courtney Barnett worked with Vagabon to record a percussion-heavy cover of “Don’t Do It.” More recently, St. Panther offered their electro-pop rendition of “One Day.” 

All of these epic Ten tracks are available to stream below. epic Ten arrives April 16, and preorders are available here. 

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Van Etten and her band are performing a livestream event April 16 and 17 in celebration of epic Ten’s release. All of the proceeds from the performances are going to Zebulon LA, a venue Van Etten says was an integral part during the early days of her career. Tickets for the livestream event are available here and start at $15. 

 

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What are your reactions to Fiona Apple’s take on Sharon Van Etten’s “Love More”? Let us know in the comments below.

The Rammstein x Balenciaga collection includes nine original pieces that are already selling out. As well, the new collection is accompanied by an exclusive Apple Music playlist curated by the band. 

Read more: Here are 10 vintage band shirts we know you wish you owned

As it turns out, Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia is a massive Rammstein fan. Before he left Vetements in 2019, the luxury streetwear brand he co-founded in 2014, Gvasalia released a few highly sought-after merch items inspired by his love for Rammstein. More recently, some of their heavy tracks were included on Balenciaga’s Apple Music playlist last year. So, it was really only a matter of time before Gvasalia’s love for the band eventually trickled into Balenciaga designs.

This week, Rammstein officially dropped their nine-piece unisex collection with the brand. The luxury collection features two different T-shirts, a long sleeve, a cropped hoodie and a boxy hoodie, all of which have a photograph of Rammstein on the front. The image was shot by Gottfried Helnwein and is an outtake from a 1998 photoshoot. As well, the collection includes a black baseball cap, a fanny pack, a backpack and a long raincoat that all have the band’s signature logo on the front. 

However, the collection does come with hefty price tags. Pieces start at $495 for the distressed Rammstein cap and go up to $2,250 for the black raincoat. As well, the fanny pack, backpack, long sleeve shirt and hoodies have already sold out. 

Read more: 10 bands who still have their original lineup over 20 years later

Currently, both the raincoat and boxy T-shirt are up for preorder, and the baseball cap and small fit T-shirt are still available to purchase. For those wanting to get their hands on the pieces that are already sold out online, the entire collection is also available at Balenciaga locations.

The Rammstein x Balenciaga collection is available to shop here. 

[Photos via Balenciaga]

As part of the capsule collection’s launch, fans of the band modeled the new merch as part of the ad campaign. According to Dazed, the images feature die-hard Rammstein fans Mona (first photo), Torsten (second photo) and Helena (third photo).

The trio have been fans for decades and were handpicked on Instagram by Gvasalia to model for the new collection. All of the images were captured by Patrick Welde and show each fan surrounded by all of their Rammstein merch and paraphernalia they’ve collected over the years.

 

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The Rammstein x Balenciaga collection is also accompanied by an exclusive Apple Music playlist created by the band. As an official curator for Apple Music, Balenciaga selects artists to create original playlists that are based on their own personal tastes and influences. 

Rammstein’s 30-song playlist truly shows the wide array of influences and artists they enjoy listening to. The whole thing kicks off with German electro-punk DAF’s “Der Mussolini,” off of 1981’s Alles Ist Gut. 

From there, Rammstein incorporated Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Parallel Universe,” Lana Del Rey’s “13 Beaches,” Thom Yorke’s “Suspirium” and Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know?” Nine Inch Nails, Korn, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Beastie Boys and Slipknot are also among the acts included. 

Rammstein’s exclusive Apple Music playlist for Balenciaga is available to stream below.

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Over the years, Rammstein have become known for releasing unique merchandise for fans. In the past, the band launched their very own line of pink dildos that came with six individual sex toys that corresponded to a member of the band. As well, the line also included a pair of handcuffs.

More recently in December, Rammstein’s Till Lindemann decided to release some more sex toys. The vocalist recently launched his own erotic website called Doctor Dick. Among the various sex toys available is the “Tilldo,” a vibrator modeled after the frontman’s iconic stage microphone stand.

Read more: 10 women vocalists who made the 2010s a monumental time for alternative

According to the vibrator’s description, the “Tilldo” is completely handmade and is for “vaginal perfection and anal correspondence.” Lindemann’s website also includes a bottled alcoholic beverage named “Golden Shower.” The item’s description says that the 11% ABV concoction is a “flavored sparkling drink with gold leaf.”

Rammstein fans can also purchase various Doctor Dick shirts, baseball hats, bags and even socks. There are also Doctor Dick condoms and some NSFW art pieces made and signed by Lindemann himself. To see all of Till Lindemann’s latest items for sale, head here.

What are your reactions to Rammstein’s new merch line with Balenciaga? Let us know in the comments below.

Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, Foo Fighters vocalist Dave Grohl and pro surfer Kelly Slater were among the final guesses. However, The Masked Singer soon learned that the man behind the mask was actually Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath.

Read more: 12 artists who got their names from other alternative songs

Orca joined season 5 of The Masked Singer as a wildcard contestant, which has been introduced this year. The secretive group of wildcard performers are taking the place of the third group of competitors and will be going up against the remaining contestants in Groups A and B. So far, four wildcard performers have been introduced into The Masked Singer‘s main group of contestants. 

During week three, Orca first performed Twisted Sister’s power anthem “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” This week, for episode five, Orca went on to perform Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” which he dedicated to his late father. However, the emotional set wasn’t enough to keep the sea creature from being voted off the show April 14.

For his first clue package, Orca kept things very pizza-related with a “today’s specials” sign that featured lemon pizza ($9), orange pizza ($4) and pumpkin pizza ($9). The masked contestant went on to say that when he was 24, he was “closer to becoming a punchline” than his goal of being a major rock star. 

As well, the Orca also revealed that he once hid audition tapes in pizza boxes and “delivered them all around the town.” He even made some ocean references when he said that his dad told him if he didn’t “make waves” by 25, he needed to move on from his dreams. Additionally, the clue package also included a cryptic clock that read 2:59. 

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Meanwhile, Orca’s second clue package was related to his late father. During the video, Orca said that he felt hopeless in an “ocean of tears” after his dad passed away. As well, he revealed that his dad’s final words to him were that he was proud of him “for being a dad above all else.” The final moment in the clue package showed Orca walking with his two kids.

Based on all of these clues, The Masked Singer judges had quite a few different guesses. During week 3, the show’s guest judge Joel McHale thought the masked contestant could be Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. This was based on the fact that the clues package included the unusual pumpkin pizza 

Due to Orca’s narrative about losing his dad and being a father of two, both Thicke and Jeong guessed that Armstrong was behind the mask. As for McCarthy Wahlberg, she originally thought Orca could be Jon Bon Jovi. However, the water imagery and anecdotes about the ocean eventually convinced her Slater was Orca. 

Finally, Scherzinger stuck to her original guess that Orca was Grohl who also lost his father. As well, Orca’s rock-heavy vocals throughout the competition also led her to believe the Foo Fighters frontman was behind the sea creature. In the end, however, all of the guesses were incorrect and McGrath was the rock performer behind the mask.

McGrath’s reveal on The Masked Singer is available to watch below.

Read more: 10 times alternative artists reimagined their own tracks for the better

As it turns out, some The Masked Singer viewers caught on early that Orca’s true identity was McGrath. As mentioned before, in the first clue package, Orca revealed that he once put audition tapes in pizza boxes and sent them out across town. This story has actually already been publicly told before. 

Back in 2014, director and producer McG (Supernatural, The O.C.), who is a childhood friend of McGrath’s, recalled putting one of Sugar Ray’s music videos into a pizza box. Then, they sent it to the head of a record label where the band eventually signed a record deal.

“We made a music video and snuck it into a pizza box and sent it to the head of the record company,” McG said on Chelsea Lately. And they got a record deal.”

Of course, all of the other hints and cryptic facts in the clue packages led back to McGrath and Sugar Ray. The price of pizzas in the first montage relates back to Orange County, California’s area code “949” which is where McGrath resides. As well, the pumpkin pizza is a subtle reference to Smashing Pumpkins’ 2018 video for “Silvery Sometimes” which features McGrath. As for the clock which read 2:59, when converted to military time it’s 14:59, which is the title of Sugar Ray’s 1999 album.

Read more: 20 books written by or about women musicians to add to your reading list

Over the years, numerous talented musicians and performers have made appearances on both The Masked Singer and The Masked Dancer. Last year, Poison frontman Bret Michaels was unmasked as Banana on The Masked Singer. Soon after his elimination, he dropped some banana-themed merch in honor of his character on the hit TV show. 

Meanwhile, Body Count’s Ice-T managed to stump the judges’ panel during his time as Disco Ball on The Masked Dancer. After the judges guessed the person behind the mask was LL Cool J, Smokey Robinson, Paula Adbul or Lionel Richie, Ice-T was eventually unmasked in a truly surprising reveal.

In honor of McGrath’s surprise reveal on The Masked Singer, Sugar Ray’s classic “Fly” is available to stream below.

What are your reactions to Mark McGrath’s reveal on The Masked Singer? Let us know in the comments below.

The Angels & Airwaves frontman recently came across an old blink-182 gig poster he drew himself in the ’90s and revealed what he thinks about it after all of these years.

Read more: 10 lead singles from the 2000s that define these iconic album eras

Back in 1993, blink-182, then called Blink, were still making a name for themselves as they played shows across their home state of California. To help get the word out, DeLonge took on the role of designing some of the trio’s concert posters. Earlier this week, he came across one of his old designs and shared it with his social media followers.

The black-and-white poster features a bald man on roller skates who is whistling his way to blink-182’s show at SOMA in San Diego on April 7, 1993. The poster features the band’s original lineup of DeLonge, bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus and former drummer Scott Raynor. 

Raynor performed with DeLonge and Hoppus on tour as well as 1994’s Buddha, 1995’s Cheshire Cat and 1997’s Dude Ranch. However, in 1998, he parted ways with the band and was soon replaced by Travis Barker.

Read more: 15 artists who would crush a collab on blink-182’s next record

On the nostalgic blink-182 poster, DeLonge described the band as “alternative punk power pop” and also noted their hometown of Poway, California. DeLonge even included a very detailed map showing how to get to SOMA for the gig. 

DeLonge wrote on Instagram that he created the poster when he was around 18 years old. Although decades have passed since this particular blink-182 concert, he thinks it’s pretty great the poster is still making rounds online.

“I actually drew this when I was about 18 maybe? Not sure,” he says on Instagram. “But saw this on my feed and thought it was really cool to see again.”

 

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Along with the old concert poster, DeLonge also posted a cropped photo of him and Hoppus during the early days of blink-182 with Raynor. In the throwback, both musicians can be seen rocking short haircuts while Hoppus holds a butcher knife with a menacing look on his face.

“Me and [Hoppus] getting into a bit of trouble,” DeLonge says on Instagram. “Just about to go chop shit up in this old pic [blink-182].”

 

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Of course, these aren’t the only blink-182 throwbacks that have been shared over the past few weeks. Back in March, Hoppus sent fans into a theory frenzy when he tweeted some old photos of blink-182. The post was seemingly in reference to the difficult year the world has had amid the global pandemic. However, some fans theorized that the tweet could be a hint Hoppus, Barker and DeLonge are up to something.

https://twitter.com/markhoppus/status/1367250169771651073

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On April 9, DeLonge further teased Angels & Airwaves’ upcoming album. In a tweet, he confirmed that the new record is on the way and fans will get to hear the first single off of it in the next few weeks. In fact, DeLonge previously indicated that the new track will please fans of Box Car Racer.

“New [Angels & Airwaves] album coming,” DeLonge says on Twitter. “1st single in a few weeks…”

Then, earlier this week, DeLonge seemingly hinted that Angels & Airwaves have actually finished work on their upcoming album. On Instagram, the frontman posted a photo of an orange hard drive with the words “AVA ALBUM #6 MAIN HD 1” written across the front.

“Yeah, 6 albums plus or minus 4/5 EPs [Angels & Airwaves],” DeLonge says on Instagram.

 

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As for blink-182, they also have new music on the way. Currently, the band are finishing up with their next album with producer John Feldmann which will mark their third full-length release since Matt Skiba joined in 2015. 

The upcoming LP features collabs with Grimes, Pharrell and Lil Uzi Vert. In particular, Barker told Allison Hagendorf on the Rock This podcast that blink-182’s collab with Lil Uzi Vert may not be what fans are expecting to hear.

“I mean, it’s not like Blink’s making a rap song or anything,” Barker tells Hagendorf. “It’s like bringing Uzi over to our world. So it’s more of a punk kind of like reggae feeling song. I don’t think blink will ever be anything but a pop-punk band. I mean, that’s who we are. And I feel like our fans have kind of journeyed with us when we’ve done songs like ‘Miss You’ or ballads like ‘Adam’s Song.’ But, like, we’re never going to veer too far off from what we are–like, I’m like a punk kid at heart, you know what I mean? Whether it’s like pop-punk with blink or whatever with [Machine Gun Kelly] or whatever with Trippie [Redd], that’s where my heart’s at. Like, I was raised on rap music and punk rock music. It’s kind of all I know.”

Currently, the upcoming album’s official title and release date are unknown. However, back in October, Skiba dished some exclusive details about blink-182’s new music. On social media, Skiba revealed that the band’s new material reminds him of their classic Enema Of The State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket eras.

What are your reactions to Tom DeLonge’s old blink-182 concert poster? Let us know in the comments below.