PROF

With lyrical skill matched only by his raucous live shows, Prof has arrived on the national stage. Coming out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prof has perfected the art of combining blue collar hard work and unimpeachable content with never taking himself too seriously. His seventh studio album, Horse, due out on his own Stophouse Music Group label April 14, 2023, is set to let the world at large in on a secret that music fans already know, Prof is a force to be reckoned with. His most recent album, Powderhorn Suites, shocked pundits and industry alike with an amazing run through the charts and streaming platforms. Released in November, 2020, Powderhorn Suites reached a career-high #3 on the Billboard Current Rap Albums charts, #5 Top New Artists Albums, #15 Independent Album, and #36 Billboard Top Albums. What followed has been a masterclass in making it as an independent artist; Prof leaned into the fantastical tales and dynamic persona that have cultivated his rabid fan base. He reclaimed his outlets, going from zero Youtube followers to over 160,000 subscribers in under two years. Following the Powderhorn Suites album, Prof notched his biggest year to date in 2022, racking up over 140 Million streams of his catalog and performing 30 sold out shows across the country. Horse is the culmination of his personal Rocky training montage, but you can’t call it a comeback, because Prof’s numbers have only ever gone up. Horse is a powerful record, showcasing his singular drive and the weirdness of real life that has propelled Prof to the pinnacle of the independent rap music world, bringing his legions of “Gampos”, as his fans are affectionately known, alongside him. Horse’s 14 tracks include a heavyweight cast of features, from Method Man on “Subpar”, to Kevin Gates’ big sound gracing “Devils Gate”, and a brilliant appearance from Redman on “Pack a Lunch”. Prof’s contemporaries have clearly noticed the ever growing Gampo movement bursting out of the Twin Cities. Cozz and Mac Irv also appear on the album, which was produced by Prof alongside a small cadre of close collaborators. Prof will follow up the release of Horse with a XX city headline tour, hitting marquee live music venues like YY and ZZ, along with some key festival appearances. Riding life sized carpets over his massive crowds and leaving it all on the stage, Prof’s live shows have always been more than a concert, they are an experience. As the audiences grow and his production evolves, Prof has moved from survival mode to takeover mode, and one thing is for sure, Prof thrives on the biggest stage.

The Beaches

The Beaches are doing everything their way.   After more than a decade together as a band, sisters Jordan Miller (lead vocals, bass) and Kylie Miller (guitar), plus closest friends Leandra Earl (guitar and keys) and Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums), are entering a new era. On the new album "Blame My Ex," the 4x Juno Award-winning Toronto band channels heartbreak into selfdiscovery through 10 exuberant songs that revel in pain and redemption.   The lead single, “Blame Brett,” an acerbic pop-rock knockout Jordan calls “a song for all the hot messes out there,” has racked up over 70 million streams on Spotify and over 10 million views on TikTok. The track peaked at #2 on Spotify’s US Viral chart, #20 at Alternative Radio in the US and #1 at Alt Radio in Canada for 13 consecutive weeks, making it the biggest alternative radio hit of the year. Mark Hoppus (blink182), Nelly Furtado, and Demi Lovato are all fans of the track.   Since the success of Blame Brett, The Beaches sold out their worldwide Blame My Ex tour, including Toronto’s Budweiser Stage (16000 tickets) three months ahead of their show, Vancouver’s Orpheum (2750 tickets), Brooklyn’s Williamsburg Music Hall x2 (1300 tickets), Los Angeles’s Troubador x2 (1000 tickets) & London, UK’s O2 Forum Kentish Town (2250 tickets).   They sold over 70,000 tickets on their worldwide tour, including selling out Toronto’s Bud Stage (16,000 capacity) three months in advance.

Peach Pit

TURNSTILE

From the moment they hit the ground a decade ago, TURNSTILE have never stopped moving forward -- and they're sure as hell not about to look back. The Baltimore band, comprised of singer Brendan Yates, guitarists Brady Ebert and Pat McCrory, bassist Franz Lyons, and drummer Daniel Fang, immediately distinguished themselves from the pack with their infectious, aggressive punk fusion; their welcoming, satisfying live shows; and most importantly, their willingness to experiment, as seen by the steady evolution from their early demos to 2018's Roadrunner ambitious debut Time & Space, the latter of which earned renown from The New York Times, NPR, The FADER, and others. The only constant in the TURNSTILE universe, aside from love, is progression. Having laid the foundations for their new album, GLOW ON, in the before times of summer 2019, the band took quarantine and the resultant tour cancellations as an opportunity to buckle down and devote their full and undivided attention to the album-making process. As Yates puts it, the stars aligned: "It turned off any potential for us to get distracted by traveling, and let us focus on these ideas we had." Finding a studio housed inside a barn, tucked away in an isolated corner of rural Tennessee, only affirmed their aims: creating a self-contained universe of pure, united, unfiltered energy created entirely on their own terms, sustained as always by empathy and spirit. If Time & Space marked the sound of TURNSTILE charting new ground for hardcore, expanding stylistic boundaries and celebrating new possibilities, then GLOW ON is that utopic vision fully realized; 15 tracks devoid of boundaries, only abundant imagination, heart, and grooves plucked from all corners of the musical spectrum. Hardcore remains the heart of TURNSTILE's sound -- songs like "BLACKOUT" and "T.L.C. (TURNSTILE LOVE CONNECTION)" are guaranteed to stir up that heavy energy -- but it moves to a more alien pulse this time around, an incessant arrhythmia that consistently keeps you guessing minute to minute, track to track. In this album's mixtape-esque flow, each song offers its own unique, ephemeral take on sensory overload -- and every listen brings something new. Less a song than a two-minute roller coaster ride, "DON'T PLAY" veers from a fast and manic intro to a top-heavy, ultra-rhythmic verse, followed by an anxious chorus draped in distorted vocal effects and pirouetting piano leads, and then back again. "FLY AGAIN" and "NEW HEART DESIGN" offset the band's aggression with swathes of waterlogged new-wave guitars, which are played up for mournful effect on "UNDERWATER BOI" (a spiritual successor of sorts to "Blue by You," off 2015's Nonstop Feeling). And in yet another departure from hardcore norms, the band even link up with Blood Orange for two tracks, "ALIEN LOVE CALL" and "LONELY DEZIRES," the band's most melodic and soulful material to date. Never before have TURNSTILE focused so intensely on the details -- and clearly, it's paid off with GLOW ON. "Working to figure out what you want from a song and how to capture it is always a huge learning experience." says Yates, who co-produced the record alongside producer Mike Elizondo. "A live show environment shared with others, I think, is the true essence of the band and music; but when recording an album, you're given a lot of opportunity. You want to breathe as much imagination into it as possible." Yates, like many songwriters, isn't one for providing hard-and-fast interpretations of his lyrics, but he can agree to this: despite our best attempts to convey them through music and words, most emotions are just too complex to be summed up in a simple, digestible manner, least of all in a punk song. To that end, GLOW ON, with its free-wheeling approach and ambiguous lyrics, represents an attempt to subvert these roadblocks and embrace the human condition for what it is -- a mess. "Humans are complex," says Yates. "Feelings are complex. Sometimes, it's hard to get those dimensions of feelings into songs." Thus, rippers like "HOLIDAY" are built like Rorschach tests, the lyrics blurring the line between steadfast and somber. Depending on your perspective, the thought of "sailing with no direction" could be an untethered celebration, or the loneliest tale of a meaningless quest through life without purpose. TURNSTILE aren't seeking to provide any answers to life's big questions, of course: at the end of the day, they're here to spread love, and hopefully get you dancing. The band's short film TURNSTILE LOVE CONNECTION (a companion piece to July's EP of the same name, and by extension, GLOW ON Itself) underscores this mission again and again across its 11-minute runtime. The film begins with the band aimlessly roaming the grounds of a deserted stadium before transitioning to an extended, dreamlike sequence resembling a life cycle in their beloved hometown of Baltimore, starring their family and peers. We close with Yates riding on the back of a dirt bike, holding on for dear life, quiet bliss lighting up his face. The sound fades out as the pair speeds into the horizon, approaching the point of no return, or perhaps a new beginning. Of course, the end destination doesn't matter; TURNSTILE have always been about the journey; roadmaps, itineraries, and speed limits be damned. We're all immensely lucky to be along for the ride.

Turnpike Troubadours

  Everybody loves a good comeback story. After releasing five genre-defining albums and building a fiercely loyal fanbase, Turnpike Troubadours — the Tahlequah, Oklahoma kings of Red Dirt music — all but fell apart in 2019, taking a three-year hiatus to find clarity amidst the noise of a red-hot career. But after the break, something remarkable and even unprecedented happened: the band returned more popular than ever. Not to mention stronger. The proof is in the group’s sixth studio album, A Cat in the Rain. Produced by three-time Grammy winner Shooter Jennings and recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and in Los Angeles, the 10-song album is a tale of reliability, rebirth, and redemption. It’s the story of brothers — frontman and chief songwriter Evan Felker, fiddler Kyle Nix, steel player Hank Early, guitarist Ryan Engleman, bassist RC Edwards, drummer Gabe Pearson — six musicians who ran the gauntlet of success, scrutiny, and even personal troubles, and would fight tooth and nail for one another. Turnpike Troubadours’ fans can feel this. That bond is in the band’s songs and in their live performances — they’ve racked up 1.5 billion streams globally and are selling out arenas and headlining festivals. Still, to some, they remain a mystery…the most popular band they’ve never heard of. But with A Cat in the Rain, that’s all about to change.                  

Russell Dickerson

The little details always mean the most. Familiar pleasantries exchanged between neighbors, the taste of freshly brewed sweet tea, the brush of a fall breeze, and the buzz of a bug zapper after dark remind Russell Dickerson of home. The multiplatinum Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist transposes those small pleasures into hummable and heartfelt country anthems uplifted by pop energy on his second full-length album, Southern Symphony [Triple Tigers]. The record reflects every side of his personality—from the loving husband, self-proclaimed “regular dude,” and now dad at home to the boisterous and bold presence beloved by millions on stage. Russell tells his story like never before through eloquent songcraft and airtight playing. “I live in Nashville now, but I grew up in Union City, Tennessee,” he says. “I’ll always carry my hometown with me. I’ll never forget all of those experiences from my childhood. In a sense, they raised me. Southern Symphony displays all of the pictures that made Russell Dickerson into Russell Dickerson!” Audiences already know Russell Dickerson very well as a prolific songwriter and powerhouse showman. In 2017, his gold-certified full-length debut, Yours, bowed at #5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and #1 on the Emerging Artists Chart. Not to mention, it yielded three consecutive #1 smashes, including the double-platinum “Yours” (christened “One of the hottest wedding songs of the year” by The Knot), the platinum “Blue Tacoma,” and platinum “Every Little Thing.” Nominations followed at the Academy of Country Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, and iHeartRadio Music Awards. Among many highlights in 2020, he received a nod in the category of “Best New Male Artist of the Year” at the ACM. Plus, he has electrified audiences on tour with the likes of Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Lady A, and Kane Brown in addition to bringing the “RD Party” to sold out venues everywhere as a headliner. Attracting a fervent following on social media (fondly referred to as “RD Fam”), he launched his own YouTube show, “This Is Russ,” bringing viewers deeper into his world.   Along the way, he collected ideas for what would eventually become Southern Symphony.  During breaks from the road, he recorded back in Nashville alongside frequent collaborator Casey Brown and legendary producer Dann Huff. Together, they co-produced the record and put the finishing touches on it at the hallowed Blackbird Studio. “Casey brings a young energy, and Dann is a legend,” he smiles. “I actually met with Dann back in 2012, and he turned me down,” laughs Russell. “He said I wasn’t ready yet, so it was cool to come back around full circle. There was so much excitement.” This time around, Russell conjured the spirit of tried-and-true country by architecting the sonic framework out of organic instrumentation. “Southern Symphony was real and raw,” he affirms. “We weren’t trying to get quirky. Honestly, it was meant to be a bunch of big ole country bangers.” Speaking of, he introduced the record with “Love You Like I Used To.” In between a soaring refrain, he pulls off a melodic guitar solo stretching to the heavens in tandem with his voice. Not only did it climb the country charts, but it also earned widespread acclaim. Dubbed “Romantic” by People, Taste of Country called it, “as much of a vocal showcase as we’ve heard from the western Tennessee native.” “If ‘Yours’ is a wedding song, this is your anniversary song,” he states. “Love changes, love grows, and that’s what I wanted to kick this record off with. I’m growing. I’m maturing. I think the song is an accurate representation of the album, the maturity of the songwriting, and the elevation of the production.” That shines through in the follow-up “Home Sweet” as well. A propulsive beat and twinkling keys underscore a love letter to his wife as it builds towards a joyful climax, “Sittin’ on boxes in the livin’ room laughin’ and cryin’, just staring at them two pink lines…Gotta make a little more room in our home sweet.” “The song starts off with us not knowing how we’re going to pay rent,” he recalls. “By the end of it, we’ve moved into our own house two years later on New Years’ Day with three positive pregnancy tests.” A bluesy riff sounds off through stomping claps and stacked harmonies on the irresistible “Never Get Old.” It culminates on an arena-ready chant before Dann churns out a twangy six-string lead. “There are all of these country throwbacks in the lyrics,” he goes on. “It’s really meant to just be a good time.” Making for one of the biggest collaborations of his career so far, he teams up with chart-topping multiplatinum duo Florida Georgia Line on the stadium-size and summer-ready “It’s About Time.” Images of “Bud Light half-price” and “truck stop ice” ignite a night you never want to end with swaggering verses and an intoxicating hook. On the other end of the spectrum, he heats things up with “All Yours All Night”, a track for the bedroom. In many ways, the title track “Southern Symphony” crystallizes the story. Plaintive acoustic guitar entwines with heartfelt recollections of “Where I come from.” “It’s really an ode to my hometown,” he comments. “I’m speaking about all of the sounds I remember from my upbringing. When you find that person who makes you feel love, it compares to the nostalgic sensation of home. It’s where I am now.” In the end, Russell might just make you feel at home forever on Southern Symphony. “When you hear this, I hope you feel excitement, hope, and happiness in life,” he leaves off. “I want to be a good steward in these songs. There’s joy all around. I’m trying to spread a little bit of that. It’s exactly what the world needs right now—and always.”

Goose

Goose is an American rock band known for its genre-blending sound, improvisational live performances, and dedicated fan base. The band is Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keys, guitar), Trevor Weekz (bass), and Cotter Ellis (vocals, drums). Their music — a deft union of indie-rock hooks, sprawling improvisation, and driving rhythm — has propelled them from performing in Connecticut basements to headlining some of the most revered stages in the country. Known for their strong DIY ethos, Goose has grown organically through relentless touring and utilizing platforms like YouTube, Bandcamp, and nugs.net to share live performances and connect with fans.   Goose’s latest release, Everything Must Go is the first release since 2022’s critically acclaimed Dripfield. Everything Must Go marks the band’s evolution since its inception in 2014. Drawing from the feel of its live performances, the album features a carnivalesque cast of characters — primarily songs written throughout the band's recent years of growth, including re-imagined live staples and songs that capture the band’s evolving, dynamic sound.   Since their earliest days recording 2016’s Moon Cabin in a barn in northern New Hampshire, Goose has been developing their unique approach to writing and improvising, achieving a rare balance between thoughtfully crafted songs, tight musicianship, and emotional honesty. 2022 saw the release of their critically acclaimed third LP, Dripfield. That album earned them #2 on Billboard’s “Top New Artist Albums” chart as well as praise from Rolling Stone, who called it “both sweet headphone ear candy and the foundation for a perfect live peak.” The accolades were yet another feather in the band’s cap, having sold out venues like Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Forest Hills Stadium, headlining MSG Summer of 25, performed on the likes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday Morning, and played their share of iconic music fests, including Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, ACL and many more. Through their commitment to forward momentum, Goose continues to remind us that music isn’t simply played—it’s felt, lived, and shared.