Eric Church returns with new album in May

Eric Church is set to release his new album Evangeline vs. The Machine on May 2. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.

“An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares of the creative approach behind the project. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art – I think it’s important.”

“I’ve always let creativity be the muse. It’s been a compass for me,” he adds. “The people that I look up to in my career and the kind of musicians I gravitate to never did what I thought they were going to do next – and I love them for it. I never want our fans to get an album and go, ‘Oh, that’s like Chief or that’s like this.’ Painstakingly, I lose sleep at night to try to make sure that whatever we do creatively, they go, ‘Wow, that's not what I thought.’ I think that's my job as an artist.”

Lead single “Hands Of Time,” impacting Country radio on March 24, is available now as a preview of that endeavor. “As I get older, I’m looking for things that make me feel not as old,” Church explains of the track. “I can honestly say that when I hear music or see something from my past, I feel like I did then; I relate to what it was then. I really believe that a good way to handle that is with music.”

Among the other songs featured on the album is “Darkest Hour,” released ahead of the project to support relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, with all of Church’s publishing royalties donated to provide ongoing funds in support of a more resilient future for his home state of North Carolina.

“That song had the chance to change things—it already has,” Church reflects. “The greatest concert I’ve ever played was the Concert for Carolina – that’s the greatest thing I’ve been involved with. This song played a big part of that night and is a rallying cry for the people there that still need a lot of help. As a person who writes and performs a song, seeing it truly impact people’s lives is the greatest thing you can hope to accomplish.”

Also included is “Johnny,” a reinterpretation inspired by “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and the Covenant School tragedy, which Church has previewed in limited settings at both his Chief’s To Beat The Devil residency and the recent Country Radio Seminar.

“About a year ago, we had a shooting here in Nashville at the Covenant School,” he explained when introducing the song during CRS. “Where my kids go to school, my two boys, is about a mile from that school. I will tell you something, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life – parent or otherwise – is dropping them off at that school the day after the shooting and watching them walk inside. I sat in the parking lot for a long time, and as fate would have it, as I was pulling out, Charlie Daniels was playing, ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia.’ I remember thinking, man, we could use Johnny right now, because the Devil’s not in Georgia, he’s everywhere. I went home and wrote ‘Johnny’.”

Evangeline vs. The Machine is his first new album since 2021’s Heart & Soul trilogy.

Fans can also pre-order an Amazon Music exclusive Evangeline vs. The Machine vinyl in translucent light blue, available on Amazon.com or directly in the Amazon Music app.

For more information, visit EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter/X @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

Track List: 

Full Credits Available HERE; Songwriters in Parentheses

1. Hands Of Time (Eric Church, Scooter Carusoe)

2. Bleed On Paper (Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)

3. Johnny (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Brett Warren)
4. Storm In Their Blood (Eric Church)
5. Darkest Hour (Eric Church)
6. Evangeline (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
7. Rocket’s White Lincoln (Eric Church)
8. Clap Hands (Tom Waits)

311 band music news: summer tour, 'Blue Album" reissue

311 has announced the return of their Unity Tour in 2025 in support of their latest album, Full Bloom, whose title track is in the top 20 on the Alternative charts. Fans can sign up for tour updates and the presale at unity-tour.com. The routing starts in June in Atlantic City, NJ. General public on sale starts March 21 at 10AM local time.

In related news: A 30th anniversary reissue of their self-titled ‘Blue Album’ is out July 11 in a 2LP set with seven bonus tracks and will be available in two color variants - a direct to fan exclusive citrine shade and retail release blue smoke color via Legacy Recordings.

The limited package is the latest in the band’s series of 30th Anniversary “Pearlized” special editions, and also includes an embossed gatefold sleeve with exclusive art. The reissue is 21 tracks and brings together every song that was recorded by the band during the “Blue Album” sessions and marks the first time the bonus songs have ever been released on LP.

The third installment of the band’s documentary series, ‘Enlarged to Show Detail III’ – has also been released. This film provides a behind-the-scenes archival look at the band, including fan interviews taken on the sold-out Caribbean cruise over the years. The film will be available on YouTube and available for cruisers to see this year at sea taking place March 26-March 31st.

TOUR DATES:

June 20 – Atlantic City, NJ - Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort

June 21 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
June 22 – Virginia Beach, VA - Point Break Festival*
June 24 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 25 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
June 27 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
June 28 – Bethlehem, PA – The Wind Creek Event Center
June 29 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
July 1 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
July 2 – Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater
July 3 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
July 5 – Dubuque, IA – Back Waters Stage
July 6 – Rockford, IL – Hard Rock Live Rockford
July 7 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
July 9 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
July 11 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC
July 12 – Council Bluffs, IA – River’s Edge Park*
July 13 – Wichita, KS – WAVE
July 15 – Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center
July 16 – Flagstaff, AZ – Fort Tuthill Park - Pepsi Amphitheater
July 18 – Paso Robles, CA – California Mid State Fair*
July 20 – Saint Paul, MN – Minnesota Yacht Club*
July 26-27 – Long Beach, CA – Vans Warped Tour*
August 8 – Highland, CA – Yaamava' Resort & Casino -Yaamava’ Theater^
August 9 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
August 10 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino -Grand Theatre
August 12 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheatre
August 13 – Seattle, WA – Marymoor Amphitheater
August 15 – Great Falls, MT – Voyager Stadium
August 16 – Pocatello, ID – Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
August 17 – Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater
August 19 – Colorado Springs, CO – Ford Amphitheater
August 22 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
August 23 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion Outdoor
August 24 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! Outdoor
August 26 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
August 27 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewery
August 29 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena
August 31 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma*

*Select festival appearances included in the tour.
^ No Sitting on Saturn

UK indie darling band Jetstream Pony return with new album 'Bowerbirds and Blue Things' at the end of the month

UK-based alternative pop band Jetstream Pony is set to release its new album “Bowerbirds and Blue Things” on March 28 via Shelflife Records in North America. Formats include LP, ZCD and digital. Eleni Poulou, formerly of The Fall, provides guest vocals to "The Relativity of Wrong."

About the band:

Jetstream Pony released debut single "Like You Less"/"Had Enough" in 2017 and received radio play around the world, including BBC6 Music. Two more singles were supported with gigs around the UK and Europe, leading to the self-titled debut album in May 2020. The critically acclaimed album sold out two pressings before being reissued (twice). The "Misplaced Words" EP and single "Sixes and Sevens" followed. 

Track listing:

1. Sit and Wonder

2. Frustration Can Cause Accidents

3. Bubblegum Nothingness

4. The Relativity of Wrong

5. Bonanza 2 Tango Sierra

6. Birdland '74
7. Only if You Want To
8. Tendrils
9. Bad Common Earth Connection
10. Captain Palisade

11. 3am

12. Look Alive!

Jetstream Pony is:

Beth Arzy - vocals, tambourine

Shaun Charman - guitars, vocals

Kerry Boettcher - bass, vocals

Tom Levesley - drums

Mark Matthews - adjacent guitars

bandcamp.com

Out today: Deluxe edition of Gwen Stefani's 'Bouquet' album

Gwen Stefani's deluxe edition of her latest studio album, 'Bouquet' is available now through Interscope Records. It features new song “Still Gonna Love You,” co-written by Finneas, as well as acoustic renditions of every track. Listen to Bouquet Deluxe HERE.

"This song is about love,” says Stefani about her newly shared tune. “A love that can’t be broken, a love that no matter what is always going to be there, and a love that can always bring you back home.”

Stefani recorded 'Bouquet' backed by a full live band. The idea of life's seasons, and seeds of hope that you plant, runs throughout 'Bouquet.'

“Bouquet represents a blend of everything that I’ve ever been and who I’ve evolved into. Each one of the songs was picked like individual flowers to create a bouquet of the past, the present, and the seeds of hope for the future,” explains Stefani.

Lead single “Somebody Else's” received an official music video and a performance on The Voice. She debuted “Swallow My Tears” on The Today Show and performed the title track “Bouquet” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Some songs new and old made it into her recent Backyard Garden Party series.

Track list:

1. Still Gonna Love You
2. Somebody Else’s
3. Bouquet
4. Pretty
5. Empty Vase
6. Marigolds
7. Late to Bloom
8. Swallow My Tears
9. Reminders
10. All Your Fault
11.Purple Irises (with Blake Shelton)

Blake Shelton's 'For Recreational Use Only' album slated for May

Nearly four years since his last studio album, Blake Shelton is back with For Recreational Use Only, his 0debut for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, set for release May 9. The album is available now for pre-order/pre-add/pre-save here.

"It's been a long time since we had a new album out, and I want to thank the songwriters and musicians who helped bring this record to life,” said Shelton, in a press release. “Scott (Hendricks) and I have been working on this music for years, and I'm beyond excited to finally share it with the fans."

Besides the top 10 hit country single “Texas,” “Let Him in Anyway” offers another preview of the album.

“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” said Shelton. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”

The album features guest appearances by Gwen Stefani, John Anderson, and Craig Morgan.

Currently on the road with his sold-out Friends & Heroes Tour, Shelton is joined by Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts.

Track list:

1. Stay Country or Die Tryin’ - (Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, Beau Bailey)

2. Texas - (Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman)
3. Hangin’ On (feat. Gwen Stefani) - (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Greylan James)
4. Strangers - (Michael Hardy, Zach Crowell, Jameson Rodgers)
5. Let Him In Anyway - (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Carson Wallace)
6. Heaven Sweet Home (feat. Craig Morgan) - (Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, Jake Rose)
7. Life’s Been Comin’ Too Fast - (Craig Wiseman, David Lee Murphy, Lindsay Rimes)
8. Don’t Mississippi - (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne)
9. All of My Love - (Colton Swon, Zach Swon)
10. Cold Can - (Bobby Pinson, Josh Osborne, Andrew DeRoberts)
11. The Keys - (Jay Brunswick, Brock Berryhill, Bobby Pinson)
12. Years (feat. John Anderson) - (Pat McLaughlin, John Anderson, David Ferguson, Daniel Auerbach)

New music venue in Riverside, Calif. opens later this month

This is exciting news for music fans here in Riverside, California. We always welcome new entertainment venues.

Farm House Collective is housed in the historic landmark Farm House Motel, originally constructed in 1953. The Farm House was one of the last remaining examples of a motor court in the region, distinguished in its farm house style with the original neon sign still intact.

The revitalized space opens later this month, offering 15 spaces for local eateries, small retail outposts, and a brand new 500-capacity stage in a mix of restored motel buildings, creative retail kiosks, and new vernacular architecture.

Aiming to bring a contemporary and eclectic calendar of music to Riverside, and build a new space for the Inland Empire to gather and see artists from all genres Farm House Collective has partnered with Desert Daze co-founder Phil Pirrone, to book the venue.

Opening on Saturday, March 29 with performances from the Allah Las & Reverberation Radio, the space will see additional events including “Desert Daze presents” shows with Wand, and more to be announced; “Penrose Records presents” – the label founded by Riverside local and the Grammy-winning producer behind Daptone Records, Gabriel Roth – with Los Yesterdays and Vicky Tafoya; “Mucho Gusto presents” events with É Arenas (of Chicano Batman) and Quitapenas; and hip hop legends Souls of Mischief, among others.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now via See Tickets. Visit farmhousecollective.com/events for more information on upcoming events.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Mar 29: Grand Opening with Allah Las & Reverberation Radio (Tickets)

Apr 04: Desert Daze presents Wand w/ DJ Boogie Boudreaux (Tickets)

Apr 25: Elijah Fox w/ noworriesLMK (Tickets)

May 10: Penrose Records presents Los Yesterdays w/ Vicky Tafoya (Tickets)

May 23: Mucho Gusto presents É Arenas w/ Mucho Gusto DJs (Tickets)

Jun 13: Mucho Gusto presents Quitapenas w/ El Santo Golpe (Tickets)

June 19: Souls of Mischief w/ Gaslamp KIller (Tickets)

Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival 2025 lineup announced

Redlands Bowl Performing Arts (RBPA) has unveiled the lineup for the 102nd Season of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival.

"We are thrilled to kick off the 102nd season of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival. This year’s lineup offers an exciting mix of performances, with something for everyone to enjoy. There's nothing like coming together with friends and family to experience all that the Bowl has to offer. It's a beloved tradition that brings our community closer each season,” says Beverly Noerr, Executive Director, Redlands Bowl Performing Arts.

"The caliber of this year's Redlands Bowl artists is extraordinary, bringing a wide array of music and dance styles to what will be a super entertaining 2025 summer season. We warmly invite everyone to come out and enjoy great programming under the Redlands Bowl stars all summer long," adds Redlands Bowl Program Director Valerie Peister.

Held in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the festival begins on June 20 with Celebrating the Legacy of Whitney Houston and other Great Pop Divas featuring the Redlands Bowl return of internationally award-winning recording artist Nicole Henry.

The season continues with:

Tuesday, June 24 – The Grand Finals of the Young Artist Concerto Competition, featuring former Young Artists winner and internationally acclaimed violinist Miclen LaiPang

Friday, June 27 – Adventures in Parrotdise: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet – featuring Barrie Cunningham and special guest William Kimbrough

Tuesday, July 1 – Bluegrass Under the Stars with Rebecca Frazier

Thursday, July 3 – A Star-Spangled Evening of Patriotic Pops Conducted by Nolan Livesay, with guest appearance by the Inland Master Chorale under the direction of Joe Modica

Tuesday, July 8 – Mariachi Continental de San Diego

Friday, July 11 – Catapult

Tuesday, July 15 – Navy Band Southwest

Friday, July 18 – Naturally 7 (A capella)

Tuesday, July 22 – Public Dress Rehearsal of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat*

Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

*Produced and directed by Nathan Prince and Steve Simon of Legendary Productions

Tuesday, July 29 – The Pack Drumline

Friday, August 1 – The Jungle Book, presented by State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara

Tuesday, August 5 – Bee Gees Gold

Friday, August 8 – Ireland with Michael Londra – Live!

Tuesday, August 12 – Phat Cat Swinger

Friday, August 16 – Fireworks Finale!

All performances begin at 8 p.m. and are held Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as select Thursdays and weekends, throughout the summer. Performances run approximately 90 minutes with an intermission. No admission is charged. No reservations are needed. Seating is first-come, first-served. Free-will offering will be collected at intermission.

Redlands Bowl Performing Arts is the presenter of the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival which holds the distinction of being the longest continuously running music festival in the United States at which no admission is charged. The Redlands Bowl is attended by over 100,000 members of the community each year. For more information, please go to www.redlandsbowl.org or call (909) 793-7316.