NAMM '26 news: Vicki Peterson of The Bangles to co-host She Rocks Awards

Women's International Music Network (WiMN) has announced the co-hosts and honorees for the 14th Annual She Rocks Awards on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Anaheim Hilton during The NAMM Show. 

The 2026 She Rocks Awards will feature live performances, celebrity presenters, and appearances by many of this year’s honorees. This inspiring evening brings together artists, industry leaders, and fans to celebrate the women whose work continues to move the music industry forward.

2026 Co-Hosts:

Vicki Peterson – Founding member of The Bangles, known for hits like “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “Eternal Flame.” Peterson has collaborated with artists including Tom Petty and The Go-Go’s and recently released Long After The Fire (2024) with her husband, John Cowsill. She is a 2015 She Rocks Awards honoree.

Alecia Demner – Frontwoman of the hard rock band Stitched Up Heart, which has toured with  Godsmack and Halestorm, with a new album slated for release in 2026. She was honored with a She Rocks Award in 2024.

2026 Honorees:

Rachel Platten – Platinum-selling singer-songwriter best known for her empowering hit “Fight Song.”

Kay Hanley – Emmy and Peabody-winning songwriter, lead vocalist of Letters to Cleo, and co-founder of Songwriters of North America (SONA), where she champions creators’ rights.

Judith Hill – Vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, Prince, Michael Jackson, and more.

Lisa Worden – SVP Rock & Alternative for iHeartMedia; Program Director for ALT 98.7 Los Angeles; and host of She Is The Voice.

Sophie Burrell – Guitarist, educator, and online personality.

Rhonda Smith – Bassist who worked with Prince and Jeff Beck, and member of Jimmy Kimmel Live band

Michelle Lewis – Multi Emmy and Peabody-winning songwriter and co-founder of Songwriters of North America (SONA), leading the fight for fair rights and compensation for songwriters.

Andreea Gleeson – Chief Executive Officer of TuneCore behind Be the Change initiative.

Susan Lipp – Owner and CEO of Full Compass Systems

Lisa MacDonald – Director of Vertical Marketing for Yamaha Corporation of America and inaugural Chair of the Women of NAMM (WON) Council.

Heather Dembert Rafter - Attorney in audio and music technology, principal counsel at RafterMarsh

The She Rocks Awards is supported by NAMM, our presenting sponsor, along with PRS Guitars, Positive Grid, Roland, Monster, Freeman, M·A·C Cosmetics, Sennheiser, 108 Rock Star Guitars, Shure, Sweetwater, Martin Guitar, Seymour Duncan, Boss, dw, Venus Guitars, Music Admin, Rafter Marsh, Casio, Hudson Audio Works, DiGiCo, D’Addario, Guitar World Magazine, Guitar Player Magazine, The Hollywood Times, and AXS TV.

Tickets are on sale now at www.sherocksawards.com.

For more information about the She Rocks Awards or to explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sherocksawards.com.

Zombies frontman Colin Blunstone documents special solo album concert with new home video box set

On Nov. 25, 2024, Zombies vocalist Colin Blunstone returned to London’s Union Chapel for a rare concert. Performing his 1971 debut solo album One Year in its entirety alongside career favorites, Blunstone was joined by a full ensemble, featuring bandmates from the current Zombies lineup and former Strawbs, plus the Q Strings quartet. 

Blunstone says, "Looking back this was not an undertaking to be taken on lightly knowing that “One Year” encompasses so many different genres of music. With very little rehearsal time my solo band (Dave Bainbridge, Søren Koch, Chas Cronk and Steve Rodford) and the incredible Q Strings took on the challenge without a moment's hesitation.”

Gonzo Distribution has released an audio/visual document of that night as a limited collector's edition box set, available now. Find the box set and more here.

The contents include: 

2CD + full concert DVD

Gold foil–embossed box with gold satin lining

Exclusive 24-page booklet with never-before-seen photographs of the concert

Each set includes an autographed and numbered certificate

Blunstone, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 as the voice of The Zombies, whose major hits were “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” and “Time of the Season.”

Released in 1971, One Year was listed in UK publication The Guardian’s “1,000 Albums to Hear Before You Die”...and has influenced artists from Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) to Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys), and even Jeff Buckley, whose A&R Rep cited Blunstone’s strings as an inspiration for Grace.

Track Listing: 

FIRST SET-

TIME TO MOVE
WHAT BECOMES OF THE BROKENHEARTED
WILD PLACES
LEVI STUBB’S TEARS
TRACKS OF MY TEARS
HUNG UP ON A DREAM
ANDORRA
ANY OTHER WAY
OLD AND WISE
I DON’T BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

SECOND SET-

SHE LOVES THE WAY THEY LOVE HER
MISTY ROSES
SMOKEY DAY
CAROLINE GOODBYE
THOUGH YOU ARE FAR AWAY
MARY WON’T YOU WARM MY BED
HER SONG
I CAN’T LIVE WITH YOU
LET ME COME CLOSER TO YOU
SAY YOU DON’T MIND
JUST OUT OF RE

Out now: Rare 1970s Tina Turner album gets re-release

Tina Turner's solo career began with the recording of 'Good-Hearted Woman' in 1974 before she recorded 'Tina Turns The Country On.' Just over 50 years later, the 10-track album has been re-released on CD, LP, download, streaming and as high res audio (96/24) for audiophiles.

This remastered re-release uses a transfer of the master tapes and the artwork also includes fresh liner notes that shine a light on the stories behind the music. The CD is housed in a 6-panel digipack and the LP features a printed inner sleeve. The album has now been added to discography pages of Tina Turner’s official website and webstore along with support across her social media platforms.

It can be ordered on CD and LP or downloaded and streamed here: https://cherryred.co/GoodHeartedWoman

A lyric video of the single, If This Is Our Last Time, has been released to support the single: https://youtu.be/fY72iuc-dok

Track listing:

1. Lay it Down

2. Lovin' Him Was Easier

3. Good-Hearted Woman

4. If This is the Last Time

5. Stand by Your Man

6. Freedom to Stay

7. We Had it All

8. Soul Deep

9. If It's Alright by You

10. You Ain't Woman Enough

Christmas album reviews: Lady A, Brad Paisley

Artist: Lady A

Title: On This Winter’s Night - Vol. 2 (Big Machine Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Little Big Town, Sugarland, The Band Perry

Tell me more: Lady A’s Dave Heywood said the trio relished an opportunity to craft another Christmas album because they gained new holiday perspectives after becoming parents over the past decade. That wisdom helped the group write the stirring, family-centric ballad “Christmas Through Your Eyes” (among four tracks originally on a 2020 deluxe edition of Vol. 1) and the upbeat “Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” about longing to be with loved ones. Both are standouts on this terrific collection.

Elsewhere, “Winter Wonderland” is given a soulful, organ-drenched treatment; George Michael’s “Last Christmas” works as a contemplative ballad with warm vocals from Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley; The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick” and Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Wonderful Christmastime” are totally fun and perfect fit for Lady A’s harmonic blend. Kelly imbues the Ray Charles popularized “That Spirit of Christmas” (from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” soundtrack) with some relaxed grit. Ricky Scaggs and Chris Tomlin contribute guest vocals to “Why We Sing Silent Noel” and “Silent Night” respectively.

Information: ladyamusic.com

Artist: Brad Paisley

Title: Snow Globe Town (Mercury Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Blake Shelton, Gary Allan, Keith Urban

Tell me more: After Brad Paisley was commissioned to write a few tunes for the new Hallmark Channel movie “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” (premiering Nov. 29; Paisley also makes a cameo appearance), the West Virgina native enjoyed the assignment so much he penned more holiday tunes with the goal of making an album that felt like “a town that is magical this time of year.” Everything was recorded in less than a week using Paisley’s touring band and top Nashville session players. His 18-year-old son Huck designed the album cover art. Clocking in at just under an hour, Snow Globe Town includes 16 tracks frequently infused with Paisley’s dexterous electric guitar work and trademark humor (a twangy “Lit” and rollicking “That Crazy Elf” describe embarrassing, awkward family situations arising around this season and how to cope with them. Hint: alcohol is usually involved). Among the standards, “My Favorite Things” is done as a blues number in 6/8 time; “Marshmallow World” could soundtrack a honky tonk two-step; “Jingle Bell Rock” is rocking as only Paisley can. Standouts include the optimistic “Counting Down the Days,” an inspiring “Leave the Christmas Lights on For Me” (where a father races to make it home from work on time), and the poignant ballad “Last Year” (about a lost loved one) featuring singer/radio host Kelleigh Bannen. Overall, this is a fine addition to any country music fan’s Christmas playlist.

Information: bradpaisley.com

My reviews originally appeared in Desert Star Weekly.

Yes album 'Tales from Topographic Oceans' to get deluxe box set treatment in February

Often cited as a prog rock classic among genre experts, the band Yes’ sixth album from 1973, 'Tales from Topographic Oceans' will be reissued on February 6 via Rhino Records as a Super Deluxe Edition boxed set.

The collection spans 12 CDs, 2 LPs, and Blu-ray and features a newly remastered version of the original double album on both CD and vinyl; rarities; previously unreleased studio and live recordings; and several new mixes by Steven Wilson, including a Dolby Atmos version.

It is available to pre-order HERE. Rhino.com will have an exclusive bundle of Tales From Topographic Oceans (Super Deluxe Edition) with a 12x12 Tales litho numbered and signed by Roger Dean, limited to 500. To preview the set, the single edit for “The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)” is out digitally. Listen HERE.

The origins behind Tales from Topographic Oceans trace back to a footnote in Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, which inspired Jon Anderson to imagine a four-part musical journey through ancient Hindu scriptures. That concept took shape across four side-long compositions: “The Revealing Science Of God (Dance of the Dawn),” “The Remembering (High the Memory),” “The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun),” and “Ritual (Nous Sommes Du Soleil).”

To capture the album’s structural and spiritual ambition, Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), and Alan White (drums) worked with longtime producer Eddy Offord at London’s Morgan Studios, using Britain’s first 24-track console. Released December 7, 1973, Tales from Topographic Oceans topped the U.K. album chart and reached #6 in the U.S., where it earned a Gold certification.

The set’s live material was recorded early in the tour for Tales and includes previously unreleased performances of all four album tracks, along with earlier favorites “And You And I” and “Close To The Edge.” The shows include Zürich (April 21, 1974), Manchester (November 28, 1973), and Cardiff (December 1, 1973).

When the album came out, it took time for some fans and critics to catch up with the band, as writer Syd Schwartz of Jazz & Coffee recalls in the set’s liner notes. “Consensus was never the point,” he says. “Tales from Topographic Oceans will continue to be debated, dismissed, defended, and rediscovered. Its resistance to easy categorization is not a failure—it’s the reason it endures. It’s a vast, unknowable ocean of sound and spirit. And it still hasn’t finished revealing itself.”

Schwartz also notes the album would be a turning point for the future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® inductees and GRAMMY® winners: “Without Tales, there’s no Relayer. No pivot to leaner, sharper structures in the later ’70s. No map gets drawn without first pushing the edges of the known world — and Tales is where Yes did exactly that.”

TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS (SUPER DELUXE EDITION)

CD Track Listing

Disc 1: Original Album Remastered“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)”
“The Remembering (High The Memory)”

Disc 2: Original Album Remastered“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)”
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)”

Disc 3: Steven Wilson 2026 Remixes“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)”
“The Remembering (High The Memory)”

Disc 4: Steven Wilson 2026 Remixes “The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)”
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)”

Disc 5: Steven Wilson 2026 Instrumental Mixes“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)”
“The Remembering (High The Memory)”

Disc 6: Steven Wilson 2026 Instrumental Mixes“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)”
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)”

Disc 7: Rarities“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)” – Single Edit
“The Remembering (High The Memory)” – Single Edit
“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)” – Single Edit
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)” – Single Edit 1
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)” – Single Edit 2
“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)” – Version 1
“The Remembering (High The Memory)” – In Progress
“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)” – In Progress

Disc 8: Rarities“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)” – In Progress *
“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)” – In Progress 2 *
“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)” – In Progress 2 *

Disc 9: Rarities“The Remembering (High The Memory)” – In Progress 2 *
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)” – In Progress *
“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)” – Version 2

Disc 10: Live 1973

Live at Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England (11/28/73)“The Remembering (High The Memory)” *
“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)” *

Live at Capitol Theatre, Cardiff, Wales (12/1/73)“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)” *
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)” *

Disc 11: Live at Hallenstadion Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (4/21/74)“And You And I” *
“Cord Of Life”
“Eclipse”
“The Preacher The Teacher”
“Apocalypse”
“Close To The Edge” *
“The Solid Time Of Change”
“Total Mass Retain”
“I Get Up I Get Down”
“Seasons Of Man”
“The Revealing Science Of God (Dance Of The Dawn)” *

Disc 12: Live at Hallenstadion Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (4/21/74)“The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)” *
“Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)”

Blu-ray

2026 Dolby Atmos Mix

2026 5.1 Mix DTS-HD MA

2026 Stereo Remix

2026 Stereo Remaster

2026 Instrumental Mix

Midnight Til Morning news

Global pop vocal group Midnight Til Morning have released the Afterglow (Unplugged) EP and the limited-edition Afterglow (Deluxe) CD/LP bundle. The new music lands as the band continues their largely sold-out global run in Australia before continuing on to the UK and EU in January and February 2026.

“These tracks have lived in our phones and in our hearts for so long. Getting to reimagine them in this unplugged format and share both EPs together feels incredibly special. ‘Afterglow (Unplugged)’ shows a side of us that’s raw and honest, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it.” – Midnight Til Morning on Afterglow (Unplugged)

Following their Afterglow EP — now over 14M Spotify streams — Midnight Til Morning's Afterglow (Unplugged) is a 5-track acoustic companion project recorded in Sydney with producer Joel Farland. Filmed by Ben Develin and Mude, the EP reimagines the band’s standout songs with stripped-back arrangements.

The new focus track, “17 (Acoustic),” was written by Adam Yaron, Nolan Sipe, and Michael Gerow, with Yaron also producing. Watch the video below. Alongside the digital EP, the band release Afterglow (Deluxe) — a CD/LP exclusive combining all 12 tracks from Afterglow and Afterglow (Unplugged). The bundle is available at the Australian tour dates, with limited quantities on their Official Online Store.

Formed on Netflix’s Top 10 Global series Building the Band, Midnight Til Morning have quickly become one of the most-watched new acts of the year, earning more than 30M video views, entering five Spotify Viral 50 charts with debut single “Bye,” and building a combined social audience of 4.1M+.

ABOUT MIDNIGHT TIL MORNING

Midnight Til Morning is a four-piece group formed on the hit Netflix series Building the Band and includes: Conor Smith (22, Central Coast, NSW), Mason Watts (26, Toowoomba, QLD), Shane Appell (22, Upstate New York), and Zach Newbould (22, Boston, MA). Their collaborators include Benson Boone, Amy Allen, Adam Yaron, Joshua Murty, Feli Ferraro, CASTLE., and Evan Cline.

UK/EU Tour Dates:

JAN 11 @ Button Factory in Dublin, IE

JAN 12 @ SWG3 Warehouse in Glasgow, UK
JAN 14 @ Koko in London, UK
JAN 15 @ Academy 2 in Birmingham, UK
JAN 16 @ Club Academy in Manchester
JAN 18 @ La Maroquinerie in Paris, FR
JAN 19 @ Melkweg in Amsterdam, NL
JAN 21 @ Astra Kulturhaus in Berlin, GER
JAN 22 @ Live Music Hall in Cologne, GER
JAN 24 @ Koncerthuest - Studie 2 in Copenhagen, DR
JAN 25 @ Debaser Nova in Stockholm, SE
JAN 26 @ Parkteateret in Oslo, NO
JAN 29 Antwerp, BE Trix
FEB 1 Zurich, CH Plaza
FEB 2 Milan, IT Magazzini Generali 
FEB 5 Barcelona, ES Sala Apolo 
FEB 6 Madrid, ES Lula Club 

Upcoming orchestrated Paul Anka album includes Michael Jackson, Jack White co-writes

Legendary pop singer/songwriter/actor Paul Anka - the man behind solo hits spanning from the 1950s ("Diana," "Puppy Love," "Put Your Head on My Shoulder") to the 1970s ("You're Having my Baby") as well as adapting "My Way" into English for Frank Sinatra - returns with a new studio album, Inspirations of Life, on February 13.

Lead track “Anytime” is now available as an instant grat. Get “Anytime” now HERE. Watch the visualizer for “Anytime” HERE.

The album features nine original recordings, plus two tracks co-written by Michael Jackson (“Love Never Felt So Good”) and Jack White (“Freedom – Prefer the Fade”).

It was recorded mainly in Anka’s home studio in California, with symphony orchestra accompaniment recorded in Budapest. The orchestral album follows the documentary film Paul Anka: His Way, which premiered at last year’s TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). The film will be making its way to the public soon, with distribution to be announced in the coming months.

Track List: 

1. Just Can’t Wait
2. Anytime
3. Boulevard
4. It Was a Very Good Year
5. Let Me Try Again
6. All of a Sudden (My Heart Sings)
7. Love Never Felt So Good
8. Freedom – Prefer the Fade
9. I Believe
10. The Last Time I Saw You
11. That’s Life