I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Wicked: For Good, Call Her Alex, Clueless, Dropkick Murphys, Young the Giant, and Cynthia Erivo.
- And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend … Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good. Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
- What does it take to become the most influential female podcaster of a generation? Following Alex Cooper as she prepares for her first tour, this compelling two-part documentary series traces Cooper's evolution—from a self-conscious kid growing up in Pennsylvania to the voice behind “Call Her Daddy,” a podcast that redefined the conversation for women everywhere. Directed by Ry Russo-Young ("Nuclear Family"), the series offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the life-defining events that shaped Cooper’s journey as she grew from a 24-year-old woman with a sex and dating podcast to the CEO of a media empire in just six years. More than just a success story, it's a portrait of a woman who is creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered. “Call Her Alex” is directed by Ry Russo-Young (Peabody Award-nominated “Nuclear Family”).
- “As if!!!!” UMe marks the 30th anniversary of Paramount Pictures’ 1995 comedy classic Clueless, by releasing the movie’s soundtrack on both standard weight vinyl and a limited-edition standard weight pink colored vinyl – available now HERE. Loosely based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, Clueless was hilariously updated to Beverly Hills High School in the 1990s by writer/director Amy Heckerling. The iconic film stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, Stacey Dash as her best friend Dionne, Brittany Murphy as Tai, the ugly duckling transformed into a beautiful swan, and Paul Rudd as Cher’s disapproving ex-stepbrother.
- Dropkick Murphys’ new album For The People shows courage and confidence, speaking up against the injustices happening in the United States, doing so with the strength and power that harkens back to Dropkick Murphys’ earliest punk rock roots. For The People is more than a title. It’s a heartfelt stance, a declaration of who this band is—and who they’ve always been. For The People will be released digitally on July 4 via the band’s Dummy Luck Music / Play It Again Sam, with the LP and CD release featuring 5 bonus tracks out October 10. The poignant album cover was created by renowned social/political artist Shepard Fairey's design firm Studio Number One, and the album was produced and mixed by longtime Dropkick Murphys collaborator Ted Hutt.
- Critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum selling band Young the Giant announces the In The Open 2025 Acoustic Tour. An intimate concert experience performed in beautiful spaces and venues around the country, the band will be supported by Cassandra Coleman (debut album produced by Jack Antonoff out June 6 via Warner) throughout. The tour will begin at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, HI on August 15, featuring support from Cold War Kids, with a grand finale at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on October 7 where Young the Giant will be joined by Saint Motel. Young the Giant shared that, “’In The Open’ has been our superpower as a band since we started playing music together. There’s something so thrilling about reimagining our music in a way that’s more improvised, less controlled, and in a place you wouldn’t expect. We’re hoping to bring this feeling to you in our new tour Young the Giant: In The Open. While we can’t play a full set for you under a bridge or on a cliffside, we hope these beautiful intimate venues will give you the same feeling.” Tickets will be available starting with artist presale on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 am local time. Venue/local presales begin the following day, June 4 at 10 am local, followed by Spotify’s presale on June 5 at 10 am local. All presales end on Thursday, June 5 at 10 pm local and general on sale begins Friday, June 6 at 10 am local at youngthegiant.com.
- After building widespread anticipation for its arrival throughout culture, GRAMMY®, Tony®, and EMMY® Award winner and three-time Academy® Award nominee Cynthia Erivo proudly presents her anxiously awaited new album, I Forgive You, out now via Verve Records/Republic Records. Listen HERE. She set the stage for the release with “Worst Of Me.” This standout has already amassed amazing critical acclaim. Forbes raved, “Erivo’s soaring vocals are right at home in the emotionally charged R&B ballad as she addresses a past lover who left her in pain,” and Billboard applauded how, “The artist brings out some of her deepest vulnerabilities, belting out her deepest pains in a powerful synth pop anthem.” Essence described it as a “beautiful ballad.”
