Mumford & Sons share new song and forthcoming album title track "Prizefighter" today

Media release

MUMFORD & SONS SHARE NEW SONG AND FORTHCOMING ALBUM TITLE TRACK “PRIZEFIGHTER” TODAY PRIZEFIGHTER LP OUT FEBRUARY 13 HUGE OUTDOOR DATES FOR LONDON’S BST HYDE PARK, GRONINGEN, ROME + BERLIN ON-SALE NOW   Credit: Conor Cunningham December 11, 2025—Mumford & Sons share “Prizefighter” today, the title-track from their forthcoming sixth album. The song was written alongside Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner. Listen/share HERE. The new album will be released February 13 via Glassnote Records. The band conclude their lengthy U.S., Europe and U.K. arena tours with a second night at London’s O2 tonight. Mumford & Sons will headline BST Hyde Park in London next July, with tickets on-sale now. The show heralds the band’s first return to Hyde Park in a decade, with support from The War On Drugs. Huge outdoor summer shows in Groningen, Rome and Berlin are also on-sale now. Full details can be found at www.mumfordandsons.com/tour. A mere seven months from the arrival of RUSHMERE, the band’s long anticipated #1 album in March 2025, Mumford & Sons take full advantage of a prolific period of songwriting with another full-length record in quick succession. Co-produced and co-written with The National’s Aaron Dessner, who the band previously worked with on their third record Wilder Mind, Prizefighter captures the band at their most open and instinctive. In just ten days, they’d written more than an album’s worth of songs, and a collection that feels both deeply personal, instinctive and unguardedly communal. Marcus Mumford’s lyrics grapple with resilience and striving, singing with a mix of confidence and urgency. The album sessions were as much about rediscovery as recording. Days spent writing in Hudson cafés and nights spent around Long Pond’s kitchen table gave rise to songs that feel unpolished in the best sense—alive with first takes and the joy of simply making music together again. Re-energized, rejuvenated and in the form of their lives, Prizefighter embraces and reflects that full-strength energy and enthusiasm with 14 songs of light, shade and everything in-between. That openness extended to the studio door too. Mumford & Sons welcomed collaborators into the studio, calling on the likes of Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez, and Dessner himself. Their presence underscored the band’s commitment to community and connection. Listen to the first track shared from the new record, “Rubber Band Man (With Hozier),” HERE. Album artwork PRIZEFIGHTER TRACK LIST 1. Here (with Chris Stapleton) 2. Rubber Band Man (with Hozier) 3. The Banjo Song 4. Run Together 5. Conversation With My Son 6. Alleycat 7. Prizefighter 8. Begin Again 9. Icarus (with Gigi Perez) 10. Stay 11. Badlands (with Gracie Abrams) 12. Shadow Of A Man 13. I’ll Tell You Everything 14. Clover MUMFORD & SONS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES December 11—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT) December 27—San Diego, CA—Wild Horses Festival January 8-11—Cancun, Mexico—Out of the Blue Festival February 20-22—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival July 1—Groningen, Netherlands—Stadspark July 2—Werchter, Belgium—Rock Werchter Festival July 4—London, U.K.—BST Hyde Park# July 7—Rome, Italy—Rock in Roma July 9—Berlin, Germany—Waldbuhne August 1—St. Charles, Iowa—Hinterland Music Festival *with special guest Sierra Ferrell #with special guest The War on Drugs www.mumfordandsons.com

Raul Malo Remembered

Raul Malo performing at The Coach House in
San Juan Capistrano on March 24, 2013.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Like so many music lovers, I was deeply saddened to hear the news yesterday morning that Mavericks lead singer-guitarist Raul Malo passed away at the age of 60 on Monday, December 8. I first caught Malo at a sold-out concert in Santa Ana on Feb. 27, 1995 with The Mavericks, a performance at the Galaxy Concert Theatre that came on the heels of the release of the band's outstanding 1994 album What a Crying Shame. I was an instant fan of the group and over the years I was fortunate to catch Malo with that American troupe (including their celebrated reunion show at the Stagecoach Festival in 2012) as well as when he performed solo. I credit The Mavericks as one of the seminal artists to introduce me to roots and Americana music 30+ years ago.

One of my most memorable appearances by Malo was when The Mavericks tore the roof off at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on March 24, 2013. Check out my review of that show HERE. 

In a statement on the band's social media, The Mavericks wrote: "Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul's orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself."

Raul Malo performing at The Coach House in 2019.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

You can read NPR's coverage of the passing of Malo HERE.

Below is what noted music writer/author Cary Baker ("Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music") wrote and posted on Facebook following the passing of Malo yesterday:

Raul Malo, left, with Cary Baker at the Acrisure
Arena in Palm Desert, CA on July 12, 2025.
Photo courtesy of Cary Baker

"While not a surprise, we were devastated—as were so many—to awaken to the news of Raul Malo's passing. The Miami-born singer, songwriter and guitarist in The Mavericks, Raul was gifted with a resounding voice like no other. The Mavericks will always be noted for their genre-blending alchemy—mixing country, Tex-Mex, rock ’n’ roll, and Latin rhythms into a singular, borderless sound that broadened the horizons of modern Americana.

Since July 2024, Raul had battled Stage 4 colon cancer, and later developed a rare complication called Leptomeningeal disease.

I was privileged to work media for Raul and The Mavericks on most of their albums and tours from about 2010 until 2022 (including a Raul solo album). Raul and I had some great adventures together, a highlight of which was walking him and his fellow Mavs down the Grammy red carpet in 2017 when their album 'A Brand New Day' was nominated. Raul performed at the SXSW day party I co-sponsored. During AmericanaFest 2024, I ran into him; his wife, Betty; and son, Dino, outside a memorial for Mojo Nixon in East Nashville. And this past July 12th, we had the pleasure of seeing The Mavericks on a bill with Dwight Yoakam at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena. By then, we knew of his health struggles, yet Raul was nothing short of rock-star-like. It was great to see him in peak form a final time, and to say hi backstage (Raul in green shirt and red glasses below). We prayed it wouldn't be the last time.

This past weekend, we watched both nights of the Mavericks' all-star benefit tribute to Raul at the Ryman Auditorium via livestream. It was a joyous celebration of some of the best music of our time. At the same time, it was sad, knowing that Raul and his most incredible band would never play together again. I hope Raul was able to glean a final pleasure in all the heartfelt tributes—spoken and musical—from some of the titans of Americana, including estranged Maverick Rob Reynolds. (I highly recommend viewing it...download the Nugs app.)

My heart goes out to his fellow charter Mavericks (Paul Deakin, Jerry Dale McFadden and Eddie Perez), to his devoted wife Betty, and his three sons (of whom I got to know Dino a bit).

Raul left so much great music and so many great memories behind. Still processing this morning's news. I suspect I will for a while. I love you Raul Malo!"

Robert Kinsler

New music: The Lucky Losers, Radio California

Check out my latest album reviews...

Artist: The Lucky Losers
Title: Arrival (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mavis Staples, John Nemeth
Tell me more: The Lucky Losers' sixth studio album Arrival is a stellar effort that brings the retro sounds of blues, funk, country blues, 1960's soul, '70s rock and R&B into the here and now. With Cathy Lemons' terrific vocals at the fore, the ensemble of terrific players includes Phil Berkowitz (vocals, harmonica), Chris Burns (keyboards), Simon Govan Smith (guitar), Edgar San Gabriel (bass), drummer Jon Otis and several top-tier guests. Early standouts on the disc include the timely funkified opener "S-C-A-M," delightful harmonica-adorned blues rocker "Sunday Stroller" and powerful "I Believe Her (Because I Am Here)" — the latter a track about the sexual abuse of young girls penned by Lemons. Later highlights include "Sorry Brother" (featuring Berkowitz's masterful harmonica playing), the soulful "My Father's Song" featuring Berkowitz on lead vocals), grooving "Pig Iron Tough" and emotive horns-filled ballad "Don't Let It Slip Away." Information: theluckylosers.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Youth (Radio California)

You might like if you enjoy: The Pixies, Husker Dü, Bob Mould
Tell me more: Blending post punk and alt rock stylings with an undeniable amount of melodic songcraft, Radio California's latest album Truth boasts a slew of great tracks. The rousing opener "Antoinette Squad" with its surf rock guitar overtones, the hypnotic noise pop sortie "Keep Jumping," driving "Girls in L.A.," indie rocker "Porcelain Nights," shimmering "Empty Champagne Glass," explosive title cut and dreamy "Rich Girl" are among the outstanding originals on the title. In addition to lead-singer/guitarist Jesse Ojeda, the Southern California-based band includes drummer Jeff Williams, bassist/backing vocalist Daniel Marker and lead guitarist Steve Shoemaker. Information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045496762199. 

Robert Kinsler 

Rising country artist Colton Bowlin shares new single "Don't Come Home"

A great new track from rising country music artist Colton Bowlin. Check out the official media release below and listen to the cut "Don't Come Home" via the link below..Robert Kinsler

RISING COUNTRY ARTIST COLTON BOWLIN SHARES NEW SINGLE “DON’T COME HOME”

PRODUCED BY DAVID FERGUSON 

 
press photo credit: Sommer Daniel // single artwork

December 5, 2025—Rising singer, songwriter and musician Colton Bowlin’s new song, “Don’t Come Home,” is out now via Thirty Tigers; listen/share HERE.

Of the track, Bowlin shares, “‘Don’t Come Home’ is a dark tale about betrayal, revenge, and consequence. I often heard tall tales around the feed mill, and this song was imagined in one of those moments.”

Produced by David Ferguson (Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson) and written by Colton, the song was recorded live in studio—Bowlin’s first time working within a fully established recording process.

Praised as “a generational talent” by Holler, Bowlin continues to cement himself as one of country music’s most compelling new voices. Raised on the Kentucky–Tennessee state line, Bowlin grew up surrounded by the work ethic and storytelling traditions of small-town life. He spent his days working at his grandfather’s feed mill and his nights writing songs, drawing early inspiration from the old-timers he grew up around. Rooted in classic country and shaped by a wide range of influences, Bowlin writes with an honest focus on love, family, faith and finding your way through change. In 2024, Bowlin self- released his debut album, Songs From The Holler, and has since shared the stage with artists such as Hank Williams Jr., Colby Acuff, Whiskey Myers, Ashley McBryde and Brent Cobb.

COLTON BOWLIN TOUR DATES

December 20—Pineville, KY—Bell Theatre* (SOLD OUT)

June 26—Lexington, KY—Railbird Festival

*with The Creekers

www.coltonbowlin.com

Rock Music Gift Guide: Neil Young, Oasis, Record Plant Studios, Photographer Dennis Morris

In this column I highlight a notable deluxe reissue from Neil Young, as well as three outstanding coffee table hardcover books of interest to music fans.

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Tonight's The Night: 50th Anniversary Edition (Warner/Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Fans of Neil Young, classic rock and modern-day Americana will all have a myriad of reasons to appreciate receiving a copy of the new remastered 50th Anniversary Edition of Young's 1975 album Tonight's The Night (the album was originally recorded on analog tape in 1973, and released two years later). To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the masterwork, six bonus tracks have been added to the title. The diverse range of material on the first half of the collection includes the haunting title track, bluesy "Speakin' Out," the deeply affecting piano- and harmonica-adorned "Borrowed Time," the gentle "Mellow My Mind," and countrified "Roll Another Number (For The Road)." The magic of the expanded set continues via stellar tracks including the dream-swept Americana folk rocker "Albuquerque," emotive "Tired Eyes," previously-unreleased original version of "Walk On," tender Gram Parsons-flavored "Wonderin'," and melodic Southern rock mining "Raised on Robbery (featuring Joni Mitchell) — the latter three cuts among the bonus tracks included on the collection. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition of Tonight's The Night is now available on vinyl, audio CD and digitally. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.

Rock 'n' Roll Reads

Title: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere (1994-2009/2025)

Authors: Jill Furmanovsky and Noel Gallagher

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 304 pages
Tell me more: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere chronicles the band Oasis through the skillful lens of photographer Jill Furmanovsky from the 1994 "Definitely Maybe" tour to the tumultuous 2009 "Dig Out Your Soul" tour and the band's triumphant 2025 return. The wonderful hardcover features more than 500 photographs, many of which appear in the volume for the very first time. In addition to Furmanovsky's signature images, Oasis singer-songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher penned the book foreword while Furmanovsky wrote an introduction; there are also three informative pieces by author Simon Spence, publicist and writer Johnny Hopkins, and music columnist Laura Barton that revisit Oasis' early, mid and late eras. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios

Authors: Martin Porter and David Goggin

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 352 pages
Tell me more: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios offers a deep dive into the most notable and important recording studios of the 1970s. Authors Martin Porter and David Goggin — both veteran music journalists — used the memoirs and archives of studio cofounder Chris Stone, as well as interviews with more than 100 studio employees, music producers and recording artists to chronicle one of rock music's most seminal decades. From the Record Plant Studios' inception with the groundbreaking Jimi Hendrix recordings in the late 1960s to memorable '70s sessions with the celebrated likes of John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, the insightful writing and archival images brings album rock's golden era to life. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Dennis Morris Music + Life
Authors: Photographer Dennis Morris; text contributions by Stuart Hall, Sean O'Hagan, and Simon Baker & Shear Mavlian

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 272 pages

Tell me more: A retrospective of the amazing career of celebrated British photographer Dennis Morris, Music + Life is the first ever volume that combines Morris' incredible portraits of countless music legends (Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols, Grace Jones, Oasis, the Stone Roses and many more) as well as documentary-styled images examining race, culture and identity in 1970s Great Britain. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Robert Kinsler

Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and II Out on February 13 on 4K UHD+Blu-ray

Check out the official media release below and artwork for the just announced "Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II"; also be sure to view the outstanding live concert video of Seal's performance of "Crazy"...Robert Kinsler

Mercury Studios Presents: Grammy Award-winning British Soul Icon Seal in

Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II

Celebratory Concert Film To Be Released In Multiple formats on February 13, 2026

View "Crazy" HERE

Pre-Order Link HERE

New York, NY (December 3, 2025) – Mercury Studios proudly announces Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II, a celebratory concert film from four-time Grammy Award-winning British soul icon Seal out February 13. Shot live at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas in 2024, this performance marks three decades since the release of Seal’s groundbreaking debut album, Seal, and its acclaimed follow-up, Seal II. Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II will be available in multiple formats, including a 4K UHD+Blu-ray combo pack, along with a Blu-ray+CD combo and digital audio and video.

The 10-track performance boasts classic chart-topping anthems such as “Crazy,” “Future Love Paradise,” “Killer,” and “Kiss From a Rose," as well as a few surprises. The concert also features Seal’s longtime producer, Grammy Award-winning producer, musician, and songwriter Trevor Horn (Yes, LeAnn Rimes, Belle and Sebastian), who joins his six-piece band as bassist and music director.

“He is this mentor that I’ve spent the last 34 years looking up to. He knows me as an artist better than anyone else,” Seal said. “Having him on tour caused me to bring a level of professionalism and discipline that I hadn’t had before.”

The hour-plus concert documentary directed by Keirda Bahruth (Hardcore Devo, Saturday Night Live, Bob and the Monster) includes intimate interviews with Seal and Horn, including a vignette of Seal reminiscing about his first appearance on the BBC’s legendary Top of The Pops television show in 1990. Back then, Horn’s wife and business partner candidly told Seal his performance was good but it didn’t connect.

Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II showcases a different artist, one who with unbridled passion and reverence for his decades-spanning body of work literally brings the music to the people. Throughout the concert, Seal steps off the stage to sing among fans and even pauses to sign autographs, transforming the show into a shared celebration of artistry and connection. “Where this tour is concerned, the one thing I didn’t see coming is rediscovering my purpose,” Seal said.

Purpose: Celebrating 30 Years of the Classic Albums Seal I and Seal II is a stunning film that captures an artist at the top of his performance game.

Track Listing:

1. Crazy

2. The Beginning

3. Deep Water

4. Future Love Paradise

5. Bring It On

6. Prayer For The Dying

7. Killer

8. Kiss From A Rose

9. Get It Together

10. Love’s Divine

About Mercury Studios

World Class Music Content. Working with a global network of creatives and artists, Mercury Studios develop, produce, distribute and invest in award-winning content. We are filmmakers in the world of music.

Headquartered in London, with offices in LA and New York, current and recent projects include ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO directed by Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald, Grammy-winning, Academy Award and BAFTA award-nominated AMERICAN SYMPHONY, directed by Matthew Heineman for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions/Netflix, REGGAETON: THE SOUND THAT CONQUERED THE WORLD / NBC Peacock, and IF THESE WALLS COULD SING, directed by Mary McCartney for Disney+.

Mercury Studios also produced and distributed performance capture films ANDREA BOCELLI 30TH: THE CELEBRATION, directed by Sam Wrench (Taylor Swift The Eras Tour) for global Theatrical and TV, BACK TO THE BEGINNING: OZZY’S FINAL BOW, for global Livestream and Theatrical, and QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL for IMAX and Disney+.

In 2025, Mercury Studios also hosted world premieres at the Tribeca Festival for METALLICA SAVED MY LIFE and JUST SING.

Mercury Studios represents the world’s leading catalogue of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.