Music

Tower Records Makes Its Return By Relaunching As An Online Store

Getty Image After closing in 2006, the music store is back with livestream concerts and a digital version of the ‘Tower House!’ magazine. …

Back in 2006, Tower Records was forced to close down its 200 stores across the world two years after filing for bankruptcy. Now, over fourteen years later, the franchise is making its return, now as an online store. According to Bay Area’s ABC7, Tower Records can be now be found on the internet. Consumers who visit the site will find scheduled livestream concerts as well as a digital version of the company’s Tower Pulse! magazine. The store will also sell its usual vinyl, cassette, and CD collection.

Tower Records initially planned its relaunch to take place during this year’s SXSW music festival, but the coronavirus pandemic put the kibosh on that. Danny Zeijdel, Tower Records CEOe, spoke about the recent change. “That has been met with tremendous success,” he said, “A lot of people are so happy taking pictures of when they receive an order from Tower Records posting it on Instagram.” The company also hosts interviews on Instagram Live with rising artists.

The store’s online relaunch will unfortunately occur without its founder Russ Solomon, who passed away back in 2018. The Sacramento Bee reported at the time that Solomon died of a heart attack while watching that year’s Oscars award show with his family.

You can take a look at the new Tower Records online shop here.

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Album Review

R3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album

In a music scene often ruled by lyrics, R3b3l I proves that you can tell a powerful story without a single lyric. “A Different Frequency” is a twelve-track instrumental hip-hop and rap-inspired album inviting you into a deeply personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose, speaking its message purely through mood, rhythm, and expression.

“Dance Before the Throne” opens the album, immediately establishing the tone of reflection and reverence. From here, “Elevate” and “The Wave” continue, adding momentum and a sense of movement and change. Each piece is a chapter in a larger story, allowing you to interpret the music with your own experience.

Songs like “I AM Power,” “Level Up,” and “Awaken” seem to be a big part of the progression of the album. The energy is one of empowerment and inner evolution. “The Jazzy Hop” is a nice change of pace in style, with a smooth, groove-flavored taste that shows R3b3l I’s versatility. Meanwhile, “Carousel,” “Raindrops,” and “Heartbeat” are moments of introspection that balance uplifting themes with emotional depth and openness.

The project wraps up on an emotional high with “Ancestors,” a heartfelt tribute to the forebears and the invisible forces that still influence us on our journeys. It’s a fitting way to close out an album about connection, growth, and purpose. “A Different Frequency” is more than a collection of tracks with carefully constructed instrumentals and thoughtful sequencing, and it’s a rewarding journey for those who want immersive instrumental hip-hop with heart, imagination, and substance.

Connect with R3b3l I on | Spotify | TikTok |

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Artist Spotlight

“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings

While the first look at an upcoming project usually sets the expectations, Mr Pigeons does something more ambitious with “Signalling Signatures.” With this release, the hip-hop artist opens up a portal into “Shining Arras,” inviting you into a world where dreams, symbols, and hidden meanings collide.

“Signalling Signatures” is an exploration of the thin veil between reality and imagination, based on themes of altered consciousness and shifting perspectives. The song is a mix of mythology, film, and spiritual symbolism and encourages you to look beyond the ordinary and find the messages in everyday life. Mr Pigeons delivers with purpose and swagger, blending introspection with crisp storytelling. He also renders the abstract ideas of the song accessible.

The thing about “Signalling Signatures” that is so compelling is its sheer audacity to challenge you. There are no easy answers in this song, only a quest for truth, perception, and uncertainty. A good opening chapter to “Shining Arras,” and it manages to build up suspense as well as showing Mr Pigeons’ artistic vision. “Signalling Signatures” is a good introduction to what could be an interesting new creative phase for the artist.

Connect with Mr Pigeons on | Website | Spotify | X | FB | TikTok | IG |