Evanescence

Nick Fancher
"It was such a pleasure to cover this legendary song," the band wrote

Four years after Evanescence first covered The Beatles‘ “Across the Universe,” the rock band is bringing their version to streaming services for the first time ever Friday (Dec. 17).

The Little Rock-based unit first performed “Across the Universe” in 2018 during its Synthesis World Tour. Then in spring 2021, Evanescence exclusively released a studio version of their cover on the deluxe box set for the band’s recent studio album The Bitter Truth, which went No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Hard Rock Albums chart.

“It was such a pleasure to cover this legendary song,” the rock band wrote on Twitter, adding that its version of “Across the Universe” can finally be found on all digital streaming providers.

Amy Lee and co. deliver an emotive, sweeping performance of the oft-covered Beatles classic, as Lee belts the chorus “Nothing’s gonna change my world” with her mighty soprano and leaves listeners in tears.

“Across the Universe,” which was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was first released in 1969 under the charity compilation album No One’s Gonna Change Our World, and a different version later appeared on The Beatles’ studio album Let It Be in 1970.

Listen to Evanescence’s version of “Across the Universe” below.

Kid Harpoon has been named Abbey Road Studios’ first-ever Producer in Residence, with the Grammy winner tasked with both guiding the legendary studio’s vision as well as mentoring future musical talent.

According to the studio, Kid Harpoon “will have complete access to Abbey Road as his creative playground and studio home in the UK, as well as its collection of vintage gear, microphones and instruments” and “will also consult on the studios’ music tech and innovation work.”

“I’m beyond excited to become Producer in Residence at Abbey Road,” Kid Harpoon said in a statement. “In this position, I’m hoping to use my experience to help guide some of the incredible up-and-coming talent we have in the UK while they navigate their way through what can be a difficult industry. Mark and the team have a real desire to give back and develop new talent, which is something I’m really passionate about. To be able to contribute to the Abbey Road legacy in any way is an honor, and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

The British-born Thomas “Kid Harpoon” Hull has won Grammys for both Record of the Year (for Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”) and Album of the Year (for Harry Styles’ Harry’s House) in recent years. His production and songwriting work also includes Shawn Mendes’ Wonder, Maggie Rogers’ Surrender, as well as songs by Florence + the Machine, Lizzo, King Princess, Noah Cyrus, and Jessie Ware. Most recently, Kid Harpoon produced David Byrne’s new album Who Is the Sky?

In addition to shaping Abbey Road’s sound, Kid Harpoon will also take part in the nearly century-old studio’s free education programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of artists and producers via panels and workshops.

“[Kid Harpoon] brings a spirit of collaboration and innovation that perfectly aligns with our vision. With his creative lead, we’re excited to deepen our artistic community and continue placing creativity at the heart of our home,” Abbey Road’s managing director Sally Davies added in a statement.

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